“What are those birds whiter than snow and more brilliant than stars,” said then Cuculain, “which are before us upon the plain, as if Heaven with its astral lights and splendour were outspread before us there?”

“They are the wild geese of the enchanted flocks of Lir,” answered Laeg.  “From his vast and ever-during realms beneath the sea they have come up through the dim night to feed on Banba’s plains.  Have nought to do with those birds, dear master.”

Cuculain stood up in his chariot with his sling in his hand, and he fitted thereto small bolts, and slang.  He did not make an end before he had overthrown and laid low three score of the birds of Lir.

“Go bring me those birds,” said he to Laeg.  The horses were plunging terribly when he said that.

“I may not, O my master,” said Laeg.  “For even now, and with the reins in my hand, I am unable to restrain their fury and their madness, to such a degree have their noble minds been disturbed by the sorcery and the druidism and the enchantment with which they are surrounded.  And I fear that soon the brazen wheels will fail me, or that the axle-tree will fail me by reason of their collidings with the rocks and cliffs of the land, when the horses shall have escaped from my control and shall have rushed forth like hurricanes over the earth.”

Forthwith Cuculain sprang out in front of the chariot, and seized them by their mouths and they in their rearing, and with his hands bowed down their heads to the earth, and they knew their master and stood still while they quaked.  Laeg collected the birds, and Cuculain secured them to the chariot and to the harness.  The birds returned to life and Cuculain cut the binding cords, so that the birds flew over and on either side of the chariot, and singing besides.

In that manner, speeding northward, Cuculain and Laeg drew nigh to Emain Macha.  Concobar and the Ultonians happened at that very time to be seeking a druidic response from the prophetess Lavarcam concerning Cuculain and concerning Laeg, for their minds misgave them that beyond the mearings of the Province the lads had come to some hurt, and Lavarcam, answering them, said: 

“Look to yourselves now ye children of Rury, Your destruction and the end of your career are at hand.  Close all gates, shoot every bar.  For Dethcaen’s nursling, Sualtam’s son, draweth nigh.

Verily he is not hurt, but he hath wounded.  Champions the mightiest he hath victoriously overthrown.  Though he come swiftly it is not in flight.  Take good heed now while there is time.  He cometh like night in raiment of darkness, Starry singing flocks are round his head, Soon, O Concobar, his unendurable hand will he upon you; Soon your dead will outnumber your living.”

“Close all the gates of Emain,” cried Concobar, “and treble-bar all with bars.  Look to your weapons ye heroes of the Red Branch.  Man the ramparts, and let every bridge be raised.”