[13-13] H. 2. 17.

    [a] Lines 1212-1216 LU. and YBL. (Edition of Strachan and O’Keeffe) are
    omitted in the translation.

    [1-1] LU. and YBL. 1216-1220.

    [2-2] Stowe.

    [3-3] H. 2. 17.

    [4-4] LU. and YBL. 1222.

So then they bound two spancels about the ankle-joints of Etarcumul’s feet and he was dragged along behind his horses and chariot.  At every rock that was rough for him, his lungs and his liver were left on the stones and the rugged places.  At every place that was smooth for him, his skilfully severed limbs came together again round the horses.  In this wise he was dragged through the camp to the door of the tent of Ailill and Medb:  “There’s your young warrior for you,” cried Fergus, “for ’Every restoration together with its restitution’ is what the law saith."[a] Medb came forth to the door of her tent and she raised her [5]quick, splitting,[5] loud voice [6]of a warrior.[6] Quoth Medb.  “Truly, methought that great was the heat and the wrath of this young hound [7]on leaving us awhile since[7] at the beginning of the day as he went from the camp. [8]It is no fortune for a tender youth that falls on thee now.[8] We had thought that the honour under which he went, even the honour of Fergus, was not the honour of a dastard!” “What hath crazed the virago and wench?” cried Fergus.  “Good lack, [W.1935.] is it fitting for the mongrel to seek the Hound of battle whom [1]the warriors and champions[1] of four of the five grand provinces of Erin dare not approach nor withstand?  What, I myself was glad to escape whole from him!”

    [a] A law maxim.  Since Etarcumul had broken his promise not to fight,
    Fergus deems himself absolved from the spirit of his engagement to
    bring back Etarcumul but fulfils the letter of it.

    [5-5] H. 2. 17.

    [6-6] Stowe.

    [7-7] H. 2. 17.

    [8-8] H. 2. 17.

    [1-1] H. 2. 17.

[2]Etarcumul’s grave was then dug and his tombstone erected; his name was written in ogam and they raised the keen over him.  Cuchulain shot not from his sling at them that night[2] [3]and the women and maidens were brought over to him and half the cattle, and they brought provision to him by day.[3] In this manner fell Etarcumul and such was the combat of Etarcumul with Cuchulain.

    [2-2] LU. and YBL. 1230-1232.

    [3-3] LU. fo. 69, between the columns.

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[Page 126]

XI

[1]THE SLAYING OF NATHCRANTAIL[1]