and fell out through his mouth on the ground.  And the only words Redg uttered were these, “This precious gift is readily [W.2072.] ours,” and his soul separated from his body at the ford.  Therefrom that ford is ever since called Ath Solom Shet (’Ford of the Ready Treasure’).  And the copper of the javelin was thrown into the river.  Hence is Uman-Sruth (’Copperstream’) ever after.

    [4-4] Eg. 93.

    [5-5] Eg. 93.

    [6-6] LU. and YBL. 1333-1336.

    [7-7] LU. and YBL. 1337.

    [b] More literally, ‘in the pit of his occiput.’

[1]"Let us ask for a sword-truce from Cuchulain,” says Ailill.  “Let Lugaid go to him,” one and all answer.  Then Lugaid goes to parley with him.  “How now do I stand with the host?” Cuchulain asks.  “Disgraceful indeed is the thing thou hast demanded of them,” Lugaid answers, “even this, that thou shouldst have thy women and maidens and half of thy kine.  But more grievous than all do they hold it that they themselves should be killed and thou provisioned.”

Every day there fell a man by Cuchulain till the end of a week. [2]Then[2] faith is broken with Cuchulain.  Twenty are despatched at one time to attack him and he destroys them all.  “Go to him, O Fergus,” says Ailill, “that he may vouchsafe us a change of place.”  A while after this they proceed to Cronech.  These are they that fell in single combat with him in that place, to wit:  the two Roth, the two Luan, two women-thieves, ten fools, ten cup-bearers, the ten Fergus, the six Fedelm, the six Fiachu.  Now these were all killed by him in single combat.

    [2-2] Eg. 1782.

When their tents were pitched by them in Cronech they discussed what they had best do with Cuchulain.  “I know,” quoth Medb, “what is best here.  Let some one go to him from us for a sword-pact from him in respect of the host, and he shall have half the cattle that are here.”  This message they bring to him.  “I will do it,” said Cuchulain, “provided the bond is not broken by you[1] [3]to-morrow.[3]”

    [1-1] LU. 1362-1379.

    [3-3] Eg. 1782.

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[Page 139]

XIIc

[1]HERE IS TOLD THE MEETING OF CUCHULAIN AND FINNABAIR[1]

[2]"Let a message be sent to him,” said Ailill, “that Finnabair my daughter will be bestowed on him, and for him to keep away from the hosts.”  Mane Athramail (’Fatherlike’) goes to him.  But first he addresses himself to Laeg.  “Whose man art thou?” spake Mane.  Now Laeg made no answer.  Thrice Mane addressed him in this [3]same[3] wise.  “Cuchulain’s man,” Laeg answers, “and provoke me not, lest it happen I strike thy head off thee!” “This man is mad,” quoth Mane as he leaves him.  Then he goes to accost Cuchulain.  It was there Cuchulain had doffed his tunic, and the [4]deep[4] snow was around him where he sat, up to his belt, and