[1-1] LU. 153.

    [2-2] Eg. 1782.

    [3-3] Gloss in LU. fo. 56b, 3.

    [a] Following the emendation suggested by L. Chr.  Stern, Zeitschrift
    fuer Celtische Philologie, Band II, S. 417, LU. has ‘nine charioteers.’

Then, [4]when she had reviewed the host,[4] were Medb’s horses unyoked and her chariots let down, and she took her place beside Ailill macMata.  And Ailill asked tidings of Medb:  who was eager and who was loath for the warfare.  “Futile for all is the emprise but for one troop only, [5]namely the division of the Galian (’of Leinster’),"[5] quoth Medb. [6]"Why blamest thou these men?” queried Ailill.  “It is not that we blame them,” Medb made answer.[6] “What good service then have these done that they are praised above all?” asked Ailill.  “There is reason to praise them,” said Medb. [7]"Splendid are the warriors.[7] When the others begin making their pens and pitching their camp, these have finished building their bothies and huts.  When the rest are building their bothies and huts, these have finished preparing their food and drink.  When the rest are preparing their food and drink, these have finished eating and feasting, [8]and their harps are playing for them.[8] When all the others have finished eating and feasting, these are by that [W.422.] time asleep.  And even as their servants and thralls are distinguished above the servants and thralls of the men of Erin, so shall their heroes and champions be distinguished beyond the heroes and champions of the men of Erin this time on this hosting. [1]It is folly then for these to go, since it is those others will enjoy the victory of the host.[1]” “So much the better, I trow,” replied Ailill; “for it is with us they go and it is for us they fight.”  “They shall not go with us nor shall they fight for us.” [2]cried Medb.[2] “Let them stay at home then,” said Ailill.  “Stay they shall not,” answered Medb. “[3]They will fall on us in the rear and will seize our land against us.[3]” “What shall they do then,” Finnabair[a] asked, “if they go not out nor yet remain at home?” “Death and destruction and slaughter is what I desire for them,” answered Medb.  “For shame then on thy speech,” spake Ailill; “[4]’tis a woman’s advice,[4] for that they pitch their tents and make their pens so promptly and unwearily.”  “By the truth of my conscience,” cried Fergus, [5]"not thus shall it happen, for they are allies of us men of Ulster.[5] No one shall do them to death but he that does death to myself [6]along with them!"[6]

    [4-4] Eg. 1782.

    [5-5] LU. 164 and Stowe.

    [6-6] LU. 165.

    [7-7] LU. 165.

    [8-8] LU. 168.

    [1-1] LU. 169.

    [2-2] Stowe.

    [3-3] LU. 171-172.

    [a] ‘Ailill,’ in Eg. 1782.

    [4-4] Eg. 1782.

    [5-5] LU. 175-176.

    [6-6] Stowe