I.

The pillow-talk held by Ailill and Medb (ll. l-278)

II.

The youthful deeds of Cú Chulainn (ll. 738-1217)

§1.1

§1.2

§1.3

§1.4

§1.5

§1.6

§2.1

§2.2

§2.3

§2.4

§2.5

§2.6

§2.7

§2.8

§2.9

§2.10

§2.12

§2.13

§2.14

§2.15

Complete file (PDF)

Incipit Táin Bó Cúalnge

*Táin Bó Cuailnge anseo síos*

Here begins Táin Bó Cúalnge

Fec[h]t n-óen

Feacht n-aon

Once upon a time

do Ailill ocus do Meidb

it befell Ailill and Medb that,

íar ndérgud a rígleptha dóib i Crúachanráith Chonnacht,

dá raibh a leaba ríoga cóirithe dóibh i ráth Chruachan Chonnacht

when their royal bed had been prepared for them in Ráth Crúachain in Connacht,

arrecaim comrád chind cherchailli eturru.

tharla comhrá cinn chearchaille

they spoke together as they lay on their pillow.

idir Ailill agus Meadhbh.

“Fírbriathar, a ingen,” bar Ailill, “is maith ben ben dagfhir.”

“Is fíorbhriathar é a ’níon ó” arsa Ailill, “is maith an bhean bean dea-fhir”.

“In truth, woman,” said Ailill, “she is a well-off woman who is the wife of a nobleman.”

“Maith omm,” bar ind ingen, “cid dia tá lat-su ón?”

“Is maith cheana” arsa an iníon, “ach cén fáth duit sin a rá?”

“She is indeed,” said the woman. “Why do you think so?”

“Is de atá lim,” bar Ailill, “ar it ferr-su indiu indá in lá thucus-sa thú.”

“Tá,” arsa Ailill, “gur fearr tusa inniu ná an lá a thógas-sa thú.”

“I think so,” said Ailill, “because you are better off today than when I married you.”

“Ba maith-se remut,” ar Medb.

“Ba mhaith mise romhat,” arsa Meadhbh.

“I was well-off before (marrying) you,” said Medb.

“Is maith nach cúalammar ocus nach fetammar,” ar Ailill,

“Is maith é nár chualamar agus nárbh eol dúinn,” arsa Ailill,

“It was wealth that we had not heard of and did not know of,” said Ailill,

“acht do bith-siu ar bantincur mnáa

“ach tú a bheith ar bantionchar mná

“but you were a woman of property

ocus bidba na crích ba nessom duit

agus naimhde na gcríoch ba neasa duit

and foes from lands next to you

oc breith do shlait ocus do chrech i fúatach úait.”

ag breith do shlad agus do chreach i bhfuadach uait.”

were carrying off spoils and booty from you.”

“Ní samlaid bá-sa,” ar Medb,

“Ní amhlaidh sin a bhíos-sa,” arsa Meadhbh,

“Not so was I,” said Medb,

“acht m’athair i n-ardrígi Hérend

“ach m’athair in ardríochas Éireann

“but my father was in the high-kingship of Ireland,

.i. Eocho Feidlech mac Find

.i. Eochaidh Feidhleach mac Fhinn

namely Eochu Feidlech mac Find

meic Findomain meic Findeoin

mhic Fhinndomhain mhic Fhinneoin

meic Findomain meic Findeoin

meic Findguill meic Rotha

mhic Fhinnghuill mhic Rotha

meic Findguill meic Rotha

meic Rigéoin meic Blathachta

mhic Righeoin mhic Bhlathachta

meic Rigéoin meic Blathachta

meic Beothechta meic Enna Agnig

mhic Bheotheachta mhic Eana Agnuigh

meic Beothechta meic Enna Agnig

meic Óengusa Turbig.

mhic Oenghusa Turbhaigh.

meic Óengusa Turbig.

Bátar aice sé ingena d’ingenaib: Derbriu, Ethi [Ethne St, sic leg.] ocus Éle, Clothru, Mugain, Medb.

Bhí seisear iníon aige, Deirbhre, Eithne, Éile, Clothra, Mughain, Meadhbh.

He had six daughters: Derbriu, Ethne and Éle, Clothru, Mugain and Medb.

Messi ba úasliu ocus ba urraitiu díb.

Mise ab uaisle agus ab oirirce díobh.

I was the noblest and worthiest of them.

Bam-sa ferr im rath ocus tidnacul díb.

Mé ab fhearr féile agus tíodhlacadh díobh.

I was the most generous of them in bounty and the bestowal of gifts.

Bam-sa ferr im chath ocus comrac ocus comlund díb.

Mé ab fhearr díobh um chath agus um chomhrac agus chomhlann.

I was best of them in battle and fight and combat.

Is acum bátar cóic cét déc rígamus do maccaib deórad dar tír

Is agam a bhí cúig chéad déag rí-amhas de mhic deoraithe thar tír

I had fifteen hundred royal mercenaries of the sons of strangers exiled from their own land

ocus a chomméit n-aill do maccaib aurrad ar medón,

agus an oiread céanna de mhic shaorfhir na tíre

and as many of the sons of native freemen within the province.

ocus dechenbor cach amuis díbside,

agus deichniúr in aghaidh gach amhais díobhsan

And there were ten men for each mercenary of these,

[ocus nónmar la cec[h] n-amhus add. St],

*agus naonúr le gach amhas*

[and nine men for every mercenary] [following St],

ocus ochtur ri cach n-amus,

agus ochtar le gach amhas

and eight men for every mercenary,

ocus mórfessiur cach amuis,

agus mórsheisear in aghaidh gach amhais

and seven for every mercenary,

ocus sessiur cach amais,

agus seisear in aghaidh gach amhais

and six for every mercenary,

ocus cóicfhiur cach amuis,

agus cúigear in aghaidh gach amhais,

and five for every mercenary,

[ocus cethrar cecha hamuis add. St],

*agus ceathrar in aghaidh gach amhais*

[and four for every mercenary] [following St]

ocus triur ri cach n-amus,

agus triúr le gach amhas

and three for every mercenary,

ocus días cach amuis,

agus beirt le gach amhas

and two for every mercenary,

amus cach amuis.

agus amhas le gach amhas.

and one mercenary for every mercenary.

Bátar ocom sain ri gnáthteglach,” ar Medb,

Bhí siad sin agam mar gnáth-theaghlach,” arsa Meadhbh,

I had these as my standing household,” said Medb,

“conid aire dobert m’athair cúiced de chóicedaib Hérend dam

“agus is uime sin a thug m’athair cúige de chúigí Éireann dom,

“and for that reason my father gave me one of the provinces of Ireland,

.i. cóiced Crúachna.

is é sin, cúige Cruachna.

namely, the province of Crúachu.

Conid de asberar Medb Chrúachna frim.

Is uime sin a thugtar Meadhbh Chruachna orm.

Whence I am called Medb Chrúachna.

Táncas ó Fhind mac Rosa Rúaid ríg Lagen dom chungid-sa

Thángthas ó Fhionn mac Rosa Rua, rí Laighean, do m’iarraidhse

Messengers came from Find mac Rosa Rúaid, the King of Leinster, to sue for me,

ocus ó Chairpriu Nia Fer mac Rosa ríg Temrach,

agus ó Chairbre Nia Fear mac Rosa, rí Teamhrach

and from Cairbre Nia Fer mac Rosa, the King of Tara,

ocus táncas ó Chonchobur mac Fhachtna ríg Ulad,

agus thángthas ó Chonchobhar mac Fhachtna, rí Uladh,

and they came from Conchobor mac Fachtna, the King of Ulster,

[ocus] táncas ó Eochaid Bic.

agus thángthas ó Eochaidh Beag.

and they came from Eochu Bec.

Ocus ní dechad-sa,

Agus ní dheachaigh mise

But I consented not,

dáig is mé ra chunnig in coibchi n-ingnaid

mar is mé a d’iarr an choibhche neamhgnách

for I demanded a strange bride-gift

nára chunnig ben ríam remom ar fer d’fheraib Hérend

nár iarr bean riamh romham ar fhear d’fhir Éireann,

such as no woman before me had asked of a man of the men of Ireland,

.i. fer cen neóit, cen ét, cen omon.

is é sin, fear gan neoid, gan éad, gan eagla.

to wit, a husband without meanness, without jealousy, without fear.

Diambad neóit in fer ’gá mbeind,

Dá mbeadh an fear agá mbeinn neoid

If my husband should be mean,

níbad chomadas dún beith maróen

níor chóir dúinn a bheith le chéile

it would not be fitting for us to be together,

fo bíth am maith-se im rath ocus tidnacul,

mar is maith mise um fhéile agus thíodhlacadh

for I am generous in largesse and the bestowal of gifts

ocus bad cháined dom fhir

agus ba cháineadh do m’fhear

and it would be a reproach for my husband

combadim ferr-sa im rath secha,

mise a bheith níos fearr féile ná é

that I should be better than he in generosity,

ocus níbad cháined immorro

agus níorbh aon cháineadh é *áfach*

but it would be no reproach

combar commaithe acht combadar maithe díb línaib.

dá mbeimis ar aon fheabhas ach sinn araon a bheith maith.

if we were equally generous provided that both of us were generous.

Diambad úamain m’fher,

Dá mbeadh m’fhear eaglach

If my husband were timorous,

ní mó bad chomdas dún beith maróen,

ní mó ba chuí dúinn a bheith le chéile

neither would it be fitting for us to be together,

úair brissim-sea catha ocus cumlenga ocus congala m’óenur,

óir brisimse cathanna agus comhlainn agus comhraic i m’aonar

for single-handed I am victorious in battles and contests and combats,

ocus bad cháined dom fhir

agus ba cháineadh do m’fhear

and it would be a reproach to my husband

combad beódu a ben indá

dá mba bheoga a bhean ná é

that his wife should be more courageous than he,

ocus ní cáined

agus níor aon cháineadh é

but it is no reproach

a mbeith combeóda acht combat beóda díb línaib.

sinn a bheith ar chomhbheogacht ach go mbeimis araon beoga.

if they are equally courageous provided that both are courageous.

Dámbad étaid in fer ’cá mbeind,

Dá mba éadmhar an fear agá mbeinn

If the man with whom I should be were jealous,

níbad chomdas béus,

níor chóir é ach an oiread,

neither would it be fitting,

dáig ní raba-sa ríam can fher ar scáth araile ocum.

mar ní raibh mise riamh gan fear ar scáth a chéile agam.

for I was never without one lover quickly succeeding another [lit. without a man in the shadow of another].

Fuarusa dano in fer sain .i. tussu .i. Ailill mac Rosa Rúaid do Lagnib.

Fuair mise an fear sin áfach, is é sin tusa, Ailill mac Rosa Rua de Laighne.

Now such a husband have I got, even you, Ailill mac Rosa Rúaid of Leinster.

Nírsat neóit, nírsat étaid, nírsat déaith.

Níl tú neoid, níl tú éadmhar, ní tú neamhbheoga.

You are not niggardly, you are not jealous, you are not inactive.

Tucusa cor ocus coibchi duit amal as dech téit do mnaí

Thug mise cor agus coibhche duit mar is fearr a thagann do bhean,

I gave you a contract and a bride-price as befits a woman,

.i. timthach dá fher déc d’étuch,

is é sin, tiomthacht dáréag d’éadach,

namely, the raiment of twelve men,

carpat trí secht cumal,

carbad (ab fhiú) trí sheacht gcumhal,

a chariot worth thrice seven cumala,

comlethet t’aigthi do dergór,

leithead d’aghaidhe de dheargór

the breadth of your face in red gold,

comthrom do riged clí do fhinddruini.

agus cothrom do rí clé d’fhionndruine.

the weight of your left arm in white bronze.

Cipé imress méla ocus mertain ocus meraigecht fort,

Cibé a imreann méala nó meirtne nó mearbhall ortsa

Whoever brings shame and annoyance and confusion on you,

ní fhuil díri nó eneclann duit-siu ind acht na fil dam-sa,” ar Medb,

níl éiric ná eineachlann duitse ann ach a bhfuil domsa,” arsa Meadhbh,

you have no claim for compensation or for honour-price for it except what claim I have,” said Medb,

“dáig fer ar tincur mná atatchomnaic.”

“mar is fear ar tionchar mná atá ionat.”

“for you are a man dependent on a woman’s marriage-portion.”

“Ní amlaid sin bá-sa,” ar Ailill, “acht dá bráthair limm,

“Ní amhlaidh sin a bhíos-sa,” arsa Ailill, “ach beirt deartháir liom,

“Not so was I,” said Ailill, “but I had two brothers,

fer díb for Temraig ocus fer for Lagnib

fear díobh ar Teamhair agus fear ar Laighne,

one of them reigning over Tara, the other over Leinster,

.i. Find for Lagnib ocus Carpre for Temraig.

is é sin, Fionn ar Laighne agus Cairbre ar Teamhair.

namely, Find over Leinster and Cairbre over Tara.

Léicsius rígi dóib ara sinsirecht

Lig mise ríochas dóibh i dtaobh a sinsireachta

I left the rule to them because of their seniority

ocus níp [sic. read níptar] ferra im rath nó thidnacul andú-sa,

agus níorbh fhearr um fhéile ná thíodhlacadh iad ná mise,

but they were no better in bounty and the bestowal of gifts than I.

ocus ní chúala chúiced i nHérind ar bantinchur

agus níor chuala cúige in Éirinn a bheith ar bantionchar

And I heard of no province in Ireland dependent on a woman

acht in cúiced sa a óenur.

ach an cúige seo amháin.

except this province alone,

Tánac-sa dano, gabsus rígi sund i tunachus [a dualgus St] mo máthar,

Thánga mar sin agus ghabh mé ríochas anseo i gceart mo mháthar

so I came and assumed the kingship here in virtue of my mother’s rights [following St],

dáig ar bíth Máta Murisc ingen Mágach mo máthair,

mar ba í Máta Muirisc iníon Mághach mo mháthair

for Máta Muirisc the daughter of Mága was my mother.

ocus gia ferr dam-sa rígan no biad ocum andaí-siu,

agus cá fearr domsa ríon a bheadh agam ná tusa

And what better queen could I have than you,

dáig ingen ardríg Hérend atatchomnaic.”

mar is iníon Ardrí Éireann tú.”

for you are the daughter of the high-king of Ireland.”

“Atá dano,” ar Medb, “is lia mo maith-sea indá do maith-siu.”

“Mar sin féin,” arsa Meadhbh, “is mó mo mhaithsa ná do mhaithsa.”

“Nevertheless,” said Medb, “my property is greater than yours.”

“Is ingnad linni anísin,” ar Ailill,

“Is ionadh liom sin,” arsa Ailill,

“I marvel at that,” said Ailill,

“ar ní fhil nech is lia seóit ocus moíne ocus indmassa andú-sa,

“mar níl neach is mó seod agus maoin agus ollmhaitheas ná mise

“for there is none who has greater possessions and riches and wealth than I,

ocus rafetar ná fail.”

agus tá a fhios agam nach bhfuil.”

and I know that there is not.”

Tucad dóib

Tugadh chucu

There were brought to them

anba táriu dá sétaib

an chuid ba lú luach dá seoda

what was least valuable among their possessions

co festais

chun go mbeadh a fhios acu

that they might know

cia díb dámbad lia seóit ocus moíne ocus indmassa.

cé acu ba mhó seod agus maoin agus ollmhaitheas.

which of them had more goods and riches and wealth.

Tucad chucu

Tugadh chucu

There were brought to them

a n-éna ocus a ndabcha ocus a n-iarnlestair,

a n-éana agus a ndabhcha agus a n-iarnleastair,

their wooden cups and their vats and their iron vessels,

a mílain ocus a lóthommair ocus a ndrolmacha.

a gcanaí agus a mbáisíní níocháin agus a ndromhlaigh.

their cans, their washing-basins and their tubs.

Tucait dano cucu a fánne

Tugadh chucu freisin, a bhfáinní

There were brought to them *then* their rings

ocus a falge ocus a fornasca

agus a bhfailí agus a n-ordnasca

and their bracelets and their thumb-rings,

ocus a n-órdúse ocus a n-étguda,

agus a n-órdhuaiseanna agus a n-éadaí

their treasures of gold and their garments,

eter chorcair ocus gorm

idir chorcra agus ghorm

as well purple as blue

ocus dub ocus úaine,

agus dhubh agus uaine,

and black and green,

buide ocus brecc ocus lachtna,

buí agus breac agus lachna,

yellow and vari-coloured and grey,

odor, alad ocus riabach.

odhar, alabhreac agus riabhach.

dun, and chequered and striped.

Tucait a murthréta caírech d’aicthib [= d’fhaithchib] ocus d’urlannaib ocus rédib.

Tugadh chucu a mórthréada caorach d’faichí agus d’úrlanna agus de réite.

Their great flocks of sheep were brought from fields and lawns and open plains.

Ra rímit ocus ra hármit

Ríomhadh agus áiríodh iad

They were counted and reckoned

ocus ra achnít corbatar cutrumma comméti comlínmair.

agus aithníodh go raibh siad cothrom cóimhéid, comhlíonmhar.

and it was recognised that they were equal, of the same size and of the same number.

Acht baí raithi sainemail for caírchaib Medba

Ach bhí reithe sainiúil i measc chaoirigh Mheidhbhe

But among Medb’s sheep there was a splendid ram

ocus ba gabálta i cumail é,

arbh fhiú cumhail é

which was the equivalent of a cumal in value,

ocus boí rethi a [fh]recartha for caírchaib Ailella.

agus bhí reithe a fhreagartha ar chaoirigh Ailealla.

and among Ailill’s sheep was a ram corresponding to him.

From grazing lands and paddocks

Tucait a n-eich ocus a nechrada ocus a ngrega

Tugadh a n-eich agus a n-eachra agus a ngraíonna

were brought their horses and steeds.

d’fhérgeltaib ocus scoraib.

d’fhéarghoirt agus de bhanracha.

Baí ech sainemail ar graig Medba

Bhí each sainiúil ar ghraí Mheidhbhe

In Medb’s horse-herd there was a splendid horse

ocus ba gabálta i cumail.

arbh fhiú cumhail é,

which might be valued at a cumal.

Baí ech a [fh]recartha oc Ailill.

ach bhí each a fhreagartha ag Ailill.

Ailill had a horse to match him.

Tucait dano a murthréta mucc

Ansin tugadh a mórthréada muc

Then their great herds of swine

a fedaib ocus fánglentaib ocus díamairib.

as coillte agus fánghleannta agus diamhra.

were brought from woods and sloping glens and solitary places.

Ra rímit ocus ra hármit ocus ra hachnít.

Ríomhadh agus áiríodh agus aithníodh iad.

They were counted and reckoned and recognised.

Boí torc sainemail oc Meidb ocus araile dano la hAilill.

Bhí torc sainiúil ag Meadhbh agus ceann eile ag Ailill.

Medb had a special boar and Ailill had another.

Tucait dano a mbótháinte bó ocus a n-alma ocus a n-immirge dóib

Tugadh a dtáinte bó agus a n-eallaigh agus a dtréada chucu *ansin*

Then their herds of cows, their cattle and their droves were brought to them

a fedaib ocus fásaigib in chúicid.

as coillte agus fásaigh an chúige.

from the woods and waste places of the province.

Ra rímit ocus ra hármit ocus ra hac[h]nít,

Ríomhadh agus airíodh agus aithníodh iad

They were counted and reckoned and recognised,

ocus roptar cutrumma comméti comlínmair dóib.

agus bhí siad cothrom, cóimhéid, comhlíonmhar.

and they were of equal size and equal number.

Acht boí tarb sainemail ar búaib Ailella

Ach bhí tarbh sainiúil ar bha Ailealla

But among Ailill’s cows there was a special bull.

ocus ba lóeg bó do Meidb atacomnaic ocus Findbennach a ainm.

agus ba lao le bó de chuid Mheidhbhe é agus Finnbheannach a ainm,

He had been a calf of one of Medb’s cows, and his name was Findbennach.

Acht nírbo miad leis beith for bantinchur,

ach níor mhian leis a bheith ar bantionchar

But he deemed it unworthy of him to be counted as a woman’s property,

acht dochúaid co mboí for búaib in ríg,

agus d’imigh sé leis go raibh i measc bó an rí.

so he went and took his place among the king’s cows.

ocus ba samalta re Meidb ná beth penning a selba lé

B’ionann le Meadhbh é sin agus a bheith gan phingin ina seilbh aici

It was to Medb as if she owned not a penny of possessions

ar ná baí tarb a chomméit lé fora búaib.

mar nach raibh tarbh dá mhéid sin aici lena ba.

since she had not a bull as great as that among her kine.

Is and sain conacrad Mac Roth ind echlach co Meidb

Ansin glaodh Mac Roth an t-eachlach chun Meidhbhe

Then Mac Roth the herald was summoned to Medb

ocus conscomarc Medb [Meidb MS.] de ar co fessed Mac Roth

agus d’fhriafraigh sí de arbh eol dó

and she asked him to find out

airm i mbiad tarb a shamla sút i cúiciud de chúicedaib Hérend.

áit a mbeadh a leithéid siúd de tharbh i gcúigí Éireann.

where in any province of the provinces of Ireland there might be a bull such as he.

“Rofetar omm,” bar Mac Roth,

“Tá a fhios agam go deimhin,” arsa Mac Roth,

“I know indeed,” said Mac Roth

“airm i fail tarb as dech ocus is fherr dorísi

“áit a bhfuil tarbh chomh maith agus is fearr fós ná é,

“where there is a bull even better and more excellent than he,

i cúiciud Ulad i tríchait cét Cúalnge

i gCúige Uladh i dtríocha céad Chuailnge,

in the province of Ulster in the cantred of Cúailnge

i tig Dáre meic Fhachtnai [sic, for Fhiachnai]

i dtigh Dháire mhic Fhachtna:

in the house of Dáire mac Fiachna.

.i. Dond Cúalnge a ainm.”

An Donn Cuailnge a ainm.”

Donn Cúailnge is his name.”

“Tó duit-siu connici sain, a Meic Roth,

“Imigh ort go dtí an áit sin, a Mhic Roth,” arsa Meadhbh,

“Go you there, Mac Roth,

ocus cunnig dam-sa for Dáre íasacht mbliadna do Dund Cúalnge,

“agus iarr domsa ar Dháire iasacht bliana den Donn Cuailnge

and ask of Dáire for me a year’s loan of Donn Cúailnge.

ocus ragaid lóg a íasachta dó i cind bliadna .i. coíca samaisci

agus rachaidh luach a iasachta dó i gceann bliana, is é sin, caoga samhaisc

At the year’s end he will get the fee for the bull’s loan, namely, fifty heifers,

ocus Dond Cúalnge fadessin.

agus an Donn Cuailnge féin.

and Donn Cúailnge himself (returned).

Ocus ber-siu comaid aile latt, a Meic Roth:

Agus beirse comha eile leat, a Mhic Roth,

And take another offer with you, Mac Roth:

mad olc ra lucht na críchi ocus ind fheraind

más olc le lucht na críche agus an fhearainn

if the people of that land and country object

in sét sainemail sin do thabairt
.i. Dond Cúalnge,

an seod sainiúil, Donn Cuailnge, a thabhairt,

to giving that precious possession, Donn Cúailnge,

taít-sum féin ra tharb.

tagadh sé féin lena tharbh

let Dáire himself come with his bull

Ragaid comméit a fheraind féin do mín Maige Aí dó

agus rachaidh cóimhéid a fhearainn féin de mhínmhá Aoi dó

and he shall have the extent of his own lands in the level plain of Mag Aí

ocus carpat trí secht cumal,

agus carbad trí sheacht gcumhal

and a chariot worth thrice seven cumala,

ocus ragaid cardes mo [sh]liasta-sa fessin.”

agus cairdeas mo shliasta féin freisin.”

and he shall have my own intimate friendship.”

Lotar iar sain na echlacha dó co tech Dáre meic Fhiachnai.

Ansin d’imigh na teachtairí go teach Dháire mhic Fhachtna.

Thereupon the messengers proceeded to the house of Dáire mac Fiachna.

Is é lín luid Mac Roth nónbor echlach.

Is é an líon a chuaigh Mac Roth naonúr teachtaire.

The number of Mac Roth’s embassy was nine messengers.

Ra ferad fálti iar tain fri Mac Roth i tig Dáre.

Fearadh fáilte roimh Mac Roth i dteach Dháire *ansin*,

Then Mac Roth was welcomed in the house of Dáire.

Deithbir sin, prímechlach uile Mac Roth.

mar ba chóir óir ba é Mac Roth príomheachlach na tíre.

That was but right for Mac Roth was the chief herald of all.

Ra iarfacht Dáre do Mac Roth cid dobretha imthecht fair

D’fhiafraigh Dáire de Mhac Roth céard faoi deara a thuras

Dáire asked Mac Roth what was the cause of his journey

ocus cid ’ma tánic.

agus céard uime a dtáinig sé.

and why he had come.

Innisis ind echlach inní imma tánic

D’inis an t-eachlach an ní faoina dtáinig sé

The herald told why he had come

ocus innisid immarbáig eter Meidb ocus Ailill.

agus d’inis sé iomarbhá Mheidhbhe agus Ailealla.

and related the contention between Medb and Ailill.

“Ocus is do chungid íasachta don Dund Cúalnge

“Agus is d’iarraidh iasachta an Doinn Chuailnge

“And it is to ask for a loan of the Donn Cúailnge

i n-agid ind Fhindbennaig tánac,” arse,

in aghaidh an Fhinnbheannaigh a tháinig mé,” ar sé,

to match the Findbennach that I have come,” said he,

“ocus atetha lóg a íasachta

“agus gheobhairse luach a iasachta,

“and you shall get the fee for his loan,

.i. coíca samasci ocus Dond Cúalnge fessin,

caoga samhaisc agus Donn Cuailnge féin

namely, fifty heifers and the return of Donn Cúailnge himself.

ocus araill aile dano béus,

agus rud eile freisin,

And there is somewhat besides:

tair-siu féin lat tarb

tarsa féin le do tharbh

come yourself with your bull

ocus fogéba comméit th’fheraind féin de mín Maige Aí

agus gheobhair chóimhéid d’fhearainn féin de mhínmhá Aoi

and you shall get an area equal to your own lands in the level plain of Mag Aí

ocus carpat trí secht cumal

agus carbad trí sheacht gcumhal

and a chariot worth thrice seven cumala

ocus cardes sliasta Medba air sin anechtair.”

agus cairdeas shliasta Mheidhbhe ina theannta sin.”

and Medb’s intimate friendship to boot.”

Ba aitt la Dáre aní sin

B’ait le Dáire an ní sin

Dáire was well pleased with that

ocus ra mbertaig

agus chroth sé

and (in his pleasure) he shook himself

co raímdetar úammand a cholcthech faí ocus atrubairt:

chun gur thug uamanna a chuilce faoi agus dúirt:

so that the seams of the flock-beds beneath him burst asunder, and he said:

“Dar fír ar cubais, cid an ní ra Ultaib [sic MS., read cid [olc] an ní [sin] ra Ultaib],

“Dar fírinne ár gcúis, bíodh nár mhaith le hUltaigh é,

“By the truth of my conscience, even if the Ulstermen object,

bérthair in sét sa in cur sa do Ailill ocus do Meidb .i. Dond Cúalnge, i crích Connacht.”

bhéarfar an seod seo, Donn Cuailnge, den chor seo d’Aillill agus do Mheadhbh i gcríoch Chonnacht.”

this precious possession, Donn Cúailnge, will now be taken to Ailill and Medb in the land of Connacht.”

Ba maith dano la Mac Roth ra ráde [Mac] Fiachna.

Ba mhaith le Mac Roth a ndúirt Mac Fhachtna.

Mac Roth was pleased to hear what [Mac] Fiachna said.

Ra frithálit iar sain

Friotháladh ina dhiaidh sin iad

Then they were attended to

ocus ra hecrait aíne ocus urlúachra fóthib.

agus cóiríodh tuí agus úrluachair fúthu.

and straw and fresh rushes were strewn underfoot for them.

Tucad caíne bíd dóib

Tugadh an bia ba chaoine dóibh

The choicest food was served to them

ocus ra fordáled fled forro

agus dáileadh fleá orthu

and a drinking feast provided

co mbátar búadirmesca [sic],

chun go raibh siad ar bogmheisce

until they were merry.

ocus dorécaim comrád eter dá echlaig díb.

agus tharla comhrá idir dhá eachlach díobh.

And a conversation took place between two of the messengers.

“Fírbriathar,” ar indara echlach,

“Is fíorbhriathar é,” arsa eachlach acu,

“In sooth,” said one messenger,

“is maith fer in taige i tám.”

“is maith é fear an tí ina bhfuilimid.”

“generous is the man in whose house we are.”

“Maith omm,” bar araile.

“Is maith cheana,” arsa an duine eile.

“Generous indeed,” said the other.

“In fuil cid [d’]Ultaib nech is fherr andás?”

“An bhfuil d’Ultaigh fear is fearr ná é?”

“Is there among the Ulstermen any who is more generous than he?”

ar ind echlach taísech béus.

arsa an chéad eachlach arís.

said the first messenger *again*.

“Atá omm,” bar ind echlach tánaise.

“Tá cinnte,” arsa an dara eachlach,

“There is indeed,” said the second.

“Ferr Conchobor ’cá tá,

“is fearr Conchobhar agá bhfuil sé,

“More generous is Conchobor whose vassal Dáire is,

ocus cid immi gabtais Ulaid uile ane, níbad nár dóib.”

agus dá mba uime a gheobhadh Ultaigh uile níor náire dóibh é.”

for though all Ulstermen should rally round Conchobor, it were no shame for them.”

“Mór in maith dó

“Is mór an mhaith uaidh

“A great act of generosity it is indeed for Dáire

to have given to us nine messengers

aní i mbiad opair cethri n-ollchóiced nHérend

an ní ba dhícheall do cheithre ollchúige Éireann

that which it would have been the work of the four great provinces of Ireland

do brith a crích Ulad .i. Dond Cúalnge

a bhreith as críoch Uladh, is é sin, Donn Cuailnge,

to carry off from the land of Ulster, namely, Donn Cúailnge.”

do thabairt dúnni nónbur echlach.”

a thabhairt dúinne, naonúr eachlach.”

And sain dano conarraid in tres echlach comrád fhorru.

Ansin chuir an triú heachlach comhrá orthu.

Then a third messenger joined their conversation.

“Ocus cid ráter lib-si?” ar sí.

“Agus cad tá á rá agaibh?” ar sé.

“And what are ye saying?” he asked.

“Ind echlach út atbeir is maith fer fer in taige i táam.

“An t-eachlach sin a deir: ‘is maith an fear fear an tí ina bhfuilimid.’

“Yon messenger says that the man in whose house we are is a generous man.

Maith omm, bar araile.

‘Is maith cheana’ arsa duine eile.

He is generous indeed, says another.

In fail cid d’Ultaib nech is fherr andá?

‘An bhfuil d’Ultaigh neach is fearr ná é?’

Is there any among the Ulsterman who is more generous then he?

ar ind echlach thaísech béus.

arsa an chéad eachlach fós.

asks the first messenger *again*.

Atá omm, ar ind echlach tánaise.

‘Tá cinnte,’ arsa an dara heachlach,

There is indeed, says the second.

Ferr Conchobor ‘cá tá,

‘is fearr Conchobhar agá bhfuil

Conchobor, whose vassal Dáire is, is more generous,

ocus gid imme gabtais Ulaid uili ane, níbad nár dóib.

agus dá mba uime a gheobhadh Ultaigh uile níor náire dóibh é.

and if all Ulstermen adhered to him it were indeed no shame for them.

Mór in maith dó

Is mór an mhaith uaidh

It was generous of Dáire

to give to us nine messengers

aní i mbiad opair cethri n-ollchóiced nHérend do brith a crích Ulad

an ní ba dhícheall do cheithre ollchúige Éireann a bhreith as críoch Uladh, is é sin, Donn Cuailnge,

what only the four great provinces of Ireland could carry off from the land of Ulster.”

do thabhairt dúnni nónbor echlach.”

a thabhairt dúinne, naonúr eachlach.’”

“Nírb uráil limm sceith cró ocus fola ’sin mbel assa tic sain,

“Níorbh fhoráil liom scéith cró agus fola as an mbéal as a dtagann an chaint sin,

“I should like to see a gush of blood and gore from the mouth from which that (talk) comes,

dáig cenco tucthá ar áis, dobértha ar écin.”

mar mura dtúgtaí ar ais é tharbharfaí ar éigean,” arsa an treas eachlach.

for if the bull were not given willingly, he would be given perforce.”

Is and sin doruacht fer uird rainne Dáre meic Fiachnai ’sin tech

Is ansin a tháinig príomhdháileamh Dháire mhic Fhachtna isteach

Then Dáire mac Fiachna’s butler came into the house

ocus fer fo lind leis ocus fer fo bíud,

agus fear faoi leann aige agus fear faoi bhia

with a man carrying liquor and another carrying meat,

ocus atchúala anra chansat,

agus chuala sé a ndúirt siad.

and he heard what the messengers said.

ocus táncatar fergga dó ocus turnaid a bíad ocus a lind dóib,

Tháinig fearg air agus thug sé an bia agus an leann dóibh

He flew into a passion and laid down the meat and drink for them,

ocus ní ebairt riu a chathim

agus ní dúirt leo é a chaitheamh

and he did not invite them to consume it,

ocus ní ebairt a nemchathim.

nó gan a chaitheamh.

neither did he tell them not to consume it.

Dochúaid assa aithle issin tech i rrabi Dáre mac Fiachnai ocus ra rádi:

Chuaigh sé ina dhiaidh sin sa teach ina raibh Dáire mac Fhachtna agus dúirt:

Thereafter he went to the house where Dáire mac Fiachna was and said:

“In tú thuc in sét suachnid út dona hechlachaib .i. Dond Cúalnge?”

“An tusa a thug an seod suaithnidh úd, Donn Cuailnge, do na heachlaigh?”

“Was it you who gave that excellent treasure, the Donn Cúailnge, to the messengers?”

“Is mé omm,” for Dáre.

“Is mé cheana,” arsa Dáire.

“It was I indeed,” said Dáire.

“Ní raib rígi airm i tucad,

“Ná raibh ríochas san áit ar tugadh,

“Where he was given may there be no (proper) rule,

ar is fír aní rádit,

mar is fíor a n-abrann siad,

for what they say is true,

ar [cen]co tuca-su ar áis,

mura dtugann tú ar ais é

that if you do not give him of your own free will,

dombéra ar écin

tabharfaidh tú ar éigean é

you will give him by force

fri sochraiti Ailella ocus Medba

do shluaite Ailealla agus Mheidhbhe

by reason of the armies of Ailill and Medb

ocus ra móreólas Fergusa meic Róig.”

agus trí mhóreolas Fhearghais mhic Róigh.”

and the guidance of Fergus mac Róig.”

“Dothung mo deo dá n-adraim

“Dar mo dhéithe dá n-adhraim

“I swear by the gods whom I worship

ná co mberat [mbérat MS.] ar écin samlaid

mura dtógann siad ar éigean mar sin é

unless they take him thus by force,

nacha mbérat ar áis.”

nach dtógfaidh siad ar ais é.”

they shall not take him by fair means.”

Fessit samlaid co matin.

Chaith siad an oíche ansin go maidin.

They spend the night thus until morning.

Atragat na echlacha co moch arnabárach

D’éirigh na heachlaigh go moch ar na mhárach

Early on the morrow the messengers arose

ocus dochúatar i tech i mbaí Dáre.

agus chuaigh siad sa teach ina raibh Dáire.

and went into the house where Dáire was.

“Eólas dún, a úasail, co rísem bail a tá in Dond Cúalnge.”

“Eolas dúinn, a uasail, go dtí an áit a bhfuil an Donn Cuailnge.”

“Guide us, noble sir, to the spot where Donn Cúailnge is.”

“Nithó omm,” ar Dáre,

“Ní thabharfaidh mé, *cheana,*” arsa Dáire,

“Not so indeed,” said Dáire,

“acht diambad bés dam-sa fell for echlacha nó for aes n-imthechta nó tastil sliged,

“agus dá mba bhéas domsa feall a dhéanamh ar eachlaigh nó lucht imeachta nó taistil slí,

“but if it were my custom to deal treacherously with messengers or travellers or voyagers

ní ragad nech úaib i mbethaid.”

ní rachadh neach díbh uaim ina bheatha.”

not one of you should escape alive.”

“Cid són?” ar Mac Roth.

“Cén fáth sin?” arsa Mac Roth.

“What is this?” said Mac Roth.

“Fail a mórabba,” ar Dáire.

“Fáth an-mhaith,” arsa Dáire.

“There is great cause for it,” said Dáire.

“Ra ráidsebair cenco tucaind ar áis

“Dúirt sibhse mura dtugainn ar ais é,

“Ye said that if I did not give the bull willingly,

dobéraind ar écin

go dtabharfainn ar éigean é

then I should give him under compulsion

ra sochraiti Ailella ocus Medba

do shluaite Ailealla agus Mheidhbhe

by reason of the army of Ailill and Medb

ocus ra móreólas Fergusa.”

agus trí mhóreolas Fhearghais.”

and the sure guidance of Fergus.”

“Aile,” ar Mac Roth,

“Aililiú,” arsa Mac Roth,

“Nay,” said Mac Roth,

“giped no ráditís echlacha

“cibé a déarfadh eachlaigh

“whatever messengers might say

dot lind-su ocus dot bíud,

de thoradh do leannasa agus do bhia

as a result of indulging in your meat and drink,

ní hed ba tabartha do aíg nó do aire

níor cheart d’úidh ná d’aire a thabhairt dó

it should not be heeded or noticed

nó d’airbire do Ailill ocus do Meidb.”

ná é a thabhairt ina oiríre d’Ailill agus do Mheadhbh.”

nor accounted as a reproach to Ailill and Medb.”

“Ní thibér-sa trá, a Meic Roth, mo tharb din chur sa dianetur.”

“Ní thabharfaidh mise mo tharbh den chor seo a Mhic Roth *áfach*.”

“Yet I shall not give my bull, Mac Roth, on this occasion.”

Lotar na echlacha ar cúl dó samlaid

D’imigh na heachlaigh ar ais mar sin

Thus the messengers went on their way back

ocus ráncatar Crúachanráith Connacht.

agus shroich siad Ráth Chruachan Chonnacht.

and reached Ráth Crúachan in Connacht.

Conscodarc Medb scéla díb.

D’fhiafraigh Meadhbh scéala díobh.

Medb asked tidings of them.

Adféta Mac Roth scéla, ná tucsat a tharb ó Dáre.

D’inis Mac Roth an scéala, nár thug siad a tharbh leo ó Dháire.

Mac Roth told her that they had not brought back his bull from Dáire.

“Cid fotera són?” ar Medb.

“Cad faoi deara sin?” arsa Meadhbh.

“What was the cause of that?” asked Medb.

Rádis Mac Roth aní dia mbaí.

D’inis Mac Roth céard ba chúis leis.

Mac Roth told her the reason for it.

“Ní hécen féth dar fudbu de, a Meic Roth, ar rafess,” ar Medb,

“Ní gá féith thar fadhba a dhéanamh de, a Mhic Roth, óir bhí a fhios,” arsa Meadhbh,

“There is no necessity to ‘smooth the knots’, Mac Roth, for it was certain [lit. it was known],” said Medb,

“ná tibértha ar áis

“nach dtabharfaí ar ais é

“that he would not be given freely

[cen]co tuctha ar écin,

mura dtabharfaí ar éigean

if he were not given by force,

ocus dobérthar ón.”

agus tabharfar *mar sin*.”

and he shall so be given.”

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Complete file (PDF)

Incipiunt macgnímrada
Con Culaind

Tosaíonnn macghníomhartha
Chon Chulainn

Here begin the youthful deeds
of Cú Chulainn

“Dáig alta in mac sin i tig a athar ocus a máthar

“Mar oileadh an mac sin i dtigh a athar agus a mháthar

“For this boy was reared in the house of his father and mother

icon Air[g]dig [ocond Dairggdig LU: icon Airgthic St] i mMaig Muirthemne,

ag an Airgdigh i Má Muirtheimhne

at Airgdig in Mag Muirtheimne,

ocus adféta dó scéla na maccáem [maccaemi Dipl. Edn.; what looks like i with a stroke through it after maccaem] i nEmain.

agus insíodh dó scéala na macaomh in Eamhain.

and the stories of the youths of Emain were told to him.

Dáig is amlaid domeil Conchobor in rígi óro gab rígi in rí

Mar is amhlaidh a chaitheann Conchobhar an ríochas ó ghabh an rí ríochas,

For this is how Conchobor spends his time of kingship since he assumed sovereignty:

.i. mar atraig fó chétóir cesta ocus cangni in chóicid d’ordugud;

is é sin, nuair a éiríonn sé céaduair, cúraimí agus gnóthaí an chúige a shocrú,

as soon as he arises, settling the cares and business of the province,

in lá do raind i trí asa athli:

an lá ina dhiaidh sin a roinnt ina thrí;

thereafter dividing the day into three,

cétna trian de fó chétóir ic fégad na maccáem ic imbirt chless cluchi ocus immánae,

an chéad trian de ar dtús ag breathnú ar na macaoimh ag imirt cleas cluichí agus iomána,

the first third of the day spent watching the youths playing games and hurling,

in trian tánaise dond ló ic imbirt brandub ocus fhidchell,

an dara trian den lá ag imirt brannaimh agus fichille

the second third spent in playing brandub and fidchell

ocus in trian dédenach ic tochathim bíd ocus lenna conda geib cotlud for cách.

agus an trian deireanach ag caitheamh bia agus leanna go dtí go ngabhann codladh cách,

and the last third spent in consuming food and drink until sleep comes on them all,

Áes cíuil ocus airfitid dia thálgud fri sodain.

aos ceoil agus oirfide á thál sin (suain) orthu.

while minstrels and musicians are meanwhile lulling him to sleep.

Cia ‘táim ane ar longais riam reme, dabiur bréthir,” ar Fergus,

Cé go bhfuilim ar deoraíocht uaidh, bheirim mo bhriathar,” arsa Fearghas,

Though I am banished from him, I swear,” said Fergus,

“ná fuil i nHérind nó i nAlbain óclach mac samla Conchobuir.”

“nach bhfuil in Éirinn ná in Albain macasamhail Chonchobhair d’óglaoch.”

“that there is not in Ireland or in Scotland a warrior the counterpart of Conchobor.”

“Ocus adféta don mac sin scéla na maccáem ocus na maccraide i nEmain,

“Agus insíodh don mhac sin scéala na macaomh agus na macra in Eamhain

“The stories about the youths and boys in Emain were told to that lad,

ocus rádis in mac bec ria máthair ar co ndigsed dá chluchi do chluchemaig na Emna.

agus d’fhiafraigh an mac beag dá mháthair an rachadh sé ag imirt go faiche imeartha na hEamhna.

and the little lad asked his mother if he might go to play to the playing-field at Emain.

‘Romoch duit-siu sain, a meic bic,’ ar a máthair,

‘Is ró-luath duitse sin a mhic bhig,’ arsa a mháthair,

‘It is too soon for you, my son,’ said his mother,

‘co ndeoch ánruth do ánrothaib Ulad lett

‘go dtí go rachaidh laoch de laochra Uladh leat

‘until there go with you a champion of the champions of Ulster

nó choímthecht écin do chaímthechtaib Conchobuir

nó giolla éigin de ghiollaí Chonchobhair

or some of the attendants of Conchobor

do chor th’ [fh]aesma ocus t’imdegla forin maccraid.’

a dhéanfaidh tú a chosaint agus a chaomhnú ar an macra.’

to ensure your safety and protection from the youths.’

‘Cían lim-sa di shodain, a máthair,’ ar in mac bec,

‘Is fada liomsa sin *a mháthair*,’ arsa an mac beag,

‘I think it long (to wait) for that, mother,’ said the little boy,

‘ocus ni bíu-sa ocá idnaide, acht tecoisc-siu dam-sa cia airm i tá Emain.’

‘agus nílimse ag fanacht leis, ach taispeáinse dom cá háit a bhfuil Eamhain.’

‘and I shall not wait for it, but show me in what place lies Emain.’

‘Is cían úait,’ ar a máthair, ‘airm indas fil.

‘Is fada uait,’ arsa an mháthair, ‘an áit a bhfuil sí.

‘Far away from you is the spot where it lies,’ said his mother.

Slíab Fhúait etrut ocus Emain.’

Tá Sliabh Fuaid idir tú is Eamhain.’

‘Slíab Fúait is between you and Emain.’

‘Dobér-sa ardmes furri amne,’ ar ésium.”

“Tabharfaidh mise tuairim fúithi mar sin,’ ar seisean.”

‘I shall make a guess at it then,’ said he.”

“Luid in mac remi ocus gebid a adbena ániusa.

“D’imigh an mac roimhe agus fuair a ghléas imeartha.

“The boy went forth and took his playthings.

Gebid a chammán créduma ocus a liathróit n-argdide,

Fuair sé a chamán cré-uatha agus a liathróid airgid,

He took his hurley-stick of bronze and his silver ball;

ocus gebid a chlettíni díburgthi, ocus gebid a bunsaig mbaísi mbunloscthi,

fuair sé a chleithín diúraice agus a bhonsach bhréagáin, rinnfhaghartha

he took his little javelin for casting and his toy spear with its end sharpened by fire,

ocus fogab [sic, for ro gab (do gab St)] ic athgardigud a shliged díb.

agus thosaigh ag giorrú a shlí leo.

and he began to shorten the journey (by playing) with them.

Dobered béim din chammán dá liathróit co mbered band fota úad.

Thugadh sé buille den chamán dá liathróid go gcuireadh tamall fada uaidh í.

He would strike his ball with the stick and drive it a long way from him.

No t[h]eilg[ed] [do telccedh St] dano a chammán arís d’athbéim

Ansin chaitheadh sé a chamán agus thugadh athbhuille di

Then with a second stroke he would throw his stick

cona berad [band add. St] níba lugu andá in cétband.

i dtreo nár lú an dara bang ná an chéad cheann.

so that he might drive it a distance no less than the first.

No thelged a chlettín

Chaitheadh sé a chleithín

He would throw his javelin

ocus no sneded a bunsaig ocus no bered rith baíse ’na ndíaid.

agus theilgeadh a bhonsach agus thugadh sé ruthag magaidh ina ndiaidh.

and he would cast his spear and would make a playful rush after them.

No gebed dano a chammán ocus no geibed a liathróit ocus no geibed a chlettíne

Bheireadh sé ar a chamán *ansin* agus ar a liathróid, bheireadh sé ar a chleithín

Then he would catch his hurley-stick and his ball and his javelin,

ocus ní roiched bun a bunsaige lár tráth

agus sula sroicheadh bun a bhonsaí an talamh

and before the end of his spear had reached the ground

congebed a barr etarla etarbúas.”

bheireadh sé ar a rinn in airde san aer.”

he would catch its tip aloft in the air.”

“Luid reme co forodmag na hEmna airm i mbátar in maccrad.

“D’imigh sé leis go dtí machaire cruinnithe na hEamhna áit a raibh an macra,

“He went on to the place of assembly in Emain where the youths were.

Trí coícait maccáem im Fhollomain mac Conchobuir icá clessaib for faidche na Emna.

trí chaoga macaomh um Fhollomhain mac Chonchobhair ag á gcleasa ar fhaiche na hEamhna.

There were thrice fifty youths led by Follomain mac Conchobuir at their games on the green of Emain.

Luid in mac bec issin cluchimag eturru ar medón

Chuaigh an mac beag sa bhfaiche imeartha eatarthu isteach

The little boy went on to the playing-field into their midst

ocus ecrais cid in liathróit i ndíb cossaib úadib

agus rug sé ar an liathróid idir a dhá chois uathu

and caught the ball between his two legs when they cast it

ocus nís arlaic sech ard a glúne súas ocus nís arlaic secha adbrond sís

agus níor lig thar airde a ghlúine suas í agus níor lig thar a alt síos í

nor did he let it go higher than the top of his knee nor go lower than his ankle,

ocus ris eturturthig ocus ros comdlúthaig i ndíb cossaib

ach ghreamaigh agus dhlúigh sé idir a dhá chois í

and he pressed it and held it close between his two legs,

ocus ní rocht nech díb bir nó bulle nó béim nó fargum furri.

agus níor éirigh le neach díobh greim ná buille ná béim ná urchar a fháil uirthi

and not one of the youths managed to get a grasp or a stroke or a blow or a shot at it.

Ocus rosfuc dar brúach mbáire úadib.”

agus rug sé leis thar bhruach an bháire uathu í.”

And he carried the ball away from them over the goal.”

“Nad fégat uili i n-óenfhecht amaide.

“Stán siad uile in éineacht air.

“Then they all gazed at him.

Ba machtad ocus ba ingantus leó.

B’iontas agus b’álltacht leo é.

They wondered and marvelled.

‘Maith a maccu’, ar Follomain mac Conchobuir,

‘Maith, a mhaca,’ arsa Follamhain mac Chonchobhair,

‘Well, boys,’ said Follomain mac Conchobuir,

‘nobar benaid uili fóe sút ocus táet a bás lim

‘tugaigí uile faoi siúd agus tagadh a bhás liom

‘attack yon fellow, all of you, and let him meet death at my hands,

dáig is geiss dúib maccáem do thíchtain infar cluchi

mar is geas daoibh macaomh a theacht i bhur gcluichí

for it is tabu for you that a youth should join your game

can chur a faísma foraib,

gan a chosnamh a chur oraibh

without ensuring his protection from you.

ocus nobar benaid uile fóe i nn-óenfecht,

agus tugaigí uile faoi in éineacht

Attack him all together,

ar rofetammar is do maccaib ánroth Ulad sút

mar tá a fhios againn gur de mhic thaoisigh Uladh é siúd

for we know that he is the son of an Ulster chieftain,

ocus ná dernat bés tuidecht infar cluchi

agus ná déanaidís béas de theacht in bhur gcluichí

and let them not make it a habit to join your games

can chur a faísma foraib nó a commairge.’”

gan a gcosnamh agus a gcoimirce a chur oraibh.’”

without putting themselves under your protection and safeguard.’”

“Is and sin ros bensat uile fóe i n-óenfhecht.

“Is ansin a thug siad uile faoi in éineacht.

“Then they all attacked him together.

Tarlaicset a trí coíctu cammán ar ammus a chendmullaig in meicc.

Theilg siad a dtrí chaoga camán faoi mhullach cinn an mhic.

They cast their thrice fifty hurley-sticks at the boy’s head.

Turcbaid-sium a óenluirg n-ániusa ocus díc[h]uris na trí coícait lorg.

D’ardaigh seisean a aon mhaide imeartha agus chuir sé de na trí chaoga camán.

He lifted up his single play-thing stick and warded off the thrice fifty sticks.

Tarlacait dano na trí coícait liathróiti [sic] ar ammus in meic bic.

Theilg siad ansin na trí chaoga liathróid leis an mac beag.

Then they cast the thrice fifty balls at the little boy.

Turcbaid-sium a dóti ocus a rigthi ocus a dernanna ocus díchuris na trí coíctu líathróiti [sic].

D’ardaigh seisean a lámha agus a rítheacha agus a dhearnana agus chuir de na trí chaoga liathróid.

He raised his arms and his wrists and his palms and warded off the thrice fifty balls.

Tarlacit dó na trí coícait bunsach baísi bunloscthi.

Theilg siad leis na trí chaoga bonsach bhréagáin rinnghéara.

They threw at him the thrice fifty toy spears with sharpened butt.

Turcbais in mac a scéthíni slissen ocus díchuris na trí coícait bunsach.

D’ardaigh an mac a sceithíní slise agus chuir sé de na trí chaoga bonsach.

The boy lifted up his toy wooden shield and warded off the thrice fifty spears.

Is and sain imsaí-sium fóthib-sium.

Is ansin a d’ionsaigh seisean iadsan.

Then he attacked them.

Scarais coíca rígmac im thalmain díb fóe.

Threascair sé caoga mac rí díobh ar talamh faoi.

He threw fifty kings’ sons of them to the ground beneath him.

Luid cóiciur díb,” ar Fergus, “etrum-sa is Chonchobor

Chuaigh cúigear díobh,” arsa Fearghas, “idir mé féin agus Conchobhar

Five of them,” said Fergus, “went between me and Conchobor

’sin magin i mbámmar ic imbirt fidchilli .i. na Cendcháeme,

san áit a rabhamar ag imirt fichille is é sin na Ceannchaoimhe,

in the spot where we were playing chess on the chess-board Cendcháem

for forodmaig na hEmna.

ar thulach na hEamhna.

on the mound of Emain.

Luid in mac bec ’na ndíaid dia nn-imdibe.

Chuaigh an mac beag ina ndiaidh á mbualadh.

The little boy pursued them to cut them down.

Gebid Conchobor a rígláma in meic bic.

Rug Conchobhar ar ghéaga ar an mac beag.

Conchobor seized the little lad by the arms.

‘Ale atchíu ní fóil amberai-siu, a meic bic, in maccrad.’

‘Aililiú, feicim a mhic bhig nach gcaitheann tú go séimh leis an macra.’

‘Nay, lad, I see that you do not deal gently with the youths.’

‘Fail a mórdamnae dam-sa,’ ar in mac bec.

‘Tá a mhórabhar sin agamsa,’ arsa an mac beag.

‘I have good reason for that,’ said the boy.

‘Ní fhúarusa fíad n-oíged ga [= ce, cia] thánac a tírib imciana ican maccraid iar torachtain.’

‘Ní bhfuair mise meas aoi ón macra nuair a shroich mé iad cé go dtáinig mé ó thíortha i gcéin.’

‘Though I came from distant lands, I did not get the honour due to a guest from the youths on my arrival.’

‘Ced són, cia tussu?’ for Conchobor.

‘Cad é sin, cé hé thusa?’ arsa Conchobhar.

‘Why, who are you?’ asked Conchobor.

‘Sétanta bec missi mac Sualtaim, mac-sa Dechtiri do derbshethar-su,

‘Mise Seatanta beag mac Shualdaimh, mac Dheachtaire do dheirfiúrsa

‘I am little Sétanta mac Sualtaim, the son of Deichtire your sister,

ocus ní lat-su fo dóig lim-sa mo chrád d’fhagbáil samlaid.’

agus ní agatsa a shíl mé mo chrá a fháil mar seo.’

and not through you did I expect to be thus aggrieved.’

‘Ced ón, a meic bic,’ for Conchobor,

“Cad é seo, a mhic bhig,’ arsa Conchobhar,

‘Why, my lad,’ said Conchobor,

‘nád fetar armirt fil do[n] macraid

‘nach bhfeadair tú an cosc atá ar an macra,

‘do you not know of the prohibition that the youths have,

conid geiss dóib mac dar tír cuccu

gur geas dóibh mac thar tír a theacht chucu

and that it is tabu for them that a boy should come to them from outside

can chur a fhaísma forro?’

gan é féin a chur ar a gcosnamh?’

and not (first) claim their protection?’

‘Ní fhetar,’ bar in mac bec.

‘Ní fheadair mé,’ arsa an mac beag.

‘I did not know,’ said the little boy,

‘Dia fessaind, combeind ’na fatchius.’

‘Dá bhfeadrainn, bheinn ar m’aire orthu.’

‘and if I had known, I should have been on my guard against them.’

‘Maith a maccu,’ bar Conchobor, ‘geibid foraib faísam in meic bic.’

‘Sea, a mhaca,’ arsa Conchobhar, ‘gabhaigí oraibh cosnamh an mhic seo.’

‘Well, lads,’ said Conchobor, ‘undertake the protection of the little boy.’

‘Ataimem omm,’ bar siat.”

‘Gabhaimid, cinnte,’ ar siad.”

‘We grant it indeed,’ say they.”

“Luid in mac bec for faísam na maccraidi.

“Chuaigh an mac beag ar choimirce an mhacra.

“The little boy placed himself under the protection of the youths.

’S and sain scaílset láma de-sium, ocus amsoí fóthu arís.

Ansin scaoil siad a lámha de agus d’ionsaigh sé arís iad.

Then they loosed hands from him but once more he attacked them.

Scarais coíca rígmac i talmain díb fóe.

Threascair sé caoga mac rí díobh ar talamh faoi.

He threw fifty kings’ sons to the ground beneath him.

Fa dóig la n-athrechaib is bás dobretha dóib.

Ba dhóigh lena n-aithreacha gurbh é a mbás a bhí tugtha aige dóibh.

Their fathers thought that he had killed them

Níba sed ón

Níorbh é, áfach,

but it was not so,

acht uathbás bretha impaib do thulbémmennaib ocus múadbémmennaib ocus fotalbémmennaib móra.

ach uafás a bhí curtha aige orthu, le mórbhuillí tréana luatha, fíochmhara.

he had merely terrified them with his many and violent blows.

‘Aile,’ for Conchobor, ‘cid ataí dóib-sin béus?’

‘Aililiú,’ arsa Conchobhar, ‘cén fáth a bhfuil tú fós leo?’

‘Nay,’ said Conchobor. ‘Why do you still attack them?’

‘Dothongu-sa mo dee dia n-adraim

‘Dar mo dhéithe a adhraim

‘I swear by my gods

nach mbainfidh mise mo lámha díobh go leagfaidh mé iad uile ar talamh

co ndigset-som uili ar m’[fh]ó[e]sam-sa ocus ar m’imdegail

nó go rachaidh siadsan uile ar mo chosnamh agus ar m’anacalsa

that until they in their turn all come under my protection and guarantee

feib dochúadusa ara fáesam-sun ocus ara n-imdegail,

faoi mar a chuaigh mise ar a gcosnamh agus ar a n-anacalsan.’

as I have done with them,

conná gét-sa láma díb conas tarddur uile fo thalmain.’

I shall not lift my hands from them until I bring them all low.’

‘Maith a meic bic, geib-siu fort fáesam na maccraide.’

‘Maith, a mhic bhig, gabhsa ort coimirce an mhacra.’

‘Well, little lad, take on you the protection of the youths.’

‘Ataimim omm,’ ar in mac bec.

‘Gabhaim, cinnte,’ arsa an mac beag.

‘I grant it *indeed*,’ said the little boy.

And sain dochúatar in maccrad fora [fh]áesam ocus fora imdegail.”

Ansin chuaigh an macra ar a choimirce agus ar a anacal.”

Then the youths placed themselves under his protection and guarantee.”

“Mac bec doringni in gním sain,” ar Fergus,

“Mac beag a rinne an gníomh sin,” arsa Fearghas,

“A little boy who did that deed,” said Fergus,

“i cind chóic mblíadan iarna brith

“i gcionn cúig mblian tar éis a bhreithe

“at the end of five years after his birth

coro scart maccu na curad ocus na cathmíled ar dorus a llis ocus a ndúnaid fadessin,

gur threascair sé mic na gcuraidh agus na gcathmhíle ag doras a leasa agus a ndúna féin,

and overthrew the sons of champions and warriors in front of their own fort and encampment,

nocorb éicen machta nó ingantus de ciano thísed co hor cocríchi,

níor ghá iontas ná alltacht a dhéanamh de go dtiocfadh sé go teorainn críche,

there were no need of wonder or surprise that he should come to the marches

gana thescad gabail cethri mbend,

go dteascfadh sé gabhal cheithre mbeann,

and cut a four-pronged pole

gana marbad fer nó dís nó triur nó cethrur

go maródh sé fear nó beirt, nó triúr, nó ceathrar

and kill one man or two men or three or four

in am indat slána .xvii. mbliadna de for Táin Bó Cúalnge.”

nuair atá a sheacht mbliana déag slán aige, ar Táin Bó Cuailnge.”

when his seventeen years are accomplished on Táin Bó Cúailnge.”

Is and sin atubairt Cormac Cond Longas mac Conchobuir:

Is ansin a dúirt Cormac Conn Loingeas mac Chonchobhair:

Then said Cormac Cond Longas, the son of Conchobor:

“Doringni in mac bec sin gním tánaise ’sin bliadain ar cind doridisi.”

“Rinne an mac beag sin an dara gníomh an bhliain dar gcionn arís.”

“The year after that that little boy did a second deed.”

“Ciaso gním?” bar Ailill.

“Cén gníomh?” arsa Ailill.

“What deed was that?” asked Ailill.

“Culand cerd buí i crích Ulad.

“Culann, ceardaí a bhí i gcríoch Uladh.

“Culand the smith dwelt in Ulster.

Ro urgnastar fleid do Chonchobur ocus dochúaid dá thoc[h]uriud co Emain.

D’ullmhaigh sé fleá do Chonchobhar agus chuaigh go hEamhain chun cuireadh a thabhairt dó.

He prepared a feast for Conchobor and went to Emain to invite him.

Rádis friss ara tísed úathad leis

Dúirt sé leis gan ach beagán a theacht leis

He told him to come with only a small number

meni thucad fíraígid leiss

mura dtugadh sé fíoraíonna leis

unless he could bring a few genuine guests,

ár nach crích nó ferand baí aice

mar nach críoch ná fearann a bhí aige

for neither land nor domain had he

acht a uird ocus a indeóna ocus a duirn ocus a thendchore.

ach a oird agus a oinneona agus a dhoirne agus a theanchaire.

but only his sledge-hammers and his anvils, his fists and his tongs.

Atbert Conchobor co ticfad úathad a dóchum.”

Dúirt Conchobhar go dtabharfadh sé líon beag chuige.”

Conchobor said he would bring with him to Culand only a small number.”

“Tánic Culand connice a dún reme do frestul ocus frithálim lenna ocus bíd.

“Tháinig Culann roimhe go dtí a dhún do fhreastal agus do fhriotháil leanna agus bia.

“Culand came on *before him* to his fort to prepare food and drink.

Dessid Conchobor i nEmain corbo amm scaílti co tánic deired dond ló.

D’fhan Conchobhar in Eamhain go raibh sé in am scoir, go dtáinig deireadh leis *an lá*.

Conchobor remained in Emain until it was time to disperse when day drew to a close.

Gebid in rí a fhiallgud [edgadh St] n-imétrom n-imthechta immi ocus luid do chelebrad don maccraid.

Ghabh an rí a éadach éadrom taistil uime agus chuaigh chun ceiliúradh don mhacra.

The king put on his light travelling garb and went to bid farewell to the youths.

Luid Conchobor arin faidchi co n-acca ní ba ingnad leiss:

Chuaigh Conchobhar ar an bhfaiche go bhfaca sé rud ab ionadh leis,

Conchobor went to the playing-field and saw something that astonished him:

trí coícait mac ’sindara chind dind fhaithchi [fhaichthi MS.] ocus óenmac barin chind aile di.

trí chaoga mac ar cheann amháin den fhaiche agus aon mhac ar an gceann eile di.

thrice fifty boys at one end of the field and a single boy at the other end,

Dobered in t-óenmac búaid mbáire ocus immána óna trí coíctaib maccáem.

Beireadh an t-aon mhac bua báire agus iomána ón dtrí chaoga macaomh.

and the single boy winning victory in taking the goal and in hurling from the thrice fifty youths.

Tráth ba cluchi puill dóib

Nuair ba chluiche *poill* a bhíodh acu

When they played the hole-game

— cluichi puill fogníthi for faithchi [faichthi MS.] na Emna —

— cluiche poill a dhéantaí ar fhaiche na hEamhna —

— a *hole-*game which was played on the green of Emain —

ocus tráth ba leó-som díburgun ocus ba lesium imdegail,

agus nuair ba leosan teilgeadh agus leis-sean cosaint,

and when it was their turn to cast the ball and his to defend,

congeibed na trí coícait liathróit fri poll immuich

bheireadh sé ar na trí chaoga liathróid lasmuigh den pholl

he would catch the thrice fifty balls outside the hole

ocus ní roiched ní secha ’sin poll.

agus ní théadh rud ar bith thairis sa pholl.

and none would go past him into the hole.

Tráth ba leó-som imdegail ocus ba leisium díburgun,

Nuair ba leosan cosaint agus leis-sean teilgeadh,

When it was their turn to keep goal and his to hurl,

no chuired na trí coícait liathróit ’sin poll can imroll.

cuireadh sé na trí chaoga liathróid sa pholl gan iomrall.

he would put the thrice fifty balls unerringly into the hole.

Tráth fo imtharrung n-étaig dóib,

Nuair ba ag stracadh na n-éadaí dá chéile a bhídís,

When they played at pulling off each others’s clothes,

no benad-som a trí choícait ndechelt díb

bhaineadh seisean a dtrí chaoga brat díobh

he would tear their thrice fifty mantles off them

ocus ní chumgaitis uili a delg do béim assa brut-som [nammá] [brutsom add. in marg. In an erased space in text brutsom written in with  fine pen, prob. over erased nammá. (asa brat-somh amhain St, asa brotsom nammá LU)].

agus ní fhéadfaidís-sin uile a dhealg a bhaint as a bhratsan fiú amháin.

and all of them together were unable to take even the brooch out of his cloak.

Tráth ba imtrascrad dóib,

Nuair ba ag iomrascáil a bhídís,

When they wrestled,

concured-som na trí coícait cétna i talmain foí

leagadh seisean na trí chaoga céanna sin ar talamh faoi

he would throw the same thrice fifty to the ground beneath him

ocus ní roichtis-[s]ium uili immi-sium lín a urgabála.

agus ní shroicheadh líon a ghabhála díobhsan eisean.

and a sufficient number of them to hold him could not get to him.

Arrópart Conchobor ic forcsin in meic bic.

Chrom Conchobhar ar an mac beag a scrúdú.

Chonchobor began to examine the little boy.

‘Amae a ócu,’ bar Conchobor,

‘Andaigh, a óga,’ arsa Conchobhar,

‘Ah, my warriors,’ said Conchobor,

‘mo chin tír asa tánic in mac bec atchíd

‘mo chean den tír as a dtáinig an mac beag a fheiceann sibh

‘happy is the land from which came the little boy ye see,

dá mbetis na gníma óclachais aice feib atát na macgníma.’

dá mbeadh na gníomhartha óglachais aige faoi mar atá na macghníomhartha.’

if his manly deeds were to be like his boyish exploits.’

‘Ní comdas [comadas St] a rád,’ ar Fergus.

‘Ní cóir sin a rá,’ arsa Fearghas,

‘It is not fitting to speak thus,’ said Fergus,

‘Feib atré in mac bec atrésat a gníma óclachais leis.’

‘de réir mar a fhásfaidh an mac beag fásfaidh a ghníomhartha óglachais leis.’

‘for as the little boy grows, so also will his deeds of manhood increase with him.’

‘Congarar in mac bec dún

‘Glaotar chugainn an mac beag

‘Let the little boy be summoned to us

co ndig lind do ól na fledi dia tíagam.’

go rachaidh sé linn d’ól na fleá ar a dtéam.’

that he may go with us to share the feast to which we are going.’

Conágart in mac bec do Chonchobur.

Glaodh an mac beag chun Conchobhair.

The little boy was summoned to Conchobor.

‘Maith a meic bic,’ ar Conchobor,

‘Maith, a mhic bhig,’ arsa Conchobhar,

‘Well my lad,’ said Conchobor,

‘tair-siu linni d’ól na fledi dia tíagum.’

‘tarsa linne d’ól na fleá ar a dtéam.’

‘come with us to enjoy the feast to which we are going.’

‘Ní rag omm,’ bar in mac bec.

‘Ní rachaidh mé go deimhin,’ arsa an mac beag.

‘I shall not go indeed,’ said the little boy.

‘Ced són?’ bar Conchobor.

‘Cad ina thaobh sin?’ arsa Conchobhar.

‘Why so?’ asked Conchobor.

‘Ar ní dóethanaig in maccrad do chlessaib cluchi nó ániusa,

‘Mar níl an macra dóthanach de chleasa cluichí ná áineasa

‘Because the youths have not yet had enough of play and games

ocus ní rag-sa úadib corbat doíthanaig cluchi.’

agus ní rachaidh mise uathu go mbeidh a sáith acu.’

and I shall not go from them until they have had their fill of play.’

‘Is cían dúni beith acot irnaidi ri sin, a meic bic ocus nicon bíam itir.’

‘Is fada linne a bheith ag feitheamh leat go dtí sin, a mhic bhig agus ní bheimid.’

‘It is too long for us to wait for you, little lad, and we shall not.’

‘Táit-si round,’ ar in mac bec, ‘ocus rag-sa far ndiaid.’

‘Téighse romham,’ arsa an mac beag, ‘agus rachaidh mise bhur ndiaidh.’

‘Go on ahead,’ said the little boy, ‘and I shall go after you.’

‘Nídat eólach etir, a meic bic,’ bar Conchobor.

‘Níl tú eolach ar an slí in aon chor, a mhic bhig,’ arsa Conchobhar.

‘You do not know the way at all, little boy,’ said Conchobor.

‘Géb[at]-sa [Gebatsa St] slichtlorg in tshlúaig ocus na n-ech ocus na carpat.’”

‘Gheobhaidh mé sliochtlorg an tslua agus na n-each agus na gcarbad.’”

‘I shall follow the trail of the company and the horses and the chariots.’”

“Imthúsa na maccraide bátar i nEmain corbo amm scaílti dóib.

“Maidir leis an macra, bhíodar in Eamhain chun go raibh sé in am dóibh scor.

“As for the youths, they remained in Emain until it was time for them disperse.

Luid cách díb da thig a athar ocus a máthar,

Chuaigh gach duine acu go tigh a athar agus a mháthar,

They went each of them to the house of his father and mother,

a mumme ocus a aite.

a bhuime agus a oide.

or of his fostermother and fosterfather.

Luid dano in mac bec i slichtlurg na slúag

Chuaigh an mac beag ar shliocht lorg na sluaite *áfach*

But the little boy went on the track of the company

co ránic tech Culaind cerda.

gur ráinig sé tigh Chulainn, ceardaí.

until he reached the house of Culand the smith.

Gab[ais] [abbrev. stroke om.; gebidh St] icc athgarddigud na sliged reme dá adbenaib ániusa.

Thosaigh sé ag giorrú na slí roimhe lena ghléas imeartha.

He began to shorten the way as he went with his playthings.

Ó ránic co faidche in dúnaid i mbaí Culand ocus Conchobor,

Nuair a shroich sé faiche an dúna ina raibh Culann agus Conchobhar

When he reached the green before the stronghold where Culand and Conchobor were,

focheird a adbena uile riam acht a liathróit nammá.

chaith sé an gléas uile roimhe ach amháin a liathróid.

he threw away all his playthings in front of him except his ball alone.

Rathaigid in t-árchú in mac mbec ocus glomais fair

D’airigh an t-árchú an mac beag agus ghlam sé air

The bloodhound perceived the little boy and bayed at him,

co clos fosnaib túathaib uili gloimm inn árchon.

i dtreo gur cloiseadh sna tuatha uile glam an árchon.

and the baying of the bloodhound was heard throughout all the countryside.

Ocus ní raind fri fes ba háil dó

Agus ní roinnt chun féasta ab áil leis a dhéanamh de

And it was not a sharing out for a feast the hound was minded to make (of the boy)

acht a slucud i n-óenfhecht

ach é a shlogadh in éineacht

but rather to swallow him entire

dar compur a chléib ocus dar farsiung a brágat ocus dar loing a ochta.

thar chompar a chléibh agus thar fairsinge a bhrád agus thar lainn a uchta.

past the wall of his chest and the breadth of his throat and the midriff of his breast.

Ocus ní baí lasin mac cóir n-imdegla reme acht focheird róut n-urchair din liathróit

Ní raibh cóir chosanta ag an mac beag, ach chaith sé urchar den liathróid

The boy had no means of defence, but he made a cast of the ball

conas tarla dar gincráes a brágat dond árchoin

go ndeachaigh sí thar craos a bhrád ag an árchú

and it went through the gaping mouth of the bloodhound

co ruc a mboí di fhobaig inathair and dar’ iarcomlai,

agus rug sí a raibh d’abaigh ionarthair ann siar amach as

and carried all his entrails out through the back way,

ocus gebis i ndíb cossaib é

agus rug sé ar dhá chois air

and the boy then seized him by two legs

ocus tuc béim de immun corthe

agus thug béim de um an gcoirthe

and dashed him against the standing-stone

co tarla ’na gabtib rointi im thalmain.

agus d’fhág ina dhabhaideanna roinnte ar an talamh é.

so that he was scattered into pieces on the ground.

Atchúala Conchobor gloimm inn árchon.

Chuala Conchobhar glam an árchon.

Conchobor had heard the baying of the hound.

‘Amae a ócu,’ bar Conchobor, ‘ní ma táncamar d’ól na fledi se.’

‘Monuar, a óga,’ arsa Conchobhar, ‘go dtángamar ag ól na fleá seo.’

‘Alas, my warriors,’ said Conchobor, ‘would that we had not come to enjoy this feast.’

‘Cid són?’ bar cách.

‘Conas sin?’ arsa cách.

‘Why so?’ asked they all.

‘In gilla bec ra dál im díaid,

‘An giolla beag a cheap teacht i mo dhiaidh,

‘The little boy who arranged to come after me,

mac mo shethar, Sétanta mac Sualtaim, dorochair lasin coin.’

mac mo dheirféar, Seatanta mac Shualdaimh, tá sé tite leis an gcú sin.’

my sister’s son, Sétanta mac Sualtaim, has been killed by the hound.’

Atragatar i nn-óenfhecht uli Ulaid ollbladacha.

D’éirigh na hUltaigh cháiliúla uile in éineacht.

All the famous Ulstermen rose with one accord.

Ciarbo óebéla oslaicthi dorus na cathrach,

Cé go raibh doras na cathrach oscailte ar dianleathadh

Though the gateway of the dwelling was wide open,

dochúaid cách ’na irchomair dar sondaib in dúnaid [dar sond abdain in dunaid MS.; tar sondaigibh sitharda an dunaidh St] immach.

chuaigh cách thar sonna an dúna amach faoina dhéin.

they all went to meet him out over the palisades of the stronghold.

Cid ellom condránic cách, lúaithium conarnic Fergus

Cé gur shroich cách go luath é ba é Fearghas ba luaithe a shroich

Though all reached him quickly, quickest was Fergus

ocus gebis in mac mbec do lár thalman fri aidleind a gúaland

agus thóg sé an mac beag de lár talún go hairde a ghualainne

and he lifted the little boy from the ground on to his shoulder

ocus dobretha i fiadnaisi Conchobuir.

agus thug i láthair Chonchobhair é.

and brought him into the presence of Conchobor.

Ocus tánic Culand immach ocus atchondairc a árchoin ’na gabtib rointi.

Tháinig Culann amach agus chonaic sé a árchú briste ina dhabhaideanna.

And Culand came forth and saw his bloodhound lying in scattered pieces.

Ba béim cride fri cliab leis.

Ba bhéim croí le cliabh leis é sin.

His heart beat against his breast.

Dochúaid innund isin dún asa aithle.

Chuaigh sé anonn ansin isteach sa dún.

He went across into the stronghold then.

‘Mo chen do thíc[h]tu, a meic bic,’ bar Culand,

‘Mo chean do theacht, a mhic bhig,’ arsa Culann,

‘I welcome your arrival, little boy,’ said Culand,

‘ar bíth do máthar ocus t’áthar,

‘i dtaobh do mháthar agus d’athar,

‘for the sake of your mother and your father,

ocus ní mo chen do thíc[h]tu fort féin.’

ach ní méanar do theacht i ngeall ort *féin*’

but I do not welcome your arrival for your own sake.’

‘Cid taí-siu don mac?’ ar Conchobor.

‘Cad tá agat i gcoinne an mhic?’ arsa Conchobhar.

‘Why are you angry with the boy?’ asked Conchobor.

‘Ní ma tánac-su dam-sa do chostud mo lenna ocus do chathim mo bíd,

‘Monuar go dtáinig tusa do chaitheamh mo leanna agus mo bhia

‘Would that you had not come to consume my drink and eat my food,

dáig is maith immudu ifec[h]tsa mo maith-se ocus is bethu immuig mo bethu [i ndegaid mo chon add. LU, a ndiaig mo chon add. St].

mar is maith curtha amú an feacht seo mo mhaith agus is beatha amuigh mo bheatha.

for my substance now is substance wasted, my livelihood a lost livelihood.

Maith in fer muntiri rucais úaim.

Is maith an fear muintire a rug tú uaim.

Good was the servant you have taken from me.

Concométad éite ocus alma ocus indili dam.’

Chosnaíodh sé tréada agus táinte agus eallach dom.’

He used to guard my herds and flocks and cattle for me.’

‘Nádbad [sic; ná badat Section 4.15 infra; na bat St] lond-so etir, a mo phopa Culand,’ ar in mac bec,

‘Ná bíodh fearg ar bith ort, a phopa, a Chulainn,’ arsa an mac beag,

‘Be not angry at all, master Culand,’ said the little boy,

‘dáig bérat-sa a fhírbreth sin.’

‘bhéarfaidh mise fíorbhreith air sin.’

‘for I shall deliver a true judgment in this matter.’

‘Cá breth no bértha-su fair, a meic?’ for Conchobor.

‘Cén bhreith a bhéarfása air, a mhic?’ arsa Conchobhar.

‘What judgment would you deliver on it, my lad?’ said Conchobor.

‘Má tá culén do shíl in chon út i nHérind,

‘Má tá coileán de shíol an chon úd in Éirinn

‘If there is a whelp of that hound’s breeding in Ireland,

ailébthair lim-sa gorop inengnama mar a athair.

oilfear liomsa é go dtí go mbeidh sé inghnímh ar nós a athar.

he will be reared by me until he be fit for action like his sire.

Bam cú-sa imdegla a almai ocus a indili ocus a fheraind in n-ed sain [inn edsam MS].’

Beidh mise i mo chú anacail ag a thréada agus a eallach agus a fhearann feadh an ama sin.’

I shall myself be the hound to protect Culand’s flocks and cattle and land during that time.’

‘Maith rucais do breth, a meic bic,’ for Conchobor.

‘Is maith a thug tú do bhreith, a mhic bhig,’ arsa Conchobhar.

‘A good judgement you have given, little boy,’ said Conchobor.

‘Nís bérmais ém,’ ar Cathbath, ‘ní bad fherr.

‘Ní thabharfainn féin breith ab fhearr,’ arsa Cathbhadh,

‘I would not have given a better myself,’ said Cathbad.

Cid arnach Cú Chulaind bias fort-su de suidiu?’

‘cén fáth nach tú Cú Chulainn a bheadh ortsa de sin?’

‘Why shall you not be called Cú Chulainn (Culand’s Hound) because of this?’

‘Nithó,’ bar in mac bec. ‘Ferr lim mo ainm fodéin, Sétanta mac Sualtaim.’

‘Ní hé,’ arsa an mac beag, ‘is fearr liom m’ainm féin, Seatanta mac Shualdaimh.’

‘Nay,’ said the little boy, ‘I prefer my own name, Sétanta mac Sualtaim.’

‘Nád ráid-siu sin, a meic bic,’ ar Cathbath,

‘Ná habair é sin, a mhic bhig,’ arsa Cathbhadh,

‘Do not say that, lad,’ said Cathbad,

‘dáig concechlabat fir Hérend ocus Alban in n-ainm sin

‘mar cloisfidh Fir Éireann agus Alban an t-ainm sin

‘for the men of Ireland and of Scotland shall hear of that name,

ocus bat lána beóil fer nHérend ocus Alban din anmum sin.’

agus beidh béal fhir Éireann agus Alban lán den ainm sin.’

and that name shall be ever on the lips of the men of Ireland and of Scotland.’

‘Fó limm didiu cid sed bess form,’ ar in mac bec.

‘Is maith liomsa, mar sin gurbh é sin a bheadh orm,’ arsa an mac beag.

‘*Then* I am willing that it shall be my name,’ said the boy.

Conid de shódain ro lil in t-ainm aurdairc fair .i. Cú Chulaind,

Uime sin lean an t-ainm *oirirc* Cú Chulainn de,

Hence the famous name of Cú Chulainn clung to him

ó ro marb in coin boí ic Culaind [sic; Culann St] cherd.”

ó mharaigh sé an cú a bhí ag Culann, ceardaí.”

since he killed the hound of Culand the smith.”

“Imthúsa na maccraide bátar i nEmain corbo amm scaílti dóib.

“Maidir leis an macra, bhíodar in Eamhain chun go raibh sé in am dóibh scor.

“As for the youths, they remained in Emain until it was time for them disperse.

Luid cách díb da thig a athar ocus a máthar,

Chuaigh gach duine acu go tigh a athar agus a mháthar,

They went each of them to the house of his father and mother,

a mumme ocus a aite.

a bhuime agus a oide.

or of his fostermother and fosterfather.

Luid dano in mac bec i slichtlurg na slúag

Chuaigh an mac beag ar shliocht lorg na sluaite *áfach*

But the little boy went on the track of the company

co ránic tech Culaind cerda.

gur ráinig sé tigh Chulainn, ceardaí.

until he reached the house of Culand the smith.

Gab[ais] [abbrev. stroke om.; gebidh St] icc athgarddigud na sliged reme dá adbenaib ániusa.

Thosaigh sé ag giorrú na slí roimhe lena ghléas imeartha.

He began to shorten the way as he went with his playthings.

Ó ránic co faidche in dúnaid i mbaí Culand ocus Conchobor,

Nuair a shroich sé faiche an dúna ina raibh Culann agus Conchobhar

When he reached the green before the stronghold where Culand and Conchobor were,

focheird a adbena uile riam acht a liathróit nammá.

chaith sé an gléas uile roimhe ach amháin a liathróid.

he threw away all his playthings in front of him except his ball alone.

Rathaigid in t-árchú in mac mbec ocus glomais fair

D’airigh an t-árchú an mac beag agus ghlam sé air

The bloodhound perceived the little boy and bayed at him,

co clos fosnaib túathaib uili gloimm inn árchon.

i dtreo gur cloiseadh sna tuatha uile glam an árchon.

and the baying of the bloodhound was heard throughout all the countryside.

Ocus ní raind fri fes ba háil dó

Agus ní roinnt chun féasta ab áil leis a dhéanamh de

And it was not a sharing out for a feast the hound was minded to make (of the boy)

acht a slucud i n-óenfhecht

ach é a shlogadh in éineacht

but rather to swallow him entire

dar compur a chléib ocus dar farsiung a brágat ocus dar loing a ochta.

thar chompar a chléibh agus thar fairsinge a bhrád agus thar lainn a uchta.

past the wall of his chest and the breadth of his throat and the midriff of his breast.

Ocus ní baí lasin mac cóir n-imdegla reme acht focheird róut n-urchair din liathróit

Ní raibh cóir chosanta ag an mac beag, ach chaith sé urchar den liathróid

The boy had no means of defence, but he made a cast of the ball

conas tarla dar gincráes a brágat dond árchoin

go ndeachaigh sí thar craos a bhrád ag an árchú

and it went through the gaping mouth of the bloodhound

co ruc a mboí di fhobaig inathair and dar’ iarcomlai,

agus rug sí a raibh d’abaigh ionarthair ann siar amach as

and carried all his entrails out through the back way,

ocus gebis i ndíb cossaib é

agus rug sé ar dhá chois air

and the boy then seized him by two legs

ocus tuc béim de immun corthe

agus thug béim de um an gcoirthe

and dashed him against the standing-stone

co tarla ’na gabtib rointi im thalmain.

agus d’fhág ina dhabhaideanna roinnte ar an talamh é.

so that he was scattered into pieces on the ground.

Atchúala Conchobor gloimm inn árchon.

Chuala Conchobhar glam an árchon.

Conchobor had heard the baying of the hound.

‘Amae a ócu,’ bar Conchobor, ‘ní ma táncamar d’ól na fledi se.’

‘Monuar, a óga,’ arsa Conchobhar, ‘go dtángamar ag ól na fleá seo.’

‘Alas, my warriors,’ said Conchobor, ‘would that we had not come to enjoy this feast.’

‘Cid són?’ bar cách.

‘Conas sin?’ arsa cách.

‘Why so?’ asked they all.

‘In gilla bec ra dál im díaid,

‘An giolla beag a cheap teacht i mo dhiaidh,

‘The little boy who arranged to come after me,

mac mo shethar, Sétanta mac Sualtaim, dorochair lasin coin.’

mac mo dheirféar, Seatanta mac Shualdaimh, tá sé tite leis an gcú sin.’

my sister’s son, Sétanta mac Sualtaim, has been killed by the hound.’

Atragatar i nn-óenfhecht uli Ulaid ollbladacha.

D’éirigh na hUltaigh cháiliúla uile in éineacht.

All the famous Ulstermen rose with one accord.

Ciarbo óebéla oslaicthi dorus na cathrach,

Cé go raibh doras na cathrach oscailte ar dianleathadh

Though the gateway of the dwelling was wide open,

dochúaid cách ’na irchomair dar sondaib in dúnaid [dar sond abdain in dunaid MS.; tar sondaigibh sitharda an dunaidh St] immach.

chuaigh cách thar sonna an dúna amach faoina dhéin.

they all went to meet him out over the palisades of the stronghold.

Cid ellom condránic cách, lúaithium conarnic Fergus

Cé gur shroich cách go luath é ba é Fearghas ba luaithe a shroich

Though all reached him quickly, quickest was Fergus

ocus gebis in mac mbec do lár thalman fri aidleind a gúaland

agus thóg sé an mac beag de lár talún go hairde a ghualainne

and he lifted the little boy from the ground on to his shoulder

ocus dobretha i fiadnaisi Conchobuir.

agus thug i láthair Chonchobhair é.

and brought him into the presence of Conchobor.

Ocus tánic Culand immach ocus atchondairc a árchoin ’na gabtib rointi.

Tháinig Culann amach agus chonaic sé a árchú briste ina dhabhaideanna.

And Culand came forth and saw his bloodhound lying in scattered pieces.

Ba béim cride fri cliab leis.

Ba bhéim croí le cliabh leis é sin.

His heart beat against his breast.

Dochúaid innund isin dún asa aithle.

Chuaigh sé anonn ansin isteach sa dún.

He went across into the stronghold then.

‘Mo chen do thíc[h]tu, a meic bic,’ bar Culand,

‘Mo chean do theacht, a mhic bhig,’ arsa Culann,

‘I welcome your arrival, little boy,’ said Culand,

‘ar bíth do máthar ocus t’áthar,

‘i dtaobh do mháthar agus d’athar,

‘for the sake of your mother and your father,

ocus ní mo chen do thíc[h]tu fort féin.’

ach ní méanar do theacht i ngeall ort *féin*’

but I do not welcome your arrival for your own sake.’

‘Cid taí-siu don mac?’ ar Conchobor.

‘Cad tá agat i gcoinne an mhic?’ arsa Conchobhar.

‘Why are you angry with the boy?’ asked Conchobor.

‘Ní ma tánac-su dam-sa do chostud mo lenna ocus do chathim mo bíd,

‘Monuar go dtáinig tusa do chaitheamh mo leanna agus mo bhia

‘Would that you had not come to consume my drink and eat my food,

dáig is maith immudu ifec[h]tsa mo maith-se ocus is bethu immuig mo bethu [i ndegaid mo chon add. LU, a ndiaig mo chon add. St].

mar is maith curtha amú an feacht seo mo mhaith agus is beatha amuigh mo bheatha.

for my substance now is substance wasted, my livelihood a lost livelihood.

Maith in fer muntiri rucais úaim.

Is maith an fear muintire a rug tú uaim.

Good was the servant you have taken from me.

Concométad éite ocus alma ocus indili dam.’

Chosnaíodh sé tréada agus táinte agus eallach dom.’

He used to guard my herds and flocks and cattle for me.’

‘Nádbad [sic; ná badat Section 4.15 infra; na bat St] lond-so etir, a mo phopa Culand,’ ar in mac bec,

‘Ná bíodh fearg ar bith ort, a phopa, a Chulainn,’ arsa an mac beag,

‘Be not angry at all, master Culand,’ said the little boy,

‘dáig bérat-sa a fhírbreth sin.’

‘bhéarfaidh mise fíorbhreith air sin.’

‘for I shall deliver a true judgment in this matter.’

‘Cá breth no bértha-su fair, a meic?’ for Conchobor.

‘Cén bhreith a bhéarfása air, a mhic?’ arsa Conchobhar.

‘What judgment would you deliver on it, my lad?’ said Conchobor.

‘Má tá culén do shíl in chon út i nHérind,

‘Má tá coileán de shíol an chon úd in Éirinn

‘If there is a whelp of that hound’s breeding in Ireland,

ailébthair lim-sa gorop inengnama mar a athair.

oilfear liomsa é go dtí go mbeidh sé inghnímh ar nós a athar.

he will be reared by me until he be fit for action like his sire.

Bam cú-sa imdegla a almai ocus a indili ocus a fheraind in n-ed sain [inn edsam MS].’

Beidh mise i mo chú anacail ag a thréada agus a eallach agus a fhearann feadh an ama sin.’

I shall myself be the hound to protect Culand’s flocks and cattle and land during that time.’

‘Maith rucais do breth, a meic bic,’ for Conchobor.

‘Is maith a thug tú do bhreith, a mhic bhig,’ arsa Conchobhar.

‘A good judgement you have given, little boy,’ said Conchobor.

‘Nís bérmais ém,’ ar Cathbath, ‘ní bad fherr.

‘Ní thabharfainn féin breith ab fhearr,’ arsa Cathbhadh,

‘I would not have given a better myself,’ said Cathbad.

Cid arnach Cú Chulaind bias fort-su de suidiu?’

‘cén fáth nach tú Cú Chulainn a bheadh ortsa de sin?’

‘Why shall you not be called Cú Chulainn (Culand’s Hound) because of this?’

‘Nithó,’ bar in mac bec. ‘Ferr lim mo ainm fodéin, Sétanta mac Sualtaim.’

‘Ní hé,’ arsa an mac beag, ‘is fearr liom m’ainm féin, Seatanta mac Shualdaimh.’

‘Nay,’ said the little boy, ‘I prefer my own name, Sétanta mac Sualtaim.’

‘Nád ráid-siu sin, a meic bic,’ ar Cathbath,

‘Ná habair é sin, a mhic bhig,’ arsa Cathbhadh,

‘Do not say that, lad,’ said Cathbad,

‘dáig concechlabat fir Hérend ocus Alban in n-ainm sin

‘mar cloisfidh Fir Éireann agus Alban an t-ainm sin

‘for the men of Ireland and of Scotland shall hear of that name,

ocus bat lána beóil fer nHérend ocus Alban din anmum sin.’

agus beidh béal fhir Éireann agus Alban lán den ainm sin.’

and that name shall be ever on the lips of the men of Ireland and of Scotland.’

‘Fó limm didiu cid sed bess form,’ ar in mac bec.

‘Is maith liomsa, mar sin gurbh é sin a bheadh orm,’ arsa an mac beag.

‘*Then* I am willing that it shall be my name,’ said the boy.

Conid de shódain ro lil in t-ainm aurdairc fair .i. Cú Chulaind,

Uime sin lean an t-ainm *oirirc* Cú Chulainn de,

Hence the famous name of Cú Chulainn clung to him

ó ro marb in coin boí ic Culaind [sic; Culann St] cherd.”

ó mharaigh sé an cú a bhí ag Culann, ceardaí.”

since he killed the hound of Culand the smith.”

“Mac bec doringni in gním sin,” ar Cormac Cond Longas mac Conchobuir,

“Mac beag a rinne an gníomh sin,” arsa Cormac Conn Loinngeas mac Chonchobhair,

“A little boy who performed that exploit,” said Cormac Cond Longas *mac Conchobuir*,

“i cind sé mbliadan arna brith, ro marb in n-árchoin

“i gcionn sé bliana tar éis a bhreithe, a mharaigh an t-árchú

“six years after his birth, who killed the bloodhound

ná laimtís slúaig nó sochaide tascud i n-óenthríchait cét fris,

nach leomhfadh sluaite ná sochaide teacht in aon tríocha céad leis,

with which hosts and armies dared not be in the same canton,

nírb écen machtad nó ingantus de gana thísed co hor cocríchi,

níor ghá alltacht ná iontas a dhéanamh de go dtiocfadh sé go hoirear críche,

there were no need to wonder or marvel that he should come to the marches

giano t[h]escad gabail cethri mbend, gana marbad fer nó dís nó triur nó chethrur

go dteascfadh sé gabhal cheithre mbeann agus go maródh sé fear nó dís, nó triúr, nó ceathrar

and cut a four-pronged pole and kill one man or two or three or four,

in am inat shlána .xvii. mbliadna de for Táin Bó Cúalnge.”

nuair atá a sheacht mbliana déag slán aige, ar Táin Bó Cuailnge.”

now that his seventeen years are completed on Táin Bó Cúailnge.”

“Doringni in mac bec in tres gním isin bliadain ar cind dorís,” ar Fiachu mac Fir Aba.

“Rinne an mac beag an treas gníomh an bhliain dár gcionn arís,” arsa Fiachadh mac Fhir Aba.

“The little boy performed a third exploit in the following year again,” said Fiachu mac Fir Aba.

“Gá gním doringni?” bar Ailill.

“Cén gníomh a rinne sé?” arsa Ailill.

“What exploit did he perform?” asked Ailill.

“Cathbad druí buí oc tabairt [tecaisc ?] [a word dropped here; ic denamh foghlama St] dá daltaib fri hEmain anairtúaith

“Cathbhadh, draoi, a bhí ag teagasc a dhaltaí taobh thoirthuaidh d’Eamhain

“Cathbad the druid was teaching his pupils to the north-east of Emain,

ocus ocht ndalta do áes in dána druídechta ’na farrad.

agus ochtar dalta d’aos léinn draíochta fairis.

and eight pupils of the class of druidic learning were with him.

Iarfacht [fer díb] [om. MS., supplied from St] dia aiti ciaso shén ocus solud buí forin ló i mbátar,

D’fhiafraigh fear díobh dá oide cén séan agus sochar a bhí ar an lá sin,

One of them asked his teacher what omen and presage was for that day,

in ba maith fá in ba saich.

cé acu maith nó olc é.

whether it was good or whether it was ill.

And atbert Cathbad mac bec congébad gasced,

Ansin dúirt Cathbhadh, an mac beag a gheobhadh airm (an lá sin)

Then said Cathbad that a boy who should take up arms (on that day),

bad án ocus rabad irdairc, rabad duthain ocus dimbúan.

go mbeadh sé cliútach, oirearc, ach go mbeadh gearrshaolach, díomuan.

would be splendid and famous but would be shortlived and transient.

Rachúala-som anísin ocus sé fria chlessaib chluchi fri hEmain aniardes,

Chuala seisean (C. Chul.) é sin agus é ag imirt cluichí siar ó dheas ó Eamhain

Cú Chulainn heard that as he was playing south-west of Emain,

ocus focheird a adbena ániusa uli úad

agus chaith sé uaidh a ghléas imeartha uile

and he threw aside all his playthings

ocus dochúaid i cotultech Conchobuir.

agus chuaigh isteach i dtigh codlata Chonchobhair.

and went to Conchobor’s sleeping chamber.

‘Cach maith duit, a rí féne,’ bar in mac bec.

‘Gach maith duit, a rí féinne,’ arsa an mac beag

‘All good attend you, O king of the warriors,’ said the little boy.

— Aithesc dano cungeda neich ó neoch in t-athesc sain. —

— aitheasc ag iarraidh ní éigin ar dhuine éigin an t-aitheasc sin.

— That is the speech of a person making a request of someone. —

‘Cid connaige, a meic bic?’ ar Conchobor.

‘Ceard a iarrann tú, a mhic bhig?’ arsa Conchobhar.

 ‘What do you ask for, little lad?’ said Conchobor.

‘Airm do gabáil,’ ar in mac bec.

‘Airm a ghabháil,’ arsa an mac beag.

‘I wish to take arms,’ said the little boy.

‘Cia dotrecoisc, a meic bic?’ bar Conchobor.

‘Cé chomhairligh thú, a mhic bhig?’ arsa Conchobhar.

‘Who has advised you, lad?’ said Conchobor.

‘Cathbad druí,’ ar in mac bec.

‘Cathbhadh, draoi,’ arsa an mac beag.

‘Cathbad the druid,’ said the little boy.

‘Nít mérad-su .i. nít mairnfed [marginal note] sain, a meic bic,’ ar Conchobor.

‘Ní mheallfadh sé sin tú, a mhic bhig,’ arsa Conchobhar.

‘He would not deceive you, lad,’ said Conchobor.

Tobert Conchobor dá shleig ocus claideb ocus scíath dó.

Thug Conchobhar dhá shleá agus claíomh agus sciath dó.

Conchobor gave him two spears and a sword and a shield.

Bocgais ocus bertnaigis in mac bec na harmu

Bhog agus bheartaigh agus chroth an mac beag na hairm

The little boy shook and brandished the arms

[co nderna] [om. MS.; cp. infra; ocus do-gní St] minbruan ocus minscomairt díb.

go ndearna sé mionbhrúscar agus smidiríní díobh.

and shattered them into small pieces.

Tuc Conchobor dá shleig aile dó ocus scíath ocus claideb.

Thug Conchobhar dhá shleá eile dó agus sciath agus claíomh.

Conchobor gave him two other spears and a shield and a sword.

Bocgais ocus bertnaigis, crothais ocus certaigis

Bhog agus bheartaigh agus chroth agus cheartaigh sé iad

He shook and brandished, flourished and waved them,

co nderna minbruan ocus minscomairt [díb] [om. MS., cp. infra].

go ndearna sé mionbhrúscar agus smidiríní díobh.

and shattered them into small pieces.

Airm i mbátar na cethri airm déc bátar ic Conchobur i nEmain ic frithálim na maccáem ocus na maccraide

Mar leis na ceithre hairm déag a bhí ag Conchobhar in Eamhain le friotháil ar na macaoimh agus ar an macra

As for the fourteen suits of arms which Conchobor had in Emain for the youths and boys

— ciped mac díb no gabad gasced

— cibé mac díobh a gheobhadh airm,

— for to whichever one of them should take arms

combad Conchobor doberad trelam fúaparta dó,

arbh é Conchobhar a thabharfadh trealamh catha dó

Conchobor would give equipment of battle

búaid n-engnama leis assa aithle —

bheadh bua laochais aige ina dhiaidh sin —

and the youth would have victory in his valour thereafter —

cid trá [acht] [om. MS., suppl. from St] doringni in mac bec sin minbruan ocus minscomairt díb uili.”

rinne an mac beag sin mionbhrúscar agus smidiríní díobh uile.

that little boy made fragments and small pieces of them all.”

“‘Ní maith ám and na airm se, a mo phopa Conchobuir,’ ar in mac bec.

“‘Ní maith na hairm iad sin *cinnte*, a phopa, a Chonchobhair,’ arsa na mac beag.

“‘Indeed these weapons are not good, father Conchobor,’ said the little boy,

‘Ní thic mo dingbáil-se di shodain.’

‘Ní thig mo dhiongbháilse díobh sin.’

‘none of them suits me.’

Tuc Conchobor a dá shleig fodessin ocus a sciath ocus a chlaideb dó.

Thug Conchcobhar a dhá shleá féin agus a sciath agus a chlaíomh dó.

Conchobor gave him his own two spears and his shield and his sword.

Bocgais ocus bertnaigis, crothais ocus certaigis

Bhog sé agus bheartaigh, chroth agus cheartaigh sé iad

He shook and brandished and flourished and waved them

conarnic a fográin aice fria n-irlaind,

i dtreo go dtáinig a reanna ar a n-urlanna

so that the point (of spears and sword) touched the butt,

ocus níras robris na harmu ocus ros fulgetar dó.

ach níor bhris na hairm ach d’fhulaing siad dó.

and yet he did not break the weapons and they withstood him.

‘Maithi na ha[i]rm se omm,’ bar in mac bec.

‘Is maith na hairm iad seo cinnte,’ arsa an mac beag.

‘These weapons are good indeed,’ said the little boy,

‘Is é so mo chomadas.

‘Tá siad oiriúnach dom.

‘they are suited to me.

Mo chin in rí asa gasced ocus trelam so.

Mo chean an rí ar leis na hairm agus an trealamh seo.

I salute the king whose weapons and equipment these are.

Mo chin tír asa tánic.’

Mo chean don tír as a dtáinig.’

I salute the land from which he came.’

’S and sin tánic Cathbad druí ’sin pupull ocus atbert:

Is ansin a tháinig Cathbhadh draoi isteach sa phuball agus a dúirt:

Then Cathbad the druid came into the tent and spoke:

‘Airm conagab sút?’ ar Cathbad.  

‘An airm a ghabhann sé siúd?’ arsa Cathbhadh.

‘Is yon boy taking arms?’ said Cathbad.

‘’S ed écin omm,’ bar Conchobor.

‘Is ea, cheana,’ arsa Conchobhar.

‘He is indeed,’ said Conchobor.

‘Ní do mac do [a LU, St] máthar bad áil dam a ngabáil ’sind ló sa,’ ar Cathbad.

“Ní do mhac a mháthar ab áil liom a ngabháil an lá seo,’ arsa Cathbhadh.

‘Not by your mother’s son would I wish arms to be taken today,’ said Cathbad.

‘Cid són? Nach tussu darrecoisc?’ ar Conchobor.

‘Car é sin?’ ‘Nach tusa a chomhairligh dó é?’ arsa Conchobhar.

‘Why is that? Is it not you who advised him?’ said Conchobor.

‘Nád mé omm,’ bar Cathbad.

‘Ní mé, go deimhin,’ arsa Cathbhadh.

‘Not I indeed,’ said Cathbad.

‘Cid lat, a shiriti shíabairthi,’ ar Conchobor, ‘in bréc dobertais immund?’

‘Cad ab áil leat a shiride shíofartha,’ arsa Conchobhar, ‘an bhréag a insint dom?’

‘What mean you, you distorted sprite,’ said Conchobor, ‘have you deceived me?’

‘Ná badat lond-su immorro, a mmo phopa Conchobuir,’ ar in mac bec,

‘Ná bíodh fearg ort, a phopa, a Chonchobhair,’ arsa an mac beag,

‘Do not be angry, father Conchobor,’ said the little boy,

‘dáig ar bíth is ésium domrecuisc-se

‘mar is é sin a theagaisc dom é,

‘for it is he who advised me,

araí ár iarfoacht a dalta dó ciaso shén baí forin ló

óir nuair a d’fhiafraigh a dhalta de cén séan a bhí ar an lá,

for his pupil asked him what omen was for the day

ocus atbert-som mac bec no gébad gasced and,

dúirt seisean, an mac beag a gheobhadh airm air

and he said that a boy who took arms on this day

bad án ocus bad urdairc, ba[d] duthain dimbúan immorro.’

go mbeadh sé uasal agus go bheadh sé oirearc, go mbeadh sé gearrshaolach, díomuan.’

would be splendid and renowned but short-lived and transient.’

‘Fír dam-sa ón,’ bar Cathbad.

‘Is fíor dom sin,’ arsa Cathbhadh.

‘I spoke truth,’ said Cathbad.

‘Bat án-su ocus bat urdairc, ba[t] duthain ocus dimbúan.’

‘Beirse uasal, oirearc, beir duthain, díomuan.’

‘You will be splendid and renowned but short-lived and transient.’

‘Amra bríg canco rabur acht óenlá ocus óenadaig ar bith

‘Iontas na n-iontas liom, bíodh nach mbím ach aon lá agus aonoíche ar an saol

‘It is a wonderful thing if I am but one day and one night in the world

acht co marat m’airscéla ocus m’imthechta dimm ési.’

ach go mairfeadh mo cháil agus m’imeachtaí i mo dhiaidh.’

provided that my fame and my deeds live after me.’

‘Maith a meic bic, airg i carpat ar iss ed na cétna dait [arin sén cétna St].’”

‘Maith a mhic bhig, éirigh i gcarbad óir is ionann séan duit é sin.’”

‘Come, little lad, mount the chariot now for it is the same (good omen) for you.’”

“Dotháet i carpat, ocus in cétna carpat i tánic béus dano

“Chuaigh sé i gcarbad agus an chéad charbad a ndeachaigh sé ann,

“He mounted the chariot, and the first chariot he mounted,

bocgais ocus bertnaigis imme co nderna minbruan ocus minscomairt de.

bhog sé agus bheartaigh sé uime go ndearna sé mionbhrúscar agus smidiríní de.

he shook and swayed around him and shattered it to pieces.

Luid issin carpat tánaise co nderna minbruan ocus minscomairt de fón cumma cétna.

Chuaigh sé san dara carbad agus rinne sé mionbhrúscar agus smidiríní de ar an gcuma chéanna.

He mounted the second chariot and shattered it to pieces in the same way.

Doringni minbruar don tres carput béus.

Rinne sé mionbhrúscar den treas carbad, fós.

He made fragments of the third chariot also.

Airm i mbátar na sec[h]t carpait déc bátar oc frithálim na maccraide ocus na maccáem ic Conchobur i nEmain,

Mar leis na seacht gcarbad déag a bhí ag friotháil ar an macra agus ar na macaoimh ag Conchobhar in Eamhain,

As for the seventeen chariots which Conchobor had in Emain to serve the youths and boys,

doringni in mac bec minbruan ocus minscomairt díb uile ocus níro fhulngetar dó.

rinne an mac beag mionbhrúscar agus smidiríní díobh uile agus níor fhulaing siad dó.

the little lad shattered them all to pieces and they withstood him not.

‘Nít maithe and na carpait so, a phopa Chonchobuir,’ ar in mac bec.

‘Ní maith na carbaid iad seo, a phopa, a Chonchobhair,’ arsa an mac beag.

‘These chariots are not good, father Conchobor,’ said the little boy,

‘Ní tháet mo dingbáil-se díb-so.’

‘Ní thig mo dhiongbháilse díobh seo.’

‘none of these suits me.’

‘Cia airm i tá Ibar mac Riangabra?’ ar Conchobor.

‘Cá háit a bhfuil Iobhar mac Rianghabhra?’ arsa Conchobhar.

‘Where is Ibar mac Riangabra?’ asked Conchobor.

‘Sund ém,’ ar Ibar.

‘Anseo,’ arsa Iobhar.

‘Here,’ answered Ibar.

‘Geib lat mo dá ech féin [dó] [supplied from St] sút ocus inill mo charpat.’

‘Gabh leat mo dhá each féin agus gléas mo charbad dó siúd.’

‘Harness my own two horses for yon boy and yoke my chariot.’

Gebid iarum in t-ara in n-echraid ocus indliss in carpat.

Ghabh an t-ara na heachra ansin agus ghléas sé an carbad.

The charioteer *then* harnessed the horses and yoked the chariot.

Luid in mac bec ’sin carpat iarum.

Chuaigh an mac beag sa charbad ansin.

Then the little boy mounted the chariot.

Bocais in carpat imme ocus ro fhulngestar dó ocus níro briss.

Bhog sé an carbad uime agus d’fhulaing sé dó agus níor bhris sé.

He rocked the chariot around him and it withstood him and did not break.

‘Maith in carpat sa omm,’ ar in mac bec, ‘ocus iss ed and so mo charpat comadas.’”

‘Is maith an carbad é seo *cinnte*,’ arsa an mac beag, ‘agus is é seo mo charbad cuíse.’”

‘This chariot is good indeed,’ said the little boy, ‘and it is my fitting chariot.’”

“‘Maith a meic bic,’ bar Ibar, ‘léic na eocho ara férgeilt ifechtsa.’

“‘Maith, a mhic bhig,’ arsa Iobhar, ‘lig na heich ar féarach anois.’

“‘Well, little boy,’ said Ibar, ‘let the horses go to their pasture now.’

‘Romoch sin béus, a Ibair,’ ar in mac bec.

‘Tá sé róluath dó sin fós, a Iobhair,’ arsa an mac beag.

‘It is too soon yet, Ibar,’ said the little boy.

‘Tair round timchull na Emna indiu. Indiu mo chétlá-sa do gabáil arm, coro[b] búaid engnama dam.’

‘Tar liom timpeall na hEamhna inniu. Inniu mo chéad lása ag gabháil arm, go mba bua gaile dom é.’

‘Come on around Emain now for to-day is the first day I took arms, that it may be a triumph of valour for me.’

Táncatar fo thrí timchull na Emna.

Tháinig siad timpeall na hEamhna faoi thrí.

They drove thrice around Emain.

‘Léic na eocho ar férgeilt ifec[h]tsa, a meic bic,’ ar Ibar.

‘Lig na heich ar féarach anois a mhic bhig,’ arsa Iobhar.

‘Let the horses go to their pasture now, little boy,’ said Ibar.

‘Romoch sin béus, a Ibair,’ ar in mac bec.

‘Róluath dó sin fós, a Iobhair,’ arsa an mac beag.

‘It is too soon yet, Ibar,’ said the little boy.

‘Tair round ar co mbennachat in maccrad dam-sa, indiu mo chétlá do gabáil arm.’

‘Tar linn go mbeannaí an macra domsa inniu mo chéad lá ag gabháil airm.’

‘Come on so that the boys may wish me well, for to-day is the first day I took arms.’

Lotar rempu don magin i mbátar in maccrad.

Chuaigh siad rompu don áit a raibh an macra.

They went forward to the place where the boys were.

‘Airm congab sút?’ ar cách.

“An airm a ghabhann sé siúd?’ ar cách.

‘Is yon lad taking arms?’ they asked.

‘’S ed écin són.’

‘Is ea, cheana.’

‘Yes indeed.’

‘Rob do búaid ocus cétguine ocus choscur sin,

‘Gura bua agus céadghoin agus coscar duit sin,

‘May it be for victory and slaughter of hundreds and triumph,

acht ba romoch lind congabais armu fo bíth do deligthi ruind ocna clessaib cluchi.’

ach ba luath linn a ghabh tú airm mar scar tú linne ag na cluichí’

but we deem it too soon that you took arms because you part from us in our games.’

‘Ní scér-sa frib-si etir, acht do sheón congabsa [read congabus-sa; do gabus St] armu indiu.’

‘Ní scarfaidh mise libhse in aon chor ach is chun séin a ghabh mise airm inniu.’

‘I shall not part from you at all, but it is with a good omen I took arms today.’

‘Léic, a meic bic, na eocho ar férgeilt ifec[h]tsa,’ ar Ibar.

‘A mhic bhig, lig na heich ar féarach anois,’ arsa Iobhar.

‘Let the horses go to their pasture now, little boy,’ said Ibar.

‘Romoch sin béus, a Ibair,’ bar in mac bec.

‘Róluath dó sin fós, a Iobhair,’ arsa an mac beag.

‘It is still too soon, Ibar,’ said the little boy.

‘Ocus in tsligi mór sa imthéit sechond, gia leth imthéit?’ ar in mac bec.

‘Agus an tslí *mhór* seo a ghabhann tharainn cén treo a dtéann sí?’ arsa an mac beag.

‘And this great road which goes past us, where does it lead?’ said the little boy.

‘Cid taí-siu di?’ ar Ibar.

‘Cad é sin duitse?’ arsa Iobhar.

‘Why do you bother about it?’ said Ibar.

‘Aile it fer saignéch-su atchíu, a meic bic,’ bar Ibar.

‘Aililiú, is fear doshásta tú, feicim, a mhic bhig,’ arsa Iobhar.

‘You are an importunate fellow, I see, little lad,’ said Ibar.

‘Maith lim, a maccáin, prímsligeda in chóicid d’iarfaigid.

‘Maith liom, a ghiolla, príomhshlite an chúige a fhriafraí.

‘I wish, fellow, to ask about the chief roads of the province.

Cia airet imthéit?’

Cén fad a théann sí?’

How far does it go?’

‘Téit co Áth na Foraire i Sléib Fhúait,’ ar Ibar.

*Arsa Iobhar:* ‘Téann sé go hÁth na Foraire i Sliabh Fuaid.’

‘It goes to Áth na Foraire on Slíab Fúait,’ said Ibar.

‘Cid ’ma n-apar Áth na Foraire fris in fetar-su?’

‘Cén fáth a dtugtar Áth na Foraire air, an bhfeadair tú?’

‘Do you know why it is called Áth na Foraire?’

‘Rafhetar-sa omm,’ bar Ibar.

‘Tá a fhios agam, go deimhin,’ arsa Iobhar.

‘I do indeed,’ said Ibar.

‘Dagláech de Ultaib bís ic foraire ocus ic forcomét and

‘Dea-laoch d’Ultaigh a bhíonn ag foraire agus ag forchoimheád ann

‘A goodly warrior of the Ulstermen is always there, keeping watch and ward

arná tíset óic nó echtranna i nUltu do fhúacra comraic forru,

i dtreo nach dtiocfadh óglaigh ná eachtrannaigh go hUlaidh ag fógairt troda orthu

so that no warriors or strangers come to Ulster to challenge them to battle

corop é in láech [sin] [supplied from St] conairr comrac dar cend in chóicid uli.

agus i dtreo gurbh é an laoch sin a chuirfeadh comhrac thar ceann an chúige uile:

and so that he may be the champion to give battle on behalf of the whole province.

Dá ndig dano áes dána fo dímaig a Ultaib ocus assin chóiciud,

dá dtéadh aos dána faoi dhíomá ó Ultaigh as an gcúige

And if poets leave Ulstermen and the province unsatisfied,

corop é conairr séta ocus maíne dar cend aenig in chóicid dóib.

gurbh é a thabharfadh seoda agus maoin thar ceann oinigh an chúige dóibh;

that he may be the one to give them treasures and valuables for the honour of the province.

Dá tí dano áes dána ’sin crích,

agus dá dtagadh aos dána isteach sa chríoch

If poets come into the land,

corop é in fer [sin] [supplied from St] bas chommairge dóib co rrosset colbo Conchobuir,

gurbh é an fear sin ba choimirce dóibh go sroichfidís colbha Chonchobhair

that he may be the man who will be their surety until they reach Conchobor’s couch

corop siat a dúana-sain ocus a dréchta gabtair ar tús i nEmain ar ríchtain.’

agus gurbh iad a ndánta agus a ndréachtaí is túisce a chanfaí in Eamhain ar a sroicheadh dóibh.’

and that their poems and songs may be the first to be recited in Emain on their arrival.’

‘In fetar-su cia fil icond áth sain indiu?’

‘An bhfeadair tú cé tá ag an áth inniu?’

‘Do you know who is at that ford to-day?’

‘Rofetar omm,’ bar Ibar.

‘Tá a fhios go deimhin,’ arsa Iobhar.

‘I do indeed,’ said Ibar.

‘Conall Cernach curata comramach mac Amargin,

‘Conall Cearnach, curata, athbhuach mac Amhairghin,

‘Conall Cernach mac Amargin, the heroic and triumphant,

rí láech Hérend,’ bar Íbar.

rí-laoch na hÉireann,’ arsa Iobhar.

the finest of the warriors of Ireland,’ said Ibar.

‘Tó rouind duit-siu, a maccáin, ar co rísem in n-áth.’

‘Comáin leat romhainn, a ghiolla, go sroicheam an t-áth.’

‘Go on, fellow, that we may reach the ford.’

Lotar rempu co dreich inn átha i mbaí Conall.

D’imigh siad leo go béala an átha mar a raibh Conall.

They drove forward in front of the ford where Conall was.

‘Airm congab sut?’ ar Conall.

‘An airm a ghabhann sé siúd?’ arsa Conall.

‘Is yon boy taking arms?’ asked Conall.

‘’S ed écin,’ bar Ibar.

‘Is ea, cheana,’ arsa Iobhar.

‘He is indeed,’ said Ibar.

‘Rop da búaid ocus choscur ocus cétguine sin,’ ar Conall,

‘Gura bua agus coscar agus céadghoin dó sin,’ arsa Conall,

‘May that be for victory and slaughter of hundreds and triumph,’ said Conall,

‘acht bad romoch lind ra gabais armu,

‘ach is róluath linn a ghabh tú airm

‘but we deem it too soon for you to take arms

dáig ar bíth nít ingníma-su béus

mar níl tú inghnímh fós,

because you are not yet fit for action

dámbad chommairgi ricfad a less intí ticfad sund,

dá mba é do choimirce a theastódh ón té a thiocfadh anseo,

if he that should come hither needed protection,

ar badat slánchommairgi-siu bar Ultaib uli n-óg

is tusa ba lánchoimirce thar ceann óglaoch uile Uladh

for you would be complete surety for all the Ulstermen,

ocus atréstaís maithi in chóicid rit báig.’

agus d’éireodh maithe an chúige ar do ghairm.’

and the nobles of the province would rise up at your summons.’

‘Cid dogní and sin, a phopa Chonaill?’ ar in mac bec.

‘Cad tá á dhéanamh ansin agat, a phopa, a Chonaill?’ arsa an mac beag.

‘What are you doing here, master Conall?’ said the little boy.

‘Foraire ocus forcomét in chóicid sund, a meic bic,’ bar Conall.

‘Foraire agus forchoimhéad an chúige, a mhic bhig,’ arsa Conall.

‘I am keeping watch and ward for the province here, lad,’ said Conall.

‘Eirgg-siu dot tig ifechtsa, a phopa Conaill,’ ar in mac bec,

‘Éirighse abhaile anois, a phopa, a Chonaill,’ arsa an mac beag,

‘Go home now, master Conall,’ said the boy,

‘ocus no léicfe [sic] dam-sa foraire ocus forcomét in chóicid do dénam sund.’

‘agus lig domsa foraire agus forchoimhéad an chúige a dhéanamh anseo.’

‘and let me keep watch for the province here.’

‘Nithó, a meic bic,’ ar Conall. ‘Nídat túalaing comrac ri degláech co se.’

‘Ní dhéanfaidh mé, a mhic bhig,’ arsa Conall. “Níl tusa in achmainn troid le dea-laoch fós.’

‘Nay, little boy,’ said Conall. ‘You are not yet fit to meet a goodly warrior.’

‘Ragat-sa sechum fodes didiu,’ ar in mac bec,

‘Rachaidh mise liom ó dheas, mar sin,’ arsa an mac beag,

‘Then I shall meanwhile go on southwards’ said the boy,

‘co Fertais Locha Echtrand [Fertais Locha Echtra LU, St] colléic dús in fagbaind mo láma do fhuligud for carait nó námait indiu.’

‘go Feartais Locha Eachtrann féachaint an bhfaighinn mo lámha a fhuiliú ar chara nó ar namhaid inniu.’

‘to Fertais Locha Echtrand to see if I might redden my hands in the blood of a friend or an enemy to-day.’

‘Rag-sa a meic bic,’ ar Conall, ‘dot imdegail

‘Rachaidh mise, a mhic bhig,’ arsa Conall, ‘do d’anacal,

‘I shall go with you to protect you, lad,’ said Conall,

arná tiasair th’óenur [’s]in cocrích [isin choiccrích St].’

i dtreo nach rachaidh tú i d’aonar sa choigrích.’

‘that you may not go alone to the marches.’

‘Nithó,’ ar in mac bec.

‘Ní rachaidh tú,’ arsa an mac beag.

‘Nay,’ said the boy.

‘Rachat omm,’ bar Conall,

‘Rachaidh mé cinnte,’ arsa Conall,

‘I shall indeed go with you,’ said Conall,

‘dáig benfait Ulaid form do lécud th’óenur ’sin cocrích.’”

‘mar casfaidh Ultaigh liom tú a ligean i d’aonar sa choigrích.’”

‘for the Ulstermen will censure me if I let you go alone to the marches.’”

“Gabtair a eich do Chonall ocus ro indled a charpat

“Gabhadh a eich do Chonall agus gléasadh a charbad

“His horses are harnessed for Conall and his chariot yoked,

ocus dochúaid d’imdegail in meic bic.

agus chuaigh sé d’anacal an mhic bhig.

and he went to protect the boy.

Ó rasiacht Conall ard fri aird fris,

Nuair a tháinig Conall ucht ar ucht leis

When Conall came abreast of him,

demin leis giano thachrad écht dó,

ba deimhin leis (an mac beag) dá dtarlódh éacht dó

the boy was certain that if (the chance of performing) a great deed were to come his way,

ná lécfad Conall dó a dénam.

nach ligfeadh Conall dó é a dhéanamh.

Conall would not let him do it.

Gebid lámchloich do lár thalman dárbo lán a glacc.

Thóg sé cloch a raibh lán a ghlaice inti den talamh.

He took from the ground a stone which filled his fist.

Focheird róut n-urchoir úad ar ammus cungi carpait Conaill coro bris cuing in charpait ar dó

Chaith sé urchar uaidh le cuing charbad Chonaill gur bhris cuing an charbaid ina dó,

He made a cast at the yoke of Conall’s chariot and broke it in two

co torchair Conall tríít go talmain co ndechaid a máel asa gúalaind.

gur thit Conall tríd *go talamh* agus go ndeachaigh a ghualainn as alt.

so that Conall fell through the chariot on to the ground and his shoulder was dislocated.

‘Cid and so, a meic?’ ar Conall.

‘Cad é seo, a mhic?’ arsa Conall.

‘What is this, boy?’ said Conall.

‘Messi tarlaic dia fhis dús in díriuch m’urchor

‘Mise a chaith, féachaint an bhfuil m’urchar díreach

‘It was I who cast a shot to see it my marksmanship was straight

nó cinnas díbargim etir nó amm [= imba (Windisch)] adbar gascedaig atamchomnaic [an adbar gaiscedaigh me St].’

*nó conas a theilgim* nó an bhfuil ábhar gaiscígh ionam.’

and in what way I shoot, and to see if I am the makings of a good fighter.’

‘Neim ar th’urchur ocus neim fort féin.

‘Nimh go raibh ar t’urchar agus nimh ort féin;

‘A bane on your shot and a bane on yourself.

Cid do chend fácba lat námtiu ifesta,

má fhágann tú do cheann ag do naimhde feasta

Even if you leave your head with your enemies now,

nicon tías dot imdegail níba siriu.’

ní rachaidh mise do d’anacal a thuilleadh.’

I shall not go (with you) to guard you any more.’

‘’S ed sin conattecht-sa foraib,’ ar ésium,

‘Is é sin a d’iarr mise ort,’ ar seisean,

‘That is exactly what I asked you,’ said he,

‘dáig is geis dúib infar nUltaib techt dar éclind infar carptib.’

‘mar is geas daoibhse in bhur nUltaigh dul thar éiglíocht in bhur gcarbaid.’

‘for it is tabu for you Ulstermen to proceed on your way despite an insecure chariot.’

Tánic Conall fothúaid arís co Áth na Foraire ar cúlu.”

Tháinig Conall aneas arís ar gcúl go hÁth na Foraire.”

Conall came back again northwards to Áth na Foraire.”

“Imthúsa in meic bic dochúaid-se [sic] fodes co Fertais Locha Echtrand [Fertais Locha Echtra LU, St].

“Maidir leis an mac beag chuaigh sé ó dheas go Feartais Locha Eachtrann.

“As for the little boy, he went south to Fertais Locha Echtrand.

Baí and co tánic deired dond ló.

Bhí sé ansin go dtáinig deireadh an lae.

He was there until the close of day.

‘Dá lammais a rád frit, a meic bic.’ ar Ibar,

‘Dá leomhfaimis é a rá leat, a mhic bhig,’ arsa Iobhar,

‘If we might venture to say so, little lad,’ said Ibar,

‘ropa mithig lind techt co hEmain ifechtsa,

‘ba mhithid dúinn dul go hEamhain feasta

‘we would deem it time to go now to Emain,

dáig ro gabad dáil ocus raind ocus fodail i nEmain á chíanaib

mar tosaíodh ar dháileadh agus ar roinnt agus ar fhriotháil in Eamhain ó chianaibh

for already for some time the serving of meat and drink and the sharing out has been made in Emain.

ocus fail inad urdalta lat-su and di cach lóu rodicfa bith eter dá choiss Conchobuir,

agus tá ionad in áirithe duitse ann gach lá dá dtiocfaidh ort, a bheith idir dhá chois Chonchobhair,

You have your appointed place there between Conchobor’s knees every day you come there

ocus ní fhail lim-sa acht bith eter echlachu ocus oblóire tigi Conchobuir.

ach níl agamsa ach a bheith i measc eachlach agus abhlóirí tí Chonchobhair.

while my place is merely among the messengers and jesters of Conchobor’s household.

Mithig lim-sa techt do imscrípgail friu.’

Mithid liomsa dul ag streachailt leo.’

I think it time for me to go and scramble for a place with them.’

‘Geib lat dún ind echrad didiu.’

‘Gabh na heich dúinn, más ea.’

‘Then harness the horses for us.’

Gebid in t-ara in n-echraid ocus luid in mac issin carpat.

Ghléas an t-ara na heich agus chuaigh an mac sa charbad.

The charioteer harnesses the horses and the boy mounted the chariot.

‘Aile a Ibair, gá tulach and in tulach sa thúas innossa?’ ar in mac bec.

‘Ó, a Iobhair, cén tulach é sin thuas *anois*?’ arsa an mac beag.

‘Well, Ibar, what mound is that mound up there now?’ *said the boy.*

‘Sliab Moduirn sin innossa,’ ar Ibar.

‘Sliabh Modhairn é sin anois,’ arsa Iobhar.

‘That is Slíab Moduirn *now*,’ said Ibar.

‘Ocus gia findcharn sút i mmullaig in tshlébe?’

‘Agus cén fionncharn é sin i mullach an tsléibhe?’

‘And what is that white cairn on the top of the mountain?’

‘Findcharn dano Slébe Moduirn,’ ar Ibar.

‘Fionncharn Sléibhe Modhairn,’ arsa Iobhar.

‘That is Findcharn Slébe Moduirn,’ said Ibar.

‘Aile is aíbind in carn út,’ ar in mac bec.

‘Is aoibhinn an carn é siúd,’ arsa an mac beag.

‘Yon cairn is pleasant,’ said the little boy.

‘Óebind omm.’ bar Ibar.

‘Is aoibhinn, leoga,’ arsa Iobar.

‘It is pleasant indeed,’ said Ibar.

‘Tair roind, a maccáin, co rrísam in carn út.’

‘Tar liom, a ghiolla, go sroichfimid an carn úd.’

‘Come on, fellow, to that cairn.’

‘Aile at fer saignesach-su lista [read saignesach-su .i. lista ? (As fer liosta tú St)] atchíu,’ for Ibar,

‘Aidhe, is fear saighneasach, liosta tú, feicim,’ arsa Iobhar,

‘Well, you are an importunate boy,’ said Ibar,

‘acht is é seo mo chétfhecht-sa lat-su.

‘ach is é seo mo chéad fheacht leatsa,

‘but this is my first expedition with you.

Bud é mo fhecht dédenach co brunni mbrátha mad dá ríus Emain óenfhec[h]t.’

is é m’fheacht deireanach go broinne brátha é má shroichim Eamhain choíche.’

It will be my last expedition for ever if once I reach Emain.’

Lotar co mullach na taulcha araí.

Chuaigh siad go mullach na tulaí, áfach.

However they went to the summit of the hill.

‘Maith and, a Ibair,’ ar in mac bec, ‘tecoisc-siu dam-sa Ulaid ar cach leth

“Maith é sin, a Iobhair,’ arsa an mac beag, ‘taispeáinse domsa Ulaidh ar gach taobh,

‘Well now, Ibar,’ said the boy, ‘teach me (all the places of) Ulster on every side

dáig ním eólach-sa i crích mo phopa Conchobuir etir.’

mar nílimse eolach in aon chor ar chríoch mo phopa, Conchobhar.’

for I do not know my way at all about the territory of Conchobor.’

Tecoscis in gilla dó Ulaid ar cach leth úad.

Thaispeáin an giolla Ulaidh ar gach taobh dó.

The driver pointed out to him all the places of Ulster all around him.

Tecoiscis dó cnuicc ocus céti ocus tulcha in chóicid ar cach leth.

Thaispeáin sé dó cnoic agus céidí agus tulacha an chúige ar gach taobh.

He told him the names of the hills and plains and mounds of the province on every side.

Tecoscis dó maigi ocus dúne ocus dindgnai in chóicid.

Thaispeáin sé dó mánna agus dúnta agus daingin an chúige.

He pointed out the plains and strongholds and renowned places of the province.

‘Maith and sin, a Ibair,’ ar in mac bec,

‘Maith é sin, a Iobhair,’ arsa an mac beag,

‘Well now, Ibar,’ said the little boy,

‘gia mag and in cúlach cernach ochrach glennach sa ruind aness?’

‘cén mhá an mhá chúlach, chearnach, eochrach, ghleannach sin romhainn theas?’

‘what plain is that to the south of us which is full of retreats and corners and nooks and glens?’

‘Mag mBreg,’ bar Ibar.

‘Má Bhreagh,’ arsa Iobhar.

‘That is Mag mBreg,’ said Ibar.

‘Tecoisc-siu dam-sa déntai ocus dindgnai in maige sin.’

‘Taispeáin domsa dúnta agus daingin na má sin.’

‘Show me the buildings and renowned places of that plain.’

Tecuscais in gilla dó Temair ocus Taltiu,

Thaispeáin an giolla dó Teamhair agus Taillte,

The driver showed him Temair and Tailtiu,

Cleittech ocus Cnogba

Cleiteach agus Cnodhbha

Cleitech and Cnogba,

ocus Brug Meic inn Óóc ocus Dún mac Nechtain Scéne.

agus Brú Mhic an Óig agus Dún Mac Neachtain Scéine.

and Brug Meic in Óc and the fortress of the sons of Nechta Scéne.

‘Aile nach siat na meic Nechtain sin maídes

‘Á, nach iad na mic Neachtain sin a mhaíonn

‘Are not these the sons of Nechta who boast

nach mó fail ’na mbethaid d’Ultaib

nach mó a bhfuil ina mbeatha d’Ultaigh

that the number of Ulstermen alive is not greater

andá a torchair leó-som díb?’

ná ar thit leosan díobh?’

than the number of those Ulstermen who have fallen at their hands?’

‘Siat ómm,’ bar in gilla.

‘Is iad, cheana,’ arsa an giolla.

‘They are indeed,’ said the driver.

‘Tair romuind co dún mac Nec[h]tain,’ ar in gilla bec.

‘Téanam linn go Dún Mac Neachtain,’ arsa an mac beag.

‘Come on to the stronghold of the sons of Nechta,’ said the little lad.

‘Mairg atbir ón omm!’ bar Ibar.

‘Mairg a deir sin, mhuise!’ arsa Iobhar.

‘Woe to him who says that!’ said Ibar.

‘Is fis dún conid mór in bert baísi a rád.

‘Tá a fhios againn gur mór an beart baoise é a rá.

‘We know that it is a very foolish thing to say that.

Gibé dig,’ bar Ibar, ‘níba missi.’

Pé duine a théann ann ní mise a rachaidh,’ *arsa Iobhar.*

Whoever goes there,’ said Ibar, ‘it will not be I.’

‘Ragaid do beo nó do marb,’ ar in mac bec.

“Rachaidh do bheo nó do mharbh ann,’ arsa an mac beag.

‘You shall go there alive or dead,’ said the boy.

‘Is mo beo ragas fades,’ ar Ibar,

‘Is é mo bheo a rachaidh ó dheas,’ arsa Iobhar,

‘Alive I shall go south,’ said Ibar,

‘ocus mo marb fócebthar [faicfither St]  icon dún rofetar .i. oc dún mac Nechtain.’”

‘agus mo mharbh a fhágfar ag an dún, tá a fhios agam, ag dún mac Neachtain.’”

‘but dead I know I shall be left at the stronghold of Nechta’s sons.’”

“Lotar rempo connice in dún

“D’imigh siad rompu go dtí an dún

“They went on to the stronghold

ocus tarmlaing in mac assin charput forind fhaithche [fhaichthe MS.].

agus thuirling an mac as an gcarbad ar an bhfaiche.

and the boy leapt from the chariot on to the green.

Amlaid boí faithchi [faichthi MS.] in dúnaid

Is amhlaidh a bhí faiche an dúna

Thus was the green before the stronghold:

ocus corthi furri ocus id iarnaidi ’na thimchiull

agus coirthe uirthi agus iodh iarainn ina thimpeall

there was a pillar-stone on it and around the stone an iron ring,

ocus id niachais éside ocus ainm n-oguim ’na menoc.

agus iodh niachais ba ea í agus scríbhinn oghaim ina corr.

a ring of heroic deeds, with an ogam inscription on its peg.

Ocus is é ainm boí and:

Agus is í scríbhinn a bhí ann

And thus ran the inscription:

Gipé tísed in faidche, diamba gascedach,

ná cibé a thiocfadh ar an bhfaiche dá mba ghaiscíoch é

if any man came on that green and if he were a warrior bearing arms,

geis fair ar thecht dind faidchi cen chomrac n-óenfhir do fhúacra.

gur gheas dó imeacht den bhfaiche gan comhrac aonair a fhógairt.

it was tabu for him to leave the green without challenging to single combat.

Airlégais in mac bec in n-ainm ocus tuc a dá rigid ’mun coirthi,

Léigh an mac beag an scríbhinn agus chuir sé a dhá ghéag um an gcoirthe

The little boy read out the inscription and put his two arms around the stone,

mar boí in coirthi cona id.

mar a bhí, an coirthe agus an iodh.

that is, the stone and its ring,

Tarlaic sin linnid [second i subscr. (phrase om. St, isin linn H, isin linnidh P)] co toracht tond taris.

Chaith sé sa linn é agus chuaigh an t-uisce thairis.

and he pitched it into the pool and the water closed over it.

‘Andar lind,’ ar Ibar,

‘Samhlaíotar dom,’ arsa Iobhar,

‘It seems to us,’ said Ibar,

‘ní ferr sin ná a bith i fail i rraba,

‘nach fearr sin ná é a bheith mar a raibh sé

‘that that is no better than that it should remain where it was,

ocus rofetamar fogéba forin fhaidchi se aní ’coa taí iarair don chur sa

agus tá a fhios agam go bhfaighidh tú ar an bhfaiche seo an ní atá á iarraidh agat don chor seo,

and we know that you will find on this green what you are looking for now,

.i. airdena báis ocus éca ocus aideda.’

is é sin, airíona báis agus éaga agus oidhe.’

namely, symptoms of death and dissolution.’

‘Maith a Ibair, córaig fortcha in charpait ocus a fortgemni dam coro thurthaind cotlud bicán.’

‘Anois, a Iobhair, cóirigh clúdach agus seithí an charbaid dom go ndéanfaidh mé greas codlata.’

‘Well now, Ibar, settle the coverings and rugs of the chariot for me that I may sleep for a little while.’

‘Mairg atbeir ón ám,’ ar in gilla,

‘Mairg a deir sin, mhuise,’ arsa an giolla,

‘Woe to him who says that,’ said the driver,

‘dáig is crích bidbad so ocus ní faidchi airurais.’

‘mar is críoch namhad í seo agus ní faiche aoibhnis.’

‘for this is a land of enemies and not a green for pleasure.’

Córaigis in gilla fortcha in charpait ocus a fortgemne.

Chóirigh an giolla clúdach an charbaid agus a sheithí.

The driver arranged the rugs and skin-coverings of the chariot.

Taurthais in gilla bec cotlud forind fhaidche.”

Chuaigh an giolla beag a chodladh ar an bhfaiche.”

The little boy fell asleep on the green.”

“And sain tánic mac do maccaib Nechtain forin faidchi .i. Fóill mac Nechtain.

“Ansin tháinig mac de mhic Neachtain ar an bhfaiche, is é sin, Fóill mac Neachtain.

“Then there came on to the green one of the sons of Nechta, Fóill mac Nechtain.

‘Ná scuir na eochu itir, a gillai,’ ar Fóill.

‘Ná scoir na heich in aon chor a ghiolla,’ arsa Fóill.

‘Do not unharness the horses *at all*, driver,’ said Fóill.

‘Ní triallaim itir,’ ar Ibar. ‘Atát a n-ési ocus a n-aradna im láim béus.’

‘Nílim á dhéanamh sin *in aon chor*,’ arsa Iobhar, ‘tá a srianta agus a n-iallacha i mo láimh fós.’

‘I do not attempt it at all,’ said Ibar, ‘their traces and reins are still in my hand.’

‘Cóichi [sic for cóichit] na eich sin etir?’ for Fóill.

‘Cé leis na heich sin in aon chor?’ arsa Fóill.

‘Whose are these horses *at all*?’ said Fóill.

‘Dá ech Conchobuir,’ ar in gilla, ‘na dá chendbricc.’

‘Dhá each Chonchobhair,’ arsa an giolla, ‘an dá cheannbhreac.’

‘Conchobor’s two horses,’ said the driver, ‘the two piebald-headed ones.’

‘’S í sin aichni dobiur-sa forru. Ocus cid tuc na eocho sund co hor cocríchi?’

‘Is é sin an aithne a bheirim féin orthu, agus cad a thug na heich go hoirear coigríche?’

‘I recognise them as such, and what brought the horses here to the border of the marches?’

‘Máethmaccáem congab armu lind,’ ar in gilla.

‘Maothmhacaomh linn a ghabh airm,’ arsa an giolla.

‘A youthful lad of ours who took up arms,’ said the driver.

‘Tánic co hor cocríchi do thasselbad a delba.’

‘Tháinig sé go hoirear coigríche ag taispeáint a dheilbhe.’

‘He came to the edge of the marches to display his form.’

‘Nírop do búaid nó choscur ón,’ ar Fóill.

‘Nára bua ná coscar dó sin,’ arsa Fóill.

‘May that not be for victory or triumph,’ said Fóill.

‘Dia fessaind combad ingníma,

‘Dá mba dhóigh liom go raibh sé inghnímh,

‘Had I known that he was old enough to fight,

is a marb ricfad fathúaid arís co hEmain ocus níbad a béo.’

is é a mharbh a rachadh ó thuaidh arís go hEamhain agus ní hé a bheo.’

his dead body would have returned north to Emain and he would not have returned alive.’

‘Ní ingníma omm,’ bar Ibar,

‘Níl sé inghnímh, mhuise,’ arsa Iobhar,

‘He is not old enough to fight indeed,’ said Ibar,

‘ní comad[as] [comadhas St] gid a rád ris etir.

‘ach ní cóir sin a rá leis;

‘and it is not meet even to say so to him.

Isin tshechtmad bliadain arna breith don fail.’

sa seachtú mbliain tar éis a bhreithe atá sé.’

He is in (but) the seventh year from his birth.’

Conúargaib in mac bec a gnúis ó thalmain

Thóg an mac beag a aghaidh ón talamh,

The little boy raised his head from the ground

ocus tuc a láim dara gnúis

chimil a lámh dá ghnúis

and passed his hand over his face,

ocus doringni rothmol corcarda de ó mulluch co talmain.

agus rinne rothnuall corcra de ó mhullach go talamh.

and he blushed crimson from head to foot.

‘Isam ingníma omm,’ ar in mac bec.

‘Táim inghnímh, cinnte,’ arsa an mac beag.

‘I am indeed capable of action,’ said the little boy.

‘Docho lim ná ’ráda duit nídat ingníma.’

‘Is fearr liom sin ná tú a rá nach raibh tú inghnímh.’

‘It pleases me better than that you should say that you are not.’

‘Bid docho duit acht condrísem forsind áth,

‘B’fhearr fós duit sinn a theagmháil le chéile ag an áth,

‘It will please you (still) better if only we meet on the ford,

acht eirg-siu ar cend t’arm

ach éirighse ar cheann d’arm

but go and fetch your weapons

dáig atchíu is midlachda tánac,

mar feicim gur mhílaochta a tháinig tú,

for I see that you have come in cowardly fashion, unarmed,

ar ní gonaim aradu nó echlacha nó aes cen armu.’

óir ní ghoinim araí ná eachlaigh ná daoine gan airm.’

and I do not wound charioteers or messengers or those unarmed.’

Bidcais in fer sain ar cend a airm.

Rith an fear sin d’iarraidh a arm.

The fellow hastened to fetch his weapon.

‘Cóir duit arechus dúin fris sút, a meic bic,’ ar Ibar.

‘Ba chóir duit bheith ar d’aire air siúd a mhic bhig,’ arsa Iobhar.

‘It behoves you to act warily with yon man, little lad,’ said Ibar.

‘Ced ón écin?’ ar in mac bec.

‘Cén fáth sin?’ arsa an mac beag.

‘Why is that?’ said the boy.

‘Fóill mac Nechtain in fer atchí.

‘Fóill mac Neachtain a fheiceann tú.

‘The man you see is Fóill mac Nechtain.

Ní ngabat renna nó airm nó faebair itir.’

Ní ghoineann reanna ná airm ná faobhar é.’

No points nor weapons nor sharp edges harm him.’

‘Ní rum-sa is chóir duit-siu sain do rád, a Ibair,’ ar in mac bec.

‘Ní domsa is ceart duitse é sin a rá, a Iobhair,’ arsa an mac beag.

‘Not to me should you say that, Ibar,’ said the boy.

‘Dobér-sa mo láim fón deil cliss dó

‘Cuirfidh mise mo lámh faoin deil chlis chuige,

‘I shall take in hand for him my deil cliss,

.i. fón n-ubull n-athlegtha n-íarnaide,

is é sin, faoin úll athleáite iarainn

that is, the round ball of refined iron,

ocus tecéma i llaind a scéith ocus i llaind a étain

agus aimseoidh sé maol a scéithe agus maol a éadain

and it will land on the flat of his shield and the flat of his forehead

ocus béraid comthrom inn ubaill dá inchind tria chúladaig [sic for triana chúladaib]

agus béarfaidh sé cóimhéid an úill dá inchinn trína chúl

and carry out through the back of his head a portion of brain equal to the iron ball,

co ndingne retherderg de fria chend anechtair

agus déanfaidh sé sruth dearg trína cheann isteach

and he will be holed like a sieve

combat léiri lésbaire aeóir triana chend.’

i dtreo go mba léir léaspaire na spéire trína cheann.’

so that the light of the air will be visible through his head.’

Tánic immach Fóill mac Nechtain.

Tháinig Fóill mac Neachtain amach.

Fóill mac Nechtain came forth.

Tuc-som a láim fón deil cliss dó

Thug seisean a lámh faoin deil chlis chuige

Cú Chulainn took in hand for him the deil cliss,

ocus focheird róut n-urchair úad co tarla i llaind a scéith ocus i llaind a étain

agus chaith ró-urchar uaidh gur aimsigh sé i maol a scéithe agus i maol a éadain é

and hurled it so that it landed on the flat of his shield and the flat of his forehead

ocus berid comthrom inn ubaill dá inchind tria chúladaig [sic for triana chúladaib]

agus rug cothrom an úill dá inchinn trína chúl

and took the ball’s equivalent of his brains through the back of his head,

co nderna retherderg [rechderg MS.] de fria chend anechtair comba léir lésbaire aeóir triana chend,

go ndearna sruth dearg trína cheann isteach i dtreo gur léir léaspaire na spéire trína cheann

and he was holed like a sieve so that the light of the air was visible through his head.

ocus tópacht-som a chend dia méde.”

agus bhain sé a cheann dá mhuineál.”

And Cú Chulainn struck off his head from his neck.”

“Tánic in mac tánaise immach arin faidchi, Túachall mac Nechtain.

“Tháinig an dara mac, Tuachall mac Neachtain, amach ar an bhfaiche.

“The second son, Túachall mac Nechtain, came forth on the green.

‘Aile atchíu commaídfide lat sain,’ ar Túachall.

‘A,’ arsa Tuachall, ‘feicim gur cúis mhaíte leat sin.’

‘I see you would boast of that deed,’ said Túachall.

‘Ní maídim limm chétus óenláech do marbad [dom marbad MS., do t[h]uitim lem St].’

‘Ní maíomh liom, go deimhin, aonlaoch a mharú.’

‘Indeed I think it no cause for boasting to slay one warrior.’

‘Ní maídfe-su ón afechtsa dáig dofaíthaisiu limm-sa.’

‘Ní mhaífidh tú feasta as, mar titfidh tú liomsa.’

‘You will not boast of that now, for you will fall by my hand.’

‘Tó duit-siu ar cend t’arm dáig is midlachda tánac.’

‘Éirighse ar cheann d’arm, mar is mílaochta a tháinig tú.’

‘Go and fetch your weapons for you have come in cowardly fashion, unarmed.’

Bidgais in fer sain ar cend a arm.

Phreab an fear sin d’iarraidh a arm.

The fellow hastened to fetch his weapons.

‘Cóir duit arechus dúin risiút, a meic bic,’ bar Ibar.

‘Ba chóir duit a bheith ar d’aire air siúd, a mhic bhig,’ arsa Iobhar.

‘You should have a care for yon fellow, little lad,’ said Ibar.

‘Cid són?’ ar in mec bec.

‘Cén fáth sin?’ arsa an mac beag.

‘Why so?’ said the boy.

‘Túachail mac Nechtain in fer atchí.

‘Tuachall mac Neachtain an fear sin a fheiceann tú.

‘The man you see is Túachall mac Nechtain.

Meni arrais din chétbulli nó din chéturchur nó din chéttadall

Mura gcloíonn tú den chéad bhuille nó den chéad urchar nó den chéad teagmháil é,

Unless you get him with the first blow or the first cast or the first touch,

ní arrais etir chaidche

ní chloífidh tú in aon chor choíche é,

you will never do so,

a [ar St (= ara)] amansi ocus a [ar St (= ara)] airgigi non imrend im rennaib na n-arm.’

sceinneann sé chomh cliste agus chomh glic sin um reanna na n-arm.’

so skilfully and craftily does he move around the points of the weapons.’

‘Ní rim-sa is rátti sin, a Ibair,’ ar in mac bec.

‘Ní liomsa is ceart sin a rá, a Iobhair,’ arsa an mac beag.

‘Not to me should that be said, Ibar,’ said the boy.

‘Dobér-sa mo láim fón manaís murnig Conchobuir, fón cruísig neme.

‘Cuirfidh mise mo lámh faoi mhanaois mhuirneach Chonchobhair, an chraoiseach nimhe.

‘I shall take in hand the great spear of Conchobor, the venomous lance.

Tecéma ’sin sciath ósa broind

Aimseoidh sé an sciath os cionn a uchta

It will land on the shield over his breast,

agus tar éis a chroí a threaghdadh ina chliabh

and having pierced his heart,

ocus brúifet tria asna a tháeib [read brúifid trí asna isin táeb; (brisfidh tri asna isin taob St)] bas siriu úaim [Cp. infra coro brúi tri asna ‘sin táeb ba siriu úad]

brúifidh sé trí easna ar an taobh is sia uaim.

it will crush through a rib in the side that is farther from me.

ar tregdad a chridi ’na chliab.

Bud aurchor deóraid sin ocus níba hicht urraid.

Urchar deoraí a bheidh ann agus ní béim urraidh.

It will be the cast of an outlaw not the blow of a freeman.

Níba teg legis nó othrais úaim-se dó co bruinne mbrátha.’

Ní bheidh teach leighis ná othrais uaimse aige go broinne brátha.’

From me he shall not get until the day of doom any place where he may be cured or tended.’

Tánic Túachall mac Nechtain immach arin faidchi

Tháinig Tuachall mac Neachtain amach ar an bhfaiche

Túachall mac Nechtain came out on the green,

ocus focheird in mac bec a láim fón manaís Conchobuir dó

agus chaith an mac beag manaois Chonchobhair as a láimh leis

and the boy threw Conchobor’s spear at him

ocus dorecgmaing ’sin scíath ósa broind

agus d’aimsigh an sciath os a ucht

and it went through the shield over his breast

[ocus] [ocus expunged after broind MS.; ocus St] brúis trí asna isin taíb ba siriu úad [bruis sin asna ina thaíb ba siriu úad MS.; brisis tri asna isin taobh ba siriu uadh St]

agus bhrúigh sé trí easna sa taobh ba shia uaidh

and crushed through a rib in the side farther from Cú Chulainn

ar tregdad a chridi ’na chlíab.

tar éis an croí ina chliabh a threaghdadh.

after piercing his heart in his chest.

Benaid-sium a chend [de] [om. MS., supplied from St] riasiu sessed dochum talman.”

Bhain seisean a cheann de sular shroich sé an talamh.”

Cú Chulainn struck off his head before it reached the ground.”

“And sin tánic immach sósar na clainde forsin faidche .i. Faindle mac Nechtain.

“Ansin tháinig sóisear na clainne, Fainnle mac Neachtain amach ar an bhfaiche.

“Then came forth the youngest of the sons, Faindle mac Nechtain, on to the green.

‘Is báeth in lucht condránic frit and sin,’ ar Fandle.

‘Is baoth an drong a theagmhaigh anseo leat,’ arsa Fainnle.

*Said Faindle:* ‘Foolish were they who fought with you here.’

‘Cid ón?’ ar in mac bec.

‘Conas sin?’ arsa an mac beag.

‘Why is that?’ said the boy.

‘Tair sechut sís arin lind bail ná ró do choss lár.’

‘Tar uait síos sa linn, áit nach scroichfidh do chos talamh.’

‘Come away down to the pool where your foot will not touch bottom.’

Bidgais Fandle reme forin lind.

Rith Fainnle roimhe go dtí an linn.

Faindle hastened on to the pool.

‘Cóir duit arechus dúin risiút, a meic bic,’ bar Ibar.

‘Ba chóir duit a bheith aireach air siúd, a mhic bhig,’ arsa Iobhar.

‘You should have a care for yon fellow, little lad,’ said Ibar.

‘Cid ón écin?’ ar in mac bec.

‘Cad ina thaobh sin?’ arsa an mac beag.

‘Why so?’ said the boy.

‘Fandle mac Nechtain in fer atchí.

‘Fainnle mac Neachtain an fear sin a fheiceann tú.

‘The man you see is Faindle mac Nechtain,

Is de dia tá in t-ainm fair, mar fhandaill nó mar íaraind imthéit muir.

Is de atá an t-ainm sin air go dtéann sé thar muir ar nós fainnle nó mar iora.

and he is so called because he travels over water like a swallow or squirrel.

Ní chumgat snámaigi in talman ní dó.’

Níl breith ag snámhaithe an domhain air.’

The swimmers of the world cannot cope with him.’

‘Ní rim-sa is chóir sin do rád, a Ibair,’ ar in mac bec.

‘Ní liomsa is cóir duit sin a rá, a Iobhair,’ arsa an mac beag.

‘Not to me should that be said, Ibar,’ said the boy.

‘’S aichnid duit-siu ind aband fil ocuind i nEmain, Kalland [.i. Callann a hainm St].

‘Is eol duitse Callann, an abhainn atá againn in Eamhain.

‘You know our river Calland in Emain.

Tráth nos immet in maccrad do chlessaib cluchi furri ocus úair nach foísam in lind,

Nuair a ghabhann an macra ina timpeall ag imirt cluichí uirthi nuair nach sábháilte an linn

When the youths surround it to play their games on it and when the pool is not safe,

berim-se maccáem cechtar mo dá dernand tarsi and sin

tugaimse macaomh ar gach dearnain liom tháirsti ansin

*then* I carry a boy over it on each of my two palms

ocus maccáem cechtar mo dá gúaland,

agus macaomh ar gach gualainn

and a boy on each of my two shoulders,

ocus ní fhliuchaim fadesin gid mo adbrunnu fóthu.’

agus ní fhliuchaim féin fiú m’ailt fúthu.’

and I myself do not wet even my ankles as I carry them.’

Condránic dóib forind lind ocus furmid in mac bec a rigthi tharis

Theagmhaigh siad le chéile sa linn agus chuir an mac beag a ghéaga uime

They met upon the water and the boy clasped his arms around Faindle

co tarla in muir aird fri aird fris

go dtáinig an t-uisce ar aon airde leis;

(and held him) until the water came up flush with him,

ocus dobretha tathulbéim do chlaidiub Conchobuir dó

thug sé mearbhuille dó de chlaíomh Chonchobhair

and he dealt him a violent blow with Conchobor’s sword

ocus tópacht a chend dá médiu.

agus bhain a cheann dá mhuineál.

and struck his head from his trunk,

Ocus léicis in colaind lasin sruth ocus dobretha a cend leis.”

Lig sé an cholann leis an sruth agus thug sé leis an ceann.”

letting the body go with the current and taking with him the head.”

“Lotar isin dún iar tain ocus ra airg[set] [airg- end of line, hyphen denoting accidental omission; ro airgsit St] in cathraig

“Chuaigh siad isteach sa dún ansin; chreach siad an chathair

“Then they went into the stronghold and pillaged the fort

ocus ra loiscset connárbdar airdiu a déntai andát a immélaig.

agus loisc i dtreo nárbh airde a dúnta ná a himbhallaí.

and fired it so that its buildings were level with its outer walls.

Ocus imsóiset rempu i Slíab Fúait

Agus d’iompaigh siad ar Shliabh Fuaid

They turned about on their way to Slíab Fúait

ocus dobrethsat trí cind mac Nechtain leó.”

agus thug siad cinn triúr mhac Neachtain leo.”

and took with them the three heads of the sons of Nechta.”

“Confaccatar in n-alma do aigib alta rempu.

“Chonaic siad an tréad d’fhianna allta rompu.

“They saw in front of them a herd of wild deer.

‘Cóchit na innili imda imdíscire [imdaiscaire MS. infl. of preceding word; imdisgire St], a Ibair?’ ar in mac bec.

‘Cad iad na beithígh iomadúla *fraochta* sin, a Iobhair?’ arsa an mac beag.

‘What are these numerous fierce cattle, Ibar?’ said the boy.

‘Pettai sút nó inn aigi chena?’

‘Cé acu peataí iad siúd nó fianna allta?’

‘Are they tame or are they deer?’

‘Aige chena omm,’ bar Ibar.

‘Fianna, cinnte,’ arsa Iobhar,

‘They are deer indeed,’ said Ibar.

‘Almai d’aigib alta sain bít i ndiamraib Sléibi Fúait.’

‘tréada d’fhianna allta iad sin a bhíonn i ndiamhra Sléibhe Fuaid.’

‘That is a herd of wild deer which frequent the recesses of Slíab Fúait.’

‘Saig brot dún forsin n-echraid dús ar co nn-ársimmís [omit dús (da fhios in ngepmaois St)] ní díb.’

‘Sáigh brod sna heich dúinn féachaint an sáróimis cuid acu.’

‘Ply the goad on the horses for us, that we may catch some of them.’

Saigis in t-ara brot forin n-echraid.

Sháigh an t-ara brod sna heich.

The charioteer plied the goad on the horses.

Ní chaemnactar eich roremra ind ríg in damrad do chomaitecht.

Níor fhéad eich ró-ramhra an rí coimeád suas leis na daimh.

The king’s fat horses could not keep up with the deer.

Luid in mac bec assin charput ocus gebis dá n-ag lúatha látiri díb.

Chuaigh an mac beag as an gcarbad agus rug ar dhá dhamh luatha, láidre díobh.

The boy dismounted and caught two swift, strong stags.

Cenglais d’fhertsib ocus d’[fh]ithisib ocus d’iallaib in charpait.”

Cheangail sé d’fearsaidí agus de théada agus d’iallacha an charbaid iad.”

He tied them to the shafts and ropes and thongs of the chariot.”

“Lotar rempu co forodmag na hEmna

“D’imigh siad leo go tulach na hEamhna

“They went forward to the mound of Emain.

co ‘mafaccatar in n-elta do gésib gela seccu.

agus chonaic siad scata d’ealaí bána tharstu.

They saw a flock of white swans fly past them.

‘Cóichi [sic, for cóichit] and na eóin sin, a Ibair?’ ar in mac bec.

‘Cad iad na héin iad sin, a Iobhair?’ arsa an mac beag.

‘What kind of birds are those, Ibar?’ said the boy.

‘Indat pettai sút nó indat eóin chena?’

‘Cé acu peataí iad nó gnáthéin?’

‘Are they tame or just birds?’

‘Eóin chena omm,’ bar Ibar.

‘Éin go deimhin, mhuise,’ arsa Iobhar,

‘Just birds *indeed*,’ said Ibar.

‘Elta do gésib sin

‘ealta d’ealaí iad sin

‘They are a flock of swans

tecait di chlochaib ocus carrgib ocus ailénaib in mara móir immuich

a thagann de chlocha agus de charraigeacha agus d’oileáin na mara móire amuigh

which come in from the crags and rocks and islands of the ocean

do geilt for maigib ocus rédib Hérend.’

le hinnilt ar mhachairí agus ar réite na hÉireann.’

to feed on the plains and level spots of Ireland.’

‘Cia bad irdarcu a mbeó sút do rochtain Emna nó a mmarb, a Ibair?’ ar in mac bec.

‘Cé acu ab iontaí, a Iobhair, a mbeo siúd a shroicheadh Eamhna nó a marbh?’ *arsa an mac beag.*

‘Which would be the more wonderful, to bring them alive to Emain or to bring them dead, Ibar?’ said the boy.

‘Airdarcu a mbeó omm,’ bar Ibar,

‘B’iontaí a mbeo cinnte,’ arsa Iobhar,

‘More wonderful indeed to bring them alive,’ said Ibar,

‘dáig ní cách conairg na eóin beóa do gabáil.’

‘mar ní gach aon duine a fhéadann na héin bheo a ghabháil.’

‘for not everyone can catch the living birds.’

And sain dobretha in mac ceird mbic forru.

Ansin scaoil an mac cloch bheag fúthu.

Then the boy cast a small stone at them.

Fostaid ocht n-eóno díb.

Stop sé ocht n-éan díobh.

He brought down eight of the birds.

Ocus dobretha ceird máir iar sain ocus fastaid sé eóin déc díb.

Agus scaoil sé cloch mhór ansin gur stop sé cinn déag acu.

Then he cast a big stone and brought down sixteen of the birds.

Cenglais do fhertsib ocus d’fhithisib ocus iallaib ocus d’fholomnaib ocus tétaib in c[h]arpait. [this sentence misplaced. To be read at end of par. as in LU, St]

‘Tuc lat na eónu, a Ibair,’ ar in mac bec.

‘Tabhair leat na héin, a Iobhair,’ arsa an mac beag.

‘Bring hither the birds, Ibar,’ said the boy.

‘Tú-sa i ndulig,’ ar Ibar.

‘Táimse i bponc,’ arsa Iobhar.

‘I am in a predicament,’ said Ibar.

‘Cid són écin?’ ar in mac bec.

‘Cad é féin?’ arsa an mac beag.

‘How is that?’ said the boy.

‘Fail a mórabba dam.

‘Tá a mhórabhar agam.

‘I have good reason to say so.

Dianom glúasiur itir assin magin i tú, nom thescfat roith iarnaide in charpait

Má ghluaisim in aon chor ar an áit ina bhfuilim, teascaidh rotha iarainn an charbaid mé

If I move *at all* from where I am, the iron wheels of the chariot will cut me down,

[re] [om. MS., supplied from St] feramla ocus fertsigi ocus fortressi céimmi inna hechraide.

leis an neart agus leis an bhfuinneamh agus leis an lonnluas atá faoi na heich.

so fierce and so powerful (?) and so strong is the pace of the horses.

Dánam luur itir dano, nom thollfat ocus nom thregtaifet benna na n-aigi.’

Má chorráim in aon chor tollfaidh agus ropfaidh beanna na bhfianna mé.’

If I stir at all, the stags’ antlers will pierce and gore me.’

‘Aile nít fírlaec[h]-su béus, a Ibair,’ ar in mac bec [iarum MS., reading supplied from St] ,

‘A, ní fíorlaoch tusa fós, a Iobhair,’ arsa an mac beag,

‘Ah, no true warrior are you *yet*, Ibar,’ said the boy,

‘dáig in fégad fégfat-sa forna echaib,

‘mar leis an bhféachaint a thabharfaidh mise ar na heich

‘for with the look that I shall give the horses,

ní ragat assa certimthecht.

ní rachaidh siad as a gceartimeacht.

they will not break their straight course,

In tincud tincfat forsna haigib,

An fhéachaint a thabharfaidh mé ar na daimh

and with the look that I shall give the deer,

cromfait a cinnu ar m’ecla ocus ar m’úamain,

agus cromfaidh siad a gcinn le heagla agus le huamhan romham

they will bow their heads in awe and fear of me,

ocus fó duit-siu gid dia mbendaib no chingthe [chingthé MS.].’

agus is cuma duitse fiú más ar a mbeanna a shiúlann tú.’

and it will not matter to you even if you stepped across their antlers.’

[See footnote supra] Cenglais do fhertsib ocus d’fhithisib ocus iallaib ocus d’fholomnaib ocus tétaib in c[h]arpait.”

Cheangail sé na héin d’fhearsaidí agus d’éise agus d’iallacha agus de chordaí agus de théada an charbaid.”

Then (Ibar) tied the birds to the shafts and cords and thongs and strings and ropes of the chariot.”

“Lotar rempo co ráncatar Emain.

“D’imigh siad rompu gur shroich siad Eamhain.

“They went forward and came to Emain.

Is and sin rathaigis in Leborcham íat.

Is ansin a thug Leabharcham faoi deara iad.

Then Leborcham perceived them.

Ingen-saide Aí ocus Adairce.

Iníon Aoi agus Adairce ba ea í sin.

She was the daughter of Aí and Adarc.

‘Óencharptech sund,’ for Leborcham, ‘ocus is úathmar thic.

‘Aon chairbtheach chugainn,’ arsa Leabharcham, ‘agus is uafar mar a thagann.

‘A single chariot-warrior is here,’ said Leborcham, ‘and terribly he comes.

Cind a bidbad fordergga ’sin charput aice.

Cinn fhordhearga a namhad sa charbad aige;

He has in the chariot the bloody heads of his enemies.

Eoin áille óengela ic imuarad aice ’sin charput.

éin áille ghléigeala ag foluain aige os a charbad;

There are beautiful, pure-white birds held (?) by him in the chariot.

Aige altamla anríata i cengul ocus chrapull ocus chuibrech ocus charcair aice.

fianna allta, fiáine i gceangal crapailte, cuibhrithe carcair aige

He has wild, untamed deer bound and tied and fettered.

Ocus meni frithálter innocht é, dosfaíthsat óic Ulad leis.’

agus mura bhfriotháiltear anocht é  titfidh óglaigh Uladh leis.’

If he be not met tonight, the warriors of Ulster will fall at his hand.’

‘Rodafetammar in carptech sin,’ ar Conchobor,

‘Is aithnid dúinn an cairbtheach sin,’ arsa Conchobhar,

‘We know that chariot-warrior,’ said Conchobor.

‘in gilla bec, mac mo shethar,

‘an giolla beag, mac mo dhearféar,

‘It is the little boy, my sister’s son,

dochóid co hor cocríche, ro derg a láma,

a chuaigh go teorainn choigríche, a dheargaigh a lámh

who went to the marches and shed blood there,

ocus ní doíthanach comraic,

agus níl sé dóthanach den chomhrac

but he has not had his fill of combat,

ocus meni frithálter dano, dofaíthsat óic Emna uili leis.’

agus mura bhfriotháiltear air titfidh óglaigh uile na hEamhna leis.’

and if he be not met, all the warriors of Emain will fall by his hand.’

Ocus ba sed in chomairle ra cruthaiged leó

Agus ba é an chomhairle ar ar chinn siad,

And the plan they devised was this:

in bantrocht da lécud immach do shaigid in meic .i. trí coícait ban

an bhantracht a ligean amach d’ionsaí an mhic, trí chaoga ban

to send the women-folk out to meet the boy, thrice fifty women,

.i. deich mnáa ocus secht fichit díscir derglomnocht i n-óenfhecht uili

.i. deichniúr ban agus seacht bhfichid, go tobann, dearg lomnocht uile in éineacht

that is, ten and seven score women, all stark naked,

ocus a mbantóesech rempo, Scandlach,

agus Seannlach, a mbantaoiseach rompu

led by their chieftainess, Scannlach,

do thócbáil a nnochta ocus a nnáre dó.

ag taispeáint a lomnochtachta agus a náire dó.

to expose all their nakedness and shame to him.

Táncatar immach in banmaccrad uile ocus túargbatar a nnochta ocus a nnáre uile dó.

Tháinig an bhantracht uile amach agus thaispeáin siad a nochtacht agus a náire dó.

All the young women came forth and discovered all their nakedness and shame to him.

Foilgid in mac a gnúis forru

Chlúdaigh an mac a ghnúis orthu

The boy hid his face from them

ocus dobretha a dreich frisin carpat arná acced nochta nó náre na mban.

agus d’iompaigh sé a aghaidh leis an gcarbad chun nach bhfeicfeadh sé nochtacht ná náire na mban.

and laid his countenance against the chariot that he might not see the women’s nakedness.

And sain ro irgabad in mac bec isin charput.

Ansin tógadh an mac beag as an gcarbad.

Then the boy was lifted out of the chariot.

Tucad i trí dabchaib úaruscib é do díbdud a fherge.

Cuireadh i dtrí dhabhach d’fhuaruisce (i ndiaidh a chéile) é lena fhearg a dhíobhadh.

He was placed in three vats of cold water to quench the ardour of his wrath.

Ocus in chétna dabach i tucad in mac bec,

An chéad dabhach inar cuireadh an mac beag

The first vat into which the boy was put

ro díscaíl dá cláraib ocus dá circlaib amal chnómaidm imbi.

dhíoscaoil a cláracha agus a fonsaí faoi mar a phléascfadh *blaosc cnó* uirthi.

burst its staves and hoops like the breaking of a nutshell about him.

In dabach tánaise configfed durnu di.

Sa dara dabhach d’fhiuchadh an t-uisce airde doirn.

As for the second vat, the water would seethe several hand-breadths high in it.

In tres dabach fer fos foilnged ocus fer ní foilnged etir.

Sa treas dabhach fear amháin a d’fhulaingeodh é (an teas) agus fear eile nach bhfulaingeodh in aon chor é.

As for the third vat, (the water grew hot in it so that) one man might endure it while another would not.

And sain [tíagait] fergga [teid fercc St] in meic for cúlu

Ansin chuaigh fearg an mhic ar gcúl

Thereupon the boy’s wrath abated,

ocus conácbad [read co ngabad, omitting ocus] a thimthach immi [ocus do cuiredh a edach aonaigh uime St; do gabad faedaran [sic leg.] gormchorcra uime Rec. III].

agus cuireadh a éadaí uime.

and his garments were put [following St] on him.

Táncatar a delba dó

Tháinig a dheilbh dó

His comely appearance was restored,

ocus doringni rothmól corcra de ó mulluch co talmain.

agus rinne rothmhol corcra de ó mhullach go talamh.

and he blushed crimson from head to foot.

Secht meóir cechtar a dá choss ocus secht meóir cechtar a dá lám,

Bhí seacht méar ar gach ceann dá dhá chois agus seacht méar ar gach ceann dá dhá láimh;

He had seven toes on each of his feet and seven fingers on each of his hands.

ocus secht meic imlessan cechtar a dá rígrosc iarum

seacht mac imleasain i gceachtar a dhá rírosc

He had seven pupils in each of his royal eyes

ocus secht ngemma de ruthin ruisc fo leith cech mac imlesan díb.

agus seacht ngeama ag spréacharnaigh i ngach mac imleasain acu.

and seven gems sparkling in each pupil.

Cethri tibri cechtar a dá grúad: tibri gorm, tibri corcra, tibri úane, tibri buide.

Bhí ceithre thibhre i gceachtar a dhá ghrua, tibhre ghorm, tibhre chorcra, tibhre uaine agus tibhre bhuí.

Four dimples in each cheek, a blue dimple, a purple, a green, and a yellow.

Coíca urla fégbuide

Bhí caoga urla glébhuí

Fifty tresses of hair he had

ón chlúais go ’cheile dó

between one ear and the other,

bright yellow

amal chír mbethi nó amal bretnasa bánóir fri taul ngréne.

ar nós chíor bheiche nó amhail bróiste bánóir faoi lonradh gréine,

like the top of a birch-tree or like brooches of pale gold shining in the sun.

ó chluais go chéile air.

Máel glé find fair mar bó ataslilad.

Bhí mullach glé fionn air mar a bheadh bó i ndiaidh a lí.

He had a high crest of hair, bright, fair, as if a cow had licked it.

Brat úanide imme, delg n-argait indi [sic]. Léni órshnáith immi.

Bhí brat uaine uime agus dealg airgid ann agus léine d’órshhnáith.

He wore a green mantle in which was a silver pin, and a tunic of thread of gold.

Ocus ra sudiged in mac eter dá choiss Conchobuir ocus ro gab in rí ic slíachtad a maíle.”

Suíodh an mac idir dhá chois Chonchobhair agus chrom an rí ar a mhullach a shlíocadh.”

The boy was placed between Conchobor’s knees and the king began to stroke his hair.”

“Mac bec doringni na gníma sin i cind a shecht mbliadan arna breith,

“Mac beag a rinne na gníomhartha sin i gcionn seacht mbliana tar éis a bhreithe,

“A little lad who did those deeds when he was seven years old,

barroscart na curaid ocus na cathmílid ris torcratar dá trian fer nUlad

a sháraigh na curaidh agus na cathmílí lena raibh dhá dtrian d’fhir Uladh tar éis titim

who overcame the champions and warriors by whom two thirds of the men of Ulster had fallen

ocus ná fúaratar a dígail forro ná co n-érracht in gein sin chucu,

agus nach bhfuair siad díoltas orthu go dtí gur éirigh an ghin sin chucu,

and had been unavenged until this boy arose,

nocorb éicen machtad nó ingantus de giano thísed co hor críche,

níor ghá alltacht ná iontas a dhéanamh de dá dtagadh sé go hoirear críche

there were no need to wonder or marvel that he should come to the marches

gana marbad fer nó dís nó triur nó chethrur

agus dá maródh sé fear, nó dís, nó triúr, nó ceathrar

and kill one man or two or three or four

in aim inat shlána secht mbliadna déc [de] for Táin Bó Cúalnge.”

nuair a bhí a sheacht mbliana déag slán aige, ar Táin Bó Cuailgne.”

when his seventeen years were completed at the time of the Cattle-raid of Cúailnge.”

Thus far

Conid innisin do macgnímaib Con Culaind sin for Táin Bó Cúalnge,

Insint é sin ar mhacghníomhartha Chon Chulainn ar Táin Bó Cuailnge

then is some account of the youthful deeds of Cú Chulainn on the Cattle-raid of Cúailnge,

ocus remthús in sceóil

maille le réamhthús an scéil

together with the prologue of the tale

ocus na sliged ocus imthechta in tshlúaig a Crúachain

agus na slí agus imeachtaí an tslua ó Chruachain

and an account of the route and march of the host out of Crúachu.

connici sin.

go nuige sin.

In scél fodessin is ní and fodechtsa.

An scéal féin is ní dúinn anseo feasta.

The story proper is what follows now.