men
there and they raised their tents in that place. In the morning Ailill's
charioteer, Cuillius to wit, was washing the wheel-bands in the ford.
Cuchulain struck him with a stone so that he killed him. Hence is Ath
Cuillne ('Ford of Destruction') in Cul Airthir.'[2]

[3-3] 'Lugaid,' LU. 1069.

[4-4] YBL. 1075; but, 'they would be twenty nights there, as other
books say,' LU.

[2-2] LU. and YBL. 916-1197, omitting 1079-1091.

* * * * *

[Page 104]

IX

THE PROPOSALS

[W.1603.] The four grand provinces of Erin proceeded till they pitched camp
and took quarters in Druim En ('Birds' Ridge') in the land of Conalle
Murthemni, [1]and they slept there[1] that night, [2]as we said before,[2]
and Cuchulain held himself at Ferta Illergaib ('the Burial-mound on the
Slopes') hard by them that night, and he, Cuchulain, shook, brandished and
flourished his weapons that night. [3]Every night of the three nights they
were there he made casts from his sling at them, from Ochaine nearby,[3] so
that one hundred warriors of the host perished of fright and fear and
dread of Cuchulain. [4]"Not long will our host endure in this way with
Cuchulain," quoth Ailill.[4] Medb called upon Fiachu son of Ferfebe of the
Ulstermen to go parley with Cuchulain, to come to some terms with him.
"What terms shall be given him?" asked Fiachu son of Ferfebe. "Not hard to
answer," Medb replied: "He shall be recompensed [5]for the loss of his
lands and estates,[5] for whosoever has been slain of the Ulstermen, so
that it be paid to him as the men of Erin adjudge [6]according to the will
of the Ulstermen and of Fergus and of the nobles of the men of Erin who are
in this camp and encampment.[6] Entertainment shall be his at all times in
Cruachan; wine and [W.1614.] mead shall be poured [LL.fo.70a.] out for
him. [1]He shall have from the plain of Ai the equal of the plain of
Murthemne and the best chariot that is in Ai and the equipment of twelve
men. Offer, if it please him more, the plain wherein he was reared and
thrice seven bondmaids.[1] And he shall come into my service and Ailill's,
for that is more seemly for him than to be in the service of the lordling
with whom he is, [2]even of Conchobar son of Fachtna Fathatch.[2]

[1-1] LU. and YBL. 1097.

[2-2] LU. and YBL. 1098.

[3-3] LU. and YBL. 1100-1101.

[4-4] LU. and YBL. 1100-1102.

[5-5] H. 2. 17.

[6-6] H.