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Now tell me when are you going away to tell my father and brothers about me?" "I shall probably start to-morrow. But many days must pass before I can bring them here, for, as you know, their town is a long way off. But, child, you do not seem to reflect that you have betrayed me." "How?" asked Branwen, wonderingly. "Did you not thrust out the plank and cross over before the very eyes of Bladud?"
"No wonder I love him," said Branwen. "Why?" asked the princess, much amused at the straightforward gravity with which this was said. "Because he is as like you as your own image in a brazen shield only far better-looking." "Indeed, your manners don't seem to have been improved by a life in the woods, my Branwen." "Perhaps not. I never heard of the woods being useful for that end.
Then they all hurried about the house, and never was there made so great a tumult by any host in one house as was made by them, as each man armed himself. And while they all sought their arms Bendigeid Vran supported Branwen between his shield and his shoulder. And they fought.
The warriors and chief men of Ireland were brought together in haste, and they took counsel. "Lord," said the neighbors unto Matholch, "there is no other counsel than this alone. Thou shalt give the kingdom to Gwern, the son of Branwen his sister, as a compensation for the wrong and despite that have been done unto Branwen. And he will make peace with thee."
And the vengeance which they took was to drive away Branwen from the same chamber with him, and to make her cook for the Court; and they caused the butcher after he had cut up the meat to come to her and give her every day a blow on the ear, and such they made her punishment.
"No, and he wouldn't be so much inclined to do so, I should think," thought Branwen, but she had the sense not to say so. "That's a very, very nice hunting shirt you are making," remarked Branwen, anxious to change the subject. The woman was pleased with the compliment. She was making a coat at the time, of a dressed deer-skin, using a fish-bone needle, with a sinew for a thread.
Poor Branwen became, and looked, very miserable on hearing this, for the idea of hunters and footprints had not once occurred to her. "Oh what, then, is to be done?" she asked with a helpless yet eager look. For some time the old man sat in silence, with closed eyes as if in meditation.
So he landed, and they received him joyfully; and great was the throng in the palace that night, between his hosts and those of the Court; and next day they took counsel, and they resolved to bestow Branwen upon Matholwch. Now she was one of the three chief ladies of this island, and she was the fairest damsel in the world.
And this answer was brought to Matholch. "I will go willingly," said he. So he landed, and they received him joyfully; and great was the throng in the palace that night, between his hosts and those of the court; and next day they took counsel, and they resolved to bestow Branwen upon Matholch. Now she was one of the three chief ladies of this island, and she was the fairest damsel in the world.
But get up, my love. What would happen if some one came into the room and found a little old hag sitting on my knee with her arm around my neck?" "Ah, true, father. I did not think of that. I'm rather given to not thinking of some things. Perhaps that inquisitive servitor may be no, he's not there this time," said Branwen, reclosing the door and sitting down on a stool beside the chief.
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