[10]Then Etarcumul’s charioteer went his way after Fergus,[10] and Fergus knew not that the combat had been.  For thus was his wont:  [11]From the day Fergus took warrior’s arms in hand,[11] he never for aught looked back, whether at [W.1904.] sitting or at rising or when travelling or walking, in battle or fight or combat, lest some one might say it was out of fear he looked back, but ever he looked at the thing that was before and beside him. [1]Fergus saw the chariot go past him and a single man in it.[1] [2]And when[2] Etarcumul’s squire came up abreast of Fergus, Fergus asked, “But, where is thy lord, gilla?” “He fell a while since at the ford by the hand of Cuchulain,” the gilla made answer.  “That indeed was not fair!” exclaimed Fergus, “for that elf-like sprite to wrong me in him that came under my safeguard [3]and protection[3] [4]from the camp and fort of the men of Erin.[4] Turn the chariot for us, gilla,” cried Fergus, “that we may go to [5]the ford of fight and combat[5] for a parley with Cuchulain.”

    [10-10] H. 2. 17.

    [11-11] H. 2. 17.

    [1-1] LU. and YBL. 1208.

    [2-2] H. 2. 17.

    [3-3] H. 2. 17.

    [4-4] H. 2. 17.

    [5-5] H. 2. 17.

Thereupon the driver wheeled the chariot.  They fared thither towards the ford. [6]Fergus turned to rebuke Cuchulain.[6] “How darest thou offend me, thou wild, [7]perverse, little[7] elf-man,” cried Fergus, “in him that came under my safeguard and protection? [8]Thou thinkest my club short."[8] [LL.fo.72b.] [9]"Be not wroth with me, my master Fergus,” said Cuchulain.[9] “After the nurture and care thou didst bestow on me [10]and the Ulstermen bestowed and Conchobar[10] tell me, which wouldst thou hold better, [11]for the Ulstermen to be conquered without anyone to punish them but me alone and[11] for him to triumph and boast over me, or for me to triumph and boast over him?  And yet more, [12]of his own fault he fell.[12] Ask his own gilla which of us was in fault in respect of the other; [13]it was none other but he.[13][a] [1]Reproach me not, O Fergus my master.”  He bent down so that Fergus’ chariot went past him thrice.  “Ask his charioteer, is it I that have caused it?” “Not thou indeed,” answered his charioteer.  “He said,” Cuchulain went on, “he would not go till either he took my head or he left me his own."[1] [2]Then Etarcumul’s gilla related to Fergus how it all befel.  When Fergus heard that, what he said was:[2] [W.1921.] “Liefer to me what thou hast done, [3]O fosterling,” said Fergus, “that Etarcumul is slain, and[3] a blessing on the hand that smote him, [4]for it is he that was overweening."[4]

    [6-6] LU. and YBL. 1209.

    [7-7] H. 2. 17.

    [8-8] LU. and YBL. 1210.  Probably a proverbial expression.

    [9-9] LU. and YBL. 1210.

    [10-10] H. 2. 17.

    [11-11] H. 2. 17.

    [12-12] H. 2. 17.