“I would,” Cúchulinn returned as fiercely. “I would kill any one who destroyed a person under my protection.”
“You would not kill me, Cúchulinn!”
“As sure as dawn begins the day.”
“Begone, young puppy! Begone, cockscomb!” he thundered.
“Honour——” Cúchulinn commenced.
“You do not love me,” the king stormed.
“I do love you.”
“Begone,” the king roared, and stamped the floor.
The laughing Cúchulinn backed before his rage.
“I do love you,” he shouted; and he continued to shout, “I love you.... I love you,” until he reached the end of the corridor and turned the corner, where the guards poked each other in the ribs and giggled with joy.