so
long as a man was got to ward off Cuchulain from them on the ford.[3]

[1-1] Stowe.

[2-2] LU. and YBL. 1359.

[3-3] LU. and YBL. 1360-1361.

* * * * *

[Page 137]

XIIb

[1]HERE IS NARRATED THE SLAYING OF REDG THE LAMPOONIST[1]

[W.2061.] When the men of Erin had come together in one place, both Medb
and Ailill and the force that was bringing the bull to the camp and
enclosure, they all declared Cuchulain would be no more valiant than
another [2]of the men of Erin[2] were it not for the wonderful little trick
he possessed, the spearlet of Cuchulain. Accordingly the men of Erin
despatched from them Redg, Medb's[a] jester, to demand the light javelin
[3]of Cuchulain.[3]

[1-1] LU. page 70b, in the margin.

[2-2] Eg. 93.

[a] 'Ailill's,' LU. and YBL. 1332 and Eg. 1782.

[3-3] Stowe.

So Redg [4]came forward to where Cuchulain was and[4] asked for the little
javelin, but Cuchulain did not give him the little javelin [5]at once[5];
he did not deem it good and proper to yield it. [6]"Give me thy spear,"
said the jester. "Nay then, I will not," answered Cuchulain; "but I will
give thee treasure." "I will not take it," said the jester. Then he wounded
the jester because he would not accept from him what he had offered him.[6]
Redg declared he would deprive Cuchulain of his honour [7]unless he got the
little javelin.[7] Thereupon Cuchulain hurled the javelin at him, so that
it struck him in the nape of the neck[b] and fell out through his mouth on
the ground. And the only words Redg uttered were these, "This precious gift
is readily [W.2072.] ours," and his soul separated from his body at the
ford. Therefrom that ford is ever since called Ath Solom Shet ('Ford of
the Ready Treasure'). And the copper of the javelin was thrown into the
river. Hence is Uman-Sruth ('Copperstream') ever after.

[4-4] Eg. 93.

[5-5] Eg. 93.

[6-6] LU. and YBL. 1333-1336.

[7-7] LU. and YBL. 1337.

[b] More literally, 'in the pit of his occiput.'

[1]"Let us ask for a sword-truce from Cuchulain," says Ailill. "Let Lugaid
go to him," one and all answer. Then Lugaid goes to parley with him. "How
now do I stand with the host?" Cuchulain asks. "Disgraceful indeed is the
thing thou hast demanded of them," Lugaid answers, "even this, that thou
shouldst have thy women and maidens and half of thy kine. But more grievous
than all do they hold it