tting,[5] loud
voice [6]of a warrior.[6] Quoth Medb. "Truly, methought that great was the
heat and the wrath of this young hound [7]on leaving us awhile since[7] at
the beginning of the day as he went from the camp. [8]It is no fortune for
a tender youth that falls on thee now.[8] We had thought that the honour
under which he went, even the honour of Fergus, was not the honour of a
dastard!" "What hath crazed the virago and wench?" cried Fergus. "Good
lack, [W.1935.] is it fitting for the mongrel to seek the Hound of battle
whom [1]the warriors and champions[1] of four of the five grand provinces
of Erin dare not approach nor withstand? What, I myself was glad to escape
whole from him!"

[a] A law maxim. Since Etarcumul had broken his promise not to fight,
Fergus deems himself absolved from the spirit of his engagement to
bring back Etarcumul but fulfils the letter of it.

[5-5] H. 2. 17.

[6-6] Stowe.

[7-7] H. 2. 17.

[8-8] H. 2. 17.

[1-1] H. 2. 17.

[2]Etarcumul's grave was then dug and his tombstone erected; his name was
written in ogam and they raised the keen over him. Cuchulain shot not from
his sling at them that night[2] [3]and the women and maidens were brought
over to him and half the cattle, and they brought provision to him by
day.[3] In this manner fell Etarcumul and such was the combat of Etarcumul
with Cuchulain.

[2-2] LU. and YBL. 1230-1232.

[3-3] LU. fo. 69, between the columns.

* * * * *

[Page 126]

XI

[1]THE SLAYING OF NATHCRANTAIL[1]

[2]Then the men of Erin held counsel who would be fit to fight and contend
with Cuchulain and drive him off from the men of Erin.[2] [3]"What man have
ye to face Cuchulain to-morrow?" asked Lugaid. "They will give him to thee
to-morrow," answered Mane son of Ailill. "We find no one to meet him,"
quoth Medb; "let us have a truce with him then till a man be found to
oppose him." This they obtain. "Whither will ye turn," asked Ailill,
"to find the man to oppose Cuchulain?" "There is not in Erin," Medb
answered, "one that could be got to meet him unless Curoi macDare come, or
Nathcrantail the warrior." A man of Curoi's people was in the tent. "Curoi
will not come," said he; "he weens enough of his people have come!" "Let a
message be sent then for Nathcrantail."[3] [W.1941.] Then arose a huge
warrior of Medb's people, Nathcrantail by name. [4]Mane Andoe ('the
Unslow')