Cuchulain where Cuchulain was between Fochain and the sea. [4]There it is
that he was that day, with his back to the pillar-stone at Crich Rois,[4]
playing draughts with Laeg, [5]to wit, his charioteer.[5] [6]The back of
his head was turned towards them that approached and Laeg faced them.[6]
And not a [7]living[7] thing entered the [8]entire[8] plain without Laeg
perceiving it and, notwithstanding, he continued to win every other game of
draughts from Cuchulain. "A lone warrior cometh towards us [9]over the
plain,[9] [10]my master[10] Cucuc," spake Laeg. "What manner of warrior?"
queried Cuchulain. [11]"A fine, large chariot is there," said he.[11]
[12]"But what sort of chariot?"[12] "As large as one of the chief mountains
that are highest on a great plain appears to me [LL.fo.71b.] the chariot
that is under the warrior; [13]and I would liken to the battlements of one
of the vast, royal seats of the province the chariot that is in the
trappings of those horses;[13] as large as one of the noble trees on a main
fort's green meseems the curly, tressed, fair-yellow, all-golden hair
hanging loose around the man's head; a purple mantle fringed with thread of
gold [14]wrapped[14] around him; a golden, ornamented brooch in the mantle
[15]over his breast;[15] [16]a bright-shining, hooded shirt, with red
embroidery of red gold trussed up on his white [W.1819.] skin;[16] a broad
and grey-shafted lance, [1]perforated from _mimasc_[a] to 'horn,'[1]
flaming red in his hand; over him, a bossed, plaited shield, [2]curved,
with an engraved edge of silvered bronze,[2] [3]with applied ornaments of
red gold thereon,[3] and a boss of red gold; a lengthy sword, as long as
the oar[4] of a huge currach [5]on a wild, stormy night,[5] [6]resting
on the two thighs[6] of the great haughty warrior that is within the
chariot.[4]"
[3-3] LU. and YBL. 1153.
[4-4] H. 2. 17.
[5-5] LL., in the margin.
[6-6] LU. and YBL. 1154-1155.
[7-7] H. 2. 17.
[8-8] H. 2. 17.
[9-9] H. 2. 17.
[10-10] H. 2. 17.
[11-11] H. 2. 17.
[12-12] H. 2. 17.
[13-13] H. 2. 17.
[14-14] H. 2. 17.
[15-15] Stowe.
[16-16] H. 2. 17.
[a] Some part of the spear.
[1-1] LU. and YBL. 1159.
[2-2] LU. and YBL. 1158.
[3-3] H. 2. 17.
[4-4] Following Windisch's emendation of the text.
[5-5] H. 2. 17.
[6-6] LU. and YBL. 1160.
"Holla! Welcome the coming of this guest to us!" cried Cuchulain. "We know
the man; it is my master Fergus that cometh hither. [7]Empty is the great
paddle that my master Fergus carries," said Cuchulain; "for there is no
sword in its sheath but a sword of wood. For I have heard," Cuchulain
continued, "that Ailill got a chance at him and Medb as they lay, and he
took away Fergus' sword from him and gave it to his charioteer to take care
of, and the sword of wood was put into its sheath."[7]
[7-7] LU. and YBL. 1160-1165.
"Yet another single chariot-fighter I see coming towards us. With fulness
of skill and beauty and splendour his horses speed." [8]"A young, tender
gilla in armour is in the chariot.[8]" "One of the youths of the men of
Erin is he, O my master Laeg," responded Cuchulain. "To scan my appearance
and form is that man come, for I am renowned amongst them in the midst of
their camp, [9]and they know me not at all."[9]
[8-8] H. 2. 17.
[9-9] H. 2. 17.
Fergus came up [10]to where Cuchulain was[10] and he sprang from the
chariot, and Cuchulain bade him [11]a hearty[11] welcome. [12]"Welcome to
thine arrival and thy coming, O my master Fergus!" cried Cuchulain; "and a
night's [W.1831.] lodging shalt thou have here this night."[12] [1]"Thy
hospitality and eke thy welcome[1] I take for true," Fergus responded.
"Verily, it is truly meant for thee," said Cuchulain; "for comes there a
brace of birds into the plain, thou shalt have a wild goose with half the
other. If fish rise to the river-mouths, [2]to the stones or waterfalls,[2]
thou shalt have a salmon with as much again. Thou shalt have a handful of
watercress and a handful of sea-grass and a handful of laver [3]and a drink
from the sand[3] [4]afterwards.[4] If thou hast a fight or combat [5]with
warrior before thee,[5] I myself will go in thy stead to the ford. [6]I
will bear the fight that thou mayest return safe to the camp and the fort
of the men of Erin on the morrow,[6] [7]and thou shalt lie on a litter of
fresh rushes till heavy sleep and slumber come on thee,[7] [8]and I will
watch and guard thee as long as thou sleepest."[8] "Well, then, [9]mayest
thou have victory and blessing, O fosterling," said Fergus.[9] "We know of
what sort is thy hospitality on this occasion, on the Cow-spoil of Cualnge.
[10]But, not to claim that are we come,[10] [11]a night's hospitality of
thee, but to fulfil and make good the terms thou askest.[11] As for this
compact which thou hast asked of the men of Erin, single-handed combat with
one man, thou shalt have it. It is for that I am come, to bind thee
thereto, and do thou take it upon thee." "I pledge myself truly," said
Cuchulain, [13]provided fair play and single-handed combat be granted to
me.[13] "And, O, my master Fergus, [14]do thou take upon thee the pact,"
said Cuchulain. "I bind myself to it," replied Fergus.[14] [W.1841.] And no
longer than that did he remain in parley, lest the men of Erin should say
they were betrayed or deserted by Fergus for his disciple. Fergus' two
horses were brought and his chariot was harnessed and he went back.
[10-10] Stowe.
[11-11] H. 2. 17.
[12-12] H. 2. 17.
[1-1] H. 2. 17, and, similarly, Stowe.
[2-2] H. 2. 17.
[3-3] LU. and YBL. 1170 and H. 2. 17.
[4-4] H. 2. 17.
[5-5] H. 2. 17.
[6-6] H. 2. 17.
[7-7] H. 2. 17.
[8-8] Reading with Stowe.
[9-9] H. 2. 17.
[10-10 Stowe.
[11-11] H. 2. 17.
[13-13] H. 2. 17.
[14-14] H. 2. 17.
Etarcumul tarried behind gazing for a long time at Cuchulain. "At what
starest thou, gilla?" asked Cuchulain. "I look at thee," said Etarcumul.
"In truth then, thou hast not far to look," said Cuchulain. [1]"There is
no need of straining thine eye for that; not far from thee within sight,
thine eye seeth what is not smaller than I nor bigger.[1] If thou but
knewest how angered is the little creature thou regardest, myself, to wit!
And how then do I appear unto thee gazing upon me?" "Thou pleasest me as
thou art; a comely, [2]shapely,[2] wonderful, beautiful youth thou art,
with brilliant, striking, various feats. Yet as for rating thee where
goodly warriors are or forward youths or heroes of bravery or sledges of
destruction, we count thee not nor consider thee at all. [3]I know not
why thou shouldst be feared by any one. I behold nothing of terror or
fearfulness or of the overpowering of a host in thee. So, a comely youth
with arms of wood and with showy feats is all thou art!"[3] [4]"Though thou
revilest me,"[4] said Cuchulain, "it is a surety for thee that thou camest
from the camp under the protection of Fergus, [5]as thou well knowest.[5]
For the rest, I swear by my gods whom I worship, were it not for the honour
of Fergus, it would be only bits of thy bones and shreds of thy limbs,
[6]thy reins drawn and thy quarters scattered[6] that would be brought back
to the camp [7]behind thy horses and chariot!"[7] "But threaten me no
longer [W.1858.] in this wise, [1]Cuchulain[1]!" [2]cried Etarcumul;[2]
"for the [3]wonderful[3] terms thou didst exact of the men of Erin, [4]that
fair play and[4] combat with one man [5]should be granted thee,[5] none
other of the men of Erin but mine own self will come to-morrow [6]at morn's
early hour on the ford[6] to attack thee."
[1-1] Reading with H. 2. 17.
[2-2] Stowe.
[3-3] LU. and YBL. 1178-1180.
[4-4] LU. and YBL. 1181.
[5-5] Stowe; LL. reads 'I know.'
[6-6] LU. and YBL. 1182-1183.
[7-7] H. 2. 17.
[1-1] H. 2. 17.
[2-2] Stowe.
[3-3] LU. and YBL. 1185.
[4-4] H. 2. 17.
[5-5] H. 2. 17.
[6-6] H. 2. 17.
"Come out, then," [7]said Cuchulain,[7] "and howso early thou comest, thou
wilt find me here. I will not fly before thee. [8]Before no man have I put
foot in flight till now on the Plunder of the Kine of Cualnge and neither
will I fly before thee!"[8]
[7-7] H. 2. 17.
[8-8] H. 2. 17.
Etarcumul returned [9]from Methè and Cethè,[9] and began to talk with his
driver. "I must needs fight with Cuchulain to-morrow, gilla," said
Etarcumul, [10]"for I gave my word to go."[10] "'Tis true, thou didst,"
quoth the charioteer. [LL.fo.72a.] "Howbeit, I know not wilt thou fulfil
it." "But what is better [11]for us,[11] to fulfil it to-morrow or
forthwith to-night?" "To our thinking," said the gilla, "albeit no victory
is to be won by fighting to-morrow, there is still less to be gained by
fighting to-night, for thy combat [12]and hurt[12] is the nearer." "[13]Be
that as it may," said he[13]; "turn the [14]horses and[14] chariot back
again [15]from the hill[15] for us, gilla, [16]till we go to the ford of
combat,[16] for I swear by the gods whom I worship, I will not return
[17]to the camp[17] till the end of life and time, till I bring with me the
head of that young wildling, [18]even[18] the head of Cuchulain, for a
trophy!"
[9-9] LU. and YBL. 1188.
[10-10] Stowe.
[11-11] H. 2. 17.
[12-12] H. 2. 17.
[13-13] H. 2. 17.
[14-14] H. 2. 17.
[15-15] LU. and YBL. 1190.
[16-16] H. 2. 17.
[17-17] Stowe.
[18-18] Stowe.
The charioteer wheeled the chariot again towards the [W.1871.] ford. They
brought the left[a] board to face the pair in a line with the ford. Laeg
marked [1]this and he cried[1] [2]to Cuchulain[2]: ("Wist thou) the last
chariot-fighter that was here a while ago, O Cucuc?" "What of him?" asked
Cuchulain. "He has brought his left board towards us in the direction of
the ford." "It is Etarcumul, O gilla, who seeks me in combat. [3]I owe no
refusal,[3] but far from pleased am I thereat [4]that he should come and
seek combat of me. And unwelcome is his coming,[4] because of the honour of
my foster-father [5]Fergus[5] under whom he came forth from the camp [6]of
the men of Erin.[6] But not that I would protect him do I thus. Fetch me my
arms, gilla, to the ford. [7]Bring me my horse and my chariot after me.[7]
I deem it no honour for myself if [8]the fellow[8] reaches the ford before
me." And straightway Cuchulain betook himself to the ford, and he bared his
sword over his fair, well-knit spalls and he was ready on the ford to await
Etarcumul.
[a] A sign of hostility and an insult.
[1-1] Stowe.
[2-2] LU. and YBL. 1191.
[3-3] LU. and YBL. 1192.
[4-4] Stowe.
[5-5] H. 2. 17.
[6-6] H. 2. 17.
[7-7] H. 2. 17.
[8-8] H. 2. 17.
Then, too, came Etarcumul. "What seekest thou, gilla?" demanded Cuchulain.
"Battle with thee I seek," replied Etarcumul. "Hadst thou been advised by
me," said Cuchulain, "thou wouldst never have come. [9]I do not desire what
thou demandest of me.[9] [10]I have no thought of fighting or contending
with thee, Etarcumul.[10] Because of the honour of Fergus under whom thou
camest out of the camp [11]and station of the men of Erin,[11] and not
because I would spare thee, do I behave thus." [12]"Thou hast no choice
but to fight," replied Etarcumul.[12] Thereupon Cuchulain gave him a
long-blow whereby [W.1886.] he cut away the sod that was under the soles of
his feet, so that he was stretched out like a sack on his back, and [1]his
limbs in the air[1] and the sod on his belly. Had Cuchulain wished it it
is two pieces he might have made of him. [2]"Hold, fellow.[2] Off with thee
now, for I have given thee warning. [3]It mislikes me to cleanse my hands
in thee. I would have cloven thee into many parts long since but for
Fergus."[3] "I will not go. We will fight on," said Etarcumul. Cuchulain
dealt him a well-aimed edge-stroke. [4]With the edge of his sword[4] he
sheared the hair from him from poll to forehead, from one ear to the other,
as if it were with a light, keen razor he had been shorn. [5]Not a scratch
of his skin gave blood.[5] [6]"Hold, fellow.[6] Get thee home now," said
Cuchulain, "for a laughing-stock I have made of thee." "I go not,"
[7]rejoined Etarcumul.[7] "We will fight to the end, till I take thy head
and thy spoils and boast over thee, or till thou takest my head and my
spoils and boastest over me!" "So let it be, what thou saidst last, that
it shall be. I will take thy head and thy spoils and boast over thee!"
[8]When now the churl became troublesome and persistent,[8] Cuchulain
[9]sprang from the ground, so that he alighted on the edge of Etarcumul's
shield, and he[9] dealt him a cleaving-blow on the crown of the head, so
that it drove to his navel. He dealt him a second crosswise stroke, so that
at the one time the three portions of his body came to the ground. Thus
fell Etarcumul son of Fid and of Lethrinn.
[9-9] LU. and YBL. 1194-1195.
[10-10] H. 2. 17.
[11-11] H. 2. 17.
[12-12] LU. and YBL. 1195.
[1-1] H. 2. 17.
[2-2] H. 2. 17.
[3-3] LU. and YBL. 1197-1199.
[4-4] LU. and YBL. 1204.
[5-5] H. 2 17.
[6-6] H. 2 17.
[7-7] Stowe and H. 2. 17.
[8-8] LU. and YBL. 1206-1207.
[9-9] H. 2. 17.
[10]Then Etarcumul's charioteer went his way after Fergus,[10] and Fergus
knew not that the combat had been. For thus was his wont: [11]From the day
Fergus took warrior's arms in hand,[11] he never for aught looked back,
whether at [W.1904.] sitting or at rising or when travelling or walking, in
battle or fight or combat, lest some one might say it was out of fear he
looked back, but ever he looked at the thing that was before and beside
him. [1]Fergus saw the chariot go past him and a single man in it.[1]
[2]And when[2] Etarcumul's squire came up abreast of Fergus, Fergus asked,
"But, where is thy lord, gilla?" "He fell a while since at the ford by the
hand of Cuchulain," the gilla made answer. "That indeed was not fair!"
exclaimed Fergus, "for that elf-like sprite to wrong me in him that came
under my safeguard [3]and protection[3] [4]from the camp and fort of the
men of Erin.[4] Turn the chariot for us, gilla," cried Fergus, "that we may
go to [5]the ford of fight and combat[5] for a parley with Cuchulain."
[10-10] H. 2. 17.
[11-11] H. 2. 17.
[1-1] LU. and YBL. 1208.
[2-2] H. 2. 17.
[3-3] H. 2. 17.
[4-4] H. 2. 17.
[5-5] H. 2. 17.
Thereupon the driver wheeled the chariot. They fared thither towards the
ford. [6]Fergus turned to rebuke Cuchulain.[6] "How darest thou offend me,
thou wild, [7]perverse, little[7] elf-man," cried Fergus, "in him that
came under my safeguard and protection? [8]Thou thinkest my club short."[8]
[LL.fo.72b.] [9]"Be not wroth with me, my master Fergus," said Cuchulain.[9]
"After the nurture and care thou didst bestow on me [10]and the Ulstermen
bestowed and Conchobar[10] tell me, which wouldst thou hold better, [11]for
the Ulstermen to be conquered without anyone to punish them but me alone
and[11] for him to triumph and boast over me, or for me to triumph and
boast over him? And yet more, [12]of his own fault he fell.[12] Ask his own
gilla which of us was in fault in respect of the other; [13]it was none
other but he.[13][a] [1]Reproach me not, O Fergus my master." He bent down
so that Fergus' chariot went past him thrice. "Ask his charioteer, is it I
that have caused it?" "Not thou indeed," answered his charioteer. "He
said," Cuchulain went on, "he would not go till either he took my head or
he left me his own."[1] [2]Then Etarcumul's gilla related to Fergus how it
all befel. When Fergus heard that, what he said was:[2] [W.1921.] "Liefer
to me what thou hast done, [3]O fosterling," said Fergus, "that Etarcumul
is slain, and[3] a blessing on the hand that smote him, [4]for it is he
that was overweening."[4]
[6-6] LU. and YBL. 1209.
[7-7] H. 2. 17.
[8-8] LU. and YBL. 1210. Probably a proverbial expression.
[9-9] LU. and YBL. 1210.
[10-10] H. 2. 17.
[11-11] H. 2. 17.
[12-12] H. 2. 17.
[13-13] H. 2. 17.
[a] Lines 1212-1216 LU. and YBL. (Edition of Strachan and O'Keeffe) are
omitted in the translation.
[1-1] LU. and YBL. 1216-1220.
[2-2] Stowe.
[3-3] H. 2. 17.
[4-4] LU. and YBL. 1222.
So then they bound two spancels about the ankle-joints of Etarcumul's feet
and he was dragged along behind his horses and chariot. At every rock that
was rough for him, his lungs and his liver were left on the stones and the
rugged places. At every place that was smooth for him, his skilfully
severed limbs came together again round the horses. In this wise he was
dragged through the camp to the door of the tent of Ailill and Medb:
"There's your young warrior for you," cried Fergus, "for 'Every restoration
together with its restitution' is what the law saith."[a] Medb came forth
to the door of her tent and she raised her [5]quick, splitting,[5] loud
voice [6]of a warrior.[6] Quoth Medb. "Truly, methought that great was the
heat and the wrath of this young hound [7]on leaving us awhile since[7] at
the beginning of the day as he went from the camp. [8]It is no fortune for
a tender youth that falls on thee now.[8] We had thought that the honour
under which he went, even the honour of Fergus, was not the honour of a
dastard!" "What hath crazed the virago and wench?" cried Fergus. "Good
lack, [W.1935.] is it fitting for the mongrel to seek the Hound of battle
whom [1]the warriors and champions[1] of four of the five grand provinces
of Erin dare not approach nor withstand? What, I myself was glad to escape
whole from him!"
[a] A law maxim. Since Etarcumul had broken his promise not to fight,
Fergus deems himself absolved from the spirit of his engagement to
bring back Etarcumul but fulfils the letter of it.
[5-5] H. 2. 17.
[6-6] Stowe.
[7-7] H. 2. 17.
[8-8] H. 2. 17.
[1-1] H. 2. 17.
[2]Etarcumul's grave was then dug and his tombstone erected; his name was
written in ogam and they raised the keen over him. Cuchulain shot not from
his sling at them that night[2] [3]and the women and maidens were brought
over to him and half the cattle, and they brought provision to him by
day.[3] In this manner fell Etarcumul and such was the combat of Etarcumul
with Cuchulain.
[2-2] LU. and YBL. 1230-1232.
[3-3] LU. fo. 69, between the columns.
* * * * *
[Page 126]
XI
[1]THE SLAYING OF NATHCRANTAIL[1]
[2]Then the men of Erin held counsel who would be fit to fight and contend
with Cuchulain and drive him off from the men of Erin.[2] [3]"What man have
ye to face Cuchulain to-morrow?" asked Lugaid. "They will give him to thee
to-morrow," answered Manè son of Ailill. "We find no one to meet him,"
quoth Medb; "let us have a truce with him then till a man be found to
oppose him." This they obtain. "Whither will ye turn," asked Ailill,
"to find the man to oppose Cuchulain?" "There is not in Erin," Medb
answered, "one that could be got to meet him unless Curoi macDarè come, or
Nathcrantail the warrior." A man of Curoi's people was in the tent. "Curoi
will not come," said he; "he weens enough of his people have come!" "Let a
message be sent then for Nathcrantail."[3] [W.1941.] Then arose a huge
warrior of Medb's people, Nathcrantail by name. [4]Manè Andoe ('the
Unslow') goes to him. They tell him their message. "Come with us for the
sake of the honour of Connacht." "I will not go," said he, "unless they
give Finnabair to me." Afterwards he goes with them. They bring his armour
in a car from the east of Connacht and place it in the camp.[4] [5]Then was
Nathcrantail called into the tent of Ailill and Medb.[5] [6]"Wherefore am I
summoned to ye?" Nathcrantail asked. "It would please us well," Medb
replied, "werest thou to fight and contend with Cuchulain on the ford and
ward him off from us at the morning hour early on the morrow.[6] [1]Thou
shalt have Finnabair," said Medb, "for going to fight yonder man." "I will
do it," said he.[1] [2]He engaged to undertake the battle and combat and
that night be made ready, and early on the morrow Nathcrantail arose for
the battle and combat and he took his warlike implements with him to the
fight, and though early he arose, Cuchulain arose still earlier.[2]
[3]That night Lugaid came to Cuchulain. "Nathcrantail comes to meet thee
to-morrow. Alas for thee, thou wilt not withstand him." "That matters not,"
Cuchulain made answer.[3][a]
[1-1] Stowe, and LU. fo. 69a, in the margin.
[2-2] Stowe, and, similarly, H. 2. 17.
[3-3] LU. and YBL. 1233-1242 and Eg. 1782.
[4-4] LU. and YBL. 1242-1246.
[5-5] H. 2. 17.
[6-6] H. 2. 17.
[1-1] LU. and YBL. 1246-1247.
[2-2] H. 2. 17.
[3-3] LU. and YBL. 1248-1250.
[a] Here follows one line (1251 in LU., edition of Strachan and
O'Keeffe, and almost similarly in YBL.) which seems to refer to some
saying of Cuchulain's about Nathcrantail which we cannot locate.
[4]On the morrow Nathcrantail went forth from the camp[4] and he came to
attack Cuchulain. [W.1942.] He did not deign to bring along arms but thrice
nine spits of holly after being sharpened, burnt and hardened in fire. And
there before him on the pond was Cuchulain [5]a-fowling and his chariot
hard by him,[5][b] and there was no shelter whatever. [6]And when
Nathcrantail perceived Cuchulain[6] he [7]straightway[7] cast a dart at
Cuchulain. Cuchulain sprang [8]from the middle of the ground[8] till he
came on the tip of the dart. [9]And he performed a feat on the point of
the dart and it hindered him not from catching the birds.[9] And again
Nathcrantail threw a second dart. Nathcrantail threw a third dart and
Cuchulain sprang on the point of the second [W.1951.] dart and so on till
he was on the point of the last dart. It was then, [1]when Nathcrantail
threw the ninth dart,[1] that the flock of birds [2]which Cuchulain
pursued[2] on the plain [3]flew away from Cuchulain.[3] Cuchulain chased
them even as any bird [4]of the air.[4] [5]He hopped on the points of the
darts like a bird from each dart to the next, pursuing the birds[5] that
they might not escape him but that they might leave behind a portion of
food for the night. For this is what sustained and served Cuchulain, fish
and fowl and game on the Cualnge Cow-spoil. Something more remains to be
told: Nathcrantail deemed full surely that Cuchulain went from him in rout
of defeat and flight. And he went his way till he came to the door of the
tent of Ailill and Medb and he lifted up his loud voice [6]of a warrior[6]:
"That famous Cuchulain that ye so talk of ran and fled in defeat [7]before
me when he came to me[7] in the morning." "We knew," spake Medb, "it would
be even so when able warriors and goodly youths met him, that this
beardless imp would not hold out; for when a mighty warrior, [8]Nathcrantail
to wit,[8] came upon him, he withstood him not but before him he ran away!"
[4-4] LU. and YBL. 1253.
[5-5] LU. and YBL. 1255.
[b] Here follow lines 1945-1946, edition of Windisch, which are
unintelligible and have been omitted in the translation.
[6-6] H. 2. 17.
[7-7] H. 2. 17.
[8-8] H. 2. 17.
[9-9] LU. and YBL. 1256-1257.
[1-1] LU. and YBL. 1258.
[2-2] Stowe.
[3-3] LU. and YBL. 1258.
[4-4] Stowe.
[5-5] LU. and YBL. 1259-1260.
[6-6] Stowe.
[7-7] Stowe.
[8-8] Stowe.
And Fergus heard that, and Fergus [9]and the Ulstermen[9] were sore angered
that any one should boast that Cuchulain had fled. And Fergus addressed
himself to Fiachu, Feraba's son, that he should go to rebuke Cuchulain.
"And tell [LL.fo.73a.] him it is an honour for him to oppose the hosts for
as long or as short a space as he does deeds of valour upon them, but that
it were fitter for him to hide himself than to fly before any one of their
warriors, [10]forasmuch as the dishonour would be not greater for him than
for the rest of Ulster."[10]
[9-9] LU. 1264.
[10-10] LU. and YBL. 1268.
[W.1969.] Thereupon Fiachu went to address Cuchulain. Cuchulain bade him
welcome. "I trow that welcome to be truly meant, but it is for counsel with
thee I am come from thy fosterer Fergus. And he has said, 'It would be a
glory for thee to oppose the hosts for as long or as short a space as thou
doest valiantly [1]with them;[1] but it would be fitter for thee to hide
thyself than to fly before any one of their warriors!'" "How now, who makes
that boast among ye?" Cuchulain asked. "Nathcrantail, of a surety," Fiachu
answered. "How may this be? Dost not know, thou and Fergus and the nobles
of Ulster, that I slay no charioteers nor heralds nor unarmed people? And
he bore no arms but a spit of wood. And I would not slay Nathcrantail until
he had arms. And do thou tell him, let him come here early in the morning,
[2]till he is between Ochainè and the sea, and however early he comes, he
will find me here[2] and I will not fly before him!"
[1-1] Stowe.
[2-2] LU. and YBL. 1273-1275.