hast thou brought with thee?” “Thou shalt be recompensed for whatsoever was destroyed of Ulster which shall be paid thee as best the men of Erin adjudge.  Entertainment shalt thou enjoy in Cruachan; wine and mead shall be poured out for thee and thou shalt enter the service of Ailill and Medb, for that is more seemly for thee than to be in the service of the lordling with whom thou art.”  “Nay, of a truth,” answered Cuchulain, “I would not sell my mother’s brother[a] for any other king!” “Further,” [8]continued Fiachu,[8] “that [W.1627.] thou comest to-morrow to a tryst with Medb and Fergus in Glenn Fochaine.

    [3-3] H. 2. 17.

    [4-4] H. 2. 17.

    [5-5] H. 2. 17.

    [6-6] H. 2. 17.

    [7-7] Stowe.

    [a] That is, Conchobar.

    [8-8] Stowe.

[1]Therewith Fiachu left behind a wish for long life and health with Cuchulain.[1]

    [1-1] Stowe.

Accordingly, early on the morrow, Cuchulain set forth for Glenn Fochaine.  Likewise Medb and Fergus went to meet him.  And Medb looked narrowly at Cuchulain, and her spirit chafed her at him that day, for no bigger than the bulk of a stripling did he seem to her.  “Is that yonder the renowned Cuchulain thou speakest of, O Fergus?” asked Medb, [2]"of whom it is said amongst ye Ulstermen that there is not in Erin a warrior for whom he is not a match and mighty combat?” “Not in Erin alone, did we say,” Fergus made answer; “but there is not in the world a warrior for whom he is not a match and mighty combat."[2] And Medb began to address Fergus and she made this lay:—­

Medb:  “If that be the noble Hound,
Of whom ye of Ulster boast,
What man e’er stout foe hath faced,
Will fend him from Erin’s men!”

Fergus:  “Howe’er young the Hound thou seest,
That Murthemne’s Plain doth course,
That man hath not stood on earth
Whom he’d crush not with his might!”

Medb:  “We will bring this warrior terms;
If he slight them, he is mad: 
Half his cows, his women, half. 
He shall change his way of fight!”

Fergus:  “My wish, that yell not o’ercome
This Hound from proud Murthemne! 
Deeds he fears not—­fierce and bright—­
This I know, if it be he!”

[2-2] H. 2. 17.

“Accost Cuchulain, O Fergus,” said Medb.  “Nay, then,” quoth Fergus, “but do thou accost him thyself, for ye are not asunder here in the valley, in Glenn Fochaine.” [W.1653.] And Medb began to address Cuchulain and she made a lay, [1]to which he responded:[1]

Medb:  “Culann’s Hound, whom quatrains praise,[a]
Keep thy staff-sling far from us;
Thy fierce, famed fight hath us ruined,
Hath us broken and confused!”

Cuchulain:  “Medb of Mur, he, Maga’s son,
No base arrant wight am I.
While I live I’ll never cease
Cualnge’s raid to harass sore!”

Medb:  “If thou wilt take this from us,
Valiant chief, thou Cualnge’s Hound;
Half thy cows, thy women, half,
Thou shalt have [2]through fear of thee!"[2]