en of Ulster, and thereupon Conchobar's tents were
pitched. In this way the ground was bare between them, and the Ulstermen
came thither at sunset.[4]

[4-4] YBL. 50a, 11.

* * * * *

[Page 345]

XXVI

[1]THE DECISION OF THE BATTLE[1]

[W.5727.] It was on that night that the Morrigan,[a] daughter of Ernmas,
came, and she was engaged in fomenting strife and sowing dissension between
the two camps on either side, and she spoke these words [2]in the twilight
between the two encampments[2]:--

"Ravens shall pick
The necks of men!
Blood shall gush
[3]In combat wild![3]
Skins shall be hacked;
Crazed with spoils!
[4]Men's sides pierced[4]
In battle brave,
Luibnech near!
Warriors' storm;
Mien of braves;
Cruachan's men!
[5]Upon them comes[5]
Ruin complete!
Lines shall be strewn
Under foot;
Their race die out!
Then Ulster hail:
To Erna[b] woe!
To Ulster woe:
[6]Then Erna hail![6]
(This she said in Erna's ear.)
Naught inglorious shall they do
Who them await!"

[1-1] YBL. 41a, 7.

[a] The Irish goddess of war.

[2-2] YBL. 50a, 18-19.

[3-3] YBL. 50a, 19.

[4-4] YBL. 50a, 21.

[5-5] Translating from YBL. 50a, 23; LL. appears to be corrupt.

[b] The Munstermen in Ailill's army.

[6-6] YBL. 50a, 26.

[1]Now Cuchulain was at Fedain Collna near by. Food was brought to him that
night by the purveyors, and they were used to come to converse with him by
day. He killed not any of the men of Erin to the left of Ferdiad's Ford.[1]
[W.5756.] It was then that Cuchulain spake to Laeg son of Riangabair. "It
would surely be unworthy of thee, O Laeg my master," said Cuchulain, "if
between the two battle-lines there should happen anything to-day whereof
thou hadst no tidings for me." "Whatsoever I shall learn, O Cucucuc,"
answered Laeg, "will be told thee. But, see yonder a little flock coming
forth on the plain from the western camp and station now. [LL.fo.101a.]
Behold a band of henchmen after them to check and to stay them. Behold also
a company of henchmen emerging from the eastern camp and station to seize
them." "Surely, that is so!" exclaimed Cuchulain. "That bodes a mighty
combat and is the occasion of a grand battle. The little flock will come
over the plain and the band of henchmen [2]from the east and the band of
henchmen from the wes