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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/16464-8.txt b/16464-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fe2841c --- /dev/null +++ b/16464-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,17366 @@ +Project Gutenberg's The Ancient Irish Epic Tale Táin Bó Cúalnge, 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 Táin Bó Cúalnge + +Author: Unknown + +Translator: Joseph Dunn + +Release Date: August 7, 2005 [EBook #16464] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** 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 + + TÁIN BÓ CÚALNGE + + "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 FACSIMILÉ OF THE MANUSCRIPTS + + [Illustration: "Daig concechlabat fin hErend & Alban inn ainm sin, & bat + lana beóil 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 Táin, 5. + III The Rising-out of the Men of Connacht at Cruachan Ai, 10. + IV The Foretelling, 13. + V The Route of the Táin, 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 Scenè, 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 Lochè, 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 Cûr with Cuchulain, 146. + XIV The Slaying of Ferbaeth, 150. + XIVa The Combat of Larinè 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 Darè, 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 +_Remscéla_ or "Foretales," because they lead up to and explain the great +Táin, the Táin Bó Cúalnge, "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 _Táinte_, plural of _Táin_. By this term, which is most +often followed by the genitive plural _bó_, "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 Táin Bó Cúalnge, 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 Táin Bó Cúalnge,[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 Táin 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 Táin Bó Cúalnge is the work not of any one man but of a corporation of +artists known as _filid_. The author of the Táin 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 Táin Bó Cúalnge 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 Táin 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, facsimilé edition, page 13, col. a, lines 9-21: "In the +fourteenth year of the reign of Conairè (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 Conairè. 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 Táin Bó Cúalnge, 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 Conairè 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 Táin 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 Tène," 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 Táin, 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 Táin +Bó Cúalnge 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 Táin Bó Cúalnge, 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 Darè and the Occasion of the Táin + +As we might expect, Medb was chagrined at the discovery. Now her herald +macRoth had told her that Darè 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 Darè to pray for the loan of the +bull. + +Darè 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 Darè, 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 Táin + +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 Táin Bó Cúalnge 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 Táin 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 Táin 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 Táin 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 Táin 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 Táin; H. 1. 13 (Trinity +College, Dublin), written in the year 1745 and giving the Táin 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 Táin, 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 Táin 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" (facsimilé, 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 Táin 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 Táin 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 +facsimilé 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 Táin Bó Cúalnge, 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 Táin Bó Cúalnge 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 _dûn_ 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._ Manè, Darè) 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 TÁIN BÓ CÚALNGE + +(Our Bibliography has no Pretension at being Complete) + + +The Táin has been analysed by J.T. Gilbert, in the facsimilé 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 Bibliothèque de l'école 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 Poème et la Légende 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 Táin Bó Cúalnge," in Mélanges Godefroid Kurth, +II, 413-424, Liège, 1908; by E.C. Quiggin, in the Encyclopedia Britannica, +11th edition, page 626. + +The text of the Táin is found in whole or in part in the facsimilé 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, Táin Bó Cúalnge, 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 Ériu, 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 facsimilé +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, "Táin Bó +Cúailghni nach H. 2. 17," Zeitschrift für Celtische Philologie, Bd. viii, +S. 525-554; E. Windisch, "Táin Bó Cúailnge nach der Handschrift Egerton +1782," Zeitschrift für 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 Táin 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 Táin, 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 études celtiques," page 90, note 5.) The Royal Irish Academy +contains another manuscript translation of the Táin (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 Táin from the LL. text, but with many omissions: "Enlèvement +[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 Táin and a +translation by Standish H. O'Grady of portions of the Add. 18748 text. "The +Táin, 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 Táin have come from the pen of Heinrich Zimmer: +"Über den compilatorischen Charakter der irischen Sagentexte im sogenannten +Lebor na hUidre," Kuhn's Zeitschrift für vergleichende Sprachforschung, Bd. +xxviii, 1887, pages 417-689, and especially pages 426-554; "Keltische +Beiträge," Zeitschrift für deutsches Alterthum und deutsche Litteratur, +Vol. xxxii, 1888, pages 196-334; "Beiträge zur Erklärung irischer +Sagentexte," Zeitschrift für 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, +"Étude sur le Táin Bó Cúalnge," 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 Táin, +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 Táin, 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 Táin 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 Táin 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 entière de l'Irlande est une énigme si on n'a pas sans + cesse à l'esprit ce fait primordial que le climat humide de l'île est + tout à fait contraire à la culture des céréales, mais en revanche + éminemment favorable à l'élevage du bétail, surtout de la race bovine, + car le climat est encore trop humide pour l'espèce ovine." F. Lot, in + _La Grande Encyclopédie_, 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 trí + con, i. ri Muman, agus la Ercc, i. ri Temrach, mac Coirpri Niad fir, + agus la trí maccu Calattin de Chonnachtaib; vii. mbliadna a aes intan + rogab gaisced. xvii. mbliadna dano a aes intan mbói indegaid Tána Bó + Cúalnge. 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 + littérature épique 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, Táin Bó + Cúalnge, _Einleitung und Vorrede_, S. lx. ff. + + [9] Facsimilé, page 288, foot margin. + + [10] Facsimilé, 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, _Táin Bó Cúalnge_, pages 910-911. + + [12] Pronounced _gesh_ or _gas_. + + [13] "Es gehört keine grosse Kühnheit 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 Verständnis 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 Táin Bó Cúalnge + +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 Köninglich 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 TÁIN[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 Darè son of Fiachna; even Donn +Cualnge ('the Brown Bull of Cualnge') he is called." + +"Go thou to him, macRoth, and ask for me of Darè 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 Darè 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 Darè son of Fiachna. +This was the number wherewith macRoth went, namely, nine couriers. Anon +welcome was [W.99.] lavished on macRoth in Darè's house--fitting, welcome +it was--chief messenger of all was macRoth. Darè 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 Darè 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 Darè, 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 Darè, 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 Darè 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 Darè macFiachna and said: "Was +it thou that hast given that notable jewel to the messengers, the Brown +Bull of Cualnge?" "Yea, it was I," Darè 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 +Darè,[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 Darè. "Acquaint us, lord, how we may reach +the place where the Brown Bull of Cualnge is kept." "Nay then," saith Darè; +"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 Darè; "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 Darè. "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 Táin.[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 Manè that they should +gather in Cruachan, the seven Manè with their seven divisions; to wit: Manè +"Motherlike," Manè "Fatherlike," and Manè "All-comprehending", [3]'twas he +that possessed the form of his mother and of his father and the dignity of +them both;[3] Manè "Mildly-submissive," and Manè "Greatly-submissive," Manè +"Boastful" [4]and Manè "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, Dochè 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 TÁIN + + +[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 Liccè, 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 + für 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 Manè, [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 Ochainè'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 Dûn')[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 Táin, 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 Manè 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 Táin." + + [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 Dechtirè'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 Dechtirè, 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 dûn. 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 dûn?" "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 dûn 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 dûn. "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 Fenè!" 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 dûns 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 dûn 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 dûn of the +[3]three[3] sons of Necht Scenè ('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] Scenè 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 dûn 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 dûn, I know, even +at the dûn 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 dûn [1]and they unharness their horses in the place +where the bog and the river meet south [W.1227.] of the dûn of the +macNechta.[1] And the little boy sprang out of the chariot onto the +green. Thus was the green of the dûn, 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 Scenè 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 Nemè ('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 dûn 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 +Scenè, 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 Scenè [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 dûn!"[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 für 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 Táin Bó Cúalnge." + + [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 Anè ('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 Baiscnè. 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 Methè[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 Manè. 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 Manè 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 Dechtirè'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 Marginè [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 Marginè, 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 Táin, 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 Sailè ('the +Sea') around Dorthè in the land of Conalle, until he reached Cualnge. At +that time Cuchulain was in Cuincè, [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 Redè Lochè 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. +Lochè was the name of the maiden. Thereupon Lochè 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 Redè Lochè ('the Plain of Lochè') 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 Táin [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 Táin. [10]This is +the reason the account of the Táin 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 Táin 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 Fenè +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 Táin 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 Ocainè![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. + +Manè 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 Ferfebè 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 Ferfebè. "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 Ferfebè 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 Dechtirè'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 Methè and Cethè,[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 Manè 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 macDarè 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]Manè 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 Ochainè 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 Dûn 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 Dûn 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 Dûn Sobairche; and +she slew Findmor and laid waste Dûn Sobairche; [5]and, after taking Dûn +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." Manè +Athramail ('Fatherlike') goes to him. But first he addresses himself to +Laeg. "Whose man art thou?" spake Manè. Now Laeg made no answer. Thrice +Manè 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 Manè 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 Manè +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 Manè, "to speak to these two." Thereupon Manè 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 macDarè 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 +Ferfebè and own brother to Fiachu[b] Fialdana ('the Generous-daring') son +of Ferfebè, "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 +Ferfebè, 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 CÛR 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 Cûr ('the Hero') son of Da Loth should be +the one to attack him. For thus it stood with Cûr: 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 Cûr +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." Cûr +was summoned to Medb's tent. "For what do they want me?" Cûr 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]Cûr +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 Cûr, "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 Cûr +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 Cûr 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 Cûr macDa Loth also at the hand of Cuchulain. [8]According +to another version[8] [9]it was in Imslige Glendamnach that Cûr 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 Cûr 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 Cûr son +of Da Loth had fallen, and Loth son of Da Bro and Srub Darè 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 Ferfebè 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 Ferfebè,[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. Larinè 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 Larinè.[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 Larinè 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 Larinè," 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 Larinè 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 +Larinè.[10] [W.2235.] It was then that Larinè 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] Larinè 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 Larinè; 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 Larinè reached the ford, Cuchulain saw him and +made a rush at him.[7] Cuchulain knocked all of Larinè'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 Larinè 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 Larinè on the Táin Bó 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 TÁIN,[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 Manè 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 Glassinè, the two sons of Buccridi, the two +Ardan, the two sons of Liccè, the two Glasogma, the two sons of Crund, +Drucht and Delt and Dathen, Tea and Tascur and Tualang, Taur and Glesè. + +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 Methè and Cethè 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 Táin.[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 Táin, [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 Aifè'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 Eraisè ('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 Methè and +Cethè.[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, Bomailcè on his ford, Salach in his homestead, Muinè 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 Sgè 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 Cuilè +('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 Dûn') 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 Bethè +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 Bethè 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 Tairngirè ('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 dûn 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 Bresligè ('Great sixfold Slaughter')[a] is the name of +this event on the Táin, and it is one of the three unreckonable events of +the Táin, which were, to wit, Sessrech Bresligè, Immsligè 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 Bresligè. + +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 Combirgè, four Feochar, four Furachar, four Cassè, four Fota, +five Caur, five Cerman, [W.2679.] five Cobtach, six Saxan, six Duach, six +Darè, [1]six Dunchadh, six Daimiach,[1] seven Rochad, seven Ronan, seven +Rurthech, eight Rochlad, eight Rochtad, eight Rindach, [2]eight Corprè,[2] +eight Malach, nine Daigith, nine Darè, 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: + Carbrè'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 Gabè ('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 Gabè 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 Manè Andoè ('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 Manè Andoè came, and Dochè son of Maga along with him. When now Dochè +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 Dochè macMagach, so that it went +through his own friend, through Manè Andoè 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 Manè 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 Manè, "to tell them." He takes this +message to Medb and Ailill. "This cannot be had of Medb," Manè reported. +"Let us make a fair exchange of arms, then," says Diarmait, "if perchance +that pleaseth thee better." "I am content," replies Manè. 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 Táin,[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 Táin. +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 Táin 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 Darè, 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 Ferfebè. + + [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 Ferfebè. +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 Ferfebè [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 Ficcè 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 Táin,[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 Darè, 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 Aifè +('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 Carbrè, + 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 Carbrè, + 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 Darè, 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 +Darè, [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 macDarè!" + + 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 Darè. [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 Branè + 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, crispèd-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 Aifè, [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 Bairchè, + 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! + + "Srubdarè--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 Aifè, [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 Aifè?" "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: "Provèd 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, Darè'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 Aifè, 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 Aifè. + +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 Milè,[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 lámh-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 Darè 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 Táin; + 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 Aifè,[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 Aifè 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! + Lovèd 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 Táin + 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 +Gegè: 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, Brenidè, 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 Linè 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 Táin, + Who by Cethern--bane--did fall. + No light thing, in floods of tribes, + That their names are known to me: + + "Littè, Luaidren, known o'er sea, + Lot and Luaimnech, 'White-hand' Lonn, + Latheirnè skilful, also Lonn, + Laisrè, Slanoll 'That cures all.' + + "Dubthach, Fintan's blameless son, + Fintan, master Firfial, too, + Mainè, 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 Othinè 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 Cailè ('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; "Manè 'Like to +his mother' and Manè '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, Manè '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 Táin. + +"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 Dûn 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. + +Manè 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 Salbuidê ('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 Dûn 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 Dûn,'[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 Dûn 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 Manè +[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 Manè. 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 Slebè ('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 für 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. + +Dochè son of Maga met him and bade him welcome. "Welcome is thy coming, O +Iliach," spake Dochè son of Maga. [9]"Who bids me welcome?" asked Iliach. +"A comrade and friend of Loegaire Buadach am I, namely Dochè 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 Táin, 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] Dochè son of Maga met him. "Is not this Iliach?" asked +Dochè 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. + +Dochè 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 DARÈ 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 Táin, 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 Dûn +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 +Dûn Sobairche, to Eit, to Roth, to Fiachna at his mound, to Dam drend, to +Andiaraid, to Manè Macbriathrach ('the Eloquent'), to Dam Derg ('the Red'), +to Mod, to Mothus, to Iarmothus at Corp Cliath, to Gabarlaig in Linè, to +Eocho Semnech in Semne, [8]to Eochaid Laithrech at Latharne,[8] to +Celtchar son of Uthecar in Lethglas, to Errgè Echbel ('Horsemouth') at +Bri Errgi ('Errgè'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 Linè, to Buadgalach ('the Victorious Hero'), to Abach, [2]to +Fergna at Barrene,[2] to Anè, 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 Letè, [4]to Fergus son of Letè,[4] to ...[a] (?), to +Bruachar, to Slangè, 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, +Darè 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 Leirè, to +Oengus Ferbenduma ('him of the copper Horn'), to Ogma Grianainech +('Sun-faced') at Brecc, to Eo macFornè, to Tollcend, to Sudè 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 +Blarinè, [2]to Tobraidè 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 Gabè ('the +one-handed Smith'), to Ruadri at Mag Tail, [3]to Manè 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 Dûn'), 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 Bunnè son of Munremar, to +Fidach son of Dorarè, [4]to Muirnè 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 Táin. + + [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 Fenè is its name ever since. It is for this it is +called Ath Fenè, because the warriors of the Fenè from the east and the +warriors of the Fenè 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 Midè +('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 Midè 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 +Midè 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 Midè ('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 Manè 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 Buidè ('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 Letè, [3]the king[3] from Linè +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 Darè 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] Errgè Echbel ('Horse-mouth'), from Bri Errgi +('Errgè'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 Bailè; 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 Athirnè 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, Glasnè 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 Manè 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, forkèd 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 Darè 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 Táin Bó Cúalnge[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 Conarè 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 Suibnè +from the Siuir, the three Eochaid from Anè, 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 Manè 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 Manè from Mossa, the three +Scathglan from Scairè, the three Echtach from Ercè, the three Trenfer from +Taitè, the three Fintan from Femen, [LL.fo.102a.] the three Rotanach from +Rognè, the three Sarchorach from Suidè Lagen, the three Etarscel from +Etarbane, the three Aed from Aidnè, the three Guarè 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'), +Letè'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 Manè 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 Letè 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 Táin.[a] For, [5]when thou hadst not +thy sword with thee,[5] I did flee before thee in thine own combat on the +Táin; [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 Manè 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 Táin, 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] Manè 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 Largè ('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 Darè, 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 Táin 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 Táin 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: + +á (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_. +é (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_. +í (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_. +ó (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_. +ú (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 + +Aifè: one of the three women-teachers of Cuchulain and Ferdiad (pronounced +_Eefe_) + +Ailè: 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 + +Ainè: _see_ Cnoc Ainè + +Airnè: north-east of Assè + +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 Liccè + +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 + +Assè: 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 Táin Bó Cúalnge, 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 + +Branè: 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 _Cruhóor_, _Connahóor_) + +Conlaech: son of Cuchulain and Aifè + +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 Darè and king of South Munster + +Cuscraid Menn Macha: son of Conchobar + + +Dall Scena: a place north of Ailè + +Dalraida: now "the Route," a territory north of Slieve Mish, in the north +of the County Antrim + +Darè: 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 Liccè: 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 Scenè: 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 + +Fenè: the old tribal name of the Gaels; the "King of the Fenè" 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 Táin 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 _Fín-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 Táin + +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 Táin 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 Liccè + +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 + +Linè (or Mag Linè): 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 Linè: 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 Táin, 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 Aifè: 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 Largè: 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 Táin Bó +Cúalnge, by Unknown + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ANCIENT IRISH EPIC TALE *** + +***** This file should be named 16464-8.txt or 16464-8.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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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 Táin Bó Cúalnge + +Author: Unknown + +Translator: Joseph Dunn + +Release Date: August 7, 2005 [EBook #16464] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** 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 + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_iii" name="Page_iii" title="iii">iii</a> + +<h1>THE ANCIENT IRISH<br /> +EPIC TALE<br /> +TÁIN BÓ CÚALNGE</h1> + +<h2>"THE CUALNGE CATTLE-RAID"</h2> + + +<p>Now for the first time done entire into English +out of the Irish of the Book of Leinster +and Allied Manuscripts</p> + +<h3>By</h3> + +<h2>JOSEPH DUNN</h2> +<h3>Professor at the Catholic University +Washington</h3> + +<h3>WITH TWO PAGES IN FACSIMILÉ OF THE MANUSCRIPTS</h3> + +<div class="center"> + <a id="image03" name="image03"></a> + <img src="images/image03.jpg" + alt="Book of Leinster, fo. 64a." + title="Book of Leinster, fo. 64a."> + <p class="center">Book of Leinster, fo. 64a.</p> +</div> + +<div class="blkquot">"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."</div> + +<h3>LONDON<br /> +DAVID NUTT<br /> +17 GRAPE STREET, NEW OXFORD STREET, W.C<br /> +1914</h3> + +<hr /> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_v" name="Page_v" title="v">v</a> + +<h3><span class="sc">To the Memory of</span><br /> +MY MOTHER</h3> + +<hr class="full" /> + +<div class="center"> + <a id="image01" name="image01"></a> + <a href="images/image01h.jpg"> + <img src="images/image01.jpg" + alt="FACSIMILE, PAGE 55 - from the Book of Leinster." + title="FACSIMILE, PAGE 55 - from the Book of Leinster."> + </a> + <p class="center">Facsimile, page 55—<i>from the Book of Leinster</i>.</p> +</div> + +<hr class="full" /> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_vii" name="Page_vii" title="vii">vii</a> + +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> + +<ul> +<li><span class="sc">Preface</span>, <a href="#Page_xi">xi.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">I The Pillow-talk</span>, <a href="#Page_1">1.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">II The Occasion of the Táin</span>, <a href="#Page_5">5.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">III The Rising-out of the Men of Connacht at Cruachan Ai</span>, <a href="#Page_10">10.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">IV The Foretelling</span>, <a href="#Page_13">13.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">V The Route of the Táin</span>, <a href="#Page_19">19.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">VI The March of the Host</span>, <a href="#Page_21">21.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">VII The Youthful Exploits of Cuchulain</span>, <a href="#Page_46">46.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">VIIa The Slaying of the Smith's Hound by Cuchulain</span>, <a href="#Page_54">54.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">VIIb The Taking of Arms by Cuchulain and The Slaying of the Three Sons of Necht Scenè</span>, <a href="#Page_60">60.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">VIIc A Separate Version as far as the Slaying Of Orlam</span>, <a href="#Page_80">80.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">VIII The Slaying of Orlam</span>, <a href="#Page_82">82.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">VIIIa The Slaying of the Three MacArach</span>, <a href="#Page_85">85.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">VIIIb The Combat of Lethan and Cuchulain</span>, <a href="#Page_86">86.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">VIIIc The Killing of the Squirrel and of the Tame Bird</span>, <a href="#Page_88">88.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">VIIId The Slaying of Lochè</span>, <a href="#Page_93">93.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">VIIIe The Killing of Uala</span>, <a href="#Page_95">95.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">VIIIf The Harrying of Cualnge</span>, <a href="#Page_99">99.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">IX The Proposals</span>, <a href="#Page_104">104.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">X The Violent Death of Etarcumul</span>, <a href="#Page_115">115.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XI The Slaying of Nathcrantail</span>, <a href="#Page_126">126.</a></li> +<li><a class="pagenum" id="Page_viii" name="Page_viii" title="viii">viii</a> +<span class="sc">XII The Finding of the Bull</span>, <a href="#Page_132">132.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XIIa The Death of Forgemen</span>, <a href="#Page_136">136.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XIIb The Slaying of Redg the Lampoonist</span>, <a href="#Page_137">137.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XIIc The Meeting of Cuchulain and Finnabair</span>, <a href="#Page_139">139.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XIId The Combat of Munremar and Curoi</span>, <a href="#Page_141">141.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XIIe The Slaughter of the Boy-troop</span>, <a href="#Page_143">143.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XIIf The Slaughter of the King's Bodyguard</span>, <a href="#Page_145">145.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XIII The Combat of Cûr with Cuchulain</span>, <a href="#Page_146">146.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XIV The Slaying of Ferbaeth</span>, <a href="#Page_150">150.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XIVa The Combat of Larinè MacNois</span>, <a href="#Page_155">155.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XIVb The Colloquy of the Morrigan and Cuchulain</span>, <a href="#Page_161">161.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XV The Combat of Loch and Cuchulain, and the Slaying of Loch son of Mofemis</span>, <a href="#Page_163">163.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XVI The Violation of the Agreement</span>, <a href="#Page_175">175.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XVIa The Healing of the Morrigan</span>, <a href="#Page_177">177.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XVII The Great Rout on the Plain of Murthemne</span>, <a href="#Page_180">180.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XVIIa The Slaughter of the Youths of Ulster</span>, <a href="#Page_184">184.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XVIIb The Scythed Chariot</span>, <a href="#Page_187">187.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XVIIc The Appearance of Cuchulain</span>, <a href="#Page_195">195.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XVIId Dubthach's Jealousy</span>, <a href="#Page_198">198.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XVIII The Slaying of Oengus son of Oenlam</span>, <a href="#Page_201">201.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XVIIIa The Misthrow at Belach Eoin</span>, <a href="#Page_202">202.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XVIIIb The Disguising of Tamon</span>, <a href="#Page_204">204.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XIX The Battle of Fergus and Cuchulain</span>, <a href="#Page_205">205.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XIXa The Head-place of Ferchu</span>, <a href="#Page_209">209.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XIXb Mann's Fight</span>, <a href="#Page_211">211.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XIXc The Combat of Calatin's Children</span>, <a href="#Page_213">213.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XX The Combat of Ferdiad and Cuchulain</span>, <a href="#Page_217">217.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XXI Cuchulain and the Rivers</span>, <a href="#Page_268">268.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XXII Cethern's Strait-fight</span>, <a href="#Page_269">269.</a></li> +<li><a class="pagenum" id="Page_ix" name="Page_ix" title="ix">ix</a> +<span class="sc">XXIIa Cethern's Bloody Wounds</span>, <a href="#Page_273">273.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XXIII The Tooth-fight of Fintan</span>, <a href="#Page_283">283.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XXIIIa The Red-Shame of Menn</span>, <a href="#Page_285">285.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XXIIIb The Accoutrement of the Charioteers</span>, <a href="#Page_287">287.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XXIIIc The White-fight of Rochad</span>, <a href="#Page_288">288.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XXIIId Iliach's Clump-fight</span>, <a href="#Page_292">292.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XXIIIe The Deer-stalking of Amargin in Taltiu</span>, <a href="#Page_295">295.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XXIIIf The Adventures of Curoi son of Darè</span>, <a href="#Page_296">296.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XXIV The Repeated Warning of Sualtaim</span>, <a href="#Page_298">298.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XXIVa The Agitation of Celtchar</span>, <a href="#Page_306">306.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XXV The Array of the Host</span>, <a href="#Page_309">309.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XXVI The Decision of the Battle</span>, <a href="#Page_345">345.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XXVII The Battle of Garech</span>, <a href="#Page_348">348.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XXVIIa The Muster of the Men of Erin</span>, <a href="#Page_351">351.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XXVIII The Battle of the Bulls</span>, <a href="#Page_363">363.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">XXIX The Account of the Brown Bull of Cualnge</span>, <a href="#Page_366">366.</a></li> +<li><span class="sc">Index of Place and Personal Names</span>, <a href="#Page_371">371.</a></li> +</ul> + +<hr class="full" /> + +<div class="center"> + <a id="image02" name="image02"></a> + <a href="images/image02h.jpg"> + <img src="images/image02.jpg" + alt="FACSIMILE PAGE 55 - from Leabhar na h-Uidhri." + title="FACSIMILE PAGE 55 - from Leabhar na h-Uidhri."> + </a> + <p class="center">Facsimile page 55—<i>from Leabhar na h-Uidhri</i>.</p> +</div> + +<hr class="full" /> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_xi" name="Page_xi" title="xi">xi</a> + + + +<h2>PREFACE</h2> + + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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 <i>Remscéla</i> or +"Foretales," because they lead up to and explain the great +Táin, the Táin Bó Cúalnge, "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.</p> + +<p>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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_xii" name="Page_xii" title="xii">xii</a> +gave the name <i>Táinte</i>, plural of <i>Táin</i>. By this term, which +is most often followed by the genitive plural <i>bó</i>, "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 Táin Bó Cúalnge, 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.</p> + +<p>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.<a name="footnotetag1_xii" id="footnotetag1_xii" href="#footnote1_xii"><sup>1</sup></a> 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,<a name="footnotetag2_xii" id="footnotetag2_xii" href="#footnote2_xii"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_xiii" name="Page_xiii" title="xiii">xiii</a> +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"<a name="footnotetag3_xiii" id="footnotetag3_xiii" href="#footnote3_xiii"><sup>3</sup></a> +as they are called in the Highlands and described by Scott +in <i>Waverley</i> and <i>The Fair Maid of Perth</i>, 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.</p> + +<p>One of these many Cattle-preys was the Táin Bó +Cúalnge,<a name="footnotetag4_xiii" id="footnotetag4_xiii" href="#footnote4_xiii"><sup>4</sup></a> 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 Táin 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,—</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_xiv" name="Page_xiv" title="xiv">xiv</a> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Leinster for breeding, And Ulster for reaving;</div> +<div>Munster for reading, And Connacht for thieving."</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>The Táin Bó Cúalnge is the work not of any one man but +of a corporation of artists known as <i>filid</i>. The author of the +Táin 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.</p> + +<p>The Táin Bó Cúalnge 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_xv" name="Page_xv" title="xv">xv</a> +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.</p> + +<p>According to the Chronicles of Ireland, as formulated +in the Annals of Tigernach,<a name="footnotetag5_xv" id="footnotetag5_xv" href="#footnote5_xv"><sup>5</sup></a> who died in 1088, King +Conchobar of Ulster began to reign in the year 30 <span class="sc">b.c.</span>, +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 <span class="sc">a.d.</span> +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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_xvi" name="Page_xvi" title="xvi">xvi</a> +his age when he followed the Driving of the Kine of Cualnge, +but twenty-seven years was his age when he died."<a name="footnotetag6_xvi" id="footnotetag6_xvi" href="#footnote6_xvi"><sup>6</sup></a></p> + +<p>A very different account is given in the manuscript known +as H. 3. 17, Trinity College, Dublin, quoted by O'Curry in +his <i>Manuscript Materials</i>, page 508. The passage concludes +with the statement: "So that the year of the Táin +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, +facsimilé edition, page 13, col. a, lines 9-21: "In the +fourteenth year of the reign of Conairè (killed in 40 <span class="sc">b.c.</span>) +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 Conairè. 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 Táin Bó Cúalnge, 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 Conairè 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."</p> + +<p>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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_xvii" name="Page_xvii" title="xvii">xvii</a> +in the events of the life of the Saviour. But in placing +the date of the expedition of the Táin 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 Tène," 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 Táin, 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.</p> + +<p>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 Táin Bó Cúalnge 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."<a name="footnotetag7_xvii" id="footnotetag7_xvii" href="#footnote7_xvii"><sup>7</sup></a> +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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_xviii" name="Page_xviii" title="xviii">xviii</a> +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.</p> + +<p>The following is the Argument of the Táin Bó Cúalnge, +which, for the sake of convenience, is here divided into +sections:</p> + + +<h3><span class="sc">I. The Prologue</span></h3> + +<p>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.</p> + + +<h3><span class="sc">II. The Embassage to Darè and the Occasion of the Táin</span></h3> + +<p>As we might expect, Medb was chagrined at the discovery. +Now her herald macRoth had told her that +Darè 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 Darè to pray for the loan of the bull.</p> + +<p>Darè 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_xix" name="Page_xix" title="xix">xix</a> +against Darè, and he, hearing this, withdrew his promise +and swore that he would never hand over the Brown Bull +of Cualnge.</p> + + +<h3><span class="sc">III. The Gathering of Medb's Forces</span></h3> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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 <i>cess</i>, +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_xx" name="Page_xx" title="xx">xx</a> +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 <i>couvade</i> +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.</p> + + +<h3><span class="sc">IV. The Youthful Exploits of Cuchulain</span></h3> + +<p>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."</p> + + +<h3><span class="sc">V. The Single Combats of Cuchulain</span></h3> + +<p>Cuchulain agrees to allow the Connacht host to continue +their march on condition that every day they send one of +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_xxi" name="Page_xxi" title="xxi">xxi</a> +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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + + +<h3><span class="sc">VI. The Gathering of the Ulstermen and the Final Battle of the Táin</span></h3> + +<p>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.</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_xxii" name="Page_xxii" title="xxii">xxii</a> + + +<h3><span class="sc">VII. The End of the two Bulls</span></h3> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>The Táin Bó Cúalnge 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 Táin as we have it but even episodes +now wanting <ins title="handwritten correction">in</ins> it. All of the extant manuscripts go back to +versions which date from the seventh century or earlier. +No manuscript of the Táin 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.</p> + +<p>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 <i>Leabhar na hUidhre</i>, "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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_xxiii" name="Page_xxiii" title="xxiii">xxiii</a> +forms, however, are as old as the eighth century glosses. +Unfortunately, LU.'s account of the Táin 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.</p> + +<p>Version B comprises the closely related accounts of the +Táin 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 Táin; H. 1. 13 (Trinity College, +Dublin), written in the year 1745 and giving the Táin +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.</p> + +<p>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.<a name="footnotetag8_xxiii" id="footnotetag8_xxiii" href="#footnote8_xxiii"><sup>8</sup></a> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_xxiv" name="Page_xxiv" title="xxiv">xxiv</a></p> + +<p>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 Táin, +but also of that of some <ins title="handwritten correction">of</ins> 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.</p> + +<p>The version of the Táin which I have chosen as the +basis for my translation is the one found in the Book of +Leinster (<i>Leabhar Laighneach</i>), 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" (facsimilé, +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, +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_xxv" name="Page_xxv" title="xxv">xxv</a> +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. <i>Et vale in Christo.</i>"<a name="footnotetag9_xxv" id="footnotetag9_xxv" href="#footnote9_xxv"><sup>9</sup></a></p> + +<p>It would seem from another note in the manuscript<a name="footnotetag10_xxv" id="footnotetag10_xxv" href="#footnote10_xxv"><sup>10</sup></a> +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!"<a name="footnotetag11_xxv" id="footnotetag11_xxv" href="#footnote11_xxv"><sup>11</sup></a></p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_xxvi" name="Page_xxvi" title="xxvi">xxvi</a> + +<p>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 <i>ne varietur</i> and to +merit his blessing (page 369), but also because LL.'s is the +oldest <i>complete</i> version of the Táin 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 +Táin 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_xxvii" name="Page_xxvii" title="xxvii">xxvii</a> +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 facsimilé 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.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p>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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_xxviii" name="Page_xxviii" title="xxviii">xxviii</a> +setting of the Old Irish sagas are of scarcely less +interest and value than the literature itself.</p> + +<p>The Táin Bó Cúalnge, 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 <i>rosc</i> +and it is usually marked in the manuscripts by the abbreviation +<i>R</i>. It was used in short, impetuous outbursts on +occasions of triumph or mourning.</p> + +<p>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 Táin Bó Cúalnge 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.</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_xxix" name="Page_xxix" title="xxix">xxix</a> + +<p>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 <i>geis</i> (later, also <i>geas</i><a name="footnotetag12_xxix" id="footnotetag12_xxix" href="#footnote12_xxix"><sup>12</sup></a>; plural +<i>geasa</i>) has as much right to a place in the English vocabulary +as the Polynesian word <i>tabu</i>, 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 <i>gilla</i> 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 <i>varlet</i> or <i>valet</i> 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, <i>Les +Mabinogion</i>, I, page 40, note). A <i>liss</i> or <i>rath</i> is a fortified +place enclosed by a circular mound or trench, or both. A +<i>dûn</i> is a fortified residence surrounded by an earthen rampart. +In the case of names of places and persons, I have +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_xxx" name="Page_xxx" title="xxx">xxx</a> +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 <i>Erin</i> (dative of <i>Eriu</i>, the genuine and +poetic name of the island) and <i>Alba</i> have been retained +throughout instead of the hybrids "Ireland" and "Scotland." +Final <i>e</i> is occasionally marked with a grave (<i>e.g.</i> +Manè, Darè) to show that it is not silent as it often is in +English.</p> + +<p>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 <i>rosc</i>, +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 <i>not one</i> of the living Celtic scholars, +<i>with</i> 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 <i>without</i> aids of any kind."<a name="footnotetag13_xxx" id="footnotetag13_xxx" href="#footnote13_xxx"><sup>13</sup></a> However, in +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_xxxi" name="Page_xxxi" title="xxxi">xxxi</a> +spite of its defects, I trust I have not incurred the censure +of Don Quijote<a name="footnotetag14_xxxi" id="footnotetag14_xxxi" href="#footnote14_xxxi"><sup>14</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_xxxii" name="Page_xxxii" title="xxxii">xxxii</a> + + + + +<h3>WORKS ON THE TÁIN BÓ CÚALNGE</h3> + +<h4>(<span class="sc">Our Bibliography has no Pretension at being Complete</span>)</h4> + + +<p>The Táin has been analysed by J.T. Gilbert, in the facsimilé +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 Bibliothèque de l'école 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 Poème et la Légende 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 Táin Bó Cúalnge," +in Mélanges Godefroid Kurth, II, 413-424, Liège, 1908; by +E.C. Quiggin, in the Encyclopedia Britannica, 11th edition, +page 626.</p> + +<p>The text of the Táin is found in whole or in part in the +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_xxxiii" name="Page_xxxiii" title="xxxiii">xxxiii</a> +facsimilé 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, Táin Bó Cúalnge, 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 Ériu, 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 facsimilé 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, "Táin Bó Cúailghni nach +H. 2. 17," Zeitschrift für Celtische Philologie, Bd. viii, S. +525-554; E. Windisch, "Táin Bó Cúailnge nach der Handschrift +Egerton 1782," Zeitschrift für 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.</p> + +<p>The Táin 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_xxxiv" name="Page_xxxiv" title="xxxiv">xxxiv</a> +O'Looney's works on the Táin, 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 études celtiques," +page 90, note 5.) The Royal Irish Academy contains another +manuscript translation of the Táin (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 Táin from the +LL. text, but with many omissions: "Enlèvement [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 Táin and a translation by Standish +H. O'Grady of portions of the Add. 18748 text. "The Táin, +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.</p> + +<p>Important studies on the Táin have come from the pen +of Heinrich Zimmer: "Über den compilatorischen Charakter +der irischen Sagentexte im sogenannten Lebor na hUidre," +Kuhn's Zeitschrift für vergleichende Sprachforschung, Bd. +xxviii, 1887, pages 417-689, and especially pages 426-554; +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_xxxv" name="Page_xxxv" title="xxxv">xxxv</a> +"Keltische Beiträge," Zeitschrift für deutsches Alterthum +und deutsche Litteratur, Vol. xxxii, 1888, pages 196-334; +"Beiträge zur Erklärung irischer Sagentexte," Zeitschrift +für 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, "Étude sur le Táin Bó Cúalnge," +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 Táin, 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 Táin, 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.</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_xxxvi" name="Page_xxxvi" title="xxxvi">xxxvi</a> + +<p>Among the many poems which have taken their theme +from the Táin 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.</p> + +<p>Finally, scenes from the Táin 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.</p> + +<hr /> + +<a id="footnote1_xii" name="footnote1_xii"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_xii">[1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>"L'histoire entière de l'Irlande est une énigme si on n'a pas sans +cesse à l'esprit ce fait primordial que le climat humide de l'île est +tout à fait contraire à la culture des céréales, mais en revanche +éminemment favorable à l'élevage du bétail, surtout de la race +bovine, car le climat est encore trop humide pour l'espèce ovine." +F. Lot, in <i>La Grande Encyclopédie</i>, xx, 956.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_xii" name="footnote2_xii"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_xii">[2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>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.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_xiii" name="footnote3_xiii"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_xiii">[3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>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 <i>The Old Highlands</i>, vol. III., p. 338, Glasgow.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_xiii" name="footnote4_xiii"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_xiii">[4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Pronounced approximately <i>Thawin' bō Hūln'ya</i> (<i>θα: n bo: χu: lpə</i>).</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_xv" name="footnote5_xv"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_xv">[5]</a> +<div class="note"><p><i>Revue Celtique</i>, 1895, tome xvi. pp. 405-406; <i>Rerum Hibernicarum +Scriptores</i>, ii. 14.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_xvi" name="footnote6_xvi"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_xvi">[6]</a> +<div class="note"><p><i>Mois Conchulaind fortissimi herois Scottorum la Lugaid mac +trí con, i. ri Muman, agus la Ercc, i. ri Temrach, mac Coirpri Niad +fir, agus la trí maccu Calattin de Chonnachtaib; vii. mbliadna a aes +intan rogab gaisced. xvii. mbliadna dano a aes intan mbói indegaid +Tána Bó Cúalnge. xxvii. bliadna immorro a aes intan atbath. +Revue Celtique,</i> tome xvi. page 407.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_xvii" name="footnote7_xvii"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_xvii">[7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Ridgeway.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_xxiii" name="footnote8_xxiii"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_xxiii">[8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>See H. d'Arbois de Jubainville, <i>Essai d'un catalogue de la +littérature épique de l'Irlande</i>, Paris, 1883, pages 214-216, and the +Supplement to the same by G. Dottin, <i>Revue Celtique</i>, t. xxxiii, +pages 34-35; Donald Mackinnon, <i>A Descriptive Catalogue of Gaelic +Manuscripts</i>, Edinburgh, 1912, pp. 174, 220; E. Windisch, Táin Bó +Cúalnge, <i>Einleitung und Vorrede</i>, S. lx. ff.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_xxv" name="footnote9_xxv"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_xxv">[9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Facsimilé, page 288, foot margin.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_xxv" name="footnote10_xxv"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_xxv">[10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Facsimilé, page 275, top margin.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_xxv" name="footnote11_xxv"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_xxv">[11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Vd. Robert Atkinson, <i>The Book of Leinster</i>, Introduction, pages +7-8; J.H. Todd, <i>Cogadh Gaedhel re Gallaibh, Rerum Britannicarum +medii aevi scriptores</i>, 1867, Introduction, pages ix and ff. Eugene +O'Curry, <i>On the Manuscript Materials of Ancient Irish History</i>, +page 186; Ernst Windisch, <i>Táin Bó Cúalnge</i>, pages 910-911.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_xxix" name="footnote12_xxix"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_xxix">[12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Pronounced <i>gesh</i> or <i>gas</i>.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote13_xxx" name="footnote13_xxx"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag13_xxx">[13]</a> +<div class="note"><p>"Es gehört keine grosse Kühnheit 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 Verständnis +des Inhalts hat, wie von einem guten Gymnasialabiturienten hinsichtlich +der homerischen Gedichte ohne jegliches Hilfsmittel vor +gut 30 Jahren in Deutschland verlangt wurde."—<i>Die Kultur der +Gegenwart</i>, herausgegeben von Paul Hinneberg, Berlin, 1909. Teil +I, Abt. xi, I. S. 75.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote14_xxxi" name="footnote14_xxxi"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag14_xxxi">[14]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Part II, chap, lxii (Garnier Hermanos edition, page 711).</p></div> + +<hr /> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_1" name="Page_1" title="1">1</a> + +<h4>Here beginneth Táin Bó Cúalnge<br /> +The Cualnge Cattle-raid</h4> + +<a name="chapter_I" id="chapter_I"></a> + +<h2>I. THE PILLOW-TALK</h2> + + +<p> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1.</span> +<span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 53.</span> +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:</p> + +<p>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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_2" name="Page_2" title="2">2</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 17.</span> +and gift-giving, <a name="footnotetag1_2" id="footnotetag1_2" href="#footnote1_2"><sup>1</sup></a>in riches and treasures.<a href="#footnote1_2"><sup>1</sup></a> '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, <a name="footnotetag2_2" id="footnotetag2_2" href="#footnote2_2"><sup>2</sup></a>and nine men with every hireling,<a href="#footnote2_2"><sup>2</sup></a> +and eight men with every hireling, and seven men +with every hireling, and six men with every hireling, and +five men with every hireling, <a name="footnotetag3_2" id="footnotetag3_2" href="#footnote3_2"><sup>3</sup></a>and four men with every +hireling,<a href="#footnote3_2"><sup>3</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag4_2" id="footnotetag4_2" href="#footnote4_2"><sup>4</sup></a>for a wife, and I refused him;<a href="#footnote4_2"><sup>4</sup></a> +and from Carbre Niafer ('the Champion') son of Ross Ruad +('the Red'), king of Temair,<a name="footnotetaga_2" id="footnotetaga_2" href="#footnotea_2"><sup>a</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag5_2" id="footnotetag5_2" href="#footnote5_2"><sup>5</sup></a>to woo me, and I refused him;<a href="#footnote5_2"><sup>5</sup></a> +and they came from Conchobar son of Fachtna Fathach +('the Mighty'), king of Ulster, <a name="footnotetag6_2" id="footnotetag6_2" href="#footnote6_2"><sup>6</sup></a>and I refused him in like +wise.<a href="#footnote6_2"><sup>6</sup></a> 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 <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 54a.</span> in largess and gift-giving, and it +would be a disgrace for my husband if I should be better +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_3" name="Page_3" title="3">3</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 34.</span> +at spending than he, <a name="footnotetag1_3" id="footnotetag1_3" href="#footnote1_3"><sup>1</sup></a>and for it to be said that I was superior +in wealth and treasures to him<a href="#footnote1_3"><sup>1</sup></a>, while no disgrace would +it be were one as great as the other<a name="footnotetaga_3" id="footnotetaga_3" href="#footnotea_3"><sup>a</sup></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<a name="footnotetagb_3" id="footnotetagb_3" href="#footnoteb_3"><sup>b</sup></a>. 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<a name="footnotetagc_3" id="footnotetagc_3" href="#footnotec_3"><sup>c</sup></a>, 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, <a name="footnotetag2_3" id="footnotetag2_3" href="#footnote2_3"><sup>2</sup></a>but it is to me the compensation belongs,"<a href="#footnote2_3"><sup>2</sup></a> said +Medb, "for a man dependent upon a woman's maintenance +is what thou art."<a name="footnotetagd_3" id="footnotetagd_3" href="#footnoted_3"><sup>d</sup></a></p> + +<p>"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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_4" name="Page_4" title="4">4</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 52.</span> +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 <a name="footnotetag1_4" id="footnotetag1_4" href="#footnote1_4"><sup>1</sup></a>of Connacht,<a href="#footnote1_4"><sup>1</sup></a> 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."</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_5" name="Page_5" title="5">5</a> + +<a name="chapter_II" id="chapter_II"></a> + +<h2>II. <a name="footnotetag1_5" id="footnotetag1_5" href="#footnote1_5"><sup>1</sup></a>THE OCCASION OF THE TÁIN<a href="#footnote1_5"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 62.</span> +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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>Next they brought before them their droves of cattle +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_6" name="Page_6" title="6">6</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 77.</span> +and their herds and their roaming flocks from the brakes +and wastes of the province.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p>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, <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 54b.</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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 Darè +son of Fiachna; even Donn Cualnge ('the Brown Bull of +Cualnge') he is called."</p> + +<p>"Go thou to him, macRoth, and ask for me of Darè 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 Darè 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 name="footnotetaga_6" id="footnotetaga_6" href="#footnotea_6"><sup>a</sup></a></p> + +<p>Thereupon the messengers fared forth to the house of +Darè son of Fiachna. This was the number wherewith +macRoth went, namely, nine couriers. Anon welcome was +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_7" name="Page_7" title="7">7</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 99.</span> +lavished on macRoth in Darè's house—fitting, welcome it +was—chief messenger of all was macRoth. Darè 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.</p> + +<p>"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."</p> + +<p>At these words Darè was well pleased, and he leaped for +joy so that the seams of his flock-bed rent in twain beneath +him.</p> + +<p>"By the truth of our conscience," said he; "however +the Ulstermen take it, <a name="footnotetag1_7" id="footnotetag1_7" href="#footnote1_7"><sup>1</sup></a>whether ill or well,<a href="#footnote1_7"><sup>1</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>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, <a name="footnotetag2_7" id="footnotetag2_7" href="#footnote2_7"><sup>2</sup></a>Conchobar who holds the +kingship of the province.<a href="#footnote2_7"><sup>2</sup></a> And though all the Ulstermen +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_8" name="Page_8" title="8">8</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 120.</span> +gathered around him, it were no shame for them. Yet is it +passing good of Darè, 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."</p> + +<p>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 Darè, 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 <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 55a.</span> willingly, +yet should he be taken by force!"</p> + +<p>At that moment it was that Darè 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."</p> + +<p>Straightway he went into the house where was Darè +macFiachna and said: "Was it thou that hast given that +notable jewel to the messengers, the Brown Bull of +Cualnge?" "Yea, it was I," Darè 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," +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_9" name="Page_9" title="9">9</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 143.</span> +<a name="footnotetag1_9" id="footnotetag1_9" href="#footnote1_9"><sup>1</sup></a>spoke Darè,<a href="#footnote1_9"><sup>1</sup></a> "they shall in no wise take by foul +means what they cannot take by fair!"</p> + +<p>There they abide till morning. Betimes on the morrow +the runners arise and proceed to the house where is Darè. +"Acquaint us, lord, how we may reach the place where +the Brown Bull of Cualnge is kept." "Nay then," saith +Darè; "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 +Darè; "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."</p> + +<p>"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!"</p> + +<p>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 Darè. "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!"</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_9" id="footnotetag2_9" href="#footnote2_9"><sup>2</sup></a>To this point is recounted the Occasion of the Táin.<a href="#footnote2_9"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_10" name="Page_10" title="10">10</a> + +<a name="chapter_III" id="chapter_III"></a> + +<h2>III. <a name="footnotetag1_10" id="footnotetag1_10" href="#footnote1_10"><sup>1</sup></a>THE RISING-OUT OF THE MEN OF CONNACHT AT CRUACHAN AI<a href="#footnote1_10"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 161.</span> +<a name="footnotetag2_10" id="footnotetag2_10" href="#footnote2_10"><sup>2</sup></a>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<a href="#footnote2_10"><sup>2</sup></a> messengers were despatched +from Medb to the Manè that they should gather in Cruachan, +the seven Manè with their seven divisions; to wit: +Manè "Motherlike," Manè "Fatherlike," and Manè "All-comprehending", +<a name="footnotetag3_10" id="footnotetag3_10" href="#footnote3_10"><sup>3</sup></a>'twas he that possessed the form of +his mother and of his father and the dignity of them both;<a href="#footnote3_10"><sup>3</sup></a> +Manè "Mildly-submissive," and Manè "Greatly-submissive," +Manè "Boastful" <a name="footnotetag4_10" id="footnotetag4_10" href="#footnote4_10"><sup>4</sup></a>and Manè "the Dumb."<a href="#footnote4_10"><sup>4</sup></a></p> + +<p>Other messengers were despatched <a name="footnotetag5_10" id="footnotetag5_10" href="#footnote5_10"><sup>5</sup></a>by Ailill<a href="#footnote5_10"><sup>5</sup></a> 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, Dochè son of +Maga; and Scandal ('Insult') son of Maga.</p> + +<p>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.</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_11" name="Page_11" title="11">11</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 173.</span> +<a name="footnotetag1_11" id="footnotetag1_11" href="#footnote1_11"><sup>1</sup></a>Now Cormac had three companies which came to Cruachan.<a href="#footnote1_11"><sup>1</sup></a> +Before all, the first company. A covering of +close-shorn <a name="footnotetag2_11" id="footnotetag2_11" href="#footnote2_11"><sup>2</sup></a>black<a href="#footnote2_11"><sup>2</sup></a> hair upon them. Green mantles and +<a name="footnotetag3_11" id="footnotetag3_11" href="#footnote3_11"><sup>3</sup></a>many-coloured cloaks<a href="#footnote3_11"><sup>3</sup></a> wound about them; therein, +silvern brooches. Tunics of thread of gold next to their +skin, <a name="footnotetag4_11" id="footnotetag4_11" href="#footnote4_11"><sup>4</sup></a>reaching down to their knees,<a href="#footnote4_11"><sup>4</sup></a> with interweaving +of red gold. Bright-handled swords they bore, with guards +of silver. <a name="footnotetag5_11" id="footnotetag5_11" href="#footnote5_11"><sup>5</sup></a>Long shields they bore, and there was a broad, +grey spearhead on a slender shaft in the hand of each man.<a href="#footnote5_11"><sup>5</sup></a> +"Is that Cormac, yonder?" all and every one asked. +"Not he, indeed," Medb made answer.</p> + +<p>The second troop. Newly shorn hair they wore <a name="footnotetag6_11" id="footnotetag6_11" href="#footnote6_11"><sup>6</sup></a>and +manes on the back of their heads,<a href="#footnote6_11"><sup>6</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag7_11" id="footnotetag7_11" href="#footnote7_11"><sup>7</sup></a>fair, comely indeed.<a href="#footnote7_11"><sup>7</sup></a> +Dark-blue cloaks they all had about them. Next to +their skin, gleaming-white tunics, <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 55b.</span> <a name="footnotetag8_11" id="footnotetag8_11" href="#footnote8_11"><sup>8</sup></a>with red ornamentation, +reaching down to their calves.<a href="#footnote8_11"><sup>8</sup></a> Swords they +had with round hilts of gold and silvern fist-guards, +<a name="footnotetag9_11" id="footnotetag9_11" href="#footnote9_11"><sup>9</sup></a>and shining shields upon them and five-pronged spears +in their hands.<a href="#footnote9_11"><sup>9</sup></a> "Is yonder man Cormac?" all the people +asked. "Nay, verily, that is not he," Medb made answer.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag10_11" id="footnotetag10_11" href="#footnote10_11"><sup>10</sup></a>Then came<a href="#footnote10_11"><sup>10</sup></a> the last troop. Hair cut broad they wore; +fair-yellow, deep-golden, loose-flowing back hair <a name="footnotetag11_11" id="footnotetag11_11" href="#footnote11_11"><sup>11</sup></a>down to +their shoulders<a href="#footnote11_11"><sup>11</sup></a> upon them. Purple cloaks, fairly bedizened, +about them; golden, embellished brooches over their +breasts; <a name="footnotetag12_11" id="footnotetag12_11" href="#footnote12_11"><sup>12</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote12_11"><sup>12</sup></a> Fine, long, silken +tunics <a name="footnotetag13_11" id="footnotetag13_11" href="#footnote13_11"><sup>13</sup></a>with hoods<a href="#footnote13_11"><sup>13</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag14_11" id="footnotetag14_11" href="#footnote14_11"><sup>14</sup></a>this time,<a href="#footnote14_11"><sup>14</sup></a>" Medb made answer.</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_12" name="Page_12" title="12">12</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 186.</span> +<a name="footnotetag1_12" id="footnotetag1_12" href="#footnote1_12"><sup>1</sup></a>Thus the four provinces of Erin gathered in Cruachan +Ai.<a href="#footnote1_12"><sup>1</sup></a> 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. <a name="footnotetag2_12" id="footnotetag2_12" href="#footnote2_12"><sup>2</sup></a>And their poets and druids would +not let them depart from thence till the end of a fortnight +while awaiting good omen.<a href="#footnote2_12"><sup>2</sup></a> 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.</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_13" name="Page_13" title="13">13</a> + +<a name="chapter_IV" id="chapter_IV"></a> + +<h2>IV. THE FORETELLING<a name="footnotetaga_13" id="footnotetaga_13" href="#footnotea_13"><sup>a</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 194.</span> +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, <a name="footnotetag1_13" id="footnotetag1_13" href="#footnote1_13"><sup>1</sup></a>for it is I that have assembled this levy.<a href="#footnote1_13"><sup>1</sup></a> 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."</p> + +<p>And the druid made answer, "Whoever comes not, +thou thyself shalt come." <a name="footnotetag2_13" id="footnotetag2_13" href="#footnote2_13"><sup>2</sup></a>"Wait, then," spake the +charioteer," let me wheel the chariot by the right,<a name="footnotetagb_13" id="footnotetagb_13" href="#footnoteb_13"><sup>b</sup></a> that +thus the power of a good omen may arise that we return +again."<a href="#footnote2_13"><sup>2</sup></a> Then the charioteer wheeled his chariot round +and Medb went back <a name="footnotetag3_13" id="footnotetag3_13" href="#footnote3_13"><sup>3</sup></a>again,<a href="#footnote3_13"><sup>3</sup></a> when she espied a thing that +surprised her: A lone virgin <a name="footnotetag4_13" id="footnotetag4_13" href="#footnote4_13"><sup>4</sup></a>of marriageable age<a href="#footnote4_13"><sup>4</sup></a> 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_14" name="Page_14" title="14">14</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 204.</span> +bronze with its seven strips of red gold at the sides. A +many-spotted green mantle around her; a bulging, strong-headed +pin <a name="footnotetag1_14" id="footnotetag1_14" href="#footnote1_14"><sup>1</sup></a>of gold<a href="#footnote1_14"><sup>1</sup></a> in the mantle over her bosom; <a name="footnotetag2_14" id="footnotetag2_14" href="#footnote2_14"><sup>2</sup></a>a +hooded tunic, with red interweaving, about her.<a href="#footnote2_14"><sup>2</sup></a> A ruddy, +fair-faced countenance she had, <a name="footnotetag3_14" id="footnotetag3_14" href="#footnote3_14"><sup>3</sup></a>narrow below and broad +above.<a href="#footnote3_14"><sup>3</sup></a> She had a blue-grey and laughing eye; <a name="footnotetag4_14" id="footnotetag4_14" href="#footnote4_14"><sup>4</sup></a>each eye +had three pupils.<a href="#footnote4_14"><sup>4</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag5_14" id="footnotetag5_14" href="#footnote5_14"><sup>5</sup></a>Dark and black were her eyebrows; the +soft, black lashes threw a shadow to the middle of her +cheeks.<a href="#footnote5_14"><sup>5</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag6_14" id="footnotetag6_14" href="#footnote6_14"><sup>6</sup></a>when long sustained they are played by master +players' hands<a href="#footnote6_14"><sup>6</sup></a> was the melodious sound of her voice and +her fair speech.</p> + +<p>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; <a name="footnotetag7_14" id="footnotetag7_14" href="#footnote7_14"><sup>7</sup></a>two sandals with golden buckles +about them.<a href="#footnote7_14"><sup>7</sup></a> Fair-yellow, long, golden hair she wore; +three braids of hair <a name="footnotetag8_14" id="footnotetag8_14" href="#footnote8_14"><sup>8</sup></a>she wore; two tresses were wound<a href="#footnote8_14"><sup>8</sup></a> +around her head; the other tress <a name="footnotetag9_14" id="footnotetag9_14" href="#footnote9_14"><sup>9</sup></a>from behind<a href="#footnote9_14"><sup>9</sup></a> threw +a shadow down on her calves. <a name="footnotetag10_14" id="footnotetag10_14" href="#footnote10_14"><sup>10</sup></a>The maiden carried arms, +and two black horses were under her chariot.<a href="#footnote10_14"><sup>10</sup></a></p> + +<p>Medb gazed at her. "And what doest thou here +now, O maiden?" asked Medb. "I impart <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 56a.</span> 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_15" name="Page_15" title="15">15</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 220.</span> +my people art thou <a name="footnotetag1_15" id="footnotetag1_15" href="#footnote1_15"><sup>1</sup></a>and what is thy name<a href="#footnote1_15"><sup>1</sup></a>?" asked +Medb. "Not hard, in sooth, to say. The prophetess +Fedelm, from the Sid ('the Fairy Mound') of Cruachan, <a name="footnotetag2_15" id="footnotetag2_15" href="#footnote2_15"><sup>2</sup></a>a +poetess of Connacht<a href="#footnote2_15"><sup>2</sup></a> am I." <a name="footnotetag3_15" id="footnotetag3_15" href="#footnote3_15"><sup>3</sup></a>"Whence comest thou?" +asked Medb. "From Alba, after learning prophetic skill," +the maiden made answer. "Hast thou the form of divination?"<a name="footnotetagb_15" id="footnotetagb_15" href="#footnoteb_15"><sup>b</sup></a> +"Verily, have I," the maiden said.<a href="#footnote3_15"><sup>3</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag4_15" id="footnotetag4_15" href="#footnote4_15"><sup>4</sup></a>"Look, +then, for me, how will my undertaking be." The maiden +looked. Then spake Medb:—<a href="#footnote4_15"><sup>4</sup></a></p> + +<p>"Good now,</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Tell, O Fedelm, prophet-maid,</div> +<div>How beholdest thou our host?"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p><a name="footnotetag5_15" id="footnotetag5_15" href="#footnote5_15"><sup>5</sup></a>Fedelm answered and spoke:<a href="#footnote5_15"><sup>5</sup></a></p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Crimson-red from blood they are;</div> +<div>I behold them bathed in red!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p><a name="footnotetag6_15" id="footnotetag6_15" href="#footnote6_15"><sup>6</sup></a>"That is no true augury,"<a href="#footnote6_15"><sup>6</sup></a> said Medb. "Verily, Conchobar +<a name="footnotetag7_15" id="footnotetag7_15" href="#footnote7_15"><sup>7</sup></a>with the Ulstermen<a href="#footnote7_15"><sup>7</sup></a> is in his 'Pains' in Emain; +thither fared my messengers <a name="footnotetag8_15" id="footnotetag8_15" href="#footnote8_15"><sup>8</sup></a>and brought me true +tidings<a href="#footnote8_15"><sup>8</sup></a>; naught is there that we need dread from Ulster's +men. But speak truth, O Fedelm:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Tell, O Fedelm, prophet-maid,</div> +<div>How beholdest thou our host?"</div> +</div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Crimson-red from blood they are;</div> +<div>I behold them bathed in red!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p><a name="footnotetag9_15" id="footnotetag9_15" href="#footnote9_15"><sup>9</sup></a>"That is no true augury.<a href="#footnote9_15"><sup>9</sup></a> 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:—</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_16" name="Page_16" title="16">16</a> + +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 233.</span> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Tell, O Fedelm, prophet-maid,</div> +<div>How beholdest thou our host?"</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Crimson-red from blood they are;</div> +<div>I behold them bathed in red!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>"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:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Tell, O Fedelm, prophet-maid,</div> +<div>How beholdest thou our host?"</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Crimson-red from blood they are;</div> +<div>I behold them bathed in red!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>"Celtchar, Uthechar's son, is in his fort <a name="footnotetag1_16" id="footnotetag1_16" href="#footnote1_16"><sup>1</sup></a>at Lethglas<a href="#footnote1_16"><sup>1</sup></a> +in his 'Pains,' <a name="footnotetag2_16" id="footnotetag2_16" href="#footnote2_16"><sup>2</sup></a>and a third of the Ulstermen with him.<a href="#footnote2_16"><sup>2</sup></a> +Thither fared my messengers. Naught have we to fear +from Ulster's men. <a name="footnotetag3_16" id="footnotetag3_16" href="#footnote3_16"><sup>3</sup></a>And Fergus son of Roig son of +Eochaid is with us here in exile, and thirty hundred with +him.<a href="#footnote3_16"><sup>3</sup></a> But speak truth, O Fedelm:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Tell, O Fedelm, prophet-maid,</div> +<div>How beholdest thou our host?"</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Crimson-red from blood they are;</div> +<div>I behold them bathed in red!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>"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, <a name="footnotetag4_16" id="footnotetag4_16" href="#footnote4_16"><sup>4</sup></a>look now again +for us and<a href="#footnote4_16"><sup>4</sup></a> speak truth, O Fedelm:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Tell, O Fedelm, prophet-maid,</div> +<div>How beholdest thou our host?"</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Crimson-red from blood they are;</div> +<div>I behold them bathed in red!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Therewith she began to prophesy and to foretell the +coming of Cuchulain to the men of Erin, and she chanted +a lay:—</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_17" name="Page_17" title="17">17</a> + +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 255.</span> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"<a name="footnotetaga_17" id="footnotetaga_17" href="#footnotea_17"><sup>a</sup></a>Fair, of deeds, the man I see;</div> +<div>Wounded sore is his fair skin;</div> +<div>On his brow shines hero's light;</div> +<div>Victory's seat is in his face!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Seven gems of champions brave</div> +<div>Deck the centre of his orbs;</div> +<div>Naked are the spears he bears,</div> +<div>And he hooks a red cloak round!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Noblest face is his, I see;</div> +<div>He respects all womankind.</div> +<div>Young the lad and fresh his hue,</div> +<div>With a dragon's form in fight!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"I know not who is the Hound,</div> +<div>Culann's hight,<a name="footnotetagb_17" id="footnotetagb_17" href="#footnoteb_17"><sup>b</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag1_17" id="footnotetag1_17" href="#footnote1_17"><sup>1</sup></a>of fairest fame<a href="#footnote1_17"><sup>1</sup></a>;</div> +<div>But I know full well this host</div> +<div>Will be smitten red by him!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Four small swords—a brilliant feat—</div> +<div>He supports in either hand;</div> +<div>These he'll ply upon the host,</div> +<div>Each to do its special deed!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"His Gae Bulga,<a name="footnotetagc_17" id="footnotetagc_17" href="#footnotec_17"><sup>c</sup></a> too, he wields,</div> +<div>With his sword and javelin.</div> +<div>Lo, the man in red cloak girt</div> +<div>Sets his foot on every hill!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Two spears <a name="footnotetag2_17" id="footnotetag2_17" href="#footnote2_17"><sup>2</sup></a>from the chariot's left<a href="#footnote2_17"><sup>2</sup></a></div> +<div>He casts forth in orgy wild.</div> +<div>And his form I saw till now</div> +<div>Well I know will change its guise!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"On to battle now he comes;</div> +<div>If ye watch not, ye are doomed.</div> +<div>This is he seeks ye in fight</div> +<div>Brave Cuchulain, Sualtaim's son!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"All your host he'll smite in twain,</div> +<div>Till he works your utter ruin.</div> +<div>All your heads ye'll leave with him.</div> +<div>Fedelm, prophet-maid, hides not!</div> +</div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_18" name="Page_18" title="18">18</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 291.</span> +<span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 56b.</span> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Gore shall flow from warriors' wounds;</div> +<div>Long 'twill live in memory.</div> +<div>Bodies hacked and wives in tears,</div> +<div>Through the Smith's Hound<a name="footnotetaga_18" id="footnotetaga_18" href="#footnotea_18"><sup>a</sup></a> whom I see!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>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. <a name="footnotetag1_18" id="footnotetag1_18" +href="#footnote1_18"><sup>1</sup></a>Next follows the Body of the Tale itself.<a href="#footnote1_18"><sup>1</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_19" name="Page_19" title="19">19</a> + +<a name="chapter_V" id="chapter_V"></a> + +<h2>V. THIS IS THE ROUTE OF THE TÁIN</h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 301.</span> +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. <a name="footnotetag1_19" id="footnotetag1_19" href="#footnote1_19"><sup>1</sup></a>On Monday +after Summer's end<a href="#footnote1_19"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_19" id="footnotetag2_19" href="#footnote2_19"><sup>2</sup></a>they set forth and proceeded:<a href="#footnote2_19"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag3_19" id="footnotetag3_19" href="#footnote3_19"><sup>3</sup></a>South-east from Cruachan Ai,<a href="#footnote3_19"><sup>3</sup></a> 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'), <a name="footnotetag4_19" id="footnotetag4_19" href="#footnote4_19"><sup>4</sup></a>by Fid Dubh ('Black +Woods'),<a href="#footnote4_19"><sup>4</sup></a> 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'), <a name="footnotetag5_19" id="footnotetag5_19" href="#footnote5_19"><sup>5</sup></a>southwards,<a href="#footnote5_19"><sup>5</sup></a> +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 <a name="footnotetag6_19" id="footnotetag6_19" href="#footnote6_19"><sup>6</sup></a>southwards,<a href="#footnote6_19"><sup>6</sup></a> by +Catha, by Cromma <a name="footnotetag7_19" id="footnotetag7_19" href="#footnote7_19"><sup>7</sup></a>southwards,<a href="#footnote7_19"><sup>7</sup></a> by Tromma, <a name="footnotetag8_19" id="footnotetag8_19" href="#footnote8_19"><sup>8</sup></a>eastwards<a href="#footnote8_19"><sup>8</sup></a> +by Fodromma, by Slane, by Gort Slane, <a name="footnotetag9_19" id="footnotetag9_19" href="#footnote9_19"><sup>9</sup></a>to the south of<a href="#footnote9_19"><sup>9</sup></a> +Druim Liccè, by Ath Gabla, by Ardachad ('Highfield'), +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_20" name="Page_20" title="20">20</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 356.</span> +<a name="footnotetag1_20" id="footnotetag1_20" href="#footnote1_20"><sup>1</sup></a>northwards<a href="#footnote1_20"><sup>1</sup></a> by Feorainn, by Finnabair ('White Plain'), +by Assa <a name="footnotetag2_20" id="footnotetag2_20" href="#footnote2_20"><sup>2</sup></a>southwards,<a href="#footnote2_20"><sup>2</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag3_20" id="footnotetag3_20" href="#footnote3_20"><sup>3</sup></a>by Colbtha, by Crond in +Cualnge,<a href="#footnote3_20"><sup>3</sup></a> by Druim Cain on the road to Midluachar, <a name="footnotetag4_20" id="footnotetag4_20" href="#footnote4_20"><sup>4</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote4_20"><sup>4</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_21" name="Page_21" title="21">21</a> + +<a name="chapter_VI" id="chapter_VI"></a> + +<h2>VI. THE MARCH OF THE HOST</h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 389.</span> +On the first stage the hosts went <a name="footnotetag1_21" id="footnotetag1_21" href="#footnote1_21"><sup>1</sup></a>from Cruachan,<a href="#footnote1_21"><sup>1</sup></a> they +slept the night at Cul Silinne, <a name="footnotetag2_21" id="footnotetag2_21" href="#footnote2_21"><sup>2</sup></a>where to-day is Cargin's +Lough.<a href="#footnote2_21"><sup>2</sup></a> And <a name="footnotetag3_21" id="footnotetag3_21" href="#footnote3_21"><sup>3</sup></a>in that place<a href="#footnote3_21"><sup>3</sup></a> was fixed the tent of Ailill +son of Ross, <a name="footnotetag4_21" id="footnotetag4_21" href="#footnote4_21"><sup>4</sup></a>and the trappings were arranged, both bedding +and bed-clothes.<a href="#footnote4_21"><sup>4</sup></a> 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, +<a name="footnotetag5_21" id="footnotetag5_21" href="#footnote5_21"><sup>5</sup></a>the son of Conchobar's daughter,<a href="#footnote5_21"><sup>5</sup></a> at its side; +<a name="footnotetag6_21" id="footnotetag6_21" href="#footnote6_21"><sup>6</sup></a>Conall Cernach at its side,<a href="#footnote6_21"><sup>6</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>Medb of Cruachan, <a name="footnotetag7_21" id="footnotetag7_21" href="#footnote7_21"><sup>7</sup></a>daughter of Eocho Fedlech,<a href="#footnote7_21"><sup>7</sup></a> moreover, +was at Ailill's left. Finnabair ('Fairbrow'), <a name="footnotetag8_21" id="footnotetag8_21" href="#footnote8_21"><sup>8</sup></a>daughter +of Ailill and Medb,<a href="#footnote8_21"><sup>8</sup></a> at her side, <a name="footnotetag9_21" id="footnotetag9_21" href="#footnote9_21"><sup>9</sup></a>besides servants and +henchmen.<a href="#footnote9_21"><sup>9</sup></a> 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_22" name="Page_22" title="22">22</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 404.</span> +in milk to the men of Erin on the march, for king and queen +and prince and poet and pupil.</p> + +<p>Medb remained in the rear of the host that day in +quest of tidings and augury <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 57a.</span> and knowledge. <a name="footnotetag1_22" id="footnotetag1_22" href="#footnote1_22"><sup>1</sup></a>She +called to her charioteer to get ready her nine chariots for +her,<a href="#footnote1_22"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_22" id="footnotetag2_22" href="#footnote2_22"><sup>2</sup></a>to make a circuit of the camp<a href="#footnote2_22"><sup>2</sup></a> that she might learn +who was loath and who eager to take part in the hosting. +<a name="footnotetag3_22" id="footnotetag3_22" href="#footnote3_22"><sup>3</sup></a>With nine chariots<a name="footnotetaga_22" id="footnotetaga_22" href="#footnotea_22"><sup>a</sup></a> she was wont to travel, that the +dust of the great host might not soil her.<a href="#footnote3_22"><sup>3</sup></a> Medb suffered +not her chariot to be let down nor her horses unyoked +until she had made a circuit of the camp.</p> + +<p>Then, <a name="footnotetag4_22" id="footnotetag4_22" href="#footnote4_22"><sup>4</sup></a>when she had reviewed the host,<a href="#footnote4_22"><sup>4</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag5_22" id="footnotetag5_22" href="#footnote5_22"><sup>5</sup></a>namely the division of the Galian +('of Leinster'),"<a href="#footnote5_22"><sup>5</sup></a> quoth Medb. <a name="footnotetag6_22" id="footnotetag6_22" href="#footnote6_22"><sup>6</sup></a>"Why blamest thou +these men?" queried Ailill. "It is not that we blame +them," Medb made answer.<a href="#footnote6_22"><sup>6</sup></a> "What good service then +have these done that they are praised above all?" asked +Ailill. "There is reason to praise them," said Medb. +<a name="footnotetag7_22" id="footnotetag7_22" href="#footnote7_22"><sup>7</sup></a>"Splendid are the warriors.<a href="#footnote7_22"><sup>7</sup></a> 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, +<a name="footnotetag8_22" id="footnotetag8_22" href="#footnote8_22"><sup>8</sup></a>and their harps are playing for them.<a href="#footnote8_22"><sup>8</sup></a> When all the +others have finished eating and feasting, these are by that +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_23" name="Page_23" title="23">23</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 422.</span> +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. <a name="footnotetag1_23" id="footnotetag1_23" href="#footnote1_23"><sup>1</sup></a>It is folly then for these to go, +since it is those others will enjoy the victory of the host.<a href="#footnote1_23"><sup>1</sup></a>" +"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." <a name="footnotetag2_23" id="footnotetag2_23" href="#footnote2_23"><sup>2</sup></a>cried +Medb.<a href="#footnote2_23"><sup>2</sup></a> "Let them stay at home then," said Ailill. "Stay +they shall not," answered Medb. "<a name="footnotetag3_23" id="footnotetag3_23" href="#footnote3_23"><sup>3</sup></a>They will fall on us +in the rear and will seize our land against us.<a href="#footnote3_23"><sup>3</sup></a>" "What +shall they do then," Finnabair<a name="footnotetaga_23" id="footnotetaga_23" href="#footnotea_23"><sup>a</sup></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; "<a name="footnotetag4_23" id="footnotetag4_23" href="#footnote4_23"><sup>4</sup></a>'tis a woman's +advice,<a href="#footnote4_23"><sup>4</sup></a> for that they pitch their tents and make their pens +so promptly and unwearily." "By the truth of my conscience," +cried Fergus, <a name="footnotetag5_23" id="footnotetag5_23" href="#footnote5_23"><sup>5</sup></a>"not thus shall it happen, for +they are allies of us men of Ulster.<a href="#footnote5_23"><sup>5</sup></a> No one shall do them +to death but he that does death to myself <a name="footnotetag6_23" id="footnotetag6_23" href="#footnote6_23"><sup>6</sup></a>along with +them!"<a href="#footnote6_23"><sup>6</sup></a></p> + +<p>"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 Manè, <a name="footnotetag7_23" id="footnotetag7_23" href="#footnote7_23"><sup>7</sup></a>that is, my seven +sons<a href="#footnote7_23"><sup>7</sup></a> with their seven divisions, and the sons of Maga +with their <a name="footnotetag8_23" id="footnotetag8_23" href="#footnote8_23"><sup>8</sup></a>seven<a href="#footnote8_23"><sup>8</sup></a> 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!"</p> + +<p>"It befits thee not thus to speak to me," said Fergus, +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_24" name="Page_24" title="24">24</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 439.</span> +"for I have with me here <a name="footnotetag1_24" id="footnotetag1_24" href="#footnote1_24"><sup>1</sup></a>in alliance with us Ulstermen,<a href="#footnote1_24"><sup>1</sup></a> +the seven Under-kings of Munster, with their seven cantreds. +<a name="footnotetag2_24" id="footnotetag2_24" href="#footnote2_24"><sup>2</sup></a>Here we have what is best of the youths of Ulster, even +the division of the Black Banishment.<a href="#footnote2_24"><sup>2</sup></a> 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. <a name="footnotetag3_24" id="footnotetag3_24" href="#footnote3_24"><sup>3</sup></a>I will give thee battle in +the midst of the camp,<a href="#footnote3_24"><sup>3</sup></a> 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. <a name="footnotetag4_24" id="footnotetag4_24" href="#footnote4_24"><sup>4</sup></a>For the rest, +we will care for these warriors, to the end that they get +not the upper hand of the host.</p> + +<p>"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.<a href="#footnote4_24"><sup>4</sup></a> This +division of Leinstermen I will distribute among <a name="footnotetag5_24" id="footnotetag5_24" href="#footnote5_24"><sup>5</sup></a>all the +host of<a href="#footnote5_24"><sup>5</sup></a> 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."</p> + +<p>Forthwith Fergus distributed the cantred <a name="footnotetag6_24" id="footnotetag6_24" href="#footnote6_24"><sup>6</sup></a>of the Galian<a href="#footnote6_24"><sup>6</sup></a> +among the men of Erin in such wise that there were not +five men of them in any one place.</p> + +<p><sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 57b.</span> Thereupon, the troops set out on their way and march. +It was no easy thing <a name="footnotetag7_24" id="footnotetag7_24" href="#footnote7_24"><sup>7</sup></a>for their kings and their leaders<a href="#footnote7_24"><sup>7</sup></a> to +attend to that mighty host. They took part in the expedition +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_25" name="Page_25" title="25">25</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 453.</span> +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 <a name="footnotetag1_25" id="footnotetag1_25" href="#footnote1_25"><sup>1</sup></a>by a separate route<a href="#footnote1_25"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 +<a name="footnotetag2_25" id="footnotetag2_25" href="#footnote2_25"><sup>2</sup></a>after Conchobar had usurped the kingship and<a href="#footnote2_25"><sup>2</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>So <a name="footnotetag3_25" id="footnotetag3_25" href="#footnote3_25"><sup>3</sup></a>the lead of the way was entrusted to Fergus.<a href="#footnote3_25"><sup>3</sup></a> +Fergus before all fared forth to seek tidings, and a +feeling of <a name="footnotetag4_25" id="footnotetag4_25" href="#footnote4_25"><sup>4</sup></a>love and<a href="#footnote4_25"><sup>4</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag5_25" id="footnotetag5_25" href="#footnote5_25"><sup>5</sup></a>who were +at that time in their 'Pains' except Cuchulain and his +father Sualtaim.<a href="#footnote5_25"><sup>5</sup></a> And he began to detain and delay the +host <a name="footnotetag6_25" id="footnotetag6_25" href="#footnote6_25"><sup>6</sup></a>until such time as the men of Ulster should have +gathered together an army.<a href="#footnote6_25"><sup>6</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag7_25" id="footnotetag7_25" href="#footnote7_25"><sup>7</sup></a>Because of affection he did so.<a href="#footnote7_25"><sup>7</sup></a></p> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_26" name="Page_26" title="26">26</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 472.</span> +Medb perceived this and she upbraided him for it, and +chanted the lay:—</p> + +<p>Medb:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Fergus, speak, what shall we say?</div> +<div>What may mean this devious way?</div> +<div>For we wander north and south;</div> +<div>Over other lands we stray!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Fergus:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Medb, why art thou so perturbed?</div> +<div>There's no treacherous purpose here.</div> +<div>Ulster's land it is, O queen,</div> +<div>Over which I've led thy host!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Medb:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Ailill, splendid with his hosts,</div> +<div><a name="footnotetag1_26" id="footnotetag1_26" href="#footnote1_26"><sup>1</sup></a>Fears thee lest thou should'st betray.<a href="#footnote1_26"><sup>1</sup></a></div> +<div>Thou hast not bent all thy mind</div> +<div>To direct us on our way!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Fergus:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Not to bring the host to harm</div> +<div>Make these changing circuits I.</div> +<div>Haply could I now avoid</div> +<div>Sualtach's son, the Blacksmith's Hound!"<a name="footnotetaga_26" id="footnotetaga_26" href="#footnotea_26"><sup>a</sup></a></div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Medb:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Ill of thee to wrong our host,</div> +<div>Fergus, son of Ross the Red;</div> +<div>Much good hast thou found with us,</div> +<div>Fergus, in thy banishment!"</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"<a name="footnotetag2_26" id="footnotetag2_26" href="#footnote2_26"><sup>2</sup></a>If thou showest our foemen love,</div> +<div>No more shalt thou lead our troops;</div> +<div>Haply someone else we'll find</div> +<div>To direct us on our way!<a href="#footnote2_26"><sup>2</sup></a>"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>"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.</p> + +<p>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 <a name="footnotetag3_26" id="footnotetag3_26" href="#footnote3_26"><sup>3</sup></a>treasures,<a href="#footnote3_26"><sup>3</sup></a> and the flaming +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_27" name="Page_27" title="27">27</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 502.</span> +torch, even Cuchulain son of Sualtaim.<a name="footnotetaga_27" id="footnotetaga_27" href="#footnotea_27"><sup>a</sup></a> And thus he +foreshowed him and chanted a lay, and Medb responded:—</p> + +<p>Fergus:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Well for ye to heed and watch,</div> +<div>With array of arms and men.</div> +<div>He will come, the one we fear,</div> +<div>Murthemne's great, deedful youth!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Medb:<span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 58a.</span></p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"How so dear, this battle-rede,</div> +<div>Comes from thee, <sup>*</sup> Roig's son most bold.</div> +<div>Men and arms have I enough</div> +<div>To attend Cuchulain here!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Fergus:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Thou shalt need them, Medb of Ai,</div> +<div>Men and arms for battle hard,</div> +<div>With the grey steed's<a name="footnotetagb_27" id="footnotetagb_27" href="#footnoteb_27"><sup>b</sup></a> horseman brave.</div> +<div>All the night and all the day!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Medb:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"I have kept here in reserve</div> +<div>Heroes fit for fight and spoil;</div> +<div>Thirty hundred hostage-chiefs,</div> +<div>Leinster's bravest champions they.</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>Fighting men from Cruachan fair,</div> +<div>Braves from clear-streamed Luachair,</div> +<div>Four full realms of goodly Gaels</div> +<div>Will defend me from this man!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Fergus:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Rich in troops from Mourne and Bann,</div> +<div>Blood he'll draw o'er shafts of spears;</div> +<div>He will cast to mire and sand</div> +<div>These three thousand Leinstermen.</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>With the swallow's swiftest speed,</div> +<div>With the rush of biting wind,</div> +<div>So bounds on my dear brave Hound,</div> +<div>Breathing slaughter on his foes!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Medb:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Fergus, should he come 'tween us,</div> +<div>To Cuchulain bear this word:</div> +<div>He were prudent to stay still;</div> +<div>Cruachan holds a check in store."</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Fergus:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Valiant will the slaughter be</div> +<div>Badb's wild daughter<a name="footnotetagc_27" id="footnotetagc_27" href="#footnotec_27"><sup>c</sup></a> gloats upon.</div> +<div>For the Blacksmith's Hound will spill</div> +<div>Showers of blood on hosts of men!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_28" name="Page_28" title="28">28</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 540.</span> +After this lay the men of the four grand provinces of +Erin marched <a name="footnotetag1_28" id="footnotetag1_28" href="#footnote1_28"><sup>1</sup></a>on the morrow<a href="#footnote1_28"><sup>1</sup></a> over Moin Coltna ('the +Marsh of Coltain') eastwards that day; and there met +them eight score deer <a name="footnotetag2_28" id="footnotetag2_28" href="#footnote2_28"><sup>2</sup></a>in a single herd.<a href="#footnote2_28"><sup>2</sup></a> The troops spread +out and surrounded and killed them so that none of them +escaped.</p> + +<p>But there is one event to add: Although the division +of the Galian had been dispersed <a name="footnotetag3_28" id="footnotetag3_28" href="#footnote3_28"><sup>3</sup></a>among the men +of Erin,<a href="#footnote3_28"><sup>3</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag4_28" id="footnotetag4_28" href="#footnote4_28"><sup>4</sup></a>wherever there was a man of the Galian, +it was he that got them, except<a href="#footnote4_28"><sup>4</sup></a> five deer only which +was the men of Erin's share thereof, so that one division +took all the eight score deer.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag5_28" id="footnotetag5_28" href="#footnote5_28"><sup>5</sup></a>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:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Grant ye have not heard till now,</div> +<div>Giving ear to Dubthach's fray:</div> +<div>Dire-black war upon ye waits,</div> +<div>'Gainst the Whitehorned of Queen Medb!<a name="footnotetaga_28" id="footnotetaga_28" href="#footnotea_28"><sup>a</sup></a></div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"There will come the chief of hosts,<a name="footnotetagb_28" id="footnotetagb_28" href="#footnoteb_28"><sup>b</sup></a></div> +<div>War for Murthemne to wage.</div> +<div>Ravens shall drink garden's milk,<a name="footnotetagc_28" id="footnotetagc_28" href="#footnotec_28"><sup>c</sup></a></div> +<div>This the fruit of swineherds' strife (?)<a name="footnotetagd_28" id="footnotetagd_28" href="#footnoted_28"><sup>d</sup></a></div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Turfy Cron will hold them back,</div> +<div>Keep them back from Murthemne,<a href="#footnote5_28"><sup>5</sup></a></div> +<div><a name="footnotetag9_28" id="footnotetag9_28" href="#footnote9_29"><sup>9</sup></a>Till the warriors' work is done</div> +<div>On Ochainè's northern mount!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"'Quick,' to Cormac, Ailill cries;</div> +<div>'Go and seek ye out your son,</div> +<div>Loose no cattle from the fields,</div> +<div>Lest the din of the host reach them!'</div> +</div> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_29" name="Page_29" title="29">29</a> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Battle they'll have here eftsoon,</div> +<div>Medb and one third of the host.</div> +<div>Corpses will be scattered wide</div> +<div>If the Wildman<a name="footnotetaga_29" id="footnotetaga_29" href="#footnotea_29"><sup>a</sup></a> come to you!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Then Nemain, <a name="footnotetag1_29" id="footnotetag1_29" href="#footnote1_29"><sup>1</sup></a>the Badb to wit,<a href="#footnote1_29"><sup>1</sup></a> attacked them, and +that was not the quietest of nights they had, with the +noise of the churl, namely Dubthach, in their<a name="footnotetagb_29" id="footnotetagb_29" href="#footnoteb_29"><sup>b</sup></a> 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,<a name="footnotetag9_29" id="footnotetag9_29" href="#footnote9_29"><sup>9</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_29" id="footnotetag2_29" href="#footnote2_29"><sup>2</sup></a>after the +host had made a circuitous way across sloughs and streams.<a href="#footnote2_29"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 547.</span> +It was on that same day, <a name="footnotetag3_29" id="footnotetag3_29" href="#footnote3_29"><sup>3</sup></a>after the coming of the warning +from Fergus<a href="#footnote3_29"><sup>3</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag4_29" id="footnotetag4_29" href="#footnote4_29"><sup>4</sup></a>to the Ulstermen,<a href="#footnote4_29"><sup>4</sup></a> that Cuchulain +son of Sualtaim, <a name="footnotetag5_29" id="footnotetag5_29" href="#footnote5_29"><sup>5</sup></a>and Sualtaim<a href="#footnote5_29"><sup>5</sup></a> Sidech ('of the Fairy +Mound'), his father, <a name="footnotetag6_29" id="footnotetag6_29" href="#footnote6_29"><sup>6</sup></a>when they had received the warning +from Fergus,<a href="#footnote6_29"><sup>6</sup></a> came so near <a name="footnotetag7_29" id="footnotetag7_29" href="#footnote7_29"><sup>7</sup></a>on their watch for the host<a href="#footnote7_29"><sup>7</sup></a> +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 <a name="footnotetag8_29" id="footnotetag8_29" href="#footnote8_29"><sup>8</sup></a>to-night,<a href="#footnote8_29"><sup>8</sup></a> 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_30" name="Page_30" title="30">30</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 556.</span> +maid<a name="footnotetaga_30" id="footnotetaga_30" href="#footnotea_30"><sup>a</sup></a> of Fedlimid Nocruthach ('of the Nine Forms') +<a name="footnotetag1_30" id="footnotetag1_30" href="#footnote1_30"><sup>1</sup></a>Conchobar's daughter,<a href="#footnote1_30"><sup>1</sup></a> according to my own agreement, +till morning." "Alas, that one should go <a name="footnotetag2_30" id="footnotetag2_30" href="#footnote2_30"><sup>2</sup></a>on +such a journey,"<a href="#footnote2_30"><sup>2</sup></a> 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."</p> + +<p>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<a name="footnotetagb_30" id="footnotetagb_30" href="#footnoteb_30"><sup>b</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>Touching the men of Erin, the account follows here: +They came up to the pillar-stone at Ard Cuillenn, +<a name="footnotetag3_30" id="footnotetag3_30" href="#footnote3_30"><sup>3</sup></a>which is called Crossa Coil to-day,<a href="#footnote3_30"><sup>3</sup></a> 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 <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 58b.</span> +and every gap. They were wont to do so <a name="footnotetag4_30" id="footnotetag4_30" href="#footnote4_30"><sup>4</sup></a>that they might +save the brooches and cushions and cloaks of the host, so +that the dust of the multitude might not soil them<a href="#footnote4_30"><sup>4</sup></a> 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, +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_31" name="Page_31" title="31">31</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 575.</span> +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.</p> + +<p>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. +<a name="footnotetag1_31" id="footnotetag1_31" href="#footnote1_31"><sup>1</sup></a>Then sat they down to wait till the army should come, the +while their musicians played to them.<a href="#footnote1_31"><sup>1</sup></a> 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. <a name="footnotetag2_31" id="footnotetag2_31" href="#footnote2_31"><sup>2</sup></a>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,<a href="#footnote2_31"><sup>2</sup></a> and it is thus he began to +recite and he pronounced a lay:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"What bespeaks this withe to us,</div> +<div>What purports its secret rede?</div> +<div>And what number cast it here,</div> +<div>Was it one man or a host?</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"If ye go past here this night,</div> +<div>And bide not <a name="footnotetag3_31" id="footnotetag3_31" href="#footnote3_31"><sup>3</sup></a>one night<a href="#footnote3_31"><sup>3</sup></a> in camp.</div> +<div>On ye'll come the tear-flesh Hound;</div> +<div>Yours the blame, if ye it scorn!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"<a name="footnotetag4_31" id="footnotetag4_31" href="#footnote4_31"><sup>4</sup></a>Evil on the host he'll bring,<a href="#footnote4_31"><sup>4</sup></a></div> +<div>If ye go your way past this.</div> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_32" name="Page_32" title="32">32</a> +<div>Find, ye druids, find out here,</div> +<div>For what cause this withe was made!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 596.</span> +<a name="footnotetag1_32" id="footnotetag1_32" href="#footnote1_32"><sup>1</sup></a>A druid speaks<a href="#footnote1_32"><sup>1</sup></a>:</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Cut by hero, cast by chief,</div> +<div>As a perfect trap for foes.</div> +<div>Stayer of lords—with hosts of men—</div> +<div>One man cast it with one hand!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"With fierce rage the battle 'gins</div> +<div>Of the Smith's Hound of Red Branch.<a name="footnotetaga_32" id="footnotetaga_32" href="#footnotea_32"><sup>a</sup></a></div> +<div>Bound to meet this madman's rage;</div> +<div>This the name that's on the withe!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div><a name="footnotetag2_32" id="footnotetag2_32" href="#footnote2_32"><sup>2</sup></a>"Would the king's host have its will—</div> +<div>Else they break the law of war—</div> +<div>Let some one man of ye cast,</div> +<div>As one man this withe did cast!<a href="#footnote2_32"><sup>2</sup></a></div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Woes to bring with hundred fights</div> +<div>On four realms of Erin's land;</div> +<div>Naught I know 'less it be this</div> +<div>For what cause the withe was made!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>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, <a name="footnotetag3_32" id="footnotetag3_32" href="#footnote3_32"><sup>3</sup></a>and if ye go beyond<a href="#footnote3_32"><sup>3</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag4_32" id="footnotetag4_32" href="#footnote4_32"><sup>4</sup></a>certain it is, whether ye be<a href="#footnote4_32"><sup>4</sup></a> +under the ground or in a tight-shut house, <a name="footnotetag5_32" id="footnotetag5_32" href="#footnote5_32"><sup>5</sup></a>the man that +wrote the ogam hereon<a href="#footnote5_32"><sup>5</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag6_32" id="footnotetag6_32" href="#footnote6_32"><sup>6</sup></a>straightway<a href="#footnote6_32"><sup>6</sup></a> +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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_33" name="Page_33" title="33">33</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 618.</span> +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, <a name="footnotetag1_33" id="footnotetag1_33" href="#footnote1_33"><sup>1</sup></a>that is, Fidduin, ('the +Wood of the Dûn')<a href="#footnote1_33"><sup>1</sup></a> southwards till morning. There will +we pitch our camp and quarters."</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_33" id="footnotetag2_33" href="#footnote2_33"><sup>2</sup></a>According to other books, it is told as follows: After +they had come to <a name="footnotetag3_33" id="footnotetag3_33" href="#footnote3_33"><sup>3</sup></a>Fidduin<a href="#footnote3_33"><sup>3</sup></a> 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.<a href="#footnote2_33"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag4_33" id="footnotetag4_33" href="#footnote4_33"><sup>4</sup></a>They slept in Cul Sibrille, which is Cenannas.<a href="#footnote4_33"><sup>4</sup></a> A +heavy snow fell on them that night, and so great it +was that it reached to the shoulders<a name="footnotetaga_33" id="footnotetaga_33" href="#footnotea_33"><sup>a</sup></a> of the men and to +the flanks of the horses and to the poles<a name="footnotetagb_33" id="footnotetagb_33" href="#footnoteb_33"><sup>b</sup></a> 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 <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 59.</span> prepare food nor drink, nor +made they a meal nor repast. None of the men of Erin +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_34" name="Page_34" title="34">34</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 630.</span> +wot whether friend or foe was next him until the bright +hour of sunrise on the morrow.</p> + +<p>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 <a name="footnotetag1_34" id="footnotetag1_34" href="#footnote1_34"><sup>1</sup></a>with the snow<a href="#footnote1_34"><sup>1</sup></a> at +Cul Sibrille. The four grand provinces of Erin moved out +early on the morrow <a name="footnotetag2_34" id="footnotetag2_34" href="#footnote2_34"><sup>2</sup></a>with the rising of the bright-shining +sun glistening on the snow<a href="#footnote2_34"><sup>2</sup></a> and marched on from that +part into another.</p> + +<p>Now, as regards Cuchulain: It was far from being early +when he arose <a name="footnotetag3_34" id="footnotetag3_34" href="#footnote3_34"><sup>3</sup></a>from his tryst.<a href="#footnote3_34"><sup>3</sup></a> And then he ate a meal +and took a repast, and <a name="footnotetag4_34" id="footnotetag4_34" href="#footnote4_34"><sup>4</sup></a>he remained until he had<a href="#footnote4_34"><sup>4</sup></a> washed +himself and bathed on that day.</p> + +<p>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. <a name="footnotetag5_34" id="footnotetag5_34" href="#footnote5_34"><sup>5</sup></a>Would that we had not gone thither nor +betrayed the Ultonians.<a href="#footnote5_34"><sup>5</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag6_34" id="footnotetag6_34" href="#footnote6_34"><sup>6</sup></a>without warning, without complaint,<a href="#footnote6_34"><sup>6</sup></a> +into the land of Ulster." "I foretold thee that, O Cuchulain," +said Laeg. "Even though thou wentest to thy +woman-tryst <a name="footnotetag7_34" id="footnotetag7_34" href="#footnote7_34"><sup>7</sup></a>last night,<a href="#footnote7_34"><sup>7</sup></a> 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_35" name="Page_35" title="35">35</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 649.</span> +for us in what number the men of Erin went by us."</p> + +<p>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. <a name="footnotetag1_35" id="footnotetag1_35" href="#footnote1_35"><sup>1</sup></a>"It is not confusedly that I should +see, if I should go," said Cuchulain.<a href="#footnote1_35"><sup>1</sup></a> "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 <a name="footnotetag2_35" id="footnotetag2_35" href="#footnote2_35"><sup>2</sup></a>after a long while<a href="#footnote2_35"><sup>2</sup></a> he made a +reckoning of them. <a name="footnotetag3_35" id="footnotetag3_35" href="#footnote3_35"><sup>3</sup></a>"Even thou, it is not easy for thee.<a href="#footnote3_35"><sup>3</sup></a> +Thou art perplexed in thy counting, my little Cuchulain," +quoth Laeg. "Not perplexed," answered Cuchulain; +<a name="footnotetag4_35" id="footnotetag4_35" href="#footnote4_35"><sup>4</sup></a>"it is easier for me than for thee.<a href="#footnote4_35"><sup>4</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag5_35" id="footnotetag5_35" href="#footnote5_35"><sup>5</sup></a>For I have three +magical virtues: Gift of sight, gift of understanding, and +gift of reckoning.<a href="#footnote5_35"><sup>5</sup></a> For I know the number wherewith +the hosts went past us, namely, eighteen cantreds. Nay +more: the eighteenth cantred has been distributed among +<a name="footnotetag6_35" id="footnotetag6_35" href="#footnote6_35"><sup>6</sup></a>the entire host of<a href="#footnote6_35"><sup>6</sup></a> the men of Erin, <a name="footnotetag7_35" id="footnotetag7_35" href="#footnote7_35"><sup>7</sup></a>so that their number +is not clear, namely, that of the cantred of Leinstermen."<a href="#footnote7_35"><sup>7</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag8_35" id="footnotetag8_35" href="#footnote8_35"><sup>8</sup></a>This here is the third cunningest <a name="footnotetag9_35" id="footnotetag9_35" href="#footnote9_35"><sup>9</sup></a>and +most difficult<a href="#footnote9_35"><sup>9</sup></a> reckoning that ever was made in Erin. +These were: The reckoning by Cuchulain of the men of +Erin on the Táin, the reckoning by Lug Lamfota ('Long-hand') +of the host of the Fomorians <a name="footnotetag10_35" id="footnotetag10_35" href="#footnote10_35"><sup>10</sup></a>in the Battle of Moytura,<a href="#footnote10_35"><sup>10</sup></a> +and the reckoning by Incel of the host in the Hostel +of Da Derga.<a href="#footnote8_35"><sup>8</sup></a></p> + +<p>Now, many and divers were the magic virtues that were +in Cuchulain <a name="footnotetag11_35" id="footnotetag11_35" href="#footnote11_35"><sup>11</sup></a>that were in no one else in his day.<a href="#footnote11_35"><sup>11</sup></a> Excellence +of form, excellence of shape, excellence of build, excellence +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_36" name="Page_36" title="36">36</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 661.</span> +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.</p> + +<p>"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 name="footnotetaga_36" id="footnotetaga_36" href="#footnotea_36"><sup>a</sup></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."</p> + +<p>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<a name="footnotetagb_36" id="footnotetagb_36" href="#footnoteb_36"><sup>b</sup></a> 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'). <a name="footnotetag1_36" id="footnotetag1_36" href="#footnote1_36"><sup>1</sup></a>Thereupon +Cuchulain went round the host till he came to Ath +Grenca.<a href="#footnote1_36"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag2_36" id="footnotetag2_36" href="#footnote2_36"><sup>2</sup></a>of his sword.<a href="#footnote2_36"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag3_36" id="footnotetag3_36" href="#footnote3_36"><sup>3</sup></a>in the mid part of the stream, so that no chariot could +go thereby on this side or that.<a href="#footnote3_36"><sup>3</sup></a></p> + +<p>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 <a name="footnotetag4_36" id="footnotetag4_36" href="#footnote4_36"><sup>4</sup></a>would be the first to fight and contend with Cuchuain, +which of them<a href="#footnote4_36"><sup>4</sup></a> would inflict the first wound upon +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_37" name="Page_37" title="37">37</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 680.</span> +him and be the first to behead him. Cuchulain turned +on them, and straightway he struck off their four heads +<a name="footnotetag1_37" id="footnotetag1_37" href="#footnote1_37"><sup>1</sup></a>from themselves <a name="footnotetag2_37" id="footnotetag2_37" href="#footnote2_37"><sup>2</sup></a>Eirr and Indell<a href="#footnote2_37"><sup>2</sup></a> and <a name="footnotetag3_37" id="footnotetag3_37" href="#footnote3_37"><sup>3</sup></a>from Foich and +Fochlam,<a href="#footnote3_37"><sup>3</sup></a> their drivers,<a href="#footnote1_37"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 +<a name="footnotetag4_37" id="footnotetag4_37" href="#footnote4_37"><sup>4</sup></a>around their ears<a href="#footnote4_37"><sup>4</sup></a> and their bellies red and the bodies +of the warriors dripping their blood down outside on the +ribs of the chariots. <a name="footnotetag5_37" id="footnotetag5_37" href="#footnote5_37"><sup>5</sup></a>Thus he did,<a href="#footnote5_37"><sup>5</sup></a> 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 (<a name="footnotetag6_37" id="footnotetag6_37" href="#footnote6_37"><sup>6</sup></a>and their +crimsoned trappings upon them<a href="#footnote6_37"><sup>6</sup></a>). 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.</p> + +<p>Medb and Fergus and the Manè 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 <a name="footnotetag7_37" id="footnotetag7_37" href="#footnote7_37"><sup>7</sup></a>which she wore round +her head.<a href="#footnote7_37"><sup>7</sup></a> "What have we here?" queried Medb. "Not +hard to say," each and all made answer; <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 60.</span> "the horses +of the band that went out before us are here and their +bodies lacking their heads in their chariots." They held +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_38" name="Page_38" title="38">38</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 702.</span> +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 <a name="footnotetag1_38" id="footnotetag1_38" href="#footnote1_38"><sup>1</sup></a>and that it was a +battle that had taken place before them on the ford.<a href="#footnote1_38"><sup>1</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag2_38" id="footnotetag2_38" href="#footnote2_38"><sup>2</sup></a>and a writing in +ogam on the side,<a href="#footnote2_38"><sup>2</sup></a> 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. +<a name="footnotetag3_38" id="footnotetag3_38" href="#footnote3_38"><sup>3</sup></a>By that time,<a href="#footnote3_38"><sup>3</sup></a> 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. +<a name="footnotetag4_38" id="footnotetag4_38" href="#footnote4_38"><sup>4</sup></a>"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.'<a href="#footnote4_38"><sup>4</sup></a> +"What name have ye men of Ulster for this ford +till now, Fergus?" asked Ailill. "Ath Grenca,"<a name="footnotetaga_38" id="footnotetaga_38" href="#footnotea_38"><sup>a</sup></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:—</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_39" name="Page_39" title="39">39</a> + +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 719.</span> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Grenca's ford shall change its name,</div> +<div>From the strong and fierce Hound's deed.</div> +<div>Here we see a four-pronged fork,</div> +<div>Set to prove all Erin's men!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"On two points—as sign of war—</div> +<div>Are Fraech's head and Fochnam's head;</div> +<div>On its other points are thrust</div> +<div>Err's head and Innell's withal!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"And yon ogam on its side,</div> +<div>Find, ye druids, in due form,</div> +<div>Who has set it upright there?</div> +<div>What host drove it in the ground?"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>(A druid answers:)</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Yon forked pole—with fearful strength—</div> +<div>Which thou seest, Fergus, there,</div> +<div>One man cut, to welcome us,</div> +<div>With one perfect stroke of sword!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Pointed it and shouldered it—</div> +<div>Though this was no light exploit—</div> +<div>After that he flung it down,</div> +<div>To uproot for one of you!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Grenca was its name till now—</div> +<div>All will keep its memory—</div> +<div>Fork-ford<a name="footnotetaga_39" id="footnotetaga_39" href="#footnotea_39"><sup>a</sup></a> be its name for aye,</div> +<div>From the fork that's in the ford!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>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."</p> + +<p>"Thou art of our hosts, O Fergus," said Medb; +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_40" name="Page_40" title="40">40</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 753.</span> +<a name="footnotetag1_40" id="footnotetag1_40" href="#footnote1_40"><sup>1</sup></a>avert this necessity from us,<a href="#footnote1_40"><sup>1</sup></a> and do thou draw the +fork for us from the bed of the ford." "Let a +chariot be brought me," cried Fergus, <a name="footnotetag2_40" id="footnotetag2_40" href="#footnote2_40"><sup>2</sup></a>"till I draw it out, +that it may be seen that its butt is of one hewing."<a href="#footnote2_40"><sup>2</sup></a> And +a chariot was brought to Fergus, and Fergus laid hold +<a name="footnotetag3_40" id="footnotetag3_40" href="#footnote3_40"><sup>3</sup></a>with a truly mighty grip<a href="#footnote3_40"><sup>3</sup></a> on the fork, and he made splinters +and <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 61a.</span> scraps of the chariot. "Let another chariot +be brought me," cried Fergus. <a name="footnotetag4_40" id="footnotetag4_40" href="#footnote4_40"><sup>4</sup></a>Another<a href="#footnote4_40"><sup>4</sup></a> chariot was +brought to Fergus, and Fergus made a tug at the fork and +again made fragments and splinters of the chariot, <a name="footnotetag5_40" id="footnotetag5_40" href="#footnote5_40"><sup>5</sup></a>both +its box and its yoke and its wheels.<a href="#footnote5_40"><sup>5</sup></a> "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 name="footnotetaga_40" id="footnotetaga_40" href="#footnotea_40"><sup>a</sup></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, <a name="footnotetag6_40" id="footnotetag6_40" href="#footnote6_40"><sup>6</sup></a>by this time<a href="#footnote6_40"><sup>6</sup></a> 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 Táin."</p> + +<p>"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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_41" name="Page_41" title="41">41</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 777.</span> +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 +<a name="footnotetag1_41" id="footnotetag1_41" href="#footnote1_41"><sup>1</sup></a>of Cuchulain,<a href="#footnote1_41"><sup>1</sup></a> and he made a lay thereon:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Here behold the famous fork,</div> +<div>By which cruel Cuchulain stood.</div> +<div>Here he left, for hurt to all,</div> +<div>Four heads of his border-foes!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Surely he'd not flee therefrom,</div> +<div>'Fore aught man, how brave or bold.</div> +<div>Though the scatheless<a name="footnotetaga_41" id="footnotetaga_41" href="#footnotea_41"><sup>a</sup></a> Hound this left,</div> +<div>On its hard rind there is gore!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"To its hurt the host goes east,</div> +<div>Seeking Cualnge's wild Brown bull.</div> +<div><a name="footnotetag2_41" id="footnotetag2_41" href="#footnote2_41"><sup>2</sup></a>Warriors' cleaving there shall be,<a href="#footnote2_41"><sup>2</sup></a></div> +<div>'Neath Cuchulain's baneful sword!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"No gain will their<a name="footnotetagb_41" id="footnotetagb_41" href="#footnoteb_41"><sup>b</sup></a> stout bull be,</div> +<div>For which sharp-armed war will rage;</div> +<div>At the fall of each head's skull</div> +<div>Erin's every tribe shall weep!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"I have nothing to relate</div> +<div>As regards Dechtirè's son.<a name="footnotetagc_41" id="footnotetagc_41" href="#footnotec_41"><sup>c</sup></a></div> +<div>Men and women hear the tale</div> +<div>Of this fork, how it came here!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_42" name="Page_42" title="42">42</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 807.</span> +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. +<a name="footnotetag1_42" id="footnotetag1_42" href="#footnote1_42"><sup>1</sup></a>Let us give heed to the manner of folk to whom +we go and let us hear somewhat of their deeds and famous +tales."<a href="#footnote1_42"><sup>1</sup></a></p> + +<p>They raised their booths and pitched their tents. They got +ready <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 61b.</span> their food and drink, and songs were sung and +harping intoned by them, and feasting and eating indulged +in, <a name="footnotetag2_42" id="footnotetag2_42" href="#footnote2_42"><sup>2</sup></a>and they were told of the feats of Cuchulain.<a href="#footnote2_42"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + +<p>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 <a name="footnotetag3_42" id="footnotetag3_42" href="#footnote3_42"><sup>3</sup></a>to the border of the land<a href="#footnote3_42"><sup>3</sup></a>, 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."</p> + +<p>"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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_43" name="Page_43" title="43">43</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 827.</span> +sons of kings and the royal leaders <a name="footnotetag1_43" id="footnotetag1_43" href="#footnote1_43"><sup>1</sup></a>of Ulster and Erin<a href="#footnote1_43"><sup>1</sup></a> +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."</p> + +<p>"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."</p> + +<p>"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."</p> + +<p>"I ask, then: Who would be like to have come to us?" +<a name="footnotetag2_43" id="footnotetag2_43" href="#footnote2_43"><sup>2</sup></a>asked Ailill.<a href="#footnote2_43"><sup>2</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag3_43" id="footnotetag3_43" href="#footnote3_43"><sup>3</sup></a>"I know not," Fergus replied,<a href="#footnote3_43"><sup>3</sup></a> "unless +it be the little lad, my nursling and Conchobar's. +Cuchulain ('the Wolf-dog of Culann the Smith') he is +called. <a name="footnotetag4_43" id="footnotetag4_43" href="#footnote4_43"><sup>4</sup></a>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."<a href="#footnote4_43"><sup>4</sup></a></p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_44" name="Page_44" title="44">44</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 843.</span> +"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 <a name="footnotetag1_44" id="footnotetag1_44" href="#footnote1_44"><sup>1</sup></a>now<a href="#footnote1_44"><sup>1</sup></a> is. <a name="footnotetag2_44" id="footnotetag2_44" href="#footnote2_44"><sup>2</sup></a>In his +fifth year he went in quest of warlike deeds among the +lads of Emain Macha. In his sixth<a name="footnotetaga_44" id="footnotetaga_44" href="#footnotea_44"><sup>a</sup></a> year he went to +learn skill in arms and feats with Scathach,<a href="#footnote2_44"><sup>2</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag3_44" id="footnotetag3_44" href="#footnote3_44"><sup>3</sup></a>and he went +to woo Emer;<a href="#footnote3_44"><sup>3</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag4_44" id="footnotetag4_44" href="#footnote4_44"><sup>4</sup></a>in his seventh<a name="footnotetagb_44" id="footnotetagb_44" href="#footnoteb_44"><sup>b</sup></a> year he took arms; in +his seventeenth year he is at this time."<a href="#footnote4_44"><sup>4</sup></a> "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 <a name="footnotetag5_44" id="footnotetag5_44" href="#footnote5_44"><sup>5</sup></a>a man-at-arms that is harder,<a href="#footnote5_44"><sup>5</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag6_44" id="footnotetag6_44" href="#footnote6_44"><sup>6</sup></a>nor a point that is keener, more terrible nor quicker,<a href="#footnote6_44"><sup>6</sup></a> nor +a more bloodthirsty wolf, <a name="footnotetag7_44" id="footnotetag7_44" href="#footnote7_44"><sup>7</sup></a>nor a raven more flesh-loving,<a href="#footnote7_44"><sup>7</sup></a> +nor a wilder warrior, nor a match of his age that would +reach to a third or a fourth <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 62a.</span> the likes of Cuchulain. Thou +findest not there," Fergus went on, "a hero his peer, <a name="footnotetag8_44" id="footnotetag8_44" href="#footnote8_44"><sup>8</sup></a>nor +a lion that is fiercer, nor a plank of battle,<a href="#footnote8_44"><sup>8</sup></a> nor a sledge of +destruction, <a name="footnotetag9_44" id="footnotetag9_44" href="#footnote9_44"><sup>9</sup></a>nor a gate of combat,<a href="#footnote9_44"><sup>9</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag10_44" id="footnotetag10_44" href="#footnote10_44"><sup>10</sup></a>his dress<a href="#footnote10_44"><sup>10</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag11_44" id="footnotetag11_44" href="#footnote11_44"><sup>11</sup></a>and his terror,<a href="#footnote11_44"><sup>11</sup></a> +his size and his splendour, <a name="footnotetag12_44" id="footnotetag12_44" href="#footnote12_44"><sup>12</sup></a>his fame and his voice, his shape +and his power,<a href="#footnote12_44"><sup>12</sup></a> his form and his speech, his strength and +his feats and his valour, <a name="footnotetag13_44" id="footnotetag13_44" href="#footnote13_44"><sup>13</sup></a>his smiting, his heat and his +anger,<a href="#footnote13_44"><sup>13</sup></a> his dash, his assault and attack, his dealing of +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_45" name="Page_45" title="45">45</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 857.</span> +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 name="footnotetaga_45" id="footnotetaga_45" href="#footnotea_45"><sup>a</sup></a> above him, like unto Cuchulain."</p> + +<p>"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. <a name="footnotetag1_45" id="footnotetag1_45" href="#footnote1_45"><sup>1</sup></a>His deeds of manhood have not yet +come,<a href="#footnote1_45"><sup>1</sup></a> nor will he hold out against tried men, this young, +beardless elf-man of whom thou spokest." <a name="footnotetag2_45" id="footnotetag2_45" href="#footnote2_45"><sup>2</sup></a>"We say +not so,"<a href="#footnote2_45"><sup>2</sup></a> replied Fergus, "for manful were the deeds of +the lad at a time when he was younger than he <a name="footnotetag3_45" id="footnotetag3_45" href="#footnote3_45"><sup>3</sup></a>now<a href="#footnote3_45"><sup>3</sup></a> is."</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_46" name="Page_46" title="46">46</a> + +<a name="chapter_VII" id="chapter_VII"></a> + +<h2>VII. THE YOUTHFUL EXPLOITS OF CUCHULAIN</h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 865.</span> +"Now this lad was reared in the house of his father and +mother at Dairgthech<a name="footnotetag1_46" id="footnotetag1_46" href="#footnote1_46"><sup>1</sup></a> ('the Oak House' (?)), namely, in +the plain of Murthemne, and the tales of the youths of Emain +were told to him. <a name="footnotetag2_46" id="footnotetag2_46" href="#footnote2_46"><sup>2</sup></a>For there are <a name="footnotetag3_46" id="footnotetag3_46" href="#footnote3_46"><sup>3</sup></a>always<a href="#footnote3_46"><sup>3</sup></a> thrice fifty boys +at play there," said Fergus.<a href="#footnote2_46"><sup>2</sup></a> "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 <a name="footnotetag4_46" id="footnotetag4_46" href="#footnote4_46"><sup>4</sup></a>a-quaffing<a href="#footnote4_46"><sup>4</sup></a> +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."</p> + +<p>"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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_47" name="Page_47" title="47">47</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 880.</span> +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 <a name="footnotetag1_47" id="footnotetag1_47" href="#footnote1_47"><sup>1</sup></a>Macha."<a href="#footnote1_47"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_47" id="footnotetag2_47" href="#footnote2_47"><sup>2</sup></a>"Northwards, there;<a href="#footnote2_47"><sup>2</sup></a> it is far +away from thee," said his mother, "the place wherein it +lies, <a name="footnotetag3_47" id="footnotetag3_47" href="#footnote3_47"><sup>3</sup></a>and the way is hard.<a href="#footnote3_47"><sup>3</sup></a> Sliab Fuait lies between thee +and Emain." "At all hazards, I will essay it," he answered.</p> + +<p>"The boy fared forth and took his playthings with him. +<a name="footnotetag4_47" id="footnotetag4_47" href="#footnote4_47"><sup>4</sup></a>His little lath-shield<a href="#footnote4_47"><sup>4</sup></a> 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 <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 62b.</span> 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.</p> + +<p>"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.</p> + +<p>"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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_48" name="Page_48" title="48">48</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 904.</span> +brink of the goal away from them. <a name="footnotetag1_48" id="footnotetag1_48" href="#footnote1_48"><sup>1</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote1_48"><sup>1</sup></a></p> + +<p>"Then they all gazed upon him. They wondered and +marvelled. "Come, boys!" cried Folloman, Conchobar's +son, <a name="footnotetag2_48" id="footnotetag2_48" href="#footnote2_48"><sup>2</sup></a>"the urchin insults us.<a href="#footnote2_48"><sup>2</sup></a> 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."</p> + +<p>"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, <a name="footnotetag3_48" id="footnotetag3_48" href="#footnote3_48"><sup>3</sup></a>so that they neither hurt him nor harm him,<a href="#footnote3_48"><sup>3</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag4_48" id="footnotetag4_48" href="#footnote4_48"><sup>4</sup></a>and he takes a load of them on his back.<a href="#footnote4_48"><sup>4</sup></a> Then they +throw their thrice fifty balls at the lad. He raises his upper +arm and his forearm and the palms of his hands <a name="footnotetag5_48" id="footnotetag5_48" href="#footnote5_48"><sup>5</sup></a>against +them<a href="#footnote5_48"><sup>5</sup></a> and parries the thrice fifty balls, <a name="footnotetag6_48" id="footnotetag6_48" href="#footnote6_48"><sup>6</sup></a>and he catches +them, each single ball in his bosom.<a href="#footnote6_48"><sup>6</sup></a> They throw at him +the thrice fifty play-spears charred at the end. The boy +raises his little lath-shield <a name="footnotetag7_48" id="footnotetag7_48" href="#footnote7_48"><sup>7</sup></a>against them<a href="#footnote7_48"><sup>7</sup></a> and fends off +the thrice fifty play-staffs, <a name="footnotetag8_48" id="footnotetag8_48" href="#footnote8_48"><sup>8</sup></a>and they all remain stuck in +his lath-shield.<a href="#footnote8_48"><sup>8</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag9_48" id="footnotetag9_48" href="#footnote9_48"><sup>9</sup></a>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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_49" name="Page_49" title="49">49</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 name="footnotetaga_49" id="footnotetaga_49" href="#footnotea_49"><sup>a</sup></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.<a name="footnotetag9_49" id="footnotetag9_49" href="#footnote9_49"><sup>9</sup></a></p> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 919.</span> +"It was then he ran in among them. He scattered fifty +king's sons of them over the ground underneath him <a name="footnotetag1_49" id="footnotetag1_49" href="#footnote1_49"><sup>1</sup></a>before +they got to the gate of Emain.<a href="#footnote1_49"><sup>1</sup></a> Five<a name="footnotetagb_49" id="footnotetagb_49" href="#footnoteb_49"><sup>b</sup></a> of them," Fergus +continued, "dashed headlong between me and Conchobar, +where we were playing chess, even on Cennchaem ('Fair-head') +<a name="footnotetag2_49" id="footnotetag2_49" href="#footnote2_49"><sup>2</sup></a>the chessboard of Conchobar,<a href="#footnote2_49"><sup>2</sup></a> on the mound-seat +of Emain. The little boy pursued them to cut them off. +<a name="footnotetag3_49" id="footnotetag3_49" href="#footnote3_49"><sup>3</sup></a>Then he sprang over the chessboard after the nine.<a href="#footnote3_49"><sup>3</sup></a> +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. +<a name="footnotetag4_49" id="footnotetag4_49" href="#footnote4_49"><sup>4</sup></a>"From home, from mother and father I came to play with +them, and they have not been good to me.<a href="#footnote4_49"><sup>4</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag5_49" id="footnotetag5_49" href="#footnote5_49"><sup>5</sup></a>and what is thy name?"<a href="#footnote5_49"><sup>5</sup></a> asked Conchobar. +"Little Setanta am I, son of Sualtaim. Son am I +to Dechtirè, 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. +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_50" name="Page_50" title="50">50</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 932.</span> +"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.</p> + +<p>"The little lad went <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 63a.</span> <a name="footnotetag1_50" id="footnotetag1_50" href="#footnote1_50"><sup>1</sup></a>into the game again<a href="#footnote1_50"><sup>1</sup></a> under the +protection of the boy-troop. Thereupon they loosed +hands from him, and once more he rushed amongst them +<a name="footnotetag2_50" id="footnotetag2_50" href="#footnote2_50"><sup>2</sup></a>throughout the house.<a href="#footnote2_50"><sup>2</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>"<a name="footnotetag3_50" id="footnotetag3_50" href="#footnote3_50"><sup>3</sup></a>Then they all went back to the play-field, and the boys +whom he had overthrown there arose. Their nurses and +tutors helped them.</p> + +<p>"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 <a name="footnotetag4_50" id="footnotetag4_50" href="#footnote4_50"><sup>4</sup></a>in Emain Macha, Cuchulain?"<a href="#footnote4_50"><sup>4</sup></a> "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.</p> + +<p>"Another time a certain man went to wake him, and +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_51" name="Page_51" title="51">51</a> +the lad struck him with his fist in <a name="footnotetag1_51" id="footnotetag1_51" href="#footnote1_51"><sup>1</sup></a>the neck or in<a href="#footnote1_51"><sup>1</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>"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.</p> + +<p>"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 name="footnotetaga_51" id="footnotetaga_51" href="#footnotea_51"><sup>a</sup></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, +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_52" name="Page_52" title="52">52</a> +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 name="footnotetaga_52" id="footnotetaga_52" href="#footnotea_52"><sup>a</sup></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.</p> + +<p>"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, <a name="footnotetag1_52" id="footnotetag1_52" href="#footnote1_52"><sup>1</sup></a>"to +make me a fire there." He kindles a great fire for him. +"Good now," quoth Conchobar,<a href="#footnote1_52"><sup>1</sup></a> "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.</p> + +<p>"Another time the Ulstermen were in their 'Pains.' +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_53" name="Page_53" title="53">53</a> +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. <a name="footnotetag1_53" id="footnotetag1_53" href="#footnote1_53"><sup>1</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote1_53"><sup>1</sup></a> +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.<a name="footnotetag3_53" id="footnotetag3_53" href="#footnote3_53"><sup>3</sup></a></p> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 947.</span> +"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 dûn. No need is there of wonder or surprise, <a name="footnotetag2_53" id="footnotetag2_53" href="#footnote2_53"><sup>2</sup></a>if +he should do great deeds,<a href="#footnote2_53"><sup>2</sup></a> 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." <a name="footnotetag4_53" id="footnotetag4_53" href="#footnote4_53"><sup>4</sup></a>"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."<a href="#footnote4_53"><sup>4</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_54" name="Page_54" title="54">54</a> + +<a name="chapter_VIIa" id="chapter_VIIa"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">VIIa</span>. THE SLAYING OF THE SMITH'S HOUND BY CUCHULAIN, AND THE REASON HE IS CALLED CUCHULAIN</h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 956.</span> +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.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag1_54" id="footnotetag1_54" href="#footnote1_54"><sup>1</sup></a>"A goodly smith there was in the land of Ulster, Culann +the Smith, by name.<a href="#footnote1_54"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 +<a name="footnotetag2_54" id="footnotetag2_54" href="#footnote2_54"><sup>2</sup></a>the fruit of his two hands,<a href="#footnote2_54"><sup>2</sup></a> his sledges and anvils, his +fists and his tongs. Conchobar replied that only a few +would go to him.</p> + +<p>"Culann went back to the stithy to prepare and make +ready meat and drink <a name="footnotetag3_54" id="footnotetag3_54" href="#footnote3_54"><sup>3</sup></a>in readiness for the king.<a href="#footnote3_54"><sup>3</sup></a> Conchobar +sat in Emain till it was time to set out <a name="footnotetag4_54" id="footnotetag4_54" href="#footnote4_54"><sup>4</sup></a>for the +feast,<a href="#footnote4_54"><sup>4</sup></a> till came the close of the day. The king put his +fine, light travelling apparel about him, <a name="footnotetag5_54" id="footnotetag5_54" href="#footnote5_54"><sup>5</sup></a>and went with +fifty chariot-chiefs of those that were noblest and most +illustrious of the heroes,<a href="#footnote5_54"><sup>5</sup></a> and betook him to the boys +<a name="footnotetag6_54" id="footnotetag6_54" href="#footnote6_54"><sup>6</sup></a>before starting,<a href="#footnote6_54"><sup>6</sup></a> to bid them farewell. <a name="footnotetag7_54" id="footnotetag7_54" href="#footnote7_55"><sup>7</sup></a>It was always +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_55" name="Page_55" title="55">55</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 968.</span> +his custom to visit and revisit them when going and coming, +to seek his blessing of the boys.<a name="footnotetag7_55" id="footnotetag7_55" href="#footnote7_55"><sup>7</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag1_55" id="footnotetag1_55" href="#footnote1_55"><sup>1</sup></a>and the boys were unable to ward +them off.<a href="#footnote1_55"><sup>1</sup></a> When it was at tearing off each other's garments +they played, he would strip off them their thrice fifty +suits <a name="footnotetag2_55" id="footnotetag2_55" href="#footnote2_55"><sup>2</sup></a>so that they were quite naked,<a href="#footnote2_55"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 63b.</span> 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, <a name="footnotetag3_55" id="footnotetag3_55" href="#footnote3_55"><sup>3</sup></a>for thou art a guest."<a href="#footnote3_55"><sup>3</sup></a> "Nay, but I +will not go," the little boy answered. "How so?" asked Conchobar. +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_56" name="Page_56" title="56">56</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 990.</span> +"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."</p> + +<p>"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 dûn?" "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, <a name="footnotetag1_56" id="footnotetag1_56" href="#footnote1_56"><sup>1</sup></a>that was +brought from Spain.<a href="#footnote1_56"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_56" id="footnotetag2_56" href="#footnote2_56"><sup>2</sup></a>There are three<a name="footnotetaga_56" id="footnotetaga_56" href="#footnotea_56"><sup>a</sup></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.<a href="#footnote2_56"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 +dûn 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.</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_57" name="Page_57" title="57">57</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 1013.</span> +"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. <a name="footnotetag1_57" id="footnotetag1_57" href="#footnote1_57"><sup>1</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote1_57"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_57" id="footnotetag2_57" href="#footnote2_57"><sup>2</sup></a>Soon the lad came up.<a href="#footnote2_57"><sup>2</sup></a> +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 <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 64a.</span> of his chest and +the width of his throat and the pipe of his breast. <a name="footnotetag3_57" id="footnotetag3_57" href="#footnote3_57"><sup>3</sup></a>And +it interfered not with the lad's play, although the hound +made for him.<a href="#footnote3_57"><sup>3</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag4_57" id="footnotetag4_57" href="#footnote4_57"><sup>4</sup></a>that was near him, so that +every limb of him sprang apart,<a href="#footnote4_57"><sup>4</sup></a> so that he broke into bits +all over the ground.<a name="footnotetaga_57" id="footnotetaga_57" href="#footnotea_57"><sup>a</sup></a> Conchobar heard the yelp of the +ban-dog. <a name="footnotetag5_57" id="footnotetag5_57" href="#footnote5_57"><sup>5</sup></a>Conchobar and his people could not move; +they weened they would not find the lad alive before them.<a href="#footnote5_57"><sup>5</sup></a> +"Alas, O warriors," cried Conchobar; "in no good luck +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_58" name="Page_58" title="58">58</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1029.</span> +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. +<a name="footnotetag1_58" id="footnotetag1_58" href="#footnote1_58"><sup>1</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote1_58"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 +dûn. "Welcome thy coming, little lad," said Culann, +"because of thy mother and father, but not welcome is +thy coming for thine own sake. <a name="footnotetag2_58" id="footnotetag2_58" href="#footnote2_58"><sup>2</sup></a>Yet would that I had +not made a feast."<a href="#footnote2_58"><sup>2</sup></a> "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 <a name="footnotetag3_58" id="footnotetag3_58" href="#footnote3_58"><sup>3</sup></a>now after my dog.<a href="#footnote3_58"><sup>3</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag4_58" id="footnotetag4_58" href="#footnote4_58"><sup>4</sup></a>He hath kept +honour and life for me.<a href="#footnote4_58"><sup>4</sup></a> Good was the friend thou hast +robbed me of, <a name="footnotetag5_58" id="footnotetag5_58" href="#footnote5_58"><sup>5</sup></a>even my dog,<a href="#footnote5_58"><sup>5</sup></a> in that he tended my herds +and flocks and stock for me; <a name="footnotetag6_58" id="footnotetag6_58" href="#footnote6_58"><sup>6</sup></a>he was the protection of +all our cattle, both afield and at home."<a href="#footnote6_58"><sup>6</sup></a> "Be not angered +thereat, O Culann my master," said the little boy. <a name="footnotetag7_58" id="footnotetag7_58" href="#footnote7_58"><sup>7</sup></a>"It +is no great matter,<a href="#footnote7_58"><sup>7</sup></a> 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_59" name="Page_59" title="59">59</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1049.</span> +business as was his sire. <a name="footnotetag1_59" id="footnotetag1_59" href="#footnote1_59"><sup>1</sup></a>Till then<a href="#footnote1_59"><sup>1</sup></a> myself will be the +hound to protect his flocks and his cattle and his land <a name="footnotetag2_59" id="footnotetag2_59" href="#footnote2_59"><sup>2</sup></a>and +even himself<a href="#footnote2_59"><sup>2</sup></a> in the meanwhile. <a name="footnotetag3_59" id="footnotetag3_59" href="#footnote3_59"><sup>3</sup></a>And I will safeguard +the whole plain of Murthemne, and no one will carry off +flock nor herd without that I know it."<a href="#footnote3_59"><sup>3</sup></a></p> + +<p>""Well hast thou given judgement, little lad," said Conchobar. +"In sooth, we <a name="footnotetag4_59" id="footnotetag4_59" href="#footnote4_59"><sup>4</sup></a>ourselves<a href="#footnote4_59"><sup>4</sup></a> could not give one that +would be better," said Cathba.<a name="footnotetaga_59" id="footnotetaga_59" href="#footnotea_59"><sup>a</sup></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.</p> + +<p>"A little lad did that deed," <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 64b.</span> 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!"</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_60" name="Page_60" title="60">60</a> + +<a name="chapter_VIIb" id="chapter_VIIb"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">VIIb</span>. <a name="footnotetag1_60" id="footnotetag1_60" href="#footnote1_60"><sup>1</sup></a>THE TAKING OF ARMS BY CUCHULAIN AND<a href="#footnote1_60"><sup>1</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag2_60" id="footnotetag2_60" href="#footnote2_60"><sup>2</sup></a>THE SLAYING OF THE THREE SONS OF NECHT SCENE IS NOW TOLD HERE<a href="#footnote2_60"><sup>2</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 1068.</span> +"The little lad performed a third deed in the following +year," said Fiachu son of Firaba. "What deed performed +he?" asked Ailill.</p> + +<p>"Cathba the druid was <a name="footnotetag3_60" id="footnotetag3_60" href="#footnote3_60"><sup>3</sup></a>with his son, namely Conchobar +son of Ness,<a href="#footnote3_60"><sup>3</sup></a> imparting <a name="footnotetag4_60" id="footnotetag4_60" href="#footnote4_60"><sup>4</sup></a>learning<a href="#footnote4_60"><sup>4</sup></a> to his pupils +in the north-east of Emain, and eight<a name="footnotetaga_60" id="footnotetaga_60" href="#footnotea_60"><sup>a</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag5_60" id="footnotetag5_60" href="#footnote5_60"><sup>5</sup></a>eager<a href="#footnote5_60"><sup>5</sup></a> pupils +in the class of druidic cunning were with him. <a name="footnotetag6_60" id="footnotetag6_60" href="#footnote6_60"><sup>6</sup></a>That is +the number that Cathba instructed.<a href="#footnote6_60"><sup>6</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag7_60" id="footnotetag7_60" href="#footnote7_60"><sup>7</sup></a>One of them<a href="#footnote7_60"><sup>7</sup></a> +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 <a name="footnotetag8_60" id="footnotetag8_60" href="#footnote8_60"><sup>8</sup></a>this day<a href="#footnote8_60"><sup>8</sup></a> shall be splendid and renowned +<a name="footnotetag9_60" id="footnotetag9_60" href="#footnote9_60"><sup>9</sup></a>for deeds of arms<a href="#footnote9_60"><sup>9</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag10_60" id="footnotetag10_60" href="#footnote10_60"><sup>10</sup></a>above the youths of Erin <a name="footnotetag11_60" id="footnotetag11_60" href="#footnote11_60"><sup>11</sup></a>and +the tales of his high deeds shall be told<a href="#footnote11_60"><sup>11</sup></a> forever,<a href="#footnote10_60"><sup>10</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag12_60" id="footnotetag12_60" href="#footnote12_60"><sup>12</sup></a>to ask for arms.<a href="#footnote12_60"><sup>12</sup></a> "All +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_61" name="Page_61" title="61">61</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1077.</span> +good attend thee, O king of the Fenè!" 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 <a name="footnotetag1_61" id="footnotetag1_61" href="#footnote1_61"><sup>1</sup></a>in the middle of the house<a href="#footnote1_61"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 name="footnotetaga_61" id="footnotetaga_61" href="#footnotea_61"><sup>a</sup></a> suits of arms which Conchobar had in Emain, +<a name="footnotetag2_61" id="footnotetag2_61" href="#footnote2_61"><sup>2</sup></a>in reserve in case of breaking of weapons or<a href="#footnote2_61"><sup>2</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>""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, <a name="footnotetag3_61" id="footnotetag3_61" href="#footnote3_61"><sup>3</sup></a>and +he saluted the king whose arms they were.<a href="#footnote3_61"><sup>3</sup></a> "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!"</p> + +<p>"Then Cathba the druid chanced to come into the tent, +and what he said was, "Hath he yonder taken arms?" +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_62" name="Page_62" title="62">62</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1101.</span> +Cathba asked. "Aye, then, it must be," Conchobar +answered. "Not by <a name="footnotetag1_62" id="footnotetag1_62" href="#footnote1_62"><sup>1</sup></a>his<a href="#footnote1_62"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag2_62" id="footnotetag2_62" href="#footnote2_62"><sup>2</sup></a>to Cuchulain.<a href="#footnote2_62"><sup>2</sup></a> +"Is it a lie thou hast told us?" <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 65a.</span> "But be not wroth +<a name="footnotetag3_62" id="footnotetag3_62" href="#footnote3_62"><sup>3</sup></a>thereat,<a href="#footnote3_62"><sup>3</sup></a> O my master Conchobar," said the little boy. +<a name="footnotetag4_62" id="footnotetag4_62" href="#footnote4_62"><sup>4</sup></a>"No lie have I told;<a href="#footnote4_62"><sup>4</sup></a> for yet is it he that advised me, +<a name="footnotetag5_62" id="footnotetag5_62" href="#footnote5_62"><sup>5</sup></a>when he taught his other pupils this morning.<a href="#footnote5_62"><sup>5</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag6_62" id="footnotetag6_62" href="#footnote6_62"><sup>6</sup></a>that his name would be over the men of Erin +for ever, and that no evil result would be on him thereafter,<a href="#footnote6_62"><sup>6</sup></a> +except that he would be fleeting and short-lived. <a name="footnotetag7_62" id="footnotetag7_62" href="#footnote7_62"><sup>7</sup></a>To the +south of Emain I heard him, and then I came to thee."<a href="#footnote7_62"><sup>7</sup></a> +"That I avow to be true," spake Cathba. <a name="footnotetag8_62" id="footnotetag8_62" href="#footnote8_62"><sup>8</sup></a>"Good indeed +is the day,<a href="#footnote8_62"><sup>8</sup></a> glorious and renowned shalt thou be, +<a name="footnotetag9_62" id="footnotetag9_62" href="#footnote9_62"><sup>9</sup></a>the one that taketh arms,<a href="#footnote9_62"><sup>9</sup></a> yet passing and short lived!" +"Noble the gift!" cried Cuchulain. <a name="footnotetag10_62" id="footnotetag10_62" href="#footnote10_62"><sup>10</sup></a>"Little it recks +me,<a href="#footnote10_62"><sup>10</sup></a> 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!"</p> + +<p>"<a name="footnotetag11_62" id="footnotetag11_62" href="#footnote11_62"><sup>11</sup></a> 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.<a href="#footnote11_62"><sup>11</sup></a> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_63" name="Page_63" title="63">63</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1113.</span> +"Come, lad, mount the chariot, for this is the next thing +for thee."</p> + +<p>"He mounted the chariot. <a name="footnotetag1_63" id="footnotetag1_63" href="#footnote1_63"><sup>1</sup></a>He put his hands between +the two poles of the chariot,<a href="#footnote1_63"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 name="footnotetaga_63" id="footnotetaga_63" href="#footnotea_63"><sup>a</sup></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<a name="footnotetagb_63" id="footnotetagb_63" href="#footnoteb_63"><sup>b</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag2_63" id="footnotetag2_63" href="#footnote2_63"><sup>2</sup></a>and Conchobar's charioteer with +him.<a href="#footnote2_63"><sup>2</sup></a> 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." <a name="footnotetag3_63" id="footnotetag3_63" href="#footnote3_63"><sup>3</sup></a>The charioteer turned the chariot under him.<a href="#footnote3_63"><sup>3</sup></a> +"Prithee, little boy," said Ibar, <a name="footnotetag4_63" id="footnotetag4_63" href="#footnote4_63"><sup>4</sup></a>"come out<a name="footnotetagc_63" id="footnotetagc_63" href="#footnotec_63"><sup>c</sup></a> of the +chariot now<a href="#footnote4_63"><sup>4</sup></a> and let the horses out on their pasture." +"It is yet too soon, O Ibar," the lad answered. <a name="footnotetag5_63" id="footnotetag5_63" href="#footnote5_63"><sup>5</sup></a>"The +horses are fair. I, too, am fair, their little lad.<a href="#footnote5_63"><sup>5</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag6_63" id="footnotetag6_63" href="#footnote6_63"><sup>6</sup></a>Only<a href="#footnote6_63"><sup>6</sup></a> +let us go on a circuit of Emain to-day <a name="footnotetag7_63" id="footnotetag7_63" href="#footnote7_63"><sup>7</sup></a>and thou shalt +have a reward therefor,<a href="#footnote7_63"><sup>7</sup></a> to-day being my first day of +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_64" name="Page_64" title="64">64</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1132.</span> +taking arms, to the end that it be a victory of cunning for +me."</p> + +<p>"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. <a name="footnotetag1_64" id="footnotetag1_64" href="#footnote1_64"><sup>1</sup></a>"Ply the goad on the horses," said he. "What +way, then?" the charioteer asked. "As far as the road +shall lead," answered Cuchulain.<a href="#footnote1_64"><sup>1</sup></a> "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 <a name="footnotetag2_64" id="footnotetag2_64" href="#footnote2_64"><sup>2</sup></a>every day,<a href="#footnote2_64"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 65b.</span> 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_65" name="Page_65" title="65">65</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1155.</span> +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."</p> + +<p>"Onwards they drove into sight of the ford where was +Conall. <a name="footnotetag1_65" id="footnotetag1_65" href="#footnote1_65"><sup>1</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote1_65"><sup>1</sup></a> "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; +<a name="footnotetag2_65" id="footnotetag2_65" href="#footnote2_65"><sup>2</sup></a>"'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<a href="#footnote2_65"><sup>2</sup></a>; thou art not yet able to cope with +a goodly warrior." "Then, will I keep on to the south," +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_66" name="Page_66" title="66">66</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1172.</span> +said the little boy, "to Fertas ('the Bank') of Loch Echtrann +for a while; <a name="footnotetag1_66" id="footnotetag1_66" href="#footnote1_66"><sup>1</sup></a>champions are wont to take stand there;<a href="#footnote1_66"><sup>1</sup></a> +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 <a name="footnotetag2_66" id="footnotetag2_66" href="#footnote2_66"><sup>2</sup></a>into peril<a href="#footnote2_66"><sup>2</sup></a> 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."</p> + +<p>"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 +<a name="footnotetag3_66" id="footnotetag3_66" href="#footnote3_66"><sup>3</sup></a>from his sling<a href="#footnote3_66"><sup>3</sup></a> the length of a stone-shot at the yoke +of Conall's chariot, so that he broke the chariot-collar<a name="footnotetaga_66" id="footnotetaga_66" href="#footnotea_66"><sup>a</sup></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; <a name="footnotetag4_66" id="footnotetag4_66" href="#footnote4_66"><sup>4</sup></a>"why threwest thou +the stone?"<a href="#footnote4_66"><sup>4</sup></a> "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. <a name="footnotetag5_66" id="footnotetag5_66" href="#footnote5_66"><sup>5</sup></a>Go back<a href="#footnote5_66"><sup>5</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag6_66" id="footnotetag6_66" href="#footnote6_66"><sup>6</sup></a>to Emain,<a href="#footnote6_66"><sup>6</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag7_66" id="footnotetag7_66" href="#footnote7_66"><sup>7</sup></a>O Conall, and leave +me here to keep watch." "That pleaseth me well," replied +Conall.<a href="#footnote7_66"><sup>7</sup></a> Conall turned back northwards again to +the Ford of Watching. <a name="footnotetag8_66" id="footnotetag8_66" href="#footnote8_66"><sup>8</sup></a>Thereafter Conall Cernach went +not past that place.<a href="#footnote8_66"><sup>8</sup></a></p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_67" name="Page_67" title="67">67</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 1192.</span> +As for the little boy, he fared southwards to Fertas +Locha Echtrann. He remained there till the end of the +day <a name="footnotetag1_67" id="footnotetag1_67" href="#footnote1_67"><sup>1</sup></a>and they found no one there before them.<a href="#footnote1_67"><sup>1</sup></a> "If we +dared tell thee, little boy," spoke Ibar, "it were time +for us to return to Emain <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 66a.</span> 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. <a name="footnotetag2_67" id="footnotetag2_67" href="#footnote2_67"><sup>2</sup></a>For that reason,<a href="#footnote2_67"><sup>2</sup></a> +methinks it is time to have a scramble<a name="footnotetaga_67" id="footnotetaga_67" href="#footnotea_67"><sup>a</sup></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. <a name="footnotetag3_67" id="footnotetag3_67" href="#footnote3_67"><sup>3</sup></a>"Let +us go and get there," said Cuchulain. Then they go on +till they reach it.<a href="#footnote3_67"><sup>3</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag4_67" id="footnotetag4_67" href="#footnote4_67"><sup>4</sup></a>When they reached the mountain, +Cuchulain asked,<a href="#footnote4_67"><sup>4</sup></a> "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 <a name="footnotetag5_67" id="footnotetag5_67" href="#footnote5_67"><sup>5</sup></a>journey and my first<a href="#footnote5_67"><sup>5</sup></a> time with +thee. It shall be my last time till the very day of doom, +if once I get back to Emain."</p> + +<p>"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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_68" name="Page_68" title="68">68</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1211.</span> +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 dûns +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 <a name="footnotetag1_68" id="footnotetag1_68" href="#footnote1_68"><sup>1</sup></a>the name of +every chief dûn between Temair and Cenannas,<a href="#footnote1_68"><sup>1</sup></a> Temair +and Taltiu, Cletech and Cnogba and Brug ('the Fort') of +Mac ind Oc. <a name="footnotetag2_68" id="footnotetag2_68" href="#footnote2_68"><sup>2</sup></a>He pointed out to him then<a href="#footnote2_68"><sup>2</sup></a> the dûn of +the <a name="footnotetag3_68" id="footnotetag3_68" href="#footnote3_68"><sup>3</sup></a>three<a href="#footnote3_68"><sup>3</sup></a> sons of Necht Scenè ('the Fierce'): <a name="footnotetag4_68" id="footnotetag4_68" href="#footnote4_68"><sup>4</sup></a>Foill and +Fandall and Tuachall, their names;<a href="#footnote4_68"><sup>4</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag5_68" id="footnotetag5_68" href="#footnote5_68"><sup>5</sup></a>Fer Ulli son of +Lugaid was their father, and Necht <a name="footnotetag6_68" id="footnotetag6_68" href="#footnote6_68"><sup>6</sup></a>from the mouth of +the<a href="#footnote6_68"><sup>6</sup></a> Scenè was their mother. Now the Ulstermen had +slain their father; it was for that reason they were at war +with Ulster.<a href="#footnote5_68"><sup>5</sup></a> "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 dûn of the macNechta," +cried the little boy. "Alas, in truth, that thou sayest +so," quoth Ibar; <a name="footnotetag7_68" id="footnotetag7_68" href="#footnote7_68"><sup>7</sup></a>"'tis a peril for us."<a href="#footnote7_68"><sup>7</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag8_68" id="footnotetag8_68" href="#footnote8_68"><sup>8</sup></a>"Truly, not +to avoid it do we go," answered Cuchulain.<a href="#footnote8_68"><sup>8</sup></a> "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 dûn, I know, even at the dûn of the macNechta."</p> + +<p>"They push on to the dûn <a href="#footnote1_68"><sup>1</sup></a>and they unharness their +horses in the place where the bog and the river meet south +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_69" name="Page_69" title="69">69</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1227.</span> +of the dûn of the macNechta.<a name="footnotetag1_69" id="footnotetag1_69" href="#footnote1_69"><sup>1</sup></a> And the little boy sprang +out of the chariot onto the green. Thus was the green of the +dûn, 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.<a href="#footnote1_69"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag2_69" id="footnotetag2_69" href="#footnote2_69"><sup>2</sup></a>with a cast of his hand<a href="#footnote2_69"><sup>2</sup></a> 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!" <a name="footnotetag3_69" id="footnotetag3_69" href="#footnote3_69"><sup>3</sup></a>For it was the violation of a geis of the +sons of Necht Scenè to do that thing.<a href="#footnote3_69"><sup>3</sup></a> "Good, O Ibar, +spread the chariot-coverings and its skins for me that I +may <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 66b.</span> 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." <a name="footnotetag4_69" id="footnotetag4_69" href="#footnote4_69"><sup>4</sup></a>And Cuchulain said to +the gilla, "Do not awaken me for a few but awaken me +for many."<a href="#footnote4_69"><sup>4</sup></a> The gilla arranged the chariot-coverings +and its skins <a name="footnotetag5_69" id="footnotetag5_69" href="#footnote5_69"><sup>5</sup></a>under Cuchulain, and the lad fell asleep on +the green.<a href="#footnote5_69"><sup>5</sup></a></p> + +<p>"Then came one of the macNechta on to the fair-green, to +wit, Foill son of Necht. <a name="footnotetag6_69" id="footnotetag6_69" href="#footnote6_69"><sup>6</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote6_69"><sup>6</sup></a> "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. +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_70" name="Page_70" title="70">70</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1246.</span> +"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 <a name="footnotetag1_70" id="footnotetag1_70" href="#footnote1_70"><sup>1</sup></a>to-day for luck and good omen,"<a href="#footnote1_70"><sup>1</sup></a> +the horseboy answered, "is come to the edges of the marshes +to display his comeliness." "May it not be for victory +nor for triumph, <a name="footnotetag2_70" id="footnotetag2_70" href="#footnote2_70"><sup>2</sup></a>his first-taking of arms,"<a href="#footnote2_70"><sup>2</sup></a> exclaimed +Foill. <a name="footnotetag3_70" id="footnotetag3_70" href="#footnote3_70"><sup>3</sup></a>"Let him not stop in our land and let the horses +not graze here any longer.<a href="#footnote3_70"><sup>3</sup></a> 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. +<a name="footnotetag4_70" id="footnotetag4_70" href="#footnote4_70"><sup>4</sup></a>Think not to earn enmity,"<a name="footnotetaga_70" id="footnotetaga_70" href="#footnotea_70"><sup>a</sup></a> Ibar said further to the +warrior; "and moreover the child sleepeth."<a href="#footnote4_70"><sup>4</sup></a></p> + +<p>"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. <a name="footnotetag5_70" id="footnotetag5_70" href="#footnote5_70"><sup>5</sup></a>"Not a child +am I, at all, but it is to seek battle with a man that +this child here is come.<a href="#footnote5_70"><sup>5</sup></a> Aye, but I am fit for deeds!" +the lad cried. <a name="footnotetag6_70" id="footnotetag6_70" href="#footnote6_70"><sup>6</sup></a>"That pleaseth me well," said the +champion;<a href="#footnote6_70"><sup>6</sup></a> "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. <a name="footnotetag7_70" id="footnotetag7_70" href="#footnote7_70"><sup>7</sup></a>"Now<a href="#footnote7_70"><sup>7</sup></a> thou +shouldst have a care for us against yonder man <a name="footnotetag8_70" id="footnotetag8_70" href="#footnote8_70"><sup>8</sup></a>that comes +to meet thee,<a href="#footnote8_70"><sup>8</sup></a> little lad," said Ibar. "And why so?" +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_71" name="Page_71" title="71">71</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1262.</span> +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."</p> + +<p>"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. <a name="footnotetag1_71" id="footnotetag1_71" href="#footnote1_71"><sup>1</sup></a>He +went to him then<a href="#footnote1_71"><sup>1</sup></a> and struck off the head from the trunk. +<a name="footnotetag2_71" id="footnotetag2_71" href="#footnote2_71"><sup>2</sup></a>Thereafter he bore away his spoils and his head with +him.<a href="#footnote2_71"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + +<p>"Then came the second son out on the green, <a name="footnotetag3_71" id="footnotetag3_71" href="#footnote3_71"><sup>3</sup></a>his name<a href="#footnote3_71"><sup>3</sup></a> +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. <a name="footnotetag4_71" id="footnotetag4_71" href="#footnote4_71"><sup>4</sup></a>And he +is nowise miss-named, for he falls not by arms at all.<a href="#footnote4_71"><sup>4</sup></a> +Unless thou worstest him with the first blow or with the +first shot or with the first touch, <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 67a.</span> thou wilt not worst him +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_72" name="Page_72" title="72">72</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1283.</span> +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. <a name="footnotetag1_72" id="footnotetag1_72" href="#footnote1_72"><sup>1</sup></a>"I swear +by the god by whom my people swear, he shall never again +ply his skill on the men of Ulster.<a href="#footnote1_72"><sup>1</sup></a> I will put my hand on +Conchobar's well-tempered lance, on the Craisech Nemè +('the Venomous Lance'). <a name="footnotetag2_72" id="footnotetag2_72" href="#footnote2_72"><sup>2</sup></a>It will be an outlaw's hand to +him.<a href="#footnote2_72"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 name="footnotetaga_72" id="footnotetaga_72" href="#footnotea_72"><sup>a</sup></a> +From me he shall not get sick-nursing or care till the brink +of doom."</p> + +<p>"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. <a name="footnotetag3_72" id="footnotetag3_72" href="#footnote3_72"><sup>3</sup></a>Thereafter Cuchulain carried off his head and +his spoils with him to his own charioteer.<a href="#footnote3_72"><sup>3</sup></a></p> + +<p>"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<a name="footnotetagb_72" id="footnotetagb_72" href="#footnoteb_72"><sup>b</sup></a> he courseth the sea; the swimmers of the world +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_73" name="Page_73" title="73">73</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1302.</span> +cannot reach him." "Thou shouldst not speak thus before +me, O Ibar," said the lad. <a name="footnotetag1_73" id="footnotetag1_73" href="#footnote1_73"><sup>1</sup></a>"I swear, never again will +he ply that feat on the men of Ulster.<a href="#footnote1_73"><sup>1</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag2_73" id="footnotetag2_73" href="#footnote2_73"><sup>2</sup></a>if the surface is not reached +by them all,<a href="#footnote2_73"><sup>2</sup></a> 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."</p> + +<p>"They met upon the water <a name="footnotetag3_73" id="footnotetag3_73" href="#footnote3_73"><sup>3</sup></a>and they engaged in wrestling +upon it,<a href="#footnote3_73"><sup>3</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag4_73" id="footnotetag4_73" href="#footnote4_73"><sup>4</sup></a>and the spoils<a href="#footnote4_73"><sup>4</sup></a> +with him.</p> + +<p>"Thereupon Cuchulain went into the dûn 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. <a name="footnotetag5_73" id="footnotetag5_73" href="#footnote5_73"><sup>5</sup></a>Soon Cuchulain heard the cry of their mother +after them, of Necht Scenè, namely."<a href="#footnote5_73"><sup>5</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag6_73" id="footnotetag6_73" href="#footnote6_73"><sup>6</sup></a>"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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_74" name="Page_74" title="74">74</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1317.</span> +their flight and Cuchulain caught the throw he had cast +from his sling or ever it reached the ground.</p> + +<p>"When they came to Sliab Fuait<a name="footnotetag6_74" id="footnotetag6_74" href="#footnote6_74"><sup>6</sup></a> 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." <a name="footnotetag1_74" id="footnotetag1_74" href="#footnote1_74"><sup>1</sup></a>"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.<a href="#footnote1_74"><sup>1</sup></a> "Ply the goad for us on the horses <a name="footnotetag2_74" id="footnotetag2_74" href="#footnote2_74"><sup>2</sup></a>into +the bog,<a href="#footnote2_74"><sup>2</sup></a> 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. +<a name="footnotetag3_74" id="footnotetag3_74" href="#footnote3_74"><sup>3</sup></a>Soon the horses stuck in the marsh.<a href="#footnote3_74"><sup>3</sup></a> The lad got down +from the chariot and <a name="footnotetag4_74" id="footnotetag4_74" href="#footnote4_74"><sup>4</sup></a>as the fruit of his run and his race, in +the morass which was around him,<a href="#footnote4_74"><sup>4</sup></a> he caught two of the +swift, stout deer. He fastened them to the back poles and +the bows and the thongs of the chariot.</p> + +<p>"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 <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 67.</span> 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 <a name="footnotetag5_74" id="footnotetag5_74" href="#footnote5_74"><sup>5</sup></a>to +the Ulstermen,<a href="#footnote5_74"><sup>5</sup></a> O Ibar, for them to be fetched alive to +Emain or dead?" asked the lad. "Stranger far, alive," +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_75" name="Page_75" title="75">75</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1333.</span> +Ibar answered, "for not every one succeeds in taking the +birds alive, <a name="footnotetag1_75" id="footnotetag1_75" href="#footnote1_75"><sup>1</sup></a>while they are many that take them dead."<a href="#footnote1_75"><sup>1</sup></a> +Then did the lad perform one of his lesser feats upon them: +<a name="footnotetag2_75" id="footnotetag2_75" href="#footnote2_75"><sup>2</sup></a>he put a small stone in his sling,<a href="#footnote2_75"><sup>2</sup></a> so that he brought down +eight<a name="footnotetaga_75" id="footnotetaga_75" href="#footnotea_75"><sup>a</sup></a> of the birds; and then he performed a greater +feat: <a name="footnotetag3_75" id="footnotetag3_75" href="#footnote3_75"><sup>3</sup></a>he threw a large stone at them<a href="#footnote3_75"><sup>3</sup></a> and he brought +down sixteen<a name="footnotetagb_75" id="footnotetagb_75" href="#footnoteb_75"><sup>b</sup></a> of their number. <a name="footnotetag4_75" id="footnotetag4_75" href="#footnote4_75"><sup>4</sup></a>With his return stroke +all that was done.<a href="#footnote4_75"><sup>4</sup></a> He fastened them to the hind poles +and the bows and the thongs and the ropes and the traces +of the chariot.</p> + +<p>""Take the birds along with thee, O Ibar," cried the +lad <a name="footnotetag5_75" id="footnotetag5_75" href="#footnote5_75"><sup>5</sup></a>to his charioteer. If I myself go to take them," he +added, "the wild deer will spring upon thee."<a href="#footnote5_75"><sup>5</sup></a> "I am +in sore straits," answered Ibar; "<a name="footnotetag6_75" id="footnotetag6_75" href="#footnote6_75"><sup>6</sup></a>I find it not easy to +go."<a href="#footnote6_75"><sup>6</sup></a> "What may it be?" asked the lad. "Great +cause have I. <a name="footnotetag7_75" id="footnotetag7_75" href="#footnote7_75"><sup>7</sup></a>The horses have become wild, so that I +cannot go by them.<a href="#footnote7_75"><sup>7</sup></a> If I stir at all from where I am, the +chariot's iron wheels will cut me down <a name="footnotetag8_75" id="footnotetag8_75" href="#footnote8_75"><sup>8</sup></a>because of their +sharpness<a href="#footnote8_75"><sup>8</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag9_75" id="footnotetag9_75" href="#footnote9_75"><sup>9</sup></a>for +the horns of the stag have filled the whole space between +the two shafts of the chariot."<a href="#footnote9_75"><sup>9</sup></a> "Ah, no true champion +art thou any longer, O Ibar," <a name="footnotetag10_75" id="footnotetag10_75" href="#footnote10_75"><sup>10</sup></a>said the lad;<a href="#footnote10_75"><sup>10</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag11_75" id="footnotetag11_75" href="#footnote11_75"><sup>11</sup></a>"step thus +from his horn.<a href="#footnote11_75"><sup>11</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag12_75" id="footnotetag12_75" href="#footnote12_75"><sup>12</sup></a>I swear by the god by whom the +Ulstermen swear,<a href="#footnote12_75"><sup>12</sup></a> 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; <a name="footnotetag13_75" id="footnotetag13_75" href="#footnote13_75"><sup>13</sup></a>they will not dare move,<a href="#footnote13_75"><sup>13</sup></a> and +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_76" name="Page_76" title="76">76</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1346.</span> +it will be safe for thee e'en though thou goest in front of +their horns." <a name="footnotetag1_76" id="footnotetag1_76" href="#footnote1_76"><sup>1</sup></a>And so it was done. Cuchulain fastened +the reins.<a href="#footnote1_76"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_76" id="footnotetag2_76" href="#footnote2_76"><sup>2</sup></a>Then<a href="#footnote2_76"><sup>2</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag3_76" id="footnotetag3_76" href="#footnote3_76"><sup>3</sup></a>the charioteer<a href="#footnote3_76"><sup>3</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag4_76" id="footnotetag4_76" href="#footnote4_76"><sup>4</sup></a>went and collected +the birds, and he bound them to the hind poles and to the +thongs and the traces of the chariot.<a href="#footnote4_76"><sup>4</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag5_76" id="footnotetag5_76" href="#footnote5_76"><sup>5</sup></a>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 Scenè <a name="footnotetag6_76" id="footnotetag6_76" href="#footnote6_76"><sup>6</sup></a>and the jewels, +treasures and wealth of their enemies arranged<a href="#footnote6_76"><sup>6</sup></a> in his +chariot.<a href="#footnote5_76"><sup>5</sup></a></p> + +<p>"<a name="footnotetag7_76" id="footnotetag7_76" href="#footnote7_76"><sup>7</sup></a>Thereupon<a href="#footnote7_76"><sup>7</sup></a> they went on till <a name="footnotetag8_76" id="footnotetag8_76" href="#footnote8_76"><sup>8</sup></a>bravely, boldly, +battle-victoriously, boastingly, blade-redded,<a href="#footnote8_76"><sup>8</sup></a> they reached +<a name="footnotetag9_76" id="footnotetag9_76" href="#footnote9_76"><sup>9</sup></a>the fair plain of<a href="#footnote9_76"><sup>9</sup></a> Emain. It was then Lebarcham, <a name="footnotetag10_76" id="footnotetag10_76" href="#footnote10_76"><sup>10</sup></a>the +watch in Emain Macha,<a href="#footnote10_76"><sup>10</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag11_76" id="footnotetag11_76" href="#footnote11_76"><sup>11</sup></a>came forth and<a href="#footnote11_76"><sup>11</sup></a> discerned them, +she, the daughter of Aue ('Ear') and of Adarc ('Horn') +<a name="footnotetag12_76" id="footnotetag12_76" href="#footnote12_76"><sup>12</sup></a>and she hastened to Conchobar's house, her eye restless in +her head and her tongue faltering in her jaw.<a href="#footnote12_76"><sup>12</sup></a> "A single +chariot-fighter is here, <a name="footnotetag13_76" id="footnotetag13_76" href="#footnote13_76"><sup>13</sup></a>coming towards Emain Macha,"<a href="#footnote13_76"><sup>13</sup></a> +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 <a name="footnotetag14_76" id="footnotetag14_76" href="#footnote14_76"><sup>14</sup></a>I give my word,<a href="#footnote14_76"><sup>14</sup></a> if he be not attended +to this night, <a name="footnotetag15_76" id="footnotetag15_76" href="#footnote15_76"><sup>15</sup></a>blood will flow over Conchobar's province +by him and<a href="#footnote15_76"><sup>15</sup></a> the youths of Ulster will fall by his hand." +"We know him, that chariot-fighter," spake Conchobar; +"<a name="footnotetag16_76" id="footnotetag16_76" href="#footnote16_76"><sup>16</sup></a>belike it is<a href="#footnote16_76"><sup>16</sup></a> the little gilla, my sister's son, who went +to the edge of the marches <a name="footnotetag17_76" id="footnotetag17_76" href="#footnote17_76"><sup>17</sup></a>at the beginning of the day,<a href="#footnote17_76"><sup>17</sup></a> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_77" name="Page_77" title="77">77</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1355.</span> +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." <a name="footnotetag1_77" id="footnotetag1_77" href="#footnote1_77"><sup>1</sup></a>Soon he turned the left<a name="footnotetaga_77" id="footnotetaga_77" href="#footnotea_77"><sup>a</sup></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 dûn!"<a href="#footnote1_77"><sup>1</sup></a></p> + +<p>"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<a name="footnotetagb_77" id="footnotetagb_77" href="#footnoteb_77"><sup>b</sup></a> to him. <a name="footnotetag2_77" id="footnotetag2_77" href="#footnote2_77"><sup>2</sup></a>"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."<a href="#footnote2_77"><sup>2</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag3_77" id="footnotetag3_77" href="#footnote3_77"><sup>3</sup></a>Thereupon<a href="#footnote3_77"><sup>3</sup></a> the +young women all <a name="footnotetag4_77" id="footnotetag4_77" href="#footnote4_77"><sup>4</sup></a>arose and<a href="#footnote4_77"><sup>4</sup></a> marched out, <a name="footnotetag5_77" id="footnotetag5_77" href="#footnote5_77"><sup>5</sup></a>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<a href="#footnote5_77"><sup>5</sup></a>; and they +discovered their nakedness and all their shame to him. +<a name="footnotetag6_77" id="footnotetag6_77" href="#footnote6_77"><sup>6</sup></a>"These are the warriors that will meet thee to-day," +quoth Mugain, wife of Conchobar son of Ness.<a href="#footnote6_77"><sup>6</sup></a> 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.<a name="footnotetagc_77" id="footnotetagc_77" href="#footnotec_77"><sup>c</sup></a> 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. +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_78" name="Page_78" title="78">78</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1367.</span> +The next vat <a name="footnotetag1_78" id="footnotetag1_78" href="#footnote1_78"><sup>1</sup></a>into which he went<a href="#footnote1_78"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_78" id="footnotetag2_78" href="#footnote2_78"><sup>2</sup></a>boiled with bubbles as big +as fists<a href="#footnote2_78"><sup>2</sup></a> therefrom. The third vat <a name="footnotetag3_78" id="footnotetag3_78" href="#footnote3_78"><sup>3</sup></a>into which he went,<a href="#footnote3_78"><sup>3</sup></a> some +men might endure it and others might not. Then the boy's +wrath went down.</p> + +<p>"<a name="footnotetag4_78" id="footnotetag4_78" href="#footnote4_78"><sup>4</sup></a>Thereupon he came out,<a href="#footnote4_78"><sup>4</sup></a> and his <a name="footnotetag5_78" id="footnotetag5_78" href="#footnote5_78"><sup>5</sup></a>festive<a href="#footnote5_78"><sup>5</sup></a> garments +were put on him <a name="footnotetag6_78" id="footnotetag6_78" href="#footnote6_78"><sup>6</sup></a>by Mugain the queen.<a href="#footnote6_78"><sup>6</sup></a> His +comeliness appeared on him <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 68a.</span> and he made a crimson +wheel-ball of himself from his crown to the ground. <a name="footnotetag7_78" id="footnotetag7_78" href="#footnote7_78"><sup>7</sup></a>A +shout was raised at the bluish purple about him.<a href="#footnote7_78"><sup>7</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag8_78" id="footnotetag8_78" href="#footnote8_78"><sup>8</sup></a>Beautiful +then was the lad<a href="#footnote8_78"><sup>8</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag9_78" id="footnotetag9_78" href="#footnote9_78"><sup>9</sup></a>that was raised up in view.<a href="#footnote9_78"><sup>9</sup></a> +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 <a name="footnotetag10_78" id="footnotetag10_78" href="#footnote10_78"><sup>10</sup></a>fair, laced<a href="#footnote10_78"><sup>10</sup></a> green<a name="footnotetaga_78" id="footnotetaga_78" href="#footnotea_78"><sup>a</sup></a> mantle about +him; a silver pin therein <a name="footnotetag11_78" id="footnotetag11_78" href="#footnote11_78"><sup>11</sup></a>over his white breast, so that +the eyes of men could not look at it for its gleam and its +brightness.<a href="#footnote11_78"><sup>11</sup></a> A <a name="footnotetag12_78" id="footnotetag12_78" href="#footnote12_78"><sup>12</sup></a>hooded<a href="#footnote12_78"><sup>12</sup></a> tunic of thread of gold about him. +<a name="footnotetag13_78" id="footnotetag13_78" href="#footnote13_78"><sup>13</sup></a>A magnificent, fair-coloured, dark purple shield he bore. +Two hard, five-pointed spears in his hand. A diadem of gold +round his head.<a href="#footnote13_78"><sup>13</sup></a> And the lad was seated between the two +feet of Conchobar, <a name="footnotetag14_78" id="footnotetag14_78" href="#footnote14_78"><sup>14</sup></a>and that was his couch ever after,<a href="#footnote14_78"><sup>14</sup></a> and +the king began to stroke his close-shorn hair.</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_79" name="Page_79" title="79">79</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 1381.</span> +"A mere lad accomplished these deeds at the end of +seven years after his birth," <a name="footnotetag1_79" id="footnotetag1_79" href="#footnote1_79"><sup>1</sup></a>continued Fiachu son of +Fiarba;<a href="#footnote1_79"><sup>1</sup></a> "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, <a name="footnotetag2_79" id="footnotetag2_79" href="#footnote2_79"><sup>2</sup></a>though +he cut off the four-headed pole with one cut and one blow +of his shining sword<a href="#footnote2_79"><sup>2</sup></a> when now are fulfilled his seventeen +years at the time of the Táin Bó Cúalnge."</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag3_79" id="footnotetag3_79" href="#footnote3_79"><sup>3</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote3_79"><sup>3</sup></a></p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>The Story proper is this which follows now.</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_80" name="Page_80" title="80">80</a> + +<a name="chapter_VIIc" id="chapter_VIIc"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">VIIc</span>. <a name="footnotetag1_80" id="footnotetag1_80" href="#footnote1_80"><sup>1</sup></a>BELOW IS A SEPARATE VERSION AS FAR AS THE SLAYING OF ORLAM</h2> + + +<p>"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.'</p> + +<p>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 Anè ('the Pass +of Sport') is the name of that place forever.</p> + +<p>They bide there till morning. Fraech <a name="footnotetag2_80" id="footnotetag2_80" href="#footnote2_80"><sup>2</sup></a>son of Fidach<a href="#footnote2_80"><sup>2</sup></a> +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."</p> + +<p>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," +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_81" name="Page_81" title="81">81</a> +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 <a name="footnotetag10_81" id="footnotetag10_81" href="#footnote10_81"><sup>10</sup></a>with them<a href="#footnote10_81"><sup>10</sup></a> to the camp. Ath Fraeich +('Fraech's Ford') is the name of that ford for ever. All the +army keen <a name="footnotetag2_81" id="footnotetag2_81" href="#footnote2_81"><sup>2</sup></a>their<a href="#footnote2_81"><sup>2</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>Fergus leaps over the oak-stump in his <a name="footnotetag3_81" id="footnotetag3_81" href="#footnote3_81"><sup>3</sup></a>own<a href="#footnote3_81"><sup>3</sup></a> chariot +<a name="footnotetag4_81" id="footnotetag4_81" href="#footnote4_81"><sup>4</sup></a>and knocks off its head.<a href="#footnote4_81"><sup>4</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag5_81" id="footnotetag5_81" href="#footnote5_81"><sup>5</sup></a>According to another version,<a href="#footnote5_81"><sup>5</sup></a> +they proceed till they reach <a name="footnotetag6_81" id="footnotetag6_81" href="#footnote6_81"><sup>6</sup></a>Ath Meislir.<a href="#footnote6_81"><sup>6</sup></a> Cuchulain +destroys six of them there, namely, <a name="footnotetag7_81" id="footnotetag7_81" href="#footnote7_81"><sup>7</sup></a>Meislir <i>et reliqua</i>,<a href="#footnote7_81"><sup>7</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag8_81" id="footnotetag8_81" href="#footnote8_81"><sup>8</sup></a>the six Dungals of Irrus.<a href="#footnote8_81"><sup>8</sup></a></p> + +<p>They go thence to Fornocht. Medb had a whelp named +Baiscnè. Cuchulain made a cast at him, so that he struck +off his head. Now, Druim ('Ridge') is the name of that +place ever after.<a name="footnotetag1_81" id="footnotetag1_81" href="#footnote1_81"><sup>1</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag9_81" id="footnotetag9_81" href="#footnote9_81"><sup>9</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote9_81"><sup>9</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_82" name="Page_82" title="82">82</a> + +<a name="chapter_VIII" id="chapter_VIII"></a> + +<h2>VIII. THE SLAYING OF ORLAM</h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 1393.</span> +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') <a name="footnotetag1_82" id="footnotetag1_82" href="#footnote1_82"><sup>1</sup></a>a little to the<a href="#footnote1_82"><sup>1</sup></a> north +of Disert Lochaid ('Lochat's Hermitage'). The charioteer +was engaged in cutting chariot-poles from a holly-tree in +the wood. <a name="footnotetag2_82" id="footnotetag2_82" href="#footnote2_82"><sup>2</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote2_82"><sup>2</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag3_82" id="footnotetag3_82" href="#footnote3_82"><sup>3</sup></a>According to this version, it was the charioteer who +was cutting the pole.<a href="#footnote3_82"><sup>3</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag4_82" id="footnotetag4_82" href="#footnote4_82"><sup>4</sup></a>Not long was the battle-victorious Hound there when +he heard a sound and an uproar.<a href="#footnote4_82"><sup>4</sup></a> "Behold, O Laeg," cried +Cuchulain; "<a name="footnotetag5_82" id="footnotetag5_82" href="#footnote5_82"><sup>5</sup></a>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?<a href="#footnote5_82"><sup>5</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag6_82" id="footnotetag6_82" href="#footnote6_82"><sup>6</sup></a>check the +horses and hold the chariot.<a href="#footnote6_82"><sup>6</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag7_82" id="footnotetag7_82" href="#footnote7_82"><sup>7</sup></a>Orlam's<a href="#footnote7_82"><sup>7</sup></a> charioteer, +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_83" name="Page_83" title="83">83</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1401.</span> +<a name="footnotetag1_83" id="footnotetag1_83" href="#footnote1_83"><sup>1</sup></a>to stop him; he thought he was one of the men of +Ulster.<a href="#footnote1_83"><sup>1</sup></a> "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," <a name="footnotetag2_83" id="footnotetag2_83" href="#footnote2_83"><sup>2</sup></a>the gilla answered.<a href="#footnote2_83"><sup>2</sup></a> +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. <a name="footnotetag3_83" id="footnotetag3_83" href="#footnote3_83"><sup>3</sup></a>And for love of thy valour,<a href="#footnote3_83"><sup>3</sup></a> who art +thou, say, O warrior?" the gilla asked, <a name="footnotetag4_83" id="footnotetag4_83" href="#footnote4_83"><sup>4</sup></a>for he was sore +affrighted.<a href="#footnote4_83"><sup>4</sup></a> "That same renowned Cuchulain am I of +whom thou spakest <a name="footnotetag5_83" id="footnotetag5_83" href="#footnote5_83"><sup>5</sup></a>a while ago<a href="#footnote5_83"><sup>5</sup></a> in the morning." "Woe +is me then, by reason of this," cried the gilla; "for this +am I lost forever." <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 68b.</span> <a name="footnotetag6_83" id="footnotetag6_83" href="#footnote6_83"><sup>6</sup></a>"Whence comest thou <a name="footnotetag7_83" id="footnotetag7_83" href="#footnote7_83"><sup>7</sup></a>and who +art thou<a href="#footnote7_83"><sup>7</sup></a>?" Cuchulain asked. "Charioteer am I of Orlam, +Ailill's son and Medb's,"<a href="#footnote6_83"><sup>6</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag8_83" id="footnotetag8_83" href="#footnote8_83"><sup>8</sup></a>said he.<a href="#footnote8_83"><sup>8</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag9_83" id="footnotetag9_83" href="#footnote9_83"><sup>9</sup></a>"Fear nothing;<a href="#footnote9_83"><sup>9</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag10_83" id="footnotetag10_83" href="#footnote10_83"><sup>10</sup></a>gilla<a href="#footnote10_83"><sup>10</sup></a>?" "Over yonder +by the trench, <a name="footnotetag11_83" id="footnotetag11_83" href="#footnote11_83"><sup>11</sup></a>with his back to the pillar-stone,<a href="#footnote11_83"><sup>11</sup></a>" +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."</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_84" name="Page_84" title="84">84</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 1419.</span> +Thereupon the charioteer repaired <a name="footnotetag1_84" id="footnotetag1_84" href="#footnote1_84"><sup>1</sup></a>by one way<a href="#footnote1_84"><sup>1</sup></a> to his +master, <a name="footnotetag2_84" id="footnotetag2_84" href="#footnote2_84"><sup>2</sup></a>and Cuchulain went by another,<a href="#footnote2_84"><sup>2</sup></a> and fast as +the gilla sped to Orlam, faster still Cuchulain did reach +him <a name="footnotetag3_84" id="footnotetag3_84" href="#footnote3_84"><sup>3</sup></a>and offered him combat<a href="#footnote3_84"><sup>3</sup></a> and he struck off his +head, and raising it aloft displayed it to the men of +Erin, <a name="footnotetag4_84" id="footnotetag4_84" href="#footnote4_84"><sup>4</sup></a>and he flourished it in the presence of the host.<a href="#footnote4_84"><sup>4</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag5_84" id="footnotetag5_84" href="#footnote5_84"><sup>5</sup></a>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."</p> + +<p>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."<a href="#footnote5_84"><sup>5</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag6_84" id="footnotetag6_84" href="#footnote6_84"><sup>6</sup></a>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."<a href="#footnote6_84"><sup>6</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_85" name="Page_85" title="85">85</a> + +<a name="chapter_VIIIa" id="chapter_VIIIa"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">VIIIa</span>. <a name="footnotetag1_85" id="footnotetag1_85" href="#footnote1_85"><sup>1</sup></a>THE SLAYING OF THE THREE <span class="sc">MacARACH</span><a href="#footnote1_85"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 1425.</span> +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 <a name="footnotetag2_85" id="footnotetag2_85" href="#footnote2_85"><sup>2</sup></a>their desire was<a href="#footnote2_85"><sup>2</sup></a> to kill Cuchulain in the +same manner <a name="footnotetag3_85" id="footnotetag3_85" href="#footnote3_85"><sup>3</sup></a>in revenge for him,<a href="#footnote3_85"><sup>3</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag4_85" id="footnotetag4_85" href="#footnote4_85"><sup>4</sup></a>and that they should +be the ones to rid the host of that pest<a href="#footnote4_85"><sup>4</sup></a> and bring his head +with them to set it aloft. They went into the wood and cut +off three <a name="footnotetag5_85" id="footnotetag5_85" href="#footnote5_85"><sup>5</sup></a>great<a href="#footnote5_85"><sup>5</sup></a> 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, +<a name="footnotetag6_85" id="footnotetag6_85" href="#footnote6_85"><sup>6</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote6_85"><sup>6</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_86" name="Page_86" title="86">86</a> + +<a name="chapter_VIIIb" id="chapter_VIIIb"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">VIIIb</span>. <a name="footnotetag1_86" id="footnotetag1_86" href="#footnote1_86"><sup>1</sup></a>THE COMBAT OF LETHAN AND CUCHULAIN<a href="#footnote1_86"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 1439.</span> +There came also Lethan ('the Broad') to his ford on the Nith +in the land of Conalle Murthemni, to fight with Cuchulain. +<a name="footnotetag2_86" id="footnotetag2_86" href="#footnote2_86"><sup>2</sup></a>He was angered at what Cuchulain had wrought.<a href="#footnote2_86"><sup>2</sup></a> 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, +<a name="footnotetag3_86" id="footnotetag3_86" href="#footnote3_86"><sup>3</sup></a>Lethan's charioteer,<a href="#footnote3_86"><sup>3</sup></a> fell on the <a name="footnotetag4_86" id="footnotetag4_86" href="#footnote4_86"><sup>4</sup></a>shoulder of the<a href="#footnote4_86"><sup>4</sup></a> hill +between the two fords, <a name="footnotetag5_86" id="footnotetag5_86" href="#footnote5_86"><sup>5</sup></a>for he had offered battle and combat +to Laeg son of Riangabair.<a href="#footnote5_86"><sup>5</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag6_86" id="footnotetag6_86" href="#footnote6_86"><sup>6</sup></a>of the Nith<a href="#footnote6_86"><sup>6</sup></a> was called +Ath Lethain ('Lethain's Ford') ever since in the district +of Conalle Murthemni.</p> + +<p>Then came <a name="footnotetag7_86" id="footnotetag7_86" href="#footnote7_86"><sup>7</sup></a>unto them<a href="#footnote7_86"><sup>7</sup></a> the Crutti Cainbili ('the Tuneful +Harpers'), from Ess Ruaid in the north to amuse them, +<a name="footnotetag8_86" id="footnotetag8_86" href="#footnote8_86"><sup>8</sup></a>out of friendship for Ailill and Medb.<a href="#footnote8_86"><sup>8</sup></a> They opined it was +to spy upon them <a name="footnotetag9_86" id="footnotetag9_86" href="#footnote9_86"><sup>9</sup></a>they were come<a href="#footnote9_86"><sup>9</sup></a> from Ulster. <a name="footnotetag10_86" id="footnotetag10_86" href="#footnote10_86"><sup>10</sup></a>When +they came within sight of the camp of the men of Erin, +fear, terror, and dread possessed them,<a href="#footnote10_86"><sup>10</sup></a> and the hosts pursued +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_87" name="Page_87" title="87">87</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1450.</span> +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') <a name="footnotetag1_87" id="footnotetag1_87" href="#footnote1_87"><sup>1</sup></a>in the north.<a href="#footnote1_87"><sup>1</sup></a> For though +they were known as the 'Mellifluous Harpers' they were +<a name="footnotetag2_87" id="footnotetag2_87" href="#footnote2_87"><sup>2</sup></a>druids,<a href="#footnote2_87"><sup>2</sup></a> men of great cunning and great power of augury +and magic.</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_88" name="Page_88" title="88">88</a> + +<a name="chapter_VIIIc" id="chapter_VIIIc"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">VIIIc</span>. <a name="footnotetag1_88" id="footnotetag1_88" href="#footnote1_88"><sup>1</sup></a>THE KILLING OF THE SQUIRREL AND OF THE TAME BIRD<a href="#footnote1_88"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 1456.</span> +Then Cuchulain made a threat <a name="footnotetag2_88" id="footnotetag2_88" href="#footnote2_88"><sup>2</sup></a>in Methè<a href="#footnote2_88"><sup>2</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag3_88" id="footnotetag3_88" href="#footnote3_88"><sup>3</sup></a>Then Reuin was drowned in his lake. Hence is Loch +Reuin. "Your companion is not afar off from you," cried +Ailill to the Manè. 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 name="footnotetaga_88" id="footnotetaga_88" href="#footnotea_88"><sup>a</sup></a> mirth was not seemly," quoth Manè +the fool; "it is I would have taken his head off." Cuchulain +flung a stone at him, so that his head was split. Thus +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_89" name="Page_89" title="89">89</a> +these people were slain: Orlam, first of all, on his hill; +the three sons of Arach<a name="footnotetaga_89" id="footnotetaga_89" href="#footnotea_89"><sup>a</sup></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."<a name="footnotetag3_89" id="footnotetag3_89" href="#footnote3_89"><sup>3</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag1_89" id="footnotetag1_89" href="#footnote1_89"><sup>1</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote1_89"><sup>1</sup></a></p> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 1465.</span> +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 <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 69a.</span> 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,<a name="footnotetagb_89" id="footnotetagb_89" href="#footnoteb_89"><sup>b</sup></a> and he uttered the lay:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"If Cuchulain, Cualnge's Hound,</div> +<div>And Red Branch chiefs on you come,</div> +<div>Men will welter in their blood,</div> +<div>Laying waste Murthemne's plain!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div><a name="footnotetag4_89" id="footnotetag4_89" href="#footnote4_89"><sup>4</sup></a>"Woe to him possesses wealth,</div> +<div>'Less he find a way to 'scape;</div> +<div>And your wives will be enslaved,</div> +<div>And your chiefs fill pools of blood!<a href="#footnote4_89"><sup>4</sup></a></div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Far away he<a name="footnotetagc_89" id="footnotetagc_89" href="#footnotec_89"><sup>c</sup></a> held his course,</div> +<div>Till he reached Armenia's heights;</div> +<div>Battle dared he, past his wont,</div> +<div>And the Burnt-breasts<a name="footnotetagd_89" id="footnotetagd_89" href="#footnoted_89"><sup>d</sup></a> put to death!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Hardest for him was to drive</div> +<div>Necht's sons from their chieftest haunts;</div> +<div>And the smith's hound—mighty deed—</div> +<div>Hath he slain with single hand!</div> +</div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_90" name="Page_90" title="90">90</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1483.</span> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"More than this I've naught to say,</div> +<div>As concerns Dechtirè's son;</div> +<div>My belief, in troth, is this:</div> +<div>Ye will now meet with your fate."</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>After this lay, that was the day that Donn ('the Brown +Bull') of Cualnge came into the land of Marginè <a name="footnotetag1_90" id="footnotetag1_90" href="#footnote1_90"><sup>1</sup></a>to Sliab +Culinn<a href="#footnote1_90"><sup>1</sup></a> and with him fifty heifers of the heifers <a name="footnotetag2_90" id="footnotetag2_90" href="#footnote2_90"><sup>2</sup></a>of Ulster;<a href="#footnote2_90"><sup>2</sup></a> +and there he was pawing and digging up the earth in that +place, <a name="footnotetag3_90" id="footnotetag3_90" href="#footnote3_90"><sup>3</sup></a>in the land of Marginè, in Cualnge;<a href="#footnote3_90"><sup>3</sup></a> that is, he +flung the turf over him with his heels. <a name="footnotetag4_90" id="footnotetag4_90" href="#footnote4_90"><sup>4</sup></a>While the hosts +were marching over Mag Breg, Cuchulain in the meanwhile +laid hands on their camps.<a href="#footnote4_90"><sup>4</sup></a> It was on the same +day that the Morrigan, daughter of Ernmas, <a name="footnotetag5_90" id="footnotetag5_90" href="#footnote5_90"><sup>5</sup></a>the prophetess<a href="#footnote5_90"><sup>5</sup></a> +of the fairy-folk, came <a name="footnotetag6_90" id="footnotetag6_90" href="#footnote6_90"><sup>6</sup></a>in the form of a bird,<a href="#footnote6_90"><sup>6</sup></a> +and she perched on the standing-stone in Temair of +Cualnge giving the Brown Bull of Cualnge warning +<a name="footnotetag7_90" id="footnotetag7_90" href="#footnote7_90"><sup>7</sup></a>and lamentations<a href="#footnote7_90"><sup>7</sup></a> 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. +<a name="footnotetag8_90" id="footnotetag8_90" href="#footnote8_90"><sup>8</sup></a>are on thy track and seeking thee<a href="#footnote8_90"><sup>8</sup></a> and they will come +upon thee, and <a name="footnotetag9_90" id="footnotetag9_90" href="#footnote9_90"><sup>9</sup></a>if thou art taken<a href="#footnote9_90"><sup>9</sup></a> they will carry thee +away to their camp <a name="footnotetag10_90" id="footnotetag10_90" href="#footnote10_90"><sup>10</sup></a>like any ox on a raid,<a href="#footnote10_90"><sup>10</sup></a> unless thou art +on thy guard." And she commenced to give warning to +him in this fashion, <a name="footnotetag11_90" id="footnotetag11_90" href="#footnote11_90"><sup>11</sup></a>telling him he would be slain on the +Táin, and she delivered this judgement<a href="#footnote11_90"><sup>11</sup></a> and spake these +words aloud:<a name="footnotetaga_90" id="footnotetaga_90" href="#footnotea_90"><sup>a</sup></a>—</p> + +<p>"Knows not the restless Brown of the <a name="footnotetag12_90" id="footnotetag12_90" href="#footnote12_90"><sup>12</sup></a>truly deadly<a href="#footnote12_90"><sup>12</sup></a> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_91" name="Page_91" title="91">91</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1502.</span> +fray that is not uncertain?—A raven's<a name="footnotetaga_91" id="footnotetaga_91" href="#footnotea_91"><sup>a</sup></a> croak—The raven +that doth not conceal—Foes range your checkered plain—<a name="footnotetag1_91" id="footnotetag1_91" href="#footnote1_91"><sup>1</sup></a>Troops +on raids<a href="#footnote1_91"><sup>1</sup></a>—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<a name="footnotetagb_91" id="footnotetagb_91" href="#footnoteb_91"><sup>b</sup></a> +on Cualnge evermore, to the death of mighty +sons—Kith looking on the death of kin!"</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_91" id="footnotetag2_91" href="#footnote2_91"><sup>2</sup></a>When the Brown Bull of Cualnge heard those words<a href="#footnote2_91"><sup>2</sup></a> +he moved on to Glenn na Samaisce ('Heifers' Glen') in Sliab +Culinn ('Hollymount') <a name="footnotetag3_91" id="footnotetag3_91" href="#footnote3_91"><sup>3</sup></a>in the north of Ulster,<a href="#footnote3_91"><sup>3</sup></a> and fifty +of his heifers with him, <a name="footnotetag4_91" id="footnotetag4_91" href="#footnote4_91"><sup>4</sup></a>and his herdsman accompanied +him; Forgemen was the name of the cowherd.<a href="#footnote4_91"><sup>4</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag5_91" id="footnotetag5_91" href="#footnote5_91"><sup>5</sup></a>And +he threw off the thrice fifty boys who were wont to play on +his back and he destroyed two-thirds of the boys.<a href="#footnote5_91"><sup>5</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag6_91" id="footnotetag6_91" href="#footnote6_91"><sup>6</sup></a>at the due time<a href="#footnote6_91"><sup>6</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag7_91" id="footnotetag7_91" href="#footnote7_91"><sup>7</sup></a>grown<a href="#footnote7_91"><sup>7</sup></a> youths who engaged in +games, <a name="footnotetag8_91" id="footnotetag8_91" href="#footnote8_91"><sup>8</sup></a>who<a href="#footnote8_91"><sup>8</sup></a> on his fine back <a name="footnotetag9_91" id="footnotetag9_91" href="#footnote9_91"><sup>9</sup></a>found room<a href="#footnote9_91"><sup>9</sup></a> every +evening <a name="footnotetag10_91" id="footnotetag10_91" href="#footnote10_91"><sup>10</sup></a>to play draughts and assembly<a name="footnotetagc_91" id="footnotetagc_91" href="#footnotec_91"><sup>c</sup></a> and leaping<a href="#footnote10_91"><sup>10</sup></a>; +<a name="footnotetag11_91" id="footnotetag11_91" href="#footnote11_91"><sup>11</sup></a>he would not put them from him nor would +he totter under them.<a href="#footnote11_91"><sup>11</sup></a> Another of the magic virtues +of the Brown Bull of Cualnge was the hundred warriors +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_92" name="Page_92" title="92">92</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1535.</span> +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, <a name="footnotetag1_92" id="footnotetag1_92" href="#footnote1_92"><sup>1</sup></a>in the +east and the west,<a href="#footnote1_92"><sup>1</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>Thereupon on the morrow the hosts proceeded among +the rocks and dunes of the land of Conalle Murthemni. +<a name="footnotetag3_92" id="footnotetag3_92" href="#footnote3_92"><sup>3</sup></a>Cuchulain killed no one from Sailè ('the Sea') around +Dorthè in the land of Conalle, until he reached Cualnge. +At that time Cuchulain was in Cuincè, <a name="footnotetag2_92" id="footnotetag2_92" href="#footnote2_92"><sup>2</sup></a>that is a mountain.<a href="#footnote2_92"><sup>2</sup></a> +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.<a href="#footnote3_92"><sup>3</sup></a> 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.</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_93" name="Page_93" title="93">93</a> + +<a name="chapter_VIIId" id="chapter_VIIId"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">VIIId</span>. <a name="footnotetag1_93" id="footnotetag1_93" href="#footnote1_93"><sup>1</sup></a>THE SLAYING OF LOCHE<a href="#footnote1_93"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 1552.</span> +The warriors of four of the five grand provinces of Erin +bided their time in Redè Lochè 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. +Lochè was the name of the maiden. Thereupon Lochè +went, and fifty<a name="footnotetaga_93" id="footnotetaga_93" href="#footnotea_93"><sup>a</sup></a> women in her train and the queen's diadem +of gold on her head. And Cuchulain <a name="footnotetag2_93" id="footnotetag2_93" href="#footnote2_93"><sup>2</sup></a>espied them and +he<a href="#footnote2_93"><sup>2</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag3_93" id="footnotetag3_93" href="#footnote3_93"><sup>3</sup></a>put a stone on his sling and<a href="#footnote3_93"><sup>3</sup></a> cast <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 69b.</span> a stone from his +<a name="footnotetag4_93" id="footnotetag4_93" href="#footnote4_93"><sup>4</sup></a>staff<a href="#footnote4_93"><sup>4</sup></a>-sling at her, so that he broke the diadem of gold +in three pieces and killed the maiden on her plain. Thence +is Redè Lochè ('the Plain of Lochè') in Cualnge. For +Cuchulain had thought, for want of acquaintance and +knowledge, that it was Medb that was there.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag5_93" id="footnotetag5_93" href="#footnote5_93"><sup>5</sup></a>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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_94" name="Page_94" title="94">94</a> +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.</p> + +<p>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 Táin <a name="footnotetag1_94" id="footnotetag1_94" href="#footnote1_94"><sup>1</sup></a>and the Finding of the Bull according +to this version.<a href="#footnote1_94"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_94" id="footnotetag2_94" href="#footnote2_94"><sup>2</sup></a>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."<a href="#footnote2_94"><sup>2</sup></a> Then they turned +back ravaging Cualnge and they found not the bull there.<a name="footnotetag5_94" id="footnotetag5_94" href="#footnote5_94"><sup>5</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_95" name="Page_95" title="95">95</a> + +<a name="chapter_VIIIe" id="chapter_VIIIe"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">VIIIe</span>. <a name="footnotetag1_95" id="footnotetag1_95" href="#footnote1_95"><sup>1</sup></a>THE KILLING OF UALA<a href="#footnote1_95"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 1563.</span> +<a name="footnotetag2_95" id="footnotetag2_95" href="#footnote2_95"><sup>2</sup></a>Early<a href="#footnote2_95"><sup>2</sup></a> on the morrow the hosts continued their way +<a name="footnotetag3_95" id="footnotetag3_95" href="#footnote3_95"><sup>3</sup></a>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').<a href="#footnote3_95"><sup>3</sup></a> And they attempted +the stream and failed to cross it <a name="footnotetag4_95" id="footnotetag4_95" href="#footnote4_95"><sup>4</sup></a>because of the size +of its waves,<a href="#footnote4_95"><sup>4</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag5_95" id="footnotetag5_95" href="#footnote5_95"><sup>5</sup></a>so that they slept on its bank.<a href="#footnote5_95"><sup>5</sup></a> 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 name="footnotetaga_95" id="footnotetaga_95" href="#footnotea_95"><sup>a</sup></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 <a name="footnotetag6_95" id="footnotetag6_95" href="#footnote6_95"><sup>6</sup></a>on the morrow<a href="#footnote6_95"><sup>6</sup></a> there arose a great, +stout, <a name="footnotetag7_95" id="footnotetag7_95" href="#footnote7_95"><sup>7</sup></a>wonderful<a href="#footnote7_95"><sup>7</sup></a> warrior of the <a name="footnotetag8_95" id="footnotetag8_95" href="#footnote8_95"><sup>8</sup></a>particular<a href="#footnote8_95"><sup>8</sup></a> people +of Medb <a name="footnotetag9_95" id="footnotetag9_95" href="#footnote9_95"><sup>9</sup></a>and Ailill,<a href="#footnote9_95"><sup>9</sup></a> Uala by name, and he took on his +back a massy rock, <a name="footnotetag10_95" id="footnotetag10_95" href="#footnote10_95"><sup>10</sup></a>to the end that Glaiss Cruinn might +not carry him back.<a href="#footnote10_95"><sup>10</sup></a> And he went to essay the stream, +and the stream threw him back dead, lifeless, with his +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_96" name="Page_96" title="96">96</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1571.</span> +stone on his back <a name="footnotetag1_96" id="footnotetag1_96" href="#footnote1_96"><sup>1</sup></a>and so he was drowned.<a href="#footnote1_96"><sup>1</sup></a> Medb ordered +that he be lifted <a name="footnotetag2_96" id="footnotetag2_96" href="#footnote2_96"><sup>2</sup></a>out of the river then<a href="#footnote2_96"><sup>2</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag3_96" id="footnotetag3_96" href="#footnote3_96"><sup>3</sup></a>by the men of +Erin<a href="#footnote3_96"><sup>3</sup></a> and his grave dug <a name="footnotetag4_96" id="footnotetag4_96" href="#footnote4_96"><sup>4</sup></a>and his keen made<a href="#footnote4_96"><sup>4</sup></a> and his stone +raised <a name="footnotetag5_96" id="footnotetag5_96" href="#footnote5_96"><sup>5</sup></a>over his grave,<a href="#footnote5_96"><sup>5</sup></a> so that it is thence Lia Ualann +('Uala's Stone') <a name="footnotetag6_96" id="footnotetag6_96" href="#footnote6_96"><sup>6</sup></a>on the road near the stream<a href="#footnote6_96"><sup>6</sup></a> in the land +of Cualnge.</p> + +<p>Cuchulain clung close to the hosts that day provoking +them to encounter and combat. <a name="footnotetag7_96" id="footnotetag7_96" href="#footnote7_96"><sup>7</sup></a>Four and seven score +kings fell at his hands at that same stream,<a href="#footnote7_96"><sup>7</sup></a> and he slew +a hundred of their <a name="footnotetag8_96" id="footnotetag8_96" href="#footnote8_96"><sup>8</sup></a>armed,<a href="#footnote8_96"><sup>8</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag9_96" id="footnotetag9_96" href="#footnote9_96"><sup>9</sup></a>kinglike<a href="#footnote9_96"><sup>9</sup></a> warriors around +Roen and Roi, the two chroniclers of the Táin. <a name="footnotetag10_96" id="footnotetag10_96" href="#footnote10_96"><sup>10</sup></a>This is +the reason the account of the Táin was lost and had to +be sought afterwards for so long a time.<a href="#footnote10_96"><sup>10</sup></a></p> + +<p>Medb called upon her people to go meet Cuchulain in +encounter and combat <a name="footnotetag11_96" id="footnotetag11_96" href="#footnote11_96"><sup>11</sup></a>for the sake of the hosts.<a href="#footnote11_96"><sup>11</sup></a> "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."</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag12_96" id="footnotetag12_96" href="#footnote12_96"><sup>12</sup></a>When they had failed to find the Donn Cualnge,<a href="#footnote12_96"><sup>12</sup></a> +the hosts kept their way along the river <a name="footnotetag13_96" id="footnotetag13_96" href="#footnote13_96"><sup>13</sup></a>around the +river Cronn to its source,<a href="#footnote13_96"><sup>13</sup></a> 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. +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_97" name="Page_97" title="97">97</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1585.</span> +before her in order <a name="footnotetag1_97" id="footnotetag1_97" href="#footnote1_97"><sup>1</sup></a>that their trace might remain there +forever and<a href="#footnote1_97"><sup>1</sup></a> that it might be for a shame and reproach +to Ulster.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_97" id="footnotetag2_97" href="#footnote2_97"><sup>2</sup></a>They tarried there three days and three nights till they +had dug out the earth before them.<a href="#footnote2_97"><sup>2</sup></a> And Bernais ('the +Gap') of the <a name="footnotetag4_97" id="footnotetag4_97" href="#footnote4_97"><sup>4</sup></a>Foray of Medb and the Gap of the<a href="#footnote4_97"><sup>4</sup></a> Foray of +Cualnge is another name for the place ever since, for it is +through it the drove afterwards passed. <a name="footnotetag3_97" id="footnotetag3_97" href="#footnote3_97"><sup>3</sup></a>There Cuchulain +killed Cronn and Coemdele and ...<a href="#footnote3_97"><sup>3</sup></a></p> + +<p>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 +<a name="footnotetag5_97" id="footnotetag5_97" href="#footnote5_97"><sup>5</sup></a>and of new warm milk<a href="#footnote5_97"><sup>5</sup></a> which the droves of cattle and +the flocks <a name="footnotetag6_97" id="footnotetag6_97" href="#footnote6_97"><sup>6</sup></a>of the land of Conalle and Murthemne<a href="#footnote6_97"><sup>6</sup></a> yielded +there <a name="footnotetag7_97" id="footnotetag7_97" href="#footnote7_97"><sup>7</sup></a>that night<a href="#footnote7_97"><sup>7</sup></a> for the men of Erin. And Liasa Liac +('Stone Sheds') is another name for it <a name="footnotetag8_97" id="footnotetag8_97" href="#footnote8_97"><sup>8</sup></a>to this day,<a href="#footnote8_97"><sup>8</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag9_97" id="footnotetag9_97" href="#footnote9_97"><sup>9</sup></a>between Cualnge and Conalle.<a href="#footnote9_97"><sup>9</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag10_97" id="footnotetag10_97" href="#footnote10_97"><sup>10</sup></a>Botha is still +another name for it, for the men of Erin erected bothies +and huts there.<a href="#footnote10_97"><sup>10</sup></a></p> + +<p>The four of the five grand provinces of Erin took +up the march until they reached the Sechair <a name="footnotetag11_97" id="footnotetag11_97" href="#footnote11_97"><sup>11</sup></a>in the +west on the morrow.<a href="#footnote11_97"><sup>11</sup></a> Sechair was the name of the +river hitherto; Glaiss Gatlaig ('Osier-water') is its name +henceforward. <a name="footnotetag12_97" id="footnotetag12_97" href="#footnote12_97"><sup>12</sup></a>And Glaiss Gatlaig rose up against +them.<a href="#footnote12_97"><sup>12</sup></a> Now this is the reason it had that name, for it +was in osiers and ropes that the men of Erin brought +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_98" name="Page_98" title="98">98</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1599.</span> +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. <a name="footnotetag1_98" id="footnotetag1_98" href="#footnote1_98"><sup>1</sup></a>Then they slept at +Druim Fenè in Conalle. These then are their stages +from Cualnge to the plain (of Conalle Murthemni) according +to this version. Other authors <a name="footnotetag2_98" id="footnotetag2_98" href="#footnote2_98"><sup>2</sup></a>of this Work<a href="#footnote2_98"><sup>2</sup></a> and other +books aver that they followed another way on their journeyings +from Finnabair to Conalle.<a href="#footnote1_98"><sup>1</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_99" name="Page_99" title="99">99</a> + +<a name="chapter_VIIIf" id="chapter_VIIIf"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">VIIIf</span>. <a name="footnotetag1_99" id="footnotetag1_99" href="#footnote1_99"><sup>1</sup></a>THE HARRYING OF CUALNGE FOLLOWETH HERE BELOW<a href="#footnote1_99"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_99" id="footnotetag2_99" href="#footnote2_99"><sup>2</sup></a>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').</p> + +<p>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 <a name="footnotetag3_99" id="footnotetag3_99" href="#footnote3_99"><sup>3</sup></a>Cuillius;<a href="#footnote3_99"><sup>3</sup></a> "thou +knowest the signification of this token. As thou hast +thought," continued Cuillius, "it is thus I discovered them, +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_100" name="Page_100" title="100">100</a> +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 Táin 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."</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>"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 name="footnotetaga_100" id="footnotetaga_100" href="#footnotea_100"><sup>a</sup></a></p> + +<p>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. +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_101" name="Page_101" title="101">101</a> +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."</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>Then the Cronn opposes them,<a name="footnotetaga_101" id="footnotetaga_101" href="#footnotea_101"><sup>a</sup></a></div> +<div>Holds them back from Murthemne,</div> +<div>Till the heroes'<a name="footnotetagb_101" id="footnotetagb_101" href="#footnoteb_101"><sup>b</sup></a> work is done</div> +<div>On the mount of Ocainè!<a name="footnotetagc_101" id="footnotetagc_101" href="#footnotec_101"><sup>c</sup></a></div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Therewith the water rose up till it was in the tops of the +trees.</p> + +<p>Manè 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 <a name="footnotetag1_101" id="footnotetag1_101" href="#footnote1_101"><sup>1</sup></a>grandson of Lomarc<a href="#footnote1_101"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_102" name="Page_102" title="102">102</a> +cast from my sling. He will be fit for thee, O Lugaid, this +companion thou hast in Ulster, <a name="footnotetag1_102" id="footnotetag1_102" href="#footnote1_102"><sup>1</sup></a>if the men oppose me one +by one.<a href="#footnote1_102"><sup>1</sup></a> 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."</p> + +<p>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 name="footnotetaga_102" id="footnotetaga_102" href="#footnotea_102"><sup>a</sup></a></p> + +<p>"I swear by the god, I cannot," said <a name="footnotetag3_102" id="footnotetag3_102" href="#footnote3_102"><sup>3</sup></a>Fergus,<a href="#footnote3_102"><sup>3</sup></a> "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, <a name="footnotetag4_102" id="footnotetag4_102" href="#footnote4_102"><sup>4</sup></a>or until they spend thirty nights there.<a href="#footnote4_102"><sup>4</sup></a> 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_103" name="Page_103" title="103">103</a> +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.'<a name="footnotetag2_103" id="footnotetag2_103" href="#footnote2_103"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_104" name="Page_104" title="104">104</a> + +<a name="chapter_IX" id="chapter_IX"></a> + +<h2>IX. THE PROPOSALS</h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 1603.</span> +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, <a name="footnotetag1_104" id="footnotetag1_104" href="#footnote1_104"><sup>1</sup></a>and they slept there<a href="#footnote1_104"><sup>1</sup></a> +that night, <a name="footnotetag2_104" id="footnotetag2_104" href="#footnote2_104"><sup>2</sup></a>as we said before,<a href="#footnote2_104"><sup>2</sup></a> 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. <a name="footnotetag3_104" id="footnotetag3_104" href="#footnote3_104"><sup>3</sup></a>Every night of +the three nights they were there he made casts from his +sling at them, from Ochaine nearby,<a href="#footnote3_104"><sup>3</sup></a> so that one hundred +warriors of the host perished of fright and fear and dread +of Cuchulain. <a name="footnotetag4_104" id="footnotetag4_104" href="#footnote4_104"><sup>4</sup></a>"Not long will our host endure in this +way with Cuchulain," quoth Ailill.<a href="#footnote4_104"><sup>4</sup></a> Medb called upon +Fiachu son of Ferfebè 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 Ferfebè. +"Not hard to answer," Medb replied: "He shall be recompensed +<a name="footnotetag5_104" id="footnotetag5_104" href="#footnote5_104"><sup>5</sup></a>for the loss of his lands and estates,<a href="#footnote5_104"><sup>5</sup></a> for whosoever +has been slain of the Ulstermen, so that it be paid to him +as the men of Erin adjudge <a name="footnotetag6_104" id="footnotetag6_104" href="#footnote6_104"><sup>6</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote6_104"><sup>6</sup></a> Entertainment +shall be his at all times in Cruachan; wine and +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_105" name="Page_105" title="105">105</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1614.</span> +mead shall be poured <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 70a.</span> out for him. <a name="footnotetag1_105" id="footnotetag1_105" href="#footnote1_105"><sup>1</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote1_105"><sup>1</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag2_105" id="footnotetag2_105" href="#footnote2_105"><sup>2</sup></a>even of Conchobar son of Fachtna Fathatch.<a href="#footnote2_105"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>Then came Fiachu son of Ferfebè to converse with +Cuchulain. Cuchulain bade him welcome. "<a name="footnotetag3_105" id="footnotetag3_105" href="#footnote3_105"><sup>3</sup></a>Welcome +thy coming and thine arrival, O Fiachu," said Cuchulain.<a href="#footnote3_105"><sup>3</sup></a> +"I regard that welcome as truly meant," <a name="footnotetag4_105" id="footnotetag4_105" href="#footnote4_105"><sup>4</sup></a>said Fiachu.<a href="#footnote4_105"><sup>4</sup></a> +"It is truly meant for thee" <a name="footnotetag5_105" id="footnotetag5_105" href="#footnote5_105"><sup>5</sup></a>replied Cuchulain<a href="#footnote5_105"><sup>5</sup></a>; "<a name="footnotetag6_105" id="footnotetag6_105" href="#footnote6_105"><sup>6</sup></a>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<a href="#footnote6_105"><sup>6</sup></a> to +parley with thee am I come from Medb, <a name="footnotetag7_105" id="footnotetag7_105" href="#footnote7_105"><sup>7</sup></a>and to +bring thee terms."<a href="#footnote7_105"><sup>7</sup></a> "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 name="footnotetaga_105" id="footnotetaga_105" href="#footnotea_105"><sup>a</sup></a> for +any other king!" "Further," <a name="footnotetag8_105" id="footnotetag8_105" href="#footnote8_105"><sup>8</sup></a>continued Fiachu,<a href="#footnote8_105"><sup>8</sup></a> "that +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_106" name="Page_106" title="106">106</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1627.</span> +thou comest to-morrow to a tryst with Medb and Fergus +in Glenn Fochaine.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag1_106" id="footnotetag1_106" href="#footnote1_106"><sup>1</sup></a>Therewith Fiachu left behind a wish for long life and +health with Cuchulain.<a href="#footnote1_106"><sup>1</sup></a></p> + +<p>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, <a name="footnotetag2_106" id="footnotetag2_106" href="#footnote2_106"><sup>2</sup></a>"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."<a href="#footnote2_106"><sup>2</sup></a> And Medb began to address Fergus and she +made this lay:—</p> + +<p>Medb:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"If that be the noble Hound,</div> +<div>Of whom ye of Ulster boast,</div> +<div>What man e'er stout foe hath faced,</div> +<div>Will fend him from Erin's men!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Fergus:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Howe'er young the Hound thou seest,</div> +<div>That Murthemne's Plain doth course,</div> +<div>That man hath not stood on earth</div> +<div>Whom he'd crush not with his might!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Medb:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"We will bring this warrior terms;</div> +<div>If he slight them, he is mad:</div> +<div>Half his cows, his women, half.</div> +<div>He shall change his way of fight!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Fergus:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"My wish, that yell not o'ercome</div> +<div>This Hound from proud Murthemne!</div> +<div>Deeds he fears not—fierce and bright—</div> +<div>This I know, if it be he!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>"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." +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_107" name="Page_107" title="107">107</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1653.</span> +And Medb began to address Cuchulain and she made a lay, +<a name="footnotetag1_107" id="footnotetag1_107" href="#footnote1_107"><sup>1</sup></a>to which he responded:<a href="#footnote1_107"><sup>1</sup></a></p> + +<p>Medb:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Culann's Hound, whom quatrains praise,<a name="footnotetaga_107" id="footnotetaga_107" href="#footnotea_107"><sup>a</sup></a></div> +<div>Keep thy staff-sling far from us;</div> +<div>Thy fierce, famed fight hath us ruined,</div> +<div>Hath us broken and confused!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Cuchulain:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Medb of Mur, he, Maga's son,</div> +<div>No base arrant wight am I.</div> +<div>While I live I'll never cease</div> +<div>Cualnge's raid to harass sore!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Medb:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"If thou wilt take this from us,</div> +<div>Valiant chief, thou Cualnge's Hound;</div> +<div>Half thy cows, thy women, half,</div> +<div>Thou shalt have <a name="footnotetag2_107" id="footnotetag2_107" href="#footnote2_107"><sup>2</sup></a>through fear of thee!"<a href="#footnote2_107"><sup>2</sup></a></div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Cuchulain:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"As by right of thrusts am I</div> +<div>Ulster's champion and defence,</div> +<div>Naught I'll yield till I retrieve</div> +<div>Cow and woman ta'en from Gael!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Medb:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"What thou askest is too much,</div> +<div>After slaughtering our fair troops,</div> +<div>That we keep but steeds and gauds,</div> +<div>All because of one sole man!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Cuchulain:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Eocho's daughter, fair, of Fal,</div> +<div>I'm not good at wars of words;</div> +<div>Though a warrior—<a name="footnotetagb_107" id="footnotetagb_107" href="#footnoteb_107"><sup>b</sup></a> fair the cheer—<a href="#footnoteb_107"><sup>b</sup></a></div> +<div>Counsel mine is little worth!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Medb:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Shame thou hast none for what thou sayest,</div> +<div>O Dechtirè's lordly<a name="footnotetagc_107" id="footnotetagc_107" href="#footnotec_107"><sup>c</sup></a> son!</div> +<div>Famous are the terms for thee,</div> +<div>O thou battling Culann's Hound!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_108" name="Page_108" title="108">108</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1688.</span> +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.</p> + +<p><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 70b.</span> "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, <a name="footnotetag1_108" id="footnotetag1_108" href="#footnote1_108"><sup>1</sup></a>even though +he slay them by day."<a href="#footnote1_108"><sup>1</sup></a> "Who shall go with that proposal?" +Ailill asked. "Who," answered Medb, "but +macRoth the <a name="footnotetag2_108" id="footnotetag2_108" href="#footnote2_108"><sup>2</sup></a>chief<a href="#footnote2_108"><sup>2</sup></a> runner!" "Nay, but I will not go," +said macRoth, "for I am in no way experienced and +know not where Cuchulain may be, <a name="footnotetag3_108" id="footnotetag3_108" href="#footnote3_108"><sup>3</sup></a>and even though I +should meet him, I should not know him.<a href="#footnote3_108"><sup>3</sup></a>" "Ask Fergus," +quoth Medb; "like enough he knows <a name="footnotetag4_108" id="footnotetag4_108" href="#footnote4_108"><sup>4</sup></a>where he +is.<a href="#footnote4_108"><sup>4</sup></a>" "Nay, then, I know it not," answered Fergus; +"but I trow he is <a name="footnotetag5_108" id="footnotetag5_108" href="#footnote5_108"><sup>5</sup></a>in the snow<a href="#footnote5_108"><sup>5</sup></a> 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. <a name="footnotetag6_108" id="footnotetag6_108" href="#footnote6_108"><sup>6</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote6_108"><sup>6</sup></a></p> + +<p>Heavy snow fell that night so that all the <a name="footnotetag7_108" id="footnotetag7_108" href="#footnote7_108"><sup>7</sup></a>five<a href="#footnote7_108"><sup>7</sup></a> 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_109" name="Page_109" title="109">109</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1709.</span> +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 <a name="footnotetag1_109" id="footnotetag1_109" href="#footnote1_109"><sup>1</sup></a>remained a good distance from him for he<a href="#footnote1_109"><sup>1</sup></a> +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 +<a name="footnotetag2_109" id="footnotetag2_109" href="#footnote2_109"><sup>2</sup></a>to Cuchulain.<a href="#footnote2_109"><sup>2</sup></a> "What manner of warrior is he?" asked +Cuchulain. "A brown, broad-faced, handsome fellow; +<a name="footnotetag3_109" id="footnotetag3_109" href="#footnote3_109"><sup>3</sup></a>a yellow head of hair and a linen ornament round it<a href="#footnote3_109"><sup>3</sup></a>; +a splendid, brown, <a name="footnotetag4_109" id="footnotetag4_109" href="#footnote4_109"><sup>4</sup></a>hooded<a href="#footnote4_109"><sup>4</sup></a> cloak, <a name="footnotetag5_109" id="footnotetag5_109" href="#footnote5_109"><sup>5</sup></a>with red ornamentation,<a href="#footnote5_109"><sup>5</sup></a> +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."</p> + +<p>Now was macRoth arrived at the place where Laeg was, +"<a name="footnotetag6_109" id="footnotetag6_109" href="#footnote6_109"><sup>6</sup></a>How now<a href="#footnote6_109"><sup>6</sup></a>! 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. <a name="footnotetag7_109" id="footnotetag7_109" href="#footnote7_109"><sup>7</sup></a>Cuchulain was sitting in the snow there up to his +two hips with nothing about him ... his mantle.<a href="#footnote7_109"><sup>7</sup></a> "<a name="footnotetag8_109" id="footnotetag8_109" href="#footnote8_109"><sup>8</sup></a>How +now<a href="#footnote8_109"><sup>8</sup></a>! What is thy name as vassal, O warrior?" asked macRoth. +"Vassal am I to Conchobar son of Fachtna Fathach, +<a name="footnotetag9_109" id="footnotetag9_109" href="#footnote9_109"><sup>9</sup></a>son of the High King of this province."<a href="#footnote9_109"><sup>9</sup></a> "Hast not something, +<a name="footnotetag10_109" id="footnotetag10_109" href="#footnote10_109"><sup>10</sup></a>a name<a href="#footnote10_109"><sup>10</sup></a> 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_110" name="Page_110" title="110">110</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1729.</span> +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." "<a name="footnotetag1_110" id="footnotetag1_110" href="#footnote1_110"><sup>1</sup></a>How so, then," said macRoth<a href="#footnote1_110"><sup>1</sup></a>; "for the +Ulstermen, as amends for their honour and in reprisal +for injuries and satires and hindrances <a name="footnotetag2_110" id="footnotetag2_110" href="#footnote2_110"><sup>2</sup></a>and for bands +of troops and marauders,<a href="#footnote2_110"><sup>2</sup></a> will kill <a name="footnotetag3_110" id="footnotetag3_110" href="#footnote3_110"><sup>3</sup></a>for meat in the +winter<a href="#footnote3_110"><sup>3</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag4_110" id="footnotetag4_110" href="#footnote4_110"><sup>4</sup></a>and loath I am to leave after me such a +disgrace on the men of Ulster.<a href="#footnote4_110"><sup>4</sup></a></p> + +<p>MacRoth went his way back <a name="footnotetag5_110" id="footnotetag5_110" href="#footnote5_110"><sup>5</sup></a>to the camp of the men of +Erin to where Ailill and Medb and Fergus were.<a href="#footnote5_110"><sup>5</sup></a> "What! +Didst thou not find him?" Medb asked. "Verily, <a name="footnotetag6_110" id="footnotetag6_110" href="#footnote6_110"><sup>6</sup></a>I +know not, but<a href="#footnote6_110"><sup>6</sup></a> I found a surly, angry, hateful, wrathful +gilla <a name="footnotetag7_110" id="footnotetag7_110" href="#footnote7_110"><sup>7</sup></a>in the snow<a href="#footnote7_110"><sup>7</sup></a> betwixt Fochain and the sea. Sooth +to say, I know not if he were Cuchulain." "Hath he accepted +these proposals <a name="footnotetag8_110" id="footnotetag8_110" href="#footnote8_110"><sup>8</sup></a>from thee?"<a href="#footnote8_110"><sup>8</sup></a> "Nay then, he +hath not." And macRoth related <a name="footnotetag9_110" id="footnotetag9_110" href="#footnote9_110"><sup>9</sup></a>unto them all his +answer,<a href="#footnote9_110"><sup>9</sup></a> the reason why he did not accept them. "It was +he himself with whom thou spakest," said Fergus.</p> + +<p>"Another offer shall be made him," said Medb. "What +is the offer?" asked Ailill. "There shall be given to him +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_111" name="Page_111" title="111">111</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1747.</span> +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?" <a name="footnotetag1_111" id="footnotetag1_111" href="#footnote1_111"><sup>1</sup></a>said +they.<a href="#footnote1_111"><sup>1</sup></a> "Who but macRoth <a name="footnotetag2_111" id="footnotetag2_111" href="#footnote2_111"><sup>2</sup></a>the king's envoy,"<a href="#footnote2_111"><sup>2</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag3_111" id="footnotetag3_111" href="#footnote3_111"><sup>3</sup></a>said +every one.<a href="#footnote3_111"><sup>3</sup></a> "Yea, I will go," said macRoth, "because +this time I know him."</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag4_111" id="footnotetag4_111" href="#footnote4_111"><sup>4</sup></a>Thereupon<a href="#footnote4_111"><sup>4</sup></a> macRoth <a name="footnotetag5_111" id="footnotetag5_111" href="#footnote5_111"><sup>5</sup></a>arose and<a href="#footnote5_111"><sup>5</sup></a> came to parley +with Cuchulain. "To parley with thee am I come this +time <a name="footnotetag6_111" id="footnotetag6_111" href="#footnote6_111"><sup>6</sup></a>with other terms,<a href="#footnote6_111"><sup>6</sup></a> for I wis it is thou art the +renowned Cuchulain." "What hast thou brought with +thee now?" <a name="footnotetag7_111" id="footnotetag7_111" href="#footnote7_111"><sup>7</sup></a>Cuchulain asked.<a href="#footnote7_111"><sup>7</sup></a> "What is dry of the +kine and what is noblest of the captives <a name="footnotetag8_111" id="footnotetag8_111" href="#footnote8_111"><sup>8</sup></a>shalt thou get,<a href="#footnote8_111"><sup>8</sup></a> +and hold thy staff-sling <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 71a.</span> 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 <a name="footnotetag9_111" id="footnotetag9_111" href="#footnote9_111"><sup>9</sup></a>other<a href="#footnote9_111"><sup>9</sup></a> serfdom <a name="footnotetag10_111" id="footnotetag10_111" href="#footnote10_111"><sup>10</sup></a>besides.<a href="#footnote10_111"><sup>10</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag11_111" id="footnotetag11_111" href="#footnote11_111"><sup>11</sup></a>This would be a disgrace.<a href="#footnote11_111"><sup>11</sup></a> 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?" <a name="footnotetag12_111" id="footnotetag12_111" href="#footnote12_111"><sup>12</sup></a>said macRoth<a href="#footnote12_111"><sup>12</sup></a> "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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_112" name="Page_112" title="112">112</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1766.</span> +him inform you, <a name="footnotetag1_112" id="footnotetag1_112" href="#footnote1_112"><sup>1</sup></a>and I will abide thereby."<a href="#footnote1_112"><sup>1</sup></a> "And if +there be not?"<a name="footnotetag2_112" id="footnotetag2_112" href="#footnote2_112"><sup>2</sup></a> said macRoth. "If there be not," said +Cuchulain,<a href="#footnote2_112"><sup>2</sup></a> "let no one come near me any more with offers +or with friendly intercourse <a name="footnotetag3_112" id="footnotetag3_112" href="#footnote3_112"><sup>3</sup></a>or concerning aught other +injunction,<a href="#footnote3_112"><sup>3</sup></a> for, whosoever may come, it will be the term +of his life!"</p> + +<p>MacRoth came back <a name="footnotetag4_112" id="footnotetag4_112" href="#footnote4_112"><sup>4</sup></a>to the camp and station of the +men of Erin, to where Ailill, Medb, and Fergus were,<a href="#footnote4_112"><sup>4</sup></a> +and Medb asked his tidings. "Didst thou find him?" Medb +asked. "In truth, I found him," macRoth replied. +"Hath he accepted <a name="footnotetag5_112" id="footnotetag5_112" href="#footnote5_112"><sup>5</sup></a>the terms?"<a href="#footnote5_112"><sup>5</sup></a> "He hath not +accepted," replied macRoth. "<a name="footnotetag6_112" id="footnotetag6_112" href="#footnote6_112"><sup>6</sup></a>How so;" said Ailill,<a href="#footnote6_112"><sup>6</sup></a> +"is there an offer he will accept?" "There is one, he +said," <a name="footnotetag7_112" id="footnotetag7_112" href="#footnote7_112"><sup>7</sup></a>answered macRoth.<a href="#footnote7_112"><sup>7</sup></a> "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," +<a name="footnotetag8_112" id="footnotetag8_112" href="#footnote8_112"><sup>8</sup></a>said Ailill. "And if there be not,"<a href="#footnote8_112"><sup>8</sup></a> (answered macRoth), +"let no one go seek him any more. But, there is one +thing I promise <a name="footnotetag9_112" id="footnotetag9_112" href="#footnote9_112"><sup>9</sup></a>thee,"<a href="#footnote9_112"><sup>9</sup></a> said macRoth; "even though the +kingdom of Erin were <a name="footnotetag10_112" id="footnotetag10_112" href="#footnote10_112"><sup>10</sup></a>given me<a href="#footnote10_112"><sup>10</sup></a> for it, I for one would +not go <a name="footnotetag11_112" id="footnotetag11_112" href="#footnote11_112"><sup>11</sup></a>on these same legs to that place<a href="#footnote11_112"><sup>11</sup></a> to parley with him +<a name="footnotetag12_112" id="footnotetag12_112" href="#footnote12_112"><sup>12</sup></a>again."<a href="#footnote12_112"><sup>12</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag13_112" id="footnotetag13_112" href="#footnote13_112"><sup>13</sup></a>"Belike, Fergus knows," quoth Ailill.<a href="#footnote13_112"><sup>13</sup></a> Therewith +Medb looked at Fergus. "What are the terms yonder +man demands, O Fergus? "Medb asked. <a name="footnotetag14_112" id="footnotetag14_112" href="#footnote14_112"><sup>14</sup></a>"I know what +the man meant to disclose.<a href="#footnote14_112"><sup>14</sup></a> I see no advantage at all for +ye in the terms he demands," Fergus replied. "<a name="footnotetag15_112" id="footnotetag15_112" href="#footnote15_112"><sup>15</sup></a>But<a href="#footnote15_112"><sup>15</sup></a> +what are those terms?" asked Medb. "<a name="footnotetag16_112" id="footnotetag16_112" href="#footnote16_112"><sup>16</sup></a>Not difficult +to say," replied Fergus.<a href="#footnote16_112"><sup>16</sup></a> "That a single champion of +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_113" name="Page_113" title="113">113</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1782.</span> +the men of Erin <a name="footnotetag1_113" id="footnotetag1_113" href="#footnote1_113"><sup>1</sup></a>be sent<a href="#footnote1_113"><sup>1</sup></a> to fight <a name="footnotetag2_113" id="footnotetag2_113" href="#footnote2_113"><sup>2</sup></a>and contend<a href="#footnote2_113"><sup>2</sup></a> 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. <a name="footnotetag3_113" id="footnotetag3_113" href="#footnote3_113"><sup>3</sup></a>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.'<a href="#footnote3_113"><sup>3</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag4_113" id="footnotetag4_113" href="#footnote4_113"><sup>4</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote4_113"><sup>4</sup></a> +And further, Cuchulain's food and clothing shall be provided +by you, <a name="footnotetag5_113" id="footnotetag5_113" href="#footnote5_113"><sup>5</sup></a>so long as he will be<a href="#footnote5_113"><sup>5</sup></a> on this expedition." +<a name="footnotetag6_113" id="footnotetag6_113" href="#footnote6_113"><sup>6</sup></a>"Good, O Fergus,"<a href="#footnote6_113"><sup>6</sup></a> asked Ailill,<a name="footnotetaga_113" id="footnotetaga_113" href="#footnotea_113"><sup>a</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag7_113" id="footnotetag7_113" href="#footnote7_113"><sup>7</sup></a>"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."<a href="#footnote7_113"><sup>7</sup></a></p> + +<p>"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. "<a name="footnotetag8_113" id="footnotetag8_113" href="#footnote8_113"><sup>8</sup></a>Come now, O Fergus," said Medb; "take upon +thee to fulfil and make good those terms to him."<a href="#footnote8_113"><sup>8</sup></a> +"Nevermore!" said Fergus. "Why not?" asked Ailill. +<a name="footnotetag9_113" id="footnotetag9_113" href="#footnote9_113"><sup>9</sup></a>"I fear ye will not make true and fulfil them for +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_114" name="Page_114" title="114">114</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1792.</span> +me." "They will truly be fulfilled," said Medb.<a name="footnotetag9_114" id="footnotetag9_114" href="#footnote9_113"><sup>9</sup></a> (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.</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_115" name="Page_115" title="115">115</a> + +<a name="chapter_X" id="chapter_X"></a> + +<h2>X. <a name="footnotetag1_115" id="footnotetag1_115" href="#footnote1_115"><sup>1</sup></a>THE VIOLENT DEATH OF ETARCUMUL<a href="#footnote1_115"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 1798.</span> +Fergus' horses were brought and his chariot was hitched +<a name="footnotetag2_115" id="footnotetag2_115" href="#footnote2_115"><sup>2</sup></a>and Fergus set forth on that errand.<a href="#footnote2_115"><sup>2</sup></a> And two horses +were brought for Etarcumul son of Fid and of Lethrinn, a +soft youth of the people of Medb and of Ailill. <a name="footnotetag3_115" id="footnotetag3_115" href="#footnote3_115"><sup>3</sup></a>Now +Etarcumul followed Fergus.<a href="#footnote3_115"><sup>3</sup></a> "Whither goest thou?" +Fergus demanded. "We go with thee," Etarcumul made +answer. <a name="footnotetag4_115" id="footnotetag4_115" href="#footnote4_115"><sup>4</sup></a>"And why goest thou with me?" asked Fergus.<a href="#footnote4_115"><sup>4</sup></a> +"To behold the form and appearance of Cuchulain, and to +gaze upon him, <a name="footnotetag5_115" id="footnotetag5_115" href="#footnote5_115"><sup>5</sup></a>for he is unknown to me."<a href="#footnote5_115"><sup>5</sup></a> "Wilt thou do +my bidding," said Fergus, "thou wilt in no wise go thither." +"Why shall I not, pray?" <a name="footnotetag6_115" id="footnotetag6_115" href="#footnote6_115"><sup>6</sup></a>"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.<a href="#footnote6_115"><sup>6</sup></a> +Thy light-heartedness, <a name="footnotetag7_115" id="footnotetag7_115" href="#footnote7_115"><sup>7</sup></a>thy haughtiness and thy +pride<a href="#footnote7_115"><sup>7</sup></a> and thine overweeningness (I know), but (I also +know) the fierceness and valour and hostility, the <a name="footnotetag8_115" id="footnotetag8_115" href="#footnote8_115"><sup>8</sup></a>violence +and vehemence<a href="#footnote8_115"><sup>8</sup></a> of the youth against whom thou goest, +<a name="footnotetag9_115" id="footnotetag9_115" href="#footnote9_115"><sup>9</sup></a>even Cuchulain.<a href="#footnote9_115"><sup>9</sup></a> And methinks ye will have contention +before ye part. <a name="footnotetag10_115" id="footnotetag10_115" href="#footnote10_115"><sup>10</sup></a>No good will come from your meeting."<a href="#footnote10_115"><sup>10</sup></a> +"Art thou not able to come between us <a name="footnotetag11_115" id="footnotetag11_115" href="#footnote11_115"><sup>11</sup></a>to protect me?"<a href="#footnote11_115"><sup>11</sup></a> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_116" name="Page_116" title="116">116</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1806.</span> +"I am, to be sure," Fergus answered, "provided thou thyself +seek not the combat<a name="footnotetag1_116" id="footnotetag1_116" href="#footnote1_116"><sup>1</sup></a> and treat not what he says with +contempt."<a href="#footnote1_116"><sup>1</sup></a> "I will not seek it," <a name="footnotetag2_116" id="footnotetag2_116" href="#footnote2_116"><sup>2</sup></a>said Etarcumul,<a href="#footnote2_116"><sup>2</sup></a> +"till the very day of doom!"</p> + +<p>Then they went their ways <a name="footnotetag3_116" id="footnotetag3_116" href="#footnote3_116"><sup>3</sup></a>in two chariots to Delga,<a href="#footnote3_116"><sup>3</sup></a> +to come up to Cuchulain where Cuchulain was between +Fochain and the sea. <a name="footnotetag4_116" id="footnotetag4_116" href="#footnote4_116"><sup>4</sup></a>There it is that he was that day, +with his back to the pillar-stone at Crich Rois,<a href="#footnote4_116"><sup>4</sup></a> playing +draughts with Laeg, <a name="footnotetag5_116" id="footnotetag5_116" href="#footnote5_116"><sup>5</sup></a>to wit, his charioteer.<a href="#footnote5_116"><sup>5</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag6_116" id="footnotetag6_116" href="#footnote6_116"><sup>6</sup></a>The back +of his head was turned towards them that approached and +Laeg faced them.<a href="#footnote6_116"><sup>6</sup></a> And not a <a name="footnotetag7_116" id="footnotetag7_116" href="#footnote7_116"><sup>7</sup></a>living<a href="#footnote7_116"><sup>7</sup></a> thing entered +the <a name="footnotetag8_116" id="footnotetag8_116" href="#footnote8_116"><sup>8</sup></a>entire<a href="#footnote8_116"><sup>8</sup></a> plain without Laeg perceiving it and, notwithstanding, +he continued to win every other game of +draughts from Cuchulain. "A lone warrior cometh towards +us <a name="footnotetag9_116" id="footnotetag9_116" href="#footnote9_116"><sup>9</sup></a>over the plain,<a href="#footnote9_116"><sup>9</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag10_116" id="footnotetag10_116" href="#footnote10_116"><sup>10</sup></a>my master<a href="#footnote10_116"><sup>10</sup></a> Cucuc," +spake Laeg. "What manner of warrior?" queried +Cuchulain. <a name="footnotetag11_116" id="footnotetag11_116" href="#footnote11_116"><sup>11</sup></a>"A fine, large chariot is there," said he.<a href="#footnote11_116"><sup>11</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag12_116" id="footnotetag12_116" href="#footnote12_116"><sup>12</sup></a>"But what sort of chariot?"<a href="#footnote12_116"><sup>12</sup></a> "As large as one +of the chief mountains that are highest on a great plain +appears to me <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 71b.</span> the chariot that is under the warrior; +<a name="footnotetag13_116" id="footnotetag13_116" href="#footnote13_116"><sup>13</sup></a>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;<a href="#footnote13_116"><sup>13</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag14_116" id="footnotetag14_116" href="#footnote14_116"><sup>14</sup></a>wrapped<a href="#footnote14_116"><sup>14</sup></a> +around him; a golden, ornamented brooch in the +mantle <a name="footnotetag15_116" id="footnotetag15_116" href="#footnote15_116"><sup>15</sup></a>over his breast;<a href="#footnote15_116"><sup>15</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag16_116" id="footnotetag16_116" href="#footnote16_116"><sup>16</sup></a>a bright-shining, hooded shirt, +with red embroidery of red gold trussed up on his white +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_117" name="Page_117" title="117">117</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1819.</span> +skin;<a name="footnotetag16_117" id="footnotetag16_117" href="#footnote16_116"><sup>16</sup></a> a broad and grey-shafted lance, <a name="footnotetag1_117" id="footnotetag1_117" href="#footnote1_117"><sup>1</sup></a>perforated from +<i>mimasc</i><a name="footnotetaga_117" id="footnotetaga_117" href="#footnotea_117"><sup>a</sup></a> to 'horn,'<a href="#footnote1_117"><sup>1</sup></a> flaming red in his hand; over him, +a bossed, plaited shield, <a name="footnotetag2_117" id="footnotetag2_117" href="#footnote2_117"><sup>2</sup></a>curved, with an engraved edge of +silvered bronze,<a href="#footnote2_117"><sup>2</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag3_117" id="footnotetag3_117" href="#footnote3_117"><sup>3</sup></a>with applied ornaments of red gold +thereon,<a href="#footnote3_117"><sup>3</sup></a> and a boss of red gold; a lengthy sword, as long +as the oar<a name="footnotetag4_117" id="footnotetag4_117" href="#footnote4_117"><sup>4</sup></a> of a huge currach <a name="footnotetag5_117" id="footnotetag5_117" href="#footnote5_117"><sup>5</sup></a>on a wild, stormy night,<a href="#footnote5_117"><sup>5</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag6_117" id="footnotetag6_117" href="#footnote6_117"><sup>6</sup></a>resting on the two thighs<a href="#footnote6_117"><sup>6</sup></a> of the great haughty warrior +that is within the chariot.<a href="#footnote4_117"><sup>4</sup></a>"</p> + +<p>"Holla! Welcome the coming of this guest to us!" +cried Cuchulain. "We know the man; it is my master +Fergus that cometh hither. <a name="footnotetag7_117" id="footnotetag7_117" href="#footnote7_117"><sup>7</sup></a>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."<a href="#footnote7_117"><sup>7</sup></a></p> + +<p>"Yet another single chariot-fighter I see coming towards +us. With fulness of skill and beauty and splendour his +horses speed." <a name="footnotetag8_117" id="footnotetag8_117" href="#footnote8_117"><sup>8</sup></a>"A young, tender gilla in armour is in the +chariot.<a href="#footnote8_117"><sup>8</sup></a>" "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, <a name="footnotetag9_117" id="footnotetag9_117" href="#footnote9_117"><sup>9</sup></a>and they know +me not at all."<a href="#footnote9_117"><sup>9</sup></a></p> + +<p>Fergus came up <a name="footnotetag10_117" id="footnotetag10_117" href="#footnote10_117"><sup>10</sup></a>to where Cuchulain was<a href="#footnote10_117"><sup>10</sup></a> and he +sprang from the chariot, and Cuchulain bade him <a name="footnotetag11_117" id="footnotetag11_117" href="#footnote11_117"><sup>11</sup></a>a hearty<a href="#footnote11_117"><sup>11</sup></a> +welcome. <a name="footnotetag12_117" id="footnotetag12_117" href="#footnote12_117"><sup>12</sup></a>"Welcome to thine arrival and thy coming, +O my master Fergus!" cried Cuchulain; "and a night's +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_118" name="Page_118" title="118">118</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1831.</span> +lodging shalt thou have here this night."<a name="footnotetag12_118" id="footnotetag12_118" href="#footnote12_117"><sup>12</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag1_118" id="footnotetag1_118" href="#footnote1_118"><sup>1</sup></a>"Thy +hospitality and eke thy welcome<a href="#footnote1_118"><sup>1</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag2_118" id="footnotetag2_118" href="#footnote2_118"><sup>2</sup></a>to the stones or waterfalls,<a href="#footnote2_118"><sup>2</sup></a> +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 <a name="footnotetag3_118" id="footnotetag3_118" href="#footnote3_118"><sup>3</sup></a>and a drink from +the sand<a href="#footnote3_118"><sup>3</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag4_118" id="footnotetag4_118" href="#footnote4_118"><sup>4</sup></a>afterwards.<a href="#footnote4_118"><sup>4</sup></a> If thou hast a fight or combat +<a name="footnotetag5_118" id="footnotetag5_118" href="#footnote5_118"><sup>5</sup></a>with warrior before thee,<a href="#footnote5_118"><sup>5</sup></a> I myself will go in thy stead +to the ford. <a name="footnotetag6_118" id="footnotetag6_118" href="#footnote6_118"><sup>6</sup></a>I will bear the fight that thou mayest +return safe to the camp and the fort of the men of Erin +on the morrow,<a href="#footnote6_118"><sup>6</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag7_118" id="footnotetag7_118" href="#footnote7_118"><sup>7</sup></a>and thou shalt lie on a litter of fresh +rushes till heavy sleep and slumber come on thee,<a href="#footnote7_118"><sup>7</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag8_118" id="footnotetag8_118" href="#footnote8_118"><sup>8</sup></a>and +I will watch and guard thee as long as thou sleepest."<a href="#footnote8_118"><sup>8</sup></a> +"Well, then, <a name="footnotetag9_118" id="footnotetag9_118" href="#footnote9_118"><sup>9</sup></a>mayest thou have victory and blessing, O +fosterling," said Fergus.<a href="#footnote9_118"><sup>9</sup></a> "We know of what sort is thy +hospitality on this occasion, on the Cow-spoil of Cualnge. +<a name="footnotetag10_118" id="footnotetag10_118" href="#footnote10_118"><sup>10</sup></a>But, not to claim that are we come,<a href="#footnote10_118"><sup>10</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag11_118" id="footnotetag11_118" href="#footnote11_118"><sup>11</sup></a>a night's hospitality +of thee, but to fulfil and make good the terms thou +askest.<a href="#footnote11_118"><sup>11</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag13_118" id="footnotetag13_118" href="#footnote13_118"><sup>13</sup></a>provided fair play and +single-handed combat be granted to me.<a href="#footnote13_118"><sup>13</sup></a> "And, O, my +master Fergus, <a name="footnotetag14_118" id="footnotetag14_118" href="#footnote14_118"><sup>14</sup></a>do thou take upon thee the pact," said +Cuchulain. "I bind myself to it," replied Fergus.<a href="#footnote14_118"><sup>14</sup></a> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_119" name="Page_119" title="119">119</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1841.</span> +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.</p> + +<p>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. +<a name="footnotetag1_119" id="footnotetag1_119" href="#footnote1_119"><sup>1</sup></a>"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.<a href="#footnote1_119"><sup>1</sup></a> 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, +<a name="footnotetag2_119" id="footnotetag2_119" href="#footnote2_119"><sup>2</sup></a>shapely,<a href="#footnote2_119"><sup>2</sup></a> 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. <a name="footnotetag3_119" id="footnotetag3_119" href="#footnote3_119"><sup>3</sup></a>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!"<a href="#footnote3_119"><sup>3</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag4_119" id="footnotetag4_119" href="#footnote4_119"><sup>4</sup></a>"Though thou revilest me,"<a href="#footnote4_119"><sup>4</sup></a> said Cuchulain, "it is a +surety for thee that thou camest from the camp under the +protection of Fergus, <a name="footnotetag5_119" id="footnotetag5_119" href="#footnote5_119"><sup>5</sup></a>as thou well knowest.<a href="#footnote5_119"><sup>5</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag6_119" id="footnotetag6_119" href="#footnote6_119"><sup>6</sup></a>thy reins drawn and thy quarters +scattered<a href="#footnote6_119"><sup>6</sup></a> that would be brought back to the camp <a name="footnotetag7_119" id="footnotetag7_119" href="#footnote7_119"><sup>7</sup></a>behind +thy horses and chariot!"<a href="#footnote7_119"><sup>7</sup></a> "But threaten me no longer +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_120" name="Page_120" title="120">120</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1858.</span> +in this wise, <a name="footnotetag1_120" id="footnotetag1_120" href="#footnote1_120"><sup>1</sup></a>Cuchulain<a href="#footnote1_120"><sup>1</sup></a>!" <a name="footnotetag2_120" id="footnotetag2_120" href="#footnote2_120"><sup>2</sup></a>cried Etarcumul;<a href="#footnote2_120"><sup>2</sup></a> "for the +<a name="footnotetag3_120" id="footnotetag3_120" href="#footnote3_120"><sup>3</sup></a>wonderful<a href="#footnote3_120"><sup>3</sup></a> terms thou didst exact of the men of Erin, +<a name="footnotetag4_120" id="footnotetag4_120" href="#footnote4_120"><sup>4</sup></a>that fair play and<a href="#footnote4_120"><sup>4</sup></a> combat with one man <a name="footnotetag5_120" id="footnotetag5_120" href="#footnote5_120"><sup>5</sup></a>should be +granted thee,<a href="#footnote5_120"><sup>5</sup></a> none other of the men of Erin but mine +own self will come to-morrow <a name="footnotetag6_120" id="footnotetag6_120" href="#footnote6_120"><sup>6</sup></a>at morn's early hour on +the ford<a href="#footnote6_120"><sup>6</sup></a> to attack thee."</p> + +<p>"Come out, then," <a name="footnotetag7_120" id="footnotetag7_120" href="#footnote7_120"><sup>7</sup></a>said Cuchulain,<a href="#footnote7_120"><sup>7</sup></a> "and howso early +thou comest, thou wilt find me here. I will not fly before +thee. <a name="footnotetag8_120" id="footnotetag8_120" href="#footnote8_120"><sup>8</sup></a>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!"<a href="#footnote8_120"><sup>8</sup></a></p> + +<p>Etarcumul returned <a name="footnotetag9_120" id="footnotetag9_120" href="#footnote9_120"><sup>9</sup></a>from Methè and Cethè,<a href="#footnote9_120"><sup>9</sup></a> and +began to talk with his driver. "I must needs fight with +Cuchulain to-morrow, gilla," said Etarcumul, <a name="footnotetag10_120" id="footnotetag10_120" href="#footnote10_120"><sup>10</sup></a>"for I gave +my word to go."<a href="#footnote10_120"><sup>10</sup></a> "'Tis true, thou didst," quoth the charioteer. +<sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 72a.</span> "Howbeit, I know not wilt thou fulfil it." "But +what is better <a name="footnotetag11_120" id="footnotetag11_120" href="#footnote11_120"><sup>11</sup></a>for us,<a href="#footnote11_120"><sup>11</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag12_120" id="footnotetag12_120" href="#footnote12_120"><sup>12</sup></a>and hurt<a href="#footnote12_120"><sup>12</sup></a> is +the nearer." "<a name="footnotetag13_120" id="footnotetag13_120" href="#footnote13_120"><sup>13</sup></a>Be that as it may," said he<a href="#footnote13_120"><sup>13</sup></a>; "turn the +<a name="footnotetag14_120" id="footnotetag14_120" href="#footnote14_120"><sup>14</sup></a>horses and<a href="#footnote14_120"><sup>14</sup></a> chariot back again <a name="footnotetag15_120" id="footnotetag15_120" href="#footnote15_120"><sup>15</sup></a>from the hill<a href="#footnote15_120"><sup>15</sup></a> for us, +gilla, <a name="footnotetag16_120" id="footnotetag16_120" href="#footnote16_120"><sup>16</sup></a>till we go to the ford of combat,<a href="#footnote16_120"><sup>16</sup></a> for I swear by the +gods whom I worship, I will not return <a name="footnotetag17_120" id="footnotetag17_120" href="#footnote17_120"><sup>17</sup></a>to the camp<a href="#footnote17_120"><sup>17</sup></a> till +the end of life and time, till I bring with me the head of +that young wildling, <a name="footnotetag18_120" id="footnotetag18_120" href="#footnote18_120"><sup>18</sup></a>even<a href="#footnote18_120"><sup>18</sup></a> the head of Cuchulain, for a +trophy!"</p> + +<p>The charioteer wheeled the chariot again towards the +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_121" name="Page_121" title="121">121</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1871.</span> +ford. They brought the left<a name="footnotetaga_121" id="footnotetaga_121" href="#footnotea_121"><sup>a</sup></a> board to face the pair in a +line with the ford. Laeg marked <a name="footnotetag1_121" id="footnotetag1_121" href="#footnote1_121"><sup>1</sup></a>this and he cried<a href="#footnote1_121"><sup>1</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag2_121" id="footnotetag2_121" href="#footnote2_121"><sup>2</sup></a>to Cuchulain<a href="#footnote2_121"><sup>2</sup></a>: ("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. <a name="footnotetag3_121" id="footnotetag3_121" href="#footnote3_121"><sup>3</sup></a>I owe no refusal,<a href="#footnote3_121"><sup>3</sup></a> but far +from pleased am I thereat <a name="footnotetag4_121" id="footnotetag4_121" href="#footnote4_121"><sup>4</sup></a>that he should come and seek +combat of me. And unwelcome is his coming,<a href="#footnote4_121"><sup>4</sup></a> because +of the honour of my foster-father <a name="footnotetag5_121" id="footnotetag5_121" href="#footnote5_121"><sup>5</sup></a>Fergus<a href="#footnote5_121"><sup>5</sup></a> under whom +he came forth from the camp <a name="footnotetag6_121" id="footnotetag6_121" href="#footnote6_121"><sup>6</sup></a>of the men of Erin.<a href="#footnote6_121"><sup>6</sup></a> But +not that I would protect him do I thus. Fetch me my +arms, gilla, to the ford. <a name="footnotetag7_121" id="footnotetag7_121" href="#footnote7_121"><sup>7</sup></a>Bring me my horse and my +chariot after me.<a href="#footnote7_121"><sup>7</sup></a> I deem it no honour for myself if +<a name="footnotetag8_121" id="footnotetag8_121" href="#footnote8_121"><sup>8</sup></a>the fellow<a href="#footnote8_121"><sup>8</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>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. <a name="footnotetag9_121" id="footnotetag9_121" href="#footnote9_121"><sup>9</sup></a>I +do not desire what thou demandest of me.<a href="#footnote9_121"><sup>9</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag10_121" id="footnotetag10_121" href="#footnote10_121"><sup>10</sup></a>I have no +thought of fighting or contending with thee, Etarcumul.<a href="#footnote10_121"><sup>10</sup></a> +Because of the honour of Fergus under whom thou +camest out of the camp <a name="footnotetag11_121" id="footnotetag11_121" href="#footnote11_121"><sup>11</sup></a>and station of the men of Erin,<a href="#footnote11_121"><sup>11</sup></a> +and not because I would spare thee, do I behave thus." +<a name="footnotetag12_121" id="footnotetag12_121" href="#footnote12_121"><sup>12</sup></a>"Thou hast no choice but to fight," replied Etarcumul.<a href="#footnote12_121"><sup>12</sup></a> +Thereupon Cuchulain gave him a long-blow whereby +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_122" name="Page_122" title="122">122</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1886.</span> +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 <a name="footnotetag1_122" id="footnotetag1_122" href="#footnote1_122"><sup>1</sup></a>his limbs in the air<a href="#footnote1_122"><sup>1</sup></a> and the sod on his belly. +Had Cuchulain wished it it is two pieces he might have +made of him. <a name="footnotetag2_122" id="footnotetag2_122" href="#footnote2_122"><sup>2</sup></a>"Hold, fellow.<a href="#footnote2_122"><sup>2</sup></a> Off with thee now, for +I have given thee warning. <a name="footnotetag3_122" id="footnotetag3_122" href="#footnote3_122"><sup>3</sup></a>It mislikes me to cleanse +my hands in thee. I would have cloven thee into many +parts long since but for Fergus."<a href="#footnote3_122"><sup>3</sup></a> "I will not go. We +will fight on," said Etarcumul. Cuchulain dealt him a +well-aimed edge-stroke. <a name="footnotetag4_122" id="footnotetag4_122" href="#footnote4_122"><sup>4</sup></a>With the edge of his sword<a href="#footnote4_122"><sup>4</sup></a> +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. <a name="footnotetag5_122" id="footnotetag5_122" href="#footnote5_122"><sup>5</sup></a>Not a scratch of his skin gave blood.<a href="#footnote5_122"><sup>5</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag6_122" id="footnotetag6_122" href="#footnote6_122"><sup>6</sup></a>"Hold, fellow.<a href="#footnote6_122"><sup>6</sup></a> Get thee home now," said Cuchulain, +"for a laughing-stock I have made of thee." "I go not," +<a name="footnotetag7_122" id="footnotetag7_122" href="#footnote7_122"><sup>7</sup></a>rejoined Etarcumul.<a href="#footnote7_122"><sup>7</sup></a> "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!" +<a name="footnotetag8_122" id="footnotetag8_122" href="#footnote8_122"><sup>8</sup></a>When now the churl became troublesome and persistent,<a href="#footnote8_122"><sup>8</sup></a> +Cuchulain <a name="footnotetag9_122" id="footnotetag9_122" href="#footnote9_122"><sup>9</sup></a>sprang from the ground, so that he alighted on +the edge of Etarcumul's shield, and he<a href="#footnote9_122"><sup>9</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag10_122" id="footnotetag10_122" href="#footnote10_122"><sup>10</sup></a>Then Etarcumul's charioteer went his way after Fergus,<a href="#footnote10_122"><sup>10</sup></a> +and Fergus knew not that the combat had been. For +thus was his wont: <a name="footnotetag11_122" id="footnotetag11_122" href="#footnote11_122"><sup>11</sup></a>From the day Fergus took warrior's +arms in hand,<a href="#footnote11_122"><sup>11</sup></a> he never for aught looked back, whether at +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_123" name="Page_123" title="123">123</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1904.</span> +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. <a name="footnotetag1_123" id="footnotetag1_123" href="#footnote1_123"><sup>1</sup></a>Fergus saw the chariot go +past him and a single man in it.<a href="#footnote1_123"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_123" id="footnotetag2_123" href="#footnote2_123"><sup>2</sup></a>And when<a href="#footnote2_123"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 +<a name="footnotetag3_123" id="footnotetag3_123" href="#footnote3_123"><sup>3</sup></a>and protection<a href="#footnote3_123"><sup>3</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag4_123" id="footnotetag4_123" href="#footnote4_123"><sup>4</sup></a>from the camp and fort of the +men of Erin.<a href="#footnote4_123"><sup>4</sup></a> Turn the chariot for us, gilla," cried Fergus, +"that we may go to <a name="footnotetag5_123" id="footnotetag5_123" href="#footnote5_123"><sup>5</sup></a>the ford of fight and combat<a href="#footnote5_123"><sup>5</sup></a> for +a parley with Cuchulain."</p> + +<p>Thereupon the driver wheeled the chariot. They fared +thither towards the ford. <a name="footnotetag6_123" id="footnotetag6_123" href="#footnote6_123"><sup>6</sup></a>Fergus turned to rebuke +Cuchulain.<a href="#footnote6_123"><sup>6</sup></a> "How darest thou offend me, thou wild, +<a name="footnotetag7_123" id="footnotetag7_123" href="#footnote7_123"><sup>7</sup></a>perverse, little<a href="#footnote7_123"><sup>7</sup></a> elf-man," cried Fergus, "in him that +came under my safeguard and protection? <a name="footnotetag8_123" id="footnotetag8_123" href="#footnote8_123"><sup>8</sup></a>Thou thinkest +my club short."<a href="#footnote8_123"><sup>8</sup></a> <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 72b.</span> <a name="footnotetag9_123" id="footnotetag9_123" href="#footnote9_123"><sup>9</sup></a>"Be not wroth with me, my +master Fergus," said Cuchulain.<a href="#footnote9_123"><sup>9</sup></a> "After the nurture +and care thou didst bestow on me <a name="footnotetag10_123" id="footnotetag10_123" href="#footnote10_123"><sup>10</sup></a>and the Ulstermen +bestowed and Conchobar<a href="#footnote10_123"><sup>10</sup></a> tell me, which wouldst thou +hold better, <a name="footnotetag11_123" id="footnotetag11_123" href="#footnote11_123"><sup>11</sup></a>for the Ulstermen to be conquered without +anyone to punish them but me alone and<a href="#footnote11_123"><sup>11</sup></a> for him +to triumph and boast over me, or for me to triumph and +boast over him? And yet more, <a name="footnotetag12_123" id="footnotetag12_123" href="#footnote12_123"><sup>12</sup></a>of his own fault he +fell.<a href="#footnote12_123"><sup>12</sup></a> Ask his own gilla which of us was in fault in +respect of the other; <a name="footnotetag13_123" id="footnotetag13_123" href="#footnote13_123"><sup>13</sup></a>it was none other but he.<a href="#footnote13_123"><sup>13</sup></a><a name="footnotetaga_123" id="footnotetaga_123" href="#footnotea_123"><sup>a</sup></a> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_124" name="Page_124" title="124">124</a> +<a name="footnotetag1_124" id="footnotetag1_124" href="#footnote1_124"><sup>1</sup></a>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."<a href="#footnote1_124"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_124" id="footnotetag2_124" href="#footnote2_124"><sup>2</sup></a>Then Etarcumul's gilla related +to Fergus how it all befel. When Fergus heard that, what +he said was:<a href="#footnote2_124"><sup>2</sup></a> <span class="sidenoteL">W. 1921.</span> "Liefer to me what thou hast done, +<a name="footnotetag3_124" id="footnotetag3_124" href="#footnote3_124"><sup>3</sup></a>O fosterling," said Fergus, "that Etarcumul is slain, and<a href="#footnote3_124"><sup>3</sup></a> a +blessing on the hand that smote him, <a name="footnotetag4_124" id="footnotetag4_124" href="#footnote4_124"><sup>4</sup></a>for it is he that was +overweening."<a href="#footnote4_124"><sup>4</sup></a></p> + +<p>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 name="footnotetaga_124" id="footnotetaga_124" href="#footnotea_124"><sup>a</sup></a> Medb +came forth to the door of her tent and she raised her <a name="footnotetag5_124" id="footnotetag5_124" href="#footnote5_124"><sup>5</sup></a>quick, +splitting,<a href="#footnote5_124"><sup>5</sup></a> loud voice <a name="footnotetag6_124" id="footnotetag6_124" href="#footnote6_124"><sup>6</sup></a>of a warrior.<a href="#footnote6_124"><sup>6</sup></a> Quoth Medb. "Truly, +methought that great was the heat and the wrath of this +young hound <a name="footnotetag7_124" id="footnotetag7_124" href="#footnote7_124"><sup>7</sup></a>on leaving us awhile since<a href="#footnote7_124"><sup>7</sup></a> at the beginning +of the day as he went from the camp. <a name="footnotetag8_124" id="footnotetag8_124" href="#footnote8_124"><sup>8</sup></a>It is no fortune +for a tender youth that falls on thee now.<a href="#footnote8_124"><sup>8</sup></a> 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, +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_125" name="Page_125" title="125">125</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1935.</span> +is it fitting for the mongrel to seek the Hound of battle +whom <a name="footnotetag1_125" id="footnotetag1_125" href="#footnote1_125"><sup>1</sup></a>the warriors and champions<a href="#footnote1_125"><sup>1</sup></a> of four of the five +grand provinces of Erin dare not approach nor withstand? +What, I myself was glad to escape whole from him!"</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_125" id="footnotetag2_125" href="#footnote2_125"><sup>2</sup></a>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<a href="#footnote2_125"><sup>2</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag3_125" id="footnotetag3_125" href="#footnote3_125"><sup>3</sup></a>and the women and maidens were brought +over to him and half the cattle, and they brought provision +to him by day.<a href="#footnote3_125"><sup>3</sup></a> In this manner fell Etarcumul and such +was the combat of Etarcumul with Cuchulain.</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_126" name="Page_126" title="126">126</a> + +<a name="chapter_XI" id="chapter_XI"></a> + +<h2>XI. <a name="footnotetag1_126" id="footnotetag1_126" href="#footnote1_126"><sup>1</sup></a>THE SLAYING OF NATHCRANTAIL<a href="#footnote1_126"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_126" id="footnotetag2_126" href="#footnote2_126"><sup>2</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote2_126"><sup>2</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag3_126" id="footnotetag3_126" href="#footnote3_126"><sup>3</sup></a>"What man have ye to face Cuchulain +to-morrow?" asked Lugaid. "They will give him to thee +to-morrow," answered Manè 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 macDarè 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."<a href="#footnote3_126"><sup>3</sup></a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1941.</span> Then arose a huge warrior of Medb's people, Nathcrantail +by name. <a name="footnotetag4_126" id="footnotetag4_126" href="#footnote4_126"><sup>4</sup></a>Manè 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.<a href="#footnote4_126"><sup>4</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag5_126" id="footnotetag5_126" href="#footnote5_126"><sup>5</sup></a>Then was Nathcrantail +called into the tent of Ailill and Medb.<a href="#footnote5_126"><sup>5</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag6_126" id="footnotetag6_126" href="#footnote6_126"><sup>6</sup></a>"Wherefore +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_127" name="Page_127" title="127">127</a> +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.<a name="footnotetag6_127" id="footnotetag6_127" href="#footnote6_127"><sup>6</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag1_127" id="footnotetag1_127" href="#footnote1_127"><sup>1</sup></a>Thou +shalt have Finnabair," said Medb, "for going to fight yonder +man." "I will do it," said he.<a href="#footnote1_127"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_127" id="footnotetag2_127" href="#footnote2_127"><sup>2</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote2_127"><sup>2</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag3_127" id="footnotetag3_127" href="#footnote3_127"><sup>3</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote3_127"><sup>3</sup></a><a name="footnotetaga_127" id="footnotetaga_127" href="#footnotea_127"><sup>a</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag4_127" id="footnotetag4_127" href="#footnote4_127"><sup>4</sup></a>On the morrow Nathcrantail went forth from the camp<a href="#footnote4_127"><sup>4</sup></a> +and he came to attack Cuchulain. <span class="sidenoteL">W. 1942.</span> 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 <a name="footnotetag5_127" id="footnotetag5_127" href="#footnote5_127"><sup>5</sup></a>a-fowling and his chariot +hard by him,<a href="#footnote5_127"><sup>5</sup></a><a name="footnotetagb_127" id="footnotetagb_127" href="#footnoteb_127"><sup>b</sup></a> and there was no shelter whatever. <a href="#footnote6_127"><sup>6</sup></a>And +when Nathcrantail perceived Cuchulain<a href="#footnote6_127"><sup>6</sup></a> he <a name="footnotetag7_127" id="footnotetag7_127" href="#footnote7_127"><sup>7</sup></a>straightway<a href="#footnote7_127"><sup>7</sup></a> +cast a dart at Cuchulain. Cuchulain sprang <a name="footnotetag8_127" id="footnotetag8_127" href="#footnote8_127"><sup>8</sup></a>from the +middle of the ground<a href="#footnote8_127"><sup>8</sup></a> till he came on the tip of the dart. +<a name="footnotetag9_127" id="footnotetag9_127" href="#footnote9_127"><sup>9</sup></a>And he performed a feat on the point of the dart and it +hindered him not from catching the birds.<a href="#footnote9_127"><sup>9</sup></a> And again +Nathcrantail threw a second dart. Nathcrantail threw a +third dart and Cuchulain sprang on the point of the second +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_128" name="Page_128" title="128">128</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1951.</span> +dart and so on till he was on the point of the last dart. +It was then, <a name="footnotetag1_128" id="footnotetag1_128" href="#footnote1_128"><sup>1</sup></a>when Nathcrantail threw the ninth dart,<a href="#footnote1_128"><sup>1</sup></a> +that the flock of birds <a name="footnotetag2_128" id="footnotetag2_128" href="#footnote2_128"><sup>2</sup></a>which Cuchulain pursued<a href="#footnote2_128"><sup>2</sup></a> on the +plain <a name="footnotetag3_128" id="footnotetag3_128" href="#footnote3_128"><sup>3</sup></a>flew away from Cuchulain.<a href="#footnote3_128"><sup>3</sup></a> Cuchulain chased +them even as any bird <a name="footnotetag4_128" id="footnotetag4_128" href="#footnote4_128"><sup>4</sup></a>of the air.<a href="#footnote4_128"><sup>4</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag5_128" id="footnotetag5_128" href="#footnote5_128"><sup>5</sup></a>He hopped on the +points of the darts like a bird from each dart to the next, +pursuing the birds<a href="#footnote5_128"><sup>5</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag6_128" id="footnotetag6_128" href="#footnote6_128"><sup>6</sup></a>of a warrior<a href="#footnote6_128"><sup>6</sup></a>: "That famous Cuchulain that ye +so talk of ran and fled in defeat <a name="footnotetag7_128" id="footnotetag7_128" href="#footnote7_128"><sup>7</sup></a>before me when he came +to me<a href="#footnote7_128"><sup>7</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag8_128" id="footnotetag8_128" href="#footnote8_128"><sup>8</sup></a>Nathcrantail to wit,<a href="#footnote8_128"><sup>8</sup></a> came upon +him, he withstood him not but before him he ran away!"</p> + +<p>And Fergus heard that, and Fergus <a name="footnotetag9_128" id="footnotetag9_128" href="#footnote9_128"><sup>9</sup></a>and the Ulstermen<a href="#footnote9_128"><sup>9</sup></a> +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 <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 73a.</span> 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, <a name="footnotetag10_128" id="footnotetag10_128" href="#footnote10_128"><sup>10</sup></a>forasmuch as the +dishonour would be not greater for him than for the rest of +Ulster."<a href="#footnote10_128"><sup>10</sup></a></p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_129" name="Page_129" title="129">129</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 1969.</span> +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 <a name="footnotetag1_129" id="footnotetag1_129" href="#footnote1_129"><sup>1</sup></a>with them;<a href="#footnote1_129"><sup>1</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag2_129" id="footnotetag2_129" href="#footnote2_129"><sup>2</sup></a>till he is between +Ochainè and the sea, and however early he comes, +he will find me here<a href="#footnote2_129"><sup>2</sup></a> and I will not fly before him!"</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag3_129" id="footnotetag3_129" href="#footnote3_129"><sup>3</sup></a>Fiachu went back to the camp<a href="#footnote3_129"><sup>3</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag4_129" id="footnotetag4_129" href="#footnote4_129"><sup>4</sup></a>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,<a href="#footnote4_129"><sup>4</sup></a> 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 +<a name="footnotetag5_129" id="footnotetag5_129" href="#footnote5_129"><sup>5</sup></a>and came to his place of meeting<a href="#footnote5_129"><sup>5</sup></a> and his wrath bided +with him on that day. And <a name="footnotetag6_129" id="footnotetag6_129" href="#footnote6_129"><sup>6</sup></a>after his night's vigil,<a href="#footnote6_129"><sup>6</sup></a> with +an angry cast he threw his cloak around him, so that it +passed over the pillar-stone <a name="footnotetag7_129" id="footnotetag7_129" href="#footnote7_129"><sup>7</sup></a>near by, the size of himself,<a href="#footnote7_129"><sup>7</sup></a> +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. <a name="footnotetag8_129" id="footnotetag8_129" href="#footnote8_129"><sup>8</sup></a>His arms were +brought with him on a wagon,<a href="#footnote8_129"><sup>8</sup></a> and he spake, "Where is +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_130" name="Page_130" title="130">130</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 1987.</span> +this Cuchulain?" shouted Nathcrantail. "Why, over +yonder <a name="footnotetag1_130" id="footnotetag1_130" href="#footnote1_130"><sup>1</sup></a>near the pillar-stone before thee,"<a href="#footnote1_130"><sup>1</sup></a> 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!" +<a name="footnotetag2_130" id="footnotetag2_130" href="#footnote2_130"><sup>2</sup></a>"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?" +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_131" name="Page_131" title="131">131</a> +<a name="footnotetag1_131" id="footnotetag1_131" href="#footnote1_131"><sup>1</sup></a>every one asks.<a href="#footnote1_131"><sup>1</sup></a> "Wait, ye warriors, till I tell my tale +to my sons and return to do battle with Cuchulain."<a name="footnotetag2_131" id="footnotetag2_131" href="#footnote2_131"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 1992.</span> +Soon came Nathcrantail <a name="footnotetag3_131" id="footnotetag3_131" href="#footnote3_131"><sup>3</sup></a>to seek Cuchulain<a href="#footnote3_131"><sup>3</sup></a> and he +made a wide sweep with his sword at Cuchulain. <a name="footnotetag4_131" id="footnotetag4_131" href="#footnote4_131"><sup>4</sup></a>Cuchulain +leaps on high,<a href="#footnote4_131"><sup>4</sup></a> so that the sword encountered the pillar +of stone that was between Cuchulain and his cloak, and +the sword broke <a name="footnotetag5_131" id="footnotetag5_131" href="#footnote5_131"><sup>5</sup></a>atwain<a href="#footnote5_131"><sup>5</sup></a> on the pillar-stone. <a name="footnotetag6_131" id="footnotetag6_131" href="#footnote6_131"><sup>6</sup></a>Then +Cuchulain became filled with rage, as he had been with the +boys in Emain, and<a href="#footnote6_131"><sup>6</sup></a> 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. <a name="footnotetag7_131" id="footnotetag7_131" href="#footnote7_131"><sup>7</sup></a>His four severed parts fell to the ground.<a href="#footnote7_131"><sup>7</sup></a> +Thus fell Nathcrantail slain by Cuchulain. Whereupon +Cuchulain spoke <a name="footnotetag8_131" id="footnotetag8_131" href="#footnote8_131"><sup>8</sup></a>the verse:—<a href="#footnote8_131"><sup>8</sup></a></p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Now that Nathcrantail has fallen,</div> +<div><a name="footnotetag9_131" id="footnotetag9_131" href="#footnote9_131"><sup>9</sup></a>There will be increase of strife!<a href="#footnote9_131"><sup>9</sup></a></div> +<div>Would that Medb had battle <a name="footnotetag10_131" id="footnotetag10_131" href="#footnote10_131"><sup>10</sup></a>now,<a href="#footnote10_131"><sup>10</sup></a></div> +<div>And the third part of the host!"</div> +</div> +</div> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_132" name="Page_132" title="132">132</a> + +<a name="chapter_XII" id="chapter_XII"></a> + +<h2>XII. <a name="footnotetag1_132" id="footnotetag1_132" href="#footnote1_132"><sup>1</sup></a>THE FINDING OF THE BULL<a href="#footnote1_132"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 2007.</span> +Thereafter <a name="footnotetag2_132" id="footnotetag2_132" href="#footnote2_132"><sup>2</sup></a>on the morrow<a href="#footnote2_132"><sup>2</sup></a> Medb proceeded with a +third of the host of the men of Erin about her, <a name="footnotetag3_132" id="footnotetag3_132" href="#footnote3_132"><sup>3</sup></a>and she +set forth by the highroad of Midluachair<a href="#footnote3_132"><sup>3</sup></a> till she reached +Dûn Sobairche in the north. And Cuchulain pressed heavily +on Medb that day. <a name="footnotetag4_132" id="footnotetag4_132" href="#footnote4_132"><sup>4</sup></a>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 Dûn Sobairche.<a href="#footnote4_132"><sup>4</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag5_132" id="footnotetag5_132" href="#footnote5_132"><sup>5</sup></a>There it is that Cuchulain +slew all those we have mentioned in Cuib.<a href="#footnote5_132"><sup>5</sup></a> Cuchulain +killed Fer Taidle, whence cometh Taidle; and <a name="footnotetag6_132" id="footnotetag6_132" href="#footnote6_132"><sup>6</sup></a>as they +went northwards<a href="#footnote6_132"><sup>6</sup></a> he killed the macBuachalla ('the +Herdsman's sons') <a name="footnotetag7_132" id="footnotetag7_132" href="#footnote7_132"><sup>7</sup></a>at their cairn,<a href="#footnote7_132"><sup>7</sup></a> 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; <a name="footnotetag8_132" id="footnotetag8_132" href="#footnote8_132"><sup>8</sup></a>he slew Nathcoirpthe +at his trees, Cruthen on his ford, Marc on his hill, Meille on +his mound and Bodb in his tower.<a href="#footnote8_132"><sup>8</sup></a> It was afterwards then +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_133" name="Page_133" title="133">133</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2016.</span> +that Cuchulain turned back from the north <a name="footnotetag1_133" id="footnotetag1_133" href="#footnote1_133"><sup>1</sup></a>to Mag Murthemni,<a href="#footnote1_133"><sup>1</sup></a> +to protect and defend his own borders and land, +for dearer to him was <a name="footnotetag2_133" id="footnotetag2_133" href="#footnote2_133"><sup>2</sup></a>his own land and inheritance and +belongings<a href="#footnote2_133"><sup>2</sup></a> than the land and territory and belongings of +another.</p> + +<p>It was then too that he came upon the Fir Crandce ('the +men of Crannach') <a name="footnotetag3_133" id="footnotetag3_133" href="#footnote3_133"><sup>3</sup></a>from whom cometh Crannach in Murthemne;<a href="#footnote3_133"><sup>3</sup></a> +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 <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 73b.</span> camp in advance of all others—<a name="footnotetag4_133" id="footnotetag4_133" href="#footnote4_133"><sup>4</sup></a>ten +cup-bearers and ten men-of-arms they were<a href="#footnote4_133"><sup>4</sup></a>—so that +they fell by his hand.</p> + +<p>Then it was that Buide ('the Yellow') son of Ban Blai +('the White') from <a name="footnotetag5_133" id="footnotetag5_133" href="#footnote5_133"><sup>5</sup></a>Sliab Culinn ('Hollymount'),<a href="#footnote5_133"><sup>5</sup></a> the +country of Ailill and Medb, and belonging to the special +followers of <a name="footnotetag6_133" id="footnotetag6_133" href="#footnote6_133"><sup>6</sup></a>Ailill and<a href="#footnote6_133"><sup>6</sup></a> Medb, met Cuchulain. Four and +twenty<a name="footnotetaga_133" id="footnotetaga_133" href="#footnotea_133"><sup>a</sup></a> warriors <a name="footnotetag7_133" id="footnotetag7_133" href="#footnote7_133"><sup>7</sup></a>was their strength.<a href="#footnote7_133"><sup>7</sup></a> A <a name="footnotetag8_133" id="footnotetag8_133" href="#footnote8_133"><sup>8</sup></a>blue<a href="#footnote8_133"><sup>8</sup></a> 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. <a name="footnotetag9_133" id="footnotetag9_133" href="#footnote9_133"><sup>9</sup></a>Cuchulain advances to meet +them.<a href="#footnote9_133"><sup>9</sup></a> "Whence bring ye the drove, <a name="footnotetag10_133" id="footnotetag10_133" href="#footnote10_133"><sup>10</sup></a>ye men?"<a href="#footnote10_133"><sup>10</sup></a> +Cuchulain asks. "From yonder mountain," Buide answers. +<a name="footnotetag11_133" id="footnotetag11_133" href="#footnote11_133"><sup>11</sup></a>"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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_134" name="Page_134" title="134">134</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2031.</span> +with them, as far as the ford. Then it was he spoke to the +leader<a name="footnotetag11_134" id="footnotetag11_134" href="#footnote11_133"><sup>11</sup></a>, "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." <a name="footnotetag1_134" id="footnotetag1_134" href="#footnote1_134"><sup>1</sup></a>"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.<a href="#footnote1_134"><sup>1</sup></a> "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 <a name="footnotetag2_134" id="footnotetag2_134" href="#footnote2_134"><sup>2</sup></a>on the +ford.<a href="#footnote2_134"><sup>2</sup></a> So that thence is Ath Buidi ('Athboy') in Crich +Roiss ('the land of Ross').</p> + +<p>For as long or as short a space as <a name="footnotetag3_134" id="footnotetag3_134" href="#footnote3_134"><sup>3</sup></a>these bold champions +and battle-warriors<a href="#footnote3_134"><sup>3</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag4_134" id="footnotetag4_134" href="#footnote4_134"><sup>4</sup></a>by the eight great +men<a href="#footnote4_134"><sup>4</sup></a> to the camp <a name="footnotetag5_134" id="footnotetag5_134" href="#footnote5_134"><sup>5</sup></a>of the men of Erin<a href="#footnote5_134"><sup>5</sup></a> as swiftly as any +beeve can be brought to a camp. <a name="footnotetag6_134" id="footnotetag6_134" href="#footnote6_134"><sup>6</sup></a>They opined then it +would not be hard to deal with Cuchulain if only his spear +were got from him.<a href="#footnote6_134"><sup>6</sup></a> From this accordingly came the +greatest shame and grief and madness that was brought on +Cuchulain on that hosting.</p> + +<p>As regards Medb: every ford <a name="footnotetag7_134" id="footnotetag7_134" href="#footnote7_134"><sup>7</sup></a>and every hill<a href="#footnote7_134"><sup>7</sup></a> whereon she +stopped, Ath Medba ('Medb's Ford') <a name="footnotetag8_134" id="footnotetag8_134" href="#footnote8_134"><sup>8</sup></a>and Dindgna Medba +('Medb's Hill')<a href="#footnote8_134"><sup>8</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>On this circuit Medb <a name="footnotetag9_134" id="footnotetag9_134" href="#footnote9_134"><sup>9</sup></a>turned back from the north after +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_135" name="Page_135" title="135">135</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2047.</span> +she had remained a fortnight laying waste the province<a name="footnotetag9_135" id="footnotetag9_135" href="#footnote9_134"><sup>9</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag1_135" id="footnotetag1_135" href="#footnote1_135"><sup>1</sup></a>and plundering the land of the Picts and of Cualnge +and the land of Conall son of Amargin,<a href="#footnote1_135"><sup>1</sup></a> and having offered +battle <a name="footnotetag2_135" id="footnotetag2_135" href="#footnote2_135"><sup>2</sup></a>one night<a href="#footnote2_135"><sup>2</sup></a> to Findmor ('the Fair-large') wife +of Celtchar <a name="footnotetag3_135" id="footnotetag3_135" href="#footnote3_135"><sup>3</sup></a>son of Uthechar<a href="#footnote3_135"><sup>3</sup></a> at the gate of Dûn Sobairche; +and she slew Findmor and laid waste Dûn Sobairche; +<a name="footnotetag5_135" id="footnotetag5_135" href="#footnote5_135"><sup>5</sup></a>and, after taking Dûn Sobairche from her, she +brought fifty of <a name="footnotetag4_135" id="footnotetag4_135" href="#footnote4_135"><sup>4</sup></a>her<a href="#footnote4_135"><sup>4</sup></a> women into the province of Dalriada.<a href="#footnote5_135"><sup>5</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag6_135" id="footnotetag6_135" href="#footnote6_135"><sup>6</sup></a>Then she had them hanged and crucified. +Whence cometh Mas na Righna ('Queen's Buttock') as +the name of the hill, from their hanging.<a href="#footnote6_135"><sup>6</sup></a></p> + +<p>Then came the warriors of four of the five grand +provinces of Erin at the end of a long fortnight<a name="footnotetaga_135" id="footnotetaga_135" href="#footnotea_135"><sup>a</sup></a> to +camp and station <a name="footnotetag7_135" id="footnotetag7_135" href="#footnote7_135"><sup>7</sup></a>at Fochard,<a href="#footnote7_135"><sup>7</sup></a> together with Medb +and Ailill and the company that were bringing the bull.</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_136" name="Page_136" title="136">136</a> + +<a name="chapter_XIIa" id="chapter_XIIa"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">XIIa</span>. THE DEATH OF FORGEMEN</h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 2054.</span> +And the bull's cowherd would not allow them <a name="footnotetag1_136" id="footnotetag1_136" href="#footnote1_136"><sup>1</sup></a>to carry +off<a href="#footnote1_136"><sup>1</sup></a> 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. <a name="footnotetag2_136" id="footnotetag2_136" href="#footnote2_136"><sup>2</sup></a>And this is the name of the hill, Forgemen.<a href="#footnote2_136"><sup>2</sup></a> +This then is the Death of Forgemen on the Cattle-prey of +Cualnge. <a name="footnotetag3_136" id="footnotetag3_136" href="#footnote3_136"><sup>3</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote3_136"><sup>3</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_137" name="Page_137" title="137">137</a> + +<a name="chapter_XIIb" id="chapter_XIIb"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">XIIb</span>. <a name="footnotetag1_137" id="footnotetag1_137" href="#footnote1_137"><sup>1</sup></a>HERE IS NARRATED THE SLAYING OF REDG THE LAMPOONIST<a href="#footnote1_137"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 2061.</span> +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 <a name="footnotetag2_137" id="footnotetag2_137" href="#footnote2_137"><sup>2</sup></a>of the men of +Erin<a href="#footnote2_137"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 name="footnotetaga_137" id="footnotetaga_137" href="#footnotea_137"><sup>a</sup></a> jester, to demand +the light javelin <a name="footnotetag3_137" id="footnotetag3_137" href="#footnote3_137"><sup>3</sup></a>of Cuchulain.<a href="#footnote3_137"><sup>3</sup></a></p> + +<p>So Redg <a name="footnotetag4_137" id="footnotetag4_137" href="#footnote4_137"><sup>4</sup></a>came forward to where Cuchulain was and<a href="#footnote4_137"><sup>4</sup></a> +asked for the little javelin, but Cuchulain did not give +him the little javelin <a name="footnotetag5_137" id="footnotetag5_137" href="#footnote5_137"><sup>5</sup></a>at once<a href="#footnote5_137"><sup>5</sup></a>; he did not deem it good +and proper to yield it. <a name="footnotetag6_137" id="footnotetag6_137" href="#footnote6_137"><sup>6</sup></a>"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.<a href="#footnote6_137"><sup>6</sup></a> Redg declared +he would deprive Cuchulain of his honour <a name="footnotetag7_137" id="footnotetag7_137" href="#footnote7_137"><sup>7</sup></a>unless he got +the little javelin.<a href="#footnote7_137"><sup>7</sup></a> Thereupon Cuchulain hurled the javelin +at him, so that it struck him in the nape of the neck<a name="footnotetagb_137" id="footnotetagb_137" href="#footnoteb_137"><sup>b</sup></a> and +fell out through his mouth on the ground. And the only +words Redg uttered were these, "This precious gift is readily +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_138" name="Page_138" title="138">138</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2072.</span> +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.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag1_138" id="footnotetag1_138" href="#footnote1_138"><sup>1</sup></a>"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."</p> + +<p>Every day there fell a man by Cuchulain till the end of a +week. <a name="footnotetag2_138" id="footnotetag2_138" href="#footnote2_138"><sup>2</sup></a>Then<a href="#footnote2_138"><sup>2</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>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<a href="#footnote1_138"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag3_138" id="footnotetag3_138" href="#footnote3_138"><sup>3</sup></a>to-morrow.<a href="#footnote3_138"><sup>3</sup></a>"</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_139" name="Page_139" title="139">139</a> + +<a name="chapter_XIIc" id="chapter_XIIc"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">XIIc</span>. <a name="footnotetag1_139" id="footnotetag1_139" href="#footnote1_139"><sup>1</sup></a>HERE IS TOLD THE MEETING OF CUCHULAIN AND FINNABAIR<a href="#footnote1_139"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_139" id="footnotetag2_139" href="#footnote2_139"><sup>2</sup></a>"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." Manè Athramail ('Fatherlike') +goes to him. But first he addresses himself to Laeg. +"Whose man art thou?" spake Manè. Now Laeg made +no answer. Thrice Manè addressed him in this <a name="footnotetag3_139" id="footnotetag3_139" href="#footnote3_139"><sup>3</sup></a>same<a href="#footnote3_139"><sup>3</sup></a> wise. +"Cuchulain's man," Laeg answers, "and provoke me not, +lest it happen I strike thy head off thee!" "This man is +mad," quoth Manè as he leaves him. Then he goes to +accost Cuchulain. It was there Cuchulain had doffed his +tunic, and the <a name="footnotetag4_139" id="footnotetag4_139" href="#footnote4_139"><sup>4</sup></a>deep<a href="#footnote4_139"><sup>4</sup></a> 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 Manè 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 Manè, "to speak to these two." Thereupon Manè +leaves them and tells his tale to Ailill and Medb.</p> + +<p>"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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_140" name="Page_140" title="140">140</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."</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.<a name="footnotetag2_140" id="footnotetag2_140" href="#footnote2_140"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_141" name="Page_141" title="141">141</a> + +<a name="chapter_XIId" id="chapter_XIId"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">XIId</span>. <a name="footnotetag1_141" id="footnotetag1_141" href="#footnote1_141"><sup>1</sup></a>HERE THE COMBAT OF MUNREMAR AND CUROI<a href="#footnote1_141"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_141" id="footnotetag2_141" href="#footnote2_141"><sup>2</sup></a>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 +macDarè 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 name="footnotetaga_141" id="footnotetaga_141" href="#footnotea_141"><sup>a</sup></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.</p> + +<p>"Pray Cuchulain," said Medb and Ailill, "that he suffer +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_142" name="Page_142" title="142">142</a> +us to change our place." This then was granted to them +and the change was made.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_143" name="Page_143" title="143">143</a> + +<a name="chapter_XIIe" id="chapter_XIIe"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">XIIe</span>. <a name="footnotetag1_143" id="footnotetag1_143" href="#footnote1_143"><sup>1</sup></a>THE SLAUGHTER OF THE BOY-TROOP<a href="#footnote1_143"><sup>1</sup></a><a name="footnotetaga_143" id="footnotetaga_143" href="#footnotea_143"><sup>a</sup></a></h2> + + +<p>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 Ferfebè and own brother to Fiachu<a name="footnotetagb_143" id="footnotetagb_143" href="#footnoteb_143"><sup>b</sup></a> Fialdana +('the Generous-daring') son of Ferfebè, "shall I have a +company from you to go to him with help?"</p> + +<p>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 +Ferfebè, for it is there that he fell.</p> + +<p>"Take counsel," quoth Ailill; "inquire of Cuchulain +about letting you go from hence, for ye will not go past +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_144" name="Page_144" title="144">144</a> +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').</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_145" name="Page_145" title="145">145</a> + +<a name="chapter_XIIf" id="chapter_XIIf"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">XIIf</span>. <a name="footnotetag1_145" id="footnotetag1_145" href="#footnote1_145"><sup>1</sup></a>THE SLAUGHTER OF THE KING'S BODYGUARD<a href="#footnote1_145"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p>"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.<a name="footnotetag2_145" id="footnotetag2_145" href="#footnote2_145"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_146" name="Page_146" title="146">146</a> + +<a name="chapter_XIII" id="chapter_XIII"></a> + +<h2>XIII. <a name="footnotetag1_146" id="footnotetag1_146" href="#footnote1_146"><sup>1</sup></a>THE COMBAT OF CÛR WITH CUCHULAIN<a href="#footnote1_146"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 2076.</span> +The men of Erin discussed among themselves who of them +would be fit to attack <a name="footnotetag2_146" id="footnotetag2_146" href="#footnote2_146"><sup>2</sup></a>and contend with<a href="#footnote2_146"><sup>2</sup></a> Cuchulain, <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 74a.</span> +<a name="footnotetag3_146" id="footnotetag3_146" href="#footnote3_146"><sup>3</sup></a>and drive him off from them on the ford at the morning-hour +early on the morrow.<a href="#footnote3_146"><sup>3</sup></a> And what they all said was +that Cûr ('the Hero') son of Da Loth should be the one to +attack him. For thus it stood with Cûr: No joy was it to be +his bedfellow or to live with him. <a name="footnotetag4_146" id="footnotetag4_146" href="#footnote4_146"><sup>4</sup></a>He from whom he drew +blood is dead ere the ninth day.<a href="#footnote4_146"><sup>4</sup></a> And <a name="footnotetag5_146" id="footnotetag5_146" href="#footnote5_146"><sup>5</sup></a>the men of Erin<a href="#footnote5_146"><sup>5</sup></a> +said: "Even should it be Cûr that falls, a trouble <a name="footnotetag6_146" id="footnotetag6_146" href="#footnote6_146"><sup>6</sup></a>and +care<a href="#footnote6_146"><sup>6</sup></a> would be removed from the hosts; <a name="footnotetag7_146" id="footnotetag7_146" href="#footnote7_146"><sup>7</sup></a>for it is not easy +to be with him in regard to sitting, eating or sleeping.<a href="#footnote7_146"><sup>7</sup></a> Should +it be Cuchulain, it would be so much the better." Cûr was +summoned to Medb's tent. "For what do they want me?" +Cûr asked. "To engage with Cuchulain," replied Medb, +<a name="footnotetag8_146" id="footnotetag8_146" href="#footnote8_146"><sup>8</sup></a>"to do battle, and ward him off from us on the ford at +the morning hour early on the morrow."<a href="#footnote8_146"><sup>8</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag9_146" id="footnotetag9_146" href="#footnote9_146"><sup>9</sup></a>Cûr deemed +it not fitting to go and contend with a beardless boy.<a href="#footnote9_146"><sup>9</sup></a> +"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 <a name="footnotetag10_146" id="footnotetag10_146" href="#footnote10_146"><sup>10</sup></a>I was sent against him<a href="#footnote10_146"><sup>10</sup></a> I would +not have come myself. I would have lads <a name="footnotetag11_146" id="footnotetag11_146" href="#footnote11_146"><sup>11</sup></a>enough<a href="#footnote11_146"><sup>11</sup></a> of +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_147" name="Page_147" title="147">147</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2086.</span> +his age from amongst my people to go meet him on a ford."</p> + +<p>"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." <a name="footnotetag1_147" id="footnotetag1_147" href="#footnote1_147"><sup>1</sup></a>"Howbeit," said Cûr, +"since on myself it falls,<a href="#footnote1_147"><sup>1</sup></a> make ye ready a journey <a name="footnotetag2_147" id="footnotetag2_147" href="#footnote2_147"><sup>2</sup></a>for +me<a href="#footnote2_147"><sup>2</sup></a> at morn's early hour on the morrow, for a pleasure +I will make of the way <a name="footnotetag3_147" id="footnotetag3_147" href="#footnote3_147"><sup>3</sup></a>to this fight,<a href="#footnote3_147"><sup>3</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag4_147" id="footnotetag4_147" href="#footnote4_147"><sup>4</sup></a>a-going to meet +Cuchulain.<a href="#footnote4_147"><sup>4</sup></a> It is not this will detain you, namely the +killing of yonder wildling, Cuchulain!"</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag5_147" id="footnotetag5_147" href="#footnote5_147"><sup>5</sup></a>There they passed the night.<a href="#footnote5_147"><sup>5</sup></a> Then early on the +morrow morn arose Cûr macDa Loth <a name="footnotetag6_147" id="footnotetag6_147" href="#footnote6_147"><sup>6</sup></a>and he came to the +ford of battle and combat; and however early he arose, +earlier still Cuchulain arose.<a href="#footnote6_147"><sup>6</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>Now Cuchulain had gone early that day <a name="footnotetag7_147" id="footnotetag7_147" href="#footnote7_147"><sup>7</sup></a>to practise<a href="#footnote7_147"><sup>7</sup></a> +his feats <a name="footnotetag8_147" id="footnotetag8_147" href="#footnote8_147"><sup>8</sup></a>of valour and prowess.<a href="#footnote8_147"><sup>8</sup></a> 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 name="footnotetaga_147" id="footnotetaga_147" href="#footnotea_147"><sup>a</sup></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, <a name="footnotetag9_147" id="footnotetag9_147" href="#footnote9_147"><sup>9</sup></a>and the Rim-feat,<a href="#footnote9_147"><sup>9</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag10_147" id="footnotetag10_147" href="#footnote10_147"><sup>10</sup></a>noble<a href="#footnote10_147"><sup>10</sup></a> Hero +(around spear points).</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_148" name="Page_148" title="148">148</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 2121.</span> +Now this is the reason Cuchulain was wont to practise +early every morning each of those feats <a name="footnotetag1_148" id="footnotetag1_148" href="#footnote1_148"><sup>1</sup></a>with the agility +of a single hand, as best a wild-cat may,<a href="#footnote1_148"><sup>1</sup></a> in order that they +might not depart from him through forgetfulness or lack +of remembrance.</p> + +<p>And macDa Loth waited beside his shield until the third +part of the day, <a name="footnotetag2_148" id="footnotetag2_148" href="#footnote2_148"><sup>2</sup></a>plying his weapons,<a href="#footnote2_148"><sup>2</sup></a> seeking the chance +to kill Cuchulain; <a name="footnotetag3_148" id="footnotetag3_148" href="#footnote3_148"><sup>3</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote3_148"><sup>3</sup></a> It was then +Laeg<a name="footnotetaga_148" id="footnotetaga_148" href="#footnotea_148"><sup>a</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag4_148" id="footnotetag4_148" href="#footnote4_148"><sup>4</sup></a>looked at him<a href="#footnote4_148"><sup>4</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag5_148" id="footnotetag5_148" href="#footnote5_148"><sup>5</sup></a>and +cast the ninth apple<a href="#footnote5_148"><sup>5</sup></a> a throw's length from him at Cûr +macDa Loth, so that it struck on the disk of his shield +<a name="footnotetag6_148" id="footnotetag6_148" href="#footnote6_148"><sup>6</sup></a>between the edge and the body of the shield<a href="#footnote6_148"><sup>6</sup></a> and on the +forehead <a name="footnotetag7_148" id="footnotetag7_148" href="#footnote7_148"><sup>7</sup></a>of the churl,<a href="#footnote7_148"><sup>7</sup></a> so that it carried the size of an apple +of his brains out through the back of his head. Thus fell +Cûr macDa Loth also at the hand of Cuchulain. <a name="footnotetag8_148" id="footnotetag8_148" href="#footnote8_148"><sup>8</sup></a>According +to another version<a href="#footnote8_148"><sup>8</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag9_148" id="footnotetag9_148" href="#footnote9_148"><sup>9</sup></a>it was in Imslige Glendamnach +that Cûr fell.<a href="#footnote9_148"><sup>9</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag10_148" id="footnotetag10_148" href="#footnote10_148"><sup>10</sup></a>Fergus greeted each one there and this is what he +said:<a href="#footnote10_148"><sup>10</sup></a> "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 Cûr +son of Da Loth is fallen." <a name="footnotetag11_148" id="footnotetag11_148" href="#footnote11_148"><sup>11</sup></a>"We will grant that," said +Medb, "and we will not pitch tents nor take quarters here +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_149" name="Page_149" title="149">149</a> +now, but we will remain where we were last night in camp.<a name="footnotetag11_149" id="footnotetag11_149" href="#footnote11_148"><sup>11</sup></a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2136.</span> +Considering why we have come, it is the same to us +even though we remain in those same tents."</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag1_149" id="footnotetag1_149" href="#footnote1_149"><sup>1</sup></a>The four great provinces of Erin<a href="#footnote1_149"><sup>1</sup></a> remained in that +camp till Cûr son of Da Loth had fallen, and Loth son of +Da Bro and Srub Darè son of Feradach and <a name="footnotetag2_149" id="footnotetag2_149" href="#footnote2_149"><sup>2</sup></a>Morc<a href="#footnote2_149"><sup>2</sup></a> 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.</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_150" name="Page_150" title="150">150</a> + +<a name="chapter_XIV" id="chapter_XIV"></a> + +<h2>XIV. <a name="footnotetag1_150" id="footnotetag1_150" href="#footnote1_150"><sup>1</sup></a>THE SLAYING OF FERBAETH ('THE WITLESS')<a href="#footnote1_150"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_150" id="footnotetag2_150" href="#footnote2_150"><sup>2</sup></a>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.</p> + +<p>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."</p> + +<p>Great rewards they promised to him for making the +battle and combat.<a href="#footnote2_150"><sup>2</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag3_150" id="footnotetag3_150" href="#footnote3_150"><sup>3</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote3_150"><sup>3</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag4_150" id="footnotetag4_150" href="#footnote4_150"><sup>4</sup></a>"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.<a href="#footnote4_150"><sup>4</sup></a></p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_151" name="Page_151" title="151">151</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 2143.</span> +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 <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 74b.</span> 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. <a name="footnotetag1_151" id="footnotetag1_151" href="#footnote1_151"><sup>1</sup></a>Let it be asked +diligently of him<a href="#footnote1_151"><sup>1</sup></a> that he may tell thee who <a name="footnotetag2_151" id="footnotetag2_151" href="#footnote2_151"><sup>2</sup></a>of the men +of Erin<a href="#footnote2_151"><sup>2</sup></a> will come to attack me on the morrow."</p> + +<p>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 <a name="footnotetag3_151" id="footnotetag3_151" href="#footnote3_151"><sup>3</sup></a>that welcome<a href="#footnote3_151"><sup>3</sup></a> 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." <a name="footnotetag4_151" id="footnotetag4_151" href="#footnote4_151"><sup>4</sup></a>"Truly not lucky is it for Cuchulain," +said Lugaid, "the strait wherein he is alone against +the men of Erin.<a href="#footnote4_151"><sup>4</sup></a> The curse of his fellowship and brotherhood +and of his friendship and affection <a name="footnotetag5_151" id="footnotetag5_151" href="#footnote5_151"><sup>5</sup></a>and of his arms<a href="#footnote5_151"><sup>5</sup></a> +be upon that man; even his own real foster-brother himself, +<a name="footnotetag6_151" id="footnotetag6_151" href="#footnote6_151"><sup>6</sup></a>even the companion of us both,<a href="#footnote6_151"><sup>6</sup></a> Ferbaeth son of +Ferbend. <a name="footnotetag7_151" id="footnotetag7_151" href="#footnote7_151"><sup>7</sup></a>He it is that comes to meet him to-morrow.<a href="#footnote7_151"><sup>7</sup></a> +He was invited into the tent of <a name="footnotetag8_151" id="footnotetag8_151" href="#footnote8_151"><sup>8</sup></a>Ailill and<a href="#footnote8_151"><sup>8</sup></a> Medb a while +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_152" name="Page_152" title="152">152</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2165.</span> +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 <a name="footnotetag1_152" id="footnotetag1_152" href="#footnote1_152"><sup>1</sup></a>to him.<a href="#footnote1_152"><sup>1</sup></a> Not for every one with +Medb is the ale<a name="footnotetaga_152" id="footnotetaga_152" href="#footnotea_152"><sup>a</sup></a> that is poured out for Ferbaeth <a name="footnotetag2_152" id="footnotetag2_152" href="#footnote2_152"><sup>2</sup></a>till he +is drunk.<a href="#footnote2_152"><sup>2</sup></a> Only fifty wagon-loads of it have been brought +to the camp."</p> + +<p>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."</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag3_152" id="footnotetag3_152" href="#footnote3_152"><sup>3</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote3_152"><sup>3</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag4_152" id="footnotetag4_152" href="#footnote4_152"><sup>4</sup></a>"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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_153" name="Page_153" title="153">153</a> +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."</p> + +<p>Lugaid brought back this word to Ferbaeth. Now +inasmuch as Ferbaeth shunned not the parley,<a name="footnotetag4_153" id="footnotetag4_153" href="#footnote4_153"><sup>4</sup></a> <span class="sidenoteL">W. 2183.</span> he by no +means waited till morn but he went straightway <a name="footnotetag1_153" id="footnotetag1_153" href="#footnote1_153"><sup>1</sup></a>to the +glen<a href="#footnote1_153"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_153" id="footnotetag2_153" href="#footnote2_153"><sup>2</sup></a>that night<a href="#footnote2_153"><sup>2</sup></a> to recant his friendship with Cuchulain, +<a name="footnotetag3_153" id="footnotetag3_153" href="#footnote3_153"><sup>3</sup></a>and Fiachu son of Ferfebè went with him.<a href="#footnote3_153"><sup>3</sup></a> And Cuchulain +called to mind the friendship and fellowship and brotherhood +<a name="footnotetag5_153" id="footnotetag5_153" href="#footnote5_153"><sup>5</sup></a>that had been between them,<a href="#footnote5_153"><sup>5</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag6_153" id="footnotetag6_153" href="#footnote6_153"><sup>6</sup></a>and Scathach, +the nurse of them both;<a href="#footnote6_153"><sup>6</sup></a> and Ferbaeth would not consent +to forego the fight.<a name="footnotetaga_153" id="footnotetaga_153" href="#footnotea_153"><sup>a</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag7_153" id="footnotetag7_153" href="#footnote7_153"><sup>7</sup></a>"I must fight," said Ferbaeth. +"I have promised it <a name="footnotetag8_153" id="footnotetag8_153" href="#footnote8_153"><sup>8</sup></a>to Medb."<a href="#footnote8_153"><sup>8</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag9_153" id="footnotetag9_153" href="#footnote9_153"><sup>9</sup></a>"Friendship with +thee then is at an end,"<a href="#footnote9_153"><sup>9</sup></a> cried Cuchulain,<a href="#footnote7_153"><sup>7</sup></a> and in anger he +left him and drove the sole of his foot against a holly-spit +<a name="footnotetag10_153" id="footnotetag10_153" href="#footnote10_153"><sup>10</sup></a>in the glen,<a href="#footnote10_153"><sup>10</sup></a> so that it pierced through flesh and bone and +skin <a name="footnotetag11_153" id="footnotetag11_153" href="#footnote11_153"><sup>11</sup></a>and came out by his knee.<a href="#footnote11_153"><sup>11</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag12_153" id="footnotetag12_153" href="#footnote12_153"><sup>12</sup></a>Thereat Cuchulain +became frantic, and he gave a strong tug and<a href="#footnote12_153"><sup>12</sup></a> drew the +spit out from its roots, <a name="footnotetag13_153" id="footnotetag13_153" href="#footnote13_153"><sup>13</sup></a>from sinew and bone, from flesh +and from skin.<a href="#footnote13_153"><sup>13</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag14_153" id="footnotetag14_153" href="#footnote14_153"><sup>14</sup></a>"Go not, Ferbaeth, till thou seest +the find I have made." "Throw it then," cried Ferbaeth.<a href="#footnote14_153"><sup>14</sup></a> +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,<a name="footnotetagb_153" id="footnotetagb_153" href="#footnoteb_153"><sup>b</sup></a> so that it passed out through his +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_154" name="Page_154" title="154">154</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2192.</span> +mouth <a name="footnotetag1_154" id="footnotetag1_154" href="#footnote1_154"><sup>1</sup></a>in front<a href="#footnote1_154"><sup>1</sup></a> and fell to the ground, and thus Ferbaeth +fell <a name="footnotetag2_154" id="footnotetag2_154" href="#footnote2_154"><sup>2</sup></a>backward into the glen.<a href="#footnote2_154"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + +<p>"Now that was a good throw, Cucuc!" cried <a name="footnotetag3_154" id="footnotetag3_154" href="#footnote3_154"><sup>3</sup></a>Fiachu +son of Ferfebè,<a href="#footnote3_154"><sup>3</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag4_154" id="footnotetag4_154" href="#footnote4_154"><sup>4</sup></a>who was on the mound between the two +camps,<a href="#footnote4_154"><sup>4</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag5_154" id="footnotetag5_154" href="#footnote5_154"><sup>5</sup></a>Straightway Ferbaeth died in the glen. Hence cometh +Glenn Ferbaeth. Something was heard. It was Fergus +who sang:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Fool's<a name="footnotetaga_154" id="footnotetaga_154" href="#footnotea_154"><sup>a</sup></a> emprise was thine, Ferbaeth,</div> +<div>That did bring thee to thy grave.</div> +<div>Ruin hath come on anger here;</div> +<div>Thy last end in Croen Corann!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>Fithi was the hill's old name,</div> +<div>In Croenech in Murthemne.</div> +<div>'Ferbaeth' now shall be the name</div> +<div>Of the plain where Ferbaeth fell!"<a href="#footnote5_154"><sup>5</sup></a></div> +</div> +</div> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_155" name="Page_155" title="155">155</a> + +<a name="chapter_XIVa" id="chapter_XIVa"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">XIVa</span>. <a name="footnotetag1_155" id="footnotetag1_155" href="#footnote1_155"><sup>1</sup></a><span class="sc">THE COMBAT OF LARINE MacNOIS</span><a href="#footnote1_155"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_155" id="footnotetag2_155" href="#footnote2_155"><sup>2</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote2_155"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 2197.</span> +<a name="footnotetag3_155" id="footnotetag3_155" href="#footnote3_155"><sup>3</sup></a>"Good,<a href="#footnote3_155"><sup>3</sup></a> my master Laeg," <a name="footnotetag4_155" id="footnotetag4_155" href="#footnote4_155"><sup>4</sup></a>said Cuchulain,<a href="#footnote4_155"><sup>4</sup></a> +"go for me to the camp of the men of Erin to hold converse +with Lugaid <a name="footnotetag5_155" id="footnotetag5_155" href="#footnote5_155"><sup>5</sup></a>macNois,<a href="#footnote5_155"><sup>5</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag6_155" id="footnotetag6_155" href="#footnote6_155"><sup>6</sup></a>my friend, my companion +and my foster-brother,<a href="#footnote6_155"><sup>6</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag7_155" id="footnotetag7_155" href="#footnote7_155"><sup>7</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote7_155"><sup>7</sup></a> And discover <a name="footnotetag8_155" id="footnotetag8_155" href="#footnote8_155"><sup>8</sup></a>in what +way they are in the camp,<a href="#footnote8_155"><sup>8</sup></a> whether or no anything has +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_156" name="Page_156" title="156">156</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2199.</span> +happened to Ferbaeth,<a name="footnotetaga_156" id="footnotetaga_156" href="#footnotea_156"><sup>a</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag1_156" id="footnotetag1_156" href="#footnote1_156"><sup>1</sup></a>whether Ferbaeth has reached +the camp;<a href="#footnote1_156"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_156" id="footnotetag2_156" href="#footnote2_156"><sup>2</sup></a>and inquire for me if the cast I made a while +ago reached Ferbaeth or did not reach, and if it did reach +him,<a href="#footnote2_156"><sup>2</sup></a> ask who <a name="footnotetag3_156" id="footnotetag3_156" href="#footnote3_156"><sup>3</sup></a>of the men of Erin<a href="#footnote3_156"><sup>3</sup></a> comes to meet me +<a name="footnotetag4_156" id="footnotetag4_156" href="#footnote4_156"><sup>4</sup></a>to fight and do battle with me at the morning hour early<a href="#footnote4_156"><sup>4</sup></a> +on the morrow."</p> + +<p>Laeg proceeds to Lugaid's tent. Lugaid bids him welcome. +<a name="footnotetag5_156" id="footnotetag5_156" href="#footnote5_156"><sup>5</sup></a>"Welcome to thy coming and arrival, O Laeg," +said Lugaid.<a href="#footnote5_156"><sup>5</sup></a> "I take that welcome as truly meant," +Laeg replied. "It is truly meant for thee," quoth Lugaid, +<a name="footnotetag6_156" id="footnotetag6_156" href="#footnote6_156"><sup>6</sup></a>"and thou shalt have entertainment here to-night."<a href="#footnote6_156"><sup>6</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag7_156" id="footnotetag7_156" href="#footnote7_156"><sup>7</sup></a>"Victory and blessing shalt thou have," said Laeg; +"but not for entertainment am I come, but<a href="#footnote7_156"><sup>7</sup></a> to hold converse +with thee am I come from <a name="footnotetag8_156" id="footnotetag8_156" href="#footnote8_156"><sup>8</sup></a>thine own friend and +companion and<a href="#footnote8_156"><sup>8</sup></a> foster-brother, <a name="footnotetag9_156" id="footnotetag9_156" href="#footnote9_156"><sup>9</sup></a>from Cuchulain,<a href="#footnote9_156"><sup>9</sup></a> that +thou mayest tell me whether Ferbaeth <a name="footnotetag10_156" id="footnotetag10_156" href="#footnote10_156"><sup>10</sup></a>was smitten."<a href="#footnote10_156"><sup>10</sup></a> +"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 <a name="footnotetag11_156" id="footnotetag11_156" href="#footnote11_156"><sup>11</sup></a>of the men of Erin<a href="#footnote11_156"><sup>11</sup></a> comes to-morrow to +<a name="footnotetag12_156" id="footnotetag12_156" href="#footnote12_156"><sup>12</sup></a>combat and<a href="#footnote12_156"><sup>12</sup></a> fight with Cuchulain <a name="footnotetag13_156" id="footnotetag13_156" href="#footnote13_156"><sup>13</sup></a>at the morning +hour early on the morrow?"<a href="#footnote13_156"><sup>13</sup></a> "They are persuading a +brother of mine own to go meet him, a foolish, haughty +arrogant youth, yet dealing stout blows and stubborn. +<a name="footnotetag14_156" id="footnotetag14_156" href="#footnote14_156"><sup>14</sup></a>And he has agreed to do the battle and combat.<a href="#footnote14_156"><sup>14</sup></a> 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. Larinè great-grandson +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_157" name="Page_157" title="157">157</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2211.</span> +of Blathmac is that brother. <a name="footnotetag1_157" id="footnotetag1_157" href="#footnote1_157"><sup>1</sup></a>And, do thou +tell Cuchulain to come to Ferbaeth's Glen and<a href="#footnote1_157"><sup>1</sup></a> I will +go <a name="footnotetag2_157" id="footnotetag2_157" href="#footnote2_157"><sup>2</sup></a>thither<a href="#footnote2_157"><sup>2</sup></a> to speak with Cuchulain about him," said +Lugaid.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag3_157" id="footnotetag3_157" href="#footnote3_157"><sup>3</sup></a>Laeg betook him to where Cuchulain was.<a href="#footnote3_157"><sup>3</sup></a> Lugaid's +two horses were taken and his chariot was yoked to them +<a name="footnotetag4_157" id="footnotetag4_157" href="#footnote4_157"><sup>4</sup></a>and<a href="#footnote4_157"><sup>4</sup></a> he came <a name="footnotetag5_157" id="footnotetag5_157" href="#footnote5_157"><sup>5</sup></a>to Glen Ferbaeth<a href="#footnote5_157"><sup>5</sup></a> to his tryst with +Cuchulain, so that a parley was had between them. <a name="footnotetag6_157" id="footnotetag6_157" href="#footnote6_157"><sup>6</sup></a>The +two champions and battle-warriors gave each other welcome.<a href="#footnote6_157"><sup>6</sup></a> +Then it was that Lugaid spake: <a name="footnotetag7_157" id="footnotetag7_157" href="#footnote7_157"><sup>7</sup></a>"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<a href="#footnote7_157"><sup>7</sup></a> they are persuading +a brother of mine to come fight thee <a name="footnotetag8_157" id="footnotetag8_157" href="#footnote8_157"><sup>8</sup></a>on the +morrow,<a href="#footnote8_157"><sup>8</sup></a> to-wit, a foolish, dull, uncouth youth, dealing +stout blows. <a name="footnotetag9_157" id="footnotetag9_157" href="#footnote9_157"><sup>9</sup></a>They brought him into the tent of Ailill +and Medb and he has engaged to do the battle and combat +with thee.<a href="#footnote9_157"><sup>9</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag10_157" id="footnotetag10_157" href="#footnote10_157"><sup>10</sup></a>He is befooled about the same maiden.<a href="#footnote10_157"><sup>10</sup></a> +And it is for this reason they are to send him to fight thee, +that he may fall at thy hands, <a name="footnotetag11_157" id="footnotetag11_157" href="#footnote11_157"><sup>11</sup></a>so that we two may quarrel,<a href="#footnote11_157"><sup>11</sup></a> +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, <a name="footnotetag12_157" id="footnotetag12_157" href="#footnote12_157"><sup>12</sup></a>and by the rearing and +nurture I bestowed on thee and thou didst bestow on me, +bear me no grudge because of Larinè.<a href="#footnote12_157"><sup>12</sup></a> Slay not my brother +<a name="footnotetag13_157" id="footnotetag13_157" href="#footnote13_157"><sup>13</sup></a>lest thou shouldst leave me brotherless."<a href="#footnote13_157"><sup>13</sup></a></p> + +<p>"By my conscience, truly," cried Cuchulain, <a name="footnotetag14_157" id="footnotetag14_157" href="#footnote14_157"><sup>14</sup></a>kill him +I will not, but<a href="#footnote14_157"><sup>14</sup></a> the next thing to death will I inflict on +him. <a name="footnotetag15_157" id="footnotetag15_157" href="#footnote15_157"><sup>15</sup></a>No worse would it be for him to die than what I +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_158" name="Page_158" title="158">158</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2222.</span> +will give him."<a name="footnotetag15_158" id="footnotetag15_158" href="#footnote15_157"><sup>15</sup></a> "I give thee leave. <a name="footnotetag1_158" id="footnotetag1_158" href="#footnote1_158"><sup>1</sup></a>It would please +me well shouldst thou beat him sorely,<a href="#footnote1_158"><sup>1</sup></a> for to my dishonour +he comes to attack thee."</p> + +<p>Thereupon Cuchulain went back and Lugaid returned +to the camp <a name="footnotetag2_158" id="footnotetag2_158" href="#footnote2_158"><sup>2</sup></a>lest the men of Erin should say it was betraying +them or forsaking them he was if he remained longer +parleying with Cuchulain.<a href="#footnote2_158"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + +<p>Then <a name="footnotetag3_158" id="footnotetag3_158" href="#footnote3_158"><sup>3</sup></a>on the next day<a href="#footnote3_158"><sup>3</sup></a> it was that Larinè son of +Nos, <a name="footnotetag4_158" id="footnotetag4_158" href="#footnote4_158"><sup>4</sup></a>brother of Lugaid king of Munster,<a href="#footnote4_158"><sup>4</sup></a> 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 Larinè," quoth Finnabair; "only the +load of fifty wagons of it was brought to the camp."<a name="footnotetaga_158" id="footnotetaga_158" href="#footnotea_158"><sup>a</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag5_158" id="footnotetag5_158" href="#footnote5_158"><sup>5</sup></a>Medb looked at the pair. "Yonder pair rejoiceth +my heart," said she.<a href="#footnote5_158"><sup>5</sup></a> "Whom wouldst thou say?" +asked <a name="footnotetag6_158" id="footnotetag6_158" href="#footnote6_158"><sup>6</sup></a>Ailill.<a href="#footnote6_158"><sup>6</sup></a> "The man yonder, <a name="footnotetag7_158" id="footnotetag7_158" href="#footnote7_158"><sup>7</sup></a>in truth,"<a href="#footnote7_158"><sup>7</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag8_158" id="footnotetag8_158" href="#footnote8_158"><sup>8</sup></a>my daughter,<a href="#footnote8_158"><sup>8</sup></a> and Larinè macNois. +<a name="footnotetag9_158" id="footnotetag9_158" href="#footnote9_158"><sup>9</sup></a>'Twould be fitting to bring them together."<a href="#footnote9_158"><sup>9</sup></a> "I regard +them as thou dost," answered Ailill; <a name="footnotetag10_158" id="footnotetag10_158" href="#footnote10_158"><sup>10</sup></a>"I will not oppose +thee herein. He shall have her if only he brings me the +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_159" name="Page_159" title="159">159</a> +head of Cuchulain."<a name="footnotetaga_159" id="footnotetaga_159" href="#footnotea_159"><sup>a</sup></a> "Aye, bring it I will," said Larinè.<a name="footnotetag10_159" id="footnotetag10_159" href="#footnote10_159"><sup>10</sup></a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2235.</span> It was then that Larinè 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.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag1_159" id="footnotetag1_159" href="#footnote1_159"><sup>1</sup></a>They passed the night there.<a href="#footnote1_159"><sup>1</sup></a> Larinè longed for +day with its full light <a name="footnotetag2_159" id="footnotetag2_159" href="#footnote2_159"><sup>2</sup></a>to go<a href="#footnote2_159"><sup>2</sup></a> to attack Cuchulain. +At the early day-dawn on the morrow he came, <a name="footnotetag3_159" id="footnotetag3_159" href="#footnote3_159"><sup>3</sup></a>and the +maiden came too to embolden him,<a href="#footnote3_159"><sup>3</sup></a> 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 Larinè; only the women and boys and girls, +<a name="footnotetag4_159" id="footnotetag4_159" href="#footnote4_159"><sup>4</sup></a>thrice fifty of them,<a href="#footnote4_159"><sup>4</sup></a> went to scoff and to jeer at his +battle.</p> + +<p>Cuchulain went to meet him at the ford and he deemed +it unbecoming to bring along arms <a name="footnotetag5_159" id="footnotetag5_159" href="#footnote5_159"><sup>5</sup></a>or to ply weapons +upon him,<a href="#footnote5_159"><sup>5</sup></a> so Cuchulain came to the encounter unarmed +<a name="footnotetag6_159" id="footnotetag6_159" href="#footnote6_159"><sup>6</sup></a>except for the weapons he wrested from his opponent.<a href="#footnote6_159"><sup>6</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag7_159" id="footnotetag7_159" href="#footnote7_159"><sup>7</sup></a>And when Larinè reached the ford, Cuchulain saw him +and made a rush at him.<a href="#footnote7_159"><sup>7</sup></a> Cuchulain knocked all of +Larinè'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, <a name="footnotetag8_159" id="footnotetag8_159" href="#footnote8_159"><sup>8</sup></a>so that the ford was defiled with his dung<a href="#footnote8_159"><sup>8</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag9_159" id="footnotetag9_159" href="#footnote9_159"><sup>9</sup></a>and the air was fouled with his dust<a href="#footnote9_159"><sup>9</sup></a> and an <a href="#footnote10_159"><sup>10</sup></a>unclean, +filthy<a href="#footnote10_159"><sup>10</sup></a> wrack of cloud arose in the four airts wherein he was. +Then from the middle of the ford Cuchulain hurled Larinè +far from him across through the camp <a name="footnotetag11_159" id="footnotetag11_159" href="#footnote11_159"><sup>11</sup></a>till he fell into +Lugaid's two hands<a href="#footnote11_159"><sup>11</sup></a> at the door of the tent of his brother. +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_160" name="Page_160" title="160">160</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2252.</span> +Howbeit <a name="footnotetag1_160" id="footnotetag1_160" href="#footnote1_160"><sup>1</sup></a>from that time forth<a href="#footnote1_160"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_160" id="footnotetag2_160" href="#footnote2_160"><sup>2</sup></a>for the remainder of +his life<a href="#footnote2_160"><sup>2</sup></a> he never got up without a <a name="footnotetag3_160" id="footnotetag3_160" href="#footnote3_160"><sup>3</sup></a>sigh and a<a href="#footnote3_160"><sup>3</sup></a> groan, +and <a name="footnotetag4_160" id="footnotetag4_160" href="#footnote4_160"><sup>4</sup></a>he never lay down without hurt, and he never stood +up without a moan;<a href="#footnote4_160"><sup>4</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag5_160" id="footnotetag5_160" href="#footnote5_160"><sup>5</sup></a>as long as he lived<a href="#footnote5_160"><sup>5</sup></a> he never ate +<a name="footnotetag6_160" id="footnotetag6_160" href="#footnote6_160"><sup>6</sup></a>a meal<a href="#footnote6_160"><sup>6</sup></a> 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, +<a name="footnotetag7_160" id="footnotetag7_160" href="#footnote7_160"><sup>7</sup></a>yea though a bad escape,<a href="#footnote7_160"><sup>7</sup></a> 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 Larinè on the Táin +Bó Cualnge.</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_161" name="Page_161" title="161">161</a> + +<a name="chapter_XIVb" id="chapter_XIVb"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">XIVb</span>. <a name="footnotetag1_161" id="footnotetag1_161" href="#footnote1_161"><sup>1</sup></a>THE COLLOQUY OF THE MORRIGAN AND CUCHULAIN<a href="#footnote1_161"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_161" id="footnotetag2_161" href="#footnote2_161"><sup>2</sup></a>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 name="footnotetaga_161" id="footnotetaga_161" href="#footnotea_161"><sup>a</sup></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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_162" name="Page_162" title="162">162</a> +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.<a name="footnotetag2_162" id="footnotetag2_162" href="#footnote2_161"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_163" name="Page_163" title="163">163</a> + +<a name="chapter_XV" id="chapter_XV"></a> + +<h2>XV. <a name="footnotetag1_163" id="footnotetag1_163" href="#footnote1_163"><sup>1</sup></a>HERE FOLLOWETH THE COMBAT OF LOCH AND CUCHULAIN ON THE TÁIN,<a href="#footnote1_163"><sup>1</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag2_163" id="footnotetag2_163" href="#footnote2_163"><sup>2</sup></a>AND THE SLAYING OF LOCH SON OF MOFEMIS<a href="#footnote2_163"><sup>2</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><a name="footnotetag3_163" id="footnotetag3_163" href="#footnote3_163"><sup>3</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote3_163"><sup>3</sup></a> <span class="sidenoteL">W. 2260.</span> It was then that Loch Mor son of Mofemis +was summoned <a name="footnotetag4_163" id="footnotetag4_163" href="#footnote4_163"><sup>4</sup></a>like the rest<a href="#footnote4_163"><sup>4</sup></a> to the pavilion of Ailill and +Medb, <a name="footnotetag5_163" id="footnotetag5_163" href="#footnote5_163"><sup>5</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote5_163"><sup>5</sup></a> +"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. <a name="footnotetag6_163" id="footnotetag6_163" href="#footnote6_163"><sup>6</sup></a>'Tis +not seemly to speak thus to me, and ask it not of me.<a href="#footnote6_163"><sup>6</sup></a> +And not to belittle him do I say it, but I have <a name="footnotetag7_163" id="footnotetag7_163" href="#footnote7_163"><sup>7</sup></a>a doughty +brother, <a name="footnotetag8_163" id="footnotetag8_163" href="#footnote8_163"><sup>8</sup></a>the match of himself,"<a href="#footnote8_163"><sup>8</sup></a> said Loch,<a href="#footnote7_163"><sup>7</sup></a> "a man +to confront him, Long macEmonis, to wit, and he will rejoice +to accept an offer from you; <a name="footnotetag9_163" id="footnotetag9_163" href="#footnote9_163"><sup>9</sup></a>and it were fitting +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_164" name="Page_164" title="164">164</a> +for him to contend with Cuchulain for Long has no beard +on cheek or lip any more than Cuchulain."<a name="footnotetag9_164" id="footnotetag9_164" href="#footnote9_163"><sup>9</sup></a></p> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 2266.</span> +<a name="footnotetag1_164" id="footnotetag1_164" href="#footnote1_164"><sup>1</sup></a>Thereupon<a href="#footnote1_164"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 name="footnotetaga_164" id="footnotetaga_164" href="#footnotea_164"><sup>a</sup></a> times seven bondmaids, and Finnabair to wife for +him alone, and at all times entertainment in Cruachan, +and that wine<a name="footnotetagb_164" id="footnotetagb_164" href="#footnoteb_164"><sup>b</sup></a> would be poured out for him.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_164" id="footnotetag2_164" href="#footnote2_164"><sup>2</sup></a>They passed there that night and he engaged to do +the battle and combat, and early on the morrow<a href="#footnote2_164"><sup>2</sup></a> went +Long <a name="footnotetag3_164" id="footnotetag3_164" href="#footnote3_164"><sup>3</sup></a>to the ford of battle and combat<a href="#footnote3_164"><sup>3</sup></a> to seek Cuchulain, +and Cuchulain slew him and <a name="footnotetag5_164" id="footnotetag5_164" href="#footnote5_164"><sup>5</sup></a>they brought him dead +into the presence of his brother, namely of Loch. And +Loch <a name="footnotetag4_164" id="footnotetag4_164" href="#footnote4_164"><sup>4</sup></a>came forth and raised up his loud, quick voice +and<a href="#footnote4_164"><sup>4</sup></a> cried, had he known it was a bearded man that slew +him, he would slay him for it.<a href="#footnote5_164"><sup>5</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag6_164" id="footnotetag6_164" href="#footnote6_164"><sup>6</sup></a>And it was in the presence +of Medb that he said it.<a href="#footnote6_164"><sup>6</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag7_164" id="footnotetag7_164" href="#footnote7_164"><sup>7</sup></a>"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 Manè 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.<a name="footnotetagc_164" id="footnotetagc_164" href="#footnotec_164"><sup>c</sup></a> And Medb, too, climbed on the men to get a look +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_165" name="Page_165" title="165">165</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2272.</span> +at him.<a name="footnotetag7_165" id="footnotetag7_165" href="#footnote7_165"><sup>7</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag1_165" id="footnotetag1_165" href="#footnote1_165"><sup>1</sup></a>Then<a href="#footnote1_165"><sup>1</sup></a> Medb called upon <a name="footnotetag2_165" id="footnotetag2_165" href="#footnote2_165"><sup>2</sup></a>her handmaid +for two woman-bands,<a href="#footnote2_165"><sup>2</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag3_165" id="footnotetag3_165" href="#footnote3_165"><sup>3</sup></a>fifty or twice fifty<a href="#footnote3_165"><sup>3</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag4_165" id="footnotetag4_165" href="#footnote4_165"><sup>4</sup></a>if he +wished to engage in battle or combat with goodly warriors +or with goodly youths of the men of Erin;<a href="#footnote4_165"><sup>4</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag5_165" id="footnotetag5_165" href="#footnote5_165"><sup>5</sup></a>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:<a href="#footnote5_165"><sup>5</sup></a> "For no brave +warrior in the camp thinks it seemly to come fight with +thee, and thou beardless," <a name="footnotetag6_165" id="footnotetag6_165" href="#footnote6_165"><sup>6</sup></a>said they.<a href="#footnote6_165"><sup>6</sup></a> <a href="#footnote7_165"><sup>7</sup></a>"If that +please me," said Cuchulain, "then I shall do it."<a href="#footnote7_165"><sup>7</sup></a> Thereupon +Cuchulain <a name="footnotetag8_165" id="footnotetag8_165" href="#footnote8_165"><sup>8</sup></a>took a handful of grass and speaking a +spell over it he<a href="#footnote8_165"><sup>8</sup></a> bedaubed himself a beard <a name="footnotetag9_165" id="footnotetag9_165" href="#footnote9_165"><sup>9</sup></a>in order to +obtain combat with a man, namely with Loch.<a href="#footnote9_165"><sup>9</sup></a> And he +came onto the knoll overlooking the men of Erin and +made that beard manifest to them all, <a name="footnotetag10_165" id="footnotetag10_165" href="#footnote10_165"><sup>10</sup></a>so that every one +thought it was a real beard he had.<a href="#footnote10_165"><sup>10</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag11_165" id="footnotetag11_165" href="#footnote11_165"><sup>11</sup></a>"'Tis true," spake +the women,<a name="footnotetaga_165" id="footnotetaga_165" href="#footnotea_165"><sup>a</sup></a> "Cuchulain has a beard. It is fitting for a +warrior to fight with him." They said that to urge on +Loch.<a href="#footnote11_165"><sup>11</sup></a> 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. <a name="footnotetag12_165" id="footnotetag12_165" href="#footnote12_165"><sup>12</sup></a>"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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_166" name="Page_166" title="166">166</a> +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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>The runner, namely Traigtren ('Strongfoot') <a name="footnotetag1_166" id="footnotetag1_166" href="#footnote1_166"><sup>1</sup></a>son of +Traiglethan ('Broadfoot')<a href="#footnote1_166"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag2_166" id="footnotetag2_166" href="#footnote2_166"><sup>2</sup></a>by us<a href="#footnote2_166"><sup>2</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>Now it was on Ard ('the Height') of Aignech which is +called Fochard to-day that the meeting took place. Then +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_167" name="Page_167" title="167">167</a> +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 Glassinè, the two +sons of Buccridi, the two Ardan, the two sons of Liccè, the +two Glasogma, the two sons of Crund, Drucht and Delt and +Dathen, Tea and Tascur and Tualang, Taur and Glesè.</p> + +<p>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:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Good my skill<a name="footnotetaga_167" id="footnotetaga_167" href="#footnotea_167"><sup>a</sup></a> in champion's deeds.</div> +<div>Valorous are the strokes I deal</div> +<div>On the brilliant phantom host.</div> +<div>War with numerous bands I wage,</div> +<div>For the fall of warlike chief—</div> +<div>This, Medb's purpose and Ailill's—</div> +<div>Direful (?) hatred hath been raised!"<a name="footnotetagb_167" id="footnotetagb_167" href="#footnoteb_167"><sup>b</sup></a></div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>This is the reason why the name Focherd clung to that +place, to wit: <i>Fo</i> 'Good' and <i>Cerd</i> 'Art,' which signifieth +'Good the feat of arms' that happened to Cuchulain there.</p> + +<p>Then came Cuchulain and he overtook <a name="footnotetag1_167" id="footnotetag1_167" href="#footnote1_167"><sup>1</sup></a>the hosts<a href="#footnote1_167"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag2_167" id="footnotetag2_167" href="#footnote2_167"><sup>2</sup></a>here before thee<a href="#footnote2_167"><sup>2</sup></a> and thou not +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_168" name="Page_168" title="168">168</a> +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."<a name="footnotetag12_168" id="footnotetag12_168" href="#footnote12_168"><sup>12</sup></a></p> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 2283.</span> +"I will go forth and attack him," cried Loch. Loch +went to attack Cuchulain, <a name="footnotetag1_168" id="footnotetag1_168" href="#footnote1_168"><sup>1</sup></a>to take vengeance on him for +his brother,<a href="#footnote1_168"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_168" id="footnotetag2_168" href="#footnote2_168"><sup>2</sup></a>for it was shown him that Cuchulain had +a beard;<a href="#footnote2_168"><sup>2</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag3_168" id="footnotetag3_168" href="#footnote3_168"><sup>3</sup></a>cursed and +unclean,<a href="#footnote3_168"><sup>3</sup></a> the ford whereon his brother had fallen. <a name="footnotetag4_168" id="footnotetag4_168" href="#footnote4_168"><sup>4</sup></a>Now +when Cuchulain came to look for the ford, the men drove +the cattle across.<a href="#footnote4_168"><sup>4</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag5_168" id="footnotetag5_168" href="#footnote5_168"><sup>5</sup></a>"The cattle<a href="#footnote5_168"><sup>5</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag6_168" id="footnotetag6_168" href="#footnote6_168"><sup>6</sup></a>will be across thy +water here to-day," said Gabran<a href="#footnote6_168"><sup>6</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag7_168" id="footnotetag7_168" href="#footnote7_168"><sup>7</sup></a>the poet.<a href="#footnote7_168"><sup>7</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag8_168" id="footnotetag8_168" href="#footnote8_168"><sup>8</sup></a>Hence +cometh Ath Tarteise ('the Ford over thy Water') and Tir +Mor Tarteise ('the Great Land over thy Water').<a href="#footnote8_168"><sup>8</sup></a> Thereafter +they fought on the upper ford <a name="footnotetag9_168" id="footnotetag9_168" href="#footnote9_168"><sup>9</sup></a>between Methè and +Cethè at the head of Tir Mor,<a href="#footnote9_168"><sup>9</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag10_168" id="footnotetag10_168" href="#footnote10_168"><sup>10</sup></a>and they were for a long +space and time at their feats wounding and striking each +other.<a href="#footnote10_168"><sup>10</sup></a></p> + +<p>Then it was that the Morrigan daughter of <a name="footnotetag11_168" id="footnotetag11_168" href="#footnote11_168"><sup>11</sup></a>Aed<a href="#footnote11_168"><sup>11</sup></a> +Ernmas came from the fairy dwellings to destroy Cuchulain. +For she had threatened on the Cattle-raid of Regomain <a name="footnotetaga_168" id="footnotetaga_168" href="#footnotea_168"><sup>a</sup></a> +that she would come to undo Cuchulain what time he would +be <a name="footnotetag13_168" id="footnotetag13_168" href="#footnote13_168"><sup>13</sup></a>in sore distress<a href="#footnote13_168"><sup>13</sup></a> when engaged in <a name="footnotetag14_168" id="footnotetag14_168" href="#footnote14_168"><sup>14</sup></a>battle and<a href="#footnote14_168"><sup>14</sup></a> +combat with a goodly warrior, <a name="footnotetag15_168" id="footnotetag15_168" href="#footnote15_168"><sup>15</sup></a>with Loch,<a href="#footnote15_168"><sup>15</sup></a> in the course +of the Cattle-spoil of Cualnge. Thither then the Morrigan +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_169" name="Page_169" title="169">169</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2293.</span> +came in the shape of a white, <a name="footnotetag1_169" id="footnotetag1_169" href="#footnote1_169"><sup>1</sup></a>hornless,<a href="#footnote1_169"><sup>1</sup></a> red-eared heifer, +with fifty heifers about her and a chain of silvered bronze +between each two of the heifers. <a name="footnotetag2_169" id="footnotetag2_169" href="#footnote2_169"><sup>2</sup></a>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."<a href="#footnote2_169"><sup>2</sup></a> +The women <a name="footnotetag3_169" id="footnotetag3_169" href="#footnote3_169"><sup>3</sup></a>came with their strange sorcery, and<a href="#footnote3_169"><sup>3</sup></a> constrained +Cuchulain by geasa and by inviolable bonds <a name="footnotetag4_169" id="footnotetag4_169" href="#footnote4_169"><sup>4</sup></a>to +check the heifer for them<a href="#footnote4_169"><sup>4</sup></a> lest she should escape from him +without harm. Cuchulain made an unerring cast <a name="footnotetag5_169" id="footnotetag5_169" href="#footnote5_169"><sup>5</sup></a>from his +sling-stick<a href="#footnote5_169"><sup>5</sup></a> at her, so that he shattered one of the Morrigan's +eyes.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag6_169" id="footnotetag6_169" href="#footnote6_169"><sup>6</sup></a>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,<a href="#footnote6_169"><sup>6</sup></a> the Morrigan came thither in the shape of a +slippery, black eel down the stream. Then she came on the +linn and she coiled <a name="footnotetag7_169" id="footnotetag7_169" href="#footnote7_169"><sup>7</sup></a>three folds<a href="#footnote7_169"><sup>7</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag8_169" id="footnotetag8_169" href="#footnote8_169"><sup>8</sup></a>and twists<a href="#footnote8_169"><sup>8</sup></a> around +the <a name="footnotetag9_169" id="footnotetag9_169" href="#footnote9_169"><sup>9</sup></a>two<a href="#footnote9_169"><sup>9</sup></a> feet <a name="footnotetag10_169" id="footnotetag10_169" href="#footnote10_169"><sup>10</sup></a>and the thighs and forks<a href="#footnote10_169"><sup>10</sup></a> of Cuchulain, +<a name="footnotetag11_169" id="footnotetag11_169" href="#footnote11_169"><sup>11</sup></a>till he was lying on his back athwart the ford<a href="#footnote11_169"><sup>11</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag12_169" id="footnotetag12_169" href="#footnote12_169"><sup>12</sup></a>and his +limbs in the air.<a href="#footnote12_169"><sup>12</sup></a></p> + +<p>While Cuchulain was busied freeing himself <a name="footnotetag13_169" id="footnotetag13_169" href="#footnote13_169"><sup>13</sup></a>and before +he was able to rise,<a href="#footnote13_169"><sup>13</sup></a> Loch wounded him crosswise +through the breast, <a name="footnotetag14_169" id="footnotetag14_169" href="#footnote14_169"><sup>14</sup></a>so that the spear<a name="footnotetaga_169" id="footnotetaga_169" href="#footnotea_169"><sup>a</sup></a> went through him<a href="#footnote14_169"><sup>14</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag15_169" id="footnotetag15_169" href="#footnote15_169"><sup>15</sup></a>and the ford was gore-red with his blood.<a href="#footnote15_169"><sup>15</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag16_169" id="footnotetag16_169" href="#footnote16_169"><sup>16</sup></a>"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!"</p> + +<p>Bricriu Nemthenga ('Of the Venom-tongue') son of Carbad +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_170" name="Page_170" title="170">170</a> +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.'<a name="footnotetag16_170" id="footnotetag16_170" href="#footnote16_169"><sup>16</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag1_170" id="footnotetag1_170" href="#footnote1_170"><sup>1</sup></a>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!"<a href="#footnote1_170"><sup>1</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_170" id="footnotetag2_170" href="#footnote2_170"><sup>2</sup></a>Then<a href="#footnote2_170"><sup>2</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag3_170" id="footnotetag3_170" href="#footnote3_170"><sup>3</sup></a>at this incitation<a href="#footnote3_170"><sup>3</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag4_170" id="footnotetag4_170" href="#footnote4_170"><sup>4</sup></a>Cuchulain arose,<a href="#footnote4_170"><sup>4</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag5_170" id="footnotetag5_170" href="#footnote5_170"><sup>5</sup></a>and +with his left heel he smote the eel on the head,<a href="#footnote5_170"><sup>5</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag6_170" id="footnotetag6_170" href="#footnote6_170"><sup>6</sup></a>so that +its ribs broke within it<a href="#footnote6_170"><sup>6</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag7_170" id="footnotetag7_170" href="#footnote7_170"><sup>7</sup></a>and he destroyed one half of its +brains after smashing half of its head.<a href="#footnote7_170"><sup>7</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag8_170" id="footnotetag8_170" href="#footnote8_170"><sup>8</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote8_170"><sup>8</sup></a></p> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 2302.</span> +The Morrigan next came in the form of a rough, grey-red +bitch-wolf <a name="footnotetag9_170" id="footnotetag9_170" href="#footnote9_170"><sup>9</sup></a>with wide open jaws<a href="#footnote9_170"><sup>9</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag10_170" id="footnotetag10_170" href="#footnote10_170"><sup>10</sup></a>and she bit Cuchulain +in the arm<a href="#footnote10_170"><sup>10</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag11_170" id="footnotetag11_170" href="#footnote11_170"><sup>11</sup></a>and drove the cattle against him westwards,<a href="#footnote11_170"><sup>11</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag12_170" id="footnotetag12_170" href="#footnote12_170"><sup>12</sup></a>and Cuchulain made a cast of his little javelin +at her, strongly, vehemently, so that it shattered one eye +in her head.<a href="#footnote12_170"><sup>12</sup></a> During this space of time, whether long or +short, while Cuchulain was engaged in freeing himself, Loch +wounded him <a name="footnotetag13_170" id="footnotetag13_170" href="#footnote13_170"><sup>13</sup></a>through the loins.<a href="#footnote13_170"><sup>13</sup></a> Thereupon Cuchulain +chanted a lay.<a name="footnotetaga_170" id="footnotetaga_170" href="#footnotea_170"><sup>a</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag14_170" id="footnotetag14_170" href="#footnote14_170"><sup>14</sup></a>Then did Cuchulain to the Morrigan the three things +he had threatened her on the Cattle-raid of Regomain,<a href="#footnote14_170"><sup>14</sup></a> +and his anger arose within him and he <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 75a.</span> wounded Loch with +the Gae Bulga ('the Barbed-spear'), so that it passed through +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_171" name="Page_171" title="171">171</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2307.</span> +his heart in his breast. <a name="footnotetag1_171" id="footnotetag1_171" href="#footnote1_171"><sup>1</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote1_171"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_171" id="footnotetag2_171" href="#footnote2_171"><sup>2</sup></a>And it pierced his body's covering, for Loch wore +a horn skin when fighting with a man,<a href="#footnote2_171"><sup>2</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag3_171" id="footnotetag3_171" href="#footnote3_171"><sup>3</sup></a>so that his farther +side was pierced clear after his heart had been thrust through +in his breast.<a href="#footnote3_171"><sup>3</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag4_171" id="footnotetag4_171" href="#footnote4_171"><sup>4</sup></a>"That is enough now," spake Loch; "I am smitten +by that.<a href="#footnote4_171"><sup>4</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag5_171" id="footnotetag5_171" href="#footnote5_171"><sup>5</sup></a>For thine honour's sake<a href="#footnote5_171"><sup>5</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag6_171" id="footnotetag6_171" href="#footnote6_171"><sup>6</sup></a>and on the truth +of thy valour and skill in arms,<a href="#footnote6_171"><sup>6</sup></a> 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 +<a name="footnotetag7_171" id="footnotetag7_171" href="#footnote7_171"><sup>7</sup></a>and permit me to rise,<a href="#footnote7_171"><sup>7</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag8_171" id="footnotetag8_171" href="#footnote8_171"><sup>8</sup></a>if I fall on my +back,<a href="#footnote8_171"><sup>8</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag9_171" id="footnotetag9_171" href="#footnote9_171"><sup>9</sup></a>true<a href="#footnote9_171"><sup>9</sup></a> warrior's prayer that +thou makest."</p> + +<p>And Cuchulain stepped back, <a name="footnotetag10_171" id="footnotetag10_171" href="#footnote10_171"><sup>10</sup></a>so that Loch fell on his +face, and his soul parted from his body and Laeg despoiled +him.<a href="#footnote10_171"><sup>10</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag11_171" id="footnotetag11_171" href="#footnote11_171"><sup>11</sup></a>Cuchulain cut off his head then.<a href="#footnote11_171"><sup>11</sup></a> Hence cometh +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_172" name="Page_172" title="172">172</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2314.</span> +the name the ford bears ever since, namely Ath Traged +('Foot-ford') in Cenn Tire Moir ('Great Headland'). +<a name="footnotetag1_172" id="footnotetag1_172" href="#footnote1_172"><sup>1</sup></a>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 Táin.<a href="#footnote1_172"><sup>1</sup></a></p> + +<p>And deep distress<a name="footnotetaga_172" id="footnotetaga_172" href="#footnotea_172"><sup>a</sup></a> possessed Cuchulain that day <a name="footnotetag2_172" id="footnotetag2_172" href="#footnote2_172"><sup>2</sup></a>more +than any other day<a href="#footnote2_172"><sup>2</sup></a> for his being all alone on the Táin, +<a name="footnotetag3_172" id="footnotetag3_172" href="#footnote3_172"><sup>3</sup></a>confronting four of the five grand provinces of Erin,<a href="#footnote3_172"><sup>3</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag4_172" id="footnotetag4_172" href="#footnote4_172"><sup>4</sup></a>and +he sank into swoons and faints.<a href="#footnote4_172"><sup>4</sup></a> Thereupon Cuchulain +enjoined upon Laeg his charioteer to go to the men of +Ulster, that they should come to defend their drove. <a name="footnotetag5_172" id="footnotetag5_172" href="#footnote5_172"><sup>5</sup></a>And, +on rising, this is what he said:<a href="#footnote5_172"><sup>5</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag6_172" id="footnotetag6_172" href="#footnote6_172"><sup>6</sup></a>"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."<a href="#footnote6_172"><sup>6</sup></a> And +weariness of heart and weakness overcame him, and he +gave utterance to a lay:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Rise, O Laeg, arouse the hosts,</div> +<div>Say for me in Emain strong:</div> +<div>I am worn each day in fight,</div> +<div>Full of wounds, and bathed in gore!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"My right side and eke my left:</div> +<div>Hard to say which suffers worse;</div> +<div>Fingin's<a name="footnotetagb_172" id="footnotetagb_172" href="#footnoteb_172"><sup>b</sup></a> hand hath touched them not,</div> +<div>Stanching blood with strips of wood!</div> +</div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_173" name="Page_173" title="173">173</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2329.</span> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Bring this word to Conchobar dear,</div> +<div>I am weak, with wounded sides.</div> +<div>Greatly has he changed in mien,</div> +<div>Dechtire's fond, rich-trooped son!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"I alone these cattle guard,</div> +<div>Leave them not, yet hold them not.</div> +<div>Ill my plight, no hope for me,</div> +<div>Thus alone on many fords!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Showers of blood rain on my arms,</div> +<div>Full of hateful wounds am I.</div> +<div>No friend comes to help me here,</div> +<div>Save my charioteer alone!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Few make music here for me,</div> +<div>Joy I've none in single horn.</div> +<div>When the mingled trumpets sound,<a name="footnotetaga_173" id="footnotetaga_173" href="#footnotea_173"><sup>a</sup></a></div> +<div>This is sweetest from the drone!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"This old saying, ages old:—</div> +<div>'Single log gives forth no flame;'</div> +<div>Let there be a two or three,</div> +<div>Up the firebrands all will blaze!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"One sole log burns not so well</div> +<div>As when one burns by its side.</div> +<div>Guile can be employed on one;</div> +<div>Single mill-stone doth not grind!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Hast not heard at every time,</div> +<div>'One is duped'?—'tis true of me.</div> +<div>That is why I cannot last</div> +<div>These long battles of the hosts!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"However small a host may be,</div> +<div>It receives some thought and pains;</div> +<div>Take but this: its daily meat</div> +<div>On one fork is never cooked!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Thus alone I've faced the host,</div> +<div>By the ford in broad Cantire;</div> +<div>Many came, both Loch and Badb,</div> +<div>As foretold in 'Regomain!'<a name="footnotetagb_173" id="footnotetagb_173" href="#footnoteb_173"><sup>b</sup></a></div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Loch has mangled my two thighs;</div> +<div>Me the grey-red wolf hath bit;</div> +<div>Loch my sides<a name="footnotetagc_173" id="footnotetagc_173" href="#footnotec_173"><sup>c</sup></a> has wounded sore,</div> +<div>And the eel has dragged me down!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"With my spear I kept her off;</div> +<div>I put out the she-wolf's eye;</div> +<div>And I broke her lower leg,</div> +<div>At the outset of the strife!</div> +</div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_174" name="Page_174" title="174">174</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2371.</span> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Then when Laeg sent Aifè's spear,<a name="footnotetaga_174" id="footnotetaga_174" href="#footnotea_174"><sup>a</sup></a></div> +<div>Down the stream—like swarm of bees—</div> +<div>That sharp deadly spear I hurled,</div> +<div>Loch, <a name="footnotetag1_174" id="footnotetag1_174" href="#footnote1_174"><sup>1</sup></a>Mobebuis'<a href="#footnote1_174"><sup>1</sup></a> son, fell there!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Will not Ulster battle give</div> +<div>To Ailill and Eocho's lass,<a name="footnotetagb_174" id="footnotetagb_174" href="#footnoteb_174"><sup>b</sup></a></div> +<div>While I linger here in pain,</div> +<div>Full of wounds and bathed in blood?</div> +</div> +</div> + +<span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 75b.</span> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Tell the splendid Ulster chiefs</div> +<div>They shall come to guard their drove.</div> +<div>Maga's sons<a name="footnotetagc_174" id="footnotetagc_174" href="#footnotec_174"><sup>c</sup></a> have seized their kine</div> +<div>And have portioned them all out!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Fight on fight—though much I vowed,</div> +<div>I have kept my word in all.</div> +<div>For pure honour's sake I fight;</div> +<div>'Tis too much to fight alone!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Vultures joyful at the breach</div> +<div>In Ailill's and in Medb's camp.</div> +<div>Mournful cries of woe are heard;</div> +<div>On Murthemne's plain is grief!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Conchobar comes not out with help;</div> +<div>In the fight, no troops of his.</div> +<div>Should one leave <i>him</i> thus alone,</div> +<div>Hard 'twould be his rage to tell!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div><a name="footnotetag1a_174" id="footnotetag1a_174" href="#footnote1a_174"><sup>1</sup></a>"Men have almost worn me out</div> +<div>In these single-handed fights;</div> +<div>Warrior's deeds I cannot do,</div> +<div>Now that I must fight alone!"<a href="#footnote1a_174"><sup>1</sup></a></div> +</div> +</div> + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_174" id="footnotetag2_174" href="#footnote2_174"><sup>2</sup></a>Although Cuchulain spoke thus, he had no strength for +Laeg to leave him.<a href="#footnote2_174"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + +<p>This then is the Combat of Loch Mor ('the Great') son +of Mofemis against Cuchulain on the Driving of the Kine +of Cualnge.</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_175" name="Page_175" title="175">175</a> + +<a name="chapter_XVI" id="chapter_XVI"></a> + +<h2>XVI. <a name="footnotetag1_175" id="footnotetag1_175" href="#footnote1_175"><sup>1</sup></a>THE VIOLATION OF THE AGREEMENT<a href="#footnote1_175"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_175" id="footnotetag2_175" href="#footnote2_175"><sup>2</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote2_175"><sup>2</sup></a> <span class="sidenoteL">W. 2400.</span> 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 name="footnotetaga_175" id="footnotetaga_175" href="#footnotea_175"><sup>a</sup></a> ('Curse') and Eraisè ('Heresy'), three druid-men +and three druid-women, <a name="footnotetag3_175" id="footnotetag3_175" href="#footnote3_175"><sup>3</sup></a>their three wives.<a href="#footnote3_175"><sup>3</sup></a> Cuchulain +attacked them, <a name="footnotetag4_175" id="footnotetag4_175" href="#footnote4_175"><sup>4</sup></a>the six of them, and struck off their +six heads,<a href="#footnote4_175"><sup>4</sup></a> so that they fell at his hands <a name="footnotetag5_175" id="footnotetag5_175" href="#footnote5_175"><sup>5</sup></a>on this side of +Ath Tire Moire ('Big Land's Ford') at Methè and Cethè.<a href="#footnote5_175"><sup>5</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag6_175" id="footnotetag6_175" href="#footnote6_175"><sup>6</sup></a>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,<a href="#footnote6_175"><sup>6</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag7_175" id="footnotetag7_175" href="#footnote7_175"><sup>7</sup></a>that is, at +Delga Murthemni. Then Cuchulain killed Fota in his field, +Bomailcè on his ford, Salach in his homestead, Muinè 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.<a href="#footnote7_175"><sup>7</sup></a></p> + +<p>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, <a name="footnotetag8_175" id="footnotetag8_175" href="#footnote8_175"><sup>8</sup></a>in Murthemne.<a href="#footnote8_175"><sup>8</sup></a> Though +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_176" name="Page_176" title="176">176</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2406.</span> +numerous were the men of Erin on that day, not one of +them durst turn his face southwards <a name="footnotetag1_176" id="footnotetag1_176" href="#footnote1_176"><sup>1</sup></a>towards Cuchulain, +towards the side where he was<a href="#footnote1_176"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_176" id="footnotetag2_176" href="#footnote2_176"><sup>2</sup></a>between Delga and the +sea,<a href="#footnote2_176"><sup>2</sup></a> whether dog, or horse, or man. <a name="footnotetag3_176" id="footnotetag3_176" href="#footnote3_176"><sup>3</sup></a>So that he slew an +hundred warriors till came the bright hour of sunrise on +the morrow.<a href="#footnote3_176"><sup>3</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_177" name="Page_177" title="177">177</a> + +<a name="chapter_XVIa" id="chapter_XVIa"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">XVIa</span>. <a name="footnotetag1_177" id="footnotetag1_177" href="#footnote1_177"><sup>1</sup></a>THE HEALING OF THE MORRIGAN<a href="#footnote1_177"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 2410.</span> +<a name="footnotetag2_177" id="footnotetag2_177" href="#footnote2_177"><sup>2</sup></a>Great weariness came over Cuchulain after that night, +and a great thirst, after his exhaustion.<a href="#footnote2_177"><sup>2</sup></a> Then it was +that the Morrigan, daughter of Emmas, came from the +fairy dwellings, in the guise of an old hag, <a name="footnotetag3_177" id="footnotetag3_177" href="#footnote3_177"><sup>3</sup></a>with wasted +knees, long-legged,<a href="#footnote3_177"><sup>3</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag4_177" id="footnotetag4_177" href="#footnote4_177"><sup>4</sup></a>blind and lame,<a href="#footnote4_177"><sup>4</sup></a> engaged in milking +a <a name="footnotetag5_177" id="footnotetag5_177" href="#footnote5_177"><sup>5</sup></a>tawny,<a href="#footnote5_177"><sup>5</sup></a> three-teated <a name="footnotetag6_177" id="footnotetag6_177" href="#footnote6_177"><sup>6</sup></a>milch<a href="#footnote6_177"><sup>6</sup></a> cow before the +eyes of Cuchulain.<a name="footnotetaga_177" id="footnotetaga_177" href="#footnotea_177"><sup>a</sup></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 <a name="footnotetag7_177" id="footnotetag7_177" href="#footnote7_177"><sup>7</sup></a>and straightway Cuchulain +drank it.<a href="#footnote7_177"><sup>7</sup></a> "May this be a cure in time for me, <a name="footnotetag8_177" id="footnotetag8_177" href="#footnote8_177"><sup>8</sup></a>old +crone," quoth Cuchulain, "and the blessing of gods and of +non-gods upon thee!" said he;<a href="#footnote8_177"><sup>8</sup></a> and one of the queen's +eyes became whole thereby. He begged the milking of +<a name="footnotetag9_177" id="footnotetag9_177" href="#footnote9_177"><sup>9</sup></a>another<a href="#footnote9_177"><sup>9</sup></a> teat. <a name="footnotetag10_177" id="footnotetag10_177" href="#footnote10_177"><sup>10</sup></a>She milked the cow's second teat and<a href="#footnote10_177"><sup>10</sup></a> +gave it to him and <a name="footnotetag11_177" id="footnotetag11_177" href="#footnote11_177"><sup>11</sup></a>he drank it and said,<a href="#footnote11_177"><sup>11</sup></a> "May she +straightway be sound that gave it." <a name="footnotetag12_177" id="footnotetag12_177" href="#footnote12_177"><sup>12</sup></a>Then her head was +healed so that it was whole.<a href="#footnote12_177"><sup>12</sup></a> He begged a third drink +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_178" name="Page_178" title="178">178</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2418.</span> +<a name="footnotetag1_178" id="footnotetag1_178" href="#footnote1_178"><sup>1</sup></a>of the hag.<a href="#footnote1_178"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_178" id="footnotetag2_178" href="#footnote2_178"><sup>2</sup></a>She milked the cow's third teat<a href="#footnote2_178"><sup>2</sup></a> and gave +him the milking of the teat <a name="footnotetag3_178" id="footnotetag3_178" href="#footnote3_178"><sup>3</sup></a>and he drank it.<a href="#footnote3_178"><sup>3</sup></a> "A +blessing on thee of gods and of non-gods, O woman! <a name="footnotetag4_178" id="footnotetag4_178" href="#footnote4_178"><sup>4</sup></a>Good +is the help and succour thou gavest me."<a href="#footnote4_178"><sup>4</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag5_178" id="footnotetag5_178" href="#footnote5_178"><sup>5</sup></a>And her +leg was made whole thereby.<a href="#footnote5_178"><sup>5</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag6_178" id="footnotetag6_178" href="#footnote6_178"><sup>6</sup></a>Now these were their +gods, the mighty folk: and these were their non-gods, the +folk of husbandry.<a href="#footnote6_178"><sup>6</sup></a> And the queen was healed <a name="footnotetag7_178" id="footnotetag7_178" href="#footnote7_178"><sup>7</sup></a>forthwith.<a href="#footnote7_178"><sup>7</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag8_178" id="footnotetag8_178" href="#footnote8_178"><sup>8</sup></a>"Well, Cuchulain,<a href="#footnote8_178"><sup>8</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag9_178" id="footnotetag9_178" href="#footnote9_178"><sup>9</sup></a>thou saidst to me," +spake the Morrigan, "I should not get healing <a name="footnotetag10_178" id="footnotetag10_178" href="#footnote10_178"><sup>10</sup></a>nor succour<a href="#footnote10_178"><sup>10</sup></a> +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.<a href="#footnote9_178"><sup>9</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag11_178" id="footnotetag11_178" href="#footnote11_178"><sup>11</sup></a>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 Sgè nah Einchi ('Crow's Bramble') +as a name of Murthemne.<a href="#footnote11_178"><sup>11</sup></a></p> + +<p>Then Medb ordered out the hundred <a name="footnotetag12_178" id="footnotetag12_178" href="#footnote12_178"><sup>12</sup></a>armed<a href="#footnote12_178"><sup>12</sup></a> warriors +<a name="footnotetag13_178" id="footnotetag13_178" href="#footnote13_178"><sup>13</sup></a>of her body-guard<a href="#footnote13_178"><sup>13</sup></a> at one and the same time to assail +Cuchulain. Cuchulain attacked them all, so that they fell +by his hand <a name="footnotetag14_178" id="footnotetag14_178" href="#footnote14_178"><sup>14</sup></a>at Ath Ceit Cuilè ('Ford of the First Crime').<a href="#footnote14_178"><sup>14</sup></a> +"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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_179" name="Page_179" title="179">179</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2426.</span> +of the Dûn') is henceforth the name of the place where they +were,<a name="footnotetag1_179" id="footnotetag1_179" href="#footnote1_179"><sup>1</sup></a> the mound whereon Medb and Ailill tarried that +night.<a href="#footnote1_179"><sup>1</sup></a> Hence Ath Cro ('Gory Ford') is the name of the +ford where they were, <a name="footnotetag2_179" id="footnotetag2_179" href="#footnote2_179"><sup>2</sup></a>and Glass Cro ('River of Gore') the +name of the stream.<a href="#footnote2_179"><sup>2</sup></a> And fittingly, too, because of the +abundance of gore and blood that went with the flow of the +river.</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_180" name="Page_180" title="180">180</a> + +<a name="chapter_XVII" id="chapter_XVII"></a> + +<h2>XVII. THE GREAT ROUT ON THE PLAIN OF MURTHEMNE FOLLOWETH HERE BELOW</h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 2431.</span> +<a name="footnotetag1_180" id="footnotetag1_180" href="#footnote1_180"><sup>1</sup></a>That night<a href="#footnote1_180"><sup>1</sup></a> 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. <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 76a.</span> 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 <a name="footnotetag2_180" id="footnotetag2_180" href="#footnote2_180"><sup>2</sup></a>and opponents, +and because of the few that were to avenge his sores and his +wounds upon them.<a href="#footnote2_180"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag3_180" id="footnotetag3_180" href="#footnote3_180"><sup>3</sup></a>Then Cuchulain arose and<a href="#footnote3_180"><sup>3</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag4_180" id="footnotetag4_180" href="#footnote4_180"><sup>4</sup></a>that he lifted on +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_181" name="Page_181" title="181">181</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2444.</span> +high,<a name="footnotetag4_181" id="footnotetag4_181" href="#footnote4_181"><sup>4</sup></a> until Nemain, <a name="footnotetag1_181" id="footnotetag1_181" href="#footnote1_181"><sup>1</sup></a>which is Badb,<a href="#footnote1_181"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag2_181" id="footnotetag2_181" href="#footnote2_181"><sup>2</sup></a>strong, stout-sturdy<a href="#footnote2_181"><sup>2</sup></a> +warriors of them fell dead that night of fright and of heartbreak +in the middle of the camp and quarters <a name="footnotetag3_181" id="footnotetag3_181" href="#footnote3_181"><sup>3</sup></a>of the men +of Erin at the awfulness of the horror and the shout which +Cuchulain lifted on high.<a href="#footnote3_181"><sup>3</sup></a></p> + +<p>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," <a href="#footnote4_181"><sup>4</sup></a>Laeg made answer.<a href="#footnote4_181"><sup>4</sup></a> +"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 name="footnotetaga_181" id="footnotetaga_181" href="#footnotea_181"><sup>a</sup></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. <a name="footnotetag5_181" id="footnotetag5_181" href="#footnote5_181"><sup>5</sup></a>A great +one-edged sword in his hand.<a href="#footnote5_181"><sup>5</sup></a> 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. <a name="footnotetag6_181" id="footnotetag6_181" href="#footnote6_181"><sup>6</sup></a>No +one shows him courtesy nor does he show courtesy to any +one,<a href="#footnote6_181"><sup>6</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag7_181" id="footnotetag7_181" href="#footnote7_181"><sup>7</sup></a>that comes<a href="#footnote7_181"><sup>7</sup></a> 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_182" name="Page_182" title="182">182</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2463.</span> +Cualnge, <a name="footnotetag1_182" id="footnotetag1_182" href="#footnote1_182"><sup>1</sup></a>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."<a href="#footnote1_182"><sup>1</sup></a></p> + +<p>Now in this, Cuchulain spoke truth. When the young +warrior was come up to Cuchulain he bespoke him and +condoled with him <a name="footnotetag2_182" id="footnotetag2_182" href="#footnote2_182"><sup>2</sup></a>for the greatness of his toil and the +length of time he had passed without sleep.<a href="#footnote2_182"><sup>2</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag3_182" id="footnotetag3_182" href="#footnote3_182"><sup>3</sup></a>"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."<a href="#footnote3_182"><sup>3</sup></a> "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." <a name="footnotetag4_182" id="footnotetag4_182" href="#footnote4_182"><sup>4</sup></a>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<a href="#footnote4_182"><sup>4</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag5_182" id="footnotetag5_182" href="#footnote5_182"><sup>5</sup></a>the Spell-chant of Lug.<a href="#footnote5_182"><sup>5</sup></a></p> + +<p>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 name="footnotetaga_182" id="footnotetaga_182" href="#footnotea_182"><sup>a</sup></a> ('Summer-end') +even to the Wednesday after Spring-beginning,<a name="footnotetagb_182" id="footnotetagb_182" href="#footnoteb_182"><sup>b</sup></a> Cuchulain +slept not for all that space, except for a brief snatch +after mid-day, leaning against his spear, and his head on his +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_183" name="Page_183" title="183">183</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2475.</span> +fist, and his fist clasping his spear, and his spear on his knee, <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 76b.</span> +but hewing and cutting, slaying and destroying four of the +five grand provinces of Erin during that time.</p> + +<p>Then it was that the warrior <a name="footnotetag1_183" id="footnotetag1_183" href="#footnote1_183"><sup>1</sup></a>from Faery<a href="#footnote1_183"><sup>1</sup></a> 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.</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_184" name="Page_184" title="184">184</a> +<a name="chapter_XVIIa" id="chapter_XVIIa"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">XVIIa</span>. THE SLAUGHTER OF THE YOUTHS OF ULSTER<a name="footnotetaga_184" id="footnotetaga_184" href="#footnotea_184"><sup>a</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 2482.</span> +That was the time the youths came out of the north from +Emain Macha <a name="footnotetag1_184" id="footnotetag1_184" href="#footnote1_184"><sup>1</sup></a>to the help of Cuchulain.<a href="#footnote1_184"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 Bethè +son of Ban—the two sons of Ailill's foster-mother and foster-father +<a name="footnotetag2_184" id="footnotetag2_184" href="#footnote2_184"><sup>2</sup></a>to whom King Ailill's diadem had been entrusted<a href="#footnote2_184"><sup>2</sup></a>—attacked +and wounded <a name="footnotetag3_184" id="footnotetag3_184" href="#footnote3_184"><sup>3</sup></a>Follomain,<a href="#footnote3_184"><sup>3</sup></a> so that he fell by their +hands. This then is the Massacre of the youths of Ulster +and of Follomain son of Conchobar.</p> + +<p>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<a name="footnotetagb_184" id="footnotetagb_184" href="#footnoteb_184"><sup>b</sup></a> wheel-thunder (?) from his crown to the ground, +and he felt his courage strengthened, and he would have +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_185" name="Page_185" title="185">185</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2497.</span> +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 +<a name="footnotetag1_185" id="footnotetag1_185" href="#footnote1_185"><sup>1</sup></a>alone,<a href="#footnote1_185"><sup>1</sup></a> Conchobar's son. And Follomain vowed +that never till the very day of doom and of life <a name="footnotetag3_185" id="footnotetag3_185" href="#footnote3_185"><sup>3</sup></a>would he +return <a name="footnotetag2_185" id="footnotetag2_185" href="#footnote2_185"><sup>2</sup></a>north<a href="#footnote2_185"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 Bethè son of Ban, after engaging in battle with +them."<a href="#footnote3_185"><sup>3</sup></a></p> + +<p>"Alas, that I was not <a name="footnotetag4_185" id="footnotetag4_185" href="#footnote4_185"><sup>4</sup></a>there<a href="#footnote4_185"><sup>4</sup></a> 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 name="footnotetaga_185" id="footnotetaga_185" href="#footnotea_185"><sup>a</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag5_185" id="footnotetag5_185" href="#footnote5_185"><sup>5</sup></a>said the young warrior;<a href="#footnote5_185"><sup>5</sup></a> "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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_186" name="Page_186" title="186">186</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2515.</span> +young warrior. <a name="footnotetag1_186" id="footnotetag1_186" href="#footnote1_186"><sup>1</sup></a>"Why so?" asked Cuchulain. "Easy +to say," replied the young warrior;<a href="#footnote1_186"><sup>1</sup></a> "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 +<a name="footnotetag2_186" id="footnotetag2_186" href="#footnote2_186"><sup>2</sup></a>and the strength of thy hands<a href="#footnote2_186"><sup>2</sup></a> alone on the hosts, for not +with them is the power over thy life on this occasion."</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag3_186" id="footnotetag3_186" href="#footnote3_186"><sup>3</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote3_186"><sup>3</sup></a> "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."</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_187" name="Page_187" title="187">187</a> + +<a name="chapter_XVIIb" id="chapter_XVIIb"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">XVIIb</span>. THE SCYTHED CHARIOT</h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 2525.</span> +Thereupon the charioteer arose and donned his yeoman's +suit for charioteering. Of this <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 77a.</span> 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 <a name="footnotetag1_187" id="footnotetag1_187" href="#footnote1_187"><sup>1</sup></a>as a gift<a href="#footnote1_187"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_187" id="footnotetag2_187" href="#footnote2_187"><sup>2</sup></a>for Darius<a href="#footnote2_187"><sup>2</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag3_187" id="footnotetag3_187" href="#footnote3_187"><sup>3</sup></a>Nero,<a href="#footnote3_187"><sup>3</sup></a> king +of the Romans. Darius bestowed it upon Conchobar; Conchobar +gave it to Cuchulain; Cuchulain presented it to +<a name="footnotetag4_187" id="footnotetag4_187" href="#footnote4_187"><sup>4</sup></a>Laeg son of Riangabair,<a href="#footnote4_187"><sup>4</sup></a> his charioteer. The same +charioteer took the crested, plated, four-bordered battle-cap +with variety of every colour and every figure, reaching +<a name="footnotetag5_187" id="footnotetag5_187" href="#footnote5_187"><sup>5</sup></a>down<a href="#footnote5_187"><sup>5</sup></a> 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.</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_188" name="Page_188" title="188">188</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 2542.</span> +He next threw the iron-sheathed gold-bedecked coats +of mail over his horses, so that they covered them from forehead +to forehand. <a name="footnotetag1_188" id="footnotetag1_188" href="#footnote1_188"><sup>1</sup></a>The chariot was<a href="#footnote1_188"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_188" id="footnotetag2_188" href="#footnote2_188"><sup>2</sup></a>studded with<a href="#footnote2_188"><sup>2</sup></a> +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.</p> + +<p>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, <a name="footnotetag3_188" id="footnotetag3_188" href="#footnote3_188"><sup>3</sup></a>and +over this veil of protection he wounded each one and +through it and behind it.<a href="#footnote3_188"><sup>3</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>Then <a name="footnotetag4_188" id="footnotetag4_188" href="#footnote4_188"><sup>4</sup></a>arose<a href="#footnote4_188"><sup>4</sup></a> the champion and battle-warrior and the +instrument of Badb's corpse-fold<a name="footnotetaga_188" id="footnotetaga_188" href="#footnotea_188"><sup>a</sup></a> among the men of the +earth,<a name="footnotetagc_188" id="footnotetagc_188" href="#footnotec_188"><sup>c</sup></a> 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<a name="footnotetagb_188" id="footnotetagb_188" href="#footnoteb_188"><sup>b</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_189" name="Page_189" title="189">189</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2562.</span> +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, <a name="footnotetag1_189" id="footnotetag1_189" href="#footnote1_189"><sup>1</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote1_189"><sup>1</sup></a> +Then the king-hero <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 77a.</span> <a name="footnotetag2_189" id="footnotetag2_189" href="#footnote2_189"><sup>2</sup></a>and king-warrior<a href="#footnote2_189"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag3_189" id="footnotetag3_189" href="#footnote3_189"><sup>3</sup></a>along with his quiver;<a href="#footnote3_189"><sup>3</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag4_189" id="footnotetag4_189" href="#footnote4_189"><sup>4</sup></a>iron<a href="#footnote4_189"><sup>4</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag5_189" id="footnotetag5_189" href="#footnote5_189"><sup>5</sup></a>wherein were four carbuncle-gems +on each point and each end to adorn it,<a href="#footnote5_189"><sup>5</sup></a> whereout +was uttered the cry of an hundred young warriors with +the long-drawn wail from each of its angles and corners. +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_190" name="Page_190" title="190">190</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2583.</span> +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, <a name="footnotetag1_190" id="footnotetag1_190" href="#footnote1_190"><sup>1</sup></a>exulting +in the mighty deeds wrought underneath it<a href="#footnote1_190"><sup>1</sup></a>. His +veil of concealment was thrown over him then, of raiment +from Tir Tairngirè ('the Land of Promise') which had been +brought to him <a name="footnotetag2_190" id="footnotetag2_190" href="#footnote2_190"><sup>2</sup></a>as a gift<a href="#footnote2_190"><sup>2</sup></a> by Manannan son of Ler ('the +Sea') from the king of Tir na Sorcha ('the Land of Light'), +<a name="footnotetag3_190" id="footnotetag3_190" href="#footnote3_190"><sup>3</sup></a>his foster-father in magic<a href="#footnote3_190"><sup>3</sup></a>. <a name="footnotetag4_190" id="footnotetag4_190" href="#footnote4_190"><sup>4</sup></a>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<a href="#footnote4_190"><sup>4</sup></a>.</p> + +<p>Then took place the first twisting-fit <a name="footnotetag5_190" id="footnotetag5_190" href="#footnote5_190"><sup>5</sup></a>and rage<a href="#footnote5_190"><sup>5</sup></a> of +<a name="footnotetag6_190" id="footnotetag6_190" href="#footnote6_190"><sup>6</sup></a>the royal hero<a href="#footnote6_190"><sup>6</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>He next made a ruddy bowl of his face and his countenance. +He gulped down one eye into his head so that it +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_191" name="Page_191" title="191">191</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2603.</span> +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, <a name="footnotetag1_191" id="footnotetag1_191" href="#footnote1_191"><sup>1</sup></a>so that +it was the size of a five-fist kettle, and he made a red berry +thereof out in front of his head.<a href="#footnote1_191"><sup>1</sup></a> His mouth was distorted +monstrously <a name="footnotetag2_191" id="footnotetag2_191" href="#footnote2_191"><sup>2</sup></a>and twisted up to his ears<a href="#footnote2_191"><sup>2</sup></a>. 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 <a name="footnotetag3_191" id="footnotetag3_191" href="#footnote3_191"><sup>3</sup></a>on its fellow<a href="#footnote3_191"><sup>3</sup></a> so that as +large as a wether's fleece of a three year old was each <a name="footnotetag4_191" id="footnotetag4_191" href="#footnote4_191"><sup>4</sup></a>red,<a href="#footnote4_191"><sup>4</sup></a> +fiery flake <a name="footnotetag5_191" id="footnotetag5_191" href="#footnote5_191"><sup>5</sup></a>which his teeth forced<a href="#footnote5_191"><sup>5</sup></a> 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. <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 78a.</span> There were seen the +<a name="footnotetaga_191" id="footnotetaga_191" href="#footnotea_191"><sup>a</sup></a>torches of the Badb,<a href="#footnotea_191"><sup>a</sup></a> and the rain clouds of poison, +and the sparks of glowing-red fire, <a name="footnotetag6_191" id="footnotetag6_191" href="#footnote6_191"><sup>6</sup></a>blazing and flashing<a href="#footnote6_191"><sup>6</sup></a> +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, <a name="footnotetag7_191" id="footnotetag7_191" href="#footnote7_191"><sup>7</sup></a>so that it was as long as his nose, +till he got furious handling the shields, thrusting out the +charioteer, destroying the hosts.<a href="#footnote7_191"><sup>7</sup></a> As high, as thick, as +strong, as steady, as long as the sail-tree of some huge +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_192" name="Page_192" title="192">192</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2623.</span> +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.</p> + +<p>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, <a name="footnotetag1_192" id="footnotetag1_192" href="#footnote1_192"><sup>1</sup></a>lacerating heads and bones and bodies, legs and +necks and shoulders.<a href="#footnote1_192"><sup>1</sup></a></p> + +<p>It was then he delivered <a name="footnotetag2_192" id="footnotetag2_192" href="#footnote2_192"><sup>2</sup></a>over his chariot<a href="#footnote2_192"><sup>2</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag3_192" id="footnotetag3_192" href="#footnote3_192"><sup>3</sup></a>while avenging on them the slaughter of the youths +and of Follomain son of Conchobar,<a href="#footnote3_192"><sup>3</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag4_192" id="footnotetag4_192" href="#footnote4_192"><sup>4</sup></a>the earth +dug up by the iron wheels<a href="#footnote4_192"><sup>4</sup></a> might have served for a dûn +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 <a name="footnotetag5_192" id="footnotetag5_192" href="#footnote5_192"><sup>5</sup></a>hedge<a href="#footnote5_192"><sup>5</sup></a> of the Badb +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_193" name="Page_193" title="193">193</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2646.</span> +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 <a name="footnotetag1_193" id="footnotetag1_193" href="#footnote1_193"><sup>1</sup></a>and +enemies and opponents<a href="#footnote1_193"><sup>1</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag2_193" id="footnotetag2_193" href="#footnote2_193"><sup>2</sup></a>arm +to arm, elbow to elbow, and rib to rib, <a name="footnotetag3_193" id="footnotetag3_193" href="#footnote3_193"><sup>3</sup></a>such was the closeness +of their bodies,<a href="#footnote3_193"><sup>3</sup></a> and there were pools of ruddy blood +where they moved.<a href="#footnote2_193"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 +Bresligè ('Great sixfold Slaughter')<a name="footnotetaga_193" id="footnotetaga_193" href="#footnotea_193"><sup>a</sup></a> is the name of this +event on the Táin, and it is one of the three unreckonable +events of the Táin, which were, to wit, Sessrech Bresligè, +Immsligè Glennamnach ('the Mutual Slaying at Glennamain'), +and the battle of Garech <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 78b.</span> and Ilgarech; only that +here, hound and horse and man were one to him <a name="footnotetag4_193" id="footnotetag4_193" href="#footnote4_193"><sup>4</sup></a>in the +great rout on Mag Murthemni that night avenging the +youths on four of the five grand provinces of Erin.<a href="#footnote4_193"><sup>4</sup></a></p> + +<p>What others say is that Lug son of Ethliu fought on +Cuchulain's side at the Sessrech Bresligè.</p> + +<p>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:—</p> + +<p>The two Cruad, two Calad, two Cir, two Ciar, two Ecell, +three Cromm, three Cur, three Combirgè, four Feochar, +four Furachar, four Cassè, four Fota, five Caur, five Cerman, +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_194" name="Page_194" title="194">194</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2679.</span> +five Cobtach, six Saxan, six Duach, six Darè, <a name="footnotetag1_194" id="footnotetag1_194" href="#footnote1_194"><sup>1</sup></a>six Dunchadh, +six Daimiach,<a href="#footnote1_194"><sup>1</sup></a> seven Rochad, seven Ronan, seven +Rurthech, eight Rochlad, eight Rochtad, eight Rindach, +<a name="footnotetag2_194" id="footnotetag2_194" href="#footnote2_194"><sup>2</sup></a>eight Corprè,<a href="#footnote2_194"><sup>2</sup></a> eight Malach, nine Daigith, nine Darè, +nine Damach, ten Fiach, ten Fiacach, ten Fedlimid.</p> + +<p>Ten and six-score<a name="footnotetagb_194" id="footnotetagb_194" href="#footnoteb_194"><sup>b</sup></a> kings, <a name="footnotetag3_194" id="footnotetag3_194" href="#footnote3_194"><sup>3</sup></a>leaders and men of the land,<a href="#footnote3_194"><sup>3</sup></a> +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 <a name="footnotetag4_194" id="footnotetag4_194" href="#footnote4_194"><sup>4</sup></a>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,<a href="#footnote4_194"><sup>4</sup></a> without +having hip-bone broken or half his skull or an eye hurt, +or without an enduring mark for the course of his life. <a name="footnotetag5_194" id="footnotetag5_194" href="#footnote5_194"><sup>5</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote5_194"><sup>5</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_195" name="Page_195" title="195">195</a> + +<a name="chapter_XVIIc" id="chapter_XVIIc"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">XVIIc</span>. <a name="footnotetag1_195" id="footnotetag1_195" href="#footnote1_195"><sup>1</sup></a>THE ACCOUNT OF THE APPEARANCE OF CUCHULAIN<a href="#footnote1_195"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 2706.</span> +<a name="footnotetag2_195" id="footnotetag2_195" href="#footnote2_195"><sup>2</sup></a>Early<a href="#footnote2_195"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 name="footnotetaga_195" id="footnotetaga_195" href="#footnotea_195"><sup>a</sup></a> for he did not consider it an honour nor becoming, +the <a name="footnotetag3_195" id="footnotetag3_195" href="#footnote3_195"><sup>3</sup></a>wild,<a href="#footnote3_195"><sup>3</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>Truly fair was the youth that came there to display his +form to the hosts, Cuchulain, to wit son of Sualtaim <a name="footnotetag4_195" id="footnotetag4_195" href="#footnote4_195"><sup>4</sup></a>son +of Boefoltach ('Of little possessions') son of Morfoltach +('Of great possessions') son of Red Neil macRudhraidi.<a href="#footnote4_195"><sup>4</sup></a> +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, +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_196" name="Page_196" title="196">196</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2722.</span> +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.</p> + +<p>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 <a name="footnotetag1_196" id="footnotetag1_196" href="#footnote1_196"><sup>1</sup></a>silvered bronze or of<a href="#footnote1_196"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 79a.</span> for its +resplendence and crystal shining. A <a name="footnotetag2_196" id="footnotetag2_196" href="#footnote2_196"><sup>2</sup></a>striped<a href="#footnote2_196"><sup>2</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag3_196" id="footnotetag3_196" href="#footnote3_196"><sup>3</sup></a>with five wheels of gold on it,<a href="#footnote3_196"><sup>3</sup></a> +with a rim of pure white silver around it. A gold-hilted +hammered sword <a name="footnotetag4_196" id="footnotetag4_196" href="#footnote4_196"><sup>4</sup></a>with ivory guards, raised high at his +girdle<a href="#footnote4_196"><sup>4</sup></a> 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. <a name="footnotetag5_196" id="footnotetag5_196" href="#footnote5_196"><sup>5</sup></a>This then was a +night's attack for Cuchulain on the hosts of four of the five +provinces of Erin.<a href="#footnote5_196"><sup>5</sup></a> Medb hid her face beneath a shelter +of shields lest Cuchulain should cast at her that day.</p> + +<p>Then it was that the maidens <a name="footnotetag6_196" id="footnotetag6_196" href="#footnote6_196"><sup>6</sup></a>of Connacht<a href="#footnote6_196"><sup>6</sup></a> besought +the men of Erin to lift them up on the flat of the shields +above the warriors' shoulders; <a name="footnotetag7_196" id="footnotetag7_196" href="#footnote7_196"><sup>7</sup></a>and the women <a name="footnotetag8_196" id="footnotetag8_196" href="#footnote8_196"><sup>8</sup></a>of +Munster<a href="#footnote8_196"><sup>8</sup></a> clomb on the men<a href="#footnote7_196"><sup>7</sup></a> to behold the aspect of +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_197" name="Page_197" title="197">197</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2746.</span> +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.</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_198" name="Page_198" title="198">198</a> + +<a name="chapter_XVIId" id="chapter_XVIId"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">XVIId</span>. DUBTHACH'S JEALOUSY<a name="footnotetaga_198" id="footnotetaga_198" href="#footnotea_198"><sup>a</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 2749.</span> +<a name="footnotetag1_198" id="footnotetag1_198" href="#footnote1_198"><sup>1</sup></a>And Dubthach's wife prayed to be lifted to regard the +form of Cuchulain.<a href="#footnote1_198"><sup>1</sup></a> Then it was that jealousy, ill-will +and envy possessed Dubthach Doel ('the Black-tongue')<a name="footnotetagb_198" id="footnotetagb_198" href="#footnoteb_198"><sup>b</sup></a> +of Ulster because of his wife <a name="footnotetag2_198" id="footnotetag2_198" href="#footnote2_198"><sup>2</sup></a>in regard to Cuchulain; for +he saw his wife climb on the men to get a glimpse of Cuchulain;<a href="#footnote2_198"><sup>2</sup></a> +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:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"If this be the Twisted one,</div> +<div>By him shall men's bodies fall;</div> +<div>Shrieks there shall be round the liss;</div> +<div>Deeds to tell of shall be wrought!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Stones shall be on graves from him;</div> +<div>Kingly martyrs shall increase.</div> +<div>Not well have ye battle found</div> +<div>On the slopes with this wild Hound!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div><a name="footnotetag3_198" id="footnotetag3_198" href="#footnote3_198"><sup>3</sup></a>"If this be the Twisted one,</div> +<div>Men shall soon be slain by him;</div> +<div>'Neath his feet shall corpses lie;</div> +<div>Under bushes mantles white!<a href="#footnote3_198"><sup>3</sup></a></div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Now the Wildman's form I see,</div> +<div>Nine<a name="footnotetagc_198" id="footnotetagc_198" href="#footnotec_198"><sup>c</sup></a> heads dangling by his side;</div> +<div>Shattered spoils he has, behold;</div> +<div>Ten<a name="footnotetagd_198" id="footnotetagd_198" href="#footnoted_198"><sup>d</sup></a> heads as his treasure great!</div> +</div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_199" name="Page_199" title="199">199</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2766.</span> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"And your women, too, I see,</div> +<div>Raise their heads above the lines;</div> +<div>I behold your puissant queen</div> +<div>Makes no move t'engage in fight!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Were it mine to give advice,</div> +<div>Men would be on every side,</div> +<div>That they soon might end his life;</div> +<div>If this be the Twisted one!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>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:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"If this 'Black-tongue' Dubthach be,</div> +<div>Let him skulk behind the hosts;</div> +<div>No good hath he ever wrought,</div> +<div>Since he slew the princesses!<a name="footnotetaga_199" id="footnotetaga_199" href="#footnotea_199"><sup>a</sup></a></div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Base and foul, the deed he wrought:</div> +<div>Fiachu, Conchobar's son, he slew.</div> +<div>No more fair was heard of him:</div> +<div>Carbrè's death, Fedilmid's son!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Ne'er for Ulster's weal doth aim</div> +<div>Lugaid's son, Casruba's scion;<a name="footnotetagb_199" id="footnotetagb_199" href="#footnoteb_199"><sup>b</sup></a></div> +<div>Such is how he acts to men:</div> +<div>Whom he stabs not he incites!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Ulster's exiles it would grieve</div> +<div>If their beardless boy<a name="footnotetagc_199" id="footnotetagc_199" href="#footnotec_199"><sup>c</sup></a> should fall.</div> +<div>If on you come Ulster's troops</div> +<div>They will make your herds their spoil!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Strewn afar your herds will be</div> +<div>By the rising Ulstermen.</div> +<div>Tales there'll be of mighty deeds</div> +<div>That will tell of far-famed queens!</div> +</div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_200" name="Page_200" title="200">200</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2800.</span> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div><a name="footnotetag1_200" id="footnotetag1_200" href="#footnote1_200"><sup>1</sup></a>"Corpses will be under foot,<a href="#footnote1_200"><sup>1</sup></a></div> +<div><a name="footnotetag2_200" id="footnotetag2_200" href="#footnote2_200"><sup>2</sup></a>Food there'll be at ravens' rests;<a href="#footnote2_200"><sup>2</sup></a></div> +<div>Bucklers lying on the slopes;</div> +<div>Wild and furious deeds increase!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div><a name="footnotetag3_200" id="footnotetag3_200" href="#footnote3_200"><sup>3</sup></a>"I behold just now your wives</div> +<div>Raise their heads above the ranks.</div> +<div>I behold your puissant queen</div> +<div>Moves not to engage in war!<a href="#footnote3_200"><sup>3</sup></a></div> +</div> +</div> + +<span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 79b.</span> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Valour none nor generous deed</div> +<div>Comes from Lugaid's craven son;</div> +<div>Nor will kings see lances red,</div> +<div>If this 'Black-tongue' Dubthach be!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Thus far 'The Scythed Chariot.'<a name="footnotetaga_200" id="footnotetaga_200" href="#footnotea_200"><sup>a</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_201" name="Page_201" title="201">201</a> + +<a name="chapter_XVIII" id="chapter_XVIII"></a> + +<h2>XVIII. <a name="footnotetag1_201" id="footnotetag1_201" href="#footnote1_201"><sup>1</sup></a>THE SLAYING OF OENGUS SON OF OENLAM<a href="#footnote1_201"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 2814.</span> +Then it was that a very bold young warrior of the Ulstermen +came nigh the hosts; his bye-name was Oengus son of +Oenlam Gabè ('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. <a name="footnotetag2_201" id="footnotetag2_201" href="#footnote2_201"><sup>2</sup></a>And he suffered them not +to go by, but he showered them with stones.<a href="#footnote2_201"><sup>2</sup></a> What scholars +say is: If Oengus son of Oenlam Gabè had fought them in +single combat, <a name="footnotetag3_201" id="footnotetag3_201" href="#footnote3_201"><sup>3</sup></a>two-thirds of<a href="#footnote3_201"><sup>3</sup></a> the host would have fallen +before that by him in single battle <a name="footnotetag4_201" id="footnotetag4_201" href="#footnote4_201"><sup>4</sup></a>at Emain Macha.<a href="#footnote4_201"><sup>4</sup></a> +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 <a name="footnotetag5_201" id="footnotetag5_201" href="#footnote5_201"><sup>5</sup></a>in unequal fight<a href="#footnote5_201"><sup>5</sup></a> at Ath da Fert in Sliab Fuait.</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_202" name="Page_202" title="202">202</a> + +<a name="chapter_XVIIIa" id="chapter_XVIIIa"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">XVIIIa</span>. HERE NOW IS TOLD THE MISTHROW AT BELACH EOIN.</h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 2823.</span> +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 Manè Andoè ('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 Manè Andoè came, and Dochè son of Maga along +with him. When now Dochè 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 +Dochè macMagach, so that it went through his own friend, +through Manè Andoè 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.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag1_202" id="footnotetag1_202" href="#footnote1_202"><sup>1</sup></a>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 Manè may +come with one man to parley with me, and I will go with +another man to parley with him." A while thereafter they +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_203" name="Page_203" title="203">203</a> +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 name="footnotetaga_203" id="footnotetaga_203" href="#footnotea_203"><sup>a</sup></a> from the west to meet the other bull,<a name="footnotetagb_203" id="footnotetagb_203" href="#footnoteb_203"><sup>b</sup></a> +to the end that they may encounter, since Medb has pledged +it." "I will go," says Manè, "to tell them." He takes +this message to Medb and Ailill. "This cannot be had +of Medb," Manè reported. "Let us make a fair exchange +of arms, then," says Diarmait, "if perchance that pleaseth +thee better." "I am content," replies Manè. 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').<a name="footnotetag1_203" id="footnotetag1_203" href="#footnote1_202"><sup>1</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_204" name="Page_204" title="204">204</a> + +<a name="chapter_XVIIIb" id="chapter_XVIIIb"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">XVIIIb</span>. HERE NOW FOLLOWETH THE DISGUISING OF TAMON</h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 2837.</span> +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. <a name="footnotetag1_204" id="footnotetag1_204" href="#footnote1_204"><sup>1</sup></a>Ailill's people placed +the king's diadem on the head of Tamon the fool, for Ailill +dared not wear it himself,<a href="#footnote1_204"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag2_204" id="footnotetag2_204" href="#footnote2_204"><sup>2</sup></a>his head was +broken thereby<a href="#footnote2_204"><sup>2</sup></a> and Tamon the fool was smitten lifeless +where he was on the ford. Hence Ath Tamuin ('the Ford +of a Stump') <a name="footnotetag3_204" id="footnotetag3_204" href="#footnote3_204"><sup>3</sup></a>is the name of that ford ever since<a href="#footnote3_204"><sup>3</sup></a> and 'the +Disguising of Tamon' <a name="footnotetag4_204" id="footnotetag4_204" href="#footnote4_204"><sup>4</sup></a>is the name of the tale.<a href="#footnote4_204"><sup>4</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_205" name="Page_205" title="205">205</a> + +<a name="chapter_XIX" id="chapter_XIX"></a> + +<h2>XIX. <a name="footnotetag1_205" id="footnotetag1_205" href="#footnote1_205"><sup>1</sup></a>THE BATTLE OF FERGUS AND CUCHULAIN<a href="#footnote1_205"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 2851.</span> +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!" <a name="footnotetag2_205" id="footnotetag2_205" href="#footnote2_205"><sup>2</sup></a>cried each from his place.<a href="#footnote2_205"><sup>2</sup></a> "No victim is owing +from my people, <a name="footnotetag3_205" id="footnotetag3_205" href="#footnote3_205"><sup>3</sup></a>and even if one were it would not be myself +whom ye would send as a victim in his stead.<a href="#footnote3_205"><sup>3</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag4_205" id="footnotetag4_205" href="#footnote4_205"><sup>4</sup></a>I will not be the man to go in his place to fight with Cuchulain +till the very day of doom and of life!"<a href="#footnote4_205"><sup>4</sup></a></p> + +<p>Thereupon Medb summoned Fergus to <a name="footnotetag5_205" id="footnotetag5_205" href="#footnote5_205"><sup>5</sup></a>go forth and<a href="#footnote5_205"><sup>5</sup></a> +contend and fight with Cuchulain, <a name="footnotetag6_205" id="footnotetag6_205" href="#footnote6_205"><sup>6</sup></a>to drive him off from +them on the ford<a href="#footnote6_205"><sup>6</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag7_205" id="footnotetag7_205" href="#footnote7_205"><sup>7</sup></a>at the early morning-hour<a href="#footnote7_205"><sup>7</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag8_205" id="footnotetag8_205" href="#footnote8_205"><sup>8</sup></a>on +the morrow,<a href="#footnote8_205"><sup>8</sup></a> for that the men of Erin had failed her <a name="footnotetag9_205" id="footnotetag9_205" href="#footnote9_205"><sup>9</sup></a>to go +and do battle with him.<a href="#footnote9_205"><sup>9</sup></a> "Ill would it befit me," quoth +Fergus, "to fight with a callow young lad without any +beard, and mine own disciple, <a name="footnotetag10_205" id="footnotetag10_205" href="#footnote10_205"><sup>10</sup></a>the fosterling of Ulster,<a href="#footnote10_205"><sup>10</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag11_205" id="footnotetag11_205" href="#footnote11_205"><sup>11</sup></a>the foster-child that sat on Conchobar's knee, the lad +from Craeb Ruad ('Red Branch')."<a href="#footnote11_205"><sup>11</sup></a> Howbeit Medb +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_206" name="Page_206" title="206">206</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2861.</span> +murmured sore that Fergus foreswore her combat and +battle. <a name="footnotetag1_206" id="footnotetag1_206" href="#footnote1_206"><sup>1</sup></a>They filled him with wine till he was heavily +drunken and then they questioned him about going to the +combat.<a href="#footnote1_206"><sup>1</sup></a> They bode the night in that place. Early on +the morrow Fergus arose, <a name="footnotetag2_206" id="footnotetag2_206" href="#footnote2_206"><sup>2</sup></a>since they importuned him +urgently,<a href="#footnote2_206"><sup>2</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag3_206" id="footnotetag3_206" href="#footnote3_206"><sup>3</sup></a>and his horses were got ready for him and his +chariot harnessed<a href="#footnote3_206"><sup>3</sup></a> and he fared forth to the place of combat +where Cuchulain was.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag4_206" id="footnotetag4_206" href="#footnote4_206"><sup>4</sup></a>When now<a href="#footnote4_206"><sup>4</sup></a> Cuchulain saw him coming nigh, <a name="footnotetag5_206" id="footnotetag5_206" href="#footnote5_206"><sup>5</sup></a>this is +what he said:<a href="#footnote5_206"><sup>5</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag6_206" id="footnotetag6_206" href="#footnote6_206"><sup>6</sup></a>"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."<a href="#footnote6_206"><sup>6</sup></a> +"A vain surety <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 80a.</span> 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 name="footnotetaga_206" id="footnotetaga_206" href="#footnotea_206"><sup>a</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag7_206" id="footnotetag7_206" href="#footnote7_206"><sup>7</sup></a>before the expedition of the Táin,<a href="#footnote7_206"><sup>7</sup></a> Ailill had +found Fergus going to a tryst with Medb on the hillside in +Cruachan and his sword on a <a name="footnotetag8_206" id="footnotetag8_206" href="#footnote8_206"><sup>8</sup></a>branch<a href="#footnote8_206"><sup>8</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag9_206" id="footnotetag9_206" href="#footnote9_206"><sup>9</sup></a>when +the men of Erin would clash in the great battle of the Cualnge +Cattle-raid at Garech and Ilgarech.<a href="#footnote9_206"><sup>9</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag10_206" id="footnotetag10_206" href="#footnote10_206"><sup>10</sup></a>"It is a perilous +thing for thee to come to a place of fight, O my master +Fergus, without thy sword."<a href="#footnote10_206"><sup>10</sup></a> "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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_207" name="Page_207" title="207">207</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2874.</span> +the honour and training I bestowed upon thee and the +Ulstermen and Conchobar bestowed, <a name="footnotetag1_207" id="footnotetag1_207" href="#footnote1_207"><sup>1</sup></a>by the troth of thy +valour and knighthood<a href="#footnote1_207"><sup>1</sup></a> I adjure thee, give way before me +this day in the presence of the men of Erin!" "Truly I +am loath <a name="footnotetag2_207" id="footnotetag2_207" href="#footnote2_207"><sup>2</sup></a>to do that,"<a href="#footnote2_207"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 Táin. And when I alone shall +turn in flight <a name="footnotetag3_207" id="footnotetag3_207" href="#footnote3_207"><sup>3</sup></a>before thee,<a href="#footnote3_207"><sup>3</sup></a> so will all the men of Erin +also flee <a name="footnotetag4_207" id="footnotetag4_207" href="#footnote4_207"><sup>4</sup></a>before thee in like manner."<a href="#footnote4_207"><sup>4</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag5_207" id="footnotetag5_207" href="#footnote5_207"><sup>5</sup></a>from Fergus +in the presence<a href="#footnote5_207"><sup>5</sup></a> of the men of Erin. <a name="footnotetag6_207" id="footnotetag6_207" href="#footnote6_207"><sup>6</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote6_207"><sup>6</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag7_207" id="footnotetag7_207" href="#footnote7_207"><sup>7</sup></a>When<a href="#footnote7_207"><sup>7</sup></a> the men of Erin saw that, +<a name="footnotetag8_207" id="footnotetag8_207" href="#footnote8_207"><sup>8</sup></a>they were joyful, and what they said was this:<a href="#footnote8_207"><sup>8</sup></a> "He is +fled from thee! He is fled from thee, O Fergus!" cried +all. "Pursue him, pursue him <a name="footnotetag9_207" id="footnotetag9_207" href="#footnote9_207"><sup>9</sup></a>quickly,<a href="#footnote9_207"><sup>9</sup></a> O Fergus," +Medb cried, "that he do not escape thee." "Nay then," +said Fergus, "I will pursue him no further. <a name="footnotetag10_207" id="footnotetag10_207" href="#footnote10_207"><sup>10</sup></a>It is not like +a tryst. Yon fellow is too speedy for me.<a href="#footnote10_207"><sup>10</sup></a> For however +little ye may make of the flight I have put him to, none of +the men of Erin, <a name="footnotetag11_207" id="footnotetag11_207" href="#footnote11_207"><sup>11</sup></a>not even four of the five provinces of +Erin<a href="#footnote11_207"><sup>11</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag12_207" id="footnotetag12_207" href="#footnote12_207"><sup>12</sup></a>'White<a href="#footnote12_207"><sup>12</sup></a> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_208" name="Page_208" title="208">208</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2891.</span> +Battle' of Fergus <a name="footnotetag1_208" id="footnotetag1_208" href="#footnote1_208"><sup>1</sup></a>on the Táin thus far; and it is for this +cause it is called the 'White Battle,' because no 'blood +on weapons'<a name="footnotetaga_208" id="footnotetaga_208" href="#footnotea_208"><sup>a</sup></a> resulted therefrom.<a href="#footnote1_208"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_208" id="footnotetag2_208" href="#footnote2_208"><sup>2</sup></a>They continue their +march past Cuchulain and pitch camp in Crich Roiss.<a href="#footnote2_208"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_209" name="Page_209" title="209">209</a> + +<a name="chapter_XIXa" id="chapter_XIXa"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">XIXa</span>. HERE NOW COMETH THE HEAD-PLACE OF FERCHU</h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 2893.</span> +Ferchu Longsech ('the Exile'), <a name="footnotetag1_209" id="footnotetag1_209" href="#footnote1_209"><sup>1</sup></a>a wonderful warrior +from Loch Ce, outlawed from his land by Ailill and Medb,<a href="#footnote1_209"><sup>1</sup></a> +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 name="footnotetaga_209" id="footnotetaga_209" href="#footnotea_209"><sup>a</sup></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." <a name="footnotetag2_209" id="footnotetag2_209" href="#footnote2_209"><sup>2</sup></a>He made +no doubt that if Cuchulain fell through him, the eastern +territory of Connacht would be his.<a href="#footnote2_209"><sup>2</sup></a> Now this was the +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_210" name="Page_210" title="210">210</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2908.</span> +resolve they took, and they proceeded to where Cuchulain +was <a name="footnotetag1_210" id="footnotetag1_210" href="#footnote1_210"><sup>1</sup></a>at Ath Aladh ('Speckled Ford') on the Plain of +Murthemne.<a href="#footnote1_210"><sup>1</sup></a> And when they came, <a name="footnotetag2_210" id="footnotetag2_210" href="#footnote2_210"><sup>2</sup></a>they espied the lone +warrior and knew that it was Cuchulain.<a href="#footnote2_210"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag3_210" id="footnotetag3_210" href="#footnote3_210"><sup>3</sup></a>so that +their spears sank up to their middles into his shield.<a href="#footnote3_210"><sup>3</sup></a> Cuchulain +on his part <a name="footnotetag4_210" id="footnotetag4_210" href="#footnote4_210"><sup>4</sup></a>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<a href="#footnote4_210"><sup>4</sup></a> turned on +them, <a name="footnotetag5_210" id="footnotetag5_210" href="#footnote5_210"><sup>5</sup></a>front and back, to the left and the right,<a href="#footnote5_210"><sup>5</sup></a> and +straightway he smote off their twelve heads; <a name="footnotetag6_210" id="footnotetag6_210" href="#footnote6_210"><sup>6</sup></a>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,<a href="#footnote6_210"><sup>6</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag7_210" id="footnotetag7_210" href="#footnote7_210"><sup>7</sup></a>and Cuchulain +cut off Ferchu's head to the east of the ford.<a href="#footnote7_210"><sup>7</sup></a> +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 <a name="footnotetag8_210" id="footnotetag8_210" href="#footnote8_210"><sup>8</sup></a>henceforth the name of<a href="#footnote8_210"><sup>8</sup></a> the +place where Ferchu Longsech left his head <a name="footnotetag9_210" id="footnotetag9_210" href="#footnote9_210"><sup>9</sup></a>and his +twelve men theirs and their arms and their trophies,<a href="#footnote9_210"><sup>9</sup></a> to +wit, Cenn-aitt Ferchon ('the Head-place of Ferchu').</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_211" name="Page_211" title="211">211</a> + +<a name="chapter_XIXb" id="chapter_XIXb"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">XIXb</span>. <a name="footnotetag1_211" id="footnotetag1_211" href="#footnote1_211"><sup>1</sup></a>MANN'S FIGHT<a href="#footnote1_211"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><a href="#footnote2_210"><sup>2</sup></a>Medb despatched Mann son of Muresc son of Darè, 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."</p> + +<p>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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_212" name="Page_212" title="212">212</a> +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').<a name="footnotetag2_211" id="footnotetag2_211" href="#footnote2_211"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_213" name="Page_213" title="213">213</a> + +<a name="chapter_XIXc" id="chapter_XIXc"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">XIXc</span>. <a name="footnotetag1_213" id="footnotetag1_213" href="#footnote1_213"><sup>1</sup></a>THE COMBAT OF CALATIN'S CHILDREN<a href="#footnote1_213"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 2918.</span> +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 name="footnotetaga_213" id="footnotetaga_213" href="#footnotea_213"><sup>a</sup></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 <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 80b.</span> <a name="footnotetag2_213" id="footnotetag2_213" href="#footnote2_213"><sup>2</sup></a>with Cuchulain.<a href="#footnote2_213"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag3_213" id="footnotetag3_213" href="#footnote3_213"><sup>3</sup></a>all<a href="#footnote3_213"><sup>3</sup></a> contended was that they +would hold it as a single combat, <a name="footnotetag4_213" id="footnotetag4_213" href="#footnote4_213"><sup>4</sup></a>a combat, to wit, of<a href="#footnote4_213"><sup>4</sup></a> +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.</p> + +<p>Fergus betook himself to his tent and to his people and +he breathed his sigh of weariness aloud. "Grievous it +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_214" name="Page_214" title="214">214</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2935.</span> +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 <a name="footnotetag1_214" id="footnotetag1_214" href="#footnote1_214"><sup>1</sup></a>of you<a href="#footnote1_214"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 Ferfebè.</p> + +<p>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 Ferfebè. +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 <a name="footnotetag2_214" id="footnotetag2_214" href="#footnote2_214"><sup>2</sup></a>his<a href="#footnote2_214"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_215" name="Page_215" title="215">215</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2962.</span> +alive <a name="footnotetag1_215" id="footnotetag1_215" href="#footnote1_215"><sup>1</sup></a>in the camp<a href="#footnote1_215"><sup>1</sup></a> of those that were not asleep but heard +it. Then <a name="footnotetag2_215" id="footnotetag2_215" href="#footnote2_215"><sup>2</sup></a>when they all had reached for their swords,<a href="#footnote2_215"><sup>2</sup></a> +came Fiachu son of Ferfebè <a name="footnotetag3_215" id="footnotetag3_215" href="#footnote3_215"><sup>3</sup></a>after them out of the camp,<a href="#footnote3_215"><sup>3</sup></a> +and he saw what they did and a qualm of <a name="footnotetag4_215" id="footnotetag4_215" href="#footnote4_215"><sup>4</sup></a>love and<a href="#footnote4_215"><sup>4</sup></a> +the bond of kindred came over him, and <a name="footnotetag5_215" id="footnotetag5_215" href="#footnote5_215"><sup>5</sup></a>when he saw +all their hands raised against Cuchulain, he leaped from +his chariot and<a href="#footnote5_215"><sup>5</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>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, <a name="footnotetag6_215" id="footnotetag6_215" href="#footnote6_215"><sup>6</sup></a>what +thou hast done,"<a href="#footnote6_215"><sup>6</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag7_215" id="footnotetag7_215" href="#footnote7_215"><sup>7</sup></a>nevertheless this small thing is a breach of covenant +in us men of Ulster. If one of Calatin's children +reaches the camp,<a href="#footnote7_215"><sup>7</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag8_215" id="footnotetag8_215" href="#footnote8_215"><sup>8</sup></a>not a man of them shall reach the camp +alive,<a href="#footnote8_215"><sup>8</sup></a> and unless thou thyself tellest the tale not one of +these ever will tell it!"</p> + +<p>With that, Cuchulain turned on them, and he fell to +smiting and hewing them, so that he sent them <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 81a.</span> 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_216" name="Page_216" title="216">216</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 2981.</span> +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 name="footnotetaga_216" id="footnotetaga_216" href="#footnotea_216"><sup>a</sup></a> when Cuchulain fetched +him a stroke that cut off his head.</p> + +<p>"'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!"</p> + +<p>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 <a name="footnotetag1_216" id="footnotetag1_216" href="#footnote1_216"><sup>1</sup></a>and the two sons of Ficcè +with them, two bold warriors of Ulster who had come to +use their strength on the host.<a href="#footnote1_216"><sup>1</sup></a> So that for evermore in +the bed of the ford is still the rock whereabout they had +their strife and struggle <a name="footnotetag2_216" id="footnotetag2_216" href="#footnote2_216"><sup>2</sup></a>and their slaughtering of each +other;<a href="#footnote2_216"><sup>2</sup></a> and the mark of their sword-hilts is in it and of +their knees and their elbows <a name="footnotetag3_216" id="footnotetag3_216" href="#footnote3_216"><sup>3</sup></a>and their fists<a href="#footnote3_216"><sup>3</sup></a> and the butt-ends +of their spears. <a name="footnotetag4_216" id="footnotetag4_216" href="#footnote4_216"><sup>4</sup></a>And their nine and twenty standing +stones were set up there.<a href="#footnote4_216"><sup>4</sup></a> Hence Fuil Iairn ('Blood of +Iron') to the west<a name="footnotetagb_216" id="footnotetagb_216" href="#footnoteb_216"><sup>b</sup></a> 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'<a name="footnotetagc_216" id="footnotetagc_216" href="#footnotec_216"><sup>c</sup></a> that was there.</p> + +<p>Thus far then <a name="footnotetag5_216" id="footnotetag5_216" href="#footnote5_216"><sup>5</sup></a>this exploit on the Táin,<a href="#footnote5_216"><sup>5</sup></a> the Combat +of the Clann Calatin <a name="footnotetag6_216" id="footnotetag6_216" href="#footnote6_216"><sup>6</sup></a>of his children and his grandson +with Cuchulain,<a href="#footnote6_216"><sup>6</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag7_216" id="footnotetag7_216" href="#footnote7_216"><sup>7</sup></a>when they went to do battle with Cuchulain.<a href="#footnote7_216"><sup>7</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_217" name="Page_217" title="217">217</a> + +<a name="chapter_XX" id="chapter_XX"></a> + +<h2>XX. THE COMBAT OF FERDIAD <a name="footnotetag1_217" id="footnotetag1_217" href="#footnote1_217"><sup>1</sup></a>AND CUCHULAIN<a href="#footnote1_217"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_217" id="footnotetag2_217" href="#footnote2_217"><sup>2</sup></a>The four grand provinces of Erin were side by side and +against Cuchulain, from Monday before Samain-tide<a name="footnotetaga_217" id="footnotetaga_217" href="#footnotea_217"><sup>a</sup></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.<a href="#footnote2_217"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 3001.</span> +Then the men of Erin took counsel who would be fit <a name="footnotetag3_217" id="footnotetag3_217" href="#footnote3_217"><sup>3</sup></a>to +send to the ford<a href="#footnote3_217"><sup>3</sup></a> to fight and do battle with Cuchulain, +<a name="footnotetag4_217" id="footnotetag4_217" href="#footnote4_217"><sup>4</sup></a>to drive him off from them<a href="#footnote4_217"><sup>4</sup></a> at the morning hour early +on the morrow.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag5_217" id="footnotetag5_217" href="#footnote5_217"><sup>5</sup></a>With one accord<a href="#footnote5_217"><sup>5</sup></a> they declared that it should be +Ferdiad son of Daman son of Darè, the great and valiant +warrior of the men of Domnann, <a name="footnotetag6_217" id="footnotetag6_217" href="#footnote6_217"><sup>6</sup></a>the horn-skin from Irrus +Domnann, the irresistible force, and the battle-rock of +destruction, the own, dear, foster-brother of Cuchulain.<a href="#footnote6_217"><sup>6</sup></a> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_218" name="Page_218" title="218">218</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 3005.</span> +<a name="footnotetag1_218" id="footnotetag1_218" href="#footnote1_218"><sup>1</sup></a>And fitting it was for him to go thither,<a href="#footnote1_218"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 Aifè +('the Handsome'). <a name="footnotetag2_218" id="footnotetag2_218" href="#footnote2_218"><sup>2</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote2_218"><sup>2</sup></a> +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; <a name="footnotetag3_218" id="footnotetag3_218" href="#footnote3_218"><sup>3</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote3_218"><sup>3</sup></a></p> + +<p>Then were messengers and envoys sent <a name="footnotetag4_218" id="footnotetag4_218" href="#footnote4_218"><sup>4</sup></a>from Medb and +Ailill<a href="#footnote4_218"><sup>4</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag5_218" id="footnotetag5_218" href="#footnote5_218"><sup>5</sup></a>Cuchulain.<a href="#footnote5_218"><sup>5</sup></a></p> + +<p>Then did Medb despatch the druids <a name="footnotetag6_218" id="footnotetag6_218" href="#footnote6_218"><sup>6</sup></a>and the poets of the +camp,<a href="#footnote6_218"><sup>6</sup></a> the lampoonists and hard-attackers,<a name="footnotetaga_218" id="footnotetaga_218" href="#footnotea_218"><sup>a</sup></a> for Ferdiad, to +the end that they might make three satires to stay him +and three scoffing speeches against him, <a name="footnotetag7_218" id="footnotetag7_218" href="#footnote7_218"><sup>7</sup></a>to mock at him +and revile and disgrace him,<a href="#footnote7_218"><sup>7</sup></a> that they might raise three +blisters on his face, Blame, Blemish and Disgrace, <a name="footnotetag8_218" id="footnotetag8_218" href="#footnote8_218"><sup>8</sup></a>that +he might not find a place in the world to lay his head,<a href="#footnote8_218"><sup>8</sup></a> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_219" name="Page_219" title="219">219</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 3021.</span> +if he came not <a name="footnotetag1_219" id="footnotetag1_219" href="#footnote1_219"><sup>1</sup></a>with them<a href="#footnote1_219"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_219" id="footnotetag2_219" href="#footnote2_219"><sup>2</sup></a>to the tent of Medb and +Ailill on the foray.<a href="#footnote2_219"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + +<p>Ferdiad came with them for the sake of his own honour +and <a name="footnotetag3_219" id="footnotetag3_219" href="#footnote3_219"><sup>3</sup></a>for fear of their bringing shame on him,<a href="#footnote3_219"><sup>3</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag4_219" id="footnotetag4_219" href="#footnote4_219"><sup>4</sup></a>Ferdiad<a href="#footnote4_219"><sup>4</sup></a> was come <a name="footnotetag5_219" id="footnotetag5_219" href="#footnote5_219"><sup>5</sup></a>into the +camp,<a href="#footnote5_219"><sup>5</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag6_219" id="footnotetag6_219" href="#footnote6_219"><sup>6</sup></a>Medb and Ailill beheld him, and great and most +wonderful joy possessed them, and they sent him to where +their trusty people were, and <a href="#footnote6_219"><sup>6</sup></a>he was honoured and waited +on, and choice, well-flavoured strong liquor was poured +out for him till he became drunken and merry. <a name="footnotetag7_219" id="footnotetag7_219" href="#footnote7_219"><sup>7</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote7_219"><sup>7</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag8_219" id="footnotetag8_219" href="#footnote8_219"><sup>8</sup></a>And when Medb got Ferdiad drunken and merry,<a href="#footnote8_219"><sup>8</sup></a> great +rewards were promised him if he would make the fight and +combat.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag9_219" id="footnotetag9_219" href="#footnote9_219"><sup>9</sup></a>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<a href="#footnote9_219"><sup>9</sup></a> a chariot worth four<a name="footnotetaga_219" id="footnotetaga_219" href="#footnotea_219"><sup>a</sup></a> times seven bondmaids, and +the apparel of two men and ten men, of cloth of every colour, +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_220" name="Page_220" title="220">220</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 3028.</span> +and the equivalent <a name="footnotetag1_220" id="footnotetag1_220" href="#footnote1_220"><sup>1</sup></a>of the Plain of Murthemne<a href="#footnote1_220"><sup>1</sup></a> of the +rich Plain of Ai, <a name="footnotetag2_220" id="footnotetag2_220" href="#footnote2_220"><sup>2</sup></a>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,<a href="#footnote2_220"><sup>2</sup></a> free of +tribute, free of rent, without constraint to encamp or take +part in our expeditions, <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 81b.</span> without duress for <a name="footnotetag3_220" id="footnotetag3_220" href="#footnote3_220"><sup>3</sup></a>thy son, or +for thy grandson, or for thy great-grandson, till the end +of time and existence;<a href="#footnote3_220"><sup>3</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag4_220" id="footnotetag4_220" href="#footnote4_220"><sup>4</sup></a>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;<a href="#footnote4_220"><sup>4</sup></a> Finnabair, <a name="footnotetag5_220" id="footnotetag5_220" href="#footnote5_220"><sup>5</sup></a>my daughter and Ailill's,<a href="#footnote5_220"><sup>5</sup></a> to be +thine own one wife, <a name="footnotetag6_220" id="footnotetag6_220" href="#footnote6_220"><sup>6</sup></a>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!"<a href="#footnote6_220"><sup>6</sup></a></p> + +<p>Such were the words of Medb, and she spake them here +and Ferdiad responded:—</p> + +<p>Medb:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Great rewards in arm-rings,</div> +<div>Share of plain and forest,</div> +<div>Freedom of thy children</div> +<div> From this day till doom!</div> +<div>Ferdiad son of Daman,</div> +<div>More than thou couldst hope for,</div> +<div>Why shouldst thou refuse it,</div> +<div> That which all would take?"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Ferdiad:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Naught I'll take without bond—</div> +<div>No ill spearman am I—</div> +<div>Hard on me to-morrow:</div> +<div> Great will be the strife!</div> +<div>Hound that's hight of Culann,</div> +<div>How his thrust is grievous!</div> +<div>No soft thing to stand him;</div> +<div> Rude will be the wound!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_221" name="Page_221" title="221">221</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 3056.</span> + +<p>Medb:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Champions will be surety,</div> +<div>Thou needst not keep hostings.</div> +<div>Reins and splendid horses</div> +<div> Shall be given as pledge!</div> +<div>Ferdiad, good, of battle,</div> +<div>For that thou art dauntless,</div> +<div>Thou shalt be my lover,</div> +<div> Past all, free of cain!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Ferdiad:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Without bond I'll go not</div> +<div>To engage in ford-feats;</div> +<div>It will live till doomsday</div> +<div> In full strength and force.</div> +<div>Ne'er I'll yield—who hears me,</div> +<div>Whoe'er counts upon me—</div> +<div>Without sun- and moon-oath,</div> +<div> Without sea and land!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Medb:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Why then dost delay it?</div> +<div>Bind it as it please thee,</div> +<div>By kings' hands and princes',</div> +<div> Who will stand for thee!</div> +<div>Lo, I will repay thee,<a name="footnotetaga_221" id="footnotetaga_221" href="#footnotea_221"><sup>a</sup></a></div> +<div>Thou shalt have thine asking,</div> +<div>For I know thou'lt slaughter</div> +<div> Man that meeteth thee!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Ferdiad:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Nay, without six sureties—</div> +<div>It shall not be fewer—</div> +<div>Ere I do my exploits</div> +<div> There where hosts will be!</div> +<div>Should my will be granted,</div> +<div>I swear, though unequal,</div> +<div>That I'll meet in combat</div> +<div> Cuchulain the brave!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Medb:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Domnall, then, or Carbrè,</div> +<div>Niaman famed for slaughter,</div> +<div>Or e'en folk of barddom,</div> +<div> Natheless, thou shalt have.</div> +<div>Bind thyself on Morann,</div> +<div>Wouldst thou its fulfilment,</div> +<div>Bind on smooth Man's Carbrè,</div> +<div> And our two sons, bind!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Ferdiad:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Medb, with wealth of cunning,</div> +<div>Whom no spouse can bridle,</div> +<div>Thou it is that herdest</div> +<div> Cruachan of the mounds!</div> +<div>High thy fame and wild power!</div> +<div>Mine the fine pied satin;</div> +<div>Give thy gold and silver,</div> +<div> Which were proffered me!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_222" name="Page_222" title="222">222</a> +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 3100.</span>Medb:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"To thee, foremost champion,</div> +<div>I will give my ringed brooch.</div> +<div>From this day till Sunday,</div> +<div> Shall thy respite be!</div> +<div>Warrior, mighty, famous,</div> +<div>All the earth's fair treasures</div> +<div>Shall to thee be given;</div> +<div> Everything be thine!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Finnabair of the champions (?),</div> +<div>Queen of western Erin,</div> +<div>When thou'st slain the Smith's Hound,</div> +<div>Ferdiad, she's thine!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Ferdiad:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div><a name="footnotetag1_222" id="footnotetag1_222" href="#footnote1_222"><sup>1</sup></a>"Should I have Finnabair to wife,</div> +<div>Falls of Ai and Cruachan too,</div> +<div>And to dwell for alway there,</div> +<div>I'd not seek the deedful Hound!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Equal skill to me and him—"</div> +<div>Thus spake Ferdiad withal—</div> +<div>"The same nurses raised us<a name="footnotetaga_222" id="footnotetaga_222" href="#footnotea_222"><sup>a</sup></a> both,</div> +<div>And with them we learned our art.</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Not for fear of battle hard,</div> +<div>Noble Eocho Fedlech's maid,</div> +<div>Would I shun the Blacksmith's Hound,</div> +<div>But my heart bleeds for his love!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Medb:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Thou shalt have, dear, bright-scaled<a name="footnotetagb_222" id="footnotetagb_222" href="#footnoteb_222"><sup>b</sup></a> man,<a name="footnotetagc_222" id="footnotetagc_222" href="#footnotec_222"><sup>c</sup></a></div> +<div>One swift, proud, high-mettled steed.</div> +<div>Thou shalt have domains and land</div> +<div>And shalt stay not from the fight (?)!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Ferdiad:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"But that Medb entreated so,</div> +<div>And that poets' tongues did urge,</div> +<div>I'd not go for hard rewards</div> +<div>To contend with mine own friend!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Medb:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Son of Daman of white cheeks,</div> +<div>Shouldst thou check this heroes' Hound,</div> +<div>E'er so long thy fame will live,</div> +<div>When thou comest from Ferdiad's Ford!"<a href="#footnote1_222"><sup>1</sup></a></div> +</div> +</div> + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_222" id="footnotetag2_222" href="#footnote2_222"><sup>2</sup></a>Then said they, one and all, those gifts were great. +<a name="footnotetag3_222" id="footnotetag3_222" href="#footnote3_222"><sup>3</sup></a>"'Tis true, they are great.<a href="#footnote3_222"><sup>3</sup></a> But though they are," said +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_223" name="Page_223" title="223">223</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 3113.</span> +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, <a name="footnotetag1_223" id="footnotetag1_223" href="#footnote1_223"><sup>1</sup></a>and +my equal in skill of arms,<a href="#footnote1_223"><sup>1</sup></a> namely, with Cuchulain." And +he said:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Greatest toil, <a name="footnotetag2_223" id="footnotetag2_223" href="#footnote2_223"><sup>2</sup></a>this, greatest toil,<a href="#footnote2_223"><sup>2</sup></a></div> +<div>Battle with the Hound of gore!</div> +<div>Liefer would I battle twice</div> +<div>With two hundred men of Fal!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Sad the fight, <a href="#footnote2_223"><sup>2</sup></a>and sad the fight,<a href="#footnote2_223"><sup>2</sup></a></div> +<div>I and Hound of feats shall wage!</div> +<div>We shall hack both flesh and blood;</div> +<div>Skin and body we shall hew!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Sad, O god, <a href="#footnote2_223"><sup>2</sup></a>yea, sad, O god,<a href="#footnote2_223"><sup>2</sup></a></div> +<div>That a woman should us part!</div> +<div>My heart's half, the blameless Hound;</div> +<div>Half the brave Hound's heart am I!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"By my shield, <a href="#footnote2_223"><sup>2</sup></a>O, by my shield,<a href="#footnote2_223"><sup>2</sup></a></div> +<div>If Ath Cliath's brave Hound should fall,</div> +<div>I will drive my slender glaive</div> +<div>Through my heart, my side, my breast!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"By my sword, <a href="#footnote2_223"><sup>2</sup></a>O, by my sword,<a href="#footnote2_223"><sup>2</sup></a></div> +<div>If the Hound of Glen Bolg fall!</div> +<div>No man after him I'll slay,</div> +<div>Till I o'er the world's brink spring!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"By my hand, <a href="#footnote2_223"><sup>2</sup></a>O, by my hand!<a href="#footnote2_223"><sup>2</sup></a></div> +<div>Falls the Hound of Glen in Sgail,</div> +<div>Medb with all her host I'll kill,</div> +<div>And then no more men of Fal!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"By my spear, <a href="#footnote2_223"><sup>2</sup></a>O, by my spear!<a href="#footnote2_223"><sup>2</sup></a></div> +<div>Should Ath Cro's brave Hound be slain,</div> +<div>I'll be buried in his grave;</div> +<div>May one grave hide me and him!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div><a name="footnotetag3_223" id="footnotetag3_223" href="#footnote3_223"><sup>3</sup></a>"Liefer would I, <a href="#footnote2_223"><sup>2</sup></a>liefer far,<a href="#footnote2_223"><sup>2</sup></a></div> +<div>Arms should slay me in fierce fight,</div> +<div>Than the death of heroes' Hound,"<a name="footnotetaga_223" id="footnotetaga_223" href="#footnotea_223"><sup>a</sup></a></div> +<div>Should be food for ravenous birds?<a href="#footnote3_223"><sup>3</sup></a></div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div> "Tell him this, <a href="#footnote2_223"><sup>2</sup></a>O, tell him this,<a href="#footnote2_223"><sup>2</sup></a></div> +<div>To the Hound of beauteous hue,</div> +<div>Fearless Scathach hath foretold</div> +<div>My fall on a ford through him!</div> +</div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_224" name="Page_224" title="224">224</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 3149.</span> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Woe to Medb, <a name="footnotetag1_224" id="footnotetag1_224" href="#footnote1_224"><sup>1</sup></a>yea, woe to Medb,<a href="#footnote1_224"><sup>1</sup></a></div> +<div>Who hath used her <a name="footnotetag3_224" id="footnotetag3_224" href="#footnote3_224"><sup>3</sup></a>guile<a href="#footnote3_224"><sup>3</sup></a> on us;</div> +<div>She hath set me face to face</div> +<div>'Gainst Cuchulain—hard the toil!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>"Ye men," spake Medb, in the wonted fashion of stirring +up disunion and dissension, <a name="footnotetag4_224" id="footnotetag4_224" href="#footnote4_224"><sup>4</sup></a>as if she had not heard Ferdiad +at all,<a href="#footnote4_224"><sup>4</sup></a> "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 <a name="footnotetag5_224" id="footnotetag5_224" href="#footnote5_224"><sup>5</sup></a>by day or +by night.<a href="#footnote5_224"><sup>5</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag6_224" id="footnotetag6_224" href="#footnote6_224"><sup>6</sup></a>And I speak not so to him, for I have it not +to say of him.<a href="#footnote6_224"><sup>6</sup></a> And I swear by my arms <a name="footnotetag7_224" id="footnotetag7_224" href="#footnote7_224"><sup>7</sup></a>of valour,<a href="#footnote7_224"><sup>7</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag8_224" id="footnotetag8_224" href="#footnote8_224"><sup>8</sup></a>how loath +soever I am to do so!"<a href="#footnote8_224"><sup>8</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag9_224" id="footnotetag9_224" href="#footnote9_224"><sup>9</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote9_224"><sup>9</sup></a> "A blessing <a name="footnotetag10_224" id="footnotetag10_224" href="#footnote10_224"><sup>10</sup></a>and victory<a href="#footnote10_224"><sup>10</sup></a> +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, <a name="footnotetag11_224" id="footnotetag11_224" href="#footnote11_224"><sup>11</sup></a>because his mother was descended +from the Ulstermen,<a href="#footnote11_224"><sup>11</sup></a> than for thee to seek the +welfare of Connacht,<a name="footnotetag2_224" id="footnotetag2_224" href="#footnote2_223"><sup>2</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag12_224" id="footnotetag12_224" href="#footnote12_224"><sup>12</sup></a>as thou art the son of a king of +Connacht?"<a href="#footnote12_224"><sup>12</sup></a></p> + +<p>Then it was that Medb obtained from Ferdiad the easy +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_225" name="Page_225" title="225">225</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 3163.</span> +surety of a covenant to fight and contend on the morrow +with six warriors <a name="footnotetag1_225" id="footnotetag1_225" href="#footnote1_225"><sup>1</sup></a>of the champions of Erin,<a href="#footnote1_225"><sup>1</sup></a> or to fight +and contend with Cuchulain alone, if to him this last seemed +lighter. Ferdiad obtained <a name="footnotetag2_225" id="footnotetag2_225" href="#footnote2_225"><sup>2</sup></a>of Medb<a href="#footnote2_225"><sup>2</sup></a> the easy surety, <a name="footnotetag3_225" id="footnotetag3_225" href="#footnote3_225"><sup>3</sup></a>as +he thought,<a href="#footnote3_225"><sup>3</sup></a> to send the aforesaid six men for the fulfilment +of the terms which had been promised him, should Cuchulain +fall at his hands.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag4_225" id="footnotetag4_225" href="#footnote4_225"><sup>4</sup></a>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!"<a href="#footnote4_225"><sup>4</sup></a></p> + +<p>Then were Fergus' horses fetched for him and his chariot +was yoked, and he came forward to the place <a name="footnotetag5_225" id="footnotetag5_225" href="#footnote5_225"><sup>5</sup></a>of combat<a href="#footnote5_225"><sup>5</sup></a> +where Cuchulain was, to inform him <a name="footnotetag6_225" id="footnotetag6_225" href="#footnote6_225"><sup>6</sup></a>of the challenge, that +Ferdiad was to fight with him.<a href="#footnote6_225"><sup>6</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag7_225" id="footnotetag7_225" href="#footnote7_225"><sup>7</sup></a>"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?" +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_226" name="Page_226" title="226">226</a> +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."</p> + +<p>"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."</p> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 3172.</span> +Fergus drew nigh and sprang from his chariot.<a href="#footnote7_226"><sup>7</sup></a> Cuchulain +bade him welcome. <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 82a.</span> "Welcome is thy coming, O +my master Fergus!" cried Cuchulain. <a name="footnotetag1_226" id="footnotetag1_226" href="#footnote1_226"><sup>1</sup></a>"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.<a href="#footnote1_226"><sup>1</sup></a> "Truly intended, methinks, the welcome, O +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_227" name="Page_227" title="227">227</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 3174.</span> +fosterling," said Fergus. "But, <a name="footnotetag1_227" id="footnotetag1_227" href="#footnote1_227"><sup>1</sup></a>were it for this I came, +I should think it better to leave it.<a href="#footnote1_227"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 Darè, the great and mighty warrior +of the men of Domnann." <a name="footnotetag2_227" id="footnotetag2_227" href="#footnote2_227"><sup>2</sup></a>"As my soul liveth,"<a href="#footnote2_227"><sup>2</sup></a> replied +Cuchulain, "it is not to an encounter we wish our friend to +come, and <a name="footnotetag3_227" id="footnotetag3_227" href="#footnote3_227"><sup>3</sup></a>not for fear, but for love and affection of him;<a href="#footnote3_227"><sup>3</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag4_227" id="footnotetag4_227" href="#footnote4_227"><sup>4</sup></a>and almost I would prefer to fall by the hand of that +warrior than for him to fall by mine."<a href="#footnote4_227"><sup>4</sup></a> "It is even for +that," answered Fergus, "thou shouldst be on thy guard +and prepared. <a name="footnotetag5_227" id="footnotetag5_227" href="#footnote5_227"><sup>5</sup></a>Say not that thou hast no fear of Ferdiad, +for it is fitting that thou shouldst have fear and dread before +fighting with Ferdiad.<a href="#footnote5_227"><sup>5</sup></a> 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 Darè, +<a name="footnotetag9_227" id="footnotetag9_227" href="#footnote9_227"><sup>9</sup></a>for he hath a horny skin about him <a name="footnotetag6_227" id="footnotetag6_227" href="#footnote6_227"><sup>6</sup></a>in battle against a +man,<a href="#footnote6_227"><sup>6</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag7_227" id="footnotetag7_227" href="#footnote7_227"><sup>7</sup></a>a belt,<a href="#footnote7_227"><sup>7</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag8_227" id="footnotetag8_227" href="#footnote8_227"><sup>8</sup></a>equally strong, victorious in battle,<a href="#footnote8_227"><sup>8</sup></a> +and neither points nor edges are reddened upon it<a href="#footnote9_227"><sup>9</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag10_227" id="footnotetag10_227" href="#footnote10_227"><sup>10</sup></a>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."<a href="#footnote10_227"><sup>10</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag12_227" id="footnotetag12_227" href="#footnote12_227"><sup>12</sup></a>"Speak not thus!" +cried Cuchulain, "for I swear <a name="footnotetag11_227" id="footnotetag11_227" href="#footnote11_227"><sup>11</sup></a>by my arms of valour,<a href="#footnote11_227"><sup>11</sup></a> +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!<a href="#footnote12_227"><sup>12</sup></a> Truly am I here," said Cuchulain, "checking and +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_228" name="Page_228" title="228">228</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 3185.</span> +staying four of the five grand provinces of Erin from Monday +at<a name="footnotetaga_228" id="footnotetaga_228" href="#footnotea_228"><sup>a</sup></a> Summer's end till<a name="footnotetagb_228" id="footnotetagb_228" href="#footnoteb_228"><sup>b</sup></a> the beginning of spring, <a name="footnotetag1_228" id="footnotetag1_228" href="#footnote1_228"><sup>1</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote1_228"><sup>1</sup></a> +And in all this time, I have not put foot in retreat before +any one man <a name="footnotetag2_228" id="footnotetag2_228" href="#footnote2_228"><sup>2</sup></a>nor before a multitude,<a href="#footnote2_228"><sup>2</sup></a> and methinks just +as little will I turn foot in flight before him."</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag3_228" id="footnotetag3_228" href="#footnote3_228"><sup>3</sup></a>And thus spake he, that it was not fear of Ferdiad that +caused his anxiety for the fight, but his love for him. <a href="#footnote3_228"><sup>3</sup></a>And, +on his part, so spake Fergus, putting him on his guard <a name="footnotetag4_228" id="footnotetag4_228" href="#footnote4_228"><sup>4</sup></a>because +of Ferdiad's strength,<a href="#footnote4_228"><sup>4</sup></a> and he said these words and +Cuchulain responded:—</p> + +<p>Fergus:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"O Cuchulain—splendid deed—</div> +<div>Lo, 'tis time for thee to rise.</div> +<div>Here in rage against thee comes</div> +<div>Ferdiad, red-faced Daman's son!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Cuchulain:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Here am I—no easy task—<a name="footnotetagc_228" id="footnotetagc_228" href="#footnotec_228"><sup>c</sup></a></div> +<div>Holding Erin's men at bay;</div> +<div>Foot I've never turned in flight</div> +<div>In my fight with single foe!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Fergus:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Dour the man when anger moves,</div> +<div>Owing to his gore-red glaive;</div> +<div>Ferdiad wears a skin of horn,</div> +<div>'Gainst which fight nor might prevails!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Cuchulain:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Be thou still; urge not thy tale,</div> +<div>Fergus of the mighty arms.</div> +<div>On no land and on no ground,</div> +<div>For me is there aught defeat!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Fergus:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Fierce the man with scores of deeds;</div> +<div>No light thing, him to subdue.</div> +<div>Strong as hundreds—brave his mien—</div> +<div>Point pricks not, edge cuts him not!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Cuchulain:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"If we clash upon the ford,</div> +<div>I and Ferdiad of known skill,</div> +<div>We'll not part without we know:</div> +<div>Fierce will be our weapon fight!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_229" name="Page_229" title="229">229</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 3214.</span>Fergus:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"More I'd wish it than reward,</div> +<div>O Cuchulain of red sword,</div> +<div>Thou shouldst be the one to bring</div> +<div>Eastward haughty Ferdiad's spoils!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Cuchulain:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Now I give my word and vow,</div> +<div>Though unskilled in strife of words,</div> +<div>It is I will conquer this</div> +<div>Son of Daman macDarè!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Fergus:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"It is I brought east the host,</div> +<div>Thus requiting Ulster's wrong.</div> +<div>With me came they from their lands,</div> +<div>With their heroes and their chiefs!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Cuchulain:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Were not Conchobar in the 'Pains,'</div> +<div>Hard 'twould be to come near us.</div> +<div>Never Medb of Mag in Scail</div> +<div>On more tearful march had come!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Fergus:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Greatest deed awaits thy hand:</div> +<div>Fight with Ferdiad, Daman's son.</div> +<div>Hard stern arms with stubborn edge,<a name="footnotetagb_229" id="footnotetagb_229" href="#footnoteb_229"><sup>b</sup></a></div> +<div>Shalt thou have, thou Culann's Hound!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p><a name="footnotetag1_229" id="footnotetag1_229" href="#footnote1_229"><sup>1</sup></a>After that,<a href="#footnote1_229"><sup>1</sup></a> Fergus returned to the camp and halting-place +<a name="footnotetag2_229" id="footnotetag2_229" href="#footnote2_229"><sup>2</sup></a>of the men of Erin,<a href="#footnote2_229"><sup>2</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag3_229" id="footnotetag3_229" href="#footnote3_229"><sup>3</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote3_229"><sup>3</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag4_229" id="footnotetag4_229" href="#footnote4_229"><sup>4</sup></a>Now as regards the charioteer of Cuchulain <a name="footnotetag5_229" id="footnotetag5_229" href="#footnote5_229"><sup>5</sup></a>after +Fergus went from them:<a href="#footnote5_229"><sup>5</sup></a> "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), <a name="footnotetag6_229" id="footnotetag6_229" href="#footnote6_229"><sup>6</sup></a>daughter of Forgal Monach,<a href="#footnote6_229"><sup>6</sup></a> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_230" name="Page_230" title="230">230</a> +at Cairthenn in Cluan da Dam, ('two Oxen's Meadow') in +Sliab Fuait, <a name="footnotetag1_230" id="footnotetag1_230" href="#footnote1_230"><sup>1</sup></a>where thou wilt get even such an adorning +for thyself."<a href="#footnote1_230"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_230" id="footnotetag2_230" href="#footnote2_230"><sup>2</sup></a>"It is fitting to do so," said Cuchulain.<a href="#footnote2_230"><sup>2</sup></a> +Then Cuchulain went thither that night <a name="footnotetag3_230" id="footnotetag3_230" href="#footnote3_230"><sup>3</sup></a>to Dundelgan,<a href="#footnote3_230"><sup>3</sup></a> +and passed the night with his wife. His doings from that +time are not related here now.<a name="footnotetag4_230" id="footnotetag4_230" href="#footnote4_229"><sup>4</sup></a></p> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 3235.</span> +<a name="footnotetag5_230" id="footnotetag5_230" href="#footnote5_230"><sup>5</sup></a>As for<a href="#footnote5_230"><sup>5</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag6_230" id="footnotetag6_230" href="#footnote6_230"><sup>6</sup></a>The folk of Ferdiad were not joyful, blithe, cheerful +or merry that night,<a href="#footnote6_230"><sup>6</sup></a> <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 82b.</span> 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, <a name="footnotetag7_230" id="footnotetag7_230" href="#footnote7_230"><sup>7</sup></a>the two +pillars of battle and strife of the men of Erin<a href="#footnote7_230"><sup>7</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag8_230" id="footnotetag8_230" href="#footnote8_230"><sup>8</sup></a>of that +time<a href="#footnote8_230"><sup>8</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag9_230" id="footnotetag9_230" href="#footnote9_230"><sup>9</sup></a>their king and<a href="#footnote9_230"><sup>9</sup></a> their own lord <a name="footnotetag10_230" id="footnotetag10_230" href="#footnote10_230"><sup>10</sup></a>that +would fall there,<a href="#footnote10_230"><sup>10</sup></a> for it was not easy to contend and do +battle with Cuchulain on the Raid for the Kine of Cualnge.</p> + +<p>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. <a name="footnotetag11_230" id="footnotetag11_230" href="#footnote11_230"><sup>11</sup></a>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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_231" name="Page_231" title="231">231</a> +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.<a name="footnotetag11_231" id="footnotetag11_231" href="#footnote11_230"><sup>11</sup></a> <span class="sidenoteL">W. 3252.</span> And he charged his charioteer to +take his horses and to yoke his chariot. The charioteer +sought to dissuade him <a name="footnotetag1_231" id="footnotetag1_231" href="#footnote1_231"><sup>1</sup></a>from that journey.<a href="#footnote1_231"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_231" id="footnotetag2_231" href="#footnote2_231"><sup>2</sup></a>"By our +word,"<a href="#footnote2_231"><sup>2</sup></a> said the gilla, "'twould be better for thee<a name="footnotetaga_231" id="footnotetaga_231" href="#footnotea_231"><sup>a</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag3_231" id="footnotetag3_231" href="#footnote3_231"><sup>3</sup></a>to +remain than to go thither," said he; "for, not more do I +commend it for thee than I condemn it."<a href="#footnote3_231"><sup>3</sup></a> "Hold thy +peace about us, boy!" quoth Ferdiad, <a name="footnotetag4_231" id="footnotetag4_231" href="#footnote4_231"><sup>4</sup></a>"for we will brook +no interference from any one concerning this journey.<a href="#footnote4_231"><sup>4</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag5_231" id="footnotetag5_231" href="#footnote5_231"><sup>5</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote5_231"><sup>5</sup></a> And in this manner +he spake, <a name="footnotetag6_231" id="footnotetag6_231" href="#footnote6_231"><sup>6</sup></a>conversing with the charioteer,<a href="#footnote6_231"><sup>6</sup></a> and he uttered +these words, <a name="footnotetag7_231" id="footnotetag7_231" href="#footnote7_231"><sup>7</sup></a>the little lay that follows, urging on the +charioteer,<a href="#footnote7_231"><sup>7</sup></a> and the henchman responded:—</p> + +<p>Ferdiad:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Let's haste to th' encounter,</div> +<div>To battle with this man;</div> +<div>The ford we will come to,</div> +<div> O'er which Badb will shriek!</div> +<div>To meet with Cuchulain,</div> +<div>To wound his slight body,</div> +<div>To thrust the spear through him</div> +<div> So that he may die!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_232" name="Page_232" title="232">232</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 3266.</span>The Henchman:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"To stay it were better;</div> +<div>Your threats are not gentle;</div> +<div>Death's sickness will one have,</div> +<div> And sad will ye part!</div> +<div>To meet Ulster's noblest,</div> +<div>To meet whence ill cometh;</div> +<div>Long will men speak of it.</div> +<div> Alas, for your<a name="footnotetaga_232" id="footnotetaga_232" href="#footnotea_232"><sup>a</sup></a> course!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Ferdiad:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Not fair what thou speakest;</div> +<div>No fear hath the warrior;</div> +<div>We owe no one meekness;</div> +<div> We stay not for thee!</div> +<div>Hush, gilla, about us!</div> +<div>The time will bring strong hearts;</div> +<div>More meet strength than weakness;</div> +<div> <a name="footnotetag1_232" id="footnotetag1_232" href="#footnote1_232"><sup>1</sup></a>Let's on to the tryst!"<a href="#footnote1_232"><sup>1</sup></a></div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Ferdiad's horses were now brought forth and his chariot +was hitched, and he set out <a name="footnotetag2_232" id="footnotetag2_232" href="#footnote2_232"><sup>2</sup></a>from the camp<a href="#footnote2_232"><sup>2</sup></a> for the ford +of battle when yet day with its full light had not come there +for him. <a name="footnotetag3_232" id="footnotetag3_232" href="#footnote3_232"><sup>3</sup></a>"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."</p> + +<p>Ferdiad came to the ford of combat. "Look, my lad!" +said Ferdiad, "is Cuchulain on the ford?" "That he +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_233" name="Page_233" title="233">233</a> +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."</p> + +<p>"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."<a name="footnotetag3_233" id="footnotetag3_233" href="#footnote3_232"><sup>3</sup></a> +"Come, gilla," said Ferdiad, <a name="footnotetag1_233" id="footnotetag1_233" href="#footnote1_233"><sup>1</sup></a>"unharness the horses and<a href="#footnote1_233"><sup>1</sup></a> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_234" name="Page_234" title="234">234</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 3285.</span> +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."</p> + +<p>The gilla unharnessed the horses; he unfastened the +chariot under him, <a name="footnotetag1_234" id="footnotetag1_234" href="#footnote1_234"><sup>1</sup></a>and spread beneath him the chariot-cloths.<a href="#footnote1_234"><sup>1</sup></a> +He slept off the heavy fit of sleep that was on +him. <a name="footnotetag2_234" id="footnotetag2_234" href="#footnote2_234"><sup>2</sup></a>The gilla remained on watch and guard for him.<a href="#footnote2_234"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + +<p>Now how Cuchulain fared <a name="footnotetag3_234" id="footnotetag3_234" href="#footnote3_234"><sup>3</sup></a>is related<a href="#footnote3_234"><sup>3</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag4_234" id="footnotetag4_234" href="#footnote4_234"><sup>4</sup></a>early.<a href="#footnote4_234"><sup>4</sup></a> And when day +with its full light had come, he <a name="footnotetag5_234" id="footnotetag5_234" href="#footnote5_234"><sup>5</sup></a>passed his hand over his +face and<a href="#footnote5_234"><sup>5</sup></a> 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 Darè. <a name="footnotetag6_234" id="footnotetag6_234" href="#footnote6_234"><sup>6</sup></a>If Ferdiad awaits us, he must needs +think it long."<a href="#footnote6_234"><sup>6</sup></a> "The horses are taken out," <a name="footnotetag7_234" id="footnotetag7_234" href="#footnote7_234"><sup>7</sup></a>said the +gilla;<a href="#footnote7_234"><sup>7</sup></a> "the chariot is harnessed. Mount, and be it no +shame to thy valour <a name="footnotetag8_234" id="footnotetag8_234" href="#footnote8_234"><sup>8</sup></a>to go thither!"<a href="#footnote8_234"><sup>8</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag9_234" id="footnotetag9_234" href="#footnote9_234"><sup>9</sup></a>Cuchulain +stepped into the chariot and they pressed forward to the +ford.<a href="#footnote9_234"><sup>9</sup></a> 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_235" name="Page_235" title="235">235</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 3304.</span> +battle and on every field, in every fight and in every combat +wherein he went.</p> + +<p>Not long had Ferdiad's charioteer waited when he heard +something: <a name="footnotetag1_235" id="footnotetag1_235" href="#footnote1_235"><sup>1</sup></a>A rush and a crash and a hurtling sound, +and a din and a thunder,<a href="#footnote1_235"><sup>1</sup></a> <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 83a.</span> 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, +<a name="footnotetag2_235" id="footnotetag2_235" href="#footnote2_235"><sup>2</sup></a>and the ring of spears,<a href="#footnote2_235"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag3_235" id="footnotetag3_235" href="#footnote3_235"><sup>3</sup></a>in grave speech with his +servant<a href="#footnote3_235"><sup>3</sup></a> on his way to the ford to attack his opponent.</p> + +<p>The servant came and touched his master with his hand +<a name="footnotetag4_235" id="footnotetag4_235" href="#footnote4_235"><sup>4</sup></a>and awakened him.<a href="#footnote4_235"><sup>4</sup></a> "Ferdiad, master," said the youth, +"rise up! They are here to meet thee at the ford." <a name="footnotetag5_235" id="footnotetag5_235" href="#footnote5_235"><sup>5</sup></a>Then<a href="#footnote5_235"><sup>5</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag6_235" id="footnotetag6_235" href="#footnote6_235"><sup>6</sup></a>Ferdiad arose and girt his body in his war-dress of battle +and combat.<a href="#footnote6_235"><sup>6</sup></a> And the gilla spake these words:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"The roll of a chariot,</div> +<div>Its fair yoke of silver;</div> +<div>A man great and stalwart</div> +<div> O'ertops the strong car!</div> +<div>O'er Bri Ross, o'er Branè</div> +<div>Their swift path they hasten;</div> +<div>Past Old-tree Town's<a name="footnotetaga_235" id="footnotetaga_235" href="#footnotea_235"><sup>a</sup></a> tree-stump,</div> +<div> Victorious they speed!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"A sly Hound that driveth,</div> +<div>A fair chief that urgeth,</div> +<div>A free hawk that speedeth</div> +<div> His steeds towards the south!</div> +<div>Gore-coloured, the Cua,<a name="footnotetagb_235" id="footnotetagb_235" href="#footnoteb_235"><sup>b</sup></a></div> +<div>'Tis sure he will take us;</div> +<div>We know—vain to hide it—</div> +<div> He brings us defeat!<a name="footnotetagc_235" id="footnotetagc_235" href="#footnotec_235"><sup>c</sup></a></div> +</div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_236" name="Page_236" title="236">236</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 3335.</span> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Woe him on the hillock,</div> +<div>The brave Hound before him;</div> +<div>Last year I foretold it,</div> +<div> That some time he'd come!</div> +<div>Hound from Emain Macha,</div> +<div>Hound formed of all colours,</div> +<div>The Border-hound, War-hound,</div> +<div> I hear what I've heard!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>"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. <a name="footnotetag1_236" id="footnotetag1_236" href="#footnote1_236"><sup>1</sup></a>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,<a href="#footnote1_236"><sup>1</sup></a> but it is time to fetch help." And he spake +these words, and the henchman responded:—</p> + +<p>Ferdiad:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"'Tis time now to help me;</div> +<div>Be silent! cease praising!</div> +<div>'Twas no deed of friendship,</div> +<div> No doom o'er the brink (?)<a name="footnotetaga_236" id="footnotetaga_236" href="#footnotea_236"><sup>a</sup></a></div> +<div>The Champion of Cualnge,</div> +<div>Thou seest 'midst proud feats,</div> +<div>For that it's for guerdon,</div> +<div> Shall quickly be slain!"<a name="footnotetagb_236" id="footnotetagb_236" href="#footnoteb_236"><sup>b</sup></a></div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>The Henchman:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"I see Cualnge's hero,</div> +<div>With feats overweening,</div> +<div>Not fleeing he flees us,</div> +<div> But towards us he comes.</div> +<div>He runneth—not slowly—</div> +<div>Though cunning—not sparing—</div> +<div>Like water 'down high cliff</div> +<div> Or thunderbolt quick!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_237" name="Page_237" title="237">237</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 3365.</span>Ferdiad:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"'Tis cause of a quarrel,</div> +<div>So much thou hast praised him;</div> +<div>And why hast thou chose him,</div> +<div> Since I am from home?</div> +<div>And now they extol him,</div> +<div>They fall to proclaim him;</div> +<div>None come to attack him,</div> +<div> But soft simple men (?)."</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p><a name="footnotetag1_237" id="footnotetag1_237" href="#footnote1_237"><sup>1</sup></a>Here followeth the Description of Cuchulain's chariot, +one of the three chief Chariots of the Tale of the Foray of +Cualnge.<a href="#footnote1_237"><sup>1</sup></a></p> + +<p>It was not long that Ferdiad's charioteer remained there +when he saw something: <a name="footnotetag2_237" id="footnotetag2_237" href="#footnote2_237"><sup>2</sup></a>"How beholdest thou Cuchulain?" +asked Ferdiad of his charioteer. "I behold," +said he,<a href="#footnote2_237"><sup>2</sup></a> "a beautiful, live-pointed chariot, <a name="footnotetag3_237" id="footnotetag3_237" href="#footnote3_237"><sup>3</sup></a>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,<a href="#footnote3_237"><sup>3</sup></a> approaching with swiftness, with +speed, with perfect skill; with a green shade, with a thin-framed, +dry-bodied (?) box surmounted with feats of cunning, +<a name="footnotetag4_237" id="footnotetag4_237" href="#footnote4_237"><sup>4</sup></a>straight-poled,<a href="#footnote4_237"><sup>4</sup></a> as long as a warrior's sword. <a name="footnotetag5_237" id="footnotetag5_237" href="#footnote5_237"><sup>5</sup></a>On this<a href="#footnote5_237"><sup>5</sup></a> +was room for a hero's seven arms, the fair seat for its lord; +<a name="footnotetag6_237" id="footnotetag6_237" href="#footnote6_237"><sup>6</sup></a>two wheels, dark, black; a pole of tin, with red enamel, +of a beautiful colour; two inlaid, golden bridles.<a href="#footnote6_237"><sup>6</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag7_237" id="footnotetag7_237" href="#footnote7_237"><sup>7</sup></a>This +chariot was placed<a href="#footnote7_237"><sup>7</sup></a> behind two fleet steeds, <a name="footnotetag8_237" id="footnotetag8_237" href="#footnote8_237"><sup>8</sup></a>nimble, +furious, small-headed,<a href="#footnote8_237"><sup>8</sup></a> bounding, large-eared, <a name="footnotetag9_237" id="footnotetag9_237" href="#footnote9_237"><sup>9</sup></a>small-snouted, +sharp-beaked, red-chested,<a href="#footnote9_237"><sup>9</sup></a> gaily prancing, with +inflated<a name="footnotetaga_237" id="footnotetaga_237" href="#footnotea_237"><sup>a</sup></a> nostrils, broad-chested, quick-hearted, high-flanked, +broad-hoofed, slender-limbed, overpowering and resolute. +A grey, broad-hipped, small-stepping, long-maned horse, +<a name="footnotetag10_237" id="footnotetag10_237" href="#footnote10_237"><sup>10</sup></a>whose name was Liath ('the Roan') of Macha,<a href="#footnote10_237"><sup>10</sup></a> was under +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_238" name="Page_238" title="238">238</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 3379.</span> +one of the yokes of the chariot; a black, crispèd-maned, +swift-moving, broad-backed horse, <a name="footnotetag1_238" id="footnotetag1_238" href="#footnote1_238"><sup>1</sup></a>whose name was Dubh +('the Black') of Sithleann,<a href="#footnote1_238"><sup>1</sup></a> 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, <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 83b.</span> 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.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_238" id="footnotetag2_238" href="#footnote2_238"><sup>2</sup></a>"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.</p> + +<p>"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.</p> + +<p>"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."<a href="#footnote2_238"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + +<p>And Cuchulain reached the ford. Ferdiad waited on +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_239" name="Page_239" title="239">239</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 3387.</span> +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."</p> + +<p>"Good, O Cuchulain," spake Ferdiad; "what has ever +brought thee out to contend and do battle with me? For +when we were <a name="footnotetag1_239" id="footnotetag1_239" href="#footnote1_239"><sup>1</sup></a>together<a href="#footnote1_239"><sup>1</sup></a> with Scathach and with Uathach +and with Aifè, <a name="footnotetag2_239" id="footnotetag2_239" href="#footnote2_239"><sup>2</sup></a>thou wast not a man worthy of me, for<a href="#footnote2_239"><sup>2</sup></a> +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 <a name="footnotetag3_239" id="footnotetag3_239" href="#footnote3_239"><sup>3</sup></a>in the field of battle and combat."<a href="#footnote3_239"><sup>3</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag4_239" id="footnotetag4_239" href="#footnote4_239"><sup>4</sup></a>It was not long before they met in the middle of the +ford.<a href="#footnote4_239"><sup>4</sup></a> 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:—</p> + +<p>Ferdiad:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"What led thee, O Cua,</div> +<div>To fight a strong champion?</div> +<div>Thy flesh will be gore-red</div> +<div> O'er smoke of thy steeds!</div> +<div>Alas for thy journey,</div> +<div>A kindling of firebrands;</div> +<div>In sore need of healing,</div> +<div> If home thou shouldst reach!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_240" name="Page_240" title="240">240</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 3417.</span>Cuchulain:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"I'm come before warriors</div> +<div>Around the herd's wild Boar,<a name="footnotetaga_240" id="footnotetaga_240" href="#footnotea_240"><sup>a</sup></a></div> +<div>Before troops and hundreds,</div> +<div> To drown thee in deep.</div> +<div>In anger, to prove thee</div> +<div>In hundred-fold battle,</div> +<div>Till on thee come havoc,</div> +<div> Defending thy head!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Ferdiad:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Here stands one to crush thee,</div> +<div>'Tis I will destroy thee,</div> +<div><a name="footnotetag1_240" id="footnotetag1_240" href="#footnote1_240"><sup>1</sup></a>...<a href="#footnote1_240"><sup>1</sup></a></div> +<div> From me there shall come</div> +<div>The flight of their warriors</div> +<div>In presence of Ulster,</div> +<div>That long they'll remember</div> +<div> The loss that was theirs!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Cuchulain:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"How then shall we combat?</div> +<div>For wrongs shall we heave sighs?</div> +<div>Despite all, we'll go there,</div> +<div> To fight on the ford!</div> +<div>Or is it with hard swords,</div> +<div>Or e'en with red spear-points,</div> +<div>Before hosts to slay thee,</div> +<div> If <a name="footnotetag2_240" id="footnotetag2_240" href="#footnote2_240"><sup>2</sup></a>thy<a href="#footnote2_240"><sup>2</sup></a> hour hath come?"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Ferdiad:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"'Fore sunset, 'fore nightfall—</div> +<div>If need be, then guard thee—</div> +<div>I'll fight thee at Bairchè,</div> +<div> Not bloodlessly fight!</div> +<div>The Ulstermen call thee,</div> +<div>'He has him!' Oh, hearken!</div> +<div>The sight will distress them</div> +<div> That through them will pass<a name="footnotetagb_240" id="footnotetagb_240" href="#footnoteb_240"><sup>b</sup></a>!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Cuchulain:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"In danger's gap fallen,</div> +<div>At hand is thy life's term;</div> +<div>On thee plied be weapons,</div> +<div> Not gentle the skill!</div> +<div>One champion will slay thee;</div> +<div>We both will encounter;</div> +<div>No more shalt lead forays,</div> +<div> <a name="footnotetag3_240" id="footnotetag3_240" href="#footnote3_240"><sup>3</sup></a>From this day till Doom!"<a href="#footnote3_240"><sup>3</sup></a></div> +</div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_241" name="Page_241" title="241">241</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 3457.</span>Ferdiad:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Avaunt with thy warnings,</div> +<div>Thou world's greatest braggart;</div> +<div>Nor guerdon nor pardon,</div> +<div> <a name="footnotetag1_241" id="footnotetag1_241" href="#footnote1_241"><sup>1</sup></a>Low warrior for thee!<a href="#footnote1_241"><sup>1</sup></a></div> +<div>'Tis I that well know thee,</div> +<div>Thou heart of a cageling</div> +<div>This lad merely tickles—</div> +<div> Without skill or force!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Cuchulain:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"When we were with Scathach,</div> +<div>For wonted arms training,</div> +<div>Together we'd fare forth,</div> +<div> To seek every fight.</div> +<div>Thou wast my heart's comrade.</div> +<div>My clan and my kinsman;</div> +<div>Ne'er found I one dearer;</div> +<div> Thy loss would be sad!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Ferdiad:<span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 84a.</span></p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Thou wager'st thine honour</div> +<div>Unless we do battle;</div> +<div>Before the cock croweth,</div> +<div> Thy head on a spit!</div> +<div>Cuchulain of Cualnge,</div> +<div>Mad frenzy hath seized thee</div> +<div>All ill we'll wreak on thee,</div> +<div> For thine is the sin!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>"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, <a name="footnotetag2_241" id="footnotetag2_241" href="#footnote2_241"><sup>2</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote2_241"><sup>2</sup></a> And all +that came <a name="footnotetag3_241" id="footnotetag3_241" href="#footnote3_241"><sup>3</sup></a>because of those promises of deceit,<a href="#footnote3_241"><sup>3</sup></a> neither +profit nor success did it bring them, and they have fallen +by me. And none the more, <a name="footnotetag4_241" id="footnotetag4_241" href="#footnote4_241"><sup>4</sup></a>O Ferdiad,<a href="#footnote4_241"><sup>4</sup></a> shall it win +victory or increase of fame for thee; and, <a name="footnotetag5_241" id="footnotetag5_241" href="#footnote5_241"><sup>5</sup></a>as they all +fell,<a href="#footnote5_241"><sup>5</sup></a> shalt thou too fall by my hand!" Thus he spake, +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_242" name="Page_242" title="242">242</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 3486.</span> +and he further uttered these words and Ferdiad hearkened +to him:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Come not nigh me, noble chief,</div> +<div>Ferdiad, comrade, Daman's son.</div> +<div>Worse for thee than 'tis for me;</div> +<div>Thou'lt bring sorrow to a host!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Come not nigh me 'gainst all right;</div> +<div>Thy last bed is made by me.</div> +<div>Why shouldst thou alone escape</div> +<div>From the prowess of my arms?</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Shall not great feats thee undo,</div> +<div>Though thou'rt purple, horny-skinned?</div> +<div>And the maid thou boastest of,</div> +<div>Shall not, Daman's son, be thine!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Finnabair, Medb's daughter fair,</div> +<div>Great her charms though they may be,</div> +<div>Fair as is the damsel's form,</div> +<div>She's for thee not to enjoy!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Finnabair, the king's own child,</div> +<div>Is the lure, if truth be told;</div> +<div>Many they whom she's deceived</div> +<div>And undone as she has thee!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Break not, weetless, oath with me;</div> +<div>Break not friendship, break not bond;</div> +<div>Break not promise, break not word;</div> +<div>Come not nigh me, noble chief!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Fifty chiefs obtained in plight</div> +<div>This same maid, a proffer vain.</div> +<div>Through me went they to their graves;</div> +<div>Spear-right all they had from me!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Though for brave was held Ferbaeth,</div> +<div>With whom was a warriors' train,</div> +<div>In short space I quelled his rage;</div> +<div>Him I slew with one sole blow!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Srubdarè—sore sank his might—</div> +<div>Darling of the noblest dames,</div> +<div>Time there was when great his fame—</div> +<div>Gold nor raiment saved him not!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Were she mine affianced wife,</div> +<div>Smiled on me this fair land's head,<a name="footnotetaga_242" id="footnotetaga_242" href="#footnotea_242"><sup>a</sup></a></div> +<div>I would not thy body hurt.</div> +<div>Right nor left, in front, behind!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_243" name="Page_243" title="243">243</a> +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 3527.</span> +"Good, O Ferdiad!" cried Cuchulain. <a name="footnotetag1_243" id="footnotetag1_243" href="#footnote1_243"><sup>1</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote1_243"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 Aifè, +<a name="footnotetag2_243" id="footnotetag2_243" href="#footnote2_243"><sup>2</sup></a>we were together in practice of valour and arms of the +world, and<a href="#footnote2_243"><sup>2</sup></a> 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:—</p> + +<p>Cuchulain:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"We were heart-companions once;</div> +<div>We were comrades in the woods;</div> +<div>We were men that shared a bed,</div> +<div>When we slept the heavy sleep,</div> +<div>After hard and weary fights.</div> +<div>Into many lands, so strange,</div> +<div>Side by side we sallied forth,</div> +<div>And we ranged the woodlands through,</div> +<div>When with Scathach we learned arms!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Ferdiad:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"O Cuchulain, rich in feats,</div> +<div>Hard the trade we both have learned;</div> +<div>Treason hath o'ercome our love;</div> +<div>Thy first wounding hath been bought;</div> +<div>Think not of our friendship more,</div> +<div>Cua, it avails thee not!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>"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 Aifè?" "Indeed, +and I do remember," answered Cuchulain. "If thou +rememberest, let us begin <a name="footnotetag3_243" id="footnotetag3_243" href="#footnote3_243"><sup>3</sup></a>with them."<a href="#footnote3_243"><sup>3</sup></a></p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_244" name="Page_244" title="244">244</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 3555.</span> +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 <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 84b.</span> on a day of fine +weather.</p> + +<p>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. +<a name="footnotetag1_244" id="footnotetag1_244" href="#footnote1_244"><sup>1</sup></a>Then<a href="#footnote1_244"><sup>1</sup></a> they ceased. They threw their feat-tackle from +them into the hands of their charioteers.</p> + +<p>"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 <a name="footnotetag2_244" id="footnotetag2_244" href="#footnote2_244"><sup>2</sup></a>till yellowness +came over the sun<a href="#footnote2_244"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_245" name="Page_245" title="245">245</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 3578.</span> +each of them bled and reddened and wounded the other +during that time. <a name="footnotetag1_245" id="footnotetag1_245" href="#footnote1_245"><sup>1</sup></a>"Wouldst thou fain make a truce, O +Cucugan?"<a name="footnotetaga_245" id="footnotetaga_245" href="#footnotea_245"><sup>a</sup></a> asked Ferdiad. "It would please me," replied +Cuchulain; "for whoso begins with arms has the right to +desist."<a href="#footnote1_245"><sup>1</sup></a> "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.</p> + +<p>Thereupon each of them went toward the other <a name="footnotetag2_245" id="footnotetag2_245" href="#footnote2_245"><sup>2</sup></a>in the +middle of the ford,<a href="#footnote2_245"><sup>2</sup></a> and each of them put his hand on the +other's neck and gave him three kisses <a name="footnotetag3_245" id="footnotetag3_245" href="#footnote3_245"><sup>3</sup></a>in remembrance +of his fellowship and friendship.<a href="#footnote3_245"><sup>3</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag4_245" id="footnotetag4_245" href="#footnote4_245"><sup>4</sup></a>was brought from the fairy dwellings +of Erin to Cuchulain and<a href="#footnote4_245"><sup>4</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag5_245" id="footnotetag5_245" href="#footnote5_245"><sup>5</sup></a>to +put to his wounds and his pools of gore,<a href="#footnote5_245"><sup>5</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_246" name="Page_246" title="246">246</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 3598.</span> +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.</p> + +<p>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. <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 85a.</span> "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:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"We need not our chariots break—</div> +<div>This, a struggle fit for giants.</div> +<div>Place the hobbles on the steeds,</div> +<div>Now that din of arms is o'er!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_247" name="Page_247" title="247">247</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 3626.</span> +"Yea, we will cease, if the time hath come," replied +Ferdiad. They ceased <a name="footnotetag1_247" id="footnotetag1_247" href="#footnote1_247"><sup>1</sup></a>then.<a href="#footnote1_247"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag2_247" id="footnotetag2_247" href="#footnote2_247"><sup>2</sup></a>two<a href="#footnote2_247"><sup>2</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>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 <a name="footnotetag3_247" id="footnotetag3_247" href="#footnote3_247"><sup>3</sup></a>beyond +every other day<a href="#footnote3_247"><sup>3</sup></a> on Ferdiad. "It is evil thou appearest +to-day, O Ferdiad," spake Cuchulain; "thy hair has +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_248" name="Page_248" title="248">248</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 3653.</span> +become dark<a name="footnotetaga_248" id="footnotetaga_248" href="#footnotea_248"><sup>a</sup></a> to-day, and thine eye has grown drowsy, +and thine upright form <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 85b.</span> 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!" <a name="footnotetag1_248" id="footnotetag1_248" href="#footnote1_248"><sup>1</sup></a>"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!"<a href="#footnote1_248"><sup>1</sup></a></p> + +<p>And Cuchulain lamented and moaned, and he spake +these words and Ferdiad responded:—</p> + +<p>Cuchulain:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Ferdiad, ah, if it be thou,</div> +<div>Well I know thou'rt doomed to die!</div> +<div>To have gone at woman's hest,</div> +<div>Forced to fight thy comrade sworn!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Ferdiad:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"O Cuchulain—wise decree—</div> +<div>Loyal champion, hero true,</div> +<div>Each man is constrained to go</div> +<div>'Neath the sod that hides his grave!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Cuchulain:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Finnabair, Medb's daughter fair,</div> +<div>Stately maiden though she be,</div> +<div>Not for love they'll give to thee,</div> +<div>But to prove thy kingly might!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Ferdiad:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Provèd was my might long since,</div> +<div>Cu of gentle spirit thou.</div> +<div>Of one braver I've not heard;</div> +<div>Till to-day I have not found!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Cuchulain:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Thou art he provoked this fight,</div> +<div>Son of Daman, Darè's son,</div> +<div>To have gone at woman's word,</div> +<div>Swords to cross with thine old friend!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_249" name="Page_249" title="249">249</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 3679.</span>Ferdiad:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Should we then unfought depart,</div> +<div>Brothers though we are, bold Hound,</div> +<div>Ill would be my word and fame</div> +<div>With Ailill and Cruachan's Medb!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Cuchulain:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Food has not yet passed his lips,</div> +<div>Nay nor has he yet been born,</div> +<div>Son of king or blameless queen,</div> +<div>For whom I would work thee harm!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Ferdiad:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Culann's Hound, with floods of deeds,</div> +<div>Medb, not thou, hath us betrayed;</div> +<div>Fame and victory thou shalt have;</div> +<div>Not on thee we lay our fault!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Cuchulain:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Clotted gore is my brave heart,</div> +<div>Near I'm parted from my soul;</div> +<div>Wrongful 'tis—with hosts of deeds—</div> +<div>Ferdiad, dear, to fight with thee!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p><a name="footnotetag1_249" id="footnotetag1_249" href="#footnote1_249"><sup>1</sup></a>After this colloquy, Ferdiad spake:<a href="#footnote1_249"><sup>1</sup></a> "How much soever +thou findest fault with me to-day," said Ferdiad, +<a name="footnotetag2_249" id="footnotetag2_249" href="#footnote2_249"><sup>2</sup></a>"for my ill-boding mien and evil doing, it will be as an +offset to my prowess." And he said,<a href="#footnote2_249"><sup>2</sup></a> "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.</p> + +<p>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 <a name="footnotetag3_249" id="footnotetag3_249" href="#footnote3_249"><sup>3</sup></a>his fellow,<a href="#footnote3_249"><sup>3</sup></a> till as large +as the head of a month-old child was each lump and each +cut, <a name="footnotetag4_249" id="footnotetag4_249" href="#footnote4_249"><sup>4</sup></a>each clutter and each clot of gore<a href="#footnote4_249"><sup>4</sup></a> that each of them +took from the shoulders and thighs and shoulder-blades of +the other.</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_250" name="Page_250" title="250">250</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 3708.</span> +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 <a name="footnotetag1_250" id="footnotetag1_250" href="#footnote1_250"><sup>1</sup></a>then, and<a href="#footnote1_250"><sup>1</sup></a> 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. <a name="footnotetag2_250" id="footnotetag2_250" href="#footnote2_250"><sup>2</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote2_250"><sup>2</sup></a> Their horses were not in +the same paddock that night. Their charioteers were not +at the same fire.</p> + +<p>They passed there that night. It was then that Ferdiad +arose early on the morrow and went alone to the ford of +combat, <a name="footnotetag3_250" id="footnotetag3_250" href="#footnote3_250"><sup>3</sup></a>and dauntless, vengeful and mighty was the man +that went thither that day, even Ferdiad son of Daman.<a href="#footnote3_250"><sup>3</sup></a> +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, <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 86a.</span> 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, <a name="footnotetag4_250" id="footnotetag4_250" href="#footnote4_250"><sup>4</sup></a>the +shallow (?) stone of adamant which he had brought from +Africa and which neither points nor edges could pierce.<a href="#footnote4_250"><sup>4</sup></a> +He put his solid, very deep, iron kilt of twice molten iron +over the huge, goodly flag as large as a millstone, through +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_251" name="Page_251" title="251">251</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 3730.</span> +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 <a name="footnotetag1_251" id="footnotetag1_251" href="#footnote1_251"><sup>1</sup></a>shining stones<a href="#footnote1_251"><sup>1</sup></a> 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, +<a name="footnotetag2_251" id="footnotetag2_251" href="#footnote2_251"><sup>2</sup></a>which would cut a hair against the stream with +its keenness and sharpness,<a href="#footnote2_251"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag3_251" id="footnotetag3_251" href="#footnote3_251"><sup>3</sup></a>of a warrior,<a href="#footnote3_251"><sup>3</sup></a> +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 Aifè, +but he found them of himself that day in the face of Cuchulain.</p> + +<p>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, <a name="footnotetag4_251" id="footnotetag4_251" href="#footnote4_251"><sup>4</sup></a>O Laeg," cried Cuchulain,<a href="#footnote4_251"><sup>4</sup></a> +"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.</p> + +<p>Then Cuchulain, too, girded his war-harness of battle and +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_252" name="Page_252" title="252">252</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 3757.</span> +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 Aifè.</p> + +<p>Ferdiad observed those feats, and he knew they would be +plied against him in turn. "To what weapons shall we resort +<a name="footnotetag1_252" id="footnotetag1_252" href="#footnote1_252"><sup>1</sup></a>to-day<a href="#footnote1_252"><sup>1</sup></a>, 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.'</p> + +<p>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 <a name="footnotetag2_252" id="footnotetag2_252" href="#footnote2_252"><sup>2</sup></a>and jewels and treasures<a href="#footnote2_252"><sup>2</sup></a> +in the west of the northern world, <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 86b.</span> <a name="footnotetag3_252" id="footnotetag3_252" href="#footnote3_252"><sup>3</sup></a>the two veterans<a href="#footnote3_252"><sup>3</sup></a> +of skill and the two keys of bravery of the Gael, <a name="footnotetag4_252" id="footnotetag4_252" href="#footnote4_252"><sup>4</sup></a>the man +for quelling the variance and discord of Connacht, the man +for guarding the cattle and herds of Ulster<a href="#footnote4_252"><sup>4</sup></a>, to be brought +together in encounter as from afar, <a name="footnotetag5_252" id="footnotetag5_252" href="#footnote5_252"><sup>5</sup></a>set to slay each other +or to kill one of them<a href="#footnote5_252"><sup>5</sup></a>, through the sowing of dissension +and the incitement of Ailill and Medb.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_253" name="Page_253" title="253">253</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 3779.</span> +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.</p> + +<p>Laeg espied that. "Woe then, <a name="footnotetag1_253" id="footnotetag1_253" href="#footnote1_253"><sup>1</sup></a>O Cuchulain!"<a href="#footnote1_253"><sup>1</sup></a> cried +Laeg; <a name="footnotetag2_253" id="footnotetag2_253" href="#footnote2_253"><sup>2</sup></a>"meseems<a href="#footnote2_253"><sup>2</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>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) <a name="footnotetag3_253" id="footnotetag3_253" href="#footnote3_253"><sup>3</sup></a>into the clouds<a href="#footnote3_253"><sup>3</sup></a> +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 <a name="footnotetag4_253" id="footnotetag4_253" href="#footnote4_253"><sup>4</sup></a>violent and powerful<a href="#footnote4_253"><sup>4</sup></a> +shake, so that Cuchulain flew from it into the middle +of the ford, the same as if he had not sprung at all.</p> + +<p>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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_254" name="Page_254" title="254">254</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 3805.</span> +of the sea was the hugely-brave warrior towering directly +over Ferdiad.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>Such was the closeness of the combat they made, that +their shields burst and split from their rims to their centres.</p> + +<p>Such was the closeness of the combat they made, that +their spears bent and turned and shivered from their tips +to their rivets.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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 <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 87a.</span> 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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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, +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_255" name="Page_255" title="255">255</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 3831.</span> +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.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag1_255" id="footnotetag1_255" href="#footnote1_255"><sup>1</sup></a>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, <a name="footnotetag2_255" id="footnotetag2_255" href="#footnote2_255"><sup>2</sup></a>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')<a href="#footnote2_255"><sup>2</sup></a>. +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 <a name="footnotetag3_255" id="footnotetag3_255" href="#footnote3_255"><sup>3</sup></a>learning +together, Dolb and Indolb used to come to help Cuchulain +out of every stress wherein he was.<a href="#footnote3_255"><sup>3</sup></a> 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 +Milè,<a name="footnotetaga_255" id="footnotetaga_255" href="#footnotea_255"><sup>a</sup></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, <a name="footnotetag4_255" id="footnotetag4_255" href="#footnote4_255"><sup>4</sup></a>O Ferdiad?" +said Cuchulain.<a href="#footnote4_255"><sup>4</sup></a> "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."</p> + +<p>Then it was they displayed all their skill and secret +cunning to one another, so that there was not a secret of +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_256" name="Page_256" title="256">256</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 3851.</span> +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:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Why is this called Ferdiad's Ford,</div> +<div>E'en though three men on it fell?</div> +<div>None the less it washed their spoils—</div> +<div>It is Dolb's and Indolb's Ford!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>What need to relate further! When the devoted, +equally great sires<a name="footnotetaga_256" id="footnotetaga_256" href="#footnotea_256"><sup>a</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_256" id="footnotetag2_256" href="#footnote2_256"><sup>2</sup></a>and champions,<a href="#footnote2_256"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag3_256" id="footnotetag3_256" href="#footnote3_256"><sup>3</sup></a>from top to +ground,<a href="#footnote3_256"><sup>3</sup></a> 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.<a name="footnotetag1_256" id="footnotetag1_256" href="#footnote1_256"><sup>1</sup></a></p> + +<p>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 class="pagenum" id="Page_257" name="Page_257" title="257">257</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 3874.</span> +it was cast; the wound of a single spear it gave when entering +the body, and thirty<a name="footnotetaga_257" id="footnotetaga_257" href="#footnotea_257"><sup>a</sup></a> barbs had it when it opened, +and it could not be drawn out of a man's flesh till <a name="footnotetag1_257" id="footnotetag1_257" href="#footnote1_257"><sup>1</sup></a>the +flesh<a href="#footnote1_257"><sup>1</sup></a> had been cut about it.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_257" id="footnotetag2_257" href="#footnote2_257"><sup>2</sup></a>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 <a name="footnotetag3_257" id="footnotetag3_257" href="#footnote3_257"><sup>3</sup></a>in the morning:<a href="#footnote3_257"><sup>3</sup></a> "Now, +gilla, do thou hold back Laeg from me to-day, and I will +hold back Cuchulain from thee <a name="footnotetag4_257" id="footnotetag4_257" href="#footnote4_257"><sup>4</sup></a>and thy men forever."<a href="#footnote4_257"><sup>4</sup></a> +"This is a pity," quoth the henchman; "no match for +him am I; for a man to combat a hundred is he <a name="footnotetag5_257" id="footnotetag5_257" href="#footnote5_257"><sup>5</sup></a>amongst +the men of Erin,<a href="#footnote5_257"><sup>5</sup></a> and that am I not. Still, however slight +his help, it shall not come to his lord past me."</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag6_257" id="footnotetag6_257" href="#footnote6_257"><sup>6</sup></a>Thus were the henchmen: two brothers were they, +namely, Id<a name="footnotetagb_257" id="footnotetagb_257" href="#footnoteb_257"><sup>b</sup></a> son of Riangabair, and Laeg<a name="footnotetagc_257" id="footnotetagc_257" href="#footnotec_257"><sup>c</sup></a> son of Riangabair. +As for Id son of Riangabair,<a href="#footnote6_257"><sup>6</sup></a> he was then watching his +brother <a name="footnotetag7_257" id="footnotetag7_257" href="#footnote7_257"><sup>7</sup></a>thus making the dam<a href="#footnote7_257"><sup>7</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag8_257" id="footnotetag8_257" href="#footnote8_257"><sup>8</sup></a>strong<a href="#footnote8_257"><sup>8</sup></a> 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_258" name="Page_258" title="258">258</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 3895.</span> +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, <a name="footnotetag1_258" id="footnotetag1_258" href="#footnote1_258"><sup>1</sup></a>and bade him stop the stream +and make ready the spear.<a href="#footnote1_258"><sup>1</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag3_258" id="footnotetag3_258" href="#footnote3_258"><sup>3</sup></a>and left him lying +wounded (?) and full of terror.<a href="#footnote3_258"><sup>3</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>Thereupon Ferdiad gave three severe woundings to Cuchulain. +Cuchulain cried and shouted <a name="footnotetag4_258" id="footnotetag4_258" href="#footnote4_258"><sup>4</sup></a>loudly<a href="#footnote4_258"><sup>4</sup></a> to Laeg to +make ready the Gae Bulga for him. Laeg attempted to +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_259" name="Page_259" title="259">259</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 3919.</span> +get near it, but Ferdiad's charioteer prevented him. Then +Laeg grew <a name="footnotetag1_259" id="footnotetag1_259" href="#footnote1_259"><sup>1</sup></a>very<a href="#footnote1_259"><sup>1</sup></a> wroth <a name="footnotetag3_259" id="footnotetag3_259" href="#footnote3_259"><sup>3</sup></a>at his brother<a href="#footnote3_259"><sup>3</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag4_259" id="footnotetag4_259" href="#footnote4_259"><sup>4</sup></a>bound<a href="#footnote4_259"><sup>4</sup></a> him. And <a name="footnotetag5_259" id="footnotetag5_259" href="#footnote5_259"><sup>5</sup></a>then<a href="#footnote5_259"><sup>5</sup></a> 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:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Ware! beware the Gae Bulga,</div> +<div>Battle-winning Culann's hound!" <i>et reliqua.</i></div> +</div> +</div> + +<p><a name="footnotetag6_259" id="footnotetag6_259" href="#footnote6_259"><sup>6</sup></a>And he sent it to Cuchulain along the stream.<a href="#footnote6_259"><sup>6</sup></a></p> + +<p>Then it was that Cuchulain let fly the white Gae Bulga +from the fork of his irresistible right foot. <a name="footnotetag7_259" id="footnotetag7_259" href="#footnote7_259"><sup>7</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote7_259"><sup>7</sup></a> 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.<a name="footnotetag2_259" id="footnotetag2_259" href="#footnote2_259"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag8_259" id="footnotetag8_259" href="#footnote8_259"><sup>8</sup></a>When Ferdiad saw that his gilla had been thrown<a href="#footnote8_259"><sup>8</sup></a> +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 <a name="footnotetag9_259" id="footnotetag9_259" href="#footnote9_259"><sup>9</sup></a>which was in his hand,<a href="#footnote9_259"><sup>9</sup></a> cast it +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_260" name="Page_260" title="260">260</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 3938.</span> +off the palm of his hand over the rim of the shield and over +the edge of the <a name="footnotetag1_260" id="footnotetag1_260" href="#footnote1_260"><sup>1</sup></a>corselet and<a href="#footnote1_260"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag2_260" id="footnotetag2_260" href="#footnote2_260"><sup>2</sup></a>when Ferdiad raised +his shield<a href="#footnote2_260"><sup>2</sup></a> Cuchulain threw the Gae Bulga as far as he could +cast <a name="footnotetag3_260" id="footnotetag3_260" href="#footnote3_260"><sup>3</sup></a>underneath<a href="#footnote3_260"><sup>3</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>"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:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"O Cu of grand feats,</div> +<div>Unfairly I'm slain!</div> +<div>Thy guilt clings to me;</div> +<div>My blood falls on thee!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"No meed for the wretch<a name="footnotetaga_260" id="footnotetaga_260" href="#footnotea_260"><sup>a</sup></a></div> +<div>Who treads treason's gap.</div> +<div>Now weak is my voice;</div> +<div>Ah, gone is my bloom!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"My ribs' armour bursts,</div> +<div>My heart is all gore;</div> +<div>I battled not well;</div> +<div>I'm smitten, O Cu!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div><a name="footnotetag4_260" id="footnotetag4_260" href="#footnote4_260"><sup>4</sup></a>"Unfair, side by side,</div> +<div>To come to the ford.</div> +<div>'Gainst my noble ward<a name="footnotetagb_260" id="footnotetagb_260" href="#footnoteb_260"><sup>b</sup></a></div> +<div>Hath Medb turned my hand!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"There'll come rooks and crows</div> +<div>To gaze on my arms,</div> +<div>To eat flesh and blood.</div> +<div>A tale, Cu, for thee!"<a href="#footnote4_260"><sup>4</sup></a></div> +</div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_261" name="Page_261" title="261">261</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 3964.</span> +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 <a name="footnotetag1_261" id="footnotetag1_261" href="#footnote1_261"><sup>1</sup></a>with his face<a href="#footnote1_261"><sup>1</sup></a> to the north<a name="footnotetaga_261" id="footnotetaga_261" href="#footnotea_261"><sup>a</sup></a> of +the ford the triumph took place and not to the west<a name="footnotetagb_261" id="footnotetagb_261" href="#footnoteb_261"><sup>b</sup></a> of the +ford with the men of Erin. <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 87b.</span> 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 <a name="footnotetag2_261" id="footnotetag2_261" href="#footnote2_261"><sup>2</sup></a>from thy +trance,<a href="#footnote2_261"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 Darè 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:—</p> + +<p>Laeg:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Now arise, O Emain's Hound;</div> +<div>Now most fits thee courage high.</div> +<div>Ferdiad hast thou thrown—of hosts—</div> +<div>God's fate! How thy fight was hard!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Cuchulain:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"What avails me courage now?</div> +<div>I'm oppressed with rage and grief,</div> +<div>For the deed that I have done</div> +<div>On his body sworded sore!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Laeg:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"It becomes thee not to weep;</div> +<div>Fitter for thee to exult!</div> +<div>Yon red-speared one thee hath left</div> +<div>Plaintful, wounded, steeped in gore!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Cuchulain:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Even had he cleaved my leg,</div> +<div>And one hand had severed too;</div> +<div>Woe, that Ferdiad—who rode steeds—</div> +<div>Shall not ever be in life!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_262" name="Page_262" title="262">262</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 3993.</span>Laeg:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Liefer far what's come to pass,</div> +<div>To the maidens of Red Branch;</div> +<div>He to die, thou to remain;</div> +<div>They grudge not that ye should part!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Cuchulain:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"From the day I Cualnge left,</div> +<div>Seeking high and splendid Medb,</div> +<div>Carnage has she had—with fame—</div> +<div>Of her warriors whom I've slain!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Laeg:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Thou hast had no sleep in peace,</div> +<div>In pursuit of thy great Táin;</div> +<div>Though thy troop was few and small,</div> +<div>Oft thou wouldst rise at early morn!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Cuchulain began to lament and bemoan Ferdiad, and +he spake the words:</p> + +<p>"Alas, O Ferdiad," <a name="footnotetag1_262" id="footnotetag1_262" href="#footnote1_262"><sup>1</sup></a>spake he,<a href="#footnote1_262"><sup>1</sup></a> "'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!</p> + +<p>"Unhappy for thee that Laeg son of Riangabair did +not make thee blush in regard to our comradeship!</p> + +<p>"Unhappy for thee that the truly faithful warning of +Fergus thou didst not take!</p> + +<p>"Unhappy for thee that dear, trophied, triumphant, +battle-victorious Conall counselled thee not in regard to +our comradeship!</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_262" id="footnotetag2_262" href="#footnote2_262"><sup>2</sup></a>"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.</p> + +<p>"For well do those men know that there will not be born +a being that will perform deeds so tremendous and so great +<a name="footnotetag3_262" id="footnotetag3_262" href="#footnote3_262"><sup>3</sup></a>among the Connachtmen as I,<a href="#footnote3_262"><sup>3</sup></a> 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."<a href="#footnote2_262"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag4_262" id="footnotetag4_262" href="#footnote4_262"><sup>4</sup></a>And he spake these warm words, sadly, sorrowfully +in praise of Ferdiad:—<a href="#footnote4_262"><sup>4</sup></a></p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_263" name="Page_263" title="263">263</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 4022.</span> +"There shall not be found the hand of a hero that will +wound warrior's flesh, like cloud-coloured Ferdiad!</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag1_263" id="footnotetag1_263" href="#footnote1_263"><sup>1</sup></a>"There shall not be heard from the gap<a name="footnotetaga_263" id="footnotetaga_263" href="#footnotea_263"><sup>a</sup></a> the cry of +red-mouthed Badb<a name="footnotetagb_263" id="footnotetagb_263" href="#footnoteb_263"><sup>b</sup></a> to the winged, shade-speckled flocks!<a href="#footnote1_263"><sup>1</sup></a></p> + +<p>"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.</p> + +<p>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 <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 88a.</span> with me. For no easy thing is it to +contend and do battle with me on the Raid for the Kine of +Cualnge! <a name="footnotetag2_263" id="footnotetag2_263" href="#footnote2_263"><sup>2</sup></a>And yet, never before have I found combat +that was so sore or distressed me so as thy combat, save the +combat with Oenfer Aifè,<a name="footnotetagc_263" id="footnotetagc_263" href="#footnotec_263"><sup>c</sup></a> mine one own son."<a href="#footnote2_263"><sup>2</sup></a> Thus he +spake, and he uttered these words:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Ah, Ferdiad, betrayed to death.</div> +<div>Our last meeting, oh, how sad!</div> +<div>Thou to die, I to remain.</div> +<div>Ever sad our long farewell!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"When we over yonder dwelt</div> +<div>With our Scathach, steadfast, true,</div> +<div>This we thought till end of time,</div> +<div>That our friendship ne'er would end!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Dear to me thy noble blush;</div> +<div>Dear thy comely, perfect form;</div> +<div>Dear thine eye, blue-grey and clear;</div> +<div>Dear thy wisdom and thy speech!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Never strode to rending fight,</div> +<div>Never wrath and manhood held,</div> +<div>Nor slung shield across broad back,</div> +<div>One like thee, Daman's red son!</div> +</div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_264" name="Page_264" title="264">264</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4051.</span> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Never have I met till now,</div> +<div>Since I Oenfer Aifè slew,</div> +<div>One thy peer in deeds of arms,</div> +<div>Never have I found, Ferdiad!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Finnabair, Medb's daughter fair,</div> +<div>Beauteous, lovely though she be,</div> +<div>As a gad round sand or stones,</div> +<div>She was shown to thee, Ferdiad!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>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 <a name="footnotetag1_264" id="footnotetag1_264" href="#footnote1_264"><sup>1</sup></a>with me."<a href="#footnote1_264"><sup>1</sup></a> Laeg came up and stripped Ferdiad. +He took his armour and garments off him and he saw the +brooch <a name="footnotetag2_264" id="footnotetag2_264" href="#footnote2_264"><sup>2</sup></a>and he placed the brooch in Cuchulain's hand,<a href="#footnote2_264"><sup>2</sup></a> +and Cuchulain began to lament and complain <a name="footnotetag3_264" id="footnotetag3_264" href="#footnote3_264"><sup>3</sup></a>over Ferdiad,<a href="#footnote3_264"><sup>3</sup></a> +and he spake these words:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Alas, golden brooch;</div> +<div>Ferdiad of the hosts,</div> +<div>O good smiter, strong,</div> +<div>Victorious thy hand!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Thy hair blond and curled,</div> +<div>A wealth fair and grand.</div> +<div>Thy soft, leaf-shaped belt</div> +<div>Around thee till death!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Our comradeship dear;</div> +<div>Thy noble eye's gleam;</div> +<div>Thy golden-rimmed shield;</div> +<div>Thy sword,<a name="footnotetaga_264" id="footnotetaga_264" href="#footnotea_264"><sup>a</sup></a> treasures worth!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div><a name="footnotetag4_264" id="footnotetag4_264" href="#footnote4_264"><sup>4</sup></a>"Thy white-silver torque</div> +<div>Thy noble arm binds.</div> +<div>Thy chess-board worth wealth;</div> +<div>Thy fair, ruddy cheek!<a href="#footnote4_264"><sup>4</sup></a></div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"To fall by my hand,</div> +<div>I own was not just!</div> +<div>'Twas no noble fight.</div> +<div>Alas, golden brooch!</div> +</div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_265" name="Page_265" title="265">265</a> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div><a name="footnotetag1_265" id="footnotetag1_265" href="#footnote1_265"><sup>1</sup></a>"Thy death at Cu's hand</div> +<div>Was dire, O dear calf!<a name="footnotetaga_265" id="footnotetaga_265" href="#footnotea_265"><sup>a</sup></a></div> +<div>Unequal the shield</div> +<div>Thou hadst for the strife!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Unfair was our fight,</div> +<div>Our woe and defeat!</div> +<div>Fair the great chief;</div> +<div>Each host overcome</div> +<div>And put under foot!</div> +<div>Alas, golden brooch!"<a href="#footnote1_265"><sup>1</sup></a></div> +</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 4092.</span> +"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:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"O Ferdiad, in gloom we meet.</div> +<div>Thee I see both red and pale.</div> +<div>I myself with unwashed arms;</div> +<div>Thou liest in thy bed of gore!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Were we yonder in the East,</div> +<div>Scathach and our Uathach near,</div> +<div>There would not be pallid lips</div> +<div>Twixt us two, and arms of strife!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Thus spake Scathach trenchantly (?),</div> +<div>Words of warning, strong and stern:</div> +<div>'Go ye all to furious fight;</div> +<div>German, blue-eyed, fierce will come!'</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Unto Ferdiad then I spake,</div> +<div>And to Lugaid generous,</div> +<div>To the son of fair Baetan,<a name="footnotetagb_265" id="footnotetagb_265" href="#footnoteb_265"><sup>b</sup></a></div> +<div>German we would go to meet!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"We came to the battle-rock,</div> +<div>Over Lake Linn Formait's shore.</div> +<div>And four hundred men we brought<a name="footnotetagc_265" id="footnotetagc_265" href="#footnotec_265"><sup>c</sup></a></div> +<div>From the Isles of the Athissech!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"As I stood and Ferdiad brave</div> +<div>At the gate of German's fort,</div> +<div>I slew Rinn the son of Nel;</div> +<div>He slew Ruad son of Fornel!</div> +</div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_266" name="Page_266" title="266">266</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4122.</span> +<span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 88b.</span> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Ferdiad slew upon the slope</div> +<div>Blath, of Colba 'Red-sword' son.</div> +<div>Lugaid, fierce and swift, then slew</div> +<div>Mugairne of the Tyrrhene Sea!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"I slew, after going in,</div> +<div>Four times fifty grim, wild men.</div> +<div>Ferdiad killed—a furious horde—</div> +<div>Dam Dremenn and Dam Dilenn!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"We laid waste shrewd German's fort</div> +<div>O'er the broad, bespangled sea.</div> +<div>German we brought home alive</div> +<div>To our Scathach of broad shield!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Then our famous nurse made fast</div> +<div>Our blood-pact<a name="footnotetaga_266" id="footnotetaga_266" href="#footnotea_266"><sup>a</sup></a> of amity,</div> +<div>That our angers should not rise</div> +<div>'Mongst the tribes of noble Elg!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Sad the morn, a day in March,</div> +<div>Which struck down weak Daman's son.</div> +<div>Woe is me, the friend is fall'n</div> +<div>Whom I pledged in red blood's draught!<a href="#footnotea_266"><sup>a</sup></a></div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Were it there I saw thy death,</div> +<div>Midst the great Greeks' warrior-bands,</div> +<div>I'd not live on after thee,</div> +<div>But together we would die!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Woe, what us befel therefrom,</div> +<div>Us, dear Scathach's fosterlings,</div> +<div>Me sore wounded, red with blood,</div> +<div>Thee no more to drive thy car!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Woe, what us befel therefrom,</div> +<div>Us, dear Scathach's fosterlings,</div> +<div>Me sore wounded, stiff with gore,</div> +<div>Thee to die the death for aye!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Woe, what us befel therefrom,</div> +<div>Us, dear Scathach's fosterlings,</div> +<div>Thee in death, me, strong, alive.</div> +<div>Valour is an angry strife!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>"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:—</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_267" name="Page_267" title="267">267</a> + +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4164.</span> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"All was play, all was sport,</div> +<div>Till came Ferdiad to the ford!</div> +<div> One task for both of us,</div> +<div> Equal our reward.</div> +<div> Our kind, gentle nurse</div> +<div> Chose him over all!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"All was play, all was sport,</div> +<div>Till came Ferdiad to the ford!</div> +<div> One our life, one our fear,</div> +<div> One our skill in arms.</div> +<div> Shields gave Scathach twain</div> +<div> To Ferdiad and me!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"All was play, all was sport,</div> +<div>Till came Ferdiad to the ford!</div> +<div> Dear the shaft of gold<a name="footnotetaga_267" id="footnotetaga_267" href="#footnotea_267"><sup>a</sup></a></div> +<div> I smote on the ford.</div> +<div> Bull-chief of the tribes,</div> +<div> Braver he than all!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Only games and only sport,</div> +<div>Till came Ferdiad to the ford!</div> +<div>Lion, furious, flaming, fierce;</div> +<div>Swollen wave that wrecks like doom!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Only games and only sport,</div> +<div>Till came Ferdiad to the ford!</div> +<div>Lovèd Ferdiad seemed to me</div> +<div>After me would live for aye!</div> +<div>Yesterday, a mountain's size—</div> +<div>He is but a shade to-day!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Three things countless on the Táin</div> +<div>Which have fallen by my hand:</div> +<div>Hosts of cattle, men and steeds,</div> +<div>I have slaughtered on all sides!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Though the hosts were e'er so great,</div> +<div>That came out of Cruachan wild,</div> +<div>More than third and less than half,</div> +<div>Slew I in my direful sport!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Never trod in battle's ring;</div> +<div>Banba<a name="footnotetagb_267" id="footnotetagb_267" href="#footnoteb_267"><sup>b</sup></a> nursed not on her breast;</div> +<div>Never sprang from sea or land,</div> +<div>King's son that had larger fame!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Thus far <a name="footnotetag1_267" id="footnotetag1_267" href="#footnote1_267"><sup>1</sup></a>the Combat of Ferdiad with Cuchulain<a href="#footnote1_267"><sup>1</sup></a> and +the Tragical Death of Ferdiad.</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_268" name="Page_268" title="268">268</a> + +<a name="chapter_XXI" id="chapter_XXI"></a> + +<h2>XXI. <a name="footnotetag1_268" id="footnotetag1_268" href="#footnote1_268"><sup>1</sup></a>CUCHULAIN AND THE RIVERS<a href="#footnote1_268"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_268" id="footnotetag2_268" href="#footnote2_268"><sup>2</sup></a>Now while the hosts proceeded from Ath Firdead ('Ferdiad's +Ford') southwards, Cuchulain lay in his sickbed in +that place.<a href="#footnote2_268"><sup>2</sup></a> <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 89a.</span> Then came certain men of the Ulstermen +thither to help and succour Cuchulain. <span class="sidenoteL">W. 4205.</span> <a name="footnotetag3_268" id="footnotetag3_268" href="#footnote3_268"><sup>3</sup></a>Before all,<a href="#footnote3_268"><sup>3</sup></a> +Senoll Uathach and the two sons of Gegè: 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.</p> + +<p>Accordingly these are the names of the healing rivers +of Cuchulain:—</p> + +<p>Sas, Buan, <a name="footnotetag4_268" id="footnotetag4_268" href="#footnote4_268"><sup>4</sup></a>Buas,<a href="#footnote4_268"><sup>4</sup></a> Bithslan, Findglas ('Whitewater'), +Gleoir, Glenamain, Bedg, Tadg, Telameit, Rind, Bir, Brenidè, +Dichaem, Muach, Miliuc, Cumung, Cuilind, Gainemain, +Drong, Delt, Dubglas ('Blackwater').</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag5_268" id="footnotetag5_268" href="#footnote5_268"><sup>5</sup></a>Then was the grave of Ferdiad dug by the men of Erin +and his funeral games were held.<a href="#footnote5_268"><sup>5</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_269" name="Page_269" title="269">269</a> + +<a name="chapter_XXII" id="chapter_XXII"></a> + +<h2>XXII. <a name="footnotetag1_269" id="footnotetag1_269" href="#footnote1_269"><sup>1</sup></a>CETHERN'S STRAIT-FIGHT<a href="#footnote1_269"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_269" id="footnotetag2_269" href="#footnote2_269"><sup>2</sup></a>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').<a href="#footnote2_269"><sup>2</sup></a> <span class="sidenoteL">W. 4238.</span> 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 <a name="footnotetag3_269" id="footnotetag3_269" href="#footnote3_269"><sup>3</sup></a>from the +host southwards<a href="#footnote3_269"><sup>3</sup></a> as far as Sliab Fuait <a name="footnotetag4_269" id="footnotetag4_269" href="#footnote4_269"><sup>4</sup></a>to spy out the men +of Ulster, to learn if any one came after them.<a href="#footnote4_269"><sup>4</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag5_269" id="footnotetag5_269" href="#footnote5_269"><sup>5</sup></a>at one and the same time.<a href="#footnote5_269"><sup>5</sup></a> And it +seemed to him that he would never in his life come up to the +hosts. And macRoth hastened to tell this news <a name="footnotetag6_269" id="footnotetag6_269" href="#footnote6_269"><sup>6</sup></a>at the +fort<a href="#footnote6_269"><sup>6</sup></a> 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_270" name="Page_270" title="270">270</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4252.</span> +<a name="footnotetag1_270" id="footnotetag1_270" href="#footnote1_270"><sup>1</sup></a>from the north<a href="#footnote1_270"><sup>1</sup></a> straight towards us. A <a name="footnotetag2_270" id="footnotetag2_270" href="#footnote2_270"><sup>2</sup></a>white, grey,<a href="#footnote2_270"><sup>2</sup></a> +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. <a name="footnotetag3_270" id="footnotetag3_270" href="#footnote3_270"><sup>3</sup></a>A +brindled greyhound before him."<a href="#footnote3_270"><sup>3</sup></a> "Who, thinkest thou, +might it be, O Fergus?" asked Ailill. <a name="footnotetag4_270" id="footnotetag4_270" href="#footnote4_270"><sup>4</sup></a>"Is it Conchobar +or Celtchar?"<a href="#footnote4_270"><sup>4</sup></a> "Of a truth, <a name="footnotetag5_270" id="footnotetag5_270" href="#footnote5_270"><sup>5</sup></a>that is not likely,"<a href="#footnote5_270"><sup>5</sup></a> +Fergus answered; "meseems it is Cethern son of <a name="footnotetag6_270" id="footnotetag6_270" href="#footnote6_270"><sup>6</sup></a>generous, +red-edged<a href="#footnote6_270"><sup>6</sup></a> Fintan <a name="footnotetag7_270" id="footnotetag7_270" href="#footnote7_270"><sup>7</sup></a>from Linè in the north<a href="#footnote7_270"><sup>7</sup></a> that came +there. <a name="footnotetag8_270" id="footnotetag8_270" href="#footnote8_270"><sup>8</sup></a>And if so it be, ye shall be on your guard against +him!"<a href="#footnote8_270"><sup>8</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag9_270" id="footnotetag9_270" href="#footnote9_270"><sup>9</sup></a>and they wounded him in like +manner.<a href="#footnote9_270"><sup>9</sup></a> And then <a name="footnotetag10_270" id="footnotetag10_270" href="#footnote10_270"><sup>10</sup></a>Cethern<a href="#footnote10_270"><sup>10</sup></a> left them, <a name="footnotetag11_270" id="footnotetag11_270" href="#footnote11_270"><sup>11</sup></a>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,<a href="#footnote11_270"><sup>11</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag12_270" id="footnotetag12_270" href="#footnote12_270"><sup>12</sup></a>and his intestines were wound about his legs.<a href="#footnote12_270"><sup>12</sup></a> 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. <a name="footnotetag13_270" id="footnotetag13_270" href="#footnote13_270"><sup>13</sup></a>Cuchulain had compassion on his wounds;<a href="#footnote13_270"><sup>13</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag14_270" id="footnotetag14_270" href="#footnote14_270"><sup>14</sup></a> a +bed of fresh rushes was made for him and a pillow set to +it.<a href="#footnote14_270"><sup>14</sup></a> "Come, master Laeg!" cried Cuchulain. <a name="footnotetag15_270" id="footnotetag15_270" href="#footnote15_270"><sup>15</sup></a>"Arise,<a href="#footnote15_270"><sup>15</sup></a> +away with thee to the garrison and camp of the men of +Erin and summon <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 89.</span> the leeches to come out to cure Cethern +macFintain. I give my word, e'en though it be under the +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_271" name="Page_271" title="271">271</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4270.</span> +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 <a name="footnotetag1_271" id="footnotetag1_271" href="#footnote1_271"><sup>1</sup></a>to minister to Cethern."<a href="#footnote1_271"><sup>1</sup></a></p> + +<p>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 <a name="footnotetag2_271" id="footnotetag2_271" href="#footnote2_271"><sup>2</sup></a>after the other<a href="#footnote2_271"><sup>2</sup></a> +came to him, Cethern son of Fintan showed him his stabs +and his cuts, his sores and his bloody wounds. <a name="footnotetag3_271" id="footnotetag3_271" href="#footnote3_271"><sup>3</sup></a>When +the first leech that came looked at him, "thou wilt not +live," he declared. "Neither wilt thou for this," replied +Cethern.<a href="#footnote3_271"><sup>3</sup></a> 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 name="footnotetaga_271" id="footnotetaga_271" href="#footnotea_271"><sup>a</sup></a> leeches of the leeches of the men of Erin, <a name="footnotetag4_271" id="footnotetag4_271" href="#footnote4_272"><sup>4</sup></a>as the +historian hath declared in proof thereof:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"These the leeches of the Táin,</div> +<div>Who by Cethern—bane—did fall.</div> +<div>No light thing, in floods of tribes,</div> +<div>That their names are known to me:</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Littè, Luaidren, known o'er sea,</div> +<div>Lot and Luaimnech, 'White-hand' Lonn,</div> +<div>Latheirnè skilful, also Lonn,</div> +<div>Laisrè, Slanoll 'That cures all.'</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Dubthach, Fintan's blameless son,</div> +<div>Fintan, master Firfial, too,</div> +<div>Mainè, Boethan 'Gives not pain,'</div> +<div>Eke his pupil, Boethan's son.</div> +</div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_272" name="Page_272" title="272">272</a> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"These the leeches, five and ten,</div> +<div>Struck to death by Cethern, true;</div> +<div>I recall them in my day;</div> +<div>They are in the leeches' roll!"<a name="footnotetag4_272" id="footnotetag4_272" href="#footnote4_272"><sup>4</sup></a></div> +</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 4284.</span> +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.</p> + +<p>Thereafter Cethern son of Fintan asked another leech +of Cuchulain to heal and to cure him <a name="footnotetag1_272" id="footnotetag1_272" href="#footnote1_272"><sup>1</sup></a>forasmuch as the +leeches of the men of Erin had failed him.<a href="#footnote1_272"><sup>1</sup></a> "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, <a name="footnotetag2_272" id="footnotetag2_272" href="#footnote2_272"><sup>2</sup></a>him that is<a href="#footnote2_272"><sup>2</sup></a> leech to Conchobar. Bid him +come to heal Cethern son of Fintan."</p> + +<p>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 <a name="footnotetag3_272" id="footnotetag3_272" href="#footnote3_272"><sup>3</sup></a>with +him to where Cuchulain and Cethern were.<a href="#footnote3_272"><sup>3</sup></a> As soon as he +was come, Cethern son of Fintan showed him his stabs +and his cuts, his sores and his bloody wounds.</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_273" name="Page_273" title="273">273</a> + +<h2><span class="sc">XXIIa</span>. <a name="footnotetag1_273" id="footnotetag1_273" href="#footnote1_273"><sup>1</sup></a>CETHERN'S BLOODY WOUNDS<a href="#footnote1_273"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 4299.</span> +<a name="footnotetag2_273" id="footnotetag2_273" href="#footnote2_273"><sup>2</sup></a>"Look at this bloody wound for me, O Fingin," said +Cethern.<a href="#footnote2_273"><sup>2</sup></a> Fingin looked at the bloody wound. "Why, it +is a slight, unwillingly given wound we behold here," said +the leech; <a name="footnotetag3_273" id="footnotetag3_273" href="#footnote3_273"><sup>3</sup></a>"even a wound that some one of thine own +blood hath given thee, and no desire or wish had he therefor,<a href="#footnote3_273"><sup>3</sup></a> +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 <a name="footnotetag4_273" id="footnotetag4_273" href="#footnote4_273"><sup>4</sup></a>macRoig.<a href="#footnote4_273"><sup>4</sup></a> 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."</p> + +<p>"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; <a name="footnotetag5_273" id="footnotetag5_273" href="#footnote5_273"><sup>5</sup></a>"namely the +wound which a warrior-woman inflicted on thee," said +he.<a href="#footnote5_273"><sup>5</sup></a> "Aye, that is true then," quoth Cethern; "a woman +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_274" name="Page_274" title="274">274</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4314.</span> +came upon me there by herself. A woman, beautiful, fair-faced, +long-cheeked, tall; a golden-yellow head of hair +<a name="footnotetag1_274" id="footnotetag1_274" href="#footnote1_274"><sup>1</sup></a>down to the top of her two shoulder-blades she wore; +a smock of royal sammet next to her white skin;<a href="#footnote1_274"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_274" id="footnotetag2_274" href="#footnote2_274"><sup>2</sup></a>two +birds of gold on her shoulders;<a href="#footnote2_274"><sup>2</sup></a> a purple cloak without +other colour she had around her; <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 90a.</span> 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."</p> + +<p>"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; <a name="footnotetag3_274" id="footnotetag3_274" href="#footnote3_274"><sup>3</sup></a>"that is to say, two warriors inflicted these two +wounds as one wound upon thee."<a href="#footnote3_274"><sup>3</sup></a> "Yea, that is true," +answered Cethern. "There came two <a name="footnotetag4_274" id="footnotetag4_274" href="#footnote4_274"><sup>4</sup></a>men-at-arms<a href="#footnote4_274"><sup>4</sup></a> +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; <a name="footnotetag5_274" id="footnotetag5_274" href="#footnote5_274"><sup>5</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote5_274"><sup>5</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag6_274" id="footnotetag6_274" href="#footnote6_274"><sup>6</sup></a>They +smote me this wound and I smote a little wound on each of +them."<a href="#footnote6_274"><sup>6</sup></a> "Indeed we know that pair," quoth Cuchulain; +"Oll and Othinè they, of the bodyguard of Ailill and Medb; +they never go to a hosting, <a name="footnotetag7_274" id="footnotetag7_274" href="#footnote7_274"><sup>7</sup></a>to battle or combat,<a href="#footnote7_274"><sup>7</sup></a> but when +the wounding of a man is certain. They would have held +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_275" name="Page_275" title="275">275</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4330.</span> +it for victory and triumph and a boast hadst thou fallen +at their hands."</p> + +<p>"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," <a name="footnotetag1_275" id="footnotetag1_275" href="#footnote1_275"><sup>1</sup></a>said Cethern;<a href="#footnote1_275"><sup>1</sup></a> "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, +<a name="footnotetag2_275" id="footnotetag2_275" href="#footnote2_275"><sup>2</sup></a>and thy healing and curing are not easy;<a href="#footnote2_275"><sup>2</sup></a> 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."</p> + +<p>"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 Cailè ('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 <a name="footnotetag3_275" id="footnotetag3_275" href="#footnote3_275"><sup>3</sup></a>on their heads.<a href="#footnote3_275"><sup>3</sup></a> 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; <a name="footnotetag4_275" id="footnotetag4_275" href="#footnote4_275"><sup>4</sup></a>"noble youths of Medb's +great household,<a href="#footnote4_275"><sup>4</sup></a> Broen and Brudni, are they, <a name="footnotetag5_275" id="footnotetag5_275" href="#footnote5_275"><sup>5</sup></a>two<a href="#footnote5_275"><sup>5</sup></a> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_276" name="Page_276" title="276">276</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4352.</span> +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."</p> + +<p>"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."</p> + +<p>"Look at this bloody wound for me too, O Fingin my +master," said Cethern. <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 90b.</span> 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 <a name="footnotetag1_276" id="footnotetag1_276" href="#footnote1_276"><sup>1</sup></a>dark<a href="#footnote1_276"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag2_276" id="footnotetag2_276" href="#footnote2_276"><sup>2</sup></a>with hoods +and red embroidery<a href="#footnote2_276"><sup>2</sup></a> next their skin; <a name="footnotetag3_276" id="footnotetag3_276" href="#footnote3_276"><sup>3</sup></a>two<a href="#footnote3_276"><sup>3</sup></a> 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; "Manè 'Like +to his mother' and Manè 'Like to his father,' two sons of +Ailill and Medb; and it would be matter of victory, +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_277" name="Page_277" title="277">277</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4377.</span> +triumph and boasting to them, hadst thou fallen at their +hands."</p> + +<p>"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 <a name="footnotetag1_277" id="footnotetag1_277" href="#footnote1_277"><sup>1</sup></a>the +spear he had<a href="#footnote1_277"><sup>1</sup></a> at me. <a name="footnotetag2_277" id="footnotetag2_277" href="#footnote2_277"><sup>2</sup></a>Then<a href="#footnote2_277"><sup>2</sup></a> I thrust <a name="footnotetag3_277" id="footnotetag3_277" href="#footnote3_277"><sup>3</sup></a>this spear<a href="#footnote3_277"><sup>3</sup></a> +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; +<a name="footnotetag4_277" id="footnotetag4_277" href="#footnote4_277"><sup>4</sup></a>and there is no means to cure thee or to save thee,<a href="#footnote4_277"><sup>4</sup></a> and +no healing can I effect here." "Ah, but we know those +twain," quoth Cuchulain; "a pair of champions from +Norway who, <a name="footnotetag5_277" id="footnotetag5_277" href="#footnote5_277"><sup>5</sup></a>because of their cunning and violence,<a href="#footnote5_277"><sup>5</sup></a> 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."</p> + +<p>"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, +<a name="footnotetag6_277" id="footnotetag6_277" href="#footnote6_277"><sup>6</sup></a>with a cunningly ornamented and delicate embossing<a href="#footnote6_277"><sup>6</sup></a> +and supports of mottled gold outside upon them. "Ah, +but we know that pair," quoth Cuchulain; "Ailill and his +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_278" name="Page_278" title="278">278</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4399.</span> +son are they, Manè 'That embraces the traits of them all.' +They would deem it victory and triumph and a boast +shouldst thou fall at their hands."</p> + +<p>Thus far the "Bloody Wounds" of the Táin.</p> + +<p>"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 +<a name="footnotetag1_278" id="footnotetag1_278" href="#footnote1_278"><sup>1</sup></a>and the creaking of the chariot might be heard afar +off.<a href="#footnote1_278"><sup>1</sup></a></p> + +<p>"Oh, but vicious is the kick from the old warrior," +cried Cuchulain; <a name="footnotetag2_278" id="footnotetag2_278" href="#footnote2_278"><sup>2</sup></a>"'twould be more fitting if thou +shouldst ply it on foes than on leech!"<a href="#footnote2_278"><sup>2</sup></a> Hence, from this +saying, is the name Uachtar Lua ('the Height of the Kick') +in the land of Ross from then until this day. + +Nevertheless <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 91a.</span> 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 name="footnotetaga_278" id="footnotetaga_278" href="#footnotea_278"><sup>a</sup></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 +<a name="footnotetag3_278" id="footnotetag3_278" href="#footnote3_278"><sup>3</sup></a>his anger and<a href="#footnote3_278"><sup>3</sup></a> 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. +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_279" name="Page_279" title="279">279</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4420.</span> +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, <a name="footnotetag1_279" id="footnotetag1_279" href="#footnote1_279"><sup>1</sup></a>and he slept a day and a night after +taking in the marrow.<a href="#footnote1_279"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_279" id="footnotetag2_279" href="#footnote2_279"><sup>2</sup></a>"I have no ribs more," said +Cethern; "put the ribs of the chariot-box into me." "Thou +shalt have it," Cuchulain made answer.<a href="#footnote2_279"><sup>2</sup></a> 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. <a name="footnotetag3_279" id="footnotetag3_279" href="#footnote3_279"><sup>3</sup></a>"Had +I my own weapons," said Cethern, "the story of what I +would do would live forever!"<a href="#footnote3_279"><sup>3</sup></a></p> + +<p>That was the time when his wife came from the north, +from Dûn da Benn ('Fort of the two Gables'), and she +brought his sword with her, even Finna daughter of Eocho. +<a name="footnotetag4_279" id="footnotetag4_279" href="#footnote4_279"><sup>4</sup></a>"What seest thou?" asked Cethern.<a href="#footnote4_279"><sup>4</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag5_279" id="footnotetag5_279" href="#footnote5_279"><sup>5</sup></a>"Meseems," +answered Cuchulain, "'tis the chariot of little Finna, Eocho's +daughter, thy wife, that comes nigh us."<a href="#footnote5_279"><sup>5</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag6_279" id="footnotetag6_279" href="#footnote6_279"><sup>6</sup></a>And they +saw the woman, with the arms in the chariot.<a href="#footnote6_279"><sup>6</sup></a> Cethern +son of Fintan <a name="footnotetag7_279" id="footnotetag7_279" href="#footnote7_279"><sup>7</sup></a>seized his arms<a href="#footnote7_279"><sup>7</sup></a> and proceeded to attack +the men of Erin, <a name="footnotetag8_279" id="footnotetag8_279" href="#footnote8_279"><sup>8</sup></a>with the chariot-box bound around his +back, for he was not the stronger therefor.<a href="#footnote8_279"><sup>8</sup></a> But this is +to be added: They sent a warning before him; Ithall,<a name="footnotetaga_279" id="footnotetaga_279" href="#footnotea_279"><sup>a</sup></a> +physician of Ailill and Medb, had remained as one dead of +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_280" name="Page_280" title="280">280</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4436.</span> +the great stun <a name="footnotetag1_280" id="footnotetag1_280" href="#footnote1_280"><sup>1</sup></a>from the blow of Cethern<a href="#footnote1_280"><sup>1</sup></a> among the +bodies of the other leeches for a long space and time, <a name="footnotetag2_280" id="footnotetag2_280" href="#footnote2_280"><sup>2</sup></a>and +continued in that state till then; at last he rose and rushed +to the encampment,<a href="#footnote2_280"><sup>2</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag3_280" id="footnotetag3_280" href="#footnote3_280"><sup>3</sup></a>and he, the leech that had alone +escaped from Cethern, brought the alarm to the camp.<a href="#footnote3_280"><sup>3</sup></a></p> + +<p>"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 <a name="footnotetag4_280" id="footnotetag4_280" href="#footnote4_280"><sup>4</sup></a>in fear<a href="#footnote4_280"><sup>4</sup></a> +put Ailill's dress and his golden shawl <a name="footnotetag5_280" id="footnotetag5_280" href="#footnote5_280"><sup>5</sup></a>and his regal diadem<a href="#footnote5_280"><sup>5</sup></a> +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. <a name="footnotetag6_280" id="footnotetag6_280" href="#footnote6_280"><sup>6</sup></a>Eftsoons<a href="#footnote6_280"><sup>6</sup></a> Cethern <a name="footnotetag7_280" id="footnotetag7_280" href="#footnote7_280"><sup>7</sup></a>reached +the place where he<a href="#footnote7_280"><sup>7</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag8_280" id="footnotetag8_280" href="#footnote8_280"><sup>8</sup></a>so that his fist went +through it after the sword.<a href="#footnote8_280"><sup>8</sup></a> "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 <a name="footnotetag9_280" id="footnotetag9_280" href="#footnote9_280"><sup>9</sup></a>of the men of Erin<a href="#footnote9_280"><sup>9</sup></a> 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!"</p> + +<p>Manè Andoe son of Ailill and Medb heard that, and he +put <a name="footnotetag10_280" id="footnotetag10_280" href="#footnote10_280"><sup>10</sup></a>his father's<a href="#footnote10_280"><sup>10</sup></a> royal raiment about him and the golden +shawl <a name="footnotetag11_280" id="footnotetag11_280" href="#footnote11_280"><sup>11</sup></a>and the diadem on his head, and he snatched them +up in his chariot before him<a href="#footnote11_280"><sup>11</sup></a> 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, +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_281" name="Page_281" title="281">281</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4454.</span> +so that the chiselled rim of the shield clave him<a name="footnotetaga_281" id="footnotetaga_281" href="#footnotea_281"><sup>a</sup></a> to the +ground, with chariot, driver, and horses. <a name="footnotetag1_281" id="footnotetag1_281" href="#footnote1_281"><sup>1</sup></a>When the men +of Erin saw that,<a href="#footnote1_281"><sup>1</sup></a> they surrounded Cethern on every side +<a name="footnotetag2_281" id="footnotetag2_281" href="#footnote2_281"><sup>2</sup></a>and made him a victim of spears and lances,<a href="#footnote2_281"><sup>2</sup></a> so that he +fell at their hands in the strait wherein he was. Wherefore +'Cethern's Strait-Fight and the Bloody Wounds of Cethern' +<a name="footnotetag3_281" id="footnotetag3_281" href="#footnote3_281"><sup>3</sup></a>is the name of this tale.<a href="#footnote3_281"><sup>3</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag4_281" id="footnotetag4_281" href="#footnote4_281"><sup>4</sup></a>His wife, Finna<a name="footnotetagb_281" id="footnotetagb_281" href="#footnoteb_281"><sup>b</sup></a> daughter of Eocho Salbuidê ('Yellow-heel') +stood over him and she was in great sorrow, and she +made the funeral-song below:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"I care for naught, care for naught;</div> +<div>Ne'er more man's hand 'neath my head,</div> +<div>Since was dug the earthy bed,</div> +<div>Cethern's bold, of Dûn da Benn!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Kingly Cethern, Fintan's son;</div> +<div>Few were with him on the ford.</div> +<div>Connacht's men with all their host,</div> +<div>For nine hours he left them not!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Arms he bore not—this an art—</div> +<div>But a red, two-headed pike;</div> +<div>With it slaughtered he the host,</div> +<div>While his anger still was fresh!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Felled by double-headed pike,</div> +<div>Cethern's hand held, with their crimes,<a name="footnotetagc_281" id="footnotetagc_281" href="#footnotec_281"><sup>c</sup></a></div> +<div>Seven times fifty of the hosts,</div> +<div>Fintan's son brought to their graves!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Willa-loo, oh, willa-loo!</div> +<div>Woman's<a name="footnotetagd_281" id="footnotetagd_281" href="#footnoted_281"><sup>d</sup></a> wandering through the mist.</div> +<div>Worse it is for him that's dead.</div> +<div>She that lives may find a man!<a name="footnotetage_281" id="footnotetage_281" href="#footnotee_281"><sup>e</sup></a></div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Never I shall take a man<a href="#footnotee_281"><sup>e</sup></a></div> +<div>Of the hosts of this good world;</div> +<div>Never shall I sleep with man;</div> +<div>Never shall my man with wife!</div> +</div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_282" name="Page_282" title="282">282</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4485.</span> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Dear the homestead, 'Horse-head's Dûn,'<a name="footnotetaga_282" id="footnotetaga_282" href="#footnotea_282"><sup>a</sup></a></div> +<div>Where our hosts were wont to go.</div> +<div>Dear the water, soft and sweet;</div> +<div>Dear the isle, 'Isle of the Red!'<a name="footnotetagb_282" id="footnotetagb_282" href="#footnoteb_282"><sup>b</sup></a></div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Sad the care, oh, sad the care,</div> +<div>Cualnge's Cow-raid brought on me:</div> +<div>Cethern, Fintan's son, to keen.</div> +<div>Oh that he had shunned his woe!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Great the doings, these, oh, great,</div> +<div>And the deed that here was done:</div> +<div>I bewailing him till death,</div> +<div>Him that has been smitten down!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Finna, Eocho's daughter, I,</div> +<div>Found a fight of circling spears.</div> +<div>Had my champion had his arms:</div> +<div>By his side a slaughtered heap!"<a name="footnotetag4_282" id="footnotetag4_282" href="#footnote4_282"><sup>4</sup></a></div> +</div> +</div> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_283" name="Page_283" title="283">283</a> + +<a name="chapter_XXIII" id="chapter_XXIII"></a> + +<h2>XXIII. HERE FOLLOWETH THE TOOTH-FIGHT OF FINTAN</h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 4502.</span> +Fintan, himself the son of Niall Niamglonnach ('of the +brilliant Exploits') from Dûn da Benn <a name="footnotetag1_283" id="footnotetag1_283" href="#footnote1_283"><sup>1</sup></a>in the north,<a href="#footnote1_283"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag2_283" id="footnotetag2_283" href="#footnote2_283"><sup>2</sup></a>with many pointed weapons<a href="#footnote2_283"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 name="footnotetaga_283" id="footnotetaga_283" href="#footnotea_283"><sup>a</sup></a> battles to the hosts. And thrice their own +number fell at their hands, and there fell also the people <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 91b.</span> +of Fintan son of Niall, all excepting Fintan's son Crimthann +alone,<a name="footnotetag3_283" id="footnotetag3_283" href="#footnote3_283"><sup>3</sup></a> so that there did not escape any of his people excepting +himself and his son.<a href="#footnote3_283"><sup>3</sup></a> This one was saved under a +canopy of shields by Ailill and Medb. <a name="footnotetag4_283" id="footnotetag4_283" href="#footnote4_283"><sup>4</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote4_283"><sup>4</sup></a> 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_284" name="Page_284" title="284">284</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4515.</span> +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. <a name="footnotetag1_284" id="footnotetag1_284" href="#footnote1_284"><sup>1</sup></a>He made friendship +with them then when his son had been restored to him.<a href="#footnote1_284"><sup>1</sup></a> +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. <a name="footnotetag2_284" id="footnotetag2_284" href="#footnote2_284"><sup>2</sup></a>Thereafter Fintan went to his +own land.<a href="#footnote2_284"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag3_284" id="footnotetag3_284" href="#footnote3_284"><sup>3</sup></a>and the ear<a href="#footnote3_284"><sup>3</sup></a> of each of +them in the teeth and tusks of the other <a name="footnotetag4_284" id="footnotetag4_284" href="#footnote4_284"><sup>4</sup></a>after they had +used up their arms.<a href="#footnote4_284"><sup>4</sup></a> 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.</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_285" name="Page_285" title="285">285</a> + +<a name="chapter_XXIIIa" id="chapter_XXIIIa"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">XXIIIa</span>. THE RED-SHAME OF MENN FOLLOWETH HERE</h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 4529.</span> +<a name="footnotetag1_285" id="footnotetag1_285" href="#footnote1_285"><sup>1</sup></a>It was then came <a name="footnotetag2_285" id="footnotetag2_285" href="#footnote2_285"><sup>2</sup></a>to them<a href="#footnote2_285"><sup>2</sup></a> great<a href="#footnote1_285"><sup>1</sup></a> Menn son of Salcholga, +he from Renna ('the Waterways') of the Boyne <a name="footnotetag3_285" id="footnotetag3_285" href="#footnote3_285"><sup>3</sup></a>in the +north.<a href="#footnote3_285"><sup>3</sup></a> Twelve<a name="footnotetaga_285" id="footnotetaga_285" href="#footnotea_285"><sup>a</sup></a> men <a name="footnotetag4_285" id="footnotetag4_285" href="#footnote4_285"><sup>4</sup></a>with many-pointed weapons,<a href="#footnote4_285"><sup>4</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag5_285" id="footnotetag5_285" href="#footnote5_285"><sup>5</sup></a>so that there remained alive +of them but Menn alone.<a href="#footnote5_285"><sup>5</sup></a> But Menn himself was <a name="footnotetag6_285" id="footnotetag6_285" href="#footnote6_285"><sup>6</sup></a>sorely<a href="#footnote6_285"><sup>6</sup></a> +wounded in the strait, so that blood ran crimson on him +<a name="footnotetag7_285" id="footnotetag7_285" href="#footnote7_285"><sup>7</sup></a>and his followers too were crimsoned.<a href="#footnote7_285"><sup>7</sup></a> Then said the +men of Erin: "Red is this shame," said they, "for Menn +son of Salcholga, that his people, <a name="footnotetag8_285" id="footnotetag8_285" href="#footnote8_285"><sup>8</sup></a>twelve men,<a href="#footnote8_285"><sup>8</sup></a> should be +slain and destroyed and he himself wounded till blood ran +crimson red upon him." Hence here is the 'Reddening +Shame of Menn,' <a name="footnotetag9_285" id="footnotetag9_285" href="#footnote9_285"><sup>9</sup></a>the name of this tale on the Spoil of the +Kine of Cualnge.<a href="#footnote9_285"><sup>9</sup></a></p> + +<p>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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_286" name="Page_286" title="286">286</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4542.</span> +north again, and that Menn should cease his weapon-feats<a name="footnotetaga_286" id="footnotetaga_286" href="#footnotea_286"><sup>a</sup></a> +on the hosts till Conchobar arose out of his 'Pains' and +battle would be offered them at Garech and Ilgarech <a name="footnotetag1_286" id="footnotetag1_286" href="#footnote1_286"><sup>1</sup></a>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,<a href="#footnote1_286"><sup>1</sup></a> as the druids and soothsayers +and the knowers of the men of Erin had foretold it.</p> + +<p>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, <a name="footnotetag2_286" id="footnotetag2_286" href="#footnote2_286"><sup>2</sup></a>and Menn went his way to his own +land.<a href="#footnote2_286"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_287" name="Page_287" title="287">287</a> + +<a name="chapter_XXIIIb" id="chapter_XXIIIb"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">XXIIIb</span>. HERE FOLLOWETH THE ACCOUTREMENT OF THE CHARIOTEERS</h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 4551.</span> +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.' <a name="footnotetag1_287" id="footnotetag1_287" href="#footnote1_287"><sup>1</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote1_287"><sup>1</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_288" name="Page_288" title="288">288</a> + +<a name="chapter_XXIIIc" id="chapter_XXIIIc"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">XXIIIc</span>. <a name="footnotetag1_288" id="footnotetag1_288" href="#footnote1_288"><sup>1</sup></a>THE WHITE-FIGHT OF ROCHAD NOW FOLLOWETH<a href="#footnote1_288"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 4556.</span> +<span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 92a.</span> +<a name="footnotetag2_288" id="footnotetag2_288" href="#footnote2_288"><sup>2</sup></a>Cuchulain despatched his charioteer to<a href="#footnote2_288"><sup>2</sup></a> Rochad +<a name="footnotetag3_288" id="footnotetag3_288" href="#footnote3_288"><sup>3</sup></a>Rigderg ('Red-king')<a href="#footnote3_288"><sup>3</sup></a> son of Fathemon, <a name="footnotetag4_288" id="footnotetag4_288" href="#footnote4_288"><sup>4</sup></a>from Rigdorn +in the north,<a href="#footnote4_288"><sup>4</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag5_288" id="footnotetag5_288" href="#footnote5_288"><sup>5</sup></a>that he should come to his aid.<a href="#footnote5_288"><sup>5</sup></a> He was +of Ulster. <a name="footnotetag6_288" id="footnotetag6_288" href="#footnote6_288"><sup>6</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote6_288"><sup>6</sup></a> Thrice fifty<a name="footnotetaga_288" id="footnotetaga_288" href="#footnotea_288"><sup>a</sup></a> warriors was his number, and +he took possession of a hill fronting the hosts. <a name="footnotetag7_288" id="footnotetag7_288" href="#footnote7_288"><sup>7</sup></a>"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.<a href="#footnote7_288"><sup>7</sup></a> Finnabair, +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_289" name="Page_289" title="289">289</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4558.</span> +daughter of Ailill and Medb, perceived that and she went +to speak to her mother thereof, even to Medb. <a name="footnotetag1_289" id="footnotetag1_289" href="#footnote1_289"><sup>1</sup></a>Now it +happened that Finnabair loved Rochad. It is he was the +fairest young warrior in Ulster at that time.<a href="#footnote1_289"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_289" id="footnotetag2_289" href="#footnote2_289"><sup>2</sup></a>And +Finnabair disclosed her secret and her love<a name="footnotetaga_289" id="footnotetaga_289" href="#footnotea_289"><sup>a</sup></a> to her mother.<a href="#footnote2_289"><sup>2</sup></a> +"Truly have I loved yonder warrior for a long time," said +she; "and it is he is my sweetheart, <a name="footnotetag3_289" id="footnotetag3_289" href="#footnote3_289"><sup>3</sup></a>my first love<a href="#footnote3_289"><sup>3</sup></a> and +mine own choice one in wooing <a name="footnotetag4_289" id="footnotetag4_289" href="#footnote4_289"><sup>4</sup></a>of the men of Erin."<a href="#footnote4_289"><sup>4</sup></a> +"An thou hast <a name="footnotetag5_289" id="footnotetag5_289" href="#footnote5_289"><sup>5</sup></a>so<a href="#footnote5_289"><sup>5</sup></a> loved him, daughter," <a name="footnotetag6_289" id="footnotetag6_289" href="#footnote6_289"><sup>6</sup></a>quoth Ailill +and Medb,<a href="#footnote6_289"><sup>6</sup></a> "sleep with him this night and crave for us a +truce of him for the hosts, until <a name="footnotetag7_289" id="footnotetag7_289" href="#footnote7_289"><sup>7</sup></a>with Conchobar<a href="#footnote7_289"><sup>7</sup></a> 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."</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag8_289" id="footnotetag8_289" href="#footnote8_289"><sup>8</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote8_289"><sup>8</sup></a></p> + +<p>Rochad son of Fathemon accepted the offer <a name="footnotetag9_289" id="footnotetag9_289" href="#footnote9_289"><sup>9</sup></a>and thereupon +he left them<a href="#footnote9_289"><sup>9</sup></a> and that night the damsel slept with +him.</p> + +<p>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 <a name="footnotetag10_289" id="footnotetag10_289" href="#footnote10_289"><sup>10</sup></a>on fifteen hostages<a href="#footnote10_289"><sup>10</sup></a> once long +ago," said he; "and it is for this I have now come on this +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_290" name="Page_290" title="290">290</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4568.</span> +hosting." Now wherever it happened that the seven<a name="footnotetaga_290" id="footnotetaga_290" href="#footnotea_290"><sup>a</sup></a> +Under-kings of Munster were, what they all said was that +it was for this they were come. <a name="footnotetag1_290" id="footnotetag1_290" href="#footnote1_290"><sup>1</sup></a>"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.<a href="#footnote1_290"><sup>1</sup></a> "Why," said they, <a name="footnotetag2_290" id="footnotetag2_290" href="#footnote2_290"><sup>2</sup></a>"what +better counsel could we take?<a href="#footnote2_290"><sup>2</sup></a> Should we not go to +avenge our wife and our honour on the Manè <a name="footnotetag3_290" id="footnotetag3_290" href="#footnote3_290"><sup>3</sup></a>the sons of +Ailill<a href="#footnote3_290"><sup>3</sup></a> who are watching <a name="footnotetag4_290" id="footnotetag4_290" href="#footnote4_290"><sup>4</sup></a>and guarding<a href="#footnote4_290"><sup>4</sup></a> the rear of the +army at Imlech in Glendamrach ('Kettle-glen's navel)?"</p> + +<p>This was the course they resolved upon. And with their +seven divisions of thirty hundreds they arose, <a name="footnotetag5_290" id="footnotetag5_290" href="#footnote5_290"><sup>5</sup></a>each man +of them to attack the Manè. When Ailill heard that,<a href="#footnote5_290"><sup>5</sup></a> he +arose <a name="footnotetag6_290" id="footnotetag6_290" href="#footnote6_290"><sup>6</sup></a>with a start with ready shield<a href="#footnote6_290"><sup>6</sup></a> against them and +thirty hundred <a name="footnotetag7_290" id="footnotetag7_290" href="#footnote7_290"><sup>7</sup></a>after them.<a href="#footnote7_290"><sup>7</sup></a> Medb arose with her thirty +hundred. The sons of Maga with theirs and the Leinstermen +and the Munstermen and the people of Tara.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag8_290" id="footnotetag8_290" href="#footnote8_290"><sup>8</sup></a>Then arose Fergus with his thirty hundred to intervene +between them, and that was a hand for that mighty work.<a href="#footnote8_290"><sup>8</sup></a> +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<a name="footnotetagb_290" id="footnotetagb_290" href="#footnoteb_290"><sup>b</sup></a> +very valiant warriors of them had fallen <a name="footnotetag9_290" id="footnotetag9_290" href="#footnote9_290"><sup>9</sup></a>in the slaughter +of Glenn Domain ('Deep Glen').<a href="#footnote9_290"><sup>9</sup></a></p> + +<p>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 +Slebè ('Finnabair of the Mount') is the name of the place +where she fell, <a name="footnotetag10_290" id="footnotetag10_290" href="#footnote10_290"><sup>10</sup></a>died and was buried.<a href="#footnote10_290"><sup>10</sup></a></p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_291" name="Page_291" title="291">291</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 4585.</span> +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<a name="footnotetag1_291" id="footnotetag1_291" href="#footnote1_291"><sup>1</sup></a> safe and whole to his country and +land<a href="#footnote1_291"><sup>1</sup></a> without blood-shedding or reddening on him." +Hence this is the 'White-fight' of Rochad.</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_292" name="Page_292" title="292">292</a> + +<a name="chapter_XXIIId" id="chapter_XXIIId"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">XXIIId</span>. HERE FOLLOWETH ILIACH'S CLUMP-FIGHT</h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 4590.</span> +<a name="footnotetag1_292" id="footnotetag1_292" href="#footnote1_292"><sup>1</sup></a>Then came to them<a href="#footnote1_292"><sup>1</sup></a> Iliach son of Cass son of Bacc son +of Ross Ruad son of Rudraige. <a name="footnotetag2_292" id="footnotetag2_292" href="#footnote2_292"><sup>2</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote2_292"><sup>2</sup></a> +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 <a name="footnotetag3_292" id="footnotetag3_292" href="#footnote3_292"><sup>3</sup></a>and of Cualnge<a href="#footnote3_292"><sup>3</sup></a> from Monday at Summer's end +till the beginning of Spring, <a name="footnotetag4_292" id="footnotetag4_292" href="#footnote4_292"><sup>4</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote4_292"><sup>4</sup></a> He then conceived +a plan <a name="footnotetag5_292" id="footnotetag5_292" href="#footnote5_292"><sup>5</sup></a>in his mind<a href="#footnote5_292"><sup>5</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag6_292" id="footnotetag6_292" href="#footnote6_292"><sup>6</sup></a>and to use +my<a name="footnotetaga_292" id="footnotetaga_292" href="#footnotea_292"><sup>a</sup></a> strength on them<a href="#footnote6_292"><sup>6</sup></a> and have <a name="footnotetag7_292" id="footnotetag7_292" href="#footnote7_292"><sup>7</sup></a>my boast and<a href="#footnote7_292"><sup>7</sup></a> victory +over them, and thus avenge the honour of Ulster. And I +care not though I should fall myself there thereafter."</p> + +<p><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 92b.</span> And this is the counsel he followed. His two +withered, mangy, <a name="footnotetag8_292" id="footnotetag8_292" href="#footnote8_292"><sup>8</sup></a>sorrel<a href="#footnote8_292"><sup>8</sup></a> nags that were upon the strand +hard by the fort were led to him. And to them was +fastened his ancient, <a name="footnotetag9_292" id="footnotetag9_292" href="#footnote9_292"><sup>9</sup></a>worn-out<a href="#footnote9_292"><sup>9</sup></a> chariot. <a name="footnotetag10_292" id="footnotetag10_292" href="#footnote10_292"><sup>10</sup></a>Thus he +mounted his chariot,<a href="#footnote10_292"><sup>10</sup></a> without either covers or cushions; +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_293" name="Page_293" title="293">293</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4601.</span> +<a name="footnotetag1_293" id="footnotetag1_293" href="#footnote1_293"><sup>1</sup></a>a hurdle of wattles around it.<a href="#footnote1_293"><sup>1</sup></a> His <a name="footnotetag2_293" id="footnotetag2_293" href="#footnote2_293"><sup>2</sup></a>big,<a href="#footnote2_293"><sup>2</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag3_293" id="footnotetag3_293" href="#footnote3_293"><sup>3</sup></a>blunt, rusted<a href="#footnote3_293"><sup>3</sup></a> spears by his side in the +chariot. His folk furnished his chariot around him with +cobbles and boulders and huge clumps, <a name="footnotetag4_293" id="footnotetag4_293" href="#footnote4_293"><sup>4</sup></a>so that it was full +up to its ...<a href="#footnote4_293"><sup>4</sup></a> (?)</p> + +<p>In such wise he fared forth to assail the men of Erin. +And thus he came, <a name="footnotetag5_293" id="footnotetag5_293" href="#footnote5_293"><sup>5</sup></a>stark-naked,<a href="#footnote5_293"><sup>5</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag6_293" id="footnotetag6_293" href="#footnote6_293"><sup>6</sup></a>and the spittle from +his gaping mouth trickling down through the chariot under +him.<a href="#footnote6_293"><sup>6</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag7_293" id="footnotetag7_293" href="#footnote7_293"><sup>7</sup></a>When the men of Erin saw him thus, they began +to mock and deride him.<a href="#footnote7_293"><sup>7</sup></a> "Truly it would be well for +us," said the men of Erin,<a name="footnotetaga_293" id="footnotetaga_293" href="#footnotea_293"><sup>a</sup></a> "if this were the manner in +which all the Ulstermen came to us <a name="footnotetag8_293" id="footnotetag8_293" href="#footnote8_293"><sup>8</sup></a>on the plain."<a href="#footnote8_293"><sup>8</sup></a></p> + +<p>Dochè son of Maga met him and bade him welcome. +"Welcome is thy coming, O Iliach," spake Dochè son of +Maga. <a name="footnotetag9_293" id="footnotetag9_293" href="#footnote9_293"><sup>9</sup></a>"Who bids me welcome?" asked Iliach. "A +comrade and friend of Loegaire Buadach am I, namely +Dochè macMagach."<a href="#footnote9_293"><sup>9</sup></a> "Truly spoken I esteem that +welcome," answered Iliach; "but do thou <a name="footnotetag10_293" id="footnotetag10_293" href="#footnote10_293"><sup>10</sup></a>for the sake +of that welcome<a href="#footnote10_293"><sup>10</sup></a> come to me when now, alas, my deeds +of arms will be over and my warlike vigour will have vanished, +<a name="footnotetag11_293" id="footnotetag11_293" href="#footnote11_293"><sup>11</sup></a>when I will have spent my rage upon the hosts,<a href="#footnote11_293"><sup>11</sup></a> +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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_294" name="Page_294" title="294">294</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4615.</span> +thee <a name="footnotetag1_294" id="footnotetag1_294" href="#footnote1_294"><sup>1</sup></a>for thine own friend, even<a href="#footnote1_294"><sup>1</sup></a> for Loegaire <a name="footnotetag2_294" id="footnotetag2_294" href="#footnote2_294"><sup>2</sup></a>Buadach!"<a href="#footnote2_294"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + +<p>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 <a name="footnotetag3_294" id="footnotetag3_294" href="#footnote3_294"><sup>3</sup></a>of earth<a href="#footnote3_294"><sup>3</sup></a> till he had used them up. And +when these weapons failed him he spent his rage on the +man <a name="footnotetag4_294" id="footnotetag4_294" href="#footnote4_294"><sup>4</sup></a>that was nearest him<a href="#footnote4_294"><sup>4</sup></a> of the men of Erin, and bruised +him grievously between his fore-arms <a name="footnotetag5_294" id="footnotetag5_294" href="#footnote5_294"><sup>5</sup></a>and his sides<a href="#footnote5_294"><sup>5</sup></a> 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 name="footnotetaga_294" id="footnotetaga_294" href="#footnotea_294"><sup>a</sup></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 Táin, 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.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag6_294" id="footnotetag6_294" href="#footnote6_294"><sup>6</sup></a>Thereafter<a href="#footnote6_294"><sup>6</sup></a> Dochè son of Maga met him. "Is not +this Iliach?" asked Dochè 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 <a name="footnotetag7_294" id="footnotetag7_294" href="#footnote7_294"><sup>7</sup></a>Buadach ('the Victorious')."<a href="#footnote7_294"><sup>7</sup></a></p> + +<p>Dochè came near him and gave him a blow with the +sword so that he severed his head, <a name="footnotetag8_294" id="footnotetag8_294" href="#footnote8_294"><sup>8</sup></a>and he took with him +the head and the spoils vauntingly to where were Ailill +and Medb.<a href="#footnote8_294"><sup>8</sup></a> Thus to this point, the 'Clump-fight' of +Iliach.</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_295" name="Page_295" title="295">295</a> + +<a name="chapter_XXIIIe" id="chapter_XXIIIe"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">XXIIIe</span>. HERE NOW THE DEER-STALKING OF AMARGIN IN TALTIU</h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 4638.</span> +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, <a name="footnotetag1_295" id="footnotetag1_295" href="#footnote1_295"><sup>1</sup></a>father of Conall Cernach ('the Triumphant').<a href="#footnote1_295"><sup>1</sup></a> +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 name="footnotetaga_295" id="footnotetaga_295" href="#footnotea_295"><sup>a</sup></a> elbow under him in Taltiu. And his +people furnished him with rocks and boulders and great +clumps <a name="footnotetag2_295" id="footnotetag2_295" href="#footnote2_295"><sup>2</sup></a>of earth,<a href="#footnote2_295"><sup>2</sup></a> and he began to pelt the men of Erin +till the end of three days and three nights, <a name="footnotetag3_295" id="footnotetag3_295" href="#footnote3_295"><sup>3</sup></a>and he did +great slaughter among them<a href="#footnote3_295"><sup>3</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag4_295" id="footnotetag4_295" href="#footnote4_295"><sup>4</sup></a>so that no man could show +his face to him in Taltiu.<a href="#footnote4_295"><sup>4</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_296" name="Page_296" title="296">296</a> + +<a name="chapter_XXIIIf" id="chapter_XXIIIf"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">XXIIIf</span>. THE ADVENTURES OF CUROI SON OF DARÈ FOLLOW NOW</h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 4645.</span> +He was told that a single man was checking and stopping +four of the five grand provinces of Erin <a name="footnotetag1_296" id="footnotetag1_296" href="#footnote1_296"><sup>1</sup></a>during the three +months of winter<a href="#footnote1_296"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag2_296" id="footnotetag2_296" href="#footnote2_296"><sup>2</sup></a>it was then<a href="#footnote2_296"><sup>2</sup></a> he set out <a name="footnotetag3_296" id="footnotetag3_296" href="#footnote3_296"><sup>3</sup></a>to the host<a href="#footnote3_296"><sup>3</sup></a> 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. <a name="footnotetag4_296" id="footnotetag4_296" href="#footnote4_296"><sup>4</sup></a>Because +it would be said it was not that Cuchulain died of the sores +<sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 93a.</span> and wounds which he would give him so much as of the +wounds which Ferdiad had inflicted on him in the conflict +before.<a href="#footnote4_296"><sup>4</sup></a> Be that as it might, Cuchulain offered to engage +with him in battle and combat.</p> + +<p>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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_297" name="Page_297" title="297">297</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4662.</span> +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 +<a name="footnotetag1_297" id="footnotetag1_297" href="#footnote1_297"><sup>1</sup></a>and help<a href="#footnote1_297"><sup>1</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>About this time <a name="footnotetag2_297" id="footnotetag2_297" href="#footnote2_297"><sup>2</sup></a>the hosts<a href="#footnote2_297"><sup>2</sup></a> went past Taltiu westwards. +"It is not this was enjoined upon me," quoth +Amargin: "never again to cast at the hosts <a name="footnotetag3_297" id="footnotetag3_297" href="#footnote3_297"><sup>3</sup></a>but rather +that I should part from them."<a href="#footnote3_297"><sup>3</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag4_297" id="footnotetag4_297" href="#footnote4_297"><sup>4</sup></a>so that he slaughtered more of them than can +be numbered.<a href="#footnote4_297"><sup>4</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag5_297" id="footnotetag5_297" href="#footnote5_297"><sup>5</sup></a>This is one of the three incalculable +things on the Táin, the number of those he slew. And his +son Conall Cernach ('the Victorious') remained with him +providing him with stones and spears.<a href="#footnote5_297"><sup>5</sup></a></p> + +<p>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 <a name="footnotetag6_297" id="footnotetag6_297" href="#footnote6_297"><sup>6</sup></a>is the name of +this tale.<a href="#footnote6_297"><sup>6</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_298" name="Page_298" title="298">298</a> + +<a name="chapter_XXIV" id="chapter_XXIV"></a> + +<h2>XXIV. THE REPEATED WARNING OF SUALTAIM</h2> + + +<p><a name="footnotetag1_298" id="footnotetag1_298" href="#footnote1_298"><sup>1</sup></a>Now while the deeds we have told here were being done,<a href="#footnote1_298"><sup>1</sup></a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4685.</span> Sualtaim ('Goodly fosterer') son of Becaltach ('of Small +belongings') son of Moraltach ('of Great belongings'), the +same the father of Cuchulain macSualtaim, <a name="footnotetag2_298" id="footnotetag2_298" href="#footnote2_298"><sup>2</sup></a>of Sualtaim's +Rath in the plain of Murthemne,<a href="#footnote2_298"><sup>2</sup></a> was told of the distress +and <a name="footnotetag3_298" id="footnotetag3_298" href="#footnote3_298"><sup>3</sup></a>sore wounding<a href="#footnote3_298"><sup>3</sup></a> of his son contending in unequal +combat on the Cualnge Cattle-spoil, even against Calatin +Dana ('the Bold') with his seven and twenty<a name="footnotetaga_298" id="footnotetaga_298" href="#footnotea_298"><sup>a</sup></a> sons, and +against Glass son of Delga, his grandson, <a name="footnotetag4_298" id="footnotetag4_298" href="#footnote4_298"><sup>4</sup></a>and at the last +against Ferdiad son of Daman.<a href="#footnote4_298"><sup>4</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag5_298" id="footnotetag5_298" href="#footnote5_298"><sup>5</sup></a>It is then that Sualtaim said<a href="#footnote5_298"><sup>5</sup></a>: "Whate'er it be, +<a name="footnotetag6_298" id="footnotetag6_298" href="#footnote6_298"><sup>6</sup></a>this that I hear<a href="#footnote6_298"><sup>6</sup></a> 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?"</p> + +<p>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 <a name="footnotetag7_298" id="footnotetag7_298" href="#footnote7_298"><sup>7</sup></a>his son<a href="#footnote7_298"><sup>7</sup></a> Cuchulain +was <a name="footnotetag8_298" id="footnotetag8_298" href="#footnote8_298"><sup>8</sup></a>and found him covered with wounds and bloody +gashes and many stabs,<a href="#footnote8_298"><sup>8</sup></a> Sualtaim began to moan and lament +<a name="footnotetag9_298" id="footnotetag9_298" href="#footnote9_298"><sup>9</sup></a>for Cuchulain.<a href="#footnote9_298"><sup>9</sup></a></p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_299" name="Page_299" title="299">299</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 4695.</span> +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 <a name="footnotetag1_299" id="footnotetag1_299" href="#footnote1_299"><sup>1</sup></a>the man<a href="#footnote1_299"><sup>1</sup></a> 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; +<a name="footnotetag2_299" id="footnotetag2_299" href="#footnote2_299"><sup>2</sup></a>"cease thy sighing and mourning for me, and<a href="#footnote2_299"><sup>2</sup></a> do thou +go to Emain <a name="footnotetag3_299" id="footnotetag3_299" href="#footnote3_299"><sup>3</sup></a>Macha<a href="#footnote3_299"><sup>3</sup></a> 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 <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 93b.</span> one comes to +aid me nor to succour. <a name="footnotetag4_299" id="footnotetag4_299" href="#footnote4_299"><sup>4</sup></a>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<a href="#footnote4_299"><sup>4</sup></a> spancel-hoops hold +my cloak over me. Dry tufts of grass are stuffed in my +wounds. <a name="footnotetag5_299" id="footnotetag5_299" href="#footnote5_299"><sup>5</sup></a>There is not the space of a needle's point from +my crown to my sole without wound or sore, and<a href="#footnote5_299"><sup>5</sup></a> there +is not a single hair <a name="footnotetag6_299" id="footnotetag6_299" href="#footnote6_299"><sup>6</sup></a>on my body<a href="#footnote6_299"><sup>6</sup></a> 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. <a name="footnotetag7_299" id="footnotetag7_299" href="#footnote7_299"><sup>7</sup></a>And let them +straightway give battle to the warriors,<a href="#footnote7_299"><sup>7</sup></a> and unless they +avenge this anon, they will never avenge it till the very +day of doom and of life!"</p> + +<p>Sualtaim set out on Liath ('the Roan') of Macha as his +only horse, with warning to the men of Ulster. And when +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_300" name="Page_300" title="300">300</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4716.</span> +he was come alongside of Emain, he shouted these words +there: "Men are slain, women stolen, cattle lifted, ye +men of Ulster!" cried Sualtaim.</p> + +<p>He had not <a name="footnotetag1_300" id="footnotetag1_300" href="#footnote1_300"><sup>1</sup></a>the answer<a href="#footnote1_300"><sup>1</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>And <a name="footnotetag2_300" id="footnotetag2_300" href="#footnote2_300"><sup>2</sup></a>a second time<a href="#footnote2_300"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag3_300" id="footnotetag3_300" href="#footnote3_300"><sup>3</sup></a>three<a href="#footnote3_300"><sup>3</sup></a> +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, <a name="footnotetag4_300" id="footnotetag4_300" href="#footnote4_300"><sup>4</sup></a>with the cunning of Fergus mac +Roig,<a href="#footnote4_300"><sup>4</sup></a> overwhelmed you. <a name="footnotetag5_300" id="footnotetag5_300" href="#footnote5_300"><sup>5</sup></a>Your people have been harassed +as far as Dûn Sobairche,"<a href="#footnote5_300"><sup>5</sup></a> 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. <a name="footnotetag6_300" id="footnotetag6_300" href="#footnote6_300"><sup>6</sup></a>Cuchulain has not suffered them to enter the +plain of Murthemne or into the land of Ross. Three winter +months is he there.<a href="#footnote6_300"><sup>6</sup></a> 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_301" name="Page_301" title="301">301</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4737.</span> +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."</p> + +<p><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 94a.</span> "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!" <a name="footnotetag1_301" id="footnotetag1_301" href="#footnote1_301"><sup>1</sup></a>said the Ulstermen<a href="#footnote1_301"><sup>1</sup></a> all +together.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_301" id="footnotetag2_301" href="#footnote2_301"><sup>2</sup></a>Thereupon<a href="#footnote2_301"><sup>2</sup></a> Sualtaim went his way <a name="footnotetag3_301" id="footnotetag3_301" href="#footnote3_301"><sup>3</sup></a>from them,<a href="#footnote3_301"><sup>3</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag4_301" id="footnotetag4_301" href="#footnote4_301"><sup>4</sup></a>Sualtaim fell under his own +shield, so that<a href="#footnote4_301"><sup>4</sup></a> his own shield turned on Sualtaim and the +<a name="footnotetag5_301" id="footnotetag5_301" href="#footnote5_301"><sup>5</sup></a>scalloped<a href="#footnote5_301"><sup>5</sup></a> edge of the shield severed Sualtaim's head, +<a name="footnotetag6_301" id="footnotetag6_301" href="#footnote6_301"><sup>6</sup></a>though others say he was asleep on the stone, and that +he fell thence onto his shield on awaking.<a href="#footnote6_301"><sup>6</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag7_301" id="footnotetag7_301" href="#footnote7_301"><sup>7</sup></a>Hence this +is the 'Tragical Death of Sualtaim.'<a href="#footnote7_301"><sup>7</sup></a></p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>"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 name="footnotetaga_301" id="footnotetaga_301" href="#footnotea_301"><sup>a</sup></a> face of +the world, or unless the ground burst open in quakes <a name="footnotetag8_301" id="footnotetag8_301" href="#footnote8_301"><sup>8</sup></a>beneath +our feet,<a href="#footnote8_301"><sup>8</sup></a> or unless the furrowed, blue-bordered +ocean break o'er the tufted brow of the earth, will I restore +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_302" name="Page_302" title="302">302</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4756.</span> +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!"</p> + +<p>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:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Arise, O Findchad!</div> +<div><a name="footnotetag1_302" id="footnotetag1_302" href="#footnote1_302"><sup>1</sup></a>Thee I send forth:<a href="#footnote1_302"><sup>1</sup></a></div> +<div>A negligence not to be wished (?);</div> +<div>Proclaim it to the chiefs of Ulster!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_302" id="footnotetag2_302" href="#footnote2_302"><sup>2</sup></a>The Order of the men of Ulster.<a href="#footnote2_302"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag3_302" id="footnotetag3_302" href="#footnote3_302"><sup>3</sup></a>Go thou forward to Derg,<a href="#footnote3_302"><sup>3</sup></a> to Deda at his bay, to Lemain, +to Follach, to Illann <a name="footnotetag4_302" id="footnotetag4_302" href="#footnote4_302"><sup>4</sup></a>son of Fergus<a href="#footnote4_302"><sup>4</sup></a> at Gabar, to Dornaill +Feic at Imchlar, to Derg Imdirg, to Fedilmid <a name="footnotetag5_302" id="footnotetag5_302" href="#footnote5_302"><sup>5</sup></a>son of Ilar +Cetach of Cualnge<a href="#footnote5_302"><sup>5</sup></a> at Ellonn, to Reochad <a name="footnotetag6_302" id="footnotetag6_302" href="#footnote6_302"><sup>6</sup></a>son of Fathemon<a href="#footnote6_302"><sup>6</sup></a> +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, <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 94b.</span> to Cethern +son of Fintan at Carrloig, <a name="footnotetag7_302" id="footnotetag7_302" href="#footnote7_302"><sup>7</sup></a>to Cethern at Eillne,<a href="#footnote7_302"><sup>7</sup></a> to Tarothor, +to Mulach at his fort, to the royal poet Amargin, to Uathach +Bodba, to the Morrigan at Dûn Sobairche, to Eit, to Roth, +to Fiachna at his mound, to Dam drend, to Andiaraid, to +Manè Macbriathrach ('the Eloquent'), to Dam Derg ('the +Red'), to Mod, to Mothus, to Iarmothus at Corp Cliath, to +Gabarlaig in Linè, to Eocho Semnech in Semne, <a name="footnotetag8_302" id="footnotetag8_302" href="#footnote8_302"><sup>8</sup></a>to Eochaid +Laithrech at Latharne,<a href="#footnote8_302"><sup>8</sup></a> to Celtchar son of Uthecar in Lethglas, +to Errgè Echbel ('Horsemouth') at Bri Errgi ('Errgè's +Hill'), to Uma son of Remarfessach ('Thickbeard') at Fedain +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_303" name="Page_303" title="303">303</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4819.</span> +in Cualnge, to Munremur ('Thickneck') son of Gerrcend +('Shorthead') at Moduirn, to Senlabair at Canann Gall ('of +the Foreigners'), to Fallomain, to Lugaid, <a name="footnotetag1_303" id="footnotetag1_303" href="#footnote1_303"><sup>1</sup></a>king of the +Fir Bolg,<a href="#footnote1_303"><sup>1</sup></a> to Lugaid of Linè, to Buadgalach ('the Victorious +Hero'), to Abach, <a name="footnotetag2_303" id="footnotetag2_303" href="#footnote2_303"><sup>2</sup></a>to Fergna at Barrene,<a href="#footnote2_303"><sup>2</sup></a> to Anè, to Aniach, +<a name="footnotetag3_303" id="footnotetag3_303" href="#footnote3_303"><sup>3</sup></a>to Abra,<a href="#footnote3_303"><sup>3</sup></a> 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 Letè, +<a name="footnotetag4_303" id="footnotetag4_303" href="#footnote4_303"><sup>4</sup></a>to Fergus son of Letè,<a href="#footnote4_303"><sup>4</sup></a> to ...<a name="footnotetaga_303" id="footnotetaga_303" href="#footnotea_303"><sup>a</sup></a> (?), to Bruachar, +to Slangè, 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, Darè 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 Leirè, to Oengus Ferbenduma ('him of the +copper Horn'), to Ogma Grianainech ('Sun-faced') at Brecc, +to Eo macFornè, to Tollcend, to Sudè at Mag Eol in Mag +Dea, to Conla Saeb at Uarba, to Loegaire <a name="footnotetag5_303" id="footnotetag5_303" href="#footnote5_303"><sup>5</sup></a>Buadach ('the +Triumphant')<a href="#footnote5_303"><sup>5</sup></a> at Immail, to Amargin Iarngiunnach ('the +Darkhaired') at Taltiu, <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 94c.</span> 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_304" name="Page_304" title="304">304</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4892.</span> +of Sliab Betha, to Talgoba <a name="footnotetag1_304" id="footnotetag1_304" href="#footnote1_304"><sup>1</sup></a>at Bernas ('the Gap'),<a href="#footnote1_304"><sup>1</sup></a> to +Menn son of the Fir Cualann at Mag Dula, to Iroll at +Blarinè, <a name="footnotetag2_304" id="footnotetag2_304" href="#footnote2_304"><sup>2</sup></a>to Tobraidè son of Ailcoth,<a href="#footnote2_304"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 Gabè ('the one-handed Smith'), to Ruadri at Mag +Tail, <a name="footnotetag3_304" id="footnotetag3_304" href="#footnote3_304"><sup>3</sup></a>to Manè son of Crom ('the Bent'), to Nindech son +of Cronn, to ... (?), to Mal macRochraidi,<a href="#footnote3_304"><sup>3</sup></a> 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 Dûn'), to Feradach +Finn Fechtnach ('the Fair and Upright') at Nemed +('the Shrine') of Sliab Fuait, <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 95a.</span> to Amargin son of Ecetsalach +('the grimy Smith') at the Buas, to Bunnè son of Munremar, +to Fidach son of Dorarè, <a name="footnotetag4_304" id="footnotetag4_304" href="#footnote4_304"><sup>4</sup></a>to Muirnè Menn ('the Stammerer').<a href="#footnote4_304"><sup>4</sup></a></p> + +<p>It was nowise a heavy task for Finnchad to gather this +assembly and muster which Conchobar had enjoined upon +him. For all there were <a name="footnotetag5_304" id="footnotetag5_304" href="#footnote5_304"><sup>5</sup></a>of Ulstermen<a href="#footnote5_304"><sup>5</sup></a> 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 +<a name="footnotetag6_304" id="footnotetag6_304" href="#footnote6_304"><sup>6</sup></a>waited not for Conchobar, but<a href="#footnote6_304"><sup>6</sup></a> set out directly on the +trail of the host and on the hoof-prints of the Táin.</p> + +<p>The first stage the men of Ulster marched under Conchobar +was <a name="footnotetag7_304" id="footnotetag7_304" href="#footnote7_304"><sup>7</sup></a>from Emain<a href="#footnote7_304"><sup>7</sup></a> to the green in Iraird Cuillinn +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_305" name="Page_305" title="305">305</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4932.</span> +that night. "Why now delay we, ye men?" Conchobar +asked. "We await thy sons," they answered; "Fiacha +and Fiachna who have gone <a name="footnotetag1_305" id="footnotetag1_305" href="#footnote1_305"><sup>1</sup></a>with a division<a href="#footnote1_305"><sup>1</sup></a> from us +<a name="footnotetag2_305" id="footnotetag2_305" href="#footnote2_305"><sup>2</sup></a>to Tara<a href="#footnote2_305"><sup>2</sup></a> to fetch Erc son of thy daughter Fedlimid +Nocruthach ('Nine-shaped'), son also of Carbre Niafer +<a name="footnotetag3_305" id="footnotetag3_305" href="#footnote3_305"><sup>3</sup></a>king of Tara,<a href="#footnote3_305"><sup>3</sup></a> 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. <a name="footnotetag4_305" id="footnotetag4_305" href="#footnote4_305"><sup>4</sup></a>Until these two divisions come +to us, no further advance will we make from this place."<a href="#footnote4_305"><sup>4</sup></a> +"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!"</p> + +<p>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 <a name="footnotetag5_305" id="footnotetag5_305" href="#footnote5_305"><sup>5</sup></a>of the Ulstermen's women<a href="#footnote5_305"><sup>5</sup></a> 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 Fenè is its name ever since. It is for this +it is called Ath Fenè, because the warriors of the Fenè from +the east and the warriors of the Fenè from the west encountered +one another in battle and contest man for man +on the brink of the ford.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag6_305" id="footnotetag6_305" href="#footnote6_305"><sup>6</sup></a>Touching the four grand provinces of Erin, they encamped +at Slemain Midè ('Slane of Meath') that night, and<a href="#footnote6_305"><sup>6</sup></a> +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.</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_306" name="Page_306" title="306">306</a> + +<a name="chapter_XXIVa" id="chapter_XXIVa"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">XXIVa</span>. <a name="footnotetag1_306" id="footnotetag1_306" href="#footnote1_306"><sup>1</sup></a>THE AGITATION OF CELTCHAR<a href="#footnote1_306"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 4954.</span> +It was then that Celtchar <a name="footnotetag2_306" id="footnotetag2_306" href="#footnote2_306"><sup>2</sup></a>in his sleep<a href="#footnote2_306"><sup>2</sup></a> uttered these +words <a name="footnotetag3_306" id="footnotetag3_306" href="#footnote3_306"><sup>3</sup></a>to Conchobar<a href="#footnote3_306"><sup>3</sup></a> in the midst of the men of Ulster +in Iraird Cuillinn that night:<a name="footnotetaga_306" id="footnotetaga_306" href="#footnotea_306"><sup>a</sup></a>—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Thirty hundred chariot-men;</div> +<div>An hundred horse-companions stout;</div> +<div>An hundred with an hundred druids!</div> +<div>To lead us will not fail</div> +<div>The hero of the land,</div> +<div>Conchobar with hosts around him!</div> +<div>Let the battle line be formed!</div> +<div>Gather now, ye warriors!</div> +<div>Battle shall be fought</div> +<div>At Garech and Ilgarech</div> +<div>On aftermorrow's morn!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p><a name="footnotetag4_306" id="footnotetag4_306" href="#footnote4_306"><sup>4</sup></a>Or it was Cuscraid Menn ('the Stammerer') of Macha, +Conchobar's son, who sang this lay on the night before the +battle ...,<a name="footnotetagb_306" id="footnotetagb_306" href="#footnoteb_306"><sup>b</sup></a> after the lay 'Arise ye Kings of Macha' +which Loegaire Buadach ('the Victorious ') sang.<a href="#footnote4_306"><sup>4</sup></a></p> + +<p>On that same night Cormac Conlongas, Conchobar's +son, spake these words to the men of Erin at Slemain Midè +that night:—</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_307" name="Page_307" title="307">307</a> + +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 4973.</span> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"A wonder of a morning,</div> +<div>A wondrous <a name="footnotetag1_307" id="footnotetag1_307" href="#footnote1_307"><sup>1</sup></a>time!<a href="#footnote1_307"><sup>1</sup></a></div> +<div>When hosts will be confused,</div> +<div><a name="footnotetag2_307" id="footnotetag2_307" href="#footnote2_307"><sup>2</sup></a>Kings<a href="#footnote2_307"><sup>2</sup></a> turned back in flight!</div> +<div><a name="footnotetag3_307" id="footnotetag3_307" href="#footnote3_307"><sup>3</sup></a>Necks will be broken,</div> +<div>The sand<a name="footnotetaga_307" id="footnotetaga_307" href="#footnotea_307"><sup>a</sup></a> made red,<a href="#footnote3_307"><sup>3</sup></a></div> +<div>When forth breaks the battle,</div> +<div>The seven chieftains before,</div> +<div>Of Ulster's host round Conchobar!</div> +<div>Their women will they defend,</div> +<div>For their herds will they fight</div> +<div>At Garech and Ilgarech,</div> +<div>On the morning after the morrow!</div> +<div><a name="footnotetag4_307" id="footnotetag4_307" href="#footnote4_307"><sup>4</sup></a>Heroes will be slaughtered then,</div> +<div>Hounds cut to pieces,</div> +<div>Steeds overwhelmed!"<a href="#footnote4_307"><sup>4</sup></a></div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>On that same night, Dubthach Doel ('the Scorpion')<a name="footnotetagb_307" id="footnotetagb_307" href="#footnoteb_307"><sup>b</sup></a> of +Ulster <a name="footnotetag5_307" id="footnotetag5_307" href="#footnote5_307"><sup>5</sup></a>saw the dream wherein were the hosts at Garech +and Ilgarech. Then it was<a href="#footnote5_307"><sup>5</sup></a> he uttered these words <a name="footnotetag6_307" id="footnotetag6_307" href="#footnote6_307"><sup>6</sup></a>in +his sleep<a href="#footnote6_307"><sup>6</sup></a> among the men of Erin at Slemain Midè that +night:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Great be the morn,</div> +<div>The morn of Meath!</div> +<div>Great be the truce</div> +<div>The <a name="footnotetag7_307" id="footnotetag7_307" href="#footnote7_307"><sup>7</sup></a>truce<a href="#footnote7_307"><sup>7</sup></a> of Culenn!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Great be the fight,</div> +<div>The fight of <a name="footnotetag8_307" id="footnotetag8_307" href="#footnote8_307"><sup>8</sup></a>Clartha!<a href="#footnote8_307"><sup>8</sup></a></div> +<div>Great, too, the steeds,</div> +<div>The steeds of Assal!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Great be the plague,</div> +<div>The plague of Tuath-Bressi!<a name="footnotetagc_307" id="footnotetagc_307" href="#footnotec_307"><sup>c</sup></a></div> +<div>Great be the storm,</div> +<div>Ulster's battle-storm round Conchobar!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Their women will they defend,</div> +<div>For their herds will they fight</div> +<div>At Garech and Ilgarech,</div> +<div>On the morning after the morrow!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_308" name="Page_308" title="308">308</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 5003.</span> +Then <a name="footnotetag1_308" id="footnotetag1_308" href="#footnote1_308"><sup>1</sup></a>when the hosts were assembled at Garech and +Ilgarech,<a href="#footnote1_308"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 +<sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 95b.</span> 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.</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_309" name="Page_309" title="309">309</a> + +<a name="chapter_XXV" id="chapter_XXV"></a> + +<h2>XXV. <a name="footnotetag1_309" id="footnotetag1_309" href="#footnote1_309"><sup>1</sup></a>HERE FOLLOWETH THE ARRAY OF THE HOST<a href="#footnote1_309"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_309" id="footnotetag2_309" href="#footnote2_309"><sup>2</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote2_309"><sup>2</sup></a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5011.</span> Said Ailill: "Truly have I succeeded," said he, "in laying +waste Ulster and the land of the Picts <a name="footnotetag3_309" id="footnotetag3_309" href="#footnote3_309"><sup>3</sup></a>and Cualnge<a href="#footnote3_309"><sup>3</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag4_309" id="footnotetag4_309" href="#footnote4_309"><sup>4</sup></a>from us<a href="#footnote4_309"><sup>4</sup></a> +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 <a name="footnotetag5_309" id="footnotetag5_309" href="#footnote5_309"><sup>5</sup></a>till +battle be given them,<a href="#footnote5_309"><sup>5</sup></a> for it was never the wont of a good +king to retreat."</p> + +<p>"Who should fitly go thither?" asked all. "Who +but macRoth our chief runner yonder," <a name="footnotetag6_309" id="footnotetag6_309" href="#footnote6_309"><sup>6</sup></a>answered another +group of them.<a href="#footnote6_309"><sup>6</sup></a></p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_310" name="Page_310" title="310">310</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 5023.</span> +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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>"What was that there, O Fergus?" asked Ailill; <a name="footnotetag1_310" id="footnotetag1_310" href="#footnote1_310"><sup>1</sup></a>"to +what likenest thou it?"<a href="#footnote1_310"><sup>1</sup></a> "Not hard <a name="footnotetag2_310" id="footnotetag2_310" href="#footnote2_310"><sup>2</sup></a>for me to say +what it resembled.<a href="#footnote2_310"><sup>2</sup></a> It was the rush and tramp and clatter +that he heard," said Fergus, "the din and thunder, the +tumult and turmoil <a name="footnotetag3_310" id="footnotetag3_310" href="#footnote3_310"><sup>3</sup></a>of the Ulstermen.<a href="#footnote3_310"><sup>3</sup></a> It was the men +of Ulster <a name="footnotetag4_310" id="footnotetag4_310" href="#footnote4_310"><sup>4</sup></a>arising from their 'Pains,'<a href="#footnote4_310"><sup>4</sup></a> 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!"</p> + +<p>Another time macRoth surveyed the plain and he saw +something: A heavy, grey mist that filled <a name="footnotetag5_310" id="footnotetag5_310" href="#footnote5_310"><sup>5</sup></a>the glens and +the slopes,<a href="#footnote5_310"><sup>5</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag6_310" id="footnotetag6_310" href="#footnote6_310"><sup>6</sup></a>the upper void and veil,<a href="#footnote6_310"><sup>6</sup></a> the space between +the heavens and earth. It seemed to him that <a name="footnotetag7_310" id="footnotetag7_310" href="#footnote7_310"><sup>7</sup></a>the hills<a href="#footnote7_310"><sup>7</sup></a> +were islands in lakes that he saw rising up out of the sloping +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_311" name="Page_311" title="311">311</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5044.</span> +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 <a name="footnotetag1_311" id="footnotetag1_311" href="#footnote1_311"><sup>1</sup></a>that he<a name="footnotetaga_311" id="footnotetaga_311" href="#footnotea_311"><sup>a</sup></a> saw in the same mist,<a href="#footnote1_311"><sup>1</sup></a> or +the constant sparkling of shining stars <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 96a.</span> 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, <a name="footnotetag2_311" id="footnotetag2_311" href="#footnote2_311"><sup>2</sup></a>and a great wind +that all but took the hair from his<a name="footnotetagb_311" id="footnotetagb_311" href="#footnoteb_311"><sup>b</sup></a> head and threw him<a name="footnotetagc_311" id="footnotetagc_311" href="#footnotec_311"><sup>c</sup></a> on +his<a href="#footnoteb_311"><sup>b</sup></a> back, and yet the wind of the day was not great.<a href="#footnote2_311"><sup>2</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>"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.</p> + +<p>"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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_312" name="Page_312" title="312">312</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5066.</span> +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, <a name="footnotetag1_312" id="footnotetag1_312" href="#footnote1_312"><sup>1</sup></a>with the swiftness and strength and speed<a href="#footnote1_312"><sup>1</sup></a> of +the host.</p> + +<p>"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 <a name="footnotetag2_312" id="footnotetag2_312" href="#footnote2_312"><sup>2</sup></a>and the sods<a href="#footnote2_312"><sup>2</sup></a> which the horses +flung from their feet and their hoofs and arose <a name="footnotetag3_312" id="footnotetag3_312" href="#footnote3_312"><sup>3</sup></a>over the +heads of the host<a href="#footnote3_312"><sup>3</sup></a> with the driving of the wind.</p> + +<p>"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.</p> + +<p>"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!"</p> + +<p>"We make not much of that," quoth Medb;<a name="footnotetaga_312" id="footnotetaga_312" href="#footnotea_312"><sup>a</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag4_312" id="footnotetag4_312" href="#footnote4_312"><sup>4</sup></a>"we will +await them.<a href="#footnote4_312"><sup>4</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag5_312" id="footnotetag5_312" href="#footnote5_312"><sup>5</sup></a>For<a href="#footnote5_312"><sup>5</sup></a> there are goodly warriors and goodly +fighting-men with us to cope with them." <a name="footnotetag6_312" id="footnotetag6_312" href="#footnote6_312"><sup>6</sup></a>"Thou shall +have need of them," answered Fergus.<a href="#footnote6_312"><sup>6</sup></a> "Truly, I +count not on that, O Medb. For I give my word, thou +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_313" name="Page_313" title="313">313</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5087.</span> +shalt find no host in <a name="footnotetag1_313" id="footnotetag1_313" href="#footnote1_313"><sup>1</sup></a>all<a href="#footnote1_313"><sup>1</sup></a> Erin, nor in Alba, <a name="footnotetag2_313" id="footnotetag2_313" href="#footnote2_313"><sup>2</sup></a>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<a href="#footnote2_313"><sup>2</sup></a> to cope with the men of +Ulster when once their anger comes on them!"</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>Then it was that Conchobar and Celtchar with thirty +hundred bristling chariot-fighters set forth, till they halted +at Slemain Midè ('Slane of Meath') <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 96b.</span> in the rear of the +host of Erin. But, though 'halted' we have said, <a name="footnotetag3_313" id="footnotetag3_313" href="#footnote3_313"><sup>3</sup></a>a very +brief halt made they there.<a href="#footnote3_313"><sup>3</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag4_313" id="footnotetag4_313" href="#footnote4_313"><sup>4</sup></a>on the men of Erin.<a href="#footnote4_313"><sup>4</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag5_313" id="footnotetag5_313" href="#footnote5_313"><sup>5</sup></a>Then did macRoth go again to view the hosting of the +men of Ulster, so that he reached their encampment at +Slane of Meath.<a href="#footnote5_313"><sup>5</sup></a> 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, +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_314" name="Page_314" title="314">314</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5107.</span> +than thirty hundred fully armed chariot-fighters were they, +even ten hundred and twenty hundred fully armed chariot-fighters," +macRoth made answer.</p> + +<p>"So, O Fergus," quoth Ailill, <a name="footnotetag1_314" id="footnotetag1_314" href="#footnote1_314"><sup>1</sup></a>"those are the warriors +of Ulster with Conchobar!<a href="#footnote1_314"><sup>1</sup></a> 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!"</p> + +<p>"A little too soon belittlest thou them," Fergus retorted; +"for mayhap the bands are more numerous than is said they +are."</p> + +<p>"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 <a name="footnotetag2_314" id="footnotetag2_314" href="#footnote2_314"><sup>2</sup></a>and his people<a href="#footnote2_314"><sup>2</sup></a> +prisoners without wounding, and to inflict a caitiff's lot on +the ten hundred and twenty hundred who accompanied the +kings of Ulster.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_315" name="Page_315" title="315">315</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5129.</span> +with his thirty hundred to meet him. Medb arose with +her thirty hundred. The Manè 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.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile a hollow array of men was made by Medb to +face Conchobar and a <a name="footnotetag1_315" id="footnotetag1_315" href="#footnote1_315"><sup>1</sup></a>warlike<a href="#footnote1_315"><sup>1</sup></a> band of thirty hundred +ready to close in from behind. Conchobar proceeded to +attack the circle of men, <a name="footnotetag2_315" id="footnotetag2_315" href="#footnote2_315"><sup>2</sup></a>to force an opening.<a href="#footnote2_315"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 +<a name="footnotetag3_315" id="footnotetag3_315" href="#footnote3_315"><sup>3</sup></a>among them<a href="#footnote3_315"><sup>3</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>"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 <a name="footnotetag4_315" id="footnotetag4_315" href="#footnote4_315"><sup>4</sup></a>and their trappings, their kings and their +royal leaders,<a href="#footnote4_315"><sup>4</sup></a> their champions and battle-warriors and gap-breakers +of hundreds and their yeomen, <a name="footnotetag5_315" id="footnotetag5_315" href="#footnote5_315"><sup>5</sup></a>to which to +listen will shorten the time for us."<a href="#footnote5_315"><sup>5</sup></a> <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 97a.</span> "Who should +go thither?" asked all. "Who but macRoth the chief +runner," Aililla<a name="footnotetaga_315" id="footnotetaga_315" href="#footnotea_315"><sup>a</sup></a> made answer.</p> + +<p>MacRoth went his way till he took his station in Slane +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_316" name="Page_316" title="316">316</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5151.</span> +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.</p> + +<p>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 <a name="footnotetag1_316" id="footnotetag1_316" href="#footnote1_316"><sup>1</sup></a>this alone:<a href="#footnote1_316"><sup>1</sup></a> +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 name="footnotetaga_316" id="footnotetaga_316" href="#footnotea_316"><sup>a</sup></a> thrice thirty hundred<a href="#footnotea_316"><sup>a</sup></a> +warriors were in it. <a name="footnotetag2_316" id="footnotetag2_316" href="#footnote2_316"><sup>2</sup></a>Anon<a href="#footnote2_316"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag3_316" id="footnotetag3_316" href="#footnote3_316"><sup>3</sup></a>reaching to the nape of his neck;<a href="#footnote3_316"><sup>3</sup></a> +a comely, clear-rosy countenance he had, <a name="footnotetag4_316" id="footnotetag4_316" href="#footnote4_316"><sup>4</sup></a>narrow below +and broad above;<a href="#footnote4_316"><sup>4</sup></a> a deep-blue-grey, angry eye, devouring. +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_317" name="Page_317" title="317">317</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5175.</span> +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 <a name="footnotetag1_317" id="footnotetag1_317" href="#footnote1_317"><sup>1</sup></a>conspicuous,<a href="#footnote1_317"><sup>1</sup></a> +salmon-shaped brooch of <a name="footnotetag2_317" id="footnotetag2_317" href="#footnote2_317"><sup>2</sup></a>red<a href="#footnote2_317"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag3_317" id="footnotetag3_317" href="#footnote3_317"><sup>3</sup></a>on an ashen +shaft<a href="#footnote3_317"><sup>3</sup></a> in the other; <a name="footnotetag4_317" id="footnotetag4_317" href="#footnote4_317"><sup>4</sup></a>the pillar of a king's house on his +back.<a href="#footnote4_317"><sup>4</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>"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, <a name="footnotetag5_317" id="footnotetag5_317" href="#footnote5_317"><sup>5</sup></a>and next to +the other in numbers and attendance, in accoutrements +and fearfulness and horror.<a href="#footnote5_317"><sup>5</sup></a> A <a name="footnotetag6_317" id="footnotetag6_317" href="#footnote6_317"><sup>6</sup></a>great,<a href="#footnote6_317"><sup>6</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag7_317" id="footnotetag7_317" href="#footnote7_317"><sup>7</sup></a>hero-like,<a href="#footnote7_317"><sup>7</sup></a> 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 name="footnotetaga_317" id="footnotetaga_317" href="#footnotea_317"><sup>a</sup></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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_318" name="Page_318" title="318">318</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5195.</span> +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<a name="footnotetag1_318" id="footnotetag1_318" href="#footnote1_318"><sup>1</sup></a> of the first +company<a href="#footnote1_318"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 +<a name="footnotetag2_318" id="footnotetag2_318" href="#footnote2_318"><sup>2</sup></a>they sat thus,<a href="#footnote2_318"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 97b.</span> the great, fierce youth who led the troop +stammered grievously <a name="footnotetag3_318" id="footnotetag3_318" href="#footnote3_318"><sup>3</sup></a>in his speech.<a href="#footnote3_318"><sup>3</sup></a></p> + +<p>"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 +<a name="footnotetag4_318" id="footnotetag4_318" href="#footnote4_318"><sup>4</sup></a>reaching to his knees<a href="#footnote4_318"><sup>4</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag5_318" id="footnotetag5_318" href="#footnote5_318"><sup>5</sup></a>was girded<a href="#footnote5_318"><sup>5</sup></a> 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."</p> + +<p>"But who might that be?" asked Ailill of Fergus. +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_319" name="Page_319" title="319">319</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5218.</span> +"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. <a name="footnotetag1_319" id="footnotetag1_319" href="#footnote1_319"><sup>1</sup></a>It is he that sat on the mound +of sods.<a href="#footnote1_319"><sup>1</sup></a> This, to wit, is the stammering, great warrior," +<a name="footnotetag2_319" id="footnotetag2_319" href="#footnote2_319"><sup>2</sup></a>Fergus continued,<a href="#footnote2_319"><sup>2</sup></a> "who took station on <a name="footnotetag3_319" id="footnotetag3_319" href="#footnote3_319"><sup>3</sup></a>his father<a href="#footnote3_319"><sup>3</sup></a> +Conchobar's left, namely, Cuscraid Menn ('the Stammerer') +of Macha, Conchobar's son, with the sons of the king of +Ulster <a name="footnotetag4_319" id="footnotetag4_319" href="#footnote4_319"><sup>4</sup></a>and the sons of the princes of the men of Erin<a href="#footnote4_319"><sup>4</sup></a> +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.</p> + +<p>"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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_320" name="Page_320" title="320">320</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5242.</span> +for the men of Ulster when once their anger comes upon +them."</p> + +<p>"Yet another company there came to the same mound in +Slane of Meath," said macRoth. <a name="footnotetag1_320" id="footnotetag1_320" href="#footnote1_320"><sup>1</sup></a>"Not fewer than a +battalion of thirty hundred was in it.<a href="#footnote1_320"><sup>1</sup></a> A fair, tall, great +warrior <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 98a.</span> 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, <a name="footnotetag2_320" id="footnotetag2_320" href="#footnote2_320"><sup>2</sup></a>even<a href="#footnote2_320"><sup>2</sup></a> Eogan son of Durthacht, <a name="footnotetag3_320" id="footnotetag3_320" href="#footnote3_320"><sup>3</sup></a>king of +the stout-handed<a href="#footnote3_320"><sup>3</sup></a> Fernmag in the north, is the one yonder."</p> + +<p>"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. <a name="footnotetag4_320" id="footnotetag4_320" href="#footnote4_320"><sup>4</sup></a>Terrible +the clangour of arms they made as they advanced.<a href="#footnote4_320"><sup>4</sup></a> +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; <a name="footnotetag5_320" id="footnotetag5_320" href="#footnote5_320"><sup>5</sup></a>a great, smiting sword under his waist;<a href="#footnote5_320"><sup>5</sup></a> in his +hand a nailed, broad-plated, long-shafted spear with a drop +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_321" name="Page_321" title="321">321</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5262.</span> +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 +Buidè ('the Yellow') son of Iliach, from Immail in the north, +is the one yonder."</p> + +<p>"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 <a name="footnotetag1_321" id="footnotetag1_321" href="#footnote1_321"><sup>1</sup></a>with red embroidery<a href="#footnote1_321"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag2_321" id="footnotetag2_321" href="#footnote2_321"><sup>2</sup></a>the small streams;<a href="#footnote2_321"><sup>2</sup></a> +he is the man of three shouts; the sea over walls; <a name="footnotetag3_321" id="footnotetag3_321" href="#footnote3_321"><sup>3</sup></a>the +venomous destruction of enemies,<a href="#footnote3_321"><sup>3</sup></a> the man who comes +thither. Muremur ('Thick-neck') son of Gerrcend ('Short-head') +from Moduirn in the north is the one yonder."</p> + +<p>"Still another company there came to the same mound in +Slane of Meath," continued macRoth. <a name="footnotetag4_321" id="footnotetag4_321" href="#footnote4_321"><sup>4</sup></a>"Not fewer +than thirty hundred, the battle line of the troops.<a href="#footnote4_321"><sup>4</sup></a> A +<a name="footnotetag5_321" id="footnotetag5_321" href="#footnote5_321"><sup>5</sup></a>broad-headed,<a href="#footnote5_321"><sup>5</sup></a> 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; +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_322" name="Page_322" title="322">322</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5283.</span> +yellow, very curly is his hair; a red, round shield with hard-silver +rim about it he bore; a <a name="footnotetag1_322" id="footnotetag1_322" href="#footnote1_322"><sup>1</sup></a>trebly riveted,<a href="#footnote1_322"><sup>1</sup></a> 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?" <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 98b.</span> asked Ailill of Fergus. "I know him +indeed," Fergus made answer. "He is the prop of battle; +<a name="footnotetag2_322" id="footnotetag2_322" href="#footnote2_322"><sup>2</sup></a>he is the wild heat of anger; he is the daring of every +battle;<a href="#footnote2_322"><sup>2</sup></a> 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."</p> + +<p>"There came still another company to the same mound +in Slane of Meath," continued macRoth. <a name="footnotetag3_322" id="footnotetag3_322" href="#footnote3_322"><sup>3</sup></a>"A company +most fair to look upon, most notable both in numbers and +in attendance and apparel.<a href="#footnote3_322"><sup>3</sup></a> It is indeed no lying word, it +is with might and storm they gained the hill, so that <a name="footnotetag4_322" id="footnotetag4_322" href="#footnote4_322"><sup>4</sup></a>with +the clash of arms they made at the approach of that company<a href="#footnote4_322"><sup>4</sup></a> +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; <a name="footnotetag5_322" id="footnotetag5_322" href="#footnote5_322"><sup>5</sup></a>whether in hair or eyes or +fearfulness; whether in voice or brightness or knowledge +or adornment; whether in rank or wisdom or kindred;<a href="#footnote5_322"><sup>5</sup></a> +whether in arms or apparel; whether in size or worth or +beauty; whether in figure or valour or conduct." <a name="footnotetag6_322" id="footnotetag6_322" href="#footnote6_322"><sup>6</sup></a>"Who +might that man be, O Fergus?" asked Ailill.<a href="#footnote6_322"><sup>6</sup></a> "Then it +is surely no lying word," Fergus made answer: "A fitting +saying is this, 'No fool 'mongst the naked'<a name="footnotetaga_322" id="footnotetaga_322" href="#footnotea_322"><sup>a</sup></a> is he who +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_323" name="Page_323" title="323">323</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5299.</span> +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 <a name="footnotetag1_323" id="footnotetag1_323" href="#footnote1_323"><sup>1</sup></a>son of<a href="#footnote1_323"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_323" id="footnotetag2_323" href="#footnote2_323"><sup>2</sup></a>Ilar +Cetach of Cualnge,<a href="#footnote2_323"><sup>2</sup></a> from Ellonn in the north, is he yonder, +<a name="footnotetag3_323" id="footnotetag3_323" href="#footnote3_323"><sup>3</sup></a>with trophies from other lands after dealing destruction +to his enemies."<a href="#footnote3_323"><sup>3</sup></a></p> + +<p>"Still another battalion came thither to the same hill +in Slane of Meath," macRoth proceeded. <a name="footnotetag4_323" id="footnotetag4_323" href="#footnote4_323"><sup>4</sup></a>"It is the +array of an army for greatness.<a href="#footnote4_323"><sup>4</sup></a> 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; +<a name="footnotetag5_323" id="footnotetag5_323" href="#footnote5_323"><sup>5</sup></a>his countenance comely, ruddy, well-formed;<a href="#footnote5_323"><sup>5</sup></a> his face +<a name="footnotetag6_323" id="footnotetag6_323" href="#footnote6_323"><sup>6</sup></a>slender below,<a href="#footnote6_323"><sup>6</sup></a> 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; <a name="footnotetag7_323" id="footnotetag7_323" href="#footnote7_323"><sup>7</sup></a>a clear, +ringing voice;<a href="#footnote7_323"><sup>7</sup></a> a white-skinned body; <a name="footnotetag8_323" id="footnotetag8_323" href="#footnote8_323"><sup>8</sup></a>most beautiful +of the forms of men;<a href="#footnote8_323"><sup>8</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag9_323" id="footnotetag9_323" href="#footnote9_323"><sup>9</sup></a>a purple cloak wrapped around +him;<a href="#footnote9_323"><sup>9</sup></a> a brooch of gold in the mantle over his breast; a +<a name="footnotetag10_323" id="footnotetag10_323" href="#footnote10_323"><sup>10</sup></a>hooded<a href="#footnote10_323"><sup>10</sup></a> tunic of royal silk with a red hem of red +gold he wore next to his white skin; a bright, <a name="footnotetag11_323" id="footnotetag11_323" href="#footnote11_323"><sup>11</sup></a>curved<a href="#footnote11_323"><sup>11</sup></a> +shield with <a name="footnotetag12_323" id="footnotetag12_323" href="#footnote12_323"><sup>12</sup></a>wonderful,<a href="#footnote12_323"><sup>12</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag13_323" id="footnotetag13_323" href="#footnote13_323"><sup>13</sup></a>many-coloured<a href="#footnote13_323"><sup>13</sup></a> devious figures +of beasts in red gold thereon <a name="footnotetag14_323" id="footnotetag14_323" href="#footnote14_323"><sup>14</sup></a>and with hollows of silver he +bore at his left side;<a href="#footnote14_323"><sup>14</sup></a> a gold-hilted, inlaid sword <a name="footnotetag15_323" id="footnotetag15_323" href="#footnote15_323"><sup>15</sup></a>hanging +from his neck<a href="#footnote15_323"><sup>15</sup></a> at his left side; a long, grey-edged spear +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_324" name="Page_324" title="324">324</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5313.</span> +along with a cutting bye-spear of attack, with thongs for +throwing, with fastenings of silvered bronze, in his +hand."</p> + +<p>"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 name="footnotetaga_324" id="footnotetaga_324" href="#footnotea_324"><sup>a</sup></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. <a name="footnotetag1_324" id="footnotetag1_324" href="#footnote1_324"><sup>1</sup></a>Your son-in-law is he<a href="#footnote1_324"><sup>1</sup></a>; <a name="footnotetag2_324" id="footnotetag2_324" href="#footnote2_324"><sup>2</sup></a>he wedded your +daughter, namely Finnabair,<a href="#footnote2_324"><sup>2</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag3_324" id="footnotetag3_324" href="#footnote3_324"><sup>3</sup></a>without dower, and he +brought neither marriage-gift nor bride-price to her."<a href="#footnote3_324"><sup>3</sup></a></p> + +<p>"Another battalion there came to the same hill in Slane +of Meath," continued macRoth. "A stalwart, thick-thighed, +<a name="footnotetag4_324" id="footnotetag4_324" href="#footnote4_324"><sup>4</sup></a>gross-calved<a href="#footnote4_324"><sup>4</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag5_324" id="footnotetag5_324" href="#footnote5_324"><sup>5</sup></a>covered with scars<a href="#footnote5_324"><sup>5</sup></a> 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; <a name="footnotetag6_324" id="footnotetag6_324" href="#footnote6_324"><sup>6</sup></a>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;<a href="#footnote6_324"><sup>6</sup></a> with +wilful rashness, so that they seek to rout overwhelming +numbers outside of equal combat, <a name="footnotetag7_324" id="footnotetag7_324" href="#footnote7_324"><sup>7</sup></a>with their wrath upon +foes, with raids into hostile lands,<a href="#footnote7_324"><sup>7</sup></a> with the violence of +assault upon them, without having aught assistance from +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_325" name="Page_325" title="325">325</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5327.</span> +Conchobar. <a name="footnotetag1_325" id="footnotetag1_325" href="#footnote1_325"><sup>1</sup></a>It is no lying word, stiffly they made their +march, that company to Slane of Meath."<a href="#footnote1_325"><sup>1</sup></a></p> + +<p>"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; <a name="footnotetag2_325" id="footnotetag2_325" href="#footnote2_325"><sup>2</sup></a>a +man of strength and of courage, of pride and of greatness of +heart<a href="#footnote2_325"><sup>2</sup></a> 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 Letè, <a name="footnotetag3_325" id="footnotetag3_325" href="#footnote3_325"><sup>3</sup></a>the king<a href="#footnote3_325"><sup>3</sup></a> from Linè in the north, is +the man yonder!"</p> + +<p>"Still another <a name="footnotetag4_325" id="footnotetag4_325" href="#footnote4_325"><sup>4</sup></a>great, fierce<a href="#footnote4_325"><sup>4</sup></a> company came to the +same hill in Slane of Meath," macRoth continued. <a name="footnotetag5_325" id="footnotetag5_325" href="#footnote5_325"><sup>5</sup></a>"A +battle-line with strange garments upon them,<a href="#footnote5_325"><sup>5</sup></a> steadfast, +without equal. A <a name="footnotetag6_325" id="footnotetag6_325" href="#footnote6_325"><sup>6</sup></a>comely,<a href="#footnote6_325"><sup>6</sup></a> handsome, <a name="footnotetag7_325" id="footnotetag7_325" href="#footnote7_325"><sup>7</sup></a>matchless,<a href="#footnote7_325"><sup>7</sup></a> +untiring warrior in the van of this company; <a name="footnotetag8_325" id="footnotetag8_325" href="#footnote8_325"><sup>8</sup></a>the flower +of every form, whether as regards hair, or eye, or whiteness; +whether of size, or followers or fitness.<a href="#footnote8_325"><sup>8</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag9_325" id="footnotetag9_325" href="#footnote9_325"><sup>9</sup></a>green<a href="#footnote9_325"><sup>9</sup></a> mantle, pieced together with the +choicest of all colours, <a name="footnotetag10_325" id="footnotetag10_325" href="#footnote10_325"><sup>10</sup></a>folded about him;<a href="#footnote10_325"><sup>10</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag11_325" id="footnotetag11_325" href="#footnote11_325"><sup>11</sup></a>a brooch of +pale gold in the cloak over his breast;<a href="#footnote11_325"><sup>11</sup></a> five circles of gold, <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 99a.</span> +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 <a name="footnotetag12_325" id="footnotetag12_325" href="#footnote12_325"><sup>12</sup></a>and venomous<a href="#footnote12_325"><sup>12</sup></a> +in his hand." "But, who might that be?" asked +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_326" name="Page_326" title="326">326</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5342.</span> +Ailill of Fergus. "Truly, we know him well," Fergus made +answer. <a name="footnotetag1_326" id="footnotetag1_326" href="#footnote1_326"><sup>1</sup></a>"Fiery is the manner of the warlike champion +who has so come thither.<a href="#footnote1_326"><sup>1</sup></a> 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."</p> + +<p>"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, <a name="footnotetag2_326" id="footnotetag2_326" href="#footnote2_326"><sup>2</sup></a>and a +hollow lance in his hand. Hero-like was his coming!"<a href="#footnote2_326"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + +<p>"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, <a name="footnotetag3_326" id="footnotetag3_326" href="#footnote3_326"><sup>3</sup></a>with the violence of +his attack.<a href="#footnote3_326"><sup>3</sup></a> Feradach Finn Fectnach ('the Fair and +Righteous') from Nemed ('the Grove') in Sliab Fuait in +the north, is the one that is come there."</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag4_326" id="footnotetag4_326" href="#footnote4_326"><sup>4</sup></a>"Another company there came to the mound in Slane +of Meath," continued macRoth. "Three bold, high-spirited +youths of noble countenance, <a name="footnotetag5_326" id="footnotetag5_326" href="#footnote5_326"><sup>5</sup></a>fiery and noble,<a href="#footnote5_326"><sup>5</sup></a> +in the front rank of that company. Three cloaks of the +one colour <a name="footnotetag6_326" id="footnotetag6_326" href="#footnote6_326"><sup>6</sup></a>they wore folded<a href="#footnote6_326"><sup>6</sup></a> upon them; <a name="footnotetag7_326" id="footnotetag7_326" href="#footnote7_326"><sup>7</sup></a>three close +shorn, blae-yellow heads; three gold brooches over their +arms; three sleeved tunics with embroidery of red gold, +girded around them;<a href="#footnote7_326"><sup>7</sup></a> three shields wholly alike they bore; +<a name="footnotetag8_326" id="footnotetag8_326" href="#footnote8_326"><sup>8</sup></a>three gold-hilted swords on their shoulders;<a href="#footnote8_326"><sup>8</sup></a> three five-pointed, +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_327" name="Page_327" title="327">327</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5360.</span> +<a name="footnotetag1_327" id="footnotetag1_327" href="#footnote1_327"><sup>1</sup></a>broad and grey-green<a href="#footnote1_327"><sup>1</sup></a> spears in their <a name="footnotetag2_327" id="footnotetag2_327" href="#footnote2_327"><sup>2</sup></a>right<a href="#footnote2_327"><sup>2</sup></a> +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 Darè 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."<a name="footnotetag4_327" id="footnotetag4_327" href="#footnote4_326"><sup>4</sup></a></p> + +<p>"Yet another company there came thither to the same +hill in Slane of Meath," said macRoth. "Two <a name="footnotetag3_327" id="footnotetag3_327" href="#footnote3_327"><sup>3</sup></a>fair,<a href="#footnote3_327"><sup>3</sup></a> +tender, young warriors at the head of that company, <a name="footnotetag5_327" id="footnotetag5_327" href="#footnote5_327"><sup>5</sup></a>and +both wholly alike. Brown, curly hair on the head of one +of them; fair, yellow hair on that of the other;<a href="#footnote5_327"><sup>5</sup></a> 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; +<a name="footnotetag6_327" id="footnotetag6_327" href="#footnote6_327"><sup>6</sup></a>two bright shields with devious figures of beasts in silver;<a href="#footnote6_327"><sup>6</sup></a> +two five-pronged spears with windings of pure bright silver +in their hands. Moreover, their years were nigh the same. +<a name="footnotetag7_327" id="footnotetag7_327" href="#footnote7_327"><sup>7</sup></a>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."<a href="#footnote7_327"><sup>7</sup></a></p> + +<p>"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 name="footnotetaga_327" id="footnotetaga_327" href="#footnotea_327"><sup>a</sup></a>; two dragons; two thunderbolts; +two destroyers (?); two boars; two bold ones; two mad +ones; the two loved ones of Ulster around their king; +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_328" name="Page_328" title="328">328</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5378.</span> +<a name="footnotetag1_328" id="footnotetag1_328" href="#footnote1_328"><sup>1</sup></a>two breach-makers of hundreds; two spencers; the two +darlings of the north of Erin, namely<a href="#footnote1_328"><sup>1</sup></a> Fiacha and Fiachna +have come thither, two sons of Conchobar son of Fachtna +son of Ross Ruad son of Rudraige."</p> + +<p>"There came also another company to that same +mound," said macRoth. "'Tis the engulphing of the +sea for size; red-flaming fire <a name="footnotetag2_328" id="footnotetag2_328" href="#footnote2_328"><sup>2</sup></a>for splendour;<a href="#footnote2_328"><sup>2</sup></a> a legion +for number; a rock for strength; annihilation for battle; +thunder for might. A <a name="footnotetag3_328" id="footnotetag3_328" href="#footnote3_328"><sup>3</sup></a>rough-visaged,<a href="#footnote3_328"><sup>3</sup></a> wrathful, terrible, +ill-favoured one at the head of that band, and he was +big-nosed, large-eared, apple-eyed, <a name="footnotetag4_328" id="footnotetag4_328" href="#footnote4_328"><sup>4</sup></a>red-limbed,<a href="#footnote4_328"><sup>4</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag5_328" id="footnotetag5_328" href="#footnote5_328"><sup>5</sup></a>great-bellied, +thick-lipped.<a href="#footnote5_328"><sup>5</sup></a> 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? <a name="footnotetag6_328" id="footnotetag6_328" href="#footnote6_328"><sup>6</sup></a>All the host arose to meet him, +and<a href="#footnote6_328"><sup>6</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag7_328" id="footnotetag7_328" href="#footnote7_328"><sup>7</sup></a>and the stream of +battle-hosts with him."<a href="#footnote7_328"><sup>7</sup></a> "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 <a name="footnotetag8_328" id="footnotetag8_328" href="#footnote8_328"><sup>8</sup></a>of Ulster;<a href="#footnote8_328"><sup>8</sup></a> he is the head <a name="footnotetag9_328" id="footnotetag9_328" href="#footnote9_328"><sup>9</sup></a>of combat<a href="#footnote9_328"><sup>9</sup></a> +in valour; <a name="footnotetag10_328" id="footnotetag10_328" href="#footnote10_328"><sup>10</sup></a>he is the storm-wave that drowneth;<a href="#footnote10_328"><sup>10</sup></a> +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!"</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_329" name="Page_329" title="329">329</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 5397.</span> +"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, <a name="footnotetag1_329" id="footnotetag1_329" href="#footnote1_329"><sup>1</sup></a>the size of whose mouth +is the mouth of a horse,<a href="#footnote1_329"><sup>1</sup></a> in the van of that troop; with +but one clear eye, and <a name="footnotetag2_329" id="footnotetag2_329" href="#footnote2_329"><sup>2</sup></a>half-brained,<a href="#footnote2_329"><sup>2</sup></a> 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; <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 99b.</span> a grey buckler he bore on him, that is, +his shield."</p> + +<p>"Pray, who might that man be?" asked Ailill of Fergus. +"Indeed, but we know him," Fergus made answer; "the +wild, red-handed, <a name="footnotetag3_329" id="footnotetag3_329" href="#footnote3_329"><sup>3</sup></a>rending<a href="#footnote3_329"><sup>3</sup></a> lion; the fierce, fearful bear +that overcometh valour. <a name="footnotetag4_329" id="footnotetag4_329" href="#footnote4_329"><sup>4</sup></a>He is the high doer of deeds, +warlike, and fierce,<a href="#footnote4_329"><sup>4</sup></a> Errgè Echbel ('Horse-mouth'), from +Bri Errgi ('Errgè's Mound') in the north, is the one +there."</p> + +<p>"Yet another company there came to the same hill in +Slane of Meath," said macRoth. "A large, noble, <a name="footnotetag5_329" id="footnotetag5_329" href="#footnote5_329"><sup>5</sup></a>fiery<a href="#footnote5_329"><sup>5</sup></a> +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; +<a name="footnotetag6_329" id="footnotetag6_329" href="#footnote6_329"><sup>6</sup></a>a wheel-shaped brooch of silver therein;<a href="#footnote6_329"><sup>6</sup></a> a grey shield +he bore <a name="footnotetag7_329" id="footnotetag7_329" href="#footnote7_329"><sup>7</sup></a>on his left arm;<a href="#footnote7_329"><sup>7</sup></a> a slender, blue lance above +him; <a name="footnotetag8_329" id="footnotetag8_329" href="#footnote8_329"><sup>8</sup></a>a bright, hooded shirt tucked around him that +reached down to his knees;<a href="#footnote8_329"><sup>8</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag9_329" id="footnotetag9_329" href="#footnote9_329"><sup>9</sup></a>a sword with silver hilt at +his hip; a spear remarkable for keenness in his revengeful +right hand;<a href="#footnote9_329"><sup>9</sup></a> a blood-smeared, becrimsoned company +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_330" name="Page_330" title="330">330</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5414.</span> +around him; himself covered with wounds and blood in +their midst."</p> + +<p>"Now who might he be?" asked Ailill of Fergus. "Well +do we know him," Fergus made answer. "He is the bold, +the ruthless, <a name="footnotetag1_330" id="footnotetag1_330" href="#footnote1_330"><sup>1</sup></a>the swift-moving eagle;<a href="#footnote1_330"><sup>1</sup></a> the eager lance; +the goring beast; <a name="footnotetag2_330" id="footnotetag2_330" href="#footnote2_330"><sup>2</sup></a>the torrent<a href="#footnote2_330"><sup>2</sup></a> of the Colbtha; <a name="footnotetag3_330" id="footnotetag3_330" href="#footnote3_330"><sup>3</sup></a>the +border-gate of the north of Erin;<a href="#footnote3_330"><sup>3</sup></a> the triumphant hero +from Bailè; he is the shaft (?); <a name="footnotetaga_330" id="footnotetaga_330" href="#footnotea_330"><sup>a</sup></a> he is the bellowing hero +from Bernas ('the Gap'); the furious bull; Menn son of +Salcholga, from Rena ('the Waterways') of the Boyne <a name="footnotetag4_330" id="footnotetag4_330" href="#footnote4_330"><sup>4</sup></a>in +the north; he hath come to take vengeance on ye for his +bloody wounds and his sores which ye inflicted on him +afore."<a href="#footnote4_330"><sup>4</sup></a></p> + +<p>"Yet another company came thither to the same mound +in Slane of Meath," continued macRoth. <a name="footnotetag5_330" id="footnotetag5_330" href="#footnote5_330"><sup>5</sup></a>"High spirited +and worthy of one another.<a href="#footnote5_330"><sup>5</sup></a> A long-jawed, sallow-faced +warrior, <a name="footnotetag6_330" id="footnotetag6_330" href="#footnote6_330"><sup>6</sup></a>huge, broad, and tall,<a href="#footnote6_330"><sup>6</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag7_330" id="footnotetag7_330" href="#footnote7_330"><sup>7</sup></a>all-white,<a href="#footnote7_330"><sup>7</sup></a> linen shirt +next to his skin; a gory-red shield with a boss <a name="footnotetag8_330" id="footnotetag8_330" href="#footnote8_330"><sup>8</sup></a>of gold<a href="#footnote8_330"><sup>8</sup></a> +he bore; a sword with hilt of <a name="footnotetag9_330" id="footnotetag9_330" href="#footnote9_330"><sup>9</sup></a>white<a href="#footnote9_330"><sup>9</sup></a> silver on his left +side; a sharp-cornered, gold-socketed spear he held over +him; <a name="footnotetag10_330" id="footnotetag10_330" href="#footnote10_330"><sup>10</sup></a>a broad, grey, interwoven spear-head, fairly set +on an ashen shaft, in his hand."<a href="#footnote10_330"><sup>10</sup></a> "But, who might he +be?" Ailill asked of Fergus. "Truly, we know him," +Fergus made answer. <a name="footnotetag11_330" id="footnotetag11_330" href="#footnote11_330"><sup>11</sup></a>"The man of three stout blows +has come;<a href="#footnote11_330"><sup>11</sup></a> the man of three highways is he; the man +of three roads, the man of three paths, the man of three +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_331" name="Page_331" title="331">331</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5431.</span> +ways; the man of three victories, the man of three triumphs; +<a name="footnotetag1_331" id="footnotetag1_331" href="#footnote1_331"><sup>1</sup></a>the man of three shouts; the man that breaks +battles on foes in another province;<a href="#footnote1_331"><sup>1</sup></a> Fergna son of Findchoem, +king of Burach, <a name="footnotetag2_331" id="footnotetag2_331" href="#footnote2_331"><sup>2</sup></a>from Coronn,<a href="#footnote2_331"><sup>2</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag3_331" id="footnotetag3_331" href="#footnote3_331"><sup>3</sup></a>royal hospitaller<a href="#footnote3_331"><sup>3</sup></a> +of Ulster in the north, has come thither."</p> + +<p>"Even another company came there to the same mound +in Slane of Meath," continued macRoth. <a name="footnotetag4_331" id="footnotetag4_331" href="#footnote4_331"><sup>4</sup></a>"Vaster than +a division of three thousand was its appearance.<a href="#footnote4_331"><sup>4</sup></a> A large, +<a name="footnotetag5_331" id="footnotetag5_331" href="#footnote5_331"><sup>5</sup></a>white-breasted,<a href="#footnote5_331"><sup>5</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag6_331" id="footnotetag6_331" href="#footnote6_331"><sup>6</sup></a>adapted for striking,<a href="#footnote6_331"><sup>6</sup></a> +with boss of gold was <a name="footnotetag7_331" id="footnotetag7_331" href="#footnote7_331"><sup>7</sup></a>upon him.<a href="#footnote7_331"><sup>7</sup></a> A gold-hilted sword, +<a name="footnotetag8_331" id="footnotetag8_331" href="#footnote8_331"><sup>8</sup></a>the pillar of a palace,<a href="#footnote8_331"><sup>8</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag9_331" id="footnotetag9_331" href="#footnote9_331"><sup>9</sup></a>along his shoulder<a href="#footnote9_331"><sup>9</sup></a> he bore on his +left side; a five-pronged spear with gold, in his hand; <a name="footnotetag10_331" id="footnotetag10_331" href="#footnote10_331"><sup>10</sup></a>an +exceeding fine cloak folded about him; a brooch of gold +in the cloak over his breast; a tunic with red ornaments +about him;<a href="#footnote10_331"><sup>10</sup></a> a golden crown on his head."</p> + +<p>"But, who might that be?" asked Ailill of Fergus. +"Ah, but we know him well," Fergus made answer. +<a name="footnotetag11_331" id="footnotetag11_331" href="#footnote11_331"><sup>11</sup></a>"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;<a href="#footnote11_331"><sup>11</sup></a> 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."</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag12_331" id="footnotetag12_331" href="#footnote12_331"><sup>12</sup></a>"Yet another company came to the mound in Slane +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_332" name="Page_332" title="332">332</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5444.</span> +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."</p> + +<p>"An over-proud body is that," quoth Ailill; "and who +may they be, O Fergus?" he asked. "I know full well," +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_333" name="Page_333" title="333">333</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5466.</span> +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 Athirnè 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."</p> + +<p>"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."</p> + +<p>"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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_334" name="Page_334" title="334">334</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5488.</span> +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."</p> + +<p>"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."</p> + +<p>"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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_335" name="Page_335" title="335">335</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5512.</span> +for the accomplishment of brilliant feats;<a name="footnotetaga_335" id="footnotetaga_335" href="#footnotea_335"><sup>a</sup></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, Glasnè and Menn, two sons of Uthechar."</p> + +<p>"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."</p> + +<p>"There came <a name="footnotetag1_335" id="footnotetag1_335" href="#footnote1_335"><sup>1</sup></a>another<a href="#footnote1_335"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_336" name="Page_336" title="336">336</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5535.</span> +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 +Manè and Conaing."</p> + +<p>"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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_337" name="Page_337" title="337">337</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5558.</span> +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."<a name="footnotetag12_337" id="footnotetag12_337" href="#footnote12_337"><sup>12</sup></a></p> + +<p>"Yet another company came to the same mound in +Slane of Meath," said macRoth. <a name="footnotetag1_337" id="footnotetag1_337" href="#footnote1_337"><sup>1</sup></a>"Very heroic and +without number it is;<a href="#footnote1_337"><sup>1</sup></a> steady and dissimilar to the other +companies. <a name="footnotetag2_337" id="footnotetag2_337" href="#footnote2_337"><sup>2</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote2_337"><sup>2</sup></a> Some wore red cloaks, others light-blue +cloaks, <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 100a.</span> 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, <a name="footnotetag3_337" id="footnotetag3_337" href="#footnote3_337"><sup>3</sup></a>fringed<a href="#footnote3_337"><sup>3</sup></a> mantle <a name="footnotetag4_337" id="footnotetag4_337" href="#footnote4_337"><sup>4</sup></a>folded about him<a href="#footnote4_337"><sup>4</sup></a> amongst +them in their midst. <a name="footnotetag5_337" id="footnotetag5_337" href="#footnote5_337"><sup>5</sup></a>Fairest of the forms of men was +his form.<a href="#footnote5_337"><sup>5</sup></a> A salmon-shaped brooch of gold in the mantle +over his breast; a <a name="footnotetag6_337" id="footnotetag6_337" href="#footnote6_337"><sup>6</sup></a>bright, hooded<a href="#footnote6_337"><sup>6</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag7_337" id="footnotetag7_337" href="#footnote7_337"><sup>7</sup></a>the well-favoured, wonderful, noble youth<a href="#footnote7_337"><sup>7</sup></a> Erc +son of Fedilmid Nocruthach, <a name="footnotetag8_337" id="footnotetag8_337" href="#footnote8_337"><sup>8</sup></a>Conchobar's daughter,<a href="#footnote8_337"><sup>8</sup></a> and +of Carbre Niafer. And if it be they, they are not more +friends than their leaders here. Mayhap despite his father +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_338" name="Page_338" title="338">338</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5576.</span> +has this lad come to succour his grandfather<a name="footnotetaga_338" id="footnotetaga_338" href="#footnotea_338"><sup>a</sup></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, <a name="footnotetag1_338" id="footnotetag1_338" href="#footnote1_338"><sup>1</sup></a>while the boy will be saved.<a href="#footnote1_338"><sup>1</sup></a> Then outside +around the battle lines will Conchobar pile up huge +walls of men's bodies <a name="footnotetag2_338" id="footnotetag2_338" href="#footnote2_338"><sup>2</sup></a>while he seeks the little lad.<a href="#footnote2_338"><sup>2</sup></a> +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, <a name="footnotetag3_338" id="footnotetag3_338" href="#footnote3_338"><sup>3</sup></a>the brave warriors of Ulster,<a href="#footnote3_338"><sup>3</sup></a> +bellow as <a name="footnotetag4_338" id="footnotetag4_338" href="#footnote4_338"><sup>4</sup></a>their grandson,<a href="#footnote4_338"><sup>4</sup></a> the calf of their <a name="footnotetag5_338" id="footnotetag5_338" href="#footnote5_338"><sup>5</sup></a>cow,<a href="#footnote5_338"><sup>5</sup></a> is rescued +in the battle on the morn of the morrow."</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag6_338" id="footnotetag6_338" href="#footnote6_338"><sup>6</sup></a>"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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_339" name="Page_339" title="339">339</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5598.</span> +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 <a name="footnotetag1_339" id="footnotetag1_339" href="#footnote1_339"><sup>1</sup></a>two<a href="#footnote1_339"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag2_339" id="footnotetag2_339" href="#footnote2_339"><sup>2</sup></a>Badb's hurdles;<a href="#footnote2_339"><sup>2</sup></a> +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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_340" name="Page_340" title="340">340</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5622.</span> +manes more than big, bold<a name="footnotetaga_340" id="footnotetaga_340" href="#footnotea_340"><sup>a</sup></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 <a name="footnotetag1_340" id="footnotetag1_340" href="#footnote1_340"><sup>1</sup></a>swift<a href="#footnote1_340"><sup>1</sup></a> +Danish steeds, from the bits and bridles, from the traces and +tracks of the huge, maned, mighty<a name="footnotetagb_340" id="footnotetagb_340" href="#footnoteb_340"><sup>b</sup></a> 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:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Sheaves<a name="footnotetagc_340" id="footnotetagc_340" href="#footnotec_340"><sup>c</sup></a> of battle,</div> +<div>Might of quelling,</div> +<div>Ill of war-deeds,</div> +<div>Sating of foul ravens!</div> +<div>Sodden ground, blood-red;</div> +<div>Men low in dust;</div> +<div>Sheaves<a href="#footnotec_340"><sup>c</sup></a> on sword-blades!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>"They wheeled about and brought them twelve<a name="footnotetagd_340" id="footnotetagd_340" href="#footnoted_340"><sup>d</sup></a> 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_341" name="Page_341" title="341">341</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5646.</span> +wheeled-tower. And their horses all ran from them and +grazed upon the plain. And those forty<a name="footnotetaga_341" id="footnotetaga_341" href="#footnotea_341"><sup>a</sup></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, +forkèd 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!"</p> + +<p>"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 +Darè 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; +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_342" name="Page_342" title="342">342</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5669.</span> +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.<a name="footnotetag6_342" id="footnotetag6_342" href="#footnote6_342"><sup>6</sup></a></p> + +<p>"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; <a name="footnotetag1_342" id="footnotetag1_342" href="#footnote1_342"><sup>1</sup></a>bright, +clear, blue-purple men;<a href="#footnote1_342"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_343" name="Page_343" title="343">343</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5689.</span> +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. <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 100b.</span> It is this that makes +them cast-down, sorrowful, joyless <a name="footnotetag1_343" id="footnotetag1_343" href="#footnote1_343"><sup>1</sup></a>as they are,<a href="#footnote1_343"><sup>1</sup></a> 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, +<a name="footnotetag2_343" id="footnotetag2_343" href="#footnote2_343"><sup>2</sup></a>their territory and their land,<a href="#footnote2_343"><sup>2</sup></a> from Monday at the beginning +of Samaintide till the beginning of Spring.<a name="footnotetaga_343" id="footnotetaga_343" href="#footnotea_343"><sup>a</sup></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. <a name="footnotetag3_343" id="footnotetag3_343" href="#footnote3_343"><sup>3</sup></a>We have brought their lords to bloody +stabs and sores, to cuts and many wounds."<a href="#footnote3_343"><sup>3</sup></a> "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 <a name="footnotetag4_343" id="footnotetag4_343" href="#footnote4_343"><sup>4</sup></a>of thy people,<a href="#footnote4_343"><sup>4</sup></a> 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."</p> + +<p>"I heard a great uproar there, west of the battle or to +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_344" name="Page_344" title="344">344</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5711.</span> +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."</p> + +<p>True indeed spake Fergus. Cuchulain it was, wearied +at the length of his lying supine on Fert Sciach under hoops +and clasps and ropes. <a name="footnotetag1_344" id="footnotetag1_344" href="#footnote1_344"><sup>1</sup></a>"But, there is one thing more to +tell," said Fergus: "unless he be held back now, he will +surely come to the battle!"</p> + +<p>Thus far the Companies of the Táin Bó Cúalnge<a href="#footnote1_344"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_344" id="footnotetag2_344" href="#footnote2_344"><sup>2</sup></a>mustered +by Conchobar and the men of Ulster.<a href="#footnote2_344"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + +<p>Then came two women lampoonists from the camp and +quarters of the men of Erin; <a name="footnotetag3_344" id="footnotetag3_344" href="#footnote3_344"><sup>3</sup></a>their names,<a href="#footnote3_344"><sup>3</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag4_344" id="footnotetag4_344" href="#footnote4_344"><sup>4</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote4_344"><sup>4</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_345" name="Page_345" title="345">345</a> + +<a name="chapter_XXVI" id="chapter_XXVI"></a> + +<h2>XXVI. <a name="footnotetag1_345" id="footnotetag1_345" href="#footnote1_345"><sup>1</sup></a>THE DECISION OF THE BATTLE<a href="#footnote1_345"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 5727.</span> +It was on that night that the Morrigan,<a name="footnotetaga_345" id="footnotetaga_345" href="#footnotea_345"><sup>a</sup></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 <a name="footnotetag2_345" id="footnotetag2_345" href="#footnote2_345"><sup>2</sup></a>in the twilight between the +two encampments<a href="#footnote2_345"><sup>2</sup></a>:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Ravens shall pick</div> +<div>The necks of men!</div> +<div>Blood shall gush</div> +<div><a name="footnotetag3_345" id="footnotetag3_345" href="#footnote3_345"><sup>3</sup></a>In combat wild!<a href="#footnote3_345"><sup>3</sup></a></div> +<div>Skins shall be hacked;</div> +<div>Crazed with spoils!</div> +<div><a name="footnotetag4_345" id="footnotetag4_345" href="#footnote4_345"><sup>4</sup></a>Men's sides pierced<a href="#footnote4_345"><sup>4</sup></a></div> +<div>In battle brave,</div> +<div>Luibnech near!</div> +<div>Warriors' storm;</div> +<div>Mien of braves;</div> +<div>Cruachan's men!</div> +<div><a name="footnotetag5_345" id="footnotetag5_345" href="#footnote5_345"><sup>5</sup></a>Upon them comes<a href="#footnote5_345"><sup>5</sup></a></div> +<div>Ruin complete!</div> +<div>Lines shall be strewn</div> +<div>Under foot;</div> +<div>Their race die out!</div> +<div>Then Ulster hail:</div> +<div>To Erna<a name="footnotetagb_345" id="footnotetagb_345" href="#footnoteb_345"><sup>b</sup></a> woe!</div> +<div>To Ulster woe:</div> +<div><a name="footnotetag6_345" id="footnotetag6_345" href="#footnote6_345"><sup>6</sup></a>Then Erna hail!<a href="#footnote6_345"><sup>6</sup></a></div> +<div>(This she said in Erna's ear.)</div> +<div>Naught inglorious shall they do</div> +<div>Who them await!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_346" name="Page_346" title="346">346</a> + +<p><a name="footnotetag1_346" id="footnotetag1_346" href="#footnote1_346"><sup>1</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote1_346"><sup>1</sup></a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5756.</span> 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. <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 101a.</span> 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 <a name="footnotetag2_346" id="footnotetag2_346" href="#footnote2_346"><sup>2</sup></a>from the east and the band +of henchmen from the west<a href="#footnote2_346"><sup>2</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag3_346" id="footnotetag3_346" href="#footnote3_346"><sup>3</sup></a>will encounter one another +betimes <a name="footnotetag4_346" id="footnotetag4_346" href="#footnote4_346"><sup>4</sup></a>about the little flock<a href="#footnote4_346"><sup>4</sup></a> on the great field of +battle."<a href="#footnote3_346"><sup>3</sup></a> 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 +<a name="footnotetag5_346" id="footnotetag5_346" href="#footnote5_346"><sup>5</sup></a>of Ulster."<a href="#footnote5_346"><sup>5</sup></a> "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." <a name="footnotetag6_346" id="footnotetag6_346" href="#footnote6_346"><sup>6</sup></a>"It would be a vow for them +to fall in rescuing their herds," said Cuchulain; "and +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_347" name="Page_347" title="347">347</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5774.</span> +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.<a name="footnotetag6_347" id="footnotetag6_347" href="#footnote6_346"><sup>6</sup></a> "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."</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag1_347" id="footnotetag1_347" href="#footnote1_347"><sup>1</sup></a>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."<a href="#footnote1_347"><sup>1</sup></a> +"Come, O my master Laeg!" cried Cuchulain; "rouse the +men of Ulster to the battle now, for it is time that they +come."</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_347" id="footnotetag2_347" href="#footnote2_347"><sup>2</sup></a>Then, when the sun arose,<a href="#footnote2_347"><sup>2</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag3_347" id="footnotetag3_347" href="#footnote3_347"><sup>3</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote3_347"><sup>3</sup></a> Laeg came and roused the +men of Ulster to battle, and he uttered these words there:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Arise, ye kings of Macha,</div> +<div>Valiant in your deeds!</div> +<div>Imbel's kine the Badb doth covet:</div> +<div><a name="footnotetag4_347" id="footnotetag4_347" href="#footnote4_347"><sup>4</sup></a>Blood of hearts pours out!</div> +<div>Goodly heroes' battle rushes in<a href="#footnote4_347"><sup>4</sup></a></div> +<div>With deeds of valour!</div> +<div>Hearts all red with gore:</div> +<div>Brows turned in flight.</div> +<div>Dismay of battle riseth.</div> +<div>For there was never found</div> +<div>One like unto Cuchulain,</div> +<div>Hound that Macha's<a name="footnotetaga_347" id="footnotetaga_347" href="#footnotea_347"><sup>a</sup></a> weal doth work!</div> +<div>If it is for Cualnge's kine,</div> +<div>Let them now arise!"</div> +</div> +</div> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_348" name="Page_348" title="348">348</a> + +<a name="chapter_XXVII" id="chapter_XXVII"></a> + +<h2>XXVII. <a name="footnotetag1_348" id="footnotetag1_348" href="#footnote1_348"><sup>1</sup></a>NOW OF THE BATTLE OF GARECH<a href="#footnote1_348"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 5804.</span> +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.</p> + +<p>"How arise the Ulstermen now to <a name="footnotetag2_348" id="footnotetag2_348" href="#footnote2_348"><sup>2</sup></a>the battle,<a href="#footnote2_348"><sup>2</sup></a> O +Laeg my master?" asked Cuchulain. "Manfully they +rise," said Laeg: "stark-naked all of them, <a name="footnotetag3_348" id="footnotetag3_348" href="#footnote3_348"><sup>3</sup></a>except for +their arms only.<a href="#footnote3_348"><sup>3</sup></a> 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!"</p> + +<p>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."</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_349" name="Page_349" title="349">349</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 5822.</span> +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.</p> + +<p>"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:—</p> + +<span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 101b.</span> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Now shall Macha's kings arise,</div> +<div>Large-hearted folk!</div> +<div>Weapons let them shatter:</div> +<div>Let them fight the battle:</div> +<div>Let them plow the earth in anger:</div> +<div>Let them strike on shields!</div> +<div><a name="footnotetag1_349" id="footnotetag1_349" href="#footnote1_349"><sup>1</sup></a>Wearied all the hands;<a href="#footnote1_349"><sup>1</sup></a></div> +<div>Herds loud bellowing:</div> +<div>Steadfast the resistance:</div> +<div>Furious the retainers:</div> +<div>Battle-lines shall prostrate fall</div> +<div>'Neath the feet of others!</div> +<div><a name="footnotetag2_349" id="footnotetag2_349" href="#footnote2_349"><sup>2</sup></a>Prince and lord prepare for battle.<a href="#footnote2_349"><sup>2</sup></a></div> +<div>Perish shall their race!</div> +<div><a name="footnotetag3_349" id="footnotetag3_349" href="#footnote3_349"><sup>3</sup></a>Manful contest there shall be;<a href="#footnote3_349"><sup>3</sup></a></div> +<div>Their foes they lie in wait for</div> +<div>And slay them all to-day!</div> +<div>Deep draughts of blood they drink:</div> +<div>Grief fills the hearts of queens:</div> +<div><a name="footnotetag4_349" id="footnotetag4_349" href="#footnote4_349"><sup>4</sup></a>Tender lamentations follow:</div> +<div>Till soaked in blood shall be the grassy sod</div> +<div>On which they're slain,</div> +<div>To which they come.<a href="#footnote4_349"><sup>4</sup></a></div> +<div>If for Cualnge's kine it be,</div> +<div><a name="footnotetag5_349" id="footnotetag5_349" href="#footnote5_349"><sup>5</sup></a>Let Macha's kings!<a href="#footnote5_349"><sup>5</sup></a> Let them arise!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_350" name="Page_350" title="350">350</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5859.</span> +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: <a name="footnotetag1_350" id="footnotetag1_350" href="#footnote1_350"><sup>1</sup></a>"Look for us!<a href="#footnote1_350"><sup>1</sup></a> +How fight <a name="footnotetag2_350" id="footnotetag2_350" href="#footnote2_350"><sup>2</sup></a>the Ulstermen<a href="#footnote2_350"><sup>2</sup></a> the battle now, O my master +Laeg?" "Like men they fight," Laeg answered. "Should +I mount my chariot, and En, Conall <a name="footnotetag3_350" id="footnotetag3_350" href="#footnote3_350"><sup>3</sup></a>Cernach's ('the Victorious')<a href="#footnote3_350"><sup>3</sup></a> +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 <a name="footnotetag4_350" id="footnotetag4_350" href="#footnote4_350"><sup>4</sup></a>the ground<a href="#footnote4_350"><sup>4</sup></a> for the denseness and +closeness and firmness with which their arms are held in the +hands of the men-at-arms at this time."</p> + +<p>"Alas, that I am not yet strong enough to be amongst +them <a name="footnotetag5_350" id="footnotetag5_350" href="#footnote5_350"><sup>5</sup></a>now!"<a href="#footnote5_350"><sup>5</sup></a> 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."</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>Then came to them also <a name="footnotetag6_350" id="footnotetag6_350" href="#footnote6_350"><sup>6</sup></a>on the ford of hosting<a href="#footnote6_350"><sup>6</sup></a> the +governors of the men of Erin. And this was their sole +office <a name="footnotetag7_350" id="footnotetag7_350" href="#footnote7_350"><sup>7</sup></a>with Medb<a href="#footnote7_350"><sup>7</sup></a> 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:</p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_351" name="Page_351" title="351">351</a> + +<a name="chapter_XXVIIa" id="chapter_XXVIIa"></a> + +<h2><span class="sc">XXVIIa</span>. <a name="footnotetag1_351" id="footnotetag1_351" href="#footnote1_351"><sup>1</sup></a>HERE FOLLOWETH THE MUSTER OF THE MEN OF ERIN<a href="#footnote1_351"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 5883.</span> +The three Conarè 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 Suibnè +from the Siuir, the three Eochaid from Anè, 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 Manè 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 Manè from +Mossa, the three Scathglan from Scairè, the three Echtach +from Ercè, the three Trenfer from Taitè, the three Fintan +from Femen, <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 102a.</span> the three Rotanach from Rognè, the three +Sarchorach from Suidè Lagen, the three Etarscel from +Etarbane, the three Aed from Aidnè, the three Guarè from +Gabal.<a name="footnotetaga_351" id="footnotetaga_351" href="#footnotea_351"><sup>a</sup></a></p> + +<p>Then said Medb to Fergus. "It were truly a thing to +boast of for thee, <a name="footnotetag2_351" id="footnotetag2_351" href="#footnote2_351"><sup>2</sup></a>O Fergus," said she,<a href="#footnote2_351"><sup>2</sup></a> "werest thou +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_352" name="Page_352" title="352">352</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5943.</span> +to use thy mightiness of battle <a name="footnotetag1_352" id="footnotetag1_352" href="#footnote1_352"><sup>1</sup></a>vehemently<a href="#footnote1_352"><sup>1</sup></a> 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!"</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_352" id="footnotetag2_352" href="#footnote2_352"><sup>2</sup></a>Thereupon Fergus uttered this oath: "I swear," +<i>et reliqua</i>, "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 name="footnotetaga_352" id="footnotetaga_352" href="#footnotea_352"><sup>a</sup></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,<a href="#footnote2_352"><sup>2</sup></a> so that <a name="footnotetag3_352" id="footnotetag3_352" href="#footnote3_352"><sup>3</sup></a>heads of men over shields<a href="#footnote3_352"><sup>3</sup></a> would be as +numerous <a name="footnotetag4_352" id="footnotetag4_352" href="#footnote4_352"><sup>4</sup></a>with me<a href="#footnote4_352"><sup>4</sup></a> as bits of ice <a name="footnotetag5_352" id="footnotetag5_352" href="#footnote5_352"><sup>5</sup></a>on the miry stamping-ground<a href="#footnote5_352"><sup>5</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag6_352" id="footnotetag6_352" href="#footnote6_352"><sup>6</sup></a>between two dry fields<a href="#footnote6_352"><sup>6</sup></a> that a king's horses +would course on. Every limb of the Ulstermen <a name="footnotetag7_352" id="footnotetag7_352" href="#footnote7_352"><sup>7</sup></a>would I +send flying through the air<a href="#footnote7_352"><sup>7</sup></a> before and behind me this +day <a name="footnotetag8_352" id="footnotetag8_352" href="#footnote8_352"><sup>8</sup></a>like the flitting of bees on a day of fine weather,<a href="#footnote8_352"><sup>8</sup></a> if +only I had my sword!"</p> + +<p>At that Ailill spoke to his own charioteer, Ferloga, to +wit: "Fetch me a quick sword that wounds the skin, O +gilla," said Ailill. <a name="footnotetag9_352" id="footnotetag9_352" href="#footnote9_352"><sup>9</sup></a>"A year to-day I put that sword in +thy hand in the flower of its condition and bloom.<a href="#footnote9_352"><sup>9</sup></a> I give +my word, if its bloom and condition be the worse at thy +hands this day than the day I gave it <a name="footnotetag10_352" id="footnotetag10_352" href="#footnote10_352"><sup>10</sup></a>thee<a href="#footnote10_352"><sup>10</sup></a> on the hillside +of Cruachan Ai <a name="footnotetag11_352" id="footnotetag11_352" href="#footnote11_352"><sup>11</sup></a>in the borders of Ulster,<a href="#footnote11_352"><sup>11</sup></a> though thou +hadst the men of Erin and of Alba to rescue thee from me +to-day, they would not all save thee!"</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_353" name="Page_353" title="353">353</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 5956.</span> +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 name="footnotetaga_353" id="footnotetaga_353" href="#footnotea_353"><sup>a</sup></a> "Welcome, O Calad Colg<a name="footnotetagb_353" id="footnotetagb_353" href="#footnoteb_353"><sup>b</sup></a> ('Hardblade'), +Letè'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!"</p> + +<p>Whereupon, Fergus took his arms and went forward to +the battle, <a name="footnotetag1_353" id="footnotetag1_353" href="#footnote1_353"><sup>1</sup></a>and he cleared a gap of an hundred in the battle-ranks +with his sword in his two hands.<a href="#footnote1_353"><sup>1</sup></a> Ailill seized his +weapons. Medb seized her weapons and entered the battle. +<a name="footnotetag2_353" id="footnotetag2_353" href="#footnote2_353"><sup>2</sup></a>The Manè seized their arms and came to the battle. The +macMagach seized their arms and came to the battle,<a href="#footnote2_353"><sup>2</sup></a> so +that thrice the Ulstermen were routed before them from +the north, till Cualgae<a name="footnotetagc_353" id="footnotetagc_353" href="#footnotec_353"><sup>c</sup></a> and sword drove them back again. +<a name="footnotetag3_353" id="footnotetag3_353" href="#footnote3_353"><sup>3</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote3_353"><sup>3</sup></a></p> + +<p>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 <a name="footnotetag4_353" id="footnotetag4_353" href="#footnote4_353"><sup>4</sup></a>of battle<a href="#footnote4_353"><sup>4</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag5_353" id="footnotetag5_353" href="#footnote5_353"><sup>5</sup></a>"in the place wherein we are:<a href="#footnote5_353"><sup>5</sup></a> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_354" name="Page_354" title="354">354</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5974.</span> +for the sky is above us and the earth underneath and the +sea round about us, <a name="footnotetag1_354" id="footnotetag1_354" href="#footnote1_354"><sup>1</sup></a>and<a href="#footnote1_354"><sup>1</sup></a> 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!"</p> + +<p>Conchobar went his way to the place where he heard the +battle had gone three times <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 102b.</span> against him from the north. +<a name="footnotetag2_354" id="footnotetag2_354" href="#footnote2_354"><sup>2</sup></a>Then Conchobar made a rush at Fergus,<a href="#footnote2_354"><sup>2</sup></a> and he lifted +shield against shield there, namely against Fergus mac +Roig, even Ochain ('the Fair-ear')<a name="footnotetaga_354" id="footnotetaga_354" href="#footnotea_354"><sup>a</sup></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 <a name="footnotetag3_354" id="footnotetag3_354" href="#footnote3_354"><sup>3</sup></a>and the three chief waves of Erin gave answer, the +Wave of Clidna, the Wave of Rudraige and the Wave of +Tuag, to wit.<a href="#footnote3_354"><sup>3</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p>"Hearken, ye men <a name="footnotetag4_354" id="footnotetag4_354" href="#footnote4_354"><sup>4</sup></a>of Erin!"<a href="#footnote4_354"><sup>4</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag5_354" id="footnotetag5_354" href="#footnote5_354"><sup>5</sup></a>and comelier<a href="#footnote5_354"><sup>5</sup></a> than thyself is here," <a name="footnotetag6_354" id="footnotetag6_354" href="#footnote6_354"><sup>6</sup></a>Conchobar +answered,<a href="#footnote6_354"><sup>6</sup></a> "and whose mother and father were +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_355" name="Page_355" title="355">355</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 5995.</span> +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 +<a name="footnotetag1_355" id="footnotetag1_355" href="#footnote1_355"><sup>1</sup></a>of thy foot<a href="#footnote1_355"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag2_355" id="footnotetag2_355" href="#footnote2_355"><sup>2</sup></a>three +bright lights of the valour of the Gael,<a href="#footnote2_355"><sup>2</sup></a> the three sons of +Usnech that were under thy safeguard <a name="footnotetag3_355" id="footnotetag3_355" href="#footnote3_355"><sup>3</sup></a>and protection;<a href="#footnote3_355"><sup>3</sup></a> +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; <a name="footnotetag4_355" id="footnotetag4_355" href="#footnote4_355"><sup>4</sup></a>and though any one should +insult thee, there is no satisfaction nor reparation for thee, +for thou art in the service of a woman!"<a href="#footnote4_355"><sup>4</sup></a></p> + +<p>"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 <a name="footnotetag5_355" id="footnotetag5_355" href="#footnote5_355"><sup>5</sup></a>his foster-father, namely to<a href="#footnote5_355"><sup>5</sup></a> Fergus, +and he closed his two <a name="footnotetag6_355" id="footnotetag6_355" href="#footnote6_355"><sup>6</sup></a>royal hands<a href="#footnote6_355"><sup>6</sup></a> over him <a name="footnotetag7_355" id="footnotetag7_355" href="#footnote7_355"><sup>7</sup></a>outside +his armour.<a href="#footnote7_355"><sup>7</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag8_355" id="footnotetag8_355" href="#footnote8_355"><sup>8</sup></a>"Ungentle, not heedful is this, Fergus +my master! Full of hate, not of friendship is this,<a href="#footnote8_355"><sup>8</sup></a> 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!" +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_356" name="Page_356" title="356">356</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 6013.</span> +"Get thee away from me, boy! <a name="footnotetag1_356" id="footnotetag1_356" href="#footnote1_356"><sup>1</sup></a>Whom then should I +strike?"<a href="#footnote1_356"><sup>1</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag2_356" id="footnotetag2_356" href="#footnote2_356"><sup>2</sup></a>on every side<a href="#footnote2_356"><sup>2</sup></a> and this will be an +appeasing of thine anger." "Tell Conchobar also to fall +<a name="footnotetag3_356" id="footnotetag3_356" href="#footnote3_356"><sup>3</sup></a>back again<a href="#footnote3_356"><sup>3</sup></a> to his place in the battle," <a name="footnotetag4_356" id="footnotetag4_356" href="#footnote4_356"><sup>4</sup></a>said Fergus; +"and I will no longer belabour the hosts."<a href="#footnote4_356"><sup>4</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag5_356" id="footnotetag5_356" href="#footnote5_356"><sup>5</sup></a>Cormac +told this to Conchobar:<a href="#footnote5_356"><sup>5</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag6_356" id="footnotetag6_356" href="#footnote6_356"><sup>6</sup></a>"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."<a href="#footnote6_356"><sup>6</sup></a> +So Conchobar went to his place in the battle. <a name="footnotetag7_356" id="footnotetag7_356" href="#footnote7_356"><sup>7</sup></a>In this +manner Fergus and Conchobar parted.<a href="#footnote7_356"><sup>7</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag8_356" id="footnotetag8_356" href="#footnote8_356"><sup>8</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote8_356"><sup>8</sup></a></p> + +<p>Thus it was with that sword, which was the sword of +Fergus: The sword of Fergus, the sword of Letè 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 <a name="footnotetag9_356" id="footnotetag9_356" href="#footnote9_356"><sup>9</sup></a>the men of Erin.<a href="#footnote9_356"><sup>9</sup></a> And these +are the three Maels ('the Balds') of Meath in that place, +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_357" name="Page_357" title="357">357</a> +<a name="footnotetag1_357" id="footnotetag1_357" href="#footnote1_357"><sup>1</sup></a>which Fergus smote as a reproach and a rebuke to the +men of Ulster.<a href="#footnote1_357"><sup>1</sup></a></p> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 6027.</span> +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 <a name="footnotetag2_357" id="footnotetag2_357" href="#footnote2_357"><sup>2</sup></a>with +those strong blows, mighty and far-away,<a href="#footnote2_357"><sup>2</sup></a> the Ochain of +Conchobar my master, and I alive?" <a name="footnotetag3_357" id="footnotetag3_357" href="#footnote3_357"><sup>3</sup></a>Then Laeg made +answer, saying: "The choice of men, Fergus macRoig, +the very bold, smites it:—<a href="#footnote3_357"><sup>3</sup></a></p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Blood he sheds—increase of slaughter—</div> +<div>Splendid the hero, Fergus macRoig!</div> +<div>Hidden had lain Fairyland's chariot-sword!</div> +<div>Battle now hath reached the shield,</div> +<div>Shield of my master Conchobar!"</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p><a name="footnotetag4_357" id="footnotetag4_357" href="#footnote4_357"><sup>4</sup></a>"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! <a href="#footnote4_357"><sup>4</sup></a>Quickly +unloose the bands, gilla!" cried Cuchulain. <a name="footnotetag5_357" id="footnotetag5_357" href="#footnote5_357"><sup>5</sup></a>"Blood +covers men. Feats of swords shall be done. Men shall +be spent therefrom!"<a href="#footnote5_357"><sup>5</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag6_357" id="footnotetag6_357" href="#footnote6_357"><sup>6</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote6_357"><sup>6</sup></a> <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 103a.</span> 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 +<a name="footnotetag7_357" id="footnotetag7_357" href="#footnote7_357"><sup>7</sup></a>in the district of Boirenn,<a href="#footnote7_357"><sup>7</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag8_357" id="footnotetag8_357" href="#footnote8_357"><sup>8</sup></a>His supports +sprang from him to <a name="footnotetag9_357" id="footnotetag9_357" href="#footnote9_357"><sup>9</sup></a>Rath<a href="#footnote9_357"><sup>9</sup></a> 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.<a href="#footnote8_357"><sup>8</sup></a> +The dry wisps that were stuffed in his wounds rose to the roof +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_358" name="Page_358" title="358">358</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 6040.</span> +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.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag1_358" id="footnotetag1_358" href="#footnote1_358"><sup>1</sup></a>Some of the narrators aver that it was the strength of +the warrior and champion that hurled these things <a name="footnotetag2_358" id="footnotetag2_358" href="#footnote2_358"><sup>2</sup></a>to the +aforementioned places;<a href="#footnote2_358"><sup>2</sup></a> 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.<a href="#footnote1_358"><sup>1</sup></a> + +This was the first exploit of valour that Cuchulain performed +on rising <a name="footnotetag3_358" id="footnotetag3_358" href="#footnote3_358"><sup>3</sup></a>out of his weakness:<a href="#footnote3_358"><sup>3</sup></a> The two women +lampoonists that made a feint of weeping and wailing <a name="footnotetag4_358" id="footnotetag4_358" href="#footnote4_358"><sup>4</sup></a>over +his head,<a href="#footnote4_358"><sup>4</sup></a> Fethan and Collach to wit, he smote each of them +against the head of the other, so that he<a name="footnotetaga_358" id="footnotetaga_358" href="#footnotea_358"><sup>a</sup></a> was red with +their blood and grey with their brains. <a name="footnotetag5_358" id="footnotetag5_358" href="#footnote5_358"><sup>5</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote5_358"><sup>5</sup></a> His +arms had not been left near him, except his chariot only. +And he took his chariot on his back <a name="footnotetag6_358" id="footnotetag6_358" href="#footnote6_358"><sup>6</sup></a>with its frame and +its two axle-trees,<a href="#footnote6_358"><sup>6</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag7_358" id="footnotetag7_358" href="#footnote7_358"><sup>7</sup></a>turn +hither,<a href="#footnote7_358"><sup>7</sup></a> O Fergus my master!" he cried; "and if thou +turn not, <a name="footnotetag8_358" id="footnotetag8_358" href="#footnote8_358"><sup>8</sup></a>I swear to god what the Ulstermen swear,<a href="#footnote8_358"><sup>8</sup></a> I +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_359" name="Page_359" title="359">359</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 6052.</span> +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; <a name="footnotetag1_359" id="footnotetag1_359" href="#footnote1_359"><sup>1</sup></a>I will go over thee as +its tail goes over a cat;<a href="#footnote1_359"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_359" id="footnotetag2_359" href="#footnote2_359"><sup>2</sup></a>I will pierce thee as a tool +bores through a tree-trunk; I will pound thee as a fish is +pounded on the sand!"<a href="#footnote2_359"><sup>2</sup></a> "Truly this is my lot!" spake +Fergus. "Who <a name="footnotetag3_359" id="footnotetag3_359" href="#footnote3_359"><sup>3</sup></a>of the men of Erin<a href="#footnote3_359"><sup>3</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag4_359" id="footnotetag4_359" href="#footnote4_359"><sup>4</sup></a>and sister's son to Conchobar," replied Cuchalain.<a href="#footnote4_359"><sup>4</sup></a> +"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 Táin.<a name="footnotetaga_359" id="footnotetaga_359" href="#footnotea_359"><sup>a</sup></a> For, <a name="footnotetag5_359" id="footnotetag5_359" href="#footnote5_359"><sup>5</sup></a>when thou hadst not thy +sword with thee,<a href="#footnote5_359"><sup>5</sup></a> I did flee before thee in thine own combat +on the Táin; <a name="footnotetag6_359" id="footnotetag6_359" href="#footnote6_359"><sup>6</sup></a>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."<a href="#footnote6_359"><sup>6</sup></a></p> + +<p>Fergus gave ear to that word of Cuchulain, and he turned +and made his three great strides of a hero <a name="footnotetag7_359" id="footnotetag7_359" href="#footnote7_359"><sup>7</sup></a>back from +Cuchulain and turned in flight from him.<a href="#footnote7_359"><sup>7</sup></a> And as he +turned <a name="footnotetag8_359" id="footnotetag8_359" href="#footnote8_359"><sup>8</sup></a>with his company of three thousand warriors and +the Leinstermen following after Fergus—for it is under +Fergus' warrant they had come<a href="#footnote8_359"><sup>8</sup></a>—<a name="footnotetag9_359" id="footnotetag9_359" href="#footnote9_359"><sup>9</sup></a>and the men of Munster,<a href="#footnote9_359"><sup>9</sup></a> +there turned all the men of Erin.</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_360" name="Page_360" title="360">360</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 6065.</span> +<a name="footnotetag1_360" id="footnotetag1_360" href="#footnote1_360"><sup>1</sup></a>Then<a href="#footnote1_360"><sup>1</sup></a> the men of Erin broke their ranks westwards +over the hill. The battle raged around the men of Connacht, +<a name="footnotetag2_360" id="footnotetag2_360" href="#footnote2_360"><sup>2</sup></a>around Ailill and his division and around Medb +with hers and around the Manè with theirs and the mac +Magach with theirs.<a href="#footnote2_360"><sup>2</sup></a> At midday Cuchulain came to the +battle. At the time of sunset at the ninth hour <a name="footnotetag3_360" id="footnotetag3_360" href="#footnote3_360"><sup>3</sup></a>as the +sun entered the tresses of the wood,<a href="#footnote3_360"><sup>3</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag4_360" id="footnotetag4_360" href="#footnote4_360"><sup>4</sup></a>when man and +tree were no more to be known apart, Medb and<a href="#footnote4_360"><sup>4</sup></a> the last +company of the men of Connacht fled in rout westwards +over the hill.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>Then it was that the issue of blood came upon Medb, +<a name="footnotetag5_360" id="footnotetag5_360" href="#footnote5_360"><sup>5</sup></a>and she said: "Do thou, Fergus, undertake<a href="#footnote5_360"><sup>5</sup></a> 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 name="footnotetaga_360" id="footnotetaga_360" href="#footnotea_360"><sup>a</sup></a> +could find room in each dike. Hence the place is known +as Fual Medbha ('Medb's Water').</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_361" name="Page_361" title="361">361</a> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 6085.</span> +Cuchulain came upon her as she was thus engaged, <a name="footnotetag1_361" id="footnotetag1_361" href="#footnote1_361"><sup>1</sup></a>on +his way to the battle,<a href="#footnote1_361"><sup>1</sup></a> and he did not attack her. He +would not strike her a blow from behind. <a name="footnotetag2_361" id="footnotetag2_361" href="#footnote2_361"><sup>2</sup></a>He spared +her then because it was not his wont to slay women.<a href="#footnote2_361"><sup>2</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag3_361" id="footnotetag3_361" href="#footnote3_361"><sup>3</sup></a>"Spare me!" cried Medb. "If I should slay thee, it +were just for me," Cuchulain answered.<a href="#footnote3_361"><sup>3</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag4_361" id="footnotetag4_361" href="#footnote4_361"><sup>4</sup></a>"Arise from +hence," said he; "for I deem it no honour to wound thee +from behind with my weapons."<a href="#footnote4_361"><sup>4</sup></a> "I crave a boon of +thee this day, O Cuchulain," spake Medb. "What boon +cravest thou <a name="footnotetag5_361" id="footnotetag5_361" href="#footnote5_361"><sup>5</sup></a>of me?"<a href="#footnote5_361"><sup>5</sup></a> asked Cuchulain. "That this +host be under thine honour and thy protection till they +pass westwards over Ath Mor ('the Great Ford')." <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 103b.</span> +"Yea, I promise that," said Cuchulain. <a name="footnotetag6_361" id="footnotetag6_361" href="#footnote6_361"><sup>6</sup></a>Then<a href="#footnote6_361"><sup>6</sup></a> 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.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag7_361" id="footnotetag7_361" href="#footnote7_361"><sup>7</sup></a>Then Laeg <a name="footnotetag8_361" id="footnotetag8_361" href="#footnote8_361"><sup>8</sup></a>son of Riangabair<a href="#footnote8_361"><sup>8</sup></a> brought Cuchulain's +sword unto him, <a name="footnotetag9_361" id="footnotetag9_361" href="#footnote9_361"><sup>9</sup></a>the 'Hard-headed Steeling' to wit,<a href="#footnote9_361"><sup>9</sup></a> and +Cuchulain took the sword in his hand.<a href="#footnote7_361"><sup>7</sup></a> Then he <a name="footnotetag10_361" id="footnotetag10_361" href="#footnote10_361"><sup>10</sup></a>stood +still and<a href="#footnote10_361"><sup>10</sup></a> 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. <a name="footnotetag11_361" id="footnotetag11_361" href="#footnote11_361"><sup>11</sup></a>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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_362" name="Page_362" title="362">362</a> +three Bald Tops, these in the west should be the answer +the 'Three Flat Tops of Ath Luain.'<a name="footnotetag11_362" id="footnotetag11_362" href="#footnote11_361"><sup>11</sup></a></p> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 6099.</span> +Then <a name="footnotetag1_362" id="footnotetag1_362" href="#footnote1_362"><sup>1</sup></a>when the battle had been lost,<a href="#footnote1_362"><sup>1</sup></a> Fergus <a name="footnotetag2_362" id="footnotetag2_362" href="#footnote2_362"><sup>2</sup></a>began to +view<a href="#footnote2_362"><sup>2</sup></a> 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," <a name="footnotetag3_362" id="footnotetag3_362" href="#footnote3_362"><sup>3</sup></a>said Fergus.<a href="#footnote3_362"><sup>3</sup></a> "Faults and feuds +have met here to-day," <a name="footnotetag4_362" id="footnotetag4_362" href="#footnote4_362"><sup>4</sup></a>said Medb<a href="#footnote4_362"><sup>4</sup></a> to Fergus. "Betrayed +and sold is this host to-day," <a name="footnotetag5_362" id="footnotetag5_362" href="#footnote5_362"><sup>5</sup></a>Fergus answered.<a href="#footnote5_362"><sup>5</sup></a> +"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 <a name="footnotetag6_362" id="footnotetag6_362" href="#footnote6_362"><sup>6</sup></a>in the train of a +woman that hath ill counselled them."<a href="#footnote6_362"><sup>6</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag7_362" id="footnotetag7_362" href="#footnote7_362"><sup>7</sup></a>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:—</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"How is this, O Cualnge's Hound,</div> +<div>Hero of the Red Branch, thou:</div> +<div>Great woe, champion, hast thou borne,</div> +<div>Battling in thy land's defence!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Every morn a hundred slain,</div> +<div>Every eve a hundred more,</div> +<div>While the host purveyed thy fare,</div> +<div>Feeding thee with cooling food!</div> +</div> +<div class="stanza"> +<div>"Five-score heroes of the hosts,</div> +<div>These I reckon are in graves.</div> +<div>While their women—fair their hue—</div> +<div>Spend the night bewailing them!"<a href="#footnote7_362"><sup>7</sup></a></div> +</div> +</div> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_363" name="Page_363" title="363">363</a> + +<a name="chapter_XXVIII" id="chapter_XXVIII"></a> + +<h2>XXVIII. <a name="footnotetag1_363" id="footnotetag1_363" href="#footnote1_363"><sup>1</sup></a>THE BATTLE OF THE BULLS<a href="#footnote1_363"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 6121.</span> +As regards Medb, it is related here: <a name="footnotetag2_363" id="footnotetag2_363" href="#footnote2_363"><sup>2</sup></a>She suffered not the +hosts to disperse forthwith,<a href="#footnote2_363"><sup>2</sup></a> but she gathered the men of +Erin and led them forth to Cruachan to behold the battle +of the bulls <a name="footnotetag3_363" id="footnotetag3_363" href="#footnote3_363"><sup>3</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote3_363"><sup>3</sup></a></p> + +<p>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 <a name="footnotetag4_363" id="footnotetag4_363" href="#footnote4_363"><sup>4</sup></a>send forth<a href="#footnote4_363"><sup>4</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag5_363" id="footnotetag5_363" href="#footnote5_363"><sup>5</sup></a>the Whitehorned<a href="#footnote5_363"><sup>5</sup></a> lifted his head with +fierce anger <a name="footnotetag6_363" id="footnotetag6_363" href="#footnote6_363"><sup>6</sup></a>at the bellowing of the Brown of Cualnge,<a href="#footnote6_363"><sup>6</sup></a> +and he hastened to Cruachan to look for the Brown Bull of +Cualnge.</p> + +<p>It was then the men of Erin debated who would be +<a name="footnotetag7_363" id="footnotetag7_363" href="#footnote7_363"><sup>7</sup></a>fitted<a href="#footnote7_363"><sup>7</sup></a> to witness <a name="footnotetag8_363" id="footnotetag8_363" href="#footnote8_363"><sup>8</sup></a>the fight<a href="#footnote8_363"><sup>8</sup></a> of the bulls. They all agreed +that it should be Bricriu son of Carbad <a name="footnotetag9_363" id="footnotetag9_363" href="#footnote9_363"><sup>9</sup></a>that were fitted +for that office.<a href="#footnote9_363"><sup>9</sup></a> 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_364" name="Page_364" title="364">364</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 6134.</span> +him with him waiting for his treasures and goods. And +a quarrel arose between him and Fergus at a game of chess.<a name="footnotetaga_364" id="footnotetaga_364" href="#footnotea_364"><sup>a</sup></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 Táin, all that time Bricriu was being cured at +Cruachan. And the day they returned from the expedition +was the day Bricriu rose. <a name="footnotetag1_364" id="footnotetag1_364" href="#footnote1_364"><sup>1</sup></a>He came with the rest to witness +the battle of the bulls.<a href="#footnote1_364"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_364" id="footnotetag2_364" href="#footnote2_364"><sup>2</sup></a>And this is why they selected +Bricriu,<a href="#footnote2_364"><sup>2</sup></a> for that Bricriu was no fairer to his friend than to +his foe. <a name="footnotetag3_364" id="footnotetag3_364" href="#footnote3_364"><sup>3</sup></a>"Come, ye men of Erin!" cried Bricriu; "permit +me to judge the fight of the bulls,<a href="#footnote3_364"><sup>3</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag4_364" id="footnotetag4_364" href="#footnote4_364"><sup>4</sup></a>for it is I shall most +truly recount their tale and their deeds afterwards."<a href="#footnote4_364"><sup>4</sup></a> +And he was brought <a name="footnotetag5_364" id="footnotetag5_364" href="#footnote5_364"><sup>5</sup></a>before the men of Erin<a href="#footnote5_364"><sup>5</sup></a> to a gap +whence to view the bulls.</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag6_364" id="footnotetag6_364" href="#footnote6_364"><sup>6</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote6_364"><sup>6</sup></a></p> + +<p>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 <sup>*</sup><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 104a.</span> in their heads like firm balls of fire, <a name="footnotetag7_364" id="footnotetag7_364" href="#footnote7_364"><sup>7</sup></a>and their sides +bent like mighty boars on a hill.<a href="#footnote7_364"><sup>7</sup></a> 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 +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_365" name="Page_365" title="365">365</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 6151.</span> +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 <a name="footnotetag1_365" id="footnotetag1_365" href="#footnote1_365"><sup>1</sup></a>son of Carbad.<a href="#footnote1_365"><sup>1</sup></a></p> + +<p>Cormac Conlongas son of Conchobar saw that, <a name="footnotetag2_365" id="footnotetag2_365" href="#footnote2_365"><sup>2</sup></a>and +the force of affection arose in him,<a href="#footnote2_365"><sup>2</sup></a> 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, <a name="footnotetag3_365" id="footnotetag3_365" href="#footnote3_365"><sup>3</sup></a>so that it +broke on his thick hide from ear to rump.<a href="#footnote3_365"><sup>3</sup></a> "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 name="footnotetaga_365" id="footnotetaga_365" href="#footnotea_365"><sup>a</sup></a>—and he turned upon the Whitehorned. +<a name="footnotetag4_365" id="footnotetag4_365" href="#footnote4_365"><sup>4</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote4_365"><sup>4</sup></a> And thereafter they continued +to strike at each other for a long while and great space of +time, <a name="footnotetag5_365" id="footnotetag5_365" href="#footnote5_365"><sup>5</sup></a>and so long as the day lasted they watched the +contest of the bulls<a href="#footnote5_365"><sup>5</sup></a> 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 <a name="footnotetag6_365" id="footnotetag6_365" href="#footnote6_365"><sup>6</sup></a>the greater part of<a href="#footnote6_365"><sup>6</sup></a> all Erin. <a name="footnotetag7_365" id="footnotetag7_365" href="#footnote7_365"><sup>7</sup></a>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,' +<a name="footnotetag8_365" id="footnotetag8_365" href="#footnote8_365"><sup>8</sup></a>or a 'Bulls' Back,'<a href="#footnote8_365"><sup>8</sup></a> it is from them<a href="#footnote7_365"><sup>7</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag9_365" id="footnotetag9_365" href="#footnote9_365"><sup>9</sup></a>those places are +named.<a href="#footnote9_365"><sup>9</sup></a></p> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_366" name="Page_366" title="366">366</a> + +<a name="chapter_XXIX" id="chapter_XXIX"></a> + +<h2>XXIX. <a name="footnotetag1_366" id="footnotetag1_366" href="#footnote1_366"><sup>1</sup></a>ACCOUNT OF THE BROWN BULL OF CUALNGE<a href="#footnote1_366"><sup>1</sup></a></h2> + + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_366" id="footnotetag2_366" href="#footnote2_366"><sup>2</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote2_366"><sup>2</sup></a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 6168.</span> It was not long before the men of Erin, as they were there +<a name="footnotetag3_366" id="footnotetag3_366" href="#footnote3_366"><sup>3</sup></a>in the company of Ailill and Medb<a href="#footnote3_366"><sup>3</sup></a> 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!"</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag4_366" id="footnotetag4_366" href="#footnote4_366"><sup>4</sup></a>Then it was that the <a name="footnotetag5_366" id="footnotetag5_366" href="#footnote5_366"><sup>5</sup></a>seven<a href="#footnote5_366"><sup>5</sup></a> Manè 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," <a name="footnotetag6_366" id="footnotetag6_366" href="#footnote6_366"><sup>6</sup></a>said all,<a href="#footnote6_366"><sup>6</sup></a> +"because of his evil deeds."<a href="#footnote4_366"><sup>4</sup></a> "I pledge my word," +<a name="footnotetag7_366" id="footnotetag7_366" href="#footnote7_366"><sup>7</sup></a>shouted Fergus:<a href="#footnote7_366"><sup>7</sup></a> "what has already been done in regard +to the bulls is a small thing in compare with that which will +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_367" name="Page_367" title="367">367</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 6179.</span> +now take place, <a name="footnotetag1_367" id="footnotetag1_367" href="#footnote1_367"><sup>1</sup></a>unless with his spoils and victory ye let +the Brown of Cualnge go from you into his own land."<a href="#footnote1_367"><sup>1</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag2_367" id="footnotetag2_367" href="#footnote2_367"><sup>2</sup></a>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.<a href="#footnote2_367"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag3_367" id="footnotetag3_367" href="#footnote3_367"><sup>3</sup></a>Then<a href="#footnote3_367"><sup>3</sup></a> went the Brown Bull of Cualnge <a name="footnotetag4_367" id="footnotetag4_367" href="#footnote4_367"><sup>4</sup></a>to the west of +Cruachan.<a href="#footnote4_367"><sup>4</sup></a> He turned his right<a name="footnotetaga_367" id="footnotetaga_367" href="#footnotea_367"><sup>a</sup></a> side towards Cruachan, +and he left there a heap of the liver <a name="footnotetag5_367" id="footnotetag5_367" href="#footnote5_367"><sup>5</sup></a>of the Whitehorned,<a href="#footnote5_367"><sup>5</sup></a> +so that thence is <a name="footnotetag6_367" id="footnotetag6_367" href="#footnote6_367"><sup>6</sup></a>named<a href="#footnote6_367"><sup>6</sup></a> Cruachan Ai ('Liver-reeks').</p> + +<p><a name="footnotetag7_367" id="footnotetag7_367" href="#footnote7_367"><sup>7</sup></a>Next he <a name="footnotetag8_367" id="footnotetag8_367" href="#footnote8_367"><sup>8</sup></a>came to his own land and<a href="#footnote8_367"><sup>8</sup></a> reached the river +Finnglas ('Whitewater'), and, <a name="footnotetag9_367" id="footnotetag9_367" href="#footnote9_367"><sup>9</sup></a>on coming,<a href="#footnote9_367"><sup>9</sup></a> 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.<a href="#footnote7_367"><sup>7</sup></a></p> + +<p>He pursued his way <a name="footnotetag10_367" id="footnotetag10_367" href="#footnote10_367"><sup>10</sup></a>to the river Shannon,<a href="#footnote10_367"><sup>10</sup></a> to the brink +of Ath Mor ('the Great Ford'), <a name="footnotetag11_367" id="footnotetag11_367" href="#footnote11_367"><sup>11</sup></a>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;<a href="#footnote11_367"><sup>11</sup></a> 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. <a name="footnotetag12_367" id="footnotetag12_367" href="#footnote12_367"><sup>12</sup></a>He sent forth his roar at Iraird Cuillinn; he +was heard over the entire province. And he drank in +Tromma.<a href="#footnote12_367"><sup>12</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag13_367" id="footnotetag13_367" href="#footnote13_367"><sup>13</sup></a>As long as he drank the draught, he let not +one drop of the river flow past him.<a href="#footnote13_367"><sup>13</sup></a> And he left behind +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_368" name="Page_368" title="368">368</a> +<span class="sidenoteL">W. 6192.</span> +there the liver of the Whitehorned. <a name="footnotetag1_368" id="footnotetag1_368" href="#footnote1_368"><sup>1</sup></a>Some <a name="footnotetag2_368" id="footnotetag2_368" href="#footnote2_368"><sup>2</sup></a>learned +men<a href="#footnote2_368"><sup>2</sup></a> say, it is from the liver of the Whitehorned which +fell from the Brown of Cualnge, that Ath Truim ('Liverford') +is called.<a href="#footnote1_368"><sup>1</sup></a> + +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 Largè ('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').</p> + +<p>He turned his face northwards then, <a name="footnotetag3_368" id="footnotetag3_368" href="#footnote3_368"><sup>3</sup></a>and went on thence +to the summit of Sliab Breg, and he saw the peaks<a href="#footnote3_368"><sup>3</sup></a> and +knew the land of Cualnge, <a name="footnotetag4_368" id="footnotetag4_368" href="#footnote4_368"><sup>4</sup></a>and a great agitation came +over him at the sight of his own land and country,<a href="#footnote4_368"><sup>4</sup></a> 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. <a name="footnotetag5_368" id="footnotetag5_368" href="#footnote5_368"><sup>5</sup></a>Then he went on the road of Midluachar to +Cuib, where he was wont to be with the yeld cow of Darè, +and he tore up the earth there. Hence cometh Gort Buraig +('Field of the Trench').<a href="#footnote5_368"><sup>5</sup></a></p> + +<p><span class="sidenoteR">LL. fo. 104b.</span> Then turned the Brown of Cualnge on the women and +youths and children of the land of Cualnge, and <a name="footnotetag6_368" id="footnotetag6_368" href="#footnote6_368"><sup>6</sup></a>with the +greatness of his fury and rage<a href="#footnote6_368"><sup>6</sup></a> he effected a great slaughter +<a name="footnotetag7_368" id="footnotetag7_368" href="#footnote7_368"><sup>7</sup></a>amongst them.<a href="#footnote7_368"><sup>7</sup></a> He turned his back to the hill then and +his heart broke in his breast, even as a nut breaks, <a name="footnotetag8_368" id="footnotetag8_368" href="#footnote8_368"><sup>8</sup></a>and he +belched out his heart like a black stone of dark blood.<a href="#footnote8_368"><sup>8</sup></a> +<a name="footnotetag9_368" id="footnotetag9_368" href="#footnote9_368"><sup>9</sup></a>He went then and died between Ulster and Ui Echach at +Druim Tairb. Druim Tairb ('Bull's Back') is the name of +that place.<a href="#footnote9_368"><sup>9</sup></a></p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_369" name="Page_369" title="369">369</a> + +<p><a name="footnotetag1_369" id="footnotetag1_369" href="#footnote1_369"><sup>1</sup></a>Such, then, is the account of the Brown Bull of Cualnge, +and the end of the Táin 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.<a href="#footnote1_369"><sup>1</sup></a> <a name="footnotetag2_369" id="footnotetag2_369" href="#footnote2_369"><sup>2</sup></a>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. <i>Finit. +Amen.</i><a href="#footnote2_369"><sup>2</sup></a></p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class="sidenoteL">W. 6206.</span> +A blessing be upon all such as shall faithfully keep the +Táin in memory as it stands here and shall not add any +other form to it.<a name="footnotetaga_369" id="footnotetaga_369" href="#footnotea_369"><sup>a</sup></a></p> + +<hr /> + +<p>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.</p> + +<hr class="full" /> + + + + +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_371" name="Page_371" title="371">371</a> + +<a name="chapter_index" id="chapter_index"></a> + +<h2>INDEX AND PRONUNCIATION OF THE MORE +FREQUENTLY OCCURRING PLACE +AND PERSONAL-NAMES.</h2> + + +<p>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:</p> + +<p>Each <i>simple</i> word is accented on the first syllable. +Pronounce:</p> + +<p>á (long), as in <i>aught</i>; a (short), as in <i>hot</i>.<br /> +c with slender vowels (e, i), as in <i>king</i>; never as <i>s</i>.<br /> +c with broad vowels (a, o, u), as in <i>car</i>; never as <i>s</i>.<br /> +ch with slender vowels (e, i), as in German <i>Ich</i>; never as in <i>church</i>.<br /> +ch with broad vowels (a, o, u), as in German <i>Buch</i>; never as in <i>church</i>.<br /> +d with slender vowels (e, i), as in French <i>dieu</i>.<br /> +d with broad vowels (a, o, u), as in <i>thy</i>.<br /> +é (long), as in <i>ale</i>; e (short), as in <i>bet</i>.<br /> +g with slender vowels (e, i), as in <i>give</i>; never as <i>j</i>.<br /> +g with broad vowels (a, o, u), as in <i>go</i>; never as <i>j</i>.<br /> +gh with slender vowels (e, i) is slender ch <i>voiced</i>.<br /> +gh with broad vowels (a, o, u) is broad ch <i>voiced</i>.<br /> +í (long), as in <i>feel</i>; i (short), as in <i>it</i>.<br /> +mh and bh intervocalic with slender vowels, as <i>v</i>.<br /> +mh and bh intervocalic with broad vowels, as <i>w</i>.<br /> +ó (long), as in <i>note</i>; o (short), as in <i>done</i>.<br /> +s with slender vowels (e, i), as in <i>shine</i>; never as <i>z</i>.<br /> +s with broad vowels (a, o, u), as <i>s</i>.<br /> +t with slender vowels (e, i), as in <i>tin</i>.<br /> +t with broad vowels (a, o, u), as in <i>threw</i>.<br /> +th, like <i>h</i>.<br /> +ú (long), as in <i>pool</i>; u (short), as in <i>full</i>.<br /> +The remaining consonants are pronounced almost as in English.</p> + + +<p>Aed: to rime with <i>Day</i></p> + +<p>Aed Ernmas: the father of the Morrigan</p> + +<p>Ai: <i>see</i> Mag Ai</p> + +<p>Aidne: a district comprising the barony of Kiltartan, in the +south-west of the County Galway</p> + +<p>Aifè: one of the three women-teachers of Cuchulain and Ferdiad +(pronounced <i>Eefe</i>)</p> + +<p>Ailè: north-east of Baile, on Medb's march from Cruachan into Ulster</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_372" name="Page_372" title="372">372</a> + +<p>Ailill: king-consort of Queen Medb, dwelling in Cruachan Ai +(pronounced <i>Ayeleel</i>)</p> + +<p>Ailill Find Miltenga: one of the chief heroes of Ulster</p> + +<p>Ailill macMailchlo: father of Sencha</p> + +<p>Ainè: <i>see</i> Cnoc Ainè</p> + +<p>Airnè: north-east of Assè</p> + +<p>Alba: Scotland</p> + +<p>Amargin Iarngiunnach: a leading Ulster hero; father of Conall Cernach +and brother of Iliach (pronounced <i>Avergin</i>)</p> + +<p>Ane: a district in which is Knockaney in the County Limerick</p> + +<p>Ardachad: north of Druim Liccè</p> + +<p>Ard Ciannachta: a place in the barony of Ferrard, in the County Louth</p> + +<p>Ard Cuillenn: in Ulster, east of Moin Coltna</p> + +<p>Ard Macha: Armagh</p> + +<p>Assail: a place in Meath</p> + +<p>Assè: north of Finnabair (Fennor), on Medb's march out of Connacht +into Ulster</p> + +<p>Ath: 'a ford' (pronounced <i>Ah</i>)</p> + +<p>Ath Aladh Ind: a ford in the Plain of Murthemne</p> + +<p>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</p> + +<p>Ath Buide: the village of Athboy, in the territory of Ross, County Meath</p> + +<p>Ath Carpat: a ford on the river Nith (now the Dee), in the County Louth</p> + +<p>Ath Ceit Chule: a ford on the river Glais, in Ulster</p> + +<p>Ath Cliath: Dublin</p> + +<p>Ath Coltna: in Connacht, south-west of Ath Moga and south-east of Cruachan</p> + +<p>Ath Cro: a ford in Murthemne</p> + +<p>Ath da Fert: a ford in Sliab Fuait, probably in the south of the +barony of Upper Fews, County Armagh</p> + +<p>Ath Darteisc: a ford in Murthemne</p> + +<p>Ath Feidli: a ford in Ulster</p> + +<p>Ath Fene: <i>see</i> Ath Irmidi</p> + +<p>Ath Firdead: Ardee, a ford and a small town on the river Dee, in the +County Louth</p> + +<p>Ath Gabla: a ford on the Boyne, north of Knowth, in the County Meath +(pronounced <i>Ah gowla</i>)</p> + +<p>Ath Grenca: the same as Ath Gabla</p> + +<p>Ath Irmidi: the older name of Ath Fene, south of Iraird Cuillinn</p> + +<p>Ath Lethain: a ford on the Nith, in Conalle Murthemni</p> + +<p>Ath Luain: Athlone, on the Shannon, on the borders of Connacht and Meath</p> + +<p>Ath Meislir: a ford in Sliab Fuait, in Ulster</p> + +<p>Ath Moga: the present Ballymoe, on the river Suck, about ten miles to +the south-west of Cruachan, County Galway</p> + +<p>Ath Mor: the old name for Ath Luain</p> + +<p>Ath na Foraire: on the road between Emain and Loch Echtrann</p> + +<p>Ath Slissen: Bellaslishen Bridge; a ford on the Owenure River, near +Elphin, in Connacht</p> + +<p>Ath Solomshet: a ford, probably in Ulster</p> + +<p>Ath Srethe: a ford in Conalle Murthemni</p> + +<p>Ath Tamuin: a ford, somewhere in Ulster</p> + +<p>Ath Traged: at the extremity of Tir Mor, in Murthemne</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_373" name="Page_373" title="373">373</a> + +<p>Ath Truim: Trim, on the river Boyne, in the County Meath</p> + +<p>Aue: a slave in the household of King Conchobar</p> + +<p>Aurthuile: north-east of Airne</p> + +<p>Bacca: in Corcumruad</p> + +<p>Bacc Draigin: a place in Ulster</p> + +<p>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 Táin Bó Cúalnge, is even identified with +her (pronounced <i>Bive</i>)</p> + +<p>Badbgna: now Slieve Bawne, a mountainous range, in the barony of +Ballintubber, in the east of County Roscommon</p> + +<p>Baile: north-east of Meide ind Eoin, on Medb's march from Connacht +into Ulster</p> + +<p>Baile in Bile: on the way to Ardee</p> + +<p>Bairche: Benna Bairche, the Mourne Mountains, north of Dundalk, in +Ulster</p> + +<p>Ball Scena: north-east of Dall Scena</p> + +<p>Banba: an old name for Ireland</p> + +<p>Banna: now the Bann, a river in Ulster</p> + +<p>Becaltach: grandfather of Cuchulain</p> + +<p>Bedg: a river in Murthemne</p> + +<p>Belat Aileain: probably between Cualnge and Conalle Murthemni</p> + +<p>Belach Caille More: north of Cnogba</p> + +<p>Benna Bairche: <i>see</i> Bairche</p> + +<p>Berba: the Barrow, a river in Leinster</p> + +<p>Bercha: on or near the Shannon, near Bellanagare, in East Roscommon</p> + +<p>Berchna: probably for Bercha</p> + +<p>Bernas: the pass cut by Medb from Louth into Armagh; probably the +"Windy Gap" across the Carlingford Peninsula</p> + +<p>Betha: see Sliab Betha</p> + +<p>Bir: the name of several rivers; probably Moyola Water, a river +flowing into Lough Neagh</p> + +<p>Bithslan: a river in Conalle Murthemni</p> + +<p>Blai: a rich Ulster noble and hospitaller</p> + +<p>Boann: the River Boyne</p> + +<p>Bodb: the father of Badb</p> + +<p>Boirenn: Burren, in the County Clare</p> + +<p>Branè: probably a hill not far from Ardee, in the County Louth</p> + +<p>Breslech Mor: a fort in Murthemne</p> + +<p>Brecc: a place in Ulster</p> + +<p>Brega: the eastern part of Meath</p> + +<p>Brenide: a river in Conalle Murthemni, near Strangford Lough</p> + +<p>Bricriu: son of Carbad, and the evil adviser of the Ulstermen</p> + +<p>Bri Errgi: stronghold of Errge Echbel, in the County Down</p> + +<p>Brigantia: Betanzos, in Galicia, on the north coast of Spain</p> + +<p>Bri Ross: a hill to the north of Ardee, in the County Louth</p> + +<p>Brug Meic ind Oc, or, as it is also called,</p> + +<p>Brug na Boinde: Brugh on the Boyne, near Stackallen Bridge, County +Meath, one of the chief burial-places of the pagan Irish</p> + +<p>Buagnech: probably in Leinster and near the river Liffey</p> + +<p>Buan: a river in Conalle Murthemni</p> + +<p>Buas: the river Bush, in the County Antrim</p> + +<p>Burach: a place in Ulster</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_374" name="Page_374" title="374">374</a> + +<p>Callann: the Callan, a river near Emain Macha</p> + +<p>Canann Gall: a place in Ulster</p> + +<p>Carn: north of Inneoin; probably Carn Fiachach, in the parish of +Conry, barony of Rathconrath, Westmeath</p> + +<p>Carn macBuachalla, at Dunseverick, in Ulster</p> + +<p>Carbre: stepson of Conchobar and brother of Ailill</p> + +<p>Carrloeg: a place in Ulster</p> + +<p>Casruba: father of Lugaid and grandfather of Dubthach</p> + +<p>Cathba: north-east of Ochonn, in Meath; or a river flowing into the +Boyne, some distance to the west of Slane</p> + +<p>Cathba: a druid of Conchobar's court; according to some accounts, the +natural father of King Conchobar (pronounced <i>Cahvah</i>)</p> + +<p>Celtchar: son of Uthechar, an Ulster warrior</p> + +<p>Cenannas na rig: Kells, in the Covinty Meath</p> + +<p>Cenn Abrat: a range of hills on the borders of the Counties Cork and +Limerick</p> + +<p>Cet macMagach: a Connacht warrior</p> + +<p>Cinn Tire: a place in Ulster</p> + +<p>Clann Dedad: one of the three warrior-clans of Erin: a sept occupying +the territory around Castleisland, County Kerry</p> + +<p>Clann Rudraige: the warriors of King Conchobar: one of the three +heroic tribes of Ireland</p> + +<p>Clartha: Clara, near the present town of Mullingar, in the County +Westmeath</p> + +<p>Cletech: a residence of the kings of Ireland in Mag Breg, near +Stackallan Bridge, on the banks of the Boyne</p> + +<p>Clidna: <i>see sub</i> Tonn</p> + +<p>Clithar Bo Ulad: probably in the centre of the County Louth</p> + +<p>Cliu: an extensive territory in the county Limerick</p> + +<p>Clothru: sister of Medb: Medb slew her while her son, Firbaide, was +still unborn</p> + +<p>Cluain Cain: now Clonkeen, in the west of County Louth</p> + +<p>Cluain Carpat: a meadow at the river Cruinn in Cualnge</p> + +<p>Cluain maccuNois: Clonmacnoise, on the Shannon, about nine miles below +Athlone</p> + +<p>Cnoc Aine: Knockany, a hill and plain in the County Limerick</p> + +<p>Cnogba: Knowth, on the Boyne, near Drogheda, a couple of miles east of +Slane, in the County Meath</p> + +<p>Colbtha: the mouth of the Boyne at Drogheda, or some place near the Boyne</p> + +<p>Collamair: between Gormanstown and Turvey, in the County Dublin</p> + +<p>Coltain: south of Cruachan Ai</p> + +<p>Conall: probably Tyrconnel, in the County Donegal</p> + +<p>Conall Cernach: one of the chief warriors of Ulster: foster-brother of +Cuchulain and next to him in point of prowess</p> + +<p>Conalle Murthemni: a level plain in the County Louth, extending from +the Cooley Mountains, or Carlingford, to the Boyne</p> + +<p>Conchobar: son of Cathba the druid, and of Ness, and foster-son of +Fachtna Fatach (variously pronounced <i>Cruhóor</i>, <i>Connahóor</i>)</p> + +<p>Conlaech: son of Cuchulain and Aifè</p> + +<p>Corcumruad: the present barony of Corcomroe, in the County Clare</p> + +<p>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</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_375" name="Page_375" title="375">375</a> + +<p>Coronn: the barony of Corran, in the County Sligo</p> + +<p>Corp Cliath: a place in Ulster</p> + +<p>Craeb ruad: ordinarily Englished "Red Branch"; better, perhaps, +"Nobles' Branch:" King Conchobar's banqueting-hall, at Emain Macha</p> + +<p>Crannach: at Faughart, north-east of Fid Mor</p> + +<p>Cromma: a river flowing into the Boyne not far from Slane</p> + +<p>Cronn hi Cualngi: probably a hill or river of this name near Cualnge</p> + +<p>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 <i>Croohan</i>)</p> + +<p>Cruinn: a river in Cualnge: probably the stream now called the +Piedmont River, emptying into Dundalk Bay</p> + +<p>Cruthnech: the land of the Irish Picts; the northern part of the +County Down and the southern part of the County Antrim</p> + +<p>Cu, Cucuc, Cuacain, Cucucan, Cucucuc: diminutives of the name +Cuchulain</p> + +<p>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 +<i>Cūln'ya</i>)</p> + +<p>Cualu: a district in the County Wicklow</p> + +<p>Cuchulain: the usual name of the hero Setanta; son of the god Lug and +of Dechtire, and foster-son of Sualtaim (pronounced +<i>Cuhŭ́lin</i>)</p> + +<p>Cuib: on the road to Midluachair</p> + +<p>Cuilenn: the Cully Waters flowing southward from County Armagh into +County Louth</p> + +<p>Cul Siblinne: now Kells in East Meath</p> + +<p>Cul Silinne: Kilcooley, a few miles to the south-east of Cruachan, in +the County Roscommon</p> + +<p>Culenn: a river in Conalle Murthemni</p> + +<p>Cuillenn: <i>see</i> Ard Cuillenn</p> + +<p>Cuillenn Cinn Duni: a hill in Ulster</p> + +<p>Cuince: a mountain in Cualnge</p> + +<p>Cumung: a river in Conalle Murthemni</p> + +<p>Curoi: son of Darè and king of South Munster</p> + +<p>Cuscraid Menn Macha: son of Conchobar</p> + +<p>Dall Scena: a place north of Ailè</p> + +<p>Dalraida: now "the Route," a territory north of Slieve Mish, in the +north of the County Antrim</p> + +<p>Darè: chieftain of the cantred of Cualnge and owner of the Brown Bull +of Cualnge</p> + +<p>Dechtire: sister of King Conchobar and mother of Cuchulain</p> + +<p>Delga: <i>see</i> Dun Delga</p> + +<p>Delga Murthemni: Dundalk</p> + +<p>Delinn: a place or river near Kells between Duelt and Selaig, on +Medb's march from Cruachan into Ulster</p> + +<p>Delt: a place north of Drong, on Medb's march from Cruachan into Ulster</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_376" name="Page_376" title="376">376</a> + +<p>Delt: a river in Conalle Murthemni</p> + +<p>Dergderc: Lough Derg, an expansion of the Shannon near Killaloe</p> + +<p>Dichaem: a river in Conalle Murthemni</p> + +<p>Domnann: <i>see</i> Irrus Domnann</p> + +<p>Drong: a river in the land of the men of Assail, in Meath</p> + +<p>Druim Caimthechta: north-east of Druim Cain</p> + +<p>Druim Cain: possibly an older name for Temair (Tara)</p> + +<p>Druim En: in South Armagh; probably a wooded height, near +Ballymascanlan, in the County Louth</p> + +<p>Druim Fornocht: near Newry, in the County Down</p> + +<p>Druim Liccè: north-east of Gort Slane, on Medb's march from Connacht +into Ulster</p> + +<p>Druim Salfinn: now Drumshallon, a townland in the County Louth, six +miles north of Drogheda</p> + +<p>Dub: the Blackwater, on the confines of Ulster and Connacht; or the +confluence of the Rivers Boyne and Blackwater at Navan</p> + +<p>Dubh Sithleann (or Sainglenn): the name of one of Cuchulain's two +horses</p> + +<p>Dubloch: a lake between Kilcooley and Slieve Bawne, in the County +Roscommon, on Medb's march from Cruachan into Ulster</p> + +<p>Dubthach Doel Ulad: the Ulster noble who shares with Bricriu the place +as prime mover of evil among the Ulstermen (pronounced +<i>Dŭf-fach</i>)</p> + +<p>Duelt: north or north-west of Delt, on Medb's march from Cruachan into +Ulster</p> + +<p>Dun da Benn: Mount Sandle, on the Bann, near Coleraine in the County +Derry</p> + +<p>Dun Delga: Dundalk, or the moat of Castletown, on the east coast near +Dundalk; Cuchulain's home town</p> + +<p>Dun macNechtain Scenè: a fort in Mag Breg, at the place where the +Mattock falls into the Boyne, about three miles above Drogheda</p> + +<p>Dun Sobairche: Dunseverick, about three miles from the Giants' +Causeway, in the County Antrim</p> + +<p>Elg: an old name for Ireland</p> + +<p>Ellne: probably east of the River Bann, near Coleraine</p> + +<p>Ellonn: a place in Ulster</p> + +<p>Emain Macha: the Navan Fort, or Hill, two miles west of Armagh; King +Conchobar's capital and the chief town of Ulster (pronounced <i>Evvin +Maha</i>)</p> + +<p>Emer Foltchain: wife of Cuchulain (pronounced <i>Evver</i>)</p> + +<p>Enna Agnech: according to the Annals of the Four Masters, he was High +King of Ireland from 312 to 293 <span class="sc">b.c.</span></p> + +<p>Eo Donn Mor: north-east of Eo Donn Bec, in the County Louth</p> + +<p>Eocho Fedlech: father of Medb; according to the Four Masters, he +reigned as monarch of Ireland from 142 to 131 <span class="sc">b.c.</span> +(pronounced <i>Yŭh-ho</i>)</p> + +<p>Eocho Salbuide: King of Ulster and father of Cethern's wife, Inna</p> + +<p>Eogan macDurthachta: a chief warrior of Ulster and Prince of Fernmag</p> + +<p>Erc macFedilmithi: an Ulster hero, son of Fedlimid and grandson of +Conchobar</p> + +<p>Erna: a sept of Munstermen who later settled about Lough Erne, in Connacht</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_377" name="Page_377" title="377">377</a> + +<p>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</p> + +<p>Etarbane: one of the "seats" of the king of Cashel, in Tipperary</p> + +<p>Ethliu: father of Lug</p> + +<p>Ethne: sister of Medb (pronounced <i>Ehnna</i>)</p> + +<p>Fachtna Fathach: king of Ulster and later of all Ireland; adoptive +father of Conchobar and husband of Ness, Conchobar's mother</p> + +<p>Fal (or Inisfail): one of the bardic names for Ireland; Medb is called +"of Fal," as daughter of the High King of Ireland (pronounced +<i>Fawl</i>)</p> + +<p>Fan na Coba: a territory in the baronies of Upper and Lower Iveagh, in +the County Down</p> + +<p>Fedain Cualngi: a place in Ulster</p> + +<p>Fedlimid Nocruthach: daughter of King Conchobar, wife of Loegaire +Buadach, mother of Fiachna and cousin-german of Cuchulain (pronounced +<i>Falemid</i>)</p> + +<p>Femen: a territory at Slieve-na-man, extending perhaps from Cashel to +Clonmel, in the southern part of the County Tipperary</p> + +<p>Fenè: the old tribal name of the Gaels; the "King of the Fenè" is +Conchobar, King of Ulster</p> + +<p>Feorainn: a place near Ardachad, on Medb's march into Ulster</p> + +<p>Fercerdne: chief poet of the men of Ulster</p> + +<p>Ferdiad: (pronounced <i>Fair-dee-ah</i>)</p> + +<p>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 Táin under Medb</p> + +<p>Ferloga: Ailill's charioteer</p> + +<p>Fernmag: Farney, a barony in the County Monaghan</p> + +<p>Ferta Fingin: at Sliab Fuait</p> + +<p>Fiachu macFiraba: one of the exiles of Ulster in the camp of Medb</p> + +<p>Fian: the warrior-class</p> + +<p>Fid Dub: a wood, north of Cul Silinne, on Medb's march into Ulster</p> + +<p>Fid Mor: a wood, north of Dundalk and between it and Sliab Fuait</p> + +<p>Fingabair: probably in the Fews Mountains</p> + +<p>Finnabair: daughter to Ailill and Medb (pronounced +<i>Fín-nū-ūr</i>)</p> + +<p>Finnabair: Fennor, on the banks of the Boyne, near Slane, in Meath</p> + +<p>Finnabair Slebe: near Imlech Glendamrach</p> + +<p>Finncharn Slebe Moduirn: a height in the Mourne Mountains</p> + +<p>Finnglas: a river in Conalle Murthemni</p> + +<p>Finnglassa Asail: a river south-east of Cruachan</p> + +<p>Fir Assail: a district containing the barony of Farbill, in Westmeath</p> + +<p>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 Táin</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_378" name="Page_378" title="378">378</a> + +<p>Fochain: near Cuchulain's abode</p> + +<p>Fochard Murthemni: Faughart, two miles north-west of Dundalk, in the +County Louth</p> + +<p>Fodromma: a river flowing into the Boyne near Slane</p> + +<p>Fuil Iairn: the name of a ford west of Ardee</p> + +<p>Gabal: the Feeguile, a river in the King's County</p> + +<p>nGabar: a place near Donaghmore, perhaps to, the west of Lough Neagh +in the County Tyrone</p> + +<p>Galian: a name the Leinstermen bore. They were Ailill's countrymen</p> + +<p>Gainemain: a river in Conalle Murthemni</p> + +<p>Garech: the name of the hill where the final battle of the Táin was +fought, some distance south-east of Athlone and near Mullingar, in +Westmeath</p> + +<p>Gegg: a woman's name</p> + +<p>Genonn Gruadsolus: a druid and poet of Ulster; son of Cathba</p> + +<p>Glaiss Colptha: the river Boyne</p> + +<p>Glaiss Gatlaig: a river in Ulster</p> + +<p>Glenamain: a river in Conalle Murthemni</p> + +<p>Glenn Fochain: probably a valley east of Bellurgan Station</p> + +<p>Glenn Gatt: a valley in Ulster</p> + +<p>Glennamain: in Murthemne</p> + +<p>Glenn in Scail: a place in Dalaraide, East Ulster</p> + +<p>Glenn na Samaisce: in Slieve Gullion, in the County Armagh</p> + +<p>Glenn Tail: another name for Belat Aileain</p> + +<p>Gleoir: the Glore, a river in Conalle Murthemni</p> + +<p>Gluine Gabur: east of the Shannon, in the County Longford</p> + +<p>Gort Slane: north of Slane and south-west of Druim Liccè</p> + +<p>Grellach Bobulge: at Dunseverick, in Ulster</p> + +<p>Grellach Dolar (or Dolluid): Girley, near Kells, in the County Meath</p> + +<p>Gualu Mulchi: the town-land of Drumgoolestown on the river Dee, in the +County Louth</p> + +<p>Ialla Ilgremma: near Sliab Betha and Mag Dula</p> + +<p>Ibar macRiangabra: Conchobar's charioteer</p> + +<p>Id macRiangabra: Ferdiad's charioteer, brother to Laeg</p> + +<p>Ilgarech: a hill near Garech, <i>q.v.</i></p> + +<p>Iliach: grandfather to Conall Cernach</p> + +<p>Illann Ilarchless: an Ulster warrior, son to Fergus</p> + +<p>Imchad: son to Fiachna</p> + +<p>Imchlar: near Donaghmore, west of Dungannon, in the County Tyrone</p> + +<p>Immail: a place in the Mourne Mountains, in Ulster</p> + +<p>Imrinn: a druid, son to Cathba</p> + +<p>Inis Cuscraid: Inch, near Downpatrick</p> + +<p>Inis Clothrann: Inishcloghran in Loch Ree, County Longford</p> + +<p>Innbir Scene: the mouth of Waterford Harbour near Tramore; or the +mouth of Kenmare Bay, in the County Kerry</p> + +<p>Inncoin: the Dungolman, a river into which the Inny flows and which +divides the barony of Kilkenny West from Rathconrath, in the County +Westmeath</p> + +<p>Iraird Cuillinn: a height south of Emain Macha, in Ulster</p> + +<p>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</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_379" name="Page_379" title="379">379</a> + +<p>Laeg: son of Riangabair and Cuchulain's faithful charioteer +(pronounced <i>Lay</i>)</p> + +<p>Latharne: Larne, in the County Antrim</p> + +<p>Lebarcham: a sorceress</p> + +<p>Leire: in the territory of the Fir Roiss, in the south of the County +Antrim</p> + +<p>Ler: the Irish sea-god</p> + +<p>Lethglas: Dun Lethglaisse, now Downpatrick, in Ulster</p> + +<p>Lettre Luasce: between Cualnge and Conalle</p> + +<p>Lia Mor: in Conalle Murthemni</p> + +<p>Liath Mache: 'the Roan,' one of Cuchulain's two horses.</p> + +<p>Lia Ualann: in Cualnge</p> + +<p>Linè (or Mag Linè): Moylinne, in the County Antrim</p> + +<p>Loch Ce: Lough Key, in the County Roscommon</p> + +<p>Loch Echtrann: Muckno Lake, south of Sliab Fuait, in the County +Monaghan</p> + +<p>Loch Erne: Lough Erne, in the County Fermanagh</p> + +<p>Loch Ri: Lough Ree, on the Shannon, in the County Galway</p> + +<p>Loegaire Buadach: son to Connad Buide and husband of Fedlimid +Nocruthach; one of the chief warriors of Ulster (pronounced +<i>Layeray</i>)</p> + +<p>Lothor: a place in Ulster</p> + +<p>Luachair: probably Slieve Lougher, or the plain in which lay Temair +Luachra, a fort somewhere near the town of Castleisland, in the County +Kerry</p> + +<p>Lug: the divine father of Cuchulain</p> + +<p>Lugaid: father of Dubthach</p> + +<p>Lugmud: Louth, in the County of that name</p> + +<p>Luibnech: possibly a place now called Limerick, in the County Wexford</p> + +<p>MacMagach: relatives of Ailill</p> + +<p>MacRoth: Medb's chief messenger</p> + +<p>Mag: 'a plain' (pronounced <i>moy</i>)</p> + +<p>Mag Ai: the great plain in the County Roscommon, extending from +Ballymore to Elphin, and from Bellanagare to Strokestown (pronounced +<i>Moy wee</i>)</p> + +<p>Mag Breg: the plain along and south of the lower Boyne, comprising the +east of County Meath and the north of County Dublin (pronounced <i>Moy +bray</i>)</p> + +<p>Mag Cruimm: south-east of Cruachan, in Connacht</p> + +<p>Mag Dea: a plain in Ulster</p> + +<p>Mag Dula: a plain though which the Do flows by Castledawson into Lough +Neagh</p> + +<p>Mag Eola: a plain in Ulster</p> + +<p>Mag Inis: the plain comprising the baronies of Lecale and Upper +Castlereagh, in the County Down</p> + +<p>Mag Linè: Moylinne, a plain to the north-east of Lough Neagh, in the +barony of Upper Antrim</p> + +<p>Mag Mucceda: a plain near Emain Macha</p> + +<p>Mag Trega: Moytra, in the County Longford</p> + +<p>Mag Tuaga: a plain in Mayo</p> + +<p>Maic Miled: the Milesians</p> + +<p>Mairg: a district in which is Slievemargie, in the Queen's County and +the County Kilkenny</p> + +<p>Manannan: son of Ler, a fairy god</p> + +<p>Margine: a place in Cualnge</p> + +<p>Mas na Righna: Massareene, in the County Antrim</p> + +<p>Mata Murisc: mother of Ailill</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_380" name="Page_380" title="380">380</a> + +<p>Medb: queen of Connacht and wife of Ailill (pronounced <i>Mave</i>; in +modern Connacht Irish <i>Mow</i> to rhyme with <i>cow</i>)</p> + +<p>Meide ind Eoin, and Meide in Togmail: places in or near the Boyne, in +the County Louth</p> + +<p>Midluachair: Slige Midluachra, the name of the highroad east of +Armagh, leading north from Tara to Emain and into the north of Ireland</p> + +<p>Mil: the legendary progenitor of the Milesians (See Maic Miled)</p> + +<p>Miliuc: a river in Conalle Murthemni</p> + +<p>Moduirn: <i>see</i> Sliab Moduirn</p> + +<p>Moin Coltna: a bog between Slieve Bawne and the Shannon</p> + +<p>Moraltach: great grandfather of Cuchulain</p> + +<p>Morann: a famous judge</p> + +<p>Morrigan: the war-goddess of the ancient Irish, "<i>monstrum in +feminae figura</i>" (pronounced <i>More-reegan</i>)</p> + +<p>Mossa: a territory, the southern part of which must have been in the +barony of Eliogarty, not far from Cashel, in the County Tipperary</p> + +<p>Muach: a river in Conalle Murthemni</p> + +<p>Muresc: the land of Ailill's mother; Murresk Hamlet, between Clew Bay +and Croagh Patrick, in the County Mayo</p> + +<p>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 Táin, to Ulster (pronounced +<i>Mŭr-hĕ́v-ny</i>)</p> + +<p>Nemain: the Badb</p> + +<p>Ness: mother of King Conchobar by Cathba; she afterwards married +Fachtna Fathach and subsequently Fergus macRoig</p> + +<p>Nith: the river Dee which flows by Ardee, in the County Louth</p> + +<p>Ochain: the name of Conchan bar's shield</p> + +<p>Ochonn Midi: a place near the Blackwater at Navan</p> + +<p>Ochtrach: near Finnglassa Asail, in Meath</p> + +<p>Oenfer Aifè: another name for Conlaech</p> + +<p>Oengus Turbech: according to the Annals of Ireland, he reigned as High +King from 384 to 326 <span class="sc">b.c.</span></p> + +<p>Ord: south-east of Cruachan and north of Tiarthechta</p> + +<p>Partraige beca: Partry in Slechta south-west of Kells, in Meath</p> + +<p>Port Largè: Waterford</p> + +<p>Rath Airthir: a place in Connacht</p> + +<p>Rath Cruachan: Rathcroghan, between Belanagare and Elphin, in the +County Roscommon</p> + +<p>Rede Loche: a place in Cualnge</p> + +<p>Renna: the mouth of the Boyne</p> + +<p>Riangabair: father of the charioteers, Laeg and Id</p> + +<p>Rigdonn: a place in the north</p> + +<p>Rinn: a river in Conalle Murthemni</p> + +<p>Rogne: a territory between the rivers Suir and Barrow, in the barony +of Kells, the County Kildare or Kilkenny</p> + +<p>Ross: a district in the south of the County Monaghan</p> + +<p>Ross Mor: probably Ross na Rig, near Ball Scena</p> + +<p>Sas: a river in Conalle Murthemni</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_381" name="Page_381" title="381">381</a> + +<p>Scathach: the Amazon dwelling in Alba who taught Cuchulain and Ferdiad +their warlike feats (pronounced <i>Scaw-ha</i>)</p> + +<p>Selaig: Sheelagh, a townland in the barony of Upper Dundalk</p> + +<p>Semne: Island Magee, north-east of Carrickfergus, in the County Antrim</p> + +<p>Senbothae: Templeshanbo, at the foot of Mount Leinster, in the County +Wexford</p> + +<p>Sencha macAilella: the wise counsellor and judge of the Ulstermen</p> + +<p>Sered: a plain in the north of the barony of Tirhugh, County Donegal</p> + +<p>Setanta: the real name of Cuchulain</p> + +<p>Sid: the terrene gods (pronounced <i>She</i>)</p> + +<p>Sil: in Lecale, in the County Down</p> + +<p>Sinann: the river Shannon</p> + +<p>Siuir: the Suir, a river in Munster, forming the northern boundary of +the County Waterford</p> + +<p>Slabra: a place north of Selaig, near Kells, in Meath</p> + +<p>Slaiss: south-east of Cruachan, between Ord and Inneoin</p> + +<p>Slane: a town on the Boyne, in Meath</p> + +<p>Slechta: south-west of Kells, in Meath</p> + +<p>Slemain Mide: "Slane of Meath," Slewen, three miles to the west of +Mullingar, in Westmeath</p> + +<p>Sliab Betha: Slieve Beagh, a mountain whereon the Counties of +Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Monaghan meet</p> + +<p>Sliab Culinn: Slieve Gullion, in the County Armagh</p> + +<p>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</p> + +<p>Sliab Mis: Slieve Mish, a mountain in the County Kerry, extending +eastwards from Tralee</p> + +<p>Sliab Moduirn: the Mourne Range, in the County Monaghan, partly in +Cavan and partly in Meath</p> + +<p>Sruthair Finnlethe: a river west of Athlone</p> + +<p>Sualtaim (or, Sualtach) Sidech: the human father of Cuchulain</p> + +<p>Suide Lagen: Mount Leinster, in the County Wexford</p> + +<p>Tadg: a river in Conalle Murthemni</p> + +<p>Taidle: near Cuib</p> + +<p>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</p> + +<p>Taul Tairb: in Cualnge</p> + +<p>Telamet: a river in Conalle Murthemni</p> + +<p>Temair: Tara, the seat of the High King of Ireland, near Navan, in the +County Meath (pronounced <i>Tavvir</i>)</p> + +<p>Tethba descirt: South Teffia, a territory about and south of the river +Inny, in the County Longford</p> + +<p>Tethba tuascirt: south-east of Cruachan, in Teffia, County Longford</p> + +<p>Tir Mor: in Murthemne</p> + +<p>Tir na Sorcha: a fabled land, ruled over by Manannan</p> + +<p>Tir Tairngire: "the Land of Promise"</p> + +<p>Tonn Clidna: a loud surge in the Bay of Glandore</p> + +<p>Tonn Rudraige: a huge wave in the Bay of Dundrum, in the County Cork</p> +<a class="pagenum" id="Page_382" name="Page_382" title="382">382</a> + +<p>Tonn Tuage Inbir: "the Tuns," near the mouth of the river Bann on the +north coast of Antrim</p> + +<p>Tor Breogain: "Bregon's Tower," in Spain</p> + +<p>Tromma: south-east of Cruachan; also the name of a river flowing into +the Boyne near Slane</p> + +<p>Tuaim Mona: Tumona, a townland in the parish of Ogulla, near Tulsk, +south of Cruachan Ai, County Roscommon</p> + +<p>Tuatha Bressi: a name for the people of Connacht</p> + +<p>Tuatha De Danann: "the Tribes divine of Danu," the gods of the Irish +Olympus</p> + +<p>Turloch teora Crich: north of Tuaim Mona</p> + +<p>Uachtur Lua: in the land of Ross</p> + +<p>Uarba: a place in Ulster</p> + +<p>Uathach: one of the three women-teachers of Cuchulain and Ferdiad</p> + +<p>Uathu: north of Ochain</p> + +<p>Ui Echach: the barony of Iveagh, in the County Down</p> + +<p>Umansruth: a stream in Murthemne</p> + +<p>Usnech: father of Noisi, Annle and Ardan</p> + +<p>Uthechar: father of Celtchar and of Menn</p> + +<hr class="full" /> + +<h2>Footnotes.</h2> + +<h3>Page 2</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_2" name="footnote1_2"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_2">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_2" name="footnote2_2"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_2">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_2" name="footnote3_2"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_2">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_2" name="footnote4_2"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_2">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_2" name="footnotea_2"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_2">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, from the supreme king of Ireland.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_2" name="footnote5_2"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_2">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_2" name="footnote6_2"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_2">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Add.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 3</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_3" name="footnote1_3"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_3">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and, similarly Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_3" name="footnotea_3"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_3">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>A short sentence in LL., which is probably corrupt, is omitted +here.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_3" name="footnoteb_3"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_3">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally, "A man behind (in) the shadow of another."</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_3" name="footnotec_3"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_3">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Instead of a ring, which would be given to the bride.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_3" name="footnote2_3"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_3">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Add. and H. 1. 13</p></div> + +<a id="footnoted_3" name="footnoted_3"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagd_3">[d]</a> +<div class="note"><p>For a detailed explanation of this entire passage see H. Zimmer, +in the <i>Sitzungsberichte der Köninglich Preussischen Akademie +der Wissenschaften</i>, 16 Februar, 1911. <i>philosophisch historischen +Classe, Seite 217</i>.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 4</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_4" name="footnote1_4"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_4">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Add. and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 5</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_5" name="footnote1_5"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_5">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Add. and Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 6</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_6" name="footnotea_6"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_6">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally, "Habebit amicitiam fermoris mei."</p></div> + +<h3>Page 7</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_7" name="footnote1_7"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_7">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_7" name="footnote2_7"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_7">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Add.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 9</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_9" name="footnote1_9"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_9">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_9" name="footnote2_9"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_9">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Add.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 10</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_10" name="footnote1_10"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_10">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_10" name="footnote2_10"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_10">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1-2; with these words, the LU. version begins, fo. 55a.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_10" name="footnote3_10"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_10">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 182.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_10" name="footnote4_10"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_10">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_10" name="footnote5_10"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_10">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 11</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_11" name="footnote1_11"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_11">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 7.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_11" name="footnote2_11"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_11">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_11" name="footnote3_11"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_11">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 8.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_11" name="footnote4_11"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_11">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 9.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_11" name="footnote5_11"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_11">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 9-10.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_11" name="footnote6_11"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_11">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_11" name="footnote7_11"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_11">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_11" name="footnote8_11"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_11">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 11-12.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_11" name="footnote9_11"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_11">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 12-13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_11" name="footnote10_11"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_11">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_11" name="footnote11_11"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_11">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 16.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_11" name="footnote12_11"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_11">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 17-18.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote13_11" name="footnote13_11"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag13_11">[13-13]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 15.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote14_11" name="footnote14_11"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag14_11">[14-14]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 12</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_12" name="footnote1_12"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_12">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_12" name="footnote2_12"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_12">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 20-21.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 13</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_13" name="footnotea_13"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_13">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>This heading is taken from the colophon at the end of the +chapter.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_13" name="footnote1_13"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_13">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 23-24.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_13" name="footnote2_13"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_13">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 24-25.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_13" name="footnoteb_13"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_13">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Right-hand wise, as a sign of a good omen.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_13" name="footnote3_13"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_13">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_13" name="footnote4_13"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_13">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 14</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_14" name="footnote1_14"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_14">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_14" name="footnote2_14"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_14">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_14" name="footnote3_14"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_14">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 29.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_14" name="footnote4_14"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_14">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 35-36.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_14" name="footnote5_14"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_14">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 31.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_14" name="footnote6_14"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_14">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Adopting Windisch's emendation of the text.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_14" name="footnote7_14"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_14">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 29.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_14" name="footnote8_14"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_14">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_14" name="footnote9_14"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_14">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_14" name="footnote10_14"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_14">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 36.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 15</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_15" name="footnote1_15"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_15">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_15" name="footnote2_15"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_15">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_15" name="footnote3_15"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_15">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 39-41.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_15" name="footnote4_15"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_15">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_15" name="footnoteb_15"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_15">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p><i>Imbass forosna</i>, 'illumination between the hands.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_15" name="footnote5_15"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_15">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_15" name="footnote6_15"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_15">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 44.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_15" name="footnote7_15"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_15">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_15" name="footnote8_15"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_15">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_15" name="footnote9_15"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_15">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 48.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 16</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_16" name="footnote1_16"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_16">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 50.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_16" name="footnote2_16"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_16">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 49.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_16" name="footnote3_16"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_16">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 50-51.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_16" name="footnote4_16"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_16">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 55.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 17</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_17" name="footnotea_17"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_17">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The Eg. 1782 version of this poem differs in several details from +LL.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_17" name="footnoteb_17"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_17">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, Cu Chulain, 'the Hound of Culann.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_17" name="footnote1_17"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_17">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Tranlating from LU. 65, Stowe and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_17" name="footnotec_17"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_17">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The <i>Gae Bulga</i>, 'barbed spear,' which only Cuchulain could +wield.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_17" name="footnote2_17"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_17">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Translating from LU. 72, Add. and Stowe; 'from the left,' +as a sign of enmity.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 18</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_18" name="footnotea_18"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_18">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, Cuchulain. See page <a href="#Page_17">17</a>.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_18" name="footnote1_18"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_18">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Add.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 19</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_19" name="footnote1_19"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_19">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 81.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_19" name="footnote2_19"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_19">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_19" name="footnote3_19"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_19">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_19" name="footnote4_19"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_19">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 87, Stowe and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_19" name="footnote5_19"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_19">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 96. and Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_19" name="footnote6_19"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_19">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_19" name="footnote7_19"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_19">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_19" name="footnote8_19"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_19">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 113.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_19" name="footnote9_19"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_19">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 116.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 20</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_20" name="footnote1_20"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_20">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 119.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_20" name="footnote2_20"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_20">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 121.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_20" name="footnote3_20"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_20">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 146-148.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_20" name="footnote4_20"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_20">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 149-161.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 21</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_21" name="footnote1_21"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_21">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_21" name="footnote2_21"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_21">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_21" name="footnote3_21"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_21">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Translating from Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_21" name="footnote4_21"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_21">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 156-157.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_21" name="footnote5_21"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_21">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 160.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_21" name="footnote6_21"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_21">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_21" name="footnote7_21"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_21">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 160.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_21" name="footnote8_21"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_21">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 161.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_21" name="footnote9_21"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_21">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 22</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_22" name="footnote1_22"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_22">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 153.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_22" name="footnote2_22"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_22">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_22" name="footnote3_22"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_22">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Gloss in LU. fo. 56b, 3.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_22" name="footnotea_22"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_22">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Following the emendation suggested by L. Chr. Stern, <i>Zeitschrift +für Celtische Philologie, Band</i> II, S. 417, LU. has 'nine +charioteers.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_22" name="footnote4_22"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_22">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_22" name="footnote5_22"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_22">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 164 and Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_22" name="footnote6_22"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_22">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 165.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_22" name="footnote7_22"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_22">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 165.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_22" name="footnote8_22"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_22">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 168.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 23</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_23" name="footnote1_23"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_23">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 169.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_23" name="footnote2_23"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_23">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_23" name="footnote3_23"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_23">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 171-172.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_23" name="footnotea_23"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_23">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Ailill,' in Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_23" name="footnote4_23"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_23">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_23" name="footnote5_23"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_23">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 175-176.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_23" name="footnote6_23"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_23">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_23" name="footnote7_23"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_23">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 179.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_23" name="footnote8_23"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_23">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Add.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 24</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_24" name="footnote1_24"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_24">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 184.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_24" name="footnote2_24"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_24">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with Stowe; LL. appears to be corrupt. This +was the name given to Fergus, Cormac and the other exiles from +Ulster.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_24" name="footnote3_24"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_24">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_24" name="footnote4_24"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_24">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 187-192.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_24" name="footnote5_24"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_24">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_24" name="footnote6_24"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_24">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_24" name="footnote7_24"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_24">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 25</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_25" name="footnote1_25"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_25">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_25" name="footnote2_25"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_25">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_25" name="footnote3_25"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_25">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_25" name="footnote4_25"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_25">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_25" name="footnote5_25"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_25">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 217.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_25" name="footnote6_25"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_25">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 227.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_25" name="footnote7_25"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_25">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 26</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_26" name="footnote1_26"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_26">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with LU. and YBL. 252.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_26" name="footnotea_26"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_26">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, Cuchulain.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_26" name="footnote2_26"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_26">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_26" name="footnote3_26"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_26">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Add.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 27</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_27" name="footnotea_27"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_27">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>MS.: <i>Sualtach.</i></p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_27" name="footnoteb_27"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_27">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p><i>Liath Mache</i> ('the Roan of Macha'), the name of one of Cuchulain's +two horses.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_27" name="footnotec_27"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_27">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, the goddess or fury of battle.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 28</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_28" name="footnote1_28"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_28">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 195.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_28" name="footnote2_28"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_28">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_28" name="footnote3_28"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_28">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_28" name="footnote4_28"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_28">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 196.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_28" name="footnotea_28"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_28">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally, 'of Ailill's spouse.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_28" name="footnoteb_28"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_28">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, Cuchulain.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_28" name="footnotec_28"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_28">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>A kenning for 'blood.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnoted_28" name="footnoted_28"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagd_28">[d]</a> +<div class="note"><p>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 <i>Irische Texte</i>, iii, i, pp. 230-275.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_28" name="footnote5_28"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_28">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 198-205.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 29</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_29" name="footnotea_29"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_29">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally, 'the Contorted one'; that is, Cuchulain.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_29" name="footnote1_29"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_29">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Gloss in YBL. 211.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_29" name="footnoteb_29"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_29">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'his' Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_29" name="footnote9_29"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_29">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. and LU. 206-215. With this passage YBL. begins, fo. 17a.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_29" name="footnote2_29"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_29">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 215.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_29" name="footnote3_29"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_29">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 218</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_29" name="footnote4_29"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_29">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_29" name="footnote5_29"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_29">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p><i>Sualtach</i>, in LL.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_29" name="footnote6_29"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_29">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_29" name="footnote7_29"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_29">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_29" name="footnote8_29"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_29">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 220.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 30</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_30" name="footnotea_30"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_30">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>"Who was secretly as a concubine with Cuchulain"; gloss in +LU. and YBL. 222 and Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_30" name="footnote1_30"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_30">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_30" name="footnote2_30"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_30">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_30" name="footnoteb_30"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_30">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The old kind of writing of the Irish.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_30" name="footnote3_30"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_30">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_30" name="footnote4_30"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_30">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 245-246.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 31</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_31" name="footnote1_31"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_31">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 250.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_31" name="footnote2_31"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_31">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 252-258.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_31" name="footnote3_31"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_31">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with Stowe, Add. and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_31" name="footnote4_31"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_31">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with LU. and YBL. 261.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 32</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_32" name="footnote1_32"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_32">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU., marginal note.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_32" name="footnotea_32"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_32">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The name of the festal hall of the kings of Ulster.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_32" name="footnote2_32"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_32">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_32" name="footnote3_32"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_32">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 270.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_32" name="footnote4_32"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_32">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_32" name="footnote5_32"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_32">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 271.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_32" name="footnote6_32"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_32">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 273.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 33</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_33" name="footnote1_33"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_33">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>A gloss in YBL. 274; found also in Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_33" name="footnote2_33"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_33">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 276-283.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_33" name="footnote3_33"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_33">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'<i>Fedaduin</i>,' MS.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_33" name="footnote4_33"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_33">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_33" name="footnotea_33"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_33">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Girdles,' LU. and YBL. 284; 'shields,' Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_33" name="footnoteb_33"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_33">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Wheels,' LU. and YBL. 285 and Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 34</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_34" name="footnote1_34"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_34">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 287.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_34" name="footnote2_34"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_34">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_34" name="footnote3_34"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_34">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 288.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_34" name="footnote4_34"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_34">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 289.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_34" name="footnote5_34"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_34">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 290.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_34" name="footnote6_34"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_34">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_34" name="footnote7_34"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_34">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 35</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_35" name="footnote1_35"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_35">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 294-295.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_35" name="footnote2_35"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_35">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 297.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_35" name="footnote3_35"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_35">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 297.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_35" name="footnote4_35"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_35">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 297-298.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_35" name="footnote5_35"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_35">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 298-299.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_35" name="footnote6_35"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_35">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 302.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_35" name="footnote7_35"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_35">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 302.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_35" name="footnote8_35"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_35">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_35" name="footnote9_35"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_35">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. fo. 58a, in the margin.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_35" name="footnote10_35"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_35">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. fo. 58a, in the margin.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_35" name="footnote11_35"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_35">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, and LU. fo. 58a, 24, marginal note.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 36</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_36" name="footnotea_36"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_36">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>A sign of enmity.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_36" name="footnoteb_36"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_36">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p><i>Belach</i> ('the Pass'), Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_36" name="footnote1_36"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_36">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_36" name="footnote2_36"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_36">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 304.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_36" name="footnote3_36"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_36">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 305.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_36" name="footnote4_36"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_36">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 37</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_37" name="footnote1_37"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_37">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_37" name="footnote2_37"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_37">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 306.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_37" name="footnote3_37"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_37">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 306.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_37" name="footnote4_37"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_37">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_37" name="footnote5_37"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_37">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_37" name="footnote6_37"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_37">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 310.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_37" name="footnote7_37"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_37">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 38</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_38" name="footnote1_38"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_38">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_38" name="footnote2_38"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_38">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 313.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_38" name="footnote3_38"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_38">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 314.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_38" name="footnote4_38"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_38">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 314-318.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_38" name="footnotea_38"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_38">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>So Stowe; LL. has '<i>Grena</i>.'</p></div> + +<h3>Page 39</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_39" name="footnotea_39"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_39">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, <i>Ath Gabla</i>.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 40</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_40" name="footnote1_40"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_40">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 322.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_40" name="footnote2_40"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_40">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 324.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_40" name="footnote3_40"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_40">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_40" name="footnote4_40"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_40">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_40" name="footnote5_40"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_40">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_40" name="footnotea_40"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_40">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>"Fourteen," LU. and YBL. 325 and Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_40" name="footnote6_40"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_40">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 41</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_41" name="footnote1_41"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_41">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_41" name="footnotea_41"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_41">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally, 'painless,' referring to Cuchulain's exemption +from the <i>cess</i> or 'debility' of the Ulstermen.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_41" name="footnote2_41"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_41">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_41" name="footnoteb_41"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_41">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Translating from Stowe; LL. has 'his' or 'its.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_41" name="footnotec_41"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_41">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, Cuchulain.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 42</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_42" name="footnote1_42"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_42">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 329-330.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_42" name="footnote2_42"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_42">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 331.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_42" name="footnote3_42"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_42">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 333.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 43</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_43" name="footnote1_43"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_43">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_43" name="footnote2_43"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_43">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_43" name="footnote3_43"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_43">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_43" name="footnote4_43"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_43">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 337-340.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 44</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_44" name="footnote1_44"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_44">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_44" name="footnote2_44"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_44">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 342-345.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_44" name="footnotea_44"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_44">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Seventh,' YBL. 344.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_44" name="footnote3_44"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_44">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 345.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_44" name="footnote4_44"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_44">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 346-347, and, similarly, YBL.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_44" name="footnoteb_44"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_44">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>"Eight," YBL.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_44" name="footnote5_44"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_44">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 349.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_44" name="footnote6_44"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_44">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 349-350.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_44" name="footnote7_44"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_44">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 350.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_44" name="footnote8_44"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_44">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 351-352.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_44" name="footnote9_44"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_44">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 352.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_44" name="footnote10_44"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_44">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 354.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_44" name="footnote11_44"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_44">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 354.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_44" name="footnote12_44"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_44">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 355-356.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote13_44" name="footnote13_44"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_44">[13-13]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 356-357.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 45</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_45" name="footnotea_45"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_45">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with Stowe, LU. and YBL. 359, which is more intelligible +than 'on each hair,' which is the translation of LL.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_45" name="footnote1_45"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_45">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 363.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_45" name="footnote2_45"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_45">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'That is not true,' Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_45" name="footnote3_45"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_45">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 46</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_46" name="footnote1_46"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_46">[1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with LU. and YBL. 367.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_46" name="footnote2_46"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_46">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 368-369.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_46" name="footnote3_46"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_46">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_46" name="footnote4_46"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_46">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 371.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 47</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_47" name="footnote1_47"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_47">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_47" name="footnote2_47"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_47">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 376-377.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_47" name="footnote3_47"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_47">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 377.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_47" name="footnote4_47"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_47">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 380.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 48</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_48" name="footnote1_48"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_48">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 382-384.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_48" name="footnote2_48"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_48">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 384-385.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_48" name="footnote3_48"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_48">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_48" name="footnote4_48"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_48">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 391.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_48" name="footnote5_48"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_48">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_48" name="footnote6_48"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_48">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 389.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_48" name="footnote7_48"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_48">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_48" name="footnote8_48"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_48">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 387.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_48" name="footnote9_48"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_48">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 391-397.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 49</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_49" name="footnotea_49"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_49">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Or, 'a wooden beaker,' YBL. 395.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_49" name="footnote1_49"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_49">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 398.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_49" name="footnoteb_49"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_49">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Nine,' LU. and YBL. 399 and Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_49" name="footnote2_49"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_49">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_49" name="footnote3_49"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_49">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 400.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_49" name="footnote4_49"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_49">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 403-404.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_49" name="footnote5_49"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_49">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 405.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_49" name="footnote9_49"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_49">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 391-397.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 50</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_50" name="footnote1_50"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_50">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_50" name="footnote2_50"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_50">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 410.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_50" name="footnote3_50"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_50">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 413-481.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_50" name="footnote4_50"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_50">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 418.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 51</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_51" name="footnote1_51"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_51">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_51" name="footnotea_51"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_51">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>A Christian salutation.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 52</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_52" name="footnotea_52"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_52">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The war-fury.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_52" name="footnote1_52"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_52">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 461.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 53</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_53" name="footnote1_53"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_53">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU., edition of Strachan and O'Keeffe, page 19, note 23.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_53" name="footnote2_53"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_53">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_53" name="footnote3_53"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_53">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU., and YBL. 413-481; see page <a href="#Page_50">50</a>.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_53" name="footnote4_53"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_53">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 484-485.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 54</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_54" name="footnote1_54"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_54">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_54" name="footnote2_54"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_54">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU and YBL 489.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_54" name="footnote3_54"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_54">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_54" name="footnote4_54"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_54">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_54" name="footnote5_54"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_54">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 489-491.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_54" name="footnote6_54"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_54">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 55</h3> + +<a id="footnote7_55" name="footnote7_55"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_55">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 492-494.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_55" name="footnote1_55"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_55">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 497.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_55" name="footnote2_55"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_55">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 502.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_55" name="footnote3_55"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_55">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 507.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 56</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_56" name="footnote1_56"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_56">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 513.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_56" name="footnote2_56"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_56">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 512-513.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_56" name="footnotea_56"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_56">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'four,' Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 57</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_57" name="footnote1_57"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_57">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 515-518.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_57" name="footnote2_57"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_57">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 514.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_57" name="footnote3_57"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_57">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 518-519.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_57" name="footnote4_57"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_57">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 525.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_57" name="footnotea_57"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_57">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>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.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_57" name="footnote5_57"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_57">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 519-521.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 58</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_58" name="footnote1_58"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_58">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 529-530.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_58" name="footnote2_58"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_58">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU and YBL. 532.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_58" name="footnote3_58"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_58">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, YBL. and LU. 533-534.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_58" name="footnote4_58"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_58">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 334.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_58" name="footnote5_58"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_58">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 535.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_58" name="footnote6_58"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_58">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 536.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_58" name="footnote7_58"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_58">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 537.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 59</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_59" name="footnote1_59"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_59">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_59" name="footnote2_59"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_59">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally, 'thyself,' LU. and YBL. 539.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_59" name="footnote3_59"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_59">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 540-541.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_59" name="footnote4_59"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_59">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_59" name="footnotea_59"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_59">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The name of Conchobar's druid.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 60</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_60" name="footnote1_60"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_60">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_60" name="footnote2_60"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_60">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. fo. 61a, in the margin.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_60" name="footnote3_60"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_60">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 547.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_60" name="footnote4_60"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_60">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_60" name="footnotea_60"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_60">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'One hundred' is the number in LU. and YBL. 547.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_60" name="footnote5_60"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_60">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 548.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_60" name="footnote6_60"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_60">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 548.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_60" name="footnote7_60"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_60">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_60" name="footnote8_60"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_60">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 550.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_60" name="footnote9_60"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_60">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 551.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_60" name="footnote10_60"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_60">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 551-552.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_60" name="footnote11_60"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_60">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_60" name="footnote12_60"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_60">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 553.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 61</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_61" name="footnote1_61"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_61">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 557.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_61" name="footnotea_61"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_61">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Fifteen,' LU. and YBL. 556; 'seventeen,' Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_61" name="footnote2_61"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_61">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 557.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_61" name="footnote3_61"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_61">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 559-560.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 62</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_62" name="footnote1_62"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_62">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with Stowe, LU. and YBL. 563.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_62" name="footnote2_62"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_62">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 566.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_62" name="footnote3_62"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_62">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_62" name="footnote4_62"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_62">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 567.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_62" name="footnote5_62"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_62">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 567.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_62" name="footnote6_62"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_62">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_62" name="footnote7_62"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_62">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 568.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_62" name="footnote8_62"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_62">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 569.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_62" name="footnote9_62"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_62">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 570.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_62" name="footnote10_62"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_62">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_62" name="footnote11_62"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_62">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 573-577.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 63</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_63" name="footnote1_63"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_63">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 578.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_63" name="footnotea_63"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_63">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Twelve,' LU. and YBL. 579.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_63" name="footnoteb_63"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_63">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The name of Conchobar's charioteer.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_63" name="footnote2_63"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_63">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 580-581 and Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_63" name="footnote3_63"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_63">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 581.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_63" name="footnotec_63"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_63">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Following the emendation suggested by Strachan and O'Keeffe, +page 23, note 21.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_63" name="footnote4_63"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_63">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 582.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_63" name="footnote5_63"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_63">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 583.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_63" name="footnote6_63"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_63">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 584.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_63" name="footnote7_63"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_63">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 585.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 64</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_64" name="footnote1_64"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_64">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 589-590.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_64" name="footnote2_64"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_64">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 65</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_65" name="footnote1_65"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_65">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 592-596.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_65" name="footnote2_65"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_65">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 599-601.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 66</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_66" name="footnote1_66"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_66">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU.and YBL. 603.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_66" name="footnote2_66"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_66">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_66" name="footnote3_66"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_66">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 604.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_66" name="footnotea_66"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_66">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>In LU. and YBL., 'the shaft of the chariot.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_66" name="footnote4_66"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_66">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 605-606.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_66" name="footnote5_66"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_66">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 608.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_66" name="footnote6_66"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_66">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 608.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_66" name="footnote7_66"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_66">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 609-610.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_66" name="footnote8_66"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_66">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 610.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 67</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_67" name="footnote1_67"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_67">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 612.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_67" name="footnote2_67"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_67">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_67" name="footnotea_67"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_67">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Or, more literally, 'a clawing match.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_67" name="footnote3_67"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_67">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 615-616.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_67" name="footnote4_67"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_67">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 616.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_67" name="footnote5_67"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_67">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 68</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_68" name="footnote1_68"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_68">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 620.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_68" name="footnote2_68"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_68">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 623.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_68" name="footnote3_68"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_68">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 623.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_68" name="footnote4_68"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_68">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 624.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_68" name="footnote5_68"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_68">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 623, marginal note.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_68" name="footnote6_68"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_68">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 623, gloss.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_68" name="footnote7_68"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_68">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 627.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_68" name="footnote8_68"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_68">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 628.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 69</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_69" name="footnote1_69"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_69">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 629.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_69" name="footnote2_69"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_69">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 630.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_69" name="footnote3_69"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_69">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 631.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_69" name="footnote4_69"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_69">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 634-635.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_69" name="footnote5_69"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_69">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_69" name="footnote6_69"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_69">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 635-638.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 70</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_70" name="footnote1_70"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_70">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_70" name="footnote2_70"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_70">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 641.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_70" name="footnote3_70"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_70">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 642.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_70" name="footnotea_70"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_70">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, the enmity of the Ulstermen by slaying Cuchulain.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_70" name="footnote4_70"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_70">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 644-645.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_70" name="footnote5_70"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_70">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 645-646.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_70" name="footnote6_70"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_70">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 647.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_70" name="footnote7_70"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_70">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 649.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_70" name="footnote8_70"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_70">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 649.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 71</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_71" name="footnote1_71"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_71">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 665.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_71" name="footnote2_71"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_71">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 655.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_71" name="footnote3_71"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_71">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_71" name="footnote4_71"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_71">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 662-663.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 72</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_72" name="footnote1_72"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_72">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 651-652.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_72" name="footnote2_72"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_72">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 653; probably a proverbial expression.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_72" name="footnotea_72"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_72">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>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.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_72" name="footnote3_72"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_72">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 666.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_72" name="footnoteb_72"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_72">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. have 'a swan.'</p></div> + +<h3>Page 73</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_73" name="footnote1_73"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_73">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 657-658.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_73" name="footnote2_73"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_73">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe. That is, when the water is over their heads.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_73" name="footnote3_73"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_73">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_73" name="footnote4_73"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_73">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 661.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_73" name="footnote5_73"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_73">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 667-668.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_73" name="footnote6_73"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_73">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 669-679.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 74</h3> + +<a id="footnote6_74" name="footnote6_74"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_74">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 669-679.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_74" name="footnote1_74"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_74">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 681-686.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_74" name="footnote2_74"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_74">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 686.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_74" name="footnote3_74"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_74">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 687.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_74" name="footnote4_74"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_74">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_74" name="footnote5_74"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_74">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 692.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 75</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_75" name="footnote1_75"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_75">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_75" name="footnote2_75"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_75">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_75" name="footnotea_75"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_75">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Seven,' LU. and YBL. 695.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_75" name="footnote3_75"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_75">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_75" name="footnoteb_75"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_75">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Twelve,' LU. and YBL. 696.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_75" name="footnote4_75"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_75">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 696-697.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_75" name="footnote5_75"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_75">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 698-699.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_75" name="footnote6_75"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_75">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 699.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_75" name="footnote7_75"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_75">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 700.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_75" name="footnote8_75"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_75">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 702.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_75" name="footnote9_75"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_75">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 703.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_75" name="footnote10_75"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_75">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_75" name="footnote11_75"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_75">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 703.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_75" name="footnote12_75"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_75">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 704.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote13_75" name="footnote13_75"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag13_75">[13-13]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 706.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 76</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_76" name="footnote1_76"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_76">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 707.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_76" name="footnote2_76"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_76">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_76" name="footnote3_76"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_76">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 708.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_76" name="footnote4_76"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_76">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_76" name="footnote5_76"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_76">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 709-711.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_76" name="footnote6_76"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_76">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_76" name="footnote7_76"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_76">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_76" name="footnote8_76"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_76">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_76" name="footnote9_76"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_76">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_76" name="footnote10_76"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_76">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 713.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_76" name="footnote11_76"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_76">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_76" name="footnote12_76"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_76">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote13_76" name="footnote13_76"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag13_76">[13-13]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote14_76" name="footnote14_76"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag14_76">[14-14]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote15_76" name="footnote15_76"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag15_76">[15-15]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote16_76" name="footnote16_76"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag16_76">[16-16]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote17_76" name="footnote17_76"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag17_76">[17-17]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 77</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_77" name="footnote1_77"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_77">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 715-718.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_77" name="footnotea_77"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_77">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>To turn the left side was an insult and sign of hostility.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_77" name="footnoteb_77"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_77">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Breasts,' LU. and YBL. 720.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_77" name="footnote2_77"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_77">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_77" name="footnote3_77"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_77">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_77" name="footnote4_77"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_77">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_77" name="footnote5_77"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_77">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_77" name="footnote6_77"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_77">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 720-721.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_77" name="footnotec_77"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_77">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>This exposure was a powerful magico-religious symbol and +had a quasi-sacred or ritual character.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 78</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_78" name="footnote1_78"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_78">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_78" name="footnote2_78"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_78">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Translating from Stowe and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_78" name="footnote3_78"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_78">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_78" name="footnote4_78"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_78">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 726.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_78" name="footnote5_78"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_78">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_78" name="footnote6_78"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_78">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 726.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_78" name="footnote7_78"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_78">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17. Thurneysen, <i>Zeitschrift für Celtische Philologie</i>, Bd. +VIII, S. 538, note 13, understands this to mean, 'a bluish purple +cloak was thrown around him.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_78" name="footnote8_78"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_78">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_78" name="footnote9_78"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_78">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_78" name="footnote10_78"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_78">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_78" name="footnotea_78"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_78">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Blue,' LU. and YBL. 727 and Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_78" name="footnote11_78"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_78">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_78" name="footnote12_78"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_78">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 727.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote13_78" name="footnote13_78"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag13_78">[13-13]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote14_78" name="footnote14_78"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag14_78">[14-14]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 728.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 79</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_79" name="footnote1_79"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_79">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 729-730.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_79" name="footnote2_79"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_79">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_79" name="footnote3_79"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_79">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 80</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_80" name="footnote1_80"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_80">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 733-766.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_80" name="footnote2_80"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_80">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 741.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 81</h3> + +<a id="footnote10_81" name="footnote10_81"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_81">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_81" name="footnote2_81"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_81">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 758.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_81" name="footnote3_81"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_81">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_81" name="footnote4_81"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_81">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_81" name="footnote5_81"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_81">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 762.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_81" name="footnote6_81"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_81">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with YBL. '<i>Ath Taiten</i>,' LU. 762.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_81" name="footnote7_81"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_81">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 763.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_81" name="footnote8_81"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_81">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 763.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_81" name="footnote1_81"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_81">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 733-766 (see page <a href="#Page_80">80</a>).</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_81" name="footnote9_81"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_81">[9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 766-769.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 82</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_82" name="footnote1_82"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_82">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 772.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_82" name="footnote2_82"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_82">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 773-775.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_82" name="footnote3_82"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_82">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 773-775.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_82" name="footnote4_82"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_82">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_82" name="footnote5_82"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_82">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_82" name="footnote6_82"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_82">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_82" name="footnote7_82"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_82">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 83</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_83" name="footnote1_83"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_83">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 777.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_83" name="footnote2_83"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_83">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_83" name="footnote3_83"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_83">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_83" name="footnote4_83"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_83">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 786.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_83" name="footnote5_83"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_83">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_83" name="footnote6_83"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_83">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 786-787.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_83" name="footnote7_83"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_83">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_83" name="footnote8_83"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_83">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 787.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_83" name="footnote9_83"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_83">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 789.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_83" name="footnote10_83"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_83">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_83" name="footnote11_83"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_83">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 84</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_84" name="footnote1_84"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_84">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_84" name="footnote2_84"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_84">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_84" name="footnote3_84"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_84">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_84" name="footnote4_84"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_84">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, LU. and YBL. 792.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_84" name="footnote5_84"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_84">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 793-799.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_84" name="footnote6_84"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_84">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 85</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_85" name="footnote1_85"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_85">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17, and, similarly, LU. fo. 64a, in the margin. LU. reads +<i>MacGarach</i>.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_85" name="footnote2_85"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_85">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_85" name="footnote3_85"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_85">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 806.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_85" name="footnote4_85"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_85">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 806-807.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_85" name="footnote5_85"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_85">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_85" name="footnote6_85"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_85">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 808-812.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 86</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_86" name="footnote1_86"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_86">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The superscription is taken from Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_86" name="footnote2_86"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_86">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 837.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_86" name="footnote3_86"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_86">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 841.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_86" name="footnote4_86"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_86">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 841.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_86" name="footnote5_86"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_86">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_86" name="footnote6_86"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_86">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 839 and Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_86" name="footnote7_86"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_86">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_86" name="footnote8_86"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_86">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_86" name="footnote9_86"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_86">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_86" name="footnote10_86"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_86">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 87</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_87" name="footnote1_87"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_87">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 835.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_87" name="footnote2_87"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_87">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 835.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 88</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_88" name="footnote1_88"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_88">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The superscription is taken from LU. fo. 64a, in the margin.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_88" name="footnote2_88"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_88">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 813.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_88" name="footnote3_88"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_88">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 820-831 and, partly, in Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_88" name="footnotea_88"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_88">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally, 'your.'</p></div> + +<h3>Page 89</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_89" name="footnotea_89"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_89">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'<i>Garech</i>,' LU. and YBL. 827.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_89" name="footnote1_89"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_89">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_89" name="footnoteb_89"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_89">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>See above, p. <a href="#Page_41">41</a>.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_89" name="footnote4_89"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_89">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_89" name="footnotec_89"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_89">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, Cuchulain.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoted_89" name="footnoted_89"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagd_89">[d]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, the Amazons.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_89" name="footnote3_89"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_89">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 820-831 and, partly, in Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 90</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_90" name="footnote1_90"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_90">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 853.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_90" name="footnote2_90"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_90">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_90" name="footnote3_90"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_90">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 857.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_90" name="footnote4_90"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_90">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 842-843.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_90" name="footnote5_90"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_90">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_90" name="footnote6_90"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_90">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 844.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_90" name="footnote7_90"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_90">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_90" name="footnote8_90"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_90">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_90" name="footnote9_90"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_90">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_90" name="footnote10_90"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_90">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_90" name="footnote11_90"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_90">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_90" name="footnotea_90"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_90">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The following passage in '<i>rosc</i>' is exceedingly difficult and obscure, +and the translation given here is consequently incomplete and +uncertain.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_90" name="footnote12_90"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_90">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 846, and Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 91</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_91" name="footnotea_91"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_91">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The Morrigan, the Irish goddess of battle, most often appeared +in the form of a raven.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_91" name="footnote1_91"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_91">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_91" name="footnoteb_91"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_91">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Translating <i>cloe</i>, as suggested by Windisch.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_91" name="footnote2_91"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_91">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_91" name="footnote3_91"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_91">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_91" name="footnote4_91"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_91">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 854, and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_91" name="footnote5_91"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_91">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 855-856.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_91" name="footnote6_91"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_91">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_91" name="footnote7_91"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_91">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_91" name="footnote8_91"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_91">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_91" name="footnote9_91"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_91">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_91" name="footnotec_91"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_91">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Apparently the name of some game.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_91" name="footnote10_91"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_91">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_91" name="footnote11_91"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_91">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 92</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_92" name="footnote1_92"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_92">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_92" name="footnote2_92"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_92">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 860.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_92" name="footnote3_92"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_92">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 858-863.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 93</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_93" name="footnote1_93"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_93">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. fo. 65a, in the margin.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_93" name="footnotea_93"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_93">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'forty,' H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_93" name="footnote2_93"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_93">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_93" name="footnote3_93"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_93">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_93" name="footnote4_93"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_93">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_93" name="footnote5_93"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_93">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 867-887.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 94</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_94" name="footnote1_94"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_94">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 882, which adds: 'We will not follow it further here.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_94" name="footnote2_94"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_94">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU., edition of Strachan and O'Keeffe, page 34, note 16.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_94" name="footnote5_94"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_94">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>(See page <a href="#Page_93">93</a>) LU. and YBL. 867-887.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 95</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_95" name="footnote1_95"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_95">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. fo. 65a, in the margin.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_95" name="footnote2_95"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_95">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_95" name="footnote3_95"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_95">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_95" name="footnote4_95"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_95">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_95" name="footnote5_95"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_95">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 887, a gloss.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_95" name="footnotea_95"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_95">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17 has 'fifty charioteers.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_95" name="footnote6_95"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_95">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 889.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_95" name="footnote7_95"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_95">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 889.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_95" name="footnote8_95"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_95">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_95" name="footnote9_95"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_95">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_95" name="footnote10_95"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_95">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 96</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_96" name="footnote1_96"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_96">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_96" name="footnote2_96"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_96">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_96" name="footnote3_96"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_96">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_96" name="footnote4_96"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_96">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_96" name="footnote5_96"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_96">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_96" name="footnote6_96"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_96">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 891.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_96" name="footnote7_96"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_96">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 900.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_96" name="footnote8_96"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_96">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_96" name="footnote9_96"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_96">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_96" name="footnote10_96"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_96">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17; the story of the finding of the Táin is told in the +<i>Imtheacht na Tromdhaimhe</i> ("The Proceedings of the Great Bardic +Institution"), edited by Owen Connellan, in the Transactions of the +Ossianic Society, vol. v, 1857, pp. 103 fl.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_96" name="footnote11_96"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_96">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_96" name="footnote12_96"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_96">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote13_96" name="footnote13_96"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag13_96">[13-13]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 893.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 97</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_97" name="footnote1_97"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_97">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 895.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_97" name="footnote2_97"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_97">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 896.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_97" name="footnote4_97"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_97">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_97" name="footnote3_97"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_97">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 898-899.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_97" name="footnote5_97"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_97">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_97" name="footnote6_97"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_97">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_97" name="footnote7_97"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_97">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_97" name="footnote8_97"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_97">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_97" name="footnote9_97"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_97">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 909.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_97" name="footnote10_97"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_97">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_97" name="footnote11_97"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_97">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_97" name="footnote12_97"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_97">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 910.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 98</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_98" name="footnote1_98"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_98">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 912-914.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_98" name="footnote2_98"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_98">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 914.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 99</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_99" name="footnote1_99"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_99">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. fo. 65b, in the margin.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_99" name="footnote3_99"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_99">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 930.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_99" name="footnote2_99"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_99">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 916-1197, omitting 1079-1091.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 100</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_100" name="footnotea_100"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_100">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>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.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 101</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_101" name="footnotea_101"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_101">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, the men of Erin.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_101" name="footnoteb_101"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_101">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, Cuchulain and Laeg.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_101" name="footnotec_101"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_101">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>See above, page 97.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_101" name="footnote1_101"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_101">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1041.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 102</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_102" name="footnote1_102"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_102">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally, 'if there oppose me the strength of each single man.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_102" name="footnotea_102"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_102">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The sense of this proposal of Ailill's, omitted in the translation +(LU. 1064-1069 and Eg. 1782), is not clear.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_102" name="footnote3_102"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_102">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Lugaid,' LU. 1069.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_102" name="footnote4_102"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_102">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 1075; but, 'they would be twenty nights there, as +other books say,' LU.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 103</h3> + +<a id="footnote2_103" name="footnote2_103"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_103">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>See note 2-2, page <a href="#Page_99">99</a>.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 104</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_104" name="footnote1_104"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_104">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1097.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_104" name="footnote2_104"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_104">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1098.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_104" name="footnote3_104"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_104">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1100-1101.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_104" name="footnote4_104"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_104">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1100-1102.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_104" name="footnote5_104"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_104">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_104" name="footnote6_104"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_104">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 105</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_105" name="footnote1_105"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_105">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1103-1105.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_105" name="footnote2_105"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_105">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_105" name="footnote3_105"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_105">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_105" name="footnote4_105"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_105">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_105" name="footnote5_105"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_105">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_105" name="footnote6_105"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_105">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_105" name="footnote7_105"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_105">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_105" name="footnotea_105"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_105">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, Conchobar.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_105" name="footnote8_105"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_105">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 106</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_106" name="footnote1_106"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_106">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_106" name="footnote2_106"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_106">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 107</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_107" name="footnote1_107"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_107">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_107" name="footnotea_107"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_107">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally, 'love.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_107" name="footnote2_107"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_107">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with H. 1. 13 and Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_107" name="footnoteb_107"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_107">[b-b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>A cheville.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_107" name="footnotec_107"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_107">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally, 'richly trooped.'</p></div> + +<h3>Page 108</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_108" name="footnote1_108"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_108">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1128.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_108" name="footnote2_108"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_108">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_108" name="footnote3_108"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_108">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_108" name="footnote4_108"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_108">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_108" name="footnote5_108"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_108">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_108" name="footnote6_108"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_108">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1109-1111.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_108" name="footnote7_108"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_108">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 109</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_109" name="footnote1_109"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_109">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_109" name="footnote2_109"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_109">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1112.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_109" name="footnote3_109"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_109">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1112.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_109" name="footnote4_109"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_109">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1113.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_109" name="footnote5_109"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_109">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1114.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_109" name="footnote6_109"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_109">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_109" name="footnote7_109"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_109">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1116-1118.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_109" name="footnote8_109"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_109">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_109" name="footnote9_109"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_109">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_109" name="footnote10_109"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_109">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1120.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 110</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_110" name="footnote1_110"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_110">[1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_110" name="footnote2_110"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_110">[2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_110" name="footnote3_110"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_110">[3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1135.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_110" name="footnote4_110"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_110">[4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_110" name="footnote5_110"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_110">[5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_110" name="footnote6_110"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_110">[6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_110" name="footnote7_110"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_110">[7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_110" name="footnote8_110"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_110">[8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_110" name="footnote9_110"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_110">[9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 111</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_111" name="footnote1_111"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_111">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_111" name="footnote2_111"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_111">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_111" name="footnote3_111"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_111">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_111" name="footnote4_111"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_111">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_111" name="footnote5_111"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_111">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_111" name="footnote6_111"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_111">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_111" name="footnote7_111"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_111">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_111" name="footnote8_111"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_111">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_111" name="footnote9_111"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_111">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_111" name="footnote10_111"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_111">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_111" name="footnote11_111"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_111">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_111" name="footnote12_111"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_111">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 112</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_112" name="footnote1_112"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_112">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_112" name="footnote2_112"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_112">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_112" name="footnote3_112"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_112">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_112" name="footnote4_112"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_112">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_112" name="footnote5_112"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_112">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_112" name="footnote6_112"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_112">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_112" name="footnote7_112"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_112">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_112" name="footnote8_112"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_112">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_112" name="footnote9_112"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_112">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_112" name="footnote10_112"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_112">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_112" name="footnote11_112"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_112">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_112" name="footnote12_112"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_112">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote13_112" name="footnote13_112"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag13_112">[13-13]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote14_112" name="footnote14_112"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag14_112">[14-14]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1138.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote15_112" name="footnote15_112"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag15_112">[15-15]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote16_112" name="footnote16_112"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag16_112">[16-16]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 113</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_113" name="footnote1_113"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_113">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_113" name="footnote2_113"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_113">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_113" name="footnote3_113"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_113">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1140-1143.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_113" name="footnote4_113"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_113">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_113" name="footnote5_113"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_113">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_113" name="footnote6_113"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_113">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_113" name="footnotea_113"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_113">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Medb,' H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_113" name="footnote7_113"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_113">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_113" name="footnote8_113"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_113">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_113" name="footnote9_113"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_113">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 115</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_115" name="footnote1_115"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_115">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. fo. 68a, in the margin.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_115" name="footnote2_115"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_115">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1145.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_115" name="footnote3_115"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_115">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1145.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_115" name="footnote4_115"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_115">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_115" name="footnote5_115"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_115">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_115" name="footnote6_115"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_115">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1147-1149.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_115" name="footnote7_115"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_115">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1149.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_115" name="footnote8_115"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_115">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_115" name="footnote9_115"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_115">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1150.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_115" name="footnote10_115"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_115">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1150.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_115" name="footnote11_115"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_115">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 116</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_116" name="footnote1_116"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_116">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1152.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_116" name="footnote2_116"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_116">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_116" name="footnote3_116"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_116">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1153.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_116" name="footnote4_116"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_116">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_116" name="footnote5_116"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_116">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LL., in the margin.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_116" name="footnote6_116"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_116">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1154-1155.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_116" name="footnote7_116"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_116">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_116" name="footnote8_116"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_116">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_116" name="footnote9_116"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_116">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_116" name="footnote10_116"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_116">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_116" name="footnote11_116"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_116">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_116" name="footnote12_116"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_116">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote13_116" name="footnote13_116"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag13_116">[13-13]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote14_116" name="footnote14_116"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag14_116">[14-14]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote15_116" name="footnote15_116"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag15_116">[15-15]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote16_116" name="footnote16_116"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag16_116">[16-16]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 117</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_117" name="footnotea_117"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_117">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Some part of the spear.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_117" name="footnote1_117"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_117">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1159.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_117" name="footnote2_117"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_117">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1158.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_117" name="footnote3_117"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_117">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_117" name="footnote4_117"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_117">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Following Windisch's emendation of the text.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_117" name="footnote5_117"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_117">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_117" name="footnote6_117"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_117">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1160.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_117" name="footnote7_117"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_117">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1160-1165.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_117" name="footnote8_117"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_117">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_117" name="footnote9_117"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_117">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_117" name="footnote10_117"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_117">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_117" name="footnote11_117"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_117">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_117" name="footnote12_117"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_117">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 118</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_118" name="footnote1_118"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_118">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17, and, similarly, Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_118" name="footnote2_118"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_118">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_118" name="footnote3_118"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_118">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1170 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_118" name="footnote4_118"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_118">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_118" name="footnote5_118"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_118">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_118" name="footnote6_118"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_118">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_118" name="footnote7_118"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_118">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_118" name="footnote8_118"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_118">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_118" name="footnote9_118"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_118">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_118" name="footnote10_118"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_118">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_118" name="footnote11_118"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_118">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote13_118" name="footnote13_118"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag13_118">[13-13]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote14_118" name="footnote14_118"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag14_118">[14-14]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 119</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_119" name="footnote1_119"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_119">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_119" name="footnote2_119"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_119">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_119" name="footnote3_119"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_119">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1178-1180.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_119" name="footnote4_119"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_119">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1181.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_119" name="footnote5_119"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_119">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe; LL. reads 'I know.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_119" name="footnote6_119"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_119">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1182-1183.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_119" name="footnote7_119"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_119">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 120</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_120" name="footnote1_120"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_120">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_120" name="footnote2_120"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_120">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_120" name="footnote3_120"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_120">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1185.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_120" name="footnote4_120"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_120">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_120" name="footnote5_120"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_120">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_120" name="footnote6_120"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_120">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_120" name="footnote7_120"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_120">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_120" name="footnote8_120"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_120">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_120" name="footnote9_120"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_120">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1188.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_120" name="footnote10_120"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_120">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_120" name="footnote11_120"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_120">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_120" name="footnote12_120"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_120">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote13_120" name="footnote13_120"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag13_120">[13-13]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote14_120" name="footnote14_120"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag14_120">[14-14]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote15_120" name="footnote15_120"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag15_120">[15-15]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1190.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote16_120" name="footnote16_120"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag16_120">[16-16]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote17_120" name="footnote17_120"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag17_120">[17-17]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote18_120" name="footnote18_120"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag18_120">[18-18]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 121</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_121" name="footnotea_121"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_121">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>A sign of hostility and an insult.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_121" name="footnote1_121"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_121">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_121" name="footnote2_121"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_121">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1191.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_121" name="footnote3_121"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_121">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1192.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_121" name="footnote4_121"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_121">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_121" name="footnote5_121"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_121">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_121" name="footnote6_121"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_121">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_121" name="footnote7_121"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_121">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_121" name="footnote8_121"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_121">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_121" name="footnote9_121"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_121">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1194-1195.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_121" name="footnote10_121"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_121">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_121" name="footnote11_121"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_121">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_121" name="footnote12_121"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_121">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1195.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 122</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_122" name="footnote1_122"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_122">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_122" name="footnote2_122"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_122">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_122" name="footnote3_122"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_122">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1197-1199.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_122" name="footnote4_122"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_122">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1204.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_122" name="footnote5_122"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_122">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_122" name="footnote6_122"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_122">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_122" name="footnote7_122"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_122">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_122" name="footnote8_122"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_122">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1206-1207.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_122" name="footnote9_122"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_122">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_122" name="footnote10_122"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_122">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_122" name="footnote11_122"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_122">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 123</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_123" name="footnote1_123"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_123">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1208.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_123" name="footnote2_123"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_123">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_123" name="footnote3_123"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_123">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_123" name="footnote4_123"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_123">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_123" name="footnote5_123"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_123">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_123" name="footnote6_123"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_123">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_123" name="footnote7_123"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_123">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_123" name="footnote8_123"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_123">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1210. Probably a proverbial expression.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_123" name="footnote9_123"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_123">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1210.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_123" name="footnote10_123"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_123">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_123" name="footnote11_123"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_123">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_123" name="footnote12_123"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_123">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote13_123" name="footnote13_123"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag13_123">[13-13]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_123" name="footnotea_123"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_123">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Lines 1212-1216 LU. and YBL. (Edition of Strachan and +O'Keeffe) are omitted in the translation.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 124</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_124" name="footnote1_124"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_124">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1216-1220.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_124" name="footnote2_124"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_124">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_124" name="footnote3_124"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_124">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_124" name="footnote4_124"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_124">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1222.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_124" name="footnotea_124"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_124">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>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.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_124" name="footnote5_124"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_124">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_124" name="footnote6_124"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_124">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_124" name="footnote7_124"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_124">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_124" name="footnote8_124"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_124">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 125</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_125" name="footnote1_125"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_125">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_125" name="footnote2_125"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_125">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1230-1232.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_125" name="footnote3_125"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_125">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. fo. 69, between the columns.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 126</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_126" name="footnote1_126"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_126">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, and LU. fo. 69a, in the margin.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_126" name="footnote2_126"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_126">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, and, similarly, H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_126" name="footnote3_126"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_126">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1233-1242 and Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_126" name="footnote4_126"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_126">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1242-1246.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_126" name="footnote5_126"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_126">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_126" name="footnote6_126"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_126">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 127</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_127" name="footnote1_127"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_127">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1246-1247.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_127" name="footnote2_127"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_127">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_127" name="footnote3_127"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_127">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1248-1250.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_127" name="footnotea_127"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_127">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>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.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_127" name="footnote4_127"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_127">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1253.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_127" name="footnote5_127"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_127">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1255.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_127" name="footnoteb_127"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_127">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Here follow lines 1945-1946, edition of Windisch, which are +unintelligible and have been omitted in the translation.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_127" name="footnote6_127"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_127">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_127" name="footnote7_127"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_127">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_127" name="footnote8_127"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_127">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_127" name="footnote9_127"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_127">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1256-1257.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 128</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_128" name="footnote1_128"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_128">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1258.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_128" name="footnote2_128"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_128">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_128" name="footnote3_128"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_128">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1258.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_128" name="footnote4_128"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_128">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_128" name="footnote5_128"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_128">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1259-1260.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_128" name="footnote6_128"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_128">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_128" name="footnote7_128"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_128">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_128" name="footnote8_128"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_128">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_128" name="footnote9_128"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_128">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1264.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_128" name="footnote10_128"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_128">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1268.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 129</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_129" name="footnote1_129"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_129">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_129" name="footnote2_129"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_129">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1273-1275.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_129" name="footnote3_129"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_129">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_129" name="footnote4_129"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_129">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Egerton 93 begins here.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_129" name="footnote5_129"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_129">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1276.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_129" name="footnote6_129"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_129">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1277.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_129" name="footnote7_129"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_129">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1277-1278.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_129" name="footnote8_129"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_129">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1279.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 130</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_130" name="footnote1_130"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_130">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_130" name="footnote2_130"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_130">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1281-1305.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 131</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_131" name="footnote1_131"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_131">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1303.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_131" name="footnote2_131"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_131">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1281-1305.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_131" name="footnote3_131"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_131">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1305.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_131" name="footnote4_131"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_131">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1306.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_131" name="footnote5_131"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_131">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1307.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_131" name="footnote6_131"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_131">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1307-1308.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_131" name="footnote7_131"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_131">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1310.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_131" name="footnote8_131"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_131">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_131" name="footnote9_131"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_131">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, and LU. and YBL. 1313.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_131" name="footnote10_131"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_131">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, and YBL. and LU. 1313.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 132</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_132" name="footnote1_132"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_132">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, and LU. fo. 70a.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_132" name="footnote2_132"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_132">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_132" name="footnote3_132"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_132">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_132" name="footnote4_132"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_132">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1315-1317. Eg. 93 mentions a number +of places to which Cuchulain pursued Medb.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_132" name="footnote5_132"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_132">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1341.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_132" name="footnote6_132"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_132">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_132" name="footnote7_132"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_132">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1343.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_132" name="footnote8_132"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_132">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1342-1344.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 133</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_133" name="footnote1_133"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_133">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1345.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_133" name="footnote2_133"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_133">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_133" name="footnote3_133"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_133">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_133" name="footnote4_133"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_133">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1348.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_133" name="footnote5_133"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_133">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1318.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_133" name="footnote6_133"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_133">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_133" name="footnotea_133"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_133">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Sixty' is the number in LU. and YBL.; 'eight' in Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_133" name="footnote7_133"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_133">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and LU. and YBL. 1319.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_133" name="footnote8_133"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_133">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_133" name="footnote9_133"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_133">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1320.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_133" name="footnote10_133"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_133">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_133" name="footnote11_133"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_133">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1322-1325.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 134</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_134" name="footnote1_134"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_134">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_134" name="footnote2_134"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_134">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL 1328.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_134" name="footnote3_134"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_134">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_134" name="footnote4_134"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_134">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_134" name="footnote5_134"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_134">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_134" name="footnote6_134"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_134">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1330-1331.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_134" name="footnote7_134"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_134">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL 1353.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_134" name="footnote8_134"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_134">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL 1354.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_134" name="footnote9_134"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_134">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL 1348-1349.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 135</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_135" name="footnote1_135"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_135">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_135" name="footnote2_135"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_135">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_135" name="footnote3_135"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_135">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_135" name="footnote4_135"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_135">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_135" name="footnote5_135"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_135">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1351-1352.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_135" name="footnote6_135"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_135">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 33.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_135" name="footnotea_135"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_135">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Omitting <i>ar mis</i> (LL.), which is not found in the other MSS.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_135" name="footnote7_135"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_135">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1355.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 136</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_136" name="footnote1_136"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_136">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_136" name="footnote2_136"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_136">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1359.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_136" name="footnote3_136"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_136">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1360-1361.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 137</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_137" name="footnote1_137"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_137">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. page 70b, in the margin.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_137" name="footnote2_137"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_137">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_137" name="footnotea_137"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_137">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Ailill's,' LU. and YBL. 1332 and Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_137" name="footnote3_137"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_137">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_137" name="footnote4_137"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_137">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_137" name="footnote5_137"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_137">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_137" name="footnote6_137"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_137">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1333-1336.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_137" name="footnote7_137"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_137">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1337.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_137" name="footnoteb_137"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_137">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>More literally, 'in the pit of his occiput.'</p></div> + +<h3>Page 138</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_138" name="footnote1_138"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_138">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1362-1379.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_138" name="footnote2_138"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_138">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_138" name="footnote3_138"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_138">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 139</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_139" name="footnote1_139"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_139">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. fo. 71a, in the margin.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_139" name="footnote2_139"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_139">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1380-1414.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_139" name="footnote3_139"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_139">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_139" name="footnote4_139"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_139">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 140</h3> + +<a id="footnote2_140" name="footnote2_140"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_140">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>See page <a href="#Page_139">139</a>, note 2.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 141</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_141" name="footnote1_141"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_141">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. fo. 71b, in the margin.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_141" name="footnotea_141"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_141">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Here a sheet is missing in Eg. 1782.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_141" name="footnote2_141"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_141">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1415-1486.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 143</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_143" name="footnote1_143"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_143">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. fo. 71b, in the margin.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_143" name="footnotea_143"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_143">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The LU. version of the episode is given under <span class="sc">XVIIa</span>, page <a href="#Page_184">184</a>.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_143" name="footnoteb_143"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_143">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Fiachna, in LU. 1436.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 145</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_145" name="footnote1_145"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_145">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. fo. 72b, in the margin.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_145" name="footnote2_145"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_145">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>See page <a href="#Page_141">141</a>, note 2.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 146</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_146" name="footnote1_146"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_146">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_146" name="footnote2_146"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_146">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_146" name="footnote3_146"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_146">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_146" name="footnote4_146"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_146">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1488.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_146" name="footnote5_146"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_146">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_146" name="footnote6_146"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_146">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_146" name="footnote7_146"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_146">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1491.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_146" name="footnote8_146"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_146">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_146" name="footnote9_146"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_146">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1491-1492.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_146" name="footnote10_146"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_146">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1492-1493.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_146" name="footnote11_146"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_146">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and LU. and YBL. 1493.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 147</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_147" name="footnote1_147"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_147">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1496-1497.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_147" name="footnote2_147"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_147">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_147" name="footnote3_147"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_147">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_147" name="footnote4_147"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_147">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1499-1500.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_147" name="footnote5_147"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_147">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_147" name="footnote6_147"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_147">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_147" name="footnote7_147"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_147">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1500.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_147" name="footnote8_147"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_147">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_147" name="footnotea_147"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_147">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>"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.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_147" name="footnote9_147"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_147">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 1504.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_147" name="footnote10_147"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_147">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1506.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 148</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_148" name="footnote1_148"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_148">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>An obscure gloss in LL.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_148" name="footnote2_148"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_148">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1507.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_148" name="footnote3_148"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_148">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1508-1509.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_148" name="footnotea_148"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_148">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Fiachu,' LU. and YBL. 1510.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_148" name="footnote4_148"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_148">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_148" name="footnote5_148"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_148">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Following Windisch's emendation of the text.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_148" name="footnote6_148"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_148">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1512.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_148" name="footnote7_148"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_148">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1513.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_148" name="footnote8_148"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_148">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1513.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_148" name="footnote9_148"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_148">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1513-1514.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_148" name="footnote10_148"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_148">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_148" name="footnote11_148"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_148">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 149</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_149" name="footnote1_149"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_149">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_149" name="footnote2_149"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_149">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 150</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_150" name="footnote1_150"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_150">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. fo. 73a, in the margin.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_150" name="footnote2_150"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_150">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_150" name="footnote3_150"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_150">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1529-1553.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_150" name="footnote4_150"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_150">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1538-1540.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 151</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_151" name="footnote1_151"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_151">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1525.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_151" name="footnote2_151"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_151">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_151" name="footnote3_151"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_151">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_151" name="footnote4_151"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_151">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1526-1527.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_151" name="footnote5_151"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_151">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1528.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_151" name="footnote6_151"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_151">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1527.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_151" name="footnote7_151"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_151">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1528.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_151" name="footnote8_151"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_151">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1532.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 152</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_152" name="footnote1_152"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_152">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_152" name="footnote2_152"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_152">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1535.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_152" name="footnotea_152"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_152">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>In LU. and YBL. it is wine.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_152" name="footnote3_152"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_152">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1541-1544.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_152" name="footnote4_152"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_152">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1544-1549.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 153</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_153" name="footnote1_153"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_153">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_153" name="footnote2_153"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_153">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93, LU. and YBL. 1549.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_153" name="footnote3_153"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_153">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1550.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_153" name="footnote4_153"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_153">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>See page <a href="#Page_152">152</a>, note 4.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_153" name="footnote5_153"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_153">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_153" name="footnote6_153"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_153">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1551-1552.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_153" name="footnotea_153"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_153">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading, with Windisch, from Stowe which gives a better +meaning than LL.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_153" name="footnote7_153"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_153">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1552-1553.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_153" name="footnote8_153"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_153">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 1553.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_153" name="footnote9_153"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_153">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally, 'Keep thy covenant, then!'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_153" name="footnote10_153"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_153">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1554.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_153" name="footnote11_153"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_153">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1555.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_153" name="footnote12_153"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_153">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote13_153" name="footnote13_153"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag13_153">[13-13]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote14_153" name="footnote14_153"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag14_153">[14-14]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1556-1557.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_153" name="footnoteb_153"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_153">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>See note, page <a href="#Page_137">137</a>.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 154</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_154" name="footnote1_154"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_154">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1559.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_154" name="footnote2_154"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_154">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1559-1560.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_154" name="footnote3_154"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_154">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>"Cormac Conlongas son of Conchobar." Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_154" name="footnote4_154"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_154">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_154" name="footnote5_154"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_154">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1563-1569.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_154" name="footnotea_154"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_154">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>With a play on the word Ferbaeth, 'a foolish man.'</p></div> + +<h3>Page 155</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_155" name="footnote1_155"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_155">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. fo. 73b, in the margin.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_155" name="footnote2_155"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_155">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1574-1584 and Eg. 1782. Here Eg. 1782 +breaks off.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_155" name="footnote3_155"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_155">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_155" name="footnote4_155"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_155">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_155" name="footnote5_155"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_155">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_155" name="footnote6_155"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_155">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_155" name="footnote7_155"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_155">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_155" name="footnote8_155"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_155">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1572.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 156</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_156" name="footnotea_156"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_156">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>From here to p. 170 is lacking in LL. owing to the loss of a sheet. +This is supplied from Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_156" name="footnote1_156"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_156">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe. Eg. 209 and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_156" name="footnote2_156"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_156">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_156" name="footnote3_156"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_156">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_156" name="footnote4_156"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_156">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_156" name="footnote5_156"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_156">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17 and Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_156" name="footnote6_156"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_156">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_156" name="footnote7_156"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_156">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_156" name="footnote8_156"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_156">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_156" name="footnote9_156"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_156">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_156" name="footnote10_156"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_156">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Following Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_156" name="footnote11_156"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_156">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_156" name="footnote12_156"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_156">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote13_156" name="footnote13_156"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag13_156">[13-13]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote14_156" name="footnote14_156"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag14_156">[14-14]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 157</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_157" name="footnote1_157"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_157">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_157" name="footnote2_157"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_157">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_157" name="footnote3_157"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_157">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_157" name="footnote4_157"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_157">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_157" name="footnote5_157"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_157">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1592 and Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_157" name="footnote6_157"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_157">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1593 and Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_157" name="footnote7_157"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_157">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_157" name="footnote8_157"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_157">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_157" name="footnote9_157"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_157">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_157" name="footnote10_157"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_157">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1595-1596.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_157" name="footnote11_157"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_157">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1597.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_157" name="footnote12_157"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_157">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17 and Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote13_157" name="footnote13_157"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag13_157">[13-13]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1596-1597.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote14_157" name="footnote14_157"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag14_157">[14-14]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote15_157" name="footnote15_157"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag15_157">[15-15]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 158</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_158" name="footnote1_158"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_158">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1597 and Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_158" name="footnote2_158"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_158">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_158" name="footnote3_158"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_158">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1598.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_158" name="footnote4_158"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_158">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1585.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_158" name="footnotea_158"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_158">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Emending the text to agree with the two similar passages above.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_158" name="footnote5_158"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_158">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1586.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_158" name="footnote6_158"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_158">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Corrected from LL., which has 'Medb.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_158" name="footnote7_158"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_158">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_158" name="footnote8_158"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_158">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_158" name="footnote9_158"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_158">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1588.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_158" name="footnote10_158"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_158">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1588-1590.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 159</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_159" name="footnotea_159"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_159">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally, 'of the Contorted.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_159" name="footnote1_159"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_159">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_159" name="footnote2_159"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_159">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_159" name="footnote3_159"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_159">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1599.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_159" name="footnote4_159"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_159">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17 and Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_159" name="footnote5_159"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_159">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_159" name="footnote6_159"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_159">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_159" name="footnote7_159"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_159">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_159" name="footnote8_159"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_159">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1602.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_159" name="footnote9_159"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_159">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1603.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_159" name="footnote10_159"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_159">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_159" name="footnote11_159"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_159">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1604.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 160</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_160" name="footnote1_160"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_160">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93, H. 2. 17 and Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_160" name="footnote2_160"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_160">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_160" name="footnote3_160"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_160">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_160" name="footnote4_160"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_160">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_160" name="footnote5_160"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_160">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1604.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_160" name="footnote6_160"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_160">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_160" name="footnote7_160"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_160">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1607.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 161</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_161" name="footnote1_161"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_161">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. fo. 74a, in the margin.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_161" name="footnote2_161"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_161">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1609-1629.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_161" name="footnotea_161"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_161">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally, '<i>non causa podicis feminae</i>.' The MS. is partly erased here.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 163</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_163" name="footnote1_163"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_163">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 1630.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_163" name="footnote2_163"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_163">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. fo. 74b, between the columns.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_163" name="footnote3_163"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_163">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_163" name="footnote4_163"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_163">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1631.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_163" name="footnote5_163"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_163">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1631-1633.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_163" name="footnote6_163"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_163">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_163" name="footnote7_163"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_163">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_163" name="footnote8_163"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_163">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_163" name="footnote9_163"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_163">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 164</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_164" name="footnote1_164"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_164">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_164" name="footnotea_164"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_164">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Thrice.' Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_164" name="footnoteb_164"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_164">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Ale,' Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_164" name="footnote2_164"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_164">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_164" name="footnote3_164"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_164">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_164" name="footnote4_164"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_164">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_164" name="footnote5_164"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_164">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1637-1639.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_164" name="footnote6_164"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_164">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_164" name="footnote7_164"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_164">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. fo. 61, note 7, edition O'Keeffe and Strachan.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_164" name="footnotec_164"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_164">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Fergus' answer, eight lines in <i>rosc</i>, LU. page 61, note 7, edition +of Strachan and O'Keeffe (these lines are not in YBL.), has been +omitted in the translation.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 165</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_165" name="footnote1_165"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_165">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_165" name="footnote2_165"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_165">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_165" name="footnote3_165"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_165">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_165" name="footnote4_165"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_165">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_165" name="footnote5_165"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_165">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1640-1641.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_165" name="footnote6_165"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_165">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_165" name="footnote7_165"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_165">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_165" name="footnote8_165"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_165">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1643.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_165" name="footnote9_165"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_165">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1642.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_165" name="footnote10_165"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_165">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1644.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_165" name="footnote11_165"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_165">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1645-1647.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_165" name="footnotea_165"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_165">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>In Eg. 93, this is said by Medb.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_165" name="footnote12_165"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_165">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1647-1708 and Eg. 93 (<i>Revue Celtique</i>, t. xv. 1894, +pp. 64-66).</p></div> + +<h3>Page 166</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_166" name="footnote1_166"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_166">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_166" name="footnote2_166"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_166">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 167</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_167" name="footnotea_167"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_167">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>With a play on the name <i>Focherd</i>, as is explained in the +following paragraph.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_167" name="footnoteb_167"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_167">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Here follow six lines in <i>rosc</i>, 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.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_167" name="footnote1_167"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_167">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_167" name="footnote2_167"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_167">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 168</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_168" name="footnote1_168"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_168">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1709 and Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_168" name="footnote2_168"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_168">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and LU. 1709.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_168" name="footnote3_168"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_168">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_168" name="footnote4_168"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_168">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and, partly, YBL. 1711.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_168" name="footnote5_168"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_168">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 1711.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_168" name="footnote6_168"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_168">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1711.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_168" name="footnote7_168"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_168">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1712.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_168" name="footnote8_168"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_168">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1712.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_168" name="footnote9_168"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_168">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_168" name="footnote10_168"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_168">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_168" name="footnote11_168"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_168">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_168" name="footnote12_168"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_168">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>See page <a href="#Page_165">165</a>, note 12.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_168" name="footnotea_168"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_168">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Edited by Wh. Stokes and E. Windisch, in <i>Irische Texte</i>, +Bd. II, SS. 241-254.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote13_168" name="footnote13_168"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag13_168">[13-13]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote14_168" name="footnote14_168"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag14_168">[14-14]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote15_168" name="footnote15_168"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag15_168">[15-15]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 169</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_169" name="footnote1_169"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_169">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1722.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_169" name="footnote2_169"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_169">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1722.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_169" name="footnote3_169"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_169">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_169" name="footnote4_169"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_169">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_169" name="footnote5_169"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_169">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_169" name="footnote6_169"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_169">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1713.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_169" name="footnote7_169"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_169">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1713.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_169" name="footnote8_169"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_169">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_169" name="footnote9_169"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_169">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_169" name="footnote10_169"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_169">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_169" name="footnote11_169"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_169">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1714.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_169" name="footnote12_169"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_169">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote13_169" name="footnote13_169"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag13_169">[13-13]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote14_169" name="footnote14_169"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag14_169">[14-14]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_169" name="footnotea_169"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_169">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Sword,' LU. and YBL. 1734.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote15_169" name="footnote15_169"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag15_169">[15-15]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1714.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote16_169" name="footnote16_169"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag16_169">[16-16]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU., edition of Strachan and O'Keeffe, p. 63, note 17. Similarly, +YBL. 1714-1716, and Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 170</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_170" name="footnote1_170"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_170">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. fo. 63, note 19, edit. Strachan and O'Keeffe, and Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_170" name="footnote2_170"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_170">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1716.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_170" name="footnote3_170"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_170">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_170" name="footnote4_170"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_170">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1717.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_170" name="footnote5_170"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_170">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_170" name="footnote6_170"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_170">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1717.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_170" name="footnote7_170"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_170">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_170" name="footnote8_170"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_170">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1718-1720.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_170" name="footnote9_170"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_170">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_170" name="footnote10_170"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_170">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_170" name="footnote11_170"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_170">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1721.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_170" name="footnote12_170"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_170">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17, and, similarly, LU. and YBL. 1721.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote13_170" name="footnote13_170"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag13_170">[13-13]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_170" name="footnotea_170"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_170">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The three stanzas of this lay in YBL. (four in LU.) are found, +with slight changes, in the lay on page <a href="#Page_172">172</a>fl.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote14_170" name="footnote14_170"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag14_170">[14-14]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1732.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 171</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_171" name="footnote1_171"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_171">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_171" name="footnote2_171"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_171">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1735-1736.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_171" name="footnote3_171"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_171">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_171" name="footnote4_171"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_171">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_171" name="footnote5_171"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_171">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_171" name="footnote6_171"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_171">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_171" name="footnote7_171"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_171">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_171" name="footnote8_171"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_171">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_171" name="footnote9_171"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_171">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_171" name="footnote10_171"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_171">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_171" name="footnote11_171"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_171">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. fo. 77a, in the margin.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 172</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_172" name="footnote1_172"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_172">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1739-1743.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_172" name="footnotea_172"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_172">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally 'repentance.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_172" name="footnote2_172"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_172">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_172" name="footnote3_172"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_172">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_172" name="footnote4_172"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_172">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_172" name="footnote5_172"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_172">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_172" name="footnote6_172"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_172">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_172" name="footnoteb_172"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_172">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Physician to King Conchobar.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 173</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_173" name="footnotea_173"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_173">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Following Windisch's emended reading of LL.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_173" name="footnoteb_173"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_173">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>See above, page <a href="#Page_168">168</a>, note a.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_173" name="footnotec_173"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_173">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally, 'liver.'</p></div> + +<h3>Page 174</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_174" name="footnotea_174"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_174">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, the 'barbed' spear.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_174" name="footnote1_174"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_174">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with MS. Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_174" name="footnoteb_174"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_174">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, Medb.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_174" name="footnotec_174"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_174">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, the followers of Ailill.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1a_174" name="footnote1a_174"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1a_174">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. page 64, note 5, edition of Strachan and O'Keeffe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_174" name="footnote2_174"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_174">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 175</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_175" name="footnote1_175"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_175">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>This heading is supplied by Windisch.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_175" name="footnote2_175"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_175">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_175" name="footnotea_175"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_175">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1764, H. 2. 17 and Eg. 93 have for this, <i>Mebul</i>, 'Shame.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_175" name="footnote3_175"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_175">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1767.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_175" name="footnote4_175"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_175">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_175" name="footnote5_175"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_175">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1766-1767.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_175" name="footnote6_175"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_175">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1759-1760.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_175" name="footnote7_175"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_175">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1761-1765.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_175" name="footnote8_175"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_175">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 176</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_176" name="footnote1_176"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_176">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_176" name="footnote2_176"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_176">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1745.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_176" name="footnote3_176"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_176">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 177</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_177" name="footnote1_177"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_177">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. fo. 77a, in the margin.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_177" name="footnote2_177"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_177">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_177" name="footnote3_177"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_177">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_177" name="footnote4_177"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_177">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1748.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_177" name="footnote5_177"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_177">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_177" name="footnote6_177"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_177">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_177" name="footnotea_177"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_177">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading <i>fiadnaisse</i>.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_177" name="footnote7_177"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_177">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_177" name="footnote8_177"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_177">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_177" name="footnote9_177"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_177">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_177" name="footnote10_177"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_177">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_177" name="footnote11_177"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_177">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_177" name="footnote12_177"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_177">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1753.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 178</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_178" name="footnote1_178"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_178">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_178" name="footnote2_178"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_178">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_178" name="footnote3_178"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_178">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_178" name="footnote4_178"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_178">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17 and Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_178" name="footnote5_178"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_178">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL 1755.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_178" name="footnote6_178"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_178">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>A gloss incorporated in the text of LL., LU., YBL., Stowe, +H. 2. 17. and Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_178" name="footnote7_178"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_178">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_178" name="footnote8_178"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_178">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_178" name="footnote9_178"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_178">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1755-1758.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_178" name="footnote10_178"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_178">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_178" name="footnote11_178"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_178">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_178" name="footnote12_178"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_178">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote13_178" name="footnote13_178"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag13_178">[13-13]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1768.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote14_178" name="footnote14_178"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag14_178">[14-14]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1769.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 179</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_179" name="footnote1_179"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_179">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_179" name="footnote2_179"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_179">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17, and, similarly, LU. 1771.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 180</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_180" name="footnote1_180"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_180">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_180" name="footnote2_180"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_180">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_180" name="footnote3_180"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_180">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_180" name="footnote4_180"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_180">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Translating from Stowe, H. 2. 17 and Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 181</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_181" name="footnote1_181"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_181">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, and LL., in the margin.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_181" name="footnote2_181"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_181">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_181" name="footnote3_181"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_181">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_181" name="footnote4_181"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_181">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_181" name="footnotea_181"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_181">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Of gold,' Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_181" name="footnote5_181"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_181">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_181" name="footnote6_181"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_181">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_181" name="footnote7_181"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_181">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 182</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_182" name="footnote1_182"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_182">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_182" name="footnote2_182"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_182">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_182" name="footnote3_182"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_182">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1803-1807, and, similarly, Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_182" name="footnote4_182"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_182">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1810-1811.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_182" name="footnote5_182"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_182">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. fo. 78a, in the margin; also in H. 2. 17. and Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_182" name="footnotea_182"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_182">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Hallowtide, the first of November and the beginning of +winter.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_182" name="footnoteb_182"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_182">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>I.e. Candlemas. Stowe contains a Christian addition: 'to the +feast of Brigit;' that is, the first of February.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 183</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_183" name="footnote1_183"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_183">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1826.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 184</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_184" name="footnotea_184"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_184">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The LU. version of this episode was given above under <span class="sc">XIIe</span>, +page <a href="#Page_143">143</a>.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_184" name="footnote1_184"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_184">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_184" name="footnote2_184"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_184">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_184" name="footnote3_184"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_184">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_184" name="footnoteb_184"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_184">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally, 'crimson.'</p></div> + +<h3>Page 185</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_185" name="footnote1_185"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_185">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_185" name="footnote2_185"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_185">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_185" name="footnote3_185"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_185">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_185" name="footnote4_185"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_185">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_185" name="footnotea_185"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_185">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>A pet name for Cuchulain.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_185" name="footnote5_185"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_185">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 186</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_186" name="footnote1_186"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_186">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_186" name="footnote2_186"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_186">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_186" name="footnote3_186"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_186">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 187</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_187" name="footnote1_187"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_187">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_187" name="footnote2_187"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_187">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and LU. 1874.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_187" name="footnote3_187"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_187">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17 and Eg. 93, instead of, 'Darius.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_187" name="footnote4_187"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_187">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_187" name="footnote5_187"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_187">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 188</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_188" name="footnote1_188"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_188">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>There is a gap in the MS., and these words are supplied from +the context.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_188" name="footnote2_188"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_188">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_188" name="footnote3_188"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_188">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_188" name="footnotea_188"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_188">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, the piled up bodies of the slain.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_188" name="footnote4_188"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_188">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_188" name="footnotec_188"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_188">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Of Erin,' Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_188" name="footnoteb_188"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_188">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Eight and twenty,'. Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 189</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_189" name="footnote1_189"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_189">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_189" name="footnote2_189"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_189">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_189" name="footnote3_189"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_189">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1914.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_189" name="footnote4_189"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_189">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_189" name="footnote5_189"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_189">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 190</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_190" name="footnote1_190"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_190">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_190" name="footnote2_190"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_190">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_190" name="footnote3_190"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_190">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and LU. 1927.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_190" name="footnote4_190"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_190">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_190" name="footnote5_190"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_190">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_190" name="footnote6_190"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_190">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 191</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_191" name="footnote1_191"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_191">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_191" name="footnote2_191"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_191">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_191" name="footnote3_191"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_191">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_191" name="footnote4_191"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_191">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_191" name="footnote5_191"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_191">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_191" name="footnotea_191"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_191">[a-a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>A kenning for 'swords.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_191" name="footnote6_191"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_191">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_191" name="footnote7_191"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_191">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1958-1959.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 192</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_192" name="footnote1_192"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_192">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_192" name="footnote2_192"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_192">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_192" name="footnote3_192"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_192">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_192" name="footnote4_192"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_192">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_192" name="footnote5_192"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_192">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 193</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_193" name="footnote1_193"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_193">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_193" name="footnote2_193"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_193">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_193" name="footnote3_193"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_193">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1996.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_193" name="footnotea_193"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_193">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Or, 'Ploughland of the Great Slaughter.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_193" name="footnote4_193"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_193">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 194</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_194" name="footnote1_194"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_194">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_194" name="footnote2_194"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_194">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 2010.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_194" name="footnoteb_194"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_194">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Nineteen and nine-score,' H. 2. 17 and Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_194" name="footnote3_194"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_194">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_194" name="footnote4_194"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_194">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_194" name="footnote5_194"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_194">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU., edition of Strachan and O'Keeffe, page 72, note 19.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 195</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_195" name="footnote1_195"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_195">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. fo. 81a, in the margin.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_195" name="footnote2_195"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_195">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_195" name="footnotea_195"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_195">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>A general term for poets, singers, seers and druids.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_195" name="footnote3_195"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_195">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_195" name="footnote4_195"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_195">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 196</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_196" name="footnote1_196"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_196">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2040.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_196" name="footnote2_196"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_196">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2043.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_196" name="footnote3_196"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_196">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 2045.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_196" name="footnote4_196"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_196">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 2046.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_196" name="footnote5_196"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_196">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 2050.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_196" name="footnote6_196"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_196">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 1205.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_196" name="footnote7_196"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_196">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 2052.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_196" name="footnote8_196"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_196">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL, added later above the line.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 198</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_198" name="footnotea_198"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_198">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>This superscription is not found in the MSS.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_198" name="footnote1_198"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_198">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_198" name="footnoteb_198"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_198">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally, 'the Chafer (or Scorpion?).'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_198" name="footnote2_198"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_198">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_198" name="footnote3_198"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_198">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_198" name="footnotec_198"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_198">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Eight,' LU. and YBL. 2060.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoted_198" name="footnoted_198"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagd_198">[d]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Nine,' LU. and YBL. 2061, H. 2. 17 and Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 199</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_199" name="footnotea_199"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_199">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The reference is to the maidens of Emain Macha slain by Dubthach +in punishment for the death of the sons of Usnech.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_199" name="footnoteb_199"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_199">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, Dubthach.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_199" name="footnotec_199"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_199">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, Cuchulain.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 200</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_200" name="footnote1_200"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_200">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 2077.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_200" name="footnote2_200"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_200">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading: <i>Betit buind fri brannfossaib</i>.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_200" name="footnote3_200"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_200">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>This quatrain is almost identical with the one translated on +page <a href="#Page_199">199</a>.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_200" name="footnotea_200"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_200">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>A very obscure and fragmentary passage in LU. and YBL. +(lines 2083-2106, edition of Strachan and O'Keeffe, lacking in +Eg. 93, <i>Revue Celtique</i>, tome xv, page 204), consisting of a series of +short strains in <i>rosc</i> spoken in turn by Ailill, Medb, Gabran the +poet, and Fergus, is omitted in the translation.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 201</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_201" name="footnote1_201"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_201">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. fo. 82a, in the margin.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_201" name="footnote2_201"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_201">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 2135-2136.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_201" name="footnote3_201"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_201">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_201" name="footnote4_201"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_201">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 2137.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_201" name="footnote5_201"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_201">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 2139.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 202</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_202" name="footnote1_202"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_202">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 2114-2128.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 203</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_203" name="footnotea_203"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_203">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The 'White-horned.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_203" name="footnoteb_203"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_203">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The 'Brown of Cualnge.'</p></div> + +<h3>Page 204</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_204" name="footnote1_204"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_204">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 2129.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_204" name="footnote2_204"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_204">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 2131.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_204" name="footnote3_204"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_204">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_204" name="footnote4_204"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_204">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 205</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_205" name="footnote1_205"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_205">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. fo. 82b, in the margin.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_205" name="footnote2_205"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_205">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 2141.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_205" name="footnote3_205"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_205">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17., LU. and YBL. 2142-2143.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_205" name="footnote4_205"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_205">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_205" name="footnote5_205"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_205">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_205" name="footnote6_205"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_205">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_205" name="footnote7_205"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_205">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_205" name="footnote8_205"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_205">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17 and Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_205" name="footnote9_205"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_205">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_205" name="footnote10_205"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_205">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_205" name="footnote11_205"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_205">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 206</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_206" name="footnote1_206"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_206">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 2145-2146.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_206" name="footnote2_206"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_206">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 2147.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_206" name="footnote3_206"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_206">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_206" name="footnote4_206"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_206">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_206" name="footnote5_206"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_206">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_206" name="footnote6_206"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_206">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_206" name="footnotea_206"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_206">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>See above, page <a href="#Page_99">99</a>.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_206" name="footnote7_206"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_206">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_206" name="footnote8_206"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_206">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with Stowe; LL. has 'on the slope.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_206" name="footnote9_206"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_206">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_206" name="footnote10_206"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_206">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 207</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_207" name="footnote1_207"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_207">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_207" name="footnote2_207"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_207">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_207" name="footnote3_207"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_207">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_207" name="footnote4_207"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_207">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_207" name="footnote5_207"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_207">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_207" name="footnote6_207"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_207">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 2154-2155.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_207" name="footnote7_207"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_207">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_207" name="footnote8_207"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_207">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_207" name="footnote9_207"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_207">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_207" name="footnote10_207"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_207">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 2157.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_207" name="footnote11_207"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_207">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_207" name="footnote12_207"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_207">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 208</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_208" name="footnote1_208"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_208">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_208" name="footnotea_208"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_208">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>A traditional tag; it occurs again, page <a href="#Page_216">216</a>.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_208" name="footnote2_208"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_208">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. and YBL. 2158-2159.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 209</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_209" name="footnote1_209"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_209">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_209" name="footnotea_209"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_209">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Thirteen,' LU. and YBL. 2161, and Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_209" name="footnote2_209"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_209">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 210</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_210" name="footnote1_210"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_210">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_210" name="footnote2_210"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_210">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_210" name="footnote3_210"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_210">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_210" name="footnote4_210"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_210">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_210" name="footnote5_210"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_210">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_210" name="footnote6_210"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_210">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_210" name="footnote7_210"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_210">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_210" name="footnote8_210"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_210">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_210" name="footnote9_210"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_210">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 93.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 211</h3> + + +<a id="footnote1_211" name="footnote1_211"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_211">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU., fo. 82, in the margin.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_211" name="footnote2_211"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_211">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL., and, partly, LU. 2163-2181. Here the LU. version +breaks off, fo. 82b.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 213</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_213" name="footnote1_213"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_213">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The title is taken from the colophon at the end of the chapter.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_213" name="footnotea_213"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_213">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Nephew.' Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_213" name="footnote2_213"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_213">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_213" name="footnote3_213"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_213">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_213" name="footnote4_213"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_213">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 214</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_214" name="footnote1_214"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_214">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_214" name="footnote2_214"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_214">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 215</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_215" name="footnote1_215"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_215">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_215" name="footnote2_215"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_215">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2186.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_215" name="footnote3_215"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_215">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2187.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_215" name="footnote4_215"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_215">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_215" name="footnote5_215"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_215">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2187-2188.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_215" name="footnote6_215"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_215">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2190.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_215" name="footnote7_215"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_215">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2190-2191.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_215" name="footnote8_215"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_215">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2193.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 216</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_216" name="footnotea_216"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_216">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>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.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_216" name="footnote1_216"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_216">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2194-2196.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_216" name="footnote2_216"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_216">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_216" name="footnote3_216"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_216">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2198.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_216" name="footnote4_216"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_216">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2198.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_216" name="footnoteb_216"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_216">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'South,' YBL. 2184.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_216" name="footnotec_216"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_216">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>See page <a href="#Page_208">208</a>, note <i>a</i>.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_216" name="footnote5_216"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_216">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2196.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_216" name="footnote6_216"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_216">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_216" name="footnote7_216"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_216">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2196-2197.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 217</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_217" name="footnote1_217"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_217">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and YBL. 2200 and Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_217" name="footnote2_217"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_217">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_217" name="footnotea_217"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_217">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>See note p. <a href="#Page_182">182</a>.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_217" name="footnote3_217"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_217">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2203.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_217" name="footnote4_217"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_217">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2202.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_217" name="footnote5_217"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_217">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_217" name="footnote6_217"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_217">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2204-2206.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 218</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_218" name="footnote1_218"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_218">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_218" name="footnote2_218"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_218">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_218" name="footnote3_218"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_218">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2208-2209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_218" name="footnote4_218"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_218">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_218" name="footnote5_218"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_218">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_218" name="footnote6_218"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_218">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, Eg. 106, Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_218" name="footnotea_218"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_218">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally, 'the cheek-blisterers.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_218" name="footnote7_218"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_218">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2213.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_218" name="footnote8_218"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_218">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2214.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 219</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_219" name="footnote1_219"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_219">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_219" name="footnote2_219"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_219">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2214.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_219" name="footnote3_219"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_219">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2215.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_219" name="footnote4_219"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_219">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_219" name="footnote5_219"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_219">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_219" name="footnote6_219"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_219">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_219" name="footnote7_219"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_219">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2216-2221.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_219" name="footnote8_219"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_219">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_219" name="footnote9_219"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_219">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2221-2225.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_219" name="footnotea_219"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_219">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Thrice seven,' YBL. 2226, Stowe, and Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 220</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_220" name="footnote1_220"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_220">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2227.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_220" name="footnote2_220"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_220">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2228.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_220" name="footnote3_220"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_220">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>In LL. this passage is reported in indirect discourse; consequently, +instead of 'thy,' LL. has 'his.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_220" name="footnote4_220"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_220">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2229-2231.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_220" name="footnote5_220"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_220">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2231-2232.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_220" name="footnote6_220"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_220">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2232-2234.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 221</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_221" name="footnotea_221"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_221">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Translating from Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 222</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_222" name="footnote1_222"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_222">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106 (<i>Revue Celtique,</i> t. x, page 339). The metre is changed +designedly to agree with the original.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_222" name="footnotea_222"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_222">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>MS. 'ye.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_222" name="footnoteb_222"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_222">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Referring to Ferdiad's horn-skin.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_222" name="footnotec_222"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_222">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally, 'calf.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_222" name="footnote2_222"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_222">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, Add. 18,748 and Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_222" name="footnote3_222"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_222">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2234.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 223</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_223" name="footnote1_223"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_223">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106, Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_223" name="footnote2_223"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_223">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_223" name="footnotea_223"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_223">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The word is illegible in the manuscript.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_223" name="footnote3_223"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_223">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 224</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_224" name="footnote1_224"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_224">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_224" name="footnote3_224"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_224">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_224" name="footnote4_224"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_224">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2238.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_224" name="footnote5_224"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_224">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2242.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_224" name="footnote6_224"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_224">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_224" name="footnote7_224"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_224">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_224" name="footnote8_224"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_224">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_224" name="footnote9_224"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_224">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_224" name="footnote10_224"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_224">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2244.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_224" name="footnote11_224"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_224">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2247.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_224" name="footnote12_224"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_224">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 2248.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 225</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_225" name="footnote1_225"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_225">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_225" name="footnote2_225"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_225">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, Eg. 209 and Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_225" name="footnote3_225"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_225">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>A gloss, in LL.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_225" name="footnote4_225"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_225">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. fo. 36a, 21-36.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_225" name="footnote5_225"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_225">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. fo. 36a, 38.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_225" name="footnote6_225"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_225">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_225" name="footnote7_225"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_225">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. fo. 36a, 39-36b, 15.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 226</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_226" name="footnote1_226"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_226">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 36b, 27-28.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_226" name="footnote7_226"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_225">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>See note <a href="#footnote7_225">7</a>, page 225.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 227</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_227" name="footnote1_227"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_227">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 36b, 18-24.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_227" name="footnote2_227"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_227">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally, 'I say our confession.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_227" name="footnote3_227"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_227">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, Eg. 209, Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_227" name="footnote4_227"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_227">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_227" name="footnote5_227"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_227">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_227" name="footnote6_227"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_227">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. fo. 36b, 38.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_227" name="footnote7_227"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_227">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_227" name="footnote8_227"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_227">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_227" name="footnote9_227"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_227">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Eg. 209, and, similarly, YBL. 36b, 37.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_227" name="footnote10_227"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_227">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_227" name="footnote11_227"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_227">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_227" name="footnote12_227"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_227">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 36b, 38-43.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 228</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_228" name="footnotea_228"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_228">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13: 'before'; YBL. 36b, 24: 'after.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_228" name="footnoteb_228"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_228">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Till Wednesday after Spring,' is the reading of H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_228" name="footnote1_228"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_228">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 36b, 25-26.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_228" name="footnote2_228"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_228">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_228" name="footnote3_228"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_228">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, and, similarly, Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_228" name="footnote4_228"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_228">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_228" name="footnotec_228"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_228">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally, 'no meagre sail.'</p></div> + +<h3>Page 229</h3> + +<a id="footnoteb_229" name="footnoteb_229"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_229">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Or, 'which quatrains love (?),' a cheville.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_229" name="footnote1_229"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_229">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 37a, 22.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_229" name="footnote2_229"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_229">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_229" name="footnote3_229"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_229">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_229" name="footnote4_229"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_229">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 37a, 29-39, and, similarly, Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_229" name="footnote5_229"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_229">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_229" name="footnote6_229"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_229">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 230</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_230" name="footnote1_230"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_230">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_230" name="footnote2_230"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_230">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_230" name="footnote3_230"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_230">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_230" name="footnote5_230"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_230">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_230" name="footnote6_230"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_230">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LL., with the help of Stowe; LL. being partly illegible here.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_230" name="footnote7_230"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_230">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, and, similarly, Eg. 209, Eg. 106 and YBL. 37a, 43.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_230" name="footnote8_230"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_230">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 37a, 43.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_230" name="footnote9_230"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_230">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_230" name="footnote10_230"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_230">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_230" name="footnote11_230"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_230">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 37a, 47-37b, 5.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 231</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_231" name="footnote1_231"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_231">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, Eg. 106 and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_231" name="footnote2_231"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_231">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 37b, 7.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_231" name="footnotea_231"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_231">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>MSS.: 'ye.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_231" name="footnote3_231"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_231">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, and, similarly, Eg. 106, Eg. 109 and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_231" name="footnote4_231"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_231">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, and, similarly, Eg. 209, Eg. 106 and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_231" name="footnote5_231"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_231">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_231" name="footnote6_231"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_231">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 37b, 9.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_231" name="footnote7_231"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_231">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 37b, 10.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 232</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_232" name="footnotea_232"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_232">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>MS.: 'his.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_232" name="footnote1_232"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_232">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 37b, 22.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_232" name="footnote2_232"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_232">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 37b, 24.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_232" name="footnote3_232"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_232">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 37b, 25-38a, 25.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_233" name="footnote1_233"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_233">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 234</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_234" name="footnote1_234"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_234">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_234" name="footnote2_234"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_234">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_234" name="footnote3_234"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_234">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and YBL. 38a, 28.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_234" name="footnote4_234"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_234">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_234" name="footnote5_234"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_234">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, and, similarly Eg. 209 and Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_234" name="footnote6_234"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_234">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 38a, 30.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_234" name="footnote7_234"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_234">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_234" name="footnote8_234"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_234">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_234" name="footnote9_234"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_234">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 38a, 31-32.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 235</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_235" name="footnote1_235"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_235">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>From Stowe; LL. is illegible here.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_235" name="footnote2_235"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_235">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_235" name="footnote3_235"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_235">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_235" name="footnote4_235"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_235">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 38a, 35.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_235" name="footnote5_235"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_235">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_235" name="footnote6_235"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_235">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and, similarly, Eg. 209, Eg. 106 and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_235" name="footnotea_235"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_235">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p><i>Baile in bile</i>, MSS.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_235" name="footnoteb_235"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_235">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>A shortened form for 'Cuchulain.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_235" name="footnotec_235"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_235">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally, 'battle, strife.'</p></div> + +<h3>Page 236</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_236" name="footnote1_236"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_236">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 38b, 46-57.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_236" name="footnotea_236"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_236">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The meaning is obscure.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_236" name="footnoteb_236"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_236">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally, 'torn.'</p></div> + +<h3>Page 237</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_237" name="footnote1_237"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_237">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>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 +(<i>Revue Celtique</i>, xi, 25) contain more adjectives.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_237" name="footnote2_237"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_237">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 38a, 51-52.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_237" name="footnote3_237"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_237">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 38b, 1-3.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_237" name="footnote4_237"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_237">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1973.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_237" name="footnote5_237"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_237">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_237" name="footnote6_237"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_237">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 38b. 19-21.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_237" name="footnote7_237"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_237">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1972.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_237" name="footnote8_237"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_237">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1973.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_237" name="footnote9_237"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_237">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1973.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_237" name="footnote10_237"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_237">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_237" name="footnotea_237"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_237">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally, 'bagnosed.'</p></div> + +<h3>Page 238</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_238" name="footnote1_238"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_238">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_238" name="footnote2_238"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_238">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 38b, 21-44.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 239</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_239" name="footnote1_239"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_239">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_239" name="footnote2_239"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_239">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_239" name="footnote3_239"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_239">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_239" name="footnote4_239"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_239">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 39a. 14.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 240</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_240" name="footnotea_240"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_240">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, King Conchobar.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_240" name="footnote1_240"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_240">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>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.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_240" name="footnote2_240"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_240">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with YBL. 39a, 34.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_240" name="footnoteb_240"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_240">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally, 'it will go over and through them!'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_240" name="footnote3_240"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_240">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Translating from YBL. fo. 39a, 41.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 241</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_241" name="footnote1_241"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_241">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally, '(For) thou art not a bush (i.e. a hero) over a +bush (hero).'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_241" name="footnote2_241"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_241">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, and, similarly, Eg. 209 and Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_241" name="footnote3_241"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_241">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, and, similarly, Eg. 209 and Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_241" name="footnote4_241"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_241">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, and, similarly, Eg. 209 and Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_241" name="footnote5_241"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_241">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, and, similarly, Eg. 209 and Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 242</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_242" name="footnotea_242"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_242">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, Queen Medb.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_243" name="footnote1_243"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_243">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, and, similarly, Eg. 106 and Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_243" name="footnote2_243"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_243">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, and, similarly, Eg. 106 and Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_243" name="footnote3_243"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_243">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 244</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_244" name="footnote1_244"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_244">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_244" name="footnote2_244"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_244">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 12.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 245</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_245" name="footnote1_245"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_245">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 12.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_245" name="footnote2_245"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_245">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 12.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_245" name="footnote3_245"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_245">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 12.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_245" name="footnote4_245"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_245">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 12.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_245" name="footnote5_245"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_245">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 12.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_245" name="footnotea_245"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_245">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>See note, page <a href="#Page_185">185</a>.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 247</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_247" name="footnote1_247"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_247">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_247" name="footnote2_247"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_247">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_247" name="footnote3_247"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_247">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 209 and Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 248</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_248" name="footnotea_248"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_248">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>An unusual colour of the hair betokened misfortune.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_248" name="footnote1_248"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_248">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 249</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_249" name="footnote1_249"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_249">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_249" name="footnote2_249"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_249">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_249" name="footnote3_249"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_249">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_249" name="footnote4_249"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_249">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 250</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_250" name="footnote1_250"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_250">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_250" name="footnote2_250"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_250">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 2. 12.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_250" name="footnote3_250"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_250">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_250" name="footnote4_250"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_250">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 251</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_251" name="footnote1_251"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_251">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with Egerton 106, which gives better sense than +LL.'s 'brilliant plants.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_251" name="footnote2_251"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_251">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_251" name="footnote3_251"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_251">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_251" name="footnote4_251"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_251">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 252</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_252" name="footnote1_252"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_252">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_252" name="footnote2_252"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_252">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_252" name="footnote3_252"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_252">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_252" name="footnote4_252"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_252">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_252" name="footnote5_252"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_252">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 253</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_253" name="footnote1_253"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_253">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_253" name="footnote2_253"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_253">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_253" name="footnote3_253"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_253">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_253" name="footnote4_253"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_253">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 255</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_255" name="footnote1_255"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_255">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13. Eg. 106 and Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_255" name="footnote2_255"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_255">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_255" name="footnote3_255"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_255">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_255" name="footnote4_255"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_255">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_255" name="footnotea_255"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_255">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, the Milesians, the ancestors of the Irish.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 256</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_256" name="footnotea_256"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_256">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Cuchulain was partly of divine birth, on one side the son of +Lugh lámh-fhada ('Lug long-hand'), the Irish sun-god; on the earthly +side he had also a mortal father, Sualtaim or Sualtach.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_256" name="footnote1_256"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_256">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>See note 1, page <a href="#Page_255">255</a>.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_256" name="footnote2_256"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_256">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_256" name="footnote3_256"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_256">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 257</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_257" name="footnotea_257"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_257">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Twenty four,' YBL. 39b, 23, and Eg. 106; but 'five,' Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_257" name="footnote1_257"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_257">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_257" name="footnote2_257"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_257">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, Eg. 106, Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_257" name="footnote3_257"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_257">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_257" name="footnote4_257"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_257">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_257" name="footnote5_257"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_257">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_257" name="footnote6_257"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_257">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_257" name="footnoteb_257"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_257">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Ferdiad's charioteer.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_257" name="footnotec_257"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_257">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Cuchulain's charioteer.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_257" name="footnote7_257"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_257">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_257" name="footnote8_257"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_257">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 258</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_258" name="footnote1_258"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_258">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_258" name="footnote3_258"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_258">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_258" name="footnote4_258"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_258">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 259</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_259" name="footnote1_259"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_259">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_259" name="footnote2_259"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_259">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>See note 2, page <a href="#Page_257">257</a>.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_259" name="footnote3_259"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_259">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_259" name="footnote4_259"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_259">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_259" name="footnote5_259"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_259">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_259" name="footnote6_259"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_259">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 39b, 20.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_259" name="footnote7_259"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_259">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_259" name="footnote8_259"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_259">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_259" name="footnote9_259"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_259">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 260</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_260" name="footnote1_260"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_260">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_260" name="footnote2_260"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_260">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_260" name="footnote3_260"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_260">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_260" name="footnotea_260"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_260">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading <i>taobh re taobh</i>.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_260" name="footnoteb_260"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_260">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Omitting <i>seng</i>; the line has a syllable too many in the original.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_260" name="footnote4_260"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_260">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106 (<i>Revue Celtique</i>, tome xi, p. 327).</p></div> + +<h3>Page 261</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_261" name="footnote1_261"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_261">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 106.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_261" name="footnotea_261"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_261">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, in Ulster. Stowe and Eg. 106 read '(with his face) to +the south.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_261" name="footnoteb_261"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_261">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, in Connacht.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_261" name="footnote2_261"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_261">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 262</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_262" name="footnote1_262"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_262">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_262" name="footnote2_262"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_262">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The order of these two paragraphs is that of Stowe; they +are found in the reverse order in LL.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_262" name="footnote3_262"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_262">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_262" name="footnote4_262"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_262">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 263</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_263" name="footnote1_263"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_263">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>This difficult sentence is composed of two alliterating groups, +which it is impossible to follow in the translation.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_263" name="footnotea_263"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_263">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, the battle breach.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_263" name="footnoteb_263"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_263">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, the fury of war and carnage which appeared in the form +of a carrion crow.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_263" name="footnote2_263"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_263">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, Eg. 106 and Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_263" name="footnotec_263"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_263">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, Conlaech.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 264</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_264" name="footnote1_264"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_264">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_264" name="footnote2_264"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_264">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_264" name="footnote3_264"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_264">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_264" name="footnotea_264"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_264">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with YBL. 39b, 31, as more intelligible than the 'chess-board' +of LL., which occurs in the next stanza.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_264" name="footnote4_264"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_264">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 39b, 31-33.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 265</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_265" name="footnote1_265"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_265">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 39b, 35-39.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_265" name="footnotea_265"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_265">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>A term of endearment which survives in Modern Irish.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_265" name="footnoteb_265"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_265">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, Ferbaeth.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_265" name="footnotec_265"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_265">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, as prisoners.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 266</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_266" name="footnotea_266"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_266">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Referring to the Celtic custom of binding an alliance by each +of the parties thereto drinking the blood of the other.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 267</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_267" name="footnotea_267"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_267">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, Ferdiad.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_267" name="footnoteb_267"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_267">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>An old name for Ireland.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_267" name="footnote1_267"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_267">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Eg. 209.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 268</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_268" name="footnote1_268"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_268">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>This sub-title is supplied by Windisch.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_268" name="footnote2_268"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_268">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 40a, 1-2.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_268" name="footnote3_268"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_268">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 40a, 3.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_268" name="footnote4_268"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_268">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_268" name="footnote5_268"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_268">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 269</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_269" name="footnote1_269"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_269">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>This heading is taken from the colophon of the episode.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_269" name="footnote2_269"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_269">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 40a, 9-12.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_269" name="footnote3_269"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_269">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 40a, 12-13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_269" name="footnote4_269"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_269">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 40a, 12-14.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_269" name="footnote5_269"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_269">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_269" name="footnote6_269"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_269">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 270</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_270" name="footnote1_270"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_270">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, and YBL. 41a, 10.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_270" name="footnote2_270"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_270">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 41a, 11.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_270" name="footnote3_270"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_270">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 41a, 15.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_270" name="footnote4_270"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_270">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 40a, 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_270" name="footnote5_270"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_270">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 40a, 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_270" name="footnote6_270"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_270">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 40a, 18.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_270" name="footnote7_270"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_270">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_270" name="footnote8_270"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_270">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and YBL. 41a, 10.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_270" name="footnote9_270"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_270">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_270" name="footnote10_270"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_270">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_270" name="footnote11_270"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_270">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>I have translated from the more circumstantial account in +Stowe. LL. has, simply, 'his entrails and bowels outside on him.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_270" name="footnote12_270"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_270">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 40a, 21.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote13_270" name="footnote13_270"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag13_270">[13-13]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 40a, 22.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote14_270" name="footnote14_270"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag14_270">[14-14]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 40a, 23-24.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote15_270" name="footnote15_270"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag15_270">[15-15]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 271</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_271" name="footnote1_271"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_271">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 40a, 29.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_271" name="footnote2_271"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_271">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_271" name="footnote3_271"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_271">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 40a, 31-33.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_271" name="footnotea_271"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_271">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Fifty or fifteen,' YBL. 40a, 35.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 272</h3> + +<a id="footnote4_272" name="footnote4_272"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_271">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. 18,748.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_272" name="footnote1_272"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_272">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_272" name="footnote2_272"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_272">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 40a, 40.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_272" name="footnote3_272"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_272">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 273</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_273" name="footnote1_273"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_273">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The heading is taken from LL.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_273" name="footnote2_273"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_273">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_273" name="footnote3_273"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_273">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_273" name="footnote4_273"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_273">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 41b, 19.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_273" name="footnote5_273"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_273">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 274</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_274" name="footnote1_274"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_274">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_274" name="footnote2_274"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_274">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 41b, 5.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_274" name="footnote3_274"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_274">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_274" name="footnote4_274"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_274">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_274" name="footnote5_274"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_274">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 41b, 21-26.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_274" name="footnote6_274"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_274">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_274" name="footnote7_274"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_274">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 275</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_275" name="footnote1_275"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_275">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 41b, 30.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_275" name="footnote2_275"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_275">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_275" name="footnote3_275"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_275">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_275" name="footnote4_275"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_275">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 41b, 41.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_275" name="footnote5_275"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_275">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 276</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_276" name="footnote1_276"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_276">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 42a, 28.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_276" name="footnote2_276"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_276">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 42a, 30-31.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_276" name="footnote3_276"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_276">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 277</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_277" name="footnote1_277"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_277">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_277" name="footnote2_277"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_277">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_277" name="footnote3_277"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_277">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and YBL. 42a, 1.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_277" name="footnote4_277"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_277">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_277" name="footnote5_277"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_277">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_277" name="footnote6_277"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_277">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 278</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_278" name="footnote1_278"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_278">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_278" name="footnote2_278"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_278">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 42a, 50-51.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_278" name="footnotea_278"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_278">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, 'extreme or drastic.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_278" name="footnote3_278"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_278">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 279</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_279" name="footnote1_279"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_279">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 42b, 7.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_279" name="footnote2_279"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_279">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 42b, 8-9.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_279" name="footnote3_279"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_279">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 42b, 10-11.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_279" name="footnote4_279"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_279">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 42b, 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_279" name="footnote5_279"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_279">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 42b, 14.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_279" name="footnote6_279"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_279">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 42b, 16.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_279" name="footnote7_279"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_279">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 42b, 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_279" name="footnote8_279"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_279">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 42b, 18-19.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_279" name="footnotea_279"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_279">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>See above, page <a href="#Page_272">272</a>.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 280</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_280" name="footnote1_280"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_280">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_280" name="footnote2_280"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_280">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_280" name="footnote3_280"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_280">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 42b, 20.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_280" name="footnote4_280"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_280">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 42b, 22.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_280" name="footnote5_280"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_280">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_280" name="footnote6_280"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_280">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_280" name="footnote7_280"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_280">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_280" name="footnote8_280"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_280">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 42b, 24.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_280" name="footnote9_280"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_280">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_280" name="footnote10_280"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_280">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_280" name="footnote11_280"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_280">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 42b, 29-30.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 281</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_281" name="footnotea_281"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_281">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Omitting <i>i tri</i>, 'in three'; it is not found in Stowe or in YBL. +and seems out of place here.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_281" name="footnote1_281"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_281">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_281" name="footnote2_281"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_281">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_281" name="footnote3_281"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_281">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_281" name="footnote4_281"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_281">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add. 18,748.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_281" name="footnoteb_281"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_281">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading Finna, to agree with the reading in LL., <i>supra</i>, page 279. +Inna, in Stowe, etc.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_281" name="footnotec_281"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_281">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, unshrived of their sins (?), a Christian intrusion</p></div> + +<a id="footnoted_281" name="footnoted_281"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagd_281">[d]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally, 'heifer's.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnotee_281" name="footnotee_281"></a> +<a href="#footnotetage_281">[e]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally, 'a bull.'</p></div> + +<h3>Page 282</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_282" name="footnotea_282"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_282">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>In Irish, <i>Dun cind eich</i>.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_282" name="footnoteb_282"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_282">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>In Irish, <i>Innis ruaidh</i>.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_282" name="footnote4_282"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_282">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>See note 4, page <a href="#Page_211">211</a>.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 283</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_283" name="footnote1_283"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_283">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_283" name="footnote2_283"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_283">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 42b, 36.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_283" name="footnotea_283"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_283">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Seven,' YBL. 42b, 38.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_283" name="footnote3_283"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_283">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 42b, 38-39.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_283" name="footnote4_283"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_283">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 42b, 39-43.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 284</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_284" name="footnote1_284"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_284">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 42b, 43-44.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_284" name="footnote2_284"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_284">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_284" name="footnote3_284"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_284">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_284" name="footnote4_284"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_284">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 285</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_285" name="footnote1_285"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_285">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_285" name="footnote2_285"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_285">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 42b, 45.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_285" name="footnote3_285"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_285">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_285" name="footnotea_285"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_285">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Thirty,' YBL. 42b, 45.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_285" name="footnote4_285"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_285">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 42b, 46.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_285" name="footnote5_285"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_285">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_285" name="footnote6_285"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_285">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_285" name="footnote7_285"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_285">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 42b, 49.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_285" name="footnote8_285"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_285">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_285" name="footnote9_285"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_285">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 286</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_286" name="footnotea_286"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_286">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Following Windisch's emendation of the text.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_286" name="footnote1_286"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_286">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_286" name="footnote2_286"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_286">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 287</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_287" name="footnote1_287"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_287">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_288" name="footnote1_288"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_288">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>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.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_288" name="footnote2_288"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_288">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1457.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_288" name="footnote3_288"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_288">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 43a, 6.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_288" name="footnote4_288"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_288">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_288" name="footnote5_288"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_288">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1458.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_288" name="footnote6_288"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_288">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1460-1463.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_288" name="footnotea_288"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_288">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'One hundred fighting men,' LU. 1463.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_288" name="footnote7_288"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_288">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1463-1472.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 289</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_289" name="footnote1_289"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_289">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1458.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_289" name="footnote2_289"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_289">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_289" name="footnotea_289"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_289">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Literally, 'whisper.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_289" name="footnote3_289"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_289">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 43a, 10.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_289" name="footnote4_289"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_289">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_289" name="footnote5_289"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_289">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 43a, 10.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_289" name="footnote6_289"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_289">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 43a, 10.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_289" name="footnote7_289"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_289">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 43a, 11.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_289" name="footnote8_289"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_289">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1472-1478.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_289" name="footnote9_289"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_289">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LU. 1478-1479.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_289" name="footnote10_289"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_289">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL 43a, 17.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 290</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_290" name="footnotea_290"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_290">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Twelve,' Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_290" name="footnote1_290"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_290">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_290" name="footnote2_290"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_290">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_290" name="footnote3_290"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_290">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 43a, 20.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_290" name="footnote4_290"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_290">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_290" name="footnote5_290"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_290">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_290" name="footnote6_290"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_290">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_290" name="footnote7_290"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_290">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_290" name="footnote8_290"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_290">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_290" name="footnoteb_290"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_290">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Seven hundred,' YBL. 43a, 24 and Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_290" name="footnote9_290"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_290">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 43a, 25.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_290" name="footnote10_290"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_290">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 291</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_291" name="footnote1_291"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_291">[1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 292</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_292" name="footnote1_292"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_292">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 43a, 29.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_292" name="footnote2_292"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_292">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_292" name="footnote3_292"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_292">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_292" name="footnote4_292"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_292">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_292" name="footnote5_292"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_292">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_292" name="footnote6_292"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_292">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_292" name="footnotea_292"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_292">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The MS. has 'his.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_292" name="footnote7_292"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_292">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_292" name="footnote8_292"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_292">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 43a, 36.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_292" name="footnote9_292"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_292">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 43a, 36.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_292" name="footnote10_292"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_292">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 43a, 35.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 293</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_293" name="footnote1_293"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_293">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 43a, 35.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_293" name="footnote2_293"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_293">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_293" name="footnote3_293"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_293">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_293" name="footnote4_293"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_293">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48a, 38.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_293" name="footnote5_293"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_293">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 43a, 40.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_293" name="footnote6_293"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_293">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>This is the sense of Zimmer's translation, which is only conjectural, +of this difficult passage (see <i>Zeitschrift für Deutsches Alterthum +und Deutsche Litteratur</i>, 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, '<i>membrum virile ejus coram viros +Hiberniae et testes pendentes per currum</i>.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_293" name="footnote7_293"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_293">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and, similarly, H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_293" name="footnotea_293"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_293">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Said Medb,' Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_293" name="footnote8_293"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_293">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and, similarly, H. 1. 13, Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_293" name="footnote9_293"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_293">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_293" name="footnote10_293"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_293">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_293" name="footnote11_293"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_293">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 294</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_294" name="footnote1_294"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_294">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_294" name="footnote2_294"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_294">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_294" name="footnote3_294"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_294">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_294" name="footnote4_294"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_294">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_294" name="footnote5_294"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_294">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_294" name="footnotea_294"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_294">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>See above, page <a href="#Page_279">279</a>.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_294" name="footnote6_294"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_294">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_294" name="footnote7_294"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_294">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_294" name="footnote8_294"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_294">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 295</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_295" name="footnote1_295"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_295">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_295" name="footnote2_295"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_295">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_295" name="footnotea_295"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_295">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>As a challenge or sign of hostility.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_295" name="footnote3_295"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_295">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_295" name="footnote4_295"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_295">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 43b, 13-14.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 296</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_296" name="footnote1_296"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_296">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 43b, 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_296" name="footnote2_296"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_296">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 43b, 14-15.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_296" name="footnote3_296"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_296">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 43b, 15.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_296" name="footnote4_296"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_296">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with Stowe, which is to be preferred to LL.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 297</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_297" name="footnote1_297"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_297">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_297" name="footnote2_297"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_297">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_297" name="footnote3_297"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_297">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_297" name="footnote4_297"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_297">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_297" name="footnote5_297"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_297">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. fo. 43b, 34-36.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_297" name="footnote6_297"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_297">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 298</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_298" name="footnote1_298"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_298">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 43b, 38-39.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_298" name="footnote2_298"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_298">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 43b, 39-40.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_298" name="footnote3_298"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_298">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_298" name="footnotea_298"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_298">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Twelve,' YBL. 43b, 41.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_298" name="footnote4_298"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_298">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_298" name="footnote5_298"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_298">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and YBL. 43b, 42.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_298" name="footnote6_298"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_298">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_298" name="footnote7_298"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_298">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 43b, 46.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_298" name="footnote8_298"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_298">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_298" name="footnote9_298"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_298">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 299</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_299" name="footnote1_299"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_299">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_299" name="footnote2_299"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_299">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_299" name="footnote3_299"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_299">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_299" name="footnote4_299"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_299">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_299" name="footnote5_299"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_299">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_299" name="footnote6_299"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_299">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_299" name="footnote7_299"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_299">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 43b, 49.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 300</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_300" name="footnote1_300"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_300">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_300" name="footnote2_300"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_300">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_300" name="footnote3_300"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_300">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 44a, 9.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_300" name="footnote4_300"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_300">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 44a, 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_300" name="footnote5_300"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_300">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 44a, 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_300" name="footnote6_300"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_300">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 44a, 15.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 301</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_301" name="footnote1_301"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_301">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_301" name="footnote2_301"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_301">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_301" name="footnote3_301"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_301">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_301" name="footnote4_301"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_301">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_301" name="footnote5_301"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_301">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 44a, 28.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_301" name="footnote6_301"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_301">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 44a, 32-33.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_301" name="footnote7_301"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_301">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_301" name="footnotea_301"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_301">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with LL. 5027 and 5975, which gives better meaning +than the expression 'fort-face,' of LL.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_301" name="footnote8_301"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_301">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 302</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_302" name="footnote1_302"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_302">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with YBL. 44a, 41.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_302" name="footnote2_302"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_302">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and YBL. 44a, 41.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_302" name="footnote3_302"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_302">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_302" name="footnote4_302"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_302">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 44a, 46.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_302" name="footnote5_302"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_302">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_302" name="footnote6_302"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_302">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 44a, 45.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_302" name="footnote7_302"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_302">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 44b, 7-8.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_302" name="footnote8_302"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_302">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 44b, 28-29, Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 303</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_303" name="footnote1_303"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_303">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and YBL. 44b, 36.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_303" name="footnote2_303"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_303">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 44b, 40-41.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_303" name="footnote3_303"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_303">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 44b, 44.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_303" name="footnote4_303"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_303">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and YBL. 44b, 14.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_303" name="footnotea_303"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_303">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The readings are corrupt.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_303" name="footnote5_303"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_303">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 44b, 44.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 304</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_304" name="footnote1_304"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_304">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with YBL. 45a, 14; LL. is corrupt.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_304" name="footnote2_304"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_304">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 45a, 3.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_304" name="footnote3_304"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_304">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 45a, 7.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_304" name="footnote4_304"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_304">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 45a, 14.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_304" name="footnote5_304"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_304">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_304" name="footnote6_304"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_304">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_304" name="footnote7_304"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_304">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and YBL. 45a, 24.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 305</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_305" name="footnote1_305"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_305">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 45a, 26.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_305" name="footnote2_305"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_305">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 45a, 27.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_305" name="footnote3_305"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_305">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_305" name="footnote4_305"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_305">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 45a, 29.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_305" name="footnote5_305"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_305">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_305" name="footnote6_305"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_305">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 306</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_306" name="footnote1_306"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_306">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>This title is supplied by the present writer.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_306" name="footnote2_306"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_306">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_306" name="footnote3_306"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_306">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 45a, 38.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_306" name="footnotea_306"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_306">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>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 <i>rosc</i> is largely conjectural.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_306" name="footnote4_306"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_306">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 45a, 45-45b, 2.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_306" name="footnoteb_306"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_306">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>There is a small gap in the MS.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 307</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_307" name="footnote1_307"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_307">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 45b, 7.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_307" name="footnote2_307"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_307">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with YBL. 45b, 8; LL. has 'hosts'.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_307" name="footnote3_307"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_307">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 45b, 8-9.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_307" name="footnotea_307"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_307">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Or, 'the sun.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_307" name="footnote4_307"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_307">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 45b, 11-14.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_307" name="footnote5_307"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_307">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 45b, 4-5.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_307" name="footnote6_307"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_307">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 45b, 5-6.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_307" name="footnote7_307"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_307">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 45b, 19.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_307" name="footnote8_307"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_307">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_307" name="footnoteb_307"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_307">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>See note, page <a href="#Page_198">198</a>.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_307" name="footnotec_307"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_307">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Probably Connacht.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 308</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_308" name="footnote1_308"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_308">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 45b, 4-5.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 309</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_309" name="footnote1_309"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_309">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 45b, 22.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_309" name="footnote2_309"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_309">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 45b, 23-26.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_309" name="footnote3_309"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_309">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_309" name="footnote4_309"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_309">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_309" name="footnote5_309"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_309">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_309" name="footnote6_309"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_309">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 310</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_310" name="footnote1_310"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_310">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 46a, 2.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_310" name="footnote2_310"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_310">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 46a, 1-2.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_310" name="footnote3_310"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_310">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_310" name="footnote4_310"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_310">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 46a, 3-4.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_310" name="footnote5_310"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_310">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 45b, 40-41.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_310" name="footnote6_310"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_310">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_310" name="footnote7_310"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_310">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 45b, 41.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 311</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_311" name="footnotea_311"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_311">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>MS.: 'I.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_311" name="footnote1_311"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_311">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_311" name="footnote2_311"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_311">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 45b, 46-46a, 1.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_311" name="footnoteb_311"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_311">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>MS. 'my.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_311" name="footnotec_311"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_311">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>MS. 'me.'</p></div> + +<h3>Page 312</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_312" name="footnote1_312"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_312">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_312" name="footnote2_312"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_312">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_312" name="footnote3_312"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_312">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_312" name="footnotea_312"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_312">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Ailill,' YBL. 46a, 23.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_312" name="footnote4_312"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_312">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 46a, 22.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_312" name="footnote5_312"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_312">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_312" name="footnote6_312"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_312">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 46a, 23.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 312</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_313" name="footnote1_313"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_313">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 46a, 24.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_313" name="footnote2_313"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_313">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 45a, 25-28.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_313" name="footnote3_313"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_313">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_313" name="footnote4_313"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_313">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_313" name="footnote5_313"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_313">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 46a, 28-31.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 314</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_314" name="footnote1_314"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_314">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_314" name="footnote2_314"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_314">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 315</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_315" name="footnote1_315"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_315">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_315" name="footnote2_315"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_315">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_315" name="footnote3_315"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_315">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_315" name="footnote4_315"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_315">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_315" name="footnote5_315"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_315">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Following Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_315" name="footnotea_315"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_315">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Fergus,' H. 1. 13 and Stowe.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 316</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_316" name="footnote1_316"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_316">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_316" name="footnotea_316"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_316">[a-a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Thirty hundred,' Stowe, H. 1. 13, and YBL. 46a, 47.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_316" name="footnote2_316"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_316">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_316" name="footnote3_316"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_316">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13, and, similarly, YBL. 46a, 42.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_316" name="footnote4_316"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_316">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 46a, 47.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 317</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_317" name="footnote1_317"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_317">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 46a, 44.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_317" name="footnote2_317"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_317">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 46a, 44.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_317" name="footnote3_317"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_317">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 46b, 3.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_317" name="footnote4_317"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_317">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13. That is, 'a great spear.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_317" name="footnote5_317"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_317">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 46b, 8-9.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_317" name="footnote6_317"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_317">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_317" name="footnote7_317"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_317">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 46b, 9.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_317" name="footnotea_317"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_317">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, 'a flaming-red spear.'</p></div> + +<h3>Page 318</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_318" name="footnote1_318"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_318">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_318" name="footnote2_318"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_318">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 46b, 19.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_318" name="footnote3_318"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_318">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 46b, 21.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_318" name="footnote4_318"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_318">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 46b, 30.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_318" name="footnote5_318"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_318">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 319</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_319" name="footnote1_319"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_319">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 46b, 36.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_319" name="footnote2_319"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_319">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_319" name="footnote3_319"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_319">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 46b, 40.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_319" name="footnote4_319"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_319">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 320</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_320" name="footnote1_320"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_320">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13, and, similarly, YBL. 47a, 1.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_320" name="footnote2_320"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_320">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and YBL. 47a, 12.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_320" name="footnote3_320"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_320">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with Stowe and H. 1. 13; LL. seems to be corrupt +here.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_320" name="footnote4_320"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_320">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 47a, 18-19.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_320" name="footnote5_320"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_320">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 321</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_321" name="footnote1_321"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_321">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 47a, 40.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_321" name="footnote2_321"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_321">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 47a, 43.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_321" name="footnote3_321"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_321">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 47a, 44.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_321" name="footnote4_321"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_321">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 47b, 12-13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_321" name="footnote5_321"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_321">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 322</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_322" name="footnote1_322"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_322">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 47b, 20.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_322" name="footnote2_322"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_322">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 47b, 21-22.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_322" name="footnote3_322"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_322">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 47a, 48-49.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_322" name="footnote4_322"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_322">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 47a, 50-51.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_322" name="footnote5_322"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_322">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 47b, 1-3.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_322" name="footnote6_322"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_322">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_322" name="footnotea_322"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_322">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>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 (?).</p></div> + +<h3>Page 323</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_323" name="footnote1_323"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_323">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_323" name="footnote2_323"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_323">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_323" name="footnote3_323"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_323">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 47b, 9-10.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_323" name="footnote4_323"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_323">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 47b, 26.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_323" name="footnote5_323"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_323">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 47b, 29-30; Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_323" name="footnote6_323"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_323">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Translating from YBL. 47b, 30, Stowe and H. 1. 13; LL. +has, 'very beautiful.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_323" name="footnote7_323"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_323">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 47b, 32.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_323" name="footnote8_323"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_323">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 47b, 34, Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_323" name="footnote9_323"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_323">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_323" name="footnote10_323"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_323">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and YBL. 47b, 40-41.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_323" name="footnote11_323"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_323">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and YBL. 47b, 36.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_323" name="footnote12_323"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_323">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote13_323" name="footnote13_323"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag13_323">[13-13]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 47b, 37.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote14_323" name="footnote14_323"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag14_323">[14-14]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and YBL. 47b, 37.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote15_323" name="footnote15_323"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag15_323">[15-15]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 47b, 40.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 324</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_324" name="footnotea_324"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_324">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, 'a single-handed warrior,' translating from YBL. 47b, +43 and Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_324" name="footnote1_324"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_324">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 47b. 45.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_324" name="footnote2_324"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_324">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and YBL. 47b, 46.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_324" name="footnote3_324"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_324">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_324" name="footnote4_324"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_324">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 47b, 48, Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_324" name="footnote5_324"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_324">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48a, 2, Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_324" name="footnote6_324"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_324">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, and, similarly, YBL. 48a, 4-6, H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_324" name="footnote7_324"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_324">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48a, 8-9, and, similarly, Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 325</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_325" name="footnote1_325"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_325">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and, similarly, YBL. 48a, 10-11.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_325" name="footnote2_325"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_325">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_325" name="footnote3_325"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_325">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48a, 14.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_325" name="footnote4_325"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_325">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48a, 16.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_325" name="footnote5_325"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_325">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48a, 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_325" name="footnote6_325"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_325">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and YBL. 48a, 18.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_325" name="footnote7_325"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_325">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_325" name="footnote8_325"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_325">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and YBL. 48a, 19-20.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_325" name="footnote9_325"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_325">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48a, 21.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_325" name="footnote10_325"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_325">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48a, 21.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_325" name="footnote11_325"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_325">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and, similarly, YBL. 48a, 22.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_325" name="footnote12_325"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_325">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 326</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_326" name="footnote1_326"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_326">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48a, 24-25.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_326" name="footnote2_326"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_326">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48b, 1-2.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_326" name="footnote3_326"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_326">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_326" name="footnote4_326"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_326">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, and, partly, YBL. 48b, 33-45.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_326" name="footnote5_326"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_326">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48b, 34.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_326" name="footnote6_326"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_326">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48b, 36.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_326" name="footnote7_326"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_326">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48b, 35-38.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_326" name="footnote8_326"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_326">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48b, 39.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 327</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_327" name="footnote1_327"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_327">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48b, 40.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_327" name="footnote2_327"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_327">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48b, 40.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_327" name="footnote3_327"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_327">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48b, 20.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_327" name="footnote5_327"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_327">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_327" name="footnote6_327"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_327">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48b, 22.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_327" name="footnote7_327"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_327">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48b, 23-25.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_327" name="footnotea_327"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_327">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, 'two chiefs of hospitality.'</p></div> + +<h3>Page 328</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_328" name="footnote1_328"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_328">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_328" name="footnote2_328"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_328">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48a, 30.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_328" name="footnote3_328"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_328">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and YBL. 48a, 33.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_328" name="footnote4_328"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_328">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and YBL. 48a, 36.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_328" name="footnote5_328"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_328">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48a, 35.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_328" name="footnote6_328"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_328">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48a, 42.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_328" name="footnote7_328"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_328">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_328" name="footnote8_328"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_328">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_328" name="footnote9_328"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_328">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48a, 44.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_328" name="footnote10_328"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_328">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48a, 45-46.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 329</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_329" name="footnote1_329"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_329">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48b, 9-10.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_329" name="footnote2_329"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_329">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. has, 'broad-headed.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_329" name="footnote3_329"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_329">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_329" name="footnote4_329"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_329">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48b, 16.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_329" name="footnote5_329"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_329">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48b, 47.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_329" name="footnote6_329"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_329">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48b, 49-50.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_329" name="footnote7_329"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_329">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48b, 51.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_329" name="footnote8_329"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_329">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48b, 52-49a, 1.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_329" name="footnote9_329"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_329">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 48b, 51-52.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 330</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_330" name="footnote1_330"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_330">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Translating from Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_330" name="footnote2_330"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_330">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_330" name="footnote3_330"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_330">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 49a, 7.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_330" name="footnotea_330"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_330">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>A word has fallen out in the MS.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_330" name="footnote4_330"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_330">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_330" name="footnote5_330"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_330">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 49a, 11-12.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_330" name="footnote6_330"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_330">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 49a, 12-13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_330" name="footnote7_330"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_330">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_330" name="footnote8_330"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_330">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_330" name="footnote9_330"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_330">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 49a, 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_330" name="footnote10_330"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_330">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 49a, 18-20.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_330" name="footnote11_330"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_330">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 49a, 20-21.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 331</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_331" name="footnote1_331"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_331">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 49a, 23-24.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_331" name="footnote2_331"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_331">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 49a, 25.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_331" name="footnote3_331"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_331">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_331" name="footnote4_331"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_331">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 49a, 28.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_331" name="footnote5_331"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_331">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 49a, 29.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_331" name="footnote6_331"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_331">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 49a, 34.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_331" name="footnote7_331"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_331">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 49a, 35, Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_331" name="footnote8_331"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_331">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 49a, 35.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_331" name="footnote9_331"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_331">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 49a, 35.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_331" name="footnote10_331"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_331">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 49a, 31-34.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_331" name="footnote11_331"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_331">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 49a, 36-38.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_331" name="footnote12_331"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_331">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>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.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 335</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_335" name="footnotea_335"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_335">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>There is a gap here in both Stowe and H. 1. 13, and consequently +the translation is uncertain.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_335" name="footnote1_335"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_335">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 337</h3> + +<a id="footnote12_337" name="footnote12_337"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_337">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>See note 12, page <a href="#Page_331">331</a>.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_337" name="footnote1_337"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_337">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 49a, 41.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_337" name="footnote2_337"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_337">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 49a, 42-44.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_337" name="footnote3_337"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_337">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 49a, 50.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_337" name="footnote4_337"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_337">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 49a, 50.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_337" name="footnote5_337"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_337">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 49a, 46-47.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_337" name="footnote6_337"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_337">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 49a, 52.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_337" name="footnote7_337"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_337">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 49b, 4-5.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_337" name="footnote8_337"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_337">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and YBL. 49b, 6.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 338</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_338" name="footnotea_338"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_338">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, Conchobar.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_338" name="footnote1_338"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_338">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 49b, 17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_338" name="footnote2_338"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_338">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 49b, 18.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_338" name="footnote3_338"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_338">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 49b, 19-20.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_338" name="footnote4_338"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_338">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe; that is, Erc son of Fedlimid, Conchobar's daughter.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_338" name="footnote5_338"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_338">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'Of their heart,' YBL. 49b, 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_338" name="footnote6_338"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_338">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The following passage, to page 342, is taken from Stowe and +H. 1. 13; it is not found in LL.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 339</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_339" name="footnote1_339"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_339">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add. 18,748.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_339" name="footnote2_339"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_339">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, the movable towers.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 340</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_340" name="footnotea_340"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_340">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Following the emendation <i>bairnech</i>, suggested by Windisch.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_340" name="footnote1_340"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_340">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_340" name="footnoteb_340"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_340">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Following the emendation <i>moradbal</i>, suggested by Windisch.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_340" name="footnotec_340"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_340">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, the layers of the slain.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoted_340" name="footnoted_340"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagd_340">[d]</a> +<div class="note"><p>That is, a battle-pillar or prop for each of the four wheels of +each of the three towers.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 341</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_341" name="footnotea_341"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_341">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>This is the first mention of the 'forty.'</p></div> + +<h3>Page 342</h3> + +<a id="footnote6_342" name="footnote6_342"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_342">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>See note 6, page <a href="#Page_338">338</a>.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_342" name="footnote1_342"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_342">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>This seems out of place here; it is not found in Stowe nor +in H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 343</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_343" name="footnote1_343"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_343">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_343" name="footnote2_343"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_343">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_343" name="footnote3_343"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_343">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_343" name="footnote4_343"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_343">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_343" name="footnotea_343"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_343">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>See notes a and b, page <a href="#Page_182">182</a>.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 344</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_344" name="footnote1_344"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_344">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_344" name="footnote2_344"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_344">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_344" name="footnote3_344"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_344">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_344" name="footnote4_344"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_344">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 50a, 11.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 345</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_345" name="footnote1_345"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_345">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 41a, 7.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_345" name="footnotea_345"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_345">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The Irish goddess of war.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_345" name="footnote2_345"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_345">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 50a, 18-19.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_345" name="footnote3_345"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_345">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 50a, 19.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_345" name="footnote4_345"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_345">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 50a, 21.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_345" name="footnote5_345"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_345">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Translating from YBL. 50a, 23; LL. appears to be corrupt.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_345" name="footnoteb_345"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_345">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The Munstermen in Ailill's army.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_345" name="footnote6_345"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_345">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 50a, 26.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 346</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_346" name="footnote1_346"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_346">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 50a, 28-31.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_346" name="footnote2_346"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_346">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_346" name="footnote3_346"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_346">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>LL. seems to be defective here.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_346" name="footnote4_346"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_346">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_346" name="footnote5_346"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_346">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_346" name="footnote6_346"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_346">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 50a, 39-43.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 347</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_347" name="footnote1_347"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_347">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 50a, 45-47.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_347" name="footnote2_347"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_347">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 50a, 48.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_347" name="footnote3_347"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_347">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 50b, 18-23.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_347" name="footnote4_347"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_347">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL 50b, 27-29.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_347" name="footnotea_347"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_347">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Another name for Badb, the battle-fury.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 348</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_348" name="footnote1_348"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_348">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_348" name="footnote2_348"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_348">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13, Add., Stowe, and YBL. 50b, 34.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_348" name="footnote3_348"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_348">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 50b, 34.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 349</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_349" name="footnote1_349"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_349">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with YBL 50a, 52.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_349" name="footnote2_349"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_349">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>From a conjectural emendation of YBL. 50a, 54.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_349" name="footnote3_349"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_349">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 50b, 1.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_349" name="footnote4_349"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_349">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 50b, 3.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_349" name="footnote5_349"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_349">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 50b, 5.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 350</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_350" name="footnote1_350"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_350">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 51a, 45.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_350" name="footnote2_350"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_350">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 51a, 45.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_350" name="footnote3_350"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_350">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13, Add. and YBL. 51a, 47.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_350" name="footnote4_350"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_350">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_350" name="footnote5_350"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_350">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_350" name="footnote6_350"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_350">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 51b, 6.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_350" name="footnote7_350"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_350">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 351</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_351" name="footnote1_351"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_351">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 50b, 41.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_351" name="footnotea_351"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_351">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 50b-51a has more than three times as many names as are +enumerated here.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_351" name="footnote2_351"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_351">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, Add. and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 352</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_352" name="footnote1_352"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_352">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, Add., and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_352" name="footnote2_352"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_352">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>I have given preference to the reading of YBL. 51b, 18-30.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_352" name="footnotea_352"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_352">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>A word is omitted here in the MS., presumably for, 'nails.'</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_352" name="footnote3_352"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_352">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 51b, 19-20.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_352" name="footnote4_352"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_352">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 51b, 19.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_352" name="footnote5_352"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_352">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 51b, 20.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_352" name="footnote6_352"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_352">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Adopting Windisch's emendation of the text.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_352" name="footnote7_352"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_352">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 51b, 31.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_352" name="footnote8_352"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_352">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 51b, 32.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_352" name="footnote9_352"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_352">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and YBL. 51b, 35.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_352" name="footnote10_352"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_352">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_352" name="footnote11_352"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_352">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 51b, 36.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 353</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_353" name="footnotea_353"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_353">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Here follows in YBL. 51b, 38-57 a difficult passage in <i>rosc</i> which +I have omitted in the translation. Only a portion of it has been +preserved in LL. and is here translated.</p></div> + +<a id="footnoteb_353" name="footnoteb_353"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagb_353">[b]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with Stowe, II. 1. 13, Add. and YBL. 51b, 45.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_353" name="footnote1_353"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_353">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 52a, 6-8.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_353" name="footnote2_353"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_353">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, and, similarly, Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotec_353" name="footnotec_353"></a> +<a href="#footnotetagc_353">[c]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The name of the wheeled towers described above, page <a href="#Page_338">338</a> fl.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_353" name="footnote3_353"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_353">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_353" name="footnote4_353"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_353">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_353" name="footnote5_353"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_353">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 52a, 14.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 354</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_354" name="footnote1_354"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_354">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_354" name="footnote2_354"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_354">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 52a, 16-17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_354" name="footnotea_354"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_354">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The name of Conchobar's shield.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_354" name="footnote3_354"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_354">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_354" name="footnote4_354"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_354">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_354" name="footnote5_354"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_354">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_354" name="footnote6_354"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_354">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 355</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_355" name="footnote1_355"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_355">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_355" name="footnote2_355"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_355">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_355" name="footnote3_355"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_355">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_355" name="footnote4_355"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_355">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_355" name="footnote5_355"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_355">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_355" name="footnote6_355"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_355">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_355" name="footnote7_355"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_355">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_355" name="footnote8_355"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_355">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Following Windisch's emendation of the text. The MSS. +are corrupt here.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 356</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_356" name="footnote1_356"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_356">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 52a, 35.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_356" name="footnote2_356"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_356">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 52a, 36.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_356" name="footnote3_356"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_356">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_356" name="footnote4_356"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_356">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_356" name="footnote5_356"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_356">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_356" name="footnote6_356"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_356">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 52a, 39-41.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_356" name="footnote7_356"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_356">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_356" name="footnote8_356"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_356">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 52a, 41-47.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_356" name="footnote9_356"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_356">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 357</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_357" name="footnote1_357"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_357">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_357" name="footnote2_357"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_357">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 52a, 52.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_357" name="footnote3_357"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_357">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 52b, 1-2.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_357" name="footnote4_357"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_357">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_357" name="footnote5_357"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_357">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 52b, 7-8.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_357" name="footnote6_357"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_357">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 52b, 17-20.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_357" name="footnote7_357"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_357">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_357" name="footnote8_357"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_357">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_357" name="footnote9_357"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_357">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Add. and H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 358</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_358" name="footnote1_358"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_358">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_358" name="footnote2_358"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_358">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_358" name="footnote3_358"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_358">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_358" name="footnote4_358"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_358">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_358" name="footnotea_358"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_358">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>'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.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_358" name="footnote5_358"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_358">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 52b, 14-17.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_358" name="footnote6_358"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_358">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 52b, 21.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_358" name="footnote7_358"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_358">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_358" name="footnote8_358"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_358">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 52b, 24.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 359</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_359" name="footnote1_359"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_359">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 52b, 24-25.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_359" name="footnote2_359"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_359">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_359" name="footnote3_359"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_359">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 52b, 27.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_359" name="footnote4_359"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_359">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 52b, 28.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_359" name="footnotea_359"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_359">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>See page <a href="#Page_207">207</a>.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_359" name="footnote5_359"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_359">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_359" name="footnote6_359"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_359">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 52b, 29-33.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_359" name="footnote7_359"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_359">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_359" name="footnote8_359"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_359">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_359" name="footnote9_359"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_359">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 52b, 33.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 360</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_360" name="footnote1_360"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_360">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_360" name="footnote2_360"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_360">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_360" name="footnote3_360"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_360">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 52b, 36.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_360" name="footnote4_360"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_360">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_360" name="footnote5_360"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_360">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_360" name="footnotea_360"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_360">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>It is not uncommon in folk-tales that lakes, rivers, etc. arose +from the micturition of a giant or fairy. +Reading with Add.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 361</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_361" name="footnote1_361"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_361">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 52b, 41.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_361" name="footnote2_361"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_361">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_361" name="footnote3_361"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_361">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 52b, 41-42.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_361" name="footnote4_361"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_361">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_361" name="footnote5_361"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_361">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_361" name="footnote6_361"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_361">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13. and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_361" name="footnote7_361"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_361">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_361" name="footnote8_361"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_361">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_361" name="footnote9_361"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_361">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 52b, 43.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_361" name="footnote10_361"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_361">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 52b. 45.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_361" name="footnote11_361"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_361">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 362</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_362" name="footnote1_362"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_362">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 52b, 47-48.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_362" name="footnote2_362"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_362">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Reading with H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_362" name="footnote3_362"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_362">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_362" name="footnote4_362"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_362">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 52b, 48.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_362" name="footnote5_362"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_362">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_362" name="footnote6_362"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_362">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 52b, 52.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_362" name="footnote7_362"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_362">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 363</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_363" name="footnote1_363"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_363">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 41a, 8.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_363" name="footnote2_363"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_363">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_363" name="footnote3_363"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_363">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_363" name="footnote4_363"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_363">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_363" name="footnote5_363"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_363">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_363" name="footnote6_363"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_363">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_363" name="footnote7_363"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_363">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_363" name="footnote8_363"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_363">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_363" name="footnote9_363"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_363">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 364</h3> + +<a id="footnotea_364" name="footnotea_364"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_364">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>The story is told in 'The Adventures of Nera,' published in the +<i>Revue Celtique</i>, t. x, p. 227.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote1_364" name="footnote1_364"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_364">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 53a, 4-5.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_364" name="footnote2_364"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_364">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_364" name="footnote3_364"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_364">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_364" name="footnote4_364"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_364">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_364" name="footnote5_364"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_364">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_364" name="footnote6_364"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_364">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 52b, 52-53a, 3.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_364" name="footnote7_364"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_364">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 365</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_365" name="footnote1_365"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_365">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_365" name="footnote2_365"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_365">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_365" name="footnote3_365"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_365">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_365" name="footnotea_365"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_365">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>See note [d], page <a href="#Page_28">28</a>, <i>supra</i>.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_365" name="footnote4_365"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_365">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_365" name="footnote5_365"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_365">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_365" name="footnote6_365"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_365">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_365" name="footnote7_365"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_365">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_365" name="footnote8_365"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_365">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_365" name="footnote9_365"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_365">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Add.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 366</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_366" name="footnote1_366"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_366">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 41a, 8.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_366" name="footnote2_366"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_366">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 53a, 13-16.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_366" name="footnote3_366"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_366">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_366" name="footnote4_366"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_366">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_366" name="footnote5_366"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_366">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_366" name="footnote6_366"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_366">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_366" name="footnote7_366"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_366">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13, Stowe and Add.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 367</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_367" name="footnote1_367"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_367">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_367" name="footnote2_367"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_367">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_367" name="footnote3_367"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_367">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_367" name="footnote4_367"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_367">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_367" name="footnotea_367"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_367">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>As a sign of friendliness.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_367" name="footnote5_367"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_367">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_367" name="footnote6_367"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_367">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_367" name="footnote7_367"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_367">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_367" name="footnote8_367"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_367">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 53a, 18.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_367" name="footnote9_367"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_367">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 53a, 18.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote10_367" name="footnote10_367"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag10_367">[10-10]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote11_367" name="footnote11_367"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag11_367">[11-11]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote12_367" name="footnote12_367"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag12_367">[12-12]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 53a, 22.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote13_367" name="footnote13_367"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag13_367">[13-13]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 368</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_368" name="footnote1_368"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_368">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_368" name="footnote2_368"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_368">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote3_368" name="footnote3_368"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag3_368">[3-3]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote4_368" name="footnote4_368"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag4_368">[4-4]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote5_368" name="footnote5_368"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag5_368">[5-5]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 53a, 26-28.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote6_368" name="footnote6_368"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag6_368">[6-6]</a> +<div class="note"><p>H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote7_368" name="footnote7_368"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag7_368">[7-7]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Translating from Stowe.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote8_368" name="footnote8_368"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag8_368">[8-8]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote9_368" name="footnote9_368"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag9_368">[9-9]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 53a, 28-29.</p></div> + +<h3>Page 369</h3> + +<a id="footnote1_369" name="footnote1_369"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag1_369">[1-1]</a> +<div class="note"><p>Translating from H. 1. 13 and Add.</p></div> + +<a id="footnote2_369" name="footnote2_369"></a> +<a href="#footnotetag2_369">[2-2]</a> +<div class="note"><p>YBL. 53a, 29-33.</p></div> + +<a id="footnotea_369" name="footnotea_369"></a> +<a href="#footnotetaga_369">[a]</a> +<div class="note"><p>With this the Irish text concludes: What follows is in Latin.</p></div> + +<hr class="full" /> + +<div align="center"><i>Printed by</i> <span class="sc">Butler & Tanner</span>, <i>Frome and London</i></div> + +<hr class="full" /> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of 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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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