ain. And for thy
manhood's sake, young warrior, pray come to my aid, so that that famous
Cuchulain come not upon me." "Take thy choice, gilla," said Cuchulain, "to
gather or to trim them, either." "I will see to gathering them, for it is
easier," [2]the gilla answered.[2] Cuchulain started to cut the poles and
he drew them between the forks of his feet and his hands against their
bends and their knots, so that he made them smooth and straight and
slippery and trimmed; he polished them so that not even a midge could find
footing thereon when he had passed them away from him. Then full sure the
gilla gazed upon him. "Far then, meseems, from fitting is the task I put on
thee. [3]And for love of thy valour,[3] who art thou, say, O warrior?" the
gilla asked, [4]for he was sore affrighted.[4] "That same renowned
Cuchulain am I of whom thou spakest [5]a while ago[5] in the morning." "Woe
is me then, by reason of this," cried the gilla; "for this am I lost
forever." [LL.fo.68b.] [6]"Whence comest thou [7]and who art thou[7]?"
Cuchulain asked. "Charioteer am I of Orlam, Ailill's son and Medb's,"[6]
[8]said he.[8] [9]"Fear nothing;[9] I will not slay thee at all, boy," said
Cuchulain; "for I slay nor charioteers nor horseboys nor persons unarmed.
But, prithee, where is thy master, [10]gilla[10]?" "Over yonder by the
trench, [11]with his back to the pillar-stone,[11]" answered the gilla.
"Off with thee thither to him and bear him a warning that he be on his
guard. For if we meet he shall fall by my hand."

[4-4] H. 2. 17.

[5-5] H. 2. 17.

[6-6] H. 2. 17.

[7-7] Stowe.

[1-1] LU. and YBL. 777.

[2-2] Stowe.

[3-3] H. 2. 17.

[4-4] LU. and YBL. 786

[5-5] H. 2. 17.

[6-6] LU. and YBL. 786-787.

[7-7] H. 2. 17.

[8-8] LU. 787.

[9-9] LU. and YBL. 789.

[10-10] H. 2. 17.

[11-11] H. 2. 17.

[W.1419.] Thereupon the charioteer repaired [1]by one way[1] to his master,
[2]and Cuchulain went by another,[2] and fast as the gilla sped to Orlam,
faster still Cuchulain did reach him [3]and offered him combat[3] and he
struck off his head, and raising it aloft displayed it to the men of Erin,
[4]and he flourished it in the presence of the host.[4] [5]Then he put the
head on the charioteer's back and said, "Take this with thee, and so go to
the camp. Unless thou goest so, a stone out of my sling will reach thee."

[1-1] H. 2. 17.

[2-2] H. 2. 17.