combat and is the occasion of a grand battle.  The little flock will come over the plain and the band of henchmen [2]from the east and the band of henchmen from the west[2] [3]will encounter one another betimes [4]about the little flock[4] on the great field of battle."[3] There, indeed, Cuchulain spoke true.  And the little flock came forth upon the plain, and the companies of henchmen met in fray.  “Who gives the battle now, O Laeg my master,” Cuchulain asked.  “The folk of Ulster,” Laeg answered:  “that is the same as the young warriors [5]of Ulster."[5] “But how fight they?” Cuchulain asked.  “Like men they fight,” Laeg answered.  “There where are the heroes of valour from the east in battle, they force a breach through the ranks to the west.  There where are the heroes from the west, they lay a breach through the ranks to the eastward.” [6]"It would be a vow for them to fall in rescuing their herds,” said Cuchulain; “and [W.5774.] now?” “The beardless youths are fighting now,” said the charioteer.  “Has a bright cloud come over the sun yet?” Cuchulain asked.  “Nay, then,” the charioteer answered.[6] “I grieve that I am not yet strong enough to be on my feet amongst them.  For, were I able to be on my feet amongst them, my breach would be manifest there to-day like that of another!” “But, this avow, O Cucuc,” said Laeg:  “it is no reproach to thy valour; it is no disgrace to thine honour.  Thou hast done bravely in time before now and thou wilt do bravely hereafter.”

    [1-1] YBL. 50a, 28-31.

    [2-2] Stowe and H. 1. 13

    [3-3] LL. seems to be defective here.

    [4-4] Stowe and H. 1. 13.

    [5-5] Stowe and H. 1. 13.

    [6-6] YBL. 50a, 39-43.

[1]About the hour of sunrise:  “It is a haughty folk that now fight the battle,” quoth the charioteer; “but there are no kings amongst them, for sleep is still upon them."[1] “Come, O my master Laeg!” cried Cuchulain; “rouse the men of Ulster to the battle now, for it is time that they come.”

    [1-1] YBL. 50a, 45-47.

[2]Then, when the sun arose,[2] [3]Cuchulain saw the kings from the east putting their crowns on their heads and relieving their men-at-arms.  Cuchulain told his charioteer to awaken the men of Ulster.[3] Laeg came and roused the men of Ulster to battle, and he uttered these words there:—­

“Arise, ye kings of Macha, Valiant in your deeds!  Imbel’s kine the Badb doth covet:  [4]Blood of hearts pours out!  Goodly heroes’ battle rushes in[4] With deeds of valour!  Hearts all red with gore:  Brows turned in flight.  Dismay of battle riseth.  For there was never found One like unto Cuchulain, Hound that Macha’s[a] weal doth work!  If it is for Cualnge’s kine, Let them now arise!”

    [2-2] YBL. 50a, 48.

    [3-3] YBL. 50b, 18-23.

    [4-4] YBL 50b, 27-29.

    [a] Another name for Badb, the battle-fury.