Fuait, to the
end that the Ulstermen might not come upon them without warning and
unobserved. Thereupon macRoth went [3]from the host southwards[3] as far as
Sliab Fuait [4]to spy out the men of Ulster, to learn if any one came after
them.[4] MacRoth was not long there when he saw something: a lone chariot
on Sliab Fuait making from the north straight towards him. A fierce man,
stark-naked, in that chariot coming towards him, without arms, without
armour at all save an iron spit in his hand. In equal manner he goaded his
driver and his horses [5]at one and the same time.[5] And it seemed to him
that he would never in his life come up to the hosts. And macRoth hastened
to tell this news [6]at the fort[6] where Ailill and Medb and Fergus were
and the nobles of the men of Erin. Ailill asked tidings of him on his
arrival. "Aye, macRoth," inquired Ailill; "hast thou seen any of the
Ulstermen on the track of the host this day?" "That, truly, I know not,"
answered macRoth; "but I saw something: a lone chariot coming over Sliab
Fuait [W.4252.] [1]from the north[1] straight towards us. A [2]white,
grey,[2] wild, stark-naked man in the chariot, without arms or armour at
all, except for an iron spit in his hand. In equal manner he prodded his
driver and his steeds. It seemed to him he would never in his life come up
to the host. [3]A brindled greyhound before him."[3] "Who, thinkest thou,
might it be, O Fergus?" asked Ailill. [4]"Is it Conchobar or Celtchar?"[4]
"Of a truth, [5]that is not likely,"[5] Fergus answered; "meseems it is
Cethern son of [6]generous, red-edged[6] Fintan [7]from Line in the
north[7] that came there. [8]And if so it be, ye shall be on your guard
against him!"[8] Fergus indeed spoke true, that it was Fintan's son Cethern
that was come there. And so Cethern son of Fintan came on them, and the
camp and the garrison were confounded and he wounded all around him in
every direction and on all sides [9]and they wounded him in like manner.[9]
And then [10]Cethern[10] left them, [11]and it was thus he went, and the
front-guard of the chariot pressed up against his belly to keep his
entrails and vitals within him,[11] [12]and his intestines were wound about
his legs.[12] He came to the place where was Cuchulain, to be healed and
cured, and he demanded a leech of Cuchulain to heal and to cure him.
[13]Cuchulain had compassion on his wounds;[13] [14] a bed of fresh rushes
was made for him and a pillow set to it.[14] "Com