Erin for one of
them to contend and do battle with Cuchulain on the morrow. And every one
of them spake thus: "It shall not be I! it shall not be I!" [2]cried each
from his place.[2] "No victim is owing from my people, [3]and even if one
were it would not be myself whom ye would send as a victim in his stead.[3]
[4]I will not be the man to go in his place to fight with Cuchulain till
the very day of doom and of life!"[4]

[1-1] LU. fo. 82b, in the margin.

[2-2] LU. and YBL. 2141.

[3-3] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17., LU. and YBL. 2142-2143.

[4-4] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.

Thereupon Medb summoned Fergus to [5]go forth and[5] contend and fight with
Cuchulain, [6]to drive him off from them on the ford[6] [7]at the early
morning-hour[7] [8]on the morrow,[8] for that the men of Erin had failed
her [9]to go and do battle with him.[9] "Ill would it befit me," quoth
Fergus, "to fight with a callow young lad without any beard, and mine own
disciple, [10]the fosterling of Ulster,[10] [11]the foster-child that sat
on Conchobar's knee, the lad from Craeb Ruad ('Red Branch')."[11] Howbeit
Medb [W.2861.] murmured sore that Fergus foreswore her combat and battle.
[1]They filled him with wine till he was heavily drunken and then they
questioned him about going to the combat.[1] They bode the night in that
place. Early on the morrow Fergus arose, [2]since they importuned him
urgently,[2] [3]and his horses were got ready for him and his chariot
harnessed[3] and he fared forth to the place of combat where Cuchulain was.

[5-5] Stowe and H. 2. 17.

[6-6] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.

[7-7] Eg. 93.

[8-8] H. 2. 17 and Eg. 93.

[9-9] Stowe.

[10-10] H. 2. 17.

[11-11] Eg. 93.

[1-1] LU. and YBL. 2145-2146.

[2-2] LU. and YBL. 2147.

[3-3] Eg. 93.

[4]When now[4] Cuchulain saw him coming nigh, [5]this is what he said:[5]
[6]"Welcome thine arrival and thy coming, O my master Fergus," spoke
Cuchulain. "Truly given we esteem thy greeting," Fergus answered. "It is
truly given for thee, O Fergus" said Cuchulain; "and thou shalt have a
night's lodging here this night." "Success and a blessing attend thee, O
fosterling; not for hospitality from thee am I come, but to fight and do
battle with thee."[6] "A vain surety [LL.fo.80a.] is the one wherewith my
master Fergus comes to me; for no sword is in the sheath of the great staff
he bears." It was true what he said. A year before this tale,[a]