the 'Clump-fight' of
Iliach.

[8-8] Stowe.

* * * * *

[Page 295]

XXIIIe

HERE NOW THE DEER-STALKING OF AMARGIN IN TALTIU

[W.4638.] This Amargin was the son of Cass who was son of Bacc who was son
of Ross Ruad ('the Red') who was son of Rudraige, [1]father of Conall
Cernach ('the Triumphant').[1] He came upon the warriors going over Taltiu
westward, and he made them turn before him over Taltiu northwards. And he
put his left[a] elbow under him in Taltiu. And his people furnished him
with rocks and boulders and great clumps [2]of earth,[2] and he began to
pelt the men of Erin till the end of three days and three nights, [3]and he
did great slaughter among them[3] [4]so that no man could show his face to
him in Taltiu.[4]

[1-1] Stowe.

[2-2] Stowe.

[a] As a challenge or sign of hostility.

[3-3] Stowe.

[4-4] YBL. 43b, 13-14.

* * * * *

[Page 296]

XXIIIf

THE ADVENTURES OF CUROI SON OF DARE FOLLOW NOW

[W.4645.] He was told that a single man was checking and stopping four of
the five grand provinces of Erin [1]during the three months of winter[1]
from Monday at Summer's end till the beginning of Spring. And he felt it
unworthy of himself and he deemed it too long that his people were without
him. And [2]it was then[2] he set out [3]to the host[3] to fight and
contend with Cuchulain. And when he was come to the place where Cuchulain
was, he saw Cuchulain there moaning, full of wounds and pierced through
with holes, and he felt it would not be honourable nor fair to fight and
contend with him after the combat with Ferdiad. [4]Because it would be said
it was not that Cuchulain died of the sores [LL.fo.93a.] and wounds which
he would give him so much as of the wounds which Ferdiad had inflicted on
him in the conflict before.[4] Be that as it might, Cuchulain offered to
engage with him in battle and combat.

[1-1] YBL. 43b, 17.

[2-2] YBL. 43b, 14-15.

[3-3] YBL. 43b, 15.

[4-4] Reading with Stowe, which is to be preferred to LL.

Thereupon Curoi set forth for to seek the men of Erin and, when he was
near at hand, he espied Amargin there and his left elbow under him to the
west of Taltiu. Curoi reached the men of Erin from the north. His people
equipped him with rocks and boulders and great clumps, and he began to hurl
them right over against Amargin, so that Badb's battle-