ed it to her she might be pleased with him!

He sat outside the tent and waited for Mogue to return. When he came
Flann said to him, "I will go with you as a servant, and I will serve
you well although I am a King's Son, if you will give me something now."

"What do you want from me?" said Mogue.

"Give me the Rose of Sweet Smells," said Flann.

"Sure that's the finest thing I have. I couldn't give you that."

"I will serve you for two years if you will give it to me," said Flann.

"No," said Mogue.

"I will serve you for three years if you will give it to me," said
Flann.

"I will give it to you if you will serve me for three years." Thereupon
Mogue opened his pack and took the box out. He opened it and put the
Rose of Sweet Smells into Flann's hand.

At once Flann started off for the King's orchard. The Steward who had
seen him the day before signed to the servants to let him pass through
the gate. He went into the King's orchard.

Maidens were singing the "Song for the Time of the Blossoming of the
Apple-trees" and all that day and night Flann held their song in his
mind

The touch of hands that drew it down
Kindled to blossom all the bough
O breathe the wonder of the branch,
And let it through the darkness go!

Youths were gathering apples, and the Princess Flame-of-Wine walked by
herself on the orchard paths.

At last she came to where Flann stood and lifting her eyes she looked at
him. "I had companions," said Flann, "but they have gone away."

"They are unmannerly," said Flame-of-Wine with anger, and she turned
away.

Flann took the rose from under his cloak. Its fragrance came to
Flame-of-Wine and she turned to him again.

"This is the Rose of Sweet Smells," said Flann. "Will you take it from
me, Princess?"

She came back to him and took the rose in her hand, and there was wonder
in her face.

"It will never wither, and its fragrance will never fail," said Flann.
"It is the Rose of Sweet Smells. A King's daughter should have it."

Flame-of-Wine held the rose in her hand, and smiled on Flann. "What is
your name, King's Son?" said she, with bright and friendly eyes.

"Flann," he said.

"Walk with me, Flann," said she. They walked along the orchard paths,
and the youths and maidens turned towards the fragrance that the Rose of
Sweet Smells gave. Flame-of-Wine laughed, and said, "They all wonder at
the treasure you have brought me, Flann. If you could hear what I shall
te