for the space of three days and three
nights, so that he might then employ his strength on his enemies. What
Cethern son of Fintan chose was a red healing for the space of three days
and three nights, to the end that he might then vent [3]his anger and[3]
strength on his enemies. For what he said was that there would not be found
after him any one he would rather have vindicate or avenge him than
himself. [W.4420.] Thereupon Fingin the prophetic leech asked of Cuchulain
a vat of marrow wherewith to heal and to cure Cethern son of Fintan.
Cuchulain proceeded to the camp and entrenchment of the men of Erin, and
whatsoever he found of herds and flocks and droves there he took away with
him. And he made a marrow-mash of their flesh and their bones and their
skins; and Cethern son of Fintan was placed in the marrow-bath till the end
of three days and three nights. And his flesh began to drink in the
marrow-bath about him and the marrow-bath entered in within his stabs and
his cuts, his sores and his many wounds. Thereafter he arose from the
marrow-bath at the end of three days and three nights, [1]and he slept a
day and a night after taking in the marrow.[1] [2]"I have no ribs more,"
said Cethern; "put the ribs of the chariot-box into me." "Thou shalt have
it," Cuchulain made answer.[2] It was thus Cethern arose, with a slab of
the chariot pressed to his belly so that his entrails and bowels would not
drop out of him. [3]"Had I my own weapons," said Cethern, "the story of
what I would do would live forever!"[3]

[a] That is, 'extreme or drastic.'

[3-3] Stowe.

[1-1] YBL. 42b, 7.

[2-2] YBL. 42b, 8-9.

[3-3] YBL. 42b, 10-11.

That was the time when his wife came from the north, from Dun da Benn
('Fort of the two Gables'), and she brought his sword with her, even Finna
daughter of Eocho. [4]"What seest thou?" asked Cethern.[4] [5]"Meseems,"
answered Cuchulain, "'tis the chariot of little Finna, Eocho's daughter,
thy wife, that comes nigh us."[5] [6]And they saw the woman, with the arms
in the chariot.[6] Cethern son of Fintan [7]seized his arms[7] and
proceeded to attack the men of Erin, [8]with the chariot-box bound around
his back, for he was not the stronger therefor.[8] But this is to be added:
They sent a warning before him; Ithall,[a] physician of Ailill and Medb,
had remained as one dead of [W.4436.] the great stun [1]from the blow of
Cethern[1] among the bodies of the other leeches for a long