t Honey-Mouth, son of the Dagda, that had the kingship
between them at that time held their court. And these three were
quarrelling with one another about the division of the treasures their
father had left, and the quarrel was so hot it seemed likely it would
come to a battle in the end.

And the Sons of the Gael wondered to see them quarrelling about such
things, and they having so fruitful an island, where the air was so
wholesome, and the sun not too strong, or the cold too bitter, and where
there was such a plenty of honey and acorns, and of milk, and of fish,
and of corn, and room enough for them all.

Great grandeur they were living in, and their Druids about them, at the
palace of Teamhair. And Amergin went to them, and it is what he said,
that they must give up the kingship there and then, or they must leave
it to the chance of a battle. And he said he asked this in revenge for
the death of Ith, of the race of the Gael, that had come to their court
before that time, and that had been killed by treachery.

When the sons of Cermait Honey-Mouth heard Amergin saying such fierce
words, there was wonder on them, and it is what they said, that they
were not willing to fight at that time, for their army was not ready.
"But let you make an offer to us," they said, "for we see well you have
good judgment and knowledge. But if you make an offer that is not fair,"
they said, "we will destroy you with our enchantments."

At that Amergin bade the men that were with him to go back to Inver
Sceine, and to hurry again into their ships with the rest of the Sons of
the Gael, and to go out the length of nine waves from the shore. And
then he made his offer to the Tuatha de Danaan, that if they could
hinder his men from landing on their island, he and all his ships would
go back again to their own country, and would never make any attempt to
come again; but that if the Sons of the Gael could land on the coast in
spite of them, then the Tuatha de Danaan should give up the kingship and
be under their sway.

The Tuatha de Danaan were well pleased with that offer, for they thought
that by the powers of their enchantments over the winds and the sea, and
by their arts, they would be well able to keep them from ever setting
foot in the country again.

So the Sons of the Gael did as Amergin bade them and they went back into
their ship and drew up their anchors, and moved out to the length of
nine waves from the shore. And as soon as