[4-4] H. 2. 17.

    [5-5] H. 2. 17.

    [6-6] H. 2. 17.

    [7-7] Stowe and H. 2. 17.

    [8-8] H. 2. 17.

    [9-9] Stowe.

    [10-10] Stowe.

    [11-11] Stowe.

    [12-12] Stowe.

    [13-13] H. 2. 17.

    [14-14] LU. and YBL. 1138.

    [15-15] H. 2. 17.

    [16-16] H. 2. 17.

    [1-1] Stowe.

    [2-2] H. 2. 17.

    [3-3] LU. and YBL. 1140-1143.

    [4-4] H. 2. 17.

    [5-5] Stowe and H. 2. 17.

    [6-6] H. 2. 17.

    [a] ‘Medb,’ H. 2. 17.

    [7-7] H. 2. 17.

“By our conscience,” said Ailill, “this is a grievous proposal.”  “What he asks is good,” replied Medb; “and he shall obtain those terms, for we deem it easier to bear that he should have one of our warriors every day than a hundred every night.”  “Who will go and make known those terms to Cuchulain?” “Who, then, but Fergus?” replied Medb. “[8]Come now, O Fergus,” said Medb; “take upon thee to fulfil and make good those terms to him."[8] “Nevermore!” said Fergus.  “Why not?” asked Ailill. [9]"I fear ye will not make true and fulfil them for [W.1792.] me.”  “They will truly be fulfilled,” said Medb.[9] (Then said Fergus:) “Bonds and covenants, pledges and bail shall be given for abiding by those terms and for their fulfilment towards Cuchulain.”  “I abide by it,” said Medb, and she fast bound Fergus to them in like manner.

    [8-8] H. 2. 17

    [9-9] H. 2. 17.

* * * * *

[Page 115]

X

[1]THE VIOLENT DEATH OF ETARCUMUL[1]

[W.1798.] Fergus’ horses were brought and his chariot was hitched [2]and Fergus set forth on that errand.[2] And two horses were brought for Etarcumul son of Fid and of Lethrinn, a soft youth of the people of Medb and of Ailill. [3]Now Etarcumul followed Fergus.[3] “Whither goest thou?” Fergus demanded.  “We go with thee,” Etarcumul made answer. [4]"And why goest thou with me?” asked Fergus.[4] “To behold the form and appearance of Cuchulain, and to gaze upon him, [5]for he is unknown to me."[5] “Wilt thou do my bidding,” said Fergus, “thou wilt in no wise go thither.”  “Why shall I not, pray?” [6]"I would not have thee go,” said Fergus; “and it is not out of hatred of thee, only I should be loath to have combat between thee and Cuchulain.[6] Thy light-heartedness, [7]thy haughtiness and thy pride[7] and thine overweeningness (I know), but (I also know) the fierceness and valour and hostility, the [8]violence and vehemence[8] of the youth against whom thou goest, [9]even Cuchulain.[9] And methinks ye will have contention before ye part. [10]No good will come from your meeting."[10] “Art thou not able to come between us [11]to protect me?"[11] [W.1806.] “I am, to be sure,” Fergus answered, “provided thou thyself seek not the combat[1] and treat not what he says with contempt."[1] “I will not seek it,” [2]said Etarcumul,[2] “till the very day of doom!”