Part 24 (1/2)

[6-6] H. 2. 17.

[7-7] Stowe.

[a] That is, Conchobar.

[8-8] Stowe.

[1]Therewith Fiachu left behind a wish for long life and health with Cuchulain.[1]

[1-1] Stowe.

Accordingly, early on the morrow, Cuchulain set forth for Glenn Fochaine. Likewise Medb and Fergus went to meet him. And Medb looked narrowly at Cuchulain, and her spirit chafed her at him that day, for no bigger than the bulk of a stripling did he seem to her. ”Is that yonder the renowned Cuchulain thou speakest of, O Fergus?” asked Medb, [2]”of whom it is said amongst ye Ulstermen that there is not in Erin a warrior for whom he is not a match and mighty combat?” ”Not in Erin alone, did we say,”

Fergus made answer; ”but there is not in the world a warrior for whom he is not a match and mighty combat.”[2] And Medb began to address Fergus and she made this lay:--

Medb: ”If that be the n.o.ble Hound, Of whom ye of Ulster boast, What man e'er stout foe hath faced, Will fend him from Erin's men!”

Fergus: ”Howe'er young the Hound thou seest, That Murthemne's Plain doth course, That man hath not stood on earth Whom he'd crush not with his might!”

Medb: ”We will bring this warrior terms; If he slight them, he is mad: Half his cows, his women, half.

He shall change his way of fight!”

Fergus: ”My wish, that yell not o'ercome This Hound from proud Murthemne!

Deeds he fears not--fierce and bright-- This I know, if it be he!”

[2-2] H. 2. 17.

”Accost Cuchulain, O Fergus,” said Medb. ”Nay, then,” quoth Fergus, ”but do thou accost him thyself, for ye are not asunder here in the valley, in Glenn Fochaine.” [W.1653.] And Medb began to address Cuchulain and she made a lay, [1]to which he responded:[1]

Medb: ”Culann's Hound, whom quatrains praise,[a]

Keep thy staff-sling far from us; Thy fierce, famed fight hath us ruined, Hath us broken and confused!”

Cuchulain: ”Medb of Mur, he, Maga's son, No base arrant wight am I.

While I live I'll never cease Cualnge's raid to hara.s.s sore!”

Medb: ”If thou wilt take this from us, Valiant chief, thou Cualnge's Hound; Half thy cows, thy women, half, Thou shalt have [2]through fear of thee!”[2]

Cuchulain: ”As by right of thrusts am I Ulster's champion and defence, Naught I'll yield till I retrieve Cow and woman ta'en from Gael!”

Medb: ”What thou askest is too much, After slaughtering our fair troops, That we keep but steeds and gauds, All because of one sole man!”

Cuchulain: ”Eocho's daughter, fair, of Fal, I'm not good at wars of words; Though a warrior--[b] fair the cheer--[b]

Counsel mine is little worth!”

Medb: ”Shame thou hast none for what thou sayest, O Dechtire's lordly[c] son!

Famous are the terms for thee, O thou battling Culann's Hound!”

[1-1] Stowe.