[1-1] Stowe.

    [2-2] LU. and YBL. 342-345.

    [a] ‘Seventh,’ YBL. 344.

    [3-3] LU. and YBL. 345.

    [4-4] LU. 346-347, and, similarly, YBL.

    [b] “Eight,” YBL.

    [5-5] LU. and YBL. 349.

    [6-6] LU. 349-350.

    [7-7] LU. and YBL. 350.

    [8-8] LU. and YBL. 351-352.

    [9-9] LU. and YBL. 352.

    [10-10] LU. and YBL. 354.

    [11-11] YBL. 354.

    [12-12] LU. and YBL. 355-356.

    [13-13 LU. and YBL. 356-357.

    [a] Reading with Stowe, LU. and YBL. 359, which is more intelligible
    than ‘on each hair,’ which is the translation of LL.

“We make not much import of him,” quoth Medb.  “It is but a single body he has; he shuns being wounded; he avoids being taken.  They do say his age is but that of a girl to be wed. [1]His deeds of manhood have not yet come,[1] nor will he hold out against tried men, this young, beardless elf-man of whom thou spokest.” [2]"We say not so,"[2] replied Fergus, “for manful were the deeds of the lad at a time when he was younger than he [3]now[3] is.”

    [1-1] LU. and YBL. 363.

    [2-2] ‘That is not true,’ Stowe.

    [3-3] Stowe.

* * * * *

[Page 46]

VII

THE YOUTHFUL EXPLOITS OF CUCHULAIN

[W.865.] “Now this lad was reared in the house of his father and mother at Dairgthech[1] (’the Oak House’ (?)), namely, in the plain of Murthemne, and the tales of the youths of Emain were told to him. [2]For there are [3]always[3] thrice fifty boys at play there,” said Fergus.[2] “Forasmuch as in this wise Conchobar passed his reign ever since he, the king, assumed his sovereignty, to wit:  As soon as he arose, forthwith in settling the cares and affairs of the province; thereafter, the day he divided in three:  first, the first third he spent a-watching the youths play games of skill and of hurling; the next third of the day, a-playing draughts and chess, and the last third a-feasting on meat and [4]a-quaffing[4] ale, till sleep possessed them all, the while minstrels and harpers lulled him to sleep.  For all that I am a long time in banishment because of him, I give my word,” said Fergus, “there is not in Erin nor in Alba a warrior the like of Conchobar.”

    [1] Reading with LU. and YBL. 367.

    [2-2] LU. and YBL. 368-369.

    [3-3] Eg. 1782.

    [4-4] LU. and YBL. 371.