And so it fell out ; and when the sixteen stable-boys saw that he would drink nothing , they drank it all themselves , and one by one lay stretched around the board . Then Ian felt pleased in his heart that he had withstood their fair words , and he forgot the counsel that the horse had likewise given him saying : ` Beware lest you fall asleep , and let slip the chance of getting home again ' ; for while the lads were sleeping sweet music reached his ears , and he slept also . When this came to pass the steed broke through the stable door , and kicked him and woke him roughly . ` You did not heed my counsel , ' said she ; ` and who knows if it is not too late to win over the sea ? But first take that sword which hangs on the wall , and cut off the heads of the sixteen grooms . ' Filled with shame at being once more proved heedless , Ian arose and did as the horse bade him . Then he ran to the well and poured some of the water into a leather bottle , and jumping on the horse 's back rode over the sea to the island where the raven was waiting for him . ` Lead the horse into the stable , ' said the raven , ` and lie down yourself to sleep , for to-morrow you must make the heroes to live again , and must slay the hag . And have a care not to be so foolish to-morrow as you were to-day . ' ` Stay with me for company , ' begged Ian ; but the raven shook his head , and flew away . In the morning Ian awoke , and hastened to the cave where the old hag was sitting , and he struck her dead as she was , before she could cast spells on him . Next he sprinkled the water over the heroes , who came to life again , and together they all journeyed to the other side of the island , and there the raven met them . ` At last you have followed the counsel that was given you , ' said the raven ; ` and now , having learned wisdom , you may go home again to Grianaig . There you will find that the knight 's two eldest daughters are to be wedded this day to your two brothers , and the youngest to the chief of the men at the rock . But her gold cap you shall give to me and , if you want it , you have only to think of me and I will bring it to you . And one more warning I give you . If anyone asks you whence you came , answer that you have come from behind you ; and if anyone asks you whither you are going , say that you are going before you . ' So Ian mounted the horse and set her face to the sea and her back to the shore , and she was off , away and away till she reached the church of Grianaig , and there , in a field of grass , beside a well of water , he leaped down from his saddle . ` Now , ' the horse said to him , ` draw your sword and cut off my head . ' But Ian answered : ` Poor thanks would that be for all the help I have had from you . '
` It is the only way that I can free myself from the spells that were laid by the giants XXXXX me and the raven ; for I was a girl and he was a youth wooing me !
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