The hunter, who was the Gruagach of Dun an Oir, was so glad to get his white dog and deer that he said, “Come with me, Micky Mor, to my castle to dinner.”
The three were then passing along by the strand of Ard na Conye to the Gruagach’s castle, when whom should they meet but a champion who began to talk with the men; but, seeing Eilin Og, he stopped on a sudden and asked Micky Mor, “Who is this woman with you? I think there is not another of such beauty in all the great world.”
“That is my wife, Eilin Og,” said Micky Mor.
“It is to find her that I am here, and to take her in spite of herself or her father,” said the champion.
“If you take her, you will take her in spite of me,” said Micky Mor; “but what champion are you with such words?”
“I am Maragach of the Green Gloves from Great Island. I have travelled the world twice, and have met no man to match me. No weapons have hurt my skin yet or my body. Where are your arms of defence in this great world, Micky Mor?”
“I have never wished for a weapon but my own two fists that were born with me.”
“I name you now and forever,” said Maragach, “the Big Fool (Amadan Mor).”
“Not talk of the mouth performs deeds of valor, but active, strong bones. Let us draw back now, and close with each other. We shall know then who is the best man; and if there is valor in you, as you say, you dirty little Maragach, I will give you a blow with strength that will open your mouth to the bone.”