J. F. Campbell Collection > Popular tales of the West Highlands > Volume 2

MAC-A-RUSGAICH. 3 I 7
" It is better even to burst than to leave good meat,"
said Mac-a-Rusgaicli.
" I will cease," said the giant.
" The seven thongs shall be taken from the back of
thy head to thy heel," said Mac-a-Rusgaich.
" I -will try thee yet," said the giant.
" Thou hast thy two choices," said Mac-a-Eusgaich.
The giant got ciu'ds and cream, and he filled a
cup for himself and another cup for Mac-a-Eusgaich.
" Let's try who of us is best now," said the giant.
" It 's not long till that is seen," said Mac-a-Eus-
gaich. " Let's try who can soonest drink what is in
the cup."
And Mac-a-Eusgaich drank his fill, and he put
the rest in the bag, and he was done before the giant.
And he said to the giant, " Thou art behind."
The giant looked at him, and he said, " Ceasing
is better than bursting."
" Better is bursting itself than to leave good meat,"
said Mac-a-Eusgaich.
" We will go out and try which of us can throw
the stone of force the furthest, before we do more,"
said the giant.
" I am willing," said Mac-a-Eusgaich. And they
went out Avhere the stone was, but the giant was so
full that he could not stoop to lift it.
" Lift that stone and throw it," said the giant.
" The honour of beginning the beginning is to be
thine own," said Mac-a-Eusgaich.
The giant tried to lift the stone, but he could not
stoop. Mac-a-Eusgaich tried to stoop, and he said,
" Such a belly as this shall not be hindering me,"
and he drew a knife from a sheath that was at his side,
and he put the knife in the hag that was in front of
him, and he let out all that was within, and he said