] As for this
compact which thou hast asked of the men of Erin, single-handed combat with
one man, thou shalt have it. It is for that I am come, to bind thee
thereto, and do thou take it upon thee." "I pledge myself truly," said
Cuchulain, [13]provided fair play and single-handed combat be granted to
me.[13] "And, O, my master Fergus, [14]do thou take upon thee the pact,"
said Cuchulain. "I bind myself to it," replied Fergus.[14] [W.1841.] And no
longer than that did he remain in parley, lest the men of Erin should say
they were betrayed or deserted by Fergus for his disciple. Fergus' two
horses were brought and his chariot was harnessed and he went back.

[10-10] Stowe.

[11-11] H. 2. 17.

[12-12] H. 2. 17.

[1-1] H. 2. 17, and, similarly, Stowe.

[2-2] H. 2. 17.

[3-3] LU. and YBL. 1170 and H. 2. 17.

[4-4] H. 2. 17.

[5-5] H. 2. 17.

[6-6] H. 2. 17.

[7-7] H. 2. 17.

[8-8] Reading with Stowe.

[9-9] H. 2. 17.

[10-10 Stowe.

[11-11] H. 2. 17.

[13-13] H. 2. 17.

[14-14] H. 2. 17.

Etarcumul tarried behind gazing for a long time at Cuchulain. "At what
starest thou, gilla?" asked Cuchulain. "I look at thee," said Etarcumul.
"In truth then, thou hast not far to look," said Cuchulain. [1]"There is
no need of straining thine eye for that; not far from thee within sight,
thine eye seeth what is not smaller than I nor bigger.[1] If thou but
knewest how angered is the little creature thou regardest, myself, to wit!
And how then do I appear unto thee gazing upon me?" "Thou pleasest me as
thou art; a comely, [2]shapely,[2] wonderful, beautiful youth thou art,
with brilliant, striking, various feats. Yet as for rating thee where
goodly warriors are or forward youths or heroes of bravery or sledges of
destruction, we count thee not nor consider thee at all. [3]I know not
why thou shouldst be feared by any one. I behold nothing of terror or
fearfulness or of the overpowering of a host in thee. So, a comely youth
with arms of wood and with showy feats is all thou art!"[3] [4]"Though thou
revilest me,"[4] said Cuchulain, "it is a surety for thee that thou camest
from the camp under the protection of Fergus, [5]as thou well knowest.[5]
For the rest, I swear by my gods whom I worship, were it not for the honour
of Fergus, it would be only bits of thy bones and shreds of thy limbs,
[6]thy reins drawn and thy quarters scattered[6] that would be bro