[4-4] H. 2. 17.

    [5-5] H. 2. 17.

    [6-6] H. 2. 17.

    [7-7] Stowe.

    [8-8] Stowe.

    [9-9] Stowe.

    [10-10] Stowe.

    [11-11] H. 2. 17.

    [12-12] H. 2. 17.

    [1-1] Stowe.

    [2-2] H. 2. 17.

    [3-3] Stowe.

MacRoth came back [4]to the camp and station of the men of Erin, to where Ailill, Medb, and Fergus were,[4] and Medb asked his tidings.  “Didst thou find him?” Medb asked.  “In truth, I found him,” macRoth replied.  “Hath he accepted [5]the terms?"[5] “He hath not accepted,” replied macRoth. “[6]How so;” said Ailill,[6] “is there an offer he will accept?” “There is one, he said,” [7]answered macRoth.[7] “Hath he made known to thee this offer?” “This is his word,” said macRoth, “that he himself would not disclose it to ye.” “’Tis a question, then,” said Medb.  “But” (macRoth continued), “should there be one in our midst that knows his terms, that one would tell it to me.”  “And if there be not,” [8]said Ailill.  “And if there be not,"[8] (answered macRoth), “let no one go seek him any more.  But, there is one thing I promise [9]thee,"[9] said macRoth; “even though the kingdom of Erin were [10]given me[10] for it, I for one would not go [11]on these same legs to that place[11] to parley with him [12]again."[12] [13]"Belike, Fergus knows,” quoth Ailill.[13] Therewith Medb looked at Fergus.  “What are the terms yonder man demands, O Fergus?  “Medb asked. [14]"I know what the man meant to disclose.[14] I see no advantage at all for ye in the terms he demands,” Fergus replied. “[15]But[15] what are those terms?” asked Medb. “[16]Not difficult to say,” replied Fergus.[16] “That a single champion of [W.1782.] the men of Erin [1]be sent[1] to fight [2]and contend[2] with him every day.  The while he slayeth that man, the army will be permitted to continue its march.  Then, when he will have slain that man, another warrior shall be sent to meet him on the ford.  Either that, or the men of Erin shall halt and camp there till sunrise’s bright hour in the morning. [3]And, by the ford whereon his single-handed battle and fight takes place, the cattle shall not be taken by day or by night, to see if there come to him help from the men of Ulster.  And I wonder,” continued Fergus, “how long it will be till they come out of their ’Pains.’[3] [4]Whatever Ulstermen are injured or wounded nearby him, your leeches shall heal them and ye shall not be paid for the price of their healing.  Whatever daughter of kings or of princes of the men of Erin shall love him, ye shall bring her to him together with her purchase and bride-price.[4] And further, Cuchulain’s food and clothing shall be provided by you, [5]so long as he will be[5] on this expedition.” [6]"Good, O Fergus,"[6] asked Ailill,[a] [7]"will he abate aught of these terms?” “In sooth, will he,” replied Fergus; “namely, he will not exact to be fed and clothed by you, but of himself will provide food and clothing."[7]