their departing; the queen of the island gave them an emerald cup, such
that water poured into it became wine. She asked if they knew how long
they had been there, and when they said "a day," she told them that it was
a year, during which they had had no food. As they sailed away, the birds
sang to them until both birds and island disappeared in the mist.

They saw another island standing on a single pedestal, as if on one foot,
projecting from the water. Rowing round it to seek a way into it they
found no passage, but they saw in the base of the pedestal, under water, a
closed door with a lock--this being the only way in which the island could
be entered. Around another island there was a fiery rampart, which
constantly moved in a circle. In the side of that rampart was an open
door, and as it came opposite them in its turning course, they beheld
through it the island and all therein; and its occupants, even human
beings, were many and beautiful, wearing rich garments, and feasting with
gold vessels in their hands. The voyagers lingered long to gaze upon this
marvel.

On another island they found many human beings, black in color and
raiment, and always bewailing. Lots were cast, and another of Maelduin's
foster brothers was sent on shore. He at once joined the weeping crowd,
and did as they did. Two others were sent to bring him back, and both
shared his fate, falling under some strange spell. Then Maelduin sent four
others, and bade them look neither at the land nor at the sky; to wrap
their mouths and noses with their garments, and not breathe the island
air; and not to take off their eyes from their comrades. In this way the
two who followed the foster brother on shore were rescued, but he remained
behind.

Of another island they could see nothing but a fort, protected by a great