[a] ‘Twelve,’ LU. and YBL. 579.

    [b] The name of Conchobar’s charioteer.

    [2-2] LU. and YBL. 580-581 and Eg. 1782.

    [3-3] LU. and YBL. 581.

    [c] Following the emendation suggested by Strachan and O’Keeffe, page
    23, note 21.

    [4-4] LU. and YBL. 582.

    [5-5] LU. and YBL. 583.

    [6-6] LU. and YBL. 584.

    [7-7] LU. and YBL. 585.

“Thrice they made the circuit of Emain.  “Leave the horses now to their grazing, O little boy,” said Ibar.  “It is yet too soon, O Ibar,” the little lad answered; “let us keep on, that the boys may give me a blessing to-day the first day of my taking arms.”  They kept their course to the place where the boys were.  “Is it arms he yonder has taken?” each one asked.  “Of a truth, are they.”  “May it be for victory, for first wounding and triumph.  But we deem it too soon for thee to take arms, because thou departest from us at the game-feats.”  “By no means will I leave ye, but for luck I took arms this day.”  “Now, little boy, leave the horses to their grazing,” said Ibar.  “It is still too soon for that, O Ibar,” the lad answered. [1]"Ply the goad on the horses,” said he.  “What way, then?” the charioteer asked.  “As far as the road shall lead,” answered Cuchulain.[1] “And this great road winding by us, what way leads it?” the lad asked.  “What is that to thee?” Ibar answered.  “But thou art a pleasant wight, I trow, little lad,” quoth Ibar.  “I wish, fellow, to inquire about the high-road of the province, what stretch it goes?” “To Ath na Foraire (’the Ford of Watching’) in Sliab Fuait it goes,” Ibar answered.  “Wherefore is it called ‘the Ford of Watching,’ knowest thou?” “Yea, I know it well,” Ibar made answer.  “A stout warrior of Ulster is on watch and on guard there [2]every day,[2] so that there come no strange youths into Ulster to challenge them to battle, and he is a champion to give battle in behalf of the whole province.  Likewise if men of song leave the Ulstermen [LL.fo.65b.] and the province in dudgeon, he is there to soothe them by proffering treasures and valuables, and so to save the honour of the province.  Again, if men of song [W.1155.] enter the land, he is the man that is their surety that they win the favour of Conchobar, so that songs and lays made for him will be the first to be sung after their arrival in Emain.”  “Knowest thou who is at the ford to-day?” “Yea, I know,” Ibar answered; “Conall Cernach (’the Triumphant’), the heroic, warlike son of Amargin, royal champion of Erin,” Ibar answered.  “Thither guide us, fellow, that so we reach the ford.”

    [1-1] LU. and YBL. 589-590.

    [2-2] Stowe.