he thought to himself . And in a moment the black raven was perched on his shoulder . ` How can I help you ? ' asked the raven . And Covan answered : ` Catch me the green duck that floats on the water . ' And the raven flew with his strong wings and picked him up in his strong beak , and in another moment the bird was laid at the feet of Covan . 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 XXXXX the promise you had made to me , and did not suffer yourself to be turned aside by vain shows .
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