ll.[13] Therewith Medb looked at Fergus. "What are the
terms yonder man demands, O Fergus? "Medb asked. [14]"I know what the man
meant to disclose.[14] I see no advantage at all for ye in the terms he
demands," Fergus replied. "[15]But[15] what are those terms?" asked
Medb. "[16]Not difficult to say," replied Fergus.[16] "That a single
champion of [W.1782.] the men of Erin [1]be sent[1] to fight [2]and
contend[2] with him every day. The while he slayeth that man, the army will
be permitted to continue its march. Then, when he will have slain that man,
another warrior shall be sent to meet him on the ford. Either that, or the
men of Erin shall halt and camp there till sunrise's bright hour in the
morning. [3]And, by the ford whereon his single-handed battle and fight
takes place, the cattle shall not be taken by day or by night, to see if
there come to him help from the men of Ulster. And I wonder," continued
Fergus, "how long it will be till they come out of their 'Pains.'[3]
[4]Whatever Ulstermen are injured or wounded nearby him, your leeches shall
heal them and ye shall not be paid for the price of their healing. Whatever
daughter of kings or of princes of the men of Erin shall love him, ye shall
bring her to him together with her purchase and bride-price.[4] And
further, Cuchulain's food and clothing shall be provided by you, [5]so long
as he will be[5] on this expedition." [6]"Good, O Fergus,"[6] asked
Ailill,[a] [7]"will he abate aught of these terms?" "In sooth, will he,"
replied Fergus; "namely, he will not exact to be fed and clothed by you,
but of himself will provide food and clothing."[7]

[4-4] H. 2. 17.

[5-5] H. 2. 17.

[6-6] H. 2. 17.

[7-7] Stowe and H. 2. 17.

[8-8] H. 2. 17.

[9-9] Stowe.

[10-10] Stowe.

[11-11] Stowe.

[12-12] Stowe.

[13-13] H. 2. 17.

[14-14] LU. and YBL. 1138.

[15-15] H. 2. 17.

[16-16] H. 2. 17.

[1-1] Stowe.

[2-2] H. 2. 17.

[3-3] LU. and YBL. 1140-1143.

[4-4] H. 2. 17.

[5-5] Stowe and H. 2. 17.

[6-6] H. 2. 17.

[a] 'Medb,' H. 2. 17.

[7-7] H. 2. 17.

"By our conscience," said Ailill, "this is a grievous proposal." "What he
asks is good," replied Medb; "and he shall obtain those terms, for we deem
it easier to bear that he should have one of our warriors every day than
a hundred every night." "Who will go and make known those terms to
Cuchulain?" "Who, the