, to wit,
and he will rejoice to accept an offer from you; [9]and it were fitting for
him to contend with Cuchulain for Long has no beard on cheek or lip any
more than Cuchulain."[9]

[1-1] YBL. 1630.

[2-2] LU. fo. 74b, between the columns.

[3-3] Eg. 93.

[4-4] LU. and YBL. 1631.

[5-5] LU. and YBL. 1631-1633.

[6-6] Eg. 209.

[7-7] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.

[8-8] Eg. 93.

[9-9] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.

[W.2266.] [1]Thereupon[1] Long was summoned to the tent of Ailill and Medb,
and Medb promised him great gifts, even livery for twelve men of cloth of
every colour, and a chariot worth four[a] times seven bondmaids, and
Finnabair to wife for him alone, and at all times entertainment in
Cruachan, and that wine[b] would be poured out for him.

[1-1] Eg. 93 and H. 2. 17.

[a] 'Thrice.' Eg. 209.

[b] 'Ale,' Eg. 209.

[2]They passed there that night and he engaged to do the battle and combat,
and early on the morrow[2] went Long [3]to the ford of battle and combat[3]
to seek Cuchulain, and Cuchulain slew him and [5]they brought him dead into
the presence of his brother, namely of Loch. And Loch [4]came forth and
raised up his loud, quick voice and[4] cried, had he known it was a bearded
man that slew him, he would slay him for it.[5] [6]And it was in the
presence of Medb that he said it.[6] [7]"Lead a battle-force against him,"
Medb cried to her host, "over the ford from the west, that ye may cross,
and let the law of fair fight be broken with Cuchulain." The seven Mane the
warriors went first, till they saw him to the west of the edge of the
ford. He wore his festive raiment on that day and the women clambered on
the men that they might behold him. "It grieves me," said Medb. "I cannot
see the boy because of whom they go there." "Thy mind would not be the
easier for that," quoth Lethrenn, Ailill's horseboy, "if thou shouldst see
him." Cuchulain came to the ford as he was. "What man is that yonder, O
Fergus?" asked Medb.[c] And Medb, too, climbed on the men to get a look
[W.2272.] at him.[7] [1]Then[1] Medb called upon [2]her handmaid for two
woman-bands,[2] [3]fifty or twice fifty[3] of her women, to go speak with
Cuchulain and to charge him to put a false beard on. The woman-troop went
their way to Cuchulain and told him to put a false beard on [4]if he wished
to engage in battle or combat with goodly warriors or with goodly youths of
the men of Erin;[4] [5]that s