rior's heat and the warmth
of Cuchulain's body. And the gilla [1]remained a good distance from him for
he[1] could not endure to remain near him because of the might of his rage
and the warrior's fury and the heat of his body. "A single warrior
approacheth, O Cuchulain," cried Laeg [2]to Cuchulain.[2] "What manner of
warrior is he?" asked Cuchulain. "A brown, broad-faced, handsome fellow;
[3]a yellow head of hair and a linen ornament round it[3]; a splendid,
brown, [4]hooded[4] cloak, [5]with red ornamentation,[5] about him; a fine,
bronze pin in his cloak; a leathern three-striped doublet next his skin;
two gapped shoes between his two feet and the ground; a white-hazel
dog-staff in one of his hands; a single-edged sword with ornaments of
walrus-tooth on its hilt in the other. "Good, O gilla," quoth Cuchulain,
"these be the tokens of a herald. One of the heralds of Erin is he to
bring me message and offer of parley."

[7-7] Stowe.

[1-1] H. 2. 17.

[2-2] LU. and YBL. 1112.

[3-3] LU. and YBL. 1112.

[4-4] LU. and YBL. 1113.

[5-5] LU. and YBL. 1114.

Now was macRoth arrived at the place where Laeg was, "[6]How now[6]! What
is thy title as vassal, O gilla? "macRoth asked. "Vassal am I to the youth
up yonder," the gilla made answer. MacRoth came to the place where
Cuchulain was. [7]Cuchulain was sitting in the snow there up to his two
hips with nothing about him ... his mantle.[7] "[8]How now[8]! What is thy
name as vassal, O warrior?" asked macRoth. "Vassal am I to Conchobar son
of Fachtna Fathach, [9]son of the High King of this province."[9] "Hast not
something, [10]a name[10] more special than that?" "Tis enough for the
nonce," answered Cuchulain. "Haply, thou knowest where I might find that
famous Cuchulain of whom the men [W.1729.] of Erin clamour now on this
foray?" "What wouldst thou say to him that thou wouldst not to me?" asked
Cuchulain. "To parley with him am I come on the part of Ailill and Medb,
with terms and friendly intercourse for him." "What terms hast thou brought
with thee for him?" "The milch-kine and the bondwomen of the booty he shall
have, and for him to hold back his staff-sling from the hosts, for not
pleasant is the thunder-feat he works every evening upon them." "Even
though the one thou seekest were really at hand, he would not accept the
proposals thou askest." "[1]How so, then," said macRoth[1]; "for the
Ulstermen, as amends for their honour and in repri