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diff --git a/16464.txt b/16464.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..da82d37 --- /dev/null +++ b/16464.txt @@ -0,0 +1,17366 @@ +Project Gutenberg's The Ancient Irish Epic Tale Tain Bo Cualnge, by Unknown + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Ancient Irish Epic Tale Tain Bo Cualnge + +Author: Unknown + +Translator: Joseph Dunn + +Release Date: August 7, 2005 [EBook #16464] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ANCIENT IRISH EPIC TALE *** + + + + +Produced by Ted Garvin, Brendan O'Connor and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + + + THE ANCIENT IRISH EPIC TALE + + TAIN BO CUALNGE + + "THE CUALNGE CATTLE-RAID" + + + Now for the first time done entire into English + out of the Irish of the Book of Leinster + and Allied Manuscripts + + By + + JOSEPH DUNN + Professor at the Catholic University + Washington + + WITH TWO PAGES IN FACSIMILE OF THE MANUSCRIPTS + + [Illustration: "Daig concechlabat fin hErend & Alban inn ainm sin, & bat + lana beoil fer n-hErend & Alban din anmun sin."] + Book of Leinster, fo. 64a. + + "For the men of Erin and Alba shall hear that + name (Cuchulain) and the mouths of the men of Erin + and Alba shall be full of that name." + + + LONDON + DAVID NUTT + 17 GRAPE STREET, NEW OXFORD STREET, W.C + 1914 + + + To the Memory of + + MY MOTHER + + * * * * * + +[Illustration: FACSIMILE, PAGE 55--_from the Book of Leinster_.] + + * * * * * + + + + +CONTENTS + + Preface, xi. + I The Pillow-talk, 1. + II The Occasion of the Tain, 5. + III The Rising-out of the Men of Connacht at Cruachan Ai, 10. + IV The Foretelling, 13. + V The Route of the Tain, 19. + VI The March of the Host, 21. + VII The Youthful Exploits of Cuchulain, 46. + VIIa The Slaying of the Smith's Hound by Cuchulain, 54. + VIIb The Taking of Arms by Cuchulain and + The Slaying of the Three Sons of Necht Scene, 60. + VIIc A Separate Version as far as the Slaying Of Orlam, 80. + VIII The Slaying of Orlam, 82. + VIIIa The Slaying of the Three MacArach, 85. + VIIIb The Combat of Lethan and Cuchulain, 86. + VIIIc The Killing of the Squirrel and of the Tame Bird, 88. + VIIId The Slaying of Loche, 93. + VIIIe The Killing of Uala, 95. + VIIIf The Harrying of Cualnge, 99. + IX The Proposals, 104. + X The Violent Death of Etarcumul, 115. + XI The Slaying of Nathcrantail, 126. + XII The Finding of the Bull, 132. + XIIa The Death of Forgemen, 136. + XIIb The Slaying of Redg the Lampoonist, 137. + XIIc The Meeting of Cuchulain and Finnabair, 139. + XIId The Combat of Munremar and Curoi, 141. + XIIe The Slaughter of the Boy-troop, 143. + XIIf The Slaughter of the King's Bodyguard, 145. + XIII The Combat of Cur with Cuchulain, 146. + XIV The Slaying of Ferbaeth, 150. + XIVa The Combat of Larine MacNois, 155. + XIVb The Colloquy of the Morrigan and Cuchulain, 161. + XV The Combat of Loch and Cuchulain, and + The Slaying of Loch son of Mofemis, 163. + XVI The Violation of the Agreement, 175. + XVIa The Healing of the Morrigan, 177. + XVII The Great Rout on the Plain of Murthemne, 180. + XVIIa The Slaughter of the Youths of Ulster, 184. + XVIIb The Scythed Chariot, 187. + XVIIc The Appearance of Cuchulain, 195. + XVIId Dubthach's Jealousy, 198. + XVIII The Slaying of Oengus son of Oenlam, 201. + XVIIIa The Misthrow at Belach Eoin, 202. + XVIIIb The Disguising of Tamon, 204. + XIX The Battle of Fergus and Cuchulain, 205. + XIXa The Head-place of Ferchu, 209. + XIXb Mann's Fight, 211. + XIXc The Combat of Calatin's Children, 213. + XX The Combat of Ferdiad and Cuchulain, 217. + XXI Cuchulain and the Rivers, 268. + XXII Cethern's Strait-fight, 269. + XXIIa Cethern's Bloody Wounds, 273. + XXIII The Tooth-fight of Fintan, 283. + XXIIIa The Red-Shame of Menn, 285. + XXIIIb The Accoutrement of the Charioteers, 287. + XXIIIc The White-fight of Rochad, 288. + XXIIId Iliach's Clump-fight, 292. + XXIIIe The Deer-stalking of Amargin in Taltiu, 295. + XXIIIf The Adventures of Curoi son of Dare, 296. + XXIV The Repeated Warning of Sualtaim, 298. + XXIVa The Agitation of Celtchar, 306. + XXV The Array of the Host, 309. + XXVI The Decision of the Battle, 345. + XXVII The Battle of Garech, 348. + XXVIIa The Muster of the Men of Erin, 351. +XXVIII The Battle of the Bulls, 363. + XXIX The Account of the Brown Bull of Cualnge, 366. + Index of Place and Personal Names, 371. + + * * * * * + +[Illustration: FACSIMILE PAGE 55--_from Leabhar na h-Uidhri_.] + + * * * * * + + + + +PREFACE + + +The Gaelic Literature of Ireland is vast in extent and rich in quality. The +inedited manuscript materials, if published, would occupy several hundred +large volumes. Of this mass only a small portion has as yet been explored +by scholars. Nevertheless three saga-cycles stand out from the rest, +distinguished for their compass, age and literary worth, those, namely, of +the gods, of the demigod Cuchulain, and of Finn son of Cumhall. The +Cuchulain cycle, also called the Ulster cycle--from the home of its hero in +the North of Ireland--forms the core of this great mass of epic material. +It is also known as the cycle of Conchobar, the king round whom the Ulster +warriors mustered, and, finally, it has been called the Red Branch Cycle +from the name of the banqueting hall at Emain Macha in Ulster. + +Only a few of the hundred or more tales which once belonged to this cycle +have survived. There are some dozen in particular, technically known as +_Remscela_ or "Foretales," because they lead up to and explain the great +Tain, the Tain Bo Cualnge, "The Cualnge Cattle-raid," the Iliad of Ireland, +as it has been called, the queen of Irish epic tales, and the wildest and +most fascinating saga-tale, not only of the entire Celtic world, but even +of all western Europe. + +The mediaeval Irish scholars catalogued their native literature under +several heads, probably as an aid to the memory of the professional poets +or story-tellers whose stock-in-trade it was, and to one of these divisions +they gave the name _Tainte_, plural of _Tain_. By this term, which is most +often followed by the genitive plural _bo_, "cows," they meant "a driving," +or "a reaving," or even "a drove" or "herd" of cattle. It is only by +extension of meaning that this title is applied to the Tain Bo Cualnge, the +most famous representative of the class, for it is not, strictly speaking, +with the driving of cattle that it deals but with that of the Brown Bull of +Cualnge. But, since to carry off the bull implies the carrying off of the +herd of which he was the head, and as the "Brown" is always represented as +accompanied by his fifty heifers, there were sufficient grounds for putting +the Brown Bull Quest in the class of Cow-spoils. + +The prominence accorded to this class of stories in the early literature of +Ireland is not to be wondered at when the economic situation of the country +and the stage of civilization of which they are the faithful mirror is +borne in mind.[1] Since all wars are waged for gain, and since among the +Irish, who are still very much a nation of cattle raisers, cattle was the +chief article of wealth and measure of value,[2] so marauding expeditions +from one district into another for cattle must have been of frequent +occurrence, just as among the North American Indians tribal wars used to be +waged for the acquisition of horses. That this had been a common practice +among their kinsmen on the Continent also we learn from Caesar's account of +the Germans (and Celts?) who, he says, practised warfare not only for a +means of subsistence but also for exercising their warriors. How long-lived +the custom has been amongst the Gaelic Celts, as an occupation or as a +pastime, is evident not only from the plundering incursions or "creaghs"[3] +as they are called in the Highlands and described by Scott in _Waverley_ +and _The Fair Maid of Perth_, but also from the "cattle-drives" which have +been resorted to in our own day in Ireland, though these latter had a +different motive than plunder. As has been observed by Sir Henry Sumner +Maine, Lord Macaulay was mistaken in ascribing this custom to "some native +vice of Irish character," for, as every student of ancient Ireland may +perceive, it is rather to be regarded as "a survival, an ancient and +inveterate habit" of the race. + +One of these many Cattle-preys was the Tain Bo Cualnge,[4] which, there can +be little doubt, had behind it no mere myth but some kernel of actual +fact. Its historical basis is that a Connacht chieftain and his lady went +to war with Ulster about a drove of cattle. The importance of a racial +struggle between the north-east province and the remaining four grand +provinces of Ireland cannot be ascribed to it. There is, it is true, strong +evidence to show that two chief centres, political, if not cultural and +national, existed at the time of the Tain in Ireland, Cruachan Ai, near the +present Rathcroghan in Connacht, and Emain Macha, the Navan Fort, two miles +west of Armagh in Ulster, and it is with the friendly or hostile relations +of these two that the Ultonian cycle of tales deals. Ulster, or, more +precisely, the eastern portion of the Province, was the scene of all the +Cattle-raids, and there is a degree of truth in the couplet,-- + + "Leinster for breeding, And Ulster for reaving; + Munster for reading, And Connacht for thieving." + +But there are no indications of a racial clash or war of tribes. With the +exception of the Oghamic writings inscribed on the pillar-stones by +Cuchulain, which seem to require interpretation to the men of Connacht by +Ulstermen, the description of the warriors mustered by the Connacht warrior +queen and those gathered round King Conchobar of Ulster accord quite +closely. + +The Tain Bo Cualnge is the work not of any one man but of a corporation of +artists known as _filid_. The author of the Tain in its present state, +whoever he may have been, was a strong partisan of Ulster and never misses +an opportunity of flattering the pride of her chieftains. Later a kind of +reaction against the pre-eminence given to Ulster and the glorification of +its hero sets in, and a group of stories arises in which the war takes a +different end and Cuchulain is shown to disadvantage, finally to fall at +the hands of a Munster champion. It is to this southern province that the +saga-cycle which followed the Cuchulain at an interval of two hundred years +belongs, namely, the Fenian saga,--the saga of Finn son of Cumhall, which +still flourishes among the Gaelic speakers of Ireland and Scotland, while +the Cuchulain stories have almost died out among them. The mingling of the +two sagas is the work of the eighteenth-century Scots Lowlander, James +Macpherson. + +The Tain Bo Cualnge is one of the most precious monuments of the world's +literature, both because of the poetic worth it evidences at an early stage +of civilization, and for the light it throws on the life of the people +among whom it originated and that of their ancestors centuries earlier. It +is not less valuable and curious because it shows us the earlier stages of +an epic--an epic in the making--which it does better perhaps than any other +work in literature. Ireland had at hand all the materials for a great +national epic, a wealth of saga-material replete with interesting episodes, +picturesque and dramatic incidents and strongly defined personages, yet she +never found her Homer, a gifted poet to embrace her entire literary wealth, +to piece the disjointed fragments together, smooth the asperities and hand +down to posterity the finished epic of the Celtic world, superior, perhaps, +to the Iliad or the Odyssey. What has come down to us is "a sort of +patchwork epic," as Prescott called the Ballads of the Cid, a popular +epopee in all its native roughness, wild phantasy and extravagance of deed +and description as it developed during successive generations. It resembles +the frame of some huge ship left unfinished by the builders on the beach +and covered with shells and drift from the sea of Celtic tradition. From +the historical standpoint, however, and as a picture of the old barbaric +Celtic culture, and as a pure expression of elemental passion, it is of +more importance to have the genuine tradition as it developed amongst the +people, unvarnished by poetic art and uninfluenced by the example of older +and alien societies. + +According to the Chronicles of Ireland, as formulated in the Annals of +Tigernach,[5] who died in 1088, King Conchobar of Ulster began to reign in +the year 30 B.C., and he is said to have died of grief at the news that +Christ had been crucified. His reign therefore lasted about sixty +years. Cuchulain died in the year 39 A.D. in the twenty-seventh year of +his age, as we learn from the following entry: "The death of Cuchulain, the +bravest hero of the Irish, by Lugaid son of Three Hounds, king of Munster, +and by Erc, king of Tara, son of Carbre Niafer, and by the three sons of +Calatin of Connacht. Seven years was his age when he assumed arms, +seventeen was his age when he followed the Driving of the Kine of Cualnge, +but twenty-seven years was his age when he died."[6] + +A very different account is given in the manuscript known as H. 3. 17, +Trinity College, Dublin, quoted by O'Curry in his _Manuscript Materials_, +page 508. The passage concludes with the statement: "So that the year of +the Tain was the fifty-ninth year of Cuchulain's age, from the night of his +birth to the night of his death." The record first quoted, however, is +partly corroborated by the following passage which I translate from the +Book of Ballymote, facsimile edition, page 13, col. a, lines 9-21: "In the +fourteenth year of the reign of Conaire (killed in 40 B.C.) and of +Conchobar, the Blessed Virgin was born. At that time Cuchulain had +completed thirteen years; and in the fourth year after the birth of Mary, +the expedition of the Kine of Cualnge took place ... that is, in the +eighteenth year of the reign of Conaire. Cuchulain had completed his +seventeenth year at that time. That is, it was in the thirty-second year of +the reign of Octavius Augustus that the same expedition took place. Eight +years after the Tain Bo Cualnge, Christ was born, and Mary had completed +twelve years then, and that was in the fortieth year of the reign of +Octavius Augustus; and in the twenty-sixth year of the reign of Conaire and +Conchobar, and in the second year after the birth of Christ, Cuchulain +died. And twenty-seven years was Cuchulain's age at that time." + +These apparent synchronisms, of course, may only rest upon the imagination +of the Christian annalists of Ireland, who hoped to exalt their ancient +rulers and heroes by bringing them into relation with and even making them +participate in the events of the life of the Saviour. But in placing the +date of the expedition of the Tain at about the beginning of the Christian +era, Irish tradition is undoubtedly correct, as appears from the character +of the civilization depicted in the Ulster tales, which corresponds in a +remarkable degree with what authors of antiquity have recorded of the Celts +and with the character of the age which archaeologists call "la Tene," or +"Late Celtic," which terminates at the beginning of the first century of +our era. Oral tradition was perhaps occupied for five hundred years working +over and developing the story of the Tain, and by the close of the fifth +century the saga to which it belonged was substantially the one we have +now. The text of the tale must have been completed by the first half of the +seventh century, and, as we shall see, its oldest extant version, the Book +of the Dun, dates from about the year 1100. + +But, whatever may be the precise dates of these events, which we are not in +a position to determine more accurately, the composition of the Tain +Bo Cualnge antedates by a considerable margin the epic tales of the +Anglo-Saxons, the Scandinavians, the Franks and the Germans. It is the +oldest epic tale of western Europe, and it and the cycle of tales to which +it belongs form "the oldest existing literature of any of the peoples to +the north of the Alps."[7] The deeds it recounts belong to the heroic age +of Ireland three hundred years before the introduction of Christianity into +the island, and its spirit never ceased to remain markedly pagan. The +mythology that permeates it is one of the most primitive manifestations of +the personification of the natural forces which the Celts worshipped. Its +historical background, social organization, chivalry, mood and thought and +its heroic ideal are to a large extent, and with perhaps some pre-Aryan +survivals, not only those of the insular Celts of two thousand years ago, +but also of the important and wide-spread Celtic race with whom Caesar +fought and who in an earlier period had sacked Rome and made themselves +feared even in Greece and Asia Minor. + +The following is the Argument of the Tain Bo Cualnge, which, for the sake +of convenience, is here divided into sections: + + +I. The Prologue + +One night at the palace of Cruachan in Connacht, a dispute arose between +Queen Medb, the sometime wife of Conchobar, king of Ulster, and her consort +Ailill, as to the amount of their respective possessions. It may be +remarked in passing that in those days in Ireland, married women retained +their private fortune independent of their husbands, as well as the dowry +secured to them in marriage. To procure the evidence of their wealth, the +royal pair sent messengers to assemble all their chattels which, on +comparison, were found to be equal, excepting only that among Ailill's kine +was a lordly bull called Finnbennach, "the Whitehorned," whose match was +not to be found in the herds of the queen. + + +II. The Embassage to Dare and the Occasion of the Tain + +As we might expect, Medb was chagrined at the discovery. Now her herald +macRoth had told her that Dare macFiachna, a landowner of Cualnge, a +district in the territory of her former husband, possessed an even more +wonderful bull than Ailill's, called Donn Cualnge, "the Brown Bull of +Cualnge." So she despatched macRoth to Dare to pray for the loan of the +bull. + +Dare received the queen's messengers hospitably and readily granted her +request, but in the course of the entertainment, one of the messengers, +deep in his cups, spoke against Dare, and he, hearing this, withdrew his +promise and swore that he would never hand over the Brown Bull of Cualnge. + + +III. The Gathering of Medb's Forces + +The impetuous queen, enraged at the failure of her mission, immediately +mustered a formidable army, composed not only of her Connachtmen but also +of allies from all parts of Ireland, wherewith to undertake the invasion of +Ulster. On her side were the Ulster chieftains who had gone into exile into +Connacht after the treacherous slaughter of the sons of Usnech by King +Conchobar of Ulster. Chief among them was Fergus, who, moreover, had a +personal grievance against Conchobar. For, while Fergus was king of Ulster, +he had courted the widow Ness and, in order to win her, promised to +abdicate for the term of one year in favour of her son Conchobar. But when +the term had elapsed, the youth refused to relinquish the throne, and +Fergus in anger entered the service of Medb of Connacht. There he was +loaded with favours, became the counsellor of the realm and, as appears +from more than one allusion in the tale, the more than friend of the wife +of King Ailill. + +The four leagued provinces of Ireland being gathered at Cruachan, the +guidance of the host was entrusted to Fergus, because he was acquainted +with the province of Ulster through which they were to march, and at +the beginning of winter--a point emphasized by the exponents of the +sun-theory--the mighty host, including in its ranks the king and queen and +some of the greatest warriors of Ireland, with the princess Finnabair as a +lure, set forth on the raid into Ulster. + +They crossed the Shannon near Athlone and, marching through the province of +Meath, arrived at the borders of Cualnge. Fortunately for the invaders, the +expedition took place while the Ulstermen lay prostrate in their _cess_, or +"Pains," a mysterious state of debility or torpor which was inflicted on +them periodically in consequence of an ancient curse laid upon Conchobar +and the warriors of Ulster as a punishment for a wrong done to the goddess +Macha. This strange malady, resembling the _couvade_ among certain savage +nations, ordinarily lasted five days and four nights, but on this occasion +the Ulstermen were prostrate from the beginning of November till the +beginning of February. During all that time the burden of defending the +province fell on the shoulders of the youthful champion Cuchulain, who had +in his particular charge the plain of Murthemne, the nearest district to +Cualnge, the goal of the expedition. For Cuchulain and his father Sualtaim +were alone exempt from the curse and the "Pains" which had befallen the +remainder of the champions of Ulster. + + +IV. The Youthful Exploits of Cuchulain + +The Connacht host had not proceeded far when they came upon evidence of +some mighty force that opposed them. In answer to the inquiries of Ailill +and Medb, Fergus explains that it is Cuchulain who disputes their further +advance, and, as evidence of the superhuman strength and prowess of the +Ulster youth, then in the seventeenth year of his age, the Ulster exiles +recount the mighty deeds he had performed in his boyhood, chief among which +is the tale according to which, as eric for the killing of the hound of +Culann the Smith, the boy-hero Setanta assumed the station and the name +which ever after clung to him of Cuchulain, "the Hound of Culann." + + +V. The Single Combats of Cuchulain + +Cuchulain agrees to allow the Connacht host to continue their march on +condition that every day they send one of their champions to meet him in +single combat. When he shall have killed his opponent, the host shall halt +and pitch camp until the following morning. Medb agrees to abide by these +terms. In each of the contests which ensue, the heroic youth is victorious +and slays many of the most celebrated warriors on the side of Connacht. +The severest of all these single combats was the one in which he had as +opponent his former friend and foster-brother Ferdiad. At the end of a +four days' battle, in which both adversaries exhibited astounding deeds of +valour, Ferdiad fell by the hands of Cuchulain. + +Impatient at these delays, Medb broke the sacred laws of ancient Irish +chivalry and led her army into Ulster, overrunning the province, pillaging +and burning as she went, even up to the walls of Emain Macha, the residence +of Conchobar, and finally took possession of the Brown Bull of Cualnge. + + +VI. The Gathering of the Ulstermen and the Final Battle of the Tain + +By this time King Conchobar and his warriors have come out of their +debility and summoned their forces to an eminence in Slane of Meath. The +great gathering of the Ulstermen is reported to Medb by her trusty herald +macRoth, and from his description of the leaders and their troops, their +exiled countryman Fergus designates them to the nobles of Connacht. In the +final battle Medb's army is repulsed and retreats in flight into Connacht. +Thus each host has had its share of the fortunes of war: Medb has laid +waste the lands of her divorced husband and carried off the Brown Bull of +Cualnge, the prize of war, while on the other hand, Conchobar has won the +victory in the great battle of Garech and Ilgarech. + + +VII. The End of the two Bulls + +On the way back to Connacht, the Brown Bull of Cualnge emitted such +terrible bellowings that they reached the ears of the Whitehorned remaining +at home in his stall in Cruachan, whence he rushed at full speed to attack +the other. A furious battle took place between the bulls, but the Brown was +the stronger, and raising his rival on his horns he shook the Whitehorned +into fragments over all Ireland. He then returned in fury to Ulster, and in +his wild rage dashed his head against a rock and was killed. + + +The Tain Bo Cualnge has been preserved, more or less complete, in a score +of manuscripts ranging in date from the beginning of the twelfth to the +middle of the nineteenth century. There probably existed other manuscripts +containing not only the Tain as we have it but even episodes now wanting in +it. All of the extant manuscripts go back to versions which date from the +seventh century or earlier. No manuscript of the Tain is wholly in the +language of the time when it was copied, but, under the cloak of the +contemporaneous orthography, contains forms and words so obsolete that they +were not understood by the copyist, so that glossaries had to be compiled +to explain them. + +It is by a singular good fortune that this, the greatest of all the epic +tales of the Irish, has been handed down to our day in the two most ancient +and, for that reason, most precious of the great Middle Irish collections +of miscellaneous contents known as the _Leabhar na hUidhre_, "the Book of +The Dun (Cow)," and the Book of Leinster. The former and older of these +vellum manuscripts (abbreviated LU.) is kept in the Library of the Royal +Irish Academy at Dublin. It must have been written about the beginning of +the twelfth century, for its compiler and writer, Moelmuire macCeilechair +(Kelleher), is known to have been slain at Clonmacnois in the year 1106; +some of its linguistic forms, however, are as old as the eighth century +glosses. Unfortunately, LU.'s account of the Tain is incomplete at the +beginning and the end, but the latter portion is made good by the closely +related, though independent, version contained in the manuscript known as +the Yellow Book of Lecan (abbreviated YBL.). This manuscript was written +about the year 1391 and it is also kept in Dublin in the Library of Trinity +College. To the same group as LU. and YBL., which for the sake of +convenience we may call version A, belong also the British Museum MSS., +Egerton 1782, a large fragment, and Egerton 114, both dating from the +fifteenth or sixteenth century. + +Version B comprises the closely related accounts of the Tain as contained +in the Book of Leinster (abbreviated LL.) and the following MSS.: Stowe +984 (Royal Irish Academy), written in the year 1633 and giving, except for +the loss of a leaf, a complete story of the Tain; H. 1. 13 (Trinity +College, Dublin), written in the year 1745 and giving the Tain entire; +Additional 18748 (abbreviated Add.), British Museum, copied in the year +1800 from a 1730 original; Egerton 209 and Egerton 106 (British Museum), +both fragments and dating from the eighteenth century. Fragments of a +modern version are also found in MS. LIX, Advocates' Library, Edinburgh. + +To version C belong only fragments: H. 2. 17 (Trinity College, Dublin), +dating from the end of the fourteenth or the beginning of the fifteenth +century; the almost identical Egerton 93 (British Museum), consisting of +only ten leaves and dating from nearly a century later, and H. 2. 12 +(Trinity College, Dublin), consisting of only two pages.[8] + + +The manuscripts belonging to each of these versions, A, B, and C, have +sufficient traits in common to place them in a group by themselves. The +question of the relationship of these manuscripts to one another and of the +character of the suppositional archetype from which they are all descended +is a most intricate one and one which has given rise to considerable +discussion. The question still awaits a definite answer, which may never be +forthcoming, because of the disappearance not only of the first draft of +the Tain, but also of that of some of its later redactions. We must not +overlook the possibility, either, of an otherwise faithful copyist having +inserted in the text before him a passage, or even an entire episode, of +his own fabrication. This, no doubt, happened not infrequently, especially +in the earlier period of the copying of Irish manuscripts, and a single +insertion of this kind, or the omission, intentionally or by oversight, of +a part of the original from the copy might, it will easily be seen, lead +one to conclude that there once existed a form of the story which as a +matter of fact never existed. + +The version of the Tain which I have chosen as the basis for my translation +is the one found in the Book of Leinster (_Leabhar Laighneach_), a +voluminous vellum manuscript sometime called the Book of Glendalough and +now kept in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin, catalogue number +H. 2. 18. Only a part of the original book remains. It dates from about the +year 1150. This date is established by two entries in the manuscript +itself: "Aed son of Crimthann (Hugh macGriffin) hath written this book and +out of many books hath he compiled it" (facsimile, at the bottom of page +313). Who this Aed was will be clear from the other entry. It appears that +he had lent the manuscript while still unfinished to Finn macGorman, who +was Bishop of Kildare from 1148 and died in the year 1160, and who on +returning the book wrote in it the following laudatory note in Irish to +Aed: "(Life) and health from Finn, the Bishop of Kildare, to Aed son of +Crimthann, tutor of the chief king (i.e. of King Dermod macMurrogh, the +infamous prince who half a century later invited Strongbow and the Normans +to come over from Wales to Ireland) of Mug Nuadat's Half (i.e. of Leinster +and Munster), and successor of Colum son of Crimthann (this Colum was abbot +of Tir da ghlass the modern Terryglas on the shore of Lough Derg, in the +County Tipperary--and died in the year 548), and chief historian of +Leinster in respect of wisdom and intelligence, and cultivation of books, +science and learning. And let the conclusion of this little tale (i.e. the +story of Ailill Aulom son of Mug Nuadat, the beginning of which was +contained in the book which Finn returns) be written for me accurately by +thee, O cunning Aed, thou man of the sparkling intellect. May it be long +before we are without thee. My desire is that thou shouldst always be with +us. And let macLonan's Songbook be given to me, that I may understand the +sense of the poems that are in it. _Et vale in Christo._"[9] + +It would seem from another note in the manuscript[10] that the Book of +Leinster afterwards belonged to some admirer of King Dermod, for he wrote: +"O Mary! Great was the deed that was done in Ireland this day, the kalends +of August (1166)--Dermod, son of Donnoch macMurrogh, King of Leinster and +of the (Dublin) Danes to be banished by the men of Ireland over the sea +eastwards. Woe, woe is me, O Lord, what shall I do!"[11] + +My reason for founding the translation on the LL. version, in spite of the +fact that its composition is posterior by half a century to that of LU., +was not merely out of respect for the injunction of the scribe of the _ne +varietur_ and to merit his blessing (page 369), but also because LL.'s is +the oldest _complete_ version of the Tain extant. Though as a rule (and as +is easily discernible from a comparison of LU. and LL.), the shorter, +terser and cruder the form of a tale is, the more primitive it is, yet it +is not always the oldest preserved form of a work that represents the +most ancient form of the story. Indeed, it is not at all improbable +that LL. contains elements which represent a tradition antedating the +composition of LU. At all events, LL. has these strong points in its +favour, that, of all the versions, it is the most uniform and consistent, +the most artistically arranged, the one with most colour and imagination, +and the one which lends itself most readily to translation, both in itself +and because of the convenient Irish text provided by Professor Windisch's +edition. In order to present the Tain in its completest form, however, I +have adopted the novel plan of incorporating in the LL. account the +translations of what are known as conflate readings. These, as a rule, I +have taken from no manuscript that does not demonstrably go back to a +twelfth or earlier century redaction. Some of these additions consist of +but a single word: others extend over several pages. This dovetailing could +not always be accomplished with perfect accuracy, but no variants have been +added that do not cohere with the context or destroy the continuity of the +story. Whatever slight inconsistencies there may be in the accounts of +single episodes, they are outweighed, in my opinion, by the value and +interest of the additions. In all cases, however, the reader can control +the translation by means of the foot-notes which indicate the sources and +distinguish the accretions from the basic text. The numerous passages in +which Eg. 1782 agrees with LU. and YBL. have not all been marked. The +asterisk shows the beginning of each fresh page in the lithographic +facsimile of LL., and the numbers following "W" in the upper left hand +margin show the corresponding lines in the edition of the Irish text by +Windisch. + + * * * * * + +In general, I believe it should be the aim of a translator to give a +faithful rather than a literal version of his original. But, owing to the +fact that so little of Celtic scholarship has filtered down even to the +upper strata of the educated public and to the additional fact that the +subject matter is so incongruous to English thought, the first object of +the translator from the Old Irish must continue to be, for some time to +come, rather exactness in rendering than elegance, even at the risk of the +translation appearing laboured and puerile. This should not, however, be +carried to the extent of distorting his own idiom in order to imitate the +idiomatic turns and expressions of the original. In this translation, I +have endeavoured to keep as close to the sense and the literary form of the +original as possible, but when there is conflict between the two +desiderata, I have not hesitated to give the first the preference. I have +also made use of a deliberately archaic English as, in my opinion, +harmonizing better with the subject. It means much to the reader of the +translation of an Old Irish text to have the atmosphere of the original +transferred as perfectly as may be, and this end is attained by preserving +its archaisms and quaintness of phrase, its repetitions and inherent +crudities and even, without suppression or attenuation, the grossness of +speech of our less prudish ancestors, which is also a mark of certain +primitive habits of life but which an over-fastidious translator through +delicacy of feeling might wish to omit. These side-lights on the +semi-barbaric setting of the Old Irish sagas are of scarcely less interest +and value than the literature itself. + +The Tain Bo Cualnge, like most of the Irish saga-tales as they have come +down to us in their Middle Irish dress, is chiefly in prose, but +interspersed with verse. The verse-structure is very intricate and is +mostly in strophic form composed of verses of fixed syllabic length, rhymed +and richly furnished with alliteration. There is a third form of speech +which is neither prose nor verse, but partakes of the character of both, a +sort of irregular, rhymeless verse, without strophic division and +exceedingly rich in alliteration, internal rhyme and assonance. This kind +of speech, resembling in a way the dithyrambic passages in the Old +Testament, was known to the native Irish scholars as _rosc_ and it is +usually marked in the manuscripts by the abbreviation _R_. It was used in +short, impetuous outbursts on occasions of triumph or mourning. + +While, on the whole, I believe the student will feel himself safer with a +prose translation of a poem than with one in verse, it has seemed to me +that a uniform translation of the Tain Bo Cualnge in prose would destroy +one of its special characteristics, which is that in it both prose and +verse are mingled. It was not in my power, however, to reproduce at once +closely and clearly the metrical schemes and the rich musical quality of +the Irish and at the same time compress within the compass of the Irish +measure such an analytic language as English, which has to express by means +of auxiliaries what is accomplished in Early Irish by inflection. But I +hope to have accomplished the main object of distinguishing the verse from +the prose without sacrifice of the thought by the simple device of turning +the verse-passages into lines of the same syllabic length as those of the +original--which is most often the normal seven-syllable line--but without +any attempt at imitating the rhyme-system or alliteration. + +In order not to swell the volume of the book, the notes have been reduced +to the indispensable minimum, reserving the commentary and the apparatus of +illustrative material for another volume, which we hope some day to be able +to issue, wherein more definitely critical questions can be discussed. +There are a few Irish words which have been retained in the translation and +which require a word of explanation: The Old Irish _geis_ (later, also +_geas_[12]; plural _geasa_) has as much right to a place in the English +vocabulary as the Polynesian word _tabu_, by which it is often translated. +It is sometimes Englished "injunction," "condition," "prohibition," "bond," +"ban," "charm," "magical decree," or translated by the Scots-Gaelic +"spells," none of which, however, expresses the idea which the word had +according to the ancient laws of Ireland. It was an adjuration by the +honour of a man, and was either positive or negative. The person adjured +was either compelled or made in duty bound to do a certain thing, or, more +commonly, was prohibited from doing it. The Old Irish _gilla_ is often +translated "vassal," "youth," "boy," "fellow," "messenger," "servant," +"page," "squire" and "guide," but these words bear false connotations for +the society of the time, as does the Anglicised form of the word, "gillie," +which smacks of modern sport. It meant originally a youth in the third of +the six ages of man. Compare the sense of the word _varlet_ or _valet_ in +English, which was once "a more honourable title; for all young gentlemen, +untill they come to be eighteen years of age, were termed so" (Cotgrave), +and of the same word in Old French, which was "un jeune homme de condition +honorable" (J. Loth, _Les Mabinogion_, I, page 40, note). A _liss_ or +_rath_ is a fortified place enclosed by a circular mound or trench, or +both. A _dun_ is a fortified residence surrounded by an earthen rampart. +In the case of names of places and persons, I have thought it best to +adhere as closely as possible to the spellings used in the LL. manuscript +itself. It is of the utmost importance to get the names of Irish places and +of Irish heroes correctly determined and to discard their English corrupted +spellings. There are certain barbarisms, however, such as Slane (Slemain), +Boyne (Boann), and perhaps even Cooley (Cualnge), which have been +stereotyped in their English dress and nothing is to be gained by reforming +them. The forms _Erin_ (dative of _Eriu_, the genuine and poetic name of +the island) and _Alba_ have been retained throughout instead of the hybrids +"Ireland" and "Scotland." Final _e_ is occasionally marked with a grave +(_e.g._ Mane, Dare) to show that it is not silent as it often is in +English. + +I quite perceive that I have not always succeeded in reproducing the +precise shade of meaning of words certain of which had become antiquated +and even unintelligible to the native scholars of the later Middle Irish +period themselves. This is especially true of the passages in _rosc_, which +are fortunately not numerous and which were probably intentionally made as +obscure and allusive as possible, the object being, perhaps, as much the +music of the words as the sense. Indeed, in some cases, I have considered +myself fortunate if I have succeeded in getting their mere drift. No one +takes to heart more than the present writer the truth of Zimmer's remark, +that "it needs no great courage to affirm that _not one_ of the living +Celtic scholars, _with_ all the aids at their disposal, possesses such a +ready understanding of the contents of, for example, the most important Old +Irish saga-text, "The Cualnge Cattle-raid," as was required thirty or more +years ago in Germany of a good Gymnasium graduate in the matter of the +Homeric poems and _without_ aids of any kind."[13] However, in spite of its +defects, I trust I have not incurred the censure of Don Quijote[14] by +doing what he accuses bad translators of and shown the wrong side of the +tapestry, thereby obscuring the beauty and exactness of the work, and I +venture to hope that my translation may prove of service in leading +students to take an interest in the language and literature of Ireland. + + +WORKS ON THE TAIN BO CUALNGE + +(Our Bibliography has no Pretension at being Complete) + + +The Tain has been analysed by J.T. Gilbert, in the facsimile edition of +LU., pages xvi-xviii, based on O'Curry's unpublished account written about +1853; by Eugene O'Curry in his "Lectures on the Manuscript Materials of +Ancient Irish History," pages 28-40, Dublin, 1861; by John Rhys in his +"Lectures on the Origin and Growth of Religion as illustrated by Celtic +Heathendom," page 136, the Hibbert Lectures, London, 1898; by J.A. +MacCulloch in "The Religion of the Ancient Celts," pages 127 and 141, +London, 1911; in the Celtic Magazine, vol. xiii, pages 427-430, Inverness, +1888; by Don. Mackinnon in the Celtic Review, vol. iv, page 92, Edinburgh, +1907-8; by H. d'Arbois de Jubainville, in Bibliotheque de l'ecole des +chartes, tome xl, pages 148-150, Paris, 1879; by Bryan O'Looney, in the +Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, Second Series, vol. I, pages +242-248, Dublin, 1879; by H. Lichtenberger, "Le Poeme et la Legende des +Nibelungen," pages 432-434, Paris, 1891; by Eleanor Hull, in "A Text Book +of Irish Literature," Pt. I, p. 24, Dublin and London, 1906; by Victor +Tourneur, "La Formation du Tain Bo Cualnge," in Melanges Godefroid Kurth, +II, 413-424, Liege, 1908; by E.C. Quiggin, in the Encyclopedia Britannica, +11th edition, page 626. + +The text of the Tain is found in whole or in part in the facsimile reprints +published by the Royal Irish Academy, Dublin, 1870 and following; viz.: the +Book of Leinster, folios 53b-104b; the Book of the Dun Cow, folios 55a-82b, +and the Yellow Book of Lecan, folios 17a.-53a; in "Die Altirische +Heldensage, Tain Bo Cualnge, herausgegeben von Ernst Windisch, Irische +Texte, Extraband, Leipzig, 1905"; from LU. and YBL., by John Strachan and +J.G. O'Keeffe, as a supplement to Eriu, vol. i, Dublin, 1904 and fol.; our +references to LU. and YBL. are from this edition as far as it appeared; +from that point, the references to YBL. are to the pages of the facsimile +edition; the LU. text of several passages also is given by John Strachan in +his "Stories from the Tain," which first appeared in Irisleabhar na +Gaedhilge ("The Gaelic Journal"), Dublin; reprinted, London and Dublin, +1908; Max Nettlau, "The Fer Diad Episode of the Tain Bo Cuailnge," Revue +Celtique, tome x, pages 330-346, tome xi, pages 23-32, 318-343; "The +Fragment of the Tain Bo Cuailnge in MS. Egerton 93," Revue Celtique, tome +xiv, pages 254-266, tome xv, pages 62-78, 198-208; R. Thurneysen, "Tain Bo +Cuailghni nach H. 2. 17," Zeitschrift fuer Celtische Philologie, Bd. viii, +S. 525-554; E. Windisch, "Tain Bo Cuailnge nach der Handschrift Egerton +1782," Zeitschrift fuer Celtische Philologie, Bd. ix, S. 121-158. The text +of "The Fight at the Ford," from the Murphy MS. 103 (written about 1760), +is printed in Irisleabhar Muighe Nuadhad, Dublin, 1911, pp. 84-90. + +The Tain has been translated by Bryan O'Looney in a manuscript entitled +"Tain Bo Cualnge. Translated from the original vellum manuscript known as +the Book of Leinster, in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin. To which +are added the ancient Prologues, Prefaces, and the Pretales or Stories, +Adventures which preceded the principal Expedition or Tain, from various +vellum MSS. in the Libraries of Trinity College and the Royal Irish +Academy, Dublin, 1872." (A good translation, for its time. For O'Looney's +works on the Tain, see the Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, Second +Series, Vol. i, No. 11, Polite Literature and Antiquities, Dublin, 1875; +for W.J. Hennessy's, see The Academy, No. 873, Lee, "Dictionary of National +Biography," xxv, 1891, pages 424-425, and V. Tourneur, "Esquisse d'une +histoire des etudes celtiques," page 90, note 5.) The Royal Irish Academy +contains another manuscript translation of the Tain (24, M, 39), by John +O'Daly, 1857. It is a wretched translation. In one place, O'Daly speaks of +William Rily as the translator. L. Winifred Faraday's "The Cattle-Raid of +Cualnge," London, 1904, is based on LU. and YBL. Two copies of a complete +translation of the LL. text dating from about 1850 is in the possession +of John Quinn, Esq., of New York City. H. d'Arbois de Jubainville +translated the Tain from the LL. text, but with many omissions: "Enlevement +[du Taureau Divin et] des Vaches de Cooley," Revue Celtique, tomes +xxviii-xxxii, Paris, 1907 and fl. Eleanor Hull's "The Cuchullin Saga," +London, 1898, contains (pages 111-227) an analysis of the Tain and a +translation by Standish H. O'Grady of portions of the Add. 18748 text. "The +Tain, An Irish Epic told in English Verse," by Mary A. Hutton, Dublin, +1907, and Lady Augusta Gregory's, "Cuchulain of Muirthemne," London, 1903, +are paraphrases. The episode "The Boyish Feats of Cuchulinn" was translated +by Eugene O'Curry, "On the Manners and Customs of the Ancient Irish," +Vol. i, Introduction, pages 359-366, and the episode "The Fight of Ferdiad +and Cuchulaind," was translated by W.K. Sullivan, ibid., Vol. ii, Lectures, +Vol. i, Appendix, pages 413-463. + +Important studies on the Tain have come from the pen of Heinrich Zimmer: +"Ueber den compilatorischen Charakter der irischen Sagentexte im sogenannten +Lebor na hUidre," Kuhn's Zeitschrift fuer vergleichende Sprachforschung, Bd. +xxviii, 1887, pages 417-689, and especially pages 426-554; "Keltische +Beitraege," Zeitschrift fuer deutsches Alterthum und deutsche Litteratur, +Vol. xxxii, 1888, pages 196-334; "Beitraege zur Erklaerung irischer +Sagentexte," Zeitschrift fuer Celtische Philologie, Bd. i, pages 74-101, and +Bd. iii, pages 285-303. See also, William Ridgeway, "The Date of the first +Shaping of the Cuchulainn Saga," Oxford, 1907; H. d'Arbois de Jubainville, +"Etude sur le Tain Bo Cualnge," Revue Celtique, tome xxviii, 1907, pages +17-40; Alfred Nutt, "Cuchulainn, the Irish Achilles," in Popular Studies in +Mythology, Romance and Folklore, No. 8, London, 1900. The Celtic Magazine, +Vol. xiii, pages 319-326, 351-359, Inverness, 1888, contains an English +translation of a degenerated Scottish Gaelic version taken down by A.A. +Carmichael, in Benbecula; the Gaelic text was printed in the Transactions +of the Gaelic Society of Inverness, Vol. ii. In the same volume of the +Celtic Magazine, pages 514-516, is a translation of a version of the Tain, +taken down in the island of Eigg. Eleanor Hull's "Cuchulain, the Hound of +Ulster," London, 1911, is a retelling of the story for younger readers. The +following, bearing more or less closely upon the Tain, are also to be +mentioned: Harry G. Tempest, "Dun Dealgan, Cuchulain's Home Fort," Dundalk, +1910; A.M. Skelly, "Cuchulain of Muirtheimhne," Dublin, 1908; Standish +O'Grady, "The Coming of Cuculain," London, 1894, "In the Gates of the +North," Kilkenny, 1901, "Cuculain, A Prose Epic," London, 1882 and the same +author's "History of Ireland: the Heroic Period," London, 1878-80; "The +High Deeds of Finn, and other Bardic Romances of Ancient Ireland," by +T.W. Rolleston, London, 1910; Stephen Gwynn, "Celtic Sagas Re-told," in his +"To-day and To-morrow in Ireland," pages 38-58, Dublin, 1903; Edward +Thomas, "Celtic Stories," Oxford, 1911; "Children of Kings," by W. Lorcan +O'Byrne, London, 1904, and "The Boy Hero of Erin," by Charles Squire, +London, 1907. + +Among the many poems which have taken their theme from the Tain and the +deeds of Cuchulain may be mentioned: "The Foray of Queen Meave," by Aubrey +de Vere, Poetic Works, London, 1882, vol. ii, pages 255-343; "The Old Age +of Queen Maeve," by William Butler Yeats, Collected Works, vol. I, page 41, +London, 1908; "The Defenders of the Ford," by Alice Milligan, in her "Hero +Lays," page 50, Dublin, 1908; George Sigerson, "Bards of the Gael and the +Gall," London, 1897; "The Tain-Quest," by Sir Samuel Ferguson, in his "Lays +of the Western Gael and other Poems," Dublin, 1897; "The Red Branch Crests, +A Trilogy," by Charles Leonard Moore, London, 1906; "The Laughter of +Scathach," by Fiona Macleod, in "The Washer of the Ford and Barbaric +Tales"; Hector Maclean, "Ultonian Hero-Ballads collected in the Highlands +and Western Isles of Scotland," Glasgow, 1892; ballad versions from +Scotland are found in Leabhar na Feinne, pages 1 and fol., in J.G. +Campbell's "The Fians," pages 6 and fol., and in the Book of the Dean +of Lismore. + +Finally, scenes from the Tain have been dramatized by Canon Peter O'Leary, +in the Cork "Weekly Examiner," April 14, 1900 and fol., by Sir Samuel +Ferguson, "The Naming of Cuchulain: A Dramatic Scene," first played in +Belfast, March 9, 1910; in "The Triumph of Maeve," A Romance in dramatic +form, 1906; "Cuchulain," etc., (A Cycle of Plays, by S. and J. Varian, +Dublin), and in "The Boy-Deeds of Cuchulain," A Pageant in three Acts, +performed in Dublin in 1909. + + + [1] "L'histoire entiere de l'Irlande est une enigme si on n'a pas sans + cesse a l'esprit ce fait primordial que le climat humide de l'ile est + tout a fait contraire a la culture des cereales, mais en revanche + eminemment favorable a l'elevage du betail, surtout de la race bovine, + car le climat est encore trop humide pour l'espece ovine." F. Lot, in + _La Grande Encyclopedie_, xx, 956. + + [2] As it is to this day in some parts of Ireland, and as for example + a female slave was sometimes appraised at three head of cattle among + the ancient Gaels. + + [3] In fact the Clan Mackay was known as the Clan of the creaghs, and + their perpetuation was enjoined on the rising generation from the + cradle; See _The Old Highlands_, vol. III., p. 338, Glasgow. + + [4] Pronounced approximately _Thawin' bow Hooln'ya_. + + [5] _Revue Celtique_, 1895, tome xvi. pp. 405-406; _Rerum Hibernicarum + Scriptores_, ii. 14. + + [6] _Mors Conchulaind fortissimi herois Scottorum la Lugaid mac tri + con, i. ri Muman, agus la Ercc, i. ri Temrach, mac Coirpri Niad fir, + agus la tri maccu Calattin de Chonnachtaib; vii. mbliadna a aes intan + rogab gaisced. xvii. mbliadna dano a aes intan mboi indegaid Tana Bo + Cualnge. xxvii. bliadna immorro a aes intan atbath. Revue Celtique,_ + tome xvi. page 407. + + [7] Ridgeway. + + [8] See H. d'Arbois de Jubainville, _Essai d'un catalogue de la + litterature epique de l'Irlande_, Paris, 1883, pages 214-216, and the + Supplement to the same by G. Dottin, _Revue Celtique_, t. xxxiii, + pages 34-35; Donald Mackinnon, _A Descriptive Catalogue of Gaelic + Manuscripts_, Edinburgh, 1912, pp. 174, 220; E. Windisch, Tain Bo + Cualnge, _Einleitung und Vorrede_, S. lx. ff. + + [9] Facsimile, page 288, foot margin. + + [10] Facsimile, page 275, top margin. + + [11] Vd. Robert Atkinson, _The Book of Leinster_, Introduction, pages + 7-8; J.H. Todd, _Cogadh Gaedhel re Gallaibh, Rerum Britannicarum medii + aevi scriptores_, 1867, Introduction, pages ix and ff. Eugene O'Curry, + _On the Manuscript Materials of Ancient Irish History_, page 186; + Ernst Windisch, _Tain Bo Cualnge_, pages 910-911. + + [12] Pronounced _gesh_ or _gas_. + + [13] "Es gehoert keine grosse Kuehnheit dazu zu behaupten, dass keiner + der lebenden Keltologen beispielsweise von dem wichtigsten altirischen + Sagentext 'Der Rinderraub von Cualnge' ... mit allen vorhandenen + Hilfsmitteln ein solches fortlaufendes Verstaendnis des Inhalts hat, + wie von einem guten Gymnasialabiturienten hinsichtlich der homerischen + Gedichte ohne jegliches Hilfsmittel vor gut 30 Jahren in Deutschland + verlangt wurde."--_Die Kultur der Gegenwart_, herausgegeben von Paul + Hinneberg, Berlin, 1909. Teil I, Abt. xi, I. S. 75. + + [14] Part II, chap, lxii (Garnier Hermanos edition, page 711). + + * * * * * + +[Page 1] + + + + +Here beginneth Tain Bo Cualnge + +The Cualnge Cattle-raid + + + + +I + +THE PILLOW-TALK + + +[W.1.] [LL.fo.53.] Once of a time, that Ailill and Medb had spread their +royal bed in Cruachan, the stronghold of Connacht, such was the pillow-talk +that befell betwixt them: + +Quoth Ailill: "True is the saying, lady, 'She is a well-off woman that is a +rich man's wife.'" "Aye, that she is," answered the wife; "but wherefore +opin'st thou so?" "For this," Ailill replied, "that thou art this day +better off than the day that first I took thee." Then answered Medb: "As +well-off was I before I ever saw thee." "It was a wealth, forsooth, we +never heard nor knew of," Ailill said; "but a woman's wealth was all thou +hadst, and foes from lands next thine were used to carry off the spoil and +booty that they took from thee." "Not so was I," quoth Medb; "the High King +of Erin himself was my sire, Eocho Fedlech ('the Enduring') son of Finn, by +name, who was son of Findoman, son of Finden, son of Findguin, son of Rogen +Ruad ('the Red'), son of Rigen, son of Blathacht, son of Beothacht, son of +Enna Agnech, son of Oengus Turbech. Of daughters, had he six: Derbriu, +Ethne and Ele, Clothru, Mugain and Medb, myself, that was the noblest and +seemliest of them. 'Twas I was the goodliest of them in bounty [W.17.] and +gift-giving, [1]in riches and treasures.[1] 'Twas I was best of them in +battle and strife and combat. 'Twas I that had fifteen hundred royal +mercenaries of the sons of aliens exiled from their own land, and as many +more of the sons of freemen of the land. And there were ten men with every +one of these hirelings, [2]and nine men with every hireling,[2] and eight +men with every hireling, and seven men with every hireling, and six men +with every hireling, and five men with every hireling, [3]and four men with +every hireling,[3] and three men with every hireling, and two men with +every hireling, and one hireling with every hireling. These were as a +standing household-guard," continued Medb; "hence hath my father bestowed +one of the five provinces of Erin upon me, even the province of Cruachan; +wherefore 'Medb of Cruachan' am I called. Men came from Finn son of Ross +Ruad ('the Red'), king of Leinster, to seel me [4]for a wife, and I refused +him;[4] and from Carbre Niafer ('the Champion') son of Ross Ruad ('the +Red'), king of Temair,[a] [5]to woo me, and I refused him;[5] and they came +from Conchobar son of Fachtna Fathach ('the Mighty'), king of Ulster, +[6]and I refused him in like wise.[6] They came from Eocho Bec ('the +Small'), and I went not; for 'tis I that exacted a singular bride-gift, +such as no woman before me had ever required of a man of the men of Erin, +namely, a husband without avarice, without jealousy, without fear. For +should he be mean, the man with whom I should live, we were ill-matched +together, inasmuch as I am great [LL.fo.54a.] in largess and gift-giving, +and it would be a disgrace for my husband if I should be better [W.34.] at +spending than he, [1]and for it to be said that I was superior in wealth +and treasures to him[1], while no disgrace would it be were one as great as +the other[a]. Were my husband a coward, 'twere as unfit for us to be mated, +for I by myself and alone break battles and fights and combats, and 'twould +be a reproach for my husband should his wife be more full of life than +himself, and no reproach our being equally bold. Should he be jealous, the +husband with whom I should live, that too would not suit me, for there +never was a time that I had not my paramour[b]. Howbeit, such a husband +have I found, namely in thee thyself, Ailill son of Ross Ruad ('the Red') +of Leinster. Thou wast not churlish; thou wast not jealous; thou wast not a +sluggard. It was I plighted thee, and gave purchase-price to thee, which +of right belongs to the bride--of clothing, namely, the raiment of twelve +men, a chariot worth thrice seven bondmaids, the breadth of thy face of red +gold[c], the weight of thy left forearm of silvered bronze. Whoso brings +shame and sorrow and madness upon thee, no claim for compensation nor +satisfaction hast thou therefor that I myself have not, [2]but it is to me +the compensation belongs,"[2] said Medb, "for a man dependent upon a +woman's maintenance is what thou art."[d] + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [3-3] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [4-4] Stowe and Add. + + [a] That is, from the supreme king of Ireland. + + [5-5] Stowe and Add. + + [6-6] Stowe and Add. + + [1-1] Stowe and, similarly Add. + + [a] A short sentence in LL., which is probably corrupt, is omitted + here. + + [b] Literally, "A man behind (in) the shadow of another." + + [c] Instead of a ring, which would be given to the bride. + + [2-2] Add. and H. 1. 13. + + [d] For a detailed explanation of this entire passage see H. Zimmer, + in the _Sitzungsberichte der Koeninglich Preussischen Akademie der + Wissenschaften_, 16 Februar, 1911. _philosophisch historischen Classe, + Seite 217_. + +"Nay, not such was my state," said Ailill; "but two brothers had I; one of +them over Temair, the other over Leinster; namely, Finn, over Leinster, and +Carbre, over Temair. I left the kingship to them because they were [W.52.] +older but not superior to me in largess and bounty. Nor heard I of province +in Erin under woman's keeping but this province alone. And for this I came +and assumed the kingship here as my mother's successor; for Mata of Muresc, +daughter of Magach [1]of Connacht,[1] was my mother. And who could there be +for me to have as my queen better than thyself, being, as thou wert, +daughter of the High King of Erin?" "Yet so it is," pursued Medb, "my +fortune is greater than thine." "I marvel at that," Ailill made answer, +"for there is none that hath greater treasures and riches and wealth than +I: yea, to my knowledge there is not." + + [1-1] Add. and H. 1. 13. + + * * * * * + +[Page 5] + + + + +II + +[1]THE OCCASION OF THE TAIN[1] + + +[W.62.] Then were brought to them the least precious of their possessions, +that they might know which of them had the more treasures, riches and +wealth. Their pails and their cauldrons and their iron-wrought vessels, +their jugs and their keeves and their eared pitchers were fetched to them. + + [1-1] Add. and Stowe. + +Likewise, their rings and their bracelets and their thumb-rings and their +golden treasures were fetched to them, and their apparel, both purple and +blue and black and green, yellow, vari-coloured and gray, dun, mottled and +brindled. + +Their numerous flocks of sheep were led in from fields and meeds and +plains. These were counted and compared, and found to be equal, of like +size, of like number; however, there was an uncommonly fine ram over Medb's +sheep, and he was equal in worth to a bondmaid, but a corresponding ram was +over the ewes of Ailill. + +Their horses and steeds and studs were brought from pastures and paddocks. +There was a noteworthy horse in Medb's herd and he was of the value of a +bondmaid; a horse to match was found among Ailill's. + +Then were their numerous droves of swine driven from woods and shelving +glens and wolds. These were numbered and counted and claimed. There was a +noteworthy boar With Medb, and yet another with Ailill. + +Next they brought before them their droves of cattle [W.77.] and their +herds and their roaming flocks from the brakes and wastes of the province. + + +These were counted and numbered and claimed, and were the same for both, +equal in size, equal in number, except only there was an especial bull +of the bawn of Ailill, and he was a calf of one of Medb's cows, and +Finnbennach ('the Whitehorned') was his name. But he, deeming it no honour +to be in a woman's possession, [LL.fo.54b.] had left and gone over to the +kine of the king. And it was the same to Medb as if she owned not a +pennyworth, forasmuch as she had not a bull of his size amongst her cattle. + +Then it was that macRoth the messenger was summoned to Medb, and Medb +strictly bade macRoth to learn where there might be found a bull of that +likeness in any of the provinces of Erin. "Verily," said macRoth, "I know +where the bull is that is best and better again, in the province of Ulster, +in the hundred of Cualnge, in the house of Dare son of Fiachna; even Donn +Cualnge ('the Brown Bull of Cualnge') he is called." + +"Go thou to him, macRoth, and ask for me of Dare the loan for a year of the +Brown Bull of Cualnge, and at the year's end he shall have the meed of the +loan, to wit, fifty heifers and the Donn Cualnge himself. And bear thou a +further boon with thee, macRoth. Should the border-folk and those of the +country grudge the loan of that rare jewel that is the Brown Bull of +Cualnge, let Dare himself come with his bull, and he shall get a measure +equalling his own land of the smooth Plain of Ai and a chariot of the worth +of thrice seven bondmaids and he shall enjoy my own close friendship."[a] + + [a] Literally, "Habebit amicitiam fermoris mei." + +Thereupon the messengers fared forth to the house of Dare son of Fiachna. +This was the number wherewith macRoth went, namely, nine couriers. Anon +welcome was [W.99.] lavished on macRoth in Dare's house--fitting, welcome +it was--chief messenger of all was macRoth. Dare asked of macRoth what had +brought him upon the journey and why he was come. The messenger announced +the cause for which he was come and related the contention between Medb and +Ailill. + +"And it is to beg the loan of the Brown Bull of Cualnge to match the +Whitehorned that I am come," said he; "and thou shalt receive the hire of +his loan, even fifty heifers and the Brown of Cualnge himself. And yet more +I may add: Come thyself with thy bull and thou shalt have of the land of +the smooth soil of Mag Ai as much as thou ownest here, and a chariot of the +worth of thrice seven bondmaids and enjoy Medb's friendship to boot." + +At these words Dare was well pleased, and he leaped for joy so that the +seams of his flock-bed rent in twain beneath him. + +"By the truth of our conscience," said he; "however the Ulstermen take it, +[1]whether ill or well,[1] this time this jewel shall be delivered to +Ailill and to Medb, the Brown of Cualnge to wit, into the land of +Connacht." Well pleased was macRoth at the words of the son of Fiachna. + + [1-1] Stowe and Add. + +Thereupon they were served, and straw and fresh rushes were spread under +them. The choicest of food was brought to them and a feast was served to +them and soon they were noisy and drunken. And a discourse took place +between two of the messengers. "'Tis true what I say," spoke the one; "good +is the man in whose house we are." "Of a truth, he is good." "Nay, is there +one among all the men of Ulster better than he?" persisted the first. "In +sooth, there is," answered the second messenger. "Better is Conchobar whose +man he is, [2]Conchobar who holds the kingship of the province.[2] And +though all the Ulstermen [W.120.] gathered around him, it were no shame +for them. Yet is it passing good of Dare, that what had been a task for the +four mighty provinces of Erin to bear away from the land of Ulster, even +the Brown Bull of Cualnge, is surrendered so freely to us nine footmen." + + [2-2] Stowe and Add. + + +Hereupon a third runner had his say: "What is this ye dispute about?" he +asked. "Yon runner says, 'A good man is the man in whose house we are.'" +"Yea, he is good," saith the other. "Is there among all the Ulstermen any +that is better than he?" demanded the first runner further. "Aye, there +is," answered the second runner; "better is Conchobar whose man he is; and +though all the Ulstermen gathered around him, it were no shame for them. +Yet, truly good it is of Dare, that what had been a task for four of the +grand provinces of Erin to bear away out of the borders of Ulster is handed +over even unto us nine footmen." "I would not grudge to see a retch of +blood and gore in the mouth whereout that was said; for, were the bull not +given [LL.fo.55a.] willingly, yet should he be taken by force!" + +At that moment it was that Dare macFiachna's chief steward came into the +house and with him a man with drink and another with food, and he heard the +foolish words of the runners; and anger came upon him, and he set down +their food and drink for them and he neither said to them, "Eat," nor did +he say, "Eat not." + +Straightway he went into the house where was Dare macFiachna and said: "Was +it thou that hast given that notable jewel to the messengers, the Brown +Bull of Cualnge?" "Yea, it was I," Dare made answer. "Verily, it was not +the part of a king to give him. For it is true what they say: Unless thou +hadst bestowed him of thine own free will, so wouldst thou yield him in +despite of thee by the host of Ailill and Medb and by the great cunning of +Fergus macRoig." "I swear by the gods whom I worship," [W.143.] [1]spoke +Dare,[1] "they shall in no wise take by foul means what they cannot take by +fair!" + + [1-1] Stowe and Add. + +There they abide till morning. Betimes on the morrow the runners arise and +proceed to the house where is Dare. "Acquaint us, lord, how we may reach +the place where the Brown Bull of Cualnge is kept." "Nay then," saith Dare; +"but were it my wont to deal foully with messengers or with travelling folk +or with them that go by the road, not one of you would depart alive!" "How +sayest thou?" quoth macRoth. "Great cause there is," replied Dare; "ye +said, unless I yielded in good sort, I should yield to the might of +Ailill's host and Medb's and the great cunning of Fergus." + +"Even so," said macRoth, "whatever the runners drunken with thine ale and +thy viands have said, 'tis not for thee to heed nor mind, nor yet to be +charged on Ailill and on Medb." "For all that, macRoth, this time I will +not give my bull, if ever I can help it!" + +Back then the messengers go till they arrive at Cruachan, the stronghold of +Connacht. Medb asks their tidings, and macRoth makes known the same: that +they had not brought his bull from Dare. "And the reason?" demanded Medb. +MacRoth recounts to her how the dispute arose. "There is no need to polish +knots over such affairs as that, macRoth; for it was known," said Medb, "if +the Brown Bull of Cualnge would not be given with their will, he would be +taken in their despite, and taken he shall be!" + +[2]To this point is recounted the Occasion of the Tain.[2] + + [2-2] Stowe and Add. + + * * * * * + +[Page 10] + + + + +III + +[1]THE RISING-OUT OF THE MEN OF CONNACHT AT CRUACHAN AI[1] + + +[W.161.] [2]A mighty host was now assembled by the men of Connacht, that +is, by Ailill and Medb, and they sent word to the three other provinces, +and[2] messengers were despatched from Medb to the Mane that they should +gather in Cruachan, the seven Mane with their seven divisions; to wit: Mane +"Motherlike," Mane "Fatherlike," and Mane "All-comprehending", [3]'twas he +that possessed the form of his mother and of his father and the dignity of +them both;[3] Mane "Mildly-submissive," and Mane "Greatly-submissive," Mane +"Boastful" [4]and Mane "the Dumb."[4] + + [1-1] Add. + + [2-2] LU. 1-2; with these words, the LU. version begins, fo. 55a. + + [3-3] LU. 182. + + [4-4] Stowe and Add. + +Other messengers were despatched [5]by Ailill[5] to the sons of Maga; to +wit: to Cet ('the First') son of Maga, Anluan ('the Brilliant Light') son +of Maga, and Maccorb ('Chariot-child') son of Maga, and Bascell ('the +Lunatic') son of Maga, and En ('the Bird') son of Maga, Doche son of Maga; +and Scandal ('Insult') son of Maga. + + [5-5] Eg. 1782. + +These came, and this was their muster, thirty hundred armed men. Other +messengers were despatched from them to Cormac Conlongas ('the Exile') son +of Conchobar and to Fergus macRoig, and they also came, thirty hundred +their number. + +[W.173.] [1]Now Cormac had three companies which came to Cruachan.[1] +Before all, the first company. A covering of close-shorn [2]black[2] hair +upon them. Green mantles and [3]many-coloured cloaks[3] wound about them; +therein, silvern brooches. Tunics of thread of gold next to their skin, +[4]reaching down to their knees,[4] with interweaving of red gold. +Bright-handled swords they bore, with guards of silver. [5]Long shields +they bore, and there was a broad, grey spearhead on a slender shaft in the +hand of each man.[5] "Is that Cormac, yonder?" all and every one asked. +"Not he, indeed," Medb made answer. + + [1-1] LU. 7. + + [2-2] Add. + + [3-3] LU. 8. + + [4-4] LU. 9. + + [5-5] LU. 9-10. + +The second troop. Newly shorn hair they wore [6]and manes on the back of +their heads,[6] [7]fair, comely indeed.[7] Dark-blue cloaks they all had +about them. Next to their skin, gleaming-white tunics, [LL.fo.55b.] [8]with +red ornamentation, reaching down to their calves.[8] Swords they had with +round hilts of gold and silvern fist-guards, [9]and shining shields upon +them and five-pronged spears in their hands.[9] "Is yonder man Cormac?" all +the people asked. "Nay, verily, that is not he," Medb made answer. + + [6-6] Eg. 1782. + + [7-7] Add. + + [8-8] LU. 11-12. + + [9-9] LU. 12-13. + +[10]Then came[10] the last troop. Hair cut broad they wore; fair-yellow, +deep-golden, loose-flowing back hair [11]down to their shoulders[11] upon +them. Purple cloaks, fairly bedizened, about them; golden, embellished +brooches over their breasts; [12]and they had curved shields with sharp, +chiselled edges around them and spears as long as the pillars of a king's +house in the hand of each man.[12] Fine, long, silken tunics [13]with +hoods[13] they wore to the very instep. Together they raised their feet, +and together they set them down again. "Is that Cormac, yonder?" asked +all. "Aye, it is he, [14]this time,[14]" Medb made answer. + + [10-10] Eg. 1782. + + [11-11] LU. 16. + + [12-12] LU. 17-18. + + [13-13] LU. 15. + + [14-14] Eg. 1782. + +[W.186.] [1]Thus the four provinces of Erin gathered in Cruachan Ai.[1] +They pitched their camp and quarters that night, so that a thick cloud of +smoke and fire rose between the four fords of Ai, which are, Ath Moga, Ath +Bercna, Ath Slissen and Ath Coltna. And they tarried for the full space of +a fortnight in Cruachan, the hostel of Connacht, in wassail and drink and +every disport, to the end that their march and muster might be easier. +[2]And their poets and druids would not let them depart from thence till +the end of a fortnight while awaiting good omen.[2] And then it was that +Medb bade her charioteer to harness her horses for her, that she might go +to address herself to her druid, to seek for light and for augury from him. + + [1-1] Eg. 1782. + + [2-2] LU. 20-21. + + * * * * * + +[Page 13] + + + + +IV + +THE FORETELLING[a] + + +[W.194.] When Medb was come to the place where her druid was, she craved +light and augury of him. "Many there be," saith Medb, "who do part with +their kinsmen and friends here to-day, and from their homes and their +lands, from father and from mother; and unless unscathed every one shall +return, upon me will they cast their sighs and their ban, [1]for it is I +that have assembled this levy.[1] Yet there goeth not forth nor stayeth +there at home any dearer to me than are we to ourselves. And do thou +discover for us whether we ourselves shall return, or whether we shall +never return." + + [a] This heading is taken from the colophon at the end of the chapter. + + [1-1] LU. 23-24. + +And the druid made answer, "Whoever comes not, thou thyself shalt come." +[2]"Wait, then," spake the charioteer," let me wheel the chariot by the +right,[b] that thus the power of a good omen may arise that we return +again."[2] Then the charioteer wheeled his chariot round and Medb went back +[3]again,[3] when she espied a thing that surprised her: A lone virgin +[4]of marriageable age[4] standing on the hindpole of a chariot a little +way off drawing nigh her. And thus the maiden appeared: Weaving lace was +she, and in her right hand was a bordering rod of silvered [W.204.] bronze +with its seven strips of red gold at the sides. A many-spotted green mantle +around her; a bulging, strong-headed pin [1]of gold[1] in the mantle over +her bosom; [2]a hooded tunic, with red interweaving, about her.[2] A ruddy, +fair-faced countenance she had, [3]narrow below and broad above.[3] She had +a blue-grey and laughing eye; [4]each eye had three pupils.[4] [5]Dark and +black were her eyebrows; the soft, black lashes threw a shadow to the +middle of her cheeks.[5] Red and thin were her lips. Shiny and pearly were +her teeth; thou wouldst believe they were showers of white pearls that had +rained into her head. Like to fresh Parthian crimson were her lips. As +sweet as the strings of lutes [6]when long sustained they are played by +master players' hands[6] was the melodious sound of her voice and her fair +speech. + + [2-2] LU. 24-25. + + [b] Right-hand wise, as a sign of a good omen. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] Eg. 1782. + + [1-1] Eg. 1782. + + [2-2] Eg. 1782. + + [3-3] LU. 29. + + [4-4] LU. 35-36. + + [5-5] LU. 31. + + [6-6] Adopting Windisch's emendation of the text. + +As white as snow in one night fallen was the sheen of her skin and her body +that shone outside of her dress. Slender and very white were her feet; +rosy, even, sharp-round nails she had; [7]two sandals with golden buckles +about them.[7] Fair-yellow, long, golden hair she wore; three braids of +hair [8]she wore; two tresses were wound[8] around her head; the other +tress [9]from behind[9] threw a shadow down on her calves. [10]The maiden +carried arms, and two black horses were under her chariot.[10] + + [7-7] LU. 29. + + [8-8] Eg. 1782. + + [9-9] Add. + + [10-10] LU. 36. + +Medb gazed at her. "And what doest thou here now, O maiden?" asked Medb. "I +impart [LL.fo.56a.] to thee thine advantage and good fortune in thy +gathering and muster of the four mighty provinces of Erin against the land +of Ulster on the Raid for the Kine of Cualnge." "Wherefore doest thou this +for me?" asked Medb. "Much cause have I. A bondmaid 'mid thy people am I." +"Who of [W.220.] my people art thou [1]and what is thy name[1]?" asked +Medb. "Not hard, in sooth, to say. The prophetess Fedelm, from the Sid +('the Fairy Mound') of Cruachan, [2]a poetess of Connacht[2] am I." +[3]"Whence comest thou?" asked Medb. "From Alba, after learning prophetic +skill," the maiden made answer. "Hast thou the form of divination?"[b] +"Verily, have I," the maiden said.[3] [4]"Look, then, for me, how will my +undertaking be." The maiden looked. Then spake Medb:--[4] + + [1-1] Eg. 1782. + + [2-2] Eg. 1782. + + [3-3] LU. 39-41. + + [b] _Imbass forosna_, 'illumination between the hands.' + + [4-4] Eg. 1782. + +"Good now, + + "Tell, O Fedelm, prophet-maid, + How beholdest thou our host?" + +[5]Fedelm answered and spoke:[5] + + "Crimson-red from blood they are; + I behold them bathed in red!" + + [5-5] Eg. 1782. + +[6]"That is no true augury,"[6] said Medb. "Verily, Conchobar [7]with the +Ulstermen[7] is in his 'Pains' in Emain; thither fared my messengers [8]and +brought me true tidings[8]; naught is there that we need dread from +Ulster's men. But speak truth, O Fedelm:-- + + "Tell, O Fedelm, prophet-maid, + How beholdest thou our host?" + + "Crimson-red from blood they are; + I behold them bathed in red!" + + [6-6] LU. 44. + + [7-7] Eg. 1782. + + [8-8] Eg. 1782. + +[9]"That is no true augury.[9] Cuscraid Mend ('the Stammerer') of Macha, +Conchobar's son, is in Inis Cuscraid ('Cuscraid's Isle') in his 'Pains.' +Thither fared my messengers; naught need we fear from Ulster's men. But +speak truth, O Fedelm:-- + + [W.233.] "Tell, O Fedelm, prophet-maid, + How beholdest thou our host?" + + "Crimson-red from blood they are; + I behold them bathed in red!" + + [9-9] LU. 48. + +"Eogan, Durthacht's son, is in Rath Airthir ('the Eastern Rath') in his +'Pains.' Thither went my messengers. Naught need we dread from Ulster's +men. But speak truth, O Fedelm:-- + + "Tell, O Fedelm, prophet-maid, + How beholdest thou our host?" + + "Crimson-red from blood they are; + I behold them bathed in red!" + +"Celtchar, Uthechar's son, is in his fort [1]at Lethglas[1] in his 'Pains,' +[2]and a third of the Ulstermen with him.[2] Thither fared my messengers. +Naught have we to fear from Ulster's men. [3]And Fergus son of Roig son of +Eochaid is with us here in exile, and thirty hundred with him.[3] But speak +truth, O Fedelm:-- + + "Tell, O Fedelm, prophet-maid, + How beholdest thou our host?" + + "Crimson-red from blood they are; + I behold them bathed in red!" + + [1-1] LU. 50. + + [2-2] LU. 49. + + [3-3] LU. 50-51. + +"Meseemeth this not as it seemeth to thee," quoth Medb, "for when Erin's +men shall assemble in one place, there quarrels will arise and broils, +contentions and disputes amongst them about the ordering of themselves in +the van or rear, at ford or river, over who shall be first at killing a +boar or a stag or a deer or a hare. But, [4]look now again for us and[4] +speak truth, O Fedelm:-- + + "Tell, O Fedelm, prophet-maid, + How beholdest thou our host?" + + "Crimson-red from blood they are; + I behold them bathed in red!" + + [4-4] LU. 55. + +Therewith she began to prophesy and to foretell the coming of Cuchulain to +the men of Erin, and she chanted a lay:-- + + [W.255.] "[a]Fair, of deeds, the man I see; + Wounded sore is his fair skin; + On his brow shines hero's light; + Victory's seat is in his face! + + "Seven gems of champions brave + Deck the centre of his orbs; + Naked are the spears he bears, + And he hooks a red cloak round! + + "Noblest face is his, I see; + He respects all womankind. + Young the lad and fresh his hue, + With a dragon's form in fight! + + "I know not who is the Hound, + Culann's hight,[b] [1]of fairest fame[1]; + But I know full well this host + Will be smitten red by him! + + "Four small swords--a brilliant feat-- + He supports in either hand; + These he'll ply upon the host, + Each to do its special deed! + + "His Gae Bulga,[c] too, he wields, + With his sword and javelin. + Lo, the man in red cloak girt + Sets his foot on every hill! + + "Two spears [2]from the chariot's left[2] + He casts forth in orgy wild. + And his form I saw till now + Well I know will change its guise! + + "On to battle now he comes; + If ye watch not, ye are doomed. + This is he seeks ye in fight + Brave Cuchulain, Sualtaim's son! + + "All your host he'll smite in twain, + Till he works your utter ruin. + [W.291.] All your heads ye'll leave with him. + Fedelm, prophet-maid, hides not! + + "Gore shall flow from warriors' wounds; + Long 'twill live in memory. + [LL.fo.56b.] Bodies hacked and wives in tears, + Through the Smith's Hound[a] whom I see!" + + [a] The Eg. 1782 version of this poem differs in several details + from LL. + + [b] That is, Cu Chulain, 'the Hound of Culann.' + + [1-1] Tranlating from LU. 65, Stowe and Add. + + [c] The _Gae Bulga_, 'barbed spear,' which only Cuchulain could wield. + + [2-2] Translating from LU. 72, Add. and Stowe; 'from the left,' as a + sign of enmity. + + [a] That is, Cuchulain. See page 17. + +Thus far the Augury and the Prophecy and the Preface of the Tale, and the +Occasion of its invention and conception, and the Pillow-talk which Ailill +and Medb had in Cruachan. [1]Next follows the Body of the Tale itself.[1] + + [1-1] Stowe and Add. + + * * * * * + +[Page 19] + + + + +V + +THIS IS THE ROUTE OF THE TAIN + + +[W.301.] and the Beginning of the Expedition and the Names of the Roads +which the hosts of the four of the five grand provinces of Erin took into +the land of Ulster. [1]On Monday after Summer's end[1] [2]they set forth +and proceeded:[2] + + [1-1] LU. 81. + + [2-2] Eg. 1782. + +[3]South-east from Cruachan Ai,[3] by Mag Cruimm, over Tuaim Mona ('the +Hill of Turf'), by Turloch Teora Crich ('the Creek of three Lands'), by Cul +('the Nook') of Silinne, by Dubloch ('Black Lough'), [4]by Fid Dubh ('Black +Woods'),[4] by Badbgna, by Coltain, by the Shannon, by Glune Gabur, by Mag +Trega, by Tethba in the north, by Tethba in the south, by Cul ('the Nook'), +by Ochain, northwards by Uatu, eastwards by Tiarthechta, by Ord ('the +Hammer'), by Slaiss ('the Strokes'), [5]southwards,[5] by Indeoin ('the +Anvil'), by Carn, by Meath, by Ortrach, by Findglassa Assail, ('White +Stream of Assail'), by Drong, by Delt, by Duelt, by Delinn, by Selaig, by +Slabra, by Slechta, where swords hewed out roads before Medb and Ailill, by +Cul ('the Nook') of Siblinne, by Dub ('the Blackwater'), by Ochonn +[6]southwards,[6] by Catha, by Cromma [7]southwards,[7] by Tromma, +[8]eastwards[8] by Fodromma, by Slane, by Gort Slane, [9]to the south +of[9] Druim Licce, by Ath Gabla, by Ardachad ('Highfield'), [W.356.] +[1]northwards[1] by Feorainn, by Finnabair ('White Plain'), by Assa +[2]southwards,[2] by Airne, by Aurthuile, by Druim Salfind ('Salfind +Ridge'), by Druim Cain, by Druim Caimthechta, by Druim macDega, by the +little Eo Dond ('Brown Tree'), by the great Eo Dond, by Meide in Togmaill +('Ferret's Neck'), by Meide in Eoin, ('Bird's Neck'), by Baille ('the +Town'), by Aile, by Dall Scena, by Ball Scena, by Ross Mor ('Great Point'), +by Scuap ('the Broom'), by Imscuap, by Cenn Ferna, by Anmag, by Fid Mor +('Great Wood') in Crannach of Cualnge, [3]by Colbtha, by Crond in +Cualnge,[3] by Druim Cain on the road to Midluachar, [4]from Finnabair of +Cualnge. It is at that point that the hosts of Erin divided over the +province in pursuit of the bull. For it was by way of those places they +went until they reached Finnabair. Here endeth the Title. The Story +begineth in order.[4] + + [3-3] Stowe and Add. + + [4-4] LU. 87, Stowe and Add. + + [5-5] LU. 96. and Stowe. + + [6-6] Eg. 1782. + + [7-7] Eg. 1782. + + [8-8] LU. 113. + + [9-9] LU. 116. + + [1-1] LU. 119. + + [2-2] LU. 121. + + [3-3] LU. 146-148. + + [4-4] LU. 149-161. + + * * * * * + +[Page 21] + + + + +VI + +THE MARCH OF THE HOST + + +[W.389.] On the first stage the hosts went [1]from Cruachan,[1] they slept +the night at Cul Silinne, [2]where to-day is Cargin's Lough.[2] And [3]in +that place[3] was fixed the tent of Ailill son of Ross, [4]and the +trappings were arranged, both bedding and bed-clothes.[4] The tent of +Fergus macRoig was on his right hand; Cormac Conlongas, Conchobar's son, +was beside him; Ith macEtgaith next to that; Fiachu macFiraba, [5]the son +of Conchobar's daughter,[5] at its side; [6]Conall Cernach at its side,[6] +Gobnenn macLurnig at the side of that. The place of Ailill's tent was on +the right on the march, and thirty hundred men of Ulster beside him. And +the thirty hundred men of Ulster on his right hand had he to the end that +the whispered talk and conversation and the choice supplies of food and of +drink might be the nearer to them. + + [1-1] Eg. 1782. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] Translating from Stowe. + + [4-4] LU. 156-157. + + [5-5] LU. 160. + + [6-6] Eg. 1782. + +Medb of Cruachan, [7]daughter of Eocho Fedlech,[7] moreover, was at +Ailill's left. Finnabair ('Fairbrow'), [8]daughter of Ailill and Medb,[8] +at her side, [9]besides servants and henchmen.[9] Next, Flidais Foltchain +('of the Lovely Hair'), wife first of Ailill Finn ('the Fair'). She took +part in the Cow-spoil of Cualnge after she had slept with Fergus; and she +it was that every seventh night brought sustenance [W.404.] in milk to the +men of Erin on the march, for king and queen and prince and poet and pupil. + + [7-7] LU. 160. + + [8-8] LU. 161. + + [9-9] Eg. 1782. + +Medb remained in the rear of the host that day in quest of tidings and +augury [LL.fo.57a.] and knowledge. [1]She called to her charioteer to get +ready her nine chariots for her,[1] [2]to make a circuit of the camp[2] +that she might learn who was loath and who eager to take part in the +hosting. [3]With nine chariots[a] she was wont to travel, that the dust of +the great host might not soil her.[3] Medb suffered not her chariot to be +let down nor her horses unyoked until she had made a circuit of the camp. + + [1-1] LU. 153. + + [2-2] Eg. 1782. + + [3-3] Gloss in LU. fo. 56b, 3. + + [a] Following the emendation suggested by L. Chr. Stern, _Zeitschrift + fuer Celtische Philologie, Band_ II, S. 417, LU. has 'nine charioteers.' + +Then, [4]when she had reviewed the host,[4] were Medb's horses unyoked and +her chariots let down, and she took her place beside Ailill macMata. And +Ailill asked tidings of Medb: who was eager and who was loath for the +warfare. "Futile for all is the emprise but for one troop only, [5]namely +the division of the Galian ('of Leinster'),"[5] quoth Medb. [6]"Why blamest +thou these men?" queried Ailill. "It is not that we blame them," Medb made +answer.[6] "What good service then have these done that they are praised +above all?" asked Ailill. "There is reason to praise them," said Medb. +[7]"Splendid are the warriors.[7] When the others begin making their pens +and pitching their camp, these have finished building their bothies and +huts. When the rest are building their bothies and huts, these have +finished preparing their food and drink. When the rest are preparing their +food and drink, these have finished eating and feasting, [8]and their harps +are playing for them.[8] When all the others have finished eating and +feasting, these are by that [W.422.] time asleep. And even as their +servants and thralls are distinguished above the servants and thralls of +the men of Erin, so shall their heroes and champions be distinguished +beyond the heroes and champions of the men of Erin this time on this +hosting. [1]It is folly then for these to go, since it is those others will +enjoy the victory of the host.[1]" "So much the better, I trow," replied +Ailill; "for it is with us they go and it is for us they fight." "They +shall not go with us nor shall they fight for us." [2]cried Medb.[2] "Let +them stay at home then," said Ailill. "Stay they shall not," answered +Medb. "[3]They will fall on us in the rear and will seize our land against +us.[3]" "What shall they do then," Finnabair[a] asked, "if they go not out +nor yet remain at home?" "Death and destruction and slaughter is what I +desire for them," answered Medb. "For shame then on thy speech," spake +Ailill; "[4]'tis a woman's advice,[4] for that they pitch their tents +and make their pens so promptly and unwearily." "By the truth of my +conscience," cried Fergus, [5]"not thus shall it happen, for they are +allies of us men of Ulster.[5] No one shall do them to death but he that +does death to myself [6]along with them!"[6] + + [4-4] Eg. 1782. + + [5-5] LU. 164 and Stowe. + + [6-6] LU. 165. + + [7-7] LU. 165. + + [8-8] LU. 168. + + [1-1] LU. 169. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] LU. 171-172. + + [a] 'Ailill,' in Eg. 1782. + + [4-4] Eg. 1782. + + [5-5] LU. 175-176. + + [6-6] Stowe + +"Not to me oughtest thou thus to speak, O Fergus," then cried Medb, "for I +have hosts enough to slay and slaughter thee with the division of +Leinstermen round thee. For there are the seven Mane, [7]that is, my seven +sons[7] with their seven divisions, and the sons of Maga with their +[8]seven[8] divisions, and Ailill with his division, and I myself with my +own body-guard besides. We are strong enough here to kill and slaughter +thee with thy cantred of the Leinstermen round thee!" + + [7-7] LU. 179. + + [8-8] Add. + +"It befits thee not thus to speak to me," said Fergus, [W.439.] "for +I have with me here [1]in alliance with us Ulstermen,[1] the seven +Under-kings of Munster, with their seven cantreds. [2]Here we have what is +best of the youths of Ulster, even the division of the Black Banishment.[2] +Here we have what is best of the noble youths of Ulster, even the division +of the Galian ('of Leinster'). Furthermore, I myself am bond and surety and +guarantee for them, since ever they left their own native land. [3]I will +give thee battle in the midst of the camp,[3] and to me will they hold +steadfast on the day of battle. More than all that," added Fergus, "these +men shall be no subject of dispute. By that I mean I will never forsake +them. [4]For the rest, we will care for these warriors, to the end that +they get not the upper hand of the host. + + [1-1] LU. 184. + + [2-2] Reading with Stowe; LL. appears to be corrupt. This was the name + given to Fergus, Cormac and the other exiles from Ulster. + + [3-3] Eg. 1782. + +"The number of our force is seventeen cantreds, besides our rabble and our +women-folk--for with each king was his queen in Medb's company--and our +striplings; the eighteenth division is namely the cantred of the Galian.[4] +This division of Leinstermen I will distribute among [5]all the host of[5] +the men of Erin in such wise that no five men of them shall be in any one +place." "That pleaseth me well," said Medb: "let them be as they may, if +only they be not in the battle-order of the ranks where they now are in +such great force." + + [4-4] LU. 187-192. + + [5-5] Eg. 1782. + +Forthwith Fergus distributed the cantred [6]of the Galian[6] among the men +of Erin in such wise that there were not five men of them in any one place. + + [6-6] Stowe and Add. + +[LL.fo.57b.] Thereupon, the troops set out on their way and march. It was +no easy thing [7]for their kings and their leaders[7] to attend to that +mighty host. They took part in the expedition [W.453.] according to the +several tribes and according to the several stems and the several districts +wherewith they had come, to the end that they might see one other and know +one other, that each man might be with his comrades and with his friends +and with his kinsfolk on the march. They declared that in such wise they +should go. They also took counsel in what manner they should proceed on +their hosting. Thus they declared they should proceed: Each host with its +king, each troop with its lord, and each band with its captain; each king +and each prince of the men of Erin [1]by a separate route[1] on his halting +height apart. They took counsel who was most proper to seek tidings in +advance of the host between the two provinces. And they said it was Fergus, +inasmuch as the expedition was an obligatory one with him, for it was he +that had been seven years in the kingship of Ulster. And [2]after Conchobar +had usurped the kingship and[2] after the murder of the sons of Usnech who +were under his protection and surety, Fergus left the Ultonians, and for +seventeen years he was away from Ulster in exile and in enmity. For that +reason it was fitting that he above all should go after tidings. + + [7-7] Stowe. + + [1-1] Stowe and Add. + + [2-2] Stowe and Add. + +So [3]the lead of the way was entrusted to Fergus.[3] Fergus before all +fared forth to seek tidings, and a feeling of [4]love and[4] affection for +his kindred of the men of Ulster came over him, and he led the troops +astray in a great circuit to the north and the south. And he despatched +messengers with warnings to the Ulstermen, [5]who were at that time in +their 'Pains' except Cuchulain and his father Sualtaim.[5] And he began to +detain and delay the host [6]until such time as the men of Ulster should +have gathered together an army.[6] [7]Because of affection he did so.[7] + + [3-3] Eg. 1782. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 217. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 227. + + [7-7] Eg. 1782. + +[W.472.] Medb perceived this and she upbraided him for it, and chanted the +lay:-- + + Medb: "Fergus, speak, what shall we say? + What may mean this devious way? + For we wander north and south; + Over other lands we stray!" + + Fergus: "Medb, why art thou so perturbed? + There's no treacherous purpose here. + Ulster's land it is, O queen, + Over which I've led thy host!" + + Medb: "Ailill, splendid with his hosts, + [1]Fears thee lest thou should'st betray.[1] + Thou hast not bent all thy mind + To direct us on our way!" + + Fergus: "Not to bring the host to harm + Make these changing circuits I. + Haply could I now avoid + Sualtach's son, the Blacksmith's Hound!"[a] + + Medb: "Ill of thee to wrong our host, + Fergus, son of Ross the Red; + Much good hast thou found with us, + Fergus, in thy banishment!" + + "[2]If thou showest our foemen love, + No more shalt thou lead our troops; + Haply someone else we'll find + To direct us on our way![2]" + + [1-1] Reading with LU. and YBL. 252. + + [a] That is, Cuchulain. + + [2-2] Eg. 1782. + +"I will be in the van of the troops no longer," cried Fergus; "but do thou +find another to go before them." For all that, Fergus kept his place in +the van of the troops. + +The four mighty provinces of Erin passed that night on Cul Silinne. The +sharp, keen-edged anxiety for Cuchulain came upon Fergus and he warned the +men of Erin to be on their guard, because there would come upon them the +rapacious lion, and the doom of foes, the vanquisher of multitudes, and the +chief of retainers, the mangler of great hosts, the hand that dispenseth +[3]treasures,[3] and the flaming [W.502.] torch, even Cuchulain son of +Sualtaim.[a] And thus he foreshowed him and chanted a lay, and Medb +responded:-- + + Fergus: "Well for ye to heed and watch, + With array of arms and men. + He will come, the one we fear, + Murthemne's great, deedful youth!" + + Medb: "How so dear, this battle-rede, + Comes from thee, [LL.fo.58a.] Roig's son most bold. + Men and arms have I enough + To attend Cuchulain here!" + + Fergus: "Thou shalt need them, Medb of Ai, + Men and arms for battle hard, + With the grey steed's[b] horseman brave. + All the night and all the day!" + + Medb: "I have kept here in reserve + Heroes fit for fight and spoil; + Thirty hundred hostage-chiefs, + Leinster's bravest champions they. + + Fighting men from Cruachan fair, + Braves from clear-streamed Luachair, + Four full realms of goodly Gaels + Will defend me from this man!" + + Fergus: "Rich in troops from Mourne and Bann, + Blood he'll draw o'er shafts of spears; + He will cast to mire and sand + These three thousand Leinstermen. + + With the swallow's swiftest speed, + With the rush of biting wind, + So bounds on my dear brave Hound, + Breathing slaughter on his foes!" + + Medb: "Fergus, should he come 'tween us, + To Cuchulain bear this word: + He were prudent to stay still; + Cruachan holds a check in store." + + Fergus: "Valiant will the slaughter be + Badb's wild daughter[c] gloats upon. + For the Blacksmith's Hound will spill + Showers of blood on hosts of men!" + + [3-3] Stowe and Add. + + [a] MS.: _Sualtach._ + + [b] _Liath Mache_ ('the Roan of Macha'), the name of one of Cuchulain's + two horses. + + [c] That is, the goddess or fury of battle. + +[W.540.] After this lay the men of the four grand provinces of Erin marched +[1]on the morrow[1] over Moin Coltna ('the Marsh of Coltain') eastwards +that day; and there met them eight score deer [2]in a single herd.[2] The +troops spread out and surrounded and killed them so that none of them +escaped. + + [1-1] LU. 195. + + [2-2] Stowe and Add. + +But there is one event to add: Although the division of the Galian had been +dispersed [3]among the men of Erin,[3] [4]wherever there was a man of the +Galian, it was he that got them, except[4] five deer only which was the men +of Erin's share thereof, so that one division took all the eight score +deer. + + [3-3] Stowe and Add. + + [4-4] LU. 196. + +[5]Then they proceed to Mag Trega and they unyoke there and prepare their +food. It is said that it is there that Dubthach recited this stave:-- + + "Grant ye have not heard till now, + Giving ear to Dubthach's fray: + Dire-black war upon ye waits, + 'Gainst the Whitehorned of Queen Medb![a] + + "There will come the chief of hosts,[b] + War for Murthemne to wage. + Ravens shall drink garden's milk,[c] + This the fruit of swineherds' strife (?)[d] + + "Turfy Cron will hold them back, + Keep them back from Murthemne,[5] + [9]Till the warriors' work is done + On Ochaine's northern mount! + + "'Quick,' to Cormac, Ailill cries; + 'Go and seek ye out your son, + Loose no cattle from the fields, + Lest the din of the host reach them!' + + "Battle they'll have here eftsoon, + Medb and one third of the host. + Corpses will be scattered wide + If the Wildman[a] come to you!" + + [a] Literally, 'of Ailill's spouse.' + + [b] That is, Cuchulain. + + [c] A kenning for 'blood.' + + [d] Referring to the two bulls, the Brown and the Whitehorned, which + were the re-incarnations through seven intermediate stages of two + divine swineherds of the gods of the under-world. The story is told in + _Irische Texte_, iii, i, pp. 230-275. + + [5-5] LU. 198-205. + + [a] Literally, 'the Contorted one'; that is, Cuchulain. + +Then Nemain, [1]the Badb to wit,[1] attacked them, and that was not the +quietest of nights they had, with the noise of the churl, namely Dubthach, +in their[b] sleep. Such fears he scattered amongst the host straightway, +and he hurled a great stone at the throng till Medb came to check him. They +continued their march then till they slept a night in Granard Tethba in the +north,[9] [2]after the host had made a circuitous way across sloughs and +streams.[2] + + [1-1] Gloss in YBL. 211. + + [b] 'his' Eg. 1782. + + [9-9] YBL. and LU. 206-215. With this passage YBL. begins, fo. 17a. + + [2-2] LU. 215. + +[W.547.] It was on that same day, [3]after the coming of the warning from +Fergus[3] [4]to the Ulstermen,[4] that Cuchulain son of Sualtaim, [5]and +Sualtaim[5] Sidech ('of the Fairy Mound'), his father, [6]when they had +received the warning from Fergus,[6] came so near [7]on their watch for the +host[7] that their horses grazed in pasture round the pillar-stone on Ard +Cuillenn ('the Height of Cuillenn'). Sualtaim's horses cropped the grass +north of the pillar-stone close to the ground; Cuchulain's cropped the +grass south of the pillar-stone even to the ground and the bare stones. +"Well, O master Sualtaim," said Cuchulain; "the thought of the host is +fixed sharp upon me [8]to-night,[8] so do thou depart for us with warnings +to the men of Ulster, that they remain not in the smooth plains but that +they betake themselves to the woods and wastes and steep glens of the +province, if so they may keep out of the way of the men of Erin." "And +thou, lad, what wilt thou do?" "I must go southwards to Temair to keep +tryst with the [W.556.] maid[a] of Fedlimid Nocruthach ('of the Nine +Forms') [1]Conchobar's daughter,[1] according to my own agreement, till +morning." "Alas, that one should go [2]on such a journey,"[2] said +Sualtaim, "and leave the Ulstermen under the feet of their foes and their +enemies for the sake of a tryst with a woman!" "For all that, I needs must +go. For, an I go not, the troth of men will be held for false and the +promises of women held for true." + + [3-3] LU. 218 + + [4-4] Eg. 1782. + + [5-5] _Sualtach_, in LL. + + [6-6] Eg. 1782. + + [7-7] Eg. 1782. + + [8-8] LU. and YBL. 220. + + [a] "Who was secretly as a concubine with Cuchulain"; gloss in LU. and + YBL. 222 and Eg. 1782. + + [1-1] Eg. 1782. + + [2-2] Stowe and Add. + +Sualtaim departed with warnings to the men of Ulster. Cuchulain strode +into the wood, and there, with a single blow, he lopped the prime sapling +of an oak, root and top, and with only one foot and one hand and one eye he +exerted himself; and he made a twig-ring thereof and set an ogam[b] script +on the plug of the ring, and set the ring round the narrow part of the +pillar-stone on Ard ('the Height') of Cuillenn. He forced the ring till it +reached the thick of the pillar-stone. Thereafter Cuchulain went his way to +his tryst with the woman. + + [b] The old kind of writing of the Irish. + +Touching the men of Erin, the account follows here: They came up to the +pillar-stone at Ard Cuillenn, [3]which is called Crossa Coil to-day,[3] and +they began looking out upon the province that was unknown to them, the +province of Ulster. And two of Medb's people went always before them in the +van of the host, at every camp and on every march, at every ford and every +river [LL.fo.58b.] and every gap. They were wont to do so [4]that they +might save the brooches and cushions and cloaks of the host, so that the +dust of the multitude might not soil them[4] and that no stain might come +on the princes' raiment in the crowd or the crush of the hosts or the +throng;--these were the two sons of Nera, who was the son of Nuathar, +[W.575.] son of Tacan, two sons of the house-stewards of Cruachan, Err and +Innell, to wit. Fraech and Fochnam were the names of their charioteers. + + [3-3] Eg. 1782. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 245-246. + +The nobles of Erin arrived at the pillar-stone and they there beheld the +signs of the browsing of the horses, cropping around the pillar, and they +looked close at the rude hoop which the royal hero had left behind about +the pillar-stone. [1]Then sat they down to wait till the army should come, +the while their musicians played to them.[1] And Ailill took the withy in +his hand and placed it in Fergus' hand, and Fergus read the ogam script +graven on the plug of the withy, and made known to the men of Erin what was +the meaning of the ogam writing that was on it. [2]When Medb came, she +asked, "Why wait ye here?" "Because of yonder withy we wait," Fergus made +answer; "there is an ogam writing on its binding and this is what it saith: +'Let no one go past here till a man be found to throw a withy like unto +this, using only one hand and made of a single branch, and I except my +master Fergus.' Truly," Fergus added, "it was Cuchulain threw it, and it +was his steeds that grazed this plain." And he placed the hoop in the hands +of the druids,[2] and it is thus he began to recite and he pronounced a +lay:-- + + "What bespeaks this withe to us, + What purports its secret rede? + And what number cast it here, + Was it one man or a host? + + "If ye go past here this night, + And bide not [3]one night[3] in camp. + On ye'll come the tear-flesh Hound; + Yours the blame, if ye it scorn! + + "[4]Evil on the host he'll bring,[4] + If ye go your way past this. + [W.596.] Find, ye druids, find out here, + For what cause this withe was made!" + +[1]A druid speaks[1]: + + "Cut by hero, cast by chief, + As a perfect trap for foes. + Stayer of lords--with hosts of men-- + One man cast it with one hand! + + "With fierce rage the battle 'gins + Of the Smith's Hound of Red Branch.[a] + Bound to meet this madman's rage; + This the name that's on the withe! + + [2]"Would the king's host have its will-- + Else they break the law of war-- + Let some one man of ye cast, + As one man this withe did cast![2] + + "Woes to bring with hundred fights + On four realms of Erin's land; + Naught I know 'less it be this + For what cause the withe was made!" + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 250. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 252-258. + + [3-3] Reading with Stowe, Add. and H. 1. 13. + + [4-4] Reading with LU. and YBL. 261. + + [1-1] LU., marginal note. + + [a] The name of the festal hall of the kings of Ulster. + + [2-2] Eg. 1782. + +After that lay: "I pledge you my word," said Fergus, "if so ye set at +naught yon withy and the royal hero that made it, [3]and if ye go beyond[3] +without passing a night's camp and quarterage here, or until a man of you +make a withy of like kind, using but one foot and one eye and one hand, +even as he made it, [4]certain it is, whether ye be[4] under the ground or +in a tight-shut house, [5]the man that wrote the ogam hereon[5] will bring +slaughter and bloodshed upon ye before the hour of rising on the morrow, if +ye make light of him!" "That, surely, would not be pleasing to us," quoth +Medb, "that any one should [6]straightway[6] spill our blood or besmirch us +red, now that we are come to this unknown province, even to the province of +Ulster. More pleasing would it be to us, to spill another's blood and +redden him." "Far be it from us to set this [W.618.] withy at naught," said +Ailill, "nor shall we make little of the royal hero that wrought it, rather +will we resort to the shelter of this great wood, [1]that is, Fidduin, +('the Wood of the Dun')[1] southwards till morning. There will we pitch our +camp and quarters." + + [3-3] LU. 270. + + [4-4] Reading with Stowe. + + [5-5] LU. 271. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 273. + + [1-1] A gloss in YBL. 274; found also in Eg. 1782. + +Thereupon the hosts advanced, and as they went they felled the wood with +their swords before their chariots, so that Slechta ('the Hewn Road') is +still the by-name of that place where is Partraige Beca ('the Lesser +Partry') south-west of Cenannas na Rig ('Kells of the Kings') near Cul +Sibrille. + +[2]According to other books, it is told as follows: After they had come to +[3]Fidduin[3] they saw a chariot and therein a beautiful maiden. It is +there that the conversation between Medb and Fedelm the seeress took place +that we spoke of before, and it is after the answer she made to Medb that +the wood was cut down: "Look for me," said Medb, "how my journey will be." +"It is hard for me," the maiden made answer, "for no glance of eye can I +cast upon them in the wood." "Then it is plough-land this shall be," quoth +Medb; "we will cut down the wood." Now, this was done, so that this is the +name of the place, Slechta, to wit.[2] + + [2-2] YBL. 276-283. + + [3-3] '_Fedaduin_,' MS. + +[4]They slept in Cul Sibrille, which is Cenannas.[4] A heavy snow fell on +them that night, and so great it was that it reached to the shoulders[a] +of the men and to the flanks of the horses and to the poles[b] of the +chariots, so that all the provinces of Erin were one level plane from the +snow. But no huts nor bothies nor tents did they set up that night, nor did +they [LL.fo.59.] prepare food nor drink, nor made they a meal nor repast. +None of the men of Erin [W.630.] wot whether friend or foe was next him +until the bright hour of sunrise on the morrow. + + [4-4] Eg. 1782. + + [a] 'Girdles,' LU. and YBL. 284; 'shields,' Eg. 1782. + + [b] 'Wheels,' LU. and YBL. 285 and Eg. 1782. + +Certain it is that the men of Erin experienced not a night of encampment or +of station that held more discomfort or hardship for them than that night +[1]with the snow[1] at Cul Sibrille. The four grand provinces of Erin moved +out early on the morrow [2]with the rising of the bright-shining sun +glistening on the snow[2] and marched on from that part into another. + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 287. + + [2-2] Reading with Stowe. + +Now, as regards Cuchulain: It was far from being early when he arose +[3]from his tryst.[3] And then he ate a meal and took a repast, and [4]he +remained until he had[4] washed himself and bathed on that day. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 288. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 289. + +He called to his charioteer to lead out the horses and yoke the chariot. +The charioteer led out the horses and yoked the chariot, and Cuchulain +mounted his chariot. And they came on the track of the army. They found +the trail of the men of Erin leading past them from that part into another. +"Alas, O master Laeg," cried Cuchulain, "by no good luck went we to our +tryst with the woman last night. [5]Would that we had not gone thither nor +betrayed the Ultonians.[5] This is the least that might be looked for from +him that keeps guard on the marches, a cry, or a shout, or an alarm, or to +call, 'Who goes the road?' This it fell not unto us to say. The men of Erin +have gone past us, [6]without warning, without complaint,[6] into the land +of Ulster." "I foretold thee that, O Cuchulain," said Laeg. "Even though +thou wentest to thy woman-tryst [7]last night,[7] such a disgrace would +come upon thee." "Good now, O Laeg, go thou for us on the trail of the host +and make an estimate of them, and discover [W.649.] for us in what number +the men of Erin went by us." + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 290. + + [6-6] Stowe. + + [7-7] Stowe. + +Laeg came on the track of the host, and he went to the front of the trail +and he came on its sides and he went to the back of it. "Thou art confused +in thy counting, O Laeg, my master," quoth Cuchulain. "Confused I must be," +Laeg replied. [1]"It is not confusedly that I should see, if I should go," +said Cuchulain.[1] "Come into the chariot then, and I will make a reckoning +of them." The charioteer mounted the chariot and Cuchulain went on the +trail of the hosts and [2]after a long while[2] he made a reckoning of +them. [3]"Even thou, it is not easy for thee.[3] Thou art perplexed in thy +counting, my little Cuchulain," quoth Laeg. "Not perplexed," answered +Cuchulain; [4]"it is easier for me than for thee.[4] [5]For I have three +magical virtues: Gift of sight, gift of understanding, and gift of +reckoning.[5] For I know the number wherewith the hosts went past us, +namely, eighteen cantreds. Nay more: the eighteenth cantred has been +distributed among [6]the entire host of[6] the men of Erin, [7]so that +their number is not clear, namely, that of the cantred of Leinstermen."[7] +[8]This here is the third cunningest [9]and most difficult[9] reckoning +that ever was made in Erin. These were: The reckoning by Cuchulain of the +men of Erin on the Tain, the reckoning by Lug Lamfota ('Long-hand') of the +host of the Fomorians [10]in the Battle of Moytura,[10] and the reckoning +by Incel of the host in the Hostel of Da Derga.[8] + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 294-295. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 297. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 297. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 297-298. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 298-299. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 302. + + [7-7] LU. and YBL. 302. + + [8-8] Stowe. + + [9-9] LU. fo. 58a, in the margin. + + [10-10] LU. fo. 58a, in the margin. + +Now, many and divers were the magic virtues that were in Cuchulain [11]that +were in no one else in his day.[11] Excellence of form, excellence of +shape, excellence of build, excellence [W.661.] in swimming, excellence in +horsemanship, excellence in chess and in draughts, excellence in battle, +excellence in contest, excellence in single combat, excellence in +reckoning, excellence in speech, excellence in counsel, excellence in +bearing, excellence in laying waste and in plundering from the neighbouring +border. + + [11-11] Stowe, and LU. fo. 58a, 24, marginal note. + +"Good, my friend Laeg. Brace the horses for us to the chariot; lay on the +goad for us on the horses; drive on the chariot for us and give thy left[a] +board to the hosts, to see can we overtake the van or the rear or the midst +of the hosts, for I will cease to live unless there fall by my hand this +night a friend or foe of the men of Erin." + + [a] A sign of enmity. + +Then it was that the charioteer gave the prick to the steeds. He turned his +left board to the hosts till he arrived at Turloch[b] Caille More ('the +Creek of the Great Wood') northwards of Cnogba na Rig ('Knowth of the +Kings') which is called Ath Gabla ('the Ford of the Fork'). [1]Thereupon +Cuchulain went round the host till he came to Ath Grenca.[1] He went into +the wood at that place and sprang out of his chariot, and he lopped off a +four-pronged fork, root and top, with a single stroke [2]of his sword.[2] +He pointed and charred it and put a writing in ogam on its side, and he +gave it a long throw from the hinder part of his chariot with the tip of a +single hand, in such wise that two-thirds of it sank into the ground and +only one-third was above it [3]in the mid part of the stream, so that no +chariot could go thereby on this side or that.[3] + + [b] _Belach_ ('the Pass'), Eg. 1782. + + [1-1] Eg. 1782. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 304. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 305. + +Then it was that the same two striplings surprised him, namely, the two +sons of Nera son of Nuathar son of Tacan, while engaged in that feat. And +they vied which of the twain [4]would be the first to fight and contend +with Cuchuain, which of them[4] would inflict the first wound upon [W.680.] +him and be the first to behead him. Cuchulain turned on them, and +straightway he struck off their four heads [1]from themselves [2]Eirr and +Indell[2] and [3]from Foich and Fochlam,[3] their drivers,[1] and he fixed +a head of each man of them on each of the prongs of the pole. And Cuchulain +let the horses of the party go back in the direction of the men of Erin, to +return by the same road, their reins loose [4]around their ears[4] and +their bellies red and the bodies of the warriors dripping their blood down +outside on the ribs of the chariots. [5]Thus he did,[5] for he deemed it no +honour nor deemed he it fair to take horses or garments or arms from +corpses or from the dead. And then the troops saw the horses of the party +that had gone out in advance before them, and the headless bodies of the +warriors oozing their blood down on the ribs of the chariots ([6]and their +crimsoned trappings upon them[6]). The van of the army waited for the rear +to come up, and all were thrown into confusion of striking, that is as much +as to say, into a tumult of arms. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 306. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 306. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [5-5] Stowe. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 310. + +Medb and Fergus and the Mane and the sons of Maga drew near. For in this +wise was Medb wont to travel, and nine chariots with her alone; two of +these chariots before her, and two chariots behind, and two chariots at +either side, and her own chariot in the middle between them. This is why +Medb did so, that the turves from the horses' hoofs, or the flakes of foam +from the bridle-bits, or the dust of the mighty host or of the numerous +throng might not reach the queen's diadem of gold [7]which she wore round +her head.[7] "What have we here?" queried Medb. "Not hard to say," each and +all made answer; [LL.fo.60.] "the horses of the band that went out before +us are here and their bodies lacking their heads in their chariots." They +held [W.702.] a council and they felt certain it was the sign of a +multitude and of the approach of a mighty host, and that it was the +Ulstermen that had come [1]and that it was a battle that had taken place +before them on the ford.[1] And this was the counsel they took: to +despatch Cormac Conlongas, Conchobar's son, from them to learn what was at +the ford; because, even though the Ulstermen might be there, they would not +kill the son of their own king. Thereupon Cormac Conlongas, Conchobar's +son, set forth and this was the complement with which he went, ten hundred +in addition to twenty hundred armed men, to ascertain what was at the +ford. And when he was come, he saw naught save the fork in the middle of +the ford, with four heads upon it dripping their blood down along the stem +of the fork into the stream of the river, [2]and a writing in ogam on the +side,[2] and the signs of the two horses and the track of a single +chariot-driver and the marks of a single warrior leading out of the ford +going therefrom to the eastward. [3]By that time,[3] the nobles of Erin +had drawn nigh to the ford and they all began to look closely at the fork. +They marvelled and wondered who had set up the trophy. [4]"Are yonder +heads those of our people?" Medb asked. "They are our people's, and +our chosen ones'," answered Ailill. One of their men deciphered the +ogam-writing that was on the side of the fork, to wit: 'A single man cast +this fork with but a single hand; and go ye not past it till one man of you +throw it with one hand, excepting Fergus.'[4] "What name have ye men of +Ulster for this ford till now, Fergus?" asked Ailill. "Ath Grenca,"[a] +answered Fergus; "and Ath Gabla ('Ford of the Fork') shall now be its name +forever from this fork," said Fergus. And he recited the lay:-- + + [7-7] Stowe. + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 313. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 314. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 314-318. + + [a] So Stowe; LL. has '_Grena_.' + + [W.719.] "Grenca's ford shall change its name, + From the strong and fierce Hound's deed. + Here we see a four-pronged fork, + Set to prove all Erin's men! + + "On two points--as sign of war-- + Are Fraech's head and Fochnam's head; + On its other points are thrust + Err's head and Innell's withal! + + "And yon ogam on its side, + Find, ye druids, in due form, + Who has set it upright there? + What host drove it in the ground?" + +(A druid answers:) + + "Yon forked pole--with fearful strength-- + Which thou seest, Fergus, there, + One man cut, to welcome us, + With one perfect stroke of sword! + + "Pointed it and shouldered it-- + Though this was no light exploit-- + After that he flung it down, + To uproot for one of you! + + "Grenca was its name till now-- + All will keep its memory-- + Fork-ford[a] be its name for aye, + From the fork that's in the ford!" + + [a] That is, _Ath Gabla_. + +After the lay, spake Ailill: "I marvel and wonder, O Fergus, who could have +sharpened the fork and slain with such speed the four that had gone out +before us." "Fitter it were to marvel and wonder at him who with a single +stroke lopped the fork which thou seest, root and top, pointed and charred +it and flung it the length of a throw from the hinder part of his chariot, +from the tip of a single hand, so that it sank over two-thirds into the +ground and that naught save one-third is above; nor was a hole first dug +with his sword, but through a grey stone's flag it was thrust, and thus it +is geis for the men of Erin to proceed to the bed of this ford till one of +ye pull out the fork with the tip of one hand, even as he erewhile drove it +down." + +"Thou art of our hosts, O Fergus," said Medb; [W.753.] [1]avert this +necessity from us,[1] and do thou draw the fork for us from the bed of the +ford." "Let a chariot be brought me," cried Fergus, [2]"till I draw it out, +that it may be seen that its butt is of one hewing."[2] And a chariot was +brought to Fergus, and Fergus laid hold [3]with a truly mighty grip[3] on +the fork, and he made splinters and [LL.fo.61a.] scraps of the chariot. +"Let another chariot be brought me," cried Fergus. [4]Another[4] chariot +was brought to Fergus, and Fergus made a tug at the fork and again made +fragments and splinters of the chariot, [5]both its box and its yoke and +its wheels.[5] "Again let a chariot be brought me," cried Fergus. And +Fergus exerted his strength on the fork, and made pieces and bits of the +chariot. There where the seventeen[a] chariots of the Connachtmen's +chariots were, Fergus made pieces and bits of them all, and yet he failed +to draw the fork from the bed of the ford. "Come now, let it be, O Fergus," +cried Medb; "break our people's chariots no more. For hadst thou not been +now engaged on this hosting, [6]by this time[6] should we have come to +Ulster, driving divers spoils and cattle-herds with us. We wot wherefore +thou workest all this, to delay and detain the host till the Ulstermen rise +from their 'Pains' and offer us battle, the battle of the Tain." + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 322. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 324. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [5-5] Stowe. + + [a] "Fourteen," LU. and YBL. 325 and Eg. 1782. + + [6-6] Stowe. + +"Bring me a swift chariot," cried Fergus. And his own chariot was brought +to Fergus, and Fergus gave a tug at the fork, and nor wheel nor floor nor +one of the chariot-poles creaked nor cracked. Even though it was with his +strength and prowess that the one had driven it down, with his might and +doughtiness the other drew it out,--the battle-champion, the gap-breaker of +hundreds, the crushing sledge, the stone-of-battle for enemies, the +[W.777.] head of retainers, the foe of hosts, the hacking of masses, the +flaming torch and the leader of mighty combat. He drew it up with the tip +of one hand till it reached the slope of his shoulder, and he placed the +fork in Ailill's hand. Ailill scanned it; he regarded it near. "The fork, +meseems, is all the more perfect," quoth Ailill; "for a single stroke I see +on it from butt to top." "Aye, all the more perfect," Fergus replied. And +Fergus began to sing praise [1]of Cuchulain,[1] and he made a lay +thereon:-- + + "Here behold the famous fork, + By which cruel Cuchulain stood. + Here he left, for hurt to all, + Four heads of his border-foes! + + "Surely he'd not flee therefrom, + 'Fore aught man, how brave or bold. + Though the scatheless[a] Hound this left, + On its hard rind there is gore! + + "To its hurt the host goes east, + Seeking Cualnge's wild Brown bull. + [2]Warriors' cleaving there shall be,[2] + 'Neath Cuchulain's baneful sword! + + "No gain will their[b] stout bull be, + For which sharp-armed war will rage; + At the fall of each head's skull + Erin's every tribe shall weep! + + "I have nothing to relate + As regards Dechtire's son.[c] + Men and women hear the tale + Of this fork, how it came here!" + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [a] Literally, 'painless,' referring to Cuchulain's exemption from the + _cess_ or 'debility' of the Ulstermen. + + [2-2] Reading with Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [b] Translating from Stowe; LL. has 'his' or 'its.' + + [c] That is, Cuchulain. + +After this lay: "Let us pitch our booths and tents," said Ailill, "and let +us make ready food and drink, and let us sing songs and strike up harps, +and let us eat and [W.807.] regale ourselves, for, of a truth, never before +nor since knew the men of Erin a night of encampment or of entrenchment +that held sorer discomfort or distress for them than yester-night. [1]Let +us give heed to the manner of folk to whom we go and let us hear somewhat +of their deeds and famous tales."[1] + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 329-330. + +They raised their booths and pitched their tents. They got ready +[LL.fo.61b.] their food and drink, and songs were sung and harping intoned +by them, and feasting and eating indulged in, [2]and they were told of the +feats of Cuchulain.[2] + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 331. + +And Ailill inquired of Fergus: "I marvel and wonder who could have come to +us to our lands and slain so quickly the four that had gone out before +us. Is it likely that Conchobar son of Fachtna Fatach ('the Mighty'), High +King of Ulster, has come to us?" "It is never likely that he has," Fergus +answered; "for a shame it would be to speak ill of him in his absence. +There is nothing he would not stake for the sake of his honour. For if he +had come hither [3]to the border of the land[3], there would have come +armies and troops and the pick of the men of Erin that are with him. And +even though against him in one and the same place, and in one mass and one +march and one camp, and on one and the same hill were the men of Erin and +Alba, Britons and Saxons, he would give them battle, before him they would +break and it is not he that would be routed." + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 333. + +"A question, then: Who would be like to have come to us? Is it like that +Cuscraid Mend ('the Stammerer') of Macha would have come, Conchobar's son, +from Inis Cuscraid?" "Nay then, it is not; he, the son of the High King," +Fergus answered. "There is nothing he would not hazard for the sake of his +honour. For were it he that had come hither, there would have come the +[W.827.] sons of kings and the royal leaders [1]of Ulster and Erin[1] that +are serving as hirelings with him. And though there might be against him in +one and the same place, in one mass and one march and one camp, and on one +and the same hill the men of Erin and Alba, Britons and Saxons, he would +give them battle, before him they would break and it is not he that would +be routed." + + [1-1] Stowe. + +"I ask, then, whether Eogan son of Durthacht, King of Fernmag, would have +come?" "In sooth, it is not likely. For, had he come hither, the pick of +the men of Fernmag would have come with him, battle he would give them, +before him they would break, and it is not he that would be routed." + +"I ask, then: Who would be likely to have come to us? Is it likely that he +would have come, Celtchai son of Uthechar?" "No more is it likely that it +was he. A shame it would be to make light of him in his absence, him the +battle-stone for the foes of the province, the head of all the retainers +and the gate-of-battle of Ulster. And even should there be against him in +one place and one mass and one march and one camp, and on one and the same +hill all the men of Erin from the west to the east, from the south to the +north, battle he would give them, before him they would break and it is not +he that would be routed." + +"I ask, then: Who would be like to have come to us?" [2]asked Ailill.[2] +[3]"I know not," Fergus replied,[3] "unless it be the little lad, my +nursling and Conchobar's. Cuchulain ('the Wolf-dog of Culann the Smith') +he is called. [4]He is the one who could have done the deed," answered +Fergus. "He it is who could have lopped the tree with one blow from its +root, could have killed the four with the quickness wherewith they were +killed and could have come to the border with his charioteer."[4] + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 337-340. + +[W.843.] "Of a truth," spake Ailill, "I heard from ye of this little boy +once on a time in Cruachan. What might be the age of this little boy now?" +"It is by no means his age that is most formidable in him," answered +Fergus. "Because, manful were his deeds, those of that lad, at a time when +he was younger than he [1]now[1] is. [2]In his fifth year he went in quest +of warlike deeds among the lads of Emain Macha. In his sixth[a] year he +went to learn skill in arms and feats with Scathach,[2] [3]and he went to +woo Emer;[3] [4]in his seventh[b] year he took arms; in his seventeenth +year he is at this time."[4] "How so!" exclaimed Medb. "Is there even now +amongst the Ulstermen one his equal in age that is more redoubtable than +he?" "We have not found there [5]a man-at-arms that is harder,[5] [6]nor a +point that is keener, more terrible nor quicker,[6] nor a more bloodthirsty +wolf, [7]nor a raven more flesh-loving,[7] nor a wilder warrior, nor a +match of his age that would reach to a third or a fourth [LL.fo.62a.] the +likes of Cuchulain. Thou findest not there," Fergus went on, "a hero his +peer, [8]nor a lion that is fiercer, nor a plank of battle,[8] nor a sledge +of destruction, [9]nor a gate of combat,[9] nor a doom of hosts, nor a +contest of valour that would be of more worth than Cuchulain. Thou findest +not there one that could equal his age and his growth, [10]his dress[10] +[11]and his terror,[11] his size and his splendour, [12]his fame and his +voice, his shape and his power,[12] his form and his speech, his strength +and his feats and his valour, [13]his smiting, his heat and his anger,[13] +his dash, his assault and attack, his dealing of [W.857.] doom and +affliction, his roar, his speed, his fury, his rage, and his quick triumph +with the feat of nine men on each sword's point[a] above him, like unto +Cuchulain." + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 342-345. + + [a] 'Seventh,' YBL. 344. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 345. + + [4-4] LU. 346-347, and, similarly, YBL. + + [b] "Eight," YBL. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 349. + + [6-6] LU. 349-350. + + [7-7] LU. and YBL. 350. + + [8-8] LU. and YBL. 351-352. + + [9-9] LU. and YBL. 352. + + [10-10] LU. and YBL. 354. + + [11-11] YBL. 354. + + [12-12] LU. and YBL. 355-356. + + [13-13 LU. and YBL. 356-357. + + [a] Reading with Stowe, LU. and YBL. 359, which is more intelligible + than 'on each hair,' which is the translation of LL. + +"We make not much import of him," quoth Medb. "It is but a single body he +has; he shuns being wounded; he avoids being taken. They do say his age is +but that of a girl to be wed. [1]His deeds of manhood have not yet come,[1] +nor will he hold out against tried men, this young, beardless elf-man of +whom thou spokest." [2]"We say not so,"[2] replied Fergus, "for manful were +the deeds of the lad at a time when he was younger than he [3]now[3] is." + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 363. + + [2-2] 'That is not true,' Stowe. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + * * * * * + +[Page 46] + + + + +VII + +THE YOUTHFUL EXPLOITS OF CUCHULAIN + + +[W.865.] "Now this lad was reared in the house of his father and mother at +Dairgthech[1] ('the Oak House' (?)), namely, in the plain of Murthemne, +and the tales of the youths of Emain were told to him. [2]For there are +[3]always[3] thrice fifty boys at play there," said Fergus.[2] "Forasmuch +as in this wise Conchobar passed his reign ever since he, the king, assumed +his sovereignty, to wit: As soon as he arose, forthwith in settling the +cares and affairs of the province; thereafter, the day he divided in three: +first, the first third he spent a-watching the youths play games of skill +and of hurling; the next third of the day, a-playing draughts and chess, +and the last third a-feasting on meat and [4]a-quaffing[4] ale, till sleep +possessed them all, the while minstrels and harpers lulled him to sleep. +For all that I am a long time in banishment because of him, I give my +word," said Fergus, "there is not in Erin nor in Alba a warrior the like +of Conchobar." + + [1] Reading with LU. and YBL. 367. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 368-369. + + [3-3] Eg. 1782. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 371. + +"And the lad was told the tales of the boys and the boy-troop in Emain; and +the child said to his mother, he would go to have part in the games on the +play-field of Emain. "It is too soon for thee, little son," said his +mother; "wait till there go with thee a champion of the champions of +[W.880.] Ulster, or some of the attendants of Conchobar to enjoin thy +protection and thy safety on the boy-troop." "I think it too long for that, +my mother," the little lad answered, "I will not wait for it. But do thou +show me what place lies Emain [1]Macha."[1] [2]"Northwards, there;[2] it is +far away from thee," said his mother, "the place wherein it lies, [3]and +the way is hard.[3] Sliab Fuait lies between thee and Emain." "At all +hazards, I will essay it," he answered. + + [1-1] Eg. 1782. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 376-377. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 377. + +"The boy fared forth and took his playthings with him. [4]His little +lath-shield[4] he took, and his hurley of bronze and his ball of silver; +and he took his little javelin for throwing; and his toy-staff he took with +its fire-hardened butt-end, and he began to shorten the length of his +journey with them. He would give the ball a stroke [LL.fo.62b.] with the +hurl-bat, so that he sent it a long distance from him. Then with a second +throw he would cast his hurley so that it went a distance no shorter than +the first throw. He would hurl his little darts, and let fly his toy-staff, +and make a wild chase after them. Then he would catch up his hurl-bat and +pick up the ball and snatch up the dart, and the stock of the toy-staff had +not touched the ground when he caught its tip which was in the air. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 380. + +"He went his way to the mound-seat of Emain, where was the boy-troop. +Thrice fifty youths were with Folloman, Conchobar's son, at their games on +the fair-green of Emain. + +"The little lad went on to the play-field into the midst of the boys, and +he whipped the ball between his two legs away from them, nor did he suffer +it to travel higher up than the top of his knee, nor did he let it lower +down than his ankle, and he drove it and held it between his two legs and +not one of the boys was able to get a prod nor a stroke nor a blow nor a +shot at it, so that he carried it over the [W.904.] brink of the goal away +from them. [1]Then he goes to the youths without binding them to protect +him. For no one used to approach them on their play-field without first +securing from them a pledge of protection. He was weetless thereof.[1] + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 382-384. + +"Then they all gazed upon him. They wondered and marvelled. "Come, boys!" +cried Folloman, Conchobar's son, [2]"the urchin insults us.[2] Throw +yourselves all on yon fellow, and his death shall come at my hands; for it +is geis among you for any youth to come into your game, without first +entrusting his safety to you. And do you all attack him together, for we +know that yon wight is some one of the heroes of Ulster; and they shall not +make it their wont to break into your sports without first entrusting their +safety and protection to you." + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 384-385. + +"Thereupon they all set upon him together. They cast their thrice fifty +hurl-bats at the poll of the boy's head. He raises his single toy-staff +and wards off the thrice fifty hurlies, [3]so that they neither hurt him +nor harm him,[3] [4]and he takes a load of them on his back.[4] Then they +throw their thrice fifty balls at the lad. He raises his upper arm and his +forearm and the palms of his hands [5]against them[5] and parries the +thrice fifty balls, [6]and he catches them, each single ball in his +bosom.[6] They throw at him the thrice fifty play-spears charred at the +end. The boy raises his little lath-shield [7]against them[7] and fends off +the thrice fifty play-staffs, [8]and they all remain stuck in his +lath-shield.[8] [9]Thereupon contortions took hold of him. Thou wouldst +have weened it was a hammering wherewith each hair was hammered into his +head, with such an uprising it rose. Thou wouldst have weened it was a +spark of fire that was on every single hair there. He closed one of his +eyes so that it was no wider than the eye of a needle. He opened the other +wide so that it was as big as the mouth of a mead-cup.[a] He stretched his +mouth from his jaw-bones to his ears; he opened his mouth wide to his jaw +so that his gullet was seen. The champion's light rose up from his +crown.[9] + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 391. + + [5-5] Stowe. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 389. + + [7-7] Stowe. + + [8-8] LU. and YBL. 387. + + [9-9] LU. and YBL. 391-397. + + [a] Or, 'a wooden beaker,' YBL. 395. + +[W.919.] "It was then he ran in among them. He scattered fifty king's sons +of them over the ground underneath him [1]before they got to the gate of +Emain.[1] Five[b] of them," Fergus continued, "dashed headlong between me +and Conchobar, where we were playing chess, even on Cennchaem ('Fair-head') +[2]the chessboard of Conchobar,[2] on the mound-seat of Emain. The little +boy pursued them to cut them off. [3]Then he sprang over the chessboard +after the nine.[3] Conchobar seized the little lad by the wrists. "Hold, +little boy. I see 'tis not gently thou dealest with the boy-band." "Good +reason I have," quoth the little lad. [4]"From home, from mother and father +I came to play with them, and they have not been good to me.[4] I had not a +guest's honour at the hands of the boy-troop on my arrival, for all that I +came from far-away lands." "How is that? Who art thou, [5]and what is thy +name?"[5] asked Conchobar. "Little Setanta am I, son of Sualtaim. Son am I +to Dechtire, thine own sister; and not through thee did I expect to be thus +aggrieved." "How so, little one?" said Conchobar. "Knewest thou not that it +is forbidden among the boy-troop, that it is geis for them for any boy to +approach them in their land without first claiming his protection from +them?" "I knew it not," said the lad. [W.932.] "Had I known it, I would +have been on my guard against them." "Good, now, ye boys," Conchobar cried; +"take ye upon you the protection of the little lad." "We grant it, indeed," +they made answer. + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 398. + + [b] 'Nine,' LU. and YBL. 399 and Eg. 1782. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 400. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 403-404. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 405. + +"The little lad went [LL.fo.63a.] [1]into the game again[1] under the +protection of the boy-troop. Thereupon they loosed hands from him, and once +more he rushed amongst them [2]throughout the house.[2] He laid low fifty +of their princes on the ground under him. Their fathers thought it was +death he had given them. That was it not, but stunned they were with +front-blows and mid-blows and long-blows. "Hold!" cried Conchobar. "Why art +thou yet at them?" "I swear by my gods whom I worship" (said the boy) "they +shall all come under my protection and shielding, as I have put myself +under their protection and shielding. Otherwise I shall not lighten my +hands off them until I have brought them all to earth." "Well, little lad, +take thou upon thee the protection of the boy-troop." "I grant it, indeed," +said the lad. Thereupon the boy-troop went under his protection and +shielding. + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 410. + +"[3]Then they all went back to the play-field, and the boys whom he had +overthrown there arose. Their nurses and tutors helped them. + +"Now, once upon a time," continued Fergus, "when he was a gilla, he slept +not in Emain Macha till morning." "Tell me," Conchobar said to him, "why +sleepest thou not [4]in Emain Macha, Cuchulain?"[4] "I sleep not, unless it +be equally high at my head and my feet." Then Conchobar had a pillar-stone +set up at his head and another at his feet, and between them a bed apart +was made for him. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 413-481. + + [4-4] YBL. 418. + +"Another time a certain man went to wake him, and the lad struck him with +his fist in [1]the neck or in[1] the forehead, so that it drove in the +front of his forehead on to his brain and he overthrew the pillar-stone +with his forearm." "It is known," exclaimed Ailill, "that that was the +fist of a champion and the arm of a hero." "And from that time," continued +Fergus, "no one durst wake him, so that he used to wake of himself. + + [1-1] Eg. 1782. + +"Then, another time, he played ball on the play-field east of Emain, and he +was alone on one side against the thrice fifty boys. He always worsted in +every game in the east (?) in this way. Thereafter the lad began to use his +fists on them, so that fifty boys of them died thereof. He took to flight +then, till he took refuge under the cushion of Conchobar's couch. The +Ulstermen sprang up all around him. I, too, sprang up, and Conchobar, +thereat. The lad himself rose up under the couch, so that he hove up the +couch and the thirty warriors that were on it withal, so that he bore it +into the middle of the house. Straightway the Ulstermen sat around him in +the house. We settled it then," continued Fergus, "and reconciled the +boy-troop to him afterwards. + +"The broil of war arose between Ulster and Eogan son of Durthacht. The +Ulstermen go forth to the war. The lad Setanta is left behind asleep. The +men of Ulster are beaten. Conchobar and Cuscraid Menn ('the Stammerer') of +Macha are left on the field and many besides them. Their groans awaken the +lad. Thereat he stretches himself, so that the two stones are snapped that +are near him. This took place in the presence of Bricriu yonder," Fergus +added. "Then he gets up. I meet him at the door of the liss, I being +severely wounded. "Hey, God keep thy life,[a] O Fergus my master," says he; +"where is Conchobar?" "I know not," I answer. Thereupon he goes out. The +night is dark. He makes for the battlefield, until he sees before him a man +and half his head on him and half of another man on his back. "Help me, +Cuchulain," he cries; "I have been stricken, and I bear on my back half of +my brother. Carry it for me a while." "I will not carry it," says he. +Thereupon the man throws the load at him. Cuchulain throws it back from +him. They grapple with one another. Cuchulain is overthrown. Then I heard +something. It was Badb[a] from the corpses: "Ill the stuff of a warrior +that is there under the feet of a phantom." Thereat Cuchulain arises from +underneath him, and he strikes off his head with his playing-stick and +proceeds to drive the ball before him over the field of battle. + + [a] A Christian salutation. + + [a] The war-fury. + +"Is my master Conchobar on this battle-field?" That one makes answer. He +goes towards him, to where he espies him in a ditch and the earth piled +around him on both sides to hide him. "Wherefore art thou come to the +battle-field?" Conchobar asks; "is it that thou mightst see mortal terror +there?" Then Cuchulain lifts him out of the ditch. The six strong men of +Ulster that were with us could not have lifted him out more bravely. "Get +thee before us to yonder house," says Conchobar, [1]"to make me a fire +there." He kindles a great fire for him. "Good now," quoth Conchobar,[1] +"if one would bring me a roast pig, I would live." "I will go fetch it," +says Cuchulain. Thereupon he sallies out, when he sees a man at a +cooking-pit in the heart of the wood. One of his hands holds his weapons +therein, the other roasts the pork. Ill-favoured, indeed, is the man. For +the which, Cuchulain attacks him and takes his head and his pig with +him. Conchobar eats the pig then. "Let us go to our house," says Conchobar. +They meet Cuscraid son of Conchobar and there were heavy wounds on +him. Cuchulain carries him on his back. The three then proceed to Emain +Macha. + + [1-1] YBL. 461. + +"Another time the Ulstermen were in their 'Pains.' Now, there was no +'Pains' amongst us," Fergus continued, "in women or boys, nor in any one +outside the borders of Ulster, nor in Cuchulain and his father. [1]It was +for this reason no one dared shed the blood of the men of Ulster, for that +the 'Pains' fell on the one that wounded them.[1] There came thrice nine +men from the Isles of Faiche. They pass over our rear fort, the whiles we +are in our 'Pains.' The women scream in the fort. The youths are in the +play-field. They come at the cry. When the boys catch sight of the swarthy +men, they all take to flight save Cuchulain alone. He hurls the hand-stones +and his playing-staff at them. He slays nine of them and they leave fifty +wounds on him and proceed thence on their journey.[3] + + [1-1] LU., edition of Strachan and O'Keeffe, page 19, note 23. + + [3-3] LU., and YBL. 413-481; see page 50. + +[W.947.] "A youngster did that deed," Fergus continued, "at the close of +five years after his birth, when he overthrew the sons of champions and +warriors at the very door of their liss and dun. No need is there of wonder +or surprise, [2]if he should do great deeds,[2] if he should come to the +confines of the land, if he should cut off the four-pronged fork, if he +should slay one man or two men or three men or four men, when there are +seventeen full years of him now on the Cattle-lifting of Cualnge." +[4]"In sooth, then, we know that youth," spoke out Conall Cernach ('the +Victorious'), "and it is all the better we should know him, for he is a +fosterling of our own."[4] + + [2-2] Eg. 1782. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 484-485. + + * * * * * + +[Page 54] + + + + +VIIa + +THE SLAYING OF THE SMITH'S HOUND BY CUCHULAIN, AND THE REASON HE IS CALLED +CUCHULAIN + + +[W.956.] Then it was that Cormac Conlongas son of Conchobar spake: "Again +that little lad performed a second deed in the following year." "What deed +was that?" asked Ailill. + +[1]"A goodly smith there was in the land of Ulster, Culann the Smith, by +name.[1] He made ready a feast for Conchobar and set out for Emain to +invite him. He made known to him that only a few should come with him, that +he should bring none but a true guest along, forasmuch as it was not a +domain or lands of his own that he had, but [2]the fruit of his two +hands,[2] his sledges and anvils, his fists and his tongs. Conchobar +replied that only a few would go to him. + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] LU and YBL 489. + +"Culann went back to the stithy to prepare and make ready meat and drink +[3]in readiness for the king.[3] Conchobar sat in Emain till it was time to +set out [4]for the feast,[4] till came the close of the day. The king put +his fine, light travelling apparel about him, [5]and went with fifty +chariot-chiefs of those that were noblest and most illustrious of the +heroes,[5] and betook him to the boys [6]before starting,[6] to bid them +farewell. [7]It was always [W.968.] his custom to visit and revisit them +when going and coming, to seek his blessing of the boys.[7] Conchobar came +on to the fair-green, and he saw a thing that astounded him: Thrice fifty +boys at one end of the green and a single boy at the other, and the single +boy won the victory at the goal and at hurling from the thrice fifty +boys. When it was at hole-play they were--a game of hole that used to be +played on the fair-green of Emain--and it was their turn to drive and his +to keep guard, he would catch the thrice fifty balls just outside of the +hole, and not one went by him into the hole. When it was their turn to keep +guard and his to drive, he would send the thrice fifty balls into the hole +without fail, [1]and the boys were unable to ward them off.[1] When it was +at tearing off each other's garments they played, he would strip off them +their thrice fifty suits [2]so that they were quite naked,[2] and they were +not able all of them to take as much as the brooch from his mantle. When it +was at wrestling they were, he would throw those same thrice fifty boys to +the ground under him, and they did not succeed all of them around him in +lifting him up. Conchobar looked with wonder at the little lad. "O, ye +youths," cried [LL.fo.63b.] Conchobar. "Hail to the land whence cometh the +lad ye see, if the deeds of his manhood shall be such as are those of his +boyhood!" "Tis not just to speak thus," exclaimed Fergus; "e'en as the +little lad grows, so will his deeds of manhood grow with him." "The little +lad shall be called to us, that he may come with us to enjoy the feast to +which we go." The little lad was summoned to Conchobar. "Good, my lad," +said Conchobar. "Come thou with us to enjoy the feast whereto we go, [3]for +thou art a guest."[3] "Nay, but I will not go," the little boy answered. +"How so?" asked Conchobar. [W.990.] "Forasmuch as the boys have not yet +had their fill of games and of sport, and I will not leave them till they +have had enough play." "It is too long for us to await thee till then, +little boy, and by no means shall we wait." "Go then before us," said the +little boy, "and I will follow after ye." "Thou knowest naught of the way, +little boy," said Conchobar. "I will follow the trail of the company and of +the horses and chariots." + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 489-491. + + [6-6] Stowe. + + [7-7] LU. and YBL. 492-494. + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 497. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 502. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 507. + +"Thereafter Conchobar came to the house of Culann the Smith. The king was +waited upon and all were shown honour, as befitted their rank and calling +and privileges, nobility and gentle accomplishment. Straw and fresh rushes +were spread out under them. They commenced to carouse and make merry. +Culann inquired of Conchobar: "Hast thou, O king, appointed any to come +after thee this night to this dun?" "No, I appointed no one," replied +Conchobar, for he had forgotten the little lad whom he had charged to come +after him. "Why so?" asked Conchobar. "An excellent bloodhound have I, +[1]that was brought from Spain.[1] [2]There are three[a] chains upon him, +and three men at each chain. Because of our goods and our cattle he is +slipped and the liss is closed.[2] When his dog-chain is loosed from him, +no one dares approach the same cantred with him to make a course or a +circuit, and he knows no one but myself. The power of hundreds is in him +for strength." Then spake Conchobar, "Let the dun be opened for the +ban-dog, that he may guard the cantred." The dog-chain is taken off the +ban-dog, and he makes a swift round of the cantred. And he comes to the +mound whereon he was wont to keep guard of the stead, and there he was, his +head couched on his paws, and wild, untameable, furious, savage, ferocious, +ready for fight was the dog that was there. + + [1-1] LU. 513. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 512-513. + + [a] 'four,' Eg. 1782. + +[W.1013.] "As for the boys: They were in Emain until the time came for them +to disperse. Each of them went to the house of his father and mother, of +his foster-mother and foster-father. Then the little lad went on the trail +of the party, till he reached the house of Culann the Smith. He began to +shorten the way as he went with his play-things. [1]He threw his ball and +threw his club after it, so that it hit the ball. The one throw was no +greater than the other. Then he threw his staff after them both, so that it +reached the ball and the club before ever they fell.[1] [2]Soon the lad +came up.[2] When he was nigh to the green of the fort wherein were Culann +and Conchobar, he threw all his play-things before him except only the +ball. The watch-dog descried the lad and bayed at him, so that in all the +countryside was heard the howl of the watch-hound. And not a division of +feasting was what he was inclined to make of him, but to swallow him down +at one gulp past the cavity [LL.fo.64a.] of his chest and the width of his +throat and the pipe of his breast. [3]And it interfered not with the lad's +play, although the hound made for him.[3] And the lad had not with him any +means of defence, but he hurled an unerring cast of the ball, so that it +passed through the gullet of the watch-dog's neck and carried the guts +within him out through his back door, and he laid hold of the hound by the +two legs and dashed him against a pillar-stone [4]that was near him, so +that every limb of him sprang apart,[4] so that he broke into bits all over +the ground.[a] Conchobar heard the yelp of the ban-dog. [5]Conchobar and +his people could not move; they weened they would not find the lad alive +before them.[5] "Alas, O warriors," cried Conchobar; "in no good luck +[W.1029.] have we come to enjoy this feast." "How so?" asked all. "The +little lad who has come to meet me, my sister's son, Setanta son of +Sualtaim, is undone through the hound." As one man, arose all the renowned +men of Ulster. Though a door of the hostel was thrown wide open, they all +rushed in the other direction out over the palings of the fortress. But +fast as they all got there, faster than all arrived Fergus, and he lifted +the little lad from the ground on the slope of his shoulder and bore him +into the presence of Conchobar. [1]They put him on Conchobar's knee. A +great alarm arose amongst them that the king's sister's son should have +been all but killed.[1] And Culann came out, and he saw his slaughter-hound +in many pieces. He felt his heart beating against his breast. Whereupon he +went into the dun. "Welcome thy coming, little lad," said Culann, "because +of thy mother and father, but not welcome is thy coming for thine own +sake. [2]Yet would that I had not made a feast."[2] "What hast thou against +the lad?" queried Conchobar. "Not luckily for me hast thou come to quaff +my ale and to eat my food; for my substance is now a wealth gone to waste, +and my livelihood is a livelihood lost [3]now after my dog.[3] [4]He hath +kept honour and life for me.[4] Good was the friend thou hast robbed me of, +[5]even my dog,[5] in that he tended my herds and flocks and stock for me; +[6]he was the protection of all our cattle, both afield and at home."[6] +"Be not angered thereat, O Culann my master," said the little boy. [7]"It +is no great matter,[7] for I will pass a just judgement upon it." "What +judgement thereon wilt thou pass, lad?" Conchobar asked. "If there is a +whelp of the breed of that dog in Erin, he shall be reared by me till he be +fit to do [W.1049.] business as was his sire. [1]Till then[1] myself will +be the hound to protect his flocks and his cattle and his land [2]and even +himself[2] in the meanwhile. [3]And I will safeguard the whole plain of +Murthemne, and no one will carry off flock nor herd without that I know +it."[3] + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 515-518. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 514. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 518-519. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 525. + + + [a] According to the LU.-YBL. version, Cuchulain seized the hound with + one hand by the apple of the throat and with the other by the back. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 519-521. + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 529-530. + + [2-2] LU and YBL. 532. + + [3-3] Stowe, YBL. and LU. 533-534. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 334. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 535. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 536. + + [7-7] LU. and YBL. 537. + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] Literally, 'thyself,' LU. and YBL. 539. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 540-541. + +"Well hast thou given judgement, little lad," said Conchobar. "In sooth, +we [4]ourselves[4] could not give one that would be better," said +Cathba.[a] "Why should it not be from this that thou shouldst take the name +Cuchulain, ('Wolfhound of Culann')?" "Nay, then," answered the lad; "dearer +to me mine own name, Setanta son of Sualtaim." "Say not so, lad," Cathba +continued; "for the men of Erin and Alba shall hear that name and the +mouths of the men of Erin and Alba shall be full of that name!" "It +pleaseth me so, whatever the name that is given me," quoth the little +lad. Hence the famous name that stuck to him, namely Cuchulain, after he +had killed the hound that was Culann's the Smith's. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [a] The name of Conchobar's druid. + +"A little lad did that deed," [LL.fo.64b.] added Cormac Conlongas son of +Conchobar, "when he had completed six years after his birth, when he slew +the watch-dog that hosts nor companies dared not approach in the same +cantred. No need would there be of wonder or of surprise if he should come +to the edge of the marches, if he should cut off the four-pronged fork, if +he should slay one man or two men or three men or four men, now when his +seventeen years are completed on the Cattle-driving of Cualnge!" + + * * * * * + +[Page 60] + + + + +VIIb + +[1]THE TAKING OF ARMS BY CUCHULAIN AND[1] +[2]THE SLAYING OF THE THREE SONS OF NECHT SCENE IS NOW TOLD HERE[2] + + +[W.1068.] "The little lad performed a third deed in the following year," +said Fiachu son of Firaba. "What deed performed he?" asked Ailill. + + [1-1] Eg. 1782. + + [2-2] LU. fo. 61a, in the margin. + +"Cathba the druid was [3]with his son, namely Conchobar son of Ness,[3] +imparting [4]learning[4] to his pupils in the north-east of Emain, and +eight[a] [5]eager[5] pupils in the class of druidic cunning were with +him. [6]That is the number that Cathba instructed.[6] [7]One of them[7] +questioned his teacher, what fortune and presage might there be for the day +they were in, whether it was good or whether it was ill. Then spake Cathba: +"The little boy that takes arms [8]this day[8] shall be splendid and +renowned [9]for deeds of arms[9] [10]above the youths of Erin [11]and the +tales of his high deeds shall be told[11] forever,[10] but he shall be +short-lived and fleeting." Cuchulain overheard what he said, though far +off at his play-feats south-west of Emain; and he threw away all his +play-things and hastened to Conchobar's sleep-room [12]to ask for arms.[12] +"All [W.1077.] good attend thee, O king of the Fene!" cried the little lad. +"This greeting is the speech of one soliciting something of some one. What +wouldst thou, lad?" said Conchobar. "To take arms," the lad made answer. +"Who hath advised thee, little boy?" asked Conchobar. "Cathba the druid," +said the lad. "He would not deceive thee, little boy," said Conchobar. +Conchobar gave him two spears and a sword and a shield. The little boy +shook and brandished the arms [1]in the middle of the house[1] so that he +made small pieces and fragments of them. Conchobar gave him other two +spears and a shield and a sword. He shook and brandished, flourished and +poised them, so that he shivered them into small pieces and fragments. +There where were the fourteen[a] suits of arms which Conchobar had in +Emain, [2]in reserve in case of breaking of weapons or[2] for equipping the +youths and the boys--to the end that whatever boy assumed arms, it might be +Conchobar that gave him the equipment of battle, and the victory of cunning +would be his thenceforward--even so, this little boy made splinters and +fragments of them all. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 547. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [a] 'One hundred' is the number in LU. and YBL. 547. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 548. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 548. + + [7-7] Stowe. + + [8-8] LU. and YBL. 550. + + [9-9] LU. and YBL. 551. + + [10-10] LU. and YBL. 551-552. + + [11-11] Stowe. + + [12-12] LU. and YBL. 553. + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 557. + + [a] 'Fifteen,' LU. and YBL. 556; 'seventeen,' Stowe. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 557. + +"Truly these arms here are not good, O Conchobar my master," the stripling +cried. "Herefrom cometh not what is worthy of me." Conchobar gave him his +own two spears and his shield and his sword. He shook and he brandished, he +bent and he poised them so that tip touched butt, and he brake not the arms +and they bore up against him, [3]and he saluted the king whose arms they +were.[3] "Truly, these arms are good," said the little boy; "they are +suited to me. Hail to the king whose arms and equipment these are. Hail to +the land whereout he is come!" + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 559-560. + +"Then Cathba the druid chanced to come into the tent, and what he said was, +"Hath he yonder taken arms?" [W.1101.] Cathba asked. "Aye, then, it must +be," Conchobar answered. "Not by [1]his[1] mother's son would I wish them +to be taken this day," said Cathba. "How so? Was it not thyself advised +him?" Conchobar asked. "Not I, in faith," replied Cathba. "What mean'st +thou, bewitched elf-man?" cried Conchobar [2]to Cuchulain.[2] "Is it a lie +thou hast told us?" [LL.fo.65a.] "But be not wroth [3]thereat,[3] O my +master Conchobar," said the little boy. [4]"No lie have I told;[4] for yet +is it he that advised me, [5]when he taught his other pupils this +morning.[5] For his pupil asked him what luck might lie in the day, and he +said: The youth that took arms on this day would be illustrious and famous, +[6]that his name would be over the men of Erin for ever, and that no evil +result would be on him thereafter,[6] except that he would be fleeting and +short-lived. [7]To the south of Emain I heard him, and then I came to +thee."[7] "That I avow to be true," spake Cathba. [8]"Good indeed is the +day,[8] glorious and renowned shalt thou be, [9]the one that taketh +arms,[9] yet passing and short lived!" "Noble the gift!" cried Cuchulain. +[10]"Little it recks me,[10] though I should be but one day and one night +in the world, if only the fame of me and of my deeds live after me!" + + [1-1] Reading with Stowe, LU. and YBL. 563. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 566. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 567. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 567. + + [6-6] Stowe. + + [7-7] LU. and YBL. 568. + + [8-8] LU. and YBL. 569. + + [9-9] LU. and YBL. 570. + + [10-10] Stowe. + +"[11] Another day one of them asked of the druids for what that day would +be propitious. "The one that mounts a chariot to-day," Cathba answered, +"his name will be renowned over Erin for ever." Now Cuchulain heard that. +He went to Conchobar and said to him, "O Conchobar my master, give me a +chariot!" He gave him a chariot.[11] [W.1113.] "Come, lad, mount the +chariot, for this is the next thing for thee." + + [11-11] LU. and YBL. 573-577. + +"He mounted the chariot. [1]He put his hands between the two poles of the +chariot,[1] and the first chariot he mounted withal he shook and tossed +about him till he reduced it to splinters and fragments. He mounted the +second chariot, so that he made small pieces and fragments of it in like +manner. Further he made pieces of the third chariot. There where were the +seventeen[a] chariots which Conchobar kept for the boy-troop and youths in +Emain, the lad made small pieces and fragments of them and they did not +withstand him. "These chariots here are not good, O my master Conchobar," +said the little boy; "my merit cometh not from them." "Where is Ibar[b] son +of Riangabair?" asked Conchobar. "Here, in sooth, am I," Ibar answered. +"Take with thee mine own two steeds for him yonder, and yoke my chariot." +Thereupon the charioteer took the horses and yoked the chariot. Then the +little boy mounted the chariot [2]and Conchobar's charioteer with him.[2] +He shook the chariot about him, and it withstood him, and he broke it +not. "Truly this chariot is good," cried the lad, "and this chariot is +suited to me." [3]The charioteer turned the chariot under him.[3] "Prithee, +little boy," said Ibar, [4]"come out[c] of the chariot now[4] and let the +horses out on their pasture." "It is yet too soon, O Ibar," the lad +answered. [5]"The horses are fair. I, too, am fair, their little lad.[5] +[6]Only[6] let us go on a circuit of Emain to-day [7]and thou shalt have a +reward therefor,[7] to-day being my first day of [W.1132.] taking arms, to +the end that it be a victory of cunning for me." + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 578. + + [a] 'Twelve,' LU. and YBL. 579. + + [b] The name of Conchobar's charioteer. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 580-581 and Eg. 1782. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 581. + + [c] Following the emendation suggested by Strachan and O'Keeffe, page + 23, note 21. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 582. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 583. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 584. + + [7-7] LU. and YBL. 585. + +"Thrice they made the circuit of Emain. "Leave the horses now to their +grazing, O little boy," said Ibar. "It is yet too soon, O Ibar," the little +lad answered; "let us keep on, that the boys may give me a blessing to-day +the first day of my taking arms." They kept their course to the place where +the boys were. "Is it arms he yonder has taken?" each one asked. "Of a +truth, are they." "May it be for victory, for first wounding and triumph. +But we deem it too soon for thee to take arms, because thou departest from +us at the game-feats." "By no means will I leave ye, but for luck I took +arms this day." "Now, little boy, leave the horses to their grazing," said +Ibar. "It is still too soon for that, O Ibar," the lad answered. [1]"Ply +the goad on the horses," said he. "What way, then?" the charioteer +asked. "As far as the road shall lead," answered Cuchulain.[1] "And this +great road winding by us, what way leads it?" the lad asked. "What is that +to thee?" Ibar answered. "But thou art a pleasant wight, I trow, little +lad," quoth Ibar. "I wish, fellow, to inquire about the high-road of the +province, what stretch it goes?" "To Ath na Foraire ('the Ford of +Watching') in Sliab Fuait it goes," Ibar answered. "Wherefore is it called +'the Ford of Watching,' knowest thou?" "Yea, I know it well," Ibar made +answer. "A stout warrior of Ulster is on watch and on guard there [2]every +day,[2] so that there come no strange youths into Ulster to challenge them +to battle, and he is a champion to give battle in behalf of the whole +province. Likewise if men of song leave the Ulstermen [LL.fo.65b.] and the +province in dudgeon, he is there to soothe them by proffering treasures and +valuables, and so to save the honour of the province. Again, if men of song +[W.1155.] enter the land, he is the man that is their surety that they win +the favour of Conchobar, so that songs and lays made for him will be the +first to be sung after their arrival in Emain." "Knowest thou who is at the +ford to-day?" "Yea, I know," Ibar answered; "Conall Cernach ('the +Triumphant'), the heroic, warlike son of Amargin, royal champion of Erin," +Ibar answered. "Thither guide us, fellow, that so we reach the ford." + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 589-590. + + [2-2] Stowe. + +"Onwards they drove into sight of the ford where was Conall. [1]Now it fell +to Conall Cernach to guard the province that day. For each champion of +Ulster spent his day on Sliab Fuait to protect him that came with a lay or +to fight with a warrior, so that some one would be there to meet him, in +order that none might come to Emain unperceived.[1] "Are those arms he +yonder has taken?" asked Conall. "Of a truth, are they," Ibar made +answer. "May it be for victory and for triumph and first wounding," said +Conall; "but we think it too soon for thee to take arms, because thou art +not yet capable of deeds. Were it surety he needed, he that should come +hither," he continued, "so wouldst thou furnish a perfect warrant amongst +the Ulstermen, and the nobles of the province would rise up to support thee +in the contest." "What dost thou here, O Conall my master?" asked the +lad. "Watch and ward of the province, lad, I keep here," Conall made +answer. "Do thou go home now, O master Conall," said the lad, "and leave +me the watch and guard of the province to keep here." "Say not so, little +son," replied Conall; [2]"'twould be enough, were it to protect one that +came with a song; were it to fight with a man, however, that is still too +soon for thee[2]; thou art not yet able to cope with a goodly warrior." +"Then, will I keep on to the south," [W.1172.] said the little boy, "to +Fertas ('the Bank') of Loch Echtrann for a while; [1]champions are wont to +take stand there;[1] perchance I may redden my hands on friend or on foe +this day." "I will go, little boy," said Conall, "to save thee, that thou +go not alone [2]into peril[2] on the border." "Not so," said the lad. "But +I will go," said Conall; "for the men of Ulster will blame me for leaving +thee to go alone on the border." + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 592-596. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 599-601. + + [1-1] LU.and YBL. 603. + + [2-2] Stowe. + +"Conall's horses were caught for him and his chariot was yoked and he set +out to protect the little boy. When Conall came up abreast of him, +Cuchulain felt certain that, even though a chance came to him, Conall would +not permit him to use it. He picked up a hand-stone from the ground which +was the full of his grasp. He hurled it from him [3]from his sling[3] the +length of a stone-shot at the yoke of Conall's chariot, so that he broke +the chariot-collar[a] in two and thereby Conall fell to the ground, so that +the nape of his neck went out from his shoulder. "What have we here, boy?" +asked Conall; [4]"why threwest thou the stone?"[4] "It is I threw it to see +if my cast be straight, or how I cast at all, or if I have the stuff of a +warrior in me." "A bane on thy cast and a bane on thyself as well. E'en +though thou leavest thy head this time with thine enemies, I will go no +further to protect thee." "'Twas what I craved of thee," answered he; "for +it is geis amongst you men of Ulster to proceed, after a mishap has +befallen your chariots. [5]Go back[5] [6]to Emain,[6] [7]O Conall, and +leave me here to keep watch." "That pleaseth me well," replied Conall.[7] +Conall turned back northwards again to the Ford of Watching. [8]Thereafter +Conall Cernach went not past that place.[8] + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 604. + + [a] In LU. and YBL., 'the shaft of the chariot.' + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 605-606. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 608. + + [6-6] LU. 608. + + [7-7] LU. and YBL. 609-610. + + [8-8] LU. and YBL. 610. + +[W.1192.] As for the little boy, he fared southwards to Fertas Locha +Echtrann. He remained there till the end of the day [1]and they found no +one there before them.[1] "If we dared tell thee, little boy," spoke Ibar, +"it were time for us to return to Emain [LL.fo.66a.] now; for dealing and +carving and dispensing of food is long since begun in Emain, and there is a +place assigned for thee there. Every day it is appointed thee to sit +between Conchobar's feet, while for me there is naught but to tarry among +the hostlers and tumblers of Conchobar's household. [2]For that reason,[2] +methinks it is time to have a scramble[a] among them." "Fetch then the +horses for us." The charioteer fetched the horses and the lad mounted the +chariot. "But, O Ibar, what hill is that there now, the hill to the north?" +the lad asked. "Now, that is Sliab Moduirn," Ibar answered. [3]"Let us go +and get there," said Cuchulain. Then they go on till they reach it.[3] +[4]When they reached the mountain, Cuchulain asked,[4] "And what is that +white cairn yonder on the height of the mountain?" "And that is Finncharn +('the White Cairn') of Sliab Moduirn," Ibar answered. "But yonder cairn is +beautiful," exclaimed the lad. "It surely is beautiful," Ibar answered. +"Lead on, fellow, till we reach yonder cairn." "Well, but thou art both a +pleasant and tedious inquisitor, I see," exclaimed Ibar; "but this is my +first [5]journey and my first[5] time with thee. It shall be my last time +till the very day of doom, if once I get back to Emain." + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 612. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [a] Or, more literally, 'a clawing match.' + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 615-616. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 616. + + [5-5] Stowe. + +"Howbeit they went to the top of the hill. "It is pleasant here, O Ibar," +the little boy exclaimed. "Point out to me Ulster on every side, for I am +no wise acquainted with the land of my master Conchobar." The horseman +[W.1211.] pointed him out Ulster all around him. He pointed him out the +hills and the fields and the mounts of the province on every side. He +pointed him out the plains and the duns and the strongholds of the +province. "'Tis a goodly sight, O Ibar," exclaimed the little lad. "What is +that indented, angular, bordered and glenny plain to the south of us?" +"Mag Breg," replied Ibar. "Tell thou to me the buildings and forts of that +plain." The gilla taught him [1]the name of every chief dun between Temair +and Cenannas,[1] Temair and Taltiu, Cletech and Cnogba and Brug ('the +Fort') of Mac ind Oc. [2]He pointed out to him then[2] the dun of the +[3]three[3] sons of Necht Scene ('the Fierce'): [4]Foill and Fandall and +Tuachall, their names;[4] [5]Fer Ulli son of Lugaid was their father, and +Necht [6]from the mouth of the[6] Scene was their mother. Now the Ulstermen +had slain their father; it was for that reason they were at war with +Ulster.[5] "But are those not Necht's sons, that boast that not more of the +Ulstermen are alive than have fallen at their hands?" "The same, in sooth," +answered the gilla. "On with us to the dun of the macNechta," cried the +little boy. "Alas, in truth, that thou sayest so," quoth Ibar; [7]"'tis +a peril for us."[7] [8]"Truly, not to avoid it do we go," answered +Cuchulain.[8] "We know it is an act of great folly for us to say so, but +whoever may go," said Ibar, "it will not be myself." "Living or dead, go +there thou shalt," the little boy cried. "'Tis alive I shall go to the +south," answered Ibar, "and dead I shall be left at the dun, I know, even +at the dun of the macNechta." + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 620. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 623. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 623. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 624. + + [5-5] LU. 623, marginal note. + + [6-6] LU. 623, gloss. + + [7-7] LU. and YBL. 627. + + [8-8] LU. and YBL. 628. + +"They push on to the dun [1]and they unharness their horses in the place +where the bog and the river meet south [W.1227.] of the dun of the +macNechta.[1] And the little boy sprang out of the chariot onto the +green. Thus was the green of the dun, with a pillar-stone upon it and an +iron band around that, and a band for prowess it was, and there was a +writing in ogam at its joint, and this is the writing it bore: 'Whoever +should come to the green, if he be a champion, it is geis for him to depart +from the green without giving challenge to single combat.[1] The lad +deciphered the writing and put his two arms around the pillar-stone. Just +as the pillar-stone was with its ring, he flung it [2]with a cast of his +hand[2] into the moat, so that a wave passed over it. "Methinks," spake +Ibar, "it is no better now than to be where it was. And we know thou shalt +now get on this green the thing thou desirest, even the token of death, +yea, of doom and destruction!" [3]For it was the violation of a geis of +the sons of Necht Scene to do that thing.[3] "Good, O Ibar, spread the +chariot-coverings and its skins for me that I may [LL.fo.66b.] snatch a +little sleep." "Woe is me, that thou sayest so," answered the gilla; "for a +foeman's land is this and not a green for diversion." [4]And Cuchulain said +to the gilla, "Do not awaken me for a few but awaken me for many."[4] The +gilla arranged the chariot-coverings and its skins [5]under Cuchulain, and +the lad fell asleep on the green.[5] + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 629. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 630. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 631. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 634-635. + + [5-5] Stowe. + +"Then came one of the macNechta on to the fair-green, to wit, Foill son of +Necht. [6]Then was the charioteer sore afraid, for he durst not waken him, +for Cuchulain had told him at first not to waken him for a few.[6] "Unyoke +not the horses, gilla," cried Foill. "I am not fain to, at all," answered +Ibar; "the reins and the lines are still in my hand." "Whose horses are +those, then?" Foill asked. [W.1246.] "Two of Conchobar's horses," answered +the gilla; "the two of the dappled heads." "That is the knowledge I have of +them. And what hath brought these steeds here to the borders?" "A tender +youth that has assumed arms amongst us [1]to-day for luck and good +omen,"[1] the horseboy answered, "is come to the edges of the marshes to +display his comeliness." "May it not be for victory nor for triumph, [2]his +first-taking of arms,"[2] exclaimed Foill. [3]"Let him not stop in our land +and let the horses not graze here any longer.[3] If I knew he was fit for +deeds, it is dead he should go back northwards to Emain and not alive!" "In +good sooth, he is not fit for deeds," Ibar answered; "it is by no means +right to say it of him; it is the seventh year since he was taken from the +crib. [4]Think not to earn enmity,"[a] Ibar said further to the warrior; +"and moreover the child sleepeth."[4] + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 635-638. + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 641. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 642. + + [a] That is, the enmity of the Ulstermen by slaying Cuchulain. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 644-645. + +"The little lad raised his face from the ground and drew his hand over his +face, and he became as one crimson wheelball from his crown to the +ground. [5]"Not a child am I, at all, but it is to seek battle with a man +that this child here is come.[5] Aye, but I am fit for deeds!" the lad +cried. [6]"That pleaseth me well," said the champion;[6] "but more like +than what thou sayest, meseemeth, thou art not fit for deeds." "Thou wilt +know that better if we go to the ford. But, go fetch thy weapons, for I see +it is in the guise of a churl thou art come, and I slay nor charioteers nor +grooms nor folk without arms." The man went apace after his arms. +[7]"Now[7] thou shouldst have a care for us against yonder man [8]that +comes to meet thee,[8] little lad," said Ibar. "And why so?" [W.1262.] +asked the lad. "Foill son of Necht is the man thou seest. Neither points +nor edges of weapons can harm him." "Not before me shouldst thou say that, +O Ibar," quoth the lad. "I will put my hand to the lath-trick for him, +namely, to the apple of twice-melted iron, and it will light upon the disc +of his shield and on the flat of his forehead, and it will carry away the +size of an apple of his brain out through the back of his head, so that it +will make a sieve-hole outside of his head, till the light of the sky will +be visible through his head." + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 645-646. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 647. + + [7-7] LU. and YBL. 649. + + [8-8] LU. and YBL. 649. + +"Foill son of Necht came forth. Cuchulain took the lath-trick in hand for +him and threw it from him the length of his cast, so that it lighted on the +flat of his shield and on the front of his forehead and carried away the +bulk of an apple of his brain out through the back of his head, so that it +made a sieve-hole thereof outside of his head, till the light of the sky +might be seen through his head. [1]He went to him then[1] and struck off +the head from the trunk. [2]Thereafter he bore away his spoils and his +head with him.[2] + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 665. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 655. + +"Then came the second son out on the green, [3]his name[3] Tuachall ('the +Cunning') son of Necht. "Aha, I see thou wouldst boast of this deed," quoth +Tuachall. "In the first place I deem it no cause to boast for slaying one +champion," said Cuchulain; "thou shalt not boast of it this time, for thou +shalt fall by my hand." "Off with thee for thine arms, then, for 'tis not +as a warrior thou art come." The man rushed after his arms. "Thou shouldst +have a care for us against yon man, lad," said Ibar. "How so?" the lad +asked. "Tuachall son of Necht is the man thou beholdest. [4]And he is +nowise miss-named, for he falls not by arms at all.[4] Unless thou worstest +him with the first blow or with the first shot or with the first touch, +[LL.fo.67a.] thou wilt not worst him [W.1283.] ever, because of his +craftiness and the skill wherewith he plays round the points of the +weapons." "That should not be said before me, O Ibar," cried the lad. [1]"I +swear by the god by whom my people swear, he shall never again ply +his skill on the men of Ulster.[1] I will put my hand on Conchobar's +well-tempered lance, on the Craisech Neme ('the Venomous Lance'). [2]It +will be an outlaw's hand to him.[2] It will light on the shield over his +belly, and it will crush through his ribs on the farther side after +piercing his heart in his breast. That would be the smiting cast of an +enemy and not the friendliness of a fellow countryman![a] From me he shall +not get sick-nursing or care till the brink of doom." + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 662-663. + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 651-652. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 653; probably a proverbial expression. + + [a] The force of Cuchulain's boast lay in the fact that, according to + the Brehon Laws, if the aggressor were not a native or of the same + class as the injured party, he was exempt from the law of compensation. + +"Tuachall son of Necht came forth on the green, and the lad laid his hand +on Conchobar's lance against him, and it struck the shield above his belly +and broke through the ribs on the farther side after piercing his heart +within his breast. He struck off his head or ever it reached the ground. +[3]Thereafter Cuchulain carried off his head and his spoils with him to his +own charioteer.[3] + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 666. + +"Then came the youngest of the sons forth on the green, namely, Fandall son +of Necht. "Fools were the folk who fought with thee here," cried Fandall. +"How, now!" cried the lad. "Come down to the pool, where thy foot findeth +not bottom." Fandall rushed on to the pool. "Thou shouldst be wary for us +of him, little boy," said Ibar. "Why should I then?" asked the lad. +"Fandall son of Necht is the man whom thou seest. For this he bears the +name Fandall ('the Swallow'): like a swallow or weasel[b] he courseth the +sea; the swimmers of the world [W.1302.] cannot reach him." "Thou shouldst +not speak thus before me, O Ibar," said the lad. [1]"I swear, never again +will he ply that feat on the men of Ulster.[1] Thou knowest the river that +is in our land, in Emain, the Callann. When the boys frequent it with their +games of sport and when the water is not beneath them, [2]if the surface is +not reached by them all,[2] I do carry a boy over it on either of my palms +and a boy on either of my shoulders, and I myself do not even wet my ankles +under the weight of them." + + [b] LU. and YBL. have 'a swan.' + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 657-658. + + [2-2] Stowe. That is, when the water is over their heads. + +"They met upon the water [3]and they engaged in wrestling upon it,[3] and +the little boy closed his arms over Fandall, so that the sea came up even +with him, and he gave him a deft blow with Conchobar's sword and chopped +off his head from the trunk, and left the body to go down with the stream, +and he carried off the head [4]and the spoils[4] with him. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 661. + +"Thereupon Cuchulain went into the dun and pillaged the place and burned it +so that its buildings were no higher than its walls. And they turned on +their way to Sliab Fuait and carried the three heads of Necht's sons with +them. [5]Soon Cuchulain heard the cry of their mother after them, of Necht +Scene, namely."[5] [6]"Now I will not give over my spoils," cried +Cuchulain, "till I reach Emain Macha." Thereupon Cuchulain and Ibar set out +for Emain Macha with their spoils. It was then Cuchulain spoke to his +charioteer: "Thou didst promise us a good run," said Cuchulain, "and we +need it now because of the storm and pursuit that is after us." Forthwith +they hasten to Sliab Fuait. Such was the speed of the course they held over +Breg, after the urging of the charioteer, that the horses of the chariot +overtook the wind and the birds in [W.1317.] their flight and Cuchulain +caught the throw he had cast from his sling or ever it reached the ground. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 667-668. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 669-679. + +"When they came to Sliab Fuait[6] they espied a herd of wild deer before +them. "What are those many cattle, O Ibar, those nimble ones yonder?" asked +the lad; "are they tame or are they other deer?" "They are real wild deer, +indeed," Ibar answered; "herds of wild deer that haunt the wastes of Sliab +Fuait." [1]"Which," asked Cuchulain, "would the men of Ulster deem best, +to bring them dead or alive?" "More wonderful, alive," answered the +charioteer; "not every one can do it so; but dead, there is none of them +cannot do it. Thou canst not do this, carry off any of them alive." "Truly +I can," said Cuchulain.[1] "Ply the goad for us on the horses [2]into the +bog,[2] to see can we take some of them." The charioteer drove a goad into +the horses. It was beyond the power of the king's overfat steeds to keep up +with the deer. [3]Soon the horses stuck in the marsh.[3] The lad got down +from the chariot and [4]as the fruit of his run and his race, in the morass +which was around him,[4] he caught two of the swift, stout deer. He +fastened them to the back poles and the bows and the thongs of the chariot. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 669-679. + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 681-686. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 686. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 687. + + [4-4] Stowe. + +"They continued their way to the mound-seat of Emain, where they saw flocks +of white swans flying by them. "What are those birds there, O Ibar?" the +lad asked; "are yonder birds tame [LL.fo.67.] or are they other birds?" +"Indeed, they are real wild birds," Ibar answered; "flocks of swans are +they that come from the rocks and crags and islands of the great sea +without, to feed on the plains and smooth spots of Erin." "Which would be +stranger [5]to the Ulstermen,[5] O Ibar, for them to be fetched alive to +Emain or dead?" asked the lad. "Stranger far, alive," [W.1333.] Ibar +answered, "for not every one succeeds in taking the birds alive, [1]while +they are many that take them dead."[1] Then did the lad perform one of his +lesser feats upon them: [2]he put a small stone in his sling,[2] so that he +brought down eight[a] of the birds; and then he performed a greater feat: +[3]he threw a large stone at them[3] and he brought down sixteen[b] of +their number. [4]With his return stroke all that was done.[4] He fastened +them to the hind poles and the bows and the thongs and the ropes and the +traces of the chariot. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 692. + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [a] 'Seven,' LU. and YBL. 695. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [b] 'Twelve,' LU. and YBL. 696. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 696-697. + +"Take the birds along with thee, O Ibar," cried the lad [5]to his +charioteer. If I myself go to take them," he added, "the wild deer will +spring upon thee."[5] "I am in sore straits," answered Ibar; "[6]I find it +not easy to go."[6] "What may it be?" asked the lad. "Great cause have +I. [7]The horses have become wild, so that I cannot go by them.[7] If I +stir at all from where I am, the chariot's iron wheels will cut me down +[8]because of their sharpness[8] and because of the strength and the power +and the might of the career of the horses. If I make any move, the horns of +the deer will pierce and gore me, [9]for the horns of the stag have filled +the whole space between the two shafts of the chariot."[9] "Ah, no true +champion art thou any longer, O Ibar," [10]said the lad;[10] [11]"step thus +from his horn.[11] [12]I swear by the god by whom the Ulstermen swear,[12] +because of the look I shall give at the horses they will not depart from +the straight way; at the look I shall give at the deer they will bend their +heads in fear and awe of me; [13]they will not dare move,[13] and [W.1346.] +it will be safe for thee e'en though thou goest in front of their horns." +[1]And so it was done. Cuchulain fastened the reins.[1] [2]Then[2] [3]the +charioteer[3] [4]went and collected the birds, and he bound them to the +hind poles and to the thongs and the traces of the chariot.[4] [5]Thus it +was that he proceeded to Emain Macha: the wild deer behind his chariot, and +the flock of swans flying over the same, and the three heads of the sons of +Necht Scene [6]and the jewels, treasures and wealth of their enemies +arranged[6] in his chariot.[5] + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 698-699. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 699. + + [7-7] LU. and YBL. 700. + + [8-8] LU. and YBL. 702. + + [9-9] LU. and YBL. 703. + + [10-10] Stowe. + + [11-11] LU. and YBL. 703. + + [12-12] LU. and YBL. 704. + + [13-13] LU. and YBL. 706. + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 707. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 708. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 709-711. + + [6-6] H. 2. 17. + +"[7]Thereupon[7] they went on till [8]bravely, boldly, battle-victoriously, +boastingly, blade-redded,[8] they reached [9]the fair plain of[9] Emain. It +was then Lebarcham, [10]the watch in Emain Macha,[10] [11]came forth +and[11] discerned them, she, the daughter of Aue ('Ear') and of Adarc +('Horn') [12]and she hastened to Conchobar's house, her eye restless in her +head and her tongue faltering in her jaw.[12] "A single chariot-fighter is +here, [13]coming towards Emain Macha,"[13] cried Lebarcham, "and his coming +is fearful. The heads of his foes all red in his chariot with him. +Beautiful, all-white birds he has hovering around in the chariot. With him +are wild, untamed deer, bound and fettered, shackled and pinioned. And +[14]I give my word,[14] if he be not attended to this night, [15]blood will +flow over Conchobar's province by him and[15] the youths of Ulster will +fall by his hand." "We know him, that chariot-fighter," spake Conchobar; +"[16]belike it is[16] the little gilla, my sister's son, who went to the +edge of the marches [17]at the beginning of the day,[17] [W.1355.] who has +reddened his hands and is still unsated of combat, and unless he be +attended to, all the youths of Emain will fall by his hand." [1]Soon he +turned the left[a] side of his chariot towards Emain, and this was geis for +Emain. And Cuchulain cried, "I swear by the god by whom the Ulstermen +swear, if a man be not found to engage with me, I will spill the blood of +every one in the dun!"[1] + + [7-7] H. 2. 17. + + [8-8] H. 2. 17. + + [9-9] H. 2. 17. + + [10-10] LU. and YBL. 713. + + [11-11] H. 2. 17. + + [12-12] H. 2. 17. + + [13-13] H. 2. 17. + + [14-14] H. 2. 17. + + [15-15] H. 2. 17. + + [16-16] H. 2. 17. + + [17-17] H. 2. 17. + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 715-718. + + [a] To turn the left side was an insult and sign of hostility. + +"And this was the counsel they agreed to follow: to let out the womenfolk +to meet the youth, namely, thrice fifty women, even ten and seven-score +bold, stark-naked women, at one and the same time, and their chieftainess, +Scannlach ('the Wanton') before them, to discover their persons and their +shame[b] to him. [2]"Let the young women go," said Conchobar, "and bare +their paps and their breasts and their swelling bosoms, and if he be a true +warrior he will not withstand being bound, and he shall be placed in a vat +of cold water until his anger go from him."[2] [3]Thereupon[3] the young +women all [4]arose and[4] marched out, [5]and these are the names of those +queens: Sgamalus and Sgannlach and Sgiathan, Feidlim and Deigtini +Finnchas, and Finngheal and Fidniam and Niam, daughter of Celtchar son of +Uthechar[5]; and they discovered their nakedness and all their shame to +him. [6]"These are the warriors that will meet thee to-day," quoth Mugain, +wife of Conchobar son of Ness.[6] The lad hid his face from them and turned +his gaze on the chariot, that he might not see the nakedness or the shame +of the women.[c] Then the lad was lifted out of the chariot. He was placed +in three vats of cold water to extinguish his wrath; and the first vat into +which he was put burst its staves and its hoops like the cracking of nuts +around him. [W.1367.] The next vat [1]into which he went[1] [2]boiled with +bubbles as big as fists[2] therefrom. The third vat [3]into which he +went,[3] some men might endure it and others might not. Then the boy's +wrath went down. + + [b] 'Breasts,' LU. and YBL. 720. + + [2-2] H. 2. 17. + + [3-3] H. 2. 17. + + [4-4] H. 2. 17. + + [5-5] H. 2. 17. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 720-721. + + [c] This exposure was a powerful magico-religious symbol and had a + quasi-sacred or ritual character. + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] Translating from Stowe and H. 2. 17. + + [3-3] H. 2. 17. + +"[4]Thereupon he came out,[4] and his [5]festive[5] garments were put on +him [6]by Mugain the queen.[6] His comeliness appeared on him [LL.fo.68a.] +and he made a crimson wheel-ball of himself from his crown to the +ground. [7]A shout was raised at the bluish purple about him.[7] +[8]Beautiful then was the lad[8] [9]that was raised up in view.[9] Seven +toes he had to each of his two feet, and seven fingers to each of his two +hands, and seven pupils to each of his two kingly eyes, and seven gems of +the brilliance of the eye was each separate pupil. Four spots of down on +either of his two cheeks: a blue spot, a purple spot, a green spot, a +yellow spot. Fifty strands of bright-yellow hair from one ear to the other, +like to a comb of birch twigs or like to a brooch of pale gold in the face +of the sun. A clear, white, shorn spot was upon him, as if a cow had licked +it. A [10]fair, laced[10] green[a] mantle about him; a silver pin therein +[11]over his white breast, so that the eyes of men could not look at it for +its gleam and its brightness.[11] A [12]hooded[12] tunic of thread of gold +about him. [13]A magnificent, fair-coloured, dark purple shield he bore. +Two hard, five-pointed spears in his hand. A diadem of gold round his +head.[13] And the lad was seated between the two feet of Conchobar, [14]and +that was his couch ever after,[14] and the king began to stroke his +close-shorn hair. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 726. + + [5-5] Stowe. + + [6-6] LU. 726. + + + [7-7] H. 2. 17. Thurneysen, _Zeitschrift fuer Celtische Philologie_, Bd. + VIII, S. 538, note 13, understands this to mean, 'a bluish purple cloak + was thrown around him.' + + [8-8] Stowe and H. 2. 17. + + [9-9] H. 2. 17. + + [10-10] H. 2. 17. + + [a] 'Blue,' LU. and YBL. 727 and Eg. 1782. + + [11-11] H. 2. 17. + + [12-12] LU. and YBL. 727. + + [13-13] H. 2. 17. + + [14-14] LU. and YBL. 728. + +[W.1381.] "A mere lad accomplished these deeds at the end of seven years +after his birth," [1]continued Fiachu son of Fiarba;[1] "for he overcame +heroes and battle-champions at whose hands two-thirds of the men of Ulster +had fallen, and these had not got their revenge on them until that scion +rose up for them. No need then is there of wonder or of surprise, though he +came to the border, though he slew one man or two men or three men or four +men, [2]though he cut off the four-headed pole with one cut and one blow of +his shining sword[2] when now are fulfilled his seventeen years at the time +of the Tain Bo Cualnge." + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 729-730. + + [2-2] H. 2. 17. + +[3]Albeit gladness, joy and happiness was the part of the men of Ulster for +that, sorrow, grief and unhappiness was the part of the men of Erin, for +they knew that the little lad that had done those deeds in the time of his +boyhood, it would be no wonder if he should do great deeds of valour in the +time of his manhood.[3] + + [3-3] H. 2. 17. + +These, accordingly, are some of the youthful exploits of Cuchulain on the +Raid for the Kine of Cualnge, and the Prologue of the Tale, and the Names +of the Roads and the March of the Host up to this Point. + +The Story proper is this which follows now. + + * * * * * + +[Page 80] + + + + +VIIc + +[1]BELOW IS A SEPARATE VERSION AS FAR AS THE SLAYING OF ORLAM + + +"Let us fare forth now," quoth Ailill. Thereafter they reached Mag Mucceda +('the plain of the Swineherd.') Cuchulain lopped off an oak that was before +him in that place and set an ogam-writing on its side. This is what was on +it: 'That no one should pass by till a chariot-warrior with a chariot +should overleap it.' + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 733-766. + +They pitch there their tents and proceed to leap over the oak in their +chariots. Thereat thirty horses fall and thirty chariots are broken. Now, +Belach Ane ('the Pass of Sport') is the name of that place forever. + +They bide there till morning. Fraech [2]son of Fidach[2] was summoned to +them. "Help us, O Fraech," spake Medb; "deliver us from the strait we are +in. Rise up for us to meet Cuchulain, if perchance thou wilt fight him." + + [2-2] YBL. 741. + +Betimes in the morning, with nine men Fraech went out from thence till he +arrived at Ath Fuait, when he saw the youth Cuchulain bathing in the +river. "Bide here," spake Fraech to his people, "till I fight with yonder +man; he is not good in the water," said he. He doffs his clothes and goes +into the water to meet him. "Come not before me," cried Cuchulain; "it +shall be thy death and it would grieve me to kill thee." "Nay, but I will +go," answered Fraech, "so that we come together in the water, and it +behoves thee to engage with me." "Settle that as seemeth thee good," +Cuchulain made answer. "Each of us with his arms round the other," said +Fraech. They fall to wrestling for a long time in the water and Fraech is +thrust under. Cuchulain brings him above again. "This time," spake +Cuchulain, "wilt thou acknowledge that I saved thee?" "I will not," Fraech +answered. Cuchulain thrusts him under again, so that Fraech is destroyed. + +He is placed on the ground. His people bear the body [10]with them[10] to +the camp. Ath Fraeich ('Fraech's Ford') is the name of that ford for +ever. All the army keen [2]their[2] Fraech, till they see a troop of women, +in green tunics standing over the corpse of Fraech son of Fidach. These +women bear him into the fairy dwelling. Sid Fraeich ('Fraech's Mound') is +the name of the Elfmound ever since. + + [10-10] Eg. 1782. + + [2-2] YBL. 758. + +Fergus leaps over the oak-stump in his [3]own[3] chariot [4]and knocks off +its head.[4] [5]According to another version,[5] they proceed till they +reach [6]Ath Meislir.[6] Cuchulain destroys six of them there, namely, +[7]Meislir _et reliqua_,[7] [8]the six Dungals of Irrus.[8] + + [3-3] Eg. 1782. + + [4-4] Eg. 1782. + + [5-5] YBL. 762. + + [6-6] Reading with YBL. '_Ath Taiten_,' LU. 762. + + [7-7] YBL. 763. + + [8-8] LU. 763. + +They go thence to Fornocht. Medb had a whelp named Baiscne. Cuchulain made +a cast at him, so that he struck off his head. Now, Druim ('Ridge') is the +name of that place ever after.[1] + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 733-766 (see page 80). + +[9]According to another version, however, it is there +that the youth who was in the chariot by the side of Medb +and the pet bird were slain by the casts, but, according to +this version, that happened after the slaying of Orlam.[9] + + [9] YBL. 766-769. + + * * * * * + +[Page 82] + + + + +VIII + +THE SLAYING OF ORLAM + + +[W.1393.] The four grand provinces of Erin set forth on the morrow +eastwards over Cronn ('the Round'), which is a mountain. Cuchulain had +gone out before them, till he came upon the charioteer of Orlam son of +Aililla and of Medb. This was at Tamlacht Orlaim ('Orlam's Gravestone') +[1]a little to the[1] north of Disert Lochaid ('Lochat's Hermitage'). The +charioteer was engaged in cutting chariot-poles from a holly-tree in the +wood. [2]But according to another version it is the hind pole of +Cuchulain's chariot that was broken and it was to cut a pole he had gone +when Orlam's charioteer came up.[2] [3]According to this version, it was +the charioteer who was cutting the pole.[3] + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 772. + + [2-2] YBL. 773-775. + + [3-3] LU. 773-775. + +[4]Not long was the battle-victorious Hound there when he heard a sound and +an uproar.[4] "Behold, O Laeg," cried Cuchulain; "[5]who of the host of the +foe have come into this land to carry off a share of cattle and booty from +the province wherein they came?[5] How bold are the ways of the Ulstermen, +if it be they that cut down the woods in this fashion in the face of the +men of Erin. But, [6]check the horses and hold the chariot.[6] Tarry thou +here a little, till I know who cuts down the woods in this manner." Then +Cuchulain went on till he came up to [7]Orlam's[7] charioteer, [W.1401.] +[1]to stop him; he thought he was one of the men of Ulster.[1] "What dost +thou here, gilla?" asked Cuchulain. "Indeed, then," answered the gilla, "I +cut chariot-poles from this holm, because our chariots were broken +yesterday in pursuit of that famous wildling, namely Cuchulain. And for thy +manhood's sake, young warrior, pray come to my aid, so that that famous +Cuchulain come not upon me." "Take thy choice, gilla," said Cuchulain, "to +gather or to trim them, either." "I will see to gathering them, for it is +easier," [2]the gilla answered.[2] Cuchulain started to cut the poles and +he drew them between the forks of his feet and his hands against their +bends and their knots, so that he made them smooth and straight and +slippery and trimmed; he polished them so that not even a midge could find +footing thereon when he had passed them away from him. Then full sure the +gilla gazed upon him. "Far then, meseems, from fitting is the task I put on +thee. [3]And for love of thy valour,[3] who art thou, say, O warrior?" the +gilla asked, [4]for he was sore affrighted.[4] "That same renowned +Cuchulain am I of whom thou spakest [5]a while ago[5] in the morning." "Woe +is me then, by reason of this," cried the gilla; "for this am I lost +forever." [LL.fo.68b.] [6]"Whence comest thou [7]and who art thou[7]?" +Cuchulain asked. "Charioteer am I of Orlam, Ailill's son and Medb's,"[6] +[8]said he.[8] [9]"Fear nothing;[9] I will not slay thee at all, boy," said +Cuchulain; "for I slay nor charioteers nor horseboys nor persons unarmed. +But, prithee, where is thy master, [10]gilla[10]?" "Over yonder by the +trench, [11]with his back to the pillar-stone,[11]" answered the gilla. +"Off with thee thither to him and bear him a warning that he be on his +guard. For if we meet he shall fall by my hand." + + [4-4] H. 2. 17. + + [5-5] H. 2. 17. + + [6-6] H. 2. 17. + + [7-7] Stowe. + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 777. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] H. 2. 17. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 786 + + [5-5] H. 2. 17. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 786-787. + + [7-7] H. 2. 17. + + [8-8] LU. 787. + + [9-9] LU. and YBL. 789. + + [10-10] H. 2. 17. + + [11-11] H. 2. 17. + +[W.1419.] Thereupon the charioteer repaired [1]by one way[1] to his master, +[2]and Cuchulain went by another,[2] and fast as the gilla sped to Orlam, +faster still Cuchulain did reach him [3]and offered him combat[3] and he +struck off his head, and raising it aloft displayed it to the men of Erin, +[4]and he flourished it in the presence of the host.[4] [5]Then he put the +head on the charioteer's back and said, "Take this with thee, and so go to +the camp. Unless thou goest so, a stone out of my sling will reach thee." + + [1-1] H. 2. 17. + + [2-2] H. 2. 17. + + [3-3] H. 2. 17. + + [4-4] Stowe, LU. and YBL. 792. + +When the charioteer came nigh to the camp he took the head from his back +and told his adventures to Ailill and Medb. "It is not the same, this +exploit and the catching of birds," quoth she. "And he told me" (said the +boy), "unless I brought it on my back to the camp, he would break my head +with a stone."[5] [6]Hence Leaca Orlaim ('Orlam's Flagstones') to the north +of Disert Lochaid is the name of the place where he fell. Tamlachta +('Gravestones') is another name for it, and it is for this reason it is so +called because of the little gravestones and the violent deaths which +Cuchulain worked on it."[6] + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 793-799. + + [6-6] H. 2. 17. + + * * * * * + +[Page 85] + + + + +VIIIa + +[1]THE SLAYING OF THE THREE MacARACH[1] + + +[W.1425.] Then came the three macArach on to the ford at Ard Ciannacht +to encounter Cuchulain: Lon ('Ousel'), Uala ('Pride'), and Diliu +('Deluge');--Meslir ('Lir's Fosterling'), and Meslaoc ('Hero's +Fosterling'), and Meslethain ('Lethan's Fosterling') were the names of +their charioteers. This is why they came to engage with Cuchulain, for the +deed he had done the day before they deemed past bearing, when the two sons +of Nera son of Nuatar, son of Tacan, were slain at Ath Gabla ('Fork-ford'), +and Orlam, Ailill's son and Medb's, was slain withal and his head displayed +to the men of Erin, so that [2]their desire was[2] to kill Cuchulain in the +same manner [3]in revenge for him,[3] [4]and that they should be the ones +to rid the host of that pest[4] and bring his head with them to set it +aloft. They went into the wood and cut off three [5]great[5] white-hazel +wood-strips (and put them) into the hands of their charioteers, so that the +six of them might engage in battle at one and the same time with Cuchulain. +Cuchulain turned on them and smote their six heads from them. Thus fell the +macArach at the hands of Cuchulain, [6]because they observed not fair fight +with him. At that same time Orlam's charioteer was between Ailill and Medb. +Cuchulain slung a stone at him, so that it broke his head and his brains +came out over his ears. Fertedil was his name. Hence it is not true that +Cuchulain slew no charioteers. Albeit he slew them not without fault.[6] + + [1-1] H. 2. 17, and, similarly, LU. fo. 64a, in the margin. LU. reads + _MacGarach_. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 806. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 806-807. + + [5-5] H. 2. 17. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 808-812. + + * * * * * + +[Page 86] + + + + +VIIIb + +[1]THE COMBAT OF LETHAN AND CUCHULAIN[1] + + +[W.1439.] There came also Lethan ('the Broad') to his ford on the Nith in +the land of Conalle Murthemni, to fight with Cuchulain. [2]He was angered +at what Cuchulain had wrought.[2] He came upon him at the ford. Ath Carpait +('Chariot-ford') is the name of the ford where they fought, for their +chariots were broken in the combat on the ford. It is there that Mulcha, +[3]Lethan's charioteer,[3] fell on the [4]shoulder of the[4] hill between +the two fords, [5]for he had offered battle and combat to Laeg son of +Riangabair.[5] Hence it is called Guala Mulchi ('Mulcha's Shoulder') ever +since. It is there, too, that Cuchulain and Lethan met, and Lethan fell at +Cuchulain's hands and he smote his head from his neck on the ford and left +it therewith, that is, he left the head with the trunk. Wherefore the name +of the ford [6]of the Nith[6] was called Ath Lethain ('Lethain's Ford') +ever since in the district of Conalle Murthemni. + + [1-1] The superscription is taken from Stowe. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 837. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 841. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 841. + + [5-5] H. 2. 17. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 839 and Stowe. + +Then came [7]unto them[7] the Crutti Cainbili ('the Tuneful Harpers'), from +Ess Ruaid in the north to amuse them, [8]out of friendship for Ailill and +Medb.[8] They opined it was to spy upon them [9]they were come[9] from +Ulster. [10]When they came within sight of the camp of the men of Erin, +fear, terror, and dread possessed them,[10] and the hosts pursued [W.1450.] +them as never men pursued, far and wide, till they escaped them in the +shapes of deer near the standing stones at Lia Mor ('Great Stone') [1]in +the north.[1] For though they were known as the 'Mellifluous Harpers' they +were [2]druids,[2] men of great cunning and great power of augury and +magic. + + [7-7] H. 2. 17. + + [8-8] H. 2. 17. + + [9-9] Stowe. + + [10-10] H. 2. 17. + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 835. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 835. + + * * * * * + +[Page 88] + + + + +VIIIc + +[1]THE KILLING OF THE SQUIRREL AND OF THE TAME BIRD[1] + + +[W.1456.] Then Cuchulain made a threat [2]in Methe[2] that wherever he saw +Medb he would cast a stone at her and that it would not go far from the +side of her head. That he also fulfilled. In the place where he saw Medb +west of the ford he cast a stone from his sling at her, so that it killed +the pet bird that was on her shoulder. Medb passed over the ford eastwards, +and again he cast a stone from his sling at her east of the ford, so that +it killed the tame squirrel that was on her shoulder. Hence the names of +those places are still, Meide in Togmail ('Squirrel's Neck') and Meide ind +Eoin ('Bird's Neck'). And Ath Srethe ('Ford of the Throw') is the name of +the ford over which Cuchulain cast the stone from his sling. + + [1-1] The superscription is taken from LU. fo. 64a, in the margin. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 813. + +[3]Then Reuin was drowned in his lake. Hence is Loch Reuin. "Your companion +is not afar off from you," cried Ailill to the Mane. They stood up and +looked around. When they sat down again, Cuchulain struck one of them so +that his head was split. "It is well it was thou hast essayed that; thy[a] +mirth was not seemly," quoth Mane the fool; "it is I would have taken his +head off." Cuchulain flung a stone at him, so that his head was split. Thus +these people were slain: Orlam, first of all, on his hill; the three sons +of Arach[a] on their ford; Fertidil in his ... (?); Maenan on his hill. "I +swear by the god by whom my people swear," cried Ailill; "the man that +scoffs at Cuchulain here I will make two halves of. But above all let us +hasten our way by day and by night," Ailill continued, "till we come to +Cualnge. That man will slay two-thirds of your host in this fashion."[3] + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 820-831 and, partly, in Eg. 1782. + + [a] Literally, 'your.' + + [a] '_Garech_,' LU. and YBL. 827. + +[1]Then did the men of Erin deliberate about going to ravage and lay waste +Mag Breg and Meath and the plain of Conall and the land of Cuchulain; and +it was in the presence of Fergus macRoig they discussed it.[1] + + [1-1] H. 2. 17. + +[W.1465.] The four grand provinces of Erin moved out on the morrow, and +began to harry the plains of Breg and Murthemne. And the sharp, keen-edged +anxiety [LL.fo.69a.] for Cuchulain came over his fosterer Fergus. And he +bade the men of Erin be on their guard that night, for that Cuchulain would +come upon them. And here again he sang in his praise, as we wrote it +before,[b] and he uttered the lay:-- + + "If Cuchulain, Cualnge's Hound, + And Red Branch chiefs on you come, + Men will welter in their blood, + Laying waste Murthemne's plain! + + [4]"Woe to him possesses wealth, + 'Less he find a way to 'scape; + And your wives will be enslaved, + And your chiefs fill pools of blood![4] + + "Far away he[c] held his course, + Till he reached Armenia's heights; + Battle dared he, past his wont, + And the Burnt-breasts[d] put to death! + + "Hardest for him was to drive + Necht's sons from their chieftest haunts; + And the smith's hound--mighty deed-- + Hath he slain with single hand! + + [W.1483.] "More than this I've naught to say, + As concerns Dechtire's son; + My belief, in troth, is this: + Ye will now meet with your fate." + + [b] See above, p. 41. + + [4-4] H. 2. 17. + + [c] That is, Cuchulain. + + [d] That is, the Amazons. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 820-831 and, partly, in Eg. 1782. + +After this lay, that was the day that Donn ('the Brown Bull') of Cualnge +came into the land of Margine [1]to Sliab Culinn[1] and with him fifty +heifers of the heifers [2]of Ulster;[2] and there he was pawing and digging +up the earth in that place, [3]in the land of Margine, in Cualnge;[3] that +is, he flung the turf over him with his heels. [4]While the hosts were +marching over Mag Breg, Cuchulain in the meanwhile laid hands on their +camps.[4] It was on the same day that the Morrigan, daughter of Ernmas, +[5]the prophetess[5] of the fairy-folk, came [6]in the form of a bird,[6] +and she perched on the standing-stone in Temair of Cualnge giving the Brown +Bull of Cualnge warning [7]and lamentations[7] before the men of Erin. Then +she began to address him and what she said was this: "Good, now, O luckless +one, thou Brown Bull of Cualnge," so spake the Morrigan; "take heed; for +the men of Erin. [8]are on thy track and seeking thee[8] and they will +come upon thee, and [9]if thou art taken[9] they will carry thee away to +their camp [10]like any ox on a raid,[10] unless thou art on thy guard." +And she commenced to give warning to him in this fashion, [11]telling him +he would be slain on the Tain, and she delivered this judgement[11] and +spake these words aloud:[a]-- + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 853. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 857. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 842-843. + + [5-5] H. 2. 17. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 844. + + [7-7] H. 2. 17. + + [8-8] H. 2. 17. + + [9-9] H. 2. 17. + + [10-10] H. 2. 17. + + [11-11] H. 2. 17. + + [a] The following passage in '_rosc_' is exceedingly difficult and + obscure, and the translation given here is consequently incomplete and + uncertain. + +"Knows not the restless Brown of the [12]truly deadly[12] [W.1502.] fray +that is not uncertain?--A raven's[a] croak--The raven that doth not +conceal--Foes range your checkered plain--[1]Troops on raids[1]--I have a +secret--Ye shall know ... The waving fields--The deep-green grass ... and +rich, soft plain--Wealth of flowers' splendour--Badb's cow-lowing--Wild the +raven--Dead the men--A tale of woe--Battle-storms[b] on Cualnge evermore, +to the death of mighty sons--Kith looking on the death of kin!" + + [12-12] LU. and YBL. 846, and Stowe. + + [a] The Morrigan, the Irish goddess of battle, most often appeared in + the form of a raven. + + [1-1] Reading with H. 2. 17. + + [b] Translating _cloe_, as suggested by Windisch. + +[2]When the Brown Bull of Cualnge heard those words[2] he moved on to Glenn +na Samaisce ('Heifers' Glen') in Sliab Culinn ('Hollymount') [3]in the +north of Ulster,[3] and fifty of his heifers with him, [4]and his herdsman +accompanied him; Forgemen was the name of the cowherd.[4] [5]And he threw +off the thrice fifty boys who were wont to play on his back and he +destroyed two-thirds of the boys.[5] This was one of the magic virtues of +the Brown Bull of Cualnge: Fifty heifers he would cover every day. These +calved before that same hour on the next day and such of them that calved +not [6]at the due time[6] burst with the calves, because they could not +suffer the begetting of the Brown Bull of Cualnge. One of the magic virtues +of the Brown Bull of Cualnge were the fifty [7]grown[7] youths who engaged +in games, [8]who[8] on his fine back [9]found room[9] every evening [10]to +play draughts and assembly[c] and leaping[10]; [11]he would not put them +from him nor would he totter under them.[11] Another of the magic virtues +of the Brown Bull of Cualnge was the hundred warriors [W.1535.] he screened +from the heat and the cold under his shadow and shelter. Another of the +magic virtues of the Brown Bull of Cualnge was that no goblin nor boggart +nor sprite of the glen dared come into one and the same cantred with +him. Another of the magic virtues of the Brown Bull of Cualnge was his +musical lowing every evening as he returned to his haggard, his shed and +his byre. It was music enough and delight for a man in the north and in the +south, [1]in the east and the west,[1] and in the middle of the cantred of +Cualnge, the lowing he made at even as he came to his haggard, his shed, +and his byre. These, then, are some of the magic virtues of the Brown Bull +of Cualnge. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] H. 2. 17. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 854, and H. 2. 17. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 855-856. + + [6-6] Stowe. + + [7-7] H. 2. 17. + + [8-8] H. 2. 17. + + [9-9] H. 2. 17. + + [c] Apparently the name of some game. + + [10-10] H. 2. 17. + + [11-11] H. 2. 17. + + [1-1] H. 2. 17. + +Thereupon on the morrow the hosts proceeded among the rocks and dunes of +the land of Conalle Murthemni. [3]Cuchulain killed no one from Saile ('the +Sea') around Dorthe in the land of Conalle, until he reached Cualnge. At +that time Cuchulain was in Cuince, [2]that is a mountain.[2] He had +threatened that, where he would see Medb, he would hurl a stone at her +head. It was not easy to do this, for it was thus Medb went, with half the +host around her and their canopy of shields over her head.[3] And Medb +ordered a canopy of shields to be held over her head in order that +Cuchulain might not strike her from the hills or hillocks or heights. +Howbeit on that day, no killing nor attack came from Cuchulain upon the men +of Erin, in the land of Murthemne among the rocks and dunes of Conalle +Murthemni. + + [2-2] LU. 860. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 858-863. + + * * * * * + +[Page 93] + + + + +VIIId + +[1]THE SLAYING OF LOCHE[1] + + +[W.1552.] The warriors of four of the five grand provinces of Erin bided +their time in Rede Loche in Cualnge and pitched camp and took quarters +therein for that night. Medb bade her fair handmaiden from amongst her +attendants to go for her to the river for water for drinking and washing. +Loche was the name of the maiden. Thereupon Loche went, and fifty[a] women +in her train and the queen's diadem of gold on her head. And Cuchulain +[2]espied them and he[2] [3]put a stone on his sling and[3] cast +[LL.fo.69b.] a stone from his [4]staff[4]-sling at her, so that he broke +the diadem of gold in three pieces and killed the maiden on her plain. +Thence is Rede Loche ('the Plain of Loche') in Cualnge. For Cuchulain had +thought, for want of acquaintance and knowledge, that it was Medb that was +there. + + [1-1] LU. fo. 65a, in the margin. + + [a] 'forty,' H. 2. 17. + + [2-2] H. 2. 17. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] H. 2. 17. + +[5]From Finnabair of Cualnge the hosts divided and set the country on +fire. They gathered all their women and boys and girls and cattle in +Cualnge together so that they all were in Finnabair. "Ye have not fared +well," quoth Medb; "I see not the bull amongst you." "He is not in the land +at all," replied every one. They summoned Lothar, the cowherd, to Medb. +"Where, thinkest thou, is the bull?" she asked. "I have great fear to +tell," said the cowherd. "The night," said he, "that the Ulstermen fell +into their 'Pains,' the Donn went and three score heifers along with him; +and he is at Dubcaire Glinni Gat ('the Black Corrie of the Osier-glen')." +"Rise," said Medb, "and take a withy between each two of you." And they do +accordingly. Hence is the name, Glenn Gatt, of that glen. + +[5-5] LU. and YBL. 867-887.] + +Then they led the bull to Finnabair. In the place where the bull saw +Lothar, the cowherd, he attacked him, and soon he carried his entrails out +on his horns and together with his thrice fifty heifers he attacked the +camp, so that fifty warriors perished. Hence this is the Tragical Death +of Lothar on the Tain [1]and the Finding of the Bull according to this +version.[1] [2]Thereafter the bull went from them away from the camp and +they knew not whither he had gone from them and they were ashamed. Medb +asked the cowherd if he might know where the bull was. "I trow he is in the +wilds of Sliab Culinn."[2] Then they turned back ravaging Cualnge and they +found not the bull there.[5] + + [1-1] YBL. 882, which adds: 'We will not follow it further here.' + + [2-2] LU., edition of Strachan and O'Keeffe, page 34, note 16. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 867-887. + + * * * * * + +[Page 95] + + + + +VIIIe + +[1]THE KILLING OF UALA[1] + + +[W.1563.] [2]Early[2] on the morrow the hosts continued their way [3]to lay +waste the plain of Murthemne and to sack Mag Breg and Meath and Machaire +Conaill ('Conall's Plain') and the land of Cualnge. It was then that the +streams and rivers of Conalle Murthemni rose to the tops of the trees, and +the streams of the Cronn rose withal, until the hosts arrived at Glaiss +Cruinn ('Cronn's Stream').[3] And they attempted the stream and failed to +cross it [4]because of the size of its waves,[4] [5]so that they slept on +its bank.[5] And Cluain Carpat ('Chariot-meadow') is the name of the first +place where they reached it. This is why Cluain Carpat is the name of that +place, because of the hundred[a] chariots which the river carried away from +them to the sea. Medb ordered her people that one of the warriors should go +try the river. And [6]on the morrow[6] there arose a great, stout, +[7]wonderful[7] warrior of the [8]particular[8] people of Medb [9]and +Ailill,[9] Uala by name, and he took on his back a massy rock, [10]to the +end that Glaiss Cruinn might not carry him back.[10] And he went to essay +the stream, and the stream threw him back dead, lifeless, with his +[W.1571.] stone on his back [1]and so he was drowned.[1] Medb ordered that +he be lifted [2]out of the river then[2] [3]by the men of Erin[3] and his +grave dug [4]and his keen made[4] and his stone raised [5]over his +grave,[5] so that it is thence Lia Ualann ('Uala's Stone') [6]on the road +near the stream[6] in the land of Cualnge. + + [1-1] LU. fo. 65a, in the margin. + + [2-2] H. 2. 17. + + [3-3] H. 2. 17. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [5-5] LU. 887, a gloss. + + [a] H. 2. 17 has 'fifty charioteers.' + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 889. + + [7-7] LU. and YBL. 889. + + [8-8] H. 2. 17. + + [9-9] H. 2. 17. + + [10-10] H. 2. 17. + + [1-1] H. 2. 17. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] H. 2. 17. + + [4-4] H. 2. 17. + + [5-5] H. 2. 17. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 891. + +Cuchulain clung close to the hosts that day provoking them to encounter and +combat. [7]Four and seven score kings fell at his hands at that same +stream,[7] and he slew a hundred of their [8]armed,[8] [9]kinglike[9] +warriors around Roen and Roi, the two chroniclers of the Tain. [10]This is +the reason the account of the Tain was lost and had to be sought afterwards +for so long a time.[10] + + [7-7] LU. and YBL. 900. + + [8-8] Stowe and H. 2. 17. + + [9-9] H. 2. 17. + + [10-10] H. 2. 17; the story of the finding of the Tain is told in the + _Imtheacht na Tromdhaimhe_ ("The Proceedings of the Great Bardic + Institution"), edited by Owen Connellan, in the Transactions of the + Ossianic Society, vol. v, 1857, pp. 103 fl. + +Medb called upon her people to go meet Cuchulain in encounter and combat +[11]for the sake of the hosts.[11] "It will not be I," and "It will not be +I," spake each and every one from his place. "No caitiff is due from my +people. Even though one should be due, it is not I would go to oppose +Cuchulain, for no easy thing is it to do battle with him." + +[12]When they had failed to find the Donn Cualnge,[12] the hosts kept their +way along the river [13]around the river Cronn to its source,[13] being +unable to cross it, till they reached the place where the river rises out +of the mountains, and, had they wished it, they would have gone between the +river and the mountain, but Medb would not allow it, so they had to dig and +hollow out the mountain [W.1585.] before her in order [1]that their trace +might remain there forever and[1] that it might be for a shame and reproach +to Ulster. + + [11-11] Stowe. + + [12-12] H. 2. 17. + + [13-13] LU. and YBL. 893. + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 895. + +[2]They tarried there three days and three nights till they had dug out the +earth before them.[2] And Bernais ('the Gap') of the [4]Foray of Medb and +the Gap of the[4] Foray of Cualnge is another name for the place ever +since, for it is through it the drove afterwards passed. [3]There Cuchulain +killed Cronn and Coemdele and ...[3] + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 896. + + [4-4] H. 2. 17. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 898-899. + +The warriors of the four grand provinces of Erin pitched camp and took +quarters that night at Belat Aileain ('the Island's Crossway'). Belat +Aileain was its name up to then, but Glenn Tail ('Glen of Shedding') is +henceforth its name because of the abundance of curds and of milk [5]and of +new warm milk[5] which the droves of cattle and the flocks [6]of the land +of Conalle and Murthemne[6] yielded there [7]that night[7] for the men of +Erin. And Liasa Liac ('Stone Sheds') is another name for it [8]to this +day,[8] and it is for this it bears that name, for it is there that the men +of Erin raised cattle-stalls and byres for their herds and droves +[9]between Cualnge and Conalle.[9] [10]Botha is still another name for it, +for the men of Erin erected bothies and huts there.[10] + + [5-5] Stowe. + + [6-6] H. 2. 17. + + [7-7] H. 2. 17. + + [8-8] H. 2. 17. + + [9-9] LU. and YBL. 909. + + [10-10] H. 2. 17. + +The four of the five grand provinces of Erin took up the march until they +reached the Sechair [11]in the west on the morrow.[11] Sechair was the name +of the river hitherto; Glaiss Gatlaig ('Osier-water') is its name +henceforward. [12]And Glaiss Gatlaig rose up against them.[12] Now this is +the reason it had that name, for it was in osiers and ropes that the men of +Erin brought [W.1599.] their flocks and droves over across it, and the +entire host let their osiers and ropes drift with the stream after +crossing. Hence the name, Glaiss Gatlaig. [1]Then they slept at Druim Fene +in Conalle. These then are their stages from Cualnge to the plain (of +Conalle Murthemni) according to this version. Other authors [2]of this +Work[2] and other books aver that they followed another way on their +journeyings from Finnabair to Conalle.[1] + + [11-11] H. 2. 17. + + [12-12] LU. and YBL. 910. + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 912-914. + + + [2-2] YBL. 914. + + * * * * * + +[Page 99] + + + + +VIIIf + +[1]THE HARRYING OF CUALNGE FOLLOWETH HERE BELOW[1] + + +[2]After every one had come with their spoils and they were all gathered in +Finnabair of Cualnge, Medb spake: "Let the camp be divided here," said +Medb; "the foray cannot be caried on by a single road. Let Ailill with half +his force go by Midluachair. We and Fergus will go by Bernas Bo Ulad ('the +Pass of the Cattle of Ulster')." "Not fair is the part that has fallen to +us of the force," said Fergus; "the cattle cannot be driven over the +mountain without dividing." This then is done. Hence cometh Bernas Bo Ulad +('the Pass of the Cattle of Ulster'). + + [1-1] LU. fo. 65b, in the margin. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 916-1197, omitting 1079-1091. + +Then spake Ailill to his charioteer Cuillius: "Find out for me to-day Medb +and Fergus. I wot not what hath led them to keep thus together. I would +fain have a token from thee." Cuillius went where Medb and Fergus wantoned. +The pair dallied behind while the warriors continued their march. Cuillius +stole near them and they perceived not the spy. It happened that Fergus' +sword lay close by him. Cuillius drew it from its sheath and left the +sheath empty. Then Cuillius betook himself to Ailill. "Well?" said Ailill. +"Well, then," replied [3]Cuillius;[3] "thou knowest the signification of +this token. As thou hast thought," continued Cuillius, "it is thus I +discovered them, lying together." "It is so, then." Each of them laughs, at +the other. "It is well so," said Ailill; "she had no choice; to win his +help on the Tain she hath done it. Keep the sword carefully by thee," said +Ailill; "put it beneath thy seat in the chariot and a linen cloth wrapped +round it." + +[3-3] LU. 930.] + +When Fergus got up to take his sword, "Alas!" cried he. "What aileth thee?" +Medb asked. "An ill deed have I done Ailill," said he. "Wait thou here till +I come out of the wood," said Fergus, "and wonder not though it be long +till I come." It happened that Medb knew not of the loss of the sword. +Fergus went out taking his charioteer's sword with him in his hand, and he +fashioned a sword from a tree in the wood. Hence is Fid Mor Thruailli +('Great Scabbard-Wood') in Ulster. + +"Let us hasten after our comrades," said Fergus. The forces of all came +together in the plain. They raised their tents. Fergus was summoned to +Ailill for a game of chess. When Fergus entered the tent Ailill laughed at +him.[a] + + [a] Here follows in LU. and YBL. 946-1020, Eg. 1782, a most difficult + passage, rendered more obscure by the incorporation of glossarial + notes into the body of the text. It is almost incapable of + translation; it consists of a dialogue or series of repartees during a + game of chess, in which Ailill taunts Fergus on the episode just + narrated and Fergus replies. + +Cuchulain came so that he was before Ath Cruinn ('the Ford of the Cronn'). +"O master Laeg," he cried to his driver, "here are the hosts for us." "I +swear by the gods," said the charioteer, "I will do a mighty feat in the +eyes of chariot-fighters, in quick spurring-on of the slender steeds; with +yokes of silver and golden wheels shall they be urged on (?) in triumph. +Thou shalt ride before heads of kings. The steeds I guide will bring +victory with their bounding." "Take heed, O Laeg," said Cuchulain; "hold +the reins for the great triumph of Macha, that the horses drag thee not +over the mass at the ... (?) of a woman. Let us go over the straight plain +of these ... (?). I call on the waters to help me," cried Cuchulain. "I +beseech heaven and earth and the Cronn above all." + + Then the Cronn opposes them,[a] + Holds them back from Murthemne, + Till the heroes'[b] work is done + On the mount of Ocaine![c] + + [a] That is, the men of Erin. + + [b] That is, Cuchulain and Laeg. + + [c] See above, page 97. + +Therewith the water rose up till it was in the tops of the trees. + +Mane son of Ailill and Medb marched in advance of the rest. Cuchulain slew +him on the ford and thirty horsemen of his people were drowned. Again +Cuchulain laid low twice sixteen warriors of theirs near the stream. The +warriors of Erin pitched their tents near the ford. Lugaid son of Nos +[1]grandson of Lomarc[1] Allcomach went to parley with Cuchulain. Thirty +horsemen were with him. "Welcome to thee, O Lugaid," cried Cuchulain. +"Should a flock of birds graze upon the plain of Murthemne, thou shalt have +a wild goose with half the other. Should fish come to the falls or to the +bays, thou shalt have a salmon with as much again. Thou shalt have the +three sprigs, even a sprig of cresses, a sprig of laver, and a sprig of +sea-grass; there will be a man to take thy place at the ford." "This +welcome is truly meant," replied Lugaid; "the choice of people for the +youth whom I desire!" "Splendid are your hosts," said Cuchulain. "It will +be no misfortune," said Lugaid, "for thee to stand up alone before them." +"True courage and valour have I," Cuchulain made answer. "Lugaid, my +master," said Cuchulain, "do the hosts fear me?" "By the god," Lugaid made +answer, "I swear that no one man of them nor two men dares make water +outside the camp unless twenty or thirty go with him." "It will be +something for them," said Cuchulain, "if I begin to cast from my sling. He +will be fit for thee, O Lugaid, this companion thou hast in Ulster, [1]if +the men oppose me one by one.[1] Say, then, what wouldst thou?" asked +Cuchulain. "A truce with my host." "Thou shalt have it, provided there be +a token therefor. And tell my master Fergus that there shall be a token on +the host. Tell the leeches that there shall be a token on the host, and let +them swear to preserve my life and let them provide me each night with +provision." + + [1-1] LU. 1041. + + [1-1] Literally, 'if there oppose me the strength of each single man.' + +Lugaid went from him. It happened that Fergus was in the tent with Ailill. +Lugaid called him out and reported that (proposal of Cuchulain's) to him. +Then Ailill was heard:[a] + + [a] The sense of this proposal of Ailill's, omitted in the translation + (LU. 1064-1069 and Eg. 1782), is not clear. + +"I swear by the god, I cannot," said [3]Fergus,[3] "unless I ask the +lad. Help me, O Lugaid," said Fergus. "Do thou go to him, to see whether +Ailill with a division may come to me to my company. Take him an ox with +salt pork and a keg of wine." Thereupon Lugaid goes to Cuchulain and tells +him that. "'Tis the same to me whether he go," said Cuchulain. Then the two +hosts unite. They remain there till night, [4]or until they spend thirty +nights there.[4] Cuchulain destroyed thirty of their warriors with his +sling. "Your journeyings will be ill-starred," said Fergus (to Medb and +Ailill); "the men of Ulster will come out of their 'Pains' and will grind +you down to the earth and the gravel. Evil is the battle-corner wherein we +are." He proceeds to Cul Airthir ('the Eastern Nook'). Cuchulain slays +thirty of their heroes on Ath Duirn ('Ford of the Fist'). Now they could +not reach Cul Airthir till night. Cuchulain killed thirty of their men +there and they raised their tents in that place. In the morning Ailill's +charioteer, Cuillius to wit, was washing the wheel-bands in the ford. +Cuchulain struck him with a stone so that he killed him. Hence is Ath +Cuillne ('Ford of Destruction') in Cul Airthir.'[2] + + [3-3] 'Lugaid,' LU. 1069. + + [4-4] YBL. 1075; but, 'they would be twenty nights there, as other + books say,' LU. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 916-1197, omitting 1079-1091. + + * * * * * + +[Page 104] + + + + +IX + +THE PROPOSALS + + +[W.1603.] The four grand provinces of Erin proceeded till they pitched camp +and took quarters in Druim En ('Birds' Ridge') in the land of Conalle +Murthemni, [1]and they slept there[1] that night, [2]as we said before,[2] +and Cuchulain held himself at Ferta Illergaib ('the Burial-mound on the +Slopes') hard by them that night, and he, Cuchulain, shook, brandished and +flourished his weapons that night. [3]Every night of the three nights they +were there he made casts from his sling at them, from Ochaine nearby,[3] so +that one hundred warriors of the host perished of fright and fear and +dread of Cuchulain. [4]"Not long will our host endure in this way with +Cuchulain," quoth Ailill.[4] Medb called upon Fiachu son of Ferfebe of the +Ulstermen to go parley with Cuchulain, to come to some terms with him. +"What terms shall be given him?" asked Fiachu son of Ferfebe. "Not hard to +answer," Medb replied: "He shall be recompensed [5]for the loss of his +lands and estates,[5] for whosoever has been slain of the Ulstermen, so +that it be paid to him as the men of Erin adjudge [6]according to the will +of the Ulstermen and of Fergus and of the nobles of the men of Erin who are +in this camp and encampment.[6] Entertainment shall be his at all times in +Cruachan; wine and [W.1614.] mead shall be poured [LL.fo.70a.] out for +him. [1]He shall have from the plain of Ai the equal of the plain of +Murthemne and the best chariot that is in Ai and the equipment of twelve +men. Offer, if it please him more, the plain wherein he was reared and +thrice seven bondmaids.[1] And he shall come into my service and Ailill's, +for that is more seemly for him than to be in the service of the lordling +with whom he is, [2]even of Conchobar son of Fachtna Fathatch.[2] + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 1097. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 1098. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 1100-1101. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 1100-1102. + + [5-5] H. 2. 17. + + [6-6] H. 2. 17. + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 1103-1105. + + [2-2] H. 2. 17. + +Accordingly this was the greatest word of scorn and insult spoken on the +Cow-Raid of Cualnge, to make a lordling of the best king of a province in +Erin, even of Conchobar. + +Then came Fiachu son of Ferfebe to converse with Cuchulain. Cuchulain bade +him welcome. "[3]Welcome thy coming and thine arrival, O Fiachu," said +Cuchulain.[3] "I regard that welcome as truly meant," [4]said Fiachu.[4] +"It is truly meant for thee" [5]replied Cuchulain[5]; "[6]and thou shalt +have a night of hospitality this night." "Victory and a blessing attend +thee, O fosterling," replied Fiachu. "Not for hospitality am I come, but[6] +to parley with thee am I come from Medb, [7]and to bring thee terms."[7] +"What hast thou brought with thee?" "Thou shalt be recompensed for +whatsoever was destroyed of Ulster which shall be paid thee as best the men +of Erin adjudge. Entertainment shalt thou enjoy in Cruachan; wine and mead +shall be poured out for thee and thou shalt enter the service of Ailill and +Medb, for that is more seemly for thee than to be in the service of the +lordling with whom thou art." "Nay, of a truth," answered Cuchulain, "I +would not sell my mother's brother[a] for any other king!" "Further," +[8]continued Fiachu,[8] "that [W.1627.] thou comest to-morrow to a tryst +with Medb and Fergus in Glenn Fochaine. + + [3-3] H. 2. 17. + + [4-4] H. 2. 17. + + [5-5] H. 2. 17. + + [6-6] H. 2. 17. + + [7-7] Stowe. + + [a] That is, Conchobar. + + [8-8] Stowe. + +[1]Therewith Fiachu left behind a wish for long life and health with +Cuchulain.[1] + + [1-1] Stowe. + +Accordingly, early on the morrow, Cuchulain set forth for Glenn +Fochaine. Likewise Medb and Fergus went to meet him. And Medb looked +narrowly at Cuchulain, and her spirit chafed her at him that day, for no +bigger than the bulk of a stripling did he seem to her. "Is that yonder the +renowned Cuchulain thou speakest of, O Fergus?" asked Medb, [2]"of whom it +is said amongst ye Ulstermen that there is not in Erin a warrior for whom +he is not a match and mighty combat?" "Not in Erin alone, did we say," +Fergus made answer; "but there is not in the world a warrior for whom he is +not a match and mighty combat."[2] And Medb began to address Fergus and she +made this lay:-- + + Medb: "If that be the noble Hound, + Of whom ye of Ulster boast, + What man e'er stout foe hath faced, + Will fend him from Erin's men!" + + Fergus: "Howe'er young the Hound thou seest, + That Murthemne's Plain doth course, + That man hath not stood on earth + Whom he'd crush not with his might!" + + Medb: "We will bring this warrior terms; + If he slight them, he is mad: + Half his cows, his women, half. + He shall change his way of fight!" + + Fergus: "My wish, that yell not o'ercome + This Hound from proud Murthemne! + Deeds he fears not--fierce and bright-- + This I know, if it be he!" + + [2-2] H. 2. 17. + +"Accost Cuchulain, O Fergus," said Medb. "Nay, then," quoth Fergus, "but do +thou accost him thyself, for ye are not asunder here in the valley, in +Glenn Fochaine." [W.1653.] And Medb began to address Cuchulain and she +made a lay, [1]to which he responded:[1] + + Medb: "Culann's Hound, whom quatrains praise,[a] + Keep thy staff-sling far from us; + Thy fierce, famed fight hath us ruined, + Hath us broken and confused!" + + Cuchulain: "Medb of Mur, he, Maga's son, + No base arrant wight am I. + While I live I'll never cease + Cualnge's raid to harass sore!" + + Medb: "If thou wilt take this from us, + Valiant chief, thou Cualnge's Hound; + Half thy cows, thy women, half, + Thou shalt have [2]through fear of thee!"[2] + + Cuchulain: "As by right of thrusts am I + Ulster's champion and defence, + Naught I'll yield till I retrieve + Cow and woman ta'en from Gael!" + + Medb: "What thou askest is too much, + After slaughtering our fair troops, + That we keep but steeds and gauds, + All because of one sole man!" + + Cuchulain: "Eocho's daughter, fair, of Fal, + I'm not good at wars of words; + Though a warrior--[b] fair the cheer--[b] + Counsel mine is little worth!" + + Medb: "Shame thou hast none for what thou sayest, + O Dechtire's lordly[c] son! + Famous are the terms for thee, + O thou battling Culann's Hound!" + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [a] Literally, 'love.' + + [2-2] Reading with H. 1. 13 and Stowe. + + [b-b] A cheville. + + [c] Literally, 'richly trooped.' + +When this lay was finished, Cuchulain accepted none of the terms which she +had offered. In such wise they parted in the valley and withdrew in equal +anger on the one side and on the other. + +The warriors of four of the five grand provinces of Erin pitched camp and +took quarters for three days and three nights at Druim En ('Birds' Ridge') +in Conalle Murthemni, but neither huts nor tents did they set up, nor did +they [W.1688.] engage in feasts or repasts, nor sang they songs nor carols +those three nights. And Cuchulain destroyed a hundred of their warriors +every night ere the bright hour of sunrise on the morrow. + +[LL.fo.70b.] "Our hosts will not last long in this fashion," said Medb, "if +Cuchulain slays a hundred of our warriors every night. Wherefore is a +proposal not made to him and do we not parley with him?" "What might the +proposal be?" asked Ailill. "Let the cattle that have milk be given to him +and the captive women from amongst our booty. And he on his side shall +check his staff-sling from the men of Erin and give leave to the hosts to +sleep, [1]even though he slay them by day."[1] "Who shall go with +that proposal?" Ailill asked. "Who," answered Medb, "but macRoth the +[2]chief[2] runner!" "Nay, but I will not go," said macRoth, "for I am in +no way experienced and know not where Cuchulain may be, [3]and even though +I should meet him, I should not know him.[3]" "Ask Fergus," quoth Medb; +"like enough he knows [4]where he is.[4]" "Nay, then, I know it not," +answered Fergus; "but I trow he is [5]in the snow[5] between Fochain and +the sea, taking the wind and the sun after his sleeplessness last night, +killing and slaughtering the host single handed." And so it truly +was. [6]Then on that errand to Delga macRoth set forth, the messenger of +Ailill and Medb. He it is that circles Erin in one day. There it is that +Fergus opined that Cuchulain would be, in Delga.[6] + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 1128. + + [2-2] H. 2. 17. + + [3-3] H. 2. 17. + + [4-4] H. 2. 17. + + [5-5] H. 2. 17. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 1109-1111. + +Heavy snow fell that night so that all the [7]five[7] provinces of Erin +were a white plane with the snow. And Cuchulain doffed the seven-score +waxed, boardlike tunics which were used to be held under cords and strings +next his skin, in order that his sense might not be deranged when [W.1709.] +the fit of his fury came on him. And the snow melted for thirty feet all +around him, because of the intensity of the warrior's heat and the warmth +of Cuchulain's body. And the gilla [1]remained a good distance from him for +he[1] could not endure to remain near him because of the might of his rage +and the warrior's fury and the heat of his body. "A single warrior +approacheth, O Cuchulain," cried Laeg [2]to Cuchulain.[2] "What manner of +warrior is he?" asked Cuchulain. "A brown, broad-faced, handsome fellow; +[3]a yellow head of hair and a linen ornament round it[3]; a splendid, +brown, [4]hooded[4] cloak, [5]with red ornamentation,[5] about him; a fine, +bronze pin in his cloak; a leathern three-striped doublet next his skin; +two gapped shoes between his two feet and the ground; a white-hazel +dog-staff in one of his hands; a single-edged sword with ornaments of +walrus-tooth on its hilt in the other. "Good, O gilla," quoth Cuchulain, +"these be the tokens of a herald. One of the heralds of Erin is he to +bring me message and offer of parley." + + [7-7] Stowe. + + [1-1] H. 2. 17. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 1112. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 1112. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 1113. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 1114. + +Now was macRoth arrived at the place where Laeg was, "[6]How now[6]! What +is thy title as vassal, O gilla? "macRoth asked. "Vassal am I to the youth +up yonder," the gilla made answer. MacRoth came to the place where +Cuchulain was. [7]Cuchulain was sitting in the snow there up to his two +hips with nothing about him ... his mantle.[7] "[8]How now[8]! What is thy +name as vassal, O warrior?" asked macRoth. "Vassal am I to Conchobar son +of Fachtna Fathach, [9]son of the High King of this province."[9] "Hast not +something, [10]a name[10] more special than that?" "Tis enough for the +nonce," answered Cuchulain. "Haply, thou knowest where I might find that +famous Cuchulain of whom the men [W.1729.] of Erin clamour now on this +foray?" "What wouldst thou say to him that thou wouldst not to me?" asked +Cuchulain. "To parley with him am I come on the part of Ailill and Medb, +with terms and friendly intercourse for him." "What terms hast thou brought +with thee for him?" "The milch-kine and the bondwomen of the booty he shall +have, and for him to hold back his staff-sling from the hosts, for not +pleasant is the thunder-feat he works every evening upon them." "Even +though the one thou seekest were really at hand, he would not accept the +proposals thou askest." "[1]How so, then," said macRoth[1]; "for the +Ulstermen, as amends for their honour and in reprisal for injuries and +satires and hindrances [2]and for bands of troops and marauders,[2] will +kill [3]for meat in the winter[3] the milch-cows ye have captured, should +they happen to have no yeld cattle. And, what is more, they will bring +their bondwomen to bed to them, and thus will grow up a base progeny on the +side of the mothers in the land of Ulster, [4]and loath I am to leave after +me such a disgrace on the men of Ulster.[4] + + [6-6] H. 2. 17. + + [7-7] LU. and YBL. 1116-1118. + + [8-8] H. 2. 17. + + [9-9] H. 2. 17. + + [10-10] LU. and YBL. 1120. + + [1] H. 2. 17. + + [2] H. 2. 17. + + [3] LU. and YBL. 1135. + + [4] H. 2. 17. + +MacRoth went his way back [5]to the camp of the men of Erin to where Ailill +and Medb and Fergus were.[5] "What! Didst thou not find him?" Medb +asked. "Verily, [6]I know not, but[6] I found a surly, angry, hateful, +wrathful gilla [7]in the snow[7] betwixt Fochain and the sea. Sooth to say, +I know not if he were Cuchulain." "Hath he accepted these proposals [8]from +thee?"[8] "Nay then, he hath not." And macRoth related [9]unto them all his +answer,[9] the reason why he did not accept them. "It was he himself with +whom thou spakest," said Fergus. + + [5] H. 2. 17. + + [6] H. 2. 17. + + [7] H. 2. 17. + + [8] Stowe. + + [9] Stowe. + +"Another offer shall be made him," said Medb. "What is the offer?" +asked Ailill. "There shall be given to him [W.1747.] the yeld cattle +and the noblest of the captive women of the booty, and his sling shall +be checked from the hosts, for not pleasant is the thunder-feat he +works on them every evening." "Who should go make this covenant?" +[1]said they.[1] "Who but macRoth [2]the king's envoy,"[2] [3]said +every one.[3] "Yea, I will go," said macRoth, "because this time I +know him." + + [1-1] H. 2. 17. + + [2-2] H. 2. 17. + + [3-3] Stowe. + +[4]Thereupon[4] macRoth [5]arose and[5] came to parley with Cuchulain. "To +parley with thee am I come this time [6]with other terms,[6] for I wis it +is thou art the renowned Cuchulain." "What hast thou brought with thee +now?" [7]Cuchulain asked.[7] "What is dry of the kine and what is noblest +of the captives [8]shalt thou get,[8] and hold thy staff-sling [LL.fo.71a.] +from the men of Erin and suffer the men of Erin to go to sleep, for not +pleasant is the thunder-feat thou workest upon them every evening." "I +accept not that offer, because, as amends for their honour, the Ulstermen +will kill the dry cattle. For the men of Ulster are honourable men and they +would remain wholly without dry kine and milch-kine. They would bring their +free women ye have captured to the querns and to the kneading-troughs and +into bondage and [9]other[9] serfdom [10]besides.[10] [11]This would be a +disgrace.[11] Loath I should be to leave after me this shame in Ulster, +that slave-girls and bondmaids should be made of the daughters of kings and +princes of Ulster." "Is there any offer at all thou wilt accept this time?" +[12]said macRoth[12] "Aye, but there is," answered Cuchulain. "Then wilt +thou tell me the offer?" asked macRoth. "By my word," Cuchulain made +answer, "'tis not I that will tell you." "It is a question, then," said +macRoth. "If there be among you in the camp," said Cuchulain, "one that +knows the terms I demand, let [W.1766.] him inform you, [1]and I will abide +thereby."[1] "And if there be not?"[2] said macRoth. "If there be not," +said Cuchulain,[2] "let no one come near me any more with offers or with +friendly intercourse [3]or concerning aught other injunction,[3] for, +whosoever may come, it will be the term of his life!" + + [4-4] H. 2. 17. + + [5-5] H. 2. 17. + + [6-6] H. 2. 17. + + [7-7] Stowe. + + [8-8] Stowe. + + [9-9] Stowe. + + [10-10] Stowe. + + [11-11] H. 2. 17. + + [12-12] H. 2. 17. + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] H. 2. 17. + + [3-3] Stowe. + +MacRoth came back [4]to the camp and station of the men of Erin, to where +Ailill, Medb, and Fergus were,[4] and Medb asked his tidings. "Didst thou +find him?" Medb asked. "In truth, I found him," macRoth replied. "Hath he +accepted [5]the terms?"[5] "He hath not accepted," replied macRoth. "[6]How +so;" said Ailill,[6] "is there an offer he will accept?" "There is one, he +said," [7]answered macRoth.[7] "Hath he made known to thee this offer?" +"This is his word," said macRoth, "that he himself would not disclose it to +ye." "'Tis a question, then," said Medb. "But" (macRoth continued), "should +there be one in our midst that knows his terms, that one would tell it to +me." "And if there be not," [8]said Ailill. "And if there be not,"[8] +(answered macRoth), "let no one go seek him any more. But, there is one +thing I promise [9]thee,"[9] said macRoth; "even though the kingdom of Erin +were [10]given me[10] for it, I for one would not go [11]on these same legs +to that place[11] to parley with him [12]again."[12] [13]"Belike, Fergus +knows," quoth Ailill.[13] Therewith Medb looked at Fergus. "What are the +terms yonder man demands, O Fergus? "Medb asked. [14]"I know what the man +meant to disclose.[14] I see no advantage at all for ye in the terms he +demands," Fergus replied. "[15]But[15] what are those terms?" asked +Medb. "[16]Not difficult to say," replied Fergus.[16] "That a single +champion of [W.1782.] the men of Erin [1]be sent[1] to fight [2]and +contend[2] with him every day. The while he slayeth that man, the army will +be permitted to continue its march. Then, when he will have slain that man, +another warrior shall be sent to meet him on the ford. Either that, or the +men of Erin shall halt and camp there till sunrise's bright hour in the +morning. [3]And, by the ford whereon his single-handed battle and fight +takes place, the cattle shall not be taken by day or by night, to see if +there come to him help from the men of Ulster. And I wonder," continued +Fergus, "how long it will be till they come out of their 'Pains.'[3] +[4]Whatever Ulstermen are injured or wounded nearby him, your leeches shall +heal them and ye shall not be paid for the price of their healing. Whatever +daughter of kings or of princes of the men of Erin shall love him, ye shall +bring her to him together with her purchase and bride-price.[4] And +further, Cuchulain's food and clothing shall be provided by you, [5]so long +as he will be[5] on this expedition." [6]"Good, O Fergus,"[6] asked +Ailill,[a] [7]"will he abate aught of these terms?" "In sooth, will he," +replied Fergus; "namely, he will not exact to be fed and clothed by you, +but of himself will provide food and clothing."[7] + + [4-4] H. 2. 17. + + [5-5] H. 2. 17. + + [6-6] H. 2. 17. + + [7-7] Stowe and H. 2. 17. + + [8-8] H. 2. 17. + + [9-9] Stowe. + + [10-10] Stowe. + + [11-11] Stowe. + + [12-12] Stowe. + + [13-13] H. 2. 17. + + [14-14] LU. and YBL. 1138. + + [15-15] H. 2. 17. + + [16-16] H. 2. 17. + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] H. 2. 17. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 1140-1143. + + [4-4] H. 2. 17. + + [5-5] Stowe and H. 2. 17. + + [6-6] H. 2. 17. + + [a] 'Medb,' H. 2. 17. + + [7-7] H. 2. 17. + +"By our conscience," said Ailill, "this is a grievous proposal." "What he +asks is good," replied Medb; "and he shall obtain those terms, for we deem +it easier to bear that he should have one of our warriors every day than +a hundred every night." "Who will go and make known those terms to +Cuchulain?" "Who, then, but Fergus?" replied Medb. "[8]Come now, O Fergus," +said Medb; "take upon thee to fulfil and make good those terms to him."[8] +"Nevermore!" said Fergus. "Why not?" asked Ailill. [9]"I fear ye will +not make true and fulfil them for [W.1792.] me." "They will truly be +fulfilled," said Medb.[9] (Then said Fergus:) "Bonds and covenants, pledges +and bail shall be given for abiding by those terms and for their fulfilment +towards Cuchulain." "I abide by it," said Medb, and she fast bound Fergus +to them in like manner. + + [8-8] H. 2. 17 + + [9-9] H. 2. 17. + + * * * * * + +[Page 115] + + + + +X + +[1]THE VIOLENT DEATH OF ETARCUMUL[1] + + +[W.1798.] Fergus' horses were brought and his chariot was hitched [2]and +Fergus set forth on that errand.[2] And two horses were brought for +Etarcumul son of Fid and of Lethrinn, a soft youth of the people of Medb +and of Ailill. [3]Now Etarcumul followed Fergus.[3] "Whither goest thou?" +Fergus demanded. "We go with thee," Etarcumul made answer. [4]"And why +goest thou with me?" asked Fergus.[4] "To behold the form and appearance of +Cuchulain, and to gaze upon him, [5]for he is unknown to me."[5] "Wilt thou +do my bidding," said Fergus, "thou wilt in no wise go thither." "Why shall +I not, pray?" [6]"I would not have thee go," said Fergus; "and it is not +out of hatred of thee, only I should be loath to have combat between thee +and Cuchulain.[6] Thy light-heartedness, [7]thy haughtiness and thy +pride[7] and thine overweeningness (I know), but (I also know) the +fierceness and valour and hostility, the [8]violence and vehemence[8] of +the youth against whom thou goest, [9]even Cuchulain.[9] And methinks ye +will have contention before ye part. [10]No good will come from your +meeting."[10] "Art thou not able to come between us [11]to protect me?"[11] +[W.1806.] "I am, to be sure," Fergus answered, "provided thou thyself seek +not the combat[1] and treat not what he says with contempt."[1] "I will not +seek it," [2]said Etarcumul,[2] "till the very day of doom!" + + [1-1] LU. fo. 68a, in the margin. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 1145. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 1145. + + [4-4] H. 2. 17. + + [5-5] H. 2. 17. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 1147-1149. + + [7-7] LU. and YBL. 1149. + + [8-8] Stowe. + + [9-9] LU. and YBL. 1150. + + [10-10] LU. and YBL. 1150. + + [11-11] H. 2. 17. + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 1152. + + [2-2] Stowe and H. 2. 17. + +Then they went their ways [3]in two chariots to Delga,[3] to come up to +Cuchulain where Cuchulain was between Fochain and the sea. [4]There it is +that he was that day, with his back to the pillar-stone at Crich Rois,[4] +playing draughts with Laeg, [5]to wit, his charioteer.[5] [6]The back of +his head was turned towards them that approached and Laeg faced them.[6] +And not a [7]living[7] thing entered the [8]entire[8] plain without Laeg +perceiving it and, notwithstanding, he continued to win every other game of +draughts from Cuchulain. "A lone warrior cometh towards us [9]over the +plain,[9] [10]my master[10] Cucuc," spake Laeg. "What manner of warrior?" +queried Cuchulain. [11]"A fine, large chariot is there," said he.[11] +[12]"But what sort of chariot?"[12] "As large as one of the chief mountains +that are highest on a great plain appears to me [LL.fo.71b.] the chariot +that is under the warrior; [13]and I would liken to the battlements of one +of the vast, royal seats of the province the chariot that is in the +trappings of those horses;[13] as large as one of the noble trees on a main +fort's green meseems the curly, tressed, fair-yellow, all-golden hair +hanging loose around the man's head; a purple mantle fringed with thread of +gold [14]wrapped[14] around him; a golden, ornamented brooch in the mantle +[15]over his breast;[15] [16]a bright-shining, hooded shirt, with red +embroidery of red gold trussed up on his white [W.1819.] skin;[16] a broad +and grey-shafted lance, [1]perforated from _mimasc_[a] to 'horn,'[1] +flaming red in his hand; over him, a bossed, plaited shield, [2]curved, +with an engraved edge of silvered bronze,[2] [3]with applied ornaments of +red gold thereon,[3] and a boss of red gold; a lengthy sword, as long as +the oar[4] of a huge currach [5]on a wild, stormy night,[5] [6]resting +on the two thighs[6] of the great haughty warrior that is within the +chariot.[4]" + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 1153. + + [4-4] H. 2. 17. + + [5-5] LL., in the margin. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 1154-1155. + + [7-7] H. 2. 17. + + [8-8] H. 2. 17. + + [9-9] H. 2. 17. + + [10-10] H. 2. 17. + + [11-11] H. 2. 17. + + [12-12] H. 2. 17. + + [13-13] H. 2. 17. + + [14-14] H. 2. 17. + + [15-15] Stowe. + + [16-16] H. 2. 17. + + [a] Some part of the spear. + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 1159. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 1158. + + [3-3] H. 2. 17. + + [4-4] Following Windisch's emendation of the text. + + [5-5] H. 2. 17. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 1160. + +"Holla! Welcome the coming of this guest to us!" cried Cuchulain. "We know +the man; it is my master Fergus that cometh hither. [7]Empty is the great +paddle that my master Fergus carries," said Cuchulain; "for there is no +sword in its sheath but a sword of wood. For I have heard," Cuchulain +continued, "that Ailill got a chance at him and Medb as they lay, and he +took away Fergus' sword from him and gave it to his charioteer to take care +of, and the sword of wood was put into its sheath."[7] + + [7-7] LU. and YBL. 1160-1165. + +"Yet another single chariot-fighter I see coming towards us. With fulness +of skill and beauty and splendour his horses speed." [8]"A young, tender +gilla in armour is in the chariot.[8]" "One of the youths of the men of +Erin is he, O my master Laeg," responded Cuchulain. "To scan my appearance +and form is that man come, for I am renowned amongst them in the midst of +their camp, [9]and they know me not at all."[9] + + [8-8] H. 2. 17. + + [9-9] H. 2. 17. + +Fergus came up [10]to where Cuchulain was[10] and he sprang from the +chariot, and Cuchulain bade him [11]a hearty[11] welcome. [12]"Welcome to +thine arrival and thy coming, O my master Fergus!" cried Cuchulain; "and a +night's [W.1831.] lodging shalt thou have here this night."[12] [1]"Thy +hospitality and eke thy welcome[1] I take for true," Fergus responded. +"Verily, it is truly meant for thee," said Cuchulain; "for comes there a +brace of birds into the plain, thou shalt have a wild goose with half the +other. If fish rise to the river-mouths, [2]to the stones or waterfalls,[2] +thou shalt have a salmon with as much again. Thou shalt have a handful of +watercress and a handful of sea-grass and a handful of laver [3]and a drink +from the sand[3] [4]afterwards.[4] If thou hast a fight or combat [5]with +warrior before thee,[5] I myself will go in thy stead to the ford. [6]I +will bear the fight that thou mayest return safe to the camp and the fort +of the men of Erin on the morrow,[6] [7]and thou shalt lie on a litter of +fresh rushes till heavy sleep and slumber come on thee,[7] [8]and I will +watch and guard thee as long as thou sleepest."[8] "Well, then, [9]mayest +thou have victory and blessing, O fosterling," said Fergus.[9] "We know of +what sort is thy hospitality on this occasion, on the Cow-spoil of Cualnge. +[10]But, not to claim that are we come,[10] [11]a night's hospitality of +thee, but to fulfil and make good the terms thou askest.[11] As for this +compact which thou hast asked of the men of Erin, single-handed combat with +one man, thou shalt have it. It is for that I am come, to bind thee +thereto, and do thou take it upon thee." "I pledge myself truly," said +Cuchulain, [13]provided fair play and single-handed combat be granted to +me.[13] "And, O, my master Fergus, [14]do thou take upon thee the pact," +said Cuchulain. "I bind myself to it," replied Fergus.[14] [W.1841.] And no +longer than that did he remain in parley, lest the men of Erin should say +they were betrayed or deserted by Fergus for his disciple. Fergus' two +horses were brought and his chariot was harnessed and he went back. + + [10-10] Stowe. + + [11-11] H. 2. 17. + + [12-12] H. 2. 17. + + [1-1] H. 2. 17, and, similarly, Stowe. + + [2-2] H. 2. 17. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 1170 and H. 2. 17. + + [4-4] H. 2. 17. + + [5-5] H. 2. 17. + + [6-6] H. 2. 17. + + [7-7] H. 2. 17. + + [8-8] Reading with Stowe. + + [9-9] H. 2. 17. + + [10-10 Stowe. + + [11-11] H. 2. 17. + + [13-13] H. 2. 17. + + [14-14] H. 2. 17. + +Etarcumul tarried behind gazing for a long time at Cuchulain. "At what +starest thou, gilla?" asked Cuchulain. "I look at thee," said Etarcumul. +"In truth then, thou hast not far to look," said Cuchulain. [1]"There is +no need of straining thine eye for that; not far from thee within sight, +thine eye seeth what is not smaller than I nor bigger.[1] If thou but +knewest how angered is the little creature thou regardest, myself, to wit! +And how then do I appear unto thee gazing upon me?" "Thou pleasest me as +thou art; a comely, [2]shapely,[2] wonderful, beautiful youth thou art, +with brilliant, striking, various feats. Yet as for rating thee where +goodly warriors are or forward youths or heroes of bravery or sledges of +destruction, we count thee not nor consider thee at all. [3]I know not +why thou shouldst be feared by any one. I behold nothing of terror or +fearfulness or of the overpowering of a host in thee. So, a comely youth +with arms of wood and with showy feats is all thou art!"[3] [4]"Though thou +revilest me,"[4] said Cuchulain, "it is a surety for thee that thou camest +from the camp under the protection of Fergus, [5]as thou well knowest.[5] +For the rest, I swear by my gods whom I worship, were it not for the honour +of Fergus, it would be only bits of thy bones and shreds of thy limbs, +[6]thy reins drawn and thy quarters scattered[6] that would be brought back +to the camp [7]behind thy horses and chariot!"[7] "But threaten me no +longer [W.1858.] in this wise, [1]Cuchulain[1]!" [2]cried Etarcumul;[2] +"for the [3]wonderful[3] terms thou didst exact of the men of Erin, [4]that +fair play and[4] combat with one man [5]should be granted thee,[5] none +other of the men of Erin but mine own self will come to-morrow [6]at morn's +early hour on the ford[6] to attack thee." + + [1-1] Reading with H. 2. 17. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 1178-1180. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 1181. + + [5-5] Stowe; LL. reads 'I know.' + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 1182-1183. + + [7-7] H. 2. 17. + + [1-1] H. 2. 17. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 1185. + + [4-4] H. 2. 17. + + [5-5] H. 2. 17. + + [6-6] H. 2. 17. + +"Come out, then," [7]said Cuchulain,[7] "and howso early thou comest, thou +wilt find me here. I will not fly before thee. [8]Before no man have I put +foot in flight till now on the Plunder of the Kine of Cualnge and neither +will I fly before thee!"[8] + + [7-7] H. 2. 17. + + [8-8] H. 2. 17. + +Etarcumul returned [9]from Methe and Cethe,[9] and began to talk with his +driver. "I must needs fight with Cuchulain to-morrow, gilla," said +Etarcumul, [10]"for I gave my word to go."[10] "'Tis true, thou didst," +quoth the charioteer. [LL.fo.72a.] "Howbeit, I know not wilt thou fulfil +it." "But what is better [11]for us,[11] to fulfil it to-morrow or +forthwith to-night?" "To our thinking," said the gilla, "albeit no victory +is to be won by fighting to-morrow, there is still less to be gained by +fighting to-night, for thy combat [12]and hurt[12] is the nearer." "[13]Be +that as it may," said he[13]; "turn the [14]horses and[14] chariot back +again [15]from the hill[15] for us, gilla, [16]till we go to the ford of +combat,[16] for I swear by the gods whom I worship, I will not return +[17]to the camp[17] till the end of life and time, till I bring with me the +head of that young wildling, [18]even[18] the head of Cuchulain, for a +trophy!" + + [9-9] LU. and YBL. 1188. + + [10-10] Stowe. + + [11-11] H. 2. 17. + + [12-12] H. 2. 17. + + [13-13] H. 2. 17. + + [14-14] H. 2. 17. + + [15-15] LU. and YBL. 1190. + + [16-16] H. 2. 17. + + [17-17] Stowe. + + [18-18] Stowe. + +The charioteer wheeled the chariot again towards the [W.1871.] ford. They +brought the left[a] board to face the pair in a line with the ford. Laeg +marked [1]this and he cried[1] [2]to Cuchulain[2]: ("Wist thou) the last +chariot-fighter that was here a while ago, O Cucuc?" "What of him?" asked +Cuchulain. "He has brought his left board towards us in the direction of +the ford." "It is Etarcumul, O gilla, who seeks me in combat. [3]I owe no +refusal,[3] but far from pleased am I thereat [4]that he should come and +seek combat of me. And unwelcome is his coming,[4] because of the honour of +my foster-father [5]Fergus[5] under whom he came forth from the camp [6]of +the men of Erin.[6] But not that I would protect him do I thus. Fetch me my +arms, gilla, to the ford. [7]Bring me my horse and my chariot after me.[7] +I deem it no honour for myself if [8]the fellow[8] reaches the ford before +me." And straightway Cuchulain betook himself to the ford, and he bared his +sword over his fair, well-knit spalls and he was ready on the ford to await +Etarcumul. + + [a] A sign of hostility and an insult. + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 1191. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 1192. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [5-5] H. 2. 17. + + [6-6] H. 2. 17. + + [7-7] H. 2. 17. + + [8-8] H. 2. 17. + +Then, too, came Etarcumul. "What seekest thou, gilla?" demanded Cuchulain. +"Battle with thee I seek," replied Etarcumul. "Hadst thou been advised by +me," said Cuchulain, "thou wouldst never have come. [9]I do not desire what +thou demandest of me.[9] [10]I have no thought of fighting or contending +with thee, Etarcumul.[10] Because of the honour of Fergus under whom thou +camest out of the camp [11]and station of the men of Erin,[11] and not +because I would spare thee, do I behave thus." [12]"Thou hast no choice +but to fight," replied Etarcumul.[12] Thereupon Cuchulain gave him a +long-blow whereby [W.1886.] he cut away the sod that was under the soles of +his feet, so that he was stretched out like a sack on his back, and [1]his +limbs in the air[1] and the sod on his belly. Had Cuchulain wished it it +is two pieces he might have made of him. [2]"Hold, fellow.[2] Off with thee +now, for I have given thee warning. [3]It mislikes me to cleanse my hands +in thee. I would have cloven thee into many parts long since but for +Fergus."[3] "I will not go. We will fight on," said Etarcumul. Cuchulain +dealt him a well-aimed edge-stroke. [4]With the edge of his sword[4] he +sheared the hair from him from poll to forehead, from one ear to the other, +as if it were with a light, keen razor he had been shorn. [5]Not a scratch +of his skin gave blood.[5] [6]"Hold, fellow.[6] Get thee home now," said +Cuchulain, "for a laughing-stock I have made of thee." "I go not," +[7]rejoined Etarcumul.[7] "We will fight to the end, till I take thy head +and thy spoils and boast over thee, or till thou takest my head and my +spoils and boastest over me!" "So let it be, what thou saidst last, that +it shall be. I will take thy head and thy spoils and boast over thee!" +[8]When now the churl became troublesome and persistent,[8] Cuchulain +[9]sprang from the ground, so that he alighted on the edge of Etarcumul's +shield, and he[9] dealt him a cleaving-blow on the crown of the head, so +that it drove to his navel. He dealt him a second crosswise stroke, so that +at the one time the three portions of his body came to the ground. Thus +fell Etarcumul son of Fid and of Lethrinn. + + [9-9] LU. and YBL. 1194-1195. + + [10-10] H. 2. 17. + + [11-11] H. 2. 17. + + [12-12] LU. and YBL. 1195. + + [1-1] H. 2. 17. + + [2-2] H. 2. 17. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 1197-1199. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 1204. + + [5-5] H. 2 17. + + [6-6] H. 2 17. + + [7-7] Stowe and H. 2. 17. + + [8-8] LU. and YBL. 1206-1207. + + [9-9] H. 2. 17. + +[10]Then Etarcumul's charioteer went his way after Fergus,[10] and Fergus +knew not that the combat had been. For thus was his wont: [11]From the day +Fergus took warrior's arms in hand,[11] he never for aught looked back, +whether at [W.1904.] sitting or at rising or when travelling or walking, in +battle or fight or combat, lest some one might say it was out of fear he +looked back, but ever he looked at the thing that was before and beside +him. [1]Fergus saw the chariot go past him and a single man in it.[1] +[2]And when[2] Etarcumul's squire came up abreast of Fergus, Fergus asked, +"But, where is thy lord, gilla?" "He fell a while since at the ford by the +hand of Cuchulain," the gilla made answer. "That indeed was not fair!" +exclaimed Fergus, "for that elf-like sprite to wrong me in him that came +under my safeguard [3]and protection[3] [4]from the camp and fort of the +men of Erin.[4] Turn the chariot for us, gilla," cried Fergus, "that we may +go to [5]the ford of fight and combat[5] for a parley with Cuchulain." + + [10-10] H. 2. 17. + + [11-11] H. 2. 17. + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 1208. + + [2-2] H. 2. 17. + + [3-3] H. 2. 17. + + [4-4] H. 2. 17. + + [5-5] H. 2. 17. + +Thereupon the driver wheeled the chariot. They fared thither towards the +ford. [6]Fergus turned to rebuke Cuchulain.[6] "How darest thou offend me, +thou wild, [7]perverse, little[7] elf-man," cried Fergus, "in him that +came under my safeguard and protection? [8]Thou thinkest my club short."[8] +[LL.fo.72b.] [9]"Be not wroth with me, my master Fergus," said Cuchulain.[9] + "After the nurture and care thou didst bestow on me [10]and the Ulstermen +bestowed and Conchobar[10] tell me, which wouldst thou hold better, [11]for +the Ulstermen to be conquered without anyone to punish them but me alone +and[11] for him to triumph and boast over me, or for me to triumph and +boast over him? And yet more, [12]of his own fault he fell.[12] Ask his own +gilla which of us was in fault in respect of the other; [13]it was none +other but he.[13][a] [1]Reproach me not, O Fergus my master." He bent down +so that Fergus' chariot went past him thrice. "Ask his charioteer, is it I +that have caused it?" "Not thou indeed," answered his charioteer. "He +said," Cuchulain went on, "he would not go till either he took my head or +he left me his own."[1] [2]Then Etarcumul's gilla related to Fergus how it +all befel. When Fergus heard that, what he said was:[2] [W.1921.] "Liefer +to me what thou hast done, [3]O fosterling," said Fergus, "that Etarcumul +is slain, and[3] a blessing on the hand that smote him, [4]for it is he +that was overweening."[4] + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 1209. + + [7-7] H. 2. 17. + + [8-8] LU. and YBL. 1210. Probably a proverbial expression. + + [9-9] LU. and YBL. 1210. + + [10-10] H. 2. 17. + + [11-11] H. 2. 17. + + [12-12] H. 2. 17. + + [13-13] H. 2. 17. + + [a] Lines 1212-1216 LU. and YBL. (Edition of Strachan and O'Keeffe) are + omitted in the translation. + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 1216-1220. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] H. 2. 17. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 1222. + +So then they bound two spancels about the ankle-joints of Etarcumul's feet +and he was dragged along behind his horses and chariot. At every rock that +was rough for him, his lungs and his liver were left on the stones and the +rugged places. At every place that was smooth for him, his skilfully +severed limbs came together again round the horses. In this wise he was +dragged through the camp to the door of the tent of Ailill and Medb: +"There's your young warrior for you," cried Fergus, "for 'Every restoration +together with its restitution' is what the law saith."[a] Medb came forth +to the door of her tent and she raised her [5]quick, splitting,[5] loud +voice [6]of a warrior.[6] Quoth Medb. "Truly, methought that great was the +heat and the wrath of this young hound [7]on leaving us awhile since[7] at +the beginning of the day as he went from the camp. [8]It is no fortune for +a tender youth that falls on thee now.[8] We had thought that the honour +under which he went, even the honour of Fergus, was not the honour of a +dastard!" "What hath crazed the virago and wench?" cried Fergus. "Good +lack, [W.1935.] is it fitting for the mongrel to seek the Hound of battle +whom [1]the warriors and champions[1] of four of the five grand provinces +of Erin dare not approach nor withstand? What, I myself was glad to escape +whole from him!" + + [a] A law maxim. Since Etarcumul had broken his promise not to fight, + Fergus deems himself absolved from the spirit of his engagement to + bring back Etarcumul but fulfils the letter of it. + + [5-5] H. 2. 17. + + [6-6] Stowe. + + [7-7] H. 2. 17. + + [8-8] H. 2. 17. + + [1-1] H. 2. 17. + +[2]Etarcumul's grave was then dug and his tombstone erected; his name was +written in ogam and they raised the keen over him. Cuchulain shot not from +his sling at them that night[2] [3]and the women and maidens were brought +over to him and half the cattle, and they brought provision to him by +day.[3] In this manner fell Etarcumul and such was the combat of Etarcumul +with Cuchulain. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 1230-1232. + + [3-3] LU. fo. 69, between the columns. + + * * * * * + +[Page 126] + + + + +XI + +[1]THE SLAYING OF NATHCRANTAIL[1] + + +[2]Then the men of Erin held counsel who would be fit to fight and contend +with Cuchulain and drive him off from the men of Erin.[2] [3]"What man have +ye to face Cuchulain to-morrow?" asked Lugaid. "They will give him to thee +to-morrow," answered Mane son of Ailill. "We find no one to meet him," +quoth Medb; "let us have a truce with him then till a man be found to +oppose him." This they obtain. "Whither will ye turn," asked Ailill, +"to find the man to oppose Cuchulain?" "There is not in Erin," Medb +answered, "one that could be got to meet him unless Curoi macDare come, or +Nathcrantail the warrior." A man of Curoi's people was in the tent. "Curoi +will not come," said he; "he weens enough of his people have come!" "Let a +message be sent then for Nathcrantail."[3] [W.1941.] Then arose a huge +warrior of Medb's people, Nathcrantail by name. [4]Mane Andoe ('the +Unslow') goes to him. They tell him their message. "Come with us for the +sake of the honour of Connacht." "I will not go," said he, "unless they +give Finnabair to me." Afterwards he goes with them. They bring his armour +in a car from the east of Connacht and place it in the camp.[4] [5]Then was +Nathcrantail called into the tent of Ailill and Medb.[5] [6]"Wherefore am I +summoned to ye?" Nathcrantail asked. "It would please us well," Medb +replied, "werest thou to fight and contend with Cuchulain on the ford and +ward him off from us at the morning hour early on the morrow.[6] [1]Thou +shalt have Finnabair," said Medb, "for going to fight yonder man." "I will +do it," said he.[1] [2]He engaged to undertake the battle and combat and +that night be made ready, and early on the morrow Nathcrantail arose for +the battle and combat and he took his warlike implements with him to the +fight, and though early he arose, Cuchulain arose still earlier.[2] +[3]That night Lugaid came to Cuchulain. "Nathcrantail comes to meet thee +to-morrow. Alas for thee, thou wilt not withstand him." "That matters not," +Cuchulain made answer.[3][a] + + [1-1] Stowe, and LU. fo. 69a, in the margin. + + [2-2] Stowe, and, similarly, H. 2. 17. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 1233-1242 and Eg. 1782. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 1242-1246. + + [5-5] H. 2. 17. + + [6-6] H. 2. 17. + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 1246-1247. + + [2-2] H. 2. 17. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 1248-1250. + + [a] Here follows one line (1251 in LU., edition of Strachan and + O'Keeffe, and almost similarly in YBL.) which seems to refer to some + saying of Cuchulain's about Nathcrantail which we cannot locate. + +[4]On the morrow Nathcrantail went forth from the camp[4] and he came to +attack Cuchulain. [W.1942.] He did not deign to bring along arms but thrice +nine spits of holly after being sharpened, burnt and hardened in fire. And +there before him on the pond was Cuchulain [5]a-fowling and his chariot +hard by him,[5][b] and there was no shelter whatever. [6]And when +Nathcrantail perceived Cuchulain[6] he [7]straightway[7] cast a dart at +Cuchulain. Cuchulain sprang [8]from the middle of the ground[8] till he +came on the tip of the dart. [9]And he performed a feat on the point of +the dart and it hindered him not from catching the birds.[9] And again +Nathcrantail threw a second dart. Nathcrantail threw a third dart and +Cuchulain sprang on the point of the second [W.1951.] dart and so on till +he was on the point of the last dart. It was then, [1]when Nathcrantail +threw the ninth dart,[1] that the flock of birds [2]which Cuchulain +pursued[2] on the plain [3]flew away from Cuchulain.[3] Cuchulain chased +them even as any bird [4]of the air.[4] [5]He hopped on the points of the +darts like a bird from each dart to the next, pursuing the birds[5] that +they might not escape him but that they might leave behind a portion of +food for the night. For this is what sustained and served Cuchulain, fish +and fowl and game on the Cualnge Cow-spoil. Something more remains to be +told: Nathcrantail deemed full surely that Cuchulain went from him in rout +of defeat and flight. And he went his way till he came to the door of the +tent of Ailill and Medb and he lifted up his loud voice [6]of a warrior[6]: +"That famous Cuchulain that ye so talk of ran and fled in defeat [7]before +me when he came to me[7] in the morning." "We knew," spake Medb, "it would +be even so when able warriors and goodly youths met him, that this +beardless imp would not hold out; for when a mighty warrior, [8]Nathcrantail +to wit,[8] came upon him, he withstood him not but before him he ran away!" + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 1253. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 1255. + + [b] Here follow lines 1945-1946, edition of Windisch, which are + unintelligible and have been omitted in the translation. + + [6-6] H. 2. 17. + + [7-7] H. 2. 17. + + [8-8] H. 2. 17. + + [9-9] LU. and YBL. 1256-1257. + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 1258. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 1258. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 1259-1260. + + [6-6] Stowe. + + [7-7] Stowe. + + [8-8] Stowe. + +And Fergus heard that, and Fergus [9]and the Ulstermen[9] were sore angered +that any one should boast that Cuchulain had fled. And Fergus addressed +himself to Fiachu, Feraba's son, that he should go to rebuke Cuchulain. +"And tell [LL.fo.73a.] him it is an honour for him to oppose the hosts for +as long or as short a space as he does deeds of valour upon them, but that +it were fitter for him to hide himself than to fly before any one of their +warriors, [10]forasmuch as the dishonour would be not greater for him than +for the rest of Ulster."[10] + + [9-9] LU. 1264. + + [10-10] LU. and YBL. 1268. + +[W.1969.] Thereupon Fiachu went to address Cuchulain. Cuchulain bade him +welcome. "I trow that welcome to be truly meant, but it is for counsel with +thee I am come from thy fosterer Fergus. And he has said, 'It would be a +glory for thee to oppose the hosts for as long or as short a space as thou +doest valiantly [1]with them;[1] but it would be fitter for thee to hide +thyself than to fly before any one of their warriors!'" "How now, who makes +that boast among ye?" Cuchulain asked. "Nathcrantail, of a surety," Fiachu +answered. "How may this be? Dost not know, thou and Fergus and the nobles +of Ulster, that I slay no charioteers nor heralds nor unarmed people? And +he bore no arms but a spit of wood. And I would not slay Nathcrantail until +he had arms. And do thou tell him, let him come here early in the morning, +[2]till he is between Ochaine and the sea, and however early he comes, he +will find me here[2] and I will not fly before him!" + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 1273-1275. + +[3]Fiachu went back to the camp[3] [4]and to the station of the men of +Erin, and he bound Nathcrantail to go to the ford of combat on the +morrow. They bided there that night,[4] and it seemed long to Nathcrantail +till day with its light came for him to attack Cuchulain. He set out early +on the morrow to attack Cuchulain. Cuchulain arose early [5]and came to his +place of meeting[5] and his wrath bided with him on that day. And [6]after +his night's vigil,[6] with an angry cast he threw his cloak around him, so +that it passed over the pillar-stone [7]near by, the size of himself,[7] +and snapped the pillar-stone off from the ground between himself and his +cloak. And he was aware of naught because of the measure of anger that had +come on and raged in him. Then, too, came Nathcrantail. [8]His arms were +brought with him on a wagon,[8] and he spake, "Where is [W.1987.] +this Cuchulain?" shouted Nathcrantail. "Why, over yonder [1]near the +pillar-stone before thee,"[1] answered Cormac Conlongas son of Conchobar. +"Not such was the shape wherein he appeared to me yesterday," said +Nathcrantail. "Repel yon warrior," quoth Cormac, "and it will be the same +for thee as if thou repellest Cuchulain!" [2]"Art thou Cuchulain?" "And +if I am?" answered Cuchulain. "If thou be truly he," said Nathcrantail, "I +would not bring a lambkin's head to the camp. I will not take thy head, the +head of a beardless boy." "It is not I at all," said Cuchulain; "go find +him around the hill!" Cuchulain hastens to Laeg. "Rub a false beard on me; +I cannot get the warrior to fight with me beardless." This was done for +him. He goes to meet Nathcrantail on the hill. "Methinks that more +fitting. Now fight with me fairly," said Nathcrantail. "Thou shalt have thy +wish, if only we know it," Cuchulain made answer. "I will make a cast at +thee," said Nathcrantail, "and thou shalt not avoid it." "I will not avoid +it except on high," said Cuchulain. Nathcrantail makes a cast at him. +Cuchulain springs on high before it. "'Tis ill of thee to avoid the cast," +cried Nathcrantail. "Avoid then my cast on high!" quoth Cuchulain. +Cuchulain lets the spear fly at him and it went on high, so that from above +it alighted on Nathcrantail's crown and through him it went to the +ground. "Alas," said he, "the best warrior in Erin art thou," spake +Nathcrantail. "Four and twenty sons have I in the camp. I will go and tell +them what hidden treasure I have and then return for thee to behead me, for +I shall die if the spear be taken out of my head." "It is well," quoth +Cuchulain; "thou shalt come back." Then Nathcrantail returns to the +camp. They all come to meet him. "Where is the madman's head with thee?" +[1]every one asks.[1] "Wait, ye warriors, till I tell my tale to my sons +and return to do battle with Cuchulain."[2] + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] Egerton 93 begins here. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 1276. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 1277. + + [7-7] LU. and YBL. 1277-1278. + + [8-8] LU. and YBL. 1279. + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 1281-1305. + + [1-1] LU. 1303. + +[W.1992.] Soon came Nathcrantail [3]to seek Cuchulain[3] and he made a wide +sweep with his sword at Cuchulain. [4]Cuchulain leaps on high,[4] so that +the sword encountered the pillar of stone that was between Cuchulain and +his cloak, and the sword broke [5]atwain[5] on the pillar-stone. [6]Then +Cuchulain became filled with rage, as he had been with the boys in Emain, +and[6] he sprang from the ground and alighted on the top of the boss of +Nathcrantail's shield and dealt him a side stroke over the upper edge of +the shield, so that he struck off his head from his trunk. He raised his +hand quickly again and gave him another blow on the top of the trunk so +that he cleft him in twain down to the ground. [7]His four severed parts +fell to the ground.[7] Thus fell Nathcrantail slain by Cuchulain. Whereupon +Cuchulain spoke [8]the verse:--[8] + + "Now that Nathcrantail has fallen, + [9]There will be increase of strife![9] + Would that Medb had battle [10]now,[10] + And the third part of the host!" + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 1305. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 1306. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 1307. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 1307-1308. + + [7-7] LU. and YBL. 1310. + + [8-8] Stowe. + + [9-9] Stowe, and LU. and YBL. 1313. + + [10-10] Stowe, and YBL. and LU. 1313. + + * * * * * + +[Page 132] + + + + +XII + +[1]THE FINDING OF THE BULL[1] + + +[W.2007.] Thereafter [2]on the morrow[2] Medb proceeded with a third of the +host of the men of Erin about her, [3]and she set forth by the highroad of +Midluachair[3] till she reached Dun Sobairche in the north. And Cuchulain +pressed heavily on Medb that day. [4]Medb went on to Cuib to seek the bull +and Cuchulain pursued her. Now on the road to Midluachair she had gone to +invade Ulster and Cruthne as far as Dun Sobairche.[4] [5]There it is that +Cuchulain slew all those we have mentioned in Cuib.[5] Cuchulain killed Fer +Taidle, whence cometh Taidle; and [6]as they went northwards[6] he killed +the macBuachalla ('the Herdsman's sons') [7]at their cairn,[7] whence +cometh Carn macBuachalla; and he killed Luasce on the slopes, whence Lettre +Luasc ('the Watery Slopes of Luasc'); and he slew Bobulge in his marsh, +whence Grellach ('the Trampled Place') of Bubulge; and he slew Murthemne on +his hill, whence Delga ('the Points') of Murthemne; [8]he slew Nathcoirpthe +at his trees, Cruthen on his ford, Marc on his hill, Meille on his mound +and Bodb in his tower.[8] It was afterwards then [W.2016.] that Cuchulain +turned back from the north [1]to Mag Murthemni,[1] to protect and defend +his own borders and land, for dearer to him was [2]his own land and +inheritance and belongings[2] than the land and territory and belongings of +another. + + [1-1] Stowe, and LU. fo. 70a. + + [2-2] Eg. 93. + + [3-3] Eg. 93. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 1315-1317. Eg. 93 mentions a number of places to + which Cuchulain pursued Medb. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 1341. + + [6-6] Eg. 93. + + [7-7] LU. and YBL. 1343. + + [8-8] LU. and YBL. 1342-1344. + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 1345.] + + [2-2] Eg. 93. + +It was then too that he came upon the Fir Crandce ('the men of Crannach') +[3]from whom cometh Crannach in Murthemne;[3] to wit, the two Artinne and +the two sons of Lecc, the two sons of Durcride, the two sons of Gabul, and +Drucht and Delt and Dathen, Tae and Tualang and Turscur, and Torc Glaisse +and Glass and Glassne, which are the same as the twenty men of Fochard. +Cuchulain surprised them as they were pitching [LL.fo.73b.] camp in advance +of all others--[4]ten cup-bearers and ten men-of-arms they were[4]--so that +they fell by his hand. + + [3-3] Eg. 93. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 1348. + +Then it was that Buide ('the Yellow') son of Ban Blai ('the White') from +[5]Sliab Culinn ('Hollymount'),[5] the country of Ailill and Medb, and +belonging to the special followers of [6]Ailill and[6] Medb, met Cuchulain. +Four and twenty[a] warriors [7]was their strength.[7] A [8]blue[8] mantle +enwrapping each man, the Brown Bull of Cualnge plunging and careering +before them after he had been brought from Glenn na Samaisce ('Heifers' +Glen') to Sliab Culinn, and fifty of his heifers with him. [9]Cuchulain +advances to meet them.[9] "Whence bring ye the drove, [10]ye men?"[10] +Cuchulain asks. "From yonder mountain," Buide answers. [11]"Where are its +herdsmen?" Cuchulain asks. "One is here where we found him," the warrior +answers. Cuchulain made three leaps after them, seeking to speak [W.2031.] +with them, as far as the ford. Then it was he spoke to the leader[11], +"What is thine own name?" said Cuchulain. "One that neither loves thee nor +fears thee," Buide made answer; "Buide son of Ban Blai am I, from the +country of Ailill and Medb." [1]"Wella-day, O Buide," cried Cuchulain; +"haste to the ford below that we exchange a couple of throws with each +other." They came to the ford and exchanged a couple of throws there.[1] +"Lo, here for thee this short spear," said Cuchulain, and he casts the +spear at him. It struck the shield over his belly, so that it shattered +three ribs in his farther side after piercing his heart in his bosom. And +Buide son of Ban Blai fell [2]on the ford.[2] So that thence is Ath Buidi +('Athboy') in Crich Roiss ('the land of Ross'). + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 1318. + + [6-6] Stowe. + + [a] 'Sixty' is the number in LU. and YBL.; 'eight' in Eg. 93. + + [7-7] Stowe and LU. and YBL. 1319. + + [8-8] Eg. 93. + + [9-9] LU. and YBL. 1320. + + [10-10] Eg. 93. + + [11-11] LU. and YBL. 1322-1325. + + [1-1] Eg. 93. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL 1328. + +For as long or as short a space as [3]these bold champions and +battle-warriors[3] were engaged in this work of exchanging their two short +spears--for it was not in a moment they had accomplished it--the Brown Bull +of Cualnge was carried away in quick course and career [4]by the eight +great men[4] to the camp [5]of the men of Erin[5] as swiftly as any beeve +can be brought to a camp. [6]They opined then it would not be hard to +deal with Cuchulain if only his spear were got from him.[6] From this +accordingly came the greatest shame and grief and madness that was brought +on Cuchulain on that hosting. + + [3-3] Eg. 93. + + [4-4] Eg. 93. + + [5-5] Eg. 93. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 1330-1331. + +As regards Medb: every ford [7]and every hill[7] whereon she stopped, Ath +Medba ('Medb's Ford') [8]and Dindgna Medba ('Medb's Hill')[8] is its +name. Every place wherein she pitched her tent, Pupall Medba ('Medb's +Tent') is its name. Every spot she rested her horselash, Bili Medba +('Medb's Tree') is its name. + + [7-7] LU. and YBL 1353. + + [8-8] LU. and YBL 1354. + +On this circuit Medb [9]turned back from the north after [W.2047.] she had +remained a fortnight laying waste the province[9] [1]and plundering the +land of the Picts and of Cualnge and the land of Conall son of Amargin,[1] +and having offered battle [2]one night[2] to Findmor ('the Fair-large') +wife of Celtchar [3]son of Uthechar[3] at the gate of Dun Sobairche; and +she slew Findmor and laid waste Dun Sobairche; [5]and, after taking Dun +Sobairche from her, she brought fifty of [4]her[4] women into the province +of Dalriada.[5] [6]Then she had them hanged and crucified. Whence cometh +Mas na Righna ('Queen's Buttock') as the name of the hill, from their +hanging.[6] + + [9-9] LU. and YBL 1348-1349. + + [1-1] Eg. 93. + + [2-2] Eg. 93. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] Eg. 93. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 1351-1352. + + [6-6] Eg. 33. + +Then came the warriors of four of the five grand provinces of Erin at the +end of a long fortnight[a] to camp and station [7]at Fochard,[7] together +with Medb and Ailill and the company that were bringing the bull. + + [a] Omitting _ar mis_ (LL.), which is not found in the other MSS. + + [7-7] LU. and YBL. 1355. + + * * * * * + +[Page 136] + + + + +XIIa + +THE DEATH OF FORGEMEN + + +[W.2054.] And the bull's cowherd would not allow them [1]to carry off[1] +the Brown Bull of Cualnge, so that they urged on the bull, beating shafts +on shields, till they drove him into a narrow gap, and the herd trampled +the cowherd's body thirty feet into the ground, so that they made fragments +and shreds of his body. Forgemen was the neatherd's name. [2]And this is +the name of the hill, Forgemen.[2] This then is the Death of Forgemen on +the Cattle-prey of Cualnge. [3]Now there was no peril to them that night so +long as a man was got to ward off Cuchulain from them on the ford.[3] + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 1359. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 1360-1361. + + * * * * * + +[Page 137] + + + + +XIIb + +[1]HERE IS NARRATED THE SLAYING OF REDG THE LAMPOONIST[1] + + +[W.2061.] When the men of Erin had come together in one place, both Medb +and Ailill and the force that was bringing the bull to the camp and +enclosure, they all declared Cuchulain would be no more valiant than +another [2]of the men of Erin[2] were it not for the wonderful little trick +he possessed, the spearlet of Cuchulain. Accordingly the men of Erin +despatched from them Redg, Medb's[a] jester, to demand the light javelin +[3]of Cuchulain.[3] + + [1-1] LU. page 70b, in the margin. + + [2-2] Eg. 93. + + [a] 'Ailill's,' LU. and YBL. 1332 and Eg. 1782. + + [3-3] Stowe. + +So Redg [4]came forward to where Cuchulain was and[4] asked for the little +javelin, but Cuchulain did not give him the little javelin [5]at once[5]; +he did not deem it good and proper to yield it. [6]"Give me thy spear," +said the jester. "Nay then, I will not," answered Cuchulain; "but I will +give thee treasure." "I will not take it," said the jester. Then he wounded +the jester because he would not accept from him what he had offered him.[6] +Redg declared he would deprive Cuchulain of his honour [7]unless he got the +little javelin.[7] Thereupon Cuchulain hurled the javelin at him, so that +it struck him in the nape of the neck[b] and fell out through his mouth on +the ground. And the only words Redg uttered were these, "This precious gift +is readily [W.2072.] ours," and his soul separated from his body at the +ford. Therefrom that ford is ever since called Ath Solom Shet ('Ford of +the Ready Treasure'). And the copper of the javelin was thrown into the +river. Hence is Uman-Sruth ('Copperstream') ever after. + + [4-4] Eg. 93. + + [5-5] Eg. 93. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 1333-1336. + + [7-7] LU. and YBL. 1337. + + [b] More literally, 'in the pit of his occiput.' + +[1]"Let us ask for a sword-truce from Cuchulain," says Ailill. "Let Lugaid +go to him," one and all answer. Then Lugaid goes to parley with him. "How +now do I stand with the host?" Cuchulain asks. "Disgraceful indeed is the +thing thou hast demanded of them," Lugaid answers, "even this, that thou +shouldst have thy women and maidens and half of thy kine. But more grievous +than all do they hold it that they themselves should be killed and thou +provisioned." + +Every day there fell a man by Cuchulain till the end of a week. [2]Then[2] +faith is broken with Cuchulain. Twenty are despatched at one time to attack +him and he destroys them all. "Go to him, O Fergus," says Ailill, "that he +may vouchsafe us a change of place." A while after this they proceed to +Cronech. These are they that fell in single combat with him in that place, +to wit: the two Roth, the two Luan, two women-thieves, ten fools, ten +cup-bearers, the ten Fergus, the six Fedelm, the six Fiachu. Now these were +all killed by him in single combat. + + [2-2] Eg. 1782. + +When their tents were pitched by them in Cronech they discussed what they +had best do with Cuchulain. "I know," quoth Medb, "what is best here. Let +some one go to him from us for a sword-pact from him in respect of the +host, and he shall have half the cattle that are here." This message they +bring to him. "I will do it," said Cuchulain, "provided the bond is not +broken by you[1] [3]to-morrow.[3]" + + [1-1] LU. 1362-1379. + + [3-3] Eg. 1782. + + * * * * * + +[Page 139] + + + + +XIIc + +[1]HERE IS TOLD THE MEETING OF CUCHULAIN AND FINNABAIR[1] + + +[2]"Let a message be sent to him," said Ailill, "that Finnabair my daughter +will be bestowed on him, and for him to keep away from the hosts." Mane +Athramail ('Fatherlike') goes to him. But first he addresses himself to +Laeg. "Whose man art thou?" spake Mane. Now Laeg made no answer. Thrice +Mane addressed him in this [3]same[3] wise. "Cuchulain's man," Laeg +answers, "and provoke me not, lest it happen I strike thy head off thee!" +"This man is mad," quoth Mane as he leaves him. Then he goes to accost +Cuchulain. It was there Cuchulain had doffed his tunic, and the [4]deep[4] +snow was around him where he sat, up to his belt, and the snow had melted a +cubit around him for the greatness of the heat of the hero. And Mane +addressed him three times in like manner, whose man he was? "Conchobar's +man, and do not provoke me. For if thou provokest me any longer I will +strike thy head off thee as one strikes off the head of a blackbird!" "No +easy thing," quoth Mane, "to speak to these two." Thereupon Mane leaves +them and tells his tale to Ailill and Medb. + + [1-1] LU. fo. 71a, in the margin. + + [2-2] LU. 1380-1414. + + [3-3] Eg. 1782. + + [4-4] Eg. 1782. + +"Let Lugaid go to him," said Ailill, "and offer him the girl." Thereupon +Lugaid goes and repeats this to Cuchulain. "O master Lugaid," quoth +Cuchulain, "it is a snare!" "It is the word of a king; he hath said it," +Lugaid answered; "there can be no snare in it." "So be it," said Cuchulain. +Forthwith Lugaid leaves him and takes that answer to Ailill and Medb. "Let +the fool go forth in my form," said Ailill, "and the king's crown on his +head, and let him stand some way off from Cuchulain lest he know him; and +let the girl go with him and let the fool promise her to him, and let them +depart quickly in this wise. And methinks ye will play a trick on him thus, +so that he will not stop you any further till he comes with the Ulstermen +to the battle." + +Then the fool goes to him and the girl along with him, and from afar he +addresses Cuchulain. The Hound comes to meet him. It happened he knew by +the man's speech that he was a fool. A slingstone that was in his hand he +threw at him so that it entered his head and bore out his brains. He comes +up to the maiden, cuts off her two tresses and thrusts a stone through her +cloak and her tunic, and plants a standing-stone through the middle of the +fool. Their two pillar-stones are there, even the pillar-stone of Finnabair +and the pillar-stone of the fool. + +Cuchulain left them in this plight. A party was sent out from Ailill and +Medb to search for their people, for it was long they thought they were +gone, when they saw them in this wise. This thing was noised abroad by all +the host in the camp. Thereafter there was no truce for them with +Cuchulain.[2] + + [2-2] LU. 1380-1414. + + * * * * * + +[Page 141] + + + + +XIId + +[1]HERE THE COMBAT OF MUNREMAR AND CUROI[1] + + +[2]While the hosts were there in the evening they perceived that one stone +fell on them coming from the east and another from the west to meet it. The +stones met one another in the air and kept falling between Fergus' camp, +the camp of Ailill and the camp of Nera. This sport and play continued from +that hour till the same hour on the next day, and the hosts spent the time +sitting down, with their shields over their heads to protect them from the +blocks of stones, till the plain was full of the boulders, whence cometh +Mag Clochair ('the Stony Plain'). Now it happened it was Curoi macDare did +this. He had come to bring help to his people and had taken his stand in +Cotal to fight against Munremar son of Gerrcend.[a] The latter had come +from Emain Macha to succour Cuchulain and had taken his stand on Ard ('the +Height') of Roch. Curoi knew there was not in the host a man to compete +with Munremar. These then it was who carried on this sport between them. +The army prayed them to cease. Whereupon Munremar and Curoi made peace, and +Curoi withdrew to his house and Munremar to Emain Macha and Munremar came +not again till the day of the battle. As for Curoi, he came not till the +combat of Ferdiad. + + [1-1] LU. fo. 71b, in the margin. + + [a] Here a sheet is missing in Eg. 1782. + + [2-2] LU. 1415-1486. + +"Pray Cuchulain," said Medb and Ailill, "that he suffer us to change our +place." This then was granted to them and the change was made. + +The 'Pains' of the Ulstermen left them then. When now they awoke from their +'Pains,' bands of them came continually upon the host to restrain it again. + + * * * * * + +[Page 143] + + + + +XIIe + +[1]THE SLAUGHTER OF THE BOY-TROOP[1][a] + + +Now the youths of Ulster discussed the matter among themselves in Emain +Macha. "Alas for us," said they, "that our friend Cuchulain has no one to +succour him!" "I would ask then," spake Fiachu Fulech ('the Bloody') son of +Ferfebe and own brother to Fiachu[b] Fialdana ('the Generous-daring') son +of Ferfebe, "shall I have a company from you to go to him with help?" + + [1-1] LU. fo. 71b, in the margin. + + [a] The LU. version of the episode is given under XVIIa, page 184. + + [b] Fiachna, in LU. 1436. + +Thrice fifty youths accompany him with their play-clubs, and that was a +third of the boy-troop of Ulster. The army saw them drawing near them over +the plain. "A great army approaches us over the plain," spake Ailill Fergus +goes to espy them. "Some of the youths of Ulster are they," said he, "and +it is to succour Cuchulain they come." "Let a troop go to meet them," said +Ailill, "unknown to Cuchulain; for if they unite with him ye will never +overcome them." Thrice fifty warriors went out to meet them. They fell at +one another's hands, so that not one of them got off alive of the number of +the youths of Lia Toll. Hence is Lia ('the Stone') of Fiachu son of +Ferfebe, for it is there that he fell. + +"Take counsel," quoth Ailill; "inquire of Cuchulain about letting you go +from hence, for ye will not go past him by force, now that his flame of +valour has risen." For it was usual with him, when his hero's flame arose +in him, that his feet would turn back on him and his buttocks, before him, +and the knobs of his calves would come on his shins, and one eye would be +in his head and the other one out of his head. A man's head would have gone +into his mouth. There was not a hair on him that was not as sharp as the +thorn of the haw, and a drop of blood was on each single hair. He would +recognize neither comrades nor friends. Alike he would strike them before +and behind. Therefrom it was that the men of Connacht gave Cuchulain the +name Riastartha ('the Contorted One'). + + * * * * * + +[Page 145] + + + + +XIIf + +[1]THE SLAUGHTER OF THE KING'S BODYGUARD[1] + + +"Let us ask for a sword-truce from Cuchulain," said Ailill and Medb. Lugaid +goes to him and Cuchulain accords the truce. "Put a man for me on the ford +to-morrow," said Cuchulain. There happened to be with Medb six royal +hirelings, to wit: six princes of the Clans of Deda, the three Dubs ('the +Blacks') of Imlech, and the three Dergs ('the Reds') of Sruthair, by +name. "Why should it not be for us," quoth they, "to go and attack +Cuchulain?" So the next day they went and Cuchulain put an end to the six +of them.[2] + + [1-1] LU. fo. 72b, in the margin. + + [2-2] See page 141, note 2. + + * * * * * + +[Page 146] + + + + +XIII + +[1]THE COMBAT OF CUR WITH CUCHULAIN[1] + + +[W.2076.] The men of Erin discussed among themselves who of them would be +fit to attack [2]and contend with[2] Cuchulain, [LL.fo.74a.] [3]and drive +him off from them on the ford at the morning-hour early on the morrow.[3] +And what they all said was that Cur ('the Hero') son of Da Loth should be +the one to attack him. For thus it stood with Cur: No joy was it to be his +bedfellow or to live with him. [4]He from whom he drew blood is dead ere +the ninth day.[4] And [5]the men of Erin[5] said: "Even should it be Cur +that falls, a trouble [6]and care[6] would be removed from the hosts; +[7]for it is not easy to be with him in regard to sitting, eating or +sleeping.[7] Should it be Cuchulain, it would be so much the better." Cur +was summoned to Medb's tent. "For what do they want me?" Cur asked. "To +engage with Cuchulain," replied Medb, [8]"to do battle, and ward him off +from us on the ford at the morning hour early on the morrow."[8] [9]Cur +deemed it not fitting to go and contend with a beardless boy.[9] "Little ye +rate our worth. Nay, but it is wonderful how ye regard it. Too tender is +the youth with whom ye compare me. Had I known [10]I was sent against +him[10] I would not have come myself. I would have lads [11]enough[11] of +[W.2086.] his age from amongst my people to go meet him on a ford." + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] Eg. 93. + + [3-3] Eg. 93. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 1488. + + [5-5] Eg. 93. + + [6-6] Stowe. + + [7-7] LU. and YBL. 1491. + + [8-8] Eg. 93. + + [9-9] LU. and YBL. 1491-1492. + + [10-10] LU. and YBL. 1492-1493. + + [11-11] Stowe and LU. and YBL. 1493. + +"Indeed, it is easy to talk so," quoth Cormac Conlongas son of +Conchobar. "It would be well worth while for thyself if by thee fell +Cuchulain." [1]"Howbeit," said Cur, "since on myself it falls,[1] make ye +ready a journey [2]for me[2] at morn's early hour on the morrow, for a +pleasure I will make of the way [3]to this fight,[3] [4]a-going to meet +Cuchulain.[4] It is not this will detain you, namely the killing of yonder +wildling, Cuchulain!" + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 1496-1497. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 1499-1500. + +[5]There they passed the night.[5] Then early on the morrow morn arose Cur +macDa Loth [6]and he came to the ford of battle and combat; and however +early he arose, earlier still Cuchulain arose.[6] A cart-load of arms was +taken along with him wherewith to engage with Cuchulain, and he began to +ply his weapons, seeking to kill Cuchulain. + + [5-5] Eg. 93. + + [6-6] Eg. 93. + +Now Cuchulain had gone early that day [7]to practise[7] his feats [8]of +valour and prowess.[8] These are the names of them all: the Apple-feat, and +the Edge-feat, and the Level Shield-feat, and the Little Dart-feat, and the +Rope-feat, and the Body-feat, and the Feat of Catt, and the Hero's +Salmon-leap,[a] and the Pole-cast, and the Leap over a Blow (?), and the +Folding of a noble Chariot-fighter, and the Gae Bulga ('the Barbed +Spear') and the Vantage (?) of Swiftness, and the Wheel-feat, [9]and the +Rim-feat,[9] and the Over-Breath-feat, and the Breaking of a Sword, and the +Champion's Cry, and the Measured Stroke, and the Side Stroke, and the +Running up a Lance and standing erect on its Point, and the Binding of the +[10]noble[10] Hero (around spear points). + + [7-7] LU. and YBL. 1500. + + [8-8] Stowe. + + [a] "The Salmon-leap--lying flat on his face and then springing up, + horizontally, high in the air."--J.A. Synge, "The Aran Islands," page + 111, Dublin, 1907. + + [9-9] YBL. 1504. + + [10-10] LU. 1506. + +[W.2121.] Now this is the reason Cuchulain was wont to practise early every +morning each of those feats [1]with the agility of a single hand, as best a +wild-cat may,[1] in order that they might not depart from him through +forgetfulness or lack of remembrance. + + [1-1] An obscure gloss in LL. + +And macDa Loth waited beside his shield until the third part of the day, +[2]plying his weapons,[2] seeking the chance to kill Cuchulain; [3]and not +the stroke of a blow reached Cuchulain, because of the intensity of his +feats, nor was he aware that a warrior was thrusting at him.[3] It was then +Laeg[a] [4]looked at him[4] and spake to Cuchulain, "Hark! Cucuc. Attend to +the warrior that seeks to kill thee." Then it was that Cuchulain glanced at +him and then it was that he raised and threw the eight apples on high +[5]and cast the ninth apple[5] a throw's length from him at Cur macDa Loth, +so that it struck on the disk of his shield [6]between the edge and the +body of the shield[6] and on the forehead [7]of the churl,[7] so that it +carried the size of an apple of his brains out through the back of his +head. Thus fell Cur macDa Loth also at the hand of Cuchulain. [8]According +to another version[8] [9]it was in Imslige Glendamnach that Cur fell.[9] + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 1507. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 1508-1509. + + [a] 'Fiachu,' LU. and YBL. 1510. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [5-5] Following Windisch's emendation of the text. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 1512. + + [7-7] LU. and YBL. 1513. + + [8-8] LU. 1513. + + [9-9] LU. and YBL. 1513-1514. + +[10]Fergus greeted each one there and this is what he said:[10] "If your +engagements and pledges bind you now," said Fergus, "another warrior ye +must send to him yonder on the ford; else, do ye keep to your camp and your +quarters here till the bright hour of sunrise on the morrow, for Cur son of +Da Loth is fallen." [11]"We will grant that," said Medb, "and we will not +pitch tents nor take quarters here now, but we will remain where we were +last night in camp.[11] [W.2136.] Considering why we have come, it is the +same to us even though we remain in those same tents." + + [10-10] Stowe. + + [11-11] Eg. 93. + +[1]The four great provinces of Erin[1] remained in that camp till Cur son +of Da Loth had fallen, and Loth son of Da Bro and Srub Dare son of Feradach +and [2]Morc[2] son of Tri Aigneach. These then fell in single combat with +Cuchulain. But it is tedious to recount one by one the cunning and valour +of each man of them. + + [1-1] Eg. 93. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + * * * * * + +[Page 150] + + + + +XIV + +[1]THE SLAYING OF FERBAETH ('THE WITLESS')[1] + + +[2]Then again the men of Erin took counsel who would be fit to fight and do +combat with Cuchulain and to ward him off from them on the ford at the +morning-hour early on the morrow. What they each and all said was, that it +would be his own friend and companion and the man who was his equal in arms +and feats, even Ferbaeth son of Ferbend. + + [1-1] LU. fo. 73a, in the margin. + +Then was Ferbaeth son of Ferbend summoned to them, to the tent of Ailill +and Medb. "Wherefore do ye call me to you?" Ferbaeth asked. "In sooth, it +would please us," Medb answered, "for thee to do battle and contend with +Cuchulain, and to ward him off from us on the ford at the morning hour +early on the morrow." + +Great rewards they promised to him for making the battle and combat.[2] +[3]Finnabair is given to him for this and the kingdom of his race, for he +was their choice to combat Cuchulain. He was the man they thought worthy of +him, for they both had learned the same service in arms with Scathach.[3] + + [2-2] Eg. 93. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 1529-1553. + +[4]"I have no desire to act thus," Ferbaeth protested. "Cuchulain is my +foster-brother and of everlasting covenant with me. Yet will I go meet him +to-morrow, so shall I strike off his head!" "It will be thou that canst do +it," Medb made answer.[4] + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 1538-1540. + +[W.2143.] Then it was that Cuchulain said to his charioteer, namely to +Laeg: "Betake thee thither, O master Laeg," said Cuchulain, "to the camp of +the men of Erin, and bear a greeting [LL.fo.74b.] from me to my comrades +and foster-brothers and age-mates. Bear a greeting to Ferdiad son of Daman, +and to Ferdet son of Daman, and to Brass son of Ferb, and to Lugaid son of +Nos, and to Lugaid son of Solamach, to Ferbaeth son of Baetan, and to +Ferbaeth son of Ferbend, and a particular greeting withal to mine own +foster-brother, to Lugaid son of Nos, for that he is the one man that still +has friendliness and friendship with me now on the hosting. And bear him a +blessing. [1]Let it be asked diligently of him[1] that he may tell thee who +[2]of the men of Erin[2] will come to attack me on the morrow." + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 1525. + + [2-2] Stowe. + +Then Laeg went his way to the camp of the men of Erin and brought the +aforementioned greetings to the comrades and foster-brothers of Cuchulain. +And he also went into the tent of Lugaid son of Nos. Lugaid bade him +welcome. "I take [3]that welcome[3] to be truly meant," said Laeg. "'Tis +truly meant for thee," replied Lugaid. "To converse with thee am I come +from Cuchulain," said Laeg, "and I bring these greetings truly and +earnestly from him to the end that thou tell me who comes to fight with +Cuchulain to-day." [4]"Truly not lucky is it for Cuchulain," said Lugaid, +"the strait wherein he is alone against the men of Erin.[4] The curse of +his fellowship and brotherhood and of his friendship and affection [5]and +of his arms[5] be upon that man; even his own real foster-brother himself, +[6]even the companion of us both,[6] Ferbaeth son of Ferbend. [7]He it is +that comes to meet him to-morrow.[7] He was invited into the tent of +[8]Ailill and[8] Medb a while [W.2165.] since. The daughter Finnabair was +set by his side. It is she who fills up the drinking-horns for him; it is +she who gives him a kiss with every drink that he takes; it is she who +serveth the food [1]to him.[1] Not for every one with Medb is the ale[a] +that is poured out for Ferbaeth [2]till he is drunk.[2] Only fifty +wagon-loads of it have been brought to the camp." + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 1526-1527. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 1528. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 1527. + + [7-7] LU. and YBL. 1528. + + [8-8] LU. and YBL. 1532. + + [1-1] H. 1. 13. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 1535. + + [a] In LU. and YBL. it is wine. + +Then with heavy head, sorrowful, downcast, heaving sighs, Laeg retraced his +steps to Cuchulain. "With heavy head, sorrowful, downcast and sighing, my +master Laeg comes to meet me," said Cuchulain. "It must be that one of my +brothers-in-arms comes to attack me." For he regarded as worse a man of the +same training in arms as himself than aught other warrior. "Hail now, O +Laeg my friend," cried Cuchulain; "who comes to attack me to-day?" "The +curse of his fellowship and brotherhood, of his friendship and affection be +upon him; even thine own real foster-brother himself, namely Ferbaeth son +of Ferbend. A while ago he was summoned into the tent of Medb. The maiden +was set by his side; It is she who fills up the drinking-horns for him; it +is she who gives him a kiss with every drink; it is she who serveth his +food. Not for every one with Medb is the ale that is poured out for +Ferbaeth. Only fifty wagon-loads of it have been brought to the camp." + +[3]Cuchulain bade Laeg go to Lugaid, that he come to talk with him. Lugaid +came to Cuchulain. "So Ferbaeth comes to oppose me to-morrow," said +Cuchulain. "Aye, then," answered Lugaid.[3] [4]"Evil is this day," cried +Cuchulain. "I shall not be alive thereafter. Two of the same age are we, +two of equal deftness, two of equal weight, when we come together. O +Lugaid, greet him for me. Tell him, also, it is not the part of true valour +to come to oppose me. Tell him to come meet me to-night to speak with me." + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 1541-1544. + +Lugaid brought back this word to Ferbaeth. [W.2183.] Now inasmuch as +Ferbaeth shunned not the parley,[4] he by no means waited till morn but +he went straightway [1]to the glen[1] [2]that night[2] to recant his +friendship with Cuchulain, [3]and Fiachu son of Ferfebe went with him.[3] +And Cuchulain called to mind the friendship and fellowship and brotherhood +[5]that had been between them,[5] [6]and Scathach, the nurse of them +both;[6] and Ferbaeth would not consent to forego the fight.[a] [7]"I must +fight," said Ferbaeth. "I have promised it [8]to Medb."[8] [9]"Friendship +with thee then is at an end,"[9] cried Cuchulain,[7] and in anger he +left him and drove the sole of his foot against a holly-spit [10]in the +glen,[10] so that it pierced through flesh and bone and skin [11]and came +out by his knee.[11] [12]Thereat Cuchulain became frantic, and he gave a +strong tug and[12] drew the spit out from its roots, [13]from sinew and +bone, from flesh and from skin.[13] [14]"Go not, Ferbaeth, till thou seest +the find I have made." "Throw it then," cried Ferbaeth.[14] And Cuchulain +threw the holly-spit over his shoulder after Ferbaeth, and he would as lief +that it reached him or that it reached him not. The spit struck Ferbaeth in +the nape of the neck,[b] so that it passed out through his [W.2192.] mouth +[1]in front[1] and fell to the ground, and thus Ferbaeth fell [2]backward +into the glen.[2] + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 1544-1549. + + [1-1] Eg. 93. + + [2-2] Eg. 93, LU. and YBL. 1549. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 1550. + + [4-4] See page 152, note 4. + + [5-5] Stowe. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 1551-1552. + + [a] Reading, with Windisch, from Stowe which gives a better meaning + than LL. + + [7-7] LU. and YBL. 1552-1553. + + [8-8] YBL. 1553. + + [9-9] Literally, 'Keep thy covenant, then!' + + [10-10] LU. and YBL. 1554. + + [11-11] LU. and YBL. 1555. + + [12-12] Eg. 93. + + [13-13] Eg. 93. + + [14-14] LU. and YBL. 1556-1557. + + [b] See note, page 137. + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 1559. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 1559-1560. + +"Now that was a good throw, Cucuc!" cried [3]Fiachu son of Ferfebe,[3] +[4]who was on the mound between the two camps,[4] for he considered it a +good throw to kill that warrior with a spit of holly. Hence it is that +Focherd Murthemni ('the good Cast of Murthemne') is the name of the place +where they were. + + [3-3] "Cormac Conlongas son of Conchobar." Eg. 93. + + [4-4] Eg. 93. + +[5]Straightway Ferbaeth died in the glen. Hence cometh Glenn +Ferbaeth. Something was heard. It was Fergus who sang:-- + + "Fool's[a] emprise was thine, Ferbaeth, + That did bring thee to thy grave. + Ruin hath come on anger here; + Thy last end in Croen Corann! + + Fithi was the hill's old name, + In Croenech in Murthemne. + 'Ferbaeth' now shall be the name + Of the plain where Ferbaeth fell!"[5] + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 1563-1569. + + [a] With a play on the word Ferbaeth, 'a foolish man.' + + * * * * * + +[Page 155] + + + + +XIVa + +[1]THE COMBAT OF LARINE MacNOIS[1] + + +[2]Lugaid spake: "Let one of you be ready on the morrow to go against that +other." "There shall not any one at all be found to go," quoth Ailill, +"unless guile be used. Whatever man comes to you, give him wine, so that +his soul may be glad, and let him be told that that is all the wine that +has been brought to Cruachan: 'It would grieve us that thou shouldst drink +water in our camp.' And let Finnabair be placed on his right hand and let +him be told, 'She shall go with thee if thou bring us the head of the +Contorted.'" So a summons was sent to each warrior, one on each night, and +those words used to be told him. Cuchulain killed every man of them in +turn. At length no one could be got to attack him.[2] + + [1-1] LU. fo. 73b, in the margin. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 1574-1584 and Eg. 1782. Here Eg. 1782 breaks off. + +[W.2197.] [3]"Good,[3] my master Laeg," [4]said Cuchulain,[4] "go for me to +the camp of the men of Erin to hold converse with Lugaid [5]macNois,[5] +[6]my friend, my companion and my foster-brother,[6] [7]and bear him a +greeting from me and bear him my blessing, for he is the one man that keeps +amity and friendship with me on the great hosting of the Cattle-raid of +Cualnge.[7] And discover [8]in what way they are in the camp,[8] whether or +no anything has [W.2199.] happened to Ferbaeth,[a] [1]whether Ferbaeth has +reached the camp;[1] [2]and inquire for me if the cast I made a while ago +reached Ferbaeth or did not reach, and if it did reach him,[2] ask who +[3]of the men of Erin[3] comes to meet me [4]to fight and do battle with me +at the morning hour early[4] on the morrow." + + [3-3] Eg. 93. + + [4-4] Eg. 93 and Eg. 209. + + [5-5] Eg. 93 and Eg. 209. + + [6-6] Eg. 93. + + [7-7] Eg. 93. + + [8-8] LU. and YBL. 1572. + + [a] From here to p. 170 is lacking in LL. owing to the loss of a sheet. + This is supplied from Stowe. + + [1-1] Stowe. Eg. 209 and H. 1. 13. + + [2-2] Eg. 93. + + [3-3] H. 2. 17. + + [4-4] Eg. 93. + +Laeg proceeds to Lugaid's tent. Lugaid bids him welcome. [5]"Welcome to thy +coming and arrival, O Laeg," said Lugaid.[5] "I take that welcome as truly +meant," Laeg replied. "It is truly meant for thee," quoth Lugaid, [6]"and +thou shalt have entertainment here to-night."[6] [7]"Victory and blessing +shalt thou have," said Laeg; "but not for entertainment am I come, but[7] +to hold converse with thee am I come from [8]thine own friend and companion +and[8] foster-brother, [9]from Cuchulain,[9] that thou mayest tell me +whether Ferbaeth [10]was smitten."[10] "He was," answered Lugaid, "and a +blessing on the hand that smote him, for he fell dead in the valley a while +ago." "Tell me who [11]of the men of Erin[11] comes to-morrow to [12]combat +and[12] fight with Cuchulain [13]at the morning hour early on the +morrow?"[13] "They are persuading a brother of mine own to go meet him, a +foolish, haughty arrogant youth, yet dealing stout blows and stubborn. +[14]And he has agreed to do the battle and combat.[14] And it is to this +end they will send him to fight Cuchulain, that he, my brother, may fall at +his hands, so that I myself must then go to avenge him upon Cuchulain. But +I will not go there till the very day of doom. Larine great-grandson +[W.2211.] of Blathmac is that brother. [1]And, do thou tell Cuchulain to +come to Ferbaeth's Glen and[1] I will go [2]thither[2] to speak with +Cuchulain about him," said Lugaid. + + [5-5] H. 2. 17 and Eg. 93. + + [6-6] Eg. 93. + + [7-7] Eg. 93. + + [8-8] Eg. 93. + + [9-9] Eg. 209. + + [10-10] Following Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [11-11] Eg. 93. + + [12-12] Eg. 93. + + [13-13] Eg. 93. + + [14-14] Eg. 93. + + [1-1] Eg. 93. + + [2-2] Eg. 93. + +[3]Laeg betook him to where Cuchulain was.[3] Lugaid's two horses were +taken and his chariot was yoked to them [4]and[4] he came [5]to Glen +Ferbaeth[5] to his tryst with Cuchulain, so that a parley was had between +them. [6]The two champions and battle-warriors gave each other welcome.[6] +Then it was that Lugaid spake: [7]"There is no condition that could be +promised to me for fighting and combating with thee," said Lugaid, "and +there is no condition on which I would undertake it, but[7] they are +persuading a brother of mine to come fight thee [8]on the morrow,[8] +to-wit, a foolish, dull, uncouth youth, dealing stout blows. [9]They +brought him into the tent of Ailill and Medb and he has engaged to do +the battle and combat with thee.[9] [10]He is befooled about the same +maiden.[10] And it is for this reason they are to send him to fight thee, +that he may fall at thy hands, [11]so that we two may quarrel,[11] and to +see if I myself will come to avenge him upon thee. But I will not, till the +very day of doom. And by the fellowship that is between us, [12]and by the +rearing and nurture I bestowed on thee and thou didst bestow on me, bear me +no grudge because of Larine.[12] Slay not my brother [13]lest thou shouldst +leave me brotherless."[13] + + [3-3] Eg. 93. + + [4-4] Eg. 93. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 1592 and Eg. 93. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 1593 and Eg. 93. + + [7-7] Eg. 93. + + [8-8] Eg. 209. + + [9-9] Eg. 93. + + [10-10] LU. and YBL. 1595-1596. + + [11-11] LU. 1597. + + [12-12] H. 2. 17 and Eg. 93. + + [13-13] LU. and YBL. 1596-1597. + +"By my conscience, truly," cried Cuchulain, [14]kill him I will not, +but[14] the next thing to death will I inflict on him. [15]No worse would +it be for him to die than what I [W.2222.] will give him."[15] "I give thee +leave. [1]It would please me well shouldst thou beat him sorely,[1] for to +my dishonour he comes to attack thee." + + [14-14] Eg. 93. + + [15-15] Eg. 209. + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 1597 and Eg. 93. + +Thereupon Cuchulain went back and Lugaid returned to the camp [2]lest the +men of Erin should say it was betraying them or forsaking them he was if he +remained longer parleying with Cuchulain.[2] + + [2-2] Eg. 93. + +Then [3]on the next day[3] it was that Larine son of Nos, [4]brother of +Lugaid king of Munster,[4] was summoned to the tent of Ailill and Medb, +and Finnabair was placed by his side. It was she that filled up the +drinking-horns for him and gave him a kiss with each draught that he took +and served him his food. "Not to every one with Medb is given the drink +that is poured out for Ferbaeth or for Larine," quoth Finnabair; "only the +load of fifty wagons of it was brought to the camp."[a] + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 1598. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 1585. + + [a] Emending the text to agree with the two similar passages above. + +[5]Medb looked at the pair. "Yonder pair rejoiceth my heart," said she.[5] +"Whom wouldst thou say?" asked [6]Ailill.[6] "The man yonder, [7]in +truth,"[7] said she. "What of him?" asked Ailill. "It is thy wont to set +the mind on that which is far from the purpose (Medb answered). It were +more becoming for thee to bestow thy thought on the couple in whom are +united the greatest distinction and beauty to be found on any road in Erin, +namely Finnabair, [8]my daughter,[8] and Larine macNois. [9]'Twould be +fitting to bring them together."[9] "I regard them as thou dost," answered +Ailill; [10]"I will not oppose thee herein. He shall have her if only he +brings me the head of Cuchulain."[a] "Aye, bring it I will," said +Larine.[10] [W.2235.] It was then that Larine shook and tossed himself with +joy, so that the sewings of the flock bed burst under him and the mead of +the camp was speckled with its feathers. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 1586. + + [6-6] Corrected from LL., which has 'Medb.' + + [7-7] Eg. 93. + + [8-8] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [9-9] LU. and YBL. 1588. + + [a] Literally, 'of the Contorted.' + + [10-10] LU. and YBL. 1588-1590. + + +[1]They passed the night there.[1] Larine longed for day with its full +light [2]to go[2] to attack Cuchulain. At the early day-dawn on the morrow +he came, [3]and the maiden came too to embolden him,[3] and he brought a +wagon-load of arms with him, and he came on to the ford to encounter +Cuchulain. The mighty warriors of the camp and station considered it not a +goodly enough sight to view the combat of Larine; only the women and boys +and girls, [4]thrice fifty of them,[4] went to scoff and to jeer at his +battle. + + [1-1] Eg. 93. + + [2-2] Eg. 209. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 1599. + + [4-4] H. 2. 17 and Eg. 93. + +Cuchulain went to meet him at the ford and he deemed it unbecoming to +bring along arms [5]or to ply weapons upon him,[5] so Cuchulain came +to the encounter unarmed [6]except for the weapons he wrested from his +opponent.[6] [7]And when Larine reached the ford, Cuchulain saw him and +made a rush at him.[7] Cuchulain knocked all of Larine's weapons out of his +hand as one might knock toys out of the hand of an infant. Cuchulain ground +and bruised him between his arms, he lashed him and clasped him, he +squeezed him and shook him, so that he spilled all the dirt out of him, +[8]so that the ford was defiled with his dung[8] [9]and the air was fouled +with his dust[9] and an [10]unclean, filthy[10] wrack of cloud arose in the +four airts wherein he was. Then from the middle of the ford Cuchulain +hurled Larine far from him across through the camp [11]till he fell into +Lugaid's two hands[11] at the door of the tent of his brother. [W.2252.] +Howbeit [1]from that time forth[1] [2]for the remainder of his life[2] he +never got up without a [3]sigh and a[3] groan, and [4]he never lay down +without hurt, and he never stood up without a moan;[4] [5]as long as he +lived[5] he never ate [6]a meal[6] without plaint, and never thenceforward +was he free from weakness of the loins and oppression of the chest and +without cramps and the frequent need which obliged him to go out. Still he +is the only man that made escape, [7]yea though a bad escape,[7] after +combat with Cuchulain on the Cualnge Cattle-raid. Nevertheless that maiming +took effect upon him, so that it afterwards brought him his death. Such +then is the Combat of Larine on the Tain Bo Cualnge. + + [5-5] Eg. 209. + + [6-6] Eg. 209. + + [7-7] Eg. 93. + + [8-8] LU. and YBL. 1602. + + [9-9] LU. and YBL. 1603. + + [10-10] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [11-11] LU. and YBL. 1604. + + [1-1] Eg. 93, H. 2. 17 and Eg. 209. + + [2-2] Eg. 93. + + [3-3] Eg. 209. + + [4-4] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 1604. + + [6-6] Eg. 209. + + [7-7] LU. and YBL. 1607. + + * * * * * + +[Page 161] + + + + +XIVb + +[1]THE COLLOQUY OF THE MORRIGAN AND CUCHULAIN[1] + + +[2]Then Cuchulain saw draw near him a young woman with a dress of every +colour about her and her appearance was most surpassing. "Who art thou?" +Cuchulain asked. "Daughter of Buan ('the Eternal'), the king," she +answered. "I am come to thee; I have loved thee for the high tales they +tell of thee and have brought my treasures and cattle with me." "Not good +is the time thou hast come. Is not our condition weakened through hunger? +Not easy then would it be for me to foregather with a woman the while I am +engaged in this struggle." "Herein I will come to thy help." "Not for the +love of a woman[a] did I take this in hand." "This then shall be thy lot," +said she, "when I come against thee what time thou art contending with men: +In the shape of an eel I will come beneath thy feet in the ford; so shalt +thou fall." "More likely that, methinks, than daughter of a king! I will +seize thee," said he, "in the fork of my toes till thy ribs are broken, and +thou shalt remain in such sorry plight till there come my sentence of +blessing on thee." "In the shape of a grey she-wolf will I drive the cattle +on to the ford against thee." "I will cast a stone from my sling at thee, +so shall it smash thine eye in thy head" (said he), "and thou wilt so +remain maimed till my sentence of blessing come on thee." "I will attack +thee," said she, "in the shape of a hornless red heifer at the head of the +cattle, so that they will overwhelm thee on the waters and fords and pools +and thou wilt not see me before thee." "I will," replied he, "fling a stone +at thee that will break thy leg under thee, and thou wilt thus be lamed +till my sentence of blessing come on thee." Therewith she went from him.[2] + + [1-1] LU. fo. 74a, in the margin. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 1609-1629. + + [a] Literally, '_non causa podicis feminae_.' The MS. is partly erased + here. + + * * * * * + +[Page 163] + + + + +XV + +[1]HERE FOLLOWETH THE COMBAT OF LOCH AND CUCHULAIN ON THE TAIN,[1] +[2]AND THE SLAYING OF LOCH SON OF MOFEMIS[2] + + +[3]Then it was debated by the men of Erin who would be fitted to fight and +contend with Cuchulain and ward him off from them on the ford at the +morning-hour early on the morrow. What they all agreed was that it should +be Loch Mor ('the Great') son of Mofemis, the royal champion of Munster.[3] +[W.2260.] It was then that Loch Mor son of Mofemis was summoned [4]like the +rest[4] to the pavilion of Ailill and Medb, [5]and he was promised the +equal of Mag Murthemni of the smooth field of Mag Ai, and the accoutrement +of twelve men, and a chariot of the value of seven bondmaids.[5] "What +would ye of me?" asked Loch. "To have fight with Cuchulain," replied +Medb. "I will not go on that errand, for I esteem it no honour nor becoming +to attack a tender, young, smooth-chinned, beardless boy. [6]'Tis not +seemly to speak thus to me, and ask it not of me.[6] And not to belittle +him do I say it, but I have [7]a doughty brother, [8]the match of +himself,"[8] said Loch,[7] "a man to confront him, Long macEmonis, to wit, +and he will rejoice to accept an offer from you; [9]and it were fitting for +him to contend with Cuchulain for Long has no beard on cheek or lip any +more than Cuchulain."[9] + + [1-1] YBL. 1630. + + [2-2] LU. fo. 74b, between the columns. + + [3-3] Eg. 93. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 1631. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 1631-1633. + + [6-6] Eg. 209. + + [7-7] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [8-8] Eg. 93. + + [9-9] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + +[W.2266.] [1]Thereupon[1] Long was summoned to the tent of Ailill and Medb, +and Medb promised him great gifts, even livery for twelve men of cloth of +every colour, and a chariot worth four[a] times seven bondmaids, and +Finnabair to wife for him alone, and at all times entertainment in +Cruachan, and that wine[b] would be poured out for him. + + [1-1] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [a] 'Thrice.' Eg. 209. + + [b] 'Ale,' Eg. 209. + +[2]They passed there that night and he engaged to do the battle and combat, +and early on the morrow[2] went Long [3]to the ford of battle and combat[3] +to seek Cuchulain, and Cuchulain slew him and [5]they brought him dead into +the presence of his brother, namely of Loch. And Loch [4]came forth and +raised up his loud, quick voice and[4] cried, had he known it was a bearded +man that slew him, he would slay him for it.[5] [6]And it was in the +presence of Medb that he said it.[6] [7]"Lead a battle-force against him," +Medb cried to her host, "over the ford from the west, that ye may cross, +and let the law of fair fight be broken with Cuchulain." The seven Mane the +warriors went first, till they saw him to the west of the edge of the +ford. He wore his festive raiment on that day and the women clambered on +the men that they might behold him. "It grieves me," said Medb. "I cannot +see the boy because of whom they go there." "Thy mind would not be the +easier for that," quoth Lethrenn, Ailill's horseboy, "if thou shouldst see +him." Cuchulain came to the ford as he was. "What man is that yonder, O +Fergus?" asked Medb.[c] And Medb, too, climbed on the men to get a look +[W.2272.] at him.[7] [1]Then[1] Medb called upon [2]her handmaid for two +woman-bands,[2] [3]fifty or twice fifty[3] of her women, to go speak with +Cuchulain and to charge him to put a false beard on. The woman-troop went +their way to Cuchulain and told him to put a false beard on [4]if he wished +to engage in battle or combat with goodly warriors or with goodly youths of +the men of Erin;[4] [5]that sport was made of him in the camp for that he +had no beard, and that no good warrior would go meet him but only madmen. +It were easier to make a false beard:[5] "For no brave warrior in the camp +thinks it seemly to come fight with thee, and thou beardless," [6]said +they.[6] [7]"If that please me," said Cuchulain, "then I shall do it."[7] +Thereupon Cuchulain [8]took a handful of grass and speaking a spell over it +he[8] bedaubed himself a beard [9]in order to obtain combat with a man, +namely with Loch.[9] And he came onto the knoll overlooking the men of Erin +and made that beard manifest to them all, [10]so that every one thought it +was a real beard he had.[10] [11]"'Tis true," spake the women, "Cuchulain +has a beard. It is fitting for a warrior to fight with him." They said that +to urge on Loch.[11] Loch son of Mofemis saw it, and what he said was, +"Why, that is a beard on Cuchulain!" "It is what I perceive," Medb +answered. Medb promised the same great terms to Loch to put a check to +Cuchulain. [12]"I will not undertake the fight till the end of seven days +from this day," exclaimed Loch. "Not fitting is it for us to leave that man +unattacked for all that time," Medb answered. "Let us put a warrior every +night to spy upon him if, peradventure, we might get a chance at him." This +then they did. A warrior went every night to spy upon him and he slew them +all. These are the names of the men who fell there: the seven Conall, the +seven Oengus, the seven Uargus, the seven Celtri, the eight Fiach, the ten +Ailill, the ten Delbrath, the ten Tasach. These are the deeds of that week +on Ath Grenca. + + [2-2] Eg. 93. + + [3-3] Eg. 93. + + [4-4] Eg. 93. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 1637-1639. + + [6-6] Eg. 93. + + [7-7] LU. fo. 61, note 7, edition O'Keeffe and Strachan. + + [c] Fergus' answer, eight lines in _rosc_, LU. page 61, note 7, edition + of Strachan and O'Keeffe (these lines are not in YBL.), has been + omitted in the translation. + + [1-1] Eg. 93 and Eg. 209. + + [2-2] Eg. 209. + + [3-3] Eg. 93. + + [4-4] Eg. 93. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 1640-1641. + + [6-6] Eg. 209. + + [7-7] Eg. 93. + + [8-8] LU. 1643. + + [9-9] LU. and YBL. 1642.] + + [10-10] LU. 1644. + + [11-11] LU. 1645-1647. + + [a] In Eg. 93, this is said by Medb. + +Medb sought counsel, what was best to be done with Cuchulain, for she was +sore grieved at all of her host that had been slain by him. This is the +counsel she took: To despatch keen, high-spirited men at one time to attack +him when he would come to an appointment she would make to speak with +him. For she had a tryst the next day with Cuchulain, to conclude the +pretence of a truce with him in order to get a chance at him. She sent +forth messengers to seek him to advise him to come to her, and thus it was +that he should come, unarmed, for she herself would not come but with her +women attendants to converse with him. + +The runner, namely Traigtren ('Strongfoot') [1]son of Traiglethan +('Broadfoot')[1] went to the place where Cuchulain was and gave him Medb's +message. Cuchulain promised that he would do her will. "How liketh it thee +to meet Medb to-morrow, O Cuchulain?" asked Laeg. "Even as Medb desires +it," answered Cuchulain. "Great are Medb's deeds," said the charioteer; "I +fear a hand behind the back with her." "How is it to be done [2]by us[2] +then?" asked he. "Thy sword at thy waist," the charioteer answered, "that +thou be not taken off thy guard. For a warrior is not entitled to his +honour-price if he be taken without arms, and it is the coward's law that +falls to him in this manner." "Let it be so, then," said Cuchulain. + + [1-1] Eg. 93. + + [2-2] Eg. 93. + +Now it was on Ard ('the Height') of Aignech which is called Fochard to-day +that the meeting took place. Then fared Medb to the tryst and she stationed +fourteen men of those that were bravest of her bodyguard in ambush against +him. These were they: the two Glassine, the two sons of Buccridi, the two +Ardan, the two sons of Licce, the two Glasogma, the two sons of Crund, +Drucht and Delt and Dathen, Tea and Tascur and Tualang, Taur and Glese. + +Then Cuchulain comes to meet her. The men rise against him. Fourteen spears +are hurled at him at the same time. The Hound defends himself, so that +neither his skin nor protection (?) is touched and he turns in upon them +and kills them, the fourteen men. Hence these are the 'Fourteen men of +Fochard.' And they are also the 'Men of Cronech,' for it is in Cronech at +Fochard they were slain. And it is of this Cuchulain spake:-- + + "Good my skill[a] in champion's deeds. + Valorous are the strokes I deal + On the brilliant phantom host. + War with numerous bands I wage, + For the fall of warlike chief-- + This, Medb's purpose and Ailill's-- + Direful (?) hatred hath been raised!"[b] + + [a] With a play on the name _Focherd_, as is explained in the following + paragraph. + + [b] Here follow six lines in _rosc_, LU. 1692-1697, edition of Strachan + and O'Keeffe (the passage does not occur in YBL.), of uncertain + meaning; they are omitted in the translation. + +This is the reason why the name Focherd clung to that place, to wit: _Fo_ +'Good' and _Cerd_ 'Art,' which signifieth 'Good the feat of arms' that +happened to Cuchulain there. + +Then came Cuchulain and he overtook [1]the hosts[1] pitching camp, and +there were slain the two Daigri, the two Anli and the four Dungai of +Imlech. And there Medb began to urge on Loch: "Great is the scorn that is +made of thee," said she, "that the man that killed thy brother should be +destroying our host [2]here before thee[2] and thou not attack him. For +sure we are that such as he yonder, that great and fierce madman, will not +be able to withstand the valour and rage of a warrior such as thou +art. And, further, from one and the same instructress the art was acquired +by you both."[12] + + [1-1] Eg. 93. + + [2-2] Eg. 93. + + [12-12] LU. 1647-1708 and Eg. 93 (_Revue Celtique_, t. xv. 1894, + pp. 64-66). + +[W.2283.] "I will go forth and attack him," cried Loch. Loch went to attack +Cuchulain, [1]to take vengeance on him for his brother,[1] [2]for it was +shown him that Cuchulain had a beard;[2] so they met on the ford where Long +had fallen. "Let us move to the upper ford," said Loch, "for I will not +fight on this ford," since he held it defiled, [3]cursed and unclean,[3] +the ford whereon his brother had fallen. [4]Now when Cuchulain came to look +for the ford, the men drove the cattle across.[4] [5]"The cattle[5] [6]will +be across thy water here to-day," said Gabran[6] [7]the poet.[7] [8]Hence +cometh Ath Tarteise ('the Ford over thy Water') and Tir Mor Tarteise ('the +Great Land over thy Water').[8] Thereafter they fought on the upper ford +[9]between Methe and Cethe at the head of Tir Mor,[9] [10]and they were for +a long space and time at their feats wounding and striking each other.[10] + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 1709 and Eg. 93. + + [2-2] Eg. 93 and LU. 1709. + + [3-3] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [4-4] LU. and, partly, YBL. 1711. + + [5-5] YBL. 1711. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 1711. + + [7-7] LU. 1712. + + [8-8] LU. and YBL. 1712. + + [9-9] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [10-10] Eg. 93. + +Then it was that the Morrigan daughter of [11]Aed[11] Ernmas came from the +fairy dwellings to destroy Cuchulain. For she had threatened on the +Cattle-raid of Regomain [a] that she would come to undo Cuchulain what time +he would be [13]in sore distress[13] when engaged in [14]battle and[14] +combat with a goodly warrior, [15]with Loch,[15] in the course of the +Cattle-spoil of Cualnge. Thither then the Morrigan [W.2293.] came in the +shape of a white, [1]hornless,[1] red-eared heifer, with fifty heifers +about her and a chain of silvered bronze between each two of the heifers. +[2]She bursts upon the pools and fords at the head of the cattle. It was +then that Cuchulain said, "I cannot see the fords for the waters."[2] The +women [3]came with their strange sorcery, and[3] constrained Cuchulain by +geasa and by inviolable bonds [4]to check the heifer for them[4] lest she +should escape from him without harm. Cuchulain made an unerring cast +[5]from his sling-stick[5] at her, so that he shattered one of the +Morrigan's eyes. + + [11-11] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [12-12] See page 165, note 12. + + [a] Edited by Wh. Stokes and E. Windisch, in _Irische Texte_, Bd. II, + SS. 241-254. + + [13-13] Eg. 93. + + [14-14] Eg. 93. + + [15-15] Eg. 209. + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 1722. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 1722. + + [3-3] Eg. 93. + + [4-4] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [5-5] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + +[6]Now when the men met on the ford and began to fight and to struggle, and +when each of them was about to strike the other,[6] the Morrigan came +thither in the shape of a slippery, black eel down the stream. Then she +came on the linn and she coiled [7]three folds[7] [8]and twists[8] around +the [9]two[9] feet [10]and the thighs and forks[10] of Cuchulain, [11]till +he was lying on his back athwart the ford[11] [12]and his limbs in the +air.[12] + + [6-6] LU. 1713. + + [7-7] LU. and YBL. 1713. + + [8-8] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [9-9] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [10-10] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [11-11] LU. and YBL. 1714. + + [12-12] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + +While Cuchulain was busied freeing himself [13]and before he was able to +rise,[13] Loch wounded him crosswise through the breast, [14]so that the +spear[a] went through him[14] [15]and the ford was gore-red with his +blood.[15] [16]"Ill, indeed," cried Fergus, "is this deed in the face of +the foe. Let some of ye taunt him, ye men," he cried to his people, "to the +end that he fall not in vain!" + + [13-13] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [14-14] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [a] 'Sword,' LU. and YBL. 1734. + + [15-15] LU. 1714. + +Bricriu Nemthenga ('Of the Venom-tongue') son of Carbad arose and began to +revile Cuchulain. "Thy strength has gone from thee," said he, "when a +little salmon overthrows thee even now when the Ulstermen are about to come +out of their 'Pains.'[16] [1]Hard it would be for thee to take on thee +warrior's deeds in the presence of the men of Erin and to repel a stout +warrior clad in his armour!"[1] + + [16-16] LU., edition of Strachan and O'Keeffe, p. 63, note 17. + Similarly, YBL. 1714-1716, and Eg. 93. + + [1-1] LU. fo. 63, note 19, edit. Strachan and O'Keeffe, and Eg. 93. + +[2]Then[2] [3]at this incitation[3] [4]Cuchulain arose,[4] [5]and with his +left heel he smote the eel on the head,[5] [6]so that its ribs broke within +it[6] [7]and he destroyed one half of its brains after smashing half of its +head.[7] [8]And the cattle were driven by force past the hosts to the east +and they even carried away the tents on their horns at the thunder-feat the +two warriors made on the ford.[8] + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 1716. + + [3-3] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 1717. + + [5-5] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 1717. + + [7-7] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [8-8] LU. and YBL. 1718-1720. + +[W.2302.] The Morrigan next came in the form of a rough, grey-red +bitch-wolf [9]with wide open jaws[9] [10]and she bit Cuchulain in the +arm[10] [11]and drove the cattle against him westwards,[11] [12]and +Cuchulain made a cast of his little javelin at her, strongly, vehemently, +so that it shattered one eye in her head.[12] During this space of time, +whether long or short, while Cuchulain was engaged in freeing himself, Loch +wounded him [13]through the loins.[13] Thereupon Cuchulain chanted a +lay.[a] + + [9-9] Eg. 209. + + [10-10] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [11-11] LU. and YBL. 1721. + + [12-12] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17, and, similarly, LU. and YBL. 1721. + + [13-13] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [a] The three stanzas of this lay in YBL. (four in LU.) are found, with + slight changes, in the lay on page 172fl. + +[14]Then did Cuchulain to the Morrigan the three things he had threatened +her on the Cattle-raid of Regomain,[14] and his anger arose within him and +he [LL.fo.75a.] wounded Loch with the Gae Bulga ('the Barbed-spear'), so +that it passed through [W.2307.] his heart in his breast. [1]For truly it +must have been that Cuchulain could not suffer the treacherous blows and +the violence of Loch Mor the warrior, and he called for the Gae Bulgae from +Laeg son of Riangabair. And the charioteer sent the Gae Bulga down the +stream and Cuchulain made it ready. And when Loch heard that, he gave a +lunge down with his shield, so that he drove it over two-thirds deep into +the pebbles and sand and gravel of the ford. And then Cuchulain let go the +Barbed-spear upwards, so as to strike Loch over the border of his hauberk +and the rim of his shield.[1] [2]And it pierced his body's covering, for +Loch wore a horn skin when fighting with a man,[2] [3]so that his farther +side was pierced clear after his heart had been thrust through in his +breast.[3] + + [14-14] LU. and YBL. 1732. + + [1-1] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 1735-1736. + + [3-3] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + +[4]"That is enough now," spake Loch; "I am smitten by that.[4] [5]For thine +honour's sake[5] [6]and on the truth of thy valour and skill in arms,[6] +grant me a boon now, O Cuchulain," said Loch. "What boon askest thou?" +"'Tis no boon of quarter nor a prayer of cowardice that I make of thee," +said Loch. "But fall back a step from me [7]and permit me to rise,[7] that +it be on my face to the east I fall and not on my back to the west toward +the warriors of Erin, to the end that no man of them shall say, [8]if I +fall on my back,[8] it was in retreat or in flight I was before thee, for +fallen I have by the Gae Bulga!" "That will I do," answered Cuchulain, "for +'tis a [9]true[9] warrior's prayer that thou makest." + + [4-4] Eg. 93. + + [5-5] Stowe. + + [6-6] Eg. 93. + + [7-7] Stowe. + + [8-8] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [9-9] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + +And Cuchulain stepped back, [10]so that Loch fell on his face, and his soul +parted from his body and Laeg despoiled him.[10] [11]Cuchulain cut off his +head then.[11] Hence cometh [W.2314.] the name the ford bears ever since, +namely Ath Traged ('Foot-ford') in Cenn Tire Moir ('Great Headland'). +[1]It was then they broke their terms of fair fight that day with +Cuchulain, when five men went against him at one time, namely the two +Cruaid, the two Calad and Derothor. All alone, Cuchulain killed them. Hence +cometh Coicsius Focherda ('Fochard's Fortnight') and Coicer Oengoirt ('Five +Warriors in one Field'). Or it may be, fifteen days Cuchulain passed in +Fochard and it is hence cometh Coicsius Focherda on the Tain.[1] + + [10-10] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [11-11] LU. fo. 77a, in the margin. + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 1739-1743. + +And deep distress[a] possessed Cuchulain that day [2]more than any other +day[2] for his being all alone on the Tain, [3]confronting four of the five +grand provinces of Erin,[3] [4]and he sank into swoons and faints.[4] +Thereupon Cuchulain enjoined upon Laeg his charioteer to go to the men of +Ulster, that they should come to defend their drove. [5]And, on rising, +this is what he said:[5] [6]"Good, O Laeg, get thee to Emain to the +Ulstermen, and bid them come henceforward to look after their drove for I +can defend their fords no longer. For surely it is not fair fight nor equal +contest for any man for the Morrigan to oppose and overpower him and Loch +to wound and pierce him."[6] And weariness of heart and weakness overcame +him, and he gave utterance to a lay:-- + + "Rise, O Laeg, arouse the hosts, + Say for me in Emain strong: + I am worn each day in fight, + Full of wounds, and bathed in gore! + + "My right side and eke my left: + Hard to say which suffers worse; + Fingin's[b] hand hath touched them not, + Stanching blood with strips of wood! + + [W.2329.] "Bring this word to Conchobar dear, + I am weak, with wounded sides. + Greatly has he changed in mien, + Dechtire's fond, rich-trooped son! + + "I alone these cattle guard, + Leave them not, yet hold them not. + Ill my plight, no hope for me, + Thus alone on many fords! + + "Showers of blood rain on my arms, + Full of hateful wounds am I. + No friend comes to help me here, + Save my charioteer alone! + + "Few make music here for me, + Joy I've none in single horn. + When the mingled trumpets sound,[a] + This is sweetest from the drone! + + "This old saying, ages old:-- + 'Single log gives forth no flame;' + Let there be a two or three, + Up the firebrands all will blaze! + + "One sole log burns not so well + As when one burns by its side. + Guile can be employed on one; + Single mill-stone doth not grind! + + "Hast not heard at every time, + 'One is duped'?--'tis true of me. + That is why I cannot last + These long battles of the hosts! + + "However small a host may be, + It receives some thought and pains; + Take but this: its daily meat + On one fork is never cooked! + + "Thus alone I've faced the host, + By the ford in broad Cantire; + Many came, both Loch and Badb, + As foretold in 'Regomain!'[b] + + "Loch has mangled my two thighs; + Me the grey-red wolf hath bit; + Loch my sides[c] has wounded sore, + And the eel has dragged me down! + + "With my spear I kept her off; + I put out the she-wolf's eye; + [W.2371.] And I broke her lower leg, + At the outset of the strife! + + "Then when Laeg sent Aife's spear,[a] + Down the stream--like swarm of bees-- + That sharp deadly spear I hurled, + Loch, [1]Mobebuis'[1] son, fell there! + + "Will not Ulster battle give + To Ailill and Eocho's lass,[b] + While I linger here in pain, + Full of wounds and bathed in blood? + + [LL.fo.75b.] "Tell the splendid Ulster chiefs + They shall come to guard their drove. + Maga's sons[c] have seized their kine + And have portioned them all out! + + "Fight on fight--though much I vowed, + I have kept my word in all. + For pure honour's sake I fight; + 'Tis too much to fight alone! + + "Vultures joyful at the breach + In Ailill's and in Medb's camp. + Mournful cries of woe are heard; + On Murthemne's plain is grief! + + "Conchobar comes not out with help; + In the fight, no troops of his. + Should one leave _him_ thus alone, + Hard 'twould be his rage to tell! + + [1]"Men have almost worn me out + In these single-handed fights; + Warrior's deeds I cannot do, + Now that I must fight alone!"[1] + + [a] Literally 'repentance.' + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [5-5] Eg. 93. + + [6-6] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [b] Physician to King Conchobar. + + [a] Following Windisch's emended reading of LL. + + [b] See above, page 168, note a. + + [c] Literally, 'liver.' + + [a] That is, the 'barbed' spear. + + [1-1] Reading with MS. Stowe. + + [b] That is, Medb. + + [c] That is, the followers of Ailill.] + + [1-1] LU. page 64, note 5, edition of Strachan and O'Keeffe. + +[2]Although Cuchulain spoke thus, he had no strength for Laeg to leave +him.[2] + + [2-2] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + +This then is the Combat of Loch Mor ('the Great') son of Mofemis against +Cuchulain on the Driving of the Kine of Cualnge. + + * * * * * + +[Page 175] + + + + +XVI + +[1]THE VIOLATION OF THE AGREEMENT[1] + + +[2]Then were five men sent against Cuchulain on the morrow to contend with +him and he killed them, so that they fell by his hand, and 'the Five +of Cenn Cursighi' was their name.[2] [W.2400.] Then it was that Medb +despatched six men at one and the same time to attack Cuchulain, to wit: +Traig ('Foot') and Dorn ('Fist') and Dernu ('Palm'), Col ('Sin') and +Accuis[a] ('Curse') and Eraise ('Heresy'), three druid-men and three +druid-women, [3]their three wives.[3] Cuchulain attacked them, [4]the six +of them, and struck off their six heads,[4] so that they fell at his hands +[5]on this side of Ath Tire Moire ('Big Land's Ford') at Methe and +Cethe.[5] + + [1-1] This heading is supplied by Windisch. + + [2-2] Eg. 93. + + [a] LU. 1764, H. 2. 17 and Eg. 93 have for this, _Mebul_, 'Shame.' + + [3-3] LU. 1767. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [5-5] LU. 1766-1767. + +[6]Then it was that Fergus demanded of his sureties that fair-dealing +should not be broken with Cuchulain. And it was there that Cuchulain was at +that time,[6] [7]that is, at Delga Murthemni. Then Cuchulain killed Fota in +his field, Bomailce on his ford, Salach in his homestead, Muine in his +fort, Luar in Lethbera, Fertoithle in Toithle. These are the names of these +lands forever, every place in which each man of them fell.[7] + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 1759-1760. + + [7-7] LU. 1761-1765. + +Forasmuch as covenant and terms of single combat had been broken with +Cuchulain, Cuchulain took his sling in hand that day and began to shoot at +the host from Delga ('the Little Dart') in the south, [8]in Murthemne.[8] +Though [W.2406.] numerous were the men of Erin on that day, not one of them +durst turn his face southwards [1]towards Cuchulain, towards the side where +he was[1] [2]between Delga and the sea,[2] whether dog, or horse, or +man. [3]So that he slew an hundred warriors till came the bright hour of +sunrise on the morrow.[3] + + [8-8] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 1745. + + [3-3] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + * * * * * + +[Page 177] + + + + +XVIa + +[1]THE HEALING OF THE MORRIGAN[1] + + +[W.2410.] [2]Great weariness came over Cuchulain after that night, and a +great thirst, after his exhaustion.[2] Then it was that the Morrigan, +daughter of Emmas, came from the fairy dwellings, in the guise of an old +hag, [3]with wasted knees, long-legged,[3] [4]blind and lame,[4] engaged in +milking a [5]tawny,[5] three-teated [6]milch[6] cow before the eyes of +Cuchulain.[a] And for this reason she came in this fashion, that she might +have redress from Cuchulain. For none whom Cuchulain ever wounded recovered +therefrom without himself aided in the healing. Cuchulain, maddened with +thirst, begged her for a milking. She gave him a milking of one of the +teats [7]and straightway Cuchulain drank it.[7] "May this be a cure in time +for me, [8]old crone," quoth Cuchulain, "and the blessing of gods and of +non-gods upon thee!" said he;[8] and one of the queen's eyes became whole +thereby. He begged the milking of [9]another[9] teat. [10]She milked the +cow's second teat and[10] gave it to him and [11]he drank it and said,[11] +"May she straightway be sound that gave it." [12]Then her head was healed +so that it was whole.[12] He begged a third drink [W.2418.] [1]of the +hag.[1] [2]She milked the cow's third teat[2] and gave him the milking +of the teat [3]and he drank it.[3] "A blessing on thee of gods and of +non-gods, O woman! [4]Good is the help and succour thou gavest me."[4] +[5]And her leg was made whole thereby.[5] [6]Now these were their gods, the +mighty folk: and these were their non-gods, the folk of husbandry.[6] And +the queen was healed [7]forthwith.[7] [8]"Well, Cuchulain,[8] [9]thou +saidst to me," spake the Morrigan, "I should not get healing [10]nor +succour[10] from thee forever." "Had I known it was thou," Cuchulain made +answer, "I would never have healed thee." Or, it may be Drong Conculainn +('Cuchulain's Throng') on Tarthesc is the name of this tale in the Reaving +of the Kine of Cualnge.[9] + + [1-1] LU. fo. 77a, in the margin. + + [2-2] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [3-3] Eg. 93. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 1748. + + [5-5] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [6-6] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [a] Reading _fiadnaisse_. + + [7-7] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [8-8] Eg. 93. + + [9-9] Stowe. + + [10-10] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [11-11] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [12-12] LU. and YBL. 1753. + + [1-1] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [2-2] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [3-3] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [4-4] H. 2. 17 and Eg. 93. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL 1755. + + [6-6] A gloss incorporated in the text of LL., LU., YBL., Stowe, + H. 2. 17. and Eg. 93. + + [7-7] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [8-8] Eg. 93. + + [9-9] LU. and YBL. 1755-1758. + + [10-10] Eg. 93. + +[11]Then it was she alighted in the form of a royston crow on the bramble +that grows over Grelach Dolair ('the Stamping-ground of Dolar') in Mag +Murthemni. "Ominous is the appearance of a bird in this place above all," +quoth Cuchulain. Hence cometh Sge nah Einchi ('Crow's Bramble') as a name +of Murthemne.[11] + + [11-11] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + +Then Medb ordered out the hundred [12]armed[12] warriors [13]of her +body-guard[13] at one and the same time to assail Cuchulain. Cuchulain +attacked them all, so that they fell by his hand [14]at Ath Ceit Cuile +('Ford of the First Crime').[14] "It is a dishonour for us that our people +are slaughtered in this wise," quoth Medb. "It is not the first destruction +that has befallen us from that same man," replied Ailill. Hence Cuilenn +Cind Duni ('The Destruction of the Head [W.2426.] of the Dun') is +henceforth the name of the place where they were,[1] the mound whereon Medb +and Ailill tarried that night.[1] Hence Ath Cro ('Gory Ford') is the name +of the ford where they were, [2]and Glass Cro ('River of Gore') the name of +the stream.[2] And fittingly, too, because of the abundance of gore and +blood that went with the flow of the river. + + [12-12] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [13-13] LU. 1768. + + [14-14] LU. 1769. + + [1-1] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [2-2] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17, and, similarly, LU. 1771. + + * * * * * + +[Page 180] + + + + +XVII + +THE GREAT ROUT ON THE PLAIN OF MURTHEMNE FOLLOWETH HERE BELOW + + +[W.2431.] [1]That night[1] the warriors of four of the five grand provinces +of Erin pitched camp and made their station in the place called Breslech +Mor ('the Great Rout') in the Plain of Murthemne. Their portion of cattle +and spoils they sent on before them to the south to the cow-stalls of +Ulster. [LL.fo.76a.] Cuchulain took station at Ferta ('the Gravemound') at +Lerga ('the Slopes') hard by them. And his charioteer kindled him a fire on +the evening of that night, namely Laeg son of Riangabair. Cuchulain saw far +away in the distance the fiery glitter of the bright-golden arms over the +heads of four of the five grand provinces of Erin, in the setting of the +sun in the clouds of evening. Great anger and rage possessed him at their +sight, because of the multitude of his foes, because of the number of his +enemies [2]and opponents, and because of the few that were to avenge his +sores and his wounds upon them.[2] + + [1-1] Eg. 93. + + [2-2] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + +[3]Then Cuchulain arose and[3] he grasped his two spears and his shield and +his sword. He shook his shield and brandished his spears and wielded his +sword and sent out the hero's shout from his throat, so that the fiends and +goblins and sprites of the glens and demons of the air gave answer for the +fearfulness of the shout [4]that he lifted on [W.2444.] high,[4] until +Nemain, [1]which is Badb,[1] brought confusion on the host. The warriors of +the four provinces of Erin made such a clangour of arms with the points of +their spears and their weapons that an hundred [2]strong, stout-sturdy[2] +warriors of them fell dead that night of fright and of heartbreak in the +middle of the camp and quarters [3]of the men of Erin at the awfulness of +the horror and the shout which Cuchulain lifted on high.[3] + + [3-3] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [4-4] Translating from Stowe, H. 2. 17 and Eg. 93. + + [1-1] Stowe, and LL., in the margin. + + [2-2] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [3-3] Eg. 93. + +As Laeg stood there he descried something: A single man coming from the +north-eastern quarter athwart the camp of the four grand provinces of +Erin making directly for him. "A single man here cometh towards us now, +Cucucan," cried Laeg. "But what manner of man is he?" Cuchulain asked. +"Not hard to say," [4]Laeg made answer.[4] "A great, well-favoured man, +then. Broad, close-shorn hair upon him, and yellow and curly his back +hair. A green mantle wrapped around him. A brooch of white silver[a] in +the mantle over his breast. A kirtle of silk fit for a king, with red +interweaving of ruddy gold he wears trussed up on his fair skin and +reaching down to his knees. [5]A great one-edged sword in his hand.[5] A +black shield with hard rim of silvered bronze thereon. A five-barbed spear +in his hand. A pronged bye-spear beside it. Marvellous, in sooth, the feats +and the sport and the play that he makes. But him no one heeds, nor gives +he heed to any one. [6]No one shows him courtesy nor does he show courtesy +to any one,[6] like as if none saw him in the camp of the four grand +provinces of Erin." "In sooth, O fosterling," answered Cuchulain, "it is +one of my friends of fairy kin [7]that comes[7] to take pity upon me, +because they know the great distress wherein I am now all alone against the +four grand provinces of Erin on the Plunder of the Kine of [W.2463.] +Cualnge, [1]killing a man on the ford each day and fifty each night, for +the men of Erin grant me not fair fight nor the terms of single combat from +noon of each day."[1] + + [4-4] Eg. 93. + + [a] 'Of gold,' Eg. 93. + + [5-5] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [6-6] Stowe. + + [7-7] Stowe. + + [1-1] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + +Now in this, Cuchulain spoke truth. When the young warrior was come up to +Cuchulain he bespoke him and condoled with him [2]for the greatness of his +toil and the length of time he had passed without sleep.[2] [3]"This is +brave of thee, O Cuchulain," quoth he. "It is not much, at all," replied +Cuchulain. "But I will bring thee help," said the young warrior. "Who then +art thou?" asked Cuchulain. "Thy father from Faery am I, even Lug son of +Ethliu." "Yea, heavy are the bloody wounds upon me; let thy healing be +speedy."[3] "Sleep then awhile, O Cuchulain," said the young warrior, "thy +heavy fit of sleep by Ferta in Lerga ('the Gravemound on the Slopes') till +the end of three days and three nights and I will oppose the hosts during +that time." [4]He examined each wound so that it became clean. Then he sang +him the 'men's low strain' till Cuchulain fell asleep withal. It was then +Lug recited[4] [5]the Spell-chant of Lug.[5] + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] LU. 1803-1807, and, similarly, Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [4-4] LU. 1810-1811. + + [5-5] LU. fo. 78a, in the margin; also in H. 2. 17. and Eg. 93. + +Accordingly Cuchulain slept his heavy fit of sleep at 'the Gravemound on +the Slopes' till the end of three days and three nights. And well he might +sleep. Yet as great as was his sleep, even so great was his weariness. For +from the Monday before Samain[a] ('Summer-end') even to the Wednesday after +Spring-beginning,[b] Cuchulain slept not for all that space, except for a +brief snatch after mid-day, leaning against his spear, and his head on his +[W.2475.] fist, and his fist clasping his spear, and his spear on his knee, +[LL.fo.76b.] but hewing and cutting, slaying and destroying four of the +five grand provinces of Erin during that time. + + [a] Hallowtide, the first of November and the beginning of winter. + + [b] I.e. Candlemas. Stowe contains a Christian addition: 'to the feast + of Brigit;' that is, the first of February. + +Then it was that the warrior [1]from Faery[1] laid plants from the +fairy-rath and healing herbs and put a healing charm into the cuts and +stabs, into the sores and gaping wounds of Cuchulain, so that Cuchulain +recovered during his sleep without ever perceiving it. + + [1-1] LU. 1826. + + * * * * * + +[Page 184] + + + + +XVIIa + +THE SLAUGHTER OF THE YOUTHS OF ULSTER[a] + + +[W.2482.] That was the time the youths came out of the north from Emain +Macha [1]to the help of Cuchulain.[1] Thrice fifty boys of the sons of the +kings of Ulster, accompanying Follomain, Conchobar's son, and three battles +they offered to the hosts, so that thrice their number fell and the youths +also fell, save Conchobar's son Follomain. Follomain vowed that never till +the very day of doom and of life would he return to Emain unless he should +bring Ailill's head with him together with the diadem of gold that was on +it. That was no easy thing for him to achieve, for the two sons of Bethe +son of Ban--the two sons of Ailill's foster-mother and foster-father [2]to +whom King Ailill's diadem had been entrusted[2]--attacked and wounded +[3]Follomain,[3] so that he fell by their hands. This then is the Massacre +of the youths of Ulster and of Follomain son of Conchobar. + + [a] The LU. version of this episode was given above under XIIe, page + 143. + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [3-3] Eg. 93. + +Touching Cuchulain, he remained in his sound, heavy sleep till the end of +three days and three nights at the 'Gravemound on the Slopes.' Thereafter +Cuchulain arose from his sleep. He passed his hand over his face and he +became as a wild[b] wheel-thunder (?) from his crown to the ground, and he +felt his courage strengthened, and he would have [W.2497.] been able to +go into an assembly or on a march or to a tryst with a woman or to an +ale-house or into one of the chief assemblies of Erin. "How long am I +asleep now, young warrior?" Cuchulain asked. "Three days and three nights," +the young warrior made answer. "Woe is me for that!" quoth Cuchulain. "Why +so?" asked the young warrior. "For that the hosts have not been attacked in +that time," answered Cuchulain. "Nay, not so were they spared," the young +warrior made answer. "I would fain inquire who then attacked them?" +Cuchulain asked. "The youths came hither out of the north from Emain Macha, +thrice fifty boys accompanying Follomain, Conchobar's son, and they the +sons of the kings of Ulster. And three battles they offered the hosts in +the space of the three days and three nights wherein thou wast till now +asleep, and thrice their number are fallen at their hands and the youths +themselves are fallen except Follomain [1]alone,[1] Conchobar's son. And +Follomain vowed that never till the very day of doom and of life [3]would +he return [2]north[2] to Emain Macha till he carried off Ailill's head with +the diadem of gold which was on it. Howbeit not such was his luck, for he +fell at the hands of the two sons of Bethe son of Ban, after engaging in +battle with them."[3] + + [b] Literally, 'crimson.' + + [1-1] Eg. 93. + + [2-2] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [3-3] Stowe. + +"Alas, that I was not [4]there[4] in my strength!" cried Cuchulain; "for +had I been in my strength the youths would not have fallen, as now they +have, and Follomain would not have perished." "But this avow, O Cucan,"[a] +[5]said the young warrior;[5] "it is no reproach to thine honour and no +disgrace to thy valour." "Bide here this night with us, young warrior," +said Cuchulain, "that together we avenge the youths on the hosts." "Nay +then, I may not tarry," answered the [W.2515.] young warrior. [1]"Why so?" +asked Cuchulain. "Easy to say," replied the young warrior;[1] "for however +prodigious the deeds of valour and skill in arms one may perform in thy +company, not on him will fall the glory nor the honour nor the fame but on +thyself. For this reason will I not tarry with thee, but do thou thyself +try thy feats of arms [2]and the strength of thy hands[2] alone on the +hosts, for not with them is the power over thy life on this occasion." + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [a] A pet name for Cuchulain. + + [5-5] Eg. 93. + + [1-1] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [2-2] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + +[3]Then the young warrior from Faery went from him and they knew not what +way he had gone. "Good, O my master Laeg," said Cuchulain; "together we +will go to avenge the youths on the hosts." "I will go with thee," Laeg +made answer.[3] "And the scythed chariot, my friend Laeg," said Cuchulain. +"Canst thou get it ready? If thou canst get it ready and hast its +equipment, make it ready, and if its equipment is not at hand, make it not +ready." + + [3-3] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + * * * * * + +[Page 187] + + + + +XVIIb + +THE SCYTHED CHARIOT + + +[W.2525.] Thereupon the charioteer arose and donned his yeoman's suit for +charioteering. Of this [LL.fo.77a.] yeoman's suit for charioteering, this +is what he put on him: His soft kirtle of skin which was light and airy, +which was smooth and sparkling, which was stitched and of buckskin, so that +it hindered not the movements of his arms outside. Over that he put outside +an over-mantle of raven's feathers, which Simon Magus had made [1]as a +gift[1] [2]for Darius[2] [3]Nero,[3] king of the Romans. Darius bestowed it +upon Conchobar; Conchobar gave it to Cuchulain; Cuchulain presented it to +[4]Laeg son of Riangabair,[4] his charioteer. The same charioteer took the +crested, plated, four-bordered battle-cap with variety of every colour +and every figure, reaching [5]down[5] over the middle of his shoulders +behind. It was an adornment for him and not an encumbrance. With his hand +he placed the red-yellow frontlet--like one red-golden strip of glowing +gold smelted over the edge of an anvil--on his forehead as a token of +charioteering, to distinguish him from his master. He opened the hobbles +that fastened his steeds and grasped his gold-mounted goad in his right +hand. In his left hand he seized the lines, that is, the bridle-reins of +his horses for restraining his steeds before performing his charioteering. + + [1-1] Eg. 93. + + [2-2] Stowe and LU. 1874. + + [3-3] H. 2. 17 and Eg. 93, instead of, 'Darius.' + + [4-4] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [5-5] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + +[W.2542.] He next threw the iron-sheathed gold-bedecked coats of mail over +his horses, so that they covered them from forehead to forehand. [1]The +chariot was[1] [2]studded with[2] dartlets, lancelets, spearlets, and +hardened spits, so that every portion of the frame bristled with points in +that chariot and every corner and end and point and face of that chariot +was a passage of laceration. + + [1-1] There is a gap in the MS., and these words are supplied from the + context. + + [2-2] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + +Then cast he a spell of concealment over his horses and over his fellow, so +that they were not visible to any one in the camp, while all in the camp +were visible to them, [3]and over this veil of protection he wounded each +one and through it and behind it.[3] Well indeed was it that he cast that +charm, for on that day the charioteer had to perform the three gifts of +charioteership, namely leaping over a cleft in the ranks, unerring driving, +and the handling of the goad. + + [3-3] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + +Then [4]arose[4] the champion and battle-warrior and the instrument of +Badb's corpse-fold[a] among the men of the earth,[c] Cuchulain son of +Sualtaim, and he donned his war-dress of battle and fight and combat. To +that war-dress of battle and fight and combat which he put about him +belonged seven and twenty[b] waxed, board-like, equally close skin-tunics +which were girded by cords and swathings and ropes on his fair skin, to the +end that his wit and reason might not become deranged when the violence of +his nature came over him. + + [4-4] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [a] That is, the piled up bodies of the slain. + + [c] 'Of Erin,' Eg. 93. + + [b] 'Eight and twenty,'. Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + +Over him he put on the outside his battle-girdle of a champion, of tough, +tanned, stout leather cut from the forequarters of seven ox-hides of +yearlings, so that it reached from the slender parts of his waist to the +stout part under [W.2562.] his arm-pits. He was used to wear it to keep off +spears and points and irons and lances and arrows. For in like manner they +would bound back from it as if from stone or rock or horn they rebounded. +Then he took his silken, glossy trews with their band of spotted pale-gold +against the soft lower parts of his loins. His brown, well-sewn kilt of +brown leather from the shoulders of four ox-hides of yearlings, with his +battle-girdle of cow-skins, he put underneath over the shining silken trews +on the outside, [1]so that it covered him from the slender part of his +waist to the thick part of his thighs and reached up to the battle-belt of +the hero.[1] Then the king-hero [LL.fo.77a.] [2]and king-warrior[2] seized +his battle-arms of battle and fight and combat. This is what belonged to +those warlike weapons of battle: He took his eight little swords together +with the bright-faced, tusk-hilted straightsword [3]along with his +quiver;[3] he took his eight little spears besides his five-pronged +spear; he took his eight little darts together with his javelin with its +walrus-tooth ornaments; he took his eight little shafts along with his +play-staff; he took his eight shields for feats together with his dark-red +bent-shield, whereon a show-boar could lie in its hollow boss, with its +very sharp, razor-like, keen-cutting, hard [4]iron[4] rim all around it, so +that it would cut a hair against the stream because of its sharpness and +fineness and keenness. When the young warrior would perform the edge-feat +withal, it was the same whether he cut with his shield or his spear or his +sword. Next he put round his head his crested war-helm of battle and fight +and combat, [5]wherein were four carbuncle-gems on each point and each end +to adorn it,[5] whereout was uttered the cry of an hundred young warriors +with the long-drawn wail from each of its angles and corners. [W.2583.] +For this was the way that the fiends, the goblins and the sprites of the +glens and the demons of the air screamed before and above and around him, +what time he went forth for the shedding of blood of heroes and champions, +[1]exulting in the mighty deeds wrought underneath it[1]. His veil of +concealment was thrown over him then, of raiment from Tir Tairngire ('the +Land of Promise') which had been brought to him [2]as a gift[2] by Manannan +son of Ler ('the Sea') from the king of Tir na Sorcha ('the Land of +Light'), [3]his foster-father in magic[3]. [4]His fair, purple-red fan was +placed in front of his face. Past it and through it and over it everything +was visible to him and no one wounded him past it nor through it nor over +it[4]. + + [1-1] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [2-2] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [3-3] LU. 1914. + + [4-4] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [5-5] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [1-1] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [2-2] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [3-3] Stowe and LU. 1927. + + [4-4] Eg. 93. + +Then took place the first twisting-fit [5]and rage[5] of [6]the royal +hero[6] Cuchulain, so that he made a terrible, many-shaped, wonderful, +unheard of thing of himself. His flesh trembled about him like a pole +against the torrent or like a bulrush against the stream, every member and +every joint and every point and every knuckle of him from crown to ground. +He made a mad whirling-feat of his body within his hide. His feet and his +shins and his knees slid so that they came behind him. His heels and his +calves and his hams shifted so that they passed to the front. The muscles +of his calves moved so that they came to the front of his shins, so that +each huge knot was the size of a soldier's balled fist. He stretched the +sinews of his head so that they stood out on the nape of his neck, and as +large as the head of a month-old child was each of the hill-like lumps, +huge, incalculable, vast, immeasurable. + + [5-5] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [6-6] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + +He next made a ruddy bowl of his face and his countenance. He gulped down +one eye into his head so that it [W.2603.] would be hard work if a wild +crane succeeded in drawing it out on to the middle of his cheek from the +rear of his skull. Its mate sprang forth till it came out on his cheek, +[1]so that it was the size of a five-fist kettle, and he made a red berry +thereof out in front of his head.[1] His mouth was distorted monstrously +[2]and twisted up to his ears[2]. He drew the cheek from the jaw-bone so +that the interior of his throat was to be seen. His lungs and his lights +stood out so that they fluttered in his mouth and his gullet. He struck a +mad lion's blow with the upper jaw [3]on its fellow[3] so that as large as +a wether's fleece of a three year old was each [4]red,[4] fiery flake +[5]which his teeth forced[5] into his mouth from his gullet. There was +heard the loud clap of his heart against his breast like the yelp of a +howling bloodhound or like a lion going among bears. [LL.fo.78a.] There +were seen the [a]torches of the Badb,[a] and the rain clouds of poison, and +the sparks of glowing-red fire, [6]blazing and flashing[6] in hazes and +mists over his head with the seething of the truly-wild wrath that rose up +above him. His hair bristled all over his head like branches of a redthorn +thrust into a gap in a great hedge. Had a king's apple-tree laden with +royal fruit been shaken around him, scarce an apple of them all would have +passed over him to the ground, but rather would an apple have stayed stuck +on each single hair there, for the twisting of the anger which met it as it +rose from his hair above him. The Lon Laith ('Champion's Light') stood out +of his forehead, so that it was as long and as thick as a warrior's +whetstone, [7]so that it was as long as his nose, till he got furious +handling the shields, thrusting out the charioteer, destroying the +hosts.[7] As high, as thick, as strong, as steady, as long as the sail-tree +of some huge [W.2623.] prime ship was the straight spout of dark blood +which arose right on high from the very ridgepole of his crown, so that a +black fog of witchery was made thereof like to the smoke from a king's +hostel what time the king comes to be ministered to at nightfall of a +winter's day. + + [1-1] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] Reading with Stowe. + + [4-4] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [5-5] Reading with Eg. 93. + + [a-a] A kenning for 'swords.' + + [6-6] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [7-7] LU. 1958-1959. + +When now this contortion had been completed in Cuchulain, then it was that +the hero of valour sprang into his scythed war-chariot, with its iron +sickles, its thin blades, its hooks and its hard spikes, with its hero's +fore-prongs, with its opening fixtures, with its stinging nails that were +fastened to the poles and thongs and bows and lines of the chariot, +[1]lacerating heads and bones and bodies, legs and necks and shoulders.[1] + + [1-1] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + +It was then he delivered [2]over his chariot[2] the thunder-feat of a +hundred and the thunder-feat of two hundred and the thunder-feat of three +hundred and the thunder-feat of four hundred, and he ceased at the +thunder-feat of five hundred. For he did not deem it too much that such +a great number should fall by his hand at his first onset and first +battle-assault on four of the five grand provinces of Erin, [3]while +avenging on them the slaughter of the youths and of Follomain son of +Conchobar,[3] In such wise fared he forth for to seek his foes, and he +drove his chariot in a wide circuit round about the hosts of the four grand +provinces of Erin. And he led his chariot a heavy way. The chariot's iron +wheels sank into the ground so that [4]the earth dug up by the iron +wheels[4] might have served for a dun and a fortress, so did the chariot's +iron wheels cut into the ground. For in like manner the clods and boulders +and rocks and the clumps and the shingle of the earth arose up outside on a +height with the iron wheels. It was for this cause he made this circling +[5]hedge[5] of the Badb [W.2646.] round about the hosts of four of the five +grand provinces of Erin, that they might not escape him nor get away before +he would come on them to press a reprisal for the boys. And he went into +the midst of the ranks and mowed down huge walls of the corpses of his foes +[1]and enemies and opponents[1] in a great circle round about the host. And +he made the onslaught of a foe amongst foes upon them, so that they fell +sole to sole, neck to neck, [2]arm to arm, elbow to elbow, and rib to rib, +[3]such was the closeness of their bodies,[3] and there were pools of ruddy +blood where they moved.[2] Thrice again in this manner he circled them +round, so that he left them in beds of six in a great ring around them, +even the soles of three to the backs of three men in a circle around the +camp. Hence Sessrech Breslige ('Great sixfold Slaughter')[a] is the name of +this event on the Tain, and it is one of the three unreckonable events of +the Tain, which were, to wit, Sessrech Breslige, Immslige Glennamnach ('the +Mutual Slaying at Glennamain'), and the battle of Garech [LL.fo.78b.] and +Ilgarech; only that here, hound and horse and man were one to him [4]in the +great rout on Mag Murthemni that night avenging the youths on four of the +five grand provinces of Erin.[4] + + [2-2] Eg. 93. + + [3-3] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [5-5] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [1-1] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [2-2] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [3-3] LU. 1996. + + [a] Or, 'Ploughland of the Great Slaughter.' + + [4-4] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + +What others say is that Lug son of Ethliu fought on Cuchulain's side at the +Sessrech Breslige. + +Their number is not known and it cannot be reckoned how many fell there of +the rabble rout, but only their chiefs have been counted. Here below are +their names, to wit:-- + +The two Cruad, two Calad, two Cir, two Ciar, two Ecell, three Cromm, three +Cur, three Combirge, four Feochar, four Furachar, four Casse, four Fota, +five Caur, five Cerman, [W.2679.] five Cobtach, six Saxan, six Duach, six +Dare, [1]six Dunchadh, six Daimiach,[1] seven Rochad, seven Ronan, seven +Rurthech, eight Rochlad, eight Rochtad, eight Rindach, [2]eight Corpre,[2] +eight Malach, nine Daigith, nine Dare, nine Damach, ten Fiach, ten Fiacach, +ten Fedlimid. + + [1-1] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 2010. + +Ten and six-score[b] kings, [3]leaders and men of the land,[3] Cuchulain +laid low in the great slaughter on the Plain of Murthemne, besides a +countless horde of dogs and horses and women and boys and children and +common folk; for there escaped not a third man of the men of Erin +[4]without a wound or a hurt or a blueing or a reddening or a lump or a +mark or breaking of thigh or of leg or of shinbone,[4] without having +hip-bone broken or half his skull or an eye hurt, or without an enduring +mark for the course of his life. [5]And he left them then after inflicting +that battle upon them, without having his blood drawn or wound brought on +himself or on his charioteer or on either of his horses.[5] + + [b] 'Nineteen and nine-score,' H. 2. 17 and Eg. 93. + + [3-3] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [4-4] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [5-5] LU., edition of Strachan and O'Keeffe, page 72, note 19. + + * * * * * + +[Page 195] + + + + +XVIIc + +[1]THE ACCOUNT OF THE APPEARANCE OF CUCHULAIN[1] + + +[W.2706.] [2]Early[2] the next morning Cuchulain came to observe the host +and to display his comely, beautiful form to the matrons and dames and +girls and maidens and poets and men of art,[a] for he did not consider it +an honour nor becoming, the [3]wild,[3] proud shape of magic which had been +manifested to them the night before. It was for that then that he came to +exhibit his comely, beautiful form on that day. + + [1-1] LU. fo. 81a, in the margin. + + [2-2] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [a] A general term for poets, singers, seers and druids. + + [3-3] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + +Truly fair was the youth that came there to display his form to the hosts, +Cuchulain, to wit son of Sualtaim [4]son of Boefoltach ('Of little +possessions') son of Morfoltach ('Of great possessions') son of Red Neil +macRudhraidi.[4] Three heads of hair he wore; brown at the skin, blood-red +in the middle, a golden-yellow crown what thatched it. Beautiful was the +arrangement of the hair, with three coils of hair wound round the nape of +his neck, so that like to a strand of thread of gold was each thread-like, +loose-flowing, deep-golden, magnificent, long-tressed, splendid, +beauteous-hued hair as it fell down over his shoulders. A hundred +bright-purple windings of gold-flaming red gold at his neck. A hundred +salmon-coloured (?) cords strung with carbuncles as a covering round his +head. Four spots on either of his two cheeks, even a yellow spot, and a +green spot, and a blue spot, [W.2722.] and a purple spot. Seven jewels of +the eye's brilliance was either of his kingly eyes. Seven toes to either of +his two feet. Seven fingers to either of his two hands, with the clutch of +hawk's claw, with the grip of hedgehog's talon in every separate one of +them. + + [4-4] H. 2. 17. + +He also put on him that day his fair-day dress. To this apparel about him +belonged, namely, a beautiful, well-fitting, purple, fringed, five-folded +mantle. A white brooch of [1]silvered bronze or of[1] white silver +incrusted with burnished gold over his fair white breast, as if it were a +full-fulgent lantern that eyes of men could not behold [LL.fo.79a.] for its +resplendence and crystal shining. A [2]striped[2] chest-jacket of silk on +his skin, fairly adorned with borders and braidings and trimmings of gold +and silver and silvered bronze; it reached to the upper hem of his dark, +brown-red warlike breeches of royal silk. A magnificent, brown-purple +buckler he bore, [3]with five wheels of gold on it,[3] with a rim of pure +white silver around it. A gold-hilted hammered sword [4]with ivory guards, +raised high at his girdle[4] at his left side. A long grey-edged spear +together with a trenchant bye-spear for defence, with thongs for throwing +and with rivets of whitened bronze, alongside him in the chariot. Nine +heads he bore in one of his hands and ten in the other, and these he +brandished before the hosts in token of his prowess and cunning. [5]This +then was a night's attack for Cuchulain on the hosts of four of the five +provinces of Erin.[5] Medb hid her face beneath a shelter of shields lest +Cuchulain should cast at her that day. + + [1-1] YBL. 2040. + + [2-2] YBL. 2043. + + [3-3] LU. and YBL. 2045. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 2046. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 2050. + +Then it was that the maidens [6]of Connacht[6] besought the men of Erin to +lift them up on the flat of the shields above the warriors' shoulders; +[7]and the women [8]of Munster[8] clomb on the men[7] to behold the aspect +of [W.2746.] Cuchulain. For they marvelled at the beautiful, comely +appearance he showed them that day compared with the low, arrogant shape of +magic in which they had seen him the night before. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 1205. + + [7-7] LU. and YBL. 2052. + + [8-8] YBL, added later above the line. + + * * * * * + +[Page 198] + + + + +XVIId + +DUBTHACH'S JEALOUSY[a] + + +[W.2749.] [1]And Dubthach's wife prayed to be lifted to regard the form of +Cuchulain.[1] Then it was that jealousy, ill-will and envy possessed +Dubthach Doel ('the Black-tongue')[b] of Ulster because of his wife [2]in +regard to Cuchulain; for he saw his wife climb on the men to get a glimpse +of Cuchulain;[2] and he counselled the hosts to act treacherously towards +Cuchulain and to entrap him, even to lay up an ambush around him on all +sides to the end that he might fall by them. And he spake these words:-- + + "If this be the Twisted one, + By him shall men's bodies fall; + Shrieks there shall be round the liss; + Deeds to tell of shall be wrought! + + "Stones shall be on graves from him; + Kingly martyrs shall increase. + Not well have ye battle found + On the slopes with this wild Hound! + + [3]"If this be the Twisted one, + Men shall soon be slain by him; + 'Neath his feet shall corpses lie; + Under bushes mantles white![3] + + "Now the Wildman's form I see, + Nine[c] heads dangling by his side; + Shattered spoils he has, behold; + Ten[d] heads as his treasure great! + + [W.2766.] "And your women, too, I see, + Raise their heads above the lines; + I behold your puissant queen + Makes no move t'engage in fight! + + "Were it mine to give advice, + Men would be on every side, + That they soon might end his life; + If this be the Twisted one!" + + [a] This superscription is not found in the MSS. + + [1-1] Eg. 93. + + [b] Literally, 'the Chafer (or Scorpion?).' + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [c] 'Eight,' LU. and YBL. 2060. + + [d] 'Nine,' LU. and YBL. 2061, H. 2. 17 and Eg. 93. + +Fergus macRoig heard this and he deemed it an outrage that Dubthach should +counsel how to betray Cuchulain to the hosts. And he reached him a strong, +sharp kick with his foot away from him, so that Dubthach struck with his +mouth against the group outside. And Fergus reproached him for all the +wrongs and iniquities and treachery and shameful deeds he had ever done to +the Ulstermen of old and anew. And then he spake these words:-- + + "If this 'Black-tongue' Dubthach be, + Let him skulk behind the hosts; + No good hath he ever wrought, + Since he slew the princesses![a] + + "Base and foul, the deed he wrought: + Fiachu, Conchobar's son, he slew. + No more fair was heard of him: + Carbre's death, Fedilmid's son! + + "Ne'er for Ulster's weal doth aim + Lugaid's son, Casruba's scion;[b] + Such is how he acts to men: + Whom he stabs not he incites! + + "Ulster's exiles it would grieve + If their beardless boy[c] should fall. + If on you come Ulster's troops + They will make your herds their spoil! + + "Strewn afar your herds will be + By the rising Ulstermen. + Tales there'll be of mighty deeds + That will tell of far-famed queens! + + [W.2800.] [1]"Corpses will be under foot,[1] + [2]Food there'll be at ravens' rests;[2] + Bucklers lying on the slopes; + Wild and furious deeds increase! + + [3]"I behold just now your wives + Raise their heads above the ranks. + I behold your puissant queen + Moves not to engage in war![3] + + [LL.fo.79b.] "Valour none nor generous deed + Comes from Lugaid's craven son; + Nor will kings see lances red, + If this 'Black-tongue' Dubthach be!" + + [a] The reference is to the maidens of Emain Macha slain by Dubthach in + punishment for the death of the sons of Usnech. + + [b] That is, Dubthach. + + [c] That is, Cuchulain. + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 2077. + + [2-2] Reading: _Betit buind fri brannfossaib_. + + [3-3] This quatrain is almost identical with the one translated on page + 199. + +Thus far 'The Scythed Chariot.'[a] + + [a] A very obscure and fragmentary passage in LU. and YBL. (lines + 2083-2106, edition of Strachan and O'Keeffe, lacking in Eg. 93, _Revue + Celtique_, tome xv, page 204), consisting of a series of short strains + in _rosc_ spoken in turn by Ailill, Medb, Gabran the poet, and Fergus, + is omitted in the translation. + + * * * * * + +[Page 201] + + + + +XVIII + +[1]THE SLAYING OF OENGUS SON OF OENLAM[1] + + +[W.2814.] Then it was that a very bold young warrior of the Ulstermen came +nigh the hosts; his bye-name was Oengus son of Oenlam Gabe ('the One-handed +Smith'). And he drove the hosts before him from Moda Loga, which at that +time was called Lugmud, to Ath da Fert ('the Ford of the Two Gravemounds') +in Sliab Fuait. [2]And he suffered them not to go by, but he showered them +with stones.[2] What scholars say is: If Oengus son of Oenlam Gabe had +fought them in single combat, [3]two-thirds of[3] the host would have +fallen before that by him in single battle [4]at Emain Macha.[4] Howbeit it +was by no means so that they acted, but they attacked him from ambush on +every side, till he fell at their hands [5]in unequal fight[5] at Ath da +Fert in Sliab Fuait. + + [1-1] LU. fo. 82a, in the margin. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 2135-2136. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] LU. and YBL. 2137. + + [5-5] LU. and YBL. 2139. + + * * * * * + +[Page 202] + + + + +XVIIIa + +HERE NOW IS TOLD THE MISTHROW AT BELACH EOIN. + + +[W.2823.] Then came to them Fiacha Fialdana ('the Generous and Intrepid') +of the Ulstermen to speak with the son of his mother's sister, namely +with Mane Andoe ('the Unslow') of the Connachtmen. And thus he came, and +Dubthach Doel ('the Black Tongue') of Ulster with him. It was in this wise +that Mane Andoe came, and Doche son of Maga along with him. When now Doche +macMagach espied Fiacha Fialdana, he straightway hurled a spear at him, but +so that it went through his own friend, through Dubthach Doel of Ulster. +Then Fiacha Fialdana hurled a spear at Doche macMagach, so that it went +through his own friend, through Mane Andoe of Connacht. Thereupon said the +men of Erin: "A mishap in throwing," they said, "is what hath happened to +the men, for each of them to kill his friend and nearest relation." Hence +this is entitled Imroll Belaig Eoin ('the Misthrow at Bird-pass'). And 'the +Other Misthrow at Bird-pass' is another name for it. + +[1]Or it may be this from which cometh Imroll Belaig Eoin: The hosts +proceed to Belach Eoin ('Bird-pass'). Their two troops wait there. +Diarmait macConchobar of the Ulstermen comes from the north. "Let a +horseman start from you," cries Diarmait, "that Mane may come with one man +to parley with me, and I will go with another man to parley with him." A +while thereafter they meet "I am come," says Diarmait, "from Conchobar, +with commands to Ailill and Medb that they let the cows go and make good +all the ill they have done here and bring hither the bull[a] from the west +to meet the other bull,[b] to the end that they may encounter, since Medb +has pledged it." "I will go," says Mane, "to tell them." He takes this +message to Medb and Ailill. "This cannot be had of Medb," Mane reported. +"Let us make a fair exchange of arms, then," says Diarmait, "if perchance +that pleaseth thee better." "I am content," replies Mane. Each of them +casts his spear at the other so that both of them die, and hence the name +of this place is Imroll Belaig Eoin. Their forces rush upon one another. +Three-score of each force fall. Hence is Ard in Dirma ('the Height of the +Troop').[1] + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 2114-2128. + + [a] The 'White-horned.' + + [b] The 'Brown of Cualnge.' + + * * * * * + +[Page 204] + + + + +XVIIIb + +HERE NOW FOLLOWETH THE DISGUISING OF TAMON + + +[W.2837.] Then said the men of Erin to Tamon the fool that he should don +the garments of Ailill and the king's golden shawl, and go to the ford that +was close before them. So he put the garments and golden shawl of Ailill +upon him. [1]Ailill's people placed the king's diadem on the head of Tamon +the fool, for Ailill dared not wear it himself,[1] and he went on to the +ford under their eyes. The men of Erin began to scoff and to shout and jeer +at him. "It is a disguising of Tamon ('a Stump') for thee, O Tamon the +fool," they cried, "with the dress and the golden shawl of Ailill upon +thee!" When Cuchulain saw him, it seemed to him in his ignorance and lack +of knowledge that it was Ailill himself that was there. And he slung a +stone from his staff-sling at him so that [2]his head was broken thereby[2] +and Tamon the fool was smitten lifeless where he was on the ford. Hence Ath +Tamuin ('the Ford of a Stump') [3]is the name of that ford ever since[3] +and 'the Disguising of Tamon' [4]is the name of the tale.[4] + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 2129. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 2131. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + * * * * * + +[Page 205] + + + + +XIX + +[1]THE BATTLE OF FERGUS AND CUCHULAIN[1] + + +[W.2851.] The hosts of the four grand provinces of Erin pitched camp and +entrenched themselves for that night at the pillar-stone in Crich Roiss +('the Borders of Ross'). Then Medb called upon the men of Erin for one of +them to contend and do battle with Cuchulain on the morrow. And every one +of them spake thus: "It shall not be I! it shall not be I!" [2]cried each +from his place.[2] "No victim is owing from my people, [3]and even if one +were it would not be myself whom ye would send as a victim in his stead.[3] +[4]I will not be the man to go in his place to fight with Cuchulain till +the very day of doom and of life!"[4] + + [1-1] LU. fo. 82b, in the margin. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 2141. + + [3-3] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17., LU. and YBL. 2142-2143. + + [4-4] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + +Thereupon Medb summoned Fergus to [5]go forth and[5] contend and fight with +Cuchulain, [6]to drive him off from them on the ford[6] [7]at the early +morning-hour[7] [8]on the morrow,[8] for that the men of Erin had failed +her [9]to go and do battle with him.[9] "Ill would it befit me," quoth +Fergus, "to fight with a callow young lad without any beard, and mine own +disciple, [10]the fosterling of Ulster,[10] [11]the foster-child that sat +on Conchobar's knee, the lad from Craeb Ruad ('Red Branch')."[11] Howbeit +Medb [W.2861.] murmured sore that Fergus foreswore her combat and battle. +[1]They filled him with wine till he was heavily drunken and then they +questioned him about going to the combat.[1] They bode the night in that +place. Early on the morrow Fergus arose, [2]since they importuned him +urgently,[2] [3]and his horses were got ready for him and his chariot +harnessed[3] and he fared forth to the place of combat where Cuchulain was. + + [5-5] Stowe and H. 2. 17. + + [6-6] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17. + + [7-7] Eg. 93. + + [8-8] H. 2. 17 and Eg. 93. + + [9-9] Stowe. + + [10-10] H. 2. 17. + + [11-11] Eg. 93. + + [1-1] LU. and YBL. 2145-2146. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 2147. + + [3-3] Eg. 93. + +[4]When now[4] Cuchulain saw him coming nigh, [5]this is what he said:[5] +[6]"Welcome thine arrival and thy coming, O my master Fergus," spoke +Cuchulain. "Truly given we esteem thy greeting," Fergus answered. "It is +truly given for thee, O Fergus" said Cuchulain; "and thou shalt have a +night's lodging here this night." "Success and a blessing attend thee, O +fosterling; not for hospitality from thee am I come, but to fight and do +battle with thee."[6] "A vain surety [LL.fo.80a.] is the one wherewith my +master Fergus comes to me; for no sword is in the sheath of the great staff +he bears." It was true what he said. A year before this tale,[a] [7]before +the expedition of the Tain,[7] Ailill had found Fergus going to a tryst +with Medb on the hillside in Cruachan and his sword on a [8]branch[8] near +by him. And Ailill had torn the sword from its sheath and put a wooden +sword in its stead and vowed he would not restore him the sword till came +the day of the great battle, [9]when the men of Erin would clash in the +great battle of the Cualnge Cattle-raid at Garech and Ilgarech.[9] [10]"It +is a perilous thing for thee to come to a place of fight, O my master +Fergus, without thy sword."[10] "It matters not to me, O fosterling," +replied Fergus; "for had I a sword in this, it never would cut thee nor be +plied on thee. But, by [W.2874.] the honour and training I bestowed upon +thee and the Ulstermen and Conchobar bestowed, [1]by the troth of thy +valour and knighthood[1] I adjure thee, give way before me this day in the +presence of the men of Erin!" "Truly I am loath [2]to do that,"[2] answered +Cuchulain, "to flee before any one man on the Cattle-spoil of Cualnge." +"Nay then it is not a thing to be taken amiss by thee," said Fergus; "for I +in my turn will retreat before thee when thou wilt be covered with wounds +and dripping with gore and pierced with holes in the battle of the Tain. +And when I alone shall turn in flight [3]before thee,[3] so will all the +men of Erin also flee [4]before thee in like manner."[4] So zealous was +Cuchulain to do whatever made for Ulster's weal that he had his chariot +brought to him, and he mounted his chariot and he went in confusion and +flight [5]from Fergus in the presence[5] of the men of Erin. [6]As far as +Grellach Dolluid ('the Stamping-place at Dolluid') he fled, in order that +Fergus might give way before him on the day of the battle.[6] [7]When[7] +the men of Erin saw that, [8]they were joyful, and what they said was +this:[8] "He is fled from thee! He is fled from thee, O Fergus!" cried +all. "Pursue him, pursue him [9]quickly,[9] O Fergus," Medb cried, "that he +do not escape thee." "Nay then," said Fergus, "I will pursue him no +further. [10]It is not like a tryst. Yon fellow is too speedy for me.[10] +For however little ye may make of the flight I have put him to, none of the +men of Erin, [11]not even four of the five provinces of Erin[11] could have +obtained so much as that of him on the Cow-creagh of Cualnge. For this +cause, till the men of Erin take turns in single combat, I will not engage +again with this same man." Hence here we have the [12]'White[12] [W.2891.] +Battle' of Fergus [1]on the Tain thus far; and it is for this cause it is +called the 'White Battle,' because no 'blood on weapons'[a] resulted +therefrom.[1] [2]They continue their march past Cuchulain and pitch camp in +Crich Roiss.[2] + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [5-5] Stowe. + + [6-6] Eg. 93. + + [a] See above, page 99. + + [7-7] Stowe. + + [8-8] Reading with Stowe; LL. has 'on the slope.' + + [9-9] Stowe. + + [10-10] Stowe. + + [1-1] Eg. 93. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [5-5] Stowe. + + [6-6] LU. and YBL. 2154-2155. + + [7-7] Stowe. + + [8-8] Stowe. + + [9-9] Stowe. + + [10-10] LU. and YBL. 2157. + + [11-11] Eg. 93. + + [12-12] Eg. 93. + + [1-1] Eg. 93. + + [a] A traditional tag; it occurs again, page 216. + + [2-2] LU. and YBL. 2158-2159. + + * * * * * + +[Page 209] + + + + +XIXa + +HERE NOW COMETH THE HEAD-PLACE OF FERCHU + + +[W.2893.] Ferchu Longsech ('the Exile'), [1]a wonderful warrior from +Loch Ce, outlawed from his land by Ailill and Medb,[1] although of the +Connachtmen, was engaged in battle and plunder with Ailill and Medb. From +the day these came to the kingship, there never was a time that he fared to +their camp or took part in their expeditions or shared in their straits or +their needs or their hardships, but he was ever at their heels, pillaging +and plundering their borders and land. At that time he sojourned in the +eastern part of Mag Ai. Twelve[a] men was his muster. He learned that a +single man checked and stopped four of the five grand provinces of Erin +from Monday at Summer's end till the beginning of Spring, slaying a man on +the ford every one of those days and a hundred warriors every night. He +weighed his plan privily with his people. "What better plan could we +devise?" quoth he, "than to go and attack yonder man that checketh and +stoppeth four of the five grand provinces of Erin, and bring his head and +his arms with us to Ailill and Medb? However great the injuries and wrongs +we have done to Ailill and Medb, we shall obtain our peace therefor, if +only that man fall by our hand." [2]He made no doubt that if Cuchulain fell +through him, the eastern territory of Connacht would be his.[2] Now this +was the [W.2908.] resolve they took, and they proceeded to where Cuchulain +was [1]at Ath Aladh ('Speckled Ford') on the Plain of Murthemne.[1] And +when they came, [2]they espied the lone warrior and knew that it was +Cuchulain.[2] It was not fair fight nor combat with one they vouchsafed +him, but at one and the same time the twelve men fell upon him [3]so that +their spears sank up to their middles into his shield.[3] Cuchulain on his +part [4]drew his sword from the sheath of the Badb to attack them, and he +fell to to cut away their weapons and to lighten his shield. Then he[4] +turned on them, [5]front and back, to the left and the right,[5] and +straightway he smote off their twelve heads; [6]and he engaged in a +furious, bloody and violent battle with Ferchu himself, after killing his +people. And not long did it avail Ferchu thus, for he fell at last by +Cuchulain,[6] [7]and Cuchulain cut off Ferchu's head to the east of the +ford.[7] And he set up twelve stones in the earth for them, and he put the +head of each one of them on its stone and he likewise put Ferchu Longsech's +head on its stone. Hence Cinnit Ferchon Longsig is [8]henceforth the name +of[8] the place where Ferchu Longsech left his head [9]and his twelve men +theirs and their arms and their trophies,[9] to wit, Cenn-aitt Ferchon +('the Head-place of Ferchu'). + + [1-1] Eg. 93. + + [a] 'Thirteen,' LU. and YBL. 2161, and Eg. 93. + + [2-2] Eg. 93. + + [1-1] Eg. 93. + + [2-2] Eg. 93. + + [3-3] Eg. 93. + + [4-4] Eg. 93. + + [5-5] Eg. 93. + + [6-6] Eg. 93. + + [7-7] Eg. 93. + + [8-8] Stowe. + + [9-9] Eg. 93. + + * * * * * + +[Page 211] + + + + +XIXb + +[1]MANN'S FIGHT[1] + + +[2]Medb despatched Mann son of Muresc son of Dare, of the Dommandach, to +fight with Cuchulain. Own brothers were he and Daman, Ferdiad's father. A +man, rough, inordinate in eating and sleeping was this Mann. An ill-tongued +foul-mouthed man like Dubthach Doel ('Black-tongue') of Ulster. A man, +stout, mighty, with strength of limb like Munremur ('Thick-neck') son of +Gerrcend ('Short-head'). A fiery champion like Triscoth, the strong man of +Conchobar's household. "I will go," said he, "and unarmed, and I will grind +him between my hands, for I consider it no honour nor credit to use arms +against a beardless madcap such as he." + + [1-1] LU., fo. 82, in the margin. + +Therewith he went to attack Cuchulain. There he was, himself and his +charioteer on the ford watching the host. "A lone warrior approacheth us +here," cried Laeg to Cuchulain. "What manner of man?" asked Cuchulain. "A +dark, black man, strong, bull-like, and he unarmed." "Let him go by thee," +said Cuchulain. At that he comes nigh them. "To fight with thee am I +come," Mann announced. Therewith they fell to wrestling for a long time, +and thrice Mann threw Cuchulain, till the charioteer incited Cuchulain. +"Were it the champion's portion thou wast contending for in Emain," spake +Laeg, "thou wouldst be all powerful over the young bloods in Emain!" At +these words the hero's wrath and warrior's rage returned to Cuchulain, so +that he overcame Mann at the pillar-stone and he fell to pieces in morsels. +Hence cometh Mag Mandachta ('the Plain of Mann's death').[2] + + [2-2] YBL., and, partly, LU. 2163-2181. Here the LU. version breaks + off, fo. 82b. + + * * * * * + +[Page 213] + + + + +XIXc + +[1]THE COMBAT OF CALATIN'S CHILDREN[1] + + +[W.2918.] Then was it debated by the men of Erin who would be fit to +contend and cope with Cuchulain at the morning hour early on the next +day. What they all said was, that Calatin Dana ('the Bold') would be the +one, with his seven and twenty sons and his grandson[a] Glass macDelga. +Thus were they: Poison was on every man of them and poison on every weapon +of their arms; and not one of them missed his throw, and there was no one +on whom one of them drew blood that, if he succumbed not on the spot, would +not be dead before the end of the ninth day. Great gifts were promised to +them for engaging to do battle and to contend [LL.fo.80b.] [2]with +Cuchulain.[2] And they took the matter in hand, and it should be in the +presence of Fergus that the covenant would be made. But Fergus refused to +have part therein, for what they [3]all[3] contended was that they would +hold it as a single combat, [4]a combat, to wit, of[4] Calatin Dana and his +seven and twenty sons and his grandson Glass macDelga; for their contention +was that his son was a limb of his limbs and a part of his parts, and that +to Calatin Dana belonged all that proceeded from his body. + + [1-1] The title is taken from the colophon at the end of the chapter. + + [a] 'Nephew.' Stowe. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] Stowe. + +Fergus betook himself to his tent and to his people and he breathed his +sigh of weariness aloud. "Grievous it [W.2935.] seems to us, the deed to be +done here on the morrow," quoth Fergus. "What deed may that be?" asked his +people. "The slaying of Cuchulain," answered Fergus. "Alas," said they, +"who should kill him?" "Calatin Dana," he replied, "with his seven and +twenty sons and his grandson Glass macDelga. For this is their nature: +Poison is on every man of them and poison on every weapon of their arms; +and there is no one on whom one of them draws blood, that, if he succumb +not on the spot, will not be dead before the end of the ninth day. And +there is no one [1]of you[1] that would go and learn for me and be witness +of the battle and fight and bring me news how Cuchulain died on whom I +would not bestow my blessing and armour." "I will go thither," spake Fiachu +son of Ferfebe. + + [1-1] Stowe. + +They abode so that night. Early on the morrow Calatin Dana arose with his +seven and twenty sons and his grandson Glass macDelga, and they went +forward to where Cuchulain was. And there went also Fiachu son of Ferfebe. +And when Calatin arrived at the place where Cuchulain was, they forthwith +hurled their nine and twenty spears, and not one of them went past him by a +misthrow. Cuchulain played the edge-feat with his shield, so that all the +spears sank up to their middles into the shield. But for all that theirs +was no erring cast, not one of the spears was blooded or reddened upon +him. Thereupon Cuchulain drew [2]his[2] sword from the sheath of the Badb, +to cut away the weapons and lighten the shield that was on him. While thus +engaged, they rushed in upon him and delivered their nine and twenty right +fists at the same time on his head. They smote him and curbed him withal, +till his face and his countenance and visage met the sand and gravel of the +ford. Cuchulain raised his warrior's shout aloud and his cry of unequal +combat, so that there was not an Ulsterman [W.2962.] alive [1]in the +camp[1] of those that were not asleep but heard it. Then [2]when they all +had reached for their swords,[2] came Fiachu son of Ferfebe [3]after them +out of the camp,[3] and he saw what they did and a qualm of [4]love and[4] +the bond of kindred came over him, and [5]when he saw all their hands +raised against Cuchulain, he leaped from his chariot and[5] drew his sword +from the sheath of the Badb and dealt them a blow, so that he cut off their +nine and twenty right fists from them at one stroke, and they all fell +backwards from the intensity of the exertion and hold which they had. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] YBL. 2186. + + [3-3] YBL. 2187. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [5-5] YBL. 2187-2188. + +Cuchulain raised his head and drew breath and gave a sigh of weariness +and perceived who it was that had come to his aid. "A ready relief, O +foster-brother, [6]what thou hast done,"[6] said Cuchulain. "Although for +thee a ready relief," said Fiachu, "yet is it not so for us. Even though +we are the best division of three thousand of the Clann Rudraige in the +camp and station of the men of Erin, [7]nevertheless this small thing is a +breach of covenant in us men of Ulster. If one of Calatin's children +reaches the camp,[7] we shall all be brought under the mouth of spear and +of sword, however feeble thou mayst deem the blow I struck, if this treason +be found in us." "I give my word," quoth Cuchulain; "so soon as I raise my +head and draw breath, [8]not a man of them shall reach the camp alive,[8] +and unless thou thyself tellest the tale not one of these ever will tell +it!" + + [6-6] YBL. 2190. + + [7-7] YBL. 2190-2191. + + [8-8] YBL. 2193. + +With that, Cuchulain turned on them, and he fell to smiting and hewing +them, so that he sent them [LL.fo.81a.] from him in small disjointed pieces +and divided quarters eastwards and westwards along the ford. A single man +got away from him, trusting to his speed while Cuchulain was busied +[W.2981.] beheading the rest; it was Glass macDelga. And Cuchulain raced +after him like a blast of wind, and Glass ran on round the tent of Ailill +and Medb, and all he could pant out was, "Fiach! Fiach!"[a] when Cuchulain +fetched him a stroke that cut off his head. + + [a] There is a play on words. Glass attempts to pronounce the name + 'Fiachu,' but is only able to utter the first syllable of the word + which alone means 'debt.' + +"'Tis quick work was made of that man," quoth Medb. "What debt was that he +spoke of, O Fergus?" "I know not," Fergus answered, "unless it be some one +in the camp and quarters that owed him a debt. It is that which troubled +his mind. But be that as it may," continued Fergus, "it is a debt of blood +and flesh for him. And upon my word," Fergus added, "now are his debts paid +to him for good and all!" + +In this wise fell Calatin Dana ('the Bold') at the hands of Cuchulain, +together with his seven and twenty sons and his grandson Glass macDelga +[1]and the two sons of Ficce with them, two bold warriors of Ulster who had +come to use their strength on the host.[1] So that for evermore in the bed +of the ford is still the rock whereabout they had their strife and struggle +[2]and their slaughtering of each other;[2] and the mark of their +sword-hilts is in it and of their knees and their elbows [3]and their +fists[3] and the butt-ends of their spears. [4]And their nine and twenty +standing stones were set up there.[4] Hence Fuil Iairn ('Blood of Iron') to +the west[b] of Ath Firdead ('Ferdiad's Ford') is the name of the ford. It +is for this it is called Fuil Iairn, because of the 'blood over weapons'[c] +that was there. + + [1-1] YBL. 2194-2196. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] YBL. 2198. + + [4-4] YBL. 2198. + + [b] 'South,' YBL. 2184. + + [c] See page 208, note _a_. + +Thus far then [5]this exploit on the Tain,[5] the Combat of the Clann +Calatin [6]of his children and his grandson with Cuchulain,[6] [7]when they +went to do battle with Cuchulain.[7] + + [5-5] YBL. 2196. + + [6-6] Stowe. + + [7-7] YBL. 2196-2197. + + * * * * * + +[Page 217] + + + + +XX + +THE COMBAT OF FERDIAD [1]AND CUCHULAIN[1] + + +[2]The four grand provinces of Erin were side by side and against Cuchulain, +from Monday before Samain-tide[a] to Wednesday after Spring-beginning, and +without leave to work harm or vent their rage on the province of Ulster, +while yet all the Ulstermen were sunk in their nine days' 'Pains,' and +Conall Cernach ('the Victorious') sought out battle in strange foreign +lands paying the tribute and tax of Ulster. Great was the plight and strait +of Cuchulain during that time, for he was not a day or a night without +fierce, fiery combat waged on him by the men of Erin, until he killed +Calatin with his seven and twenty sons and Fraech son of Fiadach and +performed many deeds and successes which are not enumerated here. Now this +was sore and grievous for Medb and for Ailill.[2] + + [1-1] Stowe and YBL. 2200 and Eg. 106. + + [2-2] Eg. 106. + + [a] See note p. 182. + +[W.3001.] Then the men of Erin took counsel who would be fit [3]to send to +the ford[3] to fight and do battle with Cuchulain, [4]to drive him off from +them[4] at the morning hour early on the morrow. + + [3-3] YBL. 2203. + + [4-4] YBL. 2202. + +[5]With one accord[5] they declared that it should be Ferdiad son of Daman +son of Dare, the great and valiant warrior of the men of Domnann, [6]the +horn-skin from Irrus Domnann, the irresistible force, and the battle-rock +of destruction, the own, dear, foster-brother of Cuchulain.[6] [W.3005.] +[1]And fitting it was for him to go thither,[1] for well-matched and alike +was their manner of fight and of combat. Under the same instructresses had +they done skilful deeds of valour and arms, when learning the art with +Scathach ('the Modest') and with Uathach ('the Dreadful') and with Aife +('the Handsome'). [2]Yet was it the felling of an oak with one's fists, and +the stretching of the hand into a serpent's nest, and a spring into the +lair of a lion, for hero or champion in the world, aside from Cuchulain, to +fight or combat with Ferdiad on whatever ford or river or mere he set his +shield.[2] And neither of them overmatched the other, save in the feat of +the Gae Bulga ('the Barbed Spear') which Cuchulain possessed. Howbeit, +against this, Ferdiad was horn-skinned when fighting and in combat with a +warrior on the ford; [3]and they thought he could avoid the Gae Bulga and +defend himself against it, because of the horn about him of such kind that +neither arms nor multitude of edges could pierce it.[3] + + [5-5] Eg. 106. + + [6-6] YBL. 2204-2206. + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] Eg. 106. + + [3-3] YBL. 2208-2209. + +Then were messengers and envoys sent [4]from Medb and Ailill[4] to Ferdiad. +Ferdiad denied them their will, and dismissed and sent back the messengers, +and he went not with them, for he knew wherefore they would have him, to +fight and combat with his friend, with his comrade and foster-brother, +[5]Cuchulain.[5] + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [5-5] Stowe. + +Then did Medb despatch the druids [6]and the poets of the camp,[6] the +lampoonists and hard-attackers,[a] for Ferdiad, to the end that they might +make three satires to stay him and three scoffing speeches against him, +[7]to mock at him and revile and disgrace him,[7] that they might raise +three blisters on his face, Blame, Blemish and Disgrace, [8]that he might +not find a place in the world to lay his head,[8] [W.3021.] if he came not +[1]with them[1] [2]to the tent of Medb and Ailill on the foray.[2] + + [6-6] Stowe, Eg. 106, Eg. 209. + + [a] Literally, 'the cheek-blisterers.' + + [7-7] YBL. 2213. + + [8-8] YBL. 2214. + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] YBL. 2214. + +Ferdiad came with them for the sake of his own honour and [3]for fear of +their bringing shame on him,[3] forasmuch as he deemed it better to fall by +the shafts of valour and bravery and skill, than to fall by the shafts of +satire, abuse and reproach. And when [4]Ferdiad[4] was come [5]into the +camp,[5] [6]Medb and Ailill beheld him, and great and most wonderful joy +possessed them, and they sent him to where their trusty people were, and +[6]he was honoured and waited on, and choice, well-flavoured strong liquor +was poured out for him till he became drunken and merry. [7]Finnabair, +daughter of Ailill and Medb, was seated at his side. It was Finnabair that +placed her hand on every goblet and cup Ferdiad quaffed. She it was that +gave him three kisses with every cup that he took. She it was that passed +him sweet-smelling apples over the bosom of her tunic. This is what she +ceased not to say, that her darling and her chosen sweetheart of the +world's men was Ferdiad.[7] [8]And when Medb got Ferdiad drunken and +merry,[8] great rewards were promised him if he would make the fight and +combat. + + [3-3] YBL. 2215. + + [4-4] Stowe and Eg. 209. + + [5-5] Stowe and Eg. 209. + + [6-6] Eg. 106. + + [7-7] YBL. 2216-2221. + + [8-8] Eg. 106. + +[9]When now Ferdiad was satisfied, happy and joyful, it was that Medb +spoke: "Hail now, Ferdiad. Dost know the occasion wherefore thou art +summoned to this tent?" "I know not, in truth," Ferdiad replied; "unless +it be that the nobles of the men of Erin are here. Why is it less fitting +for me to be here than any other good warrior?" "'Tis not that, forsooth," +answered Medb: "but to give thee[9] a chariot worth four[a] times seven +bondmaids, and the apparel of two men and ten men, of cloth of every +colour, [W.3028.] and the equivalent [1]of the Plain of Murthemne[1] of the +rich Plain of Ai, [2]and that thou shouldst be at all times in Cruachan, +and wine be poured out for thee there; the freedom of thy descendants and +thy race forever,[2] free of tribute, free of rent, without constraint to +encamp or take part in our expeditions, [LL.fo.81b.] without duress for +[3]thy son, or for thy grandson, or for thy great-grandson, till the end of +time and existence;[3] [4]this leaf-shaped golden brooch of mine shall be +thine, wherein are ten-score ounces, and ten-score half ounces, and +ten-score scruples, and ten-score quarters;[4] Finnabair, [5]my daughter +and Ailill's,[5] to be thine own one wife, [6]and mine own most intimate +friendship, if thou exactest that withal." "He needs it not," they cried, +one and all; "great are the rewards and gifts!"[6] + + [9-9] YBL. 2221-2225. + + [a] 'Thrice seven,' YBL. 2226, Stowe, and Eg. 209. + + [1-1] YBL. 2227. + + [2-2] YBL. 2228. + + [3-3] In LL. this passage is reported in indirect discourse; + consequently, instead of 'thy,' LL. has 'his.' + + [4-4] YBL. 2229-2231. + + [5-5] YBL. 2231-2232. + + [6-6] YBL. 2232-2234. + +Such were the words of Medb, and she spake them here and Ferdiad +responded:-- + + Medb: "Great rewards in arm-rings, + Share of plain and forest, + Freedom of thy children + From this day till doom! + Ferdiad son of Daman, + More than thou couldst hope for, + Why shouldst thou refuse it, + That which all would take?" + + Ferdiad: "Naught I'll take without bond-- + No ill spearman am I-- + Hard on me to-morrow: + Great will be the strife! + Hound that's hight of Culann, + How his thrust is grievous! + No soft thing to stand him; + Rude will be the wound!" + + Medb: "Champions will be surety, + Thou needst not keep hostings. + Reins and splendid horses + Shall be given as pledge! + [W.3056.] Ferdiad, good, of battle, + For that thou art dauntless, + Thou shalt be my lover, + Past all, free of cain!" + + Ferdiad: "Without bond I'll go not + To engage in ford-feats; + It will live till doomsday + In full strength and force. + Ne'er I'll yield--who hears me, + Whoe'er counts upon me-- + Without sun- and moon-oath, + Without sea and land!" + + Medb: "Why then dost delay it? + Bind it as it please thee, + By kings' hands and princes', + Who will stand for thee! + Lo, I will repay thee,[a] + Thou shalt have thine asking, + For I know thou'lt slaughter + Man that meeteth thee!" + + Ferdiad: "Nay, without six sureties-- + It shall not be fewer-- + Ere I do my exploits + There where hosts will be! + Should my will be granted, + I swear, though unequal, + That I'll meet in combat + Cuchulain the brave!" + + Medb: "Domnall, then, or Carbre, + Niaman famed for slaughter, + Or e'en folk of barddom, + Natheless, thou shalt have. + Bind thyself on Morann, + Wouldst thou its fulfilment, + Bind on smooth Man's Carbre, + And our two sons, bind!" + + Ferdiad: "Medb, with wealth of cunning, + Whom no spouse can bridle, + Thou it is that herdest + Cruachan of the mounds! + High thy fame and wild power! + Mine the fine pied satin; + Give thy gold and silver, + Which were proffered me!" + + Medb: [W.3100.] "To thee, foremost champion, + I will give my ringed brooch. + From this day till Sunday, + Shall thy respite be! + Warrior, mighty, famous, + All the earth's fair treasures + Shall to thee be given; + Everything be thine! + + "Finnabair of the champions (?), + Queen of western Erin, + When thou'st slain the Smith's Hound, + Ferdiad, she's thine!" + + Ferdiad: [1]"Should I have Finnabair to wife, + Falls of Ai and Cruachan too, + And to dwell for alway there, + I'd not seek the deedful Hound! + + "Equal skill to me and him--" + Thus spake Ferdiad withal-- + "The same nurses raised us[a] both, + And with them we learned our art. + + "Not for fear of battle hard, + Noble Eocho Fedlech's maid, + Would I shun the Blacksmith's Hound, + But my heart bleeds for his love!" + + Medb: "Thou shalt have, dear, bright-scaled[b] man,[c] + One swift, proud, high-mettled steed. + Thou shalt have domains and land + And shalt stay not from the fight (?)!" + + Ferdiad: "But that Medb entreated so, + And that poets' tongues did urge, + I'd not go for hard rewards + To contend with mine own friend!" + + Medb: "Son of Daman of white cheeks, + Shouldst thou check this heroes' Hound, + E'er so long thy fame will live, + When thou comest from Ferdiad's Ford!"[1] + + [a] Translating from Stowe. + + [1-1] Eg. 106 (_Revue Celtique,_ t. x, page 339). The metre is changed + designedly to agree with the original. + + [a] MS. 'ye.' + + [b] Referring to Ferdiad's horn-skin. + + [c] Literally, 'calf.' + +[2]Then said they, one and all, those gifts were great. [3]"'Tis true, they +are great.[3] But though they are," said [W.3113.] Ferdiad, "with Medb +herself I will leave them, and I will not accept them if it be to do battle +or combat with my foster-brother, the man of my alliance and affection, +[1]and my equal in skill of arms,[1] namely, with Cuchulain." And he +said:-- + + "Greatest toil, [2]this, greatest toil,[2] + Battle with the Hound of gore! + Liefer would I battle twice + With two hundred men of Fal! + + "Sad the fight, [2]and sad the fight,[2] + I and Hound of feats shall wage! + We shall hack both flesh and blood; + Skin and body we shall hew! + + "Sad, O god, [2]yea, sad, O god,[2] + That a woman should us part! + My heart's half, the blameless Hound; + Half the brave Hound's heart am I! + + "By my shield, [2]O, by my shield,[2] + If Ath Cliath's brave Hound should fall, + I will drive my slender glaive + Through my heart, my side, my breast! + + "By my sword, [2]O, by my sword,[2] + If the Hound of Glen Bolg fall! + No man after him I'll slay, + Till I o'er the world's brink spring! + + "By my hand, [2]O, by my hand![2] + Falls the Hound of Glen in Sgail, + Medb with all her host I'll kill, + And then no more men of Fal! + + "By my spear, [2]O, by my spear![2] + Should Ath Cro's brave Hound be slain, + I'll be buried in his grave; + May one grave hide me and him! + + [3]"Liefer would I, [2]liefer far,[2] + Arms should slay me in fierce fight, + Than the death of heroes' Hound,"[a] + Should be food for ravenous birds?[3] + + "Tell him this, [2]O, tell him this,[2] + To the Hound of beauteous hue, + Fearless Scathach hath foretold + My fall on a ford through him! + + [W.3149.] "Woe to Medb, [1]yea, woe to Medb,[1] + Who hath used her [3]guile[3] on us; + She hath set me face to face + 'Gainst Cuchulain--hard the toil!" + + [2-2] Stowe, Add. 18,748 and Eg. 209. + + [3-3] YBL. 2234. + + [1-1] Eg. 106, Eg. 209. + + [2-2] Eg. 209. + + [a] The word is illegible in the manuscript. + + [3-3] Eg. 106. + + [1-1] Eg. 209. + + [3-3] Reading with Eg. 209. + +"Ye men," spake Medb, in the wonted fashion of stirring up disunion and +dissension, [4]as if she had not heard Ferdiad at all,[4] "true is the word +Cuchulain speaks." "What word is that?" asked Ferdiad. "He said, then," +replied Medb, "he would not think it too much if thou shouldst fall by his +hands in the choicest feat of his skill in arms, in the land whereto he +should come." "It was not just for him to speak so," quoth Ferdiad; "for it +is not cowardice or lack of boldness that he hath ever seen in me [5]by day +or by night.[5] [6]And I speak not so to him, for I have it not to say of +him.[6] And I swear by my arms [7]of valour,[7] if it be true that he spoke +so, I will be the first man of the men of Erin to contend with him on the +morrow, [8]how loath soever I am to do so!"[8] + + [4-4] YBL. 2238. + + [5-5] YBL. 2242. + + [6-6] Eg. 106. + + [7-7] Eg. 209. + + [8-8] Eg. 106. + +[9]And he gave his word in the presence of them all that he would go and +meet Cuchulain. For it pleased Medb, if Ferdiad should fail to go, to have +them as a witness against him, in order that she might say it was fear or +dread that caused him to break his word.[9] "A blessing [10]and victory[10] +upon thee for that!" said Medb; "it pleaseth me more than for thee to show +fear and lack of boldness. For every man loves his own land, and how is it +better for him to seek the welfare of Ulster, [11]because his mother was +descended from the Ulstermen,[11] than for thee to seek the welfare of +Connacht,[2] [12]as thou art the son of a king of Connacht?"[12] + + [9-9] Eg. 106. + + [10-10] YBL. 2244. + + [11-11] YBL. 2247. + + [12-12] YBL. 2248. + +Then it was that Medb obtained from Ferdiad the easy [W.3163.] surety of a +covenant to fight and contend on the morrow with six warriors [1]of the +champions of Erin,[1] or to fight and contend with Cuchulain alone, if to +him this last seemed lighter. Ferdiad obtained [2]of Medb[2] the easy +surety, [3]as he thought,[3] to send the aforesaid six men for the +fulfilment of the terms which had been promised him, should Cuchulain fall +at his hands. + + [1-1] Stowe and Eg. 209. + + [2-2] Stowe, Eg. 209 and Eg. 106. + + [3-3] A gloss, in LL. + +[4]There was a wonderful warrior of the Ulstermen present at that covenant, +and that was Fergus macRoig. Fergus betook him to his tent. "Woe is me, for +the deed that will be done on the morning of the morrow!" "What deed is +that?" his tent-folk asked. "My good fosterling Cuchulain will be slain!" +"Good lack! who makes that boast?" "Not hard to say: None other but his +dear, devoted foster-brother, Ferdiad son of Daman. Why bear ye not my +blessing," Fergus continued, "and let one of you go with a warning and +mercy to Cuchulain, if perchance he would leave the ford on the morn of the +morrow?" "As we live," said they; "though it were thyself was on the ford +of battle, we would not go near him to seek thee." "Come, my lad," cried +Fergus, "get our horses for us, and yoke the chariot!"[4] + + [4-4] YBL. fo. 36a, 21-36. + +Then were Fergus' horses fetched for him and his chariot was yoked, and he +came forward to the place [5]of combat[5] where Cuchulain was, to inform +him [6]of the challenge, that Ferdiad was to fight with him.[6] + + [5-5] YBL. fo. 36a, 38. + + [6-6] Eg. 209. + +[7]"A chariot cometh hither towards us, O Cuchulain!" cried Laeg. For in +this wise was the gilla, with his back towards his lord. He used to win +every other game of draughts and of chess from his master. Watch and guard +of the four airts was he besides. "What manner of chariot is it?" asked +Cuchulain. "A chariot like to a royal fort, huge, with its yoke, strong, +golden; with its great board of copper; with its shafts of bronze; with its +thin-framed, dry-bodied box (?) ... set on two horses, black, swift, stout, +strong-forked, thick-set, under beautiful shafts. One kingly, broad-eyed +warrior is the combatant in the chariot. A curly, forked beard he wears +that reaches below outside over the smooth lower part of his soft tunic, +which would shelter fifty warriors on a day of storm and rain under the +heavy shield of the warrior's beard. A bent buckler, white, beautiful, of +many colours, he bears, with three stout-wrought chains, so that there is +room from edge to edge for four troops of ten men behind the leather of the +shield which hangs upon the broad back of the warrior. A long, hard-edged, +broad, red sword in a sheath woven and twisted of white silver, over the +... of the battle-warrior. A strong, three-ridged spear, wound and banded +with all-gleaming white silver he has lying across the chariot." + + [7-7] YBL. fo. 36a, 39-36b, 15. + +"Not difficult to recognize him," said Cuchulain: "'tis my master Fergus +that cometh hither with a warning and with compassion for me, before all +the four provinces of Erin." + +[W.3172.] Fergus drew nigh and sprang from his chariot.[7] Cuchulain bade +him welcome. [LL.fo.82a.] "Welcome is thy coming, O my master Fergus!" +cried Cuchulain. [1]"If a flock of birds comes into the plain, thou shalt +have a duck with half of another. If a fish comes into the river-mouths, +thou shalt have a salmon with half of another. A handful of water-cress and +a bunch of laver and a sprig of sea-grass and a drink of cold water from +the sand thou shalt have thereafter." "Tis an outlaw's portion, that," +said Fergus. "Tis true; 'tis an outlaw's portion is mine," answered +Cuchulain.[1] "Truly intended, methinks, the welcome, O [W.3174.] +fosterling," said Fergus. "But, [1]were it for this I came, I should think +it better to leave it.[1] It is for this I am here, to inform thee who +comes to fight and contend with thee at the morning hour early on the +morrow." "E'en so will we hear it from thee," said Cuchulain. "Thine own +friend and comrade and foster-brother, the man thine equal in feats and in +skill of arms and in deeds, Ferdiad son of Daman son of Dare, the great and +mighty warrior of the men of Domnann." [2]"As my soul liveth,"[2] replied +Cuchulain, "it is not to an encounter we wish our friend to come, and +[3]not for fear, but for love and affection of him;[3] [4]and almost I +would prefer to fall by the hand of that warrior than for him to fall by +mine."[4] "It is even for that," answered Fergus, "thou shouldst be on thy +guard and prepared. [5]Say not that thou hast no fear of Ferdiad, for it is +fitting that thou shouldst have fear and dread before fighting with +Ferdiad.[5] For unlike all to whom it fell to fight and contend with thee +on the Cualnge Cattle-raid on this occasion is Ferdiad son of Daman son of +Dare, [9]for he hath a horny skin about him [6]in battle against a man,[6] +[7]a belt,[7] [8]equally strong, victorious in battle,[8] and neither +points nor edges are reddened upon it[9] [10]in the hour of strife and +anger. For he is the fury of a lion, and the bursting of wrath, and the +blow of doom, and the wave that drowneth foes."[10] [12]"Speak not thus!" +cried Cuchulain, "for I swear [11]by my arms of valour,[11] the oath that +my people swear, that every limb and every joint will be as soft as a +pliant rush in the bed of a river under the point of sword, if he show +himself to me on the ford![12] Truly am I here," said Cuchulain, "checking +and [W.3185.] staying four of the five grand provinces of Erin from Monday +at[a] Summer's end till[b] the beginning of spring, [1]and I have not left +my post for a night's disport, through stoutly opposing the men of Erin on +the Cattle-lifting of Cualnge.[1] And in all this time, I have not put foot +in retreat before any one man [2]nor before a multitude,[2] and methinks +just as little will I turn foot in flight before him." + + [1-1] YBL. 36b, 27-28. + + [7-7] YBL. fo. 36a, 39-36b, 15. + + [1-1] YBL. 36b, 18-24. + + [2-2] Literally, 'I say our confession.' + + [3-3] Stowe, Eg. 209, Eg. 106. + + [4-4] Eg. 106. + + [5-5] Eg. 106. + + [6-6] YBL. fo. 36b, 38. + + [7-7] Eg. 106. + + [8-8] Eg. 106. + + [9-9] Stowe and Eg. 209, and, similarly, YBL. 36b, 37. + + [10-10] Eg. 106. + + [11-11] Eg. 106. + + [12-12] YBL. 36b, 38-43 + + [1-1] YBL. 36b, 25-26. + + [2-2] Stowe. + +[3]And thus spake he, that it was not fear of Ferdiad that caused his +anxiety for the fight, but his love for him. [3]And, on his part, so spake +Fergus, putting him on his guard [4]because of Ferdiad's strength,[4] and +he said these words and Cuchulain responded:-- + + Fergus: "O Cuchulain--splendid deed-- + Lo, 'tis time for thee to rise. + Here in rage against thee comes + Ferdiad, red-faced Daman's son!" + + Cuchulain: "Here am I--no easy task--[c] + Holding Erin's men at bay; + Foot I've never turned in flight + In my fight with single foe!" + + Fergus: "Dour the man when anger moves, + Owing to his gore-red glaive; + Ferdiad wears a skin of horn, + 'Gainst which fight nor might prevails!" + + Cuchulain: "Be thou still; urge not thy tale, + Fergus of the mighty arms. + On no land and on no ground, + For me is there aught defeat!" + + Fergus: "Fierce the man with scores of deeds; + No light thing, him to subdue. + Strong as hundreds--brave his mien-- + Point pricks not, edge cuts him not!" + + Cuchulain: "If we clash upon the ford, + I and Ferdiad of known skill, + We'll not part without we know: + Fierce will be our weapon fight!" + + Fergus: [W.3214.] "More I'd wish it than reward, + O Cuchulain of red sword, + Thou shouldst be the one to bring + Eastward haughty Ferdiad's spoils!" + + Cuchulain: "Now I give my word and vow, + Though unskilled in strife of words, + It is I will conquer this + Son of Daman macDare!" + + Fergus: "It is I brought east the host, + Thus requiting Ulster's wrong. + With me came they from their lands, + With their heroes and their chiefs!" + + Cuchulain: "Were not Conchobar in the 'Pains,' + Hard 'twould be to come near us. + Never Medb of Mag in Scail + On more tearful march had come!" + + Fergus: "Greatest deed awaits thy hand: + Fight with Ferdiad, Daman's son. + Hard stern arms with stubborn edge,[b] + Shalt thou have, thou Culann's Hound!" + + [a] Stowe and H. 1. 13: 'before'; YBL. 36b, 24: 'after.' + + [b] 'Till Wednesday after Spring,' is the reading of H. 1. 13. + + [3-3] Stowe, and, similarly, Eg. 209. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [c] Literally, 'no meagre sail.' + + [b] Or, 'which quatrains love (?),' a cheville. + +[1]After that,[1] Fergus returned to the camp and halting-place [2]of the +men of Erin,[2] [3]lest the men of Erin should say he was betraying them or +forsaking them, if he should remain longer than he did conversing with +Cuchulain. And they took farewell of each other.[3] + + [1-1] YBL. 37a, 22. + + [2-2] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [3-3] Eg. 106. + +[4]Now as regards the charioteer of Cuchulain [5]after Fergus went from +them:[5] "What wilt thou do to-night?" asked Laeg. "What, indeed?" said +Cuchulain. "It will be thus" (said the charioteer) "Ferdiad will come to +attack thee, with new beauty of plaiting and dressing of hair, and washing +and bathing, and the four provinces of Erin with him to look at the +combat. I would that thou wouldst go where thou wilt get a like adorning +for thyself, to the place where is Emer Foltchain ('Emer of the Beautiful +Hair,' thy wife), [6]daughter of Forgal Monach,[6] at Cairthenn in Cluan da +Dam, ('two Oxen's Meadow') in Sliab Fuait, [1]where thou wilt get even +such an adorning for thyself."[1] [2]"It is fitting to do so," said +Cuchulain.[2] Then Cuchulain went thither that night [3]to Dundelgan,[3] +and passed the night with his wife. His doings from that time are not +related here now.[4] + + [4-4] YBL. 37a, 29-39, and, similarly, Eg. 106. + + [5-5] Eg. 106. + + [6-6] Eg. 106. + + [1-1] Eg. 106. + + [2-2] Eg. 106. + + [3-3] Eg. 106. + +[W.3235.] [5]As for[5] Ferdiad, he betook himself to his tent and to his +people, and imparted to them the easy surety which Medb had obtained from +him to do combat and battle with six warriors on the morrow, or to do +combat and battle with Cuchulain alone, if he thought it a lighter task. +He made known to them also the fair terms he had obtained from Medb of +sending the same six warriors for the fulfilment of the covenant she had +made with him, should Cuchulain fall by his hands. + + [5-5] Eg. 106. + +[6]The folk of Ferdiad were not joyful, blithe, cheerful or merry that +night,[6] [LL.fo.82b.] but they were sad, sorrowful and downcast, for they +knew that where the two champions and the two bulwarks in a gap for a +hundred, [7]the two pillars of battle and strife of the men of Erin[7] +[8]of that time[8] met in combat, one or other of them would fall there or +both would fall, and if it should be one of them, they believed it would be +[9]their king and[9] their own lord [10]that would fall there,[10] for it +was not easy to contend and do battle with Cuchulain on the Raid for the +Kine of Cualnge. + + [6-6] LL., with the help of Stowe; LL. being partly illegible here. + + [7-7] Stowe, and, similarly, Eg. 209, Eg. 106 and YBL. 37a, 43. + + [8-8] YBL. 37a, 43. + + [9-9] H. 1. 13. + + [10-10] Stowe. + +Ferdiad slept right heavily the first part of the night, but when the end +of the night was come, his sleep and his heaviness left him. And the +anxiousness of the combat and the battle came upon him. [11]But most +troubled in spirit was he that he should allow all the treasures to pass +from him, and the maiden, by reason of combat with one man. Unless he +fought with that one man, he must needs fight with six champions on the +morrow. What tormented him more than that was, should he once show himself +on the ford to Cuchulain he was certain he would never have power of head +or of life ever after. And Ferdiad arose early on the morrow.[11] [W.3252.] +And he charged his charioteer to take his horses and to yoke his chariot. +The charioteer sought to dissuade him [1]from that journey.[1] [2]"By our +word,"[2] said the gilla, "'twould be better for thee[a] [3]to remain than +to go thither," said he; "for, not more do I commend it for thee than I +condemn it."[3] "Hold thy peace about us, boy!" quoth Ferdiad, [4]"for we +will brook no interference from any one concerning this journey.[4] [5]For +the promise we gave to Medb and Ailill in the presence of the men of Erin, +it would shame us to break it; for they would say it was fear or dread that +caused us to break it. And, by my conscience, I would almost liefer fall +myself by Cuchulain's hand than that he should fall by mine on this +occasion. And should Cuchulain fall by my hand on the ford of combat, then +shall Medb and many of the men of Erin fall by my hand because of the +pledge they extorted from me, and I drunken and merry.[5] And in this +manner he spake, [6]conversing with the charioteer,[6] and he uttered these +words, [7]the little lay that follows, urging on the charioteer,[7] and the +henchman responded:-- + + Ferdiad: "Let's haste to th' encounter, + To battle with this man; + The ford we will come to, + O'er which Badb will shriek! + To meet with Cuchulain, + To wound his slight body, + To thrust the spear through him + So that he may die!" + + The Henchman: [W.3266.] "To stay it were better; + Your threats are not gentle; + Death's sickness will one have, + And sad will ye part! + To meet Ulster's noblest, + To meet whence ill cometh; + Long will men speak of it. + Alas, for your[a] course!" + + Ferdiad: "Not fair what thou speakest; + No fear hath the warrior; + We owe no one meekness; + We stay not for thee! + Hush, gilla, about us! + The time will bring strong hearts; + More meet strength than weakness; + [1]Let's on to the tryst!"[1] + + [11-11] YBL. 37a, 47-37b, 5. + + [1-1] Stowe, Eg. 106 and H. 1. 13. + + [2-2] YBL. 37b, 7. + + [a] MSS.: 'ye.' + + [3-3] Stowe, and, similarly, Eg. 106, Eg. 109 and H. 1. 13. + + [4-4] Stowe, and, similarly, Eg. 209, Eg. 106 and H. 1. 13. + + [5-5] Eg. 106. + + [6-6] YBL. 37b, 9. + + [7-7] YBL. 37b, 10. + + [a] MS.: 'his.' + + [1-1] YBL. 37b, 22. + +Ferdiad's horses were now brought forth and his chariot was hitched, and he +set out [2]from the camp[2] for the ford of battle when yet day with its +full light had not come there for him. [3]"My lad," spake Ferdiad, "it is +not fitting that we make our journey without bidding farewell to the men of +Erin. Turn the horses and the chariot for us towards the men of Erin." +Thrice the servant turned the heads of the horses and the chariot towards +the men of Erin. Then he came upon Medb letting her water from her on the +floor of the tent. "Ailill, sleepest thou still?" asked Medb. "Not so!" +replied Ailill. "Dost hear thy new son-in-law taking farewell, of thee?" +"Is that what he doth?" asked Ailill. "'Tis that, verily," Medb made +answer; "but I swear by what my tribe swears, not on the same feet will the +man who makes that greeting come back to you." "Howbeit, we have profited +by a happy alliance of marriage with him," quoth Ailill; "if only Cuchulain +falls by his hand, I should be pleased if they both fell, yet would I +prefer that Ferdiad should escape." + + [2-2] YBL. 37b, 24. + + [3-3] YBL. 37b, 25-38a, 25. + +Ferdiad came to the ford of combat. "Look, my lad!" said Ferdiad, "is +Cuchulain on the ford?" "That he is not," replied the gilla. "Look well for +us," said Ferdiad. "Cuchulain is not a little speck where he would be in +hiding," answered the gilla. "'Tis true, then, my lad; till this day +Cuchulain hath not heard of a goodly warrior coming to meet him on the +Cow-spoil of Cualnge, and now when he has heard of one, he has left the +ford." + +"Shame for thee to slander Cuchulain in his absence. Rememberest thou not +when ye gave battle to German Garbglas above the borders of the Tyrrhene +Sea, thou leftest thy sword with the hosts, and it was Cuchulain who slew a +hundred warriors till he reached it and brought it to thee? And mindest +thou well where we were that night?" the gilla asked further. "I know not," +Ferdiad answered. "At the house of Scathach's steward," said the other; +"and thou wentest ... and proudly in advance of us all into the house. The +churl gave thee a blow with his three-pointed fork in the small of the +back, so that thou flewest like a bolt out over the door. Cuchulain came in +and gave the churl a blow with his sword, so that he made two pieces of +him. I was their house-steward whilst ye were in that place. If it were +that day, thou wouldst not say thou wast a better warrior than Cuchulain." +"Wrong is what thou hast done, O gilla," said Ferdiad; "for I would not +have come to the combat, hadst thou spoken thus to me at first. Why dost +thou not lay the chariot-poles at my side and the skin-coverings under my +head, that so I may sleep now?" "Alas," said the gilla, "'tis a sorry sleep +before deer and packs of wolves here!" "How so, gilla? Art thou not able to +keep watch and guard for me?" "I am," the gilla answered; "unless they come +in clouds or in the air to attack thee, they shall not come from east or +from west to attack thee without warning, without notice."[3] "Come, +gilla," said Ferdiad, [1]"unharness the horses and[1] [W.3285.] spread for +me the cushions and skins of my chariot under me here, so that I sleep off +my heavy fit of sleep and slumber here, for I slept not the last part of +the night with the anxiousness of the battle and combat." + + [1-1] Stowe. + +The gilla unharnessed the horses; he unfastened the chariot under him, +[1]and spread beneath him the chariot-cloths.[1] He slept off the heavy fit +of sleep that was on him. [2]The gilla remained on watch and guard for +him.[2] + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] Eg. 106. + +Now how Cuchulain fared [3]is related[3] here: He arose not till the day +with its bright light had come to him, lest the men of Erin might say it +was fear or fright of the champion he had, if he should arise [4]early.[4] +And when day with its full light had come, he [5]passed his hand over his +face and[5] bade his charioteer take his horses and yoke them to his +chariot. "Come, gilla," said Cuchulain, "take out our horses for us and +harness our chariot, for an early riser is the warrior appointed to meet +us, Ferdiad son of Daman son of Dare. [6]If Ferdiad awaits us, he must +needs think it long."[6] "The horses are taken out," [7]said the gilla;[7] +"the chariot is harnessed. Mount, and be it no shame to thy valour [8]to go +thither!"[8] [9]Cuchulain stepped into the chariot and they pressed +forward to the ford.[9] Then it was that the cutting, feat-performing, +battle-winning, red-sworded hero, Cuchulain son of Sualtaim, mounted his +chariot, so that there shrieked around him the goblins and fiends and the +sprites of the glens and the demons of the air; for the Tuatha De Danann +('the Folk of the Goddess Danu') were wont to set up their cries around +him, to the end that the dread and the fear and the fright and the terror +of him might be so much the greater in every [W.3304.] battle and on every +field, in every fight and in every combat wherein he went. + + [3-3] Stowe and YBL. 38a, 28. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [5-5] Stowe, and, similarly Eg. 209 and Eg. 106. + + [6-6] YBL. 38a, 30. + + [7-7] Stowe. + + [8-8] H. 1. 13. + + [9-9] YBL. 38a, 31-32. + +Not long had Ferdiad's charioteer waited when he heard something: [1]A rush +and a crash and a hurtling sound, and a din and a thunder,[1] [LL.fo.83a.] +and a clatter and a clash, namely, the shield-cry of feat-shields, and the +jangle of javelins, and the deed-striking of swords, and the thud of the +helmet, [2]and the ring of spears,[2] and the clang of the cuirass, and the +striking of arms, the fury of feats, the straining of ropes, and the whirr +of wheels, and the creaking of the chariot, and the trampling of horses' +hoofs, and the deep voice of the hero and battle-warrior [3]in grave speech +with his servant[3] on his way to the ford to attack his opponent. + + [1-1] From Stowe; LL. is illegible here. + + [2-2] H. 1. 13. + + [3-3] Stowe. + +The servant came and touched his master with his hand [4]and awakened +him.[4] "Ferdiad, master," said the youth, "rise up! They are here to meet +thee at the ford." [5]Then[5] [6]Ferdiad arose and girt his body in his +war-dress of battle and combat.[6] And the gilla spake these words:-- + + "The roll of a chariot, + Its fair yoke of silver; + A man great and stalwart + O'ertops the strong car! + O'er Bri Ross, o'er Brane + Their swift path they hasten; + Past Old-tree Town's[a] tree-stump, + Victorious they speed! + + "A sly Hound that driveth, + A fair chief that urgeth, + A free hawk that speedeth + His steeds towards the south! + Gore-coloured, the Cua,[b] + 'Tis sure he will take us; + We know--vain to hide it-- + He brings us defeat![c] + + [W.3335.] "Woe him on the hillock, + The brave Hound before him; + Last year I foretold it, + That some time he'd come! + Hound from Emain Macha, + Hound formed of all colours, + The Border-hound, War-hound, + I hear what I've heard!" + + [4-4] YBL. 38a, 35. + + [5-5] H. 1. 13. + + [6-6] Stowe and, similarly, Eg. 209, Eg. 106 and H. 1. 13. + + [a] _Baile in bile_, MSS. + + [b] A shortened form for 'Cuchulain.' + + [c] Literally, 'battle, strife.' + +"Come, gilla," said Ferdiad; "for what reason laudest thou this man ever +since I am come from my house? And it is almost a cause for strife with +thee that thou hast praised him thus highly. But, Ailill and Medb have +prophesied to me that this man will fall by my hand. And since it is for a +reward, he shall quickly be torn asunder by me. [1]And make ready the arms +on the ford against his coming." "Should I turn my face backward," said the +gilla; "methinks the poles of yon chariot will pass through the back of my +neck." "Too much, my lad," said Ferdiad, "dost thou praise Cuchulain, for +not a reward has he given thee for praising,[1] but it is time to fetch +help." And he spake these words, and the henchman responded:-- + + Ferdiad: "'Tis time now to help me; + Be silent! cease praising! + 'Twas no deed of friendship, + No doom o'er the brink (?)[a] + The Champion of Cualnge, + Thou seest 'midst proud feats, + For that it's for guerdon, + Shall quickly be slain!"[b] + + The Henchman: "I see Cualnge's hero, + With feats overweening, + Not fleeing he flees us, + But towards us he comes. + He runneth--not slowly-- + Though cunning--not sparing-- + Like water 'down high cliff + Or thunderbolt quick!" + + Ferdiad: [W.3365.] "'Tis cause of a quarrel, + So much thou hast praised him; + And why hast thou chose him, + Since I am from home? + And now they extol him, + They fall to proclaim him; + None come to attack him, + But soft simple men (?)." + + [1-1] YBL. 38b, 46-57. + + [a] The meaning is obscure. + + [b] Literally, 'torn.' + +[1]Here followeth the Description of Cuchulain's chariot, +one of the three chief Chariots of the Tale of the Foray of +Cualnge.[1] + + [1-1] YBL. 38a, 48-49. In the following description of the chariot and + steeds has been incorporated part of the parallel passages in LU. + 1969-1977 and YBL. 38a-38b. Eg. 106, Eg. 109 and H. 2. 12 (_Revue + Celtique_, xi, 25) contain more adjectives. + +It was not long that Ferdiad's charioteer remained there when he saw +something: [2]"How beholdest thou Cuchulain?" asked Ferdiad of his +charioteer. "I behold," said he,[2] "a beautiful, live-pointed chariot, +[3]broad above, of white crystal, with a thick yoke of gold, with stout +plates of copper, with shafts of bronze, with wheel-bands of bronze covered +with silver,[3] approaching with swiftness, with speed, with perfect skill; +with a green shade, with a thin-framed, dry-bodied (?) box surmounted with +feats of cunning, [4]straight-poled,[4] as long as a warrior's sword. [5]On +this[5] was room for a hero's seven arms, the fair seat for its lord; +[6]two wheels, dark, black; a pole of tin, with red enamel, of a beautiful +colour; two inlaid, golden bridles.[6] [7]This chariot was placed[7] +behind two fleet steeds, [8]nimble, furious, small-headed,[8] bounding, +large-eared, [9]small-snouted, sharp-beaked, red-chested,[9] gaily +prancing, with inflated[a] nostrils, broad-chested, quick-hearted, +high-flanked, broad-hoofed, slender-limbed, overpowering and resolute. A +grey, broad-hipped, small-stepping, long-maned horse, [10]whose name was +Liath ('the Roan') of Macha,[10] was under [W.3379.] one of the yokes of +the chariot; a black, crisped-maned, swift-moving, broad-backed horse, +[1]whose name was Dubh ('the Black') of Sithleann,[1] under the other. Like +unto a hawk after its prey on a sharp tempestuous day, or to a tearing +blast of wind of Spring on a March day over the back of a plain, or unto a +startled stag when first roused by the hounds in the first of the chase, +[LL.fo.83b.] were Cuchulain's two horses before the chariot, as if they +were on glowing, fiery flags, so that they shook the earth and made it +tremble with the fleetness of their course. + + [2-2] YBL. 38a, 51-52. + + [3-3] YBL. 38b, 1-3. + + [4-4] LU. 1973. + + [5-5] YBL. + + [6-6] YBL. 38b. 19-21. + + [7-7] LU. 1972. + + [8-8] LU. 1973. + + [9-9] LU. 1973. + + [10-10] Eg. 209. + + [a] Literally, 'bagnosed.' + + [1-1] Eg. 209. + +[2]"In the front of this chariot is a man with fair, curly, long hair. +There is around him a cloak, blue, Parthian purple. A spear with red and +keen-cutting blades, flaming-red in his hand. The semblance of three heads +of hair he has, namely, brown hair next to the skin of his head, blood-red +hair in the middle, a crown of gold is the third head of hair. + +"Beautiful is the arrangement of that hair so that it makes three coils +down behind over his shoulders. Even as a thread of gold it seems, when its +hue has been wrought over the edge of an anvil; or like to the yellow of +bees whereon shines the sun on a summer's day is the shining of each single +hair of his hair. Seven toes he has on each of his feet and seven fingers +on each of his hands and the brilliance of a very great fire is around his +eye. + +"Befitting him is the charioteer beside him, with curly, jet-black hair, +shorn broad over his head. A cowled garment around him, open at the elbows. +A horse-whip, very fine and golden in his hand, and a light-grey cloak +wrapped around him, and a goad of white silver in his hand. He plies the +goad on the horses whatever way would go the deed-renowned warrior that is +in the chariot."[2] + + [2-2] YBL. 38b, 21-44. + +And Cuchulain reached the ford. Ferdiad waited on [W.3387.] the south side +of the ford; Cuchulain stood on the north side. Ferdiad bade welcome to +Cuchulain. "Welcome is thy coming, O Cuchulain!" said Ferdiad. "Truly +spoken meseemed thy welcome till now," answered Cuchulain; "but to-day I +put no more trust in it. And, O Ferdiad," said Cuchulain, "it were fitter +for me to bid thee welcome than that thou should'st welcome me; for it is +thou that art come to the land and province wherein I dwell; and it is not +fitting for thee to come to contend and do battle with me, but it were +fitter for me to go to contend and do battle with thee. For before thee in +flight are my women and my boys and my youths, my steeds and my troops of +horses, my droves, my flocks and my herds of cattle." + +"Good, O Cuchulain," spake Ferdiad; "what has ever brought thee out to +contend and do battle with me? For when we were [1]together[1] with +Scathach and with Uathach and with Aife, [2]thou wast not a man worthy of +me, for[2] thou wast my serving-man, even for arming my spear and dressing +my bed." "That was indeed true," answered Cuchulain; "because of my youth +and my littleness did I so much for thee, but this is by no means my mood +this day. For there is not a warrior in the world I would not drive off +this day [3]in the field of battle and combat."[3] + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] Stowe. + +[4]It was not long before they met in the middle of the ford.[4] And then +it was that each of them cast sharp-cutting reproaches at the other, +renouncing his friendship; and Ferdiad spake these words there, and +Cuchulain responded:-- + + Ferdiad: "What led thee, O Cua, + To fight a strong champion? + Thy flesh will be gore-red + O'er smoke of thy steeds! + Alas for thy journey, + A kindling of firebrands; + In sore need of healing, + If home thou shouldst reach!" + + Cuchulain: [W.3417.] "I'm come before warriors + Around the herd's wild Boar,[a] + Before troops and hundreds, + To drown thee in deep. + In anger, to prove thee + In hundred-fold battle, + Till on thee come havoc, + Defending thy head!" + + Ferdiad: "Here stands one to crush thee, + 'Tis I will destroy thee, + [1]...[1] + From me there shall come + The flight of their warriors + In presence of Ulster, + That long they'll remember + The loss that was theirs!" + + Cuchulain: "How then shall we combat? + For wrongs shall we heave sighs? + Despite all, we'll go there, + To fight on the ford! + Or is it with hard swords, + Or e'en with red spear-points, + Before hosts to slay thee, + If [2]thy[2] hour hath come?" + + Ferdiad: "'Fore sunset, 'fore nightfall-- + If need be, then guard thee-- + I'll fight thee at Bairche, + Not bloodlessly fight! + The Ulstermen call thee, + 'He has him!' Oh, hearken! + The sight will distress them + That through them will pass[b]!" + + Cuchulain: "In danger's gap fallen, + At hand is thy life's term; + On thee plied be weapons, + Not gentle the skill! + One champion will slay thee; + We both will encounter; + No more shalt lead forays, + [3]From this day till Doom!"[3] + + Ferdiad: [W.3457.] "Avaunt with thy warnings, + Thou world's greatest braggart; + Nor guerdon nor pardon, + [1]Low warrior for thee![1] + 'Tis I that well know thee, + Thou heart of a cageling + This lad merely tickles-- + Without skill or force!" + + Cuchulain: "When we were with Scathach, + For wonted arms training, + Together we'd fare forth, + To seek every fight. + Thou wast my heart's comrade. + My clan and my kinsman; + Ne'er found I one dearer; + Thy loss would be sad!" + + Ferdiad: [LL.fo.84a.] "Thou wager'st thine honour + Unless we do battle; + Before the cock croweth, + Thy head on a spit! + Cuchulain of Cualnge, + Mad frenzy hath seized thee + All ill we'll wreak on thee, + For thine is the sin!" + + [4-4] YBL. 39a. 14. + + [a] That is, King Conchobar. + + [1-1] A line has dropped out here in the MS., and cannot be + reconstructed, since the stanza is found only in LL. For this reason + the meaning of the following line is uncertain. + + [2-2] Reading with YBL. 39a, 34. + + [B] Literally, 'it will go over and through them!' + + [3-3] Translating from YBL. fo. 39a, 41. + + [1-1] Literally, '(For) thou art not a bush (i.e. a hero) over a bush + (hero).' + +"Come now, O Ferdiad," cried Cuchulain, "not meet was it for thee to come +to contend and do battle with me, because of the instigation and +intermeddling of Ailill and Medb, [2]and because of the false promises that +they made thee. Because of their deceitful terms and of the maiden have +many good men been slain.[2] And all that came [3]because of those promises +of deceit,[3] neither profit nor success did it bring them, and they have +fallen by me. And none the more, [4]O Ferdiad,[4] shall it win victory or +increase of fame for thee; and, [5]as they all fell,[5] shalt thou too fall +by my hand!" Thus he spake, [W.3486.] and he further uttered these words +and Ferdiad hearkened to him:-- + + "Come not nigh me, noble chief, + Ferdiad, comrade, Daman's son. + Worse for thee than 'tis for me; + Thou'lt bring sorrow to a host! + + "Come not nigh me 'gainst all right; + Thy last bed is made by me. + Why shouldst thou alone escape + From the prowess of my arms? + + "Shall not great feats thee undo, + Though thou'rt purple, horny-skinned? + And the maid thou boastest of, + Shall not, Daman's son, be thine! + + "Finnabair, Medb's daughter fair, + Great her charms though they may be, + Fair as is the damsel's form, + She's for thee not to enjoy! + + "Finnabair, the king's own child, + Is the lure, if truth be told; + Many they whom she's deceived + And undone as she has thee! + + "Break not, weetless, oath with me; + Break not friendship, break not bond; + Break not promise, break not word; + Come not nigh me, noble chief! + + "Fifty chiefs obtained in plight + This same maid, a proffer vain. + Through me went they to their graves; + Spear-right all they had from me! + + "Though for brave was held Ferbaeth, + With whom was a warriors' train, + In short space I quelled his rage; + Him I slew with one sole blow! + + "Srubdare--sore sank his might-- + Darling of the noblest dames, + Time there was when great his fame-- + Gold nor raiment saved him not! + + "Were she mine affianced wife, + Smiled on me this fair land's head,[a] + I would not thy body hurt. + Right nor left, in front, behind!" + + [2-2] Stowe, and, similarly, Eg. 209 and Eg. 106. + + [3-3] Stowe, and, similarly, Eg. 209 and Eg. 106. + + [4-4] Stowe, and, similarly, Eg. 209 and Eg. 106. + + [5-5] Stowe, and, similarly, Eg. 209 and Eg. 106. + + [a] That is, Queen Medb. + +[W.3527.] "Good, O Ferdiad!" cried Cuchulain. [1]A pity it is for thee to +abandon my alliance and my friendship for the sake of a woman that has been +trafficked to fifty other warriors before thee, and it would be long before +I would forsake thee for that woman.[1] Therefore, it is not right for thee +to come to fight and combat with me; for when we were with Scathach and +with Uathach and with Aife, [2]we were together in practice of valour and +arms of the world, and[2] it was together we were used to seek out every +battle and every battle-field, every combat and every contest, every wood +and every desert, every covert and every recess." And thus he spake and he +uttered these words:-- + + Cuchulain: "We were heart-companions once; + We were comrades in the woods; + We were men that shared a bed, + When we slept the heavy sleep, + After hard and weary fights. + Into many lands, so strange, + Side by side we sallied forth, + And we ranged the woodlands through, + When with Scathach we learned arms!" + + Ferdiad: "O Cuchulain, rich in feats, + Hard the trade we both have learned; + Treason hath o'ercome our love; + Thy first wounding hath been bought; + Think not of our friendship more, + Cua, it avails thee not!" + + [1-1] Stowe, and, similarly, Eg. 106 and Eg. 209. + + [2-2] Stowe, and, similarly, Eg. 106 and Eg. 209. + +"Too long are we now in this way," quoth Ferdiad; "and what arms shall we +resort to to-day, O Cuchulain?" "With thee is thy choice of weapons this +day till night time," answered Cuchulain, "for thou art he that first didst +reach the ford." "Rememberest thou at all," asked Ferdiad, "the choice +deeds of arms we were wont to practise with Scathach and with Uathach and +with Aife?" "Indeed, and I do remember," answered Cuchulain. "If thou +rememberest, let us begin [3]with them."[3] + + [3-3] Stowe. + +[W.3555.] They betook them to their choicest deeds of arms. They took upon +them two equally-matched shields for feats, and their eight-edged targes +for feats, and their eight small darts, and their eight straightswords with +ornaments of walrus-tooth and their eight lesser, ivoried spears which flew +from them and to them like bees [LL.fo.84b.] on a day of fine weather. + +They cast no weapon that struck not. Each of them was busy casting at +the other with those missiles from morning's early twilight till noon at +mid-day, the while they overcame their various feats with the bosses and +hollows of their feat-shields. However great the excellence of the throwing +on either side, equally great was the excellence of the defence, so that +during all that time neither of them bled or reddened the other. "Let us +cease now from this bout of arms, O Cuchulain," said Ferdiad; "for it is +not by such our decision will come." "Yea, surely, let us cease, if the +time hath come," answered Cuchulain. [1]Then[1] they ceased. They threw +their feat-tackle from them into the hands of their charioteers. + +"To what weapons shall we resort next, O Cuchulain?" asked Ferdiad. "Thine +is the choice of weapons till nightfall," replied Cuchulain; "for thou art +he that didst first reach the ford." "Let us begin, then," said Ferdiad, +"with our straight-cut, smooth-hardened throwing-spears, with cords of +full-hard flax on them." "Aye, let us begin then," assented Cuchulain. Then +they took on them two hard shields, equally strong. They fell to their +straight-cut, smooth-hardened spears with cords of full-hard flax on them. +Each of them was engaged in casting at the other with the spears from the +middle of noon [2]till yellowness came over the sun[2] at the hour of +evening's sundown. However great the excellence of the defence, equally +great was the excellence of the throwing on either side, so that [W.3578.] +each of them bled and reddened and wounded the other during that time. +[1]"Wouldst thou fain make a truce, O Cucugan?"[a] asked Ferdiad. "It would +please me," replied Cuchulain; "for whoso begins with arms has the right to +desist."[1] "Let us leave off from this now, O Cuchulain," said Ferdiad. +"Aye, let us leave off, an the time hath come," answered Cuchulain. So they +ceased. They threw their arms from them into the hands of their +charioteers. + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] H. 2. 12. + + [1-1] H. 2. 12. + + [a] See note, page 185. + +Thereupon each of them went toward the other [2]in the middle of the +ford,[2] and each of them put his hand on the other's neck and gave him +three kisses [3]in remembrance of his fellowship and friendship.[3] Their +horses were in one and the same paddock that night, and their charioteers +at one and the same fire; and their charioteers made ready a litter-bed of +fresh rushes for them with pillows for wounded men on them. Then came +healing and curing folk to heal and to cure them, and they laid healing +herbs and grasses and a curing charm on their cuts and stabs, their gashes +and many wounds. Of every healing herb and grass and curing charm that +[4]was brought from the fairy dwellings of Erin to Cuchulain and[4] was +applied to the cuts and stabs, to the gashes and many wounds of Cuchulain, +a like portion thereof he sent across the ford westward to Ferdiad, [5]to +put to his wounds and his pools of gore,[5] so that the men of Erin should +not have it to say, should Ferdiad fall at his hands, it was more than his +share of care had been given to him. + + [2-2] H. 2. 12. + + [3-3] H. 2. 12. + + [4-4] H. 2. 12. + + [5-5] H. 2. 12. + +Of every food and of every savoury, soothing and strong drink that was +brought by the men of Erin to Ferdiad, a like portion thereof he sent over +the ford northwards to Cuchulain; for the purveyors of Ferdiad were more +numerous than the purveyors of Cuchulain. All the men of Erin were +purveyors to Ferdiad, to the end that he might keep [W.3598.] Cuchulain off +from them. But only the inhabitants of Mag Breg ('the Plain of Breg') were +purveyors to Cuchulain. They were wont to come daily, that is, every +night, to converse with him. + +They bided there that night. Early on the morrow they arose and went their +ways to the ford of combat. "To what weapons shall we resort on this day, O +Ferdiad?" asked Cuchulain. [LL.fo.85a.] "Thine is the choosing of weapons +till night time," Ferdiad made answer, "because it was I had my choice of +weapons on the day aforegone." "Let us take, then," said Cuchulain, "to our +great, well-tempered lances to-day, for we think that the thrusting will +bring nearer the decisive battle to-day than did the casting of yesterday. +Let our horses be brought to us and our chariots yoked, to the end that we +engage in combat over our horses and chariots on this day." "Aye, let us +go so," Ferdiad assented. Thereupon they girded two full-firm broad-shields +on them for that day. They took to their great, well-tempered lances on +that day. Either of them began to pierce and to drive, to throw and to +press down the other, from early morning's twilight till the hour of +evening's close. If it were the wont for birds in flight to fly through the +bodies of men, they could have passed through their bodies on that day and +carried away pieces of blood and flesh through their wounds and their sores +into the clouds and the air all around. And when the hour of evening's +close was come, their horses were spent and their drivers were wearied, and +they themselves, the heroes and warriors of valour, were exhausted. "Let us +give over now, O Ferdiad," said Cuchulain, "for our horses are spent and +our drivers tired, and when they are exhausted, why should we too not be +exhausted?" And in this wise he spake, and he uttered these words at that +place:-- + + "We need not our chariots break-- + This, a struggle fit for giants. + + [W.3626.] Place the hobbles on the steeds, + Now that din of arms is o'er!" + +"Yea, we will cease, if the time hath come," replied Ferdiad. They ceased +[1]then.[1] They threw their arms away from them into the hands of their +charioteers. Each of them came towards his fellow. Each laid his hand on +the other's neck and gave him three kisses. Their horses were in the one +pen that night, and their charioteers at the one fire. Their charioteers +prepared [2]two[2] litter-beds of fresh rushes for them with pillows for +wounded men on them. The curing and healing men came to attend and watch +and mark them that night; for naught else could they do, because of the +direfulness of their cuts and their stabs, their gashes and their numerous +wounds, but apply to them philtres and spells and charms, to staunch their +blood and their bleeding and their deadly pains. Of every magic potion and +every spell and every charm that was applied to the cuts and stabs of +Cuchulain, their like share he sent over the ford westwards to Ferdiad. Of +every food and every savoury, soothing and strong drink that was brought +by the men of Erin to Ferdiad, an equal portion he sent over the ford +northwards to Cuchulain, for the victuallers of Ferdiad were more numerous +than the victuallers of Cuchulain. For all the men of Erin were Ferdiad's +nourishers, to the end that he might ward off Cuchulain from them. But the +indwellers of the Plain of Breg alone were Cuchulain's nourishers. They +were wont to come daily, that is, every night, to converse with him. + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] Stowe. + +They abode there that night. Early on the morrow they arose and repaired to +the ford of combat. Cuchulain marked an evil mien and a dark mood that day +[3]beyond every other day[3] on Ferdiad. "It is evil thou appearest to-day, +O Ferdiad," spake Cuchulain; "thy hair has [W.3653.] become dark[a] to-day, +and thine eye has grown drowsy, and thine upright form [LL.fo.85b.] and thy +features and thy gait have gone from thee!" "Truly not for fear nor for +dread of thee is that happened to me to-day," answered Ferdiad; "for there +is not in Erin this day a warrior I could not repel!" [1]"Alas, O Ferdiad," +said Cuchulain, "a pity it is for thee to oppose thy foster-brother and thy +comrade and friend, on the counsel of any woman in the world!" "A pity it +is, O Cuchulain," Ferdiad responded. "But, should I part without a struggle +with thee, I should be in ill repute forever with Medb and with the nobles +of the four grand provinces of Erin." "A pity it is, O Ferdiad," said +Cuchulain; "not on the counsel of all the men and women in the world would +I desert thee or would I do thee harm. And almost would it make a clot of +gore of my heart to be combating with thee!"[1] + + [3-3] Eg. 209 and Eg. 106. + + [a] An unusual colour of the hair betokened misfortune. + + [1-1] Eg. 106. + +And Cuchulain lamented and moaned, and he spake these words and Ferdiad +responded:-- + + Cuchulain: "Ferdiad, ah, if it be thou, + Well I know thou'rt doomed to die! + To have gone at woman's hest, + Forced to fight thy comrade sworn!" + + Ferdiad: "O Cuchulain--wise decree-- + Loyal champion, hero true, + Each man is constrained to go + 'Neath the sod that hides his grave!" + + Cuchulain: "Finnabair, Medb's daughter fair, + Stately maiden though she be, + Not for love they'll give to thee, + But to prove thy kingly might!" + + Ferdiad: "Proved was my might long since, + Cu of gentle spirit thou. + Of one braver I've not heard; + Till to-day I have not found!" + + Cuchulain: "Thou art he provoked this fight, + Son of Daman, Dare's son, + To have gone at woman's word, + Swords to cross with thine old friend!" + + Ferdiad: [W.3679.] "Should we then unfought depart, + Brothers though we are, bold Hound, + Ill would be my word and fame + With Ailill and Cruachan's Medb!" + + Cuchulain: "Food has not yet passed his lips, + Nay nor has he yet been born, + Son of king or blameless queen, + For whom I would work thee harm!" + + Ferdiad: "Culann's Hound, with floods of deeds, + Medb, not thou, hath us betrayed; + Fame and victory thou shalt have; + Not on thee we lay our fault!" + + Cuchulain: "Clotted gore is my brave heart, + Near I'm parted from my soul; + Wrongful 'tis--with hosts of deeds-- + Ferdiad, dear, to fight with thee!" + +[1]After this colloquy, Ferdiad spake:[1] "How much soever thou findest +fault with me to-day," said Ferdiad, [2]"for my ill-boding mien and evil +doing, it will be as an offset to my prowess." And he said,[2] "To what +weapons shall we resort to-day?" "With thyself is the choice of weapons +to-day till night time," replied Cuchulain, "for it is I that chose on +the day gone by." "Let us resort, then," said Ferdiad, "to our heavy, +hard-smiting swords this day, for we trow that the smiting each other will +bring us nearer to the decision of battle to-day than was our piercing each +other on yesterday." "Let us go then, by all means," responded Cuchulain. + + [1-1] Stowe, Eg. 106. + + [2-2] Eg. 106. + +Then they took two full-great long-shields upon them for that day. They +turned to their heavy, hard-smiting swords. Each of them fell to strike and +to hew, to lay low and cut down, to slay and undo [3]his fellow,[3] till as +large as the head of a month-old child was each lump and each cut, [4]each +clutter and each clot of gore[4] that each of them took from the shoulders +and thighs and shoulder-blades of the other. + + [3-3] Stowe, Eg. 106. + + [4-4] Eg. 106. + +[W.3708.] Each of them was engaged in smiting the other in this way from +the twilight of early morning till the hour of evening's close. "Let us +leave off from this now, O Cuchulain!" cried Ferdiad. "Aye, let us leave +off, if the hour has come," said Cuchulain. They parted [1]then, and[1] +threw their arms away from them into the hands of their charioteers. Though +it had been the meeting of two happy, blithe, cheerful, joyful men, their +parting that night was of two that were sad, sorrowful and full of +suffering. [2]They parted without a kiss a blessing or aught other sign of +friendship, and their servants disarmed the steeds, the squires and the +heroes; no healing or curing herbs were sent from Cuchulain to Ferdiad that +night, and no food nor drink was brought from Ferdiad to him.[2] Their +horses were not in the same paddock that night. Their charioteers were not +at the same fire. + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] H. 2. 12. + +They passed there that night. It was then that Ferdiad arose early on the +morrow and went alone to the ford of combat, [3]and dauntless, vengeful and +mighty was the man that went thither that day, even Ferdiad son of +Daman.[3] For he knew that that would be the decisive day of the battle and +combat; and he knew that one or other of them would fall there that day, or +that they both would fall. It was then he donned his battle-weed of battle +and fight and combat, [LL.fo.86a.] or ever Cuchulain came to meet him. And +thus was the manner of this harness of battle and fight and combat: He put +his silken, glossy trews with its border of speckled gold, next to his +white skin. Over this, outside, he put his brown-leathern, well-sewed +kilt. Outside of this he put a huge, goodly flag, the size of a millstone, +[4]the shallow (?) stone of adamant which he had brought from Africa and +which neither points nor edges could pierce.[4] He put his solid, very +deep, iron kilt of twice molten iron over the huge, goodly flag as large as +a millstone, through [W.3730.] fear and dread of the Gae Bulga on that +day. About his head he put his crested war-cap of battle and fight and +combat, whereon were forty carbuncle-gems beautifully adorning it and +studded with red-enamel and crystal and rubies and with [1]shining +stones[1] of the Eastern world. His angry, fierce-striking spear he seized +in his right hand. On his left side he hung his curved battle-falchion, +[2]which would cut a hair against the stream with its keenness and +sharpness,[2] with its golden pommel and its rounded hilt of red gold. On +the arch-slope of his back he slung his massive, fine-buffalo shield [3]of +a warrior,[3] whereon were fifty bosses, wherein a boar could be shown in +each of its bosses, apart from the great central boss of red gold. Ferdiad +performed divers, brilliant, manifold, marvellous feats on high that day, +unlearned from any one before, neither from foster-mother nor from +foster-father, neither from Scathach nor from Uathach nor from Aife, but he +found them of himself that day in the face of Cuchulain. + + [3-3] Eg. 106. + + [4-4] Eg. 209. + + [1-1] Reading with Egerton 106, which gives better sense than LL.'s + 'brilliant plants.' + + [2-2] Eg. 209. + + [3-3] Stowe and Eg. 209. + +Cuchulain likewise came to the ford, and he beheld the various, brilliant, +manifold, wonderful feats that Ferdiad performed on high. "Thou seest +yonder, O Laeg my master, the divers, bright, numerous, marvellous feats +that Ferdiad performs on high, and I shall receive yon feats one after the +other, and, therefore, [4]O Laeg," cried Cuchulain,[4] "if defeat be my lot +this day, do thou prick me on and taunt me and speak evil to me, so that +the more my spirit and anger shall rise in me. If, however, before me his +defeat takes place, say thou so to me and praise me and speak me fair, to +the end that the greater may be my courage!" "It shall surely be done so, +if need be, O Cucuc," Laeg answered. + + [4-4] Stowe. + +Then Cuchulain, too, girded his war-harness of battle and [W.3757.] fight +and combat about him, and performed all kinds of splendid, manifold, +marvellous feats on high that day which he had not learned from any one +before, neither with Scathach nor with Uathach nor with Aife. + +Ferdiad observed those feats, and he knew they would be plied against him +in turn. "To what weapons shall we resort [1]to-day[1], O Ferdiad?" asked +Cuchulain. "With thee is thy choice of weapons till night time," Ferdiad +responded. "Let us go to the 'Feat of the Ford,' then," said Cuchulain. +"Aye, let us do so," answered Ferdiad. Albeit Ferdiad spoke that, he deemed +it the most grievous thing whereto he could go, for he knew that in that +sort Cuchulain used to destroy every hero and every battle-soldier who +fought with him in the 'Feat of the Ford.' + + [1-1] Stowe. + +Great indeed was the deed that was done on the ford that day. The two +heroes, the two champions, the two chariot-fighters of the west of Europe, +the two bright torches of valour of the Gael, the two hands of dispensing +favour and of giving rewards [2]and jewels and treasures[2] in the west of +the northern world, [LL.fo.86b.] [3]the two veterans[3] of skill and the +two keys of bravery of the Gael, [4]the man for quelling the variance and +discord of Connacht, the man for guarding the cattle and herds of +Ulster[4], to be brought together in encounter as from afar, [5]set to slay +each other or to kill one of them[5], through the sowing of dissension and +the incitement of Ailill and Medb. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] Reading with Stowe. + + [4-4] Eg. 106. + + [5-5] Stowe and Eg. 106. + +Each of them was busy hurling at the other in those deeds of arms from +early morning's gloaming till the middle of noon. When mid-day came, the +rage of the men became wild, and each drew nearer to the other. + +Thereupon Cuchulain gave one spring once from the bank of the ford till he +stood upon the boss of Ferdiad macDaman's shield, seeking to reach his +head and to strike [W.3779.] it from above over the rim of the shield. +Straightway Ferdiad gave the shield a blow with his left elbow, so that +Cuchulain went from him like a bird onto the brink of the ford. Again +Cuchulain sprang from the brink of the ford, so that he alighted upon the +boss of Ferdiad macDaman's shield, that he might reach his head and strike +it over the rim of the shield from above. Ferdiad gave the shield a thrust +with his left knee, so that Cuchulain went from him like an infant onto the +bank of the ford. + +Laeg espied that. "Woe then, [1]O Cuchulain!"[1] cried Laeg; [2]"meseems[2] +the battle-warrior that is against thee hath shaken thee as a fond woman +shakes her child. He hath washed thee as a cup is washed in a tub. He hath +ground thee as a mill grinds soft malt. He hath pierced thee as a tool +bores through an oak. He hath bound thee as the bindweed binds the trees. +He hath pounced on thee as a hawk pounces on little birds, so that no more +hast thou right or title or claim to valour or skill in arms till the very +day of doom and of life, thou little imp of an elf-man!" cried Laeg. + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] Stowe. + +Thereat for the third time, Cuchulain arose with the speed of the wind, and +the swiftness of a swallow, and the dash of a dragon, and the strength (of +a lion) [3]into the clouds[3] of the air, till he alighted on the boss of +the shield of Ferdiad son of Daman, so as to reach his head that he might +strike it from above over the rim of his shield. Then it was that the +battle-warrior gave the shield a [4]violent and powerful[4] shake, so that +Cuchulain flew from it into the middle of the ford, the same as if he had +not sprung at all. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] Stowe. + +It was then the first twisting-fit of Cuchulain took place, so that a +swelling and inflation filled him like breath in a bladder, until he made a +dreadful, terrible, many-coloured, wonderful bow of himself, so that as big +as a giant or a man [W.3805.] of the sea was the hugely-brave warrior +towering directly over Ferdiad. + +Such was the closeness of the combat they made, that their heads +encountered above and their feet below and their hands in the middle over +the rims and bosses of the shields. + +Such was the closeness of the combat they made, that their shields burst +and split from their rims to their centres. + +Such was the closeness of the combat they made, that their spears bent and +turned and shivered from their tips to their rivets. + +Such was the closeness of the combat they made, that the boccanach and the +bananach ('the puck-faced Fays' and 'the white-faced Fays') and the sprites +of the glens and the eldritch beings of the air screamed from the rims of +their shields and from the guards of their swords and from the tips of +their spears. + +Such was the closeness of the combat they made, that they forced the river +out of its bed and out of its course, so that there might have been a +reclining place [LL.fo.87a.] for a king or a queen in the middle of the +ford, and not a drop of water was in it but what fell there with the +trampling and slipping which the two heroes and the two battle-warriors +made in the middle of the ford. + +Such was the closeness of the combat they made, that the steeds of the Gael +broke loose affrighted and plunging with madness and fury, so that their +chains and their shackles, their traces and tethers snapped, and the women +and children and pygmy-folk, the weak and the madmen among the men of Erin +brake out through the camp south-westward. + +At that time they were at the edge-feat of swords. It was then Ferdiad +caught Cuchulain in an unguarded moment, and he gave him a thrust with his +tusk-hilted blade, so that he buried it in his breast, and his blood fell +into his belt, [W.3831.] till the ford became crimsoned with the clotted +blood from the battle-warrior's body. Cuchulain endured it not, under +Ferdiad's attack, with his death-bringing, heavy blows, and his long +strokes and his mighty, middle slashes at him. + +[1]Then Cuchulain bethought him of his friends from Faery and of his mighty +folk who would come to defend him and of his scholars to protect him, what +time he would be hard pressed in the combat. It was then that Dolb and +Indolb arrived to help and to succour their friend, namely Cuchulain, +[2]and one of them went on either side of him and they smote Ferdiad, the +three of them, and Ferdiad did not perceive the men from Sid ('the Faery +Dwelling')[2]. Then it was that Ferdiad felt the onset of the three +together smiting his shield against him, and he gave all his care and +attention thereto, and thence he called to mind that, when they were with +Scathach and with Uathach [3]learning together, Dolb and Indolb used to +come to help Cuchulain out of every stress wherein he was.[3] Ferdiad +spake: "Not alike are our foster-brothership and our comradeship, O +Cuchulain," quoth he. "How so, then?" asked Cuchulain. "Thy friends of the +Fairy-folk have succoured thee, and thou didst not disclose them to me +before," said Ferdiad. "Not easy for me were that," answered Cuchulain; +"for if the magic veil be once revealed to one of the sons of Mile,[a] none +of the Tuatha De Danann ('the Folk of the Goddess Danu') will have power to +practise concealment or magic. And why complainest thou here, [4]O +Ferdiad?" said Cuchulain.[4] "Thou hast a horn skin whereby to multiply +feats and deeds of arms on me, and thou hast not shown me how it is closed +or how it is opened." + + [1-1] Stowe, H. 1. 13. Eg. 106 and Eg. 209. + + [2-2] Eg. 106. + + [3-3] Eg. 106. + + [4-4] Eg. 106. + + [a] That is, the Milesians, the ancestors of the Irish. + +Then it was they displayed all their skill and secret cunning to one +another, so that there was not a secret of [W.3851.] either of them kept +from the other except the Gae Bulga, which was Cuchulain's. Howbeit, when +the Fairy friends found Cuchulain had been wounded, each of them inflicted +three great, heavy wounds on him, on Ferdiad, to wit. It was then that +Ferdiad made a cast to the right, so that he slew Dolb with that goodly +cast. Then followed the two woundings and the two throws that overcame him, +till Ferdiad made a second throw towards Cuchulain's left, and with that +throw he stretched low and killed Indolb dead on the floor of the ford. +Hence it is that the story-teller sang the rann:-- + + "Why is this called Ferdiad's Ford, + E'en though three men on it fell? + None the less it washed their spoils-- + It is Dolb's and Indolb's Ford!" + +What need to relate further! When the devoted, equally great sires[a] +[2]and champions,[2] and the hard, battle-victorious wild beasts that +fought for Cuchulain had fallen, it greatly strengthened the courage of +Ferdiad, so that he gave two blows for every blow of Cuchulain's. When Laeg +son of Riangabair saw his lord being overcome by the crushing blows of the +champion who oppressed him, Laeg began to stir up and rebuke Cuchulain, in +such a way that a swelling and an inflation filled Cuchulain [3]from top to +ground,[3] as the wind fills a spread, open banner, so that he made a +dreadful, wonderful bow of himself like a sky-bow in a shower of rain, and +he made for Ferdiad with the violence of a dragon or the strength of a +blood-hound.[1] + + [1-1] See note 1, page 255. + + [2-2] H. 1. 13. + + [3-3] Eg. 106. + +And Cuchulain called for the Gae Bulga from Laeg son of Riangabair. This +was its nature: With the stream it was made ready, and from between the +fork of the foot [a] Cuchulain was partly of divine birth, on one side the +son of Lugh lamh-fhada ('Lug long-hand'), the Irish sun-god; on the earthly +side he had also a mortal father, Sualtaim or Sualtach.] [W.3874.] it was +cast; the wound of a single spear it gave when entering the body, and +thirty[a] barbs had it when it opened, and it could not be drawn out of a +man's flesh till [1]the flesh[1] had been cut about it. + + [a] 'Twenty four,' YBL. 39b, 23, and Eg. 106; but 'five,' Eg. 209. + + [1-1] Stowe. + +[2]Thereupon Laeg came forward to the brink of the river and to the place +where the fresh water was dammed, and the Gae Bulga was sharpened and set +in position. He filled the pool and stopped the stream and checked the tide +of the ford. Ferdiad's charioteer watched the work, for Ferdiad had said to +him early [3]in the morning:[3] "Now, gilla, do thou hold back Laeg +from me to-day, and I will hold back Cuchulain from thee [4]and thy men +forever."[4] "This is a pity," quoth the henchman; "no match for him am I; +for a man to combat a hundred is he [5]amongst the men of Erin,[5] and that +am I not. Still, however slight his help, it shall not come to his lord +past me." + + [2-2] Stowe, Eg. 106, Eg. 209. + + [3-3] Eg. 106. + + [4-4] Eg. 209. + + [5-5] Eg. 106. + +[6]Thus were the henchmen: two brothers were they, namely, Id[b] son of +Riangabair, and Laeg[c] son of Riangabair. As for Id son of Riangabair,[6] +he was then watching his brother [7]thus making the dam[7] till he filled +the pools and went to set the Gae Bulga downwards. It was then that Id went +up and released the stream and opened the dam and undid the fixing of the +Gae Bulga. Cuchulain became deep purple and red all over when he saw the +setting undone on the Gae Bulga. He sprang from the top of the ground so +that he alighted light and quick on the rim of Ferdiad's shield. Ferdiad +gave a [8]strong[8] shake to the shield, so that he hurled Cuchulain the +measure of nine paces out to the westward over the ford. Then Cuchulain +called and shouted to Laeg to set about preparing the Gae Bulga for him. +Laeg hastened to the pool and began the work. Id [W.3895.] ran and opened +the dam and released it before the stream. Laeg sprang at his brother and +they grappled on the spot. Laeg threw Id and handled him sorely, for he +was loath to use weapons upon him. Ferdiad pursued Cuchulain westwards over +the ford. Cuchulain sprang on the rim of the shield. Ferdiad shook the +shield, so that he sent Cuchulain the space of nine paces eastwards over +the ford. Cuchulain called and shouted to Laeg, [1]and bade him stop the +stream and make ready the spear.[1] Laeg attempted to come nigh it, but +Ferdiad's charioteer let him not, so that Laeg turned on him and left him +on the sedgy bottom of the ford. He gave him many a heavy blow with +clenched fist on the face and countenance, so that he broke his mouth and +his nose and put out his eyes and his sight, [3]and left him lying wounded +(?) and full of terror.[3] And forthwith Laeg left him and filled the pool +and checked the stream and stilled the noise of the river's voice, and set +in position the Gae Bulga. After some time Ferdiad's charioteer arose from +his death-cloud, and set his hand on his face and countenance, and he +looked away towards the ford of combat and saw Laeg fixing the Gae Bulga. +He ran again to the pool and made a breach in the dike quickly and +speedily, so that the river burst out in its booming, bounding, bellying, +bank-breaking billows making its own wild course. Cuchulain became purple +and red all over when he saw the setting of the Gae Bulga had been +disturbed, and for the third time he sprang from the top of the ground and +alighted on the edge of Ferdiad's shield, so as to strike him over the +shield from above. Ferdiad gave a blow with his left knee against the +leather of the bare shield, so that Cuchulain was thrown into the waves of +the ford. + + [6-6] Eg. 106. + + [b] Ferdiad's charioteer. + + [c] Cuchulain's charioteer. + + [7-7] Eg. 106. + + [8-8] Eg. 106. + + [1-1] Eg. 106. + + [3-3] Eg. 106. + +Thereupon Ferdiad gave three severe woundings to Cuchulain. Cuchulain cried +and shouted [4]loudly[4] to Laeg to make ready the Gae Bulga for him. Laeg +attempted to [W.3919.] get near it, but Ferdiad's charioteer prevented +him. Then Laeg grew [1]very[1] wroth [3]at his brother[3] and he made a +spring at him, and he closed his long, full-valiant hands over him, so that +he quickly threw him to the ground and straightway [4]bound[4] him. And +[5]then[5] he went from him quickly and courageously, so that he filled the +pool and stayed the stream and set the Gae Bulga. And he cried out to +Cuchulain that it was served, for it was not to be discharged without a +quick word of warning before it. Hence it is that Laeg cried out:-- + + "Ware! beware the Gae Bulga, + Battle-winning Culann's hound!" _et reliqua._ + + [4-4] Eg. 106. + + [1-1] Eg. 106. + + [2-2] See note 2, page 257. + + [3-3] Eg. 106. + + [4-4] Reading with Eg. 106. + + [5-5] Eg. 106. + +[6]And he sent it to Cuchulain along the stream.[6] + + [6-6] YBL. 39b, 20. + +Then it was that Cuchulain let fly the white Gae Bulga from the fork of his +irresistible right foot. [7]Ferdiad began to defend the ford against +Cuchulain, so that the noble Cu arose with the swiftness of a swallow and +the wail of the storm-play in the rafters of the firmament, so that he laid +hold of the breadth of his two feet of the bed of the ford, in spite of the +champion.[7] Ferdiad prepared for the feat according to the testimony +thereof. He lowered his shield, so that the spear went over its edge into +the watery, water-cold river. And he looked at Cuchulain, and he saw all +his various, venomous feats made ready, and he knew not to which of them he +should first give answer, whether to the 'Fist's breast-spear,' or to the +'Wild shield's broad-spear,' or to the 'Short spear from the middle of the +palm,' or to the white Gae Bulga over the fair, watery river.[2] + + [7-7] Eg. 209. + +[8]When Ferdiad saw that his gilla had been thrown[8] and heard the Gae +Bulga called for, he thrust his shield down to protect the lower part of +his body. Cuchulain gripped the short spear [9]which was in his hand,[9] +cast it [W.3938.] off the palm of his hand over the rim of the shield and +over the edge of the [1]corselet and[1] horn-skin, so that its farther half +was visible after piercing his heart in his bosom. Ferdiad gave a thrust of +his shield upwards to protect the upper part of his body, though it was +help that came too late. The gilla set the Gae Bulga down the stream, and +Cuchulain caught it in the fork of his foot, and [2]when Ferdiad raised +his shield[2] Cuchulain threw the Gae Bulga as far as he could cast +[3]underneath[3] at Ferdiad, so that it passed through the strong, thick, +iron apron of wrought iron, and broke in three parts the huge, goodly stone +the size of a millstone, so that it cut its way through the body's +protection into him, till every joint and every limb was filled with its +barbs. + + [8-8] Eg. 106. + + [9-9] Stowe. + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] Stowe and Eg. 209. + + [3-3] Stowe and Eg. 209. + +"Ah, that now sufficeth," sighed Ferdiad: "I am fallen of that! But, yet +one thing more: mightily didst thou drive with thy right foot. And 'twas +not fair of thee for me to fall by thy hand." And he yet spake and uttered +these words:-- + + "O Cu of grand feats, + Unfairly I'm slain! + Thy guilt clings to me; + My blood falls on thee! + + "No meed for the wretch[a] + Who treads treason's gap. + Now weak is my voice; + Ah, gone is my bloom! + + "My ribs' armour bursts, + My heart is all gore; + I battled not well; + I'm smitten, O Cu! + + [4]"Unfair, side by side, + To come to the ford. + 'Gainst my noble ward[b] + Hath Medb turned my hand! + + "There'll come rooks and crows + To gaze on my arms, + To eat flesh and blood. + A tale, Cu, for thee!"[4] + + [a] Reading _taobh re taobh_. + + [b] Omitting _seng_; the line has a syllable too many in the original. + + [4-4] Eg. 106 (_Revue Celtique_, tome xi, p. 327). + +[W.3964.] Thereupon Cuchulain hastened towards Ferdiad and clasped his two +arms about him, and bore him with all his arms and his armour and his dress +northwards over the ford, that so it should be [1]with his face[1] to the +north[a] of the ford the triumph took place and not to the west[b] of the +ford with the men of Erin. [LL.fo.87b.] Cuchulain laid Ferdiad there on the +ground, and a cloud and a faint and a swoon came over Cuchulain there by +the head of Ferdiad. Laeg espied it, and the men of Erin all arose for the +attack upon him. "Come, O Cucuc," cried Laeg; "arise now [2]from thy +trance,[2] for the men of Erin will come to attack us, and it is not single +combat they will allow us, now that Ferdiad son of Daman son of Dare is +fallen by thee." "What availeth it me to arise, O gilla," moaned Cuchulain, +"now that this one is fallen by my hand?" In this wise the gilla spake and +he uttered these words and Cuchulain responded:-- + + Laeg: "Now arise, O Emain's Hound; + Now most fits thee courage high. + Ferdiad hast thou thrown--of hosts-- + God's fate! How thy fight was hard!" + + Cuchulain: "What avails me courage now? + I'm oppressed with rage and grief, + For the deed that I have done + On his body sworded sore!" + + Laeg: "It becomes thee not to weep; + Fitter for thee to exult! + Yon red-speared one thee hath left + Plaintful, wounded, steeped in gore!" + + Cuchulain: "Even had he cleaved my leg, + And one hand had severed too; + Woe, that Ferdiad--who rode steeds-- + Shall not ever be in life!" + + Laeg: [W.3993.] "Liefer far what's come to pass, + To the maidens of Red Branch; + He to die, thou to remain; + They grudge not that ye should part!" + + Cuchulain: "From the day I Cualnge left, + Seeking high and splendid Medb, + Carnage has she had--with fame-- + Of her warriors whom I've slain!" + + Laeg: "Thou hast had no sleep in peace, + In pursuit of thy great Tain; + Though thy troop was few and small, + Oft thou wouldst rise at early morn!" + + [1-1] Eg. 106. + + [a] That is, in Ulster. Stowe and Eg. 106 read '(with his face) to the + south.' + + [b] That is, in Connacht. + + [2-2] Stowe. + +Cuchulain began to lament and bemoan Ferdiad, and he spake the words: + +"Alas, O Ferdiad," [1]spake he,[1] "'twas thine ill fortune thou didst not +take counsel with any of those that knew my real deeds of valour and arms, +before we met in clash of battle! + + [1-1] Stowe. + +"Unhappy for thee that Laeg son of Riangabair did not make thee blush in +regard to our comradeship! + +"Unhappy for thee that the truly faithful warning of Fergus thou didst not +take! + +"Unhappy for thee that dear, trophied, triumphant, battle-victorious Conall +counselled thee not in regard to our comradeship! + +[2]"For those men would not have spoken in obedience to the messages or +desires or orders or false words of promise of the fair-haired women of +Connacht. + +"For well do those men know that there will not be born +a being that will perform deeds so tremendous and so great +[3]among the Connachtmen as I,[3] till the very day of doom +and of everlasting life, whether at handling of shield and +buckler, at plying of spear and sword, at playing at draughts +and chess, at driving of steeds and chariots."[2] + + [2-2] The order of these two paragraphs is that of Stowe; they are + found in the reverse order in LL. + + [3-3] Reading with Stowe. + +[4]And he spake these warm words, sadly, sorrowfully in praise of +Ferdiad:--[4] + + [4-4] Eg. 209. + +[W.4022.] "There shall not be found the hand of a hero that will wound +warrior's flesh, like cloud-coloured Ferdiad! + +[1]"There shall not be heard from the gap[a] the cry of red-mouthed Badb[b] +to the winged, shade-speckled flocks![1] + + [1-1] This difficult sentence is composed of two alliterating groups, + which it is impossible to follow in the translation.] + + [a] That is, the battle breach. + + [b] That is, the fury of war and carnage which appeared in the form of + a carrion crow. + +"There shall not be one that will contend for Cruachan that will obtain +covenants equal to thine, till the very day of doom and of life +henceforward, O red-cheeked son of Daman!" said Cuchulain. + +Then it was that Cuchulain arose and stood over Ferdiad: "Ah, Ferdiad," +spake Cuchulain "greatly have the men of Erin deceived and abandoned thee, +to bring thee to contend and do battle [LL.fo.88a.] with me. For no easy +thing is it to contend and do battle with me on the Raid for the Kine of +Cualnge! [2]And yet, never before have I found combat that was so sore or +distressed me so as thy combat, save the combat with Oenfer Aife,[c] mine +one own son."[2] Thus he spake, and he uttered these words:-- + + "Ah, Ferdiad, betrayed to death. + Our last meeting, oh, how sad! + Thou to die, I to remain. + Ever sad our long farewell! + + "When we over yonder dwelt + With our Scathach, steadfast, true, + This we thought till end of time, + That our friendship ne'er would end! + + "Dear to me thy noble blush; + Dear thy comely, perfect form; + Dear thine eye, blue-grey and clear; + Dear thy wisdom and thy speech! + + "Never strode to rending fight, + Never wrath and manhood held, + Nor slung shield across broad back, + One like thee, Daman's red son! + + [W.4051.] "Never have I met till now, + Since I Oenfer Aife slew, + One thy peer in deeds of arms, + Never have I found, Ferdiad! + + "Finnabair, Medb's daughter fair, + Beauteous, lovely though she be, + As a gad round sand or stones, + She was shown to thee, Ferdiad!" + + [2-2] Stowe, Eg. 106 and Eg. 209. + + [c] That is, Conlaech. + +Then Cuchulain turned to gaze on Ferdiad. "Ah, my master Laeg," cried +Cuchulain, "now strip Ferdiad and take his armour and garments off him, +that I may see the brooch for the sake of which he entered on the combat +and fight [1]with me."[1] Laeg came up and stripped Ferdiad. He took his +armour and garments off him and he saw the brooch [2]and he placed the +brooch in Cuchulain's hand,[2] and Cuchulain began to lament and complain +[3]over Ferdiad,[3] and he spake these words:-- + + "Alas, golden brooch; + Ferdiad of the hosts, + O good smiter, strong, + Victorious thy hand! + + "Thy hair blond and curled, + A wealth fair and grand. + Thy soft, leaf-shaped belt + Around thee till death! + + "Our comradeship dear; + Thy noble eye's gleam; + Thy golden-rimmed shield; + Thy sword,[a] treasures worth! + + [4]"Thy white-silver torque + Thy noble arm binds. + Thy chess-board worth wealth; + Thy fair, ruddy cheek![4] + + "To fall by my hand, + I own was not just! + 'Twas no noble fight. + Alas, golden brooch! + + [1]"Thy death at Cu's hand + Was dire, O dear calf![a] + Unequal the shield + Thou hadst for the strife! + + "Unfair was our fight, + Our woe and defeat! + Fair the great chief; + Each host overcome + And put under foot! + Alas, golden brooch!"[1] + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + + [a] Reading with YBL. 39b, 31, as more intelligible than the + 'chess-board' of LL., which occurs in the next stanza. + + [4-4] YBL. 39b, 31-33. + + [1-1] YBL. 39b, 35-39. + + [a] A term of endearment which survives in Modern Irish. + +[W.4092.] "Come, O Laeg my master," cried Cuchulain; "now cut open Ferdiad +and take the Gae Bulga out, because I may not be without my weapons." Laeg +came and cut open Ferdiad and he took the Gae Bulga out of him. And +Cuchulain saw his weapons bloody and red-stained by the side of Ferdiad, +and he uttered these words:-- + + "O Ferdiad, in gloom we meet. + Thee I see both red and pale. + I myself with unwashed arms; + Thou liest in thy bed of gore! + + "Were we yonder in the East, + Scathach and our Uathach near, + There would not be pallid lips + Twixt us two, and arms of strife! + + "Thus spake Scathach trenchantly (?), + Words of warning, strong and stern: + 'Go ye all to furious fight; + German, blue-eyed, fierce will come!' + + "Unto Ferdiad then I spake, + And to Lugaid generous, + To the son of fair Baetan,[b] + German we would go to meet! + + "We came to the battle-rock, + Over Lake Linn Formait's shore. + And four hundred men we brought[c] + From the Isles of the Athissech! + + "As I stood and Ferdiad brave + At the gate of German's fort, + [LL.fo.88b.] I slew Rinn the son of Nel; + He slew Ruad son of Fornel! + + [W.4122.] "Ferdiad slew upon the slope + Blath, of Colba 'Red-sword' son. + Lugaid, fierce and swift, then slew + Mugairne of the Tyrrhene Sea! + + "I slew, after going in, + Four times fifty grim, wild men. + Ferdiad killed--a furious horde-- + Dam Dremenn and Dam Dilenn! + + "We laid waste shrewd German's fort + O'er the broad, bespangled sea. + German we brought home alive + To our Scathach of broad shield! + + "Then our famous nurse made fast + Our blood-pact[a] of amity, + That our angers should not rise + 'Mongst the tribes of noble Elg! + + "Sad the morn, a day in March, + Which struck down weak Daman's son. + Woe is me, the friend is fall'n + Whom I pledged in red blood's draught![a] + + "Were it there I saw thy death, + Midst the great Greeks' warrior-bands, + I'd not live on after thee, + But together we would die! + + "Woe, what us befel therefrom, + Us, dear Scathach's fosterlings, + Me sore wounded, red with blood, + Thee no more to drive thy car! + + "Woe, what us befel therefrom, + Us, dear Scathach's fosterlings, + Me sore wounded, stiff with gore, + Thee to die the death for aye! + + "Woe, what us befel therefrom, + Us, dear Scathach's fosterlings, + Thee in death, me, strong, alive. + Valour is an angry strife!" + + [b] That is, Ferbaeth. + + [c] That is, as prisoners. + + [a] Referring to the Celtic custom of binding an alliance by each of + the parties thereto drinking the blood of the other. + +"Good, O Cucuc," spake Laeg, "let us leave this ford now; too long are we +here!" "Aye, let us leave it, O my master Laeg," replied Cuchulain. "But +every combat and battle I have fought seems a game and a sport to me +compared with the combat and battle of Ferdiad." Thus he spake, and he +uttered these words:-- + + [W.4164.] "All was play, all was sport, + Till came Ferdiad to the ford! + One task for both of us, + Equal our reward. + Our kind, gentle nurse + Chose him over all! + + "All was play, all was sport, + Till came Ferdiad to the ford! + One our life, one our fear, + One our skill in arms. + Shields gave Scathach twain + To Ferdiad and me! + + "All was play, all was sport, + Till came Ferdiad to the ford! + Dear the shaft of gold[a] + I smote on the ford. + Bull-chief of the tribes, + Braver he than all! + + "Only games and only sport, + Till came Ferdiad to the ford! + Lion, furious, flaming, fierce; + Swollen wave that wrecks like doom! + + "Only games and only sport, + Till came Ferdiad to the ford! + Loved Ferdiad seemed to me + After me would live for aye! + Yesterday, a mountain's size-- + He is but a shade to-day! + + "Three things countless on the Tain + Which have fallen by my hand: + Hosts of cattle, men and steeds, + I have slaughtered on all sides! + + "Though the hosts were e'er so great, + That came out of Cruachan wild, + More than third and less than half, + Slew I in my direful sport! + + "Never trod in battle's ring; + Banba[b] nursed not on her breast; + Never sprang from sea or land, + King's son that had larger fame!" + + [a] That is, Ferdiad. + + [b] An old name for Ireland. + +Thus far [1]the Combat of Ferdiad with Cuchulain[1] and the Tragical Death +of Ferdiad. + + [1-1] Stowe and Eg. 209. + + * * * * * + +[Page 268] + + + + +XXI + +[1]CUCHULAIN AND THE RIVERS[1] + + +[2]Now while the hosts proceeded from Ath Firdead ('Ferdiad's Ford') +southwards, Cuchulain lay in his sickbed in that place.[2] [LL.fo.89a.] +Then came certain men of the Ulstermen thither to help and succour +Cuchulain. [W.4205.] [3]Before all,[3] Senoll Uathach and the two sons of +Gege: Muridach and Cotreb, to wit. And they bore him to the streams and +rivers of Conalle Murthemni, to rub and to wash his stabs and his cuts, his +sores and his many wounds in the face of these streams and rivers. For the +Tuatha De Danann ('the Tribes divine of Danu') were wont to put herbs and +plants of healing and a curing charm in the waters and rivers of the +territory of Conalle Murthemni, to help and to succour Cuchulain, so that +the streams were speckled and green-topped therewith. + + [1-1] This sub-title is supplied by Windisch. + + [2-2] YBL. 40a, 1-2. + + [3-3] YBL. 40a, 3. + +Accordingly these are the names of the healing rivers of Cuchulain:-- + +Sas, Buan, [4]Buas,[4] Bithslan, Findglas ('Whitewater'), Gleoir, +Glenamain, Bedg, Tadg, Telameit, Rind, Bir, Brenide, Dichaem, Muach, +Miliuc, Cumung, Cuilind, Gainemain, Drong, Delt, Dubglas ('Blackwater'). + + [4-4] Stowe. + +[5]Then was the grave of Ferdiad dug by the men of Erin and his funeral +games were held.[5] + + [5-5] Stowe. + + * * * * * + +[Page 269] + + + + +XXII + +[1]CETHERN'S STRAIT-FIGHT[1] + + +[2]While now Cuchulain went to bathe in the waters, the hosts went by to +the south till they pitched camp at Imorach Smiromrach ('Edge of the +Marrow-bath').[2] [W.4238.] Then said the men of Erin to macRoth the +chief runner, to go watch and keep guard for them at Sliab Fuait, to the +end that the Ulstermen might not come upon them without warning and +unobserved. Thereupon macRoth went [3]from the host southwards[3] as far as +Sliab Fuait [4]to spy out the men of Ulster, to learn if any one came after +them.[4] MacRoth was not long there when he saw something: a lone chariot +on Sliab Fuait making from the north straight towards him. A fierce man, +stark-naked, in that chariot coming towards him, without arms, without +armour at all save an iron spit in his hand. In equal manner he goaded his +driver and his horses [5]at one and the same time.[5] And it seemed to him +that he would never in his life come up to the hosts. And macRoth hastened +to tell this news [6]at the fort[6] where Ailill and Medb and Fergus were +and the nobles of the men of Erin. Ailill asked tidings of him on his +arrival. "Aye, macRoth," inquired Ailill; "hast thou seen any of the +Ulstermen on the track of the host this day?" "That, truly, I know not," +answered macRoth; "but I saw something: a lone chariot coming over Sliab +Fuait [W.4252.] [1]from the north[1] straight towards us. A [2]white, +grey,[2] wild, stark-naked man in the chariot, without arms or armour at +all, except for an iron spit in his hand. In equal manner he prodded his +driver and his steeds. It seemed to him he would never in his life come up +to the host. [3]A brindled greyhound before him."[3] "Who, thinkest thou, +might it be, O Fergus?" asked Ailill. [4]"Is it Conchobar or Celtchar?"[4] +"Of a truth, [5]that is not likely,"[5] Fergus answered; "meseems it is +Cethern son of [6]generous, red-edged[6] Fintan [7]from Line in the +north[7] that came there. [8]And if so it be, ye shall be on your guard +against him!"[8] Fergus indeed spoke true, that it was Fintan's son Cethern +that was come there. And so Cethern son of Fintan came on them, and the +camp and the garrison were confounded and he wounded all around him in +every direction and on all sides [9]and they wounded him in like manner.[9] +And then [10]Cethern[10] left them, [11]and it was thus he went, and the +front-guard of the chariot pressed up against his belly to keep his +entrails and vitals within him,[11] [12]and his intestines were wound about +his legs.[12] He came to the place where was Cuchulain, to be healed and +cured, and he demanded a leech of Cuchulain to heal and to cure him. +[13]Cuchulain had compassion on his wounds;[13] [14] a bed of fresh rushes +was made for him and a pillow set to it.[14] "Come, master Laeg!" cried +Cuchulain. [15]"Arise,[15] away with thee to the garrison and camp of the +men of Erin and summon [LL.fo.89.] the leeches to come out to cure Cethern +macFintain. I give my word, e'en though it be under the [W.4270.] ground or +in a well-shut house they are, I myself will bring death and destruction +and slaughter upon them before this hour to-morrow, if they come not [1]to +minister to Cethern."[1] + + [1-1] This heading is taken from the colophon of the episode. + + [2-2] YBL. 40a, 9-12. + + [3-3] YBL. 40a, 12-13. + + [4-4] YBL. 40a, 12-14. + + [5-5] Stowe. + + [6-6] Stowe. + + [1-1] Stowe, and YBL. 41a, 10. + + [2-2] YBL. 41a, 11. + + [3-3] YBL. 41a, 15. + + [4-4] YBL. 40a, 17. + + [5-5] YBL. 40a, 17. + + [6-6] YBL. 40a, 18. + + [7-7] Stowe. + + [8-8] Stowe and YBL. 41a, 10. + + [9-9] Stowe. + + [10-10] Stowe. + + [11-11] I have translated from the more circumstantial account in + Stowe. LL. has, simply, 'his entrails and bowels outside on him.' + + [12-12] YBL. 40a, 21. + + [13-13] YBL. 40a, 22. + + [14-14] YBL. 40a, 23-24. + + [15-15] Stowe. + + [1-1] YBL. 40a, 29. + +Laeg went his way to the quarters and camp of the men of Erin, and he +called upon the leeches of the men of Erin to go forth to cure Cethern son +of Fintan. Truth to tell, the leeches of the men of Erin were unwilling to +go cure their adversary, their enemy and their stranger-foe. But they +feared Cuchulain would work death and destruction and slaughter upon them +if they went not. And so they went. As one man of them [2]after the +other[2] came to him, Cethern son of Fintan showed him his stabs and his +cuts, his sores and his bloody wounds. [3]When the first leech that came +looked at him, "thou wilt not live," he declared. "Neither wilt thou for +this," replied Cethern.[3] Each man of them that said he would not live and +could not be healed, Cethern son of Fintan struck him a blow with his right +fist in the front of his forehead, so that he drove the brains out through +the windows of his ears and the seams of his skull. Howbeit Cethern son of +Fintan killed them till, by reason of him, there had come fifteen[a] +leeches of the leeches of the men of Erin, [4]as the historian hath +declared in proof thereof:-- + + "These the leeches of the Tain, + Who by Cethern--bane--did fall. + No light thing, in floods of tribes, + That their names are known to me: + + "Litte, Luaidren, known o'er sea, + Lot and Luaimnech, 'White-hand' Lonn, + Latheirne skilful, also Lonn, + Laisre, Slanoll 'That cures all.' + + "Dubthach, Fintan's blameless son, + Fintan, master Firfial, too, + Maine, Boethan 'Gives not pain,' + Eke his pupil, Boethan's son. + + "These the leeches, five and ten, + Struck to death by Cethern, true; + I recall them in my day; + They are in the leeches' roll!"[4] + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] YBL. 40a, 31-33. + + [a] 'Fifty or fifteen,' YBL. 40a, 35. + + [4-4] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. 18,748. + +[W.4284.] Yea, even the fifteenth leech, it was but the tip of a blow that +reached him. Yet he fell lifeless of the great stun between the bodies of +the other physicians and lay there for a long space and time. Ithall, leech +of Ailill and Medb, was his name. + +Thereafter Cethern son of Fintan asked another leech of Cuchulain to heal +and to cure him [1]forasmuch as the leeches of the men of Erin had failed +him.[1] "Come, master Laeg," quoth Cuchulain, "go for me to Fingin the +seer-leech, at 'Fingin's Grave-mound' at Leccan ('the Brow') of Sliab +Fuait, [2]him that is[2] leech to Conchobar. Bid him come to heal Cethern +son of Fintan." + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] YBL. 40a, 40. + + +Laeg hastened to Fingin the seer-leech at 'Fingin's Grave-mound' at Leccan +of Sliab Fuait, to the leech of Conchobar. And he told him to go cure +Cethern son of Fintan. Thereupon Fingin the prophet-leech came [3]with him +to where Cuchulain and Cethern were.[3] As soon as he was come, Cethern son +of Fintan showed him his stabs and his cuts, his sores and his bloody +wounds. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + * * * * * + +[Page 273] + + + + +XXIIa + +[1]CETHERN'S BLOODY WOUNDS[1] + + +[W.4299.] [2]"Look at this bloody wound for me, O Fingin," said Cethern.[2] +Fingin looked at the bloody wound. "Why, it is a slight, unwillingly given +wound we behold here," said the leech; [3]"even a wound that some one of +thine own blood hath given thee, and no desire or wish had he therefor,[3] +and it will not carry thee off at once." "That, now, is true," exclaimed +Cethern. "A lone man came upon me there; bushy hair on him; a blue mantle +wrapped around him; a silver brooch in the mantle over his breast; an oval +shield with plaited rim he bore; a five-pointed spear in his hand; a +pronged spare spear at his side. He gave this bloody wound. He bore away a +slight wound from me too." "Why, we know that man!" cried Cuchulain; "'twas +Illann Ilarchless ('Illann of many feats') son of Fergus [4]macRoig.[4] And +he would not wish that thou shouldst fall by his hand, but he gave thee +this mock-blow that the men of Erin might not have it to say it was to +betray them or to forsake them if he gave it not." + + [1-1] The heading is taken from LL. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] YBL. 41b, 19. + +"Now look at this bloody wound for me, O Fingin my master," said +Cethern. Fingin looked closely into the bloody wound. "Why, 'tis a woman's +wanton deed of arms we behold here," said the leech; [5]"namely the wound +which a warrior-woman inflicted on thee," said he.[5] "Aye, that is true +then," quoth Cethern; "a woman [W.4314.] came upon me there by herself. A +woman, beautiful, fair-faced, long-cheeked, tall; a golden-yellow head of +hair [1]down to the top of her two shoulder-blades she wore; a smock of +royal sammet next to her white skin;[1] [2]two birds of gold on her +shoulders;[2] a purple cloak without other colour she had around her; +[LL.fo.90a.] a brooch of gold in the cloak over her bosom; a straight, +ridged spear, red-flaming in her hand. She it was that gave me this bloody +wound. She bore away a slight wound from me too." "Ah, but we know that +woman," cried Cuchulain; "Medb daughter of Eocho Fedlech, daughter of the +High King of Erin; it is she that came unto us in that dress. A victory and +triumph and trophy she had considered it hadst thou fallen at her hands." + + [5-5] Stowe. + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] YBL. 41b, 5. + +"Look at this bloody wound for me too, O Fingin my master," said Cethern. +Fingin looked at the bloody wound. "Why, the feat of arms of two warriors +is this," said the leech; [3]"that is to say, two warriors inflicted these +two wounds as one wound upon thee."[3] "Yea, that is true," answered +Cethern. "There came two [4]men-at-arms[4] upon me in that place; two, with +bushy hair on them; two blue cloaks wrapped around them; brooches of silver +in the cloaks over their breasts; a necklace of all-white silver around the +neck of each of them; [5]two long shields they bore; two hard chains of +silver on each of them; a band of silver around them; two five-pointed +spears they bore; a vein of silver around them.[5] [6]They smote me this +wound and I smote a little wound on each of them."[6] "Indeed we know that +pair," quoth Cuchulain; "Oll and Othine they, of the bodyguard of Ailill +and Medb; they never go to a hosting, [7]to battle or combat,[7] but when +the wounding of a man is certain. They would have held [W.4330.] it for +victory and triumph and a boast hadst thou fallen at their hands." + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [5-5] YBL. 41b, 21-26. + + [6-6] Stowe. + + [7-7] Stowe. + +"Look on this bloody wound also for me, O Fingin my master," said Cethern. +Fingin looked closely at the bloody wound. "There came upon me a pair of +young warriors of the Fian," [1]said Cethern;[1] "a splendid, manly +appearance they had. Each of them cast a spear at me. I drave this spear +through the one of them." Fingin looked into the bloody wound. "Why, this +blood is all black," quoth the leech; "through thy heart those spears +passed so that they formed a cross of themselves through thy heart, [2]and +thy healing and curing are not easy;[2] and I prophesy no cure here, but I +would get thee some healing plants and curing charms that they destroy thee +not forthwith." "Ah, but we know them, that pair," quoth Cuchulain; "Bun +and Mecconn ('Stump' and 'Root') are they, of the bodyguard of Ailill and +Medb. It was their hope that thou shouldst fall at their hands." + + [1-1] YBL. 41b, 30. + + [2-2] Stowe. + +"Look at this bloody wound for me, too, O Fingin my master," said +Cethern. Fingin examined the bloody wound. "Why, it is the red rush of the +two sons of Ri Caile ('the King of the Woods') that is here," said the +leech. "Aye, 'tis so," replied Cethern; "there attacked me there two +fair-faced, dark-browed youths, huge, with diadems of gold [3]on their +heads.[3] Two green mantles folded about them; two pins of bright silver on +the mantles over their breasts; two five-pronged spears in their hands." +"Why, near each other are the bloody wounds they gave thee," said the +leech; "into thy gullet they went, so that the points of the spears struck +one another within thee, and none the easier is it to work thy cure here." +"We know that pair," quoth Cuchulain; [4]"noble youths of Medb's great +household,[4] Broen and Brudni, are they, [5]two[5] [W.4352.] sons of Ri +teora Soillse ('the King of the three Lights'), that is, the two sons of +the King of the Woods. It had been victory and triumph and a boast for +them, hadst thou fallen at their hands." + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] YBL. 41b, 41. + + [5-5] Stowe. + +"Look at this bloody wound for me, too, my good Fingin," said Cethern. +Fingin looked into the bloody wound. "The joint deed of two brothers is +here," said the leech. "'Tis indeed true," replied Cethern. "There came +upon me two leading, king's warriors. Yellow hair upon them; dark-grey +mantles with fringes, wrapped around them; leaf-shaped brooches of silvered +bronze in the mantles over their breasts; broad, grey lances in their +hands." "Ah, but we know that pair," quoth Cuchulain; "Cormac Colomon rig +('King's pillar') is the one, and Cormac son of Mael Foga, of the bodyguard +of Ailill and Medb (the other). What they sought was that thou shouldst +fall at their hands." + +"Look at this bloody wound for me too, O Fingin my master," said Cethern. +[LL.fo.90b.] Fingin looked into that bloody wound. "The assault of two +brothers is here," said the leech. "Aye then, 'tis true," answered Cethern. +"There came upon me two tender youths there; very much alike were they; +curly [1]dark[1] hair on the one of them; curly yellow hair on the other; +two green cloaks wrapped around them; two bright-silver brooches in the +cloaks over their breasts; two tunics of smooth yellow silk [2]with hoods +and red embroidery[2] next their skin; [3]two[3] white-hilted swords at +their belts; two bright shields having the likenesses of beasts in white +silver they bore; two five-pronged spears with veins of all-white silver in +their hands." "Ah, but we know that pair," quoth Cuchulain; "Mane 'Like to +his mother' and Mane 'Like to his father,' two sons of Ailill and Medb; and +it would be matter of victory, [W.4377.] triumph and boasting to them, +hadst thou fallen at their hands." + + [1-1] YBL. 42a, 28. + + [2-2] YBL. 42a, 30-31. + + [3-3] Stowe. + +"Look at this bloody wound for me, too, O Fingin my master," said Cethern. +"There came upon me a pair of young warriors of the Fian there. A brilliant +appearance, stately-tall and manlike, they had; wonderful garments from +far-away countries upon them. Each of them thrust [1]the spear he had[1] at +me. [2]Then[2] I thrust [3]this spear[3] through each of them." Fingin +looked into the bloody wound. "Cunning are the bloody wounds they inflicted +upon thee," said the leech; "they have severed the strings of thy heart +within thee, so that thy heart rolls about in thy breast like an apple in +motion or like a ball of yarn in an empty bag, and there is no string at +all to support it; [4]and there is no means to cure thee or to save +thee,[4] and no healing can I effect here." "Ah, but we know those twain," +quoth Cuchulain; "a pair of champions from Norway who, [5]because of their +cunning and violence,[5] have been sent particularly by Ailill and Medb to +slay thee; for not often does one ever issue alive from their combats, and +it would be their will that thou shouldst fall at their hands." + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] Stowe and YBL. 42a, 1. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [5-5] Stowe. + +"Look upon this bloody wound for me too, my good Fingin," said Cethern. +Fingin looked at that bloody wound in like manner. "Why, the alternate +woundings of a son and his father we behold here," answered the leech. +"Yea, it is so," quoth Cethern; "two tall men, red as torches, came upon me +there, with diadems of burnished gold upon them; kingly garments they wore; +gold-hilted, hammered swords at their girdles, with scabbards of pure-white +silver, [6]with a cunningly ornamented and delicate embossing[6] and +supports of mottled gold outside upon them. "Ah, but we know that pair," +quoth Cuchulain; "Ailill and his [W.4399.] son are they, Mane 'That +embraces the traits of them all.' They would deem it victory and triumph +and a boast shouldst thou fall at their hands." + + [6-6] Stowe. + +Thus far the "Bloody Wounds" of the Tain. + +"Speak, O Fingin prophetic leech," spake Cethern son of Fintan; "what +verdict and what counsel givest me now?" "This verily is what I say to +thee," replied Fingin the prophetic leech: "Count not on thy big cows for +yearlings this year; for if thou dost, it is not thou that will enjoy them, +and no profit will they bring thee." "This is the judgement and counsel the +other surgeons did give me, and certain it is it brought them neither +advantage nor profit, and they fell at my hands; and none the more will it +bring thee advantage or profit, and thou shalt fall at my hands!" And he +gave Fingin a strong, stiff kick with his foot, and sent him between the +chariot's two wheels [1]and the creaking of the chariot might be heard afar +off.[1] + + [1-1] Stowe. + +"Oh, but vicious is the kick from the old warrior," cried Cuchulain; +[2]"'twould be more fitting if thou shouldst ply it on foes than on +leech!"[2] Hence, from this saying, is the name Uachtar Lua ('the Height of +the Kick') in the land of Ross from then until this day. + + [2-2] YBL. 42a, 50-51. + +Nevertheless [LL.fo.91a.] Fingin the prophet-leech gave his choice to +Cethern son of Fintan: A long illness for him and afterwards to obtain help +and succour, or a red[a] healing for the space of three days and three +nights, so that he might then employ his strength on his enemies. What +Cethern son of Fintan chose was a red healing for the space of three days +and three nights, to the end that he might then vent [3]his anger and[3] +strength on his enemies. For what he said was that there would not be found +after him any one he would rather have vindicate or avenge him than +himself. [W.4420.] Thereupon Fingin the prophetic leech asked of Cuchulain +a vat of marrow wherewith to heal and to cure Cethern son of Fintan. +Cuchulain proceeded to the camp and entrenchment of the men of Erin, and +whatsoever he found of herds and flocks and droves there he took away with +him. And he made a marrow-mash of their flesh and their bones and their +skins; and Cethern son of Fintan was placed in the marrow-bath till the end +of three days and three nights. And his flesh began to drink in the +marrow-bath about him and the marrow-bath entered in within his stabs and +his cuts, his sores and his many wounds. Thereafter he arose from the +marrow-bath at the end of three days and three nights, [1]and he slept a +day and a night after taking in the marrow.[1] [2]"I have no ribs more," +said Cethern; "put the ribs of the chariot-box into me." "Thou shalt have +it," Cuchulain made answer.[2] It was thus Cethern arose, with a slab of +the chariot pressed to his belly so that his entrails and bowels would not +drop out of him. [3]"Had I my own weapons," said Cethern, "the story of +what I would do would live forever!"[3] + + [a] That is, 'extreme or drastic.' + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [1-1] YBL. 42b, 7. + + [2-2] YBL. 42b, 8-9. + + [3-3] YBL. 42b, 10-11. + +That was the time when his wife came from the north, from Dun da Benn +('Fort of the two Gables'), and she brought his sword with her, even Finna +daughter of Eocho. [4]"What seest thou?" asked Cethern.[4] [5]"Meseems," +answered Cuchulain, "'tis the chariot of little Finna, Eocho's daughter, +thy wife, that comes nigh us."[5] [6]And they saw the woman, with the arms +in the chariot.[6] Cethern son of Fintan [7]seized his arms[7] and +proceeded to attack the men of Erin, [8]with the chariot-box bound around +his back, for he was not the stronger therefor.[8] But this is to be added: +They sent a warning before him; Ithall,[a] physician of Ailill and Medb, +had remained as one dead of [W.4436.] the great stun [1]from the blow of +Cethern[1] among the bodies of the other leeches for a long space and time, +[2]and continued in that state till then; at last he rose and rushed to the +encampment,[2] [3]and he, the leech that had alone escaped from Cethern, +brought the alarm to the camp.[3] + + [4-4] YBL. 42b, 13. + + [5-5] YBL. 42b, 14. + + [6-6] YBL. 42b, 16. + + [7-7] YBL. 42b, 17. + + [8-8] YBL. 42b, 18-19. + + [a] See above, page 272. + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] YBL. 42b, 20. + +"Hark, ye men of Erin," shouted the leech; "Cethern son of Fintan comes to +attack you, now that he has been healed and cured by Fingin the prophetic +leech, and take ye heed of him!" Thereat the men of Erin [4]in fear[4] put +Ailill's dress and his golden shawl [5]and his regal diadem[5] on the +pillar-stone in Crich Ross, that it might be thereon that Cethern son of +Fintan should first give vent to his anger on his arrival. [6]Eftsoons[6] +Cethern [7]reached the place where he[7] saw those things, namely Ailill's +dress and his golden shawl around the standing-stone in Crich Ross, and he, +being unaware and weetless, conceived it to be Ailill himself that was in +it. And he made a rush at it like a blast of wind and drave the sword +through the stone pillar till it went up to its pommel, [8]so that his fist +went through it after the sword.[8] "Deceit is here," cried Cethern son of +Fintan, "and on me have ye worked this deceit. And I swear an oath, till +there be found among ye [9]of the men of Erin[9] one that will put yon +royal dress about him and the golden shawl, I will not stay my hand from +them, slaughtering and destroying withal!" + + [4-4] YBL. 42b, 22. + + [5-5] Stowe. + + [6-6] Stowe. + + [7-7] Stowe + + + [8-8] YBL. 42b, 24. + + [9-9] Stowe. + +Mane Andoe son of Ailill and Medb heard that, and he put [10]his +father's[10] royal raiment about him and the golden shawl [11]and the +diadem on his head, and he snatched them up in his chariot before him[11] +and dashed off through the midst of the men of Erin. Cethern son of Fintan +pursued him closely and hurled his shield the length of a cast at him, +[W.4454.] so that the chiselled rim of the shield clave him[a] to the +ground, with chariot, driver, and horses. [1]When the men of Erin saw +that,[1] they surrounded Cethern on every side [2]and made him a victim of +spears and lances,[2] so that he fell at their hands in the strait wherein +he was. Wherefore 'Cethern's Strait-Fight and the Bloody Wounds of Cethern' +[3]is the name of this tale.[3] + + [10-10] Stowe. + + [11-11] YBL. 42b, 29-30. + + [a] Omitting _i tri_, 'in three'; it is not found in Stowe or in YBL. + and seems out of place here. + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] Stowe. + +[4]His wife, Finna[b] daughter of Eocho Salbuide ('Yellow-heel') stood over +him and she was in great sorrow, and she made the funeral-song below:-- + + "I care for naught, care for naught; + Ne'er more man's hand 'neath my head, + Since was dug the earthy bed, + Cethern's bold, of Dun da Benn! + + "Kingly Cethern, Fintan's son; + Few were with him on the ford. + Connacht's men with all their host, + For nine hours he left them not! + + "Arms he bore not--this an art-- + But a red, two-headed pike; + With it slaughtered he the host, + While his anger still was fresh! + + "Felled by double-headed pike, + Cethern's hand held, with their crimes,[c] + Seven times fifty of the hosts, + Fintan's son brought to their graves! + + "Willa-loo, oh, willa-loo! + Woman's[d] wandering through the mist. + Worse it is for him that's dead. + She that lives may find a man![e] + + "Never I shall take a man[e] + Of the hosts of this good world; + Never shall I sleep with man; + Never shall my man with wife! + + [W.4485.] "Dear the homestead, 'Horse-head's Dun,'[a] + Where our hosts were wont to go. + Dear the water, soft and sweet; + Dear the isle, 'Isle of the Red!'[b] + + "Sad the care, oh, sad the care, + Cualnge's Cow-raid brought on me: + Cethern, Fintan's son, to keen. + Oh that he had shunned his woe! + + "Great the doings, these, oh, great, + And the deed that here was done: + I bewailing him till death, + Him that has been smitten down! + + "Finna, Eocho's daughter, I, + Found a fight of circling spears. + Had my champion had his arms: + By his side a slaughtered heap!"[4] + + [4-4] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. 18,748. + + [b] Reading Finna, to agree with the reading in LL., _supra_, page 279. + Inna, in Stowe, etc. + + [c] That is, unshrived of their sins (?), a Christian intrusion + + [d] Literally, 'heifer's.' + + [e] Literally, 'a bull.' + + [a] In Irish, _Dun cind eich_. + + [b] In Irish, _Innis ruaidh_. + + [4-4] See note 4, page 211. + + * * * * * + +[Page 283] + + + + +XXIII + +HERE FOLLOWETH THE TOOTH-FIGHT OF FINTAN + + +[W.4502.] Fintan, himself the son of Niall Niamglonnach ('of the brilliant +Exploits') from Dun da Benn [1]in the north,[1] was father of Cethern son +of Fintan. And he came to save the honour of Ulster and to avenge his son +upon the hosts. Thrice fifty [2]with many pointed weapons[2] was his +number. And thus it was they came, and two spear-heads on each shaft with +them, a spear-head on the top and a spear-head at the butt, so that it made +no difference whether they wounded the hosts with the points or with the +butts. They offered three[a] battles to the hosts. And thrice their own +number fell at their hands, and there fell also the people [LL.fo.91b.] of +Fintan son of Niall, all excepting Fintan's son Crimthann alone,[3] so that +there did not escape any of his people excepting himself and his son.[3] +This one was saved under a canopy of shields by Ailill and Medb. [4]And the +son was separated from him, his father Fintan, and was saved by Ailill out +of fear of Fintan and in order that Fintan might not wreak his fury on them +till he should come with Conchobar to the battle.[4] Then said the men of +Erin, it would be no disgrace for Fintan son of Niall to withdraw from the +camp and quarters, and that they would give up Crimthann son of Fintan to +him, and then the hosts would fall back a day's march to the north again; +and that he [W.4515.] should cease from his deeds of arms against the hosts +till he would come to encounter them on the day of the great battle at the +place where the four grand provinces of Erin would clash at Garech and +Ilgarech in the battle of the Cattle-reaving of Cualnge, as was foretold by +the druids of the men of Erin. Fintan son of Niall consented to that, and +they gave over his son to him. [1]He made friendship with them then when +his son had been restored to him.[1] He withdrew from the camp and station, +and the hosts marched a day's journey back to the north again, to stop and +cease their advance. [2]Thereafter Fintan went to his own land.[2] In this +manner they found each man of the people of Fintan son of Niall and each +man of the men of Erin, with the lips and the nose [3]and the ear[3] of +each of them in the teeth and tusks of the other [4]after they had used up +their arms.[4] The men of Erin gave thought to that: "This is a tooth-fight +for us," said they; "the tooth-fight of Fintan's people and of Fintan +himself." So this is the 'Tooth-fight' of Fintan. + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] YBL. 42b, 36. + + [a] 'Seven,' YBL. 42b, 38. + + [3-3] YBL. 42b, 38-39. + + [4-4] YBL. 42b, 39-43. + + [1-1] YBL. 42b, 43-44. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + * * * * * + +[Page 285] + + + + +XXIIIa + +THE RED-SHAME OF MENN FOLLOWETH HERE + + +[W.4529.] [1]It was then came [2]to them[2] great[1] Menn son of Salcholga, +he from Renna ('the Waterways') of the Boyne [3]in the north.[3] Twelve[a] +men [4]with many-pointed weapons,[4] that was his number. It was thus they +came, and two spear-heads on each shaft with them, a spear-head on the top +and a spear-head at the butt, so that it made no difference whether they +wounded the hosts with the points or with the butts. They offered three +attacks upon the hosts. Three times their own number fell at their hands +and there fell twelve men of the people of Menn, [5]so that there remained +alive of them but Menn alone.[5] But Menn himself was [6]sorely[6] wounded +in the strait, so that blood ran crimson on him [7]and his followers too +were crimsoned.[7] Then said the men of Erin: "Red is this shame," said +they, "for Menn son of Salcholga, that his people, [8]twelve men,[8] should +be slain and destroyed and he himself wounded till blood ran crimson red +upon him." Hence here is the 'Reddening Shame of Menn,' [9]the name of this +tale on the Spoil of the Kine of Cualnge.[9] + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] YBL. 42b, 45. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [a] 'Thirty,' YBL. 42b, 45. + + [4-4] YBL. 42b, 46. + + [5-5] Stowe. + + [6-6] Stowe. + + [7-7] YBL. 42b, 49. + + [8-8] Stowe. + + [9-9] Stowe. + +Then said the men of Erin, it would be no dishonour for Menn son of +Salcholga to leave the camp and quarters, and that the hosts would go a +day's journey back to the [W.4542.] north again, and that Menn should cease +his weapon-feats[a] on the hosts till Conchobar arose out of his 'Pains' +and battle would be offered them at Garech and Ilgarech [1]on the day of +the great battle when the men of Erin and of Ulster would meet together in +combat in the great battle of the Cualnge Cow-spoil,[1] as the druids and +soothsayers and the knowers of the men of Erin had foretold it. + + [a] Following Windisch's emendation of the text. + + [1-1] Stowe. + +Menn son of Salcholga agreed to that, to leave the camp and halting-place. +And the hosts fell back a day's march for to rest and wait, [2]and Menn +went his way to his own land.[2] + + [2-2] Stowe. + + * * * * * + +[Page 287] + + + + +XXIIIb + +HERE FOLLOWETH THE ACCOUTREMENT OF THE CHARIOTEERS + + +[W.4551.] Then came the charioteers of the Ulstermen to them. Thrice fifty +was their number. They offered three battles to the hosts. Thrice their +number fell at their hands, and the charioteers themselves fell on the +field whereon they stood. Hence this here is the 'Accoutrement of the +Charioteers.' [1]It is for this cause it is called the 'Accoutrement of the +Charioteers,' because it is with rocks and with boulders and with clumps of +earth they accomplished the defeat of the men of Erin.[1] + + [1-1] Stowe. + + * * * * * + +[Page 288] + + + + +XXIIIc + +[LL. fo. 92a.] [1]THE WHITE-FIGHT OF ROCHAD NOW FOLLOWETH[1] + + +[W.4556.] [2]Cuchulain despatched his charioteer to[2] Rochad [3]Rigderg +('Red-king')[3] son of Fathemon, [4]from Rigdorn in the north,[4] [5]that +he should come to his aid.[5] He was of Ulster. [6]The gilla comes up to +Rochad and tells him, if he has come out of his weakness, to go to the help +of Cuchulain, that they should employ a ruse to reach the host to seize +some of them and slay them. Rochad set out from the north.[6] Thrice +fifty[a] warriors was his number, and he took possession of a hill fronting +the hosts. [7]"Scan the plain for us to-day," said Ailill. "I see a company +crossing the plain," the watchman answered, "and a tender youth comes in +their midst; the other warriors reach but up to his shoulder." "Who is that +warrior, O Fergus?" asked Ailill. "Rochad son of Fathemon," he answered; +"and it is to bring help to Cuchulain he comes. I know what ye had best do +with him," Fergus continued. "Let a hundred warriors go from ye with the +maiden yonder to the middle of the plain and let the maid go before them, +and let a horseman go tell Rochad to come alone to hold converse with the +maid and let hands be laid on him, and thus shall be removed all fear of +his people from us.[7] Finnabair, [W.4558.] daughter of Ailill and Medb, +perceived that and she went to speak to her mother thereof, even to Medb. +[1]Now it happened that Finnabair loved Rochad. It is he was the fairest +young warrior in Ulster at that time.[1] [2]And Finnabair disclosed her +secret and her love[a] to her mother.[2] "Truly have I loved yonder warrior +for a long time," said she; "and it is he is my sweetheart, [3]my first +love[3] and mine own choice one in wooing [4]of the men of Erin."[4] "An +thou hast [5]so[5] loved him, daughter," [6]quoth Ailill and Medb,[6] +"sleep with him this night and crave for us a truce of him for the hosts, +until [7]with Conchobar[7] he encounters us on the day of the great battle +when four of the grand provinces of Erin will meet at Garech and Ilgarech +in the battle of the Foray of Cualnge." + + [1-1] The LU. version of the 'White-fight,' which occurs much earlier + (fo. 72a, edition of Strachan and O'Keeffe, lines 1457 and fol.), is + incorporated with the LL. version above. + + [2-2] LU. 1457. + + [3-3] YBL. 43a, 6. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [5-5] LU. 1458. + + [6-6] LU. 1460-1463. + + [a] 'One hundred fighting men,' LU. 1463. + + [7-7] LU. 1463-1472. + + [1-1] LU. 1458. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [a] Literally, 'whisper.' + + [3-3] YBL. 43a, 10. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [5-5] YBL. 43a, 10. + + [6-6] YBL. 43a, 10 + + [7-7] YBL. 43a, 11. + +[8]This then is done. Rochad sets forth to meet the horseman. "I am come," +says the horseman, "from Finnabair to meet thee that thou come to speak +with the maiden." Thereupon Rochad goes alone to converse with her. The +army surrounds him on all sides; he is seized and hands are laid on him; +his followers are routed and driven in flight. Afterwards he is set free +and bound over not to oppose Ailill's host till the time he will come with +all the warriors of Ulster. Also they promise to give Finnabair to him.[8] + + [8-8] LU. 1472-1478. + +Rochad son of Fathemon accepted the offer [9]and thereupon he left them[9] +and that night the damsel slept with him. + + [9-9] LU. 1478-1479. + +An Under-king of Munster that was in the camp heard the tale. He went to +his people to speak of it. "Yonder maiden was plighted to me [10]on fifteen +hostages[10] once long ago," said he; "and it is for this I have now come +on this [W.4568.] hosting." Now wherever it happened that the seven[a] +Under-kings of Munster were, what they all said was that it was for this +they were come. [1]"Yonder maiden was pledged to each of us in the bargain +as our sole wife, to the end that we should take part in this warfare." +They all declared that that was the price and condition on which they had +come on the hosting.[1] "Why," said they, [2]"what better counsel could we +take?[2] Should we not go to avenge our wife and our honour on the Mane +[3]the sons of Ailill[3] who are watching [4]and guarding[4] the rear of +the army at Imlech in Glendamrach ('Kettle-glen's navel)?" + + [10-10] YBL 43a, 17. + + [a] 'Twelve,' Stowe. + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] YBL. 43a, 20. + + [4-4] Stowe. + +This was the course they resolved upon. And with their seven divisions of +thirty hundreds they arose, [5]each man of them to attack the Mane. When +Ailill heard that,[5] he arose [6]with a start with ready shield[6] against +them and thirty hundred [7]after them.[7] Medb arose with her thirty +hundred. The sons of Maga with theirs and the Leinstermen and the +Munstermen and the people of Tara. + + [5-5] Stowe. + + [6-6] Stowe. + + [7-7] Stowe. + +[8]Then arose Fergus with his thirty hundred to intervene between them, and +that was a hand for that mighty work.[8] And a mediation was made between +them so that each of them sat down near the other and hard by his arms. +Howbeit before the intervention took place, eight hundred[b] very valiant +warriors of them had fallen [9]in the slaughter of Glenn Domain ('Deep +Glen').[9] + + [8-8] Stowe. + + [b] 'Seven hundred,' YBL. 43a, 24 and Stowe. + + [9-9] YBL. 43a, 25. + +Finnabair, daughter of Ailill and Medb, had tidings that so great a number +of the men of Erin had fallen for her sake and on account of her. And her +heart broke in her breast even as a nut, through shame and disgrace, so +that Finnabair Slebe ('Finnabair of the Mount') is the name of the place +where she fell, [10]died and was buried.[10] + + [10-10] Stowe. + +[W.4585.] Then said the men of Erin, "White is this battle," said they, +"for Rochad son of Fathemon, in that eight hundred exceeding brave warriors +fell for his sake and on his account, and he himself goes[1] safe and whole +to his country and land[1] without blood-shedding or reddening on him." +Hence this is the 'White-fight' of Rochad. + + [1] Stowe. + + * * * * * + +[Page 292] + + + + +XXIIId + +HERE FOLLOWETH ILIACH'S CLUMP-FIGHT + + +[W.4590.] [1]Then came to them[1] Iliach son of Cass son of Bacc son of +Ross Ruad son of Rudraige. [2]He was at that time an old man cared for by +his son's son, namely by Loegaire Buadach ('the Victorious') in Rath Imbil +in the north.[2] It was told him that the four grand provinces of Erin even +then laid waste and invaded the lands of Ulster and of the Picts [3]and of +Cualnge[3] from Monday at Summer's end till the beginning of Spring, [4]and +were carrying off their women and their cows and their children, their +flocks, their herds and their cattle, their oxen and their kine and their +droves, their steeds and their horses.[4] He then conceived a plan [5]in +his mind[5] and he made perfect his plan privily with his people. "What +counsel were better for me to make than to go and attack the men of Erin +[6]and to use my[a] strength on them[6] and have [7]my boast and[7] victory +over them, and thus avenge the honour of Ulster. And I care not though I +should fall myself there thereafter." + + [1-1] YBL. 43a, 29. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [5-5] Stowe. + + [6-6] Stowe. + + [a] The MS. has 'his.' + + [7-7] Stowe. + +[LL.fo.92b.] And this is the counsel he followed. His two withered, mangy, +[8]sorrel[8] nags that were upon the strand hard by the fort were led to +him. And to them was fastened his ancient, [9]worn-out[9] chariot. [10]Thus +he mounted his chariot,[10] without either covers or cushions; [W.4601.] +[1]a hurdle of wattles around it.[1] His [2]big,[2] rough, pale-grey shield +of iron he carried upon him, with its rim of hard silver around it. He wore +his rough, grey-hilted, huge-smiting sword at his left side. He placed his +two rickety-headed, nicked, [3]blunt, rusted[3] spears by his side in the +chariot. His folk furnished his chariot around him with cobbles and +boulders and huge clumps, [4]so that it was full up to its ...[4] (?) + + [8-8] YBL. 43a, 36. + + [9-9] YBL. 43a, 36. + + [10-10] YBL. 43a, 35. + + [1-1] YBL. 43a, 35. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] YBL. 48a, 38. + +In such wise he fared forth to assail the men of Erin. And thus he came, +[5]stark-naked,[5] [6]and the spittle from his gaping mouth trickling down +through the chariot under him.[6] [7]When the men of Erin saw him thus, +they began to mock and deride him.[7] "Truly it would be well for us," said +the men of Erin,[a] "if this were the manner in which all the Ulstermen +came to us [8]on the plain."[8] + + [5-5] YBL. 43a, 40. + + [6-6] This is the sense of Zimmer's translation, which is only + conjectural, of this difficult passage (see _Zeitschrift fuer Deutsches + Alterthum und Deutsche Litteratur_, Bd. xxxii, 1888, S. 275). The idea + is probably more clearly expressed in Stowe, H. 1. 13 and YBL. 43a, + 41, and may be rendered, '_membrum virile ejus coram viros Hiberniae et + testes pendentes per currum_.' + + [7-7] Stowe and, similarly, H. 1. 13. + + [a] 'Said Medb,' Stowe. + + [8-8] Stowe and, similarly, H. 1. 13, Add. + +Doche son of Maga met him and bade him welcome. "Welcome is thy coming, O +Iliach," spake Doche son of Maga. [9]"Who bids me welcome?" asked Iliach. +"A comrade and friend of Loegaire Buadach am I, namely Doche macMagach."[9] +"Truly spoken I esteem that welcome," answered Iliach; "but do thou [10]for +the sake of that welcome[10] come to me when now, alas, my deeds of arms +will be over and my warlike vigour will have vanished, [11]when I will +have spent my rage upon the hosts,[11] so that thou be the one to cut off +my head and none other of the men of Erin. However, my sword shall remain +with [W.4615.] thee [1]for thine own friend, even[1] for Loegaire +[2]Buadach!"[2] + + [9-9] Stowe. + + [10-10] Stowe. + + [11-11] Stowe. + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] Stowe. + +He assailed the men of Erin with his weapons till he had made an end of +them. And when weapons failed he assailed the men of Erin with cobbles and +boulders and huge clumps [3]of earth[3] till he had used them up. And when +these weapons failed him he spent his rage on the man [4]that was nearest +him[4] of the men of Erin, and bruised him grievously between his fore-arms +[5]and his sides[5] and the palms of his hands, till he made a marrow-mass +of him, of flesh and bones and sinews and skin. Hence in memory thereof, +these two masses of marrow still live on side by side, the marrow-mass that +Cuchulain made of the bones of the Ulstermen's cattle for the healing of +Cethern son of Fintan,[a] and the marrow-mass that Iliach made of the bones +of the men of Erin. Wherefore this was one of the three innumerable things +of the Tain, the number of them that fell at the hands of Iliach. So that +this is the 'Clump-fight' of Iliach. It is for this reason it is called the +'Clump-fight' of Iliach, because with cobbles and boulders and massy clumps +he made his fight. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [5-5] Stowe. + + [a] See above, page 279. + +[6]Thereafter[6] Doche son of Maga met him. "Is not this Iliach?" asked +Doche son of Maga. "It is truly I," Iliach gave answer; "and come to me now +and cut off my head and let my sword remain with thee for thy friend, for +Loegaire [7]Buadach ('the Victorious')."[7] + + [6-6] Stowe. + + [7-7] Stowe. + +Doche came near him and gave him a blow with the sword so that he severed +his head, [8]and he took with him the head and the spoils vauntingly to +where were Ailill and Medb.[8] Thus to this point, the 'Clump-fight' of +Iliach. + + [8-8] Stowe. + + * * * * * + +[Page 295] + + + + +XXIIIe + +HERE NOW THE DEER-STALKING OF AMARGIN IN TALTIU + + +[W.4638.] This Amargin was the son of Cass who was son of Bacc who was son +of Ross Ruad ('the Red') who was son of Rudraige, [1]father of Conall +Cernach ('the Triumphant').[1] He came upon the warriors going over Taltiu +westward, and he made them turn before him over Taltiu northwards. And he +put his left[a] elbow under him in Taltiu. And his people furnished him +with rocks and boulders and great clumps [2]of earth,[2] and he began to +pelt the men of Erin till the end of three days and three nights, [3]and he +did great slaughter among them[3] [4]so that no man could show his face to +him in Taltiu.[4] + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [a] As a challenge or sign of hostility. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] YBL. 43b, 13-14. + + * * * * * + +[Page 296] + + + + +XXIIIf + +THE ADVENTURES OF CUROI SON OF DARE FOLLOW NOW + + +[W.4645.] He was told that a single man was checking and stopping four of +the five grand provinces of Erin [1]during the three months of winter[1] +from Monday at Summer's end till the beginning of Spring. And he felt it +unworthy of himself and he deemed it too long that his people were without +him. And [2]it was then[2] he set out [3]to the host[3] to fight and +contend with Cuchulain. And when he was come to the place where Cuchulain +was, he saw Cuchulain there moaning, full of wounds and pierced through +with holes, and he felt it would not be honourable nor fair to fight and +contend with him after the combat with Ferdiad. [4]Because it would be said +it was not that Cuchulain died of the sores [LL.fo.93a.] and wounds which +he would give him so much as of the wounds which Ferdiad had inflicted on +him in the conflict before.[4] Be that as it might, Cuchulain offered to +engage with him in battle and combat. + + [1-1] YBL. 43b, 17. + + [2-2] YBL. 43b, 14-15. + + [3-3] YBL. 43b, 15. + + [4-4] Reading with Stowe, which is to be preferred to LL. + +Thereupon Curoi set forth for to seek the men of Erin and, when he was +near at hand, he espied Amargin there and his left elbow under him to the +west of Taltiu. Curoi reached the men of Erin from the north. His people +equipped him with rocks and boulders and great clumps, and he began to hurl +them right over against Amargin, so that Badb's battle-stones collided in +the clouds and in the air high above them, and every rock of them was +shivered [W.4662.] into an hundred stones. "By the truth of thy valour, O +Curoi," cried Medb, "desist from thy throwing, for no real succour nor help +comes to us therefrom, but ill is the succour [1]and help[1] that thence +come to us," "I pledge my word," cried Curoi, "I will not cease till the +very day of doom and of life, till first Amargin cease!" "I will cease," +said Amargin; "and do thou engage that thou wilt no more come to succour or +give aid to the men of Erin." Curoi consented to that and went his way to +return to his land and people. + + [1-1] Stowe. + +About this time [2]the hosts[2] went past Taltiu westwards. "It is not +this was enjoined upon me," quoth Amargin: "never again to cast at the +hosts [3]but rather that I should part from them."[3] And he went to the +west of them and he turned them before him north-eastwards past Taltiu. And +he began to pelt them for a long while and time [4]so that he slaughtered +more of them than can be numbered.[4] [5]This is one of the three +incalculable things on the Tain, the number of those he slew. And his son +Conall Cernach ('the Victorious') remained with him providing him with +stones and spears.[5] + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [5-5] YBL. fo. 43b, 34-36. + +Then it was also that the men of Erin said it would be no disgrace for +Amargin to leave the camp and quarters, and that the hosts would retire a +day's march back to the north again, there to stop and stay, and for him to +quit his feats of arms upon the hosts until such time as he would meet them +on the day of the great battle when the four grand provinces of Erin would +encounter at Garech and Ilgarech in the battle of the Raid for the Kine of +Cualnge. Amargin accepted that offer, and the hosts proceeded a day's march +back to the northwards again. Wherefore the 'Deer-stalking' of Amargin in +Taltiu [6]is the name of this tale.[6] + + [6-6] Stowe. + + * * * * * + +[Page 298] + + + + +XXIV + +THE REPEATED WARNING OF SUALTAIM + + +[1]Now while the deeds we have told here were being done,[1] [W.4685.] +Sualtaim ('Goodly fosterer') son of Becaltach ('of Small belongings') son +of Moraltach ('of Great belongings'), the same the father of Cuchulain +macSualtaim, [2]of Sualtaim's Rath in the plain of Murthemne,[2] was told +of the distress and [3]sore wounding[3] of his son contending in unequal +combat on the Cualnge Cattle-spoil, even against Calatin Dana ('the Bold') +with his seven and twenty[a] sons, and against Glass son of Delga, his +grandson, [4]and at the last against Ferdiad son of Daman.[4] + + [1-1] YBL. 43b, 38-39. + + [2-2] YBL. 43b, 39-40. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [a] 'Twelve,' YBL. 43b, 41. + + [4-4] Stowe. + +[5]It is then that Sualtaim said[5]: "Whate'er it be, [6]this that I +hear[6] from afar," quoth Sualtaim, "it is the sky that bursts or the sea +that ebbs or the earth that quakes, or is it the distress of my son +overmatched in the strife on the Driving of the Kine of Cualnge?" + + [5-5] Stowe and YBL. 43b, 42. + + [6-6] Stowe. + +In that, indeed, Sualtaim spoke true. And he went to learn all after a +while, without hastening on his way. And when Sualtaim was come to where +[7]his son[7] Cuchulain was [8]and found him covered with wounds and bloody +gashes and many stabs,[8] Sualtaim began to moan and lament [9]for +Cuchulain.[9] + + [7-7] YBL. 43b, 46. + + [8-8] Stowe. + + [9-9] Stowe. + +[W.4695.] Forsooth Cuchulain deemed it neither an honour nor glory that +Sualtaim should bemoan and lament him, for Cuchulain knew that, wounded and +injured though he was, Sualtaim would not be [1]the man[1] to avenge his +wrong. For such was Sualtaim: He was no mean warrior and he was no mighty +warrior, but only a good, worthy man was he. "Come, my father Sualtaim," +said Cuchulain; [2]"cease thy sighing and mourning for me, and[2] do thou +go to Emain [3]Macha[3] to the men of Ulster and tell them to come now to +have a care for their droves, for no longer am I able to protect them in +the gaps and passes of the land of Conalle Murthemni. All alone am I +against four of the five grand provinces of Erin from Monday at Summer's +end till the beginning of Spring, every day slaying a man on a ford and a +hundred warriors every night. Fair fight is not granted me nor single +combat, and no [LL.fo.93b.] one comes to aid me nor to succour. [4]And such +is the measure of my wounds and my sores that I cannot bear my garments or +my clothing to touch my skin, so that[4] spancel-hoops hold my cloak over +me. Dry tufts of grass are stuffed in my wounds. [5]There is not the space +of a needle's point from my crown to my sole without wound or sore, and[5] +there is not a single hair [6]on my body[6] from my crown to my sole +whereon the point of a needle could stand, without a drop of deep-red blood +on the top of each hair, save the left hand alone which is holding my +shield, and even there thrice fifty bloody wounds are upon it. [7]And let +them straightway give battle to the warriors,[7] and unless they avenge +this anon, they will never avenge it till the very day of doom and of +life!" + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [5-5] Stowe. + + [6-6] Stowe. + + [7-7] YBL. 43b, 49. + +Sualtaim set out on Liath ('the Roan') of Macha as his only horse, with +warning to the men of Ulster. And when [W.4716.] he was come alongside of +Emain, he shouted these words there: "Men are slain, women stolen, cattle +lifted, ye men of Ulster!" cried Sualtaim. + +He had not [1]the answer[1] that served him from the Ulstermen, and +forasmuch as he had it not he went on further to the rampart of Emain. And +he cried out the same words there: "Men are slain, women stolen, cattle +lifted, ye men of Ulster!" cried Sualtaim. + + [1-1] Stowe. + +And [2]a second time[2] he had not the response that served him from the +men of Ulster. Thus stood it among the Ulstermen: It was geis for the +Ulstermen to speak before their king, geis for the king to speak before his +[3]three[3] druids. Thereafter Sualtaim drove on to the 'Flag-stone of the +hostages' in Emain Macha. He shouted the same words there: "Men are +slain, women stolen, cows carried off!" "But who has slain them, and +who has stolen them, and who has carried them off?" asked Cathba the +druid. "Ailill and Medb have, [4]with the cunning of Fergus mac Roig,[4] +overwhelmed you. [5]Your people have been harassed as far as Dun +Sobairche,"[5] said Sualtaim. "Your wives and your sons and your children, +your steeds and your stock of horses, your herds and your flocks and your +droves of cattle have been carried away. Cuchulain all alone is checking +and staying the hosts of the four great provinces of Erin at the gaps and +passes of the land of Conalle Murthemni. Fair fight is refused him, nor is +he granted single combat, nor comes any one to succour or aid him. +[6]Cuchulain has not suffered them to enter the plain of Murthemne or into +the land of Ross. Three winter months is he there.[6] The youth is wounded, +his limbs are out of joint. Spancel-hoops hold his cloak over him. There +is not a hair from his crown to his sole whereon the point of a needle +could stand, without a drop of deep-red [W.4737.] blood on the top of each +hair, except his left hand alone which is holding his shield, and even +there thrice fifty bloody wounds are upon it. And unless ye avenge this +betimes, ye will never avenge it till the end of time and of life." + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] YBL. 44a, 9. + + [4-4] YBL. 44a, 13. + + [5-5] YBL. 44a, 13. + + [6-6] YBL. 44a, 15. + +[LL.fo.94a.] "Fitter is death and doom and destruction for the man that so +incites the king!" quoth Cathba the druid. "In good sooth, it is true!" +[1]said the Ulstermen[1] all together. + + [1-1] Stowe. + +[2]Thereupon[2] Sualtaim went his way [3]from them,[3] indignant and angry +because from the men of Ulster he had not had the answer that served him. +Then reared Liath ('the Roan') of Macha under Sualtaim and dashed on to +the ramparts of Emain. Thereat [4]Sualtaim fell under his own shield, so +that[4] his own shield turned on Sualtaim and the [5]scalloped[5] edge of +the shield severed Sualtaim's head, [6]though others say he was asleep on +the stone, and that he fell thence onto his shield on awaking.[6] [7]Hence +this is the 'Tragical Death of Sualtaim.'[7] + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [5-5] YBL. 44a, 28. + + [6-6] YBL. 44a, 32-33. + + [7-7] Stowe. + +The horse himself turned back again to Emain, and the shield on the horse +and the head on the shield. And Sualtaim's head uttered the same words: +"Men are slain, women stolen, cattle lifted, ye men of Ulster!" spake the +head of Sualtaim. + +"Some deal too great is that cry," quoth Conchobar; "for yet is the sky +above us, the earth underneath and the sea round about us. And unless the +heavens shall fall with their showers of stars on the man-like[a] face of +the world, or unless the ground burst open in quakes [8]beneath our +feet,[8] or unless the furrowed, blue-bordered ocean break o'er the tufted +brow of the earth, will I restore [W.4756.] to her byre and her stall, to +her abode and her dwelling-place, each and every cow and woman of them with +victory of battle and contest and combat!" + + [a] Reading with LL. 5027 and 5975, which gives better meaning than the + expression 'fort-face,' of LL. + + [8-8] Stowe. + +Thereupon a runner of his body-guard was summoned to Conchobar, Findchad +Ferbenduma ('he of the copper Horn') to wit, son of Fraech Lethan ('the +Broad'), and Conchobar bade him go assemble and muster the men of Ulster. +And in like manner, in the drunkenness of sleep and of his 'Pains,' +Conchobar enumerated to him their quick and their dead, and he uttered +these words:-- + + "Arise, O Findchad! + [1]Thee I send forth:[1] + A negligence not to be wished (?); + Proclaim it to the chiefs of Ulster!" + + [1-1] Reading with YBL. 44a, 41. + +[2]The Order of the men of Ulster.[2] + + [2-2] Stowe and YBL. 44a, 41. + +[3]Go thou forward to Derg,[3] to Deda at his bay, to Lemain, to Follach, +to Illann [4]son of Fergus[4] at Gabar, to Dornaill Feic at Imchlar, to +Derg Imdirg, to Fedilmid [5]son of Ilar Cetach of Cualnge[5] at Ellonn, to +Reochad [6]son of Fathemon[6] at Rigdonn, to Lug, to Lugaid, to Cathba at +his bay, to Carfre at Ellne, to Laeg at his causeway, to Gemen in his +valley, to Senoll Uathach at Diabul Ard, [LL.fo.94b.] to Cethern son of +Fintan at Carrloig, [7]to Cethern at Eillne,[7] to Tarothor, to Mulach at +his fort, to the royal poet Amargin, to Uathach Bodba, to the Morrigan at +Dun Sobairche, to Eit, to Roth, to Fiachna at his mound, to Dam drend, to +Andiaraid, to Mane Macbriathrach ('the Eloquent'), to Dam Derg ('the Red'), +to Mod, to Mothus, to Iarmothus at Corp Cliath, to Gabarlaig in Line, to +Eocho Semnech in Semne, [8]to Eochaid Laithrech at Latharne,[8] to +Celtchar son of Uthecar in Lethglas, to Errge Echbel ('Horsemouth') at +Bri Errgi ('Errge's Hill'), to Uma son of Remarfessach ('Thickbeard') +at Fedain [W.4819.] in Cualnge, to Munremur ('Thickneck') son of +Gerrcend ('Shorthead') at Moduirn, to Senlabair at Canann Gall ('of the +Foreigners'), to Fallomain, to Lugaid, [1]king of the Fir Bolg,[1] to +Lugaid of Line, to Buadgalach ('the Victorious Hero'), to Abach, [2]to +Fergna at Barrene,[2] to Ane, to Aniach, [3]to Abra,[3] to Loegaire Milbel +('Honey-mouth'), at his fire (?), to the three sons of Trosgal at Bacc +Draigin ('Thornhollow'), to Drend, to Drenda, to Drendus, to Cimb, to +Cimbil, to Cimbin at Fan na Coba ('the Slope of ...), to Fachtna son of +Sencha at his rath, to Sencha, to Senchainte, to Bricriu, to Briccirne son +of Bricriu, to Brecc, to Buan, to Barach, to Oengus of the Fir Bolg, to +Oengus son of Lete, [4]to Fergus son of Lete,[4] to ...[a] (?), to +Bruachar, to Slange, to Conall Cernach ('the Victorious') son of Amargin at +Midluachar, to Cuchulain son of Sualtaim at Murthemne, to Menn son of +Salcholga at Rena ('the Waterways'), to the three sons of Fiachna, Ross, +Dare and Imchad at Cualnge, to Connud macMorna at the Callann, to Condra +son of Amargin at his rath, to Amargin at Ess Ruaid, to Laeg at Leire, to +Oengus Ferbenduma ('him of the copper Horn'), to Ogma Grianainech +('Sun-faced') at Brecc, to Eo macForne, to Tollcend, to Sude at Mag +Eol in Mag Dea, to Conla Saeb at Uarba, to Loegaire [5]Buadach ('the +Triumphant')[5] at Immail, to Amargin Iarngiunnach ('the Darkhaired') at +Taltiu, [LL.fo.94c.] to Furbaide Ferbenn ('the man with Horns on his +helmet') son of Conchobar at Sil in Mag Inis ('the Island-plain'), to +Cuscraid Menn ('the Stammerer') of Macha son of Conchobar at Macha, to +Fingin at Fingabair, to Blae 'the Hospitaller of a score,' to Blae 'the +Hospitaller of six men,' to Eogan son of Durthacht at Fernmag, to Ord at +Mag Sered, to Oblan, to Obail at Culenn, to Curethar, to Liana at Ethbenna, +to Fernel, to Finnchad [W.4892.] of Sliab Betha, to Talgoba [1]at Bernas +('the Gap'),[1] to Menn son of the Fir Cualann at Mag Dula, to Iroll at +Blarine, [2]to Tobraide son of Ailcoth,[2] to Ialla Ilgremma ('of many +Captures'), to Ross son of Ulchrothach ('the Many-shaped') at Mag Dobla, to +Ailill Finn ('the Fair'), to Fethen Bec ('the Little'), to Fethan Mor ('the +Big'), to Fergus son of Finnchoem ('the Fair-comely') at Burach, to Olchar, +to Ebadchar, to Uathchar, to Etatchar, to Oengus son of Oenlam Gabe ('the +one-handed Smith'), to Ruadri at Mag Tail, [3]to Mane son of Crom ('the +Bent'), to Nindech son of Cronn, to ... (?), to Mal macRochraidi,[3] to +Beothach ('the Lively'), to Briathrach ('the Wordy') at his rath, to +Narithla at Lothor, to the two sons of Feic, Muridach and Cotreb, to Fintan +son of Niamglonnach ('of brilliant Exploits') at Dun da Benn ('the +two-gabled Dun'), to Feradach Finn Fechtnach ('the Fair and Upright') at +Nemed ('the Shrine') of Sliab Fuait, [LL.fo.95a.] to Amargin son of +Ecetsalach ('the grimy Smith') at the Buas, to Bunne son of Munremar, to +Fidach son of Dorare, [4]to Muirne Menn ('the Stammerer').[4] + + [3-3] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [4-4] YBL. 44a, 46. + + [5-5] Stowe. + + [6-6] YBL. 44a, 45. + + [7-7] YBL. 44b, 7-8. + + [8-8] YBL. 44b, 28-29, Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [1-1] H. 1. 13 and YBL. 44b, 36. + + [2-2] YBL. 44b, 40-41. + + [3-3] YBL. 44b, 44. + + [4-4] Stowe and YBL. 44b, 14. + + [a] The readings are corrupt. + + [5-5] YBL. 44b, 44. + + [1-1] Reading with YBL. 45a, 14; LL. is corrupt. + + [2-2] YBL. 45a, 3. + + [3-3] YBL. 45a, 7. + + [4-4] YBL. 45a, 14. + +It was nowise a heavy task for Finnchad to gather this assembly and +muster which Conchobar had enjoined upon him. For all there were [5]of +Ulstermen[5] to the east of Emain and to the west of Emain and to the north +of Emain set out at once for the field of Emain in the service of their +king, and at the word of their lord, and to await the recovery of +Conchobar. Such as were from the south of Emain [6]waited not for +Conchobar, but[6] set out directly on the trail of the host and on the +hoof-prints of the Tain. + + [5-5] Stowe. + +The first stage the men of Ulster marched under Conchobar was [7]from +Emain[7] to the green in Iraird Cuillinn [W.4932.] that night. "Why now +delay we, ye men?" Conchobar asked. "We await thy sons," they answered; +"Fiacha and Fiachna who have gone [1]with a division[1] from us [2]to +Tara[2] to fetch Erc son of thy daughter Fedlimid Nocruthach ('Nine-shaped'), +son also of Carbre Niafer [3]king of Tara,[3] to the end that he should +come with the number of his muster and his troops, his levy and his forces +to our host at this time. [4]Until these two divisions come to us, no +further advance will we make from this place."[4] "By my word," exclaimed +Conchobar; "I will delay here no longer for them, lest the men of Erin hear +of my rising from the weakness and 'Pains' wherein I was. For the men of +Erin know not even if I am still alive!" + + [6-6] Stowe. + + [7-7] Stowe and YBL. 45a, 24. + + [1-1] YBL. 45a, 26. + + [2-2] YBL. 45a, 27. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] YBL. 45a, 29. + +Thereupon Conchobar and Celtchar proceeded with thirty hundred +spear-bristling chariot-fighters to Ath Irmidi ('the Ford of +Spear-points'). And there met them there eight-score huge men of the +body-guard of Ailill and Medb, with eight-score women [5]of the Ulstermen's +women[5] as their spoils. Thus was their portion of the plunder of Ulster: +A woman-captive in the hand of each man of them. Conchobar and Celtchar +struck off their eight-score heads and released their eight-score +captive-women. Ath Irmidi ('the Ford of Spear-points') was the name of the +place till that time; Ath Fene is its name ever since. It is for this it is +called Ath Fene, because the warriors of the Fene from the east and the +warriors of the Fene from the west encountered one another in battle and +contest man for man on the brink of the ford. + +[6]Touching the four grand provinces of Erin, they encamped at Slemain Mide +('Slane of Meath') that night, and[6] Conchobar and Celtchar returned that +night to the green in Iraird Cuillinn hard by the men of Ulster. Thereupon +Celtchar aroused the men of Ulster. + + [5-5] Stowe. + [6-6] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + * * * * * + +[Page 306] + + + + +XXIVa + +[1]THE AGITATION OF CELTCHAR[1] + + +[W.4954.] It was then that Celtchar [2]in his sleep[2] uttered these words +[3]to Conchobar[3] in the midst of the men of Ulster in Iraird Cuillinn +that night:[a]-- + + "Thirty hundred chariot-men; + An hundred horse-companions stout; + An hundred with an hundred druids! + To lead us will not fail + The hero of the land, + Conchobar with hosts around him! + Let the battle line be formed! + Gather now, ye warriors! + Battle shall be fought + At Garech and Ilgarech + On aftermorrow's morn!" + + [1-1] This title is supplied by the present writer. + + [2-2] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [3-3] YBL. 45a, 38. + + [a] I can make nothing of the first four lines of the following poem, + and they are consequently omitted from the translation. The translation + of the remainder of the _rosc_ is largely conjectural. + +[4]Or it was Cuscraid Menn ('the Stammerer') of Macha, Conchobar's son, who +sang this lay on the night before the battle ...,[b] after the lay 'Arise +ye Kings of Macha' which Loegaire Buadach ('the Victorious ') sang.[4] + + [4-4] YBL. 45a, 45-45b, 2. + + [b] There is a small gap in the MS. + +On that same night Cormac Conlongas, Conchobar's son, spake these words to +the men of Erin at Slemain Mide that night:-- + + [W.4973.] "A wonder of a morning, + A wondrous [1]time![1] + When hosts will be confused, + [2]Kings[2] turned back in flight! + [3]Necks will be broken, + The sand[a] made red,[3] + When forth breaks the battle, + The seven chieftains before, + Of Ulster's host round Conchobar! + Their women will they defend, + For their herds will they fight + At Garech and Ilgarech, + On the morning after the morrow! + [4]Heroes will be slaughtered then, + Hounds cut to pieces, + Steeds overwhelmed!"[4] + + [1-1] YBL. 45b, 7. + + [2-2] Reading with YBL. 45b, 8; LL. has 'hosts'. + + [3-3] YBL. 45b, 8-9. + + [a] Or, 'the sun.' + + [4-4] YBL. 45b, 11-14. + +On that same night, Dubthach Doel ('the Scorpion')[b] of Ulster [5]saw the +dream wherein were the hosts at Garech and Ilgarech. Then it was[5] he +uttered these words [6]in his sleep[6] among the men of Erin at Slemain +Mide that night:-- + + "Great be the morn, + The morn of Meath! + Great be the truce + The [7]truce[7] of Culenn! + + "Great be the fight, + The fight of [8]Clartha![8] + Great, too, the steeds, + The steeds of Assal! + + "Great be the plague, + The plague of Tuath-Bressi![c] + Great be the storm, + Ulster's battle-storm round Conchobar! + + "Their women will they defend, + For their herds will they fight + At Garech and Ilgarech, + On the morning after the morrow!" + + [5-5] YBL. 45b, 4-5. + + [6-6] YBL. 45b, 5-6. + + [7-7] YBL. 45b, 19. + + [8-8] Reading with Stowe. + + [b] See note, page 198. + + [c] Probably Connacht. + +[W.5003.] Then [1]when the hosts were assembled at Garech and Ilgarech,[1] +Dubthach was awakened from his sleep, so that Nemain brought confusion on +the host and they fell trembling in their arms under the points of their +spears and weapons, so that an hundred warriors of them fell dead +[LL.fo.95b.] in the midst of their camp and quarters at the fearfulness of +the shout they raised on high. Be that as it would, that night was not the +calmest for the men of Erin that they passed before or since, because of +the forebodings and predictions and because of the spectres and visions +that were revealed to them. + + [1-1] YBL. 45b, 4-5. + + * * * * * + +[Page 309] + + + + +XXV + +[1]HERE FOLLOWETH THE ARRAY OF THE HOST[1] + + +[2]While these things were being done, the Connachtmen by the counsel of +Ailill, Medb, and Fergus, resolved to send messengers from thence to spy +out the men of Ulster, to make certain if they had taken possession of the +plain.[2] [W.5011.] Said Ailill: "Truly have I succeeded," said he, "in +laying waste Ulster and the land of the Picts [3]and Cualnge[3] from Monday +at Summer's end till Spring's beginning. We have taken their women and +their sons and their children, their steeds and their troops of horses, +their herds and their flocks and their droves. We have laid level their +hills after them, so that they have become lowlands and are all one height. +For this cause, will I await them no longer here, but let them offer me +battle on Mag Ai, if so it please them. But, say here what we will, some +one shall go forth [4]from us[4] to watch the great, wide plain of Meath, +to know if the men of Ulster come hither. And, should the men of Ulster +come hither, I will in no wise be the first to retreat [5]till battle be +given them,[5] for it was never the wont of a good king to retreat." + + [1-1] YBL. 45b, 22. + + [2-2] YBL. 45b, 23-26. + + [3-3] Stowe. + + [4-4] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [5-5] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + +"Who should fitly go thither?" asked all. "Who but macRoth our chief runner +yonder," [6]answered another group of them.[6] + + [6-6] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + +[W.5023.] MacRoth went his way to survey the great wide-spreading plain of +Meath. Not long was macRoth there when he heard something: A rush and a +crash and a clatter and a clash. Not slight the thing he judged it to be, +but as though it was the firmament itself that fell on the man-like face of +the world, or as though it was the furrowed, blue-bordered ocean that broke +o'er the tufted brow of the earth, or as though the ground had gone asunder +in quakes, or as though the forest fell, each of the trees in the crotches +and forks and branches of the other. But why give further accounts! The +wood's wild beasts were hunted out on the plain, so that beneath them the +grassy forelocks of the plain of Meath were not to be seen. + +MacRoth hastened to tell this tale at the place where were Ailill and Medb +and Fergus and the nobles of the men of Erin. MacRoth related the whole +matter to them. + +"What was that there, O Fergus?" asked Ailill; [1]"to what likenest thou +it?"[1] "Not hard [2]for me to say what it resembled.[2] It was the rush +and tramp and clatter that he heard," said Fergus, "the din and thunder, +the tumult and turmoil [3]of the Ulstermen.[3] It was the men of Ulster +[4]arising from their 'Pains,'[4] who have come into the woods, the throng +of champions and battle-heroes cutting down with their swords the woods in +the way of their chariots. This it was that hath put the wild animals to +flight on the plain, so that the grassy forelocks of the field of Meath are +hidden beneath them!" + + [1-1] YBL. 46a, 2. + + [2-2] YBL. 46a, 1-2. + + [3-3] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [4-4] YBL. 46a, 3-4. + +Another time macRoth surveyed the plain and he saw something: A heavy, grey +mist that filled [5]the glens and the slopes,[5] [6]the upper void and +veil,[6] the space between the heavens and earth. It seemed to him that +[7]the hills[7] were islands in lakes that he saw rising up out of the +sloping [W.5044.] valleys of mist. It seemed to him they were wide-yawning +caverns that he saw there leading into that mist. It seemed to him it was +all-white, flaxy sheets of linen, or sifted snow a-falling that he saw +there through a rift in the mist. It seemed to him it was a flight of many, +varied, wonderful, numerous birds [1]that he[a] saw in the same mist,[1] or +the constant sparkling of shining stars [LL.fo.96a.] on a bright, clear +night of hoar-frost, or sparks of red-flaming fire. He heard something: A +rush and a din and a hurtling sound, a noise and a thunder, a tumult and a +turmoil, [2]and a great wind that all but took the hair from his[b] head +and threw him[c] on his[b] back, and yet the wind of the day was not +great.[2] He hastened on to impart these tidings at the place where were +Ailill and Medb and Fergus and the nobles of the men of Erin. He reported +the matter to them. + + [5-5] YBL. 45b, 40-41. + + [6-6] Stowe. + + [7-7] YBL. 45b, 41. + + [a] MS.: 'I.' + + [1-1] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [2-2] YBL. 45b, 46-46a, 1. + + [b] MS. 'my.' + + [c] MS. 'me.' + +"But what was that, O Fergus?" asked Ailill. "Not hard to say," Fergus made +answer. "This was the great, grey mist that he saw which filled the space +between the heavens and earth, namely, the streaming breath both of horses +and men, the smoke of the earth and the dust of the roads as it rose over +them with the driving of the wind, so that it made a heavy, deep-grey misty +vapour thereof in the clouds and the air. + +"These were the islands over lakes that he saw there, and the tops of hills +and of heights over the sloping valleys of mist, even the heads of the +champions and battle-heroes over the chariots and the chariots withal. +These were the wide-yawning caverns that he saw there leading into that +mist, even the mouths and the nostrils of the horses and champions exhaling +and inhaling the sun and the wind with the speed of the host. These were +the all-white, flax-like cloths that he saw there or the streaming +[W.5066.] snow a-falling, to wit the foam and the froth that the bridles of +the reins flung from the bits of strong, stout steeds with the stress, +[1]with the swiftness and strength and speed[1] of the host. + + [1-1] H. 1. 13. + +"These were the flights of many, various, wonderful, numerous birds that he +saw there, even the dust of the ground and the top of the earth [2]and the +sods[2] which the horses flung from their feet and their hoofs and arose +[3]over the heads of the host[3] with the driving of the wind. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] Stowe. + +"This was the rush and the crash and the hurtling sound, the din and the +thunder, the clatter and clash that he heard there, to wit the shield-shock +of shields and the jangle of javelins and the hard-smiting of swords and +the ring of helmets, the clangour of breast-plates and the rattle of arms +and the fury of feats, the straining of ropes and the whirr of wheels and +the trampling of horses' hoofs and the creaking of chariots, and the deep +voices of heroes and battle-warriors coming hither towards us. + +"This was the constant sparkling of shining stars on a bright, clear +night that he saw there and the sparks of red-flaming fire, even the +bloodthirsty, terrible eyes of the champions and battle-warriors from under +beautiful, well-shaped, finely-adorned battle-helmets; eyes full of the +fury and rage they brought with them, against the which neither before nor +since has equal combat nor overwhelming force of battle prevailed, and +against which it will never prevail till the very day of doom and of life!" + +"We make not much of that," quoth Medb;[a] [4]"we will await them.[4] +[5]For[5] there are goodly warriors and goodly fighting-men with us to cope +with them." [6]"Thou shall have need of them," answered Fergus.[6] "Truly, +I count not on that, O Medb. For I give my word, thou [W.5087.] shalt find +no host in [1]all[1] Erin, nor in Alba, [2]nor in the western part of the +world from Greece and Scythia westwards to the Orkney Islands, the Pillars +of Hercules, Bregon's Tower and the islands of Cadiz[2] to cope with the +men of Ulster when once their anger comes on them!" + + [a] 'Ailill,' YBL. 46a, 23. + + [4-4] YBL. 46a, 22. + + [5-5] Stowe. + + [6-6] YBL. 46a, 23. + + [1-1] YBL. 46a, 24. + + [2-2] YBL. 45a, 25-28. + +Then did the four grand provinces of Erin pitch camp and make lodgment at +Clartha for that night. They sent forth folk to keep watch and guard +against Ulster, to the end that the Ulstermen might not come upon them +without warning, without notice. + +Then it was that Conchobar and Celtchar with thirty hundred bristling +chariot-fighters set forth, till they halted at Slemain Mide ('Slane of +Meath') [LL.fo.96b.] in the rear of the host of Erin. But, though 'halted' +we have said, [3]a very brief halt made they there.[3] Not straightway +pitched they camp, but proceeded for a favourable sign to the quarters of +Ailill and Medb, so they might be the first of all to redden their hands +[4]on the men of Erin.[4] + + [3-3] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [4-4] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + +[5]Then did macRoth go again to view the hosting of the men of Ulster, so +that he reached their encampment at Slane of Meath.[5] It was not long +macRoth had been there when he saw something: An incomparable, immense +troop of horsemen in Slane of Meath coming straight from the north-east. He +hastened forward to where were Ailill and Medb and Fergus and the chiefs of +the men of Erin. Ailill asked tidings of him on his arrival: "Say, +macRoth," queried Ailill; "sawest thou aught of the men of Ulster on the +trail of the host this day?" "Truly I know not," answered macRoth; "but I +saw an incomparable, immense troop of horsemen in Slane of Meath coming +straight from the north-east." "But how many numbered the horse-troop?" +asked Ailill. "Not fewer, meseemed, [W.5107.] than thirty hundred fully +armed chariot-fighters were they, even ten hundred and twenty hundred fully +armed chariot-fighters," macRoth made answer. + + [5-5] YBL. 46a, 28-31. + +"So, O Fergus," quoth Ailill, [1]"those are the warriors of Ulster with +Conchobar![1] How thinkest thou to terrify us till now with the smoke and +dust and the breath of a mighty host, while all the battle-force thou hast +is that we see yonder!" + + [1-1] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + +"A little too soon belittlest thou them," Fergus retorted; "for mayhap the +bands are more numerous than is said they are." + +"Let us take good, swift counsel on the matter," said Medb; "for yon huge, +most fierce, most furious man will attack us we ween, Conchobar, to wit, +son of Fachtna Fathach ('the Giant') son of Ross Ruad ('the Red') son of +Rudraige, himself High King of Ulster and son of the High King of Erin. Let +there be a hollow array of the men of Erin before Conchobar and a force of +thirty hundred ready to close in from behind, and the men shall be taken +and in no wise wounded; for, no more than is a caitiff's lot is this +whereto they are come!" Wherefore this is the third most derisive word that +was spoken on the Cattle-lifting of Cualnge, even to take Conchobar [2]and +his people[2] prisoners without wounding, and to inflict a caitiff's lot on +the ten hundred and twenty hundred who accompanied the kings of Ulster. + + [2-2] Stowe. + +And Cormac Conlongas son of Conchobar heard that, and he knew that unless +he took vengeance at once upon Medb for her great boast, he would not +avenge it till the very day of doom and of life. + +It was then that Cormac Conlongas son of Conchobar arose with his troop of +thirty hundred to inflict the revenge of battle and prowess upon Ailill and +Medb. Ailill arose [W.5129.] with his thirty hundred to meet him. Medb +arose with her thirty hundred. The Mane arose with their thirty hundred. +The sons of Maga arose with their thirty hundred. The Leinstermen and the +Munstermen and the people of Temair arose and made interposition between +them, so that on both sides each warrior sat down near to the other and +near by his arms. + +Meanwhile a hollow array of men was made by Medb to face Conchobar and a +[1]warlike[1] band of thirty hundred ready to close in from behind. +Conchobar proceeded to attack the circle of men, [2]to force an opening.[2] +And he was far from seeking any particular breach, but he worked a small +gap, broad enough for a man-at-arms, right in front over against him in the +circle of combatants, and effected a breach of an hundred on his right +side, and a breach of an hundred on his left, and he turned in on them, and +mingled [3]among them[3] on their ground, and there fell of them eight +hundred fully brave warriors at his hands. And thereafter he left them +without blood or bleeding from himself and took his station in Slane of +Meath at the head of the men of Ulster. + + [1-1] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [2-2] Reading with Stowe. + + [3-3] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + +"Come, ye men of Erin!" cried Ailill. "Let some one go hence to scan the +wide-stretching plain of Meath, to know in what guise the men of Ulster +come to the height in Slane of Meath, to bring us an account of their arms +and their gear [4]and their trappings, their kings and their royal +leaders,[4] their champions and battle-warriors and gap-breakers of +hundreds and their yeomen, [5]to which to listen will shorten the time for +us."[5] [LL.fo.97a.] "Who should go thither?" asked all. "Who but macRoth +the chief runner," Aililla[a] made answer. + + [4-4] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [5-5] Following Stowe. + + [a] 'Fergus,' H. 1. 13 and Stowe. + +MacRoth went his way till he took his station in Slane [W.5151.] of Meath, +awaiting the men of Ulster. The Ulstermen were busied in marching to that +hill from gloaming of early morn till sunset hour in the evening. In such +manner the earth was never left naked under them during all that time, +every division of them under its king, and every band under its leader, and +every king and every leader and every lord with the number of his force and +his muster, his gathering and his levy apart. Howbeit, by sunset hour in +the evening all the men of Ulster had taken position on that height in +Slane of Meath. + +MacRoth came forward with the account of their first company to the place +where Ailill and Medb and Fergus were and the nobles of the men of +Erin. Ailill and Medb asked tidings of him when he arrived. "Come, +macRoth," quoth Ailill, "tell us in what manner of array do the Ulstermen +advance to the hill of Slane in Meath?" "Truly, I know not," answered +macRoth, "except [1]this alone:[1] There came a fiery, powerful, most +well-favoured company upon the hill of Slane in Meath," said macRoth. "It +seemed, on scanning and spying, that[a] thrice thirty hundred[a] warriors +were in it. [2]Anon[2] they all doffed their garments and threw up a turfy +mound for their leader to sit on. A youth, slender, long, exceeding great +of stature, fair to behold, proud of mien, in the van of the troop. Fairest +of the princes of the world was he in the midst of his warriors, as well in +fearsomeness and in awe, in courage and command; fair-yellow hair, curled, +delicately arranged in ridges and bushy had he [3]reaching to the nape of +his neck;[3] a comely, clear-rosy countenance he had, [4]narrow below and +broad above;[4] a deep-blue-grey, angry eye, devouring. [W.5175.] and +fear-inspiring, in his head; a two-forked beard, yellow, fairly curled, on +his chin; a purple mantle with fringes and five-folded wrapped around him; +a [1]conspicuous,[1] salmon-shaped brooch of [2]red[2] gold in the mantle +over his breast; a shining-white, hooded shirt under red interweaving of +red gold he wore next his white skin; a bright-white shield with figures of +beasts of red gold thereon; a gold-hilted, hammered sword in one of his +hands; a broad and grey-green lance-head [3]on an ashen shaft[3] in the +other; [4]the pillar of a king's house on his back.[4] That warrior took +his station on the top of the mound, so that each one came up to him and +his company took their places around him. + + [1-1] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [a-a] 'Thirty hundred,' Stowe, H. 1. 13, and YBL. 46a, 47. + + [2-2] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [3-3] Stowe and H. 1. 13, and, similarly, YBL. 46a, 42. + + [4-4] YBL. 46a, 47. + + [1-1] YBL. 46a, 44. + + [2-2] YBL. 46a, 44. + + [3-3] YBL. 46b, 3. + + [4-4] Stowe and H. 1. 13. That is, 'a great spear.' + +"There came also another company to the same height in Slane of Meath," +continued macRoth. "Second of the two divisions of thirty hundred it was, +[5]and next to the other in numbers and attendance, in accoutrements and +fearfulness and horror.[5] A [6]great,[6] [7]hero-like,[7] well-favoured +warrior was there likewise at the head of that company; fair-yellow hair he +wore; a bright, curly beard about his chin; a green mantle wrapped around +him; a bright-silvern pin in the mantle at his breast; a brown-red, +soldier's tunic under red interweaving of red gold trussed up against his +fair skin down to his knees; a candle of a king's house[a] in his hand, +with windings of silver and bands of gold; wonderful the feats and games +performed with the spear in the hand of the youth; the windings of silver +ran round it by the side of the bands of gold, now from the butt to the +socket, while at other times it was the bands of gold that circled by the +side of the windings of silver from socket to spear-end; a smiting shield +with [W.5195.] plaited edge he bore; a sword with hilt-pieces of ivory, and +ornamented with thread of gold on his left side. This warrior took his +station on the left of the leader[1] of the first company[1] who had come +to the mound, and his followers got them seated around him. But, though we +have said they sat, they did not verily seat themselves at once, but +[2]they sat thus,[2] with their knees on the ground and the rims of their +shields against their chins, so long it seemed to them till they should be +let at us. But, one thing yet: Meseemed that [LL.fo.97b.] the great, fierce +youth who led the troop stammered grievously [3]in his speech.[3] + + [5-5] YBL. 46b, 8-9. + + [6-6] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [7-7] YBL. 46b, 9. + + [a] That is, 'a flaming-red spear.' + + [1-1] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [2-2] YBL. 46b, 19. + + [3-3] YBL. 46b, 21. + +"Still another battalion there came to the same mound in Slane of Meath," +continued macRoth. "Second to its fellow in number and followers and +apparel. A handsome, broad-headed warrior at the head of that troop; +dark-yellow hair in tresses he wore; an eager, dark-blue eye rolling +restlessly in his head; a bright, curled beard, forked and tapering, at his +chin; a dark-grey cloak with fringes, folded around him; a leaf-shaped +brooch of silvered bronze in the mantle over his breast; a white-hooded +shirt [4]reaching to his knees[4] [5]was girded[5] next to his skin; a +bright shield with raised devices of beasts thereon he bore; a sword with +white silver hilt in battle-scabbard at his waist; the pillar of a king's +palace he bore on his back. This warrior took his station on the hill of +turf facing the warrior who first came to the hill, and his company took +their places around him. But sweet as the tone of lutes in masters' hands +when long sustained, so seemed to me the melodious sound of the voice and +the speech of the youth conversing with the warrior who first came to the +hill and offering him every counsel." + + [4-4] YBL. 46b, 30. + + [5-5] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + +"But who might that be?" asked Ailill of Fergus. [W.5218.] "Truly, we know +him well," Fergus made answer. "This, to wit, is the first hero for whom +they threw up the mound of turf on the height of the hill and whom all +approached, namely, Conchobar son of Fachtna Fathach son of Ross Ruad son +of Rudraige, High King of Ulster, and son of the High King of Erin. [1]It +is he that sat on the mound of sods.[1] This, to wit, is the stammering, +great warrior," [2]Fergus continued,[2] "who took station on [3]his +father[3] Conchobar's left, namely, Cuscraid Menn ('the Stammerer') of +Macha, Conchobar's son, with the sons of the king of Ulster [4]and the sons +of the princes of the men of Erin[4] close by him. This is the spear he saw +in his hand, even the 'Torch of Cuscraid,' with its windings of silver and +bands of gold. It is the wont of that spear that neither before nor after +do the silver windings run round it by the side of the bands of gold but +only on the eve of a triumph. Belike, it is almost before a triumph they +course round it now. + + [1-1] YBL. 46b, 36. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] YBL. 46b, 40. + + [4-4] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + +"The well-favoured, broad-headed warrior who seated himself on the hill in +the presence of the youth who first came on the mound, namely is Sencha son +of Ailill son of Maelcho 'the Eloquent' of Ulster, he that is wont to +appease the hosts of the men of Erin. But, yet a word more I say: It is not +the counsel of cowardice nor of fear that he gives his lord this day on the +day of strife, but counsel to act with valour and courage and wisdom and +cunning. But, again one word further I say," added Fergus: "It is a goodly +people for performing great deeds that has risen there early this day +around Conchobar!" "We make not much of them," quoth Medb; "we have goodly +warriors and stout youths to deal with them." "I count not that for much," +answered Fergus again; "but I say this word: Thou wilt not find in Erin nor +in Alba a host to be a match [W.5242.] for the men of Ulster when once +their anger comes upon them." + +"Yet another company there came to the same mound in Slane of Meath," said +macRoth. [1]"Not fewer than a battalion of thirty hundred was in it.[1] A +fair, tall, great warrior [LL.fo.98a.] in the van of that battalion, and he +of fiery spirit, with noble countenance. Brown, dark-coloured hair he wore, +smooth and thin on his forehead; a dull-grey cloak girt around him; a +silver pin in the cloak over his breast; a bright, sleeved tunic next to +his skin; a curved shield with sharp, plaited rim he bore; a five-pronged +spear in his hand; a straightsword with ornaments of walrus-tooth in its +place." "But, who might that be?" asked Ailill of Fergus. "In very sooth, +we know him," Fergus made answer. "The putting of hands on strife is he; a +battle-warrior for combat and destruction on foes is the one who is come +there, [2]even[2] Eogan son of Durthacht, [3]king of the stout-handed[3] +Fernmag in the north, is the one yonder." + + [1-1] Stowe, H. 1. 13, and, similarly, YBL. 47a, 1. + + [2-2] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and YBL. 47a, 12. + + [3-3] Reading with Stowe and H. 1. 13; LL. seems to be corrupt here. + +"Another battalion there came thither to the same mound in Slane of Meath," +continued macRoth. "It is surely no false word that boldly they took the +hill. Deep the terror, great the fear they brought with them. [4]Terrible +the clangour of arms they made as they advanced.[4] Their raiment all +thrown back behind them. A great-headed, warlike warrior in the forefront +of the company, and he eager for blood, dreadful to look upon; spare, +grizzly hair had he; huge, yellow eyes in his head; a yellow, close-napped +(?) cloak around him; a pin of yellow gold in the cloak over his breast; a +yellow tunic with lace next his skin; [5]a great, smiting sword under his +waist;[5] in his hand a nailed, broad-plated, long-shafted spear with a +drop [W.5262.] of blood on its edge." "But, who might that be?" asked +Ailill of Fergus. "In truth then, we know him, that warrior," Fergus gave +answer. "Neither battle nor battle-field nor combat nor contest shuns he, +the one who is come thither. Loegaire Buadach ('the Victorious') son of +Connad Buide ('the Yellow') son of Iliach, from Immail in the north, is the +one yonder." + + [4-4] YBL. 47a, 18-19. + + [5-5] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + +"Another company there came there too to the same mound in Slane of Meath," +continued macRoth. "A thick-necked, burly warrior at the head of that +troop; black, bushy hair he had; a scarred, crimsoned face he had; a +deep-blue-grey, blazing eye in his head; a spear set with eyes of glass, +casting shadows over him; a black shield with a hard rim of silvered bronze +upon him; a dun-coloured cloak of curly wool about him; a brooch of pale +gold in the cloak over his breast; a three-striped tunic of silk [1]with +red embroidery[1] next to his skin; a sword with ivory hilt and with +ornamentation of thread of gold over his dress on the outside." "But, who +might that man be?" asked Ailill of Fergus. "We know him full well," +Fergus made answer. "He is the putting of hand on strife; a wave of the +high sea that drowneth [2]the small streams;[2] he is the man of three +shouts; the sea over walls; [3]the venomous destruction of enemies,[3] the +man who comes thither. Muremur ('Thick-neck') son of Gerrcend ('Short-head') +from Moduirn in the north is the one yonder." + + [1-1] YBL. 47a, 40. + + [2-2] YBL. 47a, 43. + + [3-3] YBL. 47a, 44. + +"Still another company there came to the same mound in Slane of Meath," +continued macRoth. [4]"Not fewer than thirty hundred, the battle line of +the troops.[4] A [5]broad-headed,[5] stout warrior, pleasantly found of +limb, in the front of that troop; he is dried and sallow; he is wild and +bull-like; a dun, round eye, proud in his head; [W.5283.] yellow, very +curly is his hair; a red, round shield with hard-silver rim about it he +bore; a [1]trebly riveted,[1] broad-plated, long-shafted spear in his hand; +a streaked-grey cloak around him; a salmon-shaped brooch of copper in the +cloak over his breast; a hooded kirtle girded around him reaching down to +his calves; a straightsword with ornaments of walrus-tooth on his left +thigh." "But who might he be?" [LL.fo.98b.] asked Ailill of Fergus. "I know +him indeed," Fergus made answer. "He is the prop of battle; [2]he is the +wild heat of anger; he is the daring of every battle;[2] he is the triumph +of every combat; he is the tool that pierces, is the man who comes +thither. Connud macMorna, from the Callann in the north, is the man +yonder." + + [4-4] YBL. 47b, 12-13. + + [5-5] Reading with Stowe and H. 1. 13. + +"There came still another company to the same mound in Slane of Meath," +continued macRoth. [3]"A company most fair to look upon, most notable both +in numbers and in attendance and apparel.[3] It is indeed no lying word, it +is with might and storm they gained the hill, so that [4]with the clash of +arms they made at the approach of that company[4] they startled the hosts +that had arrived there before them. A man, comely and noble, in advance of +that band; most well-favoured to see of the men of the world, whether in +shape or form or frame; [5]whether in hair or eyes or fearfulness; whether +in voice or brightness or knowledge or adornment; whether in rank or wisdom +or kindred;[5] whether in arms or apparel; whether in size or worth or +beauty; whether in figure or valour or conduct." [6]"Who might that man be, +O Fergus?" asked Ailill.[6] "Then it is surely no lying word," Fergus made +answer: "A fitting saying is this, 'No fool 'mongst the naked'[a] is he who +[W.5299.] comes thither. He is the foe of all others; he is a power +irresistible; the storm-wave that drowneth, the glitter of ice is that +well-favoured man. Fedilmid [1]son of[1] [2]Ilar Cetach of Cualnge,[2] from +Ellonn in the north, is he yonder, [3]with trophies from other lands after +dealing destruction to his enemies."[3] + + [1-1] YBL. 47b, 20. + + [2-2] YBL. 47b, 21-22. + + [3-3] YBL. 47a, 48-49. + + [4-4] YBL. 47a, 50-51. + + [5-5] YBL. 47b, 1-3. + + [6-6] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + + [a] A proverbial saying, the exact force of which we cannot determine. + The reading of H. 1. 13 may be translated, 'No fool on a board (or + shield ?),' that is, a clown or tumbler (?). + + [1-1] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [2-2] Reading with Stowe. + + [3-3] YBL. 47b, 9-10. + +"Still another battalion came thither to the same hill in Slane of Meath," +macRoth proceeded. [4]"It is the array of an army for greatness.[4] Not +often is a warrior seen more handsome than the warrior that is in the front +rank of that company. Bushy, red-yellow hair he wore; [5]his countenance +comely, ruddy, well-formed;[5] his face [6]slender below,[6] broad above; a +deep-blue-grey, beaming eye, and it flashing and laughing in his head; a +well-set, shapely man, tall, slender below and broad above; red, thin lips +he had; teeth shining and pearl-like; [7]a clear, ringing voice;[7] a +white-skinned body; [8]most beautiful of the forms of men;[8] [9]a purple +cloak wrapped around him;[9] a brooch of gold in the mantle over his +breast; a [10]hooded[10] tunic of royal silk with a red hem of red gold he +wore next to his white skin; a bright, [11]curved[11] shield with +[12]wonderful,[12] [13]many-coloured[13] devious figures of beasts in red +gold thereon [14]and with hollows of silver he bore at his left side;[14] a +gold-hilted, inlaid sword [15]hanging from his neck[15] at his left side; a +long, grey-edged spear [W.5313.] along with a cutting bye-spear of attack, +with thongs for throwing, with fastenings of silvered bronze, in his hand." + + [4-4] YBL. 47b, 26. + + [5-5] YBL. 47b, 29-30; Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [6-6] Translating from YBL. 47b, 30, Stowe and H. 1. 13; LL. has, 'very + beautiful.' + + [7-7] YBL. 47b, 32. + + [8-8] YBL. 47b, 34, Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [9-9] Reading with Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [10-10] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and YBL. 47b, 40-41. + + [11-11] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and YBL. 47b, 36. + + [12-12] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [13-13] YBL. 47b, 37. + + [14-14] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and YBL. 47b, 37. + + [15-15] YBL. 47b, 40. + +"But who might that man be?" asked Ailill of Fergus. "We know him full +well," Fergus made answer. "He is half of a battle; he is the dividing[a] +of combat; he is the wild rage of a watchhound, the man who is come +thither; Rochad son of Fatheman, from Rigdonn in the north, is he +yonder. [1]Your son-in-law is he[1]; [2]he wedded your daughter, namely +Finnabair,[2] [3]without dower, and he brought neither marriage-gift nor +bride-price to her."[3] + + [a] That is, 'a single-handed warrior,' translating from YBL. 47b, 43 + and Stowe. + + [1-1] YBL. 47b. 45. + + [2-2] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and YBL. 47b, 46. + + [3-3] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + +"Another battalion there came to the same hill in Slane of Meath," +continued macRoth. "A stalwart, thick-thighed, [4]gross-calved[4] warrior +at the head of that company; little but every limb of him as stout as a +man. Verily it is no lying word, he is a man down to the ground," said he. +"Brown, bushy hair upon his head; a round-faced, ruddy countenance +[5]covered with scars[5] he had; a flashing, proud eye in his head; +a splendid, dexterous man was there, in this wise: Accompanied by +black-haired, black-eyed youths; with a red, flaming banner; [6]with terror +and fearsomeness; with wonderful appearance, both of arms and apparel and +raiment and countenance and splendour; with converse of heroes; with +champions' deeds;[6] with wilful rashness, so that they seek to rout +overwhelming numbers outside of equal combat, [7]with their wrath upon +foes, with raids into hostile lands,[7] with the violence of assault upon +them, without having aught assistance from [W.5327.] Conchobar. [1]It is no +lying word, stiffly they made their march, that company to Slane of +Meath."[1] + + [4-4] YBL. 47b, 48, Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [5-5] YBL. 48a, 2, Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [6-6] Stowe, and, similarly, YBL. 48a, 4-6, H. 1. 13. + + [7-7] YBL. 48a, 8-9, and, similarly, Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [1-1] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and, similarly, YBL. 48a, 10-11. + +"But, who might he be?" asked Ailill of Fergus. "Aye then we know him," +Fergus made answer. "A thirst for valour and prowess; a thirst for madness +and fury; [2]a man of strength and of courage, of pride and of greatness of +heart[2] is he that came thither. The welding of hosts and of arms; the +point of battle and of slaughter of the men of the north of Erin, mine own +real foster-brother himself, Fergus son of Lete, [3]the king[3] from Line +in the north, is the man yonder!" + + [2-2] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [3-3] YBL. 48a, 14. + +"Still another [4]great, fierce[4] company came to the same hill in Slane +of Meath," macRoth continued. [5]"A battle-line with strange garments +upon them,[5] steadfast, without equal. A [6]comely,[6] handsome, +[7]matchless,[7] untiring warrior in the van of this company; [8]the flower +of every form, whether as regards hair, or eye, or whiteness; whether of +size, or followers or fitness.[8] Next to his skin a blue, narrow-bordered +cloth, with strong, woven and twisted hoops of silvered bronze, with +becoming, sharp-fashioned buttons of red gold on its slashes and +breast-borders; a [9]green[9] mantle, pieced together with the choicest of +all colours, [10]folded about him;[10] [11]a brooch of pale gold in the +cloak over his breast;[11] five circles of gold, [LL.fo.99a.] that is, his +shield, he bore on him; a tough, obdurate, straight-bladed sword for a +hero's handling hung high on his left side. A straight, fluted spear, +flaming red [12]and venomous[12] in his hand." "But, who might that be?" +asked [W.5342.] Ailill of Fergus. "Truly, we know him well," Fergus made +answer. [1]"Fiery is the manner of the warlike champion who has so come +thither.[1] The choice flower of royal poets is he. He is the rush on the +rath; he is the way to the goal; fierce is his valour, the man that came +thither; Amargin son of the smith Ecetsalach ('the Grimy'), the noble poet +from the Buas in the north, is he." + + [4-4] YBL. 48a, 16. + + [5-5] YBL. 48a, 17. + + [6-6] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and YBL. 48a, 18. + + [7-7] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [8-8] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and YBL. 48a, 19-20. + + [9-9] YBL. 48a, 21. + + [10-10] YBL. 48a, 21. + + [11-11] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and, similarly, YBL. 48a, 22. + + [12-12] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [1-1] YBL. 48a, 24-25. + +"There came yet another company there to the same hill in Slane of Meath," +continued macRoth. "A fair, yellow-haired hero in the front rank of that +band. Fair was the man, both in hair and eye and beard and eyebrows and +apparel; a rimmed shield he bore; a gold-hilted, overlaid sword on his left +side; in his hand, a five-pointed spear that reflected its glare over +the entire host, [2]and a hollow lance in his hand. Hero-like was his +coming!"[2] + + [2-2] YBL. 48b, 1-2. + +"But who was that man?" asked Ailill of Fergus. "In sooth, we know him +well," Fergus made answer. "Cherished, in truth, is that warrior by the +people, he that to us is come thither; cherished, the stout-blow-dealing +beast; cherished, the bear of great deeds against foes, [3]with the +violence of his attack.[3] Feradach Finn Fectnach ('the Fair and +Righteous') from Nemed ('the Grove') in Sliab Fuait in the north, is the +one that is come there." + + [3-3] Reading with Stowe and H. 1. 13. + +[4]"Another company there came to the mound in Slane of Meath," continued +macRoth. "Three bold, high-spirited youths of noble countenance, [5]fiery +and noble,[5] in the front rank of that company. Three cloaks of the one +colour [6]they wore folded[6] upon them; [7]three close shorn, blae-yellow +heads; three gold brooches over their arms; three sleeved tunics with +embroidery of red gold, girded around them;[7] three shields wholly alike +they bore; [8]three gold-hilted swords on their shoulders;[8] three +five-pointed, [W.5360.] [1]broad and grey-green[1] spears in their +[2]right[2] hands." "Who were those men there?" Ailill asked. "I know," +Fergus answered; "the three princes of Roth, the three champions of Colph, +the three of Midluachair, great in achievements, three seasoned warriors of +the east of Erin, to wit, the three sons of Fiachna in quest of their bull +are there, even Ros and Dare and Imchad, for theirs was the possession of +the Brown Bull of Cualnge. Even had they come alone, they would have +offered you battle in defence of their bull and their drove, even though +before them the enemy should not be routed."[4] + + [4-4] Stowe, and, partly, YBL. 48b, 33-45. + + [5-5] YBL. 48b, 34. + + [6-6] YBL. 48b, 36. + + [7-7] YBL. 48b, 35-38. + + [8-8] YBL. 48b, 39. + + [1-1] YBL. 48b, 40. + + [2-2] YBL. 48b, 40. + +"Yet another company there came thither to the same hill in Slane of +Meath," said macRoth. "Two [3]fair,[3] tender, young warriors at the head +of that company, [5]and both wholly alike. Brown, curly hair on the head of +one of them; fair, yellow hair on that of the other;[5] two green cloaks +wrapped about them; two bright-silver brooches in the cloaks over their +breasts; two tunics of smooth yellow silk next to their skin; bright-hilted +swords on their belts; [6]two bright shields with devious figures of beasts +in silver;[6] two five-pronged spears with windings of pure bright silver +in their hands. Moreover, their years were nigh the same. [7]Together they +lifted their feet and set them down again, for it was not their way for +either of them to lift up his feet past the other."[7] + + [3-3] YBL. 48b, 20. + + [5-5] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [6-6] YBL. 48b, 22. + + [7-7] YBL. 48b, 23-25. + +"But, who might they be?" asked Ailill of Fergus. "Well do we know them," +Fergus made answer. "Two single, strong-necked champions are they; two +united flames; two united torches; two champions; two heroes; two +ridge-poles of hosts[a]; two dragons; two thunderbolts; two destroyers (?); +two boars; two bold ones; two mad ones; the two loved ones of Ulster around +their king; [W.5378.] [1]two breach-makers of hundreds; two spencers; the +two darlings of the north of Erin, namely[1] Fiacha and Fiachna have come +thither, two sons of Conchobar son of Fachtna son of Ross Ruad son of +Rudraige." + + [a] That is, 'two chiefs of hospitality.' + + [1-1] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + +"There came also another company to that same mound," said macRoth. "'Tis +the engulphing of the sea for size; red-flaming fire [2]for splendour;[2] a +legion for number; a rock for strength; annihilation for battle; thunder +for might. A [3]rough-visaged,[3] wrathful, terrible, ill-favoured one at +the head of that band, and he was big-nosed, large-eared, apple-eyed, +[4]red-limbed,[4] [5]great-bellied, thick-lipped.[5] Coarse, grizzly hair +he wore; a streaked-grey cloak about him; a skewer of iron in the cloak +over his breast, so that it reached from one of his shoulders to the other; +a rough, three-striped tunic next to his skin; a sword of seven charges of +remelted iron he bore on his rump; a brown hillock he bore, namely his +shield; a great, grey spear with thirty nails driven through its socket he +had in his hand. But, what need to tell further? [6]All the host arose to +meet him, and[6] the lines and battalions were thrown into disorder at the +sight of that warrior, as he came surrounded by his company to the hill, in +Slane of Meath [7]and the stream of battle-hosts with him."[7] "But who +might that man be?" asked Ailill of Fergus. "Ah, but we know him well," +Fergus made answer. "He is the half of the battle; he is the head of strife +[8]of Ulster;[8] he is the head [9]of combat[9] in valour; [10]he is the +storm-wave that drowneth;[10] he is the sea overbounds, the man that is +come thither; the mighty Celtchar son of Uthechar, from Lethglass in the +north, is the man there!" + + [2-2] YBL. 48a, 30. + + [3-3] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and YBL. 48a, 33. + + [4-4] H. 1. 13 and YBL. 48a, 36. + + [5-5] YBL. 48a, 35. + + [6-6] YBL. 48a, 42. + + [7-7] H. 1. 13 and Stowe. + + [8-8] Stowe. + + [9-9] YBL. 48a, 44. + + [10-10] YBL. 48a, 45-46. + +[W.5397.] "There came yet another company thither to the same hill in Slane +of Meath," said macRoth; "one that is firm and furious; one that is ugly +and fearful. A great-bellied, big-mouthed champion, [1]the size of whose +mouth is the mouth of a horse,[1] in the van of that troop; with but one +clear eye, and [2]half-brained,[2] long-handed. Brown, very curly hair he +wore; a black, flowing mantle around him; a wheel-shaped brooch of tin in +the mantle over his breast; a cunningly wrought tunic next to his skin; a +great long sword under his waist; a well-tempered lance in his right hand; +[LL.fo.99b.] a grey buckler he bore on him, that is, his shield." + + [1-1] YBL. 48b, 9-10. + + [2-2] YBL. has, 'broad-headed.' + +"Pray, who might that man be?" asked Ailill of Fergus. "Indeed, but we know +him," Fergus made answer; "the wild, red-handed, [3]rending[3] lion; the +fierce, fearful bear that overcometh valour. [4]He is the high doer of +deeds, warlike, and fierce,[4] Errge Echbel ('Horse-mouth'), from Bri Errgi +('Errge's Mound') in the north, is the one there." + + [3-3] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [4-4] YBL. 48b, 16. + +"Yet another company there came to the same hill in Slane of Meath," said +macRoth. "A large, noble, [5]fiery[5] man at the head of that company; +foxy-red hair he had; huge, crimson-red eyes in his head; bulging as far as +the bend of a warrior's finger is either of the very large crimson, kingly +eyes he had; a many-coloured cloak about him; [6]a wheel-shaped brooch of +silver therein;[6] a grey shield he bore [7]on his left arm;[7] a slender, +blue lance above him; [8]a bright, hooded shirt tucked around him that +reached down to his knees;[8] [9]a sword with silver hilt at his hip; a +spear remarkable for keenness in his revengeful right hand;[9] a +blood-smeared, becrimsoned company [W.5414.] around him; himself covered +with wounds and blood in their midst." + + [5-5] YBL. 48b, 47. + + [6-6] YBL. 48b, 49-50. + + [7-7] YBL. 48b, 51. + + [8-8] YBL. 48b, 52-49a, 1. + + [9-9] YBL. 48b, 51-52. + +"Now who might he be?" asked Ailill of Fergus. "Well do we know him," +Fergus made answer. "He is the bold, the ruthless, [1]the swift-moving +eagle;[1] the eager lance; the goring beast; [2]the torrent[2] of the +Colbtha; [3]the border-gate of the north of Erin;[3] the triumphant hero +from Baile; he is the shaft (?); [a] he is the bellowing hero from Bernas +('the Gap'); the furious bull; Menn son of Salcholga, from Rena ('the +Waterways') of the Boyne [4]in the north; he hath come to take vengeance on +ye for his bloody wounds and his sores which ye inflicted on him afore."[4] + + [1-1] Translating from Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [2-2] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [3-3] YBL. 49a, 7. + + [a] A word has fallen out in the MS. + + [4-4] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + +"Yet another company came thither to the same mound in Slane of Meath," +continued macRoth. [5]"High spirited and worthy of one another.[5] A +long-jawed, sallow-faced warrior, [6]huge, broad, and tall,[6] at the head +of that company; black hair on his head; long limbs are his legs; a cloak +of red curly wool about him; a brooch of white silver in the cloak over his +breast; an [7]all-white,[7] linen shirt next to his skin; a gory-red shield +with a boss [8]of gold[8] he bore; a sword with hilt of [9]white[9] silver +on his left side; a sharp-cornered, gold-socketed spear he held over him; +[10]a broad, grey, interwoven spear-head, fairly set on an ashen shaft, in +his hand."[10] "But, who might he be?" Ailill asked of Fergus. "Truly, we +know him," Fergus made answer. [11]"The man of three stout blows has +come;[11] the man of three highways is he; the man of three roads, the +man of three paths, the man of three [W.5431.] ways; the man of three +victories, the man of three triumphs; [1]the man of three shouts; the +man that breaks battles on foes in another province;[1] Fergna son of +Findchoem, king of Burach, [2]from Coronn,[2] [3]royal hospitaller[3] of +Ulster in the north, has come thither." + + [5-5] YBL. 49a, 11-12. + + [6-6] YBL. 49a, 12-13. + + [7-7] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [8-8] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [9-9] YBL. 49a, 17. + + [10-10] YBL. 49a, 18-20. + + [11-11] YBL. 49a, 20-21. + + [1-1] YBL. 49a, 23-24. + + [2-2] YBL. 49a, 25. + + [3-3] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + +"Even another company came there to the same mound in Slane of Meath," +continued macRoth. [4]"Vaster than a division of three thousand was its +appearance.[4] A large, [5]white-breasted,[5] well-favoured man in the van +of that company. Like to Ailill yonder, with his pointed weapons, the +restrainer, both in features and noble bearing and fairness, both in arms +and apparel, in valour and bravery and fame and deeds. A blue shield +[6]adapted for striking,[6] with boss of gold was [7]upon him.[7] A +gold-hilted sword, [8]the pillar of a palace,[8] [9]along his shoulder[9] +he bore on his left side; a five-pronged spear with gold, in his hand; +[10]an exceeding fine cloak folded about him; a brooch of gold in the cloak +over his breast; a tunic with red ornaments about him;[10] a golden crown +on his head." + + [4-4] YBL. 49a, 28. + + [5-5] YBL. 49a, 29. + + [6-6] YBL. 49a, 34. + + [7-7] YBL. 49a, 35, Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [8-8] YBL. 49a, 35. + + [9-9] YBL. 49a, 35. + + [10-10] YBL. 49a, 31-34. + +"But, who might that be?" asked Ailill of Fergus. "Ah, but we know him +well," Fergus made answer. [11]"Truly, the sea over rivers is the one that +is come thither; the wild rage of fire; not to be borne is his wrath +against foes;[11] the root of all manhood; the assault of overwhelming +power; the annihilation of men is he that is come thither. Furbaide Ferbenn +son of Conchobar, from Sil in Mag Inis in the north, is there." + + [11-11] YBL. 49a, 36-38. + +[12]"Yet another company came to the mound in Slane [W.5444.] of Meath," +continued macRoth. "A sharp, proud folk; a stately, royal company, with +their apparel of many colours, as well white and blue and black and purple, +so that to a king could be likened each spirited, chosen man in the noble, +most wonderful troop. A feast for the eyes of a host, to gaze on their +comeliness and their garb, as if it was going forth to some great +surpassing assembly was each single man of that company. A trine of noble, +distinguished men were in the front rank of that company. The first man of +them with a dark-grey mantle fringed with gold thread about him; a brooch +of gold in the mantle over his breast; a tunic of rare silk next to his +skin; sandals of lamb's skin he wore. Not many men in the world are +better-favoured than is he. A light-yellow head of hair he has; a +bright-faced sword with ivory hilt and with coils of gold thread, in his +right hand. He flings on high the tooth-hilted sword, so that it falls on +the head of the middle man but it simply grazes it. He catches it up in the +air again, so that it falls on the head of the other man, and the first man +catches it in his hand, and it divided not a ringlet nor the skin of the +head of either of them, and these two men did not perceive it. Two brown, +rich-hued, bright-faced youths; reddish-grey mantles around them; +white-silver brooches in their mantles over their breasts; a bright-hilted +sword under their waists; purple sandals they wore; as sweet as strings of +lutes when long sustained in players' hands was the voice and song of one +of the men, so that enough of delight it was to the host to listen to the +sound of his voice. Worthy of a king or of a prince was each man in that +company as regards apparel and appearance; thou wouldst think, at the sight +of them, they were all kings. Neither spears nor swords do they bear, but +their servants bear them." + + [12-12] The following passage extending to page 337 is not found in + LL. owing to the loss of a leaf. It is translated here from Stowe with + the help of H. 1. 13 and Add. 18,748. + +"An over-proud body is that," quoth Ailill; "and who may they be, O +Fergus?" he asked. "I know full well," [W.5466.] replied Fergus; "the poets +of Ulster are they, with that Fercerdne the fair, much-gifted, whom thou +sawest, even the learned master of Ulster, Fercerdne. 'Tis before him that +the lakes and rivers sink when he upbraids, and they swell up high when he +applauds. The two others thou sawest are Athirne the chief poet, whom none +can deny, and Ailill Miltenga ('Honey-tongue') son of Carba; and he is +called Ailill 'Honey-tongue' for that as sweet as honey are the words of +wisdom that fall from him." + +"There came yet another company to the mound in Slane of Meath," said +macRoth. "A most terrible, dreadful sight to behold them. Blue and pied and +green, purple, grey and white and black mantles; a kingly, white-grey, +broad-eyed hero in the van of that company; wavy, grizzled hair upon him; a +blue-purple cloak about him; a leaf-shaped brooch with ornamentation of +gold in the cloak over his breast; a shield, stoutly braced with buckles of +red copper; yellow sandals he wore; a large, strange-fashioned sword along +his shoulder. Two curly-haired, white-faced youths close by him, wearing +green cloaks and purple sandals and blue tunics, and with brown shields +fitted with hooks, in their hands; white-hilted swords with silvered bronze +ornaments they bore; a broad, somewhat light countenance had one of +them. One of these cunning men raises his glance to heaven and scans the +clouds of the sky and bears their answer to the marvellous troop that is +with him. They all lift their eyes on high and watch the clouds and work +their spells against the elements, so that the elements fall to warring +with each other, till they discharge rain-clouds of fire downwards on the +camp and entrenchments of the men of Erin." + +"Who might that be, O Fergus?" asked Ailill. "I know him," replied +Fergus; "the foundation of knowledge; the master of the elements; the +heaven-soaring one; he that blindeth the eyes; that depriveth his foe +[W.5488.] of his strength through incantations of druids, namely Cathba the +friendly druid, with the druids of Ulster about him. And to this end he +makes augury when judging the elements, in order to ascertain therefrom how +the great battle on Garech and Ilgarech will end. The two youths that are +about him, they are his own two sons, to wit Imrinn son of Cathba and +Genonn Gruadsolus ('Bright-cheek') son of Cathba, he that has the somewhat +light countenance. Howbeit it will be hard for the men of Erin to withstand +the spells of the druids." + +"Yet another company there came to the mound in Slane of Meath," continued +macRoth. "A numberless, bright-faced band; unwonted garments they wore; a +little bag at the waist of each man of them. A white-haired, bull-faced man +in the front of that company; an eager, dragon-like eye in his head; a +black, flowing robe with edges of purple around him; a many coloured, +leaf-shaped brooch with gems, in the robe over his breast; a ribbed tunic +of thread of gold around him; a short sword, keen and hard, with plates of +gold, in his hand; they all came to show him their stabs and their sores, +their wounds and their ills, and he told each one his sickness, and he gave +each a cure, and what at last happened to each was even the ill he foretold +him." "He is the power of leechcraft; he is the healing of wounds; he is +the thwarting of death; he is the absence of every weakness, is that man," +said Fergus, "namely Fingin the prophet mediciner, the physician of +Conchobar, with the leeches of Ulster around him. It is he that knoweth +the sickness of a man by the smoke of the house wherein he lies, or by +hearing his groans. Their medicine bags are the sacks which thou sawest +with them." + +"Another company came to the mound in Slane of Meath," continued macRoth. +"A powerful, heavy, turbulent company; they caused uproar in their deeds of +arms [W.5512.] for the accomplishment of brilliant feats;[a] they tore up +the sad-sodded earth with the strength of their bitter rage, for the mighty +princes of the proud province of Conchobar would not allow them to proceed +to the great camp till all should be arrived. Two youths, swarthy and huge, +in the front of that company; soft, playful eyes in their heads; about +them, dark-grey tunics with silver pins set with stones; great, horn-topped +swords with sheaths they bore; strong, stout shields they bore; hollow +lances with rows of rivets, in their hands; glossy tunics next to their +skin." "We know well that company," quoth Fergus; "the household of +Conchobar and his vassals are those; their two leaders, Glasne and Menn, +two sons of Uthechar." + + [a] There is a gap here in both Stowe and H. 1. 13, and consequently + the translation is uncertain. + +"There came yet another band to the mound in Slane of Meath," continued +macRoth; "to wit, a band of a numerous body of henchmen. A black, hasty, +swarthy, ..., man in the front rank of that band; seven chains around his +neck; seven men at the end of each chain; these seven groups of men he +drags along, so that their faces strike against the ground, and they revile +him until he desists. Another terrible man is there, and the ponderous +stone which powerful men could not raise, he sets on his palm and flings on +high to the height a lark flies on a day of fine weather; a club of iron at +his belt." "I know those men," quoth Fergus: "Triscoth the strong man of +Conchobar's house; it is he that flings the stone on high. Ercenn son of +the three stewards, he it is in the chains." + +"There came [1]another[1] large, stately company to the mound in Slane of +Meath," macRoth went on. "Three, very curly-headed, white-faced youths in +the van of that troop; three curly-red kirtles with brooches of silvered +bronze was the apparel they wore about them; three [W.5535.] sparkling +tunics of silk with golden seams tucked up about them; three studded +shields with images of beasts for emblems in silvered bronze upon them and +with bosses of red gold; three very keen swords with guards adorned with +gold thread along their shoulders; broad-bladed javelin-heads on ashen +shafts in their hands." "Who might that be there, O Fergus?" asked Ailill. +"That I know," answered Fergus: "the three venoms of serpents; three +cutting ones; three edges; three watchful ones; three points of combat; +three pillars of the borders; three powerful companies of Ulster; three +wardens of Erin; three triumph-singers of a mighty host are there," said +Fergus, "the three sons of Conchobar, namely Glas and Mane and Conaing." + + [1-1] H. 1. 13. + +"Yet another company there came to the mound in Slane of Meath," said +macRoth. "Stately, in beautiful colours, gleaming-bright they came to the +mound. Not fewer than an army-division, as a glance might judge them. A +bold, fair-cheeked youth in the van of that troop; light-yellow hair has +he; though a bag of red-shelled nuts were spilled on his crown, not a nut +of them would fall to the ground because of the twisted, curly locks of his +head. Bluish-grey as harebell is one of his eyes; as black as beetle's +back is the other; the one brow black, the other white; a forked, +light-yellow beard has he; a magnificent red-brown mantle about him; a +round brooch adorned with gems of precious stones fastening it in his +mantle over his right shoulder; a striped tunic of silk with a golden +hem next to his skin; an ever-bright shield he bore; a hard-smiting, +threatening spear he held over him; a very keen sword with hilt-piece of +red gold on his thigh." "Who might that be, O Fergus?" asked Ailill. "I +know, then," replied Fergus: "it is battle against foes; it is the inciting +of strife; it is the rage of a monster; it is the madness of a lion; it is +the cunning of a snake; it is the rock of the [W.5558.] Badb; it is the sea +over dikes; it is the shaking of rocks; it is the stirring of a wild host, +namely Conall Cernach ('the Victorious'), the high-glorious son of Amargin, +that is come hither."[12] + + [12-12] See note 12, page 331. + +"Yet another company came to the same mound in Slane of Meath," said +macRoth. [1]"Very heroic and without number it is;[1] steady and dissimilar +to the other companies. [2]Strange garments, unlike the other companies +they wore. Famously have they come, both in arms and raiment and dress. A +great host and fierce is that company.[2] Some wore red cloaks, others +light-blue cloaks, [LL.fo.100a.] others dark blue cloaks, others green +cloaks; white and yellow jerkins, beautiful and shiny, were over them. +Behold the little, freckled, red-faced lad with purple, [3]fringed[3] +mantle [4]folded about him[4] amongst them in their midst. [5]Fairest of +the forms of men was his form.[5] A salmon-shaped brooch of gold in the +mantle over his breast; a [6]bright, hooded[6] tunic of royal silk with red +trimming of red gold next to his white skin; a bright shield with intricate +figures of beasts in red gold upon it; a boss of gold on the shield; an +edge of gold around it; a small, gold-hilted sword at his waist; a sharp, +light lance cast its shadow over him." "But, who might he be?" asked Ailill +of Fergus. "Truly, I know not," Fergus made answer, "that I left behind me +in Ulster the like of that company nor of the little lad that is in it. +But, one thing I think likely, that they are the men of Temair with [7]the +well-favoured, wonderful, noble youth[7] Erc son of Fedilmid Nocruthach, +[8]Conchobar's daughter,[8] and of Carbre Niafer. And if it be they, they +are not more friends than their leaders here. Mayhap despite his father +[W.5576.] has this lad come to succour his grandfather[a] at this time. And +if these they be, a sea that drowneth shall this company be to ye, because +it is through this company and the little lad that is in it that the battle +shall this time be won against ye." "How through him?" asked Ailill. "Not +hard to tell," Fergus responded: "for this little lad will know neither +fear nor dread when slaying and slaughtering, until at length he comes into +the midst of your battalion. Then shall be heard the whirr of Conchobar's +sword like the yelp of a howling war-hound, or like a lion rushing among +bears, [1]while the boy will be saved.[1] Then outside around the battle +lines will Conchobar pile up huge walls of men's bodies [2]while he seeks +the little lad.[2] In turn the princes of the men of Ulster, filled with +love and devotion, will hew the enemy to pieces. Boldly will those powerful +bulls, [3]the brave warriors of Ulster,[3] bellow as [4]their grandson,[4] +the calf of their [5]cow,[5] is rescued in the battle on the morn of the +morrow." + + [1-1] YBL. 49a, 41. + + [2-2] YBL. 49a, 42-44. + + [3-3] YBL. 49a, 50. + + [4-4] YBL. 49a, 50. + + [5-5] YBL. 49a, 46-47. + + [6-6] YBL. 49a, 52. + + [7-7] YBL. 49b, 4-5. + + [8-8] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and YBL. 49b, 6. + + [a] That is, Conchobar. + + [1-1] YBL. 49b, 17. + + [2-2] YBL. 49b, 18. + + [3-3] YBL. 49b, 19-20. + + [4-4] Stowe; that is, Erc son of Fedlimid, Conchobar's daughter.] + + [5-5] 'Of their heart,' YBL. 49b, 13. + +[6]"Then came there three huge (?), strong, well-braced, cunningly-built +castles; three mighty, wheeled-towers like unto mountains, in this wise +placed in position: Three royal castles with their thirty fully armed +battalions, swarming with evil-tongued warriors and with thirty +round-shielded heroes. A bright, beautiful, glistening shield-guard was on +each of the three strong, stout battle-castles, with black, deadly armament +of huge, high, blue, sharp pine-lances, such that one's bent knee would fit +in the socket of each smooth, polished, even and hard spear-head that is on +each huge, terrible, strange shaft of the terrible, awful, heavy, +monstrous, indescribable armament [W.5598.] that I saw. A third part of +each shaft was contained in the socket of the riveted, very long, securely +placed spears; as high as [1]two[1] cubits was each citadel from the +ground; as long as a warrior's spear was the height of each battle-hurdle; +as sharp as charmed sword was the blade of each sickle on the sides and the +flanks of each of [2]Badb's hurdles;[2] on each of the three stout and hard +battle-hurdles they are to be found. Four dark, yet gleaming, well-adorned +doors were on each battle-wheeled tower of the three royal wheeled-towers +which were displayed and spread over the plain, with ivory door-posts, with +lintels of cypress, with stately thresholds set of speckled, beautiful, +strong pine, with their blue, glass door-leaves, with the glitter of +crystal gems around each door-frame, so that its appearance from afar was +like that of bright shining stars. As loud as the crash of a mighty wave at +the great spring-tide, or of a huge heavy fleet upon the sea when toiling +with the oars along the shore, was the similitude of the din and the +clamour and the shouts and the tumult of the multitude and the to-and-fro +of the thirty champions with their thirty heavy, iron clubs that they bear +in their hands. And when the wheeled-towers advance massively and boldly +against the line of heroes, these almost leave behind their arms at the +fierce charge of the outland battalions. Then spring the three hundred +champions with a shout of vengeful anger over the sides and over the front +of the huge iron towers on wheels, so that this it was that checked the +swift course and the great, hasty onslaught of the well-grounded, +swiftly-moving, mighty chariots. The three stout, strong, battle-proof +towers on wheels careered over rough places and over obstacles, over rocks +and over heights. There coursed the thirty entire chargers, powerful, +strong-backed, four abreast, the equal of ninety entire chargers, with +[W.5622.] manes more than big, bold[a] and leaping, with sack-like, +distended nostrils, high-headed, towering, over-powering, wonderful, so +that they shook with their ramping the thick shell of the sad-sodded +earth. They flecked the plain behind them with the foam dripping from the +[1]swift[1] Danish steeds, from the bits and bridles, from the traces and +tracks of the huge, maned, mighty[b] steeds, greater than can be told! They +excited strife with their din of arms. They plunged headlong in their +swift impatience. They aroused great terror at their accoutrement, at their +armour, at their cunning, at their power, at their hugeness, at their +destructive, terrible, hostile vengeance on the four grand, proud provinces +of Erin. Amazing to me was their appearance because of the unwontedness of +their trappings both in form and in garb. Three wonderful flights of birds +with variety of appearance hovered over them. The first flock was all red, +the second flock was white as swans, the third flock as black as ravens. +Three red-mouthed, crow-shaped demons of battle sped around them as swift +as hares, circling the three wheeled towers, and this is what they +prophesied:-- + + "Sheaves[c] of battle, + Might of quelling, + Ill of war-deeds, + Sating of foul ravens! + Sodden ground, blood-red; + Men low in dust; + Sheaves[c] on sword-blades!" + + [6-6] The following passage, to page 342, is taken from Stowe and + H. 1. 13; it is not found in LL. + + [1-1] H. 1. 13 and Add. 18,748. + + [2-2] That is, the movable towers. + + [a] Following the emendation _bairnech_, suggested by Windisch. + + [1-1] H. 1. 13. + + [b] Following the emendation _moradbal_, suggested by Windisch. + + [c] That is, the layers of the slain. + +"They wheeled about and brought them twelve[d] battle-pillars of thick, +huge, iron pillars. As thick as the middle of a warrior's thigh, as tall as +a champion's spear was each battle-fork of them, and they placed four forks +under each [W.5646.] wheeled-tower. And their horses all ran from them and +grazed upon the plain. And those forty[a] that had gone in advance descend +clad in armour on the plain, and the garrison of the three battle-wheeled +towers falls to attacking and harassing them, and is attacked and harassed +in turn by those forty champions, so that there was heard the breaking +of shields and the loud blows of hard iron poles on bucklers and +battle-helmets, on coats of mail and on the iron plates of smooth, hard, +blue-black, sharp-beaked, forked spears. And in the whole camp there is +none but is on the watch for their fierceness and their wrath and their +cunning and their strangeness, for their fury, their achievements and the +excellence of their guard. And in the place where the forty champions are +and the thousand armed men contending with them, not one of the thousand +had a wounding stroke nor a blow on his opponent because of the might of +their skill in arms and the excellence of their defence withal!" + + [d] That is, a battle-pillar or prop for each of the four wheels of + each of the three towers. + + [a] This is the first mention of the 'forty.' + +"They are hard to contend with for all such as are unfamiliar with them, is +the opinion held of them," spake Fergus, "but they are readily to be dealt +with for such as do know them. These are three battle-wheeled towers," +Fergus continued, "as I perceive from their account. Once I saw their like, +namely when as prentice I accompanied Dare to Spain, so that we entered the +service, of the king of Spain, Esorb to wit, and we afterwards made an +expedition to Soda, that is, to the king of Africa, and we gave battle to +the Carthaginians. There came their like upon us against the battle-line +wherein we were, an hundred battalions and three score hundred in each +battalion. One of the wheeled-towers won victory over us all, for we were +not on our guard against them. And this is the way to defeat them: To mine +a hole broader than the tower in the ground in the front thereof and cover +over the pitfall; [W.5669.] and for the battle-line to be drawn up over +against it and not to advance to attack, so that it is the towers that +advance and fall into the pit. Lebarcham told me, as I passed over Taltiu, +that the Ulstermen brought these towers from Germany, and the towers held a +third of the exiles of Ulster among them as their only dwelling; and +Cualgae ('a Heap of Spears') is their name, namely battle-penfolds. And +herein have ye the sorest of all hardships, for although all the men of +Erin are drawn up against them, it is the men of Erin that will be +defeated. When they take it upon them to engage in battle they cannot hold +out without a combat. Thus will they remain now till morning, every forty +men of them contending with the others. And this is my advice to you," said +Fergus: "permit me with my division to withstand them, and do ye betake +yourselves to the woods and wilds of Erin, and the Ulstermen shall not find +ye in any place, and I will proceed as an example, depending on my own +men-of-war." "There are men here for ye!" cried Medb. "That will be a force +for yourselves," Fergus made answer.[6] + + [6-6] See note 6, page 338. + +"Yet another company came there to the same height in Slane of Meath," +said macRoth. "Not fewer than a division was in it; wild, dark-red, +warrior-bands; [1]bright, clear, blue-purple men;[1] long, fair-yellow +heads of hair they wore; handsome, shining countenances they had; clear, +kingly eyes; magnificent vesture with beautiful mantles; conspicuous, +golden brooches along their bright-coloured sleeves; silken, glossy tunics; +blue, glassy spears; yellow shields for striking withal; gold-hilted, +inlaid swords set on their thighs; loud-tongued care has beset them; +sorrowful are they all, and mournful; sad are the royal leaders; orphaned +the brilliant company without [W.5689.] their protecting lord who was wont +to guard their lands." "But, who may they be?" asked Ailill of Fergus. +"Indeed, we know them well," Fergus made answer. "Furious lions are they; +deeds of battle; the division from the field of Murthemne are they. +[LL.fo.100b.] It is this that makes them cast-down, sorrowful, joyless +[1]as they are,[1] because that their own divisional king himself is not +amongst them, even Cuchulain, the restraining, victorious, red-sworded one +that triumpheth in battle!" "Good reason, in truth, there is for them to be +so," quoth Medb, "if they are dejected, mournful and joyless. There is no +evil we have not worked on them. We have harassed and we have assailed +them, [2]their territory and their land,[2] from Monday at the beginning of +Samaintide till the beginning of Spring.[a] We have taken their women and +their sons and their youths, their steeds and their troops of horses, their +herds and their flocks and their droves. We have razed their hills after +them till they are become lowlands, so that they are level with the +plain. [3]We have brought their lords to bloody stabs and sores, to cuts +and many wounds."[3] "Not so, O Medb!" cried Fergus. "There is naught thou +canst boast over them. For thou didst them no hurt nor harm that yon fine +company's leader avenged not on thee. For, every mound and every grave, +every stone and every tomb that is from hence to the east of Erin is the +mound and the grave, the stone and the tomb of some goodly warrior and +goodly youth [4]of thy people,[4] fallen at the hands of the noble +chieftain of yonder company. Happy he to whom they hold! Woe to him whom +they oppose! It will be enough, e'en as much as half a battle, for the men +of Erin, when these defend their lord in the battle on the morning of the +morrow." + + [1-1] This seems out of place here; it is not found in Stowe nor in + H. 1. 13. + + [1-1] Stowe. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [a] See notes a and b, page 182. + +"I heard a great uproar there, west of the battle or to [W.5711.] its +east," said macRoth. "Say, what noise was it?" asked Ailill of Fergus. +"Ah, but we know it well," Fergus made answer: "Cuchulain it was, straining +to go, sick as he is, to battle, wearied at the length of his lying sick on +Fert Sciach ('Thorn-mound') under hoops and clasps and ropes, and the men +of Ulster do not permit him to go because of his sores and his wounds, +inasmuch as he is not fit for battle and is powerless for combat after his +encounter with Ferdiad." + +True indeed spake Fergus. Cuchulain it was, wearied at the length of his +lying supine on Fert Sciach under hoops and clasps and ropes. [1]"But, +there is one thing more to tell," said Fergus: "unless he be held back now, +he will surely come to the battle!" + +Thus far the Companies of the Tain Bo Cualnge[1] [2]mustered by Conchobar +and the men of Ulster.[2] + + [1-1] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [2-2] H. 1. 13. + +Then came two women lampoonists from the camp and quarters of the men of +Erin; [3]their names,[3] Fethan and Collach, to wit; and they stood with a +feint of weeping and wailing over Cuchulain, telling him of the defeat of +Ulster and the death of Conchobar and the fall of Fergus in combat. + + [3-3] Stowe. + +[4]Now Conchobar proceeded with his troops till he pitched camp nearby his +companions. Conchobar asked a truce of Ailill till sunrise on the morrow, +and Ailill granted it for the men of Erin and the exiles, and Conchobar +granted it for the men of Ulster, and thereupon Conchobar's tents were +pitched. In this way the ground was bare between them, and the Ulstermen +came thither at sunset.[4] + + [4-4] YBL. 50a, 11. + + * * * * * + +[Page 345] + + + + +XXVI + +[1]THE DECISION OF THE BATTLE[1] + + +[W.5727.] It was on that night that the Morrigan,[a] daughter of Ernmas, +came, and she was engaged in fomenting strife and sowing dissension between +the two camps on either side, and she spoke these words [2]in the twilight +between the two encampments[2]:-- + + "Ravens shall pick + The necks of men! + Blood shall gush + [3]In combat wild![3] + Skins shall be hacked; + Crazed with spoils! + [4]Men's sides pierced[4] + In battle brave, + Luibnech near! + Warriors' storm; + Mien of braves; + Cruachan's men! + [5]Upon them comes[5] + Ruin complete! + Lines shall be strewn + Under foot; + Their race die out! + Then Ulster hail: + To Erna[b] woe! + To Ulster woe: + [6]Then Erna hail![6] + (This she said in Erna's ear.) + Naught inglorious shall they do + Who them await!" + + [1-1] YBL. 41a, 7. + + [a] The Irish goddess of war. + + [2-2] YBL. 50a, 18-19. + + [3-3] YBL. 50a, 19. + + [4-4] YBL. 50a, 21. + + [5-5] Translating from YBL. 50a, 23; LL. appears to be corrupt. + + [b] The Munstermen in Ailill's army. + + [6-6] YBL. 50a, 26. + +[1]Now Cuchulain was at Fedain Collna near by. Food was brought to him that +night by the purveyors, and they were used to come to converse with him by +day. He killed not any of the men of Erin to the left of Ferdiad's Ford.[1] +[W.5756.] It was then that Cuchulain spake to Laeg son of Riangabair. "It +would surely be unworthy of thee, O Laeg my master," said Cuchulain, "if +between the two battle-lines there should happen anything to-day whereof +thou hadst no tidings for me." "Whatsoever I shall learn, O Cucucuc," +answered Laeg, "will be told thee. But, see yonder a little flock coming +forth on the plain from the western camp and station now. [LL.fo.101a.] +Behold a band of henchmen after them to check and to stay them. Behold also +a company of henchmen emerging from the eastern camp and station to seize +them." "Surely, that is so!" exclaimed Cuchulain. "That bodes a mighty +combat and is the occasion of a grand battle. The little flock will come +over the plain and the band of henchmen [2]from the east and the band of +henchmen from the west[2] [3]will encounter one another betimes [4]about +the little flock[4] on the great field of battle."[3] There, indeed, +Cuchulain spoke true. And the little flock came forth upon the plain, and +the companies of henchmen met in fray. "Who gives the battle now, O Laeg my +master," Cuchulain asked. "The folk of Ulster," Laeg answered: "that is the +same as the young warriors [5]of Ulster."[5] "But how fight they?" +Cuchulain asked. "Like men they fight," Laeg answered. "There where are the +heroes of valour from the east in battle, they force a breach through the +ranks to the west. There where are the heroes from the west, they lay a +breach through the ranks to the eastward." [6]"It would be a vow for them +to fall in rescuing their herds," said Cuchulain; "and [W.5774.] now?" "The +beardless youths are fighting now," said the charioteer. "Has a bright +cloud come over the sun yet?" Cuchulain asked. "Nay, then," the charioteer +answered.[6] "I grieve that I am not yet strong enough to be on my feet +amongst them. For, were I able to be on my feet amongst them, my breach +would be manifest there to-day like that of another!" "But, this avow, O +Cucuc," said Laeg: "it is no reproach to thy valour; it is no disgrace to +thine honour. Thou hast done bravely in time before now and thou wilt do +bravely hereafter." + + [1-1] YBL. 50a, 28-31. + + [2-2] Stowe and H. 1. 13 + + [3-3] LL. seems to be defective here. + + [4-4] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [5-5] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [6-6] YBL. 50a, 39-43. + +[1]About the hour of sunrise: "It is a haughty folk that now fight the +battle," quoth the charioteer; "but there are no kings amongst them, for +sleep is still upon them."[1] "Come, O my master Laeg!" cried Cuchulain; +"rouse the men of Ulster to the battle now, for it is time that they come." + + [1-1] YBL. 50a, 45-47. + +[2]Then, when the sun arose,[2] [3]Cuchulain saw the kings from the east +putting their crowns on their heads and relieving their men-at-arms. +Cuchulain told his charioteer to awaken the men of Ulster.[3] Laeg came and +roused the men of Ulster to battle, and he uttered these words there:-- + + "Arise, ye kings of Macha, + Valiant in your deeds! + Imbel's kine the Badb doth covet: + [4]Blood of hearts pours out! + Goodly heroes' battle rushes in[4] + With deeds of valour! + Hearts all red with gore: + Brows turned in flight. + Dismay of battle riseth. + For there was never found + One like unto Cuchulain, + Hound that Macha's[a] weal doth work! + If it is for Cualnge's kine, + Let them now arise!" + + [2-2] YBL. 50a, 48. + + [3-3] YBL. 50b, 18-23. + + [4-4] YBL 50b, 27-29. + + [a] Another name for Badb, the battle-fury. + + * * * * * + +[Page 348] + + + + +XXVII + +[1]NOW OF THE BATTLE OF GARECH[1] + + +[W.5804.] Thereupon arose all the men of Ulster at the one time in the +train of their king, and at the word of their prince, and to prepare for +the uprising in response to the call of Laeg son of Riangabair. And in this +wise they arose: stark-naked all of them, only their weapons in their +hands. Each one whose tent door looked to the east, through the tent +westwards he went, for that he deemed it too long to go round about it. + + [1-1] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + +"How arise the Ulstermen now to [2]the battle,[2] O Laeg my master?" asked +Cuchulain. "Manfully they rise," said Laeg: "stark-naked all of them, +[3]except for their arms only.[3] Every man whose tent-door faces the east, +through the tent westwards he goes, for he deems it too long to go round +about it." "I pledge my word!" cried Cuchulain: "at a fitting hour have +they now in the early day risen around Conchobar!" + + [2-2] H. 1. 13, Add., Stowe, and YBL. 50b, 34. + + [3-3] YBL. 50b, 34. + +Then spake Conchobar to Sencha son of Ailill: "Come, O Sencha my master," +said Conchobar; "stay the men of Ulster, and let them not go to the battle +till there come the strength of a good omen and favourable portent, till +the sun mounts to the roof-tree of heaven and sunshine fills the glens and +lowlands and hills and watch-towers of Erin." + +[W.5822.] They tarried there till the strength of a good omen came and a +favourable portent, till sunshine filled the glens and slopes and heights +and watch-towers of the province. + +"Come, O Sencha my master," said Conchobar; "rouse the men of Ulster to +battle, for it is time for them to proceed thither." Sencha roused the men +of Ulster to battle, and he spake these words:-- + + "Now shall Macha's kings arise, + Large-hearted folk! + Weapons let them shatter: + Let them fight the battle: + Let them plow the earth in anger: + Let them strike on shields! + [1]Wearied all the hands;[1] + Herds loud bellowing: + Steadfast the resistance: + Furious the retainers: + Battle-lines shall prostrate fall + 'Neath the feet of others! + [2]Prince and lord prepare for battle.[2] + Perish [LL.fo.101b.] shall their race! + [3]Manful contest there shall be;[3] + Their foes they lie in wait for + And slay them all to-day! + Deep draughts of blood they drink: + Grief fills the hearts of queens: + [4]Tender lamentations follow: + Till soaked in blood shall be the grassy sod + On which they're slain, + To which they come.[4] + If for Cualnge's kine it be, + [5]Let Macha's kings![5] Let them arise!" + + [1-1] Reading with YBL 50a, 52. + + [2-2] From a conjectural emendation of YBL. 50a, 54. + + [3-3] YBL. 50b, 1. + + [4-4] YBL. 50b, 3. + + [5-5] YBL. 50b, 5. + +Not long was Laeg there when he witnessed something: the men of Erin all +arising at one time, taking their shields and their spears and their swords +and their helmets, and urging the men-of-war before them to the battle. The +men of Erin, every single man of them, fell to smite and to batter, to cut +and to hew, to slay and to destroy the others [W.5859.] for a long space +and while. Thereupon Cuchulain asked of his charioteer, of Laeg son of +Riangabair, at the time that a bright cloud came over the sun: [1]"Look for +us![1] How fight [2]the Ulstermen[2] the battle now, O my master Laeg?" +"Like men they fight," Laeg answered. "Should I mount my chariot, and En, +Conall [3]Cernach's ('the Victorious')[3] charioteer, his chariot, and +should we go in two chariots from one wing to the other on the points of +the weapons, neither hoof nor wheel nor axle-tree nor chariot-pole would +touch [4]the ground[4] for the denseness and closeness and firmness with +which their arms are held in the hands of the men-at-arms at this time." + + [1-1] YBL. 51a, 45. + + [2-2] YBL. 51a, 45. + + [3-3] Stowe, H. 1. 13, Add. and YBL. 51a, 47. + + [4-4] Stowe and Add. + +"Alas, that I am not yet strong enough to be amongst them [5]now!"[5] cried +Cuchulain; "for, were I able, my breach would be manifest there to-day like +that of another," spake Cuchulain. "But this avow, O Cucuc," said Laeg: +"'tis no reproach to thy valour; 'tis no disgrace to thine honour. Thou +hast wrought great deeds before now and thou wilt work great deeds +hereafter." + + [5-5] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + +Then began the men of Erin to smite and to batter, to cut and to hew, to +slay and to destroy the others for a long space and while. Next came to +them the nine chariot-fighters of the champions from Norseland, and the +three foot-warriors along with them, and no swifter were the nine +chariot-men than the three men on foot. + +Then came to them also [6]on the ford of hosting[6] the governors of the +men of Erin. And this was their sole office [7]with Medb[7] in the battle: +to smite to death Conchobar if it were he that suffered defeat, and to +rescue Ailill and Medb if it should be they were defeated. And these are +the names of the governors: + + [6-6] YBL. 51b, 6. + + [7-7] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + * * * * * + +[Page 351] + + + + +XXVIIa + +[1]HERE FOLLOWETH THE MUSTER OF THE MEN OF ERIN[1] + + +[W.5883.] The three Conare from Sliab Mis, the three Lussen from Luachair, +the three Niadchorb from Tilach Loiscthe, the three Doelfer from Deill, the +three Damaltach from Dergderc, the three Buder from the Buas, the three +Baeth from Buagnige, the three Buageltach from Mag Breg, the three Suibne +from the Siuir, the three Eochaid from Ane, the three Malleth from Loch +Erne, the three Abatruad from Loch Ri, the three macAmra from Ess Ruaid, +the three Fiacha from Fid Nemain, the three Mane from Muresc, the three +Muredach from Mairg, the three Loegaire from Lecc Derg, the three Broduinde +from the Berba, the three Bruchnech, from Cenn Abrat, the three Descertach +from Druim Fornacht, the three Finn from Finnabair, the three Conall from +Collamair, the three Carbre from Cliu, the three Mane from Mossa, the three +Scathglan from Scaire, the three Echtach from Erce, the three Trenfer from +Taite, the three Fintan from Femen, [LL.fo.102a.] the three Rotanach from +Rogne, the three Sarchorach from Suide Lagen, the three Etarscel from +Etarbane, the three Aed from Aidne, the three Guare from Gabal.[a] + + [1-1] YBL. 50b, 41. + + [a] YBL. 50b-51a has more than three times as many names as are + enumerated here. + +Then said Medb to Fergus. "It were truly a thing to boast of for thee, [2]O +Fergus," said she,[2] "werest thou [W.5943.] to use thy mightiness of +battle [1]vehemently[1] without stint amongst us to-day, forasmuch as thou +hast been driven out of thine own land and out of thine inheritance; +amongst us hast thou found land and domain and inheritance, and much +good-will hath been shown thee!" + + [2-2] Stowe, Add. and H. 1. 13. + + [1-1] Stowe, Add., and H. 1. 13. + +[2]Thereupon Fergus uttered this oath: "I swear," _et reliqua_, "jaws of +men I would break from necks, necks of men with arms, arms of men with +elbows, elbows of men with wrists, wrists of men with fists, fists of men +with fingers, fingers of men with nails, nails[a] of men with scalps, +scalps of men with trunks, trunks of men with thighs, thighs of men with +knees, knees of men with calves, calves of men with feet, feet of men with +toes, toes of men with nails,[2] so that [3]heads of men over shields[3] +would be as numerous [4]with me[4] as bits of ice [5]on the miry +stamping-ground[5] [6]between two dry fields[6] that a king's horses would +course on. Every limb of the Ulstermen [7]would I send flying through the +air[7] before and behind me this day [8]like the flitting of bees on a day +of fine weather,[8] if only I had my sword!" + + [2-2] I have given preference to the reading of YBL. 51b, 18-30. + + [a] A word is omitted here in the MS., presumably for, 'nails.' + + [3-3] YBL. 51b, 19-20. + + [4-4] YBL. 51b, 19. + + [5-5] YBL. 51b, 20. + + [6-6] Adopting Windisch's emendation of the text. + + [7-7] YBL. 51b, 31. + + [8-8] YBL. 51b, 32. + +At that Ailill spoke to his own charioteer, Ferloga, to wit: "Fetch me a +quick sword that wounds the skin, O gilla," said Ailill. [9]"A year to-day +I put that sword in thy hand in the flower of its condition and bloom.[9] I +give my word, if its bloom and condition be the worse at thy hands this day +than the day I gave it [10]thee[10] on the hillside of Cruachan Ai [11]in +the borders of Ulster,[11] though thou hadst the men of Erin and of Alba to +rescue thee from me to-day, they would not all save thee!" + + [9-9] Stowe and YBL. 51b, 35. + + [10-10] Stowe. + + [11-11] YBL. 51b, 36. + +[W.5956.] Ferloga went his way, and he brought the sword with him in the +flower of its safe-keeping, and fair flaming as a candle. And the sword was +placed in Ailill's hand, and Ailill put it in Fergus' hand, and Fergus +offered welcome to the sword:[a] "Welcome, O Calad Colg[b] ('Hardblade'), +Lete's sword!" said he. "Weary, O champion of Badb! On whom shall I ply +this weapon?" Fergus asked. "On the men-of-war around thee," Medb answered. +"No one shall find indulgence nor quarter from thee to-day, unless some +friend of thy bosom find it!" + + [a] Here follows in YBL. 51b, 38-57 a difficult passage in _rosc_ which + I have omitted in the translation. Only a portion of it has been + preserved in LL. and is here translated. + + [b] Reading with Stowe, II. 1. 13, Add. and YBL. 51b, 45. + +Whereupon, Fergus took his arms and went forward to the battle, [1]and he +cleared a gap of an hundred in the battle-ranks with his sword in his two +hands.[1] Ailill seized his weapons. Medb seized her weapons and entered +the battle. [2]The Mane seized their arms and came to the battle. The +macMagach seized their arms and came to the battle,[2] so that thrice the +Ulstermen were routed before them from the north, till Cualgae[c] and sword +drove them back again. [3]Or it was Cuchulain that drove the men of Erin +before him, so that he brought them back into their former line in the +battle.[3] + + [1-1] YBL. 52a, 6-8. + + [2-2] Stowe, and, similarly, Add. + + [c] The name of the wheeled towers described above, page 338 fl. + + [3-3] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + +Conchobar heard that from his place in the line of battle, that the battle +had gone against him thrice from the north. Then he addressed his +bodyguard, even the inner circle of the Red Branch: "Hold ye here a while, +ye men!" cried he; "even in the line [4]of battle[4] where I am, that I may +go and learn by whom the battle has been thus forced against us thrice from +the north." Then said his household: "We will hold out," said they, [5]"in +the place wherein we are:[5] [W.5974.] for the sky is above us and the +earth underneath and the sea round about us, [1]and[1] unless the heavens +shall fall with their showers of stars on the man-face of the world, or +unless the furrowed, blue-bordered ocean break o'er the tufted brow of the +earth, or unless the ground yawns open, will we not move a thumb's breadth +backward from here till the very day of doom and of everlasting life, till +thou come back to us!" + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [5-5] YBL. 52a, 14. + + [1-1] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + +Conchobar went his way to the place where he heard the battle had gone +three times [LL.fo.102b.] against him from the north. [2]Then Conchobar +made a rush at Fergus,[2] and he lifted shield against shield there, namely +against Fergus mac Roig, even Ochain ('the Fair-ear')[a] of Conchobar with +its four ears of gold and its four bracings of red gold. Therewith Fergus +gave three stout blows of Badb on the Ochain of Conchobar, so that +Conchobar's shield cried aloud on him [3]and the three chief waves of Erin +gave answer, the Wave of Clidna, the Wave of Rudraige and the Wave of Tuag, +to wit.[3] Whenever Conchobar's shield cried out, the shields of all the +Ulstermen cried out. However great the strength and power with which Fergus +smote Conchobar on the shield, so great also was the might and valour +wherewith Conchobar held the shield, so that the ear of the shield did not +even touch the ear of Conchobar. + + [2-2] YBL. 52a, 16-17. + + [a] The name of Conchobar's shield. + + [3-3] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + +"Hearken, ye men [4]of Erin!"[4] cried Fergus; "who opposes a shield to me +to-day on this day of battle when four of the five grand provinces of Erin +come together on Garech and Ilgarech in the battle of the Cattle-raid +of Cualnge?" "Why, then, a gilla that is younger and mightier [5]and +comelier[5] than thyself is here," [6]Conchobar answered,[6] "and whose +mother and father were [W.5995.] better! The man that hath driven thee out +of thy borders, thy land and thine inheritance; the man that hath driven +thee into the lairs of the deer and the wild hare and the foxes; the man +that hath not granted thee to take the breadth [1]of thy foot[1] of thine +own domain or land; the man that hath made thee dependent upon the bounty +of a woman; the man that of a time disgraced thee by slaying the [2]three +bright lights of the valour of the Gael,[2] the three sons of Usnech that +were under thy safeguard [3]and protection;[3] the man that will repel thee +this day in the presence of the men of Erin; Conchobar son of Fachtna +Fathach son of Ross Ruad son of Rudraige, High King of Ulster and son of +the High King of Erin; [4]and though any one should insult thee, there is +no satisfaction nor reparation for thee, for thou art in the service of a +woman!"[4] + + [4-4] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [5-5] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [6-6] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [1-1] Stowe and H. 1. 13. + + [2-2] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [3-3] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [4-4] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + +"Truly hath this happened to me." Fergus responded. And Fergus placed his +two hands on Calad Colg ('Hardblade'), and he heaved a blow with it +backwards behind him, so that its point touched the ground, and he thought +to strike his three fateful blows of Badb on the men of Ulster, so that +their dead would be more in number than their living. Cormac Conlongas son +of Conchobar saw that and he rushed to [5]his foster-father, namely to[5] +Fergus, and he closed his two [6]royal hands[6] over him [7]outside his +armour.[7] [8]"Ungentle, not heedful is this, Fergus my master! Full of +hate, not of friendship is this,[8] O Fergus my master! Let not the +Ulstermen be slain and destroyed by thee through thy destructive blows, but +take thou thought for their honour to-day on this day of battle!" +[W.6013.] "Get thee away from me, boy! [1]Whom then should I strike?"[1] +exclaimed Fergus; "for I will not remain alive unless I deliver my three +fateful strokes of Badb on the men of Ulster this day, till their dead be +more in number than their living." "Then turn thy hand slantwise," said +Cormac Conlongas, "and slice off the hill-tops over the heads of the hosts +[2]on every side[2] and this will be an appeasing of thine anger." "Tell +Conchobar also to fall [3]back again[3] to his place in the battle," +[4]said Fergus; "and I will no longer belabour the hosts."[4] [5]Cormac +told this to Conchobar:[5] [6]"Go to the other side, O Conchobar," said +Cormac to his father, "and this man will not visit his anger any longer +here on the men of Ulster."[6] So Conchobar went to his place in the +battle. [7]In this manner Fergus and Conchobar parted.[7] + + [5-5] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [6-6] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [7-7] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [8-8] Following Windisch's emendation of the text. The MSS. are corrupt + here. + + [1-1] YBL. 52a, 35. + + [2-2] YBL. 52a, 36. + + [3-3] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [4-4] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [5-5] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [6-6] YBL. 52a, 39-41. + + [7-7] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + +[8]Fergus turned away. He slew a hundred warriors of Ulster in the first +onslaught with the sword. He met Conall Cernach. "Too great is this rage," +said Conall, "upon people and kindred because of the whim of a wanton." +"What would ye have me do, ye warriors?" asked Fergus. "Smite the hills +crosswise and the bushes around," Conall Cernach made answer.[8] + + [8-8] YBL. 52a, 41-47. + +Thus it was with that sword, which was the sword of Fergus: The sword of +Fergus, the sword of Lete from Faery: Whenever he desired to strike with +it, it became the size of a rainbow in the air. Thereupon Fergus turned his +hand slantwise over the heads of the hosts, so that he smote the three tops +of the three hills, so that they are still on the moor in sight of [9]the +men of Erin.[9] And these are the three Maels ('the Balds') of Meath in +that place, [1]which Fergus smote as a reproach and a rebuke to the men of +Ulster.[1] + + [9-9] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [1-1] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + +[W.6027.] Now as regards Cuchulain. He heard the Ochain of Conchobar +smitten by Fergus macRoig. "Come, O Laeg my master," cried Cuchulain: "who +dares thus smite [2]with those strong blows, mighty and far-away,[2] the +Ochain of Conchobar my master, and I alive?" [3]Then Laeg made answer, +saying: "The choice of men, Fergus macRoig, the very bold, smites it:--[3] + + "Blood he sheds--increase of slaughter-- + Splendid the hero, Fergus macRoig! + Hidden had lain Fairyland's chariot-sword! + Battle now hath reached the shield, + Shield of my master Conchobar!" + + [2-2] YBL. 52a, 52. + + [3-3] YBL. 52b, 1-2. + +[4]"How far have the hosts advanced, O Laeg?" Cuchulain asked. "They have +come to Garech," Laeg answered. "I give my word for that," Cuchulain cried; +"they will not come as far as Ilgarech, if I catch up with them! [4]Quickly +unloose the bands, gilla!" cried Cuchulain. [5]"Blood covers men. Feats of +swords shall be done. Men shall be spent therefrom!"[5] + + [4-4] Stowe. + + [5-5] YBL. 52b, 7-8. + +[6]Since Cuchulain's going into battle had been prevented, his twisting fit +came upon him, and seven and twenty skin tunics were given to him that used +to be about him under strings and cords when going into battle.[6] +[LL.fo.103a.] Then Cuchulain gave a mighty spring, so that the bindings of +his wounds flew from him to Mag Tuag ('the Plain of the Bows') in Connacht. +His bracings went from him to Bacca ('the Props') in Corcomruad [7]in the +district of Boirenn,[7] [8]His supports sprang from him to [9]Rath[9] Cinn +Bara ('the Rath of Spithead') in Ulster, and likewise his pins flew from +him to Rath Clo ('the Rath of the Nails') in the land of the tribe of +Conall.[8] The dry wisps that were stuffed in his wounds rose to the roof +[W.6040.] of the air and the sky as highest larks fly on a day of sunshine +when there is no wind. Thereupon, his bloody wounds got the better of him, +so that the ditches and furrows of the earth were full of streams of blood +and torrents of gore. + + [6-6] YBL. 52b, 17-20. + + [7-7] Stowe and Add. + + [8-8] Stowe. + + [9-9] Add. and H. 1. 13. + +[1]Some of the narrators aver that it was the strength of the warrior and +champion that hurled these things [2]to the aforementioned places;[2] but +it was not that, but his powerful friends, the fairy-folk, that brought +them thither, to the end to make famous his history, so that from them +these places are named.[1] + + [1-1] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [2-2] Add. + +This was the first exploit of valour that Cuchulain performed on rising +[3]out of his weakness:[3] The two women lampoonists that made a feint of +weeping and wailing [4]over his head,[4] Fethan and Collach to wit, he +smote each of them against the head of the other, so that he[a] was red +with their blood and grey with their brains. [5]These women had come from +Medb to raise a pretended lamentation over him, to the end that his bloody +wounds might burst forth on him, and to tell him that the men of Ulster had +met with defeat and that Fergus had fallen in meeting the battle.[5] His +arms had not been left near him, except his chariot only. And he took his +chariot on his back [6]with its frame and its two axle-trees,[6] and he set +out to attack the men of Erin, and he smote them with the chariot, until he +reached the place where Fergus macRoig was. "Turn hither, O Fergus my +master!" he cried. Fergus did not answer, for he heard not. He spoke again, +"Turn hither, [7]turn hither,[7] O Fergus my master!" he cried; "and if +thou turn not, [8]I swear to god what the Ulstermen swear,[8] I [W.6052.] +will grind thee as a mill grinds fresh grain; I will wash thee as a cup is +washed in a tub; I will bind thee as the woodbine binds the trees; I will +pounce on thee as hawk pounces on fledglings; [1]I will go over thee as its +tail goes over a cat;[1] [2]I will pierce thee as a tool bores through a +tree-trunk; I will pound thee as a fish is pounded on the sand!"[2] "Truly +this is my lot!" spake Fergus. "Who [3]of the men of Erin[3] dares to +address these stiff, vengeful words to me, where now the four grand +provinces of Erin are met on Garech and Ilgarech in the battle of the Raid +for the Kine of Cualnge?" "Thy fosterling is before thee," he replied, "and +fosterling of the men of Ulster and of Conchobar as well, Cuchulain son of +Sualtaim [4]and sister's son to Conchobar," replied Cuchalain.[4] "And thou +didst promise to flee before me what time I should be wounded, in pools of +gore and riddled in the battle of the Tain.[a] For, [5]when thou hadst not +thy sword with thee,[5] I did flee before thee in thine own combat on the +Tain; [6]and do thou avoid me," said he. "Even that did I promise," Fergus +answered. "Away with thee, then!" cried Cuchulain. "'Tis well," replied +Fergus; "thou didst avoid me; now thou art pierced with wounds."[6] + + [3-3] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [4-4] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [a] 'The ground,' Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.; 'so that each of them was + grey with the brains of the other,' YBL. 52b, 13-14. + + [5-5] YBL. 52b, 14-17. + + [6-6] YBL. 52b, 21. + + [7-7] H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [8-8] YBL. 52b, 24. + + [1-1] YBL. 52b, 24-25. + + [2-2] H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [3-3] YBL. 52b, 27. + + [4-4] YBL. 52b, 28. + + [a] See page 207. + + [5-5] H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [6-6] YBL. 52b, 29-33. + +Fergus gave ear to that word of Cuchulain, and he turned and made his three +great strides of a hero [7]back from Cuchulain and turned in flight from +him.[7] And as he turned [8]with his company of three thousand warriors and +the Leinstermen following after Fergus--for it is under Fergus' warrant +they had come[8]--[9]and the men of Munster,[9] there turned all the men of +Erin. + + [7-7] H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [8-8] H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [9-9] YBL. 52b, 33. + +[W.6065.] [1]Then[1] the men of Erin broke their ranks westwards over the +hill. The battle raged around the men of Connacht, [2]around Ailill and his +division and around Medb with hers and around the Mane with theirs and the +mac Magach with theirs.[2] At midday Cuchulain came to the battle. At the +time of sunset at the ninth hour [3]as the sun entered the tresses of the +wood,[3] [4]when man and tree were no more to be known apart, Medb and[4] +the last company of the men of Connacht fled in rout westwards over the +hill. + + [1-1] H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [2-2] H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [3-3] YBL. 52b, 36. + + [4-4] H. 1. 13 and Add. + +At that time there did not remain in Cuchulain's hand of the chariot but a +handful of its spokes around the wheel, and a handbreadth of its poles +around the shell, with the slaying and slaughtering of the four grand +provinces of Erin during all that time. + +Then Medb betook her to a shield-shelter in the rear of the men of Erin. +Thereafter Medb sent off the Brown Bull of Cualnge along with fifty of his +heifers and eight of her runners with him around to Cruachan, to the end +that whoso might and whoso might not escape, the Brown Bull of Cualnge +should get away safely, even as she had promised. + +Then it was that the issue of blood came upon Medb, [5]and she said: "Do +thou, Fergus, undertake[5] a shield-shelter in the rear of the men of Erin +till I let my water flow from me." "By my troth," replied Fergus, "'tis an +ill hour for thee to be taken so." "Howbeit there is no help for me," Medb +answered; "for I shall not live if I do not void water!" Fergus accordingly +came and raised a shield-shelter in the rear of the men of Erin. Medb +voided her water, so that it made three large dikes, so that a mill[a] +could find room in each dike. Hence the place is known as Fual Medbha +('Medb's Water'). + + [5-5] H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [a] It is not uncommon in folk-tales that lakes, rivers, etc. arose + from the micturition of a giant or fairy. Reading with Add. + +[W.6085.] Cuchulain came upon her as she was thus engaged, [1]on his way to +the battle,[1] and he did not attack her. He would not strike her a blow +from behind. [2]He spared her then because it was not his wont to slay +women.[2] [3]"Spare me!" cried Medb. "If I should slay thee, it were just +for me," Cuchulain answered.[3] [4]"Arise from hence," said he; "for I deem +it no honour to wound thee from behind with my weapons."[4] "I crave a boon +of thee this day, O Cuchulain," spake Medb. "What boon cravest thou [5]of +me?"[5] asked Cuchulain. "That this host be under thine honour and thy +protection till they pass westwards over Ath Mor ('the Great Ford')." +[LL.fo.103b.] "Yea, I promise that," said Cuchulain. [6]Then[6] went +Cuchulain around the men of Erin, and he undertook a shield-defence on one +side of them, in order to protect the men of Erin. On the other side went +the governors of the men of Erin. Medb went to her own place and assumed a +shield-defence in the rear of the men of Erin, and in this manner they +convoyed the men of Erin over Ath Mor westwards. + + [1-1] YBL. 52b, 41. + + [2-2] H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [3-3] YBL. 52b, 41-42. + + [4-4] H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [5-5] H. 1. 13. + + [6-6] H. 1. 13. and Add. + +[7]Then Laeg [8]son of Riangabair[8] brought Cuchulain's sword unto him, +[9]the 'Hard-headed Steeling' to wit,[9] and Cuchulain took the sword in +his hand.[7] Then he [10]stood still and[10] gave a blow to the three +bald-topped hills of Ath Luain over against the three Maela ('the Bald +Tops') of Meath, so that he struck their three heads off them. [11]And they +are in the bog as a witness ever since. Hence these are the Maolain ('the +Flat Tops') of Ath Luain. Cuchulain cut them off as a reproach and affront +to the men of Connacht, in order that every time men should speak of +Meath's three Bald Tops, these in the west should be the answer the 'Three +Flat Tops of Ath Luain.'[11] + + [7-7] H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [8-8] Add. + + [9-9] YBL. 52b, 43. + + [10-10] YBL. 52b. 45. + + [11-11] H. 1. 13 and Add. + +[W.6099.] Then [1]when the battle had been lost,[1] Fergus [2]began to +view[2] the host as it went westwards of Ath Mor. "It was thus indeed it +behoved this day to prove, for following in the lead of a woman," [3]said +Fergus.[3] "Faults and feuds have met here to-day," [4]said Medb[4] to +Fergus. "Betrayed and sold is this host to-day," [5]Fergus answered.[5] +"And even as a brood-mare leads her foals into a land unknown, without a +head to advise or give counsel before them, such is the plight of this host +to-day [6]in the train of a woman that hath ill counselled them."[6] + + [1-1] YBL. 52b, 47-48. + + [2-2] Reading with H. 1. 13. + + [3-3] H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [4-4] YBL. 52b, 48. + + [5-5] H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [6-6] YBL. 52b, 52. + +[7]Then Cuchulain turned to where Conchobar was with the nobles of Ulster +before him. Conchobar bewailed and lamented Cuchulain, and then he uttered +this lay:-- + + "How is this, O Cualnge's Hound, + Hero of the Red Branch, thou: + Great woe, champion, hast thou borne, + Battling in thy land's defence! + + "Every morn a hundred slain, + Every eve a hundred more, + While the host purveyed thy fare, + Feeding thee with cooling food! + + "Five-score heroes of the hosts, + These I reckon are in graves. + While their women--fair their hue-- + Spend the night bewailing them!"[7] + + [7-7] H. 1. 13. + + * * * * * + +[Page 363] + + + + +XXVIII + +[1]THE BATTLE OF THE BULLS[1] + + +[W.6121.] As regards Medb, it is related here: [2]She suffered not the +hosts to disperse forthwith,[2] but she gathered the men of Erin and led +them forth to Cruachan to behold the battle of the bulls [3]and in what +manner they would part from one another. For during the while the battle +was being fought, the Brown Bull of Cualnge with fifty heifers in his +company had been brought to Cruachan.[3] + + [1-1] YBL. 41a, 8. + + [2-2] H. 1. 13. + + [3-3] H. 1. 13 and Add. + +As regards the Brown Bull of Cualnge, it is now recounted in this place: +When he saw the beautiful, strange land, he sent forth his three bellowing +calls aloud. And Finnbennach Ai ('the Whitehorned of Ai') heard him. Now no +male beast durst [4]send forth[4] a low that was louder than a moo in +compare with him within the four fords of all Ai, Ath Moga and Ath Coltna, +Ath Slissen and Ath Bercha. And [5]the Whitehorned[5] lifted his head with +fierce anger [6]at the bellowing of the Brown of Cualnge,[6] and he +hastened to Cruachan to look for the Brown Bull of Cualnge. + + [4-4] H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [5-5] H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [6-6] H. 1. 13 and Add. + +It was then the men of Erin debated who would be [7]fitted[7] to witness +[8]the fight[8] of the bulls. They all agreed that it should be Bricriu son +of Carbad [9]that were fitted for that office.[9] For, a year before this +tale of the Cualnge Cattle-raid, Bricriu had gone from the one province +into the other to make a request of Fergus. And Fergus had retained +[W.6134.] him with him waiting for his treasures and goods. And a quarrel +arose between him and Fergus at a game of chess.[a] And he spake evil words +to Fergus. Fergus smote him with his fist and with the chess-man that was +in his hand, so that he drave the chess-man into his head and broke a bone +in his head. Whilst the men of Erin were on the foray of the Tain, all that +time Bricriu was being cured at Cruachan. And the day they returned from +the expedition was the day Bricriu rose. [1]He came with the rest to +witness the battle of the bulls.[1] [2]And this is why they selected +Bricriu,[2] for that Bricriu was no fairer to his friend than to his +foe. [3]"Come, ye men of Erin!" cried Bricriu; "permit me to judge the +fight of the bulls,[3] [4]for it is I shall most truly recount their tale +and their deeds afterwards."[4] And he was brought [5]before the men of +Erin[5] to a gap whence to view the bulls. + + [7-7] H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [8-8] H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [9-9] H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [a] The story is told in 'The Adventures of Nera,' published in + the _Revue Celtique_, t. x, p. 227. + + [1-1] YBL. 53a, 4-5. + + [2-2] Stowe. + + [3-3] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [4-4] H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [5-5] H. 1. 13. + +[6]So they drove the Brown Bull the morning of the fight till he met the +Whitehorned at Tarbga in the plain of Ai: or Tarbguba ('Bull-groan'), or +Tarbgleo ('Bull-fight'); Roi Dedond was the first name of that hill. Every +one that had lived through the battle cared for naught else than to see the +combat of the two bulls.[6] + + [6-6] YBL. 52b, 52-53a, 3. + +Each of the bulls sighted the other and there was a pawing and digging up +of the ground in their frenzy there, and they tossed the earth over +them. They threw up the earth over their withers and shoulders, and their +eyes blazed red [LL.fo.104a.] in their heads like firm balls of fire, +[7]and their sides bent like mighty boars on a hill.[7] Their cheeks and +their nostrils swelled like smith's bellows in a forge. And each of them +gave a resounding, deadly blow to the other. Each of them began to hole and +to gore, to endeavour to slaughter [W.6151.] and demolish the other. Then +the Whitehorned of Ai visited his wrath upon the Brown Bull of Cualnge for +the evil of his ways and his doings, and he drave a horn into his side and +visited his angry rage upon him. Then they directed their headlong course +to where Bricriu was, so that the hoofs of the bulls drove him a man's +cubit deep into the ground after his destruction. Hence, this is the +Tragical Death of Bricriu [1]son of Carbad.[1] + + [7-7] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [1-1] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + +Cormac Conlongas son of Conchobar saw that, [2]and the force of affection +arose in him,[2] and he laid hold of a spearshaft that filled his grasp, +and gave three blows to the Brown Bull of Cualnge from ear to tail, [3]so +that it broke on his thick hide from ear to rump.[3] "No wonderful, lasting +treasure was this precious prize for us," said Cormac, "that cannot defend +himself against a stirk of his own age!" The Brown Bull of Cualnge +heard this--for he had human understanding[a]--and he turned upon the +Whitehorned. [4]Thereupon the Brown of Cualnge became infuriated, and he +described a very circle of rage around the Whitehorned, and he rushed at +him, so that he broke his lower leg with the shock.[4] And thereafter they +continued to strike at each other for a long while and great space of time, +[5]and so long as the day lasted they watched the contest of the bulls[5] +till night fell on the men of Erin. And when night had fallen, all that the +men of Erin could hear was the bellowing and roaring. That night the bulls +coursed over [6]the greater part of[6] all Erin. [7]For every spot in Erin +wherein is a 'Bulls' Ditch,' or a 'Bulls' Gap,' or a 'Bulls' Fen,' or a +'Bulls' Loch,' or a 'Bulls' Rath,' [8]or a 'Bulls' Back,'[8] it is from +them[7] [9]those places are named.[9] + + [2-2] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [3-3] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [a] See note [d], page 28, _supra_. + + [4-4] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [5-5] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [6-6] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [7-7] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [8-8] H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [9-9] Add. + + * * * * * + +[Page 366] + + + + +XXIX + +[1]ACCOUNT OF THE BROWN BULL OF CUALNGE[1] + + +[2]A journey of a day and a night the Brown Bull carried the remains of the +Whitehorned till he came to the loch that is by Cruachan. And he came +thereout with the loin and the shoulder-blade and the liver of the other on +his horns.[2] [W.6168.] It was not long before the men of Erin, as they +were there [3]in the company of Ailill and Medb[3] early on the morrow, saw +coming over Cruachan from the west the Brown Bull of Cualnge with the +Whitehorned of Ai in torn fragments hanging about his ears and horns. The +men of Erin arose, and they knew not which of the bulls it was. "Come, ye +men!" cried Fergus; "leave him alone if it be the Whitehorned that is +there; and if it be the Brown of Cualnge, leave him his trophy with him!" + + [1-1] YBL. 41a, 8. + + [2-2] YBL. 53a, 13-16. + + [3-3] H. 1. 13 and Add. + +[4]Then it was that the [5]seven[5] Mane arose to take vengeance on the +Brown Bull of Cualnge for his violence and his valour. "Whither go yonder +men?" asked Fergus. "They go to kill the Brown of Cualnge," [6]said all,[6] +"because of his evil deeds."[4] "I pledge my word," [7]shouted Fergus:[7] +"what has already been done in regard to the bulls is a small thing in +compare with that which will [W.6179.] now take place, [1]unless with his +spoils and victory ye let the Brown of Cualnge go from you into his own +land."[1] + + [4-4] Stowe and Add. + + [5-5] Add. + + [6-6] H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [7-7] H. 1. 13, Stowe and Add. + + [1-1] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + +[2]Then the Brown Bull of Cualnge gave forth the three chiefest bellowings +of his throat in boast of his triumph, and fear of Fergus held back the men +of Erin from attacking the Brown Bull of Cualnge.[2] + + [2-2] H. 1. 13. + +[3]Then[3] went the Brown Bull of Cualnge [4]to the west of Cruachan.[4] He +turned his right[a] side towards Cruachan, and he left there a heap of the +liver [5]of the Whitehorned,[5] so that thence is [6]named[6] Cruachan Ai +('Liver-reeks'). + + [3-3] H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [4-4] H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [a] As a sign of friendliness. + + [5-5] H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [6-6] H. 1. 13 and Add. + +[7]Next he [8]came to his own land and[8] reached the river Finnglas +('Whitewater'), and, [9]on coming,[9] he drank a draught from the river, +and, so long as he drank the draught, he let not one drop of the river flow +by him. Then he raised his head, and the shoulder-blades of the Whitehorned +fell from him in that place. Hence, Sruthair Finnlethe ('Stream of the +White Shoulder-blade') is the name given to it.[7] + + [7-7] Stowe. + + [8-8] YBL. 53a, 18. + + [9-9] YBL. 53a, 18. + +He pursued his way [10]to the river Shannon,[10] to the brink of Ath Mor +('the Great Ford'), [11]and he drank a draught from it, and, as long as he +drank the draught, he let not one drop of the river flow past him. Then he +raised his head, so that the two haunches of the Whitehorned fell from him +there;[11] and he left behind the loin of the Whitehorned in that place, so +that thence cometh Athlone ('Loinford'). He continued eastwards into the +land of Meath to Ath Truim. [12]He sent forth his roar at Iraird Cuillinn; +he was heard over the entire province. And he drank in Tromma.[12] [13]As +long as he drank the draught, he let not one drop of the river flow past +him.[13] And he left behind [W.6192.] there the liver of the Whitehorned. +[1]Some [2]learned men[2] say, it is from the liver of the Whitehorned +which fell from the Brown of Cualnge, that Ath Truim ('Liverford') is +called.[1] + + [10-10] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [11-11] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [12-12] YBL. 53a, 22. + + [13-13] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [1-1] H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [2-2] Add. + +He raised his head haughtily and shook the remains of the Whitehorned from +him over Erin. He sent its hind leg away from him to Port Large ('Port of +the Hind Leg'). He sent its ribs from him to Dublin, which is called Ath +Cliath ('Ford of the Ribs' or 'of the Hurdles'). + +He turned his face northwards then, [3]and went on thence to the summit of +Sliab Breg, and he saw the peaks[3] and knew the land of Cualnge, [4]and a +great agitation came over him at the sight of his own land and country,[4] +and he went his way towards it. In that place were women and youths and +children lamenting the Brown Bull of Cualnge. They saw the Brown of +Cualnge's forehead approaching them. "The forehead of a bull cometh towards +us!" they shouted. Hence is Taul Tairb ('Bull's Brow') ever since. [5]Then +he went on the road of Midluachar to Cuib, where he was wont to be with the +yeld cow of Dare, and he tore up the earth there. Hence cometh Gort Buraig +('Field of the Trench').[5] + + [3-3] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [4-4] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [5-5] YBL. 53a, 26-28. + +[LL.fo.104b.] Then turned the Brown of Cualnge on the women and youths and +children of the land of Cualnge, and [6]with the greatness of his fury and +rage[6] he effected a great slaughter [7]amongst them.[7] He turned his +back to the hill then and his heart broke in his breast, even as a nut +breaks, [8]and he belched out his heart like a black stone of dark +blood.[8] [9]He went then and died between Ulster and Ui Echach at Druim +Tairb. Druim Tairb ('Bull's Back') is the name of that place.[9] + + [6-6] H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [7-7] Translating from Stowe. + + [8-8] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [9-9] YBL. 53a, 28-29. + +[1]Such, then, is the account of the Brown Bull of Cualnge, and the end of +the Tain by Medb of Cruachan daughter of Eocho Fedlech, and by Ailill son +of Maga, and by all the men of Ulster up to this point.[1] [2]Ailill and +Medb made peace with the men of Ulster and with Cuchulain. For seven years +there was no killing of men amongst them in Erin. Finnabair remained with +Cuchulain, and the Connachtmen went to their own land, and the men of +Ulster returned to Emain Macha with their great triumph. _Finit. Amen._[2] + + [1-1] Translating from H. 1. 13 and Add. + + [2-2] YBL. 53a, 29-33. + + * * * * * + +[W.6206.] A blessing be upon all such as shall faithfully keep the Tain in +memory as it stands here and shall not add any other form to it.[a] + + [a] With this the Irish text concludes: What follows is in Latin. + + * * * * * + +I, however, who have copied this history, or more truly legend, give no +credence to various incidents narrated in it. For, some things herein are +the feats of jugglery of demons, sundry others poetic figments, a few are +probable, others improbable, and even more invented for the delectation of +fools. + + * * * * * + +[Page 371] + + + + +INDEX AND PRONUNCIATION OF THE MORE FREQUENTLY OCCURRING PLACE AND +PERSONAL-NAMES. + + +It will simplify matters for the English reader if the following points +respecting the pronunciation of proper names in medieval Irish, are borne +in mind: + +Each _simple_ word is accented on the first syllable. + +Pronounce: + +a (long), as in _aught_; a (short), as in _hot_. +c with slender vowels (e, i), as in _king_; never as _s_. +c with broad vowels (a, o, u), as in _car_; never as _s_. +ch with slender vowels (e, i), as in German _Ich_; never as in _church_. +ch with broad vowels (a, o, u), as in German _Buch_; never as in _church_. +d with slender vowels (e, i), as in French _dieu_. +d with broad vowels (a, o, u), as in _thy_. +e (long), as in _ale_; e (short), as in _bet_. +g with slender vowels (e, i), as in _give_; never as _j_. +g with broad vowels (a, o, u), as in _go_; never as _j_. +gh with slender vowels (e, i) is slender ch _voiced_. +gh with broad vowels (a, o, u) is broad ch _voiced_. +i (long), as in _feel_; i (short), as in _it_. +mh and bh intervocalic with slender vowels, as _v_. +mh and bh intervocalic with broad vowels, as _w_. +o (long), as in _note_; o (short), as in _done_. +s with slender vowels (e, i), as in _shine_; never as _z_. +s with broad vowels (a, o, u), as _s_. +t with slender vowels (e, i), as in _tin_. +t with broad vowels (a, o, u), as in _threw_. +th, like _h_. +u (long), as in _pool_; u (short), as in _full_. + + +The remaining consonants are pronounced almost as in English. + + +Aed: to rime with _Day_ + +Aed Ernmas: the father of the Morrigan + +Ai: _see_ Mag Ai + +Aidne: a district comprising the barony of Kiltartan, in the south-west of +the County Galway + +Aife: one of the three women-teachers of Cuchulain and Ferdiad (pronounced +_Eefe_) + +Aile: north-east of Baile, on Medb's march from Cruachan into Ulster + +Ailill: king-consort of Queen Medb, dwelling in Cruachan Ai (pronounced +_Ayeleel_) + +Ailill Find Miltenga: one of the chief heroes of Ulster + +Ailill macMailchlo: father of Sencha + +Aine: _see_ Cnoc Aine + +Airne: north-east of Asse + +Alba: Scotland + +Amargin Iarngiunnach: a leading Ulster hero; father of Conall Cernach and +brother of Iliach (pronounced _Avergin_) + +Ane: a district in which is Knockaney in the County Limerick + +Ardachad: north of Druim Licce + +Ard Ciannachta: a place in the barony of Ferrard, in the County Louth + +Ard Cuillenn: in Ulster, east of Moin Coltna + +Ard Macha: Armagh + +Assail: a place in Meath + +Asse: north of Finnabair (Fennor), on Medb's march out of Connacht into +Ulster + +Ath: 'a ford' (pronounced _Ah_) + +Ath Aladh Ind: a ford in the Plain of Murthemne + +Ath Berchna: in Connacht, north-west of Croohan, near Bellanagare; it may +be for Ath Bercha, in East Roscommon, and on or near the Shannon + +Ath Buide: the village of Athboy, in the territory of Ross, County Meath + +Ath Carpat: a ford on the river Nith (now the Dee), in the County Louth + +Ath Ceit Chule: a ford on the river Glais, in Ulster + +Ath Cliath: Dublin + +Ath Coltna: in Connacht, south-west of Ath Moga and south-east of Cruachan + +Ath Cro: a ford in Murthemne + +Ath da Fert: a ford in Sliab Fuait, probably in the south of the barony of +Upper Fews, County Armagh + +Ath Darteisc: a ford in Murthemne + +Ath Feidli: a ford in Ulster + +Ath Fene: _see_ Ath Irmidi + +Ath Firdead: Ardee, a ford and a small town on the river Dee, in the County +Louth + +Ath Gabla: a ford on the Boyne, north of Knowth, in the County Meath +(pronounced _Ah gowla_) + +Ath Grenca: the same as Ath Gabla + +Ath Irmidi: the older name of Ath Fene, south of Iraird Cuillinn + +Ath Lethain: a ford on the Nith, in Conalle Murthemni + +Ath Luain: Athlone, on the Shannon, on the borders of Connacht and Meath + +Ath Meislir: a ford in Sliab Fuait, in Ulster + +Ath Moga: the present Ballymoe, on the river Suck, about ten miles to the +south-west of Cruachan, County Galway + +Ath Mor: the old name for Ath Luain + +Ath na Foraire: on the road between Emain and Loch Echtrann + +Ath Slissen: Bellaslishen Bridge; a ford on the Owenure River, near Elphin, +in Connacht + +Ath Solomshet: a ford, probably in Ulster + +Ath Srethe: a ford in Conalle Murthemni + +Ath Tamuin: a ford, somewhere in Ulster + +Ath Traged: at the extremity of Tir Mor, in Murthemne + +Ath Truim: Trim, on the river Boyne, in the County Meath + +Aue: a slave in the household of King Conchobar + +Aurthuile: north-east of Airne + + +Bacca: in Corcumruad + +Bacc Draigin: a place in Ulster + +Badb: the war-fury, or goddess of war and carnage; she was wont to appear +in the form of a carrion-crow. Sometimes she is the sister of the Morrigan, +and, as in the Tain Bo Cualnge, is even identified with her (pronounced +_Bive_) + +Badbgna: now Slieve Bawne, a mountainous range, in the barony of +Ballintubber, in the east of County Roscommon + +Baile: north-east of Meide ind Eoin, on Medb's march from Connacht into +Ulster + +Baile in Bile: on the way to Ardee + +Bairche: Benna Bairche, the Mourne Mountains, north of Dundalk, in Ulster + +Ball Scena: north-east of Dall Scena + +Banba: an old name for Ireland + +Banna: now the Bann, a river in Ulster + +Becaltach: grandfather of Cuchulain + +Bedg: a river in Murthemne + +Belat Aileain: probably between Cualnge and Conalle Murthemni + +Belach Caille More: north of Cnogba + +Benna Bairche: _see_ Bairche + +Berba: the Barrow, a river in Leinster + +Bercha: on or near the Shannon, near Bellanagare, in East Roscommon + +Berchna: probably for Bercha + +Bernas: the pass cut by Medb from Louth into Armagh; probably the "Windy +Gap" across the Carlingford Peninsula + +Betha: see Sliab Betha + +Bir: the name of several rivers; probably Moyola Water, a river flowing +into Lough Neagh + +Bithslan: a river in Conalle Murthemni + +Blai: a rich Ulster noble and hospitaller + +Boann: the River Boyne + +Bodb: the father of Badb + +Boirenn: Burren, in the County Clare + +Brane: probably a hill not far from Ardee, in the County Louth + +Breslech Mor: a fort in Murthemne + +Brecc: a place in Ulster + +Brega: the eastern part of Meath + +Brenide: a river in Conalle Murthemni, near Strangford Lough + +Bricriu: son of Carbad, and the evil adviser of the Ulstermen + +Bri Errgi: stronghold of Errge Echbel, in the County Down + +Brigantia: Betanzos, in Galicia, on the north coast of Spain + +Bri Ross: a hill to the north of Ardee, in the County Louth + +Brug Meic ind Oc, or, as it is also called, + +Brug na Boinde: Brugh on the Boyne, near Stackallen Bridge, County Meath, +one of the chief burial-places of the pagan Irish + +Buagnech: probably in Leinster and near the river Liffey + +Buan: a river in Conalle Murthemni + +Buas: the river Bush, in the County Antrim + +Burach: a place in Ulster + + +Callann: the Callan, a river near Emain Macha + +Canann Gall: a place in Ulster + +Carn: north of Inneoin; probably Carn Fiachach, in the parish of Conry, +barony of Rathconrath, Westmeath + +Carn macBuachalla, at Dunseverick, in Ulster + +Carbre: stepson of Conchobar and brother of Ailill + +Carrloeg: a place in Ulster + +Casruba: father of Lugaid and grandfather of Dubthach + +Cathba: north-east of Ochonn, in Meath; or a river flowing into the Boyne, +some distance to the west of Slane + +Cathba: a druid of Conchobar's court; according to some accounts, the +natural father of King Conchobar (pronounced _Cahvah_) + +Celtchar: son of Uthechar, an Ulster warrior + +Cenannas na rig: Kells, in the Covinty Meath + +Cenn Abrat: a range of hills on the borders of the Counties Cork and +Limerick + +Cet macMagach: a Connacht warrior + +Cinn Tire: a place in Ulster + +Clann Dedad: one of the three warrior-clans of Erin: a sept occupying the +territory around Castleisland, County Kerry + +Clann Rudraige: the warriors of King Conchobar: one of the three heroic +tribes of Ireland + +Clartha: Clara, near the present town of Mullingar, in the County Westmeath + +Cletech: a residence of the kings of Ireland in Mag Breg, near Stackallan +Bridge, on the banks of the Boyne + +Clidna: _see sub_ Tonn + +Clithar Bo Ulad: probably in the centre of the County Louth + +Cliu: an extensive territory in the county Limerick + +Clothru: sister of Medb: Medb slew her while her son, Firbaide, was still +unborn + +Cluain Cain: now Clonkeen, in the west of County Louth + +Cluain Carpat: a meadow at the river Cruinn in Cualnge + +Cluain maccuNois: Clonmacnoise, on the Shannon, about nine miles below +Athlone + +Cnoc Aine: Knockany, a hill and plain in the County Limerick + +Cnogba: Knowth, on the Boyne, near Drogheda, a couple of miles east of +Slane, in the County Meath + +Colbtha: the mouth of the Boyne at Drogheda, or some place near the Boyne + +Collamair: between Gormanstown and Turvey, in the County Dublin + +Coltain: south of Cruachan Ai + +Conall: probably Tyrconnel, in the County Donegal + +Conall Cernach: one of the chief warriors of Ulster: foster-brother of +Cuchulain and next to him in point of prowess + +Conalle Murthemni: a level plain in the County Louth, extending from the +Cooley Mountains, or Carlingford, to the Boyne + +Conchobar: son of Cathba the druid, and of Ness, and foster-son of Fachtna +Fatach (variously pronounced _Cruhoor_, _Connahoor_) + +Conlaech: son of Cuchulain and Aife + +Corcumruad: the present barony of Corcomroe, in the County Clare + +Cormac Conlongas: King Conchobar's eldest son; called "the Intelligent +Exile," because of the part he took as surety for the safety of the exiled +sons of Usnech + +Coronn: the barony of Corran, in the County Sligo + +Corp Cliath: a place in Ulster + +Craeb ruad: ordinarily Englished "Red Branch"; better, perhaps, "Nobles' +Branch:" King Conchobar's banqueting-hall, at Emain Macha + +Crannach: at Faughart, north-east of Fid Mor + +Cromma: a river flowing into the Boyne not far from Slane + +Cronn hi Cualngi: probably a hill or river of this name near Cualnge + +Cruachan Ai: the ancient seat and royal burial-place of the kings of +Connacht, ten miles north-east of the modern Rathcroghan, near Belanagare, +in the County Roscommon (pronounced _Croohan_) + +Cruinn: a river in Cualnge: probably the stream now called the Piedmont +River, emptying into Dundalk Bay + +Cruthnech: the land of the Irish Picts; the northern part of the County +Down and the southern part of the County Antrim + +Cu, Cucuc, Cuacain, Cucucan, Cucucuc: diminutives of the name Cuchulain + +Cualnge: Cooley, a mountainous district between Dundalk Bay and Drogheda, +in the barony of Lower Dundalk, in the County Louth. It originally extended +to the County Down, and the name is now applied to the southern side of the +Carlingford Mountains (pronounced _Cooln'ya_) + +Cualu: a district in the County Wicklow + +Cuchulain: the usual name of the hero Setanta; son of the god Lug and of +Dechtire, and foster-son of Sualtaim (pronounced _Cuhoolin_) + +Cuib: on the road to Midluachair + +Cuilenn: the Cully Waters flowing southward from County Armagh into County +Louth + +Cul Siblinne: now Kells in East Meath + +Cul Silinne: Kilcooley, a few miles to the south-east of Cruachan, in the +County Roscommon + +Culenn: a river in Conalle Murthemni + +Cuillenn: _see_ Ard Cuillenn + +Cuillenn Cinn Duni: a hill in Ulster + +Cuince: a mountain in Cualnge + +Cumung: a river in Conalle Murthemni + +Curoi: son of Dare and king of South Munster + +Cuscraid Menn Macha: son of Conchobar + + +Dall Scena: a place north of Aile + +Dalraida: now "the Route," a territory north of Slieve Mish, in the north +of the County Antrim + +Dare: chieftain of the cantred of Cualnge and owner of the Brown Bull of +Cualnge + +Dechtire: sister of King Conchobar and mother of Cuchulain + +Delga: _see_ Dun Delga + +Delga Murthemni: Dundalk + +Delinn: a place or river near Kells between Duelt and Selaig, on Medb's +march from Cruachan into Ulster + +Delt: a place north of Drong, on Medb's march from Cruachan into Ulster + +Delt: a river in Conalle Murthemni + +Dergderc: Lough Derg, an expansion of the Shannon near Killaloe + +Dichaem: a river in Conalle Murthemni + +Domnann: _see_ Irrus Domnann + +Drong: a river in the land of the men of Assail, in Meath + +Druim Caimthechta: north-east of Druim Cain + +Druim Cain: possibly an older name for Temair (Tara) + +Druim En: in South Armagh; probably a wooded height, near Ballymascanlan, +in the County Louth + +Druim Fornocht: near Newry, in the County Down + +Druim Licce: north-east of Gort Slane, on Medb's march from Connacht into +Ulster + +Druim Salfinn: now Drumshallon, a townland in the County Louth, six miles +north of Drogheda + +Dub: the Blackwater, on the confines of Ulster and Connacht; or the +confluence of the Rivers Boyne and Blackwater at Navan + +Dubh Sithleann (or Sainglenn): the name of one of Cuchulain's two horses + +Dubloch: a lake between Kilcooley and Slieve Bawne, in the County +Roscommon, on Medb's march from Cruachan into Ulster + +Dubthach Doel Ulad: the Ulster noble who shares with Bricriu the place as +prime mover of evil among the Ulstermen (pronounced _Duffach_) + +Duelt: north or north-west of Delt, on Medb's march from Cruachan into +Ulster + +Dun da Benn: Mount Sandle, on the Bann, near Coleraine in the County Derry + +Dun Delga: Dundalk, or the moat of Castletown, on the east coast near +Dundalk; Cuchulain's home town + +Dun macNechtain Scene: a fort in Mag Breg, at the place where the Mattock +falls into the Boyne, about three miles above Drogheda + +Dun Sobairche: Dunseverick, about three miles from the Giants' Causeway, in +the County Antrim + + +Elg: an old name for Ireland + +Ellne: probably east of the River Bann, near Coleraine + +Ellonn: a place in Ulster + +Emain Macha: the Navan Fort, or Hill, two miles west of Armagh; King +Conchobar's capital and the chief town of Ulster (pronounced _Evvin Maha_) + +Emer Foltchain: wife of Cuchulain (pronounced _Evver_) + +Enna Agnech: according to the Annals of the Four Masters, he was High King +of Ireland from 312 to 293 B.C. + +Eo Donn Mor: north-east of Eo Donn Bec, in the County Louth + +Eocho Fedlech: father of Medb; according to the Four Masters, he reigned as +monarch of Ireland from 142 to 131 B.C. (pronounced _Yokh-ho_) + +Eocho Salbuide: King of Ulster and father of Cethern's wife, Inna + +Eogan macDurthachta: a chief warrior of Ulster and Prince of Fernmag + +Erc macFedilmithi: an Ulster hero, son of Fedlimid and grandson of +Conchobar + +Erna: a sept of Munstermen who later settled about Lough Erne, in Connacht + +Ess Ruaid: Assaroe; a cataract on the River Erne near Ballyshannon, in the +south of the County Donegal. It constituted part of the old boundary +between Ulster and Connacht + +Etarbane: one of the "seats" of the king of Cashel, in Tipperary + +Ethliu: father of Lug + +Ethne: sister of Medb (pronounced _Ehnna_) + + +Fachtna Fathach: king of Ulster and later of all Ireland; adoptive father +of Conchobar and husband of Ness, Conchobar's mother + +Fal (or Inisfail): one of the bardic names for Ireland; Medb is called "of +Fal," as daughter of the High King of Ireland (pronounced _Fawl_) + +Fan na Coba: a territory in the baronies of Upper and Lower Iveagh, in the +County Down + +Fedain Cualngi: a place in Ulster + +Fedlimid Nocruthach: daughter of King Conchobar, wife of Loegaire Buadach, +mother of Fiachna and cousin-german of Cuchulain (pronounced _Falemid_) + +Femen: a territory at Slieve-na-man, extending perhaps from Cashel to +Clonmel, in the southern part of the County Tipperary + +Fene: the old tribal name of the Gaels; the "King of the Fene" is +Conchobar, King of Ulster + +Feorainn: a place near Ardachad, on Medb's march into Ulster + +Fercerdne: chief poet of the men of Ulster + +Ferdiad: (pronounced _Fair-dee-ah_) + +Fergus macRoig: one time king of Ulster; in voluntary exile in Connacht +after the treacherous putting to death of the sons of Usnech by +Conchobar. He became the chief director of the Tain under Medb + +Ferloga: Ailill's charioteer + +Fernmag: Farney, a barony in the County Monaghan + +Ferta Fingin: at Sliab Fuait + +Fiachu macFiraba: one of the exiles of Ulster in the camp of Medb + +Fian: the warrior-class + +Fid Dub: a wood, north of Cul Silinne, on Medb's march into Ulster + +Fid Mor: a wood, north of Dundalk and between it and Sliab Fuait + +Fingabair: probably in the Fews Mountains + +Finnabair: daughter to Ailill and Medb (pronounced _Fin-nuh-hur_) + +Finnabair: Fennor, on the banks of the Boyne, near Slane, in Meath + +Finnabair Slebe: near Imlech Glendamrach + +Finncharn Slebe Moduirn: a height in the Mourne Mountains + +Finnglas: a river in Conalle Murthemni + +Finnglassa Asail: a river south-east of Cruachan + +Fir Assail: a district containing the barony of Farbill, in Westmeath + +Flidais Foltchain: wife of Ailill Finn, a Connacht chieftain; after her +husband's violent death she became the wife of Fergus, and accompanied him +on the Tain + +Fochain: near Cuchulain's abode + +Fochard Murthemni: Faughart, two miles north-west of Dundalk, in the County +Louth + +Fodromma: a river flowing into the Boyne near Slane + +Fuil Iairn: the name of a ford west of Ardee + + +Gabal: the Feeguile, a river in the King's County + +nGabar: a place near Donaghmore, perhaps to, the west of Lough Neagh in the +County Tyrone + +Galian: a name the Leinstermen bore. They were Ailill's countrymen + +Gainemain: a river in Conalle Murthemni + +Garech: the name of the hill where the final battle of the Tain was fought, +some distance south-east of Athlone and near Mullingar, in Westmeath + +Gegg: a woman's name + +Genonn Gruadsolus: a druid and poet of Ulster; son of Cathba + +Glaiss Colptha: the river Boyne + +Glaiss Gatlaig: a river in Ulster + +Glenamain: a river in Conalle Murthemni + +Glenn Fochain: probably a valley east of Bellurgan Station + +Glenn Gatt: a valley in Ulster + +Glennamain: in Murthemne + +Glenn in Scail: a place in Dalaraide, East Ulster + +Glenn na Samaisce: in Slieve Gullion, in the County Armagh + +Glenn Tail: another name for Belat Aileain + +Gleoir: the Glore, a river in Conalle Murthemni + +Gluine Gabur: east of the Shannon, in the County Longford + +Gort Slane: north of Slane and south-west of Druim Licce + +Grellach Bobulge: at Dunseverick, in Ulster + +Grellach Dolar (or Dolluid): Girley, near Kells, in the County Meath + +Gualu Mulchi: the town-land of Drumgoolestown on the river Dee, in the +County Louth + + +Ialla Ilgremma: near Sliab Betha and Mag Dula + +Ibar macRiangabra: Conchobar's charioteer + +Id macRiangabra: Ferdiad's charioteer, brother to Laeg + +Ilgarech: a hill near Garech, _q.v._ + +Iliach: grandfather to Conall Cernach + +Illann Ilarchless: an Ulster warrior, son to Fergus + +Imchad: son to Fiachna + +Imchlar: near Donaghmore, west of Dungannon, in the County Tyrone + +Immail: a place in the Mourne Mountains, in Ulster + +Imrinn: a druid, son to Cathba + +Inis Cuscraid: Inch, near Downpatrick + +Inis Clothrann: Inishcloghran in Loch Ree, County Longford + +Innbir Scene: the mouth of Waterford Harbour near Tramore; or the mouth of +Kenmare Bay, in the County Kerry + +Inncoin: the Dungolman, a river into which the Inny flows and which divides +the barony of Kilkenny West from Rathconrath, in the County Westmeath + +Iraird Cuillinn: a height south of Emain Macha, in Ulster + +Irrus Domnann: the barony of Erris, in County Mayo: the clan which bore +this name and to which Ferdiad belonged was one of the three heroic races +of ancient Ireland + + +Laeg: son of Riangabair and Cuchulain's faithful charioteer (pronounced +_Lay_) + +Latharne: Larne, in the County Antrim + +Lebarcham: a sorceress + +Leire: in the territory of the Fir Roiss, in the south of the County Antrim + +Ler: the Irish sea-god + +Lethglas: Dun Lethglaisse, now Downpatrick, in Ulster + +Lettre Luasce: between Cualnge and Conalle + +Lia Mor: in Conalle Murthemni + +Liath Mache: 'the Roan,' one of Cuchulain's two horses. + +Lia Ualann: in Cualnge + +Line (or Mag Line): Moylinne, in the County Antrim + +Loch Ce: Lough Key, in the County Roscommon + +Loch Echtrann: Muckno Lake, south of Sliab Fuait, in the County Monaghan + +Loch Erne: Lough Erne, in the County Fermanagh + +Loch Ri: Lough Ree, on the Shannon, in the County Galway + +Loegaire Buadach: son to Connad Buide and husband of Fedlimid Nocruthach; +one of the chief warriors of Ulster (pronounced _Layeray_) + +Lothor: a place in Ulster + +Luachair: probably Slieve Lougher, or the plain in which lay Temair +Luachra, a fort somewhere near the town of Castleisland, in the County +Kerry + +Lug: the divine father of Cuchulain + +Lugaid: father of Dubthach + +Lugmud: Louth, in the County of that name + +Luibnech: possibly a place now called Limerick, in the County Wexford + + +MacMagach: relatives of Ailill + +MacRoth: Medb's chief messenger + +Mag: 'a plain' (pronounced _moy_) + +Mag Ai: the great plain in the County Roscommon, extending from Ballymore +to Elphin, and from Bellanagare to Strokestown (pronounced _Moy wee_) + +Mag Breg: the plain along and south of the lower Boyne, comprising the east +of County Meath and the north of County Dublin (pronounced _Moy bray_) + +Mag Cruimm: south-east of Cruachan, in Connacht + +Mag Dea: a plain in Ulster + +Mag Dula: a plain though which the Do flows by Castledawson into Lough +Neagh + +Mag Eola: a plain in Ulster + +Mag Inis: the plain comprising the baronies of Lecale and Upper +Castlereagh, in the County Down + +Mag Line: Moylinne, a plain to the north-east of Lough Neagh, in the barony +of Upper Antrim + +Mag Mucceda: a plain near Emain Macha + +Mag Trega: Moytra, in the County Longford + +Mag Tuaga: a plain in Mayo + +Maic Miled: the Milesians + +Mairg: a district in which is Slievemargie, in the Queen's County and the +County Kilkenny + +Manannan: son of Ler, a fairy god + +Margine: a place in Cualnge + +Mas na Righna: Massareene, in the County Antrim + +Mata Murisc: mother of Ailill + +Medb: queen of Connacht and wife of Ailill (pronounced _Mave_; in modern +Connacht Irish _Mow_ to rhyme with _cow_) + +Meide ind Eoin, and Meide in Togmail: places in or near the Boyne, in the +County Louth + +Midluachair: Slige Midluachra, the name of the highroad east of Armagh, +leading north from Tara to Emain and into the north of Ireland + +Mil: the legendary progenitor of the Milesians (See Maic Miled) + +Miliuc: a river in Conalle Murthemni + +Moduirn: _see_ Sliab Moduirn + +Moin Coltna: a bog between Slieve Bawne and the Shannon + +Moraltach: great grandfather of Cuchulain + +Morann: a famous judge + +Morrigan: the war-goddess of the ancient Irish, "_monstrum in feminae +figura_" (pronounced _More-reegan_) + +Mossa: a territory, the southern part of which must have been in the barony +of Eliogarty, not far from Cashel, in the County Tipperary + +Muach: a river in Conalle Murthemni + +Muresc: the land of Ailill's mother; Murresk Hamlet, between Clew Bay and +Croagh Patrick, in the County Mayo + +Murthemne: a great plain along the northern coast of the County Louth +between the river Boyne and the Cooley Mountains; now belonging to +Leinster, but, at the time of the Tain, to Ulster (pronounced +_Muhr-hev-ny_) + + +Nemain: the Badb + +Ness: mother of King Conchobar by Cathba; she afterwards married Fachtna +Fathach and subsequently Fergus macRoig + +Nith: the river Dee which flows by Ardee, in the County Louth + + +Ochain: the name of Conchan bar's shield + +Ochonn Midi: a place near the Blackwater at Navan + +Ochtrach: near Finnglassa Asail, in Meath + +Oenfer Aife: another name for Conlaech + +Oengus Turbech: according to the Annals of Ireland, he reigned as High King +from 384 to 326 B.C. + +Ord: south-east of Cruachan and north of Tiarthechta + + +Partraige beca: Partry in Slechta south-west of Kells, in Meath + +Port Large: Waterford + + +Rath Airthir: a place in Connacht + +Rath Cruachan: Rathcroghan, between Belanagare and Elphin, in the County +Roscommon + +Rede Loche: a place in Cualnge + +Renna: the mouth of the Boyne + +Riangabair: father of the charioteers, Laeg and Id + +Rigdonn: a place in the north + +Rinn: a river in Conalle Murthemni + +Rogne: a territory between the rivers Suir and Barrow, in the barony of +Kells, the County Kildare or Kilkenny + +Ross: a district in the south of the County Monaghan + +Ross Mor: probably Ross na Rig, near Ball Scena + + +Sas: a river in Conalle Murthemni + +Scathach: the Amazon dwelling in Alba who taught Cuchulain and Ferdiad +their warlike feats (pronounced _Scaw-ha_) + +Selaig: Sheelagh, a townland in the barony of Upper Dundalk + +Semne: Island Magee, north-east of Carrickfergus, in the County Antrim + +Senbothae: Templeshanbo, at the foot of Mount Leinster, in the County +Wexford + +Sencha macAilella: the wise counsellor and judge of the Ulstermen + +Sered: a plain in the north of the barony of Tirhugh, County Donegal + +Setanta: the real name of Cuchulain + +Sid: the terrene gods (pronounced _She_) + +Sil: in Lecale, in the County Down + +Sinann: the river Shannon + +Siuir: the Suir, a river in Munster, forming the northern boundary of the +County Waterford + +Slabra: a place north of Selaig, near Kells, in Meath + +Slaiss: south-east of Cruachan, between Ord and Inneoin + +Slane: a town on the Boyne, in Meath + +Slechta: south-west of Kells, in Meath + +Slemain Mide: "Slane of Meath," Slewen, three miles to the west of +Mullingar, in Westmeath + +Sliab Betha: Slieve Beagh, a mountain whereon the Counties of Fermanagh, +Tyrone, and Monaghan meet + +Sliab Culinn: Slieve Gullion, in the County Armagh + +Sliab Fuait: the Fews Mountains, near Newtown-Hamilton, to the west and +north-west of Slieve Gullion; in the southern part of the County Armagh + +Sliab Mis: Slieve Mish, a mountain in the County Kerry, extending eastwards +from Tralee + +Sliab Moduirn: the Mourne Range, in the County Monaghan, partly in Cavan +and partly in Meath + +Sruthair Finnlethe: a river west of Athlone + +Sualtaim (or, Sualtach) Sidech: the human father of Cuchulain + +Suide Lagen: Mount Leinster, in the County Wexford + + +Tadg: a river in Conalle Murthemni + +Taidle: near Cuib + +Taltiu: Teltown, in the County Meath, on or near the Blackwater, between +Navan and Kells; one of the chief places of assembly and burial of the +Ulstermen + +Taul Tairb: in Cualnge + +Telamet: a river in Conalle Murthemni + +Temair: Tara, the seat of the High King of Ireland, near Navan, in the +County Meath (pronounced _Tavvir_) + +Tethba descirt: South Teffia, a territory about and south of the river +Inny, in the County Longford + +Tethba tuascirt: south-east of Cruachan, in Teffia, County Longford + +Tir Mor: in Murthemne + +Tir na Sorcha: a fabled land, ruled over by Manannan + +Tir Tairngire: "the Land of Promise" + +Tonn Clidna: a loud surge in the Bay of Glandore + +Tonn Rudraige: a huge wave in the Bay of Dundrum, in the County Cork + +Tonn Tuage Inbir: "the Tuns," near the mouth of the river Bann on the north +coast of Antrim + +Tor Breogain: "Bregon's Tower," in Spain + +Tromma: south-east of Cruachan; also the name of a river flowing into the +Boyne near Slane + +Tuaim Mona: Tumona, a townland in the parish of Ogulla, near Tulsk, south +of Cruachan Ai, County Roscommon + +Tuatha Bressi: a name for the people of Connacht + +Tuatha De Danann: "the Tribes divine of Danu," the gods of the Irish +Olympus + +Turloch teora Crich: north of Tuaim Mona + + +Uachtur Lua: in the land of Ross + +Uarba: a place in Ulster + +Uathach: one of the three women-teachers of Cuchulain and Ferdiad + +Uathu: north of Ochain + +Ui Echach: the barony of Iveagh, in the County Down + +Umansruth: a stream in Murthemne + +Usnech: father of Noisi, Annle and Ardan + +Uthechar: father of Celtchar and of Menn + + * * * * * + +_Printed by_ BUTLER & TANNER, _Frome and London_ + + * * * * * + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Ancient Irish Epic Tale Tain Bo +Cualnge, by Unknown + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ANCIENT IRISH EPIC TALE *** + +***** This file should be named 16464.txt or 16464.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/4/6/16464/ + +Produced by Ted Garvin, Brendan O'Connor and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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