Ossian Collection > Waifs and strays of Celtic tradition > Volume 4

CEUDACH SON OF THE KING OF THE
COLLA MEN.
There were before now three sons of Kings, whose
names were the Duke of Green, son of the King of
France, the Duke of Pure White, son of the King of
Gold, and Ceudach, son of the King of the Colla men.
They laid their heads together to go in search of a wife
for the Duke of Green, son of the King of France. They
came to a great city ; they were traversing it and walk-
ing through it till they saw such a one as they were in
search of at the window of her father's house, the King
of Vedia. They struck a challenge on a shield for equal
combat, on the upper part or promenade of the city, or
else the daughter of the King of Vedia to be sent out.
The combat of warriors was given to them, and they
fought it till they did not leave one known warrior to
the King that they did not kill. The King said that
no one would get his daughter but one who could give
a clear spring to the place where she was. [What is here
translated "a clear spring" seems to have been a standing
leap without the aid of running, or any other accessory
beyond that of action of the muscles of the body and
feet, the hands being placed on the hips.] This was
done by Ceudach, son of the King of the Colla men ; he
caught a firm hold of her without struggle or hurry, and
he had her safe.
It was not yet known who was to get her, as they
were all complete warriors. The King said the one
whom she preferred to follow would get her. "We
will go to the barn," said Ceudach, son of the King of
the Colla men. When he got them in the barn he said
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