1160.

"Holla! Welcome the coming of this guest to us!" cried Cuchulain. "We know
the man; it is my master Fergus that cometh hither. [7]Empty is the great
paddle that my master Fergus carries," said Cuchulain; "for there is no
sword in its sheath but a sword of wood. For I have heard," Cuchulain
continued, "that Ailill got a chance at him and Medb as they lay, and he
took away Fergus' sword from him and gave it to his charioteer to take care
of, and the sword of wood was put into its sheath."[7]

[7-7] LU. and YBL. 1160-1165.

"Yet another single chariot-fighter I see coming towards us. With fulness
of skill and beauty and splendour his horses speed." [8]"A young, tender
gilla in armour is in the chariot.[8]" "One of the youths of the men of
Erin is he, O my master Laeg," responded Cuchulain. "To scan my appearance
and form is that man come, for I am renowned amongst them in the midst of
their camp, [9]and they know me not at all."[9]

[8-8] H. 2. 17.

[9-9] H. 2. 17.

Fergus came up [10]to where Cuchulain was[10] and he sprang from the
chariot, and Cuchulain bade him [11]a hearty[11] welcome. [12]"Welcome to
thine arrival and thy coming, O my master Fergus!" cried Cuchulain; "and a
night's [W.1831.] lodging shalt thou have here this night."[12] [1]"Thy
hospitality and eke thy welcome[1] I take for true," Fergus responded.
"Verily, it is truly meant for thee," said Cuchulain; "for comes there a
brace of birds into the plain, thou shalt have a wild goose with half the
other. If fish rise to the river-mouths, [2]to the stones or waterfalls,[2]
thou shalt have a salmon with as much again. Thou shalt have a handful of
watercress and a handful of sea-grass and a handful of laver [3]and a drink
from the sand[3] [4]afterwards.[4] If thou hast a fight or combat [5]with
warrior before thee,[5] I myself will go in thy stead to the ford. [6]I
will bear the fight that thou mayest return safe to the camp and the fort
of the men of Erin on the morrow,[6] [7]and thou shalt lie on a litter of
fresh rushes till heavy sleep and slumber come on thee,[7] [8]and I will
watch and guard thee as long as thou sleepest."[8] "Well, then, [9]mayest
thou have victory and blessing, O fosterling," said Fergus.[9] "We know of
what sort is thy hospitality on this occasion, on the Cow-spoil of Cualnge.
[10]But, not to claim that are we come,[10] [11]a night's hospitality of
thee, but to fulfil and make good the terms thou askest.[11