` That I will promise readily , ' said Manus ; and followed the man into his house , which was at a little distance . But the house was not like other houses , for the walls of every room were hung so thick with arms that you could not see the boards . ` Choose what you will , ' said the man ; and Manus unhooked a sword and tried it across his knee , and it broke , and so did the next , and the next . ` Leave off breaking the swords , ' cried the man , ` and look at this old sword and helmet and tunic that I wore in the wars of your grandfather . Perhaps you may find them of stouter steel . ' And Manus bent the sword thrice across his knee but he could not break it . So he girded it to his side , and put on the old helmet . As he fastened the strap his eye fell on a cloth flapping outside the window . ` What cloth is that ? ' asked he . ` It is a cloth that was woven by the Little People of the forest , ' said the man ; ` and when you are hungry it will give you food and drink , and if you meet a foe , he will not hurt you , but will stoop and kiss the back of your hand in token of submission . Take it , and use it well . ' Manus gladly wrapped the shawl round his arm , and was leaving the house , when he heard the rattling of a chain blown by the wind . ` What chain is that ? ' asked he . ` The creature who has that chain round his neck , need not fear a hundred enemies , ' answered the armourer . And Manus wound it round him and passed on into the forest . Suddenly there sprang out from the bushes two lions , and a lion cub with them . The fierce beasts bounded towards him , roaring loudly , and would fain have eaten him , but quickly Manus stooped and spread the cloth upon the ground . At that the lions stopped , and bowing their great heads , kissed the back of his wrist and went their ways .
But the cub rolled itself up in the cloth ; so Manus picked them both up , and carried them with him XXXXX Old Bergen .
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