[FN#50] Pronounced Scaha, Ooha, and Eefa:  Scaha and Ooha end with a slight guttural like the ch in the Scotch lock, difficult to express in English.

And then did Maev send to Ferdia Druids, and satirists and revilers, in order that against him should be made three crushing reproaches, and three satires; that the stains of shame, and of blemish, and of disgrace should be raised on his face; so that even if he died not at once, death should be his within the space of nine days if he went with them not.  And for the sake of his honour, Ferdia came at their call; for to him it was better to fall before the shafts of valour, of bravery, and of daring than by the stings of satire, of abuse, and of reproach.  And he, when he arrived, was received with all worship and service, and was served with pleasant, sweet intoxicating liquor, so that his brain reeled, and he became gently merry.  And these were the great rewards that were promised to him if he consented to make that combat and fight:  a chariot of the value of four times seven cumals, and the equipment of twelve men with garments of all colours, and the length and breadth of his own territory on the choice part of the plains of Maw Ay; free of tribute, without purchase, free from the incidents of attendance at courts and of military service, that therein his son, and his grandson, and all his descendants might dwell in safety to the end of life and time; also Finnabar the daughter of Maev as his wedded wife, and the golden brooch which was in the cloak of Queen Maev in addition to all this.  And thus ran the speech of Maev, and she spake these words, and thus did Ferdia reply: 

Maev

Of rings great treasure sending,[FN#51]
Wide plains and woodlands bending
I grant:  till time hath ending
I free thy tribe and kin. 
O thou who oft o’ercamest! 
’Tis thine what gift thou namest! 
Why hold’st thou back, nor claimest
A boon that all would win?

[FN#51] The metre of this dialogue and rhyme-system are taken from the Irish but one syllable has been added to each line.  The exact Irish metre is that given on page 129.

Ferdia

A bond must hold thee tightly,
No force I lend thee lightly;
Dread strife ’twill be; for rightly
He bears that name of “Hound.” 
For sharp spear-combat breaketh
That morn; hard toil it waketh
The war Cuchulain maketh
Shall fearless war be found.

Maev

Our chiefs, with oaths the gravest,
Shall give the pledge thou cravest;
For thee, of all men bravest,
Brave bridled steeds shall stand. 
From tax my word hath freed thee,
To hostings none shall lead thee,
As bosom friend I need thee,
As first in all the land.

Ferdia