him welcome. [LL.fo.82a.] "Welcome is thy coming, O my master Fergus!"
cried Cuchulain. [1]"If a flock of birds comes into the plain, thou shalt
have a duck with half of another. If a fish comes into the river-mouths,
thou shalt have a salmon with half of another. A handful of water-cress and
a bunch of laver and a sprig of sea-grass and a drink of cold water from
the sand thou shalt have thereafter." "Tis an outlaw's portion, that,"
said Fergus. "Tis true; 'tis an outlaw's portion is mine," answered
Cuchulain.[1] "Truly intended, methinks, the welcome, O [W.3174.]
fosterling," said Fergus. "But, [1]were it for this I came, I should think
it better to leave it.[1] It is for this I am here, to inform thee who
comes to fight and contend with thee at the morning hour early on the
morrow." "E'en so will we hear it from thee," said Cuchulain. "Thine own
friend and comrade and foster-brother, the man thine equal in feats and in
skill of arms and in deeds, Ferdiad son of Daman son of Darè, the great and
mighty warrior of the men of Domnann." [2]"As my soul liveth,"[2] replied
Cuchulain, "it is not to an encounter we wish our friend to come, and
[3]not for fear, but for love and affection of him;[3] [4]and almost I
would prefer to fall by the hand of that warrior than for him to fall by
mine."[4] "It is even for that," answered Fergus, "thou shouldst be on thy
guard and prepared. [5]Say not that thou hast no fear of Ferdiad, for it is
fitting that thou shouldst have fear and dread before fighting with
Ferdiad.[5] For unlike all to whom it fell to fight and contend with thee
on the Cualnge Cattle-raid on this occasion is Ferdiad son of Daman son of
Darè, [9]for he hath a horny skin about him [6]in battle against a man,[6]
[7]a belt,[7] [8]equally strong, victorious in battle,[8] and neither
points nor edges are reddened upon it[9] [10]in the hour of strife and
anger. For he is the fury of a lion, and the bursting of wrath, and the
blow of doom, and the wave that drowneth foes."[10] [12]"Speak not thus!"
cried Cuchulain, "for I swear [11]by my arms of valour,[11] the oath that
my people swear, that every limb and every joint will be as soft as a
pliant rush in the bed of a river under the point of sword, if he show
himself to me on the ford![12] Truly am I here," said Cuchulain, "checking
and [W.3185.] staying four of the five grand provinces of Erin from Monday
at[a] Summer's end till[b] the beginning of spring, [1]and I have not left
my post for a night's disport, through stoutly opposing the men of Erin on
the Cattle-lifting of Cualnge.[1] And in all this time, I have not put foot
in retreat before any one man [2]nor before a multitude,[2] and methinks
just as little will I turn foot in flight before him."
[1-1] YBL. 36b, 27-28.
[7-7] YBL. fo. 36a, 39-36b, 15.
[1-1] YBL. 36b, 18-24.
[2-2] Literally, 'I say our confession.'
[3-3] Stowe, Eg. 209, Eg. 106.
[4-4] Eg. 106.
[5-5] Eg. 106.
[6-6] YBL. fo. 36b, 38.
[7-7] Eg. 106.
[8-8] Eg. 106.
[9-9] Stowe and Eg. 209, and, similarly, YBL. 36b, 37.
[10-10] Eg. 106.
[11-11] Eg. 106.
[12-12] YBL. 36b, 38-43
[1-1] YBL. 36b, 25-26.
[2-2] Stowe.
[3]And thus spake he, that it was not fear of Ferdiad that caused his
anxiety for the fight, but his love for him. [3]And, on his part, so spake
Fergus, putting him on his guard [4]because of Ferdiad's strength,[4] and
he said these words and Cuchulain responded:--
Fergus: "O Cuchulain--splendid deed--
Lo, 'tis time for thee to rise.
Here in rage against thee comes
Ferdiad, red-faced Daman's son!"
Cuchulain: "Here am I--no easy task--[c]
Holding Erin's men at bay;
Foot I've never turned in flight
In my fight with single foe!"
Fergus: "Dour the man when anger moves,
Owing to his gore-red glaive;
Ferdiad wears a skin of horn,
'Gainst which fight nor might prevails!"
Cuchulain: "Be thou still; urge not thy tale,
Fergus of the mighty arms.
On no land and on no ground,
For me is there aught defeat!"
Fergus: "Fierce the man with scores of deeds;
No light thing, him to subdue.
Strong as hundreds--brave his mien--
Point pricks not, edge cuts him not!"
Cuchulain: "If we clash upon the ford,
I and Ferdiad of known skill,
We'll not part without we know:
Fierce will be our weapon fight!"
Fergus: [W.3214.] "More I'd wish it than reward,
O Cuchulain of red sword,
Thou shouldst be the one to bring
Eastward haughty Ferdiad's spoils!"
Cuchulain: "Now I give my word and vow,
Though unskilled in strife of words,
It is I will conquer this
Son of Daman macDarè!"
Fergus: "It is I brought east the host,
Thus requiting Ulster's wrong.
With me came they from their lands,
With their heroes and their chiefs!"
Cuchulain: "Were not Conchobar in the 'Pains,'
Hard 'twould be to come near us.
Never Medb of Mag in Scail
On more tearful march had come!"
Fergus: "Greatest deed awaits thy hand:
Fight with Ferdiad, Daman's son.
Hard stern arms with stubborn edge,[b]
Shalt thou have, thou Culann's Hound!"
[a] Stowe and H. 1. 13: 'before'; YBL. 36b, 24: 'after.'
[b] 'Till Wednesday after Spring,' is the reading of H. 1. 13.
[3-3] Stowe, and, similarly, Eg. 209.
[4-4] Stowe.
[c] Literally, 'no meagre sail.'
[b] Or, 'which quatrains love (?),' a cheville.
[1]After that,[1] Fergus returned to the camp and halting-place [2]of the
men of Erin,[2] [3]lest the men of Erin should say he was betraying them or
forsaking them, if he should remain longer than he did conversing with
Cuchulain. And they took farewell of each other.[3]
[1-1] YBL. 37a, 22.
[2-2] Stowe and H. 1. 13.
[3-3] Eg. 106.
[4]Now as regards the charioteer of Cuchulain [5]after Fergus went from
them:[5] "What wilt thou do to-night?" asked Laeg. "What, indeed?" said
Cuchulain. "It will be thus" (said the charioteer) "Ferdiad will come to
attack thee, with new beauty of plaiting and dressing of hair, and washing
and bathing, and the four provinces of Erin with him to look at the
combat. I would that thou wouldst go where thou wilt get a like adorning
for thyself, to the place where is Emer Foltchain ('Emer of the Beautiful
Hair,' thy wife), [6]daughter of Forgal Monach,[6] at Cairthenn in Cluan da
Dam, ('two Oxen's Meadow') in Sliab Fuait, [1]where thou wilt get even
such an adorning for thyself."[1] [2]"It is fitting to do so," said
Cuchulain.[2] Then Cuchulain went thither that night [3]to Dundelgan,[3]
and passed the night with his wife. His doings from that time are not
related here now.[4]
[4-4] YBL. 37a, 29-39, and, similarly, Eg. 106.
[5-5] Eg. 106.
[6-6] Eg. 106.
[1-1] Eg. 106.
[2-2] Eg. 106.
[3-3] Eg. 106.
[W.3235.] [5]As for[5] Ferdiad, he betook himself to his tent and to his
people, and imparted to them the easy surety which Medb had obtained from
him to do combat and battle with six warriors on the morrow, or to do
combat and battle with Cuchulain alone, if he thought it a lighter task.
He made known to them also the fair terms he had obtained from Medb of
sending the same six warriors for the fulfilment of the covenant she had
made with him, should Cuchulain fall by his hands.
[5-5] Eg. 106.
[6]The folk of Ferdiad were not joyful, blithe, cheerful or merry that
night,[6] [LL.fo.82b.] but they were sad, sorrowful and downcast, for they
knew that where the two champions and the two bulwarks in a gap for a
hundred, [7]the two pillars of battle and strife of the men of Erin[7]
[8]of that time[8] met in combat, one or other of them would fall there or
both would fall, and if it should be one of them, they believed it would be
[9]their king and[9] their own lord [10]that would fall there,[10] for it
was not easy to contend and do battle with Cuchulain on the Raid for the
Kine of Cualnge.
[6-6] LL., with the help of Stowe; LL. being partly illegible here.
[7-7] Stowe, and, similarly, Eg. 209, Eg. 106 and YBL. 37a, 43.
[8-8] YBL. 37a, 43.
[9-9] H. 1. 13.
[10-10] Stowe.
Ferdiad slept right heavily the first part of the night, but when the end
of the night was come, his sleep and his heaviness left him. And the
anxiousness of the combat and the battle came upon him. [11]But most
troubled in spirit was he that he should allow all the treasures to pass
from him, and the maiden, by reason of combat with one man. Unless he
fought with that one man, he must needs fight with six champions on the
morrow. What tormented him more than that was, should he once show himself
on the ford to Cuchulain he was certain he would never have power of head
or of life ever after. And Ferdiad arose early on the morrow.[11] [W.3252.]
And he charged his charioteer to take his horses and to yoke his chariot.
The charioteer sought to dissuade him [1]from that journey.[1] [2]"By our
word,"[2] said the gilla, "'twould be better for thee[a] [3]to remain than
to go thither," said he; "for, not more do I commend it for thee than I
condemn it."[3] "Hold thy peace about us, boy!" quoth Ferdiad, [4]"for we
will brook no interference from any one concerning this journey.[4] [5]For
the promise we gave to Medb and Ailill in the presence of the men of Erin,
it would shame us to break it; for they would say it was fear or dread that
caused us to break it. And, by my conscience, I would almost liefer fall
myself by Cuchulain's hand than that he should fall by mine on this
occasion. And should Cuchulain fall by my hand on the ford of combat, then
shall Medb and many of the men of Erin fall by my hand because of the
pledge they extorted from me, and I drunken and merry.[5] And in this
manner he spake, [6]conversing with the charioteer,[6] and he uttered these
words, [7]the little lay that follows, urging on the charioteer,[7] and the
henchman responded:--
Ferdiad: "Let's haste to th' encounter,
To battle with this man;
The ford we will come to,
O'er which Badb will shriek!
To meet with Cuchulain,
To wound his slight body,
To thrust the spear through him
So that he may die!"
The Henchman: [W.3266.] "To stay it were better;
Your threats are not gentle;
Death's sickness will one have,
And sad will ye part!
To meet Ulster's noblest,
To meet whence ill cometh;
Long will men speak of it.
Alas, for your[a] course!"
Ferdiad: "Not fair what thou speakest;
No fear hath the warrior;
We owe no one meekness;
We stay not for thee!
Hush, gilla, about us!
The time will bring strong hearts;
More meet strength than weakness;
[1]Let's on to the tryst!"[1]
[11-11] YBL. 37a, 47-37b, 5.
[1-1] Stowe, Eg. 106 and H. 1. 13.
[2-2] YBL. 37b, 7.
[a] MSS.: 'ye.'
[3-3] Stowe, and, similarly, Eg. 106, Eg. 109 and H. 1. 13.
[4-4] Stowe, and, similarly, Eg. 209, Eg. 106 and H. 1. 13.
[5-5] Eg. 106.
[6-6] YBL. 37b, 9.
[7-7] YBL. 37b, 10.
[a] MS.: 'his.'
[1-1] YBL. 37b, 22.
Ferdiad's horses were now brought forth and his chariot was hitched, and he
set out [2]from the camp[2] for the ford of battle when yet day with its
full light had not come there for him. [3]"My lad," spake Ferdiad, "it is
not fitting that we make our journey without bidding farewell to the men of
Erin. Turn the horses and the chariot for us towards the men of Erin."
Thrice the servant turned the heads of the horses and the chariot towards
the men of Erin. Then he came upon Medb letting her water from her on the
floor of the tent. "Ailill, sleepest thou still?" asked Medb. "Not so!"
replied Ailill. "Dost hear thy new son-in-law taking farewell, of thee?"
"Is that what he doth?" asked Ailill. "'Tis that, verily," Medb made
answer; "but I swear by what my tribe swears, not on the same feet will the
man who makes that greeting come back to you." "Howbeit, we have profited
by a happy alliance of marriage with him," quoth Ailill; "if only Cuchulain
falls by his hand, I should be pleased if they both fell, yet would I
prefer that Ferdiad should escape."
[2-2] YBL. 37b, 24.
[3-3] YBL. 37b, 25-38a, 25.
Ferdiad came to the ford of combat. "Look, my lad!" said Ferdiad, "is
Cuchulain on the ford?" "That he is not," replied the gilla. "Look well for
us," said Ferdiad. "Cuchulain is not a little speck where he would be in
hiding," answered the gilla. "'Tis true, then, my lad; till this day
Cuchulain hath not heard of a goodly warrior coming to meet him on the
Cow-spoil of Cualnge, and now when he has heard of one, he has left the
ford."
"Shame for thee to slander Cuchulain in his absence. Rememberest thou not
when ye gave battle to German Garbglas above the borders of the Tyrrhene
Sea, thou leftest thy sword with the hosts, and it was Cuchulain who slew a
hundred warriors till he reached it and brought it to thee? And mindest
thou well where we were that night?" the gilla asked further. "I know not,"
Ferdiad answered. "At the house of Scathach's steward," said the other;
"and thou wentest ... and proudly in advance of us all into the house. The
churl gave thee a blow with his three-pointed fork in the small of the
back, so that thou flewest like a bolt out over the door. Cuchulain came in
and gave the churl a blow with his sword, so that he made two pieces of
him. I was their house-steward whilst ye were in that place. If it were
that day, thou wouldst not say thou wast a better warrior than Cuchulain."
"Wrong is what thou hast done, O gilla," said Ferdiad; "for I would not
have come to the combat, hadst thou spoken thus to me at first. Why dost
thou not lay the chariot-poles at my side and the skin-coverings under my
head, that so I may sleep now?" "Alas," said the gilla, "'tis a sorry sleep
before deer and packs of wolves here!" "How so, gilla? Art thou not able to
keep watch and guard for me?" "I am," the gilla answered; "unless they come
in clouds or in the air to attack thee, they shall not come from east or
from west to attack thee without warning, without notice."[3] "Come,
gilla," said Ferdiad, [1]"unharness the horses and[1] [W.3285.] spread for
me the cushions and skins of my chariot under me here, so that I sleep off
my heavy fit of sleep and slumber here, for I slept not the last part of
the night with the anxiousness of the battle and combat."
[1-1] Stowe.
The gilla unharnessed the horses; he unfastened the chariot under him,
[1]and spread beneath him the chariot-cloths.[1] He slept off the heavy fit
of sleep that was on him. [2]The gilla remained on watch and guard for
him.[2]
[1-1] Stowe.
[2-2] Eg. 106.
Now how Cuchulain fared [3]is related[3] here: He arose not till the day
with its bright light had come to him, lest the men of Erin might say it
was fear or fright of the champion he had, if he should arise [4]early.[4]
And when day with its full light had come, he [5]passed his hand over his
face and[5] bade his charioteer take his horses and yoke them to his
chariot. "Come, gilla," said Cuchulain, "take out our horses for us and
harness our chariot, for an early riser is the warrior appointed to meet
us, Ferdiad son of Daman son of Darè. [6]If Ferdiad awaits us, he must
needs think it long."[6] "The horses are taken out," [7]said the gilla;[7]
"the chariot is harnessed. Mount, and be it no shame to thy valour [8]to go
thither!"[8] [9]Cuchulain stepped into the chariot and they pressed
forward to the ford.[9] Then it was that the cutting, feat-performing,
battle-winning, red-sworded hero, Cuchulain son of Sualtaim, mounted his
chariot, so that there shrieked around him the goblins and fiends and the
sprites of the glens and the demons of the air; for the Tuatha De Danann
('the Folk of the Goddess Danu') were wont to set up their cries around
him, to the end that the dread and the fear and the fright and the terror
of him might be so much the greater in every [W.3304.] battle and on every
field, in every fight and in every combat wherein he went.
[3-3] Stowe and YBL. 38a, 28.
[4-4] Stowe.
[5-5] Stowe, and, similarly Eg. 209 and Eg. 106.
[6-6] YBL. 38a, 30.
[7-7] Stowe.
[8-8] H. 1. 13.
[9-9] YBL. 38a, 31-32.
Not long had Ferdiad's charioteer waited when he heard something: [1]A rush
and a crash and a hurtling sound, and a din and a thunder,[1] [LL.fo.83a.]
and a clatter and a clash, namely, the shield-cry of feat-shields, and the
jangle of javelins, and the deed-striking of swords, and the thud of the
helmet, [2]and the ring of spears,[2] and the clang of the cuirass, and the
striking of arms, the fury of feats, the straining of ropes, and the whirr
of wheels, and the creaking of the chariot, and the trampling of horses'
hoofs, and the deep voice of the hero and battle-warrior [3]in grave speech
with his servant[3] on his way to the ford to attack his opponent.
[1-1] From Stowe; LL. is illegible here.
[2-2] H. 1. 13.
[3-3] Stowe.
The servant came and touched his master with his hand [4]and awakened
him.[4] "Ferdiad, master," said the youth, "rise up! They are here to meet
thee at the ford." [5]Then[5] [6]Ferdiad arose and girt his body in his
war-dress of battle and combat.[6] And the gilla spake these words:--
"The roll of a chariot,
Its fair yoke of silver;
A man great and stalwart
O'ertops the strong car!
O'er Bri Ross, o'er Branè
Their swift path they hasten;
Past Old-tree Town's[a] tree-stump,
Victorious they speed!
"A sly Hound that driveth,
A fair chief that urgeth,
A free hawk that speedeth
His steeds towards the south!
Gore-coloured, the Cua,[b]
'Tis sure he will take us;
We know--vain to hide it--
He brings us defeat![c]
[W.3335.] "Woe him on the hillock,
The brave Hound before him;
Last year I foretold it,
That some time he'd come!
Hound from Emain Macha,
Hound formed of all colours,
The Border-hound, War-hound,
I hear what I've heard!"
[4-4] YBL. 38a, 35.
[5-5] H. 1. 13.
[6-6] Stowe and, similarly, Eg. 209, Eg. 106 and H. 1. 13.
[a] _Baile in bile_, MSS.
[b] A shortened form for 'Cuchulain.'
[c] Literally, 'battle, strife.'
"Come, gilla," said Ferdiad; "for what reason laudest thou this man ever
since I am come from my house? And it is almost a cause for strife with
thee that thou hast praised him thus highly. But, Ailill and Medb have
prophesied to me that this man will fall by my hand. And since it is for a
reward, he shall quickly be torn asunder by me. [1]And make ready the arms
on the ford against his coming." "Should I turn my face backward," said the
gilla; "methinks the poles of yon chariot will pass through the back of my
neck." "Too much, my lad," said Ferdiad, "dost thou praise Cuchulain, for
not a reward has he given thee for praising,[1] but it is time to fetch
help." And he spake these words, and the henchman responded:--
Ferdiad: "'Tis time now to help me;
Be silent! cease praising!
'Twas no deed of friendship,
No doom o'er the brink (?)[a]
The Champion of Cualnge,
Thou seest 'midst proud feats,
For that it's for guerdon,
Shall quickly be slain!"[b]
The Henchman: "I see Cualnge's hero,
With feats overweening,
Not fleeing he flees us,
But towards us he comes.
He runneth--not slowly--
Though cunning--not sparing--
Like water 'down high cliff
Or thunderbolt quick!"
Ferdiad: [W.3365.] "'Tis cause of a quarrel,
So much thou hast praised him;
And why hast thou chose him,
Since I am from home?
And now they extol him,
They fall to proclaim him;
None come to attack him,
But soft simple men (?)."
[1-1] YBL. 38b, 46-57.
[a] The meaning is obscure.
[b] Literally, 'torn.'
[1]Here followeth the Description of Cuchulain's chariot,
one of the three chief Chariots of the Tale of the Foray of
Cualnge.[1]
[1-1] YBL. 38a, 48-49. In the following description of the chariot and
steeds has been incorporated part of the parallel passages in LU.
1969-1977 and YBL. 38a-38b. Eg. 106, Eg. 109 and H. 2. 12 (_Revue
Celtique_, xi, 25) contain more adjectives.
It was not long that Ferdiad's charioteer remained there when he saw
something: [2]"How beholdest thou Cuchulain?" asked Ferdiad of his
charioteer. "I behold," said he,[2] "a beautiful, live-pointed chariot,
[3]broad above, of white crystal, with a thick yoke of gold, with stout
plates of copper, with shafts of bronze, with wheel-bands of bronze covered
with silver,[3] approaching with swiftness, with speed, with perfect skill;
with a green shade, with a thin-framed, dry-bodied (?) box surmounted with
feats of cunning, [4]straight-poled,[4] as long as a warrior's sword. [5]On
this[5] was room for a hero's seven arms, the fair seat for its lord;
[6]two wheels, dark, black; a pole of tin, with red enamel, of a beautiful
colour; two inlaid, golden bridles.[6] [7]This chariot was placed[7]
behind two fleet steeds, [8]nimble, furious, small-headed,[8] bounding,
large-eared, [9]small-snouted, sharp-beaked, red-chested,[9] gaily
prancing, with inflated[a] nostrils, broad-chested, quick-hearted,
high-flanked, broad-hoofed, slender-limbed, overpowering and resolute. A
grey, broad-hipped, small-stepping, long-maned horse, [10]whose name was
Liath ('the Roan') of Macha,[10] was under [W.3379.] one of the yokes of
the chariot; a black, crispèd-maned, swift-moving, broad-backed horse,
[1]whose name was Dubh ('the Black') of Sithleann,[1] under the other. Like
unto a hawk after its prey on a sharp tempestuous day, or to a tearing
blast of wind of Spring on a March day over the back of a plain, or unto a
startled stag when first roused by the hounds in the first of the chase,
[LL.fo.83b.] were Cuchulain's two horses before the chariot, as if they
were on glowing, fiery flags, so that they shook the earth and made it
tremble with the fleetness of their course.
[2-2] YBL. 38a, 51-52.
[3-3] YBL. 38b, 1-3.
[4-4] LU. 1973.
[5-5] YBL.
[6-6] YBL. 38b. 19-21.
[7-7] LU. 1972.
[8-8] LU. 1973.
[9-9] LU. 1973.
[10-10] Eg. 209.
[a] Literally, 'bagnosed.'
[1-1] Eg. 209.
[2]"In the front of this chariot is a man with fair, curly, long hair.
There is around him a cloak, blue, Parthian purple. A spear with red and
keen-cutting blades, flaming-red in his hand. The semblance of three heads
of hair he has, namely, brown hair next to the skin of his head, blood-red
hair in the middle, a crown of gold is the third head of hair.
"Beautiful is the arrangement of that hair so that it makes three coils
down behind over his shoulders. Even as a thread of gold it seems, when its
hue has been wrought over the edge of an anvil; or like to the yellow of
bees whereon shines the sun on a summer's day is the shining of each single
hair of his hair. Seven toes he has on each of his feet and seven fingers
on each of his hands and the brilliance of a very great fire is around his
eye.
"Befitting him is the charioteer beside him, with curly, jet-black hair,
shorn broad over his head. A cowled garment around him, open at the elbows.
A horse-whip, very fine and golden in his hand, and a light-grey cloak
wrapped around him, and a goad of white silver in his hand. He plies the
goad on the horses whatever way would go the deed-renowned warrior that is
in the chariot."[2]
[2-2] YBL. 38b, 21-44.
And Cuchulain reached the ford. Ferdiad waited on [W.3387.] the south side
of the ford; Cuchulain stood on the north side. Ferdiad bade welcome to
Cuchulain. "Welcome is thy coming, O Cuchulain!" said Ferdiad. "Truly
spoken meseemed thy welcome till now," answered Cuchulain; "but to-day I
put no more trust in it. And, O Ferdiad," said Cuchulain, "it were fitter
for me to bid thee welcome than that thou should'st welcome me; for it is
thou that art come to the land and province wherein I dwell; and it is not
fitting for thee to come to contend and do battle with me, but it were
fitter for me to go to contend and do battle with thee. For before thee in
flight are my women and my boys and my youths, my steeds and my troops of
horses, my droves, my flocks and my herds of cattle."
"Good, O Cuchulain," spake Ferdiad; "what has ever brought thee out to
contend and do battle with me? For when we were [1]together[1] with
Scathach and with Uathach and with Aifè, [2]thou wast not a man worthy of
me, for[2] thou wast my serving-man, even for arming my spear and dressing
my bed." "That was indeed true," answered Cuchulain; "because of my youth
and my littleness did I so much for thee, but this is by no means my mood
this day. For there is not a warrior in the world I would not drive off
this day [3]in the field of battle and combat."[3]
[1-1] Stowe.
[2-2] Stowe.
[3-3] Stowe.
[4]It was not long before they met in the middle of the ford.[4] And then
it was that each of them cast sharp-cutting reproaches at the other,
renouncing his friendship; and Ferdiad spake these words there, and
Cuchulain responded:--
Ferdiad: "What led thee, O Cua,
To fight a strong champion?
Thy flesh will be gore-red
O'er smoke of thy steeds!
Alas for thy journey,
A kindling of firebrands;
In sore need of healing,
If home thou shouldst reach!"
Cuchulain: [W.3417.] "I'm come before warriors
Around the herd's wild Boar,[a]
Before troops and hundreds,
To drown thee in deep.
In anger, to prove thee
In hundred-fold battle,
Till on thee come havoc,
Defending thy head!"
Ferdiad: "Here stands one to crush thee,
'Tis I will destroy thee,
[1]...[1]
From me there shall come
The flight of their warriors
In presence of Ulster,
That long they'll remember
The loss that was theirs!"
Cuchulain: "How then shall we combat?
For wrongs shall we heave sighs?
Despite all, we'll go there,
To fight on the ford!
Or is it with hard swords,
Or e'en with red spear-points,
Before hosts to slay thee,
If [2]thy[2] hour hath come?"
Ferdiad: "'Fore sunset, 'fore nightfall--
If need be, then guard thee--
I'll fight thee at Bairchè,
Not bloodlessly fight!
The Ulstermen call thee,
'He has him!' Oh, hearken!
The sight will distress them
That through them will pass[b]!"
Cuchulain: "In danger's gap fallen,
At hand is thy life's term;
On thee plied be weapons,
Not gentle the skill!
One champion will slay thee;
We both will encounter;
No more shalt lead forays,
[3]From this day till Doom!"[3]
Ferdiad: [W.3457.] "Avaunt with thy warnings,
Thou world's greatest braggart;
Nor guerdon nor pardon,
[1]Low warrior for thee![1]
'Tis I that well know thee,
Thou heart of a cageling
This lad merely tickles--
Without skill or force!"
Cuchulain: "When we were with Scathach,
For wonted arms training,
Together we'd fare forth,
To seek every fight.
Thou wast my heart's comrade.
My clan and my kinsman;
Ne'er found I one dearer;
Thy loss would be sad!"
Ferdiad: [LL.fo.84a.] "Thou wager'st thine honour
Unless we do battle;
Before the cock croweth,
Thy head on a spit!
Cuchulain of Cualnge,
Mad frenzy hath seized thee
All ill we'll wreak on thee,
For thine is the sin!"
[4-4] YBL. 39a. 14.
[a] That is, King Conchobar.
[1-1] A line has dropped out here in the MS., and cannot be
reconstructed, since the stanza is found only in LL. For this reason
the meaning of the following line is uncertain.
[2-2] Reading with YBL. 39a, 34.
[B] Literally, 'it will go over and through them!'
[3-3] Translating from YBL. fo. 39a, 41.
[1-1] Literally, '(For) thou art not a bush (i.e. a hero) over a bush
(hero).'