This time it was easy for the young man to carry his prize , and after giving thanks to the raven for his aid , he went on to the river . In the deep dark pool of which the old man had spoken the silver-sided salmon was lying under a rock . ` Surely I , good fisher as I am , can catch him , ' said Covan son of Gorla . And cutting a slender pole from a bush , he fastened a line to the end of it . But cast with what skill he might , it availed nothing , for the salmon would not even look at the bait . ' I am beaten at last , unless the Doran-donn can deliver me , ' he cried . And as he spoke there was a swish of the water , and the face of the Doran-donn looked up at him . ' O catch me , I pray you , that salmon under the rock ! ' said Covan son of Gorla . And the Doran-donn dived , and laying hold of the salmon by his tail , bore it back to the place where Covan was standing . ` The roe , and the duck , and the salmon are here , ' said Covan to the old man , when he reached the cottage . And the old man smiled on him and bade him eat and drink , and after he hungered no more , he would speak with him . And this was what the old man said : ` You began well , my son , so things have gone well with you . You set store by your mother 's blessing , therefore you have been blest . You gave food to the raven when it hungered , you were true to the promise you had made to me , and did not suffer yourself to be turned aside by vain shows . You were skilled to perceive that the boy who tempted you to leave the temple was a teller of false tales , and took with a grateful heart what the poor had to offer you . Last of all , difficulties gave you courage , instead of lending you despair . And now , as to your reward , you shall in truth take your sister home with you , and your brothers I will restore to life ; but idle and unfaithful as they are their lot is to wander for ever . And so farewell , and may wisdom be with you . ' ` First tell me your name ? '
asked XXXXX softly . '
Covan Doran-donn First Gorla bait duck pole raven son swish