“I will serve you for two years if you will give it to me,” said Flann.
“No,” said Mogue.
“I will serve you for three years if you will give it to me,” said Flann.
“I will give it to you if you will serve me for three years.” Thereupon Mogue opened his pack and took the box out. He opened it and put the Rose of Sweet Smells into Flann’s hand.
At once Flann started off for the King’s orchard. The Steward who had seen him the day before signed to the servants to let him pass through the gate. He went into the King’s orchard.
Maidens were singing the “Song for the Time of the Blossoming of the Apple-trees” and all that day and night Flann held their song in his mind
The touch of hands that drew it down
Kindled to blossom all the bough
O breathe the wonder of the branch,
And let it through the darkness go!
Youths were gathering apples, and the Princess Flame-of-Wine walked by herself on the orchard paths.
At last she came to where Flann stood and lifting her eyes she looked at him. “I had companions,” said Flann, “but they have gone away.”
“They are unmannerly,” said Flame-of-Wine with anger, and she turned away.