Then, too, came Etarcumul.  “What seekest thou, gilla?” demanded Cuchulain.  “Battle with thee I seek,” replied Etarcumul.  “Hadst thou been advised by me,” said Cuchulain, “thou wouldst never have come. [9]I do not desire what thou demandest of me.[9] [10]I have no thought of fighting or contending with thee, Etarcumul.[10] Because of the honour of Fergus under whom thou camest out of the camp [11]and station of the men of Erin,[11] and not because I would spare thee, do I behave thus.” [12]"Thou hast no choice but to fight,” replied Etarcumul.[12] Thereupon Cuchulain gave him a long-blow whereby [W.1886.] he cut away the sod that was under the soles of his feet, so that he was stretched out like a sack on his back, and [1]his limbs in the air[1] and the sod on his belly.  Had Cuchulain wished it it is two pieces he might have made of him. [2]"Hold, fellow.[2] Off with thee now, for I have given thee warning. [3]It mislikes me to cleanse my hands in thee.  I would have cloven thee into many parts long since but for Fergus."[3] “I will not go.  We will fight on,” said Etarcumul.  Cuchulain dealt him a well-aimed edge-stroke. [4]With the edge of his sword[4] he sheared the hair from him from poll to forehead, from one ear to the other, as if it were with a light, keen razor he had been shorn. [5]Not a scratch of his skin gave blood.[5] [6]"Hold, fellow.[6] Get thee home now,” said Cuchulain, “for a laughing-stock I have made of thee.”  “I go not,” [7]rejoined Etarcumul.[7] “We will fight to the end, till I take thy head and thy spoils and boast over thee, or till thou takest my head and my spoils and boastest over me!” “So let it be, what thou saidst last, that it shall be.  I will take thy head and thy spoils and boast over thee!” [8]When now the churl became troublesome and persistent,[8] Cuchulain [9]sprang from the ground, so that he alighted on the edge of Etarcumul’s shield, and he[9] dealt him a cleaving-blow on the crown of the head, so that it drove to his navel.  He dealt him a second crosswise stroke, so that at the one time the three portions of his body came to the ground.  Thus fell Etarcumul son of Fid and of Lethrinn.

    [9-9] LU. and YBL. 1194-1195.

    [10-10] H. 2. 17.

    [11-11] H. 2. 17.

    [12-12] LU. and YBL. 1195.

    [1-1] H. 2. 17.

    [2-2] H. 2. 17.

    [3-3] LU. and YBL. 1197-1199.

    [4-4] LU. and YBL. 1204.

    [5-5] H. 2 17.

    [6-6] H. 2 17.

    [7-7] Stowe and H. 2. 17.

    [8-8] LU. and YBL. 1206-1207.

    [9-9] H. 2. 17.