[2-2] LU. and YBL. 1158.

    [3-3] H. 2. 17.

    [4-4] Following Windisch’s emendation of the text.

    [5-5] H. 2. 17.

    [6-6] LU. and YBL. 1160.

“Holla!  Welcome the coming of this guest to us!” cried Cuchulain.  “We know the man; it is my master Fergus that cometh hither. [7]Empty is the great paddle that my master Fergus carries,” said Cuchulain; “for there is no sword in its sheath but a sword of wood.  For I have heard,” Cuchulain continued, “that Ailill got a chance at him and Medb as they lay, and he took away Fergus’ sword from him and gave it to his charioteer to take care of, and the sword of wood was put into its sheath."[7]

    [7-7] LU. and YBL. 1160-1165.

“Yet another single chariot-fighter I see coming towards us.  With fulness of skill and beauty and splendour his horses speed.” [8]"A young, tender gilla in armour is in the chariot.[8]” “One of the youths of the men of Erin is he, O my master Laeg,” responded Cuchulain.  “To scan my appearance and form is that man come, for I am renowned amongst them in the midst of their camp, [9]and they know me not at all."[9]

    [8-8] H. 2. 17.

    [9-9] H. 2. 17.

Fergus came up [10]to where Cuchulain was[10] and he sprang from the chariot, and Cuchulain bade him [11]a hearty[11] welcome. [12]"Welcome to thine arrival and thy coming, O my master Fergus!” cried Cuchulain; “and a night’s [W.1831.] lodging shalt thou have here this night."[12] [1]"Thy hospitality and eke thy welcome[1] I take for true,” Fergus responded.  “Verily, it is truly meant for thee,” said Cuchulain; “for comes there a brace of birds into the plain, thou shalt have a wild goose with half the other.  If fish rise to the river-mouths, [2]to the stones or waterfalls,[2] thou shalt have a salmon with as much again.  Thou shalt have a handful of watercress and a handful of sea-grass and a handful of laver [3]and a drink from the sand[3] [4]afterwards.[4] If thou hast a fight or combat [5]with warrior before thee,[5] I myself will go in thy stead to the ford. [6]I will bear the fight that thou mayest return safe to the camp and the fort of the men of Erin on the morrow,[6] [7]and thou shalt lie on a litter of fresh rushes till heavy sleep and slumber come on thee,[7] [8]and I will watch and guard thee as long as thou sleepest."[8] “Well, then, [9]mayest thou have victory and blessing, O fosterling,” said Fergus.[9] “We know of what sort is thy hospitality on this occasion, on the Cow-spoil of Cualnge. [10]But, not to claim that are we come,[10] [11]a night’s hospitality of thee, but to fulfil and make good the terms thou askest.[11] As for this compact which thou hast asked of the men of Erin, single-handed combat with one man, thou shalt have it.  It is for that I am come, to bind thee thereto, and do thou take it upon thee.”  “I pledge myself truly,” said Cuchulain, [13]provided fair play and single-handed combat be granted to me.[13] “And, O, my master Fergus, [14]do thou take upon thee the pact,” said Cuchulain.  “I bind myself to it,” replied Fergus.[14] [W.1841.] And no longer than that did he remain in parley, lest the men of Erin should say they were betrayed or deserted by Fergus for his disciple.  Fergus’ two horses were brought and his chariot was harnessed and he went back.