J. F. Campbell Collection > Fireside stories of Ireland

THE GIANT AND HIS ROYAL SERVANTS. 6 1
one there "but the three images, and these he broke in a
thousand pieces. He saw the hidden door open, and
guessed what happened, and to the road with him. The
wind before him he overtook, and the wdnd after him
didn't overtake him. About noon the princess cried out,
" I fee] the hot breath of the giant at my back ; put your
hand in the filly's right ear, take out what you'll find, and
fling it behind you." He found a twig of wild ash, turned
round, and flung it at the giant, who was sweeping down
on them like a tempest. Up sprung a tangled wood be-
tween them, and the roar the giant let out of him might be
heard ten miles off". There they left him, tearing himself
through brambles and spikes, and on they flew.
About three hours after, the princess cried out again,
" I feel the giant's breath scorching my back : put your
hand into the filly's left ear, and fling what you'll find in it
at him.'' He did so, and found a bubble of water. Look-
ing back, there was the giant like a devouring fire racing in
on them, but when he threw the bubble at him, a great
broad lake appeared where the grass and bushes and stones
were a few minutes before, and as fast as the filly went, the
w^ater widened after her. In he dashed, and the heat of
his body sent the water hissing and sputtering up into the
clouds. But he went through it like an eel or a salmon,
and just as the sun was setting, the princess cried out once
more, " The giant's breath is scorching my back. Alight,
and throw this apple as straight as you can at his forehead.
Be steady. If you miss we are lost." Down he got, took
the apple, and just as the giant was within ten perches of
him, he flung it with force and courage. The noise it made
on his forehead was like a cannon ball striking a rock.
The giant fell like a huge tree and never drew breath again.
They were now at the edge of the wood where the prince's
father's palace was built ; but v/hen they got to the gate-
house, the princess would not go further. Said she to him,
" There is another trial before us. Go you up to the castle,
and tell them what you like, and come back for me. But
if you kiss anyone, or let anyone kiss you, it is likely we
shall never be man and wife." So she staid walking about,
and he went up the walk to the hall-door.