Part 36 (1/2)

[8-8] LU. and YBL. 1572.

[a] From here to p. 170 is lacking in LL. owing to the loss of a sheet.

This is supplied from Stowe.

[1-1] Stowe. Eg. 209 and H. 1. 13.

[2-2] Eg. 93.

[3-3] H. 2. 17.

[4-4] Eg. 93.

Laeg proceeds to Lugaid's tent. Lugaid bids him welcome. [5]”Welcome to thy coming and arrival, O Laeg,” said Lugaid.[5] ”I take that welcome as truly meant,” Laeg replied. ”It is truly meant for thee,” quoth Lugaid, [6]”and thou shalt have entertainment here to-night.”[6] [7]”Victory and blessing shalt thou have,” said Laeg; ”but not for entertainment am I come, but[7]

to hold converse with thee am I come from [8]thine own friend and companion and[8] foster-brother, [9]from Cuchulain,[9] that thou mayest tell me whether Ferbaeth [10]was smitten.”[10] ”He was,” answered Lugaid, ”and a blessing on the hand that smote him, for he fell dead in the valley a while ago.” ”Tell me who [11]of the men of Erin[11] comes to-morrow to [12]combat and[12] fight with Cuchulain [13]at the morning hour early on the morrow?”[13] ”They are persuading a brother of mine own to go meet him, a foolish, haughty arrogant youth, yet dealing stout blows and stubborn.

[14]And he has agreed to do the battle and combat.[14] And it is to this end they will send him to fight Cuchulain, that he, my brother, may fall at his hands, so that I myself must then go to avenge him upon Cuchulain. But I will not go there till the very day of doom. Larine great-grandson [W.2211.] of Blathmac is that brother. [1]And, do thou tell Cuchulain to come to Ferbaeth's Glen and[1] I will go [2]thither[2] to speak with Cuchulain about him,” said Lugaid.

[5-5] H. 2. 17 and Eg. 93.

[6-6] Eg. 93.

[7-7] Eg. 93.

[8-8] Eg. 93.

[9-9] Eg. 209.

[10-10] Following Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.

[11-11] Eg. 93.

[12-12] Eg. 93.

[13-13] Eg. 93.

[14-14] Eg. 93.

[1-1] Eg. 93.

[2-2] Eg. 93.

[3]Laeg betook him to where Cuchulain was.[3] Lugaid's two horses were taken and his chariot was yoked to them [4]and[4] he came [5]to Glen Ferbaeth[5] to his tryst with Cuchulain, so that a parley was had between them. [6]The two champions and battle-warriors gave each other welcome.[6]

Then it was that Lugaid spake: [7]”There is no condition that could be promised to me for fighting and combating with thee,” said Lugaid, ”and there is no condition on which I would undertake it, but[7] they are persuading a brother of mine to come fight thee [8]on the morrow,[8]

to-wit, a foolish, dull, uncouth youth, dealing stout blows. [9]They brought him into the tent of Ailill and Medb and he has engaged to do the battle and combat with thee.[9] [10]He is befooled about the same maiden.[10] And it is for this reason they are to send him to fight thee, that he may fall at thy hands, [11]so that we two may quarrel,[11] and to see if I myself will come to avenge him upon thee. But I will not, till the very day of doom. And by the fellows.h.i.+p that is between us, [12]and by the rearing and nurture I bestowed on thee and thou didst bestow on me, bear me no grudge because of Larine.[12] Slay not my brother [13]lest thou shouldst leave me brotherless.”[13]

[3-3] Eg. 93.

[4-4] Eg. 93.