hat would reach to a third or a fourth [LL.fo.62a.] the
likes of Cuchulain. Thou findest not there," Fergus went on, "a hero his
peer, [8]nor a lion that is fiercer, nor a plank of battle,[8] nor a sledge
of destruction, [9]nor a gate of combat,[9] nor a doom of hosts, nor a
contest of valour that would be of more worth than Cuchulain. Thou findest
not there one that could equal his age and his growth, [10]his dress[10]
[11]and his terror,[11] his size and his splendour, [12]his fame and his
voice, his shape and his power,[12] his form and his speech, his strength
and his feats and his valour, [13]his smiting, his heat and his anger,[13]
his dash, his assault and attack, his dealing of [W.857.] doom and
affliction, his roar, his speed, his fury, his rage, and his quick triumph
with the feat of nine men on each sword's point[a] above him, like unto
Cuchulain."

[1-1] Stowe.

[2-2] LU. and YBL. 342-345.

[a] 'Seventh,' YBL. 344.

[3-3] LU. and YBL. 345.

[4-4] LU. 346-347, and, similarly, YBL.

[b] "Eight," YBL.

[5-5] LU. and YBL. 349.

[6-6] LU. 349-350.

[7-7] LU. and YBL. 350.

[8-8] LU. and YBL. 351-352.

[9-9] LU. and YBL. 352.

[10-10] LU. and YBL. 354.

[11-11] YBL. 354.

[12-12] LU. and YBL. 355-356.

[13-13 LU. and YBL. 356-357.

[a] Reading with Stowe, LU. and YBL. 359, which is more intelligible
than 'on each hair,' which is the translation of LL.

"We make not much import of him," quoth Medb. "It is but a single body he
has; he shuns being wounded; he avoids being taken. They do say his age is
but that of a girl to be wed. [1]His deeds of manhood have not yet come,[1]
nor will he hold out against tried men, this young, beardless elf-man of
whom thou spokest." [2]"We say not so,"[2] replied Fergus, "for manful were
the deeds of the lad at a time when he was younger than he [3]now[3] is."

[1-1] LU. and YBL. 363.

[2-2] 'That is not true,' Stowe.

[3-3] Stowe.

* * * * *

[Page 46]

VII

THE YOUTHFUL EXPLOITS OF CUCHULAIN

[W.865.] "Now this lad was reared in the house of his father and mother at
Dairgthech[1] ('the Oak House' (?)), namely, in the plain of Murthemne,
and the tales of the youths of Emain were told to him. [2]For there are
[3]always[3] thrice fifty boys at play there," said Fergus.[2] "Forasmuch
as in this wise Conchobar passed his reign ever si