“I’d be glad to see him, too,” said the second; “and I’d give him a present.”
“So would I,” said the third.
“Go to them now,” said the mare; “enjoy their company. In the morning you’ll ask for the presents.”
He went out among them.
“A hundred thousand welcomes to you, Shawn MacBreogan,” cried the young men; “and ’tis glad we are to see you.”
They drank wine then, sang songs, and told tales, and never slept a wink all the night. Before sunrise they went as seals; and when going Shawn said,“I hope you will not forget the presents you promised last evening.”
“We will not,” said the eldest. “Here is a cloak for you. While it is on you, you’ll be the finest man in the world to look at.”
“Here is a ball,” said the second. “If you throw it in the air, and wish for anything you like, you will have it before the ball comes to the ground.”
The third gave a whistle: “When you blow this,” said he, “every enemy that hears it will lie down asleep, and be powerless; and, besides, you’re to have the white mare to ride.”