“Culann went back to the stithy to prepare and make ready meat and drink [3]in readiness for the king.[3] Conchobar sat in Emain till it was time to set out [4]for the feast,[4] till came the close of the day.  The king put his fine, light travelling apparel about him, [5]and went with fifty chariot-chiefs of those that were noblest and most illustrious of the heroes,[5] and betook him to the boys [6]before starting,[6] to bid them farewell. [7]It was always [W.968.] his custom to visit and revisit them when going and coming, to seek his blessing of the boys.[7] Conchobar came on to the fair-green, and he saw a thing that astounded him:  Thrice fifty boys at one end of the green and a single boy at the other, and the single boy won the victory at the goal and at hurling from the thrice fifty boys.  When it was at hole-play they were—­a game of hole that used to be played on the fair-green of Emain—­and it was their turn to drive and his to keep guard, he would catch the thrice fifty balls just outside of the hole, and not one went by him into the hole.  When it was their turn to keep guard and his to drive, he would send the thrice fifty balls into the hole without fail, [1]and the boys were unable to ward them off.[1] When it was at tearing off each other’s garments they played, he would strip off them their thrice fifty suits [2]so that they were quite naked,[2] and they were not able all of them to take as much as the brooch from his mantle.  When it was at wrestling they were, he would throw those same thrice fifty boys to the ground under him, and they did not succeed all of them around him in lifting him up.  Conchobar looked with wonder at the little lad.  “O, ye youths,” cried [LL.fo.63b.] Conchobar.  “Hail to the land whence cometh the lad ye see, if the deeds of his manhood shall be such as are those of his boyhood!” “Tis not just to speak thus,” exclaimed Fergus; “e’en as the little lad grows, so will his deeds of manhood grow with him.”  “The little lad shall be called to us, that he may come with us to enjoy the feast to which we go.”  The little lad was summoned to Conchobar.  “Good, my lad,” said Conchobar.  “Come thou with us to enjoy the feast whereto we go, [3]for thou art a guest."[3] “Nay, but I will not go,” the little boy answered.  “How so?” asked Conchobar. [W.990.] “Forasmuch as the boys have not yet had their fill of games and of sport, and I will not leave them till they have had enough play.”  “It is too long for us to await thee till then, little boy, and by no means shall we wait.”  “Go then before us,” said the little boy, “and I will follow after ye.”  “Thou knowest naught of the way, little boy,” said Conchobar.  “I will follow the trail of the company and of the horses and chariots.”

    [3-3] Stowe.

    [4-4] Stowe.

    [5-5] LU. and YBL. 489-491.

    [6-6] Stowe.

    [7-7] LU. and YBL. 492-494.

    [1-1] LU. and YBL. 497.

    [2-2] LU. and YBL. 502.