go," the little boy answered.
"How so?" asked Conchobar. [W.990.] "Forasmuch as the boys have not yet
had their fill of games and of sport, and I will not leave them till they
have had enough play." "It is too long for us to await thee till then,
little boy, and by no means shall we wait." "Go then before us," said the
little boy, "and I will follow after ye." "Thou knowest naught of the way,
little boy," said Conchobar. "I will follow the trail of the company and of
the horses and chariots."

[3-3] Stowe.

[4-4] Stowe.

[5-5] LU. and YBL. 489-491.

[6-6] Stowe.

[7-7] LU. and YBL. 492-494.

[1-1] LU. and YBL. 497.

[2-2] LU. and YBL. 502.

[3-3] LU. and YBL. 507.

"Thereafter Conchobar came to the house of Culann the Smith. The king was
waited upon and all were shown honour, as befitted their rank and calling
and privileges, nobility and gentle accomplishment. Straw and fresh rushes
were spread out under them. They commenced to carouse and make merry.
Culann inquired of Conchobar: "Hast thou, O king, appointed any to come
after thee this night to this dun?" "No, I appointed no one," replied
Conchobar, for he had forgotten the little lad whom he had charged to come
after him. "Why so?" asked Conchobar. "An excellent bloodhound have I,
[1]that was brought from Spain.[1] [2]There are three[a] chains upon him,
and three men at each chain. Because of our goods and our cattle he is
slipped and the liss is closed.[2] When his dog-chain is loosed from him,
no one dares approach the same cantred with him to make a course or a
circuit, and he knows no one but myself. The power of hundreds is in him
for strength." Then spake Conchobar, "Let the dun be opened for the
ban-dog, that he may guard the cantred." The dog-chain is taken off the
ban-dog, and he makes a swift round of the cantred. And he comes to the
mound whereon he was wont to keep guard of the stead, and there he was, his
head couched on his paws, and wild, untameable, furious, savage, ferocious,
ready for fight was the dog that was there.

[1-1] LU. 513.

[2-2] LU. and YBL. 512-513.

[a] 'four,' Eg. 1782.

[W.1013.] "As for the boys: They were in Emain until the time came for them
to disperse. Each of them went to the house of his father and mother, of
his foster-mother and foster-father. Then the little lad went on the trail
of the party, till he reached the house of Culann the Smith. He began to
shorte