Legendary fictions of the Irish Celts

192
Fictions of the Irish Celts.
arm. He was also terrified not a little, but his habitual
piety came to his aid. " Don't fear, child," said he \
" we are in God's presence, and under His protection.
This thing, if it be evil, cannot harm us without His permission."
So, though his heart beat violently, he advanced,
supporting his daughter ; and when they were at
the proper distance, their apparition changed into a poor
ass, who had selected that spot to face the wind, with
legs firmly planted and head lowered. The poor young
lady nearly fainted, but they managed to get home without
further adventure. Had they turned one side at the
first glimpse of the dreadful sight, the hill would have
been a haunted one to this day.