Art would not listen to this advice, but said, “I will go and get that one.”
Next morning he made ready, took farewell of his father, and away he went on his journey. He rode a fine steed to the seashore; there he took a ship, and nothing more is told of him till he touched land in Greece. The King of Greece received Art with great welcome, gave a feast of seven days in his honor, and sent heralds through the city declaring that any man who would fall asleep till the end of the seven days would have the head swept off his body.
Silk and satin were spread under Art’s feet, and respect of every kind shown him. He was entertained seven days, and at last, when the king didn’t ask him what journey he was on, he said, “It is a wonder to me that you do not ask what brought me, and why I am travelling.”
“I am not surprised at all,” said the king. “A good father’s son like you, and a man of such beauty, ought to travel all nations, and see every people.”
“I am not travelling to show myself nor to see people. Men told me that you have an only daughter. I want her in marriage, and ’tis for her sake that I am here.”
“I have never heard news I liked better,” said the king; “and if my daughter is willing, and her mother is satisfied, you have my blessing.”
Art went to the queen and told her the cause of his coming.
“If the king and my daughter are satisfied,” replied she, “that is the best tale that man could bring me.”
Art went to the princess, and she said, “If my father and mother are willing, your words are most welcome to me; but there is one obstacle between us,—I can marry no man but the man who will bring me the head of the Gruagach of Bungling Leaps.”