[7-7] H. 2. 17.

    [8-8] H. 2. 17.

Etarcumul returned [9]from Methe and Cethe,[9] and began to talk with his driver.  “I must needs fight with Cuchulain to-morrow, gilla,” said Etarcumul, [10]"for I gave my word to go."[10] “’Tis true, thou didst,” quoth the charioteer. [LL.fo.72a.] “Howbeit, I know not wilt thou fulfil it.”  “But what is better [11]for us,[11] to fulfil it to-morrow or forthwith to-night?” “To our thinking,” said the gilla, “albeit no victory is to be won by fighting to-morrow, there is still less to be gained by fighting to-night, for thy combat [12]and hurt[12] is the nearer.” “[13]Be that as it may,” said he[13]; “turn the [14]horses and[14] chariot back again [15]from the hill[15] for us, gilla, [16]till we go to the ford of combat,[16] for I swear by the gods whom I worship, I will not return [17]to the camp[17] till the end of life and time, till I bring with me the head of that young wildling, [18]even[18] the head of Cuchulain, for a trophy!”

    [9-9] LU. and YBL. 1188.

    [10-10] Stowe.

    [11-11] H. 2. 17.

    [12-12] H. 2. 17.

    [13-13] H. 2. 17.

    [14-14] H. 2. 17.

    [15-15] LU. and YBL. 1190.

    [16-16] H. 2. 17.

    [17-17] Stowe.

    [18-18] Stowe.

The charioteer wheeled the chariot again towards the [W.1871.] ford.  They brought the left[a] board to face the pair in a line with the ford.  Laeg marked [1]this and he cried[1] [2]to Cuchulain[2]:  ("Wist thou) the last chariot-fighter that was here a while ago, O Cucuc?” “What of him?” asked Cuchulain.  “He has brought his left board towards us in the direction of the ford.”  “It is Etarcumul, O gilla, who seeks me in combat. [3]I owe no refusal,[3] but far from pleased am I thereat [4]that he should come and seek combat of me.  And unwelcome is his coming,[4] because of the honour of my foster-father [5]Fergus[5] under whom he came forth from the camp [6]of the men of Erin.[6] But not that I would protect him do I thus.  Fetch me my arms, gilla, to the ford. [7]Bring me my horse and my chariot after me.[7] I deem it no honour for myself if [8]the fellow[8] reaches the ford before me.”  And straightway Cuchulain betook himself to the ford, and he bared his sword over his fair, well-knit spalls and he was ready on the ford to await Etarcumul.

    [a] A sign of hostility and an insult.
    [1-1] Stowe.

    [2-2] LU. and YBL. 1191.

    [3-3] LU. and YBL. 1192.

    [4-4] Stowe.

    [5-5] H. 2. 17.

    [6-6] H. 2. 17.

    [7-7] H. 2. 17.

    [8-8] H. 2. 17.