She approached the spot where he stood; and when she was near, he
spoke to her, and asked who she was, and from what place she had come.
The lady replied: "I have come from the Land of the Living--a land
where there is neither death nor old age, nor any breach of law.
The inhabitants of earth call us Aes-shee, for we have our dwellings
within large, pleasant, green hills. We pass our time very pleasantly
in feasting and harmless amusements, never growing old; and we have no
quarrels or contentions."
The King and his company marveled very much; for though they heard
this conversation, no one saw the lady except Connla alone.
"Who is this thou art talking to, my son?" said the King.
And anon she answered for the youth: "Connla is speaking with a
lovely, noble-born young lady, who will never die, and who will never
grow old. I love Connla of the Golden Hair, and I have come to bring
him with me to Moy-mell, the plain of never-ending pleasure. On the
day that he comes with me he shall be made King, and he shall reign
for ever in Fairyland, without weeping and without sorrow. Come with
me, O gentle Connla of the ruddy cheek, the fair, freckled neck, and
the golden hair! Come with me, beloved Connla, and thou shalt retain
the comeliness and dignity of thy form, free from the wrinkles of old
age, till the awful day of judgment.
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