nks that more
fitting. Now fight with me fairly," said Nathcrantail. "Thou shalt have thy
wish, if only we know it," Cuchulain made answer. "I will make a cast at
thee," said Nathcrantail, "and thou shalt not avoid it." "I will not avoid
it except on high," said Cuchulain. Nathcrantail makes a cast at him.
Cuchulain springs on high before it. "'Tis ill of thee to avoid the cast,"
cried Nathcrantail. "Avoid then my cast on high!" quoth Cuchulain.
Cuchulain lets the spear fly at him and it went on high, so that from above
it alighted on Nathcrantail's crown and through him it went to the
ground. "Alas," said he, "the best warrior in Erin art thou," spake
Nathcrantail. "Four and twenty sons have I in the camp. I will go and tell
them what hidden treasure I have and then return for thee to behead me, for
I shall die if the spear be taken out of my head." "It is well," quoth
Cuchulain; "thou shalt come back." Then Nathcrantail returns to the
camp. They all come to meet him. "Where is the madman's head with thee?"
[1]every one asks.[1] "Wait, ye warriors, till I tell my tale to my sons
and return to do battle with Cuchulain."[2]

[3-3] Stowe.

[4-4] Egerton 93 begins here.

[5-5] LU. and YBL. 1276.

[6-6] LU. and YBL. 1277.

[7-7] LU. and YBL. 1277-1278.

[8-8] LU. and YBL. 1279.

[1-1] Stowe.

[2-2] LU. and YBL. 1281-1305.

[1-1] LU. 1303.

[W.1992.] Soon came Nathcrantail [3]to seek Cuchulain[3] and he made a wide
sweep with his sword at Cuchulain. [4]Cuchulain leaps on high,[4] so that
the sword encountered the pillar of stone that was between Cuchulain and
his cloak, and the sword broke [5]atwain[5] on the pillar-stone. [6]Then
Cuchulain became filled with rage, as he had been with the boys in Emain,
and[6] he sprang from the ground and alighted on the top of the boss of
Nathcrantail's shield and dealt him a side stroke over the upper edge of
the shield, so that he struck off his head from his trunk. He raised his
hand quickly again and gave him another blow on the top of the trunk so
that he cleft him in twain down to the ground. [7]His four severed parts
fell to the ground.[7] Thus fell Nathcrantail slain by Cuchulain. Whereupon
Cuchulain spoke [8]the verse:--[8]

"Now that Nathcrantail has fallen,
[9]There will be increase of strife![9]
Would that Medb had battle [10]now,[10]
And the third part of the host!"

[3-3] LU. and YBL. 1305.

[4-4