[3]Then it was debated by the men of Erin who would be fitted to fight and contend with Cuchulain and ward him off from them on the ford at the morning-hour early on the morrow.  What they all agreed was that it should be Loch Mor (’the Great’) son of Mofemis, the royal champion of Munster.[3] [W.2260.] It was then that Loch Mor son of Mofemis was summoned [4]like the rest[4] to the pavilion of Ailill and Medb, [5]and he was promised the equal of Mag Murthemni of the smooth field of Mag Ai, and the accoutrement of twelve men, and a chariot of the value of seven bondmaids.[5] “What would ye of me?” asked Loch.  “To have fight with Cuchulain,” replied Medb.  “I will not go on that errand, for I esteem it no honour nor becoming to attack a tender, young, smooth-chinned, beardless boy. [6]’Tis not seemly to speak thus to me, and ask it not of me.[6] And not to belittle him do I say it, but I have [7]a doughty brother, [8]the match of himself,"[8] said Loch,[7] “a man to confront him, Long macEmonis, to wit, and he will rejoice to accept an offer from you; [9]and it were fitting for him to contend with Cuchulain for Long has no beard on cheek or lip any more than Cuchulain."[9]

    [1-1] YBL. 1630.

    [2-2] LU. fo. 74b, between the columns.

    [3-3] Eg. 93.

    [4-4] LU. and YBL. 1631.

    [5-5] LU. and YBL. 1631-1633.

    [6-6] Eg. 209.

    [7-7] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.

    [8-8] Eg. 93.

    [9-9] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.

[W.2266.] [1]Thereupon[1] Long was summoned to the tent of Ailill and Medb, and Medb promised him great gifts, even livery for twelve men of cloth of every colour, and a chariot worth four[a] times seven bondmaids, and Finnabair to wife for him alone, and at all times entertainment in Cruachan, and that wine[b] would be poured out for him.

    [1-1] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.

    [a] ‘Thrice.’  Eg. 209.

    [b] ‘Ale,’ Eg. 209.

[2]They passed there that night and he engaged to do the battle and combat, and early on the morrow[2] went Long [3]to the ford of battle and combat[3] to seek Cuchulain, and Cuchulain slew him and [5]they brought him dead into the presence of his brother, namely of Loch.  And Loch [4]came forth and raised up his loud, quick voice and[4] cried, had he known it was a bearded man that slew him, he would slay him for it.[5] [6]And it was in the presence of Medb that he said it.[6] [7]"Lead a battle-force against him,” Medb cried to her host, “over the ford from the west, that ye may cross, and let the law of fair fight be broken with Cuchulain.”  The seven Mane the warriors went first, till they saw him to the west of the edge of the ford.  He wore his festive raiment on that day and the women clambered on the men that they might behold him.  “It grieves me,” said Medb.  “I cannot see the boy because of whom they go there.”