But Largnen did not wish to ask Kemoc to part with the swans, and
therefore he did not go.
Then was Decca angry, and swore she would live no longer with Largnen,
until he brought the singing swans to the palace. And that same night she
set out for her father's kingdom in the south.
Nevertheless Largnen loved Decca, and great was his grief when he heard
that she had fled. And he commanded messengers to go after her, saying he
would send for the white swans if she would but come back. Therefore Decca
returned to the palace, and Largnen sent to Kemoc to beg of him the four
white swans. But the messenger returned without the birds.
Then was Largnen wroth, and set out himself for the cell of Kemoc. But he
found the Saint in the little church, and before the altar were the four
white swans. 'Is it truly told me that you refused these birds to Queen
Decca?' asked the King.
'It is truly told,' replied Kemoc.
Then Largnen was more wroth than before, and seizing the silver chain of
Finola and Aed in the one hand, and the chain of Fiacra and Conn in the
other, he dragged the birds from the altar and down the aisle, and it
seemed as though he would leave the church. And in great fear did the
Saint follow.
But lo! as they reached the door, the snow-white feathers of the four
swans fell to the ground, and the children of Lir were delivered from
their doom.
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