So they went gladly to Kenn-Mara; and they repaired everything they had ruined there.
One day when they had come forth from the homestead, they sat on the margin of the little bay, watching the sun as it went westward. And as they gazed and reflected on the course of the sun, they began to marvel greatly, pondering whither it went after it had gone down beneath the verge of the sea. "What more wonderful thing is there in the whole world," said they, "than that the sea does not freeze into ice, while ice is formed in every other water!"
Thereupon they formed the resolution on the spot to bring unto them a certain artificer who was a fast friend of theirs, and to (get him) to make a three-hide curragh[CLXV.] for them. Accordingly the curragh was made, and a strong-sided one it was. And the reward the artificer asked for building it was to be let go with them.
When the time had come, and they were about to embark, they saw a large crowd passing close by; and this crowd was a company of crossans.[CLXVI.] When the crossans saw the curragh putting forth on the sea, they inquired:—"Who are yonder people that are launching this curragh on the sea?" said they.
The furshore (juggler) of the crossans said:—"I know them well; they are the sons of Conall derg O'Corra the fair-haired of Connaught, the destroyers and robbers, going on their pilgrimage on the sea and on the great ocean, to make search for their Lord." "And indeed," added the furshore, "my word for it, they do not stand more in need of seeking for heaven than we do."
"It is a long day I fancy till you go on your pilgrimage," said the leader of the band. "Say not so," answered the furshore: "for I will certainly go with these people on my pilgrimage now without delay."
"Upon our word," said the crossans, "you will not take away our clothes with you; for not a single article of the garments you wear belongs to you." "It is not so small a matter that would keep me with you," says he.
So they stripped off all his clothes, and sent him away mother naked to the curragh.
"Who and what in the world are you, good man?" asked the crew. "A poor wretch who wishes to go with you on pilgrimage," said he. "Indeed," said they, "you shall not by any means come with us, seeing that you are stark naked." "Say not so, young men," said he, "for the sake of God do not refuse me; for I will amuse you and keep your hearts cheerful (with my music and singing); and your piety will not be a whit the worse for it."