point of the last dart. It was then, [1]when Nathcrantail
threw the ninth dart,[1] that the flock of birds [2]which Cuchulain
pursued[2] on the plain [3]flew away from Cuchulain.[3] Cuchulain chased
them even as any bird [4]of the air.[4] [5]He hopped on the points of the
darts like a bird from each dart to the next, pursuing the birds[5] that
they might not escape him but that they might leave behind a portion of
food for the night. For this is what sustained and served Cuchulain, fish
and fowl and game on the Cualnge Cow-spoil. Something more remains to be
told: Nathcrantail deemed full surely that Cuchulain went from him in rout
of defeat and flight. And he went his way till he came to the door of the
tent of Ailill and Medb and he lifted up his loud voice [6]of a warrior[6]:
"That famous Cuchulain that ye so talk of ran and fled in defeat [7]before
me when he came to me[7] in the morning." "We knew," spake Medb, "it would
be even so when able warriors and goodly youths met him, that this
beardless imp would not hold out; for when a mighty warrior, [8]Nathcrantail
to wit,[8] came upon him, he withstood him not but before him he ran away!"

[4-4] LU. and YBL. 1253.

[5-5] LU. and YBL. 1255.

[b] Here follow lines 1945-1946, edition of Windisch, which are
unintelligible and have been omitted in the translation.

[6-6] H. 2. 17.

[7-7] H. 2. 17.

[8-8] H. 2. 17.

[9-9] LU. and YBL. 1256-1257.

[1-1] LU. and YBL. 1258.

[2-2] Stowe.

[3-3] LU. and YBL. 1258.

[4-4] Stowe.

[5-5] LU. and YBL. 1259-1260.

[6-6] Stowe.

[7-7] Stowe.

[8-8] Stowe.

And Fergus heard that, and Fergus [9]and the Ulstermen[9] were sore angered
that any one should boast that Cuchulain had fled. And Fergus addressed
himself to Fiachu, Feraba's son, that he should go to rebuke Cuchulain.
"And tell [LL.fo.73a.] him it is an honour for him to oppose the hosts for
as long or as short a space as he does deeds of valour upon them, but that
it were fitter for him to hide himself than to fly before any one of their
warriors, [10]forasmuch as the dishonour would be not greater for him than
for the rest of Ulster."[10]

[9-9] LU. 1264.

[10-10] LU. and YBL. 1268.

[W.1969.] Thereupon Fiachu went to address Cuchulain. Cuchulain bade him
welcome. "I trow that welcome to be truly meant, but it is for counsel with
thee I am come from thy fosterer Fergus. And he has