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diff --git a/16464-h/16464-h.htm b/16464-h/16464-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2bf4a95 --- /dev/null +++ b/16464-h/16464-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,26379 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content= + "text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of TÁIN BÓ CÚALNGE, by Joseph Dunn. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + P { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + } + HR { width: 33%; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; + } + hr.full {width: 100%} + BODY{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 14%; + } + .linenum {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */ + .note {margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; margin-bottom: 1em;} /* footnote */ + .blkquot {margin-left: 4em; margin-right: 4em;} /* block indent */ + .pagenum {position: absolute; left: 95%; font-size: smaller; text-align: right;} /* page numbers */ + .sidenote {position: absolute; left: 92%; font-size: smaller; text-align: right;} + .sidenoteL {position: absolute; left: 2%; font-size: smaller; text-align: right;} + .sidenoteR {position: absolute; left: 88%; font-size: smaller; text-align: right;} + .center { text-align: center; } + .center img { margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem span {display: block; margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 2em;} + .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 4em;} + .poem span.i11 {display: block; margin-left: 11em;} + .poem span.i12 {display: block; margin-left: 12em;} + .poem span.i13 {display: block; margin-left: 13em;} + .poem span.i14 {display: block; margin-left: 14em;} + .poem span.i16 {display: block; margin-left: 16em;} + .poem span.i3 {display: block; margin-left: 3em;} + .poem span.i5 {display: block; margin-left: 5em;} + .poem span.i6 {display: block; margin-left: 6em;} + .poem span.i8 {display: block; margin-left: 8em;} + .poem span.i9 {display: block; margin-left: 9em;} + .sc {font-variant: small-caps;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +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 + + + + + + +</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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