Maeve replied, --There is some truth to that, husband, but why do you disturb me with such petty things in the middle of the night? Could you not see that I was resting?

--I was simply reflecting on how much more comfortable you are now, than before I took you as my wife and lover.

Ailill wet his lips and blew a kiss at Maeve. He turned away from her,
pleased with himself. He could never have predicted how deeply

he struck her with this last com- ment. He had hardly begun settling himself under the blankets when she shot up in bed. Her crimson hair took on the image of fire in the moonlight.

--I was more than comfortable and well praised before being chained to you,Ailill Mac Mata!

Ailill laughed softly and asked, --Oh, really? Say you so?

--As you can certainly not deny, my own father, Eochu Feidlech,