Then it was that Cuchulain let fly the white Gae Bulga from the fork of his irresistible right foot. [7]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.[7] 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.[2]

    [7-7] Eg. 209.

[8]When Ferdiad saw that his gilla had been thrown[8] 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 [9]which was in his hand,[9] cast it [W.3938.] off the palm of his hand over the rim of the shield and over the edge of the [1]corselet and[1] 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 [2]when Ferdiad raised his shield[2] Cuchulain threw the Gae Bulga as far as he could cast [3]underneath[3] 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.

    [8-8] Eg. 106.

    [9-9] Stowe.

    [1-1] Stowe.

    [2-2] Stowe and Eg. 209.

    [3-3] Stowe and Eg. 209.

“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:—­

    “O Cu of grand feats,
    Unfairly I’m slain! 
    Thy guilt clings to me;
    My blood falls on thee!

    “No meed for the wretch[a]
    Who treads treason’s gap. 
    Now weak is my voice;
    Ah, gone is my bloom!

    “My ribs’ armour bursts,
    My heart is all gore;
    I battled not well;
    I’m smitten, O Cu!

[4]"Unfair, side by side, To come to the ford.  ’Gainst my noble ward[b] Hath Medb turned my hand!

    “There’ll come rooks and crows
    To gaze on my arms,
    To eat flesh and blood. 
    A tale, Cu, for thee!"[4]