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Ó do-ríachtatar Meic Míled Espáine Hérind

Nuair a shroich Mic Mhíle Easpáine Éire,

When the sons of Miled of Spain reached Eriu,

tánic a ngáes timchell Túathi Dé Danann.

fuair siad an ceann is fearr ar Thuatha Dé Danann le teann gaoise.

their sagacity circumvented the Tuatha De Danaan,

Cu ru léiced Hériu ar raind Amairgin Glúnmáir meic Míled.

Fágadh faoi Aimhirghin Glúnmhór mac Míle an tír a roinnt.

so that Eriu was left to the partition of Amargin Glunmar, son of Miled;

Úair is samlaid ro baí side rígfili ocus rígbrithem.

Is amhlaidh a bhí seisean ina rífhile agus ina ríbhreitheamh.

for he was a king-poet, and a king-judge.

Cu ru raind Hérinn dar dó

Roinn sé Éire ina dhá chuid

And he divided Eriu in two parts,

ocus co tuc in leth ro boí sís d’Hérind do Thúaith Dé Danann

agus thug an leath a bhí faoi thalamh do Thuatha Dé Danann

and gave the part of Eriu that was under ground to the Tuatha De Danaan,

et in leth aile do Maccaib Míled Espáine da chorpfhini fadéin.

agus an leath eile do Mhic Mhíle, a threabh féin.

and  the other part to the sons of Miled, his own corporeal sept.

Do-chuatar Túath Dé
Danann i cnoccaib ocus sídbrugib

Chuaigh Tuatha Dé
Danann isteach i gcnoic agus i
síbhrúnna

The Tuatha De Danann went into hills and fairy places

cu ra accallset sída fo thalmain dóib.

agus fuair siad ceannas ar na síthe faoi thalamh.

so that they spoke with sidhe under ground.

Bar-fhácsat cúicfhiur díb ar comair cacha cóicid i nHérinn

Cheap siad cúigear dá muintir féin i gcás gach cúige in Éirinn

They left five of their number before the five provinces of Eriu,

ic mórad chath ocus chongal ocus áig ocus urgaile etir Maccu Míled.

chun cath agus cogadh, aighneas agus imreas a chothú idir Mic Mhíle.

to excite war, and conflict, and valour,
and strife, between the sons of Miled.

Bar-ácsat cúiciur díb ar chomair cúicid Ulad int shainruth.

Cheap siad cúigear áirithe i gcás Chúige Uladh.

They left five of them before the province of Ulad in particular.

Anmand in chúicfir sin,

B’iad seo a leanas ainmneacha an chúigir sin:

The names of these five were:

Brea mac Belgain a Drommannaib Breg,

Breá mac Bealghain ó Dhromanna Breá,

Brea, son of Belgan,
in Dromana-Bregh;

Redg Rotbél a Shlemnaib Maige Ítha,

Readhg Rodbhéal ó Shleamhna Mhaigh Íotha,

Redg Rotbel in the slopes of Magh-Itha;

Tinnell mac Boclachtnai a Sléib Edlicon,

Tinneall mac Boclachtna ó Shliabh Eidhleacon,

Tinnel, son of Boclachtna, in Sliabh-Edlicon;

Grici a Cruachán Aigli,

Grice ó Chruachán Aighle

Grici in Cruachan-Aigle;

Gulban Glass mac Gráci a Beind Gulbain Guirt meic Ungairb.

agus Gulban Glas mac Gráige ó Bheann Gulban Ghoirt mhic Unghairbh.

Gulban the Grey, son of Grac, in the Ben of Gulban Gort, son of Ungarbh.

Bar-immartatar sin inlach etir chúiced
Ulad

Chothaigh siadsan aighneas i gCúige
Uladh

They excited a quarrel amongst the
province of Uladh,

imma raind i trí in tan is ferr ro buí in
cúiced

faoi roinnt an chúige i dtrí chuid an uair ab fhearr a bhí sé,

regarding its
division into three parts, when the
province was at its
best,

.i. ra lind Conchobair meic Fachtna
Fáthaig.

is é sin in aimsir Chonchubhair mhic
Fhachtna Fháthaigh.

to wit, during the time of Conor, son of
Fachtna Fathach.

Is iat ra roind in cóiced ra Conchobar

Is iad na daoine a roinn an cúige le
Conchubhar ná

They who shared the
province with Conor
were,

a dalta fadessin .i. Cú Chulainn mac
Sualtaim

a dhalta féin, Cú Chulainn mac
Sualdaim,

his own dalta,
Cuchulaind, son of
Sualtam,

ocus Fintan mac Néill Níamglonnaig a Dún Dá Bend.

agus Fionntan mac Néill Niamhghlonnaigh ó Dhún Dá Bheann.

and Fintan son of Niall Niamglonnach, from Dun-da-bend.

Is é raind tucad ar in cúiced:

Mar seo a roinneadh an cúige:

The partition that was made of the province was this:

a Cnucc Úachtair Fhorcha risa ráter Uisnech Mide

ó Chnoc Uachtair Fhorcha ar a dtugtar Uisneach Mhí

from the hill of Uachtar-forca, which is called Uisnech of Meath,

cu tailmedón Trága Baile cuit Con Culainn din chúiciud.

go dtí ceartlár Thrá Bhaile cuid Chú Chulainn den chúige;

to the middle of Traigh-bhaile, was Cuchulaind's portion of the province.

Trian Conchobair immorro á Thráig Bali co Tráig Tola i nUltaib.

trian Chonchubhair ó Thrá Bhaile go dtí Trá Thola in Ulaidh

Conor’s third, moreover,
was from Traigh-bhaile
to Traigh-Thola, in Ulster.

Trian Fintain ó Tráig Tola cu Rind Semni ocus Latharnai.

agus trian Fhionntain ó Thrá Thola go dtí Rinn Sheimhne agus Latharna.

Fintan’s third was from
Traigh-Thola to Rinn-Seimhne and Latharna.

Blíadain don chúiciud amlaid sin ina trí rannaib

Bhí an cúige mar sin ina thrí chuid ar feadh bliana

A year was the province thus, in three divisions

co ndernad feiss na Samna la Conchobar i nEmain Macha.

go dtí gur eagraigh Conchubhar feis na Samhna in Eamhain Mhacha.

until the feast of Samhain was made by Conor in Emain-Macha.

Ba sed mét na fledi cét ndabach do cach lind.

Céad dabhach de gach saghas leanna a cuireadh ar fáil don fhleá.

The extent of the banquet was, a hundred vats of every
kind of ale.

At-bertatar áes gráda Conchobair

Dúirt lucht comhairle Chonchubhair

Conor’s officers said

nar furáil mathi Ulad uile ic tomailt na fledi sin ara febas.

go raibh an soláthar don fhleá chomh flaithiúil sin go mbeadh níos mó ná a ndóthain ag maithe uilig Uladh dá dtiocfaidís chun í a chaitheamh.

that all the nobles of Ulad would not be too many to partake of that banquet,
because of its excellence.

Is í comairli do-ringned la Conchobar

Bheartaigh Conchubhar

The resolution formed by Conor was,

Lebarcham do fhaídiud ar cend Con Culainn co Dún nDelga

go gcuirfeadh sé Leabharcham go dtí Dún Dealgan ag triall ar Chú Chulainn

to send Lebarcham for Cuchulaind to Dun-Delga,

et Findchad Fer Bend Uma mac Fráeglethain

agus go gcuirfeadh sé Fionnchadh Fear Beann Umha mac Fraoghleathain

and Findchad Fer-benduma, son of Fraglethan,

d’fhaídiud ar cend Fintain meic Néill Níamglonnaig co Dún Dá Bend.

go Dún Dá Bheann ag triall ar Fhionntan mac Néill Niamhghlonnaigh.

for Fintan, son of Niall Niamglonnach,
to Dun-da-bend.

Ro-síacht Leborcham co Dún Delga,

Bhain Leabharcham Dún Dealgan amach

Lebarcham reached to Dun-Delga

ocus at-bert ra Coin Culainn tuidecht d’acallaim a cháemaite cu hEmain Macha.

agus dúirt le Cú Chulainn teacht chun cainte lena dhea-athair altrama in Eamhain Mhacha.

and told Cuchulaind to go and speak with his fair guardian, to Emain-Macha.

Is amlaid buí Cú Chulainn ocus comfhled mór ace do lucht a chríchi fadessin i nDún Delga,

Is amhlaidh a bhí fleá mhór á tabhairt mar an gcéanna ag Cú Chulainn do mhuintir a chríche féin i nDún Dealgan,

Cuchulaind had then a great banquet for the people of his own territory in Dun-Delga;

et at-bert na ragad,

agus dúirt nach rachadh go hEamhain Mhacha

and he said that he
would not go,

acht bith oc frithálim lochta a chríchi fodesin.

ach go bhfanfadh sé ag freastal ar mhuintir a chríche féin.

but that he would attend the people of his own country.

At-rubairt Emer Foltchaín ingen Forgaill Manach,

Labhair Eimhear Fholtchaoin, iníon Fhorgaill Mhonaigh

The fair-haired Emer,
daughter of Forgall Manach,

int sessed ben is ferr tárraill Hérinn,

— duine den seisear ban ab fhearr a bhí in Éirinn —

the sixth best woman
that Eriu contained,

na dingned,

agus dúirt leis gan é sin a dhéanamh

said that he would not,

acht dul d’acallaim a aite Conchobair.

ach dul chun cainte lena athair altrama, Conchubhar.

but should go and speak with his guardian, Conor.

At-bert Cú Chulainn a eich do gabáil dó

D’ordaigh Cú Chulainn go ndéanfaí a chapaill a ghabháil

Cuchulaind commanded his horses to be harnessed for him,

ocus a charpat do indell.

agus a charbad a ghléasadh.

and his chariot to be yoked.

“Is gabtha na eich ocus iss innilti in carpat,” ar Láeg;

“Tá na capaill gafa agus an carbad gléasta,” arsa Laogh,

“Harnessed are the horses, and yoked is the chariot,” said Loeg;

“nít infhuirig cusin anúair, nadat-torbad dit gaisciud.

“ná bíodh ort moill d’aimhleasa agus ná coinnítear tú ó do ghaisce a dhéanamh.

“wait not for the evil hour, that thou mayest not be hindered of thy valour.

Cing and ind úair bas áil duit.”

Preab aníos ann anois nuair is áil leat é.”

Jump into it when thou likest.”

Gebid Cú Chulainn a threlam gaiscid immi

Chuir Cú Chulainn a threalamh gaisce uime

Cuchulaind took his warlike apparel about him;

et fa-leblaing ina charpat.

agus chuaigh de léim ina charbad.

and he leaped into his chariot,

Im-rulaid remi Cú Chulainn i tremdírgi na sliged, i n-athgardi na conar, cu hEmain Macha,

D’imigh Cú Chulainn caol díreach roimhe agus ghabh gach aicearra agus cóngar nó gur shroich Eamhain Mhacha

and proceeded on
by the most direct road, and shortest way, to Emain-Macha.

et tánic Sencha mac Ailella d’fherthain fháilti ra Coin Culainn ar faithchi na hEmna.

agus tháinig Seancha mac Oilealla amach ar fhaiche na hEamhna ag fáiltiú roimhe.

And Sencha, son of Ailill, came to bid welcome to Cuchulaind on the
green of Emain.

Is í seo fálti ferastar fris:

Mar seo a chuir sé fáilte roimhe:

This is the welcome he offered to him:

“Mo-chen bithchen do thíchtu, a chend sochair slúaig Ulad,

“Míle fáilte romhat a shárfhir a thug sochar ar shlua Uladh,

“Welcome, ever welcome thy coming, thou glorious head of the host of Ulad;

a eó gaile ocus gaiscid Gáedel,

a eo gaile agus gaisce Gael,

thou gem of valour and bravery of the Gaidel;

a meic dil drongaich dornchorcra Dechtini.”

a dhea-mhic dhil cheannasaigh ghlacuasail Dheichtine.”

thou dear, subduing, purple-fisted son of Dectire.”

“Fálti fir connaig ascid sin,” bar Cú Chulainn.

“Sin fáilte duine a bhfuil achainí á hiarraidh aige,” arsa Cú Chulainn.

“That is the welcome of a gift-asking man,” said Cuchulaind.

“Is sed écin,” bar Sencha mac Ailella.

“Is ea go deimhin,” arsa Seancha mac Oilealla.

“It is, indeed,” said Sencha, son of Ailill.

“Apair ca hascid connaigi,” ar Cú Chulainn.

“Abair cén achainí atá á hiarraidh agat,” arsa Cú Chulainn.

“Name the gift thou
requirest,” said
Cuchulaind.

“At-bér acht co rabat glinni mo dingbála ria.”

“Déarfaidh mé ach ráthóirí oiriúnacha a bheith ceaptha.”

“I will, provided that
there be fit securities
regarding it.”

“Apair ciata glinni con-daigi dar cend frithaisceda damsa.”

 “Abair cé hiad na ráthóirí a theastaíonn uait ach caithfidh mise achainí a fháil ar ais.”

“Say what are the
securities thou dost
require, in
consideration of a
counter-gift for me.”

“Na dá Chonall ocus Lóegaire .i. Conall Ánglonnach mac Íriel Glúnmáir,

“An dá Chonall agus Laoghaire, is é sin le rá Conall Ánghlonnach mac Iriail Ghlúnmhóir

“The two Conalls and
Loegaire, viz. Conall
Anglonnach, son of
Iriel Glunmar,

ocus Conall Cernach mac Amairgin,

agus Conall Cearnach mac Aimhirghin

and Conall Cernach,
son of Amargin,

ocus Lóegaire Londbúadach.”

agus Laoghaire Lonnbhuach.”

and the furious
Loegaire Buadach.” 

Ra fornaidmed for na coraib sin inn ascid

Tugadh geallúint shollúnta maidir leis an achainí sin

The boon was secured upon those guarantees,

dar cend frithaisceda do Choin Chulainn.

ar choinníoll go bhfaigheadh Cú Chulainn achainí ar ais.

in consideration of a
counter-gift for
Cuchulaind.

“Cata cuir con-daigi-siu rit fhrithaiscid?” bar Sencha.

“Cé hiad na ráthóirí a theastaíonn uait maidir le d’achainí ar ais?” arsa Seancha.

“What are the guarantees thou desirest regarding
the counter-gift?”
asked Sencha.

“Na trí gillai óca ána airegda,

“An triúr giolla óg uasal cáiliúil sin,

“The three young, noble, distinguished gillies:

Cormac Cond Longas mac Conchobair,

Cormac Conn Loingeas mac Conchubhair,

Cormac Connlongas,
son of Conor,

Mes Dead mac Amairgin,

Meas Deá mac Aimhirghin

Mesdead son of Amargin,

Eochu Cendgarb mac Celtchair.”

agus Eochaidh Ceanngharbh mac Cealtchair.”

and Eocha rough- head, son of Celtchar.”

“Is sed connaigim-se,” ar Sencha mac Ailella,

“Is é a iarraimse,” arsa Seancha mac Oilealla,

“What I ask,” said
Sencha, son of Ailill,

“in trian fil it láim do Ultaib do lécud úait ra blíadain do Chonchobar.”

“an trian d’Ulaidh atá agat a thabhairt ar feadh bliana do Chonchubhar.”

“is that thou wouldst
cede to Conor, for a year, the third of Ulad which is in thy hand.”

“Diambad fherddi in cúiced a bith aci ra blíadain ní hindsa,

“Más fearrde an cúige é a bheith aige ar feadh bliana, níl deacracht leis sin,

“If the province were the better of his having it for a year, it is not hard;

úair is é in tipra ’na telluch thechtaide é

mar is eisean foinse na fírinne agus an rí ceart i seilbh dhleathach na tíre,

for he is the fountain in its proper site

na fétaither d’athgúd ná d’éligud,

fear nach féidir a lochtú ná a bhréagnú.

that cannot be stained or defiled,

úa ríg Hérenn is Alban.

Ó ríthe Éireann agus Alban a síolraíodh é.

the descendant of the Kings of Eriu and Alba.

Sech dambad fherddi in cóiced a bith ace ra blíadain

Ina theannta sin, más fearrde an cúige é a bheith aige ar feadh bliana,

Therefore, if the
province were the better of its being in his possession for a year,

ní hindsa a bith ace,

níl fadhb leis sin,

’tis not hard that he
should have it;

ocus mani ferddi

agus mura fearrde,

but if it is not the better,

scolfa minmac lind a chor for a trian féin i cind blíadna.”

beidh sé furasta dúinn é a chur ar ais ina thrian féin i gceann bliana.”

we will insist (?) that
he must be placed upon his own third at the end of a year.”

Do-ríacht Fintan mac Néill Níamglonnaig.

Tháinig Fionntan mac Néill Niamhghlonnaigh i láthair.

Fintan, son of Niall Niamglonnach, arrived.

Airichlis Cathbath druí degamra. Ra fhirastar fáilti fris:

Thóg Cathbhadh, an dea-dhraoi fónta, ar láimh é. Chuir sé fáilte roimhe:

The illustrious good
druid Cathbad met him, and bade him welcome. 

“Mo-chen do thíchtu, a óclaíg álaind amra,

“Fáilte romhat, a óglaigh álainn fhiúntaigh,

“Welcome thy coming, thou beautiful,
illustrious youth;

a phrímgascedaig ollchúicid Ulad,

a phríomhghaiscígh ollchuige Uladh

thou mighty warrior
of the great province of Ulad,

risna gabat díbergaig ná hanmargaig ná hallmaraig,

nach dtéann creachadóirí, foghlaithe ná allúraigh ina ghaire,

against whom neither plunderers, nor spoilers, nor pirates can contend;

a fhir ocharimmil chúicid Ulad.”

a fhir chosanta fhíorimeall Chúige Uladh.”

thou border-man of the province of Ulad.”

“Fáilte fir connaig ascid sin,” ar Fintan.

“Sin fáilte duine a bhfuil achainí á hiarraidh aige,” arsa Fionntan.

“That is the welcome of a man who asks a boon,” said Fintan.

“Is ed écin,” ar Cathbath.

“Is ea go deimhin,” arsa Cathbhadh.

“It is, truly,” answered Cathbad.

“Apair conat-raib,” ar Fintan.

“Abair leat chun go mbeidh agat,” arsa Fionntan.

“Speak, that it may be given thee,” said Fintan.

“At-bér acht conam-rabat glinni mo dingbála ria.”

“Déarfaidh mé ach ráthóirí oiriúnacha a bheith agam.”

“I will speak, provided that I may have my fit
securities regarding it.”

“Apair cata glinni connaigi

“Abair cé hiad na ráthóirí a theastaíonn uait

“Say, what securities
requirest thou,

dar cend frithaisceda damsa,” ar Fintan.

ach caithfidh mise achainí a fháil ar ais,” arsa Fionntan.

in consideration of a
return boon for me?”
said Fintan.

“Celtchair mac Uthidir,

“Cealtchair mac Uithidhir,

“Celtchair, son of Uthidir;

Uma mac Remanfisig a Fedain Cúalngi,

Umha mac Reamhanfheasaigh ó Fheadhain Chuailnge,

Uma, son of Remanfisech, from the brooks of
Cuailnge,

Errgi Echbél a Brí Errgi.”

agus Eirge Eachbhéal ó Bhrí Eirge.”

and Ergi Echbél
from Bri-Ergi.” 

Ra fornaidmed for na coraib sin.

Glacadh go sollúnta leis na coinníollacha sin.

They bound upon
those guarantees.

“Apair-siu fadechtsa cata cuir géba frit fhrithascid, a Fhintain.”

“Abairse anois cé hiad na ráthóirí a bheidh inghlactha agat maidir leis an achainí ar ais agat, a Fhionntain.”

“Speak now, O Fintan; what securities wilt
thou accept regarding thy return boon?”

“Trí meic Uisnig anglonnaig,

“Triúr mac Uisnigh ardghlórmhair,

“The three sons of the valiant Uisnech;

trí áenchaindli gascid na hEórpa, Noísi ocus Ánli ocus Ardan.”

trí lóchrann gaisciúlachta na hEorpa: Naoise, Áinle agus Ardán.”

the three torches of
valour of Europe:
Noisi, Anli, and Ardan.”

Ra fornaidmit na glinni sin leith for leth.

Glacadh go sollúnta ar an dá thaobh leis na coinníollacha sin.

Those guarantees were ratified on both sides.

Táncatar is tech i mbaí Conchobar .i. is Téite mBrecc.

Chuaigh siad isteach sa teach ina raibh Conchubhar, is é sin an Téite Breac.

They came into the house in which Conor was, to wit, into the Teite Brecc.

“Is rí Ulad Conchobar ifechtsa,” ar Cathbath, “má thuc Fintan a thrian dó.”

“Is é Conchubhar rí Uladh anois,” arsa Cathbhadh, “má thug Fionntan a thrian dó.”

“Conor is now King of Ulaid,” said Cathbad, “if Fintan gave him his third.”

“Is sed,” ar Sencha, “ar tuc Cú Chulainn.”

“Is é,” arsa Seancha, “ón uair gur thug Cú Chulainn a thrian siúd dó.”

“Yes,” said Sencha, “for Cuchulaind gave his.”

“Mas sed,” or Cú Chulainn, “ticed d’ól ocus d’óebinnius limsa,

“Más ea,” arsa Cú Chulainn, “tagadh sé ag ól agus ag aoibhneas liomsa,

“If so,” said Cuchulaind,
“let him come to drinking and delight with me;

ar is í mo fhrithascid.”

mar sin í an achainí a iarraimse ar ais.”

for that is my counter-request.” 

“Cadeat m’acsine-sea ocus m’urnadmand,” ar Fintan,

“Cad faoi m’achainíse agus mo gheallúintse,” arsa Fionntan,

“Where are my securities and bonds,” asked Fintan,

“in tráth lamair a rád sin?”

“ón uair go bhfuiltear ag labhairt go místuama mar sin?”

“when that is permitted to be said?”

Tincsetar glinni cechtar n-aí díb cu barbarda,

D’éirigh ráthóirí na beirte

The guarantees of each of them advanced savagely;

ocus ba sed barbardacht na comérgi

agus is go borb, fíochmhar a thug siad faoina chéile

and such was the
fierceness of the uprising,

co mbaí nónbor i ngonaib ocus nónbor i fuilib ocus nónbur ra hulibásaib eturru

go dtí go raibh naonúr gonta agus naonúr ag cur fola agus naonúr i mbéal báis

that nine were covered with wounds, and nine
with blood, and nine in death agonies, amongst them

leth for leth.

ar an dá thaobh.

on one side and the other.

At-racht Sencha mac Ailella

D’éirigh Seancha mac Oilealla

Sencha son of Ailill arose,

ocus ba-rocroth in craíb sídamail Senchada,

agus chroith sé a chraobh shíochána

and waved the peaceful branch of Sencha,

comba taí tastadach for Ultaib.

agus thit tost agus ciúnas ar na hUltaigh.

so that the Ulidians were silent, quiet. 

“Romór debthaigthi,” ar Sencha,

“Éirígí as an troid éigiallta seo agaibh,” arsa Seancha,

“Too much have you
quarrelled,” said Sencha,

“úair ní rí Ulad Conchobar co cend mblíadna.”

“mar ní bheidh Conchubhar ina rí ar Ulaidh go ceann bliana fós.”

“for Conor is not King of Ulad, until the end of a year.”

“Do-génam-ni sin,” ar Cú Chulainn,

“Déanfaimid sin,” arsa Cú Chulainn,

“We will do that,”
said Cuchulaind,

“acht na tísir-siu etraind i cind blíadna.”

“ar choinníoll nach dtiocfaidh tusa eadrainn i gceann bliana.”

“provided that you
come not between
us at the end of a year.”

“Ní tharg-sa ón,” ar Sencha.

“Go deimhin duit, ní thiocfaidh,” arsa Seancha.

“I will not go, truly,” said Sencha.

For-naidmis Cú Chulainn fair.

Bhain Cú Chulainn geallúint shollúnta as nach ndéanfadh.

Cuchulaind bound him to this.

Damnatar la trí laaib ocus aidchib

D’fhan siad trí lá agus trí oíche

They remained during three days and nights,

ic ól na coibledi sin Conchobair co tarnacar leo.

ag caitheamh na fleá sin ag Conchubhar sara raibh deireadh acu.

drinking that banquet of Conor, until it was
finished by them.

Lotar da tigib ocus dúnib ocus dagárasaib ar sain.

Chuaigh siad ar ais go dtí a dtithe agus a ndúna agus a ndea-árais féin ansin.

They went afterwards to their houses, and forts, and good residences.

In tí thánic i cind blíadna,

An té a thiocfadh i gceann bliana

He that came at the
end of a year

ro boí in cóiced ina thopor thuli ocus téchta ac Conchobar,

chífeadh sé go raibh an cúige ina eiseamláir mar le síocháin agus dlí faoi Chonchubhar

found the province
a fountain of desire,
and of wealth, with
Conor;

cona rabi aithles fás falam

agus nach raibh seandún tréigthe folamh

so that there was not a residence waste or empty,

ótá Rind Semni ocus Latharnai co Cnocc Úachtair Fhorcha

ó Rinn Sheimhne agus Latharna go Cnoc Uachtair Fhorcha

from Rinn-Seimhne
and Latharna to the
hill of Uachtar-Forcha,

ocus co Duib ocus co Drobaís

agus go Dubh agus Drobhaois

and to Dubh and to
Drobhais,

cen mac i n-inad a athar ocus a shenathar

gan mac in ionad a athar agus a sheanathar ann

without a son in the
place of his father and his grandfather,

ic tairgnam da thigernu dúthaig.

i seirbhís dílis a thiarna shinseartha.

serving his hereditary lord. 

Is and so do-rala caínchomrád etir Coin Culainn ocus Emir.

Is ansin a tharla caoinchomhrá idir Cú Chulainn agus Eimhear.

At this time a
conversation occurred
between Cuchulaind
and Emer.

“Atar lim,” ar Emer, “is ardrí Ulad ifechtsa Conchobar.”

“Dar liom,” arsa Eimhear, “tá Conchubhar ina ardrí ar Ulaidh anois.”

“Methinks,” said Emer,
“Conor is now arch-king of Ulad.”

“Ní líach cíambad ed,” ar Cú Chulainn.

“Ní haon drochrud é, más ea,” arsa Cú Chulainn.

“Not sad, though it were so,” said
Cuchulaind.

“Is mithig a choibled rígi do dénam dó badechtsa,” ar Emer,

“Is mithid a fhleá ríoga a ullmhú dó anois,” arsa Eimhear,

“It is time to prepare
his banquet of
sovereignty for him
now,” said Emer,

“ar is rí co suthain é.”

“mar is é a bheidh ina rí i gcónaí as seo amach.”

“because he is a king
for ever.”

“Déntar didiu,” bar Cú Chulainn.

“Déantar amhlaidh,” arsa Cú Chulainn.

“Let it be made, then,” said Cuchulaind.

Do-ringned in choibled

Rinneadh an fhleá a ullmhú

The banquet was
prepared;

co mboí cét ndabach do cach lind inti.

agus soláthraíodh céad dabhach de gach saghas leanna.

and there were one
hundred vats of every
kind of ale in it.

Is in tan cétna

Ag an am céanna

It was at the same time

ra chomarléic Fintan mac Néill Níamglonnaig a choibled do dénam,

d’ordaigh Fionntan mac Néill Niamhghlonnaigh go n-ullmhófaí fleá dá chuid féin;

that Fintan, son of Niall Niamglonnach, decided to prepare his banquet;

co mboí cét ndabach do cach lind inti,

soláthraíodh céad dabhach de gach saghas leanna,

and there were one
hundred vats of each kind of ale in it.

et corbo éim ocus corbo ellam.

agus fuarthas gach rud ullamh go pras.

And it was prepared
and ready.

I n-óenló ra fúaprait

Is ar an lá céanna a chuathas i mbun an dá fhleá a ullmhú

On the same day both were begun,

ocus i n-óenló rapsat irlama.

agus bhí siad ullamh ar an lá céanna.

and on the same day they were ready.

I n-óenló ra gabait a n-eich dóib

Is ar an lá céanna a gléasadh a gcapaill

On the same day their horses were harnessed for them,

ocus ra hindlit a carpait.

agus a cuireadh gcarbaid i bhfearas.

and their chariots yoked.

Taísechu ro-síacht Cú Chulainn co hEmain.

Cú Chulainn is túisce a bhain Eamhain amach.

Cuchulaind arrived the first at Emain.

Ní tharnacar acht a eich do scur

Ar éigean a bhí a chapaill scortha

He had only unyoked his horses

inn úair do-ríacht Fintan ocus tánic reme i nEmain.

faoin am ar bhain Fionntan Eamhain amach.

when Fintan arrived,
and went on to Emain.

Is and boí Cú Chulainn ac tóchuriud Conchobair ar ammus a fhledi

Bhí cuireadh chun na fleá a bhí ullamh aige féin á thabhairt ag Cú Chulainn do Chonchubhar

Cuchulaind was there,
inviting Conor to his
banquet,

inn úair do-ríacht Fintan.

nuair a tháinig Fionntan i láthair.

when Fintan arrived.

“Cadeat mo chuir ocus mo glinni

“Cá bhfuil mo ráthóirí agus cad faoi na geallúintí a tugadh dom?” arsa Fionntan,

“Where are my bonds
and guarantees,

inn úair lamair sút do rád?”

“ón uair go raibh sé de dhánaíocht ann an chaint sin a dhéanamh?”

when that is permitted to be said?” (asked Fintan).

“Filem sund,” ar meic Uisnig ic comérgi.

“Táimid anseo,” arsa mic Uisnigh agus iad a éirí le chéile.

“Here we are,” said
the sons of Uisnech,
rising up together.

“Cid messe,” bar Cú Chulainn, “ní hamlaid atú cen rátha.”

“Agus mise,” arsa Cú Chulainn, “ní hamhlaidh atáimse gan ráthóirí.”

“Even I,” said
Cuchulaind, “am not
without guarantees.”

At-raachtatar Ulaid co barbarda ara n-armaib,

Tharraing na hUltaigh a gcuid arm chucu le fíoch

The Ulidians advanced furiously towards their arms;

ar nar lam Sencha érgi eturru,

sa tslí nár leomhaidh Seancha dul eatarthu,

because Sencha dared not come between them,

raptar essídaig,

bhí ina chaismirt eatarthu

they were so
quarrelsome,

nara chumaing Conchobar ní dóib

agus níor fhéad Conchubhar aon rud a dhéanamh

that Conor could do
nothing for them,

acht in phelait rígda i rrabatar d’fhácbáil leo;

ach an pálás ríoga ina raibh siad a fhágáil acu.

but leave them the
royal palace in which
they were.

ocus rata-linestar mac dó diarbo chomainm Furbaide mac Conchobair.

Lean mac leis é — Furbhaidhe mac Conchubhair ab ainm dósan.

And a son of his
followed him, whose
name was Furbaide
son of Conor,

Is amlaid ro buí side Cú Chulainn rotan-ail.

Is amhlaidh a bhí seisean ina mhac altrama ag Cú Chulainn.

whom Cuchulaind
had fostered.

Et banetlastar Conchobar fair.

Agus thug Conchubhar i leataobh é.

And Conor looked
upon him.

“Maith a meic,” bar Conchobar,

“Sea, a mhic,” arsa Conchubhar,

“Good, O my son,”
said Conor,

“diambad áil dait ticfad dít Ulaid do sídugud.”

“dá mb’áil leat é, thiocfadh leat síocháin a dhéanamh idir na hUltaigh.”

“if it pleased thee,
the pacification of
the Ulidians would
come of thee.” 

“Cinnas eside?” bar in mac.

“Conas sin?” arsa an mac.

“How is that?” said the boy.

“Ocus coí ocus tuirsi do dénam i fíadnaisi do cháemaiti Con Culainn,

“Trí bheith ag caoineadh agus ag déanamh bróin i bhfianaise do chaomhoide, Cú Chulainn,

“By weeping and
grieving in presence
of thy fair guardian,
Cuchulaind;

ór ní rabi d’écin catha ná comlaind fair

mar i ngach cath agus coimhlint dá dhéine ina mbíonn sé,

for he was never in
any difficulty of
battle or conflict,

nach fortsu bias a menma.”

is ortsa a bhíonn sé ag smaoineamh.”

that his mind would
not be fixed on thee.”

Sóis in mac for cúlu

Chas an buachaill ar ais

The boy went back,

ocus do-gní coí ocus tuirsi i fíadnaisi a aiti Con Culainn.

agus bhí ag caoineadh agus ag déanamh bróin i bhfianaise a athar altrama, Cú Chulainn.

and wept and
grieved in presence
of his guardian
Cuchulaind.

Con-fócht Cú Chulainn cid nod-boí.

D’fhiarfaigh Cú Chulainn de cad a bhí air.

Cuchulaind asked what ailed him.

At-bert in maccáem ri Coin Culainn:

Dúirt an buachaill le Cú Chulainn:

The youth said to
Cuchulaind,

“In tan atá in cóiced ’na thopor tuli,

“Agus an cúige ina eiseamláir dea-thola,

 “when the province is a fountain of desire,

tussu ’ca adgell ocus ’ca admilliud

tusa a bheith á lot agus á mhilleadh

that thou shouldst
be disturbing and
spoiling it,

ar-aí clóechlód óenaidchi.”

ar mhaithe le hathrú aon oíche.”

for the sake of the
exchange of one night.”

“Tucus mo bréthir ris,” bar Cú Chulainn,

“Thug mé m’fhocal maidir leis seo,” arsa Cú Chulainn,

“I have pledged my
word regarding it,”
said Cuchulaind,

“ocus ní taris ticfaither.”

“agus ní bhrisfear é.”

“and it shall not
be transgressed.”

“Da-ong-sa mo bréthir,” ar Fintan,

“Mhóidigh mise,” arsa Fionntan,

“I have sworn my
oath,” said Fintan,

“na lécob d’Ultaib cen taidecht lim innocht.”

“nach ligfinn d’Ultaigh gan teacht liom anocht.”

“that I will not permit the Ulidians not to come with me this night.”

“Ba-géb-sa comarli amra dúib

“Cuirfidh mise comhairle mhaith oraibh,

“I would find an
excellent counsel for you,

dá lamaind a labra,” far Sencha mac Ailella.

mura dána an mhaise dhom labhairt,” arsa Seancha mac Oilealla.

if I dared to express it,” said Sencha, son of Ailill:

“In cétleth dond aidchi do Fhintan

“An chéad leath den oíche d’Fhionntan

“the first half of
the night to Fintan,

ocus in leth dédenach do Coin Culainn

agus an dara leath do Chú Chulainn,

and the last half to
Cuchulaind,

ar thoirsi in meic bic do chosc.”

ar mhaithe le brón an bhuachaillín a chosc.”

in order to appease
the little boy’s grief.”

“Lécfat-sa fair,” bar Cú Chulainn.

“Glacfaidh mise leis sin,” arsa Cú Chulainn.

“I will allow it,”
said Cuchulaind.

“Anfat-sa fair dano,” bar Fintan.

“Táimse sásta,” arsa Fionntan.

“I will stand upon
it, too,” said Fintan.

And at-rachtatar Ulaid im Chonchobar

Chruinnigh na hUltaigh timpeall ar Chonchubhar

The Ulidians then
rose up about Conor;

ocus faídis techta fan cúiced

agus chuir seisean teachtairí uaidh i bhfad agus i ngearr

and he sent
messengers
throughout the
province,

do thochostul lochta in chóicid co cobfhleid Fintain.

chun muintir an chúige a thionól ag fleá Fhionntain.

to muster the people of the province to Fintan’s banquet.

Luid Conchobar fodéin

Chuaigh Conchubhar féin,

Conor himself went,

co crisluch na Craíbrúade imme

agus complacht ceartdílis na Craoibhe Rua in éineacht leis,

with the company
of the Craebh-ruaidh
about him,

co Dún Dá Bend co tech Fintain meic Néill Níamglonnaig.

go teach Fhionntain mhic Néill Niamhghlonnaigh i nDún dá Bheann.

to Dun-da-bend,
to the house of Fintan son of Niall
Niamglonnach.

Do-ríachtatar Ulaid do thochastul na fledi

Thionól na hUltaigh ag an bhfleá

The Ulidians arrived to the festive assembly,

conach baí fer lethbali i nUltaib na toracht and.

agus ní raibh fear ón mbaile ba lú in Ulaidh nár tháinig i láthair.

so that there was not
a man of a half-bally
in Ulad that did not
come there.

Is amlaid táncatar,

Is amhlaidh a tháinig

The way in which they came was,

cach briugu cona bantuilg,

gach brughaidh agus a bheanchéile,

each noble with his
lady;

cach rí cona rígain,

gach rí agus a ríon,

each king with his
queen;

cach fer cíuil cona chomadas,

gach fear ceoil agus a chéile,

each musician with
his accompaniments;

cach ségaind cona banshégaind.

gach sárfhear agus a stáidbhean.

each hunter with his
huntress.

Mar ná rísad acht dám nónbair in bali

Mura mbeadh i láthair ann ach naonúr,

As if only a company
of nine had reached
the place

is amlaid ra frithálit.

níorbh fhearr mar a dhéanfaí freastal orthu.

—so were they
attended.

Ro bátar cotaltigi cáema cumtachda cruthglana ria n-airchill.

Bhí seomraí codlata caomha, ceartchóirithe, cruthghlana ar fáil dóibh.

There were fair-formed, bright-shaped, sleeping
houses prepared for
them.

Ro bátar gríanána álli ardda essarda do aín ocus do úrlúachair,

Bhí grianáin áille arda agus blíneach agus bogluachair leata iontu

There were splendid,
lofty pavilions, littered with bent and fresh rushes,

ocus slúagthigi sithfhata;

agus sluathithe scóipiúla,

and long houses for
the multitude,

cuchtarthigi lethna luchtmara

cistiní leathana agus lucht freastail go líonmhar iontu,

and immense, wide,
capacious cooking
houses;

ocus bruiden brec bélfhairsiung

agus bruíon bhreac bhéalfhairsing

and a variegated,
wide-mouthed
bruiden,

issí lethan luchtmar lánmór,

a bhí leathan lánmhór agus dea-fhoireann i mbun dualgais ann.

which was broad
and capacious,

issí chúlach chernach cethardoirsech,

Í cúinneach, cearnach, ceathairdhoirseach

protective, square,
four-doored,

in ra thaillset mathi Ulad etir mná ocus firu ic ól ocus ic aíbnius.

agus is ann a líon maithe Uladh isteach, idir mhná agus fhir, agus bhí ag ól agus ag aoibhneas ann.

in which the nobles
of Ulad, both men
and women, might
be accommodated at drinking and
enjoyment.

Ra doirtea airigthi bíd ocus lenna dóib

Cuireadh togha bia agus leanna os a gcomhair

Provisions of food and ale were poured out for them,

cu ríacht praind cét de biud ocus de lind cach nónbair díb.

– bhí dóthain céid de bhia agus de lionn ag gach naonúr díobh.

so that the allowance of a hundred of food and ale reached every nine of them.

Ár sain ra hairecrad a óltech la Conchobar,

Ina dhiaidh sin, shocraigh Conchubhar ionad suí na n-aíonna sa teach óil

His drinking house
was afterwards
arranged by Conor

ar gnímaib ar irrannaib ocus cenélaib,

i bhfianaise gníomhartha, rann agus tuath,

according to deeds, and parts, and families;

ar grádaib ocus dánaib ocus ar chaínbésaib

agus de réir grád, ealaíon agus dea-nósanna,

according to grades,
and arts, and customs,

im chóemechostud na fledi.

ar mhaithe le ceartriaradh na fleá.

with a view to the
fair holding of the
banquet.

Táncatar rannaire ra raind ocus deogbairi ri dáil ocus dorsidi ri dorseóracht.

Chuaigh rannairí i mbun roinnte, dáilimh i mbun dí a dháileadh agus doirseoirí i mbun doirseoireachta.

Distributors came
to distribute, and
cup-bearers to deal,
and door-keepers
for door-keeping.

Ro canta a céoil ocus a n-airfiti ocus a n-intlassi.

Canadh ceolta agus seinneadh go séismhear don slua.

Their music, and
their minstrelsy,
and their harmonies
were played.

Gabtha a ndúana ocus a ndréchta ocus a n-admolta doib.

Canadh a nduanta agus a ndréachta agus a laoithe adhmholta dóibh.

Their lays, and their
poesies, and their
eulogies, were
chanted for them;

Ra fodáilte séoit ocus maíni ocus innmassa dóib.

Roinneadh seoda agus maoin agus ollmhaitheas orthu.

and jewels, and
valuables, and
treasures, were
distributed to them.

Is and so at-rubairt Cú Chulainn ra Láeg mac Riangabra,

Is ansin a dúirt Cú Chulainn le Laogh mac Rianghabhra:

It was then that
Cuchulaind said to Loeg, son of
Riangabhra:

“Érigh remut, a mo phopa Laíg, fairc-siu lett renna aéoir,

“Imigh amach, a Laoigh, a fhir fhónta, agus bí ag féachaint ar réalta na spéire,

“go out, O my
master Loeg;
observe the stars of the air,

finta lat cuin ticfa midmedón aidchi

chun go mbeidh a fhios agat cathain a bheidh ina mheán oíche,

and ascertain when
the midnight comes;

ár it menic i críchaib cíana comaidchi ’com fhóit ocus ’com fhorairi.”

mar is minic tú i gcríocha coimhthíocha i gcéin ag faire agus ag seasamh garda domsa.”

for often hast thou
been watching and
waiting for me in far distant countries.”

Ra érig Láeg remi immach.

Chuaigh Laogh amach.

Loeg went out.

Ro gab ac midem ocus ic mórdéscin no co tánic medón aidchi.

Bhí sé ag breathnú agus ag faire nó gur tháinig an meán oíche.

He continued
watching and
observing until
midnight came.

Feib thánic medón aidchi tánic Láeg is tech remi áitt i rrabi Cú Chulainn.

Nuair a tháinig an meán oíche, d’fhill Laogh isteach mar a raibh Cú Chulainn.

As midnight came
Loeg proceeded in
to the place where
Cuchulaind was.

“Is medón aidchi fadechtsa, a Chú na cless,” ar sé.

“Tá ina mheán oíche anois, a Chú na gcleas,” ar seisean.

“It is midnight now,
O Hound of the
Feats,” said he.

Mar ra-chuala Cú Chulainn ra innis do Chonchobar

Nuair a chuala Cú Chulainn é sin, chuir sé an méid sin in iúl do Chonchubhar

When Cuchulaind
heard this, he
informed Conor,

ocus sé san fhochlai fhénnida ’na fhíadnaisi.

a bhí ina shuí ar shuíochán an churaidh in aice leis.

who was then in
the hero-seat in
front of him.

At-raacht Conchobar

D’éirigh Conchubhar ina sheasamh

Conor stood up,

ra beind breccsholais búabaill.

agus a bheann bhreac sholasmhar bhuabhaill ina láimh.

with a speckled-
bright bugle-horn.

Ba taí tastadach ar Ultaib a ’t-conncatar in ríg ’na shessam.

Thit tost ar na hUltaigh nuair a chonaic siad an rí ina sheasamh.

Mute and silent were the Ulidians, when they saw the king standing.

Ba sed a thaidecht bátar

Bhí siad chomh ciúin sin

Such was their
silence,

dá tairnad snáthat a féci for airlár co cluinfide.

is dá dtitfeadh snáthaid ón tsnaidhm mhullaigh anuas ar an urlár, go gcluinfí sin.

that if a needle fell from the roof to the floor it would be heard.

Óen do gessib Ulad labrad ríana ríg

Ceann de gheasa na nUltach labhairt sara labhródh a rí

One of the
prohibitions of the Ulidians was, to speak before their king;

ocus óen do gessib in ríg labrad ríana druídib.

agus ceann de gheasa an rí labhairt sara labhródh a dhraoithe.

and one of the
prohibitions of the king was, to speak before his druids.

Is and at-bert Cathbath druí degamra,

Is ansin a dúirt Cathbhadh, an dea-dhraoi fónta:

It was there the
excellent druid
Cathbad asked,

“Cid and sin, a ardrí Ulad airegda, a Chonchobair?”

“cad tá i gceist, a ardrí uasail Uladh, a Chonchubhair?”

“What is that, O magnificent arch-king of Ulad, O Conor?”

“Cú Chulainn ann so. Is mithig leis dol d’ól a fhledi.”

“Cú Chulainn anseo — is mithid, dar leis, dul agus a fhleá siúd a chaitheamh.”

“Cuchulaind here; he thinks it time to go and drink his banquet.”

“Diambad maith leis bennachtu Ulad i n-óenbaile da thuillem

“An amhlaidh ba mhaith leis buíochas na nUltach, agus iad bailithe le chéile in aon áit amháin, a thuilleamh

“If he wished to
merit the blessings
of the assembled
Ulidians,

ocus ar faind ocus ar mná ocus ar maccaími d’fhácbáil!”

agus ár muintir atá lag, ár mná agus ár n-ógánaigh a fhágáil inár ndiaidh?”

and to leave our
weaklings, and our
women, and our youths behind!” 

“Bud maith,” ar Cú Chulainn,

“Ba maith,” arsa Cú Chulainn,

“I would like it,” said Cuchulaind,

“acht co tísat ar curaid ocus ar córaid ocus ar cathmílid ocus ar n-áes cíuil ocus dána ocus airfitid lind.”

“ach go dtiocfadh ár gcuraidh, ár laochra, ár gcathmhílí, ár n-aos ceoil agus filíochta agus ár n-oirfidigh linn.”

“provided that our
knights, our champions, and our warriors, our musicians, our poets, and our minstrels shall come with us.”

At-raachtatar Ulaid érgi n-aínfir

D’éirigh na hUltaigh uile le chéile

The Ulidians
advanced [as] the
advance of one man,

ar a fathchi fondchrúaid immach.

agus chuaigh siad amach ar an bhfaiche fhódchrua.

out upon the hard-
surfaced green.

“Maith a mo phopa Laíg,” ar Cú Chulainn,

“Tá go maith a Laoigh, a fhir fhónta,” arsa Cú Chulainn,

“Good, O my master
Loeg,” said Cuchulaind,

“tabair séol étrom forsin carpat.”

“déan an carbad a bhogadh ar aghaidh go réidh.”

“give a light course
to the chariot.”

Bátar teora búada araidechta forsinn araid inn úair sin

Bhain trí shainscil leis an ara sin an uair úd,

The charioteer
possessed the three
virtues of
charioteering in that hour,

.i. immorchor ndelend ocus foscul ndíriuch ocus léim dar boilg.

b’iadsan cleas an bhroid, ‘foscul díreach’ agus léim na bearna.

to wit, turning round,
and straight backing,
and ‘leap over gap’.

“Maith a phopa Laíg,” ar Cú Chulainn,

“Tá go maith a Laoigh, a fhir fhónta,” arsa Cú Chulainn,

“Good, O my master
Loeg,” said
Cuchulaind,

“saig brot n-áig forsan echraid.”

“tabhair an brod catha anois do na capaill.”

“give ardour of speed to the horses.”

Memaid bánbidgud bodba d’echraid Con Culainn.

Ghéaraigh capaill Chú Chulainn agus ghluais ar aghaidh go lúfar lánbhorb.

Cuchulaind’s horses
broke into a furious
sudden start.

Táncatar echrada Ulad fora n-athiris

Lean capaill na nUltach a sampla

The horses of the
Ulidians went
according to their
example.

et is sed so ro gabsat,

agus seo é an bealach a ghabh siad:

And where they went was,

i fathchi Dúni Dá Bend, do Chathir Osrin,

thar fhaiche Dhún Dá Bheann go Cathair Oisrinn,

into the green of
Dun-da-bend, to
Cathair-osrin,

do Lí Thúaga, do Dún Rígáin, d’Olarbi, ocus ra hur nOllarbi

go Lí Thua, go Dún Riagáin, go hOllarbha agus fan imeall Ollarbha

to Lí-thuaga, to
Dún-Rigain, to
Ollarbi, and by
the shore of Ollarbi,

i mMag Macha, i Slíab Fúait ocus i nÁth na Forari,

isteach i Maigh Macha, go Sliabh Fuaid agus Áth na Foraire,

into the plain of
Macha, into Sliabh-Fuait, and into the
Watchman’s-ford,

do Phort Nóth Con Culainn, i mMag Muirthemni,

go dtí Port Nóth Chú Chulainn, go dtí Maigh Muirtheimhne,

to Port-noth of
Cuchulaind, into
Magh-Muirthemne,

i Crích Saithi, dar Dubid, dar sruthair na Bónni,

go Críoch Shaithe, thar Dhubhaidh, thar shruth na Bóinne

into the territory of
Saithi, across Dubid,
across the stream of
the Boyne,

i mMag mBreg ocus Mide, i Senmag Léna in Mucceda,

go Maigh Breá agus Mí, go Seanmhaigh Léana an Mhuicí

into Magh-Breg and
Meath, into the old
plain of Lena the
swineherd,

i Claithar Cell, dar Brosnachaib Bladma,

go Cliathar Ceall, thar Bhrosnacha Bhladhma

into Claither-Cell,
across the Brosnas
of Bladhma;

a clé ra Berna Mera ingini Trega risa ráter Bernán Éle indiu,

agus a lámh chlé le Bearna Mheara iníon Threá, ar a dtugtar Bearnán Éile inniu,

their left towards the gap of Mer daughter of Treg, which is to-day called Bernan-Ele;

a ndes ri Slíab nÉblinni ingini Guaire,

agus Sliabh Éibhlinne iníon Ghuaire ar a láimh dheas,

their right to the
Hills Sliabh-Ebhlinni
daughter of Guaire;

dar Findsruth risa n-apar Aband Húa Cathbath,

thar Fhionnshruth, ar a dtugtar Abhainn Ua gCathbhadh,

across the fair stream
which is called the
river of O’Cathbad,

i mMachaire mór na mMuman, dar Lár Martini ocus i Smertaini,

trí Mhachaire Mór na Mumhan, thar Lár Mhairthine go Smearthaine,

into the great plain
of Munster, through
the middle of Artine,
and into Smertaini;

a ndes ra findcharrgib Locha Gair,

agus carraigeacha bána Loch Goir ar thaobh a láimhe deise,

their right towards
the white rocks of
Loch-Gair;

dar sruthlind Mági, co Clíu Máil meic Úgaine,

thar shruthlinn na Máighe go Cliú Mháil mhic Úghaine,

across the pool-
stream of Maig,
to Cliu of Mal son
of Ugaine,

i Crích na Dési Bice, i ferund Con Ruí meic Dáire.

isteach i gCríoch na Déise Bige agus i bhfearann Chú Raoi mhic Dháire.

into the territory of the Deise-beg, into the land of Curui mac Daire.

Cach tailach dara tictís na múrtís co fáctaís ina fóenglenntaib.

Gach tulach thar a dtéidís, leagaidís é sa tslí go mbíodh ina ghleann íseal réidh ina ndiaidh.

Every hill over which they went they levelled, so that they left it in low glens;

Cach fidbad dara tictís

Gach coill trína ngabhaidís,

every wood through
which they passed,

no thesctaís rotha íarnaide na carpat fréma na ralach romór

theascadh rotha iarainn na gcarbad fréamhacha na gcrann mór darach inti

the iron wheels of
the chariots cut the
roots of the immense trees,

comba crích machairi da n-éis.

go bhfágtaí iad ina machairí leathana oscailte ina ndiaidh.

so that it was a
champagne country
after them;

Cach sruth ocus cach áth ocus cach inber dara tictís

Gach sruth agus áth agus inbhear ar chuaigh siad tharstu,

the streams, and fords, and pools which they crossed

ba lecca lomma lántirma dara n-éis ra hed cían ocus ra dréchta fata

ní raibh i stráicí fada díobh ina ndiaidh ach leaca loma tirime go ceann i bhfad

were full-dry bare
flags after them for a long time, and for immense periods,

ra mét na bertís a n-echrada ra n-irglúnib

mar gheall ar an méid uisce a thugadh na capaill leo ar a nglúine

from the quantity
which the cavalcades
carried away with their own bodies

na hessa ocus na hátha ocus na hinbera assa corpaib fodéin.

as na heasa, as na hátha agus as na hinbhir.

out of the contents of cascade, ford, and pool.

Is and sin at-bert Conchobar rí Ulad,

Is ansin a dúirt Conchubhar, rí Uladh:

Then it was that Conor
King of Ulad said,

“Ní fhuarammar in slige se etir Dún Dá Bend ocus Dún Delga.”

“níor ghabhamar an tslí seo riamh idir Dún Dá Bheann agus Dún Dealgan.”

“we have not found
this way between
Dun-da-bend and
Dun-Delga.”

“Do-beram ám ar mbréthir,” ar Bricni.

“Dar m’fhocal,” arsa Bricriu,

“We pledge our word,
truly,” said Bricriu;

“Acht is airdarcu dúin sanas ná da neoch aile éigem:

“ach is soiléire a airímidne cogar ná mar a chloiseann daoine eile éamh:

“but it is more
dignified for us to
whisper than for
another to cry.

indar lind ní ar crích Ulad uili itám itir.”

feictear dúinn nach i gcríoch Uladh atáimid in aon chor.”

It seems to us that it is not in the territory of Ulad we are at all.”

“Do-beram ar mbréthir and,” ar Sencha mac Ailella,

“Dar go deimhin,” arsa Seancha mac Oilealla,

“We give our word
there,” said Sencha, son of Ailill,

“nach ar crích Ulad itir itaam.”

“nach i gcríoch Uladh atáimid ar chor ar bith.”

“that it is not in the
territory of the Ulad at all we are.”

“Do-beram ar mbréthir,” ar Conall, “cunad fír.”

“Dar ár mbriathar,” arsa Conall, “gur fíor sin.”

“We give our word,”
said Conall, “that it is true.”

Is and sin tendsat araid Ulad a nglomraigi i mbélbaigib a n-echrad

Is ansin a theann cairbthigh Uladh béalbhaigh a gcapall

It was then the
charioteers of Ulad
tightened their bits
in the mouths of their horses,

án chétchairptech cossin carptech ndédenach.

ón gcairbtheach tosaigh go dtí an cairbtheach deireanach.

from the first
charioteer to the last charioteer;

Co n-ebairt Conchobar,

Arsa Conchubhar:

whereupon Conor
said,

“Cía for-indfad dún ca crích ina fuilem?”

“Cé a gheobhaidh amach dúinn cén chríoch ina bhfuilimid?”

“Who will ascertain for us in what territory
we are?”

“Cía far-indfad duit,” ar Bricriu, “acht Cú Chulainn,

“Cé eile a gheobhadh amach duit é,” arsa Bricriu, “ach Cú Chulainn,

“Who should ascertain it for thee but
Cuchulaind?” said Bricriu,

úair is é at-rubairt na rabi tricha cét

mar is é a dúirt nach raibh tríocha céad

“for he it is that has said that there was not a cantred

na dernad argain cét cacha trichu cét.”

nárbh fhéidir leis féin creach céid a dhéanamh ann.”

in which he had not committed the
slaughter of a hundred every cantred.”

“Dímsa thic, a Bricri,” ar Cú Chulainn.

“Baineann sé seo liomsa, a Bhricriu,” arsa Cú Chulainn.

“Of me it comes, O Bricriu,” said Cuchulaind.

“Ragat-sa,” ar Cú Chulainn.

“Rachadsa ar aghaidh,” arsa Cú Chulainn.

“I will go,” said Cuchulaind. 

Luid Cú Chulainn co Druim Collchailli risa n-apar Ani Clíach.

Chuaigh Cú Chulainn chomh fada le Droim Collchoille ar a dtugtar Áine Chliach.

Cuchulaind
proceeded unto Druim-Collchailli, which is called Ani-Cliach.

“Apair, a phopa Laíg, in fetar-su ca crích ina fuilem?”

“Abair liom, a Laoigh, a fhir fhónta, an bhfeadraís cén chríoch ina bhfuilimid?”

“Say, my master Loeg, knowest thou in what territory we are?”

“Nad fetar són ám.”

“Go deimhin féin, ná feadar sin,” arsa Laogh.

“I know not indeed,”
said Loeg.

“Bar-fhetar-sa ám,” ar Cú Chulainn.

“Tá a fhios agamsa, ámh,” arsa Cú Chulainn.

“But I know,” said Cuchulaind.

“Cend Abrat Slébi Caín seo thess,

“Is é seo ó dheas Ceann Abhrad Shléibhe Chaoin,

“This to the south is Cenn-Abhrat of
Sliabh-Cain.

Sléibti Éblinne seo thair thúaid.

agus soir ó thuaidh Sléibhte Éibhlinne.

The mountains of
Eblinni are these to the north-east.

Lind Lumnig an linn sholosmór út at-chí.

Inbhear Luimnigh an linn mhór sholasmhar úd a chíonn tú.

That bright linn which thou seest is the linn of Limerick.

Druimm Collchaillí seo i fuilem

I nDroim Collchoille atáimid anseo,

This is Druim-
Collchailli in which we are,

risi n-apar Áni Chlíach i Crích na Dési Bici.

áit ar a dtugtar chomh maith Áine Chliach i gCríoch na Déise Bige.

which is called
Ani-Cliach, in the
territory of the
Deise-bec.

Riund andes atá in slúag i Clíu Máil meic Úgaine

Ó dheas uainnn tá an slua i gCliú Mháil mhic Úghaine

Before us, to the
south, is the host, in Cliu-Mail-mic-Ugaine,

i ferund Con Ruí meic Dári meic Dedaid.”

i bhfearann Chú Raoi mhic Dháire mhic Dheá.”

in the land of Curui,
son of Daire son of
Dedad.”

I comfhat ro bátar immi sain

Le linn dóibh bheith ag caint mar sin,

Whilst they were so
engaged,

snigis tromshnechta dermár for Ultaib

thit tromshneachta go frasach ar na hUltaigh

tremendous heavy
snow poured upon
the Ulidians,

co rránic co formnu fer ocus co fertsib carpat.

a tháinig go guaillí na bhfear agus go seaftaí na gcarbad.

until it reached to
the shoulders of men,
and to the shafts of
chariots.

Do-rigenta furopra ic aradaib Ulad,

Rinne na hUltaigh obair chuítheach;

Defences were made
by the charioteers of
Ulad,

colomna cloch do thócbáil eturru ar scáthaib a n-ech, eturru ocus in snechta,

thóg siad colúin chloch eatarthu chun a gcuid capall a chosaint ón sneachta,

who between them
raised stone columns
to shelter their horses, between them and the snow;

cundat marthanaig béos ‘Echlasa Ech Ulad’ ó shin ille.

agus maireann fós sa teanga ‘Eachlasa Each Uladh’ ó shin i leith.

so that ‘the echlasa of the horses of Ulad’
remain still, from that time to this.

Cunad d’indchomarthaib in scéoil sin.

Ceann de na comharthaí é sin a chruthaíonn fírinne an scéil sin.

And these are of the
tokens of the story.

Lotar rempu Cú Chulainn ocus a ara .i. Lóeg cunice bail i rrabatar Ulaid.

D’fhill Cú Chulainn agus a chairbtheach, Laogh, ar ais mar a raibh na hUltaigh.

Cuchulaind and his charioteer, Loeg, advanced to the place where the Ulidians were.

“Ceist didiu,” bar Sencha mac Ailella,

“Ceist agam oraibh,” arsa Seancha mac Oilealla,

“Query, then,” asked Sencha, son of Ailill,

“ca crích inad fuilem?”

“cén chríoch ina bhfuilimid?”

“what is the
territory in which we are?”

“Itaam,” ar Cú Chulainn, “i Crích na Dési Bice,

“Táimid,” arsa Cú Chulainn, “i gCríoch na Déise Bige,

“We are,” said
Cuchulaind, “in the
territory of the Deise-bec,

i ferund Chon Ruí meic Dári, i Clíu Máil meic Úgaine.”

i bhfearann Chú Raoi mhic Dháire i gCliú Mháil mhic Úghaine.”

in the land of Curui
mac Daire; to wit, in
Cliu-Mail-mic-Ugaine.”

“Ar mairg de side,” ar Bricni, “ocus mairg Ultu.”

“Is mairg dúinn,” arsa Bricriu, “agus is mairg d’Ultaigh.”

“Woe to us therefor,”
said Bricriu, “and woe the Ulidians.”

“Na hapair, a Bricni,” ar Cú Chulainn,

“Ná habair sin, a Bhricriu,” arsa Cú Chulainn,

“Say not so, O
Bricriu,” observed
Cuchulaind,

“ár bérat-sa éolas do Ultaib i frithdruing na sliged cétna

“mar tabharfaidh mise eolas do na hUltaigh a chuirfidh ar ár gcumas filleadh ar ais

“for I will afford
guidance to the
Ulidians in the return of the same way,

cu roissem ár mbidbadaib ríasiu bus lá.”

agus teacht ar ár naimhde roimh éirí an lae.”

so that we shall reach our enemies before it be day.”

“Mairg Ultu arro génair,” ar Celtchair mac Uithidir, “in gormac do-beir in comairli.”

“Is mairg d’Ultaigh,” arsa Cealtchair mac Uithidhir, “gur rugadh an mac altrama atá ag cur na comhairle sin orainn.”

“Woe to the
Ulidians,” said
Celtchair, son of
Uthidir, “that the
gormac was born who gives the counsel.”

“Ni fhetamar,”

“Ní fhacamar riamh, a Chú Chulainn,”

“We have never known thee to have, O Cuchulaind,”

ar Fergna mac Findch[onna], far rí Búrig Ulad,

arsa Feargna mac Fhionnchonna, rí Búirigh Uladh,

said Fergna, son of
Findch[onna], a
valour-king of the
Ulaid,

“comairli merbi ná mettachta ná mígascid

“comhairle laige ná meatachta, ná míchuratachta

“a counsel of
weakness, timidity, or cowardice

acut d’Ultaib ríam, a Chú Chulainn, cusinnocht.”

agat ar Ultaigh go dtí anocht.”

for the Ulidians until this night.”

 “Mairg

“Is trua,”

“Alas!

á téit in tí do-beir in comairli,”

that the person who
gives the counsel
should go,”

far Lugaid Lámderg mac Léti rí Dáil Araide,

arsa Lughaidh Lámhdhearg mac Leide, rí Dhál Araidhe,

said red-hand Lugaid, son of Leit, King of Dál-Araide,

“go bhfuil an té a thug an chomhairle sin ag imeacht saor

“cen inad rend ocus arm ocus fáebur do dénam de.”

gan a tholladh agus a ghearradh ag rinn agus faobhar arm.”

“without making of
him a mark of darts,
and arms, and edges.”

“Ceist cena,” far Conchobar, “cid as áil dúib?”

“Ceist agam oraibh,” arsa Conchubhar, “cad is áil libh?”

“Query, however,”
said Conor, “what do you wish?”

“Is áil dún,” ar Celtchair mac Uithidir,

“Is áil linn,” arsa Cealtchair mac Uithidhir,

“We desire,” said
Celtchair son of
Uthidir,

“bith lá co n-aidchi issin chrích inad fuilem,

“bheith lá agus oíche sa chríoch ina bhfuilimid,

“to be a day and
night in the territory
in which we are;

úair massi madma lind dula esti,

mar, dar linn, níorbh fhearr an mhaise dhúinn imeacht aisti ná go mbuafaí orainn i gcath,

because ’twere a sign of defeat to us to go out of it;

úair ní slicht sinnaig i feóraind no i fásaig ná fidbaid ocaind.”

mar ní hé rian an tsionnaigh sa bhán nó sa bhfásach nó sa choill is mian linne a fhágáil inár ndiaidh.”

for it is not ‘a fox’s
track’ with us in
valley, or waste, or
wood.”

“Apair didiu, a Chú Chulainn,” ar Conchobar,

“Abair, mar sin, a Chú Chulainn,” arsa Conchubhar,

“Speak then, O
Cuchulaind,” said
Conor;

“ca hinad longphoirt as chóir dúin

“cén t-ionad campála is cóir dúinn a bheith againn

“what is the proper
place of
encampment for us

lasin lá co n-aidchi seo?”

don lá agus oíche seo.”

during this day and
night?”

“Óenach Senchlochair sund,” ar Cú Chulainn,

“Aonach Seanchlochair anseo,” arsa Cú Chulainn,

“Old Aenach-Clochair is here,” said Cuchulaind;

“ocus ní hinbaid óenaig ind inbaid garb gemretta so.

“agus ní haon am d’aonach an séasúr garbh geimhridh seo.

“and this rough
winter season is not Fair-time.

Et Temair Lúachra for leccaind na hIrlúachra,

Agus tá Teamhair Luachra ar leaca na hAirluachra,

And Tara-Luachra is on the slopes of the eastern Luachair;

ocus iss inti atát na histoda ocus na forgnama.”

agus is ansin atá na háitribh agus na foirgnimh.”

and in it are the
residences and
structures.”

“Dula cu Temair Lúachra didiu is cóir and,” ar Sencha mac Ailella.

“Dul go Teamhair Luachra is ceart, mar sin,” arsa Seancha mac Oilealla.

“To go to Tara-
Luachra, then, is what is right,” said Sencha, son of Ailill.

Lotar rempu i tremdírgi na sliged cu Temair Lúachra

D’imigh siad rompu cruinn díreach go Teamhair Luachra

They went on in the straight direction of the road to Tara-Luachra,

ocus Cú Chulainn d’éolas rempu.

agus Cú Chulainn rompu ag tabhairt eolas na slí dóibh.

and Cuchulaind, as a guide, before them.

Cid Temair Lúachra már fás ríam no íaram hí

Má bhí Teamhair mhór Luachra fás folamh riamh roimhe sin nó ina dhiaidh sin,

Even Tara-Luachra, if it were empty before or after,

ní ind aidchi sin rop fhalam.

ní hamhlaidh a bhí an oíche sin.

it is not that night it was empty.

Ba dethbir ón, úair mac rucad do Ailill ocus do Meidb

Níorbh ionadh sin, mar is amhlaidh a rugadh mac d’Oilill agus do Mheadhbh,

No wonder, indeed,
for a son had been
born to Ailill and
Medb,

darbo chomainm Mane Mó-epirt,

agus Maine Mó-abairt ab ainm dósan

whose name was
Maine-mó-epert,

ocus tucad side ar altram do Choin Ruí mac Dáre;

agus tugadh ar altram é do Chú Raoi mac Dáire.

and he was given in fosterage to Curui mac Daire;

et do-llotar ind aidchi sin .i. Ailill ocus Medb

An oíche sin,

and Ailill and Medb had come that night,

agus an mac óg aon mhí d’aois.

chuaigh Oilill agus Meadhbh

co mathib a cóicid leo

mar aon le maithe a gcúige

accompanied by the chieftains of their province,

d’ól i cind mís in meic sin.

chun bheith ag ól leo.

to drink at the end of that son’s (first) month.

Cía ro bátar sin uile and ro buí Eochu mac Luchtai cona chóiciud and,

Ní hamháin go raibh siadsan go léir ann, bhí Eochaidh mac Luchta agus muintir a chúige ann,

Though these were
all there, Eocha mac
Luchta was there with (the men of) his province;

et dano ro buí Cú Ruí mac Dári co Clannaib Dedad uili.

agus go deimhin féin, bhí Cú Raoi mac Dáire mar aon le Clanna Deá go léir ann.

and Curui mac Daire was also there, with all the Clanna-Dedad.

Et cía ro bátar sin uile and

Agus cé go raibh siadsan go léir i láthair,

And though these
were all there,

ba ben fhattech Medb in bangaiscedach

is go faiteach a bhí Meadhbh, banghaiscíoch

a provident woman
was the heroine Medb,

ingen ardríg Hérenn .i. Echach Feidlig:

agus iníon ardrí Éireann, Eochaidh Feidhleach:

daughter of the arch-king of Eriu, i.e. Eochaidh Feidhlech.

bátar dá dercaid ocus dá druíd oc forcomét dí.

bhí beirt fhear faire – beirt draoi – ag faire di.

There were two
observers and druids guarding her.

Ba sed a n-anmand side .i. Crom Deróil ocus Crom Darail,

Crom Dearóil agus Crom Darail a n-ainmneacha siúd,

Their names were
Crom Deroil and Crom Darail,

dá dalta do Chathbath druíd degamra.

beirt dalta le Chathbhadh, an dea-dhraoi fónta.

two foster-sons of the good, illustrious druid Cathbad.

Is and bar-ecmaing dóib sin bith ar múr Temra Lúachra in tan sin

Is amhlaidh a tharla go raibh siadsan ar mhúr Theamhair Luachra an uair sin

It happened to them, then, to be on the wall of Tara-Luachra
at that time,

ic fégad ocus ic forcomét, ic midem ocus ic mórdéscin for cach leth úathu.

ag faire agus ag féachaint agus ag grinndearcadh agus ag breathnú uathu ar an tír ina dtimpeall.

looking and guarding,
observing and
viewing, on every side from them.

Is and sin at-bert Crom Deróil,

Is ansin a dúirt Crom Dearóil:

It was then Crom Deroil said:

“Innat-árfaid in ní tárfaid damsa?”

“An bhfaca tusa an ní a chonaic mise?”

“Hast thou seen the thing that appeared to me?”

“Cid ní?” ar Crom Darail.

“Cad é sin?” arsa Crom Darail.

“What thing?” said Crom Darail. 

“Atar lim at ruibni rúadgascid ocus ám hám sochaide

“Dar liom, gur ruibhní gona n-airm ruadhearga agus slua catha

“Meseems that it is swords of crimson warfare and the tread of multitudes

at-chíu dar leittrib na hAirlúachra anair.”

a chím ag gluaiseacht inár dtreo thar shleasa na hAirluachra anoir.”

I perceive coming over the side of the Irluachair from the east.”

“Nírb uráil lim lom cró ocus fola issin mbél tacras sin,” ar Crom Darail;

“Is trua liom gan an béal atá ag fógairt an scéil sin lán d’fhuil,” arsa Crom Darail;

“I would not think a clot of gore and blood too much in the mouth that utters that,” said Crom Darail;

“úair ní slúag ná sochaide sin

“mar ní slua ná sochraid atá ansin

“for that is not an
army or multitude,

acht na daire romóra secha táncamar indé.”

ach na doirí rómhóra, ar ghabhamar lámh leo inné.”

but the gigantic oaks past which we came yesterday.”

“Dambad ed iat, cid fot-era na carpait rígda romóra fothu?”

“Dá mb’ea, cad ina thaobh na carbaid ríoga rómhóra fúthu?”

“If it were they, why the immense royal chariots under them?”

“Nidat carpait sin,” ar Crom Darail,

“Ní carbaid atá ansin,” arsa Crom Darail,

“They are not
chariots,” said Crom
Darail,

“acht na rígrátha secha táncamar.”

“ach na rátha ríoga ar ghabhamar lámh leo.”

“but the regal raths
past which we came.”

“Diambtís rátha iat, cid fot-era na scéith áilli óengela intib?”

“Dá mba rátha iad, cad ina thaobh na sciatha áille geala lonracha iontu?”

“If they are raths, why are those
splendid all-white
shields in them?”

“Nidat scéith etir,” ar Crom Darail,

“Ní sciatha atá ansin in aon chor,” arsa Crom Darail,

“They are not
shields at all,” said
Crom Darail;

“acht na colomna cloch filet i ndorsib na rígráth sin.”

“ach na colúin chloch atá i ndoirse na ráth ríoga sin.”

“but the stone
columns that are in the doors of those royal raths.”

“Diambtís colomna iat,” ar Crom Deróil,

“Dá mba cholúin iad,” arsa Crom Dearóil,

“If they are columns,” said Crom Deroil,

“cid fot-era immad na rend rúadarm

“cad ina thaobh na reanna rua-arm go léir

“what is the cause of the profusion of red-armed spears

úas bróntib mórduba in mórslúaig?”

os cionn cliabhraigh mhóra dhubha na bhfear sa mhórshlua?”

above the great black breasts of the mighty host?”

“Nidat renna sin etir,” ar Crom Darail,

“Ní reanna iadsan, in aon chor,” arsa Crom Darail,

“They are not spears either,” said Crom Darail;

“acht uiss ocus altai na crích

“ach ois agus ainmhithe allta na tíre

“but the stags and
wild beasts of the
country,

cuna mbennaib ocus cona congnaib úasu.”

lena mbeanna agus a n-adharca os a gcionn in airde.”

with their horns and antlers above them.”

“Diambtís uiss ocus altai iat,” ar Crom Deróil,

“Dá mba ois agus ainmhithe allta iad,” arsa Crom Dearóil,

“If they are stags and wild beasts,” said Crom Deroil,

“cid fot-era na cuiret a ngrega d’fhótlaigib assa cruib

“cad faoi deara na fóid go léir atá á gcaitheamh in airde óna grcrúba ag a gcuid capall

“what causes the
quantity of sods which their horses
send from their shoes,

conid fordub cu aér n-éradbul úasa cennaib?”

sa tslí go bhfuil an spéir leathanmhór dubh dorcha os a gcionn?”

so that it is pitch dark to the mighty air over their heads?”

“Nidat grega sin,” ar Crom Darail,

“Ní capaill iadsan,” arsa Crom Darail,

“They are not horses,” said Crom
Darail;

“acht alma ocus éiti ocus innili na crích

“ach tréada agus bólacht agus beithígh na tíre

“but the herds, and
flocks, and cattle of the country,

arna lécud asa fáltaigib ocus a fidbúaltib,

a ligeadh amach as a gclóis agus as a mbuailte,

after being let out of their sheds and wood-enclosures,

úair is arna geltaib sin tairisit na héoin ocus na hethaiti forsint shnechtu.”

mar is ar an talamh féaraigh sin a thuirlingíonn éanlaithe nuair a bhíonn sneachta ann.”

for it is on those
pastures the birds and winged animals
alight in the snow.”

“Mo chobais masat éoin ocus ethaiti iat

“Dar m’fhocal, más éin iad,

“My conscience, if they are birds and winged animals,

ní himmirgi óenéoin:”

ní haon ealta bheag í:”

they are not a flock of one bird.”

“Masat elta co ndath elta

“Más ealta go ndath ealta sin,

“If they are flocks,
with the hue of a flock,

ní himmirgi óenén;

Ní imirce aon éin;

They are not the
flock of one bird. 

atá bratt brec [ . . . ] bánóir

Atá brat breac [ ] bánóir,

A white-speckled,
golden garment

dar let im cach n-óenén.

Shílfeá, ar gach aon éan.

Is, you would think,
about each bird.

Masat elti glenna garba

Más eilte gleanna ghairb sin

If they are flocks of a rough glen,

as na renna rodba,

Os na reanna ródhubha,

From out of the black clefts,

nidat úati slega serba

Is mó ga géar gáifeach

Not few are the angry spears

lasna bera bodba.

Ann agus bior borb crua.

Above the fierce darts.

Dar lim nidat frossa snechta

Dar liom, ní frasa sneachta sin

Methinks they are not snow showers,

acht mad fir bic bechta

Ach mionfhir throda go fíor;

But stout, active men,

atát ina ngrindi garta

Atáid ina ndíormaí dochta

Who are in
threatening bands

lasna rinni rechta:

Is faobhar ar gach rinn:

Above th’ adjusted
darts;

fer fa cach starga crúaid chorcra,

Fear faoi gach sciath chrua chorcra,

A man under each
hard, purple shield.  

is adbul inn elta.”

Is éachtach an ealta í.”

Prodigious is the flock.”

                            M.

“Acus na hélig-siu,” ar Crom Deróil, “etir missi,

“Agus ná bí dom bhréagnú,” arsa Crom Dearóil,

“And reprove me not therefore,” said Crom Deroil,

úair is mí atá ar fírinni.

“mar is agam atá an ceart.

“for it is I that speak truth.

Á thecait sech rennaib na ndairi na hIrlúachra anair,

Agus iad ag gluaiseacht anoir le ciumhais doirí na hAirluachra,

As they come past the points of the trees of Ir-Luachair
from the east,

cid ros-crommad menbatís dóeni?”

cad a thabharfadh orthu cromadh murach gur daoine iad?”

what would make
them stoop, unless
they were men?”

Et is amlaid ro boí acond éligud ocus ba-cachain in laíd seo:—

Agus is mar sin a bhí an t-áiteamh eatarthu agus dúirt sé an laoi seo:—

And thus reproving
[his comrade], he sang this lay:—

“A Chruim Darail, cid at-chíu

“A Chroim Dharail cad a chíonn tú

“O, Crom Darail, what seest thou

tresin céo?

Tríd an gceo?

through the fog?

Cía forsatá in mana cró

Cé dó a bhfuil an sléacht i ndán

On whom rests the disrepute,

íarsin gléo?

De bharr an ghleo?

after the contest?

Ní cóir deit immarbáig rim

Ní ceart duit bheith ag argóint liom

It is not right of thee to contend

as cach raind;

Faoi gach rud;

with me in every way.

ateri-siu at doíni cruimm

Dar leatsa gur daoine cromtha

Thou sayest, O stooping man,

muni maill.

Iad na muiní móra.

they are slow-moving brakes.

Masat muni bít i-fus

Más muiní atá abhus

If they were brakes,

ina tast,

Ina dtost,

they would be still at rest,  

risatresat munip less

Níorbh fhéidir leo éirí

They would not rise,

da dul ass.

Agus siúl léo.

unless alive, to depart.

Masa dairi feda feirn

Más doire coille fearna

If they were oaks of dark woods,

as chaill chairn,

Os coill chairn,

o’er forests thick,  

ní lúadfitís sligi nduilb

Ní beadh drochfhuadar fúthu,

They would not move through

diambtís mairb.

Dá mbeidís neamhbheo.

devious ways, if they were dead.

Úair nachat mairb garg a ngléo,

Mar nach marbh, is garg a ngleo

As they are not dead, fierce their battle,

garb a llí;

Garbh a lí,

fierce their hue;  

lúadit maigi is feda féo

Gluaiseann máighe is crainn gan duilliúr,

They traverse plains and woods also,

úair at bí.

Mar atáid beo.

for they are alive.

Diambtís craind da chendaib cnocc

Dá mba chrainn ar bharr cnoc iad

If they were trees of hill-tops,

cen gním nglecc,

Gan acmhainn troda,

with hardy strength,  

ní lúadfitís leithet bratt

Ní bheadh bratacha leathana ar foluain leo,

They would not waive such standards,

diambith brecc.

Dá mbeidís faoi dhuilliúr.

speckled all.

Úair nachat craind gránna a muirn

Ón uair nach crainn iad, is gránna a ngleo

As they are not trees, ugly their uproar

cen nach ndailb;

Gan aon bhréag,

—a fact undoubted.  

fir cu mbúadaib as fir fern,

Fir bhuacha iad fir na sciath,

Victorious men they;
men with shields;

rúada a n-airm.

Is dearg a n-airm.

their weapons great.

Mas ar druim ech ndond atáit

Más ar dhroim each donn atáid,

If on horses’ backs
they are,

drong sreth sniit;

Tá slua dár gcomhair ina ndíormaí dlútha;

a long stretch they
make;  

masat cargi is lúath ráit,

Más carraigeacha, is gasta a ghluaiseann,

If they be rocks, quick they run;

rúad mat liic.

Más clocha, is ceannrua atáid.

 .  .  . if they are
stones.

Cid datá neim ar cach barr?—

Cad ina thaobh gach cafarr geal? —

Why is there poison on every point?

báig derb dond;

Ruathar rífhlaithe go dearbh;

—a certain sure sign.

a ’ta-regat sech in rind

Agus iad ag teacht thar an rinn,

As they advance past
the summit,

cid ros-crom?”

Cad a thug orthu cromadh?”

what has stooped
them?”

                       A.

At-chúala Cú Ruí mac delbchaín Dári imresun in dá druad

Chuala Cú Raoi mac dealbhchaoin Dáire imreas na beirte draoi

The fair-visaged
Curui mac Daire
heard the dispute
of the two druids

ar múr Temra Lúachra ara chomair immach.

ar mhúr Theamhair Luachra os a chomhair amach.

on the wall of
Tara-Luachra out
before him.

“Ní bar óenscéol atát na druíd se immaig,” ar rí in domain,

“Ní ar aon fhocal atá na draoithe seo amuigh,” arsa rí an domhain,

“It is not at one
these druids outside
are,” said the King
of the World,

Cú Ruí mac delbchaín Dári.

Cú Raoi mac dealbhchaoin Dáire.

the fair-visaged
Curui mac Daire.

Is and sin ra chomérig grían sech comchruinni in talman.

Ansin d’éirigh an ghrian os cionn thalamh na cruinne.

It was then the sun
rose over the orb
of the earth.

“Is follus dhúin innossa in slúag,” ar Crom Deróil.

“Is follas dúinn anois an slua,” arsa Crom Dearóil.

“Visible to us now is the host,” said Crom Deróil.

At-racht grían ra lecnib na hIrlúachra

D’éirigh an ghrian os cionn sleasa na hAirluachra.

The sun rose over
the slopes of
Ir-Luachair.

et is amlaid ra buí ’ca rád ocus ro chachain in laíd sea,

Agus bhí sé ag caint mar sin agus dúirt sé an laoi seo,

And thus was he
saying, and he sang this lay;

ocus ba-recart Cú Ruí im énrand é don laíd:

agus thug Cú Raoi freagra air maidir le rann amháin den laoi:

and Curui answered him regarding one
stanza of the lay:—

“At-chíu Lúachair línib slíab,

“Chím Luachair sléibhtiúil fiain,

“I see Luachair of many hills;

taitnid grían tulgorm re taíb;

Is an ghrian ag taitneamh ar a taoibh;

The red-faced sun shines against its side. 

is óic im-ríadat do chéin

Tá laochra ag teacht ó chian

’Tis heroes that ride
from afar,

etir móin céir acus craíb.

Idir an mhóin dubh agus an choill.

Between the black bog and wood.

Mas elta fhíach sút tair thall,

Más ealta fiach sin soir uainn thall,

If they are raven
flocks, east, yonder;

masa elta tradna tromm,

Más ealta traonaí atá ann,

If they are great
flocks of tradna;

mas elta druiti labor,

Más ealta druideog ag giolcadh,

If they are extensive
flocks of starlings;

mas elta chadan na chorr;

Más ealta cadhan nó corr;

If they are flocks of
ducks or cranes;

Masa elta giugrand gúr,

Más ealta giúrann glórach,

If they are flocks of sturdy geese;

masa elta gési gér,

Más ealta géise géara

If they are flocks of rapid swans—

is fata úadib cu nem,

Is fada uathu go neamh,

Far is it from them to Heaven;

is garit úadib co fér.

Is gairid uathu go féar.

Short is it from them to the ground [lit, grass].

A Chú Ruí meic Dári dil,

A Chú Raoi mhic Dháire dhil,

O Curui, son of Daire dear,

a fhir im-théit sále sreb,

A fhir a thaithíonn tréanmhuir ghoirt,

O man who crossest the briny sea,

apair, ór is ferr do chíall,

Abair, mar is rómhaith do chiall,

Say, for thy sense is best,

ca rét im-thic in slíab sen.”

Cad tá ag teacht timpeall an tseanshléibhe.”

What ’tis traverses the old sliab. ”

“In dá dercaid, in dá druí,

“An bheirt fhear faire, an bheirt draoi,

“The two druids, the two watchers—

is adbul a céo;

Is mór a mearbhall;

Great is their
confusion.

is súil úamnaigi atas-cí,

Cuireann an radharc sin critheagla orthu,

’Tis a timid eye that has looked.

is lúamnaidi a ngléo.

Is róghéar a n-áiteamh.

Their contention is moving.

Masat cethrai cornaig cais,

Más eallach cas-adharcach,

If they are fair
horned cattle;

masat carggi crúada cniss,

Más carraigeacha crua,

If they are rocks of surface hard;

masa chaill dubgorm thana,

Más coill dúghorm scáinte,

If ’tis a black-blue wood;

masa thondgur Mara Miss;

Más í tonn thréan Mara Mis;

If ’tis the roar of the sea of Mis;

Masat cethra co ndath chethra

Más eallach go ndath eallaigh,

If they are cattle, of cattle kind.

ní himmirgi óenbó;

Ní tréad aon bhó;

They are not the herd of one cow.

atá fer borb bertas bróengó

Fear borb a bheartaíonn gathanna fuilteacha

A fierce man, who sheds blood,

ar druim cacha óenbó.

Atá ar dhroim gach aon bhó.

Is on each cow’s back.

Atá claideb cacha bó

Atá claíomh gach bó

There is a sword
[man] for very cow,

’s a scíath da leith chlíu;

’s a sciath ar a cliathán clé;

With a shield at his left side.

atát meirci crúaid ra crúaid

Meirgí bagracha taobh le taobh

There are standards
—strong beside strong—

úasna búaib at-chíu.”

Tá os cionn na mbó a chím.”

Over the cows I see.”

                                A.

Ní cían ro bátar and, in dá druíd ocus in dá dercaid,

Ní fada a bhí siad ann – an bheirt draoi, an bheirt fhear faire –

Not long were they
there, the two watchers and the two druids,

cu remid bánbidcud bodba don chétna braini dar glend anall.

nuair a scuab le fuinneamh treascrach an bhuíon tosaigh thar gleann anall chucu.

until a full, fierce
rush of the first band
broke hither past the
glen.

Ba sed a barbardacht at-raachtatar

Tháinig siad chomh borb forránach sin

Such was the fury
with which they
advanced,

cuna fargaib sleg ar aidlind ná scíath ar berraidi ná claideb ar alchaing

nár fágadh sleá ar sheastán, ná sciath ar chrúca, ná claíomh ar raca

that there was not
left a spear on a rack,
nor a shield on a spike, nor a sword in an armoury,

i Temair Lúachra na torchair.

i dTeamhair Luachra, nár thit go talamh.

in Tara-Luachra, that did not fall down.

Cach teg ara rabi tuigi i Temair Lúachra

Gach teach a raibh ceann tuí air i dTeamhair Luachra,

From every house on
which was thatch in
Tara-Luachra,

at-rochair ’na línbrattaib dermáraib de.

caitheadh an díon anuas de ina leadhbanna móra gioblacha.

it fell in immense
flakes.

Ba samalta combo hí in muir tísad

Ba chosúil iad le rabharta mara ag madhmadh

One would think that it was the sea that had come

dar múraib ocus dar cernaib in betha chucu.

ó cheithre chúinne an domhain chucu thar na fallaí isteach.

over the walls, and
over the recesses of the world to them.

Ra sáit gnéthi da gnúsib

Tháinig iompó lí ar gach aghaidh

The forms of
countenances were
changed,

ocus ra buí crith ar détaib i Temair Lúachra ar medón.

agus crith ar dhéada istigh i ndún Theamhair Luachra.

and there was
chattering of teeth
in Tara-Luachra within.

At-rochratar in dá druíd i nnélaib ocus i tassib ocus i támlecht,

Thit an bheirt draoi i laige agus i bhfanntais agus i meirfean;

The two druids fell in fits, and in faintings, and in paroxysms;

fer díb dar múr immach, Crom Darail,

thit Crom Darail thar falla amach

one of them, Crom
Darail, out over the
wall,

ocus Crom Deróil dar múr innond.

agus thit Crom Dearóil thar falla isteach.

and Crom Deróil
over the wall inside.

Et ar-aí sin ra érig Crom Deróil

Ach ina ainneoin sin, d’éirigh Crom Dearóil arís

And, notwithstanding,
Crom Deróil got up,

ocus ra chuir súil dar in cétna mbraini tánic issin fathchi.

agus bhí ag féachaint ar an gcéad bhuíon agus iad ag teacht isteach ar an bhfaiche.

and cast an eye over
the first band that
came into the green.

Tarblaingset in slúag for inn faidchi

Thuirling an slua ar an bhfaiche

The host alighted on the green,

et suidset i n-óenairechtas for inn fhaithchi.

agus shuigh siad le chéile inti.

and sat in one band on the green.

Snigis ocus legais in snechta tricha ferthraiged ar cach leth úathu

Leáigh an sneachta ar feadh tríocha troigh ar gach taobh díobh

The snow dissolved
and melted thirty feet on either side of them,

ra bruth na míled mórchalma.

mar gheall ar theas cuislí na laochra lánchalma.

from the ardour of the great puissant warriors.

Tánic Crom Deróil is tech

Tháinig Crom Dearóil isteach sa teach

Crom Deróil came into the house

i rrabi Medb ocus Ailill ocus Cú Ruí ocus Eocho mac Luchtai,

ina raibh Meadhbh agus Oilill agus Cú Raoi agus Eochaidh mac Luchta

in which were Medb,
and Ailill, and Curui,
and Eocho mac
Luchta;

ocus bar-íarfacht Medb,

agus d’fhiafraigh Meadhbh:

and Medb asked

“Canas tánic int armgrith dar-fánic,

“Cad as ar tháinig gleo na n-arm chugainn,

whence came the
clamour that
occurred;

inn a haéor anúas no in dar muir aníar no inn a Hérind anair?”

an ón spéir anuas, nó thar muir aniar nó as Éirinn anoir a tháinig sé?”

whether it was down
from the air, or across the sea from the west, or from Eriu, from the east?

“Is a Hérind anair,

“Is as Éirinn anoir,

“It is from Eriu, from the east,

dar lecnib na hIrlúachra cu demin,” ar Crom Deróil;

thar shleasa na hAirluachra go deimhin a tháinig sé,” arsa Crom Dearóil;

across the slopes of the Ir-Luachair,
undoubtedly,” said
Crom Deróil.

“táchim slúaig barbardai

“tá slua barbartha dár gcomhair

“I see a barbaric host,

nad etar-sa indat Hérennaig no indat allmaraig.

ná feadarsa an Éireannaigh nó an allúraigh iad.

and I know not
whether they are
Erennachs or
Foreigners;

Masat Hérennaig ocus menbat allmaraig isat Ulaid.”

Más Éireannaigh iad agus murab allúraigh iad, is Ultaigh iad.”

but if they are
Erennachs, and if they are not
Foreigners, they are Ulidians.”

“Na bad achnid do Choin Ruí and sút,” ar Medb, “tuarascbála Ulad?

“Nach n-aithneodh Cú Raoi ansin na hUltaigh,” arsa Meadhbh, “ach a dtuairisc a chlos,

“Should not the
descriptions of the Ulidians be known to Curui there?” asked
Medb;

ar is menic ar écraitib ocus ar slúagedaib ocus ar thurasaib inna farrad é.”

mar is minic é páirteach leo in ionsaithe, i slógaí agus in eachtraí?”

“for often has he been on cavalcades, and on hostings, and
on journeys along with them.”

“Ropad aichnid,” ar Cú Ruí, “acht co fagbaind a tuarascbála.”

“D’aithneoinn,” arsa Cú Raoi, “ach go bhfaighinn a dtuairisc.”

“I would know them,” said Curui, “if I could obtain a description of them.”

“Tuarascbáil in chétna braini tánic issin mbali díb ám atá acumsa,” ar Crom Deróil.

“Is í tuairisc na chéad bhuíne a tháinig go dtí an t-áitreabh seo atá agamsa,” arsa Crom Dearóil.

“The description of the first band of them that came into the place I have, indeed,”
 said Crom Deróil. 

“Tabair dúin didiu,” ar Medb.

“Abair leat, mar sin,” arsa Meadhbh.

“Give it to us then," said Medb.

“Unsea ra dún anair anechtair,” ar Crom Deróil, “at-chonnarc-sa

“Ag déanamh anoir isteach i dtreo an dúin anseo,” arsa Crom Dearóil, “chonaic mé

“I saw before the
dun to the east,
outside,” said Crom Deróil,

and budin rígda romóir, fíu ríg cach óenfher sin buidin.

buíon ríoga rómhór agus mianach rí i ngach fear díobh.

“a royal, immense
band; the equal of a king was every man in the band.

Triar i n-airenuch na buidni.

Bhí triúr i dtús na buíne.

There were three in the front of the band,

Láech rosclethan rígda romór eturru bar airmedón;

Laoch roscleathan ríoga rómhór i lár baill eatarthu.

and a broad-eyed,
royal, gigantic warrior between them in the middle.

samalta ra ésca ’na ollchóiciud déc a gnúis ocus a drech ocus a aged.

Is cosúil le gealach cúig lá déag a ghnúis agus a dhreach agus a aghaidh.

Comparable to a moon in its great
fifteenth was his
countenance, his
visage, and his face.

Ulcha degablach findcháel fhair;

Féasóg dhé-ghabhlach fhionnchaol air,

His beard was
forked, fair, and
pointed;

folt tóbach dergbudi i forchengul co fán a chúlad leis.

folt deargbhuí dea-ghearrtha ceangailte ar chúl a mhuiníl,

his bushy, reddish-
yellow hair was
looped to the slope
of his culad.

Lend chorcra chorrtharach immi;

clóca corcra ciumhaisálainn air,

A purple-bordered
garment encircled him,

mílech óir ecair ina brutt úasa gelgúalaind;

dealg mhaiseach óir ina bhrat os a ghealghualainn

a pin of wrought
gold being in the
garment over his
white shoulder.

léni de sról ríg ra grian a gelchnis.

agus léine de shróll ríoga lena ghealchneas.

To the surface of his white skin was a shirt of kingly satin.

Scíath dondchorcra co cobradaib óir buide fair.

Sciath dhonnchorcra agus imleanna óir bhuí air.

A purple-brown shield, with rims of yellow gold, was over him.

Claideb órduirn intussil leis.

Claíomh órdhoirn ornáideach leis.

He had a gold-hilted, embossed sword;

Sleg cuinseo corcarglan ina gelglaicc deiss deligthi

Sleá mhaisithe ghlan chorcra ina ghealghlac dheas álainn,

a purple-bright, well-shaped spear in his white firm right hand,

cona foga fogablach lé.

mar aon le fogha gabhlach.

accompanied by its forked dart.

Certláech da leith deis;

Laoch ceart éachtach ar a láimh dheas

At his right side stood a true warrior;

suillsithir ri snechta a gnúis ocus a drech ocus a aged.

a bhfuil a ghnúis, a dhreach agus a aghaidh chomh geal le sneachta.

brighter than snow
his countenance, his visage, and his face.

Fer bec brádub da leith chlí; luchru són cu mór.

Fear beag braoidhubh ar a láimh chlé; is gile é sin go mór.

At his left side a
little black-browed man, greatly
resplendent.

Fer find forsholus ic fáebarchless chlaideb úastu.

Fear fionn fíorsholasmhar ag déanamh faobharchleas le claíomh os a gcionn.

A fair, very brilliant man was playing the edge feat over them;

A cholg dét aithgér urnocht issin dara láim dó;

A cholg róghéar eabhardhoirn i láimh leis nochtaithe

his sharp inlaid sword in the one hand,

a chlaideb mór míleta issin láim n-aill.

agus a chlaíomh mór míleata sa láimh eile.

his large knightly
sword in the other
hand.

Ras-cuir imma sech i n-urairdi ocus i n-ísli

Scaoileann sé uaidh suas agus anuas iad gach dara babhta

These he sent up and down past one another,

gun benat foscud fri folt ocus fri leccainn in laích móir medónaig.

sa tslí go dtiteann a scáth ar fholt agus ar leiceann an laoich mhóir i lár báire.

so that they would
touch the hair and
forehead of the great central hero;

Ariu ra-sechat talmain ras-geib in fer cétna a rrind

Sara dtiteann siad go talamh, beireann an fear céanna

but before they could reach the ground, the same man would catch their points,

ar uigib ocus fháebraib.”

ar rinn agus ar fhaobhar orthu.”

both backs and
edges.”

“Is rígda in tuarascbáil,” ar Medb.

“Sin tuarascáil ríoga,” arsa Meadhbh.

“Regal is the
description,” said Medb.

“Is rígda in lucht issa tuarascbáil,” bar Cú Ruí.

“Is ríoga an dream lena mbaineann an tuarascáil,” arsa Cú Raoi.

“Regal is the band
whose description
it is,” said Curui.

“Ced ón, cía sút?” bar Ailill.

“Cé hiad féin, más ea?” arsa Oilill.

“What, then; who are they?” asked Ailill.

“Ní hannsa,” bar Cú Ruí:

“Is furasta a rá,” arsa Cú Raoi,

“Not hard to tell,”
answered Curui.

“That great central hero is

“Conchobar mac Fachtna Fáthaig,

“Conchubhar mac Fhachtna Fháthaigh,

Conor, son of Fachtna Fathach,

rí díless dingbála Ulad,

rí ceart dleathach Uladh

the lawful, worthy
King of Ulad,

húa ríg Hérenn is Alban,

a síolraíodh ó ríthe Éireann agus Alban,

descendant of the
Kings of Eriu and Alba.

in láech mór medónach út.

an laoch mór sin i lár báire.

Fintan mac Néill Níamglonnaig, fer trín Ulad, da leith deiss,

Fionntan mac Néill Niamhghlonnaigh atá ar a láimh dheas, fear a bhfuil trian chúige Uladh faoina riail,

On his right side is
Fintan, son of Niall
Niamglonnach, the
man of the third of
Ulad,

cunid soillsithir snechta a gnúis ocus a aged.

agus tá a ghnúis agus a aghaidh chomh geal le sneachta.

whose countenance
and face is more
bright than snow.

Cú Chulainn mac Sualtaim in fer bec brádub da leith chlí.

Cú Chulainn mac Sualdaim an fear beag braoidhubh ar a láimh chlé.

The little black-
browed man at his
left side is
Cuchulaind, son of
Sualtam.

Ferchertni mac Corpri meic Iliach in fer find forsholus sin

Feircheirtne mac Cairbre mhic Iliach an fear fionn fíorsholasmhar sin

Ferchertni, son of
Corpre, son of Ilia,
is the fair, beaming
man,

fil ic imbirt chless gascid úastu.

atá ag imirt cleas gaiscígh os a gcionn.

who is playing
warlike feats over
them.

Rígollam de rígollomnaib Ulad sin

Rí-ollamh de rí-ollaimh Uladh é sin,

A king-poet of the
king-poets of Ulad is he,

ocus cúlchométaid do Chonchobar ó théit i crích a bidbad.

a bhíonn ina chúlgharda ag Conchubhar nuair a théann seisean isteach i dtír a namhad.

and a rear-guard of
Conor when he goes
into his enemies’
country.

Cipé da mbad áil a acallam in ríg,

Cibé duine ar mian leis labhairt leis an rí,

Whoever would wish to solicit or speak to the King,

ní lémthar co n-elathar in fer sin.”

ní bheadh sé de dhánaíocht ann gan labhairt leis an bhfear sin ar dtús.”

it is not permitted
until that man is evaded.”

“Unsea riu sain anair anechtair,” ar Crom Deróil,

“Amuigh ansin leosan,” arsa Crom Dearóil,

“Here before these to the east, outside,” said Crom Deróil,

“at-connarc-sa and triar n-álaind n-étrom ocus erriud fénnidi impu.

“chonaic mé chugainn anoir triúr álainn éatrom agus feisteas féinnithe umpu.

“I saw there a
splendid, active trio, clothed in warriors’ dress.

Dias óc aítidach díb.

Beirt acu ina n-ógánaigh óga.

Two of them were
young, child-like;

In tres gilla, ulcha degablach dondchorcra fair.

An tríú giolla agus féasóg dhé-ghabhlach dhonnchorcra air.

the third fellow had a forked, purple-brown
beard.

Iad ag gluaiseacht chomh mear éatrom sin

Nicon berat a drúcht dind fhéor

nach mbaineann siad an drúcht den fhéar

They would not remove the dew from the grass,

ar áthi ocus imétrummi im-tháncatar,

for the celerity and lightness with which they came;

mar na facced nech don mórshlóg iat,

agus ba dhóigh leat nach féidir le héinne sa mhórshlua iad a fheiceáil,

as if not one of the great host perceived them,

ocus at-chíat in slúag n-uile.”

ach chíonn siadsan an slua uilig.”

and they see the
whole host.”

“Is séim ocus is imétrom ocus is sídamail in tuarascbáil,” ar Medb.

“Is séimh agus is saoráideach agus is diamhair an tuarascáil í,” arsa Meadhbh.

“Gentle, and light, and peaceful is the
description,” said
Medb.

“Is séim iss is sídamail in lucht isa
tuarascbáil,” ar Cú Ruí.

“Is séimh agus is diamhair na daoine lena mbaineann an tuarascáil,” arsa Cú Raoi.

“Gentle and peaceful
is the band whose
description it is,”
said Curui.

“Cía sút?” for Ailill.

“Cé hiad féin?” arsa Oilill.

“Who are they?”
asked Ailill.

“Ní hannsa ám,” bar Cú Ruí:

“Is furasta a rá,” arsa Cú Raoi:

“Not hard to tell,
*indeed,*” said Curui.

“trí sáermaccáemi Túathi Dé Danann and sin,” bar Cú Ruí:

“triúr macaomh uasal de Thuatha Dé Danann atá ansin,” arsa Cú Raoi:

“Three noble youths
of the Tuatha-De-
Dananns are there,”
said Curui:

“Delbáeth mac Eithlend ocus Óengus Óc mac in Dagdai ocus Cermait Milbél.

“Dealbhaoth mac Eithleann agus Aonghus Óg mac an Daghdha agus Cearmaid Milbhéal.

“Delbhaeth, son of
Eithliu, and Aengus
Og, son of the Dagda,
and Cermat Honey-
mouth.

Táncatar sin dered aidchi indiu da mórad áig ocus urgaile,

Tháinig siadsan i ndeireadh na hoíche chun achrann agus imreas a chothú

They came at the end
of night this day, to excite valour and battle,

cu ras-mescsat iat arint shlúag,

agus chuaigh siad i measc an tslua

and they have mixed
themselves through
the host.

et is fír cunna faccet in slúag iat, ocus at-chíat-som in slúag.”

agus is fíor nach bhfeiceann an slua iad ach chíonn siadsan an slua.”

And it is true that the hosts perceive them not; but they see the hosts.”

“Unsea riu sain anair anechtair,” ar Crom Deróil,

“Amuigh ansin leosan,” arsa Crom Dearóil,

“Here before them to the east, outside,”
said Crom Deróil,

“at-chíu and buidin láechda lánglonnaig

“chonaic mé chugainn anoir buíon laochta lánghaisciúil

“I see there a warlike, valorous
company,

co triur derscaigthi rempu i rremthús.

agus triúr eisceachtúil chun tosaigh rompu sa tslí.

with three
distinguished persons advancing in front of them.

Láech fíchda fordond and sin ocus láech find fírálaind

Laoch donn, fíochmhar duine acu, agus lena thaobh laoch fionn, fíorálainn

A wrathful, brown
hero is there; and a
fair, truly-splendid
hero;

ocus láech rúanaid rigthend trén co fult tóbach dergbuide fair,

agus laoch róláidir, rítheann, tréan agus gruaig ghearr dheargbhuí air

and a valiant, king-stout, mighty
champion, with thick red-yellow hair;

cunid samalta ra cír mbethi ra dered fagamair

sa tslí gur cosúil le cíor meala i ndeireadh an fhómhair

and comparable to a honeycomb at the end of harvest,

no ra bretnasaib bánóir

nó le bioráin mhaiseacha bhánóir

or clasps of fair gold,

glantaitnem a fhuilt.

a fholt glan lonrach.

is the bright
glistening of his hair;

Ulcha degablach dondchíar fair,

Féasóg dhé-ghabhlach dhúdhonn air

two-forked, black-
brown, is his beard,

samalta ra hed láma laích ar fhat.

chomh fada le láimh laoich.

which is equal to the measure of a hero’s hand in length;

Samalta ra corcair lossa liac no ra oíblib úrtheined

Mar dhath an lusa mhóir nó le drithlí tine nua-adhanta

like the purple hue
of the gilly-flower, or sparkles of fresh fire,

a gnúis ocus a drech ocus a aged.

a ghnúis, a dhreach agus a aghaidh.

his countenance, his visage, and his face.

Trí scéith dondderga míleta foraib.

Trí sciath dhonndearga mhíleata ar iompar acu.

They bear three
knightly, brown-red
shields;

Trí manaísi mára murnecha bar an barcaib leo.

Trí shleá mhóra, rinnleathana ... acu.

three immense,
whizzing, warlike
spears;

Trí claidib tromma tortbuillecha leo.

Trí chlaíomh throma thréanchoscracha acu.

three heavy, stout-
striking swords.

Trí étaigi cáema corcardai impu.”

Feisteas caomh corcra ar an triúr acu.”

Three shapely suits
of purple apparel about them.”

“Dar ar cubus is láechda ocus is curatta in tuarascbáil,” ar Medb.

“Dar ár gcoinsias, is laochta agus is curata an tuarascáil í,” arsa Meadhbh.

“Heroic and knightly,
by our conscience, is the description,” said Medb.

“Is láechda ocus is curatta in lucht isa tuarascbáil,” ar Cú Ruí.

“Is laochta agus is curata an dream lena mbaineann an tuarascáil,” arsa Cú Raoi.

“Heroic and knightly
is the band whose
description it is,” said Curui.

“Cid ón, cía sút?” bar Ailill.

“Cé hiad féin, más ea?” arsa Oilill.

“What, then; who are they?” asked Ailill.

“Ní hannsa:

“Is furasta a rá:

“Not hard to tell”
[said Curui].

trí prímlaích Ulad ind sin,

triúr príomhlaoch Uladh iadsan,

“Three prime heroes
 of Ulad they

na dá Conall ocus Lóegaire

an dá Chonall agus Laoghaire

—the two Conalls
and Loegaire—

.i. Conall Anglonnach mac Iriel Glúnmáir

— Conall Ánghlonnach mac Iriail Ghlúnmhóir,

viz., Conall
Anglonnach, son of
Iriel Glunmar,

ocus Conall Cernach mac Amairgin

Conall Cearnach mac Aimhirghin

and Conall Cernach,
son of Amargin,

ocus Lóegaire ó Ráith Immil.”

agus Laoghaire ó Ráth Imill.”

and Loegaire from
Rath-Immil.”

“Unsea riu sain anair anechtair,” bar Crom Deróil,

“Amuigh ansin leosan,” arsa Crom Dearóil,

“Here before them to the east, outside,” said Crom Deróil,

“ata-connac-sa and triar n-úathmar n-anachnid i n-airinuch na buidni.

“chonaic mé chugainn anoir triúr uafar anaithnid i dtús na buíne.

“I saw a hideous,
unknown trio in the
front of the band,

Trí lénti línecda i caustul fri cnessaib dóib;

Trí léine línéadaigh lena gcneas,

with three linen
shirts girding their
bodies round;

trí bruitt fhinnig líathodra i forcipul impu.

trí bhrat fhionnaitheacha liathodhra ina dtimpeall.

three hairy, dark-
gray garments in
folds about them;

Trí cúalli íairn isna brattaib úasa mbrainib;

Trí bhiorán iarainn ag ceangal a mbrat ar a n-ucht,

three iron spikes
in the garments
over their bosoms;

trí fuilt fordonna fráechda forru;

folt ródhonn fiáin ar an triúr;

three coarse dark-
brown heads of
hair upon them;

trí glanscéith odorda co caladbúaltib finnuma forru;

trí ghlansciath odhra acu ar a bhfuil ciumhaiseanna gealumha,

three bright-grey
shields, with hard
ozier bindings
upon them;

trí slega slindlethna leo;

trí shleá rinnleathana acu

three broad-bladed
lances with them;

trí claidbi órduirn acaib.

agus trí chlaíomh órdhoirn.

three gold-hilted
swords had they.

Ba samalta ri gláim con allmaraig i fathod

Ba chosúil le glam con
ar ruathar foghla thar muir anonn

Like the baying of a foreign hound in the chase

srenbúrach craidi cach míled díb

tréanbhúireach gach cathmhíle acu

is the loud heart-bellowing of each warrior of them

ra forcloistecht a mbidbad isin dúnad sa.

nuair a d’airigh siad a naimhde sa dún seo.”

when hearing of their enemies in this fortress.”

“Is barbarda ’s is cauratta in tuarascbáil,” ar Medb.

“Is barbartha agus is curata an tuarascáil í,” arsa Meadhbh.

“Fierce and warlike is the description,” said Medb.

“Is barbarda in lucht issa tuarascbáil,” bar Cú Ruí.

“Is barbartha an dream lena mbaineann an tuarascáil,” arsa Cú Raoi.

“Fierce is the band whose description it is,” said Curui.

“Ced ón, cía sút?” bar Ailill.

“Cé hiad féin, más ea?” arsa Oilill.

“What, then; who are they?” asked Ailill.

“Ní hannsa,” bar Cú Ruí:

“Is furasta a rá,” arsa Cú Raoi,

“Not hard to tell,”
said Curui.

“trí taismidi catha Ulad and sin,

“sin iad triúr cruathaca catha Uladh,

“Three leaders of
battle of the
Ulidians they

Uma mac Remanfissig a Fedain Chúalnge,

Umha mac Reamhanfheasaigh as Feadhain Chuailnge,

—Uma son of
Remanfisech, from
Fedan of Cualnge;

Errgi Echbél a Brí Errgi,

Eirge Eachbhéal as Brí Eirge

Errgi Echbél, from
Brí-Errgi,

Celtchair Mór mac Uithidir

agus Cealtchair Mór mac Uithidhir

and Celtchair the
Great, son of Uthidir,

a Ráith Celtchair, a Dún Dá Lethglas.”

as Ráth Chealtchair ó Dhún Dá Leathghlas.”

from Rath-Celtchair, from Dún-da-Lethglas.”

“Unsea riu sain anair anechtair,” bar Crom Deróil,

“Amuigh ansin leosan,” arsa Crom Dearóil,

“Here in front of them, to the east,
outside,” said Crom
Deróil,

“at-connarc fer súilech slíastach slinnénach sármór sithfhata

“chonaic mé chugainn anoir fear géarshúileach, sliastach, slinneánach, sármhór, scafánta

“I saw a large-eyed,
large-thighed,
shoulder-bladed,
nobly-great,
immensely-tall man,

co sárbratt lachtnai imbi.

agus brat liath álainn uime.

with a splendid gray
garment round him;

Secht ngerrchochaill cíara comshlemna imbi,

Seacht gcinn de ghearrchochaill chiardhubha mhíne uime.

with seven short,
black, equally-smooth cloaklets about him;

girri cech n-úachtarach, libru cach n-íchtarach.

Is giorra gach cochall uachtarach agus is faide gach cochall íochtarach.

shorter was each
upper one, longer each lower.

Nónbur cechtar a dá tháeb.

Naonúr ar cheachtar a dhá thaobh.

At either side of him were nine men.

Lorg adúathmar íarnaidi ’na láim,

Lorg uafar iarainn ina láimh

In his hand was a
terrible iron staff,

cend anbthen fhurri ocus cend álgen.

agus ceann amháin de millteach bascthach agus an ceann eile mín síodúil.

on which were a
rough end and a smooth end.

Ba sed a reba ocus abairti, fuirmid in cend n-anbthen for cendar na nónbor

Is é cleas agus cluiche a bhí aige ná an naonúr a bhualadh sa chloigeann le ceann millteach a loirge,

His play and
amusement
consisted in laying the rough end on the heads of the nine,

condas-marband raa braithiud n-óenúaire.

rud a fhágann marbh iad ar feadh achair bhig.

whom he would kill in the space of a moment.

Fuirmid in cend álgen forru

Buaileann sé ansin iad le ceann mín na loirge

He would then lay the smooth end on them,

condas-bethaigend issinn úair chétna.”

agus bíonn siad ina mbeathaidh aige láithreach.”

so that he would
animate them in the same time.”

“Is ingnad in tuarascbáil,” far Medb.

“Díol iontais an tuarascáil sin,” arsa Meadhbh. 

“Wonderful is the description,” said Medb.

“Is ilrechtach in tí ’sa tuarascbáil,” bar Cú Ruí.

“Is mó riocht a thugann an té lena mbaineann an tuarascáil air féin,” arsa Cú Raoi.

“Protean is the
person whose
description it is,” said Curui.

“Cid ón, cía sút?” bar Ailill.

“Cé hé féin, más ea?” arsa Oilill.

“What, then; who is he?” asked Ailill.

“Ní hannsa,” bar Cú Ruí:

“Is furasta a rá,” arsa Cú Raoi:

“Not hard to tell,” said Curui.

“in Dagda Mór mac Eithlenn, dagdía Túathi Dé Danann.

“an Daghdha Mór mac Eithleann, dea-dhia Thuatha Dé Danann.

“The great Dagda, son of Ethliu, the
good God of the
Tuatha De Danann.

Da mórad áig ocus urgaile

Chun ár agus achrann a chothú

To magnify valour
and conflict

ra cummasc isin matin indiu for in slúag,

is ea a chuaigh sé i measc an tslua maidin inniu

he wrought confusion upon the host in the morning this day;

ocus ní fhaccend nech issint shlúag é.”

agus ní fheiceann éinne sa slua é.”

and no one in the host sees him.”

“Unsea riu sain anair anechtair,” ar Crom Deróil,

“Amuigh ansin leosan,” arsa Crom Dearóil,

“Here before them, to the east, outside,”
said Crom Deróil,

“at-chonnarc-sa and fer tailc tuillethan, isé bailc brádorcha,

“chonaic mé chugainn anoir tréanfhear teann, ceannleathan, balcaire braoidhorcha,

“I saw there a mighty,
broad-fronted man;
bold, dark-browed;

isé drechlethan détsholus,

dreachleathan, déadsholas

broad-visaged,
white-toothed;

cen erriud cen étgud cen armu cen fáebru

gan feisteas ná éide gaiscígh, gan arm faobhair

without raiment,
without clothing,
without  arms,
without weapons,

acht fúathbróc dondlethair degshúata cu airbaccaib a dá ochsal.

ach aprún donn bogleathair air aníos go dtí a dhá ascaill.

except a well-
stitched brown
leather apron up to the hollows of his two arm-pits.

Remithir fer mór cech n-óenball de.

Gach ball dá chorp chomh leathan téagartha le fear mór.

Stouter than a large man is each of his limbs.

In corthi cloichi sea immuich na fétat Clanna Dedad uile da thócbáil

An gallán cloiche sin amuigh ná féadfadh Clanna Deá go léir é a thógaint,

This pillar-stone
outside, which all the Clanna-Dedad could not lift,

ra gat a talmain

tharraing sé as an talamh é

he pulled out of the ground,

ocus da-ringni ubullchless án méor co a chéli de.

agus rinne úllchleas leis idir a mhéara.

and performed an apple feat with it from one finger to the other.

Ra léic úad ra talmain

Chaith sé uaidh go talamh é

He hurled it from him with power,

feib ra léiced dlaí omthaind bar áthi ocus étrummi.”

amhail is go mbeadh sé chomh héatrom le canach feochadáin.”

as quickly and lightly as he would fling a wisp of *a thistle*, for quickness and lightness.”

“Is rúanaid rigthend trén rochalma in tuarascbáil,” bar Medb.

“Is tréan, láidir, fórsúil, róchalma an tuarascáil í,” arsa Meadhbh.

“Heroic, regal,
powerful, mighty is the description,” said Medb.

“Is fornirt cách ’sa tuarascbáil,” bar Cú Ruí.

“Is tréan, láidir an té lena mbaineann an tuarascáil,” arsa Cú Raoi.

“Stronger than any is he whose description it is,” said Curui.

“Ced ón, cía sút?” bar Ailill.

“Cé hé féin, más ea?” arsa Oilill.

“What, then, who is he?” asked Ailill.

“Ní hannsa:

“Is furasta a rá:

“Not hard to tell.

Trisgatail Trénfher sin

sin é Trioscadail Tréanfhear,

That is the champion Trisgatal;

.i. trénfher tigi Conchobair.

fear láidir theach Chonchubhair.

the champion of
Conor’s house.

Is é marbas na trí nónbair da déccun anníaraid nammá.”

Is féidir leis trí naonúr a mharú ach aon fhéachaint fhíochmhar amháin a thabhairt orthu.”

He it is that kills the three enneads by his fierce look alone.”

“Unsea riu sain anair anechtair,” ar Crom Deróil,

“Amuigh ansin leosan,” arsa Crom Dearóil,

“Here before them, to the east, outside,”
said Crom Deróil,

“at-chonnac-sa gilla nua noídenda i cengul ocus i cubriuch.

“chonaic mé chugainn anoir giolla óg agus cuma linbh air agus é ceangailte, cuibhrithe.

“I saw a fresh,
childish youth,
in bonds and fetters.

Trí slabraid cechtar a dá choss

Trí shlabhra ar cheachtar a dhá chos

Round each of his two legs were three chains,

ocus slabrad cechtar a dá lám.

agus slabhra amháin ar cheachtar a dhá lámh.

a chain round each of his two hands,

Trí slabraid imma brágit

Trí shlabhra thart ar a mhuineál

and three chains round his neck;

ocus mórfessiur cecha slabraide,

agus mórsheisear i ngreim ar gach slabhradh,

and seven persons at each chain,

conid inund ocus óenmórfessiur déc.

is é sin aon mhórsheisear déag ar fad.

which is equal to
eleven sevens.

Co mbeir-sium rompud ferda feramail cu trascrand in óenmórfessiur déc

Bhaineadh sé casadh as a chorp le fórsa fíorfhearúil a threascraíodh an t-aon mhórsheisear déag

He *makes* a manly, vigorous rompur with the eleven sevens,

cunas-tairngend

agus tharraingíodh sé ina dhiaidh iad

whom he would drag

chomh héasca saoráideach

as easily and lightly

feib ro thairnged

is a tharraingeodh sé

as he would drag

a comlín de bolgánaib belca

an oiread sin máilíní éatroma seithe.

their number of empty bladders,

for áthi ocus étrummi.

In tan at-chluined boltnugud a námat,

Nuair a d’fhaigheadh sé boladh a namhad

when he would hear the clamour of his enemies.

in tan ra benad cend ind fhir díb

agus nuair a bhuaileadh ceann fir

When the head of one of the men would strike

ra tailfhót de thailfhótaib in talman

meall ar an talamh

against a surface-sod of the surface-sods of the ground,

no risin carraic clochi,

nó carraig cloiche,

or against the stone
crag,

iss ed at-bered in fer sin,

is é a deireadh an fear sin:

the man would say,

‘Ní da thetarrachtain gaili ná gascid berair in rumpud sin

‘ní ar mhaithe le gal agus gaisce an cleas nirt sin agat,

‘It is not to exhibit
bravery or valour this uproar is created,

acht fa baltnugud in bíd ocus in lenna fil issin dúnud sa.’

ach le dúil sa bhia agus sa lionn a bhfaigheann tú a mboladh sa dún sin.’

but about the odour
of the food and ale
which is in this house.’

Na-ngeib-sium eill nári

Thagadh náire ansin air

A feeling of shame
possessed him,

cu n-imthig athach leo co taí tastadach

agus d’imíodh sé leo go ciúin tostach ar feadh tamaill

so that he went with them a while, quietly, silently,

conda-dic in tond inburbi chétna.”

go dtí go mbuaileadh an taom céanna arís é.”

until the same wave of fury came upon him.”

“Dar ar cubus,” ar Medb, “is nemnech ocus is dochoisc in tuarascbáil.”

“Dar ár gcoinsias,” arsa Meadhbh, “is nimhneach, forránach an tuarascáil í.”

“By our conscience,”
said Medb, “the
description is virulent, indocile.”

“Nemnech dochoisc cách issa tuarascbáil,” bar Cú Ruí.

“Is nimhneach, forránach an té lena mbaineann an tuarascáil,” arsa Cú Raoi.

“Virulent, indocile is he whose description it is,” said Curui.

“Ced ón, cía é?” bar Ailill.

“Cé hé féin, más ea?” arsa Oilill.

“Who is he, then?”
asked Ailill.

“Ní hannsa:

“Is furasta a rá:

“Not hard to tell.

mac na trí curad at-rubart a chíanaib

mac an triúir curadh a luaigh mé ó chianaibh:

The son of the three champions I mentioned before,

.i. Uma mac Remanfisig, Errgi Echbél et Celtchair mac Uthidir.

Umha mac Reamhanfheasaigh, Eirge Eachbhéal agus Cealtchair mac Uithidhir;

to wit, Uma son of
Remanfisech, Errgi
Echbél, and Celtchair son of Uithidir.

Is éicen inn airet sin da slúag ica
chomét

ní mór an méid sin dá slua a bheith ina fheidhil chun smacht a choimeád air,

That number of their host is requisite to guard him

a théit i crích a bidbad

nuair a théann siad isteach i dtír a namhad,

when he goes into
his enemy’s country,

dáig a gaili da chomus

mar gheall ar a fhíoch chun troda.

in order to restrain
his ardour.

.i. Úanchend Arritech, ocus níra slán acht a óenblíadain déc,

Uancheann Airideach a ainm, níl ach aon bhliain déag slánaithe aige

Uanchend Arritech is he, and his eleventh year is not complete;

ocus níra chaith a chuit ríam

agus níor chaith sé a chuid riamh

and he never eat
[recte, ate] his portion,

na tairced do cach óen no bíd issin taig.”

gan é a thairiscint do gach éinne sa teach.”

without offering it to everyone who might be in the house.”

“Unsea riu sain anair anechtair,” ar Crom Deróil,

“Amuigh ansin leosan,” arsa Crom Dearóil,

“Here before them to the east, outside,” said Crom Deróil,

“at-condarc-sa and budin da dáescarslúag.

“chonaic mé chugainn anoir buíon dá ndaoscarshlua.

“I saw a band of
their rabble.

Óenfher eturru, súasmáel dubrintach fair;

Fear áirithe ina measc agus folt dlúthbearrtha gairid dubh air,

One man in their
midst, with a black,
pointed, thick head
of hair,

mocolshúli móra óengela ina chind;

súile móra geala bolgacha ina cheann

having large, subtle,
all-white eyes in his
head,

aged ethiopacda slemangorm aci.

agus aghaidh Aetópach mhín ghorm air,

and a smooth-blue
Ethiopian
countenance;

Bratt ríbáin i forcipul immi;

brat riabhach ina thimpeall,

a ribbed garment in folds about him;

frithchuman umaidi ina brutt úasa braini;

biorán umha ag ceangal a bhrait ar a ucht;

a brazen clasp in his garment, over his breast;

sithbacc créduma ina láim.

bachall fhada chré-umha ina láimh.

a long bronze wand in his hand,

Clucín céolbind ina chomaitecht.

Cloigín ceolbhinn leis.

and a melodious
little bell beside
him,

Bertaid a echlasc bar in slúag

Beartaíonn sé a fhuip os comhair an tslua

which he touches
with his wand before the host,

co tárcend suba ocus sogra dond ardríg ocus dond tshlúag uili.”

agus tugann subhachas agus pléisiúr don ardrí agus don slua uilig.”

so that it gives
pleasure and delight to the Arch-King, and
to the whole host.”

“Sothib ocus is fursidi in tuarascbáil,” ar Medb.

“Taitneamhach, greannmhar an tuarascáil,” arsa Meadhbh.

“Laughable and
amusing is the
description,” said Medb.

“Sothib cách ’sa tuarascbáil,” bar Cú Ruí.

“Taitneamhach an té lena mbaineann an tuarascáil,” arsa Cú Raoi.

“Laughable is the person whose description it is,” said Curui.

“Cía sút?” bar Ailill.

“Cé hé féin?” arsa Oilill.

“Who is he?” asked Ailill.

“Ní hannsa,” bar Cú Rí:

“Is furasta a rá,” arsa Cú Raoi;

“Not hard to tell,”
 answered Curui.

“Róimid Rígóinmit sin,” ar Cú Ruí, “ónmit Conchobair.

“sin é Róimhid Rí-óinmhid,” arsa Cú Raoi, “óinmhid Chonchubhair.

“That is the royal
fool Róimid, Conor’s fool.

Ní rabi d’esbaid nach do chumaid ar duni d’Ultaib ríam a ra tucad da ari

Aon easpa nó cumha a bhí riamh ar éinne d’fhir Uladh, dhéanfadh sé neamhshuim de

There never was
fatigue or sorrow on any man of the Ultonians, that he would heed,

acht co facced Róimid Rígónmit.”

ach Róimhid Rí-óinmhid a fheiceáil.”

if he only saw the royal fool Róimid.”

“Unsea riu sain anair anechtair,” ar Crom Deróil,

“Amuigh ansin leosan,” arsa Crom Dearóil,

“Here before them to the east, outside,”
said Crom Deróil,

“at-chonnarc and fer corcarda cétlíath

“chonaic mé chugainn anoir fear gnúisdearg agus tús léithe air;

“I saw a purple-
hued man, in his first grayness,

i carput chendphartech ás echraid uraird.

é i gcarbad maiseach (?) os cionn a chapall ard.

in an open-headed
chariot, over high
horses;

Lend ilbrecc ingantach imbe

Clóca breac suaithinseach air

a marvellous much-
speckled garment
about him,

co n-imdénam órshnáith.

agus é bróidnithe le snáitheanna óir.

with gold-thread
workmanship.

Fail óir dano cechtar a dá lám;

Bráisléad óir ar gach láimh leis.

A bracelet of gold,
moreover, on each of his two hands,

fánni óir im cach mér da méraib.

Fáinní óir ar gach méar dá mhéara.

and a ring of gold
round each finger of his fingers.

Airm co n-imdénam órda lais.

Airm órmhaisithe leis.

Arms with golden
workmanship had he.

Noí carptig remi ocus .ix. carptig ’na degaid ocus .ix. carptig cechtar a dá tháeb.”

Naonúr cairbtheach roimhe, naonúr cairbtheach ina dhiaidh agus naonúr cairbtheach ar a dhá thaobh.”

Before him were nine chariot-men, and nine chariot-men behind him, and nine chariot-
men on either side of him.”

“Is urdnidi ocus is rígda in tuarascbáil,” ar Medb.

“Is ró-uasal, ríoga an tuarascáil í,” arsa Meadhbh.

“Magnificent and
regal is the
description,” said
Medb.

“Is rígda ocus is urdnide in tí ’sa tuarascbáil,” ar Cú Ruí.

“Is ríoga, ró-uasal an té lena mbaineann an tuarascáil,” arsa Cú Raoi.

“Regal and
magnificent is he
whose description it is,” said Curui.

“Ced ón, cía sút?” bar Ailill.

“Cé hé féin, más ea?” arsa Oilill.

“Who, then, is he?”
asked Ailill.

“Ní hannsa,” bar Cú Ruí:

“Is furasta a rá,” arsa Cú Raoi:

“Not hard to tell,”
 answered Curui:

“Blad Briuga mac Fiachna a Temair na hArdda,

“Bladh Brughaidh mac Fhiachna ó Theamhair na hArda

“Blad Briuga, son of Fiachna, from Temair of the Ard;

ocus is éicen na noí carptig sin imme cach conair téit,

agus ní mór don naonúr cairbtheach
sin bheith ina theannta gach áit
dá dtéann sé,

and these nine
chariot-men must be about him whithersoever he goes,

ar ní éistend-som ra hirlabra neich dint shlóg

mar ní éisteann seisean leis an gcaint a dhéanann éinne den slua

for he listens not to the speech of
anyone of the host,

acht rea n-irlabra-som.

ach amháin lena gcaint siúd.

but to their speech.

Gáini a comráid do neoch aile acht dó-som.”

Is beag comhrá a dhéanann siadsan le héinne ach amháin leis siúd.”

Sparing is their speech to everyone but to him.”

“Unsea riu sain anair anechtair,” ar Crom Deróil,

“Amuigh ansin leosan,” arsa Crom Dearóil,

“Here before them to the east, outside,” said Crom Deróil,

“at-connarc and budin rígda romóir.

“chonaic mé chugainn anoir buíon ríoga rómhór.

“I saw a prodigious royal band.

Óenfher ina airenuch saic.

Fear amháin i dtús na buíne sin.

One man in front of it,

Folt fráechda fordub fair.

Folt fiáin fíordhubh air.

with coarse black
hair.

Ell n-áilgen issin dara hóil dó,

Cuma shéimh ar ghrua amháin leis

An expression of
gentleness in one
of his eyes;

cubur fola fordeirggi issind óil aile dó

agus cúr fola fíordheirge ar an ngrua eile:

foam of crimson
blood in the other
eye;

.i. frecra mín munterda in dara fecht

tugann sé freagra mín muinteartha uaidh babhta amháin

i.e. at one time a
gentle, friendly
aspect;

ocus frecra andíaraid in fecht aile.

agus freagra borb babhta eile.

at another time
a fierce expression.

Onchú óbéli cechtar a dá gúaland;

Liopard ar gach gualainn leis a bhfuil a chraos ar leathadh,

An open-mouthed
otter on each of his
two shoulders.

scíath tái tailgel fair;

sciath álainn aige a bhfuil tul geal uirthi

A smooth, white-
surfaced shield
upon him.

claideb gelduirn leis.

agus claíomh gealdoirn leis.

A white-hilted
sword with him.

Sleg mór míleta ra aird a gúaland.

Sleá mhór mhíleata chomh hard lena ghualainn aige.

A large, knightly
spear to the height
of his shoulder.

Inn úair ras-geib a grith slegi

Nuair a bhuaileann racht buile an tsleá

When its spear-
ardour seized it,

do-beir-seom béim d’erlaind in rogaí bar a dernaind

buaileann sé buille de chois an mhórgha ar a bhois

he would deal a
blow of the handle of the mighty spear upon his hand

co maidend lán armide méich de sponcaíblib tentidi dar a slind ocus dar a fográin,

agus éiríonn splancanna tine ina
slaodanna os cionn rinn na sleá in airde,

when the full
measure of a sack
of fiery particles
would burst over
its side and edge,

inn úair ras-geib a grith slegi.

nuair a bhuaileann racht buile an tsleá.

when its spear-
ardour seized it.

Cairi dubfhola da lind adúathmar aidchi remi

Roimhe amach, coire dubhfhola agus leacht gránna dorcha ann

A blood-black
cauldron of horrid,
noxious liquid
before him,

arna dénam tria druídecht da folaib con ocus catt ocus druad,

a rinneadh le draíocht d’fhuil con agus cat agus draoithe,

composed,
through sorcery,
of the blood of
dogs, and cats,
and Druids.

cu fobairthea cend na slegi sin issind lind nemi sin

dhéantaí ceann na sleá a thomadh sa leacht nimhneach sin

And the head of
the spear was
plunged in that
poisonous liquid

in tráth na thiced a grith slegi.”

aon uair a bhuaileadh taom buile í.”

when its spear-
ardour came.”

“Dar ar cubus is nemnech in tuarascbáil,” ar Medb.

“Dar ár gcoinsias, is nimhneach an tuarascáil í sin,” arsa Meadhbh.

“By our conscience,
the description
[is venomous],”
said Medb.

“Is nemnech cách ’sa tuarascbáil,” ar Cú Ruí.

“Is nimhneach an té lena mbaineann an tuarascáil,” arsa Cú Raoi.

“Venomous is he
whose description
it is,” said Curui.

“Cid ón, cía sút?” bar Ailill.

“Cé hé féin, más ea?” arsa Oilill.

“Who, then, is he?”
asked Ailill.

“Dubthach Dóel Ulad sin,” ar Cú Ruí,

“Sin é Dubhthach Daol Uladh,” arsa Cú Raoi,

“That is Dubthach
the Chafer of Ulad,” said Curui;

“fer na ra thuill buide ri nech ríam;

“fear nár thuill buíochas éinne riamh;

“a man who never
merited thanks from any;

ocus inn úair is crech ac Ultaib ule

agus nuair a dhéanann na hUltaigh foghail

and when a prey
falls to the Ultonians all,

is crech aci-sium a óenur.

is é siúd a bheireann leis an chreach is mó.

a prey falls to him
alone.

In Lúin lúathéchtach Celtchair ’na láim ar íasacht

An Lúin luathéachtach Chealtchair ina láimh leis ar iasacht

The quick, deedful
luin of Celtchair is
in his hand, on loan,

ocus cori fola forderggi rompi,

agus coire fola fíordheirge roimpi amach,

and a cauldron of
crimson blood is
before it,

ar na losced-si a crand no in fer no biad fóthi

mar is amhlaidh a loiscfí cos na sleá, nó an fear a bheadh i ngreim uirthi,

for it would burn
its handle, or the
man that is bearing
it,

meni fothraicthe sin choire fhola nemi hí,

mura dtumfaí í sa choire fola nimhe

unless it was bathed in the cauldron of noxious blood.

ocus ic tarngiri chatha itá-si.”

agus is ag tuar catha atá sí.”

And foretelling
battle it is.”

“Unsea riu sain anair anechtair,” bar Crom Deróil,

“Amuigh ansin leosan,” arsa Crom Dearóil,

“Here before them to the east, outside,”
 said Crom Deróil,

“at-connac-sa and buidin aile.

“chonaic mé buíon eile chugainn anoir

“I saw another band there.

Fer féta farsaid findlíath ina airenuch saide.

agus fear ciúin críonna fionnliath ina tús.

A sedate, gray-
haired man in front
thereof.

Bratt gléfhind immi co n-acharimlib argit óengil;

Brat geal álainn ciumhaisairgid lonrach uime

A fair bright garment about him, with borders of all-white silver.

léni álaind óengel i caustul fri cnes dó;

agus léine álainn rígheal lena chneas;

A beautiful white
shirt to the surface
of his skin;

máeldorn finnargit fa choim;

banda bánairgid faoina chom,

a white silver belt
about his waist;

cráeb chréduma ra haird a gúaland;

craobh chré-umha chomh hard lena ghualainn aige,

a bronze branch at the summit of his shoulder;

binnius airfitig inna guth;

binneas ceolmhar ina ghuth

the sweetness of
melody in his voice;

airlabra airard admall aci.”

agus a urlabhra ard, glan, mallmhaorga.”

his utterance loud but slow.”

“Dar ar cubus is brithemda ocus is gáeth in tuarascbáil,” ar Medb.

“Dar ár gcoinsias, is saoithiúil, stuama an tuarascáil í sin,” arsa Meadhbh.

“Judicial and sage, by our conscience, is the description,” said Medb.

“Is gáeth ocus is brithemda cách ’sa tuarascbáil,” bar Cú Ruí.

“Is stuama, saoithiúil an té lena lena mbaineann an tuarascáil,” arsa Cú Raoi.

“Sage and judicial the person whose
description it is,” said Curui.

“Cid ón, cía sút?” bar Ailill.

“Cé hé féin, más ea?” arsa Oilill.

“Who, then, is he?”
asked Ailill.

“Ní hannsa:

“Is furasta a rá:

“Not hard to tell.

Sencha Mór mac Ailella meic Máelchlóid a Carnmaig Ulad,

Seancha Mór mac Oilealla mhic Mhaolchló as Carnmhaigh Uladh

Sencha the Great, son of Ailill son of Maelchlóid, from Carn-Magh of Ulad;

sobérlaid fher in talman

an sárchainteoir is fearr d’fhir an domhain

the most eloquent
man of the men of
earth,

ocus fer sídaigthi slúaig Ulad.

agus is é fear déanta na síochána é ag slua Uladh.

and the pacificator
of the hosts of Ulad.

Fir domuin án turcbáil co funiud no shídaigfed da thrí findfhoclaib.”

Thabharfadh sé fir an domhain ó éirí go luí na gréine chun réitigh le trí cinn dá bhinnbhriathra.”

The men of the world, from the
rising to the setting,
he would pacify with his three fair words.”

“Unsea riu sain anair anechtair,” ar Crom Deróil,

“Amuigh ansin leosan,” arsa Crom Dearóil,

“Here before them to the east, outside,”
said Crom Deróil,

“at-connarc and budin fég fírálaind.

“chonaic mé buíon bheoga fhíorálainn chugainn anoir.

“I saw there a brave,
truly-splendid band;

Gilla óc aítidach inna hairenuch.

Giolla óg ina tús.

in front of it a young,
tender boy,

Folt buide búanchlechtach fair.

Folt breá buí cas air.

with ever-clustering
yellow hair.

In breth na fétand in láech fil remi da brith berid-seom hí.”

An bhreith nach féidir leis an laoch atá roimhe a thabhairt, tugann seisean í.”

The judgment which
the hero before him
cannot deliver, he
delivers.”

“Is gáeth ocus is glicc in tuarascbáil,” ar Medb.

“Is gaoiseach, glic an tuarascáil í,” arsa Meadhbh.

“Wise and cunning
is the description,”
said Medb.

“Is gáeth ocus is glicc in tí ’sa tuarascbáil,” ar Cú Ruí.

“Is gaoiseach, glic an té lena mbaineann an tuarascáil,” arsa Cú Raoi.

“Wise and cunning
he whose description
it is,” said Curui.

“Cía sút?” bar Ailill.

“Cé hé féin?” arsa Oilill.

“Who is he?” asked Ailill.

“Ní hannsa:

“Is furasta a rá:

“Not difficult to tell,”
answered Curui;

Caíni Caínbrethach mac Sencha meic Ailella sin,

sin é Caoine Caoinbhreathach mac Sheancha mhic Oilealla

“that is Caini the
fair-judging, son of Sencha, son of Ailill;

ocus in breth na beir a athair ocus na fétand berid-seom hí.”

agus an bhreith nach dtugann a athair agus nach féidir leis a thabhairt, tugann seisean í.”

and the decision that his father does not, or cannot, deliver, he delivers it.”

“Unsea riu sain anair anechtair,” ar Crom Deróil,

“Amuigh ansin leosan,” arsa Crom Dearóil,

“Here before them, outside,

“at-condarc-sa and triar úathmar allmarda

“chonaic mé triúr uafar chugainn anoir agus cuma allúrach orthu

I saw a hateful, foreign-looking trio,

co pudrallaib imgerra urardda;

agus folt gearr ina
sheasamh ar a gceann;

with long sharp staves,

co n-étaigib allmarda líathodar impaib;

feisteas iasachta liathodhar orthu,

and wearing foreign
brown-gray garments.

co trí gothnib umaidi i llámaib
dessa leo;

trí gha cré-umha i
ndeasláimh gach duine den triúr

They had three bronze darts in their right hands,

co trí lorggaib íarnaidib ina lámaib clí.

agus trí lorg iarainn sa láimh chlé leo.

and three iron clubs in their left.

Ní labair nech díb ri araile

Ní labhrann éinne acu le héinne eile

Neither of them speaks to the other,

ocus ní labair nech din mórslúag riu.”

agus ní labhrann duine ar bith sa mhórshlua leo.”

and not one of the host speaks to them.”

“Is mogda allmarda in tuarascbáil,” ar Medb.

“Is éachtach, uafásach an tuairisc í,” arsa Meadhbh.

“Servile and strange is the description,” said Medb.

“Is mogda ocus is allmarda in lucht isa tuarascbáil,” ar Cú Ruí.

“Is éachtach, uafásach
an triúr lena mbaineann
an tuarascáil,” arsa Cú Raoi.

“Servile and strange are they whose description it is,” said Curui.

“Cid ón, cia sút?” ar Ailill.

“Cé hiad féin, más ea?” asrsa Oilill.

“How then; who are they?” asked Ailill.

“Ní hannsa,” ar Cú Ruí:

“Is furasta a rá,” arsa Cú Raoi:

*“Not difficult to tell,” answered Curui.*

“trí dorsid rítigi Conchobair and sin,

“sin iad triúr doirseoirí rítheach Chonchubhair,

“They are the three
doorkeepers of
Conor’s house,

Nem ocus Dall ocus Dorcha.”

Nimh, Dall agus Dorcha.”

Nem, and Dall, and Druithen.”

Tuarascbáil in chédna braini tánic issin faithchi díb sin.

Sin í tuairisc na chéad bhuíne díobh a bhain an fhaiche amach.

That is the description of the first division that came into the fair-green.

Nuchun airrecht in druí mór nimthathand a tuarascbáil do thabairt ó sin immach.

Níor thug an draoi mór ... tuairisc ar an méid díobh a tháinig ina dhiaidh sin.

The great druid was
not able to describe
them further.

“Is iat Ulaid sút trá,” bar Medb.

“Is iad siúd na nUltaigh,” arsa Meadhbh.

“They are the Ulidians,” said Medb.

“Is iat écin,” bar Cú Ruí.

“Is iad go deimhin,” arsa Cú Raoi.

“They are, indeed,”
said Curui.

“In ra samlad ríam na híaram

“Ar samhlaíodh a leithéid riamh roimhe seo

“Was it imagined
before or after;

no in fail i turchantain no remfáistini acaib?”

nó an bhfuil tairngreacht nó réamhfhaistine ar bith agaibh ina thaobh?”

or is it in prediction
or in prophecy with
you?”

“Nad fetamar má tá,” ar Cú Ruí.

“Ní heol dúinn a leithéid, má tá,” arsa Cú Raoi.

“That we know not,
if it is,” said Curui.

“I fail san dúnud nech ra-fitir?” ar Medb.

“An bhfuil aon duine sa dún arb eol dó é?” arsa Meadhbh.

“Is there in the
fortress any one
that knows?”
asked Medb.

“Atá sinser Cland Dedad,” bar Cú Ruí,

“Tá sinsear Chlann Deá,” arsa Cú Raoi,

“There is,” said Curui, “the senior of the Clann-Dedad,

“.i. Gabalglinni mac Dedad

“is é sin Gabhalghlinne mac Deá

to wit, Gabalglinni,
son of Dedad,

fil isé dall .xxx. blíadan issin dúnad sa ica gairi.”

atá dall le tríocha bliain agus aire á tabhairt dó sa dún seo.”

who has been, and he blind,
maintained thirty
years in this
fortress.”

“Tíagar da íarfaigid de in ra hairichlit

“Téadh duine éigin chun a fhiafraí de an ndearnadh réamhullmhúchán

“Let some one go
and ask him if they
were expected;

ocus íarfaigther de cía hairichill tucad forru.”

agus fiafraítear de cén freastal a beartaíodh faoina gcomhair.”

and let it be asked
of him what
preparation was
made for them.”

“Cía ragas and?” bar Cú Ruí.

“Cé a rachaidh dá fhiafraí sin de?” arsa Cú Raoi.

“Who shall go there?” asked Curui.

“Táet Crom Deróil ocus Fáenglinni mac Dedad.”

“Téadh Crom Dearóil agus Faonghlinne mac Deá chuige.”

“Let Crom Deroil
and Faenglinni, son of Dedad, go.”

Táncatar rempu conice in tech i rabi Gabalglinni ica gairi.

Chuaigh siadsan rompu go dtí an teach ina rabhthas ag tabhairt aire do Ghabhalghlinne.

They went on to the house in which
Gabalglinni was
maintained.

“Cía so?” ar eseom.

“Cé tá agam?” ar seisean.

“Who is this?” asked he.

“Crom Deróil ocus Fáenglinni mac Dedad and so,” ar iat,

“Crom Dearóil agus Faonghlinne mac Deá atá anseo,” ar siad,

“Crom Deroil and Faenglinni, son of Dedad, are here,” said they,

“’ga íarfaigid dítsu in rabi i tarngiri no i
fástini a taidecht Ulad

“á fhiafraí díot an raibh sé i dtairngreacht nó i bhfáistine riamh go dtiocfadh na hUltaigh

“to enquire of thee
if the coming of the
Ulidians was in
prediction or in
prophecy;

no in fail frithálim forru má tá.”

agus, má bhí, ar beartaíodh conas a dhéanfaí freastal orthu?”

or if so, whether
there is any
preparation for
them.”

“Is cían atá i tairngiri a taidecht ocus ra fritháilit.

“Tá sé tuartha le fada go dtiocfadh agus beartaíodh conas a dhéanfaí freastal orthu.

“Long has their
coming been in
prophecy.

Is é a frithálim,

Mar seo is ea a dhéanfar freastal orthu:

That they may be
attended to, this
[is the] provision.

teg íarnaidi ocus dá thech cláraid immi

i dteach iarainn agus dhá theach adhmaid tógtha timpeall air

An iron house,
and two wooden
houses about it;

et teg talman foí anís ocus lecc imdangen íarnaide fair-side

agus teach faoi thalamh thíos faoi agus clúdach daingean iarainn anuas air sin

and a subterranean
house under it, and
a strong iron flag
upon that;

ocus na fríth da chrín ocus do lassamain ocus da gúalach ra timmairged

agus cuireadh a bhfuarthas de chríonadhmad, d’ábhar tine agus de ghualach

and all the faggots,
and inflammable
materials, and coal,
that were found,
were collected

issin tech talman conid forlán.

isteach sa teach faoi thalamh sa tslí go bhfuil sé lán go barr.

into the
subterranean house, so that it is quite full.

Is sed ra tairngered dún

Is é a tairngríodh dúinn

It is what was
prophesied for us,

co timmairgfitís mathi Ulad i n-óenaidchi issin tech sain.

ná go mbaileodh maithe Uladh isteach sa teach sin ar feadh aon oíche amháin.

that the nobles of
Ulad would be
congregated in one
night in that house.

Atát secht slabraid úríairn sund fa chossaib ind leptha sa

Tá seacht slabhra nua-iarainn anseo faoi chosa na leapa seo

There are seven
chains of good iron
here under the feet
of this bed,

ra hairichill chengail ocus forríata;

chun ceangail agus cuibhrithe;

*ready to bind and
enclose*;

a cengul do na secht coirthib failet for in fhaidchi se immuich.”

ceanglaítear iad de na seacht ngallán atá ar an bhfaiche sin amuigh.”

and let them be firmly fastened to the seven pillar-stones that are on the green outside.”

Táncatar rempu issin tech

D’fhill siad ar ais isteach sa teach

They (Crom Deróil and Faenglinni) came into the house

i mbaí Medb ocus Ailill ocus mathi na cúiced

ina raibh Meadhh agus Oilill agus maithe na gcúigí

in which were Medb and Ailill, and the nobles of the province,

et ad-fétaiter dóib mar ra airichlit Ulaid.

agus d’inis siad dóibh conas a bhí beartaithe caitheamh leis na hUltaigh.

and related to them how the Ulidians were awaited.

“Tíagar d’ferthain fháilti riu, nech úaitsiu ocus úaimse, a Chú Ruí,” ar Medb.

“Téitear chun fáilte a chur rompu, duine uaitse agus duine uaimse, a Chú Raoi,”
arsa Meadhbh.

“Let one from thee, and one from me, go to bid them welcome, O Curui,” said Medb.

“Cuich ragas and?” far Cú Ruí.

“Cé a rachaidh chucu?” arsa Cú Raoi.

“Who shall go there?”
asked Curui.

“In dias cétna,” ar Medb,

“An bheirt chéanna,” arsa Meadhbh,

“The *same* two,”
said Medb,

“et curap amlaid ferthair fáilte friu

“agus cuirtear an fháilte chéanna rompu

“that so welcome may be given to them

úaimse co mathib chóicid Connacht

thar mo cheannsa agus thar ceann maithe Chonnacht,

from me with the
nobles of the province of Connacht,

ocus úaitsiu cu mathib dá cúiced Muman.”

agus thar do cheannsa agus thar ceann maithe dhá chúige na Mumhan.”

and from thee with
the nobles of the two provinces of Munster.”

“Do-bér-sa cid aichni,” bar Cú Ruí, “arin tí fhrecéras in fálti

“Beidh a fhios agamsa,” arsa Cú Raoi, “ón té a thabharfaidh freagra
ar an aitheasc fáiltithe

“I will even know,” said Curui, “by the person that answers,

in ra síd no in ra debech.

cé acu ar mhaithe le síocháin nó le cogadh a tháinig siad.

whether they came
with peace, or with
battle;

Úair mad é Dubthach Dóel Ulad fhrecéras

Mar, más é Dubhthach Daol Uladh a thabharfaidh an freagra,

for if it is Dubthach,
the Chafer of Ulad,
that answers,

is ra hessíd táncatar;

is le naimhdeas a tháinig siad;

it is with discord they came;

mad é Sencha mac Ailella fhrecras

más é Seancha mac Oilealla a fhreagróidh,

if it is Sencha, son
of Ailill, that answers,

is ra síd táncatar.”

is go síochánta atá siad tagtha.”

it is with peace they came.”

Lotar rempu conici bail

Chuaigh siad (Crom Dearóil agus Faonghlinne mac Deá) rompu go dtí an áit

They (the messengers) went on to the place

i rrabatar Ulaid forsind faithchi.

ina raibh na hUltaigh ar an bhfaiche.

in which the Ulidians were, on the green.

“Mo-chen bidchen do thíchtu, a ardrí ardéchtach ardúasal Ulad,”

“Mochean go deimhin do theacht, a ardrí ardéachtaigh arduasail Uladh,”

“Welcome, ever-welcome, thy coming,
O high-puissant, high-noble arch-king of Ulad,

ar Crom Deróil,

arsa Crom Dearóil,

“ó Meidb ocus ó Ailill

“míle fáilte ó Mheadhbh, ó Oilill

from Medb, and from Ailill,

ocus ó mathib cúicid Connacht leo.”

agus ó mhaithe chúige Chonnacht mar aon leo.”

and from the chieftains of the province of Connacht along with them,”

said Crom Deroil.

“Mo-chen bithchen do thíchtu, a ardrí ardéchtach Ulad,”

“Mochean go deimhin do theacht, a ardrí ardéachtaigh arduasail Uladh,”

“Welcome, ever
welcome, thy coming, O high-puissant, high-noble arch-king ofUlad,

ar Fóenglinni mac Dedad,

arsa Faonghlinne mac Deá,

“ó Coin Ruí mac Dári cu mathib dá cóiced Muman

“míle fáilte ó Chú Raoi mac Dáire agus ó mhaithe dhá chúige na Mumhan

from Curui mac Dairi, with the nobles of the two provinces of Munster,

failit tall issin dúnud.”

atá ansin thall sa dún.”

who are yonder in the fortress,”

said Faenglinni, son of Dedad.

“Tarisi lind ocus tarisi risin ríg,” ar Sencha mac Ailella;

“Is mór againn bhur gcaoinfháilte agus is mór ag an ardrí í,” arsa Seancha mac Oilealla,

“It is pleasing to us,
and pleasing to the king,” said Sencha, son of Ailill;

“et ní do dénam uilc ná hirgaili táncatar Ulaid

“agus ní chun olc ná imreas a chothú a tháinig na hUltaigh

“and it was not to
commit injury or conflict the Ulidians came,

acht ar medarmesci á Dún Dá Bend co Clíu Máil meic Úgaine

ó Dhún Dá Bheann go dtí Cliú Mháil mhic Úghaine ach ar mhaithe le babhta meidhreach óil

but in a drunken fit,
from Dún-dá-bend to Cliu of Mal, son of Ugaine;

et níra míad leo dul assin chrích

agus níorbh áil leo imeacht as an dúthaigh

and they deemed it not honourable to go out of the district

co mbetís aidchi longphoirt inti.”

gan oíche a chaitheamh inti.”

until they would be a night encamped in it.”

Táncatar rempu cunice bal

Tháinig an bheirt teachtairí ar ais go dtí an áit

The messengers
proceeded to the
place

i rabe Medb ocus Ailill ocus Cú Ruí ocus Eochu

ina raibh Meadhbh, Oilill, Cú Raoi agus Eochaidh

in which were Medb
and Ailill, and Curui,
and Eocho,

cu mathib na trí cúiced.

mar aon le maithe na dtrí chúige.

with the nobles of the three provinces,

Ra innisetar doib.

D’inis siad a scéala dóibh.

and they related [the news] to them.

Ra cuirit int áes
dána ocus na
hairfitig ocus
lucht airgarddigthi
co hUltaib

Cuireadh na filí,
na ceoltóirí agus
an lucht siamsa
go dtí na hUltaigh

The poets, and the minstrels, and diverters, were sent to the Ulidians,

céin ro bás ic errad tigi doib, do gardigud ocus d’airfitiud doib.

chun gáirdithe dóibh fad a bhíothas ag réiteach tí dóibh.

whilst a house was
being arranged for
them, to furnish
amusement to them.

Ra curit techta chucu da rád riu

Cuireadh teachtairí chucu lena iarraidh orthu

Messengers were
then sent to them, to inform them

in láech bad ferr d’Ultaib do brith rogai tigi doib.

go ndéanfadh an laoch ab fhearr i measc na nUltach teach a roghnú dóibh.

that the best hero of the Ultonians might select the choicest house for them.

Ra érig imresun [ . . . ] ac Ultaib immi sin.

D’éirigh imreas idir na hUltaigh faoi sin.

A quarrel arose about that among the Ultonians.

At-raachtatar cét curad comchalma díb ara n-armaib in n-óenfecht

D’éirigh céad curadh comhchalma agus rug siad in éineacht ar a n-airm

A hundred puissant knights rose up together, upon their arms;

cu ra sídaig Sencha mac Ailella iat.

ach chuir Seancha mac Oilealla chun suaimhnis iad.

but Sencha, son of Ailill, pacified them.

“Táet Cú Chulainn and,” ar Sencha:

“Téadh Cú Chulainn chucu,” arsa Seancha:

“Let Cuchulaind go there,” said Sencha;

“ba thómos a thigi tháncabair,

“is ag triall ar a theach siúd a bhí sibh ar dtús

“about the measure
of his house you have come;

ocus bid for a fháesam cu ros-tí arís.”

agus cuirigí sibh féin faoina choimirce go dtí go mbainfidh sibh amach arís é.”

and you shall be
under his guarantee
until you return again.”

At-raacht Cú Chulainn.

D’éirigh Cú Chulainn.

Cuchulaind
advanced.

At-raachtatar Ulaid érgi n-óenfhir i ndiaid Con Culainn.

D’éirigh na hUltaigh le chéile agus lean siad é.

The Ultonians
advanced as one man, after Cuchulaind.

Sillis Cú Chulainn far in tech is mó ro baí sin baili.

Leag Cú Chulainn a shúil ar an teach ba mhó a bhí san áit;

Cuchulaind looked
upon the largest house that was in the place.

Is esede in tech íarnaide imma rrabatar in dá thech cláraid.

is é sin an teach iarainn a raibh an dá theach adhmaid tógtha ina thimpeall ar an taobh amuigh.

That is the iron
house round which
the two wooden
houses were.

Táncatar lucht a frithálma chucu ocus ra hatód tor tened dermár dóib.

Tháinig lucht friothála
chucu agus adaíodh
bladhmsach thine dóibh.

Their attendants
came to them,  and an enormous bonfire was lighted for them;

Ra deoraintea airigthi bid ocus lenna dóib.

Roinneadh an bia agus an lionn ab fhearr orthu.

and provisions of food and ale were dealt to them.

Cach faicsi thiced d’aidchi

De réir mar a bhí an oíche ag druidim leo,

As the night
approached,

ra etlaitís lucht a frestail ocus a frithálma ar óenfheraib úathu

d’éalaíodh an lucht freastail agus friothála uathu ina nduine is ina nduine

their attendants
and servants would steal away from them one by one,

cu ríacht in fer ndédenach

go dtí gur imigh an fear deireanach

until the last man,

co ro íad in comlai da éis.

agus gur dhún sé an chomhla ina dhiaidh.

who closed the door after him.

Co tucait na secht slabraid úríairn forsin tech

Cuireadh na seacht slabhra nua-iarainn ar an teach

And the seven chains of iron were fixed upon the house,

et ro cenglait do na secht coirthib cloch bátar forsind fhathchi immuich.

agus ceanglaíodh iad de na seacht ngallán a bhí ar an bhfaiche amuigh.

and fastened to the seven stone pillars that were upon the green outside.

Tucait trí coícait goband cona mbolgaib goband da gressacht in tened.

Tugadh trí chaogad gabha i láthair lena mboilg chun an tine a shéideadh.

Thrice fifty smiths
were brought, with their smiths’-bellows, to blow the fire.

Tucait a trí timchúardda imman tech.

Chuathas timpeall an tí trí huaire.

Three circles were
made round the house;

Ra hadnad in tene anís ocus anúas issin tech

Adhnadh an tine thíos agus thuas

and the fire was
ignited from above,
and from below, in the house,

co tánic robruth in teined trisin tech anís.

agus mothaíodh teas na tine tríd an teach aníos.