ain. [3]We have brought their lords to bloody stabs and sores, to cuts
and many wounds."[3] "Not so, O Medb!" cried Fergus. "There is naught thou
canst boast over them. For thou didst them no hurt nor harm that yon fine
company's leader avenged not on thee. For, every mound and every grave,
every stone and every tomb that is from hence to the east of Erin is the
mound and the grave, the stone and the tomb of some goodly warrior and
goodly youth [4]of thy people,[4] fallen at the hands of the noble
chieftain of yonder company. Happy he to whom they hold! Woe to him whom
they oppose! It will be enough, e'en as much as half a battle, for the men
of Erin, when these defend their lord in the battle on the morning of the
morrow."

[1-1] This seems out of place here; it is not found in Stowe nor in
H. 1. 13.

[1-1] Stowe.

[2-2] Stowe.

[3-3] Stowe and H. 1. 13.

[4-4] Stowe.

[a] See notes a and b, page 182.

"I heard a great uproar there, west of the battle or to [W.5711.] its
east," said macRoth. "Say, what noise was it?" asked Ailill of Fergus.
"Ah, but we know it well," Fergus made answer: "Cuchulain it was, straining
to go, sick as he is, to battle, wearied at the length of his lying sick on
Fert Sciach ('Thorn-mound') under hoops and clasps and ropes, and the men
of Ulster do not permit him to go because of his sores and his wounds,
inasmuch as he is not fit for battle and is powerless for combat after his
encounter with Ferdiad."

True indeed spake Fergus. Cuchulain it was, wearied at the length of his
lying supine on Fert Sciach under hoops and clasps and ropes. [1]"But,
there is one thing more to tell," said Fergus: "unless he be held back now,
he will surely come to the battle!"

Thus far the Companies of the Tain Bo Cualnge[1] [2]mustered by Conchobar
and the men of Ulster.[2]

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

[2-2] H. 1. 13.

Then came two women lampoonists from the camp and quarters of the men of
Erin; [3]their names,[3] Fethan and Collach, to wit; and they stood with a
feint of weeping and wailing over Cuchulain, telling him of the defeat of
Ulster and the death of Conchobar and the fall of Fergus in combat.

[3-3] Stowe.

[4]Now Conchobar proceeded with his troops till he pitched camp nearby his
companions. Conchobar asked a truce of Ailill till sunrise on the morrow,
and Ailill granted it for the men of Erin and the exiles, and Conchobar
granted it for the m