2. 17.

[1-1] LU. and YBL. 1103-1105.

[2-2] H. 2. 17.

Accordingly this was the greatest word of scorn and insult spoken on the
Cow-Raid of Cualnge, to make a lordling of the best king of a province in
Erin, even of Conchobar.

Then came Fiachu son of Ferfebe to converse with Cuchulain. Cuchulain bade
him welcome. "[3]Welcome thy coming and thine arrival, O Fiachu," said
Cuchulain.[3] "I regard that welcome as truly meant," [4]said Fiachu.[4]
"It is truly meant for thee" [5]replied Cuchulain[5]; "[6]and thou shalt
have a night of hospitality this night." "Victory and a blessing attend
thee, O fosterling," replied Fiachu. "Not for hospitality am I come, but[6]
to parley with thee am I come from Medb, [7]and to bring thee terms."[7]
"What hast thou brought with thee?" "Thou shalt be recompensed for
whatsoever was destroyed of Ulster which shall be paid thee as best the men
of Erin adjudge. Entertainment shalt thou enjoy in Cruachan; wine and mead
shall be poured out for thee and thou shalt enter the service of Ailill and
Medb, for that is more seemly for thee than to be in the service of the
lordling with whom thou art." "Nay, of a truth," answered Cuchulain, "I
would not sell my mother's brother[a] for any other king!" "Further,"
[8]continued Fiachu,[8] "that [W.1627.] thou comest to-morrow to a tryst
with Medb and Fergus in Glenn Fochaine.

[3-3] H. 2. 17.

[4-4] H. 2. 17.

[5-5] H. 2. 17.

[6-6] H. 2. 17.

[7-7] Stowe.

[a] That is, Conchobar.

[8-8] Stowe.

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

[1-1] Stowe.

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

Medb: "If that be the noble Hound,
Of whom ye of Ulster boast,
What man e'er stout foe hath faced,