r on the shield, so great also was the might and valour
wherewith Conchobar held the shield, so that the ear of the shield did not
even touch the ear of Conchobar.

[2-2] YBL. 52a, 16-17.

[a] The name of Conchobar's shield.

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

"Hearken, ye men [4]of Erin!"[4] cried Fergus; "who opposes a shield to me
to-day on this day of battle when four of the five grand provinces of Erin
come together on Garech and Ilgarech in the battle of the Cattle-raid
of Cualnge?" "Why, then, a gilla that is younger and mightier [5]and
comelier[5] than thyself is here," [6]Conchobar answered,[6] "and whose
mother and father were [W.5995.] better! The man that hath driven thee out
of thy borders, thy land and thine inheritance; the man that hath driven
thee into the lairs of the deer and the wild hare and the foxes; the man
that hath not granted thee to take the breadth [1]of thy foot[1] of thine
own domain or land; the man that hath made thee dependent upon the bounty
of a woman; the man that of a time disgraced thee by slaying the [2]three
bright lights of the valour of the Gael,[2] the three sons of Usnech that
were under thy safeguard [3]and protection;[3] the man that will repel thee
this day in the presence of the men of Erin; Conchobar son of Fachtna
Fathach son of Ross Ruad son of Rudraige, High King of Ulster and son of
the High King of Erin; [4]and though any one should insult thee, there is
no satisfaction nor reparation for thee, for thou art in the service of a
woman!"[4]

[4-4] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.

[5-5] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.

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

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

[2-2] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.

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

[4-4] Stowe, H. 1. 13 and Add.

"Truly hath this happened to me." Fergus responded. And Fergus placed his
two hands on Calad Colg ('Hardblade'), and he heaved a blow with it
backwards behind him, so that its point touched the ground, and he thought
to strike his three fateful blows of Badb on the men of Ulster, so that
their dead would be more in number than their living. Cormac Conlongas son
of Conchobar saw that and he rushed to [5]his foster-father, namely to[5]
Fergus, and he closed his two [6]royal hands[6] over him [7]outside his
armour.[7] [8]"Ungentle, not heedful is this, Fergus my master! Full of
hate, not of friendship is this,[8] O Fergus my master! Let not the
Ulstermen be slain and d