torm they gained the hill, so that [4]with the clash of
arms they made at the approach of that company[4] they startled the hosts
that had arrived there before them. A man, comely and noble, in advance of
that band; most well-favoured to see of the men of the world, whether in
shape or form or frame; [5]whether in hair or eyes or fearfulness; whether
in voice or brightness or knowledge or adornment; whether in rank or wisdom
or kindred;[5] whether in arms or apparel; whether in size or worth or
beauty; whether in figure or valour or conduct." [6]"Who might that man be,
O Fergus?" asked Ailill.[6] "Then it is surely no lying word," Fergus made
answer: "A fitting saying is this, 'No fool 'mongst the naked'[a] is he who
[W.5299.] comes thither. He is the foe of all others; he is a power
irresistible; the storm-wave that drowneth, the glitter of ice is that
well-favoured man. Fedilmid [1]son of[1] [2]Ilar Cetach of Cualnge,[2] from
Ellonn in the north, is he yonder, [3]with trophies from other lands after
dealing destruction to his enemies."[3]

[1-1] YBL. 47b, 20.

[2-2] YBL. 47b, 21-22.

[3-3] YBL. 47a, 48-49.

[4-4] YBL. 47a, 50-51.

[5-5] YBL. 47b, 1-3.

[6-6] Stowe and H. 1. 13.

[a] A proverbial saying, the exact force of which we cannot determine.
The reading of H. 1. 13 may be translated, 'No fool on a board (or
shield ?),' that is, a clown or tumbler (?).

[1-1] Stowe and H. 1. 13.

[2-2] Reading with Stowe.

[3-3] YBL. 47b, 9-10.

"Still another battalion came thither to the same hill in Slane of Meath,"
macRoth proceeded. [4]"It is the array of an army for greatness.[4] Not
often is a warrior seen more handsome than the warrior that is in the front
rank of that company. Bushy, red-yellow hair he wore; [5]his countenance
comely, ruddy, well-formed;[5] his face [6]slender below,[6] broad above; a
deep-blue-grey, beaming eye, and it flashing and laughing in his head; a
well-set, shapely man, tall, slender below and broad above; red, thin lips
he had; teeth shining and pearl-like; [7]a clear, ringing voice;[7] a
white-skinned body; [8]most beautiful of the forms of men;[8] [9]a purple
cloak wrapped around him;[9] a brooch of gold in the mantle over his
breast; a [10]hooded[10] tunic of royal silk with a red hem of red gold he
wore next to his white skin; a bright, [11]curved[11] shield with
[12]wonderful,[12] [13]many-coloured[13] devious figures of beast