Our bodies are our slaves, yet they must be fed if we would have their service.

So spake in ancient days the Blind Bard to the warriors of Fion." The young man made no reply, but he fed on what was placed before him, as if to gather strength for the scene which he was to undergo.

When his mother saw that he had eaten what sufficed him, she again filled the fatal quaigh, and proffered it as the conclusion of the repast.

But he started aside with a convulsive gesture, expressive at once of fear and abhorrence.
"Nay, my son," she said, "this time surely, thou hast no cause of fear." "Urge me not, mother," answered Hamish--"or put the leprous toad into a flagon, and I will drink; but from that accursed cup, and of that mind-destroying potion, never will I taste more!" "At your pleasure, my son," said Elspat, haughtily, and began, with much apparent assiduity, the various domestic tasks which had been interrupted during the preceding day.

Whatever was at her heart, all anxiety seemed banished from her looks and demeanour.