@@@@@There is no sorrow and no pain, nor hatred,
@@@@@There is no
sorrow and no pain, nor hatred, nor hungerAll live in peace with one
another, and there is plenty without labor"This is what you would
give your child, you would sayIn Tir na nOg,
because there is no sorrow, there is no joy"Do you hear the meaning
of the seachain's song?" Scarlett shook her head
"Then I cannot ease your heart
As if the old woman had called her, Cat came through the door
She was concentrating on the heavy, waterfilled kettle, and she didn't
look at her mother and GrainneThe two of them watched silently
while
Cat methodically set the kettle on the iron hook over the coals, then
raked more coals into a heap below it
Scarlett had to turn her headIf she continued to look at her child,
she knew she wouldn't be able to stop herself from grabbing Cat in her
arms and holding her tightly in a protective embraceI mustn't cry, either, Scarlett told herself
It might frighten herShe'd sense how frightened I am"Watch me,
Momma," said CatShe was carefully pouring steaming water into an
old
brown china teapotA sweet smell rose I- from the steam, and Cat
smiled"I put in all the right leaves, Grainne," she chortled
She looked proud and happyScarlett caught hold of the wise
woman's
shawl"Tell me what to do," she begged"You must do what's given
you to do I don't understand anything she
says, thought ScarlettBut somehow her terror was relievedShe
drank Cat's brew in the companionable silence and warmth of the
herb-scented shadowy room, glad that Cat had this place to come