“I am the cause,” said Cian; “you may have my head.”
“What is done, is done. I would never take the head off you, but she is a great loss to me.”
“I am willing and satisfied to give you my head,” said Cian. “Have you the sword made?”
“I have,” said Elin Gow.
Cian took the blade, tested it in every way, and found that he had the sword he wanted.
He swore an oath then to Elin Gow that he would not delay day or night, nor rest anywhere, till he had lost his head or brought back Glas Gainach.
“I am afraid your labor will be useless,” said Elin Gow, “and that you will never be able to bring her back. I could not have brought her myself but for the advice of an old man that I met before I saw the King of Spain.”
Cian went home to his father’s castle. The king saw him coming with the sword. “I see that Elin Gow did not refuse you.”
“He did not,” said Cian. “He made the sword, and it is a sore piece of work for him. He has parted with Glas Gainach. I promised to give my head if I did not bring her home to him in safety while he was making the sword. I minded her well all day till she came to a place where she used to drink water. I did not know that; but it was my duty to know it, for he directed me in every way needful how to mind her. I was bringing her home in safety till I brought her to Derrymor River; and I went before her to turn her back,—and that was foolish, for he told me not to turn her while I was with her,—and she did nothing but spring like a bird and out to sea and away. I promised Elin Gow in the morning if I did not bring the cow to give him my head; and I offered it when I came, as I had not the cow, but he said, ‘I will never take the head off a son of your father, even for a greater loss.’ And for this reason I will never rest nor delay till I go for Glas Gainach and bring her back to Elin Gow, or lose my head; so make ready your best ship.”
“The best ship,” said the king, “is the one that Elin Gow took.”