s, Conchobar's son,
was beside him; Ith macEtgaith next to that; Fiachu macFiraba, [5]the son
of Conchobar's daughter,[5] at its side; [6]Conall Cernach at its side,[6]
Gobnenn macLurnig at the side of that. The place of Ailill's tent was on
the right on the march, and thirty hundred men of Ulster beside him. And
the thirty hundred men of Ulster on his right hand had he to the end that
the whispered talk and conversation and the choice supplies of food and of
drink might be the nearer to them.

[1-1] Eg. 1782.

[2-2] Stowe.

[3-3] Translating from Stowe.

[4-4] LU. 156-157.

[5-5] LU. 160.

[6-6] Eg. 1782.

Medb of Cruachan, [7]daughter of Eocho Fedlech,[7] moreover, was at
Ailill's left. Finnabair ('Fairbrow'), [8]daughter of Ailill and Medb,[8]
at her side, [9]besides servants and henchmen.[9] Next, Flidais Foltchain
('of the Lovely Hair'), wife first of Ailill Finn ('the Fair'). She took
part in the Cow-spoil of Cualnge after she had slept with Fergus; and she
it was that every seventh night brought sustenance [W.404.] in milk to the
men of Erin on the march, for king and queen and prince and poet and pupil.

[7-7] LU. 160.

[8-8] LU. 161.

[9-9] Eg. 1782.

Medb remained in the rear of the host that day in quest of tidings and
augury [LL.fo.57a.] and knowledge. [1]She called to her charioteer to get
ready her nine chariots for her,[1] [2]to make a circuit of the camp[2]
that she might learn who was loath and who eager to take part in the
hosting. [3]With nine chariots[a] she was wont to travel, that the dust of
the great host might not soil her.[3] Medb suffered not her chariot to be
let down nor her horses unyoked until she had made a circuit of the camp.

[1-1] LU. 153.

[2-2] Eg. 1782.

[3-3] Gloss in LU. fo. 56b, 3.

[a] Following the emendation suggested by L. Chr. Stern, _Zeitschrift
fuer Celtische Philologie, Band_ II, S. 417, LU. has 'nine charioteers.'

Then, [4]when she had reviewed the host,[4] were Medb's horses unyoked and
her chariots let down, and she took her place beside Ailill macMata. And
Ailill asked tidings of Medb: who was eager and who was loath for the
warfare. "Futile for all is the emprise but for one troop only, [5]namely
the division of the Galian ('of Leinster'),"[5] quoth Medb. [6]"Why blamest
thou these men?" queried Ailill. "It is not that we blame them," Medb made
answer.[6] "What good service then have thes