n, but Fergus?" replied Medb. "[8]Come now, O Fergus,"
said Medb; "take upon thee to fulfil and make good those terms to him."[8]
"Nevermore!" said Fergus. "Why not?" asked Ailill. [9]"I fear ye will
not make true and fulfil them for [W.1792.] me." "They will truly be
fulfilled," said Medb.[9] (Then said Fergus:) "Bonds and covenants, pledges
and bail shall be given for abiding by those terms and for their fulfilment
towards Cuchulain." "I abide by it," said Medb, and she fast bound Fergus
to them in like manner.

[8-8] H. 2. 17

[9-9] H. 2. 17.

* * * * *

[Page 115]

X

[1]THE VIOLENT DEATH OF ETARCUMUL[1]

[W.1798.] Fergus' horses were brought and his chariot was hitched [2]and
Fergus set forth on that errand.[2] And two horses were brought for
Etarcumul son of Fid and of Lethrinn, a soft youth of the people of Medb
and of Ailill. [3]Now Etarcumul followed Fergus.[3] "Whither goest thou?"
Fergus demanded. "We go with thee," Etarcumul made answer. [4]"And why
goest thou with me?" asked Fergus.[4] "To behold the form and appearance of
Cuchulain, and to gaze upon him, [5]for he is unknown to me."[5] "Wilt thou
do my bidding," said Fergus, "thou wilt in no wise go thither." "Why shall
I not, pray?" [6]"I would not have thee go," said Fergus; "and it is not
out of hatred of thee, only I should be loath to have combat between thee
and Cuchulain.[6] Thy light-heartedness, [7]thy haughtiness and thy
pride[7] and thine overweeningness (I know), but (I also know) the
fierceness and valour and hostility, the [8]violence and vehemence[8] of
the youth against whom thou goest, [9]even Cuchulain.[9] And methinks ye
will have contention before ye part. [10]No good will come from your
meeting."[10] "Art thou not able to come between us [11]to protect me?"[11]
[W.1806.] "I am, to be sure," Fergus answered, "provided thou thyself seek
not the combat[1] and treat not what he says with contempt."[1] "I will not
seek it," [2]said Etarcumul,[2] "till the very day of doom!"

[1-1] LU. fo. 68a, in the margin.

[2-2] LU. and YBL. 1145.

[3-3] LU. and YBL. 1145.

[4-4] H. 2. 17.

[5-5] H. 2. 17.

[6-6] LU. and YBL. 1147-1149.

[7-7] LU. and YBL. 1149.

[8-8] Stowe.

[9-9] LU. and YBL. 1150.

[10-10] LU. and YBL. 1150.

[11-11] H. 2. 17.

[1-1] LU. and YBL. 1152.

[2-2] Stowe and H. 2. 17.

Then they went their ways