“Then came one of the macNechta on to the fair-green, to wit, Foill son of Necht. [6]Then was the charioteer sore afraid, for he durst not waken him, for Cuchulain had told him at first not to waken him for a few.[6] “Unyoke not the horses, gilla,” cried Foill.  “I am not fain to, at all,” answered Ibar; “the reins and the lines are still in my hand.”  “Whose horses are those, then?” Foill asked. [W.1246.] “Two of Conchobar’s horses,” answered the gilla; “the two of the dappled heads.”  “That is the knowledge I have of them.  And what hath brought these steeds here to the borders?” “A tender youth that has assumed arms amongst us [1]to-day for luck and good omen,"[1] the horseboy answered, “is come to the edges of the marshes to display his comeliness.”  “May it not be for victory nor for triumph, [2]his first-taking of arms,"[2] exclaimed Foill. [3]"Let him not stop in our land and let the horses not graze here any longer.[3] If I knew he was fit for deeds, it is dead he should go back northwards to Emain and not alive!” “In good sooth, he is not fit for deeds,” Ibar answered; “it is by no means right to say it of him; it is the seventh year since he was taken from the crib. [4]Think not to earn enmity,"[a] Ibar said further to the warrior; “and moreover the child sleepeth."[4]

    [6-6] LU. and YBL. 635-638.

    [1-1] Stowe.

    [2-2] LU. and YBL. 641.

    [3-3] LU. and YBL. 642.

    [a] That is, the enmity of the Ulstermen by slaying Cuchulain.

    [4-4] LU. and YBL. 644-645.

“The little lad raised his face from the ground and drew his hand over his face, and he became as one crimson wheelball from his crown to the ground. [5]"Not a child am I, at all, but it is to seek battle with a man that this child here is come.[5] Aye, but I am fit for deeds!” the lad cried. [6]"That pleaseth me well,” said the champion;[6] “but more like than what thou sayest, meseemeth, thou art not fit for deeds.”  “Thou wilt know that better if we go to the ford.  But, go fetch thy weapons, for I see it is in the guise of a churl thou art come, and I slay nor charioteers nor grooms nor folk without arms.”  The man went apace after his arms. [7]"Now[7] thou shouldst have a care for us against yonder man [8]that comes to meet thee,[8] little lad,” said Ibar.  “And why so?” [W.1262.] asked the lad.  “Foill son of Necht is the man thou seest.  Neither points nor edges of weapons can harm him.”  “Not before me shouldst thou say that, O Ibar,” quoth the lad.  “I will put my hand to the lath-trick for him, namely, to the apple of twice-melted iron, and it will light upon the disc of his shield and on the flat of his forehead, and it will carry away the size of an apple of his brain out through the back of his head, so that it will make a sieve-hole outside of his head, till the light of the sky will be visible through his head.”

    [5-5] LU. and YBL. 645-646.

    [6-6] LU. and YBL. 647.