'
So they made ready, and it was agreed that they should use nought save
their hands in the combat. And if Dermat were overcome then should his
head be taken by the chiefs to Finn; if they were overpowered then should
their heads be forfeit to Dermat.
But the fight was short, for the chiefs were as children in the hands of
the hero, and he bound them sore in bitter bonds.
Now when Grania heard of the quicken-berries she longed with a great
longing to taste them. At first she said nought for she knew how they were
guarded by the surly giant Sharvan; but when she could hide her desire no
longer, she said to Dermat, 'So great is my longing for the berries of the
quicken-tree that if I may not eat of them I shall surely die.'
And Dermat, who would see no ill befall his dear wife, said he would bring
her the berries.
When the two chiefs heard this, they prayed Dermat to loose their bonds
that they also might fight the giant.
But Dermat answered, 'At the mere sight of Sharvan ye would flee, and even
were it not so I wish the aid of none.'
Then the chiefs begged that they might see the fight, and Dermat gave them
leave.
When the champion came to the foot of the quicken-tree he found Sharvan
there, asleep. And he struck the giant a mighty blow to awake him.
Then Sharvan raised his head, and, glaring at Dermat with his one red eye,
said, 'There hath been peace betwixt us heretofore, wherefore should we
now depart from it?'
And Dermat said, 'It is not to strive that I come hither, but to beg of
thee berries from the quicken-tree, for Grania, my wife, longeth for them
with a great longing.
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