Ferdiad observed those feats, and he knew they would be plied against him in turn.  “To what weapons shall we resort [1]to-day[1], O Ferdiad?” asked Cuchulain.  “With thee is thy choice of weapons till night time,” Ferdiad responded.  “Let us go to the ‘Feat of the Ford,’ then,” said Cuchulain.  “Aye, let us do so,” answered Ferdiad.  Albeit Ferdiad spoke that, he deemed it the most grievous thing whereto he could go, for he knew that in that sort Cuchulain used to destroy every hero and every battle-soldier who fought with him in the ‘Feat of the Ford.’

    [1-1] Stowe.

Great indeed was the deed that was done on the ford that day.  The two heroes, the two champions, the two chariot-fighters of the west of Europe, the two bright torches of valour of the Gael, the two hands of dispensing favour and of giving rewards [2]and jewels and treasures[2] in the west of the northern world, [LL.fo.86b.] [3]the two veterans[3] of skill and the two keys of bravery of the Gael, [4]the man for quelling the variance and discord of Connacht, the man for guarding the cattle and herds of Ulster[4], to be brought together in encounter as from afar, [5]set to slay each other or to kill one of them[5], through the sowing of dissension and the incitement of Ailill and Medb.

    [2-2] Stowe.

    [3-3] Reading with Stowe.

    [4-4] Eg. 106.

    [5-5] Stowe and Eg. 106.

Each of them was busy hurling at the other in those deeds of arms from early morning’s gloaming till the middle of noon.  When mid-day came, the rage of the men became wild, and each drew nearer to the other.

Thereupon Cuchulain gave one spring once from the bank of the ford till he stood upon the boss of Ferdiad macDaman’s shield, seeking to reach his head and to strike [W.3779.] it from above over the rim of the shield.  Straightway Ferdiad gave the shield a blow with his left elbow, so that Cuchulain went from him like a bird onto the brink of the ford.  Again Cuchulain sprang from the brink of the ford, so that he alighted upon the boss of Ferdiad macDaman’s shield, that he might reach his head and strike it over the rim of the shield from above.  Ferdiad gave the shield a thrust with his left knee, so that Cuchulain went from him like an infant onto the bank of the ford.

Laeg espied that.  “Woe then, [1]O Cuchulain!"[1] cried Laeg; [2]"meseems[2] the battle-warrior that is against thee hath shaken thee as a fond woman shakes her child.  He hath washed thee as a cup is washed in a tub.  He hath ground thee as a mill grinds soft malt.  He hath pierced thee as a tool bores through an oak.  He hath bound thee as the bindweed binds the trees.  He hath pounced on thee as a hawk pounces on little birds, so that no more hast thou right or title or claim to valour or skill in arms till the very day of doom and of life, thou little imp of an elf-man!” cried Laeg.

    [1-1] Stowe.