e dun, I know, even
at the dun of the macNechta."

[1-1] LU. and YBL. 620.

[2-2] LU. and YBL. 623.

[3-3] LU. and YBL. 623.

[4-4] LU. and YBL. 624.

[5-5] LU. 623, marginal note.

[6-6] LU. 623, gloss.

[7-7] LU. and YBL. 627.

[8-8] LU. and YBL. 628.

"They push on to the dun [1]and they unharness their horses in the place
where the bog and the river meet south [W.1227.] of the dun of the
macNechta.[1] And the little boy sprang out of the chariot onto the
green. Thus was the green of the dun, with a pillar-stone upon it and an
iron band around that, and a band for prowess it was, and there was a
writing in ogam at its joint, and this is the writing it bore: 'Whoever
should come to the green, if he be a champion, it is geis for him to depart
from the green without giving challenge to single combat.[1] The lad
deciphered the writing and put his two arms around the pillar-stone. Just
as the pillar-stone was with its ring, he flung it [2]with a cast of his
hand[2] into the moat, so that a wave passed over it. "Methinks," spake
Ibar, "it is no better now than to be where it was. And we know thou shalt
now get on this green the thing thou desirest, even the token of death,
yea, of doom and destruction!" [3]For it was the violation of a geis of
the sons of Necht Scene to do that thing.[3] "Good, O Ibar, spread the
chariot-coverings and its skins for me that I may [LL.fo.66b.] snatch a
little sleep." "Woe is me, that thou sayest so," answered the gilla; "for a
foeman's land is this and not a green for diversion." [4]And Cuchulain said
to the gilla, "Do not awaken me for a few but awaken me for many."[4] The
gilla arranged the chariot-coverings and its skins [5]under Cuchulain, and
the lad fell asleep on the green.[5]

[1-1] LU. and YBL. 629.

[2-2] LU. and YBL. 630.

[3-3] LU. and YBL. 631.

[4-4] LU. and YBL. 634-635.

[5-5] Stowe.

"Then came one of the macNechta on to the fair-green, to wit, Foill son of
Necht. [6]Then was the charioteer sore afraid, for he durst not waken him,
for Cuchulain had told him at first not to waken him for a few.[6] "Unyoke
not the horses, gilla," cried Foill. "I am not fain to, at all," answered
Ibar; "the reins and the lines are still in my hand." "Whose horses are
those, then?" Foill asked. [W.1246.] "Two of Conchobar's horses," answered
the gilla; "the two of the dappled heads." "That is the knowledge I have of
them.