They were made welcome, and after listening to the lays of the King's minstrel, Brian rose and sang:-- "'Tis little Peisear cares for spears, Since armies, when his face they see, All overcome with panic fears Without a wound they turn and flee.
"The Yew is monarch of the wood, No other tree disputes its claim.
The shining shaft in venom stewed Flies fiercely forth to kill and maim." "'Tis a very good poem," said the King, "but, O bard from Erinn, I do not understand your reference to my spear." "It is merely this," replied Brian, "that I would like your spear as a reward for my poem." Then the King stared at Brian, and his beard bristled with anger, and he said, "Never was a greater reward paid for any poem than not to adjudge you guilty of instant death for your request." Then Brian flung at the king the fourth golden apple which he had taken from the Garden of the Hesperides, and it dashed out his brains.
Immediately the brothers all drew sword and made for the courtyard.
Here they seized the magic spear, and with it and with their swords they fought their way clear, not without many wounds, and escaped to their boat.

And thus ended the third quest of the Sons of Turenn.
Now having come safely and victoriously through so many straits and perils, they began to be merry and hoped that all the eric might yet be paid.

So they sailed away with high hearts to the Island of Sicily, to get the two horses and the chariot of the King, and the Boat of Mananan bore them swiftly and well.
Having arrived here, they debated among themselves as to how they should proceed; and they agreed to present themselves as Irish mercenary soldiers--for such were wont in those days to take service with foreign kings--until they should learn where the horses and the chariot were kept, and how they should come at them.

Then they went forward, and found the King and his lords in the palace garden taking the air.
The Sons of Turenn then paid homage to him, and he asked them of their business.
"We are Irish mercenary soldiers," they said, "seeking our wages from the kings of the world." "Are ye willing to take service with me ?" said the King.

"We are," said they, "and to that end are we come." Then their contract of military service was made, and they remained at the King's court for a month and a fortnight, and did not in all that time come to see the steeds or the chariot.