The Ancient Irish Epic Tale Táin Bó Cúalnge, page 159 by Unknown
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condition on which I would undertake it, but[7] they are persuading a brother of mine to come fight thee [8]on the morrow,[8] to-wit, a foolish, dull, uncouth youth, dealing stout blows. [9]They brought him into the tent of Ailill and Medb and he has engaged to do the battle and combat with thee.[9] [10]He is befooled about the same maiden.[10] And it is for this reason they are to send him to fight thee, that he may fall at thy hands, [11]so that we two may quarrel,[11] and to see if I myself will come to avenge him upon thee. But I will not, till the very day of doom. And by the fellowship that is between us, [12]and by the rearing and nurture I bestowed on thee and thou didst bestow on me, bear me no grudge because of Larinè.[12] Slay not my brother [13]lest thou shouldst leave me brotherless."[13]
[3-3] Eg. 93.
[4-4] Eg. 93.
[5-5] LU. and YBL. 1592 and Eg. 93.
[6-6] LU. and YBL. 1593 and Eg. 93.
[7-7] Eg. 93.
[8-8] Eg. 209.
[9-9] Eg. 93.
[10-10] LU. and YBL. 1595-1596.
[11-11] LU. 1597.
[12-12] H. 2. 17 and Eg. 93.
[13-13] LU. and YBL. 1596-1597.
"By my conscience, truly," cried Cuchulain, [14]kill him I will not, but[14] the next thing to death will I inflict on him. [15]No worse would it be for him to die than what I [W.2222.] will give him."[15] "I give thee leave. [1]It would please me well shouldst thou beat him sorely,[1] for to my dishonour he comes to attack thee."
[14-14] Eg. 93.
[15-15] Eg. 209.
[1-1] LU. and YBL. 1597 and Eg. 93.
Thereupon Cuchulain went back and Lugaid returned to the camp [2]lest the men of Erin should say it was betraying them or forsaking them he was if he remained longer parleying with Cuchulain.[2]
[2-2] Eg. 93.
Then [3]on the next day[3] it was that Larinè son of Nos, [4]brother of Lugaid king of Munster,[4] was summoned to the tent of Ailill and Medb, and Finnabair was placed by his side. It was she that filled up the drinking-horns for