[5-5] Stowe.

    [6-6] H. 2. 17.

    [7-7] H. 2. 17.

    [8-8] H. 2. 17.

    [9-9] LU. and YBL. 909.

    [10-10] H. 2. 17.

The four of the five grand provinces of Erin took up the march until they reached the Sechair [11]in the west on the morrow.[11] Sechair was the name of the river hitherto; Glaiss Gatlaig (’Osier-water’) is its name henceforward. [12]And Glaiss Gatlaig rose up against them.[12] Now this is the reason it had that name, for it was in osiers and ropes that the men of Erin brought [W.1599.] their flocks and droves over across it, and the entire host let their osiers and ropes drift with the stream after crossing.  Hence the name, Glaiss Gatlaig. [1]Then they slept at Druim Fene in Conalle.  These then are their stages from Cualnge to the plain (of Conalle Murthemni) according to this version.  Other authors [2]of this Work[2] and other books aver that they followed another way on their journeyings from Finnabair to Conalle.[1]

    [11-11] H. 2. 17.

    [12-12] LU. and YBL. 910.

    [1-1] LU. and YBL. 912-914.

    [2-2] YBL. 914.

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[Page 99]

VIIIf

[1]THE HARRYING OF CUALNGE FOLLOWETH HERE BELOW[1]

[2]After every one had come with their spoils and they were all gathered in Finnabair of Cualnge, Medb spake:  “Let the camp be divided here,” said Medb; “the foray cannot be caried on by a single road.  Let Ailill with half his force go by Midluachair.  We and Fergus will go by Bernas Bo Ulad (’the Pass of the Cattle of Ulster’).”  “Not fair is the part that has fallen to us of the force,” said Fergus; “the cattle cannot be driven over the mountain without dividing.”  This then is done.  Hence cometh Bernas Bo Ulad (’the Pass of the Cattle of Ulster’).

    [1-1] LU. fo. 65b, in the margin.

    [2-2] LU. and YBL. 916-1197, omitting 1079-1091.

Then spake Ailill to his charioteer Cuillius:  “Find out for me to-day Medb and Fergus.  I wot not what hath led them to keep thus together.  I would fain have a token from thee.”  Cuillius went where Medb and Fergus wantoned.  The pair dallied behind while the warriors continued their march.  Cuillius stole near them and they perceived not the spy.  It happened that Fergus’ sword lay close by him.  Cuillius drew it from its sheath and left the sheath empty.  Then Cuillius betook himself to Ailill.  “Well?” said Ailill.  “Well, then,” replied [3]Cuillius;[3] “thou knowest the signification of this token.  As thou hast thought,” continued Cuillius, “it is thus I discovered them, lying together.”  “It is so, then.”  Each of them laughs, at the other.  “It is well so,” said Ailill; “she had no choice; to win his help on the Tain she hath done it.  Keep the sword carefully by thee,” said Ailill; “put it beneath thy seat in the chariot and a linen cloth wrapped round it.”