that no evil result would be on him thereafter,[6] except that he would be fleeting and short-lived. [7]To the south of Emain I heard him, and then I came to thee."[7] “That I avow to be true,” spake Cathba. [8]"Good indeed is the day,[8] glorious and renowned shalt thou be, [9]the one that taketh arms,[9] yet passing and short lived!” “Noble the gift!” cried Cuchulain. [10]"Little it recks me,[10] though I should be but one day and one night in the world, if only the fame of me and of my deeds live after me!”

    [1-1] Reading with Stowe, LU. and YBL. 563.

    [2-2] LU. and YBL. 566.

    [3-3] Stowe.

    [4-4] LU. and YBL. 567.

    [5-5] LU. and YBL. 567.

    [6-6] Stowe.

    [7-7] LU. and YBL. 568.

    [8-8] LU. and YBL. 569.

    [9-9] LU. and YBL. 570.

    [10-10] Stowe.

“[11] Another day one of them asked of the druids for what that day would be propitious.  “The one that mounts a chariot to-day,” Cathba answered, “his name will be renowned over Erin for ever.”  Now Cuchulain heard that.  He went to Conchobar and said to him, “O Conchobar my master, give me a chariot!” He gave him a chariot.[11] [W.1113.] “Come, lad, mount the chariot, for this is the next thing for thee.”

    [11-11] LU. and YBL. 573-577.

“He mounted the chariot. [1]He put his hands between the two poles of the chariot,[1] and the first chariot he mounted withal he shook and tossed about him till he reduced it to splinters and fragments.  He mounted the second chariot, so that he made small pieces and fragments of it in like manner.  Further he made pieces of the third chariot.  There where were the seventeen[a] chariots which Conchobar kept for the boy-troop and youths in Emain, the lad made small pieces and fragments of them and they did not withstand him.  “These chariots here are not good, O my master Conchobar,” said the little boy; “my merit cometh not from them.”  “Where is Ibar[b] son of Riangabair?” asked Conchobar.  “Here, in sooth, am I,” Ibar answered.  “Take with thee mine own two steeds for him yonder, and yoke my chariot.”  Thereupon the charioteer took the horses and yoked the chariot.  Then the little boy mounted the chariot [2]and Conchobar’s charioteer with him.[2] He shook the chariot about him, and it withstood him, and he broke it not.  “Truly this chariot is good,” cried the lad, “and this chariot is suited to me.” [3]The charioteer turned the chariot under him.[3] “Prithee, little boy,” said Ibar, [4]"come out[c] of the chariot now[4] and let the horses out on their pasture.”  “It is yet too soon, O Ibar,” the lad answered. [5]"The horses are fair.  I, too, am fair, their little lad.[5] [6]Only[6] let us go on a circuit of Emain to-day [7]and thou shalt have a reward therefor,[7] to-day being my first day of [W.1132.] taking arms, to the end that it be a victory of cunning for me.”

    [1-1] LU. and YBL. 578.