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'Oh that the black raven were here to help me! he thought to himself. And in a moment the black raven was perched on his shoulder. 'How can I help you? asked the raven. And Covan answered: 'Catch me the green duck that floats on the water. And the raven flew with his strong wings and picked him up in his strong beak, and in another moment the bird was laid at the feet of Covan.
The fire was fierce, but the cows took no heed, and walked steadily through it, Covan the Brown-haired following them. Next they plunged into a foaming river, and Covan plunged in after them, though the water came high above his waist. On the other side of the river lay a wide plain, and here the cows lay down, while Covan looked about him.
And Covan answered: 'The old man bade me bring her, and the duck with the golden neck, and the salmon with the silver sides, to his cottage; if I shall catch them, I know not. But carry you the roe to the back of the cottage, and tether her so that she cannot escape. 'It shall be done, said the Dog of Maol-mor.
Then Covan arose and went forward, till he saw the light from the cottage streaming before him, and glad was he, for night was at hand. 'Maybe I shall find some work there, he thought, 'and at least I shall gain money to help me in my search; for who knows how far my sister and my brothers may have wandered?
On the lake that leads to the land of the Sun floats a duck whose body is green and whose neck is of gold. In the pool of Corri-Bui swims a salmon with a skin that shines like silver, and whose gills are red bring them all to me, and then you shall know where dwell your brothers and your sister! 'To-morrow at cock-crow I will begone! answered Covan.
Suddenly a voice behind him cried: 'A bit for me! a bit for me! And looking round he beheld the black raven of the wilderness. 'Yes, you shall have a bit, said Covan the Brown-haired; and breaking off a piece he stretched it upwards to the raven, who ate it greedily.
And now, as to your reward, you shall in truth take your sister home with you, and your brothers I will restore to life; but idle and unfaithful as they are their lot is to wander for ever. And so farewell, and may wisdom be with you. 'First tell me your name? asked Covan softly. 'I am the Spirit of Age, said the old man. The Princess Bella-Flor
'May success go with you, for you took what I had to give and did not mock me. So, when danger is your companion, wish for me, and I will not fail you. At these words the Dog of Maol-mor disappeared into the forest, and Covan went to seek his cows, which were standing in the hollow where the darkness had come upon them.
And the Doran-donn dived, and laying hold of the salmon by his tail, bore it back to the place where Covan was standing. 'The roe, and the duck, and the salmon are here, said Covan to the old man, when he reached the cottage. And the old man smiled on him and bade him eat and drink, and after he hungered no more, he would speak with him.
'Nay, said Covan smiling, 'it had been easier for you to have driven them out than to come here to tell me. And he went on listening to the music. Very soon the same youth returned and cried with panting breath: 'Out upon you, Covan son of Gorla, that you stand there agape. For our dogs are chasing your cows, and you must drive them off!
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