in's size--
He is but a shade to-day!

"Three things countless on the Tain
Which have fallen by my hand:
Hosts of cattle, men and steeds,
I have slaughtered on all sides!

"Though the hosts were e'er so great,
That came out of Cruachan wild,
More than third and less than half,
Slew I in my direful sport!

"Never trod in battle's ring;
Banba[b] nursed not on her breast;
Never sprang from sea or land,
King's son that had larger fame!"

[a] That is, Ferdiad.

[b] An old name for Ireland.

Thus far [1]the Combat of Ferdiad with Cuchulain[1] and the Tragical Death
of Ferdiad.

[1-1] Stowe and Eg. 209.

* * * * *

[Page 268]

XXI

[1]CUCHULAIN AND THE RIVERS[1]

[2]Now while the hosts proceeded from Ath Firdead ('Ferdiad's Ford')
southwards, Cuchulain lay in his sickbed in that place.[2] [LL.fo.89a.]
Then came certain men of the Ulstermen thither to help and succour
Cuchulain. [W.4205.] [3]Before all,[3] Senoll Uathach and the two sons of
Gege: Muridach and Cotreb, to wit. And they bore him to the streams and
rivers of Conalle Murthemni, to rub and to wash his stabs and his cuts, his
sores and his many wounds in the face of these streams and rivers. For the
Tuatha De Danann ('the Tribes divine of Danu') were wont to put herbs and
plants of healing and a curing charm in the waters and rivers of the
territory of Conalle Murthemni, to help and to succour Cuchulain, so that
the streams were speckled and green-topped therewith.

[1-1] This sub-title is supplied by Windisch.

[2-2] YBL. 40a, 1-2.

[3-3] YBL. 40a, 3.

Accordingly these are the names of the healing rivers of Cuchulain:--

Sas, Buan, [4]Buas,[4] Bithslan, Findglas ('Whitewater'), Gleoir,
Glenamain, Bedg, Tadg, Telameit, Rind, Bir, Brenide, Dichaem, Muach,
Miliuc, Cumung, Cuilind, Gainemain, Drong, Delt, Dubglas ('Blackwater').

[4-4] Stowe.

[5]Then was the grave of Ferdiad dug by the men of Erin and his funeral
games were held.[5]

[5-5] Stowe.

* * * * *

[Page 269]

XXII

[1]CETHERN'S STRAIT-FIGHT[1]

[2]While now Cuchulain went to bathe in the waters, the hosts went by to
the south till they pitched camp at Imorach Smiromrach ('Edge of the
Marrow-bath').[2] [W.4238.] Then said the men of Erin to macRoth the
chief runner, to go watch and keep guard for them at Sliab