The Razzia of the Cooley cows

This is the story of the Cooley Cow Raid, the red branch of the mythology Irish.

The Razzia of the Cooley cows

Once it happened that Ailill and Medb [King and Queen of Connaught], after lying in their royal bed at Cruachan Castle in Connaught, had a pillow talk.

“Truly, O woman,” said Ailill, “a wife has merit when her husband has it. "

"Yes, your wife has merit," replied Medb; "Why do you think so? "

“The reason I think so,” replied Ailill, “is that you are better today than when I married you. "

“I was valuable before you,” Medb disputed.

“Of that value,” Ailill replied, “we haven't heard from. Woman, you lived on a lot of women, and, coming from the nearest province, the enemies constantly practiced theft, pillage, robbery. "

"Nothing like that has happened," replied Medb. “My father was the Supreme King of Ireland Eochaid Feidlech, son of Find, grandson of Findoman, great-grandson of Findên, descending to the fourth degree from Findguin, to the fifth from Rogen the Red, to the sixth from Rigên, to the seventh of Blathacht, to the eighth of Beothacht, to the ninth of Enna Agnech, to the tenth of Oengus Turbech. Eochaid Feidlech had six daughters: Derbriu, Ethne, Ele, Clothru, Mugain, Medb. I was the noblest, the most distinguished, I was superior to others in beneficence and liberality. I won in battles, in combats and in strife. I had fifteen hundred royal warriors from the other provinces of Ireland, as many warriors born in my province and these were accompanied by a number of soldiers who for each was thus decreasing, ten, eight, seven, six, five, three, two, one. They formed, "added Medb," my usual guard. That is why my father gave me one of the five great provinces of Ireland, the province of Cruachan, so that I am called Medb de Cruachan. They came to ask me in marriage on behalf of the king of Leinster Find son of Ross the Red, and that of the king of Tara Cairpre the Great Warrior, son of Ross the Red; on behalf of the king of Ulster Conchobar, son of Fachtna Fathach⁷, we came on behalf of Eochaid the Little. And I did not attend these invitations, for it was I who asked for a purchase price that before me no woman asked of a man in Ireland; I asked for a man 1 ° without avarice, 2 ° without jealousy, 3 ° without fear. If there was greed in the man I belonged to, it wouldn't be appropriate for us to live together. My kindness, my generosity, my liberality would stand in the way. My husband would be made fun of if I were superior to him in liberality; we wouldn't laugh if we both had the same kindness, the same kindness. If my husband was fearful, it would not be appropriate for us to live together, for I would give fights and battles, I would do exploits, and that alone; they would make fun of my husband, one would say: there is more life in his wife than in him; we wouldn't laugh if we had equal liveliness, if we were both as lively as the other. If the man to whom I belong was jealous, that would be unbecoming too, because before I got married I was never without a lover hidden in the shadow of a titular lover. So I found the man I wanted, it was you, Ailill, son of Ross the Red of Leinster: you were not stingy, you were not jealous, you were not lazy. I made a marriage contract with you and I gave you the best purchase price a woman could receive, that is to say, clothes to clothe twelve men, a chariot which was worth seven women slaves, a leaf of red gold as wide as your face, a piece of electrum as heavy as your left forearm. Whether some individual does an affront to you that discourages you or even drives you crazy, you will not obtain damages and the price of your honor without me receiving as much as you, because you are a man over a lot of woman. "

"I am not", replied Ailill, "I have two brothers, one reigns in Tara, the other reigns in Leinster, that is, Find is king of Leinster and Carpré king of Tara. . I gave up these kingdoms to them because of their birthright. They were not superior to me in charity or in liberality. I had not heard that any of the five great provinces of Ireland could be owned by women. For the first time I hear it said of this province and of it alone. So I came here and I seized the royalty, that of the right that I had from my mother. Indeed Mata de Muiresc, my mother, was the daughter of Maga [king of Connaught]. And could I find queen better than you? since you are the daughter of the Supreme King of Ireland. "

“Therefore,” Medb replied, “my fortune is greater than yours. "

“Strange pretension,” Ailill replied. “There is no one who has more precious things, treasures and riches than me. I know it well. "

CHAPTER II
CAUSE OF REMOVAL.

[Ailill and Medb each take stock of their fortunes. Consequence of this double inventory].

1. They were presented with the items of lesser value first. Thus began the comparison of the two fortunes: they brought them their small buckets, their large buckets and their iron pots; their jugs, their vats and their jars with handles.

The two lots were equal.

Then they brought them their little finger rings, their bracelets, their thumb rings, their gold jewelry, their garments, both purple and blue, black and green, both yellow and multicolored and gray, both brown and speckled and speckled.

The king and queen each had the same.

They brought their many flocks of sheep from the fields, pastures and plains, and these animals were counted and recounted, and the two lots were found to be equal in weight, size and number. There was, however, among the head of cattle belonging to Medb a remarkable ram worth a female slave, but in Ailill's herd there was an equivalent ram.

Their work horses, their teams, their herds of stallions, mares and foals were brought from pastures and parks. In a herd of horses belonging to Medb a remarkable animal was found which was esteemed a female slave, and Ailill had an equivalent beast.

From the woods, valleys and their slopes, hidden places were brought their many herds of pigs; they were counted one by one; Medb had a remarkable male pig, so did Ailill.

So they brought their herds of cows of all kinds and categories from the woods and deserts of the province. These animals were counted and recounted; they were the same weight, the same size, the same number in both lots, with one exception: among Ailill's cows was found a remarkable bull; it was a calf from a Medb cow; his name was the Blanc Cornu, Findbennach; not considering it honorable for him to belong to a woman, he had gone to the king's herd of cows.

2. It seemed to Medb that her properties would be of no value whatsoever until she had an equivalent bull. She called the courier Mac Roth, and asked him if to her knowledge there was in any locality of the five great provinces of Ireland a bull similar to that of Ailill.

"I know," Mac Roth said, "a place where the best bull you can find, a better bull than the king's." It is in the province of Ulster in the canton of Cooley, at Daré²⁴, son of Fiachna. His name is Brun de Cooley, Donn Cualnge. "

“Go get it, Mac Roth,” said Medb, “and ask Daré to lend it to me for a year. At the end of the year I will give him fifty heifers in return and I will give him back the Brun de Cooley. Then make him another proposition, Mac Roth. If his neighbors, the inhabitants of the same country, take badly the sale by him of an animal of such great value as the Brun de Cooley, that he himself comes with his bull; I will give him in good Mag Aï lands as much land as he has in Cooley; I will add to it a chariot worth twenty-one women slaves, and I will make it sleep with me. "

3. Then the couriers went to Daré son of Fiachna. Couriers, we say, for MacRoth and his companions formed a troop of nine men. Mac Roth was welcomed to Daré's house. One could not do otherwise, because Daré was head of the mission. Daré asked Mac Roth what was the cause of his trip, what purpose he had. Mac Roth said why he was coming; he recounted the quarrel between Ailill and Medb. "I have arrived," he added, "to ask for the loan of the Brun de Cooley in order to put him in front of the Blanc Cornu; you will receive in return fifty heifers and the Brun de Cooley will be returned to you. Here is another proposition: you will come yourself with your bull and you will have in good land of the plain of Ai the equivalent of your property, plus a chariot worth twenty-one women slaves, and in addition Medb will receive you in his bed. "

This proposal was agreeable to Daré; he stirred so much that the seams of his feather bed broke under him: "I give my word," he said; "It doesn't matter how the people of Ulster take my acceptance: the precious animal will be taken to Ailill and Medb, the Brun de Cooley will go to Connaught." Mac Roth was pleased with Fiachna's son's answer.

4. Then the people of Daré took care of Mac Roth and his companions. They put straw and fresh rushes under them. They brought them good food and gave them a feast which completely intoxicated them. It happened that two couriers began to talk. “Really,” said one of them, “he's a good man in the house of who we are. - "It's true," replied the other. - "Is there," said the first, "is there a better man in Ulster than he?" - "Yes," said the second courier, "it's Conchobar to whom Dare belongs, and even if all the men of Ulster gathered around Conchobar, none of them would have to be ashamed of their king. Daré is very good. To take the Brun de Cooley by force and lead him out of the province of Ulster would be a work which would require the assistance of four of the five great provinces of Ireland, and Daré gives this animal to us who are only nine couriers. "

Then the third courier joined in the conversation. " What do you say? He asked. The first courier repeated: "He is the good man in whose house we are." "-" Yes, it is good, "resumed the second letter. - "Is there even among the inhabitants of Ulster," said the first courier, "someone better than him?" - "Yes indeed," replied the second courier, "it is Conchobar to whom Daré belongs, and even if all the men of Ulster gathered around Conchobar, none of them would have to be ashamed of their king. But Daré is very kind. To take the Brun de Cooley by force would be a work which would require the assistance of four of the five great provinces of Ireland. "

The third courier exclaimed: "The mouth from which these words came out deserves to vomit blood and to vomit more blood." If Daré had not given his bull willingly, it would have been taken from him by force. "

5. At this moment the butler of Daré, son of Fiachna, arrived in the house occupied by the couriers; with him entered the butler and the servant who brought food. The butler heard what they were saying, anger seized him; he gave the couriers the food and the beer, but he did not open his mouth; he did not say to them, Eat and drink: he did not say to them, Eat neither drink. He went to the house where Dare, son of Fiachna was, and asked him: "Did you give the couriers the famous treasure that is Brun de Cooley?" - "Yes, it's me", replied Daré. - "Well", replied the maitre d ', "if what the couriers say is true, you are not king of the canton where this donation was made. According to them, if you do not give this bull willingly, you will give it by force, you will be forced into it by the army of Ailill and Medb and by the great warrior science of Fergus, son of Roech. "-" I swear it ", replied Daré," I swear it by the gods whom I adore, they will not take her by force, they will not take her willingly. "

6. Each one stayed in his house until morning. The couriers got up early in the morning and went to the house where Daré was. "Tell us," they asked Daré, "tell us, O noble lord, where is the Brun de Cooley; we'll go get it. "-" No, of course, "replied Daré," if it were my habit to betray couriers, travelers, people who follow the roads, none of you would go away alive. " - " Why ? Mac Roth asked. - "I am very right," replied Daré; "You said if I didn't give the bull willingly, I would give it up by force thanks to Ailill and Medb's army and Fergus' great warrior science." "" But, "replied Mac Roth," it doesn't matter what your beer and your meal made the couriers say. These words deserve no attention, and you cannot blame either King Ailill or Queen Medb in this regard. "-" In spite of our conventions, oh Mac Roth ", distributes Daré," I will not give my bull; no i won't give it at all. "

7. The couriers turned back and arrived at Cruachan Castle in Connaught. Medb asked them what news they were bringing. Mac Roth replied that in fact he was not bringing the bull from Daré on news. - " Why ? Medb asked. Mac Roth recounted how things had happened. - "It will be," said Medb, "easier to fix that than to polish the knots of a rope. We know that the bull will not be given away willingly; they will take him by force, Daré will have to abandon him. "

CHAPTER III
CALL OF THE WARRIORS OF CONNAUGHT TO CRUACHAN AÏ.

1. The envoys of Medb went to invite the seven Mané to come to Cruachan with their seven times three thousand warriors, namely: Mané nicknamed Like a mother, Mané nicknamed Like a father, Mané nicknamed Let him take them all, Mané called Little Piety subsidiary, Mané says Great Filial Piety, Mané says The greatest speaker. Other envoys went to find the sons of Maga, that is to say: This or First, son of Maga; Anluan or Brilliant light, son of Maga; Maccorb or Child of the chariot, son of Maga; Bascell or House of Death, son of Maga; In or Bird, son of Maga; Dôche or Rapid activity, son of Maga; Scandai or Insulte, son of Maga. These warriors came and with each of them three thousand armed men. Other envoys from Ailill and Medb went to find Cormac in intelligent exile, son of Conchobar, and Fergus son of Roech. Their force was three thousand men.

2. The first troop to arrive wore short hair, green coats with silver brooches; each man wore a gold thread shirt with red gold interlacing on his skin. The hilts of their swords were white with silver guards. "Is Cormac there?" Asked the assistants. - "No, certainly," replied Medb.

The second troop had freshly cut hair. Each warrior was wrapped in a dark blue cloak and wore a very white shirt over his skin. The hilts of their swords were gold and round with silver guards. "Is Cormac there?" Asked the assistants. - "No, certainly," replied Medb.

The third and final troop had short, pretty blond hair, golden in color and spread widely over the head, beautiful purple coats with pretty brooches on the chest. These warriors wore beautiful, long silk shirts that reached down to the midfoot. Together they raised their feet, together they lowered them. "Is this Cormac?" Asked the assistants. - "Yes certainly", replied Medb.

3. They encamped and settled that night, so that there was much smoke and fire between four fords of Ai, the fords called Ath Moga, Ath Bercna, Ath Slissen, Ath Coltna. They remained a fortnight in the fortress of Cruachan, drinking and enjoying all kinds of pleasures to make their progress easier.

4. Their prophets and their druids had moreover prevented them from leaving before the end of the fortnight to make them wait for a favorable omen.

5. Then Medb told his coachman to harness his horses; she wanted to go and ask her druid for an interview and obtain from him the science of the future by prophecy.

CHAPTER IV
PROPHECY

1. When Medb arrived where her druid was, she begged him to give her the science of the future by prophecy. “Many men,” she said, “have separated themselves today from those whom they are loved and whom they love themselves, from their homeland, their fields, their fathers, their mothers. If they do not come back in good health, the sighs and curses that their misfortune will cause will be as many blows that will strike me. But neither at home nor outside is anyone more dear to us than ourselves. Let me know if I will come back or if I will not come back. »-« It does not matter that such and such does not come back », replied the druid,« you will come back ».

2. "It is not difficult," said the driver, "that I turn the chariot to the right, it will bode well for us and ensure our return."

3. The coachman spun the chariot and led Medb back. Then Medb saw something which struck him as strange: near her a woman was on the stretcher of an approaching chariot; she wove braid; in her right hand she held a brass spindle adorned with seven threads of red gold; a speckled green cloak enveloped him; a large brooch with a strong head was fixed on his chest; she had a red and beautiful face, a blue and gay eye, red and thin lips; her shining teeth could be compared to a shower of pearls, her lips resembled red alises. As melodious is the sound of the strings of a crotta in the hands of a learned and long-practiced artist, so pleasant was the sound of the voice and the kind words which issued from his mouth. Her skin, where her clothes did not hide it, was as white as snow during the night. She had long, very white feet, purple nails, even, round, sharp; the long hair, of a blond beautiful as gold; three braids of hair surrounded his head, a fourth descended so low that the shadow of this braid struck his calves.

4. Medb saw her, "What are you doing here right now, girl?" She told him. - "I work" she replied, "in your interests and for your happiness by bringing together the warriors of four great provinces of Ireland to go with you in the province of Ulates to remove the cows of Cooley. "-" Why are you doing me this service? Medb replied. - "I have good reasons for that", resumed the girl, "I am one of the female slaves who belong to your house. "-" Who are you among my people? Medb asked. - "I am", answered the girl, "Fedelm the prophetess of the palace of the gods of Cruachan. "

5. "Where are you from? Medb asked. - "From Great Britain after having learned the art of the filid there", distributes the girl. - "Do you have", said Medb, "illumination around your hands, imbas forosna? "-" I have it necessarily, "replied the girl.

Medb

6. “Well, Fedelm, prophetess, how do you see our army? "

Fedelm

"I see on your warriors scarlet hue, I see red. "

Medb

"But Conchobar is at Emain Macha in the grip of the disease which must last nine times twelve hours. My scouts went to Emain. We have nothing to fear from the people of Ulster. Tell the truth, Fedelm.

Fedelm, prophetess, how do you see our army? "

Fédelm "I see on your warriors a scarlet hue, I see red. "

Medb

“But Cuscraid the Stutterer of Macha, son of Conchobar, is sick on his island. My scouts have been there: we have nothing to fear from the people of Ulster. Tell the truth, Fedelm.

Fedelm, prophetess, how do you see our army? "

Fedelm

"I see on your warriors scarlet hue, I see red. "

Medb

“But Eogan is ill at Airther Fort. My scouts got there. We have nothing to fear from the people of Ulster. Tell us the truth, Fédelm.

Fedelm, prophetess, how do you see our army? "

Fedelm

"I see on your warriors scarlet hue, I see red. "

Medb

“But Celtchair, son of Uthecar, is sick in his fort. I sent my scouts there. We have nothing to fear from the people of Ulster. Tell the truth, Fedelm.

Fedelm, prophetess, how do you see our army? "

Fedelm

"I see on your warriors scarlet hue, I see red. "

Medb

“You think this red spells disaster, I don't. As soon as the Irish come together, quarrels and battles arise between them; one insults another, tumult ensues; all want to go to the vanguard, all to the rear, all to the ford, all to the river, all to kill the first pig, the first deer, the first game. But tell us the truth, Fedelm.

Fedelm, prophetess, how do you see our army? "

Fedelm

"I see on your warriors scarlet hue, I see red. "

7. And she began to prophesy again. She predicted how Cûchulainn would treat the men of Ireland. She did so while singing a poem:

I see a handsome man who will do skill tricks.
On her beautiful skin are many scars,
their presence on the front of his head makes him proud,
they fix on his forehead the memory of his victories.

The seven gems that distinguish brave heroes
shine in both eyes.
The points of his weapons are bare.
A red coat with hooks envelops him.

He has a very noble face.
He knows how to honor women.
This young and beautiful boy
is a dragon in fighting.

I don't know what Cûchulainn
drew his greatest glory;
but what I do know
it is because it will make this army all red.

Four little swords he plays brilliantly
are in each of his two hands.
He will play on the army.
Everyone will receive the blows.

See how he knocks and the javelin he carries in his pocket,
and with his great sword, and with his spear.
This man in the red coat
sets foot on all traces of our army.

He has two javelins on his shining chariot;
he throws them all around, the warrior contorting.
He showed himself to me in a form,
certainly he will change it for another.

He left for the fight.
If we are not careful, there will be treason.
To fight, someone is looking for you,
it is Cûchulainn, son of Sualtam.

He will slaughter your armies so far safe and sound
and will end with your final defeat.
You will deliver all your heads to him.
The prophetess Fédelm does not hide it.

Blood will flow from the skin of heroes.
The memory will be preserved for a long time.
The bodies of the warriors will be torn to pieces. Women will cry
because of Cûchulainn, the blacksmith's dog; I see him.

With prophecy, prediction, ends the leading piece of the tale, which further includes the cause of the kidnapping, and the pillow dialogue between Ailill and Medb in Cruachan Ai.

CHAPTER V
ROUTE FOLLOWED FOR REMOVAL

This very interesting chapter for those who want to study the ancient geography of Ireland seemed useless to put in French. The historical geography of Ireland is a special topic which, outside of Ireland, will not attract many readers.

[[Beginning of the Expedition and the Name of the Routes which the armies of the Four Great Provinces of Ireland took in the territory of Ulster. Monday after the end of Summer; they stirred and advanced:

South-east of Cruachan Ai, by Mag Cruimm, by Tuaim Mona ('the Hill of the Grass), by Turloch Teora Crich (' the Stream of the three territories'), by Cul Silinne ('the Reduced of Silinne'), by Dubloch ('Lough Noir'), by Fid Dubh ('Bois Noirs'), by Badbgna, by Coltain, by the Shannon, by Glune Gabur, by Mag Trega, by Tethba in the north, by Tethba in the south, by Cul ('the Reduced'), by Ochain, to the north by Uatu, to the east by Tiarthechta, by Ord ('the Hammer'), by Slaiss (the Blows'), to the south, by Indeoin ('the Anvil' ), by Carn, by Meath, by Ortrach, by Findglassa Assail, ('White Tides of Assail'), by Drong, by Delt, by Duelt, by Delinn, by Selaig, by Slabra, by Slechta, where the swords cut roads past Medb and Ailill, through Cul Siblinne, through Dub ('Black Waters'), through Ochonn to the south, through Catha, through Cromma to the south, through Tromma, east through Fodromma, through Slane, through Gort Slane , to the south of Druim Liccè, by Ath Gabla, by Ardachad ('High Field'), to the north by Feorainn, p ar Finnabair ('Plaine Blanche'), by Assa in the south, by Airne, by Aurthuile, by Druim Salfind ('Salfind Ridge'), by Druim Cain, by Druim Caimthechta, by Druim macDega, by the little Eo Dond ('Arbre Brun '), by the great Eo Dond, by Meide in Togmaill (' the Neck of the Ferret '), by Meide in Eoin, (' the Neck of the Bird '), by Baille (' the City '), by Aile , by Dall Scena, by Ball Scena, by Ross Mor ('Grand Pointe'), by Scuap ('les Genêts'), by Imscuap, by Cenn Ferna, by Anmag, by Fid Mor ('Grand Bois') in Crannach from Cualnge, by Colbtha, by Crond en Cualnge, by Druim Cain on the route to Midluachar, from Finnabair to Cualnge. It was here that the armies of Ireland divided into the province in pursuit of the bull. It is therefore by these places that they went as far as; what they achieve Finnabair. Here ends the Title. The story continues. ]]

CHAPTER VI
ARMY MARKET

1. After their first displacement the troops took the night's rest in Cuil Silinne. There, that night, was pitched the tent of Ailill, son of Ross, who had on his right the tent of Fergus, son of Roech. Cormac was subsequently placed in the intelligent exile, son of Conchobar; then Ith, son of Etgaeth; then Fiachu, son of Firaba, finally Goibniu, son of Lurgnech. So to the right of the tent of Ailill was placed Fergus, son of Roech, leader of three thousand warriors of Ulster, who accompanied him; by doing so, relations, conversations between Ailill and them, as well as the provision of food and drink for these warriors, had been made easier.

Medb de Cruachan moved to the left of Ailill, son of Ross. Next came Findabair, their daughter, then Flidais with the beautiful hair, wife first of Ailill Find, then of Fergus, son of Roech; Fergus was taking his wife on the expedition. Every seventh nights she brought the army the right amount of milk for kings, queens, heirs presumptive to kings, filids, students.

2. On this day Medb did not ask that by a prophecy one let him know who in the army would have had slow march or fast march; she did not allow her horses to be unhitched, nor the drawbar of her chariot lowered until she had made an inspection tour of the camp.

This round made, his horses were unhitched and the shaft of his chariot cut down; she sat down next to Ailill, son of Ross and Mata Muiresc Ailill asked her for news, he wanted to know who in the army stood out for their activity or for their laziness. "He is," Medb replied, "it is useless to speak of anyone except one body of troops, [except Galiain]." - " What do they do ? Ailill asked, "to deserve that praise that puts them above all the others?" - "I have good reason to hire them", replied Medb, "when the others had demarcated their installation and their encampment, they had already completed the construction of their huts and other shelters. When the others had finished building their cabins and various shelters, they had already finished preparing their meals. When the others had prepared their meal, at home the meal was already over. When the others had stopped eating, they were already asleep. Their serfs and slaves have over the serfs and slaves of Ireland the superiority that their good warriors and good young men have today over the good warriors and good young men of Ireland united in our army. " - " All the better for us ! Said Ailill; “They are coming with us, it is for us that they are fighting. "-" That they do not come with us! Cried Medb, "let them not fight for us!" "So they will stay here," replied Ailill. - "No, they will not stay", replied Medb, ("for if they stay they will take up arms against us and seize our lands"). - "What will they do then," asked Findabair, "if they don't go and stay?" - "Death, murder and massacre," Medb says, that's what I want for them. - "It's a pity that you say that", replied Ailill, "that you say it because their installation in the camp did not tire them. "

3. Fergus spoke: "Really and in conscience we will not kill them without killing me myself." "-" You do not have the right to speak to me thus ", replied Medb," I have enough men to kill, to massacre and you and your three thousand Galiàins. I have with me the seven Mane with seven times three thousand warriors, the sons of Maga with their three thousand men, Ailill with as many, finally me with my people. "" You are wrong to speak to me like this, "replied Fergus. “I have with me the seven kings of Munster with their seven times three thousand warriors. I have with me three thousand of the best warriors in Ulster and the three thousand Galiain who are the best warriors in Ireland. Since they came here from their country, I guarantee their safety; in the day of battle they will fight for me. I will suggest a way to avoid any discussion about the Galiàins; I understood it well; I will disperse the Galiàins among the men of Ireland so that there are nowhere five Galiàins together. "" Very well, "said Medb; "I don't care what disposition one takes, as long as these people are not, like here, a brand of discord. "

So Fergus dispersed the Galiain among the men of Ireland, so that they were nowhere five together.

4. Then the troops began to move forward. The conduct of the army gave pain to the principal chiefs; it was necessary to lead the march of many small peoples, of many races, of many thousands of men; it was necessary to ensure that each was with his friends, that each leader had his subordinates around him. The principal leaders noted that this result was obtained, that consequently the expedition began regularly. After having said how the expedition was to be carried out, they declared that everything was as it should be: each army corps was around its king, each corps section around its leader, each section subdivision around its king. who was in charge; each king, each heir apparent to a king had taken his place on the hill assigned to him.

5. Then the principal chiefs said that it was necessary to make reconnaissance on each side of the line which separated Ulster from the neighboring province; they added that Fergus would be in charge of it, that his duty would be to accept this mission. He had been king of Ulster for seven years. After the murder of the sons of Usnech, after this assassination committed in spite of his protection and his guarantee, he had left Ulster and spent in exile seventeen years during which he had been the enemy of the Ulates.

This was the reason why it was fitting that he should be sent on reconnaissance.

Then Fergus went ahead of the army as a scout. But he was dominated by his affection for the Ulates. He gave the army a false direction both north and south, by messengers he warned the Ulates and he began to hold back the army, to delay its march. Medb noticed this process and reproached him for it. She sang a poem:

O Fergus! what shall we say about this?
What kind of path do we follow?
Sometimes to the north, sometimes to the south,
we go to all peoples, except the Ulates.

Fergus replied:

O Medb why are you angry?
Nothing here looks like betrayal.
It is among the Ulates that we find
the land that I cross.

Medb
Your courage makes you fear
by the illustrious Ailill to the many troops.
But it does not honor your intelligence,
the direction you give to the army.

Fergus
It's not to harm the army
that I am turning away from the ordinary path at this time.
I do it at the right time to avoid,
when it is time, Cûchulainn, son of Sualtam.

Medb
Unfair to you for harming our army,
Fergus, son of Ross the Red.
You were treated very well with us
in your exile, O Fergus!

“I won't stay in front of the troops any longer,” Fergus said, “find me a replacement. Then, in front of the army, Fergus sat down.

6. Four of the five great provinces of Ireland passed through Cuil Silinne that night. Then came to Fergus' thought the bloodthirsty exploits of Cuchulainn. He told the men of Ireland to take their precautions: they were going to see coming the harrowing lion, the judge of his enemies, the enemy of the crowds, the leader of the resistance, the destroyer of a great army, the dispensing hand, the torch lit, Cûchulainn, son of Sualtam. This is how he prophesied. He sang a poem and Medb answered him:

Fergus
I recommend foresight and attention
with multitude of weapons and warriors.
He will come the one we fear,
the man of great exploits, the great man of Murthemne.

Medb
My love, my battle advice,
it is you, very brave son of Roech.
I have many warriors and weapons
to wait for Cûchulainn.

Fergus
They will be employed, O Medb of the plain of Ai:
warriors and weapons to fight
the hero to whose chariot is harnessed the Gray of Masha.
They will be employed every night and every day.

Medb
I have here near me in reserve
heroes also able to fight and pillage,
three thousand warriors who take hostages as quickly as possible,
the three thousand brave Galiáin.

The warriors of Cruachan, the beautiful fortress,
the warriors with the beautiful coats who come from Luachair,
the White Gôidels of four provinces of Ireland
will remove from me the man who comes alone.

Fergus
Bairche and Banna rich in troops
will spill blood at the end of their spears.
We will see fall on earth and on sand
the three thousand Galiáin.

With the swiftness of the swallow,
with the speed of a sharp wind,
my dear and beautiful Cûchulainn
kill the beings who breathe.

Medb
O Fergus! Come with us,
go meet Cûchulainn
May his address be stopped by you.
De Cruachan will come to him a harsh lesson.

Fergus
Truly with manly courage the spoils will be taken away.
And to make Bodb's daughter happy,
the blacksmith's dog, by drops of blood
flowing like rain, will water the troops of the warriors.

7. The poem once sung, the warriors of four of the five great provinces of Ireland passed through Mon Coltna that day, and, meeting a herd of one hundred and sixty deer, they stretched out around them, enveloped them completely, then killed them; none escaped. However, unexpectedly, it was the Galiáin who, although dispersed, took almost all of them; they left only five for the Irish men; the three thousand Galiáin thus had almost all of the one hundred and sixty deer.

[[§8 is missing in the Review Celtic

8. Then they went to Mag Trega where they unhitched and prepared their meal. It is said that this is where Dubthach recited this poem: -

"Confession that you have not heard until now,
Listening to Dubthach's warning:
The dark, sinister war that awaits you,
Against Queen Medb's Blanc-Cornu!

"There will come the chief of the armies,
Fight for Murthemne.
The crows will drink the milk of the garden,
It will be the fruit of the struggle (?) Of the pigs

"The peaty Cronn will hold them back,
Will keep them out of Murthemne,
Until the work of the warriors is done
On the northern mount of Ochain!

"Quick, to Cormac, Ailill whines;
Go get your son,
Free no cattle from the field,
Lest the din of the army overtake him!

"They will have a battle here soon,
Medb and a third of the army.
The corpses will be scattered widely
If the furious one comes to you! "

Then Nemain, namely the Badb, attacked them and it was not the calmest night they had, with the noise of the boor, namely Dubthach, in their sleep. These fears he immediately propagated them among the army and he threw a large stone at the crowd before Medb came to calm him. So they continued their march until they spent the night in Granard Tethba in the north, after the army followed a roundabout path through swamps and streams. ]]

9. This day was the first that Cuchulainn son of Sualtam came. Sualtam his father accompanied him. Their horses grazed the grass around Ard Chuillend's standing stone. Sualtam's horses north of the standing stone devoured the grass to the ground. The horses of Cûchulainn in the south devoured the grass first to the ground, then in the earth to the bare stone. you, go warn the Ulates, that they do not stand in plain, that they go in the woods, the deserts and the rocks of the province to avoid the men of Ireland. "-" And you ", asked Sualtam," you, my young pupil, what will you do? »-« It is necessary », replied Cûchulainn,« that I go to a meeting with Fedelm Nóichride and that I stay there until the morning, it is a commitment which I made. " - " Misfortune ! Cried Sualtam, woe to him who leaves thus leaving the warriors of Ulster under the feet of their enemies and strangers to go find a wife! "-" However, "continued Cuchulainn," I must go. If I do not go, they will treat men's commitments as false, they will say that it is women who keep their word. "

Sualtam went to warn the Ulates. Cuchulainn entered the wood and with a sword cut the most beautiful oak stalk, trunk and branched head; then, vigorously using one foot, one hand and one eye, he made a circle of it, traced an ogamic inscription at the junction of the two ends, put the circle around the upper and slender part of the standing stone of Ard Chuillend, finally pushed the circle downwards so as to make him reach the big part of the stone. After that Cuchulainn went to his meeting.

10. This is what happened next to the men of Ireland. They walked over to the standing stone of Ard Chuillend and began to look at a province they did not know, Ulster.

Two of the people of Medb were still ahead of the camp and the army, arriving first at all fords, rivers, chasms, to prevent the clothes of kings' sons from appearing in the press. were degraded. These people of Medb were the sons of Nera, himself son of Nuatar whose father was Tacan. Nera was governor of Cruachan. The two young warriors were called one Err and the other Innell; Fraech and Fochnam were the names of their coachmen.

The nobles of Ireland went to the raised stone and looked at the pasture grazed by the horses around this stone; they noticed the rustic circle put by the royal hero around the same stone. Ailill took the circle in his hand and put it in Fergus' hand. Fergus read the Ogamic inscription traced where, to form the circle, the two ends of the tree had been attached to each other. Then he explained to the men of Ireland what the inscription meant and to make them understand he sang the following poem:

Fergus What does this circle mean to you?
What is the secret of this circle?
How many men have they put him here?
Is it one man? is it several?

If you passed this circle tonight
without staying the night at the camp,
the dog that tears apart all flesh would reach you.
Insulting this circle would result in shame for you.

It will cause great damage to the army
if you go further than him.
Find, O Druids, here,
why was the circle made.

What does this circle mean to us?
What is the secret of this circle?
How many men have put him here?
Is it one man? is it several?

The druid replied:

A hero cut it, a hero threw it.
This circle is for enemies threat of disaster.
This obstacle, which stops kings and an army,
was fitted with one hand by one man.

This is how really worked in a savage anger
the blacksmith's dog of Red Branch
Hence an obligation imposed by a hero whose fury binds you.
This is the meaning of the inscription engraved on the circle.

Fergus
What does this circle mean to us?
What is the secret of this circle?
How many men have they put him here?
Is it one man? is it several?

The Druid
He is there to hinder by hundreds of fights
to the march of warriors from four great provinces.
Either I don't know anything, or it's like I say.
That is why this circle was made.

Fergus
What does this circle mean to us?
What is the secret of this circle?
How many men have they put him here?
Is it one man? is it several?

After singing thus, he continued in prose:

"I give my word only if you insult this circle and the royal hero who made it, that is to say if tonight you do not stay camped here, or if someone does not stand , with one eye and one hand a circle similar to this one, it does not matter whether the hero is at the moment underground or in a fortified house, it is certain that before tomorrow morning he will have inflicted a bloody death on you to avenge this insult. "

“It wouldn't be nice for us,” said Medb, “to lose our blood and redden our skin when we enter this unknown province of Ulster. We would rather shed other people's blood and make their skin red. "

“We do not despise this circle,” resumed Ailill, “and we do not insult the royal hero who did. Until tomorrow morning we will take shelter in the large forest to the south. This is where we will camp. "

The armies went into this forest. With their swords the warriors cut down the trees in front of their chariots so that this place was since nicknamed Slechta, that is to say "the cups", where are the little Partraig to the south-west of Kells des Rois, au- above Cuil Sibrille.

There was a lot of snow that night. There was enough to reach the shoulders of men, the thighs of horses, the axles of chariots; the snow made all the provinces of Ireland flat and united. The men did not put up any shelter, did not pitch any tent, did not prepare themselves either to eat or to drink, or to make any meals. Until sunrise the next morning no man could distinguish the approach of friend or foe. Certainly the men of Ireland found nowhere an encampment where the night was more unpleasant and more painful than that night at Cuil Sibrille. Early in the morning, when the sun rose, the warriors from four of the five great provinces of Ireland set out through the bright snow and camped elsewhere.

11. This is what happened to Cuchulainn during this time. He did not get up early, he wanted to have a bite to eat, have a meal, wash and bathe. He told his coachman to bring the horses and harness them to the chariot. The coachman brought the horses and harnessed them. Cuchulainn got into the chariot. With his coachman he went to look for traces of the army.

They found these traces near the raised stone and further still: "Alas, Master Lôeg," said Cûchulainn, "it is unfortunate that I was at this meeting yesterday. We would be less embarrassed if from a neighboring country someone made us hear a call, a cry, a warning, a word; but we didn't say anything either. The men of Ireland have gone further than us in Ulster. »-« I predicted it to you », replied Loeg,« since you were going to your meeting, a grief like the one you are experiencing must happen to you. "-" Good, Loeg, "Cûchulainn said," lead us in the footsteps of the army. Make an estimate, tell us how many men from Ireland came to attack us. "

Loeg followed in the footsteps of the army, he walked around them, he saw the front, the side, the back. "You are confusing your calculation, Master Loeg," said Cûchulainn. - "Confusion is inevitable," Lôeg replied. - "Get in the chariot," Cûchulainn continued, "and I will do the evaluation." Cûchulainn followed the traces of the army, made the assessment. He went to the side, he went from behind. "You are confusing your calculation, my little Cûchulainn," said Lôeg. - "No, I am not mistaken", replied Cûchulainn. "I know the number of the army which passed by and beyond us: eighteen corps of three thousand men each" and the eighteenth corps was distributed among the seventeen other Irish compounds. "

Cûchulainn had the superiority in many kinds:

Superiority of body shapes, superiority of figure, superiority in action, superiority in swimming, superiority in horsemanship, superiority in chess and backgammon, superiority in great battles, superiority in small battles, superiority in duels, superiority in evaluations, superiority in eloquence, superiority in advice, superiority in hunting, superiority in plunder, superiority of one's country over the neighboring country.

" Well ! Master Lôeg ", says Cûchulainn," harness the horses to the chariot, goad them, make the chariot start, take the right of the army, and make sure to reach either the vanguard, or the center, or the rear guard; for I shall be dead to-morrow if I have not brought down one of the men of Ireland before nightfall, either friend or foe. Lôeg then goaded the horses, and, leaving the army on his left, he came to Taurloch from the great wood, north of Cnogba des Rois, in the place today called Ath Gabla, "ford of the fork ”.

Cûchulainn entered the wood, jumped down from his chariot and with a sword cut, stem and head branched, a four-pointed fork. He pointed it out by burning it, carved an Ogamic inscription on one side, and, using one hand, he threw it from the back of his chariot. The jet was so powerful that two-thirds of the fork penetrated the ground, only a third remained above the ground. It was then that the two young people of whom we have already spoken, we mean the sons of Nera, grandson of Nuatar, great grandson of Tacan, arrived near this fork, accompanied by their coachmen. They wondered which of the two would kill Cuchulainn and cut off his head. Cuchulainn turned to them, cut off the four heads [two heads of the warriors, two heads of the coachmen] and put them each on one of the four points of the pitchfork. He left their horses in front of the Irish army which they preceded on the road; the reins were floating on the blood-red necks, from the bodies of the beheaded men blood flowed on the antlers of the chariots; it seemed to Cuchulainn that taking the horses, clothes and weapons of the men he had killed would not have been good for him.

12. So the army saw the horses of the warriors who preceded them arrive before them, they saw the headless bodies of these warriors and the blood which flowed on the wood of the chariots. The vanguard stopped behind them, there was like a great blow with the noise of arms. Medb, Fergus, the Manes, and the sons of Maga approached.

Medb was traveling with nine chariots, two in front of her, two behind her, two on the right, two on the left, his in the middle. The object of the eight chariots which surrounded it was to prevent the clods of earth raised by the horses' hooves, the foam coming on the bridles of the bridles, the filthiness of such a large army and a so large a crowd did not come to soil the gold of the queen's diadem.

" What is it ? Medb asked. - "It is easy to tell you," they replied. “We saw the horses of the two sons of Nera arrive, and behind, in the chariots, the headless bodies. "

Thereupon we took advice. It is concluded that this disaster attested to the arrival of a large troop, that a great army had attacked these warriors, that it was the army of Ulster. It was resolved to send Cormac to the intelligent exile, son of Conchobar, check who was in the ford. It was believed that if any Ulster warriors were there, they would not kill their king's son. Then Cormac, in intelligent exile, accompanied by three thousand armed men, went to see who was in the ford. Once there, he first saw only the pitchfork stuck in the ford and on it the four heads of which the blood was running to the bottom of the fork in the stream. Then he saw the footprints of two horses, those of the wheels of a chariot that must have led a single warrior out of the ford to the east.

The nobles of Ireland waded and stared at the pitchfork. The manner in which this trophy had been placed seemed wonderful to them: "What has been, Fergus," said Ailill, "what has been the name of that ford in your house to this day?" - "Ath Grena", answered Fergus, but henceforth it will always be called Ath Gabla "ford of the pitchfork". And he sang a poem:

Ath Grena will change its name
by the act of a strong and violent dog.
There is a four-pointed fork here;
it puzzled the men of Ireland.

On two points as a sign of battle
are the head of Fraech and the head of Fochnam.
On two other points
Err's head and Innell's head

What does the ogamic inscription on the side of the fork mean?
Find, O Druids, elegantly
who made this fork,
who planted it in the ground.

[A druid replied]:

This fork with the terror that force causes you,
you see her here, oh Fergus!
For her welcome only one man cut her off
with an excellent sword stroke.

He made her pointy, carried her on his back.
It was no small skill.
He threw that pitchfork down here
For one of you to pull it off the ground.

[Then Fergus continued]:

This ford has been called Ath Grena so far.
His memory will not be erased.
This ford will now be called Ath Gabla
because of the fork you see there. "

13. After this poem has been sung, Ailill says, “I admire and wonder, O Fergus. Who could have cut off the fork and the four heads so quickly in front of us? " - "What is still more admirable and more astonishing", answered Fergus, "it is the skill with which with a single blow one cut this fork with stem and branched head and after having appointed and burned it one. a, with the tip of one hand, thrown from the rear of the tank so that two-thirds have penetrated the earth, only one-third remained above the ground. He who thus stuck the pitchfork had not first dug the earth with his sword. It is through green stones that it is sunk. The men of Ireland are forbidden to cross this ford before one of them has torn off this fork with one hand, which has been pushed in by throwing it with one hand. "-" Among our warriors, "said Medb," this task is yours, tear the pitchfork from the bottom of this ford. "" Bring me a chariot, "replied Fergus. - They brought him a chariot, by means of the chariot he tried to shake the fork, and the chariot was reduced to small debris. "Bring me a chariot," said Fergus. Another chariot was brought to him, then he pulled the fork so violently that he tore the chariot to pieces. "Bring me a chariot," Fergus repeated. With this third chariot he made an effort to pull the fork and the chariot shattered into small pieces. Such was the fate of seventeen Connaught chariots, and Fergus had been unable to tear the fork from the bottom of the ford.

“Finish this drill, Fergus,” Medb told him, “don't break all of our tanks like that. This operation was very long. If you weren't in our army and if you hadn't wasted our time in this way, we would have already reached the Ulates, we would have made a lot of booty and kidnapped a lot of cows. We know why you are doing this. It is to stop the army, to delay it, it is to make us wait for the Ulates, cured of their illness, to rise up and offer us battle. It will be the battle of the kidnapping. "

“Bring me my battle tank,” Fergus cried. His chariot was brought to him, and Fergus pulled the fork without splitting, without cracking a wheel, the chariot assembly, or a single axle. As vigorously as the hero who had pushed in the pitchfork had shown, so much for the hero who had pulled it. This battling warrior alone would have triumphed over a hundred adversaries, like a hammer which annihilates what it strikes, like the stone which breaks the head of one who resists. He alone can fight against a crowd, chop up a large army; he is the lighted torch that gives light, he is the leader in a great struggle. With one hand Fergus tore off the fork, slung it over his shoulder, and put it in Ailill's hand. Ailill saw it, looked at it: “I find this perfect fork,” he said, “it was all at once that the whole stem and branched head was cut off. "-" Yes, of course it is perfect, "said Fergus, and to praise it he sang a poem:

Here is the famous fork
near which was the cruel Cûchulainn
and to which he gave, fatal present,
four heads of our compatriots.

Certainly we would not run away from it,
as in the presence of a very brave and very daring man.
However, left there by a dog who is not sick,
all around her rough skin covered with blood.

It is unfortunate that the army goes to the east
because of Cooley's terrible brown bull.
Heroes, after parting from the army,
will be struck by Cûchulainn's poisoned sword.

The strong bull was not given [by Daré].
Around him with sharp weapons we will fight;
the skulls of many heads will be crushed.
In Ireland all families will moan.

It's not for me to tell
the fights that will deliver the son of Dechtire
that men and women will hear about
how is the fork here made.

14. When Fergus was done singing, Ailill said to stop, pitch the tents, prepare food and drink, play music and games, then start the meal. Certainly the men of Ireland had never found a neighborhood or encampment more disagreeable and inconvenient than that of the previous night. They settled down, pitched their tents, prepared food and drink, sang music, played games, and then came the feast.

Ailill spoke to Fergus: 'It is,' he said, 'a wonder, a strange thing to me that a warrior should have come to us at this province boundary and so quickly killed the four men who preceded us. It is probable that this warrior is the Supreme King of Ulster Conchobar, son of Fachtna Fathach” — “It is unlikely,” answered Fergus, “it would be shameful to insult Conchobar in his absence, he is priceless that he would undertake to give in order to preserve his honour. If he had come here himself, armies, a host of elite warriors inseparable from him would have accompanied him. Suppose the men of Ireland and Scotland, the Bretons and the Saxons, undertaking an expedition against him, had gathered at the same encampment, on the same hill, he would have given battle to them and it would be they who would have been defeated, it would not be him. »

"Who would have come?" Ailill asked. “Could it be Cuscraid the Stutterer, son of Conchobar; it would have arrived from Inis Cuscraid? " "It is improbable," replied Fergus; “Cuscraid the Stutterer is the son of a great king. There is no prize that he would not commit to give in order to maintain his honor. If it was he who had come here, he would have been accompanied by the sons of kings and the royal chiefs who are one with him and who for a salary give him war service. In vain the men of Ireland and Scotland, the Bretons and the Saxons, undertaking an expedition against him, would have gathered at the same encampment, on the same hill, he would have given them battle, and would have exterminated them. It would not be him who would have been defeated. "

"Who would have come?" Asked Ailill, "is that the King of Farney, Eogan son of Durthacht?" - "It is implausible," replied Fergus. "If he was the one who had come here, Farney's forces would have accompanied him, he would have fought our four warriors, he would have torn them to pieces, he wouldn't have been defeated." "

"Who is it that came to meet us?" Ailill asked. “Probably it's Celtchair son of Uthechar. - "It is implausible," replied Fergus. "Shame on whoever would insult him when he is away!" He is the stone which crushes the enemies of the province, he is the leader of the assembly of warriors, it is he who opens the battle at the head of the Ulates. In vain against him, in any place, in a war meeting, an expedition, a camp, on a hill men from all over Ireland, from east to west, from south to north, would be assembled against him. , he would have given them battle, he would have torn them to pieces, he would not have been massacred. "

15. “From whom then,” asked Ailill, “is the coming likely? "It cannot be," replied Fergus, "it can only be my pupil, also the pupil of Conchobar, that little boy called Cûchulainn, that is to say, the dog of Culann the blacksmith. - "Yes," replied Ailill. “I heard you talk about that little young man once in Cruachan. How old is that little boy about now? "-" It's not his age that is the most dangerous, "replied Fergus," for when he was younger his actions were even more manly than they are today. " - " What do you mean ? Medb asked. "Is there anyone of the Ulates his age now who is more dangerous than him?" - "No", replied Fergus, "there is no wolf more bloodthirsty, warrior more daring. There is no warrior of the same age who would be worth a third or even a quarter of Cuchulainn. You cannot conceive of his like as a warrior, as a murderous club, as a conqueror of troops proud enough to attack him. No one struggles more bravely with the most worthy. No one at his age combines to such a high degree the size, the beauty, the attractions, the eloquence, the cruelty, the address, the warlike aptitude, the skill of the hunt, the daring of the attack, murderous successes, the talent to harass the enemy. No one is as ardent, furious, impetuous as him: no one wins the game of nine men on each of his hair as quickly as him (?). "-" We will not make much of him, "replied Medb," he has only one body, he avoids injuries, he cannot avoid letting himself be taken prisoner. He is the age of a girl to marry; this young beardless kid will not win out over our brave warriors. "-" That's what we don't say, "replied Fergus," for the boy's actions were manly at a time when he was younger than he is today. "

CHAPTER VII
EXPLOITS OF CUCHULAINN CHILD TOLD BY THREE SPEAKERS

SECTION ONE
Story of Fergus son of Roech. - The games at Emain.

1. “This child,” says Fergus, “was brought up in his father and mother's house in Mag Muirthemne. We told him what the nice kids were doing at Emain. "

“This is how Conchobar enjoyed kingship from the moment he was invested with it. As soon as he got up he began by putting the affairs of the province in order. Then he did three parts of the rest of the day. He would spend the first third of it watching the nice kids do skill tricks, play, throw boules; games of backgammon and chess occupied the second third; he spent the last third eating and drinking until sleep took hold of everyone, then the musicians put him to sleep. I am now in exile because of him and yet I give my word that neither in Ireland nor in Great Britain is there a warrior equal to Conchobar. "

“The child was told what the nice kids, the troop of young boys were doing in Emain, and the child told his mother that he would go and play where they were playing, in Emain. “It's too early for you, little boy,” his mother replied, “wait until one of the warriors from Ulster comes with you, or one of the warriors around Conchobar comes with you to protect you from young boys or take revenge if necessary. "-" What you advise me, "replied the little boy," is far from my thoughts. I won't wait for a protector to come to me, but teach me where Emain is. "-" It's very far from you ", his mother distributes," Mount Fuad is between Emain and you. "-" I will realize the distance, "said the little boy. "

2. “He left, he took his toys, his curved bronze stick, his silver ball, his javelin, his stick burnt at the big end; and he used it to brighten his way. With his curved stick he kicked his ball and threw it far away. Then with the same stick he gave a second blow and the ball did not go less far than the first time. He threw his javelin, he threw his curved stick, and ran after him. Sometimes he took his curved stick, sometimes his javelin, and the big end of his stick had not touched the ground when he had already grasped the small end in the air. "

“Going ahead, he reached the high plateau of Emain where the young boys were. One hundred and fifty kind children, surrounding Folloman son of Conchobar, were at their games on Emain's lawn. The little boy went to the place where they were playing, stood in their midst, and with both feet threw his ball away from them so that it did not exceed the height of his knees and that it did not. descended no lower than her ankles. She followed, without deviating from the direction he had given her with both feet, she escaped the projectiles thrown by her rivals and going further than them she passed the goal. "

3. "All together are witnesses", "it is marvelous, it is strange", they thought. “Well, children,” said Folloman, son of Conchobar, “unite all of you against him. Let him be killed! There is a magic defense that no nice boy should come and interfere in your games without having first obtained your protection. All of you at the same time put yourselves against him. We know that he is one of the sons of Ulster's heroes, and these young boys should not make it a habit to come and join in your games without having first obtained your protection or your guarantee. "

"So they all turned against him. They throw at the top of his head a hundred and fifty curved sticks and he with his only stick deflects the one hundred and fifty. They throw their 150 balls at him, but raising his arms and hands, pushes aside these 150 projectiles. They throw at him their one hundred and fifty game javelins, burnt at the big end; he, raising his little shield made of planks, pushes those hundred and fifty javelins away. "

4. “Then he twisted. It seemed that with the blows of a hammer one had made each of her hair come into her head where each hair had come out. It seemed that each of that hair threw a flaming spark. He closed one of his eyes which was no larger than the eye of a needle, he opened the other which became larger than a cup of mead. He parted his jaws so much that his mouth reached his ears. He opened his lips so hard that you could see the inside of his throat. From the top of his head springs the light that attests to the heroes.

“So he took the offensive; he overthrew fifty sons of kings who fell to the ground under him. Five of them, "said Fergus," came between me and Conchobar; we were playing chess on Conchobar's table; this table was set on the high plateau of Emain. The little boy was following these five children, he wanted to tear them to pieces. Conchobar grabbed her arm. “I believe, little boy,” he said, “that you don't treat children lightly. "-" I have good reasons for doing this, "said the little boy. “When I came to find them, I did not receive from them the honors we owe to hosts. " - " Who are you ? Asked Conchobar. - "I am little Setanta", he replied, "I am the son of Sualtam and of Dechtire, your sister; it was improbable that I was mistreated as I was with you. "-" How do you not know ", said Conchobar," that there is a magic prohibition to come to find the children without having first put yourself under their protection. "-" I did not know ", replied the little boy," otherwise I would have asked for their protection. "-" Well, children, "asked Conchobar," are you taking the little boy under your protection? " - "We agree to it," they said. "

5. “The little boy therefore found himself under the protection of the children. Their hands that were holding him let go. But he, again, rushed against them. He threw fifty sons of kings under him to the ground. Their fathers believed them dead, yet they were only stunned by the blows they had received on the forehead, they were great, very great blows. “But,” asked Conchobar, “what is the connection between them and you now?” - "By the gods whom I adore", replied the little boy, "I swear that they will place themselves under my protection and under my patronage, as well as under their protection and under their patronage I have placed myself, so that my hand will not withdraw from them before lifting them off the ground. "-" Good, little boy, "replied Conchobar," take the children under your protection. "-" I agree to it, "replied the little boy. And the children were under the protection and the patronage of the little boy. "

6. "When," Fergus added, "a little boy performed these feats five years after his birth, was able at that age to slay the sons of warriors and heroes at the gate of their castle, there is no point. to feel astonishment or admiration because the same character at the age of seventeen, during the expedition made to abduct [the divine bull] and the cows of Cooley, came to the border province, cut a four-pointed fork and killed one, two, three or four men. "

SECTION TWO
Tale of Cormac in the intelligent exile, son of Conchobar.
Murder of the blacksmith's dog by Cûchulainn which owed its name to this exploit.

1. After Fergus, Cormac in intelligent exile, son of Conchobar, spoke: "The little boy," he said, "performed a second feat a year after the one just described. "-" What an achievement? Asked the King of Connaught Ailill. Here is Cormac's response: “Culann, blacksmith of Ulster, prepared a feast for Conchobar and went to Emain to invite him. He told him to bring only one guest with him, unless he was accompanied by indulgent hosts: "For," he added, "I do not own a domain, not even a field. , I only have my hammers, anvil, fists and pincers, ”Conchobar replied that he would bring only one companion. Then Culann returned to his house, which was fortified, and he busied himself with preparing food and drink. "

“Conchobar sat in Emain until nightfall, then put on his light traveling coat and went to take leave of the children. Arrived on the lawn, he saw something which surprised him; one hundred and fifty children at one end of the pitch, only one child at the other end, and the latter was victorious over all the others by the skill with which he tossed the ball and reached the goal. The goal was a hole in Emain's lawn. When it was their turn to throw their boules and his turn to prevent their boules from entering the hole, he made sure that none entered. When it was their turn to stop his boules and his to throw them, he made them all go into the hole, he never missed his shot. When the game was to take off the clothes, he tore the one hundred and fifty clothes, and you couldn't even tear off the pin that closed his coat. When the time came for the fight, he made the hundred and fifty children fall under him, and gathered around this little boy, they could not make themselves masters of him. "

"Conchobar began to look at the little boy:" Ah! young people, ”he said,“ happy the country where the little boy you see came from, if his exploits in war are one day like his childhood games! "" The doubt you express is out of place, "resumed Fergus," as this little boy will grow, so will his exploits increase. May this little boy be called to come with us to partake of the feast we're going to. And Conchobar called the little boy, "Come with us, little boy," said Conchobar; "Come to the feast where we are going." "-" No, of course, I won't go, "replied the little boy. - " Why that ? Asked Conchobar. - "Because the children," replied the little boy, "have not yet had enough of their games and their pleasures. "-" Waiting for you until they have had enough would take too long a time, "said Conchobar," we won't wait for you at all. »-« Go ahead », replied the little boy,« then I will join you. "-" Little boy, "said Conchobar," you don't know the way. "-" I will follow, "replied the little boy," I will follow in the footsteps of the procession, the horses and the chariots. "

2. “Then Conchobar went to the house of Culann the blacksmith. He was received with the honor that his rank, his dignity, his right, his nobility and in accordance with good practice deserved. Under him and under his companions they spread straw and fresh rush. We began to eat and drink good things. Culann asked Conchobar a question. "Well, oh king, did you order someone to come and find you here tonight?" "-" No, of course, "replied Conchobar," I have not given anyone such an order. He no longer remembered the little boy he had invited to come to the feast with him. " Why this question? He added. - "I have a good war dog," said Culann, "as soon as he is rid of his chain, no one in the canton would dare to walk near him. He only knows me. He has the strength of a hundred men. "- Conchobar then said:" Let the fortress be opened to the war dog and protect the canton. The war dog was freed of its chain, he made a rapid tour of the canton, reached the high point from which he was watching over the city; he placed his head there on his paws; he was all that one can conceive of more ferocious, barbarous, furious, savage, terrible, bellicose.

"What happened to Emain's children during this time?" They parted, each went to the house of his father and mother, or his foster mother and foster father. The little boy, following in the procession's footsteps, walked towards the house of Culann the blacksmith. He shortened the road by having fun with his toys. Arrived at the lawn in front of the fortress where Conchobar and Culann were, he threw his toys except for his ball. The war dog noticed the little boy and let out howls that everyone heard. He was celebrating himself to swallow the little boy all at once, to give him his stomach for lodging after having made it pass through his vast throat and through his chest. The little boy employed the only means he had of defending himself, vigorously he threw his ball at the battle dog, which, entering the animal's mouth, penetrated its neck, passed through its entrails and left the door. behind; then the child, seizing two of the dog's feet, threw it against a raised stone, the shock of which broke it to pieces and strewn all around the earth with its debris. "

3. “Conchobar heard the dog bark. “Alas, O warriors,” he said, “we did not have good luck when we came to drink beer at this feast. " - " Why ? Everyone asked. - "The little boy who came after me", replied Conchobar, "the son of my sister, Setanta, son of Sualtam, was killed by the dog. At these words the glorious Ulates all stood up together. Although the gate of the fortress was open, each one, instead of heading towards this door, went straight ahead and crossed the palisade which surrounded the fortress. Everyone was going fast, but Fergus faster than the others. He took the little boy to the ground, placed him on his shoulder. Culann also went out and saw his dog torn to pieces; it was a violent blow that struck him in the heart. Then he entered the fortress with all the others. “Your coming, little boy,” he said, “made me happy because of your father and your mother; but not because of you. "-" What do you have against this little boy? Asked Conchobar. - "It is not for my happiness", continued Culann, "that you came to me, little boy, to drink my beer and eat my food, because today my assets are destroyed, like my life! my life is destroyed! The one of my people whom you took from me was an excellent servant who looked after my cattle, my herds, all my furniture. "-" Don't get angry, Master Culann, "replied the little boy," for I will pass a fair judgment on this matter. "-" What judgment will you make? Asked Conchobar. - "If there is a small dog of the breed of this dog in Ireland," replied the little boy, "I will breed him until he can do what his father did." Until then I will be the protective dog of the herds, the furniture and the land of Culann. "-" It is good, "continued Conchobar," the judgment you have passed. "-" We would not pass better judgment ", added the Druid Cathba. "Why don't we call you because of that Culann's dog, cû Chulainn?" "-" No, of course, "replied the little boy," I prefer my name, Setanta, son of Sualtam. "-" Do not say that, little boy ", replied Cathba," for the name of Cuchulainn will be famous in Ireland and in Great Britain, the lips of the men of Ireland and Great Britain will be filled with this name. "-" In that case, "the little boy broke down," what you offer me will be advantageous to me. From then on this famous name became his, it was called Culann's dog Cû-Chulainn since he had killed the dog which was at Culann the blacksmith's. "

4. "When a little boy did this feat," added Cormac to the intelligent exile, son of Conchobar, "when he did it six years after his birth, when at that age he killed a war dog so formidable that the troops, the armies did not dare to approach the canton defended by this animal, there is no reason to experience admiration or astonishment because at the age of seventeen during the expedition undertaken to remove [the divine bull and] the cows of Cooley, he came to the border of a neighboring province, cut a four-pointed pitchfork, and killed one, two, three, or four men. "

SECTION THREE
Murder of the three sons of Necht Sceni. Story of Fiachu son of Féraba.

1. “A year later, the little boy did a third feat,” says Fiachu, son of Féraba. "-" What feat did he do? asked Ailill, King of Connaught. - "The druid Cathba", replied Fiacha, "gave his students his education north-east of Emain. He had near him a hundred zealous pupils learning the art of Druidism. One of them asked the master what event the omens heralded for that day and whether this event would be happy or unhappy. "A little boy," replied Cathba, "will take up arms today, he will be brilliant and famous, but will have a short life; his life will not be long. The little boy heard these words in the middle of the games southwest of Emain. Immediately he threw down his toys and came to the house where Conchobar used to take the night's rest. "I wish you all the best possible happiness, O king of the Fene," said the child. - "From your words I guess you have come to ask me something", replied Conchobar. "What do you want, little boy?" - "Take up arms," replied the little boy. - "Who suggested the idea to you, little boy?" - asked Conchobar. - "Cathba, the druid," replied the little boy. "His advice will not be treason," Conchobar replied. He gave the child two spears, a sword, a shield; the little boy, shaking and shaking these weapons violently, reduced them to small pieces, small debris. Conchobar handed him two more spears, another sword, another shield; the child shook them, waved them violently once, started again and made little pieces of them, little pieces of debris. There were spears, swords, shields there to arm fourteen of the nice boys, children who were near Conchobar in Emain. When one of them took up arms, it was Conchobar who gave them to them; they fought for him and he enjoyed their triumphs. Of all these weapons the little boy made small pieces, small debris. “These weapons are not good, Master Conchobar,” said the little boy, “they are not worthy of me. Conchobar gave him the two spears, the sword, the shield he himself used. The little boy waved and shook the spears and the shield violently, brandished the sword and bent it so that the point touched the hilt; he did not break these weapons, they resisted all his efforts. “These guns are good,” he said; “That's what suits me. Happy the king to whom these weapons belong! Happy the land that gave birth to him! "

2. “[The king and the child were in a tent.] The druid went there. "Did the little boy take these weapons?" asked Cathba. - "Yes of course, and it could not be otherwise", replied Conchobar. - "It cannot be agreeable to me," said Cathba, "that his mother's son has taken up arms today. "[Cathba knew that the little hero once armed had to die very young.]" What? »Cried Conchobar« didn't you advise him? "-" Not at all, "replied Cathba. - "What to think of you? goblin, little demon, ”said Conchobar, addressing the little boy. "Did you lie to us?" - "Do not get angry, Master Conchobar", replied the child, "it is indeed Cathba who advised me. One of his students asked him what his prognosis was for today. He replied that a little boy would take up arms today, that he would be famous, that he would be famous, but that his life would be short and of little duration. "- It's true, that's what I know", said Cathba, "you will be famous, you will be famous, your life will be short and of little duration. "- You predict a marvelous merit for me," replied the little boy. "If I would only be in the world one day and one night, it doesn't matter, provided that after me my story and the account of my adventures remain. "

3. “Good, little boy,” Conchobar snaps, “get on the chariot. Here is the first tank that I offer to you. The little boy got into the chariot. At the first chariot in which he climbed, he gave and repeated such violent shocks that he made small pieces of them, small pieces of debris. He got into a second tank and broke it like the first into small pieces, small pieces of debris. He broke a third tank again. In the place where seventeen tanks were kept at the disposal of the young people, the good boys at Conchobar in Emain, there were only small pieces, small debris of these tanks, all broken by the little boy, none could not resist him. "These chariots are not good, Master Conchobar," said the little boy, "they are not worthy of me."

"Where is Riangabair's son, Ibar my coachman?" Asked Conchobar. - "Here certainly," replied Ibar. - 'Take my two horses with you,' said Conchobar, 'and harness them to my chariot. So Ibar took the horses and harnessed them to the king's chariot. Then the little boy got into Conchobar's chariot, shook it all around, the chariot resisted, did not break. "Certainly this chariot is good," said the little boy, "it is the chariot for me. " - " Well! little boy, "Ibar continued," for this time leave the horses on their pasture. - "It's too early for me," replied the little boy; “Go ahead of us out of Emain today, it's the first day after I took up arms, a great victory must attest to my warlike aptitude. They walked around Emain three times. “Now leave the horses on their pasture, little boy,” Ibar said. - "It's still too early for me, O Ibar," replied the little boy. “Let's go ahead so that the children wish me luck today, the first day after I take up arms. They walked ahead of them to where the children were. "Has he taken up arms"? each of the children asked. "You have to," they answered each other. “May you,” they continued, “may you obtain victory, kill your first adversary, triumph; but for us it is too early that you took up arms, because you separate yourself from us, you will no longer take part in our games. "-" I will not separate from you, "he replied; “But an omen made me take up arms today. "

4. “Leave it, little boy,” Ibar said, “this time leave the horses on the pasture. "-" It's still too early, "replied the little boy; "And this great road which turns before us, where does it lead?" "-" What do you care? »Replied Ibar,« that does not prevent you from being a pleasant young man. "-" Well, good servant ", resumed the little boy," I am going to ask you about the main roads of the province. How far does it go? " - "She is fording the guard of Mount Fuad," Ibar replied. - "Why is it called ford of the guard", asked the little boy, "do you know?" - "Yes I know," replied Ibar. “A good Ulate warrior is on guard there for the defense of his country. If any foreign warriors wanted to come to Ulster to offer battle, it would be he who would rise to the challenge on behalf of the whole province. If talented, discontented artists wanted to leave Ulster, it would be he who, to keep them there and thus preserve the honor of the province, would offer them rich presents. If, on the contrary, talented artists thought of entering Ulster, it would be he, who would vouch for the liberalities by which Conchobar would remunerate them for their sung poems and for their stories recited to Emain after their arrival. "-" Do you know, "said the little boy," who is near this ford today? "-" Yes I know, "replied Ibar," it is Conall Cernach, the heroic quarrel, son of Amargin, it is Conall Cernach the royal warrior of Ireland. "-" Lead us forward, gentle servant, "said the little boy," make us reach the ford. "

"Going in front of them, they came to the ford:" Has this one taken up arms? Conall asked. - "It must be," replied Ibar. - "May you, little boy," said Conall, "may you achieve victory, triumph by killing your first opponent!" But for us it is too early that you took up arms, because you are not capable of achieving such success. On the contrary, if the foreigner who came here was an artist who asked you to guarantee him a salary, all the Ulates would guarantee you; in the event that your engagement results in a battle, all the nobles of Ulster will rise up to support you. - "What are you doing here, Master Conall?" Asked the little boy. "I stand guard for the defense of the province, little boy," Conall replied. "Go home this time, Master Conall," the little boy said, "and let me stand guard here for the defense of the province." - "No, little boy," said Conall, "you're not yet able to stand up to good warriors yet." "

“So,” said the little boy, “I will go further south, to Fertais Locba Echtrann, to see if today I can find a place to bathe my hands in the blood of a friend or an enemy. "I'll go protect you," Conall replied, "you mustn't go alone to the next province." "-" No ", replied the little boy," you will not come. "" Certainly I will go, "cried Conall; "The Ulates would beat me up if I left you alone in the neighboring province." “Conall's horses were brought in; they were harnessed to his chariot, and he set out to go and protect the little boy; he got as far as he did. But the little boy didn't want to be supplanted by Conall, if the opportunity arose to do some glorious deed. On the ground he takes a stone which fills his hand and throws it far away against the yoke of Conall's chariot; the yoke breaks in two, Conall falls to the ground between the two pieces and dismisses his shoulder. "What have you done, my son? Said Conall. - "I threw a stone", answered the little boy, "it is to see if I know how to direct my jet, how I release a projectile, and if there is in me the stuff of a warrior. "-" Cursed be your stone throw! Cried Conall; "Damn yourself! Even if today you should leave your head among the enemies, I will not go and defend you any longer. "-" This is what I asked of you all warriors of Ulster, "replied the little boy," for you have a magical defense to go and seek death in your chariots. Conall returned north to take his place at the ford of the guard. "

5. “Let’s tell the story of the little boy. He went south to Fertais Locha Echtrann. He stayed there until the end of the day. “If I dared to express an opinion,” said Ibar, “it would now be appropriate for us to return to Emain. The assembly began a long time ago, as the sharing and distribution of what we eat and what we drink; a place is reserved for you there every day, you sit between the feet of Conchobar; my place is between the servants and the jugglers attached to the house of Conchobar, the time has come to go and quarrel with them. "-" Take the horses to take us away, "said the little boy; then he gets into the chariot. “But, O Ibar,” he said, “what is the name of this hill that I now see to the north?” - "It is the mountain of Morne," replied Ibar. - "And what is this pile of white stones that I see at the top of this mountain?" Asked the little boy. - "It is", replied Ibar, "it is the white carnival of the mountain of Morne. "-" But this carnage is pretty, "said the little boy. - "Yes it is pretty", distributes Ibar; "Let's move on, spoiled child, in order to arrive at this carnage. You are a charming boy, and yet unbearable, I can see it. Today is the first time that I am accompanying you; it will be the last until the end of the world, if I even return to Emain. "

“They came to the top of the mountain. "We are good here," said the little boy. "Teach me what on either side belongs to the province of Ulster, for I do not know my master Conchobar's kingdom at all." Ibar told him what the province of Ulster was all around, he showed him all around the heights, the hills and the mountains of the province, the plains, the castles, the high points of Ulster. “Good, O Ibar,” said the little boy, “but what is this plain to the south where there are so many corners, angles, edges, valleys? »-« Mag Breg »replied Ibar. - "Teach me", asked the little boy, "what are the buildings and fortresses of Mag Breg?" Ibar showed him Tara, Teltown, Knowth, Brug na Boine, and the castle of the sons of Necht. - "But", added the little boy, are not these sons of Necht who boasted of not having left more Ulates alive than they killed? " - "Yes, they are," Ibar replied. - "Let's go ahead of us," replied the little boy. “Let's go to the castle of the sons of Necht. "-" What a pity that you say that? Ibar cried. "It is obvious to me that you are asking me to do something crazy. Who wants to go, "he added," it won't be me. "-" You will go alive or dead, "said the little boy. - "I will go alive to the castle of the sons of Necht," Ibar replied; "But it will be dead that I will get out of it." "

“They went ahead of them to the castle of the sons of Necht and the little boy jumped from the chariot onto the lawn. On this lawn there was a raised stone, around this stone an iron circle, and on the closing of this circle an ogamic inscription appealing to the heroes. This inscription read: "To any armed man who will come onto the lawn forbidden to leave without having requested single combat." The little boy read the inscription, put his arms around the stone, threw it with the circle into the nearby stream and the waves rose above it. “In my opinion,” Ibar said, “it would have been better if this stone had stayed where it was. We know that this time you will find on this lawn what you are looking for, death, yes death, a tragic death. "-" Good, Ibar "replied the little boy," arrange the cover of the chariot and its fur for me to get some sleep. "-" What a pity that you speak to me thus ", replied the driver," because we are here in enemy country, this lawn is not one of those where one has fun. However the coachman arranged the blanket and the fur, then on the lawn the little boy fell asleep. "

6. “Then came to the lawn one of the sons of Necht. His name was Foill, son of Necht. "Don't unhitch horses, coachman," said Foill. - "I am not thinking of unhitching them", replied Ibar, "I still have the bridles and the reins in hand. "-" Who are these horses? Asked Foill. - "These are the horses of Conchobar", replied Ibar. “See their spotted heads. "" I recognize them, "resumed Foill," and who brought them from Ulster to the border of the neighboring province? "-" A sweet and kind little boy, "Ibar distributes," he took up arms with us and he came to the border of the neighboring province to show his good looks. "-" It will not be to conquer and triumph, "said Foill; “If I knew him capable of fighting, it wouldn't be alive if from here to the south he would go back north to Emain; no he would not return alive. "-" He is certainly incapable of fighting, whatever may be said about it, "replied Ibar," he is in his seventh year. "

“At this moment the little boy raised his face above the earth, he put his hand on his face, he turned purple and took the shape of a millstone from head to toe. “Certainly,” he said, “I am capable of fighting. "-" What seems to me more likely than what you say "replied Foill," is that you are not capable of fighting. "-" So that you know what the probability is, "replied the little boy," we must go together at the ford. But go get your weapons. Come to the ford without them, you are not a warrior. I do not kill the coachmen or the grooms, I do not kill unarmed people. Foill hastened to get his weapons. “For our sake,” Ibar said, “it is fitting that you be careful, little boy,” in your fight against him. "-" Why is this necessary? " asked the little boy. - "On Foill, son of Necht, on the man you see," replied Ibar, "neither the points nor the edges of the weapons have taken hold. "-" It is not to me that it is appropriate to say that ", distributes the little boy. "With my hand I will play the trick on her, I will throw my twice-melted iron apple at her, she will hit the flat of Foill's shield, the flat of his forehead, and, after going through them, it will bring out the brains. by the back of the head which it will sort of make a sieve: through its head we will see the light of day. Foill left his castle. The little boy played the trick, threw the iron apple which reached the flat of the shield and the flat of Foill's forehead, and having gone through them, made his brains come out from the back of his head; we could see daylight through Foill's head and the little boy cut it off. "

7. “Then came the second of the three brothers, Tuachall, son of Necht. - "I see you bragging about an achievement," said Tuachall. - "I do not have the right to brag because I killed a warrior", answered the little boy. - "There will be no boasting this time," said Tuachall, "because I will kill you." "-" Go get your weapons, since you came without them, "replied the little boy. Tuachall hastened to collect them. “He is timely in our best interests,” said Ibar, “that you be careful, little boy, in your fight against him. " - " Why that? Asked the little boy. - "Tuachall, son of Necht, the man you see," replied Ibar, "he must be slain with the first blow of the sword, with the first blow of the throwing weapon, with the first attack; otherwise you will never defeat him because of the skill and agility with which he turns around the points of arms. "-" You can't say that to me, "returned the little boy. “I will take Conchobar's spear in my hand; this poisoned spear will pass through his shield, will come above his belly, breaking everything it will penetrate between the ribs to the other side of his body after having passed through his heart "-" It will be ", said Ibar," the feat of an enemy and not the friendly act of a fellow citizen. "-" I will not send him to the doctor, "replied the little boy," and of his health I will never take any care. Tuachall, coming out of his castle, came onto the lawn. The little boy grabbed Conchobar's spear and threw it into Tuachall's shield above that warrior's belly; breaking everything it penetrated between the ribs to the other side of the body after having crossed the heart. The little boy cut off Tuachall's head before by the fall of the body it had touched the ground. "

8. “Then came out of the castle and on the lawn came the youngest of the three brothers, Faindlé or the swallow, son of Necht. "They were very stupid those who fought against you," said Faindlé. - " Why? Asked the little boy. - "Come" replied Faindlé, "come near here below, in the water your foot will not reach the bottom [without the water going over your head]. And Faindlé rushes towards the water.

“It's fitting, little boy,” Ibar said, “that you be careful in your fight against him. "-" Why is this necessary? Asked the little boy. - "Faindlé, the man you see," replied Ibar, "owes his name, Faindlé, that is to say, swallow, to the fact that he walks the sea like the swallow and the weasel. The swimmers of the country can do nothing against him. - "It is not appropriate that you speak to me thus", answered the little boy. “You know the river that is next to us in Emain, the Callann. When the children surrounded her and passed their toys over her, without getting into the water themselves, I would take a nice boy on each of my two hands, a nice boy on each of my two shoulders, then being thus under them, I walked on the water without it wetting even the ankles of my feet. Faindlé and the little boy fought in the water. The little boy put his forearm on Faindlé and made it sink into the water which reached the top of Faindlé's head, then, giving him a skilful and rapid blow with Conchobar's sword, he cut off his head. 'he carried away leaving the body in the stream. "

"[Then behind him and behind Ibar we heard the plaintive cry of Necht, mother of the three dead]".

“After that the little boy and Ibar went to the castle, devastated the houses, burned them: what remained of the buildings did not exceed in height the earthen discharges from the circumvallation ditches. Then they returned to Mount Fuad taking the three heads of the sons of Necht. "

9. "Then they saw before them a herd of deer:" What, O Ibar, are these many beasts so agile? Said the little boy, "are these tame animals that are favorites of queens, or is it some kind of cow?" "" Cows, "replied Ibar; “They hide in the solitudes of Mount Fuad. "-" Prick the horses, "said the little boy; "Let's see if we can take some of these animals." The driver stung the horses; but these horses, which belonged to King Conchobar, were too big to run as fast as the herd of deer. The little boy got out of the chariot and took from this troop two agile and strong deer. He tied them to the stretcher of the chariot with straps. "

10. “Then Ibar and the little boy went before them to the plateau of Emain where they saw near them a troop of white swans. "What are these birds?" asked the little boy; "Are they one of those tame birds that are the favorites of queens, or is it another species of bird?" - "These are other birds," replied Ibar; “It is a troop of swans which, arriving from the rocks and the islands of the great outer sea, come to graze on the plains and plateaus of Ireland. "-" Of the two which would be more glorious, O Ibar, "said the little boy," or bring them alive to Emain, or bring them dead? "-" The most glorious thing would be to bring them alive, "replied Ibar; “Not everyone can take the birds alive. Then the little boy with a first stroke of skill seized eight of these birds, then with a second more skilful stroke he captured sixteen. Then with straps and ropes he tied them to the stretcher of the chariot. "Take these birds with you, O Ibar," said the little boy. - "It is difficult for me," Ibar replied. - " Why that ? Asked the little boy. "There is a great reason for that," replied Ibar. “If I move, the iron wheels of the chariot will cut me off because of the strong, vigorous and very powerful gait of the horses. If I make the slightest movement the deer horns will pierce me, pierce me. - "You are not a true warrior, O Ibar", replied the little boy. "My glance at the horses will be enough to keep them from going off the right path." I will only have to look at the deer to make them bow their heads, they will be so afraid of me, and you will have nothing to fear from their horns. "

11. "Continuing their course they reached Emain. [The witch] Leborcham who was daughter of Aue and Adarc [slaves of Conchobar, and who was to one day predict the death of Cûchulainn], noticed them. “A warrior is coming in a chariot,” she said, “his coming is frightening. The heads of the enemies he has killed are in his chariot near him. Beautiful all-white birds are next to him in his chariot. Deer, these wild animals which cannot be harnessed, are near him held captive by ties, imprisoned by ropes; if we don't warn him tonight, he'll kill the warriors of Ulster. "-" We know, "replied Conchobar," this traveler who arrives in a chariot is the little boy, my sister's son. He went to the borders of the neighboring province, his hands are all red with blood; he is not satiated with combat, and if we are not careful, all of Emain's warriors will perish. Here is the decision taken by Conchobar and his advice: to bring out women, to send them to meet the little boy, three times fifty women or ten in addition to seven times twenty, all naked like their immodest conductor, Scandlach, at their head. , to show their nudity to the little hero. The young troop of women came out and without any reservation showed her her nakedness. But he hid his face by turning it against the wall of the chariot and he did not see the nudity of the women. So they got him out of the tank. To calm his anger they brought him three vats of fresh water. They put it in a first tank, it gave the water such a strong heat that this water broke the planks and the circles of the tank like breaking a walnut shell. In the second tank, the water boiled as big as a fist. In the third tank, the heat was one that some men endure and that others cannot. Then the little boy's anger subsided. "

12. “They dressed him; he resumed his usual face. Of himself, starting at the top of his head and ending at the feet, he made a purple wheel. He had seven fingers on each of the two feet, as many on each of the two hands, seven pupils on each of his two eyes, and in each of these pupils one could see seven precious stones shining. On each of his two cheeks there were four spots, a blue spot, a purple spot, a green spot, a yellow spot. Fifty strands of very blond hair stretched from ear to ear, one could compare them to a birch comb or to pale gold needles lit by the sun. The rest of her hair was cut short and shone as if a cow had licked it. A green cloak held by a silver brooch enveloped him. Under this cloak he wore a tunic of gold thread. He came and sat down between the feet of Conchobar who ran his hand between his hair. "

13. “This little boy did these feats at the age of seven: at that age he defeated the great warriors who had killed two-thirds of Ulster's men. These men had not found an avenger until this child spoke out against their murderers. We should not be surprised that later, having come to the frontier of the province at the age of seventeen, he killed a man, two men, three men, or four men during our expedition. to kidnap [the divine bull] and the cows from Cooley. "

[Fiachu son of Féraba stopped speaking. ]

Such were the accounts of the exploits of Cuchulainn as a child as they are found in the epic which tells of the kidnapping [of the divine bull] and the cows of Cooley. These accounts come after 1 ° the preface (that is to say the first 4 chapters), 2 ° the table of the road (chapter V), 3 ° the narration of the march of the army (chapter VI).

Now we will continue the story.

CHAPTER VIII
CONTINUATION OF THE ARMY MARCH.

1 [First disaster].

“Now let's get out of here,” Ailill said. They go to Mag Muicceda. Cûchulainn cuts an oak tree in front of him and traces an ogamic inscription on one side of this tree. This inscription said that no one would go beyond this oak tree until a warrior with his chariot passed it by leaping over it. The army is pitching its tents there and, getting into their chariots, the warriors try to jump over the oak tree. Thirty horses perished there, thirty chariots were broken there. This place was called Passage of Glory [we will see below that it was later because of the success of Fergus], and this name will always be kept.

2. Murder of Fraech (ie La Bruyère).

The army stays there until morning. Ailill and Medb call Fraech, son of Fidach. “Deliver us,” said Medb, “remove from us the fatality that weighs on us. Come to our aid against Cûchulainn; we want to know if you will fight it. "

Fraech left early in the morning with eight companions. He arrived at the ford of Fúad and he saw Cûchulainn taking a bath in the river. “Wait,” Fraech said to his people, “wait until I reach the man over there. Water is not good for you. He takes off his clothes and in the water walks towards Cûchulainn. “Don't come to me,” Cûchulainn told him, “if you do, you will die and for me it would be sad to kill you. "-" Of course I will go ", replied Fraech," I will go so that we meet in the water and that your game with me is at equal risk for both of us. "-" Appreciate it as you find it good ", returned Cûchulainn. - "Let each of us put his hand around the other," replied Fraech. They each go to great lengths to knock each other down in the water, and Fraech is overwhelmed. Cûchulainn relieves him. "This time," Cûchulainn asked, "will you put up with me being the grace of my life?" - "No", replied Fraech, "I will not stand it. So Cuchulainn knocked down Fraech and Fraech died. Cûchulainn dragged the corpse that the people of Fraech carried to the camp to the bank of the stream. And the ford has always been called Gué de Fraech. All the warriors in the camp sang the dead man's complaint. Then we saw arrive around the corpse of Fraech son of Fidach a troop of women dressed in green tunics [they were síde, that is to say goddesses or fairies], they took him to their divine palace [ in Irish síd] which from then on was called Síd de Fraech.

So Fergus in his chariot leaped past the oak post [planted by Cuchulainn, hence the name Passage of Glory].

3. Murder of Orlam.

The next morning, the warriors from four of the five great provinces of Ireland went east across the mountain called Cronn (i.e. on the other side of Mont-Rond). Cuchulainn met them and met the coachman of Orlam, son of King Ailill and Queen Medb. It was at the place since said Tomb of Orlam, near the Lochad Desert to the north. The driver was cutting holly wood in the forest to make a chariot. “Alas,” cried Cuchulainn, “what a reckless act the inhabitants of Ulster do if it is they who are thus chopping wood in front of the enemy. Wait here a bit, "he said to his coachman," wait until I find out who's chopping wood like this. Cuchulainn left and arrived near Orlam's coachman. "What are you doing here, my boy? Cûchulainn asked. - "I am", replied the coachman of Orlam. "I'm chopping holly to make a chariot, because yesterday our chariots broke while hunting the famous deer that's around here." I mean Cûchulainn. And you, by your valor I beg you, give me your help and prevent this famous Cûchulainn from coming to attack me. "-" I give you the choice, my boy ", continued Cuchulainn," either you will assemble the pieces of holly of which the chariot must be composed, or you will cut them, it will be one of the two. "-" I will do the assembly, "said the coachman of Orlam," it is easier. Cûchulainn began to carve the pieces of holly and pulling them with the toes of his feet and of his hands he rubbed them against each other so as to make both their curves and their knots disappear and to make these pieces of wood so polishes that a fly could not hold on them when he walked away. Orlam's coachman watched him do it. "It seems to me," said this man, "that I have given you a job unworthy of you; who are you? »-« I am », replied the warrior,« I am this famous Cûchulainn, of whom you spoke this morning. "-" It is a great misfortune for me ", replied the coachman of Orlam," by the fact of this warrior I am lost forever ". - "Not at all, my boy," Cûchulainn replied, "I do not kill the coachmen, the couriers, or the unarmed people." But where is your master? "-" He is near here at the grave, "replied the coachman of Orlam. - "Go find him," Cûchulainn continued, "warn him, pay attention to him, because if we meet he will fall under my blows. The coachman of Orlam went to fetch his master, his race was rapid, even faster that of Cuchulainn. The latter cut off Orlam's head and raising it very high showed it to the warriors of Ireland.

[Then Cûchulainn put the head of Orlam on the back of the driver of this unfortunate man and said to him: "Carry it on you and go to the camp with this burden. If you don't go like I say, you will receive a stone thrown from my slingshot by me. When he reached the camp, the coachman lifted his master's head from his back. Then he told Medb and Ailill (father and mother of Orlam) what had just happened to him. “Killing Orlam,” Medb said, “is certainly not the same as taking a bird. "-" Cûchulainn declared ", continued the driver," that if I did not carry Orlam's head on my back to the camp, he would break my head with a stone.]

4. Murder of the three sons of Gára.

Then the three sons of Gára came to meet Cûchulainn at the ford of Ciannacht. They were called Lon (blackbird), Ual (pride) and Diliu (flood), the names of their drivers were Meslir, Meslaig, Meslethair. The reason they came to attack Cûchulainn was that they considered what he had done the previous days to be an enormity: the murder of the three sons of Nera, son of Núatar, grandson of Tacán at the ford of the Forks and the murder of the son of Ailill and Medb, Orlam whose head he had shown to the warriors of Ireland. They said that likewise they would kill Cuchulainn and take his head away to show it. They went to the woods and cut three sticks of white coudrier, put them in the hands of their drivers, and said that together they six would go and attack Cuchulainn. Cuchulainn turned to them and cut off the six heads. It was thus that the sons of Gára fell under the blows of Cûchulainn.

5. Murder of Lethan.

Lethan wanting to fight Cûchulainn came to the ford near Nith in the territory of Conaille in Murthemne. Gué du Char is the name of the ford where the two warriors met. It owes this name to the fact that Lethan's chariot broke during combat in the ford. So Mulche [Léthan coachman struck by Lôeg Cûchulainn coachman fell dead on the hill between the two fords. And that is why this hill has since been called hill of Mulche. In the Ford of the Char Cûchulainn and Léthan met. Cuchulainn, before Lethan down, cut off his head and left his head near the corpse. Hence the name that this ford bore since: Gué de Léthan in the territory of Conaille en Murthemne.

6. The beautiful and good harpists.

So to recreate the Irish warriors brought by Ailill and Medb, came the beautiful and good harpists of Ess Rúaid (Assaroë). Irish warriors believed that these harpists were the scouts for the people of Ulster. They gave them an incomparable hunt that lasted a long time, until these harpists came to turn into deer in the rocks of Lia Mór. They were said to be fine and good harpists, but they were very learned druids.

7. Murder of the ferret and the favorite bird.

Then Cuchulainn made a threat: "There", he said, "where I will see Medb, I will throw a stone at her which will come near her beside her head. Indeed, where he saw Medb he threw a stone at him with his slingshot and this stone killed the favorite bird that Medb carried on his shoulder near the ford at sunset. Medb went beyond the ford to the east. Then Cuchulainn threw a second stone at her with his slingshot, and this stone killed the little ferret that Medb was carrying on his shoulder near the ford in the east. Hence it is that Nuque du Ferret and Nuque de l'Oiseau were the names of these two places. And the ford beyond which Cûchulainn threw the two stones with his slingshot received the name of Ford of the Sling. [……]

8. Warning given to Cooley's bull by the goddess Morrigu.

For the first time the Brun de Cooley came to the territory of Margine. Fifty of his heifers surrounded him. [He was followed by his shepherd named Forgemen. He threw down the 150 children who were playing on his back and killed two-thirds of them]. At the same time his excavation was dug and with his horns he threw the earth far away.

It was the same day that from the palaces of the gods came [in bird form] Morrigu daughter of Ernmas. She landed on the raised stone that was in Tara de Cooley. She wanted to warn Brun de Cooley of the danger to which the arrival of the warriors from Ireland exposed him. She spoke to him: "Well, unhappy Brun de Cooley," said Morrigu, "be careful, for the warriors of Ireland will come near you, they will lead you to their camp if you do not take heed. "

So she gave the bull a speech preserved by the manuscripts and in which she announced great misfortunes, but a large part of which now remains unintelligible.

Then the Brun de Cooley left. He went before him to the Valley of the Heifers on Mount Culinn (i.e. Holly) and fifty of his heifers with him.

One of the triumphs of Brun de Cooley consisted in covering fifty heifers every day, which the next day gave birth to calves. Those which could not give birth tore by bursting around the calf which they carried, because they were not strong enough to support the projection of Brun de Cooley.

Another of Brun de Cooley's triumphs was that every day in the evening [three times] fifty nice little boys played games of skill on his amiable back.

Another of Le Brun de Cooley's triumphs was that a hundred warriors were protected by his shadow from the heat, by his shelter from the cold.

Another of Brun de Cooley's triumphs was that neither pale-faced genie, goat-faced genie, nor valley fairy dared approach the township he inhabited.

Another of Brun de Cooley's triumphs was the melodious roar that he gave every day in the evening as he approached his enclosure, his stable, his poultry yard. All that a warrior from the north, a warrior from the south, a warrior from the center of the township of Cooley could possibly desire, this warrior obtained it thanks to the melodious roar made every evening by the Brun de Cooley, when this bull approached his enclosure, his stable, his farmyard.

We have thus said something about the triumphs of Le Brun de Cooley.

9. The army in Murthemne.

Then the armies went in the morning around the rocks and dunes of the territory of Conaille en Murthemne. Now, Medb says that shields are put on his head to protect it; she feared the projectiles that Cûchulainn would have thrown at her from the top of the hills. But that day Cûchulainn did not hurt the warriors of Ireland, he did not attack them during their march around the territory of Murthemne.

10. Murder of Loche.

The warriors of the four great provinces of Ireland slept in Réde Loche after having taken stage and camp there for the night.

Medb told one of her kind maids to go to the river to get water to drink for herself and for this girl. Loach was the name of this girl. Loche went there, fifty women accompanied her, she wore the queen's gold diadem on her head. Cuchulainn threw a stone at him with his slingshot so that he broke the golden diadem into three pieces and killed the girl. Hence it is that there is in Cooley a plain known as of Loche. It is probable that Cûchulainn was mistaken and that he had taken this girl for Medb.

11. Murder of Lothar.

From Findabair in Cooley the Irish troops split into several corps [and roamed the township in search of Cooley's bull]. They destroyed the country with fire. They united in Findabair all that there was of women, sons, daughters and cows in Cooley. “You haven't found him,” said Medb, “I don't see the bull among you. "-" He is not in the canton ", answered each one. Lothar the shepherd was invited to come and find Medb. "Where's the bull?" Asked Medb, "what do you think? "-" I am very afraid to say it, "replied the shepherd. He spoke however. “The night when all the Ulates began the disease which was to last nine times twelve hours, the bull left with three times fifty cows around him. He is in Dubchaire in the Osiers valley. " - " Stand up ". said Medb, “and in groups of two carry a bit of wicker. " They're doing it. From there comes the name of Glenn Gat, Valley of the Osiers, carried by this locality. [Having found the bull] they bring it to Findabair. As soon as the bull saw the shepherd Lothar, he attacked him and soon he carried the entrails of this unfortunate man on his horns. He also attacked the warriors in their camp with his 150 heifers, so that he killed 50 of them. This expedition is known as the Murder of Lothar. The bull left the camp and no one knew where it had gone. The Irish were sad about it. Medb asked the shepherd [who apparently had not yet expired] where he thought the bull would be. “Probably,” he said, “he hid on Mount Culinn (or Holly). "

They returned after devastating Cooley Township and did not find the bull there. Cronn's River rose against them to the tops of the trees. [They spent the night and] slept by this river. Then Medb ordered some of his people to cross it.

12. Death of Uala.

The troops set out in the morning, reached the Cronn River, and tried unsuccessfully to cross it. Prairie des Chars is the name of the place where they arrived, because the river carried a hundred of their chariots to the sea. Medb told his people that one of them would try to cross the river. From the people of Medb a strong and great warrior arose. His name was Uala; he put a strong rock on his back and went to try to cross the river. But the river threw him back lifeless, his stone on his back. Medb said to carry the corpse higher, his grave was dug, his stone erected, it is the stone of Uala en Cooley.

13. Murder of Róen and Rói's companions.

Cuchulainn came very close to the army that day. He challenged the warriors in battle. He killed a hundred around Róen and Rói, the two historians who first told of the kidnapping [of the divine bull and] of Cooley's cows.

14. Appeal by Medb to his warriors.

Medb tells his people to go fight Cuchulainn. "I don't want it to be me," said everyone from where they were, "no one in my family owes Cûchulainn anything." Besides, it does not matter who is his debtor. To fight it is too difficult ”.

15. Passage through a breach in a mountain.

The troops skirted the river which they could not cross and arrived at the source of this river which comes out of the mountain. They could have passed between the source and the top of the mountain. But permission to do so was refused by Medb. She demanded that in front of her to please her a trench be dug in the mountain, it was an affront to the inhabitants of Ulster. This trench has since been called the Cow Abduction Breach of Cooley, because that is where the expedition passed.

16. Camp at Val de la Laiterie.

The following night the warriors of the four great provinces of Ireland took stage and encamped at the Carrefour de l'Ile, in Irish Bélat Aileáin. This place had been called that way until then; since then, its name has been Val de la Laiterie, because of the quantity of milk which the cattle, the herds of cows gave to drink to the men of Ireland. Stone stable is another name from the same locality because the men of Ireland built their stables and farmyards there for their cattle, for their herds of cows.

17. Camp on the edge of the river called from Glass Gatlaig, watercourse of the wickerwork tracery.

Continuing their journey, the warriors from the four great provinces of Ireland arrived at the Sechair. Séchair was the name of a river that has since been called a wickerwork stream, Glass Gatlaig. It takes its name from the wickerwork in the enclosure of which the warriors of Ireland put their herds, their cattle; and after crossing the river, they left their wickerwork there. This is why this course is called Glass Gatlaig.

18. Fergus and Medb. Revenge of the husband.

There are, however, authors and books which make the warriors of Ireland follow another route to go from Findabair to Conaille.

After each had arrived with their booty in Findabair from Cooley, Medb said, “We must split the army in two. The shipment will not be driven by a single route. Let Ailill with half the troops go through Midluachair. We will go Fergus and I through the Ulates Breach. "-" She is not beautiful, "said Fergus," half of the expedition which has been assigned to us. We cannot lead the cows across the mountain without sharing them. This was done, and the Ulster Cow Breach bears this name because of the passage of the cows.

Then Ailill said to Cuillius, his coachman: “Find me today Medb and Fergus; I don't know why they got together like this; I would be glad if you could provide me with proof. Cuillius leaves. When Medb and Fergus were in Cluichre, they were left behind as the warriors continued the road ahead. Cuillius approached the couple. Medb and Fergus didn't hear the man seeing them. It happened that Fergus had put his sword next to him. Cuillius pulled it out of the scabbard and left the scabbard empty. Then he went to find Ailill. “So it's true,” said Ailill. - "Yes", replied Cuillius, "you understand the value of this sign. - "Very well," Ailill distributes. And they both looked at each other, laughing. - "As you thought", continued Cuillius, "I found them lying together. - "It was a necessity for her," said Ailill, "she had to do this to ensure the success of the expedition. Make sure to keep this sword in good condition; Place it under your seat in the chariot, wrapping it in shirtcloth. "

Fergus stood up to take his sword: “Alas! He said. - " What have you ? Medb asked. "I did a bad deed against Ailill," Fergus replied. “Wait here until I come out of the forest,” he said to Medb and his coachman, “and don't be surprised if it's long before I come back. Medb hadn't noticed that Fergus had lost his sword. He leaves with his coachman's sword in his hand, and in the forest he makes a wooden sword for himself. Hence for this forest in Ulster the name of Forêt du Grand Fourreau. "Let us go from here to join our comrades." Fergus said. The warriors of all the troops gather in the plain. They pitch their tents. On behalf of Ailill, Fergus is invited to come and play chess. When he arrived in Ailill's tent, he laughed in his face ……

19. Continuation of the exploits of Cûchulainn.

Cuchulainn came in front of the ford of Cronn. “Master Loeg,” Cûchulainn said to his coachman, “the armies are near us. "-" I swear by the gods ",. replied the coachman, "I will really do great feats in front of the warriors mounted in chariots" ...

"I pray," said Cûchulainn, "the waters to come to my aid. I pray to heaven and earth, the Cronn River in particular. The Cronn will attack them, he will not let them stay in Murthemne until the work of the Irish warriors at the People of Ochaine is finished. Then the water rose so high that it reached the top of the trees.

Mane, son of Ailill and Medb advanced in front of the whole army. Cuchulainn killed him on the ford; thirty horsemen of the house of Mane were drowned there. Cuchulainn knocked down on the water's edge thirty-two other good warriors of Mane. The warriors of Ireland pitched their tents near this ford. Lugaid, son of Nós, that is to say of the grandson, of Lomarc, went accompanied by thirty horsemen, to talk with Cûchulainn. "I welcome you, Lugaid," Cûchulainn said. "If a flock of birds comes to seek their pasture in the plain of Murthemne you will have a whole duck with half of another. If it comes from fish in the river, you will have a whole salmon with half of another, you will also have three blades of grass, one of watercress, one of kelp, one of seaweed. A man will replace you at the ford. »-« I am counting on it », replied Lugaid, -« and I wish my replacement to be very distinguished. "-" Your armies are beautiful, "continued Cuchulainn. - "It is sad," replied Lugaid, "that you are alone in front of them. "-" I have with me, "replied Cûchulainn," exploits and warlike valor. Say, Master Lugaid, if your armies fear me. "-" I swear ", replied Lugaid," I swear it by the god [by whom my people swear]: never a man nor two together would dare to go alone to pour their urine outside the camp; they must be twenty or thirty together to have the boldness. "-" They will not have it ", replied Cûchulainn," if I throw projectiles at them with my sling. "

Cuchulainn killed them thirty warriors on the ford of Dorn. The troops could not reach Airther's corner until dark, and there Cuchulainn killed them another thirty warriors. The warriors of Ireland pitched their tents at the corner of Airther. In the morning Cuillius, Ailill's coachman, began to wash in the ford the lining of his master's chariot, Cûchulainn threw a stone at him and thus killed him. It was because of this that Airther's corner took the name Ford of annihilation, Ath Cuillne.

CHAPTER IX
NEGOTIATIONS WITH CÛCHULAINN

The warriors of the four great provinces of Ireland went to take stage and camp for the night at the Hill of the Birds, Druim En, in the territory of Conaille en Murthemne. That same night Cuchulainn encamped nearby, at Ferta Illerga, and that night he shook his weapons so much that a hundred warriors died of shock from the fear, the terror that Cûchulainn caused them. Medb told Fiachu, son of Ferfébe, warrior of Ulster, to go talk to Cûchulainn and bring him a proposal for an arrangement. "What proposal will I bring him?" Fiachu asked. - "It will not be difficult to say", replied Medb. “Through him we will compensate all of the inhabitants of Ulster who have suffered prejudice; he will be paid to himself the highest indemnity according to the sentence of the Irish. There will always be a party in Cruachan for him. He will be given his share of wine and mead. He will come to my service to me and to Ailill's service, and it will be more profitable for him than being in the service of the little lord he serves. In the Abduction [of the divine bull and] of the cows of Cooley no greater mockery and more insulting word was said than this: to call the best provincial king who was then in Ireland a petty lord; we are talking about Conchobar.

Fiachu, son of Ferfébe, went to speak to Cûchulainn. Cûchulainn welcomed him. "This wish made to me is loyal," Fiachu replied. - "He is loyal indeed," replied Cuchulainn. - "I have come," said Fiachu, "to speak to you on behalf of Medb. "-" What proposal do you bring me? Cûchulainn asked. - "Here it is," Fiachu replied: "payment to you of the damages owed to the inhabitants of Ulster, and you yourself will receive the indemnity which the men of Ireland will fix. In Cruachan we will celebrate you, we will give you wine, mead and you will put yourself at the service of Ailill and Medb who will be more advantageous for you than the service of the little lord with whom you are. »-« No, of course », replied Cûchulainn,« I will not sell my mother's brother to replace him with another king ». - "Finally", continued Fiachu, "you will come tomorrow morning to the meeting that Medb and Fergus give you to Glenn Fochaine".

Early in the morning Cûchulainn went to Glenn Fochaine. Medb and Fergus were there. Medb looked at Cuchulainn, the sight of which surprised him greatly, for he seemed to him no taller than a nice child. "Is this then," asked Medb, the famous Cuchulainn you speak of, O Fergus? And, addressing Fergus, she wrote the following poem:

"Is this then this beautiful dog
What do you mean back home, Ulster people?
This dog who does not give a foot against a strong warrior.
Without taking this warrior from the men of Ireland. "

[Fergus]
"However young the dog you see,
Who travels on the plain of Murthemne,
He does not set foot on earth
Without, on his own, warding off his opponents by the exploits of a warrior. "

[Medb]
“A proposal is brought from us to this warrior;
If he asks for more, he is foolish:
Half of his cows and his wives will be given to him;
But let him change his way of fighting. "

[Fergus]
"It is good, in my opinion, that not be defeated by you
The dog of Murthemne the noble,
He is not afraid of wild and brilliant feats.
I know it, that's what it is. "

[Medb]
"Is this then this beautiful dog
What do you mean back home, Ulster people?
This dog who does not give a foot against a strong warrior
Without taking this warrior from the men of Ireland? "

"Speak to Cuchulainn, O Fergus," said Medb. - "No", replied Fergus, "talk to him yourself. There is little distance between us and him from one side of this valley to the other, the Glenn Fochaine. And Medb began an interview with Cuchulainn, she did it in verse.

[Medb]
"O Cûchulainn make peace with us,
Take your sling away from us,
Your savage, brilliant fight has crushed us,
Broke us down and grieved. "

[Cûchulainn]
“O Medb, wife of the great son of Maga,
I am not an evil, inglorious warrior.
As long as I'm alive you won't make me stop
To attack from all sides those who kidnap Cooley's cows. "

[Medb]
"If you accepted from us,
O battling dog of Cooley,
Half of your cows and your wives,
It would belong to you, necessary effect of your exploits. "

[Cûchulainn]
"Since it is I who, by the law of war,
Am sort of the veteran protector of the Ulates,
I won't accept anything until I'm given
All the dairy cows and all the women taken from Gôidels. "

[Medb]
“Your appreciation of your rights is too high;
You slaughtered our good warriors.
You killed us a lot of horses, destroyed a lot of precious objects,
And you, our only opponent, you would keep all your assets, "

[Cûchulainn]
"O daughter of Echaid the handsome of Ireland,
I'm not good at talking fights.
Although as a warrior I have brilliant happiness,
My opinions are of little value. "

[Medb]
"What you say is not shameful for you,
O son of Dechtire, you are worth a troop of warriors;
You hold a famous place in the world,
O bellicose dog of Culann! "

So ended the poem. Cuchulainn did not accept any of the proposals which Medb begged him to accept; they parted, each going to the opposite side of the valley; they both left angry as well.

The warriors of the four great provinces of Ireland took stage and encamped during three days and three nights at the Hill of the Birds, Druim En, with the Conaille of Murthemne; but they did not pitch cabins or tents, they did not eat, took no food; they did not sing poems, did not make music during those three days and three nights. Every night Cuchulainn killed a hundred warriors before the day appeared.

“Our army,” Medb said, “will soon be destroyed in this way, if Cuchulainn kills us a hundred warriors every night. Why not bring him a proposal by addressing him a word on our part? " - "What proposal? Ailill asked. - "We would bring him," replied Medb, "all the dairy cows, all the female slaves that we have taken; he would stop throwing projectiles at the men of Ireland with his slingshot; he would let our troops sleep. "-" Who will bring this proposal? Ailill asked. - " Who?" replied Medb; "It can only be Mac Roth the courier." "-" I will certainly not go ", replied Mac Roth," I am missing some essential information: I do not know where Cûchulainn is. - "Ask Fergus," said Medb, "he probably knows. "" I sure don't know, "replied Fergus; "But one thing is plausible: he would be between Focháin and the sea, letting the wind blow and the sun shine on him after the last sleepless night during which he alone struck and slaughtered the army. And really Cuchulainn was where Fergus thought he was.

A lot of snow fell that night; so that the snow made all the provinces of Ireland take on the appearance of a white plank. And Cuchulainn threw back the twenty-seven shirts stiffened like tablets of wax which under threads and cords he carried on his skin. He did not want his intelligent judgment to be disturbed when the hour of his temper came. Cuchulainn's great ardor and the warmth of his body melted the snow around him to a distance of thirty feet. His anger, his bellicose ardor, the heat of his body were so great that his coachman could not stay near him.

"A warrior is coming towards us, my little Cûchulainn," said Lôeg. - "How is this warrior made?" Cûchulainn asked. - "He's a dark boy," Lôeg replied. "He has a broad and handsome face, a brown coat of elegant form envelops him, a shining bronze brooch is fixed in this coat, a sturdy bull-skin camisole covers his body, between his two feet and the earth are two sandals, he has in one hand a staff of white elbow tree for hunting dogs, in the other hand a sharp sword on one side, the hilt of which is of ivory. "-" But, "said Cûchulainn," these are the distinctive signs of the couriers. Couriers from Ireland which one brings me a message? Mac Roth, coming forward, came to the place where Loeg was. "What is the name of the master in whose service you are, my boy?" Mac Roth asked. - "I am at the service of the warrior who is up there," Lôeg replied. Mac Roth went to where Cuchulainn was. - "What is the name of the warrior in whose service you are?" Mac Roth asked. - "I am in the service of Conchobar, son of Fachtna Fathach", replied Cûchulainn. - "Can you specify more? Mac Roth insisted. - "For the moment what I said is enough," returned Cûchulainn. - - "Would you know," Mac Roth continued, "and could you tell me where I will find this famous Cûchulainn because of whom at this moment the men of Ireland are pushing cries of pain in this expedition. "-" Why, "Cûchulainn replied," wouldn't you tell me what you would say to himself? " - "On behalf of Ailill and Medb," replied Mac Roth, "I have come to speak to him, to make him a proposal, to offer him a friendly date. "-" What proposal do you bring him? Cûchulainn asked. - "We offer him the kidnapped dairy cows, and the slave women who are prisoners, we will give them to him on condition that he no longer uses his slingshot against our army, because the game noisy like thunder that he makes on it every night is not pleasant. "-" Even so, "returned Cûchulainn," the one you are looking for would be in front of you and near you, he would not accept the offer you made to him; for the inhabitants of Ulster, to repair their honor tarnished by your outrages, by your satires, by your magical prohibitions, would kill the dairy cows taken by you; they would kill them, unless the milk of the cows they had left was dried up. If they accepted your offer, they would put in their beds [instead of the free women who remained with you prisoners] the female slaves [returned by you] and we would see in Ulster [instead of free children] little slaves grow up next door. women slaves their mothers ”.

Mac Roth returned. "Haven't you found the one you were looking for?" Medb asked. - "I have found", replied Mac Roth, "I found between Focháin and the sea a gruff, angry, furious, terrible boy. I don't know if it's Cûchulainn. "-" Did he accept the proposal? Medb resumed. - "No", replied Mac Roth, "he did not accept it. And Mac Roth explained the reasons for the refusal. - "It is indeed to Cûchulainn that you spoke", said Fergus.

"Get him another proposition," said Medb. - “What proposal ?, asked Ailill. “Captured cows,” Medb replied, “those which do not give milk will be brought to him, and among the captive women, the free women will be brought to him; but with his sling he no longer hurls anything at our troops; the thunderous play which he makes on them every evening is nothing less than pleasant. "-" Who will bring this proposal? Ailill says. - " Who ? They replied, "if not Mac Roth." »-« I will go », said Mac Roth,« this time I know who I am going to find. Mac Roth left to address Cûchulainn. “I have come this time,” he said, “to speak to you, for I know you are the famous Cuchulainn. "-" What proposal do you bring me? Cûchulainn asked. - "We offer you," replied Mac Roth, "those of the captured cows which do not give milk and the free women who have been taken prisoner, but no longer throw anything with your slings on the men of Ireland, let- their sleep; there is nothing pleasant about the thunderous play you make on them every night. "-" I do not accept this proposal, "replied Cûchulainn," because if it were accepted, the inhabitants of Ulster, as a point of honor, would kill these cows which do not give milk. The people of Ulster are people of honor, and they would no longer have sterile cows or dairy cows. [No longer having female slaves] they would force free women to turn the millstones, to knead bread, to work as female slaves. It would not be good for me to leave behind me in Ulster the daughters of kings and great chiefs reduced to a life of servants and slaves. "-" Is there a proposition that you accept? Mac Roth asked. - "Yes, of course," Cûchulainn replied. - "Will you tell me what this proposal is?" Mac Roth asked. - "No, certainly", replied Cuchulainn, "I won't say it. "-" So we remain in doubt, "said Mac Roth. "-" If in your camp and among you ", replied Cûchulainn," there is someone who knows the conditions that I demand, he will tell you, otherwise, that no one comes to bring me any proposal or me. '' offer a meeting; whoever the messenger was, he would not have long to live. "

Mac Roth turned back: "Have you found him?" Medb asked. - "Yes, of course, I found it," replied Mac Roth. - "Did he accept? Medb asked. - "He did not accept," replied Mac Roth. - "Are there," asked Medb, "any conditions that he accepts?" "There are," replied Mac Roth. - "Did he tell you these conditions?" Medb asked. - "Here are his words", replied Mac Roth: "It will not be he who will tell you these conditions. "-" We remain in doubt, "said Medb. - " Corn ". Mac Roth continued, 'Cûchulainn said that if there is among you someone who knows the conditions demanded by said Cûchulainn, that personage can tell them to me; in the contrary case, Cûchulainn does not hear that one sends to him from now on to ask for any answer. As for me, this is what I declare: if I was offered the royalty of Ireland, I will no longer take any message to Cûchulainn. "

Then Medb glanced at Fergus: "What are," she asked, "the conditions that Cuchulainn desires? "I don't consider the conditions he wants to be good for you," Fergus replied. - "What are these conditions? Medb asked. - "Here they are," replied Fergus. "One of the warriors of Ireland will go fight with him every day. While he kills this warrior, the army will stop its march. When he will have killed this warrior, another warrior will be sent to fight with him on the ford or else the warriors of Ireland will take up stage and camp until daybreak the next morning; and, as long as our expedition lasts, the food and clothing of Cûchulainn will be at our expense. - "Frankly," said Ailill, "these conditions are ignominious. "- These are good conditions," replied Medb, "they are fine with me." Better to give him a warrior a day than a hundred a night. - "Who will go," said Ailill, "let him know these conditions?" " - " Who? Medb replied. “It can only be Fergus. "No," Fergus replied. - " Why that ? Said Ailill. - "It is necessary," replied Fergus, "that in order to secure the performance of the proposed conditions of the sureties, sureties be given to Cuchulainn. "-" I stand surety, "said Medb. And Fergus made the same commitment.

CHAPTER X
MURDER OF ETARCOMOL

Fergus' horses were taken and harnessed to his chariot. At the same time Etarcomol's two horses were harnessed to the latter's chariot, which was the son of Fid and Lethrinn. He was a tender and kind young man from the house of Medb and Ailill. " Where are you going ? Fergus asked. - "We are going with you," replied Etarcomol. "I would like to see what Cûchulainn's face and features look like, I want to look at him. - "If you would listen to me," replied Fergus, "you wouldn't go at all. "-" But why is that? Etarcomol asked. "To your cheerfulness, to your pride," replied Fergus, "are opposed the ferocity, the bellicose cleverness, the hatred of the young man to whom you are going. It is likely that there will be a battle between you before you go our separate ways. "-" Won't you be able to intervene between us? "Asked Etarcomol. - "I could," replied Fergus, "if you yourself don't seek the fight." »-« I will never look for him », answered Etarcomol.

Then they went to find Cûchulainn. This one was then between Focháin and the sea. He played with Lôeg at this kind of checkers game which in Irish called bûanbach; nothing happened in the plain without Loeg noticing, and yet against Cuchulainn he won all the games. "A warrior is coming towards us, my little Cûchulainn," Lôeg said. - "What kind of warrior? Cûchulainn asked. - "The chariot which carries this warrior", replied Loeg, "seems to me as tall as the highest mountain which dominates the vast plain. The bushy, curly hair of a beautiful golden blond, spread around her head, seems to me as tall as one of the main trees standing on the lawn of the main castle of Ulster. A purple tunic with fringes of gold thread envelops it. A well-decorated gold brooch is attached to her mantle. He holds in his hand a large greenish spear with a red flame. It wears a domed shield chiseled with bosses of red gold. A long sword, as long as the rudder of a boat, rests on the two thighs of the tall and proud warrior who is in the middle of the chariot. »-« But », said Cûchulainn,« we will welcome this guest who comes to us. We know this man; my master Fergus is coming here. I see yet another warrior in a chariot approaching us. His horses advance with sufficient skill, elegance, pleasure. This one, Master Loeg, which of the good sons of the Irish warriors is it? He came to see my countenance and my features, for I am famous among them until the midst of their camp. Fergus arrived and jumped out of his chariot. Cuchulainn welcomed him. "I take your wish for me sincere," Fergus said. - "Yes, of course, he is sincere," replied Cûchulainn, "because if a flock of birds crosses the plain, you will have a wild goose with another which will make the pair; if fish come to the mouth of a river, you will have a salmon with another that will match. You will have a handful of one kind of watercress, a handful of kelp, a handful of a second kind of watercress. If you have to support fight or battle, it will be I who will ford to guard you, to protect you, until sleep comes to you and you fall asleep. "" Very well, "replied Fergus," we have already experienced your friendly hospitality in this expedition for the kidnapping [of the divine bull and] the cows of Cooley. But that pledge that you asked the men of Ireland to make to you, to send a warrior to fight you, you get it. I have come to make this agreement with you; do you accept it? " "Yes, I agree to it, Master Fergus," replied Cuchulainn, and the interview was no longer. Fergus feared the men of Ireland would think he had betrayed or abandoned them to please his pupil Cuchulainn. Fergus' two horses were taken and harnessed, he turned back.

After Fergus left Etarcomol remained seated. He looked at Cuchulainn for a long time. "What are you looking at, my boy? Cûchulainn asked. - "I'm looking at you," Etarcomol replied. - "You don't have long eyesight," Cûchulainn said, "you have to watch carefully. If you only knew, how angry is the little beast you are looking at! This little beast is me. And what kind of individual am I in your eyes? "-" However, "replied Etarcomol," you make a good impression on me. You are a nice boy, beautiful, admirable presence, who plays many brilliant games, worth seeing; but if you think that you are numbered among good warriors, among good soldiers, among heroes of bravery, among those hammers whose blows destroy the enemy, we do not agree with you, we will not place you among them. "-" I know, "replied Cuchulainn," that here you are in safety: when you came from the enemy camp, the honor of my master Fergus was your guarantee. But I swear by my gods, those gods I adore: if it weren't for Fergus' honor, you wouldn't return to camp without your bones first being cut to small pieces, your limbs put in rooms. "-" But, "replied Etarcomol," do not threaten me any longer; you wanted to obtain from the Irish warriors a single combat. Now, the only man from Ireland who comes to attack you tomorrow is me. - "Come on," replied Cuchulainn. "Even if you come very early, you will find me here, I will not run away from you. Etarcomol went back and began to chat with his coachman. "I will be tomorrow, my boy," he said, having to fight with Cûchulainn. »-« You promised it », replied the driver,« but I do not know if you will keep your word. "-" Which is better, "asked Etarcomol," or fight tomorrow, or do it tonight right away? " - "In conscience," replied the driver, "even if you should not triumph tomorrow, it would be even more disastrous to fight tonight, since your fight [and your defeat) would be closer. "Return our chariot, my boy," replied Etacormol; "Because I swear it by the gods whom I adore, I will never return to the camp until I can bring with me to show it the head of this little deer, the head of Cûchulainn. "

The coachman turned the chariot towards the ford. He and his master put the left side of their head in front of their two opponents in the direction of the ford. Lôeg noticed it. “Here is,” he said, “the warrior in a chariot who followed Fergus. He has been here for a long time, my little Cûchulainn. "-" What do you say about him? Cûchulainn asked. - "He turned the left side of his head in the direction of the ford," Lôeg replied. - "It's Etarcomol, my boy," returned Cûchulainn, "he is looking for a battle against me. This is not very pleasant to me because of the honor of my foster father under whose protection he came from the camp here. But I won't protect him at all. Carry, my boy, my weapons to the ford. It would not be honorable for me if he arrived at the ford before me. Then Cuchulainn went to the ford, put his naked sword on his white shoulder and was ready to ford in front of Etarcomol. This one arrived at the ford. "What are you looking for? Cûchulainn asked. - "Battle against you, that's what I'm looking for," Etarcomol replied. - "If you did what I wish", said Cuchulainn, "you would not come because of Fergus and his honor under whose protection you came from the camp; but you don't have to rely on my protection at all. Then Cuchulainn gave a blow whereby he cut the grass under the soles of Etarcomol's feet. He fell backwards like a sack with the grass on his stomach. Cuchulainn could have, if it had pleased him, to make Etarcomol's body two pieces. “It's your turn now,” said Cuchulainn, “I just gave you a warning. »-« I do not want to go away », answered Etarcomol,« we will fight again. With the edge of his sword Cuchulainn struck him in moderation and cut his hair, from neck to forehead, from ear to ear. One would have thought that the hair had been cut with a sharp and light razor; not a drop of blood flowed on Etarcomol. “Your turn now,” Cuchulainn said, “because I only laughed at you. "-" I will not go away ", replied Etarcomol," as long as we will not have fought again, as long as I will not have taken your head, as long as, victor, I will not have triumphed over you ; or else you must have taken my head away, and thus obtained victory over me, glory at my expense. "-" Well, "returned Cûchulainn," of these two alternatives it will be the second which will be realized. I will take your head and conqueror of you, I will take glory from your defeat. Then Cuchulainn gave him a first blow which from the top of his head reached the navel, then, with a second blow perpendicular to the first he divided his opponent's body into three pieces which fell to the ground. Thus perished Etarcomol the son of Fid and Lethrinn.

Fergus didn't know the battle was on. His ignorance of this was inevitable, for Fergus never looked behind him, neither when sitting down, nor standing up, nor traveling, nor walking, nor at the rampart, nor during battle or single combat. He did not want anyone to say that in looking behind him he was acting excessively cautious; he only looked at what was either in front of him or on the same line as him. Etarcomol's coachman came on the same line as Fergus. "Where is your master, my boy?" Fergus asked. - "It is a long time ago", replied the driver, "that he was killed on the ford by Cûchulainn". - - "He did not act regularly," replied Fergus, "that demonic imp, when he insulted me thus by murdering a man who came under my protection. Turn our chariot over, my boy, "said Fergus to his coachman," let's talk to Cuchulainn. "

The coachman spun the chariot. They went to find Cûchulainn at the ford. “Why,” Fergus asked, “why have you insulted me, demonic sprite, by killing a man who came under my protection and my care? "-" After the education and care you gave me, "Cûchulainn replied," which would you prefer, or the victory and triumph of Etarcomol over me or my victory and my triumph over him? And one more word: ask his servant, who of Etarcomol or of me is wrong. [Cûchulainn himself asked the driver of Etarcomol: "Am I the cause of his misfortune?" - "Not at all," replied the driver. - "Etarcomol," resumed Cûchulainn, "said he would not leave without taking my head or without leaving me with his. Of the two, Master Fergus, which was easier? " - "The easiest," replied Fergus, "was what was done. Etarcomol was very insolent].

“Of the two possible outcomes,” Fergus continued, “I prefer the one you got. I bless the hand that struck Etarcomol ”.

So they tied two ties to the ankles of Etarcomol's feet and his corpse was dragged behind his horses and chariot. Each time this corpse stumbled against a protruding stone, there remained around this high and hard stone, a debris either of his lung or of his liver; in united places, this debris, at first scattered, gathered around the horses. The corpse was thus dragged into the camp to the door of Ailill and Medb's tent. “Here is your lovely son,” said Fergus, “it was to be returned to you, to you. "

Medb walked out the door of his tent. She raised her voice very high. "Certainly," she said, "it seems to us that the ardor and anger of Etarcomol, that little dog, was great, when at the beginning of the day he left the camp. One could not, we thought, despise the honor under whose protection he was departing, the honor of Fergus. "" What cause, "replied Fergus," drove this rude woman, this rustaunt mad? Why did this dog of minimal condition attack the war dog that the warriors of four great provinces of Ireland dare not approach and who do not dare stand up to? Myself, in case I attacked it, I would be happy, if I could turn around and save my life. "

This was how Etarcomol perished.

[The pit of Etarcomol was dug, and (after having buried it there), his stone was laid, on which his name was engraved in Ogamic script; a solemn complaint was executed for him. During the following night Cûchulainn did not launch anything with his slingshot at the army of Ailill and Medb.]

Here ends and ends the story of the fight of Etarcomol and Cûchulainn.

CHAPTER XI
MURDER OF NATHCRANTAIL

Then arose a strong and great warrior who was among the people of Medb; his name was Nathcrantail. He came to attack Cûchulainn. He did not deign to take any weapons other than twenty-seven holly spikes: by burning them above and below he had made them sharp. Cuchulainn found himself near the stream in front of Nathcrantail. Nothing sheltered him. Nathcrantail threw him a first spear: Cûchulainn while walking passed the point of this spear. Nathcrantail threw a second spear, then a third, and Cûchulainn, while walking, avoided them; he did so until the last stake.

Then a flock of birds appeared in the plain. Cuchulainn pursued them, he pursued each of them, none escaped him, so that they left him enough to make the following night's meal. It was one of Cûchulainn's occupations during the kidnapping of Cooley's cows: he prepared and ate fish, birds and deer meat. But for Nathcrantail the appearance was that, defeated and put to flight, Cuchulainn was moving away from him. Nathcrantail went to the door of Ailill and Medb's tent and, raising his voice very loudly:

“This Cûchulainn, of whom you made a famous warrior,” he said, “was defeated and this morning fled before me. "-" We knew very well, "replied Medb," that attacked by good warriors, by brave young men, Cûchulainn, that young goblin without a beard, would not resist these brave men. When he saw a good warrior approaching, he didn't stand up to him, he fled ”.

Hearing this, Fergus was very annoyed; he could not admit the boasting of having put Cuchulainn to flight. He told Fiachu, son of Ferfébe, to go talk to Cûchulainn. He expressed himself thus "Tell him that it was honorable for him to be more or less long in front of the Irish troops to make exploits against them, but that it would be more suitable for him to hide than to flee. in front of one of their warriors. Fiachu then went to talk to Cûchulainn. The latter welcomed him. "I trust that welcome," Fiachu replied. "But I'm here to talk to you on behalf of your foster father Fergus." "And he continued:" It has been honorable for you to be more or less long in front of the Irish troops to make exploits against them, but it would be more convenient for you to hide yourself than to flee before one of their warriors. " - " What does that mean ? »Asked Cûchulainn« Who among you boasts of having scared me away? "-" It's Nathcrantail. Fiachu replied. - " What ? Replied Cuchulainn, "don't you know, you, Fergus, and the nobles of Ulster, that I kill neither the coachmen, nor the couriers, nor the unarmed people? Nathcrantail had no other weapons than wooden spears. I can't kill him until he has real weapons. Tell him to come here early tomorrow morning, and I won't run away from him. "

Nathcrantail found it long to wait until it was daylight and it was clear to go and fight with Cuchulainn; he went to attack him early in the morning. Cuchulainn got up early in the morning and anger seized him that day. It was in a movement of anger that he threw his coat at him. A stone pillar was near him. His mantle passed over this pillar, lifted it from the earth, and the stone pillar was placed between Cuchulainn and his mantle. Cuchulainn did not notice it, so great was the movement of anger which agitated him. "Where is this Cûchulainn?" Nathcrantail asked. "But there he is," Cormac replied to the Intelligent Exile, son of Conchobar. - "No", replied Nathcrantail, "it is not the aspect of the warrior that I saw yesterday. - "However," continued Cormac, defend yourself against that warrior, it will be the same as if you were defending yourself against Cuchulainn. "

Then Nathcrantail stepped forward and from afar threw his sword against Cûchulainn. This sword reached the stone pillar that was between Cuchulainn and his mantle. Against this pillar it broke. Cuchulainn walking on the ground came up against the boss which was on the top of Nathcrantail's shield, and, striking Nathcrantail above the upper edge of his shield, he cut off his head; then, raising his hand very quickly, he struck him with the sword on the top of the back, from the top of the back to the ground he made two pieces of Nathcrantail's body. It was thus that Nathcrantail succumbed, killed by Cûchulainn.

Cûchulainn then said:

"Nathcrantail has fallen,
But the fighting will increase.
It's a shame that at this hour I don't have to fight
Against Medb and a third of the army. "

CHAPTER XII
DISCOVERY OF THE BULL

1. [So Medb went with a third of the army to Mag Coba to look for the bull. Cûchulainn followed her] He killed Fer Taidle, where the name of the place called Taidle comes from; he killed the sons of Buachaill, hence the name of the scree called Carn Mac im-Buachalla; he killed Luasce on the slopes that are called for that reason Pentes de Luasce; he killed Bobulge in the mud which has since been called Bobulge Mud; he killed Murthemne on its height, henceforth known as Pointes de Murthemne.

2. Then Cuchulainn moved north again to protect and defend his country and his own land, for he preferred his country and his land to any other land and any other land.

3. Then he met the men of Crandche, that is to say the two Artinne, the two sons of Lecc, the two sons of Durchride, the two sons of Gabul, Drucht, Dett and Dathen, Tae, Tualang, Turscur , Torc Glaisse, Glass and Glassne, all together with twenty Fir Forcherda. Cuchulainn surprised them at the moment when they were taking their camp at the head of the whole army, all of them succumbed to his blows.

4. There Cûchulainn met Buide son of Bán Blai from the land of Ailill and Medb; it was part of the very house of Medb. His troop consisted of twenty-four warriors; each was wrapped in a cloak. In front of them walked the brown bull of Cooley which had been taken from the Valley of the Cows at Mount Culinn (ie holly), fifty cows in procession. "Where are you taking this herd from?" Cûchulainn asked. "From that mountain," replied Buide. - " What is your name ? Continued Cûchulainn. - "The name of a man who neither loves you nor fears you", replied Buide, "I am Buide, son of Bán Blai, from the land of Ailill and Medb. "-" Because of that ", returned Cûchulainn," receive this little javelin ", and he threw this javelin at him which reached Buide's shield and his body above his belly, then after having crossed his body and his heart, he broke three ribs on the side opposite to the one he had entered. And Buide son of Bán Blai fell dead. Hence came the name of the ford of Buide in Ross Country [County Louth].

5. Whether the fight had been long or short, we do not know, but the two warriors had taken the time to throw each their javelin at their opponent: they had not launched them immediately. Buide's companions took the opportunity to make Cooley's brown bull run and lead him to their camp as quickly as possible: this day caused Cûchulainn the greatest shame, the greatest sadness, the greatest confusion. of spirit he felt in this expedition.

6. The names of the localities where Medb passed are remembered: all the fords she crossed are called Gués de Medb; each place where his tent was pitched is called Medb's Tent; in every place where she has laid her whip, there is a tree called Tree of Medb.

7. In this tour and in front of the door of Dún Severick, Medb gave battle to Findmór wife of Celtchar, she killed her, then she devastated Dún Severick.

8. At the end of a month and a little more than fifteen days, the warriors of the four great provinces of Ireland, Medb and Aillil with them, found themselves gathered at the same stage, in the same encampment as the troop which s. took hold of the bull.

9. Death of Smithmen.

Cooley's brown bull did not give them his shepherd. This bull [and his cows] pushed the shepherd who carried a shield with a round boss in front of them, and they led him to a narrow crevice, where they threw him to a depth of thirty feet, so that of his body they made small pieces and thin debris. It was called Smithmen, so Smithmen's death is a section of Cooley's [divine and cows] rapture of the bull.

10. Death of Redg the Satirist.

When the warriors of Ireland, Medb and Ailill with the troop which had taken the bull, arrived at the stage and the encampment, they said that Cuchulainn would not be braver than any other if it were not for the wonderful weapon. that he wielded, his little javelin. As a result they sent Redg the satirist to ask for the little javelin. Redg asked for the small javelin, but Cuchulainn did not give it to him. "My javelin is nothing fancy," said Cuchulainn, and, nodding no, he refused to give it to her. Redg replied that he would take away Cuchulainn's honor. [He turned to leave.] Then Cuchulainn threw his small javelin, this weapon reached Redg from behind, entered the hollow between the two bones of the neck, and, coming out through the mouth, fell to the ground. “This gem,” says Redg, “came to us very quickly. And on the ford his soul parted from his body. So that the ford was called from Gué du Rapide Bijou. And the bronze of the javelin was thrown into the stream which, since, received the name of Ruisseau de Bronze.

11.Meeting of Cûchulainn and Findabair

"Offer him," said Aillil, "to give him Findabair, [my daughter], on condition that he gets away from the military." "

Father-like Mane set out to find Cûchulainn. Lôeg goes to meet Mane. "Who are you the man of? Mane asked. Lôeg did not answer. Mane asked him the same question three times. Loeg finally replied, "I am," he said, "man of Cuchulainn." You won't triumph over me, you won't prevent me from chopping off your head. "-" He is proud, that man, "said Mane, and leaving him, he went to speak to Cuchulainn. He was seated in the midst of the snow which reached his waist and melted all around up to the distance of a cubit, so great was the heat of his body. Mane asked him the same question three times, as he had done when addressing Lôeg. "Who are you the man of? "-" I am Conchobar's man, "replied Cûchulainn. "Don't bother me any longer, otherwise I'll cut off your head like you cut the head of a blackbird." - "It's not easy," said Mane, "to talk to those two fellows. Then he leaves and goes to tell Ailill and Medb how things went. “Let Lugaid go find him,” Ailill said, “and give him my daughter. »Lugaid goes to find Cûchulainn and offers him the offer. “Master Lugaid,” Cûchulainn replied, “they want to set a trap for me. "-" It is a king who makes this proposal to you, "replied Lugaid:" a king's word is not treason. "-" So be it done, "Cûchulainn broke down. So Lugaid left and went to repeat Cuchulainn's answer to Aillil and Medb. "Let my fool put on my clothes," said Ailill, "let him put my royal crown on his head, and stay far from Cuchulainn, so as not to be recognized by him; may my daughter accompany my madman, and may the latter give her to Cuchulainn for his betrothed. This is what my daughter and my madman are going to do. And I hope, "he said to the madman and to Findabair," that you will play your part well and that you will ensure that Cuchulainn does not keep you with him until the day, when, accompanied by the warriors of Ulster, he will come to deliver the battle to us. "

Then the madman leaves and the girl with him. It was from afar that the madman spoke to Cûchulainn. Cuchulainn went to meet him. From the way his interlocutor spoke he recognized a madman. He threw him a sling stone which he had in his hand, and which, penetrating the madman's head, made his brain come out. Then, coming to the girl, he cuts her two mats, puts a stone across her coat and shirt, and finally he erects a pillar of rough stone in the middle of the madman's corpse. These two stones are still standing, that of Findabair and that of the madman. Then Cuchulainn left leaving Findabair and the madman in the position we say. They came for them on behalf of Ailill and Medb, they found they had been very long. We see them in the state in which Cûchulainn had put them. It was told by the whole army. Cuchulainn did not grant a truce to the warriors of Ireland.

12. Combat of Munremur and Cûrôi.

When evening came, the warriors saw several times coming up a stone which had come from the east, and another stone which had been thrown from the west. These stones met in the air and fell on Fergus' camp as well as those of Ailill and Nera. This game, this exercise lasted from evening to morning.

Throughout the night the warriors remained in their seated positions, holding their shields to their heads for shelter from the stones that would have struck them. The countryside was filled with stones, hence its name, La Plaine Pierreuse, Mag Clochair. Cûrôi son of Dare threw some of these stones, he wanted to help his compatriots And for that he had placed himself in Cotal in order to fight against Munremur son of Gerrcend. The latter had arrived from Emain Macha to give his support to Cûchulainn, and for this purpose he had come to Ard Rôch. Cûrôi knew that in the army there was not a warrior able to resist Munremur. It was therefore Munremur and Cûrôi who engaged in this exercise. The army asked them to let her rest. Then Munremur and Cûrôi made peace; they returned, Cûrôi to his house, Munremur to Emain Macha. They did not return, Cûrôi, until the day of the battle, Munremur until the time of Ferdiad's fight against Cûchulainn.

Medb and Ailill said, “Ask Cuchulainn to let us change places. Cûchulainn consented to it and the change of place took place. Then the disease of the Ulster Warriors would begin to heal. Once cured of this disease, a part of them had to come and attack the invading army to kill its warriors.

13. Murder of children.

At Emain Macha the children talked to each other. “It is unfortunate for us,” they said, “that our master Cûchulainn has no one to help him. " " What to do? »Asked Fiachra Fulech son of Fer Fébe and brother of Fiachra Fialdama, also son of Fer Fébe. "May a troop of you accompany me and with them I will go to help Cûchulainn." "

Three hundred young boys went with him carrying their game sticks, they were a third of the young boys of Ulster. The warriors of Ireland saw them advancing towards them across the plain. “A great army,” said Ailill, “is heading towards us across the plain. Fergus will see what it is. “These are,” he said, “some of the children of Ulster who come to Cuchulainn's aid. - "That unbeknownst to Cûchulainn", said Ailill, "a troop marches against them, because if they join him, they will not be defeated. One hundred and fifty warriors go to meet the three hundred children, who all together perish. Of this multitude of children who arrived at Lia Toll, none survived. There is the stone of Fiachra son of Iron Fébe, because it is there that he lost his life.

“Think about it,” said Ailill, “ask Cuchulainn to let you get out of here, for you cannot overtake him by force when his heroic and luminous flame arises. Ordinarily, in fact, when his heroic and luminous flame arose, his feet turned behind him, his buttocks and his calves came in front; one of his eyes remained in his head, from which the other came out; a man's head could have entered his mouth. His hair was all getting prickly like hawthorn and on each one appeared a drop of blood. He no longer recognized either comrades or friends; he was also hitting from the front and from behind. This is why the inhabitants of Connaught gave Cûchulainn the nickname of Riastartha, that is to say of Contorted.

13. Rochad's Woman's Fight.

Cûchulainn sent his coachman to find Rochad son of Fatheman, one of the inhabitants of Ulster, to ask for his help. Now, Findabair had once loved Rochad, for he was the most handsome young warrior in Ulster then. The coachman goes to Rochad and tells him to come to the aid of Cûchulainn, if for him, Rochad, the disease of the warriors of Ulster had ended; it was a question of using ruse to massacre part of the warriors of Ireland.

Rochad comes from the north with a hundred warriors. "Look now for us on the plain," Ailill said [to the man on duty]. - "I see," replied the man on duty, "I see a very large troop crossing the plain; in the midst of her a tender young warrior whose shoulders the others do not reach. "-" Who is this warrior, O Fergus? Ailill asked. - "It is Rochad, son of Fatheman", replied Fergus, "he has come to give aid to Cuchulainn. I know the means to be used against him. Let a hundred warriors of you go with Findabair to the middle of the plain, let Findabair walk ahead, and let a man on a horse go and tell Rochad to come and talk to Findabair alone. That once we come, we get our hands on him and make sure that his companions cannot harm us. So said, so done. Rochad went to meet the man on horseback. 'I've come to find you on behalf of Findabair,' said the man on horseback, 'she asks you to come talk to her. Rochad comes alone to speak to Findabair. An enemy troop surrounds him, gets hold of him; you hit your people who run away. Then he is released after having demanded of him the commitment not to return to attack the warriors of Ireland until the moment when all the warriors of Ulster arrive to fight them. At the same time he is promised to give him Findabair, and, leaving them, he returns home.

Thus ends the section entitled Rochad's Woman's Fight.

14. Massacre of royal soldiers.

"Ask for a truce for us from Cuchulainn," said Ailill and Medb. Lugaid goes to find Cûchulainn and he gives the truce, but on one condition: "That tomorrow morning", said Cûchulainn, "a man be sent to the ford to fight me. "

There were six royal soldiers in Medb, that is to say, six heirs presumptive to the King. They belonged to the Dedad clans. They were three Dub [ie Black] from Imlech and three Derg [ie Red] from Sruthair. “Why,” they said, “don't we go and attack Cuchulainn? They go there the next morning. Cuchulainn killed all six of them.

CHAPTER XIII
MURDER OF CÚR

The warriors of Ireland wondered who among them was capable of fighting Cuchulainn. All said that the man appointed to fight the battle at Cûchulainn was Cúr, son of Da Lóth Cúr behaved in such a way that it was not pleasant to share his bed or to live with him. "If he is killed," they said, "it will be good riddance for the army, if Cuchulainn succumbs, it will be even better. Cúr was invited to come to Medb's tent. "What do people want from me?" He asked. "Go attack Cuchulainn," Medb replied. "You take little account of our merit," he replied. "I am amazed that you compare me to a tender, kind boy of the species of Cuchulainn." If I had known what you wanted, I wouldn't have come myself, I would have sent you one of my people, a boy the same age as him. "

"What I'm about to say I've seen beforehand," Cormac replied to the Intelligent Exile, son of Conchobar. “You would have a wonderful merit if Cûchulainn fell under your blows. [Cúr ignored Cormac's words] - "Make sure," he said [to his driver], that we leave for our expedition early tomorrow morning. I will do this route with joy. The death that we give to this deer called Cûchulainn will not be delayed. Cúr son of Da Lóth got up early in the morning. To attack Cûchulainn he took with him his warrior equipment and he looked for the right moment to kill him.

That day Cûchulainn had early started to do his skill tricks. Here are all their names: apple tower; cutting edge; tower of the warrior lying on his back; javelin throw; rope turn; body circumference; cat tower; salmon jump by warrior in chariot; javelin throw; jump beyond the sky (?); spinning of the noble warrior in a chariot; sack javelin; benefit of speed; wheel spin; breathless ride; ardor of cry; clamor of heroes; measured blow; lock of hair; climb up the spear to stand upright on the point, firmly as befits a noble warrior.

Every early morning Cûchulainn made all these tricks by force with one hand, as the cat does so well with its claw; he did not want these tricks to come to him oblivion, to escape his memory.

During the third of the day Cr son of Da Lóth remained standing beside his shield, seeking the favorable opportunity to kill Cûchulainn. Then Lôeg said to Cûchulainn: “Well, my little Cûchulainn, beware of this warrior who wants to kill you. Then Cûchulainn, having cast his eyes on Cúr, threw the eight apples high and far at him, which reached the flat of Cúr's shield and forehead and made his brains come out from the back of his head. This is how Cúr son of Da Lóth was killed by Cûchulainn.

“If your treaties and commitments are kept,” Fergus told Medb, “you will send another warrior to the ford to fight with Cuchulainn, or else you will step and camp here until daybreak tomorrow morning. Cúr son of Da Lóth succumbed. "-" Given the cause for which we have come, "said Medb," we don't mind staying in the same tents. The warriors of Ireland did not leave the encampment until they fell dead, not only Cúr son of Da Lóth, but also after him Lóth son of Da Bró, Srub Dare son of Feradach and Foirc son of Tri n-Aignech. These men fell struck by Cûchulainn in singular combats. It would take too long to tell in detail how each of these warriors fought.

CHAPTER XIV
MURDER OF FERBAETH, FIGHT WITH LAIRIN

1. Then Cûchulainn said to Lôeg, his coachman: “You, master Lôeg, go to the camp of the warriors of Ireland, and bring my salvation to my comrades, to my foster brother, to my contemporaries; bring my greetings to Ferdiad son of Damán; to Ferdêt, son of Damán; to Bress, son of Ferb; to Lugaid, son of Nós; to Lugaid, son of Solamach; to Ferbaeth, son of Baetán; to Ferbaeth, son of Ferbend; still bring my greetings to my true foster brother, Lugaid son of Nós, because alone in the enemy army he now preserves community of feelings with me, friendship for me; send him my best wishes and ask him to tell you who has come this morning to give me battle. "

Lôeg went to the warriors' camp in Ireland. He brought salvation to the comrades and foster brothers of Cûchulainn. He also went to the tent of Lugaid, son of Nos. Lugaid welcomed him. “It's a loyal wish,” Lôeg said. - "Yes, loyal," replied Lugaid. - "I have come". Lôeg continued, "speak to you on behalf of Cûchulainn." I brought you a sincere and eager greeting, so that you could tell me who came to offer Cûchulainn a fight today. "-" Cursed be his community of feelings with Cûchulainn, the education he received with him, the friendship which united him to him! Despite the education they received together, it is Ferbaeth son of Ferbend. They have been bringing him to Medb's tent for a long time. They lead there next to him Findabair, daughter of Ailill and Medb. It is she who pours him a drink; and every time he has a drink, she kisses him; it is she who serves him his share of the feast. Not all the guests are given to drink at Medb's as she does for Ferbaeth: to the camp only fifty carts of beer were brought. "

Lôeg returned and went to find Cûchulainn. His head was heavy and very sad; he hardly dreamed of rejoicing, he sighed. "His head is heavy and very sad," said Cûchulainn, "it is not joyfully, it is with sighs that my master Lôeg came to find me today. Necessarily, the one who presents himself to give battle to me is one of my foster brothers. Indeed, fighting with one of his brothers in arms was for Cûchulainn more painful than fighting with any other warrior. "Who is coming now, Master Loeg, to attack me today?" "-" Damn it ", replied Loeg," the community of feelings he has with you, the education you received together, the friendship that binds him to you! " It is your own foster brother, it is Ferbaeth son of Ferbend. For a long time they have brought him to Medb's tent; they led there to his side Findabair, daughter of Ailill and Medb, it was she who poured him a drink; every time he has a drink, she gives him a kiss; it is she who serves him his share of the feast. Not everyone at Medb's they give drink as they did at Ferbaeth: to the camp no beer was brought except the load of fifty wagons. Ferbaeth did not wait until morning to tell Cuchulainn that he was giving up his friendship. Cuchulainn asked him to maintain friendship, community of feelings, comradeship. Ferbaeth refused, demanding a fight. Cuchulainn got angry and smacked his feet up to the soles with a holly stalk which penetrated between his skin, flesh and bones. Then, pulling this spear, Cuchulainn threw it point forward over his shoulder behind Ferbaeth. He didn't care if he reached it or not. The spear struck Ferbaeth in the crook of the neck, and coming out through the mouth fell to the ground; then Ferbaeth himself fell. "You threw your weapon well, my little Cûchulainn," said Fiachra, son of Fer Fébe. From a holly stalk to kill a warrior, it was a great success for Cûchulainn. The place where Cuchulainn and Ferbaeth met has since been called Murthemne's Lance Jet.

2. Singular combat of Lairine.

“Master Lôeg,” said Cûchulainn, “go to the Irish warriors' camp, speak for me to Lugaid. Find out if they have or haven't heard from Ferbaeth and ask who's coming to fight me this morning. "

Lôeg goes to Lugaid's tent. Lugaid welcomes him. - "It is a loyal welcome," said Lôeg. - "I am coming," Lôeg continued, "to speak to you on behalf of your foster brother, so that you can tell me if you know that Ferbaeth has come to attack him. "-" Ferbaeth went to attack Cûchulainn, "replied Lugaid," and bless the hand that struck him with his blows, it is a long time since he fell dead in the valley. "-" Tell me, "Lôeg continued," who is coming this morning to meet Cuchulainn to give him battle. "-" We are talking, "replied Lugaid," of a brother of mine who would go and provoke Cuchulainn in battle. He is a young warrior, foolish, proud, conceited, who strikes hard and obstinately; they want this young man to go and attack Cuchulainn to be killed, so that I can avenge him; but I will not go and avenge him, I will never go. My brother is Lairine, son of Nós, that is to say the grandson of Blathmac. "" I will go and talk to Cûchulainn about him, "said Lugaid. They took Lugaid's two horses and harnessed them to his chariot. Lugaid went to Cûchulainn, and there was a conversation between them. This is how Lugaid said: “They say that a brother of mine will go and fight you; he is a young warrior, foolish, proud, barbaric, stubborn. Around him we decided that he would go to fight you; we count that you will kill him and we want to see if I will avenge him by hitting you; but I will not go, I will never go. And you, in consideration of the camaraderie that exists between us and which unites us, do not kill my brother. "-" I give you my word, "replied Cuchulainn," that I will only put him in a state bordering on death. "-" I will allow you, "replied Lugaid," for in coming to attack you he is acting contrary to what my honor would require. Then Cuchulainn, who had come forward, moved back, and Lugaid returned to the camp.

Then Lairine, son of Nós, was called into the tent of Ailill and Medb. Findabair was brought to his side. With horns she poured him a drink. With each shot he drank she gave him a kiss; she served him his share of what he had to eat. “Medb,” says Findabair, “doesn't offer everyone the drink that Ferbaeth and Lairine are given. Only a load of fifty wagons was brought to the camp. " - " What do you mean ? Ailill asked. - "I am thinking of the man who is there", replied Medb. - "What do you say about him? Replied Ailill. - "Often", replied Medb, "you give your attention to things that do not deserve it. The more appropriate would be that you give your attention to the couple in which in the highest degree are united the goodness, the honor and the beauty, one will not find better on any road of Ireland. I mean Findabair and Lairine, son of Nós. - "That's my opinion too," replied Ailill. Thereupon Lairine threw herself on the right, threw herself on the left, shook herself so hard that the seams of the cushions placed under him broke and the feathers spotted the camp lawn.

Lairine found the time long before the arrival of daylight: he was impatient to go and attack Cuchulainn. Early the next morning, equipped for war, he came to the ford to meet Cûchulainn. The good warriors of the camp did not believe that their dignity allowed them to go to see the fight of Lairine. Only women, servants and girls went there, who counted on laughing and making fun of his fight. Cûchulainn came to meet Lairine as far as the ford; not believing that his dignity would allow him to take up arms, he arrived unarmed to meet Lairine. His blows knocked the weapons out of Lairine's hand, as if someone had knocked toys out of the hand of a small child. He ground it like wheat; Seizing it in his hands, he tormented it, squeezed it, squeezed it, imprisoned it and shook it so as to make the mud of its clothes fly all around. This mud formed a cloud which rose in the air at the four cardinal points, then, from the bottom of the ford Cûchulainn threw Lairine away, through the camp, to the door of Lugaid's tent. Lairine could not get up without moaning or eating without complaining; he never left the house without experiencing the weakness of the back, the tightness of the chest and the sickness of the stomach; certain needs forced him to often go outside. He was the only man who came back alive after having given battle to Cûchulainn. But he remained ill until death took him away.

Such was Lairine's fight in the Táin Bó Cúalnge.

3. Interview of the Morrigan with Cûchulainn.

Cuchulainn saw a young woman approach him, whose clothes were of all colors and who had distinguished shapes.

" Who are you ? He asked. - "I am", she replied, "I am the daughter of the king whose name is Búan [that is to say Eternal], I have come to find you out of love for you because of your fame, I have brought with me my treasures and my flocks. "-" You did not come at the right time ", returned Cûchulainn," the hunger exhausted me. I will not be strong enough to endure a woman's hugs as long as the struggle that I am supporting lasts. "-" I will help you, "replied the woman. - "If I did this business", replied Cûchulainn, "it is not to obtain the love of a woman. "-" So, "she continued," I will embarrass you a lot when I present myself in front of you during your fights against men. I will come in the form of an eel under your feet in the ford and I will make you fall. "-" The form of an eel, "replied Cuchulainn," suits you better than pretending to be a king's daughter. I will take you between the toes of my feet, I will break your ribs and they will remain broken until you come from me judgment of blessing. »-« I will take », she said,« the form of a gray wolf and I will ford the four-legged animals against you. »-« I will throw you », he answered,« a stone of my sling, it will puncture your eye, and you will remain one-eyed until you come from me judgment of blessing. "-" I will attack you ", she continued," in the shape of a red cow without horns, I will bring horned beasts which will rush at you in the fords, in the lakes and you will not see me in front of you. you. "-" I will throw a stone at you, "he replied; "She will break your leg and you will remain lame, until from me comes a judgment of blessing." With that she left.

CHAPTER XV
MURDER OF LÓCH SON OF MOFEBES

1. Then Lóch, son of Mofebes, was invited to come to the tent of Ailill and Medb. " What do you want from me ? Lóch asked. - "That you go and fight Cûchulainn", replied Medb. - "I will not go", he replied, "to do this enterprise, because it would be neither honorable nor beautiful for me, to go and attack an amiable and tender young man without a beard. Do not blame me for this refusal; I have a man who will attack him: it is Long son of Emones; he will come and take your orders. Long was brought into the tent of Ailill and Medb who promised him great advantages, clothes of all colors for twelve men, a chariot worth twenty-eight female slaves, Findabair for wife, always feast and wine in Cruachan. Long went to attack Cûchulainn and Cûchulainn killed him.

2. Medb tells his wives to go and advise Cuchulainn to put on a beard. The women went to Cûchulainn and told him to put on a stuck beard. “It is not in the dignity of a good warrior,” they said, “to give you battle, since you have no beard. [Cuchulainn took a handful of grass, sang a magic word over it, so that since then everyone believed that he had a beard.] Then Cuchulainn with that beard came up the hill in front of the warriors of Ireland. He showed them his beard.

3. Lóch, son of Mofebes, saw her. “Cûchulainn,” he said, “has a beard! - "Yes, I see her," added Medb. She promised Lóch the same great advantages as Long. "I'll go attack him," Lóch said.

Lóch went to meet Cûchulainn. The two adversaries found themselves together at the ford, where Long had perished. “Come,” said Lóch, “at the other ford, higher up, it cannot be convenient for me to give battle on the ford where my brother succumbed. They fought on the ford above.

4. It was then that from the palaces of the gods came Morrigan, daughter of Ernmas; she wanted to destroy Cûchulainn… She came in the form of a white cow with red ears, accompanied by fifty cows, linked two by two by a bronze chain. The women made Cûchulainn magical forbidding to approach this herd which would have destroyed it; Cûchulainn launched a projectile into the distance with his slingshot and poked La Morrigan's eye out.

Then the Morrigan, in the form of a smooth, black-skinned eel, came into the stream and wrapped itself around Cuchulainn's feet [who, getting up, smacked the eel and broke each of its ribs in of them]. But, while Cûchulainn was busy getting rid of her, Lóch wounded him through the chest.

Then the Morrigan came in the shape of a terrible wolf. She was a reddish gray. [Cûchulainn threw a stone at him with his slingshot, and an eye poked out an eye in his head.] During the short time that Cûchulainn was defending against her, Lóch wounded him a second time. After that a movement of anger arose in Cûchulainn, so that with the javelin locked in his bag he pierced Lóch's chest, reaching his heart.

“I am asking you, O Cûchulainn! Lóch says. - "What do you want? Cûchulainn replied. - "I am not asking for your life", replied Lóch, "it would be cowardly." Give me a kick that makes me fall in front of me on my face, and that prevents me from falling from behind on my back in front of the warriors of Ireland; None of them must say that in the field of battle I fled from you, nor that this be the impression produced by the death inflicted on me by the javelin of your bag. »-« I will give you », replied Cûchulainn,« the kick you want. Your request is worthy of a warrior. And Cuchulainn from behind kicked him.

On that day a great sadness seized Cûchulainn. He regretted being alone to resist the army that had come for the kidnapping [of the bull and the cows]. He told Loeg, his coachman, to go find the warriors of Ulster, so that they could come and try to prevent the kidnapping. Overwhelmed with fatigue, he wrote a poem:

1. Arise, Loeg, bring the armies to my aid.
The beautiful armies of Emain la Forte.
The daily fights brought me down.
The wounds flooded me with blood.

2. On my right side and on my left side
It's hard to say which one is sicker.
The hand that hit them is not that of Fingin the doctor
Who stops the blood with a wooden edge.

3. Tell the kind Conchobar,
That I'm sad, that I have the hurt side:
So much has changed shape
The amiable son of Dechtire, he who was worth a troop.

4. I am alone against an army,
I do not leave it, I do not come to the end of it.
It's the evil, it's not the good that surrounds me,
Alone that I am to fight at the many fords.

5. A rain of blood flows on my arms,
I received severe wounds.
No friend comes to share with me battle and glory,
Except the coachman who drives my only chariot.

6. If a trumpet sings my glory,
This unique instrument does not make me happy.
Lots of trumpets at the same time
Are prettier than one.

7. There is an old hereditary proverb:
“You don't get a flame with just one log.
If we put two or three together,
Their embers would blaze. "

8. It is not easy to overcome a single log,
Another must be burned against it.
Loneliness is surrounded by lies,
You can't grind with just one grinding wheel.

9. Haven't you always heard it said:
When a man is alone he is deceived; it's true for me,
Me, that no one supports,
And that several attack at the same time.

10. Although I am alone, the enemy troop is large.
It stirs my mind.
The ration of the enemy army, is it like mine,
Single rack baked?

11. I am alone in front of the army,
Near the ford at the end of Tir Mór.
I had more than one opponent: Lóch with Bodb,
According to the prediction made at the kidnapping of the cows of Regamain

12. Lóch tore both my hips,
The gray and red wolf bit me.
Lóch hurt my liver,
The eel knocked me down.

13. My little javelin stopped Lóch,
I had one eye punctured in the wolf.
I broke a cow's thigh
At the start of his attack.

14. Since driven by Lôeg I wore the javelin of Aife,
There was a journey of a hostile swarm over the course of the water.
I threw the sharp and deadly javelin
Who defeated Lóch son of Eogan.

15. Ulster Warriors Don't Fight
That I support against Ailill and Eochaid's daughter.
During this time I am in pain.
I am injured, my blood is flowing.

16. Tell the brilliant warriors of Ulster
Let them go from behind to attack the enemy army.
Maga's sons took their cows
And shared them.

17. I book battle, I had solemnly pledged to do so,
I kept my word;
I fight for my dear and pure honor,
May I not be alone in doing it!

18. The crows are joyful at the slaughter
In the camp of Ailill and Medb;
Sad complaints are heard
During the cries of crows in the plain of Murthemne.

19. Conchobar does not come out,
His army is not going into battle.
That he is thus absent,
It's harder to tell than his rise to royalty.

20. Arise, Loeg, bring the armies to my aid,
The beautiful armies of Emain la Forte.
The daily battles have brought me down,
The wounds flooded me with blood.

Here ends the story of the fight of Lóch the Great, son of Mofebes, against Cûchulainn, in the Abduction of the Cows of Cooley.

CHAPTER XVI
BREACH OF THE AGREEMENT

1. Then the treaty made with him was violated. Five warriors came to attack him at the same time. They were two Crûaid, two Calad and Derothor. Cûchulainn alone killed them all five. Hence the place name Coicer Oengoirt (five warriors from one field). Another expression consecrated in the account of the Abduction is Coicsius Focherda (fortnight of Focherd), because Cûchulainn remained fifteen days in Focherd. Cûchulainn drove the enemies from Delga, so that no living being, man or beast on all fours, could show his face further than him between Delga and the sea.

2. Healing of the Morrigan.

Then came from the divine habitations Morrigan, daughter of Ernmas. She looked like an old woman, busy milking a cow with three udders in the presence of Cuchulainn. She was coming to get his help.

Whenever Cûchulainn injured someone, the injured person could not be healed unless Cûchulainn took part in the treatment. He asked her to drink his cow's milk, since he was tormented by thirst. She gave him the milk of an udder. "Healing by me without delay will result," said Cuchulainn: the one of the queen's two eyes, which had been punctured, was found healed. Cuchulainn asked him again for the milk of a udder. She gave it to him. "May without delay be healed," said Cuchulainn, "she who gave me this milk. He asked her for a drink a third time, and she gave him another udder milk. "Blessing on you from the gods and those who are not gods, oh woman! », Says Cûchulainn. And the queen was healed [of her three wounds in the eye as a wolf, in the thigh as a cow and in the side as an eel].

3. Then Medb sent a hundred warriors to attack Cuchulainn at the same time who killed them all. “This murder of our people,” says Medb, “is our annihilation. - "This is not the first time," said Ailill, "that this man has destroyed us. The place where Medb and Ailill were now has been called since Shattering the End of the Hold, Cuillend Cind Duni. The ford where the hundred warriors perished received the name of Áth Cró, Ford of Coagulated Blood, because of the quantity of liquid blood, and then coagulated, which spread under the stream.

CHAPTER XVII
THE CHARM ARMED WITH SCHEMES AND THE GREAT MASSACRE OF THE PLAIN OF MURTHEMNE.

1. Care given to Cûchulainn by the god Lug his father.

Four of the five great provinces of Ireland took up stage and encamped at the place called the great, enormous massacre, in the plain of Murthemne. They sent their shares of cattle and spoils close to them, south to the cow barns of Ulster.

Cuchulainn stopped near the tomb on the slopes of the mountain not far from them, in their vicinity. His coachman Lôeg, son of Riangabair, lit a fire in the evening at nun hour. Beyond this fire Cûchulainn saw, above the heads of the warriors from four of the five great provinces of Ireland, the pure gold of their weapons shining before sunset in the evening clouds. Anger and great fury were aroused in him by the sight of his numerous adversaries, of the crowd of his enemies. He grabs his two spears, his shield and his sword. He shook his shield, waved his spear, brandished his sword and from his throat let out the hero's cry; the pale-faced, goat-faced genies, the fairies of the valleys, the demons of the air answered him, terrified as they were by this powerful cry so that Nemain, that is to say Bodb, the goddess of the war caused disorder in the ranks of the army. The warriors of four of the five great provinces of Ireland made with the points of their spears and their weapons such a noise of arms that a hundred men of them were killed by terror, by a mortal sickness of heart, this that evening on the ground where they had taken up camp and camp.

When Loeg was there, he saw something: to the northeast heading towards him, a man was crossing the camp of four of the five great provinces of Ireland; "A man is approaching us now, my little Cûchulainn," said Lôeg. - "But what appearance does this man have?" Cûchulainn asked. - "It is not difficult to answer," said Lôeg. “He's a tall, handsome man. Her bald head at the top is surrounded by blonde, curly hair. A green coat envelops him. In this coat is fixed on his chest a white silver brooch. Tightened by a belt adorned with red gold, a king's velvet tunic covers her white skin and goes down to her knees. Its shield is black with a hard brass rim. He holds in his hand a spear with five points; near him is a forked pike. The games and tricks he does are wonderful. But no one pays attention to him, and he does not pay attention to anyone; it seems that in the camp where the warriors of four of the five great provinces of Ireland are gathered, no one sees it. "-" It is true, O my pupil ", replied Cûchulainn," it is one of my friends in the world of the gods who has pity on me; for they knew the great sorrow in which I find myself today, I alone facing the warriors of four of the five great provinces of Ireland who are kidnapping the cows of Cooley. - Cûchulainn was not mistaken. When the young warrior arrived where Cuchulainn was, he spoke to him, assuring him of his compassion. ["I will help you," said the young warrior. - "Who are you? Cûchulainn asked. - "I am your father from the palace of the gods, I am Lug, son of Ethliu" replied the young warrior. - "My bloody wounds", continued Cûchulainn, "are heavy to bear, my healing is urgent]". - "O Cûchulainn", replied the young warrior, "a deep sleep will take hold of you at the Tomb of Lerga; it will last three days and three nights; during this time I will remain in front of the enemy troops. "

Then Cuchulainn fell asleep; he fell into a deep sleep which only ended after three days and three nights. It was necessary, there was an exact relationship between the dose of this sleep and the dose of fatigue suffered by the hero, from the Monday before November 1, exactly until Wednesday after February 1. During this time Cûchulainn had been deprived of sleep except for the short moments in which, in the middle of the day, he had slept leaning against his javelin, his head on his fist, his fist enveloping his javelin, this javelin resting on his knee; for then he never ceased to strike, to slaughter, to exterminate the warriors of four of the five great provinces of Ireland.

The young warrior put herbs from the land of the gods, medicinal plants with the accompaniment of magic words, in the wounds, in the large wounds and the deep wounds, in the traces that multiple blows had left on the body of Cûchulainn and that- Ci fell asleep without even noticing it.

2. Murder of young men from Ulster.

It was at this time that from the North and Emain Macha came one hundred and fifty sons of kings of Ulster, accompanying Follomain, son of Conchobar. They fought three battles against the Irish troops and in each of these battles a third of them succumbed, so that they all perished except Follomain, son of Conchobar. Follomain, boasting, claimed that he would never return to Emain in his life without bringing with him the head of Ailill and the golden diadem that this king wore. It was not easy; he was attacked by the two sons of Beith, son of Bán, that is to say by the two sons of the foster mother and the foster father of Ailill, and in the fight he perished. Thus were killed the young men of Ulster and Follomain, son of Conchobar.

During this time Cûchulainn was in this deep sleep which lasted three days and three nights at the Tomb of Lerga. Then he woke up, he ran his hand over his face, he turned his body into a red wheel; the top of his head touched the earth; he regained his vigor of mind; he would have been forced to go to a meeting of men, to a procession, to a meeting of women, to a brewery, to one of the great political assemblies of Ireland. "How long have I been asleep so far?" O young warrior, ”he asked. - "Three days and three nights", replied the young warrior. - " Too bad for me! Cried Cuchulainn. - " Why that ? Asked the young warrior. - "Because during that time", replied Cûchulainn, "the enemy army was not attacked. "-" Error, "replied the young warrior. - "Who then attacked him?" Cûchulainn asked. - "The young people," replied the young warrior, "came from the North, that is to say from Emain Macha; they were one hundred and fifty accompanying Follomain, son of Conchobar, all themselves children of little kings of the province of Ulster; they fought three battles against the enemy army during the three days and the three nights that your sleep lasted; in each of these battles, a third of them succumbed; thus all perished except Follomain, son of Conchobar.

Then he told how Follomain had made the claim to go behead Ailill, to seize the crown of this king and how it was he who had been killed. "It is a pity," said Cuchulainn, "that at this moment I had lost all my strength; if I had had my strength, the young people who perished would not have succumbed, Follomain would not have succumbed. "-" Continue to fight, my little Cûchulainn ", replied the young warrior," the death of these young people will not be a stain in your honor, it will not diminish the reputation of your value in battles. »-« Stay with us tonight, O young warrior », said Cûchulainn,« stay so that together we avenge on the enemy army the young people who perished. "

3. Christian intercalation

"But no, I will not stay", replied the young warrior, "for in your company another may multiply the exploits in the battles, it is not to him that comes the consideration, the fame, the glory. , it's yours. So I will not stay with you; but fight yourself, make only act of war against the enemy army; as of now, she has no power over your life. "-" And the chariot armed with scythes, Master Lôeg ", said Cûchulainn," can you prepare it? If you can prepare it, if you have the equipment, prepare this chariot; If you don't have the equipment, don't prepare this tank. "

Then the coachman got up and did the war dress that his trade entailed. He put on the war costume worn by the coachmen, his soft tunic made of skin, light as air, polished as the skin usually is, sewn with straps of deer skin so as not to obstruct the exit of the hands. On this tunic he put on an overcoat of raven feathers made by Simon the druid to Darius, king of the Romans, then that Darius gave to Conchobar, that Conchobar later gave to Cûchulainn and which finally was given by Cûchulainn to his driver. The same coachman took his crested helmet, at four angles between four flat surfaces with a multitude of all possible colors and figures; then he put that helmet on outside between his two shoulders; it was an ornament for him and not an overload. His hand placed in front of his forehead the thread of a reddened yellow similar to a band of red gold which would have been melted in a fire and fixed on the edge of an anvil, a thread which was the sign of his quality as a coachman and which distinguished from his master seated next to him. He opened the shackles placed at the feet of the horses and with his right hand he seized his wand embroidered with gold. In his left hand he took the reins with the help of which he kept the horses in the right direction; knowing how to handle a horse's bridle with the left hand is an essential part of the coachman's art.

Then he put on his horses their iron breastplates decorated with embroidery, which covered them from the forehead to the ankles of the feet. [The tank was armed] with small javelins, small spears with hard points, so that each movement of the tank had to bring these points closer to the enemy, and on the path followed by the tank every angle, every end, every part, each face of this chariot was to tear the enemy apart. By magic words Lôeg gave his horses and Cûchulainn, his foster brother, a marvelous advantage; he made them invisible to all the warriors who were in the enemy camp, while he and Cuchulainn saw all the warriors gathered in that camp. The same magical words assured Lôeg on this day a triple superiority over the other coachmen, superiority in the art of jumping on crevasses, superiority in the direction of the horses, superiority in the handling of the stick which served as a whip.

So the hero, the warrior, an instrument which Bodb, goddess of war, was going to use to erect a wall of corpses, Cûchulainn, son of Sualtam, put on his combat, battle and war equipment. This combat, battle, and war equipment consisted of twenty-seven shirts which, together, reached the thickness of a plank; on these shirts threads and ropes made a circle around him, pressing them against his white skin it was to prevent his good sense and his intelligence from turning into fury, when according to his nature anger would seize him . He put on his bellicose warrior's belt made of very hard, tanned leather, made from the skin of the shoulders of seven bulls; this belt wrapped around her from where her waist was thinnest to where she became thick below the shoulder.

She surrounded him to deflect the javelins, the points of pikes, the iron, the spears, the arrows; in the same way she would have diverted stones, rocks, horns. Then Cuchulainn took his silk velor trousers with skin appearance, with a band, of white and spotted gold, band attached below the soft middle of these trousers. Over these pants, which looked like skin, but were velvet, he put another one made of brown leather, well sewn, which came from the skin of the shoulders of four young bulls. Then he seizes his bellicose weapons of struggle, of combat, of battle. These were the weapons: eight small swords in addition to his rapier with its shining ivory handle, eight small spears in addition to his five-pointed spear; eight small javelins in addition to his ivory-handled javelin, eight small spears in addition to his play stick, eight small play shields in addition to his dark red shield on which was depicted a running boar and surrounded by a razor-sharp edge; this border was so sharp, so sharp that it would have cut a hair hanging in front of a stream. When the young warrior played the cutting edge, he cut with his shield as with his spear and with his sword. Then he put his crested helmet around his head, helmet of combat, battle, and war, from the bottom of which he uttered a cry equal to that of a hundred warriors; that cry. extending, seemed to be sent back by every angle and every corner, for the same cry was uttered by the spirits with pale faces, by the spirits with goat faces, by the fairies of the valleys, by the demons of the air, before him, above him, around him whenever he went out to shed the blood of warriors and to do brilliant feats.

Then was cast over him his veil of protection, which made invisible, garment come from the land of promise and given to him by Manannan son of the ocean and king of the land of light.

Then his first contortion took place in Cûchulainn; it was terrible, multiple, marvelous, unheard of; his legs trembled all around him like a tree against which a stream abuts, like a tender rush that a stream hits; trembled every limb, every joint, every extremity, every knuckle, from the top of the head to the ground. Furious, he twisted his body in the middle of his skin; his feet, the front of his legs, his knees passed behind him; her heels, calves and buttocks came to the front; the superficial muscles of his calves rested on the anterior aspect of his legs and made a lump as big as a warrior's fist. Pulling the nerves from the top of his head, he brought them behind the neck, so that each of them produced a round bump, very large, indescribable, enormous, unheard of, as big as a child's head in old age. of a month.

Then he distorted his features, his face. He pulled one of his eyes into his head in such a way that a crane could not have brought that eye to the cheek from the depths of his head; the other eye jumped out of the eyelid and came to rest on the surface of the cheek. His mouth was deformed in a monstrous way: he moved his cheek away from the arc formed by the jaws and thus made visible the inside of his throat; his lungs and liver floated in his mouth; with a lion's claw he struck the skin that covered his upper jaw and all the phlegm that, like a fiery current, came from his neck into his mouth, became as big as the skin of a three-year-old sheep. years. You could hear the noise his heart made as it banged against his chest; this noise was equal to that produced by the howl of a barking war dog or the cry of a lion going to attack bears. The heat caused by his violent and vigorous anger caused the torches of Bodb, goddess of war, to appear in the air above him, the rainy clouds of the sky and in these clouds, red sparks of fire; above his head they shone in the air where the heat of his anger produced them.

Around his head, his hair grew prickly and like a bundle of strong thorns in the hole of a hedge. If a beautiful apple tree covered with beautiful fruit had been shaken above it, the apples would not have fallen to the ground; they would each have remained fixed on one of her hair, by the effect of the anger which had made her hair prickly. On his forehead rose the hero's fire, a fire long and as big as a warrior's whetstone. From the top of his head rose a ray of brown blood, straight as a beam, as high, as thick, as strong, as vigorous, as long as the mast of a great ship; the result was a magical vapor like the smoke that comes out of a king's palace when that king goes near his home in the evening at the end of a winter day.

After these contortions, Cûchulainn jumped into his battle chariot armed with scythes, scythes of iron with thin edges, with hooks, with hard and warlike points, with tearing device, with sharp nails attached to the axles, to the belts, to the curves, to the main parts of the tank.

Then, [striking his shield with his spear], he made a thunderous noise such as could have been produced by a hundred men, then two hundred, then three hundred, then four hundred, then five hundred. These numbers were not too high for him, for such was the number of warriors he brought down in his first attack at the start of his fight against four of the five great provinces of Ireland. It was thus that he set out to seek his enemies. He made his chariot make a great circuit around the army of four of the five great provinces of Ireland; he made this chariot run heavily. The iron wheels penetrated into the earth, so much so that no castle, no fortress could have resisted them, so great was the depth where these iron wheels entered the earth: clods of earth and stones, rocks, pebbles and gravel rose up. and went up to the same height as the wheels. Thus was carried out the circle of Bodb, goddess of war, around the army of four of the five great provinces of Ireland; the Irish warriors could not move away by placing themselves around and outside this circle. It was the reparation for the murder of the Ulster children. Then Cuchulainn entered the midst of the army and he scattered the enemy corpses in great heaps in the great circle which he had traversed all around. It was the attack of an enemy against his enemies. They fell, sole of foot to sole of foot, neck to neck, so close were the corpses, Cûchulainn thus circled the army three times so that he left as a litter forming a large circle, the dead in groups of six, three corpses joining by the soles of the feet the necks of three corpses around the encampment. Hence the name of this episode "Great massacre by group of six in the Rapture"; it is one of the three main episodes of the Rapture where countless warriors perished; these episodes are: "Great massacre by group of six", "Mutual massacre of Glenn amna, better Glenn domain" deep valley "," Fight at Garech and Ilgarech ". There perished as many dogs and horses as there were men.

4. What remains of the original drafting.

Others say that Lug, son of Ethliu, fought with Cuchulainn in the great massacre in groups of six.

We do not know the number of dead; one could not count how many men of the plebs succumbed; only the chiefs were counted; here are their names…. (follow 186 names).

[[The two Cruad, two Calad, two Cir, two Ciar, two Ecell, three Cromm, three Cur, three Combirgè, four Feochar, four Furachar, four Cassè, four Fota, five Caur, five Cerman, five Cobtach, six Saxan , six Duach, six Darè, six Dunchadh, six Daimiach, seven Rochad, seven Ronan, seven Rurthech, eight Rochlad, eight Rochtad, eight Rindach, eight Corprè, eight Malach, nine Daigith, nine Darè, nine Damach, ten Fiach, ten Fiacach, ten Fedlimid. ]]

4. Cuchulainn killed one hundred and thirty kings in the great massacre of the plain of Murthemne. In addition, there were innumerable dogs, horses, women, young boys, poor men, filthy people who also perished. Only a third of the men in Ireland remained unharmed, the other two-thirds had a broken hip bone, or half their head shattered, or a gutted eye, or some other incurable lesion that lasted the entire time. life.

5. Description of the person of Cûchulainn.

The next day, Cûchulainn came to contemplate the army and to show his amiable and pretty person, to the ladies, to the mature women, to the young women, to the girls, to the poets and to the people of science; for the wonderful forms of magical art in which he had shown himself the night before, his contortions did him no honor and had nothing beautiful about them. So he came to show himself in his amiable and pretty form.

He was really beautiful this boy who came to show his person to the armies, Cûchulainn, son of Sualtam. Her hair had three shades: brown at the bottom, red as blood in the middle, it was yellow at the top and covered the head with a sort of tiara; they formed three circles around the hollow of the neck. The hair that fell from behind on the top of the shoulders all looked like gold threads, they were thin, fine, golden, magnificent threads, forming long, distinguished, beautifully colored curls. A fine purple in red gold tones, with golden flames, circled around her neck a hundred times. He had a hundred cords strewn with carbuncles on his head. There were four spots on each of her two cheeks, a yellow spot, a green spot, a blue spot, a purple spot. His two eyes, king's eyes, each had the sparkle of seven precious stones. There were seven fingers on each of his two feet, seven fingers on each of his two hands; each of his fingers could separately grasp the claw of a hawk or that of a hedgehog.

That day he put on his festive costume. The garment which enveloped her was a beautiful, well-fitted, embroidered, five-ply coat. A white brooch of white silver, inlaid with gold, placed on her white breast, seemed to be a luminous torch of such a powerful and pure brilliance that the eyes of men could not see it. On his skin he wore a tunic of silk nicely trimmed with borders, sashes, with gold, silver, brass braid. This tunic reached the top of his brown pants.

These reddish-brown trousers, which enveloped the young warrior, were made of a velvet that a king could have worn. His magnificent shield was dark purple in color with a very white silver border all around. To his left was a sword with a hilt of gold tracery.

In the chariot near him was a long spear with a blue edge and a shorter javelin with the throwing ropes (amentum) used by the warrior and with a bronze rivet. He held nine heads in one hand, in the other ten heads [of slain enemies] and he waved them in front of the enemy troops as proof of his valor and warlike skill. Medb put her face under shields which formed above her a sort of overturned tank, she was thus protected from the javelins that Cûchulainn could throw at her that day.

6. Jealousy of Dubthach.

It was then that the young girls asked the men of Ireland to raise them on the plate of shields placed on the shoulders of warriors so that they could see how Cuchulainn was made. They found the pretty, the amiable forms he had that day marvelous compared to the proud and magical ugliness they had seen in him the night before. Then jealousy, unwillingness and envy seized Dubthach the sloth of Ulster, because of his wife [he believed in love with Cûchulainn] and he advised the troops to act treacherously with Cûchulainn, to set up an ambush for him. who would envelop him and where he would perish.

This is what he says:

1 "If the man with contortions is somewhere,
From there will result the corpses of men killed by him;
Hence the cries around the fortresses,
Hence the foundation of historical accounts.
[From there food to the crows]

2 Hence the stones set up around the graves.
The number of martyrs of kings will be increased.
You won't fight the right fight
On the slope of the hill against this madman.

3 From this madman I see the person;
He has nine heads on his cushions.
I see the booty he owes at the edge of his sword:
Ten heads which for him are a great treasure.

4 I see your women training
Their faces towards great feats.
I see your great queen
Who does not stand up to fight.

5 If I was your advisor,
Warriors would envelop this man
In order to shorten his life;
Such would be the fate of the contorted. "

Fergus heard this speech; this traitor's advice, given by Dubthach to the troops, angered him. He gave him a very vigorous kick, so that Dubthach went with his muzzle to strike the troops in the face. Then he recounted all the bad deeds, all the iniquitous acts, the betrayals, the shameful things that Dubthach had done against the Ulates.

This is what he says:

1 "If it is indeed Dubthach with the lazy tongue,
Let him withdraw behind the army.
He did no good
Since he killed the girls.

2 He did an act which is not glorious, which is sad.
The murder of Fiachna, son of Conchobar.
What has been said about him is not more beautiful,
The murder of Carpre son of Fedilmid.

3 It is not the power of the Ulates that strives to sustain
Dubthach, son of Lugaid and grandson of Casruba.
This is what he does to men:
When he does not come to blows with someone, he talks badly about it.

4 she wouldn't appeal to Ulster exiles
The death of their son who is not yet fully bearded;
When the gathered Ulster people reach you
They will envelop you.

5 Your flocks will be separated and far from you
In front of the people of Ulster when they rise;
Great stories will tell of feats,
Will speak of great queens.

6 [Dead bodies will be underfoot,
Crows will be found there among them;
Shields will lie on the slope of the hills,
There will be more acts of cruelty than ever.

7 I see your women raising
Their faces to watch the exploits.
I see your great queen
Don't get up to fight.

8 he will do neither exploits nor honorable deeds
Lugaid's son, heroism fails him.
Before kings, spear points will not be red,
If the one who wields them is Dubthach with a lazy tongue.

Here ends "The tank armed with scythes".

CHAPTER XVIII.

1. Murder of Oengus, son of Oenlam.

Then approached the troops of Ireland a very bold warrior from Ulster; his name was Oengus, he was the son of Oenlam Gabe. He turned before him the armies of the Mod Loga known as Lugmod [now Louth] to the two tombs on Mount Fuaid. Here is what the scholars say; if the warriors of Ireland had fought him successive singular battles, he would have killed two-thirds of the enemy's army before succumbing himself. But the warriors of Ireland did not do so; Organizing an ambush, they surrounded him on all sides and he succumbed to the ford of the two graves on Mount Fuaid.

2. Belach Eoin miss (Passage d'Oiseau).

Then came Fiacha Fialdana from Ulster to them. He wanted to have an interview with the son of his mother's sister, with the diligent Mane of Connaught. With him came Dubthach the sloth of Ulster. Mane the diligent brought with him Doche, son of Maga. When Doche, son of Maga, saw Fiacha Fialdana, he threw a javelin at him which crossed the body of Dubthach the lazy, his friend. Fiacha Fialdana threw a javelin at Doche de Maga, but this javelin passed through the body of Mane the diligent of Connaught, his friend.

"It's a miss, what happened to them," said the men of Ireland; “Each of them killed his friend, his relative. "Hence the name" Missed Bird Passage ". We also say "The other missed shot of the passage d'Oiseau".

3. Tamon disguise.

Then the men of Ireland told Tamon the fool to put on him the garments and the golden diadem of Ailill and to ford, it before their eyes.

Tamon put on him the garments and the golden diadem of Ailill and went to the ford which was before the eyes of the men of Ireland, they joked and applauded to mock him. “The garment you wear, Tamon,” they said, “O fool Tamon! it is Ailill's garment; you also have his golden diadem ”. Cuchulainn saw Tamon, and not being aware of it he thought it was Ailill himself; he threw a stone at him with his slingshot and Tamon the idiot fell lifeless on the ford where he was standing. From this ford the name of Gué de Tamon.

From there also "Disguise of Tamon" title of this episode.

CHAPTER XIX.

1. Fergus' fight.

Four of the five great provinces of Ireland took stage and camped that night at the stone pillar in Crich Ross. Medb asked the men of Ireland for one of them for battle and battle against Cuchulainn the next morning. Each one said: "It will not be me, I will not leave the place where I am, nobody of my family owes anything to Cûchulainn".

So Medb asked Fergus to fight against Cuchulainn, the battle refused by the men of Ireland. “It would be improper for me,” Fergus replied, “to fight with a young boy who is hairless, has no beard at all, and who has been my pupil. Medb complained loudly about Fergus' refusal to commit to fight-and-fight. [She gave him wine, got him heavily intoxicated, and repeated his request.]

They spent that night there. The next morning Fergus got up early and forded the fight in which Cuchulainn was; Cuchulainn saw Fergus come to him. “It is not very safe,” he said, “for my master Fergus to come and meet me; he has no sword in the scabbard from which such great blows issued. " It was true. [We said earlier how Ailill got hold of that sword.] "I don't really care," Fergus replied, "for if I had a sword it wouldn't reach you, I wouldn't. 'would not use against you; but in gratitude for the pleasures and education which I have given you, given to you by the inhabitants of Ulster and Conchobar, take flight in the presence of the men of Ireland. "-" It loathes me, "replied Cuchulainn," to flee from a warrior in the Rape of the Cows of Cooley. - "You must not be loath," replied Fergus, "for I will flee before you when you are wounded, bloodied, riddled with plagues, at the battle of the Rapture." And when I alone have fled, the men of Ireland will all start to flee like me. The prospect of this future success for the inhabitants of Ulster was very pleasant to Cûchulainn; he had his battle tank brought, he got on it and as quickly as possible began to flee far from the men of Ireland. They saw him flee. "He fled before you," they all said, "he fled before you, O Fergus." - "You have to pursue him," said Medb, "you have to pursue him, not to let him get away from you. - "No, sure," Fergus replied, "I won't pursue him any further." Although this sort of escape that I inflicted on him was of little consequence, such success was not achieved by any of the men in Ireland who attacked him in The Kidnapping of the Cows of Cooley. Consequently, as long as the men of Ireland have not stopped fighting him singularly, I will not start fighting this man again. "

So ends the episode of Fergus' fight.

2. Ferchu's leading position.

Ferchu the exile was from Connaught, however his relationship with Ailill and Medb was that of an enemy who fought and plundered them. Since the day when they took possession of the kingship, he did not go once to their camp, nor to their army to come to their aid in difficult moments, in case of necessity, after summons to an indispensable assembly; he was only devastating their country and their land after having invaded them behind them. It was then that he came to the east of Ai. His troop was twelve men. He had been told that one man stopped, held back four of Ireland's five great provinces from the beginning of winter on Monday until the beginning of spring, fording one man every day and a hundred warriors every night.

So he asked his people for their opinion on his project.

“Could we do better,” he said, “than go and attack this man who is arresting and holding back four of the five great provinces of Ireland? Taking his head and his weapons with us, we will find Ailill and Medb. However great the evils we have inflicted on Ailill and Medb, we will obtain peace from them for bringing this man down to our blows. This plan was approved. Ferchu and his companions went to where Cûchulainn was and then they did not employ the fair process of single combat. All twelve immediately turned against Cuchulainn. The latter, turning against them, cut off their twelve heads in an instant; he set up twelve stones for them, and on each man's stone he put that man's head. He also placed the head of the exiled Ferchu on a stone. We call "Place de tête de Ferchu" the place where Ferchu the exile left his head, it is in Irish cenn-aitt Ferchon.

3. Fight of the Calatin family.

Then among the men of Ireland, one wondered who would be able to deliver combat and battle at Cûchulainn, the next morning, early. All said it was Calatin the bold with his twenty-seven sons and with his grandson Glass, son of Delga. Here is what characterized them: each of them carried poison, each of them had poison on each of its weapons, none of them missed its shot, and if the men wounded by them did not die immediately, they succumbed before the end of the ninth day. They were promised great presents as a reward for the fight and the battle to be fought. They pledged to fight, and it was agreed that this obligation would be contracted in Fergus' presence.

But Fergus refused to intervene, not admitting that the fight waged by Calatin the bold, accompanied by his twenty-seven sons and his grandson Glass, son of Delga, was a singular fight; Calatin's family held that each child of Calatin the Bold was a member of Calatin's body, part of his body, and that, coming with them, he brought only his whole body.

Fergus returned to his tent near his people, the fatigue from the pain making him moan loudly.

"They will do us a sad deed tomorrow," he said. - "What action? His people asked. - "We will kill Cûchulainn," he replied. - "Alas," they continued, "who will kill him? "-" Calatin the bold, "replied Fergus," Calatin the bold with his twenty-seven sons and with his grandson Glass, son of Delga. Here is what characterizes them: each of them carries poison, each of them has poison on each of his weapons. When the men wounded by them do not die immediately, they succumb before the end of the ninth day. If, to my knowledge, there was someone who would attend the fight and come and tell me how Cuchulainn was killed, I would not give him my blessing or my weapons. "-" I will go, "said Fiachu, son of Ferfébe.

They did not move during the night. Early the next morning Calatin the bold got up with his twenty-seven sons and Glass son of Delga, his grandson. They went to where Cuchulainn was. Fiachu, son of Ferfébe also went there. As soon as Calatin the bold had reached the place where Cuchulainn was, they threw their twenty-nine javelins at him. None of the blows missed the mark, but Cûchulainn made a dexterity trick with his shield. The javelins hitting the shield sank into it only part of their length, so that the blows, reaching the goal, had not spilled blood and the spears of the javelins had not reddened. So Cuchulainn, drawing his sword from the scabbard given to him by Bodb, goddess of war, began to cut the javelins to discharge his shield. While he was thus occupied, his adversaries came running up and all together put the twenty-nine fists of their right hands against his head. They mistreated him, overwhelmed him, so that his face, his face, his face touched the sand, the gravel of the ford. Then Cuchulainn uttered very loud his war cry, a cry provoked by the inequality of the combat; and, except the sleeping people, all the inhabitants of Ulster then alive heard this cry. Fiacha, son of Ferfébe, came to him and saw him in this situation. This mark of sympathy restored strength to Cûchulainn, he drew his sword from the scabbard that Bodb had given him; suddenly he cut off the twenty-nine fists and the twenty-nine warriors fell on their backs with a violence equal to the intensity of the effort they had just made.

Cuchulainn raised his head and breathed, fatigue made him breathe a sigh, and he saw the one who had come to his aid. "Your help came to me in due time, dear foster brother," said Cuchulainn. - "If my help came to you on time," replied Fiacha son of Ferfébe, "it was not appropriate for us. Perhaps we are the three thousand best warriors of the tribe of Rudraige [in Ulster] who have come to the stage and the camp of the men of Ireland, we are all exposed to the blows of your javelins and your sword, and though you give us only small knocks, we will know how to recognize them. »-« I give my word, »replied Cûchulainn,« if since I raised my head and breathed, you do exploits that one day will be told, none of these will do. "

And turning to the side of the Calatin family, Cûchulainn began to strike and chop them; he cut the bodies into four and into smaller pieces along the ford to the east and to the west. Only one man tried to escape him, relying on the speed of his race, while Cuchulainn beheaded the others, it was Glass, son of Delga. Cuchulainn began to run after him; he reached him near the tent of Ailill and Medb; Glass could only scream Fiach! Fiach! (debt! debt!), at the moment when Cuchulainn, striking him, cut off his head. “This man is going fast,” said Medb, “what debt did Glass mean? O Fergus! ” - "I don't know," Fergus replied. "Perhaps he owes something to certain warriors who are at the stage and in the camp. Did he think of them? However, something else is possible; it may be a debt of blood and flesh owed by him. But, "Fergus added," I give my word that now all of his debts are paid at once. "

It was thus that under the blows of Cûchulainn, died Calatin the bold with his twenty-seven sons and with his grandson Glass, son of Delga.

Even today remains at the bottom of the ford the stone around which they made their clumsy acts of bravery and their battles. There were set the hilts of their swords and their knees, their elbows and the points of their spears.

This is why to the west of the ford of Ferdéad, is the ford known as the ford of iron blood; blood, because there the edge of a weapon was covered with blood.

Here ends the story of the battle fought by the Calatin family.

CHAPTER XX.
FIGHT OF FERDEAD.

Ferdéad's combat with Cûchulainn is an addition to the original drafting of theAbduction [of the divine bull and] of the Cooley cows of which it forms chapter XX.

In chapter XXIV, Sualtam, foster father of Cûchulainn, goes to Emain Macha in the palace of the king of Ulster Conchobar to ask the warriors of Ulster to come to the aid of the hero who for three months has stood up to an army of thirty- five thousand men. Sualtam had previously learned of the difficult situation Cûchulainn found himself in during his fight against Calatin the bold, whom twenty-seven sons and a grandson accompanied. He then went to Cûchulainn and found him victorious, but covered with wounds and unable to continue fighting. After having made this observation, Sualtam set off to reach Emain Macha, capital of Ulster. When the account of the causes which decided Sualtam to go to the palace of King Conchobar was written, Ferdéad's combat had not yet entered the epic composition that we are translating.

The relatively recent date of Ferdéad's combat is also established by the fact that Ferdéad wears a helmet there and Cûchulainn not only a helmet, but also a breastplate. Of the nineteen chapters which precede, there is only one where the helmet and the breastplate appear, it is the seventeenth chapter and that in the relatively recent piece composed by a Christian author to eliminate the god Lug , natural father of Cûchulainn, prevent him from riding with his son in the chariot armed with scythes, thus depriving him of any part in the glory of the great massacre of the plain of Murthemne and attributing all this glory to Cûchulainn alone. In the eighteen other chapters one does not meet either helmet or breastplate: the shield, a shield as high as a man, is still, as in the most ancient times, the only defensive weapon of the Celtic warrior.

Ferdéad's fight is a very moving piece because of the friendship that the two adversaries have for each other, who however do not spare themselves and one of whom ends up killing the other.

Let's explain the starting point of this friendship.

According to the Irish text Sétanta is the original name of Cûchulainn, this is what his uncle King Conchobar says, this is what the young hero himself says twice.

Sétanta is the Irish pronunciation of Setantios, nominative singular of Setantii, name of a people Gallic of Great Britain from which comes a geographical term, Setantiwn limhn, port of Setantii, which designates a bay opposite Ireland on the west coast of Great Britain. One can hardly determine exactly at what latitude this bay was. Forbiger hesitates on this. Elton in his Origins of english History puts her near Lancastrian and thinks the Setantii formed a tribe of Brigantes. The Brigantes were one of the principal peoples of Great Britain, their territory touched on the east the North Sea and on the west reached the channel which separates Great Britain from Ireland; Eburacum, York, appears to have been their principal city; they had a colony in Ireland in the south-eastern part of that island around Wexford. They are the ones who brought the name of Sétanta to Ireland.

Another Gallic people of Great Britain under the Roman Empire, these are the Dumnonii established in the far south-west, where the counties of Cornwall and Devon are today¹⁶⁰.

The Dumnonii were Gallic, from the brittonic branch, Brittana people, as Solin says, 22, 7; from what among them the Irish, transient conquerors towards the end of the Western Roman Empire, left by ogamic inscriptions the trace of their passage, one should not conclude that the Dumnonii belong to the goidelic branch. They had three colonies: one in the northern region of Britain; another in the northern region of the Brittany continental from Lanmeur (Finistère) to Dol (Ille-et-Vilaine), including these two localities; hence the name of Domnonée given to this region during the Middle Ages from the sixth century. others Dumnonii had gone earlier to settle in Ireland in the northern part of Connaught, where today is County Mayo, a region called because of them in the Middle Ages Domnon campus and Domnan. In this Irish colony called Irros Domnann lived the Fir domnann.

The last of the warriors who, following our epic, gave Cûchulainn a single combat, Ferdéad, belonged to the tribe of Fir domnann. Thus being like Cûchulainn of Gallic and Brittonic origin, he happened to belong to the same race as this hero, to be his relative: you love me, you love me, Cûchulainn said to Ferdéad.

Both Gallo-Britons by birth, Cûchulainn and Ferdéad had both gone to learn the profession of arms in Great Britain at the school of the Amazon Scáthach where they became close friends and where two young Amazons Uathach and Aife, whose first was daughter of Scáthach, they were with them like students. Cûchulainn made Aife fat and thus became the father of Conlaech whom he later killed, for lack of having recognized him in time.

Cûchulainn's liaison with Ferdéad also had a very sad end since Ferdéad was killed by Cûchulainn.

The name of Ferdéad like that of Cûchulainn is in reality only an epic nickname under which hides the real name, hidden so well that it has been forgotten. Ferdéad means “End of the warriors”, because this warrior is the last of those who, being part of Medb's army, delivered singular battles to Cûchulainn. Likewise the name of Cûchulainn "Culann's dog" recalls an episode in the life of the young hero, when, having killed the blacksmith Culann's watchdog, he consented to replace this dog temporarily and thus played the role of 'a dog.

Then the men of Ireland began to deliberate on the question of who would be able to give battle and battle at Cuchulainn early the next morning. Everyone says it would be Ferdéad, son of Daman and grandson of Dare, the bravest warrior of Domnann's men. His procedures in combats and battles were the same as those of Cuchulainn. Both close to the same teachers had learned to make act of skill, bravery and war. These teachers were Scáthach, Uathach and Aife. There was only one point on which one of the two had the superiority over the other, it was the sack javelin wielded by Cûchulainn, it gave Cûchulainn the superiority in spite of the horn skin with which Ferdéad was provided in combat. and battle against warriors at the ford.

Messengers and envoys were sent to Ferdéad. He refused, rejected, sent back these messengers, these envoys without coming with them. He knew what they wanted to get from him, to fight a friend, a comrade, a foster brother. Then Medb sent to Ferdéad some filids, people of science, rude insulters, to pronounce against him three magic satires for lack of progress, and three curses, in order to raise on his face three buttons, button of shame, button of disgrace, button of dishonor, from which his death would result either immediate, or before the end of the following nine days, if he did not come. Ferdéad came with them in the interest of his honor; he preferred to succumb, struck by the javelins which are thrown by exploits of warriors, by act of war and bravery, than to perish, under the blows of the javelins which the authors of magical satires throw, of insults and outrages. When he arrived, they did him honor, they took care of him, they gave him a drink pleasant to drink, beautiful, intoxicating, so that he entered into a gay intoxication; he was promised great presents as a reward for the fight and the battle: a chariot worth four times seven women slaves, clothes of all colors enough to clothe twelve men, then in exchange for his land in Ulster, the equivalent in the fertile fields of Ai, without having to pay rent or cens; without obligation to go to the camp, nor to do any war service, without any charge for himself, for his son, for his grandson, for his great-grandson, for any of his descendants until the end of the time; finally he would have Findabair for his only wife and on top of that the gold brooch fixed in Medb's mantle. Then Medb spoke: this is what she said and what Ferdéad answered:

1. Medb "You will have a high salary: my brooch
With your share of fields and forests;
Emancipation of your race
From today to forever.

O Ferdéad, son of Damán!
What you get is above all expectations.
What reason would you have for not accepting
What would everyone accept? "

2. Ferdéad
"I will not accept without a guarantee,
Because I am not unaware of the art of throwing the javelins.
Tomorrow would be heavy for me
The effort I would make would be mighty.

The dog nicknamed Culann
Has a lance that stings strongly.
It wouldn't be easy to take this sting,
The wound would be strong. "

3. Medb
“Warriors will be guarantors;
You will not go and seek them at the assemblies;
Beautiful bridles, beautiful horses
Will be given to you as a guarantee.

O Ferdéad, man of war,
You are a brave man;
For me you will be a man of love
Above all without having to pay tribute. "

4. Ferdéad
"I will not go without deposits
To the game which will be played at the ford;
The memory of this game will last until Judgment Day
With the memory of his ardor and his strength.

I won't accept, whoever hears me
Whoever relies on me;
I will not accept without oath by the sun and the moon
By sea, by land. "

5. Medb
"What reason do you have for delaying this summons?
Make the commitment: so that you are happy,
The right hand of kings of large and small provinces
Will come to rest on yours.

There is someone here who will not take anything away from you;
You will have everything you want,
Because we know that you will give death
To the man who comes to meet you. "

6. Ferdéad
“I will not accept without six bonds;
I don't demand less,
Before I do my exploits
Where the armies are.

If my request was granted to me,
I would agree despite the uneven luck
To undertake the fight
Against the cruel Cûchulainn. "

7. Medb
"Whether the sureties are Domnall or Carpre,
Or the brilliant Niaman of the massacre,
Or they are caught in the troop of bards,
You will undoubtedly find some.

Take Morann [the judge] as surety,
If it is agreeable to you to have his assistance;
Take Carpre from the beautiful plain of the Isle of Man,
Take our two sons. "

8. Ferdéad
"O Medb, in language full of poison,
The merit of [your daughter's] groom does not hold you back;
It is certain that you are a cow keeper
In Cruachan that ramparts defend.

High glory, high and savage strength,
I would receive satin of various colors;
Give me your gold and your silver,
Because they were offered to me. "

9. Medb
"Are you not the supreme hero
To whom I will give my brooch with hooks
To keep her from today to the day of the Lord
There is no longer a space of time.

O mighty and famous warrior,
All lovable jewelry on earth
Thus will be given to you,
Everything will be yours.

Don't get angry: Findabair
Is queen of the west of Ireland;
When you kill the Blacksmith's Hound
Findabair will be yours, O Ferdéad! "

So Medb obtained from Ferdéad the commitment to deliver the next day fight and battle to six warriors at a time or to Cuchulainn alone if he found it easier. In turn, she made a commitment with Ferdéad to ensure that these six warriors would be surety for the fulfillment of the promises she had made to him, in the event that Cuchulainn was killed by him.

So they took Fergus' horses, harnessed them to his chariot, and Fergus went to where Cuchulainn was to tell him what Medb and Ferdead had agreed upon. Cûchulainn said good morning to Fergus. "Your visit is welcome, Master Fergus," Cûchulainn said. - "I consider this greeting to be fair, O my pupil," replied Fergus, "but I have come to teach you who will come to give you battle and battle early in the morning. "-" We are listening to you, "Cûchulainn continued. - "It will be," replied Fergus, "your best friend, your comrade, your foster brother, the man who is your equal in tricks of skill, battles and exploits, Ferdéad, son of Damán and grandson of Dare, the most formidable warrior of Domnann's men. "-" In conscience, "replied Cuchulainn," we do not want our friend to come our way. "-" But ", replied Fergus," I have come to warn you to warn you, to prepare yourself, because Ferdéad, son of Dare does not resemble the adversaries who until now have given you battle and battle in the kidnapping of the Cooley cows, "-" I am here, "replied Cuchulainn," to hold back and arrest four of the five great provinces of Ireland from Monday late summer until early spring; during this time there was no man from whom my foot had fled, it is to be assumed that before Ferdéad I will not act otherwise. "

This is how Fergus spoke and exposed the danger; he said the following words and Cûchulainn answered:

1. Fergus
“O Cûchulainn! a brilliant meeting!
I see her ; it's time to get up;
Against you came angry
Damán's son, Ferdéad with a red face. "

2. Cûchulainn
“I am here, my trip has not been thin.
With force I stop the warriors of Ireland;
My foot has never retreated
By fighting no man. "

3. Fergus
"Terrible is the warrior animated by anger,
Terrible because of his blood red sword;
And the horn skin that envelops the bellicose Ferdéad
Successfully resists fights, battles. "

4. Cûchulainn
"Shut up, don't repeat what you just said,
O Fergus, formidable warrior:
In no country, in no country
There is no unequal fight for me. "

5. Fergus
"Terrible is Ferdéad the man of twenty exploits,
It is not easy to defeat him;
He has the strength of a hundred warriors, this brave man;
Neither point pierces it, nor cutting edge cuts it. "

6. Cûchulainn
"If we meet on the ford
Me and Ferdéad who practice war,
We understand how we will part
After angry fighting with sharp weapons. "

7. Fergus
"It would be better than a salary for me,
O Cuchulainn with the red sword,
If it was you who had to carry east
The trophy conquered from the proud Ferdéad. "

8. Cûchulainn
"I give my word and I am the guarantor of it,
Without being skilled in combats between speakers,
It will be I who will triumph over him,
From the son of Damán, from the grandson of Dare. "

9. Fergus
"I am the one who united the armies of the east,
In reparation for the insult to me made by the people of Ulster
To me came from Ulster
The heroes, the warriors of this province. "

10. Cûchulainn
"If Conchobar was not sick,
His neighborhood would be hard to bear;
Medb from Mag in Scáil would not have come
To an expedition that would produce more pain. "

11. Fergus
"Your hand will produce greater feat
In combat with Ferdéad son of Damán;
A hard weapon that will have a hard point
Will be yours, O Cûchulainn. "

Fergus returned to the stage and to the camp.

Ferdéad reached his tent and joined his people. He told them of the excellent engagement obtained from him by Medb, fight and battle in the morning against six warriors at a time, or fight and battle against Cuchulainn alone, if he found it easier.

He told them the engagement obtained by him from Medb, to have the six warriors guarantee the execution of the promises made by her in the event that Cuchulainn should succumb defeated by him. The people sheltered by Ferdéad's tent were neither cheerful, nor happy, nor carefree, nor in good humor, that night; they were sad, worried, in a bad mood; they knew where the two heroes would fight, these two men capable of breaking a hundred barriers; they knew that one of them would succumb there, or that both would perish there. They believed that if only one was killed it would be their master, as it was not easy to give battle and battle to Cûchulainn in the kidnapping of Cooley's cows.

Ferdéad slept soundly at the beginning of the night; when the night came to an end, sleep left him, his intoxication was over. The thought occurred to him of the fight, of the battle, he ordered his coachman to take his horses and harness them to his chariot. The coachman advised him to change plans: "It would be better for you," said the boy. - "Shut up, my boy," replied Ferdéad. And so he spoke, here are his words and what the boy replied:

1. Ferdéad
"Let's go to this meeting
To fight this man.
Let's go to this ford
Over which [the goddess of war] Bodb will cry out;

When I meet Cûchulainn,
When, knocking through her little body,
I will hurt her so deep
That of her he will die. "

2. The boy "Better for you to stay here,
Against you the threat is not gentle.
There will be someone who will be wrong;
Your separation will be sad.

Go to meet the noblest of the Ulates,
It is to face a disaster;
The memory will last a long time;
Woe to who will make this expedition! "

3. Ferdéad “What you are saying is not right:
To be shy is not to behave like a hero.
Our duty is not to be modest,
We won't stay here because of you.

Do not worry about us my boy;
The time has come for us to be brave.
Better firmness than fear
Let's go to the meeting. "

Ferdéad's horses were taken and harnessed to his chariot, he arrived at the ford of the fight when it was not yet broad daylight, "Well, my boy", said Ferdéad to his coachman, "stretch out under me, in my chariot, blankets and furs; I will doze off and fall asleep soundly. "

Now let's talk about Cûchulainn. He did not get up until broad daylight; he did not want the men of Ireland to say that, if he got up sooner, fear and terror were the cause. When it was broad daylight, he ordered his coachman to take his horses and harness them to his chariot.

" Well ! my boy, "said Cûchulainn," take our horses and harness them to the chariot, for the warrior who came to meet us, Ferdéad, son of Damán, grandson of Dare, is one of those who get up early. The coachman took the horses, harnessed them to the chariot: "Go up there", he said to Cûchulainn, "and may your warlike valor not be ashamed of it".

It was then that the hitting hero, the maker of warlike tricks, the victor with the red sword, Cûchulainn, son of Sualtam, got into his chariot; as a result goat-faced spirits, pale-faced spirits, valley fairies, air demons cried out around him. Indeed, the people of the goddess Dana threw their cries around him in order to make all the greater the terror, the fear, the terror, the terror which he inspired in all the battles, in all the fields of battle, in all the bellicose struggles, in all the battles he went to.

Before having waited long, Ferdéad's coachman heard something: buzzing, crashing, confused noise, uproar, sort of thunder, uproar, tumult, resounding noise caused by the shock of shields, game and clicking of spears, various sounds produced by the swords which clashed, by the helmet, by the breastplate, by the weapons which collided in a furious handling, by the ropes, by the wheels, by the whole chariot, by the hooves of the horses, finally by the powerful voice of the hero, of the battling warrior who arrived at the ford. Ferdéad's coachman approached and laid his hand on his master: "Well," he said, "O Ferdéad, get up, your adversary is near you at the ford". And he spoke these words:

"I hear the rolling of a chariot
With a pretty yoke of silver.
A tall man
Sits on this hard chariot.

Crossing Bri Ross, crossing Brane,
This warrior and his coachman follow the road
Beyond the tree trunk of the place called the sacred tree.
Their superiority is victorious.

The skillful dog who gave orders to advance
Is a handsome warrior, conqueror, mounted on a chariot.
A noble hawk goads
His horses to his right.

His flesh is the color of blood.
It is certain that he will arrive near us.
We know, - no need to shut it up, -
Let him come and give us battle.

Woe to whoever is on the hill
In front of this beautiful dog!
I predicted last year,
That he would come anytime.

Emain Macha's dog,
Dog of any color,
Frontier dog, battle dog,
I hear him, he heard us. "

" Well! my boy, "said Ferdéad," what motive have you had for praising this man since you came from home? Given the excess of this praise, I have no shortage of reasons to quarrel with you. Ailill and Medb predicted that this man would succumb to my blows; and as I will be rewarded by them, I will quickly tear it to pieces. The time has come for you to help me. Here are the words he said and the coachman's response:

1. Ferdéad
"The time has come to give me your help,
Shut up, don't brag about it.
Do not act with him as a friend,
Don't betray me on the border.

If you see Cooley's hero
With the dexterity he is so proud of,
For the reward promised to me
It will quickly be torn to pieces. "

2. The coachman
"If I see Cooley's hero
With the dexterity he is so proud of,
He does not run away from us,
He is heading towards us.

He's running, it's not slowly;
Although very skilful, it does not save effort.
So water flows over stone,
So the thunder soars impetuously. "

3. Ferdéad
"The cause of quarrel between you and me is small:
It's the excess of praise you gave him.
Why did you choose this topic
Since you came home?

When you raise a man very high,
When it is praised,
We are not preparing to attack it.
But let's be strong men. "

Ferdéad's coachman did not take long to arrive at the ford. When he arrived he saw something: a fine chariot with four sharp angles, going with impetuous rapidity, driven with great skill, surmounted by a green flag; the body of the chariot, made of thin, dry, tall wood, as long as a hero's sword, advanced behind two fast, jumping horses with large ears, doing pretty jumps; they had nostrils as wide as bags, broad chests, lively hearts, high flanks, wide hooves, thin feet, very strong, aggressive. One of these horses was gray, with wide hips, hopping, with a long mane. On the other side of the yoke was harnessed to the chariot a black horse with a curly mane and a brisk march; one could compare him to a falcon on the hunt, on a day when the wind would be sharp, when a wind capable of tearing everything would blow against him in the spring, in March, on a plain. At the beginning the gait of Cûchulainn's two horses resembled that of a fierce stag at the first approach of the dogs, at the beginning of the hunt; one would have thought they were walking on a stone made hot by the fire; the impetuosity of their simultaneous movements shook and lifted the earth.

Cuchulainn arrived at the ford; Ferdéad stopped on the southern shore; Cuchulainn sat down on the northern one. Ferdéad welcomed Cûchulainn. “I congratulate you on arriving here,” said Ferdéad. - "I do not consider as loyal", answered Cûchulainn, "the greeting which you address to me at this moment. I will have no confidence in her from now on. I would be entitled to welcome you rather than you to me. It is you who come to my country, to my province to attack me, to fight me, without a legitimate reason; rather it would be up to me to come and give you battle and battle, for it is you who seized my wives, my sons, my good boys, my horses, my many horses, my cattle, my herds, my cows. "-" Very well ", replied Ferdéad," but what is the reason which then decided you to give me fight and battle? When we were at Scáthach's, Uathach's and Aife's, you were the servant for me, who cocked my spears, who made my bed. "-" It is quite true ", answered Cûchulainn," it was because of my youth, and it is because I was then a teenager that I rendered you these services, but the situation is not any more. the same today. Today there is not a warrior in the world that I would not repel. So each of them sharply reproached the other for having renounced their previous friendship. Here are the words that Ferdéad says and Cûchulainn's answers:

1. Ferdéad
"What motive, O you who squint, led you
In battle against a sturdy warrior. ?
Your flesh will be red with blood
Above the breaths of your horses.

Unhappy the journey you have made!
It will be like a hot coal in a house.
Healing you will need
If at your home you arrive. "

2. Cûchulainn
"I have come to meet the warriors,
Like a wild boar on a stormy sea with lots of waves
To fight hundreds of men,
To throw you under the water.

Angry with you, to put you to the test
By fighting in a hundred ways.
It will be you who will be stolen,
I pretend to take your head. "

3. Ferdéad
"There is someone here who will crush you,
It will be I who will kill you;
………………………………………… ..
Because it is from me that it comes:

The flight of their best warriors
In the presence of the rest of the inhabitants of Ulster,
So that the memory will last a long time
The memory of their annihilation. "

4. Cûchulainn
"The question is how we will fight,
Our wounded flesh will make us moan;
What does it matter? we will go
In combat in the ford.

Will it be with hard swords,
Or our red spears?
You will be killed in front of your troops,
If you come at the agreed time. "

5. Ferdéad
"Before sunset, before nightfall,
Since I have to attack you
I will fight you near Mount Bairche
In battle blood will not be lacking.

The people of Ulster will come to your call:
He took it, listen, [they will cry];
What they see will be disagreeable to them,
Will make a deep impression on them. "

6. Cûchulainn
“You went into the abyss of danger;
The end of your life has arrived;
The edge of the sword will be wielded over you,
The skill of your opponent will not be small.

It will be a warrior of great exploits who will kill you;
Warriors will come in groups of two;
You will not be the leader of the group on the march,
You today in the day of judgment [last]. "

7. Ferdéad
"Give others your warning.
You are the biggest talker in the world.
You will have neither pay nor forgiveness.
You cannot be compared to a bush which crushes it over another.

It is I who know you:
You have a heart covered by the feathers of birds;
You are a boy who is tickled;
You have neither bravery nor strength. "

8. Cûchulainn
“When we were near Scáthach
Practicing our usual war exercises,
We were traveling together around,
We went all around to look for an opportunity to fight.

You are my heart mate,
You are of my race, you are my parent;
In the past I did not meet anyone who was dearer to me,
Your death would sadden me. "

9. Ferdéad
"You are very wrong to renounce your honor
By offering me not to fight.
Before the rooster crows,
Your head will be put on a stake.

O Cûchulainn de Cooley!
Madness and trouble of mind have taken hold of you;
From us will come all the evil;
Your fault. "

" Well ! O Ferdéad ", said Cûchulainn" it is not well for you to come and give me fight and battle because of the quarrel between Ailill and Medb. Of all those who came to attack me, none obtained victory or any advantage; you will fall under my blows. This is what he said: he was the first to speak, Ferdéad was listening to him.

1. “Do not come and attack me, O accomplished hero!
O Ferdéad, son of Damán!
For you the result will be worse than for me
And will sadden many people.

2. Don't attack me, it would be against the right.
It will be I who will put you to bed in your last bed.
Why of the two of us are you alone lacking judgment?
My fight is that of a great warrior.

3. Many dexterous tricks are sure to defeat you soon
Despite your crimson horn skin;
The girl who was promised to you
Will not be yours, oh son of Damán!

4. Findabair, daughter of Medb,
However splendid her beauty may be,
However graceful his features may be,
Will not be acquired by your first attack.

5. Findabair, daughter of the king,
Was offered as a salary; we will tell the truth;
Many have already been deceived by this offer,
And perished as you perish.

6. Do not violate without knowing this the oath that binds you to me,
Don't break our conventions, don't break our friendship;
Respect the word you gave me,
Do not attack me, O accomplished warrior!

7. It was offered to fifty warriors
This girl ; this offer was foolish;
I brought these fifty men down to the tomb,
They had only obtained from me the application of the law of the spear.

8. Although Ferbaeth was considered brave,
Although he had a retinue of good warriors,
It didn't take long for me to beat down his fury,
With a single blow of the spear I killed him.

9. The exploit against Srubdare caused him to waste away painfully,
He was hit in a place that women had known.
When the time of his great glory was over,
Neither gold nor clothing protected him.

10. If the woman was engaged to me
On whom smiles the queen of the beautiful provinces,
I wouldn't make your body flush with blood
To the right, neither to the left, behind nor in front. "

“Well Ferdéad”, said Cûchulainn, “here is why it is not right that you come to give me fight and battle. When we were with Scáthach, with Uathach and with Aife, it was together that we went to all fights, to all battlefields, to all struggles, to all wars, to all forests, to all deserts , to all the dark places, to all the lairs. And then he spoke thus: these are the words which he said:

"Cûchulainn and Ferdéad were close friends
They've been together in the woods,
They slept together in the same bed,
Where we slept together a deep sleep
After long fights.
In many foreign countries
We were traveling together,
We walked through all the woods;
This was Scáthach's teaching. "

Here is Ferdéad's response:

"O Cûchulainn, you who do such pretty tricks of skill,
We have acted brave with equal skill;
Conventions have triumphed over our friendship,
Your first wounds have been purchased.
You don't remember our common upbringing;
O you who squint! it doesn't protect you. "

“We have been idle here for too long now,” said Ferdéad. What weapons will we take with us today? O Cûchulainn! " - "The choice of weapons is yours today," Cûchulainn replied, "since you were the first to arrive at the ford. "-" Do you remember above all, "said Ferdéad," the first principles of the art of war that we practiced with Scáthach, with Uathach and with Aife? - "Obviously I remember them", replied Cûchulainn. - "If you remember them, let's go," replied Ferdéad.

They set out, conforming to the principles of the art of war. They took their two large shields of equal dimensions, their eight small shields with sharp edges, their eight small javelins, their eight swords with ivory hilt, their eight javelins also with ivory hilt. First distant from each other, they approached like bees do on a sunny day. Each of them did not launch a projectile that did not hit the opponent. They threw their javelins with this skill from early morning dawn until midday at noon. Such was their great skill, that with the help of the bosses and the edges of the shields, each one repelled the javelins thrown by his adversary. As much as the attack was superior, so was the defense, neither of them shed their opponent's blood, and thus did not stain it red.

“Now let's stop this exercise, O Cûchulainn! "Said Ferdéad," it will not produce any decisive result. "-" Yes, let's stop ", replied Cûchulainn," the time has come ". They ceased, they threw their javelins into the hands of their drivers. "With what weapon will we now go into battle?" O Cûchulainn! Asked Ferdéad. - "The choice of weapons is yours until nightfall," Cûchulainn replied, "because you were the first to arrive at the ford. "-" Let us take now, "replied Ferdéad," our well-cut, polished and hard javelins which we throw with strong linen cords. "-" Yes, it must, "replied Cûchulainn. So they took up for their defense two strong shields, equally strong, one for each. Then they seized their polished and hard javelins which are launched with strong linen cords. Each of them from noon to sunset threw javelins at each other. However superior the defense was, the javelin throw was even more skilful, it shed blood, produced red spots, wounds in the two combatants. "Let us stop now, O Cûchulainn! »Said Ferdéad. - "Yes, let's stop, the time has come," Cûchulainn replied. In fact they ceased, they threw their weapons into the hands of their drivers.

Then each approached the other and putting their hand around the neck of their opponent gave him three kisses.

Their horses spent that night in the same enclosure, their coachmen stood near the same fire, and fresh rushes they made a litter to serve as a mattress for the two wounded. People capable of curing the sick, doctors came to treat and heal them; they put herbs, medicinal plants, on the excoriations, the wounds, the joints, the numerous wounds; they pronounced on them the magic formulas which cure. Herbs, medicinal plants, magic formulas, used for excoriations, wounds, joints, bumps, multiple wounds of Cuchulainn, were brought in the same quantity to Ferdéad beyond the ford to the west. It was not necessary that the men of Ireland could attribute the defeat of Ferdéad to the greater abundance of care given to Cûchulainn. Of each food, of each drinkable, salutary, intoxicating beverage brought to Ferdéad by the men of Ireland, an equal part was sent by him to Cûchulainn beyond the ford to the north. Indeed, the people who fed Ferdéad were more numerous than those who fed Cûchulainn: all the men of Ireland fed Ferdéad, counting that he would rid them of Cûchulainn. Breg's men brought food to Cûchulainn; they came every night to talk to him.

Cuchulainn and Ferdéad stayed there that night. The next morning they got up early and forded the fight. "What weapons will we use today? O Ferdéad! Cûchulainn asked. - "Obviously the choice is yours", replied Ferdéad, "since it was I who chose the weapons yesterday". - "Let us take our heavy and large spears", said Cûchulainn, "we will use them as pikes and without throwing them as we did yesterday. Let our coachmen seize our horses and harness them to our chariots; we will fight with our horses and in our chariots today ”. - "Yes, let's go, we must," replied Ferdéad. So that day they took two large and very strong shields; they also carried their large and heavy spears. From early in the morning, from sunrise to sunset at night, they each made efforts to pierce, perforate, overthrow, defeat the adversary. There are birds whose custom is to come flying over corpses; these birds came on the bodies of the two warriors to carry in the air, and even in the clouds, drops of blood, pieces of flesh coming out of the wounds and the wounds.

When the sun set in the evening, their horses were exhausted, their coachmen overwhelmed with fatigue; the two heroes, the two valiant warriors were themselves exhausted. “Now let’s stop fighting, O Ferdéad! »Said Cûchulainn,« our horses are exhausted, our coachmen tired; and, since they are in this state, why should we not be there ourselves? This is how he spoke and what language he used:

"We must not be overwhelmed," he said;
It would require an effort worthy of the Fomôre.
Let them put their shackles at the feet of horses
Because they don't make so much noise anymore. "

“Yes, let's stop”, says Ferdéad, “the hour has come”. They ceased; they threw their weapons into the hands of their coachmen, and each, approaching his comrade, put his hand on his neck, gave him three kisses.

Their horses were in the same enclosure that night and their coachmen in the same fire; their coachmen made a litter of fresh rushes to serve as mattresses for these wounded men. Physicians skilled in the art of healing came to keep them, examine them, watch over them that night.Because of the severity of the excoriations, the wounds, the numerous wounds, the doctors only used potions, magic words and prayers. to stop the blood flowing, gushing out; the magic drinks, the magic words, the prayers which one used to heal the wounds and the wounds of Cûchulainn were in equal quantity brought to Ferdéad beyond the ford in the West. All the food, all the beverages good to drink, beneficial, intoxicating, brought to Ferdéad by the men of Ireland, were in equal quantity transmitted to Cûchulainn beyond and to the north of the ford. For those who gave food to Ferdéad were more numerous than those who fed Cuchulainn: all the men of Ireland brought food to Ferdéad, counting on him to keep the enemy away from them; the people of Breg were alone to provide food for Cûchulainn. The two warriors chatted together that night like the previous ones.

That night they stayed there. The next morning they got up early and forded the fight. That day Cûchulainn saw that Ferdéad looked bad and looked gloomy: “You are bad today, O Ferdéad”, said Cûchulainn, “your hair has darkened; your eyes are drowsy; you have lost your mine, your appearance, your ordinary ways. "-" It is certainly not that you frighten me ", replied Ferdéad," it is not that you inspire me with any terror today; there isn't a warrior in Ireland that I wouldn't be able to stop. Cuchulainn began to moan and complain; these are his words and what Ferdéad answered him:

1. Cûchulainn
“O Ferdéad! when to you,
For me, you are certainly nothing more than an unfortunate naked corpse.
How could you on the advice of a woman
Go fight your foster brother? "

2. Ferdéad
"O Cûchulainn, accomplished sage,
O true hero, o true warrior!
Everyone necessarily goes
On the grass under which is his last lodging. "

3. Cûchulainn
"Findabair, daughter of Medb,
Even if you are very beautiful,
If it was given to you, it was not out of love for you.
It is to test the superiority of your strength. "

4. Ferdéad
"My strength has long been tested,
O dog so well formed!
We haven't heard of a braver man than you
So far I haven't found any. "

5. Cûchulainn
"You will be the cause of the next result
O son of Damán, O grandson of Dare!
Go by woman's advice
Trade sword blows with your foster brother! "

6. Ferdéad
"If I parted with you without a fight,
Although, oh nice dog! we are foster brothers,
My word, my reputation would be ignored
At Ailill and at Medb de Cruachan. "

7. Cûchulainn
"If it was given nourishment to the lips of Cuchulainn,
If he was not born a greater warrior
Neither a king nor a queen in good health,
It's not for me to hurt you. "

8. Ferdéad
“O Cûchulainn, author of many exploits!
It wasn't you, it was Medb who betrayed us.
You will achieve victory and glory,
Our faults do not fall on you. "

9. Cûchulainn
"My good heart swelled with blood,
He came very close to losing his life.
I have done too many feats for you to be my equal,
When I fight against you, O Ferdéad! "

“Today you pity me a lot,” said Ferdéad; "What weapons will we take today? "-" Today, the choice of weapons is yours, "Cûchulainn replied," because it was I who chose them last day. "-" Let us go today, "replied Ferdéad," with our heavy swords which strike strong blows; in battle we will be closer to each other to strike us with our swords today than yesterday with the point of our spears ”. - "Come on, we must," replied Cûchulainn. They took that day two long, very large shields. They set out with their heavy swords with strong blows; each undertook to strike and strike down, to overthrow and strike down, to bring down and kill his adversary.

All the pieces that each of them removed with the edge of the sword from his opponent's shoulders, hips, and shoulder blades were as big as the head of a month-old child.

The two warriors began to strike each other in this way from early morning at daybreak until sunset came in the evening. “Now let's stop this exercise,” says Ferdéad. - "Yes, of course, let us stop, since the hour has come", replied Cûchulainn. They stopped and threw their weapons into the hands of their drivers.

Usually the two fighters were cheerful, cheerful, carefree, good-humored warriors; but when they separated that evening, both were sad, worried, in a bad mood. Their horses did not spend the night together in the same enclosure, nor their drivers at the same fire.

Cûchulainn and Ferdéad stayed the night in this place. The next day Ferdéad got up early and went alone to the ford of the fight. He knew that the decisive day of combat had come, of battle, and that one of the two warriors would succumb on that day, or even both would perish. Before going to meet Cûchulainn, he donned his bellicose equipment of combat, battle, and warfare. We will tell what this bellicose battle and war combat equipment consisted of. Ferdéad put on his white skin a brilliant silk trouser with a border both in gold and in many colors. Over it, he put on well-sewn brown leather pants. On these second pants, he placed [in front of him] a good stone as big and thick as the grindstone of a hand mill.

Then he wrapped himself in a third pair of pants, strong and deep, of cast iron, which covered the good stone as big and thick as the grindstone of a hand-mill. He put around his head his black helmet of combat, battle and war, adorned with forty carbuncles, adorned with red enamel, crystal, carbuncles and on which were represented brilliant plants of the East. He seized with his right hand the lance with which he struck and struck so hard. He put on his left his curved battle sword with its hilt of gold, of red gold, on all sides. He placed on the eminence curve of his back his large and beautiful shield of buffalo skin, adorned with fifty bosses, on each of which could fit the image of a boar, without counting the large middle boss in red gold. Then Ferdéad began to do brilliant, numerous, strange, varied dexterous tricks very high up, which no one had previously taught him, neither teacher, nor teacher, nor Scáthach, nor Uathach, nor Aife; without having learned them from anyone, he did them that day in front of Cûchulainn.

Cûchulainn also arrived at the ford. He saw the brilliant, numerous, strange, varied dexterous tricks that Ferdéad performed very high. "You see there, Master Lôeg," said Cûchulainn, "the brilliant, numerous, strange, varied dexterous tricks that Ferdéad does very high up. I will immediately come to the end of imitating those tricks; if I run risk of being defeated, you will start to excite me by making fun of me, by saying bad things about me as much as possible in order to provoke my irritation and my anger all the more. Then, if I run risk of being defeated, inform me, give me praise, say good words to me so that I have all the more courage. "-" Yes, it will be done as you ask, my little Cûchulainn, "Lôeg replied.

And so Cuchulainn took his bellicose equipment of combat, battle, and warfare. He performed very high dexterity tricks, brilliant, numerous, strange, varied, which until then had taught him no one, neither Scáthach, nor Uathach, nor Aife. Ferdéad saw these tricks of skill and understood that a time would come when these tricks of skill would reach him.

"What weapon will we take? O Ferdéad! Cûchulainn asked. "-" The choice of weapons is yours, "Ferdéad distributes. - "Let's go and ford our skill turns," Cûchulainn replied. - "Yes, let's go," replied Ferdéad. In spite of this answer, it was very painful for him to go there, for he knew that the triumph was assured to Cuchulainn over any warrior, over any hero against whom he would make his dexterous tricks at the ford.

A great feat was accomplished on the ford that day. The two heroes, the two great warriors, the two chariot fighters of Western Europe, the two torches: of the art of war among the Goidels, the two benefactors whose hand distributed the favor and the wages in the North- West of the world, the two brave veterans who held the key to the art of warfare, were fighting far from home because of the bellicose expedition undertaken by Ailill and Medb.

They did skill tricks against each other from early morning at daybreak until midday at noon. When the middle of the day came, the anger of the two warriors grew fierce, and they found themselves very close to each other.

Then Cûchulainn, going beyond the bank of the ford, reached the boss of the shield of Ferdéad, son of Damán; he went beyond the top edge of that shield to strike his opponent in the head.

But with his left elbow, Ferdéad struck his shield which pushed Cuchulainn back and sent him back like a bird to the bank of the ford. Then again Cûchulainn, passing the bank of the ford, reached the edge of the shield of Ferdéad, son of Damán; beyond this shield he could strike Ferdéad on the head; but with a knee blow to this shield Ferdéad sent Cûchulainn like a small child to the bank of the ford.

Lôeg noticed this. “Alas! »He said,« the warrior who is in front of you has inflicted a beating on you as a kind woman gives to her son; he has washed you as in water a cup is washed; he has ground you, like a mill must the good grain; he pierced you, like an ax pierces an oak; he has bound you, as the bindweed binds the trees; he rushed at you like a vulture on little birds. Therefore the end of your pretensions, your right, your bravery, your capacity to war until the day of judgment and eternal life, O contorted imp! ".

Then Cuchulainn rose a third time, swift as a gust of wind, swift as a swallow, fiery as a dragon in the air in the clouds, and he reached the edge of the shield of Ferdéad, son of Damán, wanting to reach it. hit the head on the other side of the shield. But Ferdéad gave his shield a shock which threw Cûchulainn on the bank of the ford, so that the latter found himself in the same situation as if he had not made the immediately preceding jump. Then Cûchulainn made his main contortion: his body swelled and became puffy like a bladder in which one blows; it took the form of a terrible, frightening, varied, strange arc; the size of this brave warrior grew as big as that of a Fomóre or a seafarer, thus passing in a straight line the head of Ferdéad.

The two adversaries came so close that they banged their heads up against each other, likewise their feet against each other down below, their hands met in the middle at the edges, on the bosses of their shields. In this encounter, the two warriors were so close together that their shields parted and split at the edges in the center; they were so close together that, from the points to the rivets, their spears bent in an arch and became hollow; they were so close together that the edges of their shields, the hilt of their swords, the tips of their spears, the goat-faced genies, the pale-faced genies, the fairies of the valleys, the demons of the air cried out. ; the two warriors were so close that their powerful bodies moved the river; there was enough empty space beside them in the ford for a king or queen to have been installed there; there was no longer a drop of water except those which the two heroes, the two warriors, trampling and sliding, threw up from the ground. In this meeting, the two adversaries were so brought together, that frightened by their shock the horses of the Goidels began to jump like mad madmen, broke their links, the shackles of their feet, the ropes which attached them, and they crushed women, nice children, dwarves, stupid and idiotic people among the warriors of Ireland in the camp to the southwest.

During this time the two adversaries played with the edge of the sword. At one point, Ferdéad put Cûchulainn in danger; with the ivory-hilted sword he gave him a blow which made a wound, the blood of Cûchulainn fell in the belt of this warrior, and of this blood which left the body of the wounded one the ford was strongly reddened. Cuchulainn could not stand Ferdéad giving him such strong, destructive, long, vigorous, heavy blows.

From Loeg, son of Riangabair, he asked for the sack javelin; this javelin was in the stream and had to be thrown with two toes of one foot. The blow of this javelin in the body of a man made thirty points penetrate there, and, to tear it out, it was necessary to cut the body of this man all around.

Ferdéad heard that they were talking about the sack javelin; to protect his lower body he lowered his shield. Cuchulainn seizes his short javelin; he threw it with the flat of his hand on the edge of the shield and on the face of Ferdéad's horn skin, so that half of the latter's body would have been visible after the javelin had pierced his heart.

Ferdéad, to protect the upper part of his body, gave a blow to his shield which he raised, but he took this precaution too late. Loeg having prepared the sack javelin in the stream, Cûchulainn seized it, and, holding it between two toes of one foot, threw it to the distance where Ferdéad was. The javelin of sack crossed the solid, deep pants, of remelted iron, it broke in three pieces the good stone, as big as a millstone, and through the clothes it penetrated to the body; the points of this javelin filled all the joints, all the members of Ferdéad. “It's enough now,” said Ferdéad, “I am overwhelmed by this projectile; with your right foot you hit me vigorously; it would not have been regular for me to succumb to a blow from your hand. This is how he spoke; we reproduce his words:

1 "O dog who makes beautiful tricks of war!"
It was not legitimate for you to kill me.
You are the fault of which I am the victim,
My blood fell on you. "

2 "Success is lacking in the unfortunate,
They are thrown into the depths of treason.
I have the weak voice of a patient;
Alas! the flower was separated from me. "

3 “My ribs, the spoils of a dying man, are broken;
In my heart the blood is frozen;
I did not fight the battle well,
I am devastated, oh dog! "

With a jump Cuchulainn reached him, and, joining both hands behind him, lifted him with his offensive and defensive weapons, with his clothes, and carried him beyond the ford to the north; he wanted this testimony of his victory to be north of the ford [in Ulster] and not west of the ford [in Connaught] among the men of Ireland. Cûchulainn left Ferdéad's corpse on the ground, then a cloud came over his eyes, he felt uneasy, he fainted because of this death. Lôeg saw Cûchulainn in this state, and all the men of Ireland rose to come to attack the hero. " Well ! my little Cûchulainn, "said Lôeg," get up now; the men of Ireland will come to attack you and it will not be a single combat that they will deliver to avenge on you the death of Ferdéad, son of Damán, grandson of Dare. "

- "Why will I get up?" my boy, ”Cûchulainn replied. “It would be because it was under my blows that this man succumbed. Here is what Lôeg says, we reproduce his words and Cûchulainn's answers:

1. Lôeg
"Arise, Emain's war dog,
Great courage is more appropriate for you than for any other;
You have struck down the bellicose Ferdéad;
By God's judgment, hard is your struggle. "

2. Cûchulainn
"Why should I have great courage?
Delirium and pain gripped me,
Because of the murder that I committed
By hitting that body so hard with the sword. "

3. Lôeg
“There is no need for you to moan about it;
It is more appropriate to boast of it;
The one who, with his spear points, made your body blush,
Left you moaning, hurt, bloody. "

4. Cûchulainn
"Why didn't he cut off my only healthy foot?"
Why didn't he cut off my hand too?
It is sad that Ferdéad is not above his horses
Forever, forever alive. "

5. Lôeg
“Better for them what was made of him;
I'm talking about the girls who go to the Red Bough room;
Better that he is dead and you stay;
For them, the death that separates you forever is no small event. "

6. Cûchulainn
"Since the day I came from Cooley
To fight the highly brilliant Medb,
There was a glorious slaughter of his men,
Of his warriors that I killed. "

7. Lôeg
"You did not sleep well,
Ever since you've been fighting the great Rapture.
Your troop consists of one warrior;
Early, early in the morning, you get up. "

Cuchulainn began to moan and pity Ferdéad and this is what he said: "Well, O Ferdéad, it was unhappy for you that before our meeting in combat, in battle, you had no interview with someone from the people who know my correct acts of bravery and war. "

“It was unfortunate for you that Lôeg, son of Riangabair, did not remind you of our common upbringing as a reproach. "

"It has been unfortunate for you not to welcome Fergus' so wise warning. "

"It has been unfortunate for you that the lovable, trophy-rich, triumphant, victorious Conall did not give you the help of his advice by reminding you of our common upbringing. "

"For these men have known that until the last judgment and eternal life there shall be no one born who will do against the inhabitants of Connaught and against you deeds like mine, as great as mine. "

"For these men would not have spoken of messages, of desires, of meetings, of false promises concerning well-behaved women of Connaught, mixing this with the handling of shields and shields, of javelins and of swords, with the game of black crows and chess, with the conduct of horses and chariots. "

“From now on, there will not be a warrior's hand that slices the flesh of heroes, as Ferdéad did, who today only lives in the form of a cloud. "

"We will no longer hear Bodb with the red lips screaming like in a breach, near the shops where shields are placed in the shade that stains them in various colors. "

“Now, O red-faced son of Damán,” added Cûchulainn, “until the last judgment and eternal life there will be no one who in Cruachan tries to make conventions similar to yours. "

Then having risen and looking at Ferdéad's head, Cûchulainn said: “Well, oh Ferdéad! the men of Ireland have greatly betrayed and abandoned you, when they decided to give me battle and battle: it was not easy to give me battle and battle, at the Kidnapping of the Cows of Cooley. This is how he spoke and what were his words:

1. “O Ferdéad! betrayal has conquered you;
How sad was your last meeting;
You are dead ; I stay alive;
Long sad will be our long separation. "

2. "If we had stayed on the other side of the sea
Chez Scáthach, Búadach, Búanann,
Beyond the water to the great judgment,
We would not have given up on our friendship! "

3. "Dear is to me the very noble redness of your features,
Dear to me these lovely and perfect features,
Dear to me your eye of a blue so pure and so beautiful,
Dear to me your sagacity, your eloquence. "

4. "Never went into battle to cut the skin of warriors,
Never got angry with them,
Never carried a shield on a broad back,
Your equal, oh red son of Damán! "

5. "I have never met,
Since the death of Aife's only son
Your equal in feats of war;
No, I did not find it, oh Ferdéad! "

6. "It is in vain that Findabair, daughter of Medb,
Has such a distinguished beauty;
A wicker stick around a pile of sand
Would have been worth as much as it when we showed it to you, ô Ferdéad! "

Then Cuchulainn began to look at Ferdéad's corpse; " Well ! O my master Lôeg ”! he said, “now strip Ferdéad and take his equipment, his clothes; I want to see the brooch [given by Medb] and for which he fought the fight, the battle. Lôeg went to strip Ferdéad, he took off his equipment, his clothes. Cûchulainn saw the brooch, began to moan, to complain, here are the words he said:

1. "Sad is your golden brooch,
O bellicose Ferdéad!
You who gave good and strong blows,
Your hand was victorious. "

2. "Your tall, blonde hair
Was buckled, made you a pretty ornament.
Your belt, which seemed to be made of soft leaves.
Wrap your flanks until you die. "

3. “Our lovely fellowship!
The telescope of your noble eye!
Your shield edged with gold!
[Your sword] that was so beautiful! "

4. "[Your white silver bracelet
Around your noble hand!
Your chessboard which was worth a treasure!
Your beautiful purple cheek! ”]

5. "My hand, in knocking you down,
Acted incorrectly, I understand that;
It was not a good fight.
Sad is Ferdéad's gold brooch. "

6. "Sad is your golden brooch,
O bellicose Ferdéad!
You who gave good and strong blows,
Your hand was victorious. "

"Well, my master Lôeg", said Cûchulainn, "cut the body of Ferdéad and draw the javelin from his sack; because I cannot do without my weapon. Lôeg went to cut Ferdéad's body and drew out the javelin of his sack. Cûchulainn saw his weapon all red with blood next to Ferdéad's corpse; here are the words he says:

1. “O Ferdéad! sad is our meeting:
I see you both red and very pale,
I can't use my gun until it's washed,
You are lying on a bloody bed. "

2. "When we spent our days in the East,
Near Scáthach and Uathach,
There were no lips whitened by death
Between us and the weapons intended for so many fights. "

3. "Here is what Scáthach said to the sharp spear:
His recommendation was strong and very precise:
Get up, go quickly to battle:
the German rough, gray-blue, will come. »

4. "I told Ferdéad
And to Lugaid full of honor
And to the son of Baetan the white
To go with us to face Germain. "

5. "We went to the rock of the fight
On the slope of Loch Lind Formait;
We took four hundred warriors out
From the Athissech Islands. "

6. "When I was with the bellicose Ferdéad
At the gate of the fortress of Germain,
I killed Rind, son of Nêl;
Ferdéad killed Rûad, son of Fornel. "

7. "On the slope Ferbaeth killed
Blath, son of Colba of the Red Sword;
Lugaid, the angry and swift man killed
Mugairne of the Tyrrhenian Sea. "

8. "When we went there, I killed
Four times fifty men of savage anger;
Ferdéad killed a troop of furious
In the saddle, as numerous as the waters of the flood. "

9 "We devastated the fortress of the skilful Germain
Beyond the wide sea with variegated water;
We took the Germain captive alive
With us at Scáthach at the large shield. "

10. “Our teacher had gloriously put the link
Between us of strong alliance and union,
To prevent anger from arising among us
Between the races of beautiful Ireland. "

11. "Sad morning this morning in March,
Where was struck, remaining powerless, the son of Damán!
Alas! he fell friend
To whom for drink I gave a blood red. "

12. "If I had seen you succumb
Among the warriors of the great Greeks,
I wouldn't have stayed alive after you
We would have died together. "

13. "Sad is the state in which our fight has put us,
We, pupils of Scáthach;
Me wounded, red with blood;
You who will no longer travel in a chariot. "

14. "Sad is the state in which our fight has put us,
We, pupils of Scáthach;
I hurt, covered in frozen blood,
You are all dead. "

15. "Sad is the state in which our fight has put us,
We, pupils of Scáthach;
Me alive, active, you dead!
The role of men is to be angry and to fight. "

16. “O Ferdéad! sad is our meeting,
I see you both red and very pale;
I don't have my gun that will have to be washed;
You are lying on a bloody bed. "

" Well! my little Cûchulainn, "said Loeg," now let's start from the ford; we've been there for a long time ”. - "Yes, we will leave, O my master Lôeg", replied Cûchulainn; "But all the combats, all the battles that I fought, were only play and joke, in comparison with the fight and the battle sustained against Ferdéad. "And this is what he says, we reproduce his words:

1. "Everything was a game, everything was a joke
Until Ferdéad arrived at the ford:
“We had found the same instruction,
The same powerful generosity,
The same and so sweet teacher,
That we name before any other. "

2. "Everything was a game, everything was a joke
Until Ferdéad arrived at the ford: "
"We produced the same terror among the enemy,
We used to wage war the same way;
Scáthach had given us two shields,
One to me, the other to Ferdéad. "

3. "Everything was a game, everything was a joke
Until Ferdéad arrived at the ford:
"Dear friend, golden column,
That I overtook at the ford!
He was the bull of the people;
He was braver than all the other warriors. "

4. "Everything was a game, everything was a joke
Until Ferdéad arrived at the ford;
Ferdead like a fiery fiery lion,
Has an insane wave, colossal like the last judgment. "

5. "Everything was a game, everything was a joke,
Until Ferdéad arrived at the ford;
"It seemed to me that the amiable Ferdéad
Would follow me until Judgment Day. "
Yesterday he was as big as a mountain,
Today only his shadow remains. "

6. "Three times, at the Rapture, countless troops
Have succumbed by my hands;
A crowd of horned beasts, men, horses
Have been struck by me from all sides. "

7. “Despite the number of troops,
Who came from Cruachan so hard,
More than a third, a little less than half,
Was killed by the harsh weapons I wielded. "

8. "He did not come to the field of battle,
Ireland never fed with her breasts,
Neither sea nor land came
None of the sons of kings who acquired more glory. "
Everything was a game, everything was a joke,
Until Ferdéad arrived at the ford. "

Here ends the episode entitled: Murder of Ferdéad.

At the beginning of Táin bó Cúanlge the warriors of Ulster and Conchobar, their king, cannot take up arms for the defense of their country. A curse, pronounced against them by the goddess Masha, inflicted on them a disease which imposes on them a humiliating rest. From chapter VI to chapter XX, Cûchulainn alone fights against the army where queen Medb, wanting to invade Ulster, gathered the warriors of four of the five great provinces of Ireland. There is no need to insist on paragraph 2 of chapter XVII, where one hundred and fifty people, who, given their age, had not been affected by the curse of the goddess Masha, want to help her and lose their lives. , nor on the assistance which the hero received from the God Lug, his father, in the great massacre of the plain of Murthemne, paragraph 4 of the same chapter.

From chapter XXI, the scene changes: Cûchulainn, in his fights 1 ° against Calatin Dana, his 27 sons and his grandson, chapter XIX, § 3, 2 ° against Ferdéad, chapter XX, received so much and so terrible wounds, which he is unable to fight. The warriors of Ulster are, for the most part, as well as their king, detained in Emain Macha, their capital, by the mysterious disease inflicted on them by the goddess Macha. Some, however, can come to the aid of the sick hero; this is the subject of chapters XXI, XXII and XXIII.

CHAPTER XXI
CÛCHULAINN AND THE RIVERS

Belief in the divinity of waterways was general in antiquity Greek and Roman. Among the Gauls, the Rhine was the judge to whom people turned when a husband, doubting his wife's fidelity, asked himself whether he was indeed the father of the child that this woman had given birth to. world. The sick asked the stream to cure their ailments, hence, for example, the nickname of saviour, swthr, given to a tributary of the Strymon, a river in Thrace, hence also the voted addressed to the goddess Seine, deae Sequanae, in the place where its source arose in Saint-Seine, Côte-d'Or; hence the many ex voto recently found at one of the sources of Mont-Auxois, near Alise-Sainte-Reine.

Cûchulainn, covered with wounds, seeks and finds his cure in twenty-one rivers of Ireland. Our text gives a relatively modern reason for this healing: the people of the goddess Dana had put herbs and medicinal plants in these streams. The primitive doctrine elevated these rivers to the rank of gods and their divinity was the cause of the healings they operated.

Then came, each separately, several warriors of Ulster to bring in this place, at this hour, aid and help to Cûchulainn: they were Senal. Uathach, then the two sons of Gegg (female name), i.e. Muridach and Cotreb. They took him with them to the streams and rivers of Conaille in Murthemne to heal by washing them in these streams and in these rivers, the holes made by the points of the spears, the tears, the many wounds of Cûchulainn. Indeed, to bring aid and relief to Cûchulainn, the people of the goddess Dana put in the streams and rivers of the country of Conaille in Murthemne herbs and medicinal plants suitable for restoring health; they gave a variegated hue to the surface of these streams. Here are the names of the rivers to which Cûchulainn owed his healing: Sáis, Buáin, Bithlain, Findglais, Gleóir, Glenamain, Bedg, Tadg, Telaméit, Rínd, Bir, Brenide, Dichaem, Muach, Miliuc, Cumung, Cuilend, Gainemain, Drong, Delt, Dubglass.

CHAPTER XXII

Before all of Ulster's warriors assemble and go together to battle with those from the rest of Ireland, as will be seen in chapters XXV-XXVII, several Ulster warriors go alone or in small groups to aid Cûchulainn. This is the subject of chapters XXII, XXIII. The first of these warriors is Cethern (chapter XXII). Cethern receives serious injuries. Fourteen doctors from Connaught, called to cure him, declare themselves incapable of succeeding and are killed by him; a fifteenth falls half-dead from shock when he sees the corpses of his fourteen colleagues. But then Cûchulainn has recourse to a fath-liaig Ulster's “prophet-physician”. This doctor belongs to the category of fati, wadding, vates, who form below the Druids the second class of learned people among the Gauls and in Ireland. He knows the source of each of Cethern's many serious wounds, he heals them. But the too bold Cethern did not survive this wonderful cure for long.

FIRST PART.
Cethern's tough fight.

Then the men of Ireland told Mac Roth, the principal courier, to go as a scout on observation to Mount Fuaid lest the Ulster warriors come and attack them without warning and without warning. Mac Roth went to Mount Fuaid. Shortly after arriving there, he saw someone on this mountain who, coming from the north, was coming straight towards him in a chariot alone. He was a fierce man, red, naked, who arrived in this chariot without clothing and without weapons, except for an iron stake which he held in his hand. He stung his coachman and his horses with it. It seemed to Mac Roth that this warrior would never reach the army. Mac Roth, to relate what he had seen, went to the place where Ailill, Medb, Fergus and the nobles of Ireland were. When he got there, Ailill asked him for news. "Well, MacRoth," said Ailill, "have you seen any of the inhabitants of Ulster following in the footsteps of this army today?" "-" I don't know, "replied Mac Roth," only I saw someone in a chariot on Mount Fuaid; he was heading towards us. There was in this chariot a fierce man, red, naked, without clothing or weapons, except in his hand an iron stake, from which he also pricked his driver and his horses. It seemed to me that he would never reach this army! "-" What do you think, O Fergus? Ailill says. - "It seems to me," replied Fergus, "that it would be Cethern, son of Fintan, who would have come here." What Fergus said was the truth; it was indeed Fintan's son, it was Cethern who had come there; he succeeded in reaching them; he attacked them even in their camp, in all directions, on all sides; he hurt everyone around him. He himself was also wounded in all directions, on all sides; then he moved away from them; the entrails, the intestines came out of the body; he came to the place where Cuchulainn was, hoping to obtain treatment and healing there. He asked Cûchulainn for a doctor to treat and cure him. “Well, Master Loeg,” said Cuchulainn, “go to the fortress, to the Irish men's camp, and tell the medics to come and treat Cethern, son of Fintan. I add this: if they do not come, it does not matter whether they are underground or in a closed house; they will receive from me, death, murder, annihilation, if they do not come tomorrow before the hour where we are now ”. Loeg went to the fortress and the Irish men's camp and told the Irish men's doctors to come and treat Cethern, son of Fintan. It was certainly not easy for the doctors of the men of Ireland to do what Lôeg asked, to go and treat a foreigner, their adversary, their enemy; but they feared, if they did not come, to receive from the hand of Cûchulainn, death, murder, annihilation. When each one of them arrived, Cethern, son of Fintan, showed him the wounds made by the spear points, the tears, the wounds from which the blood was flowing, and the doctor declared that in Cethern there was no more life, that healing was impossible; then Cethern would punch him straight across the forehead, so that doctor's brain came out through the hole in the ear or through the sutures in the skull. Cethern, son of Fintan, killed them thus until the arrival of the fifteenth physician; when this one came, Cethern had stopped knocking; but this doctor lost consciousness and ended up remaining half-dead from the effect of the shock among the corpses of the fourteen doctors who had preceded him. His name was Ithael, was a doctor of Ailill and Medb. So Cethern asked Cuchulainn to get him another doctor to treat and cure him. "Well, master Lôeg," said Cûchulainn, "go get me Fingid, doctor-prophet, from Ferta Fingin, from Leccan of Mount Fuain, he is Conchobar's doctor. Let him come and take care of Cethern, son of Fintan ”. Lôeg went to find the doctor of Conchobar, the doctor-prophet of Ferta Fingin, of Leccan on Mount Fuaid. He tells her to come and treat Cethern, son of Fintan. Fingin the doctor-prophet accepted this invitation, and as soon as he arrived Cethern showed him the wounds that the spear points had made, the tears, the wounds from which the blood had flowed.

SECOND PART.
Bloody wounds to Cethern.

1. Fingin looked at the blood that flowed from Cethern's wound: "But," he said, "this wound was done to you by a relative, reluctantly, it is not serious and you will not die from it." not immediately. "-" But it's true "replied Cethern," the man who gave me this wound was completely bald; a blue cloak enveloped him; he had in his cloak, on his breast, a silver brooch; it carried a curved shield with ornate edge; he held in his hand a spear with five points; beside him was a forked javelin; he made me shed this blood, he took little away from me. "-" But we know this man, "said Cûchulainn," it is Illand with many turns, son of Fergus; he didn't want to make you fall under his blows; he gave you the appearance of beatings, to prevent the men of Ireland from saying that he had betrayed them, that he was abandoning their cause ”.

2. "Look then too, Master Fingin, look at this bloody wound here," said Cethern. Fingin looked at this bloody wound: "It is the warlike feat of a proud woman," said the doctor. - "Yes certainly", replied Cethern, "a woman came to do this wound to me. She was a pretty woman with a white face, large, long cheeks, golden blond hair. A purple cloak without any other color enveloped him; she had a gold brooch on her breast in that cloak; she held in her hand a straight spear with a red flame falling on her back. It was she who gave me this bloody wound, she also removed a little blood from me ”. - "But we know this woman", said Cûchulainn, "it is Medb, daughter of Echaid Feidlech, supreme king of Ireland; she took part in this expedition. It would have been a victory for her, a triumph, an opportunity to boast, if you had fallen under her blows ”.

3. - "Look also, Master Fingin, this bloody wound that I have", said Cethern. Fingin looked at the bloody wound. "But", said the doctor, "it is the bellicose exploit of two warriors". - "Yes it is true", replied Cethern, "two warriors came to attack me; two blue coats enveloped them; on their breasts, in their coats there were silver brooches; a very white silver necklace was around the neck of each of them ”. - "We know these two warriors there", said Cûchulainn, "it is Oll and Othinc of the house of Aillil and Medb; they never come to fight together except to surely cause wounds to men. If you had fallen under their blows, it would have been triumph and glory for them ”.

4. "Look also, Master Fingin", said Cethern, "that bloody wound that I have." Fingin looked at the bloody wound. “Two young warriors who came to attack me gave me that wound. They had brilliant war gear. Each of them struck me with a spear. I was piercing one of them from this stake ”. - Fingin looked at the bloody wound. “But this blood is black,” said the doctor, “the wounds have gone through your heart; they have crossed each other through your heart; I do not predict cure; but by using a little of the healing herbs and by reciting one of the magic formulas which give health I could save you an immediate disaster. "-" But ", said Cûchulainn," we know the two warriors who made these wounds, they are Bun and Mecconn, two relatives of Ailill and Medb. They wanted to make you fall under their blows ”.

5. "Look on me at that bloody wound, O Fingin, my master," Cethern continued. Fingin looked at this wound. "It is," replied the doctor, "it is the result of the brutal attack of the two sons of the king of the forest." - "It is quite true," said Cethern, "two young men came to attack me; they had white faces, large brown eyelashes, and golden diadems on their heads. On their clothes, two green coats enveloped them and in these coats there were on their chests two brooches of white silver. In their hands they held two spears with five points ”. - "But", continued the doctor, "the bloody wounds they caused you are close to each other. They hit you by the throat; that's where the tips of their spears hit you together. Healing from these wounds is not easy ”. - "We know these two warriors," said Cûchulainn, "they are Broen and Brudne, both sons of the King of the Three Torches, both sons of the King of the Forest; by defeating you, they obtained victory, triumph, congratulations ”.

6. "Look upon me also that bloody wound, O Fingin, my master," Cethern continued. - "This wound", replied the doctor, "was made by two brothers together". - "It is quite true", answered Cethern, "two royal warriors of first rank then came to attack me. Their hair was blond; dark green coats with lining at their ends enveloped them; they had brass brooches in the shape of leaves in these coats on their chests; in their hands were spears with broad, green tips ”. - "But we know these two warriors", said Cûchulainn, "they are Cormac, son of King Colba, and Cormac, son of Mael Foga, of the house of Ailill and Medb. Their desire was that you fall under their blows ”.

7. "Look also at this bloody wound, O Fingin, my master! Cethern says. Fingin looked at this wound. "It is", replied the doctor, "the result of an attack made by two brothers". - "But certainly, it is true," replied Cethern, "those who attacked me were two tender young warriors who looked alike. One had curly brown hair; the other also curly hair, but blond. Two green coats, placed over their other clothes, enveloped them; in these coats, on their breasts, there were two brooches of white silver; they wore two tunics of smooth yellow silk over their skin. From their belts hung two white-hilted swords. They had two white shields on which, in silver white, were depicted animals. In their hands, they held two spears with five points, these spears adorned with all-white silver circles ”. - "But", said Cûchulainn, "we know these two warriors. These are Mane, like father, and Mane, like mother, two sons of Ailill and Medb; they obtained victory, triumph and congratulations, for having made you fall under their blows ”.

8. "Look on me at this bloody wound, O Fingin, my master! Cethern says. “Two young warriors injured me there. Their attire was bright, distinguished, manly. The clothes that enveloped them were strange, wonderful. Each of them threw a javelin at me. I threw one at each of them ”. Fingin looked at this bloody wound. “But, they skillfully gave you those wounds,” said the doctor, “they cut the nerves in your heart, so that the movements of your heart in your chest are like those of an apple in a car or a car. 'a platoon in an empty bag; there are no nerves to support it; it is an evil that I cannot cure ”. - "But we know these two men," said Cûchulainn, "they are two warriors from Norway; in sending them, Ailill and Medb had only one goal, that was to get you killed; because it is not often that their adversary survives the fight waged against them and the desire of Ailill and Medb was that you succumb under their blows ”.

9. "Look also at this bloody wound on me, O Fingin, my master! Cethern said. Fingin also looked at this bloody wound. “But”, says the doctor, “it is the effect of alternating blows given by a son and a father”. - "Certainly it is true," replied Cethern, "I was attacked by two tall men, red as torchlight, wearing on their heads golden diadems, adorned with golden flame, enveloped in each in a royal garment; from their belts hung swords with gold handles in all-white silver scabbards; they leaned in their chariots on cushions of gold and various colors ”. - "But we know these two warriors" said Cûchulainn, "they were Ailill and his son Mane, nicknamed the one who takes them all. They obtained victory, triumph, and congratulations, because you fell under their blows ”.

Here ends the tale of the bloody wounds received by Cethern at the kidnapping of Cooley's cows.

THIRD PART.
Healing and death of Cethern.

" Well! O Fingin! O prophet-physician! "Said Cethern, son of Fintan," what prescription, what advice are you giving me today? "-" My answer to you ", replied Fingin, the prophet-doctor," is that you cannot count that your large cows will give you heifers this year: whatever you count on it, you will not enjoy. of these heifers; they will not benefit you ”. - “Your prescription and your advice,” said Cethern, “is what the other doctors have told me; they have derived neither victory nor profit from it; they fell under my blows; neither will you gain any victory or profit from it and you will fall under my blows ”. And he kicked him hard, so that Fingin fell between the two wheels of the chariot. “But,” said Cûchulainn, “this nasty blow was terrible. ”Hence the name of the place says Kick Height in Crich Ross since then until today.

However, Fingin, the prophet-physician, gave Cethern the choice between two treatments: either to stay a long time, perhaps a year, sick in bed and find a cure there, or to undergo a red cure of three days and three nights, during which he would leave all its strength to its enemies. Cethern preferred the second method; Cethern, son of Fintan, chose a red cure of three days and three nights during which he would leave his enemies all his strength, for afterwards, he said, he would find no one more capable than himself to demand indemnity and to revenge.

Then Fingin, the prophet-physician, asked Cuchulainn for a large pot of hash for treatment and healing of Cethern, son of Fintan. Cuchulainn went to the stage and the encampment of the Irish men; he brought out what he found of herds, cattle, and horned beasts; out of their flesh, their bones, and their skin he made a great pot of hash, and Cethern son of Fintan, put in that great pot of hash, stayed there three days and three nights. All around her body absorbed the mince from the pot. The mince from the pot penetrated his wounds, his tears, his joints, his multiple wounds. After three days and three nights, Cethern came out of the big pot of hash, he held a board of his chariot against his stomach, lest his intestines, his entrails, escape.

Then came from the North, came from Dun-da-Benn his wife Finda, daughter of Eochu; she brought him her sword. Cethern went to attack the Irish men. At the same moment they sent him summons. Ditholl, physician to Ailill and Medb. had arrived at home as if dead by the effect of his great fainting which had lasted a long time among the corpses of the other doctors: "Well! O men of Ireland! The doctor Ditholl had said, "Cethern, son of Fintan, will come and attack you after his treatment and healing by Fingin, the prophet-doctor; wait for it ”. So the men of Ireland had sent forth the garment of Ailill and his golden diadem and had them put around the stone pillar in Grich Ross, so that Cethern, son of Fintan, on his arrival, would turn against it. pillar his anger. Cethern, son of Fintan, saw Ailill's garment and its golden diadem around the stone pillar of Crich Ross, and not knowing about it, believed it to be Ailill himself. He darted like a gust of wind and struck the pillar of his sword, which entered it up to the hilt. “There is deception here,” said Cethern, son of Fintan, “and it was for me that you did that deception. I give my word, there will be no one in your house who wears this royal costume and puts this golden diadem on his head without my blows cutting his hands off, taking his life ”. Mane Andoe, son of Ailill and Medb, heard these words, he put on the royal costume, put on his head the golden diadem and walked on the ground occupied by the men of Ireland. Cethern, son of Fintan, quickly pursued him and threw his shield at him, the chiseled border of which cut Mane Andoe into three pieces and knocked him to the ground between the horses and the chariot ridden by the coachman. The armies of Ireland surrounded Cethern on both sides so that he fell dead among them in the bay where he was standing.

So ends the tale of Cethern's hard fight, bloody wounds (healing and death).

CHAPTER XXIII

In this chapter we see several warriors of Ulster, succeeding Cethern, come like him to help Cûchulainn unable to fight.

1. Fight of teeth by Fintan.

Fintan, son of Niall Niamglonnach of Dun da Benn, was father of Cethern, son of Fintan. He came to give reparation to the honor of the inhabitants of Ulster and to avenge his son on the troops of Ireland. One hundred and fifty warriors accompanied him. Their spears were each armed with two irons, one at the high end, the other at the low end, so that one could also strike from each end of the weapon. They fought three battles against the men of Ireland who lost warriors equal in number to the assailants, and the people of Niall, son of Fintan, also succumbed all except Crimthan, son of Fintan. Crimthan was saved thanks to the shields by which Ailill and Medb protected him. Then the men of Ireland said that Fintan, son of Niall, could without shame evacuate their place of stage and camp while leaving there his son Crimthan, son of Fintan; that then Ulster's troops would retreat north for a day and cease to make an act of war until the day of the great battle which was to be fought when the warriors of the four great provinces of Ireland arrived at Garech and Ilgarech , site of the battle of the kidnapping of the Cooley cows as predicted by the Druids of the men of Ireland. Fintan accepted this arrangement, his son was returned to him. He evacuated the Irish staging and encampment, and Ulster's troops retreated north for a day, then stopped, stopped advancing. It is said then that of his people, Fintan, son of Niall, had recovered one and that in compensation he had given a man to the warriors of Ireland; the lips and the nose of each of these two men had been put between the teeth of the other: it is a fight of teeth for us, said the warriors of Ireland, it is a fight of teeth for the people of Fintan and for Fintan himself. Hence the title of this section: Fighting teeth by Fintan.

2. Outrage that blushes Menn.

Menn, son of Salcholga was one of the Boyne River Rennas. His men were twelve in number, armed with spears on the wood of which there were two irons, an iron above, an iron below, so that at both ends each lance could wound the enemy. They attacked the troops of Ireland three times and three times killed a number of enemies equal to theirs, all twelve of them also succumbed. Menn himself was badly hurt, so that he blushed, turned scarlet red. From this resulted what the men of Ireland said: "There," they said, "an affront which blushed Menn, son of Salcholga." His people are killed, are exterminated and he himself is injured; on him is a red, scarlet tint ”. Hence for this episode the title of affront which blushes Menn; then the men of Ireland said that for Menn, son of Salcholga, there would be no shame in leaving their place of stage and camp; that Ulster's troops would retreat a day's march north, cease fighting and wounding the warriors of Ireland until Conchobar was cured of his disease for nine days or nights, until such time as the battle of Garech and Ilgarech would be fought, as the Druids, the prophets, the learned men of Ireland had predicted.

Menn, son of Salcholga, accepted this arrangement; he left the place of stage and encampment of the Irish warriors, and Ulster's troops retreated a day's march to stay and wait there until the day of the battle.

3. Shipping of the coachmen.

Then the Ulster coachmen came to attack the Irish men. They were a hundred and fifty. They fought them three battles; they killed them a number of warriors equal to their own number and they all succumbed themselves. Such was the expedition of the coachmen.

4. Reochaid White Combat.

Reochaid, son of Fathemon, one of the men of Ulster, accompanied by one hundred and fifty warriors settled on a hill in front of the men of Ireland. Findabair, daughter of Ailill and Medb, saw him do it. She went to talk to her mother Medb. “I loved that warrior, certainly a long time ago,” she said, “and he is still my beloved, my choice is made, that he asks me in marriage”. - "If you love him, my daughter", replied Medb, "go sleep with him tonight and ask him for an armistice for our troops, until the day of the great battle where the men of the four great provinces of Ireland will meet. those from Ulster to Garech and Ilgarech, to the battle of the kidnapping of the Cooley cows. Reochaid, son of Fathemon, granted this armistice and Findabair slept with him that night. A viceroy of Munster, who was in the Irish men's camp, heard of this. He said to his people, "That girl was betrothed to me, certainly a long time ago, and that's why I came on this expedition." There were seven (other) viceroys of Munster there; (Findabair had recently been promised to them and that was why they had come on the expedition); “Why don't we go,” they said, “take revenge on the insult we have been given in the person of our wife? Let us take revenge on the Mane who are on guard behind the Irish army at Imlech and Glendammair ”. This opinion prevailed among them. They arose with twenty-one thousand warriors. Against them arose Ailill with three thousand warriors, Medb with three thousand, the children of Maga with three thousand, and finally the Galians, the people of Munster and the people of Tara. An arrangement was made between these two armies, the warriors sat down next to each other, each having his weapons beside him. But before this arrangement which separated the two armies, they had fought and eight hundred very brave warriors had succumbed. Findabair, daughter of Ailill and Medb, heard that this number of warriors had perished in a battle of which she was the cause; and in her bosom her heart was broken as one breaks a walnut, she was so ashamed and humiliated; the place where she fell is called Findabair du Mont. The men of Ireland then said: “It is a white fight that Reochad, son of Fathemon fought: eight hundred very brave warriors fell in this fight because of him; but he got away without a drop of blood having reddened his skin. "

Hence the title of this episode: Reochad's white fight.

5. Projectile combat by Iliach.

Iliach was the son of Cass, his grandfather was Bacc, his great-grandfather Ross Ruad, and in the fourth degree he was descended from Rudraige. He was told that four great provinces of Ireland had invaded and laid waste Ulster and the land of the Picts from Monday, the beginning of November until the beginning of February; he deliberated with his people on a plan he had formed: "Could I," he said, "make a better plan than to go and attack the men of Ireland, to gain victory over them, and thus to avenge the honor of Ulster; it does not matter if in the end I succumbed myself”. His idea was accepted. They took for him two old, dry, exhausted nags, who were on the beach near the camp. They were harnessed to his old chariot without any cover or fur. He took with him his rugged, iron-grey shield, edged around in hard silver. To his left he put his coarse, gray sword, the blows of which produced exploits. He placed near him in his chariot his two javelins with vibrating and pointed tops. His people lined his chariot around him with stones, blocks, projectiles. In this crew he went to find the men of Ireland and on his chariot they saw him completely naked. "Certainly," they said, "it would be to our advantage if the people of Ulster all came in the same crew to attack us." Doche, son of Maga, met him and wished him good morning: “You are welcome, O Iliach,” said Doche, son of Maga. "This salutation which you address to me is loyal," replied Iliach, "but come to me when my exploits are finished, when my warrior vigor has disappeared, let it then be you who cut off my head, let this be no other man of Ireland. My sword will remain in your hands to pass on to Loegaire [Buadach, your grandson]”. He wielded his weapons against the men of Ireland as long as he could use them, then when they were out of use he threw stones, blocks, large pieces of rock at the men of Ireland , and when the projectiles failed him to reach the men [who were nearer to him], he quickly crushed these men between his forearms and the flats of his hands so that he made them a mass where flesh , bones, nerves and skin were intertwined. Two minced meat served for a long time as counterparts; they are the mince which, to cure Cethern, son of Fintan, Cuchulainn made with the bones of the cattle of Ulster and that which Iliach made with the bones of the men of Ireland. This feat of Iliach was the third massacre of countless victims during the Rapture. It is called projectile combat by Iliach. Indeed Iliach in this fight used stones, blocks, pieces of rocks. Doche, son of Maga, met him: “Isn't this man Iliach? asked Doche, son of Maga. "It is I," replied Iliach. “Come to me and cut off my head, and keep my sword near you to give to your beloved [grandson] Loegaire [Buadach]. Doche approached him and with a blow of his sword cut off his head.

Here ends the account of the combat of projectiles by Iliach.

6. High camp of Amargin in Teltown.

This Amargin was the son of Cass; his grandfather was called Bacc, his great-grandfather Ross and in the fourth degree he was descended from Rudraige. He reached the Irish troops beyond Teltown to the west and turning them beyond Teltovvn to the north. At Teltown he put his left elbow under him, and his people provided him with stones, rocks, large boulders. Then he began to throw these projectiles at the men of Ireland until the end of three days and three nights.

7. Adventures of Cûrôi, son of Dare.

It was told at Cûroi that a single warrior had arrested and detained four great provinces of Ireland, from the Monday beginning of November until the beginning of February. It pained him, he did not have the patience to wait for the arrival of his people; he left to go to fight and battle at Cuchulainn. But when he arrived where Cuchulainn was, he saw him there moaning, covered with wounds, riddled with wounds; he thought that it would be neither honorable nor beautiful to give fight and battle to Cûchulainn after the fight of Ferdéad, because once Cûchulainn died it looks like it would have been the effect of the wounds and wounds that this warrior had previously received from Ferdéad. Cûchulainn however offered him fight and battle, [but Cûrôi refused]. He set out to find the men of Ireland and as he approached them he saw Amargin with his left elbow beneath him, near and to the west of Teltown. Then from the north he reached the men of Ireland who provided him with stones, pieces of rock, boulders and he began to throw them in front in the direction of Amargine whose bellicose projectiles met above them. his in the air even in the clouds, so that each stone broke into a hundred pieces. “In the name of your valor, I beseech you,” said Medb, “stop throwing your projectiles; they are neither a help nor a help for us, they do us a bad service ”. - "I give my word", replied Cûrôi, "that I will not cease before the last judgment and eternal life as long as he himself, Amargin, will not have ceased". - "I will stop," replied Amargin, "if you promise not to come and give your help and your assistance to the men of Ireland". Cûroi accepted and left to regain his country and his people.

8. Continuation of the high camp from Amargin to Teltown.

So the men of Ireland went beyond Teltown to the west. “It was not prescribed to me,” said Amargin, “not to throw projectiles again at the troops of Ireland,” and he attacked them in the west, turning beyond Teltown to the northeast; then he began to throw projectiles at them; and he indulged in this exercise for a long time. Then the men of Ireland said that for Amargin there would be no shame in leaving their camp, on condition that their troops retreat a day's march north and stop there, stay there; he in turn would cease to make an act of war against them until the day of the great battle, when in Garech and Ilgarech four great provinces of Ireland would gather to fight the battle of the Kidnapping of the Cooley cows. Amargin agreed to this arrangement. The Irish troops retreated a day's march from the north. Here ends the episode says: High camp of Amargin in Teltown.

CHAPTER XXIV

I. LONG WARNING FROM SUALTAM

According to Greek mythology Alcmene, wife of Amphitryon, king of Tiryns, had a lover, the supreme god Zeus, and from there was born a son, the famous Heracles, whose twelve labors can be compared to the exploits of Cú Chulainn mainly in the Táin bó Cúalnge. By her husband Alcmene had another son, Iphicles. Like Alcmene, the Irishwoman Dechtire, sister of Conchobar, king of Ulster, yielded to the love of a god, the Lugus of the Gauls, the Lug of the Irish; she had a son, the famous hero and demi-god Cuchulainn. But the legend Irish woman does not speak of a child she would have had by her husband, Sualtam. The latter, buying his wife according to custom, had thereby legally acquired paternal power over the children that his wife would give birth to during the marriage. Therefore Cuchulainn had two fathers: a natural father, the god Lug, a legal father, Sualtam. In chapter XVII of the Táin we see the natural father appear; the god Lug comes to look after and heals Cú Chulainn, who has been exhausted and almost annihilated by numerous wounds; then, when in his chariot armed with scythes the hero goes to massacre a large part of the enemy army, the god his father accompanies him on this expedition. In chapter XXIV, Cuchulainn finds himself again in the same state of exhaustion as at the beginning of chapter XVII. Who helps him? It is no longer the god his natural father, it is the mortal who is legally his father, who during the hero's childhood took care of him, as the name by which this legal father is known says, Sualtam, “good feeder”. It is a question of going to ask for the intervention of King Conchobar. This role of messenger could not suit a god.

Sualtam referred to here was son of Becaltach and grandson of Moraltach; he was father of Cûchulainn said son of Sualtam. He had been told of the painful situation in which his son found himself when he delivered, in the kidnapping of the cows of Cooley, an unequal fight with Calatin the bold, accompanied by his twenty-seven sons and his grandson Glass, son of Delga. . "We are far," said Sualtam, "from the disaster that would occur if the sky shattered, the sea overflowed and the earth split, but very painful is the situation of my son in the unequal fight he fought during. Cooley's Cow Kidnapping. Sualtam thought he was telling the truth, and he went to inquire; he went there without hurrying. Once arrived at the place where Cûchulainn was, Sualtam began to moan and complain. Cûchulainn did not consider Sualtam's moans and complaints as being to his credit, as beautiful for him. Though wounded and riddled with wounds, he knew that Sualtam was unable to avenge him; for this is how Sualtam was made: without being a bad warrior, he was not a distinguished warrior, he was a gentle and good man: "Well, master Sualtam", said Cûchulainn, "go find the warriors. from Ulster to Emain Macha and tell them to go immediately to pursue those who came to plunder them, because I am no longer able to defend them any more in the valleys, in the parades of the country called Conaille de Murthemne . I am alone in front of four great provinces of Ireland from Monday beginning of November until beginning of February; I killed a man at the ford every day and a hundred warriors every night. They do not respect the commitments that have been made to me, to only deliver single battles to me; no one thinks of helping me or helping me. Arc-shaped wands placed under my coat prevent it from touching my wounds; tufts of dry grass are in my joints. From the top of my head to the soles of my feet, there is no hair on which a needle point would hold, on top of which there is not a very red bloodstain; even on my left hand, which carried my shield, there are a hundred and fifty bloodstains. If the warriors of Ulster don't come and avenge me immediately, they will not avenge me until [final] judgment and [eternal] life come. "

Sualtam rode on Masha's Gray [one of the two horses that usually harnessed Cûchulainn's chariot] and set out to warn the warriors of Ulster. When he came to Emain Macha's side, he said: "Men are slain, women are kidnapped, cows are led away, O warriors of Ulster!" He did not receive the answer he expected and consequently, coming to stand in front of Emain Macha, he repeated: "Men are killed, women are kidnapped, cows are taken away, O warriors of Ulster!" He still didn't get the answer he expected. The warriors of Ulster were forbidden to speak before their king, and the king himself to speak before his druids. Sualtam walked up to the hostage stone in the interior of Emain Macha: he repeated: "Men are killed, women are kidnapped, cows are taken away." "-" But who killed them? who took them away? who took them? »Asked Cathba the druid. - "Ailill and Medb attacked you," replied Sualtam; "Your wives, your sons, your nice children, your horses, your troops of horses, your herds, your cattle, your cattle are taken away: and Cuchulainn is alone to stop, to prevent the advance of the army of four great provinces of Ireland, in the defiles, in the valleys of the country called Conaille de Murthemne. We do not observe with regard to him the conventions which prescribed singular combats, no warrior comes to fight at his side, no one brings him aid or help. This injured young man has dislocated joints; arcuate wands attached to his coat keep his coat from touching his wounds. From the top of his head to the soles of his feet, there is no hair on which a needle point would hold, at the top of which there is not a very red drop of blood; even on his left hand which carried his shield there are a hundred and fifty stains of blood. If you do not come and avenge him immediately, you will not avenge him until [last] judgment and [eternal] life come ”. - "It is right" said Cathba the druid "to massacre, to kill, to put to death the one who insults the king in this way". - "Certainly, it is true," said all the warriors of Ulster. Sualtam left in anger, his heart full of hatred, he had not received from the warriors of Ulster the answer he expected. Masha's Gray reared up under him and went to stand in front of Emain Macha. Then Sualtam's shield turned against Sualtam himself. The edge of that shield cut off Sualtam's head. The horse entered Emain; on his back he carried the shield and on the shield was the head of Sualtam; that head repeated the same words: "Men are slain, women are kidnapped, cows are led away, O warriors of Ulster!" Said Sualtam's head. - "This cry is a little too loud," said Conchobar; "The sky is above us, the earth below us, the sea all around envelops us, but if the firmament does not come with its rain of stars on the face of the earth where we are encamped, if the earth in trembling does not break, if the Ocean with its edges fringed with blue does not come on the hairy forehead of the world, I will bring each cow back to its stable and its pen, each woman to her house and to her abode after winning the victory in combats, in battles, in war. And then came that of the people of Conchobar, who served him as courier, Findchad Ferbenduma, son of Fraechlethan. Conchobar tells him to go summon and assemble the warriors of Ulster. He made him an account of the living and those who had died by the effect of the intoxication which had produced in them the (magic) sleep and the disease of novena. Here are the words of Conchobar.

2. CONVOCATION OF THE ULSTER WARRIORS.

“Arise, O Findchad;
I send you :
We must not waste time:
Talk to the Ulster Warriors. "

There follows a list of these warriors comprising about one hundred and fifty names. There is no exact agreement between the manuscripts. -

[[Go to Derg, to Deda in his cove, to Lemain, to Follach, to Illann son of Fergus to Gabar, to Dornaill Feic to Imchlar, to Derg Imdirg, to Fedilmid son of Ilar Cetach from Cualnge to Ellonn, to Reochad son from Fathemon to Rigdonn, to Lug, to Lugaid, to Cathba in its cove, to Carfre to Ellne, to Laeg on its causeway, to Gemen in its valley, to Senoll Uathach to Diabul Ard ,. towards Cethern son of Fintan in Carrloig, towards Cethern in Eillne, towards Tarothor, towards Mulach in his fort, towards the royal poet Amargin, towards Uathach Bodba, towards Morrigan in Dûn Sobairche, towards Eit, towards Roth, towards Fiachna in his mound , towards Dam drend, towards Andiaraid, towards Manè Macbriathrach ('the Eloquent'), towards Dam Derg ('the red'), towards Mod, towards Mothus, towards Iarmothus in Corp Cliath, towards Gabarlaig in Linè, towards Eocho Semnech in Semne, towards Eochaid Laithrech in Latharne, towards Celtchar son of Uthecar in Lethglas, towards Errgè Echbel ('Bouche-de-Cheval') in Bri Errgi ('Hill of Errgè'), towards Uma son of Remarfessach ('Barbe-Thick ') to Fedain en Cualnge, to Munremur (' Cou-Epais') son of Gerrcend ('Little Head') to Moduirn, to Senlabair to Canann Gall ('des Etrangers'), to Fallomain, to Lugaid, king of the Fir Bolg, towards Lugaid de Linè, towards Buadgalach ('the Victorious Hero'), towards Abach, towards Fergna in Barrene, towards Anè, towards Aniach, towards Abra, towards Loegaire Milbel ('Mouth-of-Honey'), j until its light (?), towards the three sons of Trosgal in Bacc Draigin ('Creux-de-l'Epine'), towards Drend, towards Drenda, towards Drendus, towards Cimb, towards Cimbil, towards Cimbin in Fan na Coba ('the Slope of ...), towards Fachtna son of Sencha at his fort, towards Sencha, towards Senchainte, towards Bricriu, towards Briccirne son of Bricriu, towards Brecc, towards Buan, towards Barach, towards Oengus of Fir Bolg, towards Oengus son of Letè, towards Fergus son of Letè, towards ... (?), towards Bruachar, towards Slangè, towards Conall Cernach ('the Victorious') son of Amargin in Midluachar, towards Cuchulainn son of Sualtaim in Murthemne, towards Menn son of Salcholga to Rena ('the Waterway'), to the three sons of Fiachna, Ross, Darè and Imchad to Cualnge, to Connud macMorna to Callann, to Condra son of Amargin to his fort, to Amargin to Ess Ruaid, to Laeg to Leirè, towards Oengus Ferbenduma ('He-with-the-Horn-of-copper'), towards Ogma Grianainech ('Face-Lumineuse') in Brecc, towards Eo macFornè, towards Tollcend, towards Sudè in Mag Eol in Mag Dea, to Conla S aeb in Uarba, towards Loegaire Buadach ('the Triumphant' in Immail, towards Amargin Iarngiunnach ('Black-Hair') in Taltiu, towards Furbaide Ferbenn ('the man-with-horns-on-his-helmet') son of Conchobar in Sil en Mag Inis ('the Plain of the Island'), to Cuscraid Menn ('the Striker') of Macha son of Conchobar in Macha, to Fingin in Fingabair, to Blae 'the Hospitable 'a hundred,' to Blae 'the Hospitaller-of-six-men,' to Eogan son of Durthacht to Fernmag, to Ord to Mag Sered, to Oblan, to Obail to Culenn, to Curethar, to Liana to Ethbenna, to Fernel, towards Finnchad de Sliab Betha, towards Talgoba in Bernas ('the Gouffre'), towards Menn son of Fir Cualann in Mag Dula, towards Iroll in Blarinè, towards Tobraidè son of Ailcoth towards Ialla Ilgremma ('aux-many-Captures' ), to Ross son of Ulchrothach ('aux-Numbreuses-Apparences') to Mag Dobla, to Ailill Finn ('the Noble'), to Fethen Bec ('the Little'), to Fethan Mor ('the fat'), to Fergus son of Finnchoem ('the Charming Blond') in Burac h, towards Olchar, towards Ebadchar, towards Uathchar, towards Etatchar, towards Oengus son of Oenlam Gabè ('the Blacksmith-Penguin'), towards Ruadri in Mag Tail, towards Manè son of Crom ('the Hunchback'), towards Nindech son from Cronn, towards ... (?), towards Mal macRochraidi, towards Beothach ('the Merry'), towards Briathrach ('the Gossip') at his fort, towards Narithla in Lothor, towards the two sons of Feic, Muridach and Cotreb, to Fintan son of Niamglonnach ('with brilliant Exploits') to Dun da Benn ('the Dûn-aux-deux-Pans'), to Feradach Finn Fechtnach ('the Noble and Integral') to Nemed ('the Sanctuary') of Sliab Fuait, towards Amargin son of Ecetsalach ('the blacksmith-filthy') in Buas, towards Bunnè son of Munremar, towards Fidach son of Dorarè, towards Muirnè Menn ('the Whomper'). ]]

Findchad had no difficulty in convening and assembling Conchobar prescribed. All the warriors who were to the east of Emain, to the west of Emain, to the north of Emain arrived in the lawn of Emain following their kings, obeying the word of their leaders and there they waited for Conchobar to rise. All the warriors who were south of Emain immediately followed in the footsteps of the enemy army, following the prints left by the hooves of the horses.

In their first march that night, the Ulster warriors surrounding Conchobar reached Irard Cullenn's lawn. O men! Said Conchobar. - "We are waiting for your sons", they answered him: "we are waiting for Fiabach and Fiachna who have gone to look for Erc, son of Fedelmid with the nine forms, your daughter, and of Carpre Niafer, so that he comes now to join us with his numerous levy of soldiers, its gathering, its troop, its army. "-" I give my word, "replied Conchobar," that I will not wait for him here any longer. I do not want the men of Ireland not to hear about my getting up because of the sickly state I am in, the sufferings I am experiencing; because they don't know if I'm still alive. "

Then Conchobar and Celtchar, accompanied by three thousand warriors in chariots and armed with sharp spears, went to the ford of Irmides. There they met a hundred and sixty tall men, men of Ailill and Medb, taking as spoils one hundred and sixty women. It was their share of the booty taken from the inhabitants of Ulster; the 160 men each held a woman prisoner. Conchobar and Celtchar cut off the 160 heads of these men and delivered the 160 women. The ford, which had been called ford of Irmide until then, was from then on called ford of the Fêné, because on the edges of this ford fought the Fêné warriors from both the East and the West.

That night Conchobar and Celtchar returned to Irard Cullenn's lawn near the Ulster Warriors. Celtchar excited them to battle. Here's what he said to the Ulster Warriors that night to Irard Cullenn.

1. ……………………… ..
…………………………….
…………………………….
…………………………….

2 "Three thousand coachmen,
A hundred hard troops of horses,
Yes a hundred, around a hundred druids,
To lead us will not be lacking. "

3 "The man of the country
Around the outbursts of Conchobar
Prepare for battle.
Come together, O Fêne! "

4 "The fight will be fought
In Garech and Ilgarech
This morning in the East. "

That same night Cormac in the intelligent exile, son of Conchobar, said the following words to the men of Ireland at Slemain de Meath:

1 “Wonderful morning!
Wonderful weather!
Armies will mingle
Kings will be put to flight. "

2 Necks will be broken,
The sand will redden,
Before seven chiefs will triumph
The armies of Ulster around Conchobar. "

3 "They will fight for their wives,
They will take back their flocks,
In Garech and Ilgarech,
This morning in the East. "

That same night Dubthach the Sloth of Ulster said to the men of Ireland at Slemain de Meath the following words:

1 "Very long morning,
Meath's morning;
Very great armistice,
Cullenn's armistice! "

2 "Very big fight,
The fight of Clartha;
Very large cavalry,
Assal's cavalry. "

3 "Very great death,
The death of the people of Bresse;
Very big victory,
The victory of the Ulster warriors around Conchobar. "

4 "They will fight for their wives,
They will take back their flocks,
In Garech and Ilgarech,
This morning in the East. "

Then Dubthach was awakened in his sleep; indeed Nemain (Goddess of the war) had penetrated in the middle of the army of the men of Ireland; from their spears and swords she made a sound of arms come out which, like cries, rose in the air; the terror which this noise caused killed, in their camp, at their post, a hundred warriors. Before or after this event, the night was not calmer for the men of Ireland: a prophecy, ghosts, visions had announced to them (the coming disaster).

CHAPTER XXV
BATTALIONS MOVE FORWARD

1. Then Ailill spoke: "I have certainly been," he said, "to devastate Ulster and the land of the Picts from the beginning of winter on Monday until the beginning of spring. We have taken away their wives, their sons, their kind children, their horses, their troops of horses, their herds, their cattle, their cattle; we have brought down their mountains behind them, causing them to fall into the valleys that we have leveled. So I will not wait for them here any longer; they will come, if they please, to give battle to me in the plain of Ae. But we also say this: somebody go to the great and vast plain of Meath to see if the warriors of Ulster are coming there; and if they come there, I will not run away to the fortress (of Cruachan); to flee has never been the custom of kings. "-" Who should we send there? Each one asked, "who then, if not Mac Roth, the king of runners?" "

Mac Roth went to inspect the great and vast plain of Meath. He hadn't been there long when he heard something: hum, noise, crash, uproar; it was not a slight noise; it seemed to him that it was as if the firmament was falling on the face of the earth animated by men, as if the ocean with its edges fringed with blue was arriving on the hairy forehead of the world, as if the earth began to tremble, or as if the trees of the forests were thrown down on the twigs and on the forked branches of one another. Anyway, what was certain was that the wild animals of the forest had been driven out into the plain in such a way that they made the hairy forehead of the plain of Meath invisible. Mac Roth went to relate this to the place where Ailill, Medb, Fergus and the great lords of Ireland were. He reported to them.

" What is that ? O Fergus! Said Ailill. - "It is not difficult to understand" answered Fergus. "This hum, this commotion, this tumult which he heard," said Fergus, "this noise, this thunder, this crash, this din, is the result of, before their chariots around the warriors, heroes, men of war. 'Ulster have with their swords chopped wood; in doing so, they drove the wild animals out into the plain, behind which the hairy forehead of the plain of Meath ceased to be visible. "

Mac Roth went a second time to inspect the plain of Meath: he saw a great gray cloud which filled the gap between the sky and the earth. He seemed to see in this cloud islands on lakes in valleys. He thought he could distinguish gaping caverns at the entrance to this cloud. He thought he saw pieces of canvas all white or pure snowflakes escaping from a crack in this cloud. It seemed to him that there were either an enormous crowd of birds as strange as they were numerous, or the light of multiple stars, sparkling as in a cold and cloudless night, or the sparks of a very red fire. He heard hum, uproar, uproar, noise, thunder, crash, uproar. He went and related it to the place where Ailill, Medb, Fergus and the great lords of Ireland were. He reported to them.

" What is that ? O Fergus! Ailill asked. - "It is not difficult to understand" answered Fergus. “The great gray cloud that Mac Roth saw filling the gap between heaven and earth is the product of the breath of horses and warriors; it is also the vapor emanating from the ground, the dust of the road raised above the warriors by the breath of the wind; this is what caused this great very gray cloud in the skies and the airs.

“The islands on the lakes that Mac Roth saw, the peaks of hills and mountains above the valleys of the cloud, these are the heads of warriors and heroes above chariots, these are the chariots themselves.

“The caverns that Mac Roth saw gaping at the entrance to the cloud are the mouths and noses through which horses and heroes suck the sun and the wind during the rushing march of the crowd.

"The white pieces of canvas that Mac Roth saw, the pure snow that he saw falling, it was foam and more foam which escaped from the mouths of the strong and vigorous horses came upon the bit of the bridles during the impetuous march of the troop of the warriors.

"The enormous crowd of strange birds, numerous, that MacRoth saw there, it was the refuse which from the ground and from the surface of the ground was raised by the feet, by the hooves of the horses, and which the wind made. fly above them.

"The hum, uproar, tumult, noise, thunder, worry, din that Mac Roth heard, is the clattering of shields, spear irons, bellicose swords, helmets, breastplates, weapons of all kinds. wielded by furious warriors; it is the friction of ropes, the creaking of wheels, the shock of horses' hooves, the rolling of chariots; it is the powerful bass voice of warriors, of heroes.

"The clarity of multiple, sparkling stars that Mac Roth saw shine, as on a cold and cloudless night, the sparks that started from a very red fire, of which Mac Roth speaks, are the terrible eyes, hungry for blood. , emerging from the beautiful, elegant and finely adorned helmets of these warriors, of these heroes; these are full of anger and fury against those whom they have not hitherto fought against, over whom they have not gained victories and will not gain any until the (last) judgment and the eternal life). "

“We don't think much of them,” says Medb; "Good soldiers, good warriors came to offer us their services". "I'm not counting on that," replied Fergus; "I give my word, you will not meet in Ireland or in Great Britain an army capable of arguing with warriors of Ulster, when they entered into fury. "

So the four great provinces of Ireland took that night to stopover and encamp at Clathra. They left men on guard in front of the Ulster warriors lest the warriors come and attack them without warning, without warning.

2. It was then that Conchobar and Celtchar advanced with three thousand warriors in chariots and armed with spears. They stopped in Meath's hand behind the armies of the Irish men. But here we are wrong, they did not stop there; and in accordance with an omen they went to the camp of Ailill and Medb to redden their hands in the blood of all their adversaries. Mac Roth was not long in reaching them, and this is what he saw: a very large, extraordinary herd of horses, straight to the northeast in Slemain de Meath. He returned to where Ailill, Medb and the great lords of Ireland were. As soon as he arrived, Aillil asked him for news. " Well ! O Mac Roth, "Ailill asked," have you seen any of the Ulster warriors today in the footsteps of this army here? "" Certainly, I do not know, "replied Mac Roth; “But I saw a very large and extraordinary herd of horses straight north-east in Slemain de Meath. "-" But how many horses are there in this troop? Said Ailill. - "There is not in this troop" replied Mac Roth "less than three thousand warriors in tanks armed with spears, ten times a hundred, plus twenty times a hundred warriors in tanks armed with spears".

" Well ! O Fergus! "Asked Ailill," what do you think of the terror to us caused by the dust or the vapor which the breaths of a great army exhale, if up to this hour the number of enemies that you have announced to us is not more than that. "

"You are a little too quick to take pity on them," replied Fergus, "for these troops may be more numerous than has been said." - "Let us take advice on this maturely and briefly," replied Medb. "We know that we will be attacked by the very tall, very savage, very angry man who approaches us, by Conchobar, that is to say by the son of Fachtna Fathach, by the grandson of Ross , by the great-grandson of Rudraige, by the Supreme King of Ulster, by the son of the Supreme King of Ireland. Let the men of Ireland place before Conchobar a circle of warriors which has an opening, and when Conchobar has entered through this opening, may three thousand men close it behind him and take his troops prisoner without injuring them. There is no need for them to come in greater numbers, they will have the talent to take it. It is one of the three biggest mockeries that have been said at the kidnapping [of the divine bull and] the cows of Cooley, of making Conchobar prisoner without harming him, and of having the talent to take the three thousand warriors who accompanied him from the royal race of Ulster.

Cormac in the clever exile, son of Conchobar, heard Medb's speech and he knew that if one did not take immediate revenge, revenge could not be obtained until the [last] judgment and [eternal] life. . Then Cormac in intelligent exile, son of Conchobar, rose up with his troop of three thousand valiant warriors to fight a noble fight against Ailill and Medb. But Ailill rose with his three thousand valiant warriors; Medb arose with his three thousand warriors; the Mane arose with their three thousand warriors; the children of Maga arose with their three thousand warriors; the Galiáin, the people of Munster, those of Tara stood up and after getting along with each other sat down next to each other next to their weapons. Then Medb arranged the warriors in the form of an open circle in front of Conchobar and placed a troop of three thousand men to close this circle behind Conchobar. Conchobar entered this circle through the opening, and to get out of it he did not bother to look for a way out: he made a breach in front of him in the battle, the width of a man, then to the right a breach. as wide as a hundred men, on the left a breach as wide as a hundred men, and striking in the mass, entering it, he killed eight hundred very brave warriors, then he went away; no drop of his blood had reddened his skin and he sat down in Meath's hand in front of Ulster's army.

" Well ! O men of Ireland! "Said Ailill," have one of us go and inspect the great and vast plain of Meath to find out how the warriors of Ulster got to the heights of Slemain de Meath, to describe their weapons, their equipment. , their heroes, their warriors, capable of breaking a hundred fences, and their common people. So that we can hear his report soon, let him leave immediately. "-" Who would go there? Everyone asked. - " Who ? Replied Ailill, "if not Mac Roth, the king of runners."

Mac Roth left and went to sit in Meath's hand in front of the Ulster warriors. The warriors of Ulster made a march to these heights which, begun early in the morning at daybreak, continued until evening at sunset. Under them during this time, the earth was not bare. Each army surrounded its king, each battalion surrounded its leader; each king, each chief, each lord was accompanied by his troop, his retinue, his group, his levy of warriors. So the warriors of Ulster all arrived before sunset on the height of Slemain de Meath. Mac Roth left to reach the place where Ailill, Medb and the nobles of Ireland were, to describe to them the battalion which marched in front, the weapons, the equipment, the warriors, the heroes, capable of breaking a hundred fences, and the common people. When he arrived Ailill and Medb asked him for news. “Well, oh Mac Roth! "Said Ailill," how did the coming of the Ulster warriors come to the heights of Slemain de Meath? "

3. "Of course, I don't know," Mac Roth replied. "What I do know is that upon the heights of Slemain de Meath there came a fiery, mighty, very beautiful troop. If I looked and observed well, there were three times three thousand warriors there, who all stripped off their clothes and digging the ground made a heap of clods of earth which they placed under the seat of their leader, a slim, tall, tall, distinguished and very proud warrior who was in front of them. He is the most beautiful of chefs in the world; the fear, the terror which it inspires in its troops, the threats which it addresses to them ensure its triumph. He has a beautiful curly blonde hair, elegant, bushy, with a toupee. Her face is pleasant, purple in hue. In his head shines a gray blue eye, terrible, hungry for blood. At his chin hangs a two-pointed, blond, curly beard. A purple tunic, braided, with five folds, envelops it. In his cloak, on his chest is a gold brooch. A white shirt with a hood adorned with red gold tracery covers his white skin. He wears a white shield with round ornaments of red gold in the shape of animals. In one hand he holds a sword with a gold hilt and interlacing; in the other hand, a lance with a broad blue point. This warrior sat on the highest point of the height; each one went towards him, his troop lined up around him. "

4. "Then came another troop on the same height in Slemain de Meath," Mac Roth said. “This second troop was three thousand men. At the head of this troop was also a handsome man. On her head appeared a pretty blond hair; around his chin a brilliant curly beard. A green coat enveloped him. In this coat, on his chest, we saw a brooch of white silver. A warrior shirt of a reddish brown with red gold embroidery covered all around her white skin and reached down to her knees. His lance, adorned with bands of silver and gold braid, resembled the torch of a royal household; holding it in his hand, this warrior played strange games and tricks. From the bottom of the lance to the socket of the iron, bands of silver ran all around the shaft beside the gold braid; from the interlocking of the iron at the bottom of the spear, the gold braid ran all around the shaft beside the bands of silver. He carried with him a shield with ornate edge to strike. To his left hung an ivory-hilted sword adorned with gold thread. This warrior sat down to the left of the one who first came to the eminence. His troop sat around him. But, what are we saying? She didn't sit down right away. She knelt on the ground, the edges of the shields touching her chins, until she was set in motion against us. I noticed something else again, it is the great stammering of the great and proud warrior who is the leader of this troop ”.

5. "There came yet another troop on the same eminence," said Mac Roth, "in Slemain de Meath; it held the second rank after the preceding by the number and the clothing of the united warriors. At the head of this troop was a handsome warrior with a broad head. Her hair was divided into braids of a dark blonde. He twirled a fiery, dark blue eye in his head. A shiny, curly, forked, narrow beard circled his chin. A dark blue coat with a lining at the end enveloped him. In his coat, on his chest, was fixed a brass brooch. leaf shape. He was wearing a white hooded shirt. He wore a white shield with rounded silver ornaments in the shape of animals. [The hilt of the sword that is held in] the closed fist was of fine silver and this sword was hidden under her clothes in the scabbard of Bodb (goddess of war). In his hand he had a five-pointed spear. This warrior sat down on the pile of clods of earth where the warrior was the first to reach the height. His troop sat around him. As melodious is the prolonged sound of the harp touched by the hands of artists, so melodious the sound of the voice of this last warrior seemed to me, chatting with the warrior who was the first to reach the height and giving him all kinds of advice. "

"But who came there?" Ailill asked Fergus. "We know for sure," Fergus replied. “The first warrior, the one for whom while digging the earth we made a pile of sod on the top of the hill and near whom the others came to stand, is Conchobar, son of Fachtna Fathach, grandson of Ross Ruad, great-grandson of Rudraige; he is the supreme king of Ulster, he is the son of the supreme king of Ireland.

“The great stuttering warrior who sat to the left of Conchobar is Cuscraid the stutterer of Macha, son of Conchobar. He has around him the sons of the kings of Ulster and near him the sons of the kings of Ireland. The spear Mac Roth saw in his hand is called the "torch of Cuscraid"; it is adorned with bands of silver and gold braid. Usually the silver bands of this lance do not run around it beside the gold braid until a little time before the triumph. It is probable that this race around the lance will have shortly preceded the next triumph.

“The handsome broad-headed warrior who then sat down on the heap of sod near the warrior who arrived first on the hill is Sencha, son of Ailill and grandson of Maelchlo; he is the eloquent orator of Ulster, the one who brings peace to the armies of Ireland. But I add a word: it is not an advice of cowardice or cowardice that he gives to his master on this day of battle on which we are; what he advises them are acts of bravery, exploits, great deeds, fine deeds.

"One more word," said Fergus; “The good warriors who rose early around Conchobar today are able people to perform. "-" We do not pay much attention to them, "replied Medb; “We have good warriors, good soldiers to give them the response. "" I sure am not counting on that, "replied Fergus. "I give my word that you will never know neither in Ireland nor in Great Britain any army which can give retaliation to the warriors of Ulster when they enter in anger. "

6. "Another troop came to the same height again in Slemain de Meath," Mac Roth said. “At the head was a handsome man of very tall stature. His noble face seemed to be throwing flames. He wore very thin brown hair on his forehead. A gray coat enveloped him. There was a silver brooch in that cloak on his breast. A white, sleeved shirt over his skin. Its shield was curved with an ornate edge. In his hand he held a five-pointed spear. An ivory-hilted sword was near him in the ordinary place. "

" But who is it ? Ailill asked. "Certainly we know that," replied Fergus. “His hand is in a fighting stance, he's a warrior ready for battle; it is the annihilation of any enemy who comes to attack it. It is Eogan, son of Durthacht, it is the robust king of Farney, in the North. "

7. "Another troop came up there on the same height in Slemain de Meath," Mac Roth continued. “We can, without lying, say that they insolently occupied that height. Great is the horror, great is the terror which they have brought with them. Behind them floated their clothes. At the head of this troop advanced a heroic warrior, with a big head, greedy for blood, terrible. Her hair was light, a shiny gray. In his head, you could see big yellow eyes. A yellow coat enveloped him. A yellow gold brooch was fixed in this mantle on his chest. He was wearing a yellow braided shirt on his skin. In his hand he held a riveted spear, with a large blade and a long shank, on the edge of which appeared a drop of blood. "

" But who is it ? Ailill asked Fergus. "Certainly we know him, that warrior," replied Fergus. “Whoever has come here does not want to avoid combat, nor battlefield, nor struggle, nor warlike engagement. It is Loegaire the victorious, son of Connad the blond and grandson of Iliach of Immail in the North. "

8. "There came yet another troop on the height in Slemain of Meath." At the head of this troop was a stout warrior with a large back. He wore a thick black hair, under which appeared a crimson and scarred face. A gray eye sparkled in his head. The spear he carried in his hand had eyes and reflected shadows. He had a black shield with a hard brass rim. A brown coat of curly wool enveloped him. In this cloak, on his chest, shone a gold brooch. On his skin he wore a shirt adorned with three bands of silk. Outside, on these clothes appeared a sword with ivory hilt and ornaments of gold thread. "

" But who is it ? Ailill asked Fergus. "Of course we know," replied Fergus. “It is a warrior who puts his hand in the fight, it is the wave which came from the ocean drowns everything, it is the man with the three cries, it is a sea which passes over the walls; this is who came: Munremur, son of Gerrcend of Moduirn in the North. "

9. "Another troop also came to the same height in Slemain de Meath," Mac Roth said. At the head of this troop was a warrior with a broad head and a big body, brown, fiery, like a bull. In his head appeared a proud brown eye. On her head we saw a very curly blond hair. It carried a round shield of red color, surrounded by a hard silver border. He held in his hand a spear with a broad blade and a long shaft. A striped coat enveloped him. On his breast there was a copper brooch in this coat. A shirt with hood and belt came down to his calves. On his left thigh hung an ivory-hilted sword. "

" But who is it ? Ailill asked Fergus. "Of course we know," Fergus replied. “It is a pillar of battle, it is victory in all combats. It is the ax that slices anyone who comes before him. This is Connad, son of Morna from Calland in the North. "

10. "There also came another troop on the same height in Slemain de Meath," Mac Roth said. “Without lying, these warriors stormed this eminence with such force and impetuosity, that the troops who had arrived before them felt a shock. At their head was a gracious, amiable man, the prettiest of men in the world, as much by the features and the mine as by the forms of the body, as much by his weapons as by his equipment, as well by his corpulence as by his beautiful dignity. , as much by his physique as by his skill in the art of war and his noble attitude. "" But, "resumed Fergus," Mac Roth did not lie; his word is right. The one who came there is not a fool, looter, enemy of everyone; he has an irresistible force. He is like the wave that drowns you in a storm. This handsome man has the glow of ice. He is Fedilmid son of Cilar Cetal from Elland in the North. "

11. "Another troop came to the same height again in Slemain de Meath," Mac Roth said. “We haven't often seen such a handsome warrior as the one at the head of this troop. Her hair was thick and a red blond. He had a very pretty and very broad face. In his head his gray, juvenile, cheerful eye seemed a torch. A well-proportioned man, he was tall, neither too thin nor too fat. He had thin red lips, teeth shining like pearls, white skin. He was wearing a purple, lined coat. On his chest in that cloak, there was a gold brooch. A silk shirt fit for a king, adorned with red gold, enveloped her white skin. His shield was white with rounded red gold ornaments in the shape of animals. To his left hung a gold-hilted sword with tracery. One of his hands held a long spear, the sharp end of which was blue; in the other hand was one of the sharp javelins with bronze rivets that the warriors throw with ropes. "

" But who is it ? Ailill asked Fergus. - "It is half the battle, it is one of the two warriors who deliver the single combat, it is the savage rage of the dog of war. Here is who came: this is Reochaid, son of Fatheman of Rigdond in the North. "

12. “Another troop,” said Mac Roth, “came to the same height again in Meath's Slemain. At the head of this troop was the warrior in command, a man with big thighs, each member of which was almost as big as the body of an ordinary man; Without lying, he was a down to earth warrior (from head to toe). He had thick brown hair, a round purple face. A proud eye shone in his head. Such was this man, brilliant, swift, with cunning warriors with black eyes, armed with red spears, flaming, eager for action, capable of each delivering seven singular combats and triumphing therein, thus ending the struggle without resorting to Conchobar competition. "

" But who is it? Ailill asked Fergus. "Of course we know," replied Fergus. “He is a man as remarkable for his bravery and his knowledge of warfare as for his debauchery and his temper. He is the link between the troops and the arms, he directs the massacre of the men of Ireland from the north. This is my dear comrade Fergus, son of Leite, from Line in the North. "

13. “Another troop,” said Mac Roth, “came to the same height in Slemain de Meath. She took a different camp than the first ones. At the head of this troop was a handsome, active, agile warrior; he had on his skin a blue shirt braided with rounded ornaments and woven with excellent brass threads, with slits and the front of which could be seen buttons of red gold. He was wearing a cloak made of several pieces of material, the colors of which all seemed triumphant. There were five golden circles on the shield he wore. To his left hung a hard sword, a straight sword that this hero was to gloriously grasp. He held in his hand a lance with a straight shaft, a curved iron, and a red flame ”.

" But who is it? Ailill asked Fergus. "Certainly we know that," replied Fergus. This is the elite of royal poets. It was he who stormed the fortress; he is the path that leads to the goal. His bravery is brash. It is Amargin, son of Ecetsalach the blacksmith, it is the beautiful poet of Buas in the North. "

14. “Another troop,” said Mac Roth, “came to the same height again in Slemain de Meath. At the head of this troop was a handsome blond warrior. Everything was beautiful about him: hair, eyes, beard, eyebrows, clothes. He wore a rimmed shield. To his left hung a sword with a gold hilt adorned with interlacing. In his hand a five-pointed spear shone all over the army. " - " But who is it ? Ailill asked Fergus. "Certainly we know that," replied Fergus. “He who has come is certainly a beloved warrior among the people. He is well loved, this bear who strikes so hard, well loved this bear of great exploits who attacks enemies with overwhelming force. It is Feradach Find Fechnach who comes from Nemed on Mount Fuaid in the North. "

15. "There has come again," said Mac Roth, "another troop on the same height in Slemain de Meath." Two tender young warriors were at the head of this troop. Two green coats with lining enveloped them. Two white silver brooches were fixed in these coats on their chest. They each wore a shirt of smooth yellow silk. From their belts hung swords with white handles. In their hands were two five-pointed spears with all-white silver entourage. There is a small difference in age between them. " - " But who is it ? Ailill asked Fergus. "Of course we know," replied Fergus. "They are two exceptional champions, two men with exceptionally vigorous necks, exceptional flames, exceptional torches, two warriors, two heroes, two eminent masters of the house, two dragons, two fires, two destroyers, two iron bars, two daring, two furious, two beloved Ulster warriors who surround their king. They are Fiachaig and Fiachna, two sons of Conchobar, that is to say of the son of Fiachtna, of the grandson of Ross Ruad, of the great-grandson of Rudraige. "

16. "There has come again," said Mac Roth, "another troop on the same height. We would drown in this troop, so big it is; one can compare it to a fire of red flame, its number will require a battle; it has the strength of a rock, it will fight to destroy, it has the impetuosity of thunder. At the head of this troop was an angry, terrible, very frightening man, with a big nose, big ears, eyes as big as apples, bristly hair, shiny and gray. A striped coat enveloped him. In that cloak over his chest, an iron bar went from one shoulder to the other. His skin was a hard three-striped shirt. At his side hung a sword produced by the fusion of seven pieces of iron. Against him stood a brown shield. In his hand he held a large spear, the socket of which was pierced by thirty rivets. So there was a great noise of arms among the combatants and the troops, when we saw this warrior and his battalion arrive on the height in Slemain of Meath. " - " But who is it ? Ailill asked Fergus. "Certainly we know that," replied Fergus. “It's half the battle, it's the head of the fight, the head of the fight through bravery; it is a sea that separates two provinces, the one that came there. He is the great Celtchair, son of Uthechar of Lethglass in the North. "

17. "There has come again," said Mac Roth, "another troop on the same height, in Slemain of Meath." She is strong, full of ardor; it is awful, frightening. At the head of this troop advanced a pot-bellied warrior, with a large mouth, one-eyed, large-headed, with long hands. He wore very curly hair. A black coat floated around him. In that cloak on his chest, we saw a pewter wheel. On his garment hung a very long sword. He held a heavy spear in his right hand. His shield made a sort of gray bump on him. " - " But who is it? Ailill asked Fergus. "Certainly we know that," replied Fergus. "He's a fierce lion with a red hand, he's a fiery, terrible bear who triumphs over bravery." It is Eirge, with the mouth of a horse, who comes from Bri Errgi, in the North. "

18. "There has come again," said Mac Roth, "another troop on the same height in Slemain de Meath." At the head of this troop came a tall, eminent man. He wore very red hair. Large, very red eyes appeared in his head; those very large red eyes fit for a king were as long as the curve of a warrior's finger. A speckled coat enveloped him. He carried a gray shield, a thin blue spear. A band all red with blood surrounded him; himself in the midst of her was wounded, covered in blood. " - " But who is it ? Ailill asked Fergus. "Of course we know," replied Fergus. "He's a merciless brave, he's a high-flying eagle, he's a daring spear, an animal worthy of royalty, the runner of Colptha, the victorious brave of Bale: he's the bellowing of Berna , it is the angry bull, it is Mend son of Salchoga of Rena de la Boyne. "

19. "There has come again," said Mac Roth, "another troop on the same height in Slemain de Meath." At the head of this troop came a warrior with a long brown jaw, black hair, and long feet. A red coat of curly wool enveloped him. In that cloak, on his chest was a brooch of white silver; a linen shirt on his skin. He wore a shield red as blood and edged with gold. To his left hung a sword with a silver handle. He carried an angular lance with gold socket. " - " But who is it? »Asked. Ailill to Fergus. "Certainly we know that," replied Fergus. “He's a man of three races, a man of three paths, a man of three main roads, he's Fergna, son of Findchonn, he's the king of Burach in Ulster in the North. "

20. "There has come again," said Mac Roth, "another troop on the same height in Slemain de Meath." At the head of this troop came a tall, handsome man. He looks like Ailill. Armed with a sharp lance, he would stop the enemy by the dazzling superiority of his person, by his weapons, his equipment, his courage, his knowledge of war, his glorious exploits. He had a blue shield with a gold boss. To his left hung a sword with a gold hilt. In his hand he held a five-pointed spear adorned with gold. He wore a golden diadem. " - " But who is it ? Ailill asked Fergus. "Certainly we know that," replied Fergus. “This man thus arrived is the virile base of the victorious attack, it is he who breaks the warriors; it is Furbaide Ferbend, son of Conchobar; he came from Síl en Maglnis in the North. "

21. "There has come again," said Mac Roth, "another troop on the same height in Slemain de Meath." Its strength differs from that of the previous ones. The warriors who composed it had some red coats, others light blue coats, others dark blue coats, others green coats. They wore bright yellow shirts of brilliant beauty. In the midst of them we saw a colorful little boy wearing a purple cloak; on her breast a gold brooch was fixed in her cloak; on his white skin a silk shirt worthy of a king was adorned with interlacing of red gold. A boss of gold adorns his shield surrounded by a gold border. Under his garment hung a small sword with a gold hilt. A sharp javelin cast its shadow over him. " - " But who is it ? Ailill asked Fergus. - "Of course, I do not know," replied Fergus, "to have left behind me in Ulster such a troop, nor the little boy who is in the midst of them. However, one thing seems plausible to me; they could be Tara's men surrounding Erc, son of Fedelmid with the nine forms and of Carpre Niafer. If that's them, they're not their boss's great friends. Probably this little boy came without his father's permission to help his grandfather on this occasion. If they are they, their troop will be a sea that will drown you. The arms of this troop and of the little boy who is in the middle will triumph over you in the battle which is about to be fought. " - " What do you mean ? Ailill asked. - "It is not difficult," replied Fergus. “This little boy will know neither fear nor fear; he will strike you, he will slaughter you, until your army is brought down to the ground. One will hear the whistle of Conchobar's sword, as a war dog howls which attacks the enemy, like a lion which throws itself on a troop of bears; Cûchulainn outside the battlefield will set up around the combatants four walls of corpses of men. The leaders of the Ulster warriors, full of affection for their loved ones, will fight in such a way as to crush their enemies. Tomorrow morning in the battle one will hear immense bulls roaring vigorously at the kidnapping of the calves from their cows. "

22. "There has come again," said Mac Roth, "a troop on the same height in Slemain de Meath." It does not include less than three thousand men. They were wild warriors, very red. Among them we saw white men, clean, blue, purple; they had long, light blond hair; pretty and bright faces; clear eyes worthy of kings; dazzling coats, adorned on the arms with very beautiful gold brooches of pure color; shirts of silk as plain as skin, spears with blue tips like glass; yellow shields that could be hit hard; gold-hilted swords with tracery hung down their thighs. A grief had happened to them which made them moan very loudly. They were all sad. Their royal leaders were in pain. This brilliant army was an orphan; these warriors no longer had the accustomed leader who defended their country. " - " But who is it ? Ailill asked Fergus. "Of course we know," replied Fergus. “They are wild lions, warriors of great feats, the three thousand men of the plain of Murthemne. What sadly makes them bow their heads, banishing all mirth, is that they do not have their king to take part in their battles, contrary to custom, they do not have Cûchulainn the victorious with them. red sword, which in battles triumphs. "

“There are,” Medb continued, “good reasons for you and your countrymen to bow your heads sadly, banishing all mirth. There is no harm that we have not done you. We invaded and laid waste Ulster from Monday, the beginning of November, until the beginning of February. From the inhabitants we have taken away their wives, their sons, their kind children, their horses, their troops of horses, their herds, their cattle, their cattle. We brought down their mountains behind them, causing them to fall into the valleys that we leveled. "-" Thou hast not, O Medb, "replied Fergus," the right to brag in demeaning the warriors of Ulster, for thou hast done them no harm, thou hast inflicted no damage upon them, than the chief of these valiant warriors did not avenge on you; for from here to the east of Ireland all the tombs, all the pits, all the grave stones, all the places where the dead lie are the graves, the pits, the grave stones, the resting places of the good warriors, good fighters who succumbed to the blows of the excellent leader of that troop. Long live whoever they take for their leader! Woe to him whom they will fight! Tomorrow morning when the men of Ireland defend their lord, and they are halfway through the battle, they will have had enough. "

“I have heard,” said Mac Roth, “a great noise caused by a battle being fought in the east or in the west. " - " What is this noise ? Ailill asked Fergus. "Of course we know," replied Fergus. “It is Cûchulainn who would like to go into battle; he is tired of having stayed so long at Fertsciach (Tomb of the Thorn), held prisoner by pins, pickaxes and ropes; Ulster's warriors do not set him free because of his wounds and wounds. He is unable to fight since his fight with Ferdéad. "

Fergus was telling the truth. Cuchulainn was tired of staying so long in Fertsciach under brooches, pickaxes and ropes. Then Fethan and Collach, the two satirists, came from the stage and the encampment of the Irish men. They wanted to cause Cuchulainn to cry and cry, giving him a false account of the flight of the warriors from Ulster, the murder of Conchobar, and Fergus' death in single combat.

CHAPTER XXVI
WE DECIDE TO FIRE BATTLE

It was that night that the goddess of war, Morrigan, daughter of Ernmas, came to preach discord, to stir up against each other the two armies in their two camps. She said the following words:

Crows gnaw
men's necks.
The blood of warriors spurts out;
A savage fight is fought.
Spirits are troubled,
ribs are pierced
by warlike exploits.
Near Luibnech
there is a heroic attack.
Manly aspect
have the men of Cruachan;
on them depends
the annihilation of their enemies.
Under the feet of others
wonderful their troop: Hail to the inhabitants of Ulster!
Woe to the Ernas!
Woe to the people of Ulster!
Hello Ernas!

It was in Erna's ear that Morrigan said:

Woe to the people of Ulster!
Glory will not be lacking
to those in front of them.

Cûchulainn then addressed Lôeg, son of Riangabair. "It would be shameful for you, O Loeg my master," he said, "if you did not inform me of the two battles which will be fought today between the two armies". - "I will tell you, O Cûchulainn, all that I manage to know about it", replied Lôeg. “But look at a small herd that is now in the countryside west outside the camp. See, behind this herd, a troop of boys which maintains and guards it. Also see outside the camp in the East a troop of boys who want to seize this herd ”. - "But certainly, it is true that", replied Cûchulainn. “It's the omen of a great fight, it will be the cause of a good battle. The little herd will go to the plain and the two troops of boys will meet. When they meet, a great battle will begin ”.

Cûchulainn had told the truth. The little herd came to the plain and the two troops of boys met. "Who is fighting now, O my master Lôeg?" asked Cuchulainn. - "The people of Ulster" replied Loeg, "that is to say the young people". - "But how do they fight? Continued Cûchulainn. - "They fight manly," replied Lôeg. “In the place of the battle where the best warriors of the army of the east will be, they will breach the army of the west. Where the best warriors of the army of the West will be found, they will breach through the army of the East. "-" It is a pity, "said Cûchulainn," that I am not strong enough to put my foot in the midst of theirs; for if I were to force myself to put my foot there, today they would see my breach in the enemy's army; this breach would be less than none. ” - "Until today, O Cûchulainn", replied Lôeg, "your warlike skills have not suffered any shame; no stain has stained your honor. You have done exploits in front of the enemies, you will do more. " - " Well. Loeg, my master! Cûchulainn replied. “Now excite the warriors of Ulster to battle; the time has come for them to arrive ”.

Lôeg went to excite the warriors of Ulster in battle and this is what he said to them:

Let the kings of Emain Macha arise,
warriors of great feats!
Bodb, goddess of war, desires
the cows of Immel.
By the effect of exploits
blood appears on hearts,
on the fronts of the fugitives!
gets up
concern for combat;
Because we did not find
similar to Cûchulainn,
Dog that strikes at Macha's desire
early,
when because of Cooley's cows
they will get up.
Let the kings of Emain Macha arise,
warriors of great feats!

CHAPTER XXVII
BATTLE OF GARECH [AND ILGARECH]

1. The warriors of Ulster and Conchobar against the army of Ailill and Medb.

It was then that the warriors of Ulster all rose up at the same time, following their king, at the call of their leaders, after the preparations provoked by the speech of Lôeg, son of Riangabair. This is how they did it: they stood up naked, except that they had their weapons in their hands; those whose tent had a door to the east, however, came out on the west side to avoid the waste of time they would have made by circling around their tent. “How, Loeg, my master,” Cuchulainn asked, “how did the warriors of Ulster rise up to go into battle? - "They did it manly," Lôeg replied. “Everyone got up completely naked. All those who had their tent door in the east left their tent on the west side to avoid the waste of time they would have made by circling around their tent. "-" I give my word, "replied Cuchulainn," that the hour was favorable when, on the morning of that day, the warriors of Ulster arose around Conchobar. "

Then Conchobar spoke to Sencha, son of Ailill “Well! O Sencha, my master! He said, "hold back the warriors of Ulster, do not let them go into battle until some auspicious omen and auspicious omen give them more strength, before the sun rises over the vaults of the sky and fill with its light the valleys and the lowlands, the heights and the vantage points of Ireland. Indeed the warriors of Ulster remained where they were until an omen and a favorable omen gave them more strength, until the sun rose in the vaults of the sky and filled with its light the valleys and the lowlands, the heights and the vantage points of Ireland.

" Well! Sencha, O my master! Said Conchobar, "excite the warriors of Ulster to battle, for the time has come for them to go." Sencha excited the warriors of Ulster to battle.

Here are his words:

May they all arise: kings of Ulster
and their dedicated people!
May they crush the sharp weapons of the enemy!
Let them fight!
How furious they pierce,
they break shields!
Will be tired of bowing
and to howl the flocks still;
they will have to be retained.
The rest will be fierce:
we will fight:
warriors will fall under the feet of others;
princes and chiefs will prepare the struggle.
Ah! What a number!
The fight will be manly;
they will approach
and will be beaten today.
They will drink a painful drink of blood,
pain will fill the hearts of queens.
Ah! How many complaints for the dead!
because the grass will be bloody
that they will trample underfoot,
when because of Cooley's cows
they will get up.
May they all arise: kings of Ulster
and their dedicated people!
May they crush the sharp weapons of the enemy!
Let them fight!

Loeg had not been there long, when he saw something: the warriors of Ireland were all rising at the same time, taking their shields, their javelins, their swords, their helmets and leading their troops forward into battle. Then the men of Ireland began to strike, to beat the enemy, to tear him, to tear him to pieces, to slaughter him, and to annihilate him for a long interval, a considerable time. And while in front of the sun there was a luminous cloud, Cûchulainn addressed a question to Lôeg, son of Riangabair: “Lôeg, O my master! He said, "how is the battle going now?" - "It is manly that we fight," Lôeg replied. "If I got into my chariot and if En, coachman of Conall Cernach, got in his and if we went from one wing of the armies to another on the points of the arms, neither the hooves of the horses, nor the wheels, neither the crates nor the axles of the chariots would touch the ground because of the thickness of this accumulation of weapons, and the force, the vigor with which at this moment these weapons are held in the hands of the warriors. " - "It is a pity", continued Cûchulainn, "that I am not strong enough to mingle with them because if I were by force, they would see my breach in the enemy army; this breach, "he added," would be as good as any other. "-" You will fight elsewhere, O little Cûchulainn! Lôeg replied. “What is happening today leaves your valor intact, do not stain your honor. You have done well so far, you will do the same later. "

Then the men of Ireland began to strike and beat the enemy, to tear them apart, to tear them to pieces, to slaughter and annihilate them for a long interval, a considerable time.

At the same time the nine warriors of Norwegian origin arrived, all fighting in tanks, and the three infantrymen of the same race; the nine warriors in tanks were not going faster than the three infantry. At the same time joined them the bodyguards of the king and the queen. Their aim in the fight was to kill Conchobar because his death was to be the salvation of Ailill and Medb, since it was them that Conchobar wanted to strike. Here are the names of these bodyguards ...

Thirty-four names follow.

[[The three Conarè of Sliab Mis, the three Lussen of Luachair, the three Niadchorb of Tilach Loiscthe, the three Doelfer of Deill, the three Damaltach of Dergderc, the three Buder of Buas, the three Baeth of Buagnige, the three Buageltach of Mag Breg, the three Suibnè of Siuir, the three Eochaid of Anè, the three Malleth of Loch Erne, the three Abatruad of Loch Ri, the three macAmra of Ess Ruaid, the three Fiacha of Fid Nemain, the three Manè of Muresc, the three three Muredach from Mairg, the three Loegaire from Lecc Derg, the three Broduinde from Berba, the three Bruchnech from Cenn Abrat, the three Descertach from Druim Fornacht, the three Finns from Finnabair, the three Conall from Collamair, the three Carbre from Cliu, the three Manè de Mossa, the three Scathglan de Scairè, the three Echtach de Ercè, the three Trenfer de Taitè, the three Fintan de Femen, the three Rotanach de Rognè, the three Sarchorach de Suidè Lagen, the three Etarscel de Etarbane, the three three Aed de Aidnè, the three Guarè de Gabal.]]

Then Medb said to Fergus, "It would be glorious for you to employ your warlike vigor for us today." You were exiled from your land, driven out of your inheritance, and with us you found refuge, homeland, inheritance; we have done you a lot of good. "

"If today I had my sword," replied Fergus, "surely I would cut men's necks on men's necks, men's arms on men's arms, men's skulls on men's skulls and heads. men on the [ear-like ornaments [which are the adornment] of the shields; this funereal debris would be as numerous as the pieces of ice broken in winter between two fields by a race of the king's horses. All members of the Ulster warriors, both east and west, would be sliced by me today, if I had my sword. "

So Ailill addressing his coachman, that is to say, Ferloga: "Give it to me, O boy!" "He said," the sword which in battles destroys the skin. I give my word that if thanks to you it has retained its good appearance today, the good condition it was in the day I took it on the slope of Cruachan Ai, all the warriors of Ireland and Great Britain In vain would they all come together to protect you today against me, they would not overcome it. Ferloga went to get the sword and brought it; the good conservation, the beauty, the brilliance of this sword was for him a triumph. He put this sword in Ailill's hand, who put it in Fergus' hand. And the latter welcomed the weapon: "Hello," he said, "O Caladbolg (= Harsh rapier), O sword of Lete!" I've had enough of singular fights. Who will I play my sword on today? "-" On the armies which surround you everywhere, "replied Medb. "You won't be complacent or considerate of any of their warriors unless you pose as their true friend." "

So Fergus took up his arms and went into battle. Ailill took up his weapons and went into battle. Medb took up his arms and went into battle. The three of them fought the battle successfully, advancing north until the machine called a heap of javelins and swords threw them back. Conchobar from his place in the battle heard three warriors advancing victoriously north. Then he said to the people of his house, that is to say to the circle of the Red Bough: “Hold on, O men! where I am, while I will go and find out who are the warriors who three times have come forward victorious against us in the North. »-« We will hold on », replied the people of his house. “The sky is upon us, the earth beneath us, the sea around us on all sides. If the firmament does not fall with the rain of its stars on the faces of the men who inhabit the earth, if the ocean furrowed with blue waves does not come on the hairy foreheads of the living, if the earth does not split, we will not will not go back an inch to the Last Judgment and Eternal Life, or until you come and find us. "

Conchobar advanced to the place from which he had heard the sound of a triple victorious combat in the North and he placed against Fergus son of Roeg his shield adorned with beautiful ears, four golden ears, and adorned also four borders of red gold.

Then Fergus gave that shield with beautiful ears three strong blows, such as Bodb goddess of war might have given them, so that Conchobar's shield roared.

When Conchobar's shield roared, all of Ulster's warriors' shields roared too. As much as Fergus struck Conchobar's shield vigorously and violently, so much bravery and heroism Conchobar displayed in the way he held his shield; the edges of the shield did not touch Conchobar's ear.

“Alas! O warriors! Said Fergus, "Who holds a shield against me today, on this day of battle where four mighty provinces of Ireland together attack the enemy at Garech and Ilgarech, in the battle of the kidnapping of the Cooley cows?" "-" But ", they replied," he is a boy younger and more vigorous than you, a son of a better mother, a better father than yours, a man who chased you from your country, from your country. homeland, from your heritage, a man who sent you to live where deer, hares and foxes reside, a man who did not leave you in your country the smallest breadth of the earth, a man who reduced to living on the liberalities of a woman, a man who to the detriment of your honor has done you the affront to kill the three sons of Usnech, a man who will reject you today in the presence of the men of Ireland: it is Conchobar, son of Fachtna Fathach, grandson of Ross Ruad and great-grandson of Rudraige, supreme king of Ulster; he is himself the son of the Supreme King of Ireland. "

“Sure, I got it,” Fergus replied. And seizing his sword with both hands, he threw it back so that the point hit the ground. Then he thought to give the warriors of Ulster the three terrible blows with which Bodb the goddess of war strikes her opponents, so that among these warriors the dead outnumber the living.

Cormac in intelligent exile, Conchobar's son, having seen Fergus, approached him, took him in his arms. “Your project, Fergus, my master! ", He said," would not deserve a reward. He is hostile and unfriendly, Fergus, O my master! He is cruel, Fergus, O my master! May the warriors of Ulster not be killed, not be overwhelmed by your terrible blows, but think of their honor in the battle which is being waged today ”. - "Get away from me, oh my son!" Fergus replied. "For if I remain alive, I will give the warriors of Ulster today the three terrible blows with which Bodb the goddess of war strikes her opponents, so that among these warriors the dead will outnumber the living. "-" Turn your hand obliquely, "continued Cormac from the intelligent exile," and cut the hills which dominate the army; it will calm your anger. "Tell Conchobar," replied Fergus, "tell him to take back his place on the battlefield." And Conchobar returned to that place.

This is how the sword we just spoke of, Fergus' sword was made. Fergus' sword was Lete's sword; she came from the land of the gods. The moment Fergus wanted to strike it, it grew as tall as the rainbow in the air. Then Fergus turned his hand sideways above the armies; he cut off the three heads of the three neighboring hills and made them fall into the swamp opposite. These hills are today the three Balds of Meath (Maela Mide).

2. Adventures of Cûchulainn.

Cuchulainn heard Fergus strike Conchobar's shield. " Well ! He said, "Loeg, O my master!" Who dares to strike thus on the shield with the beautiful ears of Conchobar my master? And I am still alive! Lôeg replied: "Whoever strikes this shield is the choice of men, it is Fergus, son of Róeg; a very brave warrior, who sheds a lot of blood, a brilliant man, this is Fergus, son of Róeg. The sword of the chariot of the palace of the gods had been hidden [; she came out of her hiding place]. The horses of Conchobar my master have gone into battle. "

"Loosen up quickly, my boy," Cuchulainn replied, "the arcuate wands that keep my clothes away from my wounds." Then Cûchulainn, wanting to leave, made a violent movement: the rods in the form of an arc fell to Mag Tuaga in Connaught. The ropes which surrounded Cûchulainn were thrown as far as Bacca en Corcommad. The tufts of dry grass tucked into his wounds soared up to the sky, going farther than the larks on a fine, windless day. His bloody wounds vigorously reopened and the blood rushing out of them filled the ditches and furrows of the earth. The first feat he did after standing up was against Fethan and Colla, two satirist women who shed unnecessary tears and uttered unnecessary complaints. He threw the head of one against the head of the other so that those heads were red with blood and gray from the brains that came out. He did not leave them their weapons, he abandoned their chariot. He climbed into his and came forward to find the men of Ireland and passing his chariot over the corpses arrived at where Fergus, son of Róeg was.

“Turn around and come here, Fergus, my master! He said. Fergus didn't answer; he hadn't heard. Cuchulainn continued: “Come here, Fergus, my master! or if you do not come, I will crush you like a mill of the good grain, I will wash you as one washing a headdress in water; I will embrace you like a bindweed embraces the trees; I will rush on you like the hawk does on little birds. "-" Certainly, "said Fergus," those words have reached my ears. Who then dares to address me such a violent speech that it would be worthy of Bodb goddess of war, address it to me at Garech and Ilgarech where four powerful provinces of Ireland come to fight in the battle fought because of the kidnapping? Cooley's cows? ” - "This is your pupil here", replied Cûchulainn; “He is the pupil of the warriors of Ulster and Conchobar, he is Cûchulainn, son of Sualtam; you promised to flee before me when I was covered with bloody wounds, pierced with wounds at the battle of the Rapture; you promised it to me in compensation for what, attacked by you, I fled during the Rapture. "

When he heard these words, Fergus turning round took three great warlike steps; as soon as he had thus turned around, the men of Ireland followed suit and hastily gained the height to the west. The fight was fought at the Connaught border. Cuchulainn had come there in the middle of the day. As the sun set, it triumphed over the last remnant of Connaught's army on the height to the west. Of the chariots brought in by the warriors from the four great provinces of Ireland, there remained neither a wheel, nor an axle, nor a box which had not been broken by the blows given by the hands of Cuchulainn.

So Medb, taking a shield for shelter, moved behind his army. She sent Cooley's brown bull to Cruachan surrounded by fifty heifers and eight grooms. Whether or not anything happened, she didn't care, as long as the bull arrived at Cruachan as she had announced. Then Medb's urine flowed bloody, and she said, “Support, O Fergus, the shield that shelters me behind the warriors of Ireland; I want to urinate at my ease. "-" In conscience, "replied Fergus," the moment for urinating is ill-chosen; the thing is not about. "-" Anyway, "replied Medb," I cannot do otherwise; I will cease to live if I do not let my urine flow. Fergus went to support the shield that sheltered Medb behind the warriors of Ireland. Medb let out his urine, which filled three large ditches; there was enough to turn a millstone in each of these three ditches. The place is still called today: Urine de Medb (Fual Medba).

While she was urinating, Cûchulainn approached her; but he did not hurt her; he wouldn't have hurt her from behind. “I ask you for a favor today, O Cuchulainn,” said Medb. - "What favor do you want? Cûchulainn asked. - "That in the name of your honor", replied Medb, "you take under your protection my army until it arrives at the great ford of the West. "-" I promise, "replied Cûchulainn. He went to one side of the Irish men and put a protective shield there. Ailill and Medb's bodyguards went to the other side. Medb took his usual place in the shelter of a shield behind the army, which with Cûchulainn, the bodyguards and Medb reached the great ford to the west. Then Cuchulainn seized his sword and in front of the three bald mountains of Meath, he struck with it the three bald mountains of Ath Luain of which he cut off the three heads [which he made fall in the neighboring valley].

Fergus then began to look at the army which was winning the great ford to the west. “There you go,” he said, “a good day for this army going behind a woman. "-" Today ", replied Medb," are coming to the goal of people who have had great troubles to bear. This army here today has been stolen, stripped. Like a troop of mares who, followed by their foals, would go to an unknown country, without a merchant, without a capable leader to lead them, such is this army today. "

CHAPTER XXVIII
BATTLE OF THE BULLS

1. Adventures of Medb.

The Irish warriors gathered by Medb were led by her to Cruachan where they saw bullfighting.

2. Adventures of Cooley's Brown Bull.

When he saw this pretty country that he did not know, Brun de Cooley thought it was a sign of happiness; he let out three loud bellowings. Ae's Beau-Cornu (Findbennach) heard him; no beast in the country dared to roar as high as the Beau-Cornu between the four fords of Ae, the ford Moga, the ford Coltna, the ford Slissen and the ford Bercha. He raised his head in fury and walked over to Cruachan to look for Brun de Cooley.

The men of Ireland wondered who would witness the bullfighting one-on-one. All agreed that it would be Bricriu, son of Carbad. The year before Cooley's cow kidnapping, Bricriu from Ulster had gone to Connaught to ask Fergus for a job. Fergus had kept it in his home at his own expense. But it happened that one day at the game of chess an argument arose between them, and Bricriu cursed Fergus. Fergus punched Bricriu, his subordinate. It was on the head that he struck him; he broke a bone in her head. During the long period of time that the Irish men were on the kidnapping expedition, Bricriu was receiving treatment in Cruachan. The day they returned from the expedition, he stood up. He did not take sides with his friends any more than with his enemies. They carried him to the edge of a chasm beyond which were the bulls.

Each of the two bulls, seeing his comrade, got in a rage and began to scratch the ground, throwing the earth on him, on his shoulders and his palerons; in their heads their eyes reddened like strong balls of fire; their cheeks and nostrils swelled like forge bellows; each of them gave a terrible and noisy blow to his comrade, seeking to pierce and puncture his body, to strike him down, to kill him.

In his journey, his adventurous and wandering course, the enraged Beau-Cornu reached the Brun de Cooley and struck him with his horn in the side. Then continuing their rapid course, they came to where Bricriu was; they crushed it, and the horns of their feet sank into the ground to the depth of a cubit; it was thus that Bricriu died a violent death.

Cormac in intelligent exile, son of Conchobar, witnessed the wound made to Brun de Cooley by Beau-Cornu, and seizing a spear whose shaft filled his hand, he gave Brun de Cooley three blows of the l ear to tail. “In this bull,” he said, “we cannot recognize a lasting treasure, for it would not even be able to defend itself against a calf of its kind. Le Brun de Cooley heard and understood these words, for he had the intelligence of a man, and he turned against the Beau-Cornu. There was a fight between them that lasted a long, long time, until night fell on the men of Ireland. And when night fell, the men of Ireland never ceased to hear the din and din of the two bulls which that night roamed the whole of Ireland.

CHAPTER XXIX
END OF THE STORY OF COOLEY BROWN

Early the next morning the men of Ireland soon saw beyond Cruachan to the west the Brun de Cooley holding the Beau-Cornu at the end of his horns, like a shapeless mass. The men of Ireland rose [to look]; because they did not know which of the two bulls was there. “Well, oh men! Said Fergus, "if it's the Beau-Cornu who is there, leave him alone; if it's the Brun de Cooley, leave him his trophy. I give my word that what was done because of the bulls is little compared to what is going to be done now. "

Le Brun de Cooley stepped forward, having Cruachan to his right. He left a bunch of his ears there; hence the name Cruachan Ae. Then gaining the edge of the main ford, he left the Beau-Cornu's hip there, hence the name of the hip ford, Ath Luain. Then heading east, in the country of Meath, he reached Ath Troim, that is to say the Ford of the liver, where he left the liver of Beau-Cornu.

After that, raising his head violently to shake what was left of the Beau-Cornu, he scattered the debris over Ireland. He threw the thigh at Port Large; he threw the coasts of it in Dublin, from where the Irish name of this city Ath Cliath, Ford of the hurdle. Then turning his face to the north, he wanted to reconnect with the land of Cooley, and went to visit it. There were gathered women, children, little people who deplored the misfortune of Brun de Cooley. They saw Brun de Cooley's forehead approach them. “Bull front, come to us,” they said. Hence for this place the name of Front de taureau (Taul Tairb). So the Brown of Cooley turned his fury against the women, the children, the little people of the land of Cooley and he made a great massacre of them. Then, going from his back to strike the next hill, he broke his heart in his chest, like one breaks a hazelnut. This is how the account of his adventures and the story of the kidnapping ends.

Blessed is anyone who faithfully remembers this Rapture text and does not change it.