[_Filling Helmet with ale_]

I did not take it to keep it--the Red Man gave it for one,
But I shall give it to all--to all of us three or to none;
That is as you look upon it--we will pass it to and fro,
And time and time about, drink out of it and so
Stroke into peace this cat that has come to take our lives.
Now it is purring again, and now I drink to your wives,
And I drink to Emer, my wife.

[_A great noise without and shouting_]

Why, what in God's name is that noise?

CONALL

What else but the charioteers and the kitchen and stable boys
Shouting against each other, and the worst of all is your own,
That chariot-driver, Laeg, and they'll keep it up till the dawn,
And there's not a man in the house that will close his eyes to-night,
Or be able to keep them from it, or know what set them to fight.

[_A noise of horns without_]

There, do you hear them now? such hatred has each for each
They have taken the hunting horns to drown one other's speech
For fear the truth may prevail.--Here's your good health and long life,
And, though she be quarrelsome, good health to Emer, your wife.

[_The charioteers, Stable Boys and Kitchen Boys come running in.
They carry great horns, ladles and the like_]

LAEG

I am Laeg, Cuchulain's driver, and my master's cock of the yard.

ANOTHER

Conall would scatter his feathers.

[_Confused murmurs_]

LAEGAIRE

[_To_ CUCHULAIN]

No use, they won't hear a word.

CONALL

They'll keep it up till the dawn.

ANOTHER

It is Laegaire that is the best,
For he fought with cats in Connaught while Conall took his rest
And drained his ale pot.

ANOTHER

Laegaire--what does a man of his sort
Care for the like of us! He did it for his own sport.

ANOTHER

It was all mere luck at the best.

ANOTHER

But Conall, I say--

ANOTHER

Let me speak.

LAEG

You'd be dumb if the cock of the yard would but open his beak.

ANOTHER

Before your cock was born, my master was in the fight.

LAEG

Go home and praise your grand-dad. They took to the horns for spite,
For I said that no cock of your sort had been born since the fight began.

ANOTHER

Conall has got it, the best man has got it, and I am his man.

CUCHULAIN

Who was it started this quarrel?

A STABLE BOY

It was Laeg.

AN