eeds in taking the birds alive, [1]while
they are many that take them dead."[1] Then did the lad perform one of his
lesser feats upon them: [2]he put a small stone in his sling,[2] so that he
brought down eight[a] of the birds; and then he performed a greater feat:
[3]he threw a large stone at them[3] and he brought down sixteen[b] of
their number. [4]With his return stroke all that was done.[4] He fastened
them to the hind poles and the bows and the thongs and the ropes and the
traces of the chariot.

[5-5] LU. and YBL. 692.

[1-1] Stowe.

[2-2] Stowe.

[a] 'Seven,' LU. and YBL. 695.

[3-3] Stowe.

[b] 'Twelve,' LU. and YBL. 696.

[4-4] LU. and YBL. 696-697.

"Take the birds along with thee, O Ibar," cried the lad [5]to his
charioteer. If I myself go to take them," he added, "the wild deer will
spring upon thee."[5] "I am in sore straits," answered Ibar; "[6]I find it
not easy to go."[6] "What may it be?" asked the lad. "Great cause have
I. [7]The horses have become wild, so that I cannot go by them.[7] If I
stir at all from where I am, the chariot's iron wheels will cut me down
[8]because of their sharpness[8] and because of the strength and the power
and the might of the career of the horses. If I make any move, the horns of
the deer will pierce and gore me, [9]for the horns of the stag have filled
the whole space between the two shafts of the chariot."[9] "Ah, no true
champion art thou any longer, O Ibar," [10]said the lad;[10] [11]"step thus
from his horn.[11] [12]I swear by the god by whom the Ulstermen swear,[12]
because of the look I shall give at the horses they will not depart from
the straight way; at the look I shall give at the deer they will bend their
heads in fear and awe of me; [13]they will not dare move,[13] and [W.1346.]
it will be safe for thee e'en though thou goest in front of their horns."
[1]And so it was done. Cuchulain fastened the reins.[1] [2]Then[2] [3]the
charioteer[3] [4]went and collected the birds, and he bound them to the
hind poles and to the thongs and the traces of the chariot.[4] [5]Thus it
was that he proceeded to Emain Macha: the wild deer behind his chariot, and
the flock of swans flying over the same, and the three heads of the sons of
Necht Scene [6]and the jewels, treasures and wealth of their enemies
arranged[6] in his chariot.[5]

[5-5] LU. and YBL. 698-699.

[6-6] LU. and YBL. 699.

[7-7] LU. and YBL. 700.

[8-8]