--- title: Opening, part 11 — The foray of Queen Meave, and other legends of I… · full text with trees description: Opening, part 11, «The foray of Queen Meave, and other legends of Ireland's heroic age» by Aubrey De Vere: the whole chapter, every sentence with its dependency tree and pragmatics. It begins: FRAGMENT I. --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg78491/11/) [home](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [corpora](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/) / [tales](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/) / [The foray of Queen Meave, and other le…](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg78491/) / Opening, part 11 # Opening, part 11 Opening, part 11 of «The foray of Queen Meave, and other legends of Ireland's heroic age» by Aubrey De Vere: the whole text, 237 sentences and 4972 words. The small number after every sentence leads to its own page with its syntax tree and pragmatics, parsed by Mova itself. FRAGMENT I.[1](1/ "tree and pragmatics") \_THE CAUSE OF THE GREAT WAR.[2](2/ "tree and pragmatics") ARGUMENT.[3](3/ "tree and pragmatics") Meave, Queen of Connacht,\[24\] and Ailill her husband, waking one morning fall into a disputation, each claiming to be the worthier of the two, and the wealthier.[4](4/ "tree and pragmatics") Their lords decide that the king and queen are great and happy alike in all things save one only, namely, that Ailill possesses the far-famed white Bull, Fionbannah.[5](5/ "tree and pragmatics") Meave hearing that Conor Conchobar, King of Uladh,\[25\] boasts a black Bull mightier yet, is fain to purchase it, but cannot prevail so far.[6](6/ "tree and pragmatics") She therefore declares war against Uladh.[7](7/ "tree and pragmatics") There meets her Faythleen the Witch, who prophesies calamity, but promises that in aid of Meave she will breathe over the realm of Uladh a spirit of imbecility.[8](8/ "tree and pragmatics") This she does; yet Cuchullain, unaided, afflicts the whole army of Meave by exploits which to him are but sports.[9](9/ "tree and pragmatics") Fergus, the exiled King of Uladh, narrates to Meave the high deeds of Cuchullain wrought in his childhood.[10](10/ "tree and pragmatics") In Cruachan, old Connacht’s palace pile, Dwelt Meave, the queen, haughtiest of woman’s kind, A warrioress untamed that made her will The measure of the world.[11](11/ "tree and pragmatics") The all-conquering years Conquered not her: the strength of endless prime Lived in her royal tread and breast and eye A life immortal.[12](12/ "tree and pragmatics") Queenly was her brow; Fulgent her eye; her countenance beauteous, save When wrath o’er-flamed its beauty.[13](13/ "tree and pragmatics") With her dwelt Ailill her husband, trivial man and quaint, And early old.[14](14/ "tree and pragmatics") He had not chosen her: She chose a consort who should rule her not, And tossed him to her throne.[15](15/ "tree and pragmatics") In youth her lord Was Conor Conchobar, great Uladh’s King: She had not found him docile to her will, And to her sire returned.[16](16/ "tree and pragmatics") The August morn Had trailed already on the stony floor Its fiery beam when, laughing, Ailill woke: He woke, awakened by a sound that shook The forest dews to earth, Fionbannah’s roar, That snow-white Bull, the wonder of the age, Who, born amid the lowlands of the queen, Yet, grown to strength, o’er-leaped her bound and roamed Thenceforth the leaner pastures of the king, For this cause, that his spirit scorned to live In female vassalage.[17](17/ "tree and pragmatics") That tale recalling King Ailill laughed: his laughter roused the queen: She woke in wrath: to assuage her Ailill spake; ‘Happy and blest that dame whose lord is sage\![18](18/ "tree and pragmatics") Thy fortunes, wife of mine, began that day I called thee spouse!’[19](19/ "tree and pragmatics") To him the queen, ‘My sire Was Erin’s Ard-Righ\![20](20/ "tree and pragmatics") \[26\] Daughters six had he: I, Meave, of these was fairest and most famed\![21](21/ "tree and pragmatics") This Cruachan was mine before we met; And all the Island’s princes sued my hand.[22](22/ "tree and pragmatics") I spurned their offers! three things I required-- A warrior proved, since great at arms am I; A liberal hand, since lavish I of gifts; A man not jealous, since, in love as war, There where I willed I ever cast mine eyes.[23](23/ "tree and pragmatics") These merits three were yours: I beckoned to you: Dowered you with ingots thicker than your wrist; Made you a king, or kingling.[24](24/ "tree and pragmatics") What of that?[25](25/ "tree and pragmatics") I might have chosen a better\![26](26/ "tree and pragmatics") Yea, I count My greatness more than yours!’[27](27/ "tree and pragmatics") With treble shrill Ailill replied; ‘What words are these, my queen?[28](28/ "tree and pragmatics") My father was a king; my brothers kings\![29](29/ "tree and pragmatics") My hoards are higher heaped than yours; my meads More deep, more rich!’[30](30/ "tree and pragmatics") Then loudly stormed the queen:-- In rushed her lords, and stood, a senate grave, Circling the couch: and while, each answering each, Ailill and Meave set forth in order due The treasures either boasted, kine, or sheep, Rich cornfield, jewel’d robe, or gem-wrought car, Careful they weighed the lists in equal scale And ’twixt them found in value difference none.[31](31/ "tree and pragmatics") Doubtful they stood.[32](32/ "tree and pragmatics") Anon rolled forth once more Fionbannah’s roar; and, leaping from his bed King Ailill shouted; ‘Mine, not thine, that Bull\![33](33/ "tree and pragmatics") Through him my treasure passes thine, my queen\![34](34/ "tree and pragmatics") My worth exceeds thy worth!’[35](35/ "tree and pragmatics") At once forth stepped Mac Roth, old Connacht’s herald, with this word: ‘Great queen, the King of Uladh boasts a Bull Lordlier than ours, a broader bulk, and black, Black as the raven’s wing\![36](36/ "tree and pragmatics") In Daré’s charge That marvel bides, the Donn Cuailgné named Because his lowings shake Cuailgné’s shore, The southern bound of Uladh.[37](37/ "tree and pragmatics") Privilege He hath that neither witch nor demon tempt That precinct where he harbours.’[38](38/ "tree and pragmatics") Meave exclaimed, ‘Fly hence, Mac Roth\![39](39/ "tree and pragmatics") Take with thee golden store, Rich garments, chariots gemmed: bid Daré choose; But bring me back that Bull!’[40](40/ "tree and pragmatics") Three days had passed: Then by the tower of Daré stood Mac Roth And blew his horn; and Daré’s sons with speed Flung the gate wide.[41](41/ "tree and pragmatics") The herald entered in And spake his message.[42](42/ "tree and pragmatics") Proudly Daré mused, ‘Great Meave my friendship sues;’ and made a feast, And, when the wine had warmed him spake; ‘Mac Roth\![43](43/ "tree and pragmatics") Cuailgné’s Donn is Conor’s Bull, not mine: Yet, though the king should hurl me outcast forth, To Meave that Bull shall go and bide a year.[44](44/ "tree and pragmatics") Tell her the Donn is manlike in his mind, And not like Bulls.[45](45/ "tree and pragmatics") Long summer eves he stands, Or paces stately up the mead and down Eyeing the racing youths, or glad at heart Listening the music.’[46](46/ "tree and pragmatics") Thus he pledged his faith.[47](47/ "tree and pragmatics") But Daré’s sons at midnight, each to each, Whispered; ‘the king will chase us from the realm\![48](48/ "tree and pragmatics") He hates Queen Meave, and well he loves the Donn;’ And stood next morn beside their sire, and spake, ‘Mac Roth is gone a hunting: ere he went He sware that you had yielded him the Donn Fearing his sword.’[49](49/ "tree and pragmatics") Then Daré’s heart was changed, And loud by all his swearing Gods he sware ‘Cuailgné’s Donn shall ne’er consort with Meave, Nor with her kine:’ and on his gate he set The castle’s Fool waiting Mac Roth’s return, And charged him with this greeting; ‘Back to Meave\![50](50/ "tree and pragmatics") Thy queen she is, not Uladh’s\![51](51/ "tree and pragmatics") Bid her know Our Donn and we revere Fionbannah’s choice, Her Bull, that leaped her gate and swam her flood, Spurning the female rule!’[52](52/ "tree and pragmatics") Then turned Mac Roth His car; and sideway shook one hand irate; And lashed the steeds, and reached great Cruachan, And, instant upon all who heard his tale Like lightning fell the battle rage.[53](53/ "tree and pragmatics") The queen, Sent forth her heralds, east, and west, and south, Summoning her great allies.[54](54/ "tree and pragmatics") Erin, that day Save Uladh only, stood conjoined with Meave, Great kings, and warriors named from chiefs of old Sons of Milesius; for King Conor’s craft And that proud onset of the Red-Branch Knights Year after year had galled their hearts. ’[55](55/ "tree and pragmatics") Twas come\![56](56/ "tree and pragmatics") The day of vengeance\![57](57/ "tree and pragmatics") In their might they rose From Eyrus’ vales to utmost Cahirnane, From Oileen Arda on to Borda Lu, And where the loud wave breaks on Beara’s isle; And by the hallowed banks of Darvra’s lake Where, changed to swans, the Children Four of Lir, Dowerless on earth, their home the homeless waves, Darkling yet gladdening gloomier hearts with light, And sad yet solaced through one conquering hope, By song had vanquished sorrow.[58](58/ "tree and pragmatics") From the West, Came Inachall, and Adarc.[59](59/ "tree and pragmatics") Eiderkool Marched, ever shrilling songs and shaking spears: And, mightier far, with never slumbering hearts And eyes that stared through long desire of home Uladh’s three thousand exiles, driven far forth When Conor Conchobar, trampling his pledge, Slaughtered the sons of Usnach.[60](60/ "tree and pragmatics") At their head Rode Fergus, Uladh’s King ere traitor yet Had filched its royal crown; and by his side, Faithful in exile, Cormac Conlinglas, King Conor’s bravest son.[61](61/ "tree and pragmatics") That host the queen To Ai led, where Ai’s four great plains Shine in the rising and the setting sun, Gold-green, with all their flag-flowers, meres, and streams: There planted she her camp; thence ever rang Neighing of horse, and tempest song of bard, And graver voice of prophet and of seer Who ceased not, day or night, for fifteen days From warnings to the people, ‘Be ye one;’-- Yet one the people were not.[62](62/ "tree and pragmatics") Meave the while, Resting upon those great and growing hosts Her widening eyes, rejoiced within, and clutched The sceptre-staff with closer grasp, and heaved Higher her solid, broad, imperial breast, Amorous of battle nigh at hand.[63](63/ "tree and pragmatics") Yet oft, Listening those bickerings in her camp she frowned: For still the chieftains strove; and one, a king Briarind, had tongue so sharp, where’er he moved A guard was round him set lest spleen of his Should set the monarchs ravening each on each.[64](64/ "tree and pragmatics") ‘The hand of Fergus,’ mused she, ‘that alone Might solder yonder mass.[65](65/ "tree and pragmatics") Men note in him His front, his voice, his stature, and his step, The one time King of Uladh.[66](66/ "tree and pragmatics") Held he rule-- He shall not for my will endures it not\![67](67/ "tree and pragmatics") He props my war because, long years our guest, His honour needs not less; with us he marches Athirst for vengeance and his native land, Yet scoffs our cause, and sent, spurning surprise, To Uladh challenge loud.’[68](68/ "tree and pragmatics") Again she mused, ‘A man love-worthy if he loved again!-- At best ’twould be to him a moment’s sport\![69](69/ "tree and pragmatics") The battle and the stag-hunt, these alone, He counts a prince’s pastimes!’[70](70/ "tree and pragmatics") Sudden from heaven Eclipse there fell on Ai’s spacious plains, And shadow black; these noting, Meave revolved That dread Red Branch in act and counsel one; And, brooding thus, with inner eye she saw No longer men but skeletons of men Innumerable in intertangled mass Burthening the fields far spread.[71](71/ "tree and pragmatics") Aloud she cried, ‘On to Moytura where the prophet dwells;’ And straight her charioteer the horses smote And tamed them with the reins: and lo! what time The noontide sun with keenest splendour blazed, Right opposite upon the chariot’s beam There sat a wondrous woman phantom-faced Singing and weaving.[72](72/ "tree and pragmatics") Shapely was that head Bent o’er her web, while back the sun-like hair Streamed on the wind.[73](73/ "tree and pragmatics") One hand upreared a sword: Seven chains fell from it.[74](74/ "tree and pragmatics") Sea-blue were her eyes, And berry-red her scornful lip; her cheek White as the snow-drift of a single night; Her voice like harp-strings when the harper’s hand Half drowns their pathos.[75](75/ "tree and pragmatics") Close as bark to tree The azure robe clung to that virgin form Sinewy and long, and reached the shining feet.[76](76/ "tree and pragmatics") Then spake the queen; ‘What see’st thou in that web?’[77](77/ "tree and pragmatics") And she, ‘I see a kingdom’s destinies; And they are like a countenance dashed with blood: Faythleen am I, the Witch.’[78](78/ "tree and pragmatics") To her the queen; ‘I bid thee say what see’st thou in my host, Faythleen, the Witch!’[79](79/ "tree and pragmatics") And Faythleen answered slow, ‘The hue of blood: sunset on sunset charged.’[80](80/ "tree and pragmatics") Then fixed that Wild One on the North her eyes, And Meave made answer; ‘In those eyes I see The fates they see; great Uladh’s realm full-armed, And all that Red Branch Order as one man.’[81](81/ "tree and pragmatics") Faythleen replied; ‘One man alone I see; One man, yet mightier than a realm in arms\![82](82/ "tree and pragmatics") That Watch-Hound watching still by Uladh’s gate Is mightier thrice than Uladh: on his brow Spring-tide sits throned; yet ruin loads his hand.[83](83/ "tree and pragmatics") If e’er Cuchullain rides in Uladh’s van Flee to thy hills and isles!’[84](84/ "tree and pragmatics") Meave bit her lip: But wildly sang the Witch; ‘Faythleen am I, Thy People’s patron mid the Powers unseen: Beware that youth invisible for speed, Who hears that whisper none beside can hear, Sees what none other sees; before whose eye The wild beast cowers, subdued\![85](85/ "tree and pragmatics") Beware that youth Slender as maid, whose stature in the fight Rises gigantic.[86](86/ "tree and pragmatics") Gamesome he and mild; To woman reverent and the hoary hair; Nor alms he stints nor incense to the Gods; But when from heaven the anger on him breaks Pity he knows for none.[87](87/ "tree and pragmatics") No pact with him\![88](88/ "tree and pragmatics") Return with speed and march to-morrow morn: The clan of Cailitin shall yield thee aid, That magic clan which fights with poisoned darts.[89](89/ "tree and pragmatics") To Uladh I, above her realm to spread Mantle of darkness, and a mind that errs, And powerlessness, and shame.’[90](90/ "tree and pragmatics") Due north she sped, Far fleeting, wind-upborne! ’twixt hill and cloud, To Uladh’s cliffs, and thence with prone descent Sank to the myriad-murmuring sea wine-dark, And whispered to the Genii of the deep, Her sisters:--then from ocean’s breast there rose A mist, no larger than a dead man’s shroud, That, slowly widening, spread o’er Uladh’s realm Mantle of darkness, and an erring mind, And powerlessness, and shame.[91](91/ "tree and pragmatics") The queen returned, And reached her host what time the sunset glare With omnipresent splendour girt it round, Concourse immortalised.[92](92/ "tree and pragmatics") Thereon she gazed High standing in her chariot, spear in hand: Her too that army saw, and raised the shout.[93](93/ "tree and pragmatics") But Fergus, as she passed him spake: ‘not yet Know’st thou my Uladh, nor the Red Branch Knights; And one man is there mightier thrice than they.’[94](94/ "tree and pragmatics") Meantime within Murthemné’s land its lord Cuchullain, musing like a listening hound, For many a rumour filled that time the air, Sat in remote Dûn Dalgan\[27\] all alone, Chief city of his realm.[95](95/ "tree and pragmatics") On Uladh’s verge Southward that lesser realm dependent lay Girt by a racing river.[96](96/ "tree and pragmatics") Silent long He watched: at last he heard a sound like wind[97](97/ "tree and pragmatics") In woods remote; and earthward bowed his head; And said; ‘that sound is distant thirty leagues, And huge that host;’ then bade prepare his car, And southward sped, counsel to hold as wont With Faythleen nigh to Tara.[98](98/ "tree and pragmatics") Eve grew dim When lo! a chariot from the woods emerged In swift pursuit: an old man urged the steeds, A grey old man that chattered evermore With blinking eyes that ceased not from amaze.[99](99/ "tree and pragmatics") That sight displeased Cuchullain: ne’ertheless He stayed his course; and Saltain soon drew nigh, Clamouring, ‘O son--and when was son like thee-- Forsake not thou thy father\![100](100/ "tree and pragmatics") In old time, Then when some God had laid on me his hand, Dectara, my wife, immured me in my house, Year after year, and weighed the lessening dole: But thou, to manhood grown, though even to her Reverent, didst pluck her from that place usurped, Lifting thy poor old father.’[101](101/ "tree and pragmatics") At that word Cuchullain left his car, and kissed his sire, And soothed his wandering wits with meat and wine; And spake dissembling; ‘lo, these mantles warm\![102](102/ "tree and pragmatics") Prescient, for thee I stored them\![103](103/ "tree and pragmatics") Night is near; Lie down and rest.’[104](104/ "tree and pragmatics") Thus speaking, with both hands Deftly he spread them wide; and Saltain slept: Then, tethering first the horses of his sire, Lastly his own, upon the chill, wet grass He likewise lay, and slept not.[105](105/ "tree and pragmatics") On, at dawn They drave; but Faythleen, witch perverse of will, That oft through spleenful change her purpose slew, Had broken tryst; and northward they returned.[106](106/ "tree and pragmatics") That day Cuchullain clomb a rock tree-girt And kenned beyond the forest’s roof a host Innumerable, the standards of Queen Meave, And Fergus, and the great confederate kings.[107](107/ "tree and pragmatics") The warrior eyed them long with bitter smile; Few words he spake: ‘At fifty thousand men I count them.’[108](108/ "tree and pragmatics") To his father then he turned: ‘Haste to Emania\![109](109/ "tree and pragmatics") Bid the Red Branch Knights Attend me in Murthemné.[110](110/ "tree and pragmatics") I till then Hang on the invaders’ flank, a fiery scourge.’[111](111/ "tree and pragmatics") Saltain made answer: ‘Be it! northward I: But Dectara, thy mother, and my wife, Till thou art by my side I will not see; For dreadful are her eyes as death or fate; And many deem her mad.’[112](112/ "tree and pragmatics") He spake, and drave Northward; nor ceased from chatterings all day long, Since, like a Poplar, vocal was the man Not less than visible.[113](113/ "tree and pragmatics") Meantime his son Took counsel in his heart, and made resolve To skirt, in homeward course, that eastern sea, The woods primeval ’twixt him and the foe, Still sallying night and day through alley and glade And taming thus their pride.[114](114/ "tree and pragmatics") Three days went by: Then stood Cuchullain where great wood-ways met; And lo! betwixt four yews a warrior’s grave, The pillar-stone above it\![115](115/ "tree and pragmatics") O’er that stone In mirthful mood he twined an osier wreath, Cyphering thereon his name in Ogham signs: For thus he said; ‘On no man unawares Fall I, but warned.’[116](116/ "tree and pragmatics") The hostile host approached, And, halting stood in wonder at that wreath; Yet none could spell the Ogham.[117](117/ "tree and pragmatics") Last drew nigh Fergus, and read it: on him fell that hour Memories full dear, and loud he sang and long; He sang a warrior’s praise: yet named him not; He sang; ‘From name of man to name of beast A warrior changed: then mightiest grew of men!’[118](118/ "tree and pragmatics") And, as he sang, the cheek of Meave grew red.[119](119/ "tree and pragmatics") Next morn Neara’s sons outsped the rest Car-borne with brandished spears; and, ere the dew Was lifted, came to where Cuchullain sat Beneath an oak, sporting with black-birds twain That followed him for aye.[120](120/ "tree and pragmatics") Toward the youths He waved his hand; ‘Away, for ye are young!’[121](121/ "tree and pragmatics") In answer forth they flung their spears: he caught them, And snapt them on his knee; next, swift as fire, Sprang on the twain, and slew them with his sword, One blow:--anon he loosed their horses’ bits, And they, with madness winged, rejoined the host, Bearing those headless bulks.[122](122/ "tree and pragmatics") Forth looked the queen; Beheld; and, trembling, cried; ‘It might have been Orloff, my son!’[123](123/ "tree and pragmatics") That eve, at banquet ranged The warriors questioned Fergus; ‘Who is best Among the Uladh chiefs?’[124](124/ "tree and pragmatics") Ere answer came King Conor’s son self-exiled, Conlinglas, Upleaping cried, ‘Cuchullain is his name\![125](125/ "tree and pragmatics") Cuchullain\![126](126/ "tree and pragmatics") From his childhood man was he\![127](127/ "tree and pragmatics") On Eman Macha\[28\] ever was his thought, Its walls, its bulwarks, and its Red Branch Knights, The wonder of the world.’[128](128/ "tree and pragmatics") Then told the prince How, when his mother mocked his zeal, that child Fared forth alone, with wooden sword and shield, And fife, and silver ball; and how he hurled His little spears before him as he ran, And caught them ere they fell; and how, arrived, He spurned great Eman’s gates, and scaled its wall, And lighted in the pleasaunce of the king, His mother’s brother, Conor Conchobar; And how the noble youths of all that land There trained in warlike arts, had on him dashed With insult and with blows: and how the child This way and that had hurled them, while the king Who sat that hour with Fergus, playing chess, Gazed from his turret wondering.[129](129/ "tree and pragmatics") Next he told How to that child, Setanta first, there fell Cuchullain’s nobler name.[130](130/ "tree and pragmatics") ‘To Eman near There dwelt an armourer, Cullain was his name, That earliest rose, and latest with his forge Reddened the night: mail-clad in might of his The Red Branch Knights forth rode; the bard, the chief Claimed him for friend.[131](131/ "tree and pragmatics") One day, when Conor’s self Partook his feast, the armourer held discourse; “The Gods have made my house a house of fame: The craftsmen grin and grudge because I prosper: The forest bandits hunger for my goods, Yea, and would eat mine anvil if they might-- Trow ye what saves me, Sirs?[132](132/ "tree and pragmatics") A Hound is mine, Each eve I loose him, lion-like, and fell; The blood of many a rogue is on his mouth: The bravest, if they hear him bay far off, Flee like a deer!”[133](133/ "tree and pragmatics") Setanta’s shout rang loud That moment at the gate, and, with it blent, The baying of that hound\![134](134/ "tree and pragmatics") “The boy is dead,” King Conor cried in horror.[135](135/ "tree and pragmatics") Forth they rushed-- There stood he, bright and calm, his rigid hands Clasping the dead hound’s throat\![136](136/ "tree and pragmatics") They wept for joy: The armourer wept for grief.[137](137/ "tree and pragmatics") “My friend is dead\![138](138/ "tree and pragmatics") My friend that kept my house and me at peace: My friend that loved his lord!”[139](139/ "tree and pragmatics") Setanta heard Then first that cry forth issuing from the heart Of him whose labour wins his children’s bread; That cry he honours yet.[140](140/ "tree and pragmatics") Red-cheeked he spake; “Cullain! unwittingly I did thee wrong\![141](141/ "tree and pragmatics") I make amends.[142](142/ "tree and pragmatics") I, child of kings, henceforth Abide, thy watch-hound, warder of thy house.”[143](143/ "tree and pragmatics") Thenceforth the ‘Hound of Cullain’\[29\] was his name, And Cullain’s house well warded.’[144](144/ "tree and pragmatics") Stern of brow The queen arose: ‘Enough of fables, lords\![145](145/ "tree and pragmatics") Drink to the victory\![146](146/ "tree and pragmatics") Ere yon moon is dead We knock at gates of Eman.’[147](147/ "tree and pragmatics") High she held The crimson goblet.[148](148/ "tree and pragmatics") Instant, felt ere heard, Vibration strange troubled the moonlit air; A long-drawn hiss o’er-ran it: then a cry, Death-cry of warrior wounded to the death.[149](149/ "tree and pragmatics") They rose: they gazed around: upon a rock Cuchullain stood.[150](150/ "tree and pragmatics") The warrior said in heart, ‘I will not slay her; yet her pride shall die!’[151](151/ "tree and pragmatics") Again that hiss: instant the golden crown Fell from her head\![152](152/ "tree and pragmatics") In anger round she glared:-- Once more that hiss long-drawn, and in her hand The goblet, shivered, stood\![153](153/ "tree and pragmatics") She cast it down; She cried; ‘Since first I sat, a queen new-crowned, Never such ignominy, or spleen of scorn Hath mocked my greatness!’[154](154/ "tree and pragmatics") Fiercely rushed the chiefs Against the aggressor.[155](155/ "tree and pragmatics") Through the high-roofed woods They saw him distant like a falling star Kindling the air with speed.[156](156/ "tree and pragmatics") Ere long, close by He stood with sling high holden.[157](157/ "tree and pragmatics") At its sound Ever some great one died\![158](158/ "tree and pragmatics") The morrow morn Cuchullain reached a lawn: tall autumn grass Whitened within it; but the Beech trees round Were russet brown, the thorn-brakes berry-flushed: Passing, he raised his spear, and launched it forth Earthward: there stood it buried in the soil Halfway, and quivering.[159](159/ "tree and pragmatics") Loud Cuchullain laughed, And cried, ‘It quivers like the tail of swine Gladdened by acorn feast!’ then drew he rein And with one sword-stroke felled a youngling Birch And bound it to that spear, and on its bark Silvery and smooth, graved with his lance’s point In Ogham characters the words, ‘Beware\![160](160/ "tree and pragmatics") Unless thou know’st what hand this Ogham traced Twine yonder berries mid thy young bride’s locks, But spare to tempt that hand!’[161](161/ "tree and pragmatics") An hour passed by And Meave had reached the spot.[162](162/ "tree and pragmatics") Chief following chief Drew near in turn; yet none could drag from earth That spear deep-buried.[163](163/ "tree and pragmatics") Fergus laughed; ‘Let be Connacians\![164](164/ "tree and pragmatics") Task is here for Uladh’s hand!’[165](165/ "tree and pragmatics") Then, standing in his car, he clutched the spear And tugged it thrice.[166](166/ "tree and pragmatics") The third time ’neath his feet Down crashed the strong-built chariot to the ground.[167](167/ "tree and pragmatics") He laughed\![168](168/ "tree and pragmatics") The queen in anger cried, ‘March on!’[169](169/ "tree and pragmatics") The host advanced, disordered.[170](170/ "tree and pragmatics") Foremost drave Orloff, Meave’s son.[171](171/ "tree and pragmatics") That morning he had wed A maid, the loveliest in his mother’s court, And yearned to prove his valour in her eyes.[172](172/ "tree and pragmatics") Sudden he came to where Cuchullain stood Pasturing his steeds with grass and flower forth held In wooing, dallying hand.[173](173/ "tree and pragmatics") Cuchullain said ‘The queen’s son this\![174](174/ "tree and pragmatics") I will not harm the youth,’ And waved him to depart.[175](175/ "tree and pragmatics") That stripling turned Yet, turning, hurled his javelin.[176](176/ "tree and pragmatics") As it flew The swift one caught it; poised it; hurled it home: It pierced that youth from back to breast; he fell Dead on the chariot’s floor.[177](177/ "tree and pragmatics") The steeds rushed on Wind-swift; and reached the camp.[178](178/ "tree and pragmatics") There sat the queen Throned in her car, listening the host’s applause: In swoon she fell, and lay as lie the dead.[179](179/ "tree and pragmatics") Next morn again the invaders marched, nor knew What foe was he who, mocking, thinned their ranks, Trampled their pride; who, lacking spear and car, Viewless by day, by night a fleeting fire, Dragged down their mightiest, in the death cry shrill Drowning the revel.[180](180/ "tree and pragmatics") Fergus knew the man, Fergus alone; nor yet divulged his name, Oft muttering, ‘These be men who fight for Bulls-- I war to shake a Perjurer from his throne, And count no brave man foe.’[181](181/ "tree and pragmatics") Again at feast Ailill made question of the Red Branch Knights: Fergus replied; ‘Cuchullain is their best: I taught him arms\![182](182/ "tree and pragmatics") Hear of his Knighting Day\![183](183/ "tree and pragmatics") ‘Northward of Eman lies a pleasaunce green: The Arch-Druid, Cathbad, gazer on the stars, While there the youths contended, beckoned one And whispered, “Happy shall that stripling prove Knighted this day\![184](184/ "tree and pragmatics") Glorious his life, though brief!”[185](185/ "tree and pragmatics") That hour Cuchullain stood beyond the wall South of the city, yet that whisper heard\![186](186/ "tree and pragmatics") He heard, and cried; “Enough one day of life If great my deeds, and helpful!”[187](187/ "tree and pragmatics") Swift of foot He sped to Conor.[188](188/ "tree and pragmatics") “I demand, great king, Knighthood this day, and knighthood at thy hand.”[189](189/ "tree and pragmatics") But Conor laughed; “Not fifteen years are thine\![190](190/ "tree and pragmatics") Withhold thyself yet three.”[191](191/ "tree and pragmatics") That self-same hour Old Cathbad entered, and his Druid clan, And spake; “King Conor! by my bed last night Great Macha stood, the worship of our race, Our strength in realms unseen.[192](192/ "tree and pragmatics") ‘Arise,’ she said; ‘To Conor speed: to him report my will: That youth knighted this day is mine Elect\![193](193/ "tree and pragmatics") I, Macha, send him forth!’[194](194/ "tree and pragmatics") ‘“She spake and passed: Trembled the place like cliffs o’er ocean caves: Like thunder underground I heard her wheels In echoes slowly dying.”[195](195/ "tree and pragmatics") ‘Fixed and firm King Conor stood.[196](196/ "tree and pragmatics") Sternly he made reply: “Queen Macha had her day and ruled: far down Doubtless this hour she rules, or rules aloft: I rule in Eman and this Uladh realm: I will not knight a stripling!”[197](197/ "tree and pragmatics") Prophet-like Up-towered old Cathbad, and his clan black-stoled.[198](198/ "tree and pragmatics") This way and that they rolled prophetic bolts Three hours; and brake with warnings from the stars And mandates from the synod of the Gods, The king’s resolve.[199](199/ "tree and pragmatics") At last he cried, “So be it\![200](200/ "tree and pragmatics") Since Gods, like men, grow witless, be it so\![201](201/ "tree and pragmatics") The worse for Eman, and great Macha’s land-- Stand forth, my sister’s son!”[202](202/ "tree and pragmatics") He spake and bound The Geisa, and the edicts, and the vows Of that dread Red Branch Order on the boy, And gave him sword and lance.[203](203/ "tree and pragmatics") ‘An eye star-keen That boy upon them fixed, and, each on each, Smote them.[204](204/ "tree and pragmatics") They snapt in twain.[205](205/ "tree and pragmatics") Laughing, he cried, “Good art thou, Uncle mine; but these are base: I need a warrior’s weapons!”[206](206/ "tree and pragmatics") Conor signed; Then brought his knaves ten swords, and lances ten: Cuchullain eyed them each and snapt them all, The concourse marvelling.[207](207/ "tree and pragmatics") “Varlets,” cried the king, “Bring forth my arms of battle!”[208](208/ "tree and pragmatics") These in turn Cuchullain proved: they brake not.[209](209/ "tree and pragmatics") Up they dragged A battle-car.[210](210/ "tree and pragmatics") Cuchullain leaped therein: With feet far set he spurned its brazen floor That roared and sank in fragments.[211](211/ "tree and pragmatics") Chariots twelve Successive thus he vanquished.[212](212/ "tree and pragmatics") “Uncle mine, Good art thou,” cried the youth; “but these are base!”[213](213/ "tree and pragmatics") King Conor signed, “My car of battle!”[214](214/ "tree and pragmatics") Leagh The charioteer forth brought it with the steeds: Cuchullain proved that war-car and it stood.[215](215/ "tree and pragmatics") Careless he spake: “So, well\![216](216/ "tree and pragmatics") The car will serve\![217](217/ "tree and pragmatics") Abide ye my return.”[218](218/ "tree and pragmatics") ‘He shook the reins: He called the horses by their names well-known: He dashed through Eman’s gateway as a storm: Far off a darksome wood and darksome tower Frowned over Mallok’s wave: therein abode Three bandit chieftains, foes to man: well pleased Those bandits eyed the on-rushing car, and youth, Exulting in their prey: arrived, with gibes He summoned them to judgment: forth they thronged, They and their clan: he slew them with his sling, The three; and severed with his sword their heads, And fixed them on the chariot’s front.[219](219/ "tree and pragmatics") His mood Changed into mirthful: fleeter than the wind Six stags went by him, stateliest of the herd; Afoot he chased them, caught them, bound them fast Behind the chariot rail.[220](220/ "tree and pragmatics") Birds saw he next White as a foam-wreath of their native sea, Spotting the glebe new turned.[221](221/ "tree and pragmatics") A net lay near: He caged them; next he tied them to his car Wide-winged, and wailing loud.[222](222/ "tree and pragmatics") To Eman’s towers Returned he then with laughter: at its gate The king, the chiefs, grey Druids, maids red-cloaked, Agape to see him--on his chariot’s front The grim heads of those bandits; in its rear Those stags wide-horned; and, high o’erhead the birds!’[223](223/ "tree and pragmatics") The laughter ceasing, spake King Conor’s son; ‘Recount the wonder of those fairy steeds That drag Cuchullain’s war-car!’[224](224/ "tree and pragmatics") Fergus then, Despite Queen Meave, who plaited still her robe With angry hectic hand, the tale began.[225](225/ "tree and pragmatics") ‘Cuchullain paced the herbage thin that clothes Slieve Fuad’s summit.[226](226/ "tree and pragmatics") On that airy height A wan lake glittered, whitening in the blast, Pale plains around it.[227](227/ "tree and pragmatics") From beneath that lake Emerged a horse foam-white\![228](228/ "tree and pragmatics") Cuchullain saw, And straightway round that creature’s neck high-held Locked the lithe arms no struggles could unwind.[229](229/ "tree and pragmatics") That courser baffled clothed his strength with speed: From cliff to cliff he sped; cleared at a bound Inlet, and rocky rift; nor stayed his course, Men say, till he had circled Erin’s Isle.[230](230/ "tree and pragmatics") Panting then lay he, on his conqueror’s knee Resting his head; thenceforth that conqueror’s friend, His “Liath Macha.”[231](231/ "tree and pragmatics") Gentle-souled is she “Sangland,” the wild one’s comrade.[232](232/ "tree and pragmatics") As the night Sank on those huge red-berried woods of Yew Loch Darvra’s girdle, from beneath the wave She issued, darker still.[233](233/ "tree and pragmatics") Softly she paced, As though with woman’s foot, the grassy marge In violets diapered, and laid her head Upon Cuchullain’s shoulder.[234](234/ "tree and pragmatics") In his wars Emulous those mated marvels drag his car: In peace he yokes them never.’[235](235/ "tree and pragmatics") Fergus rose: ‘Night wanes,’ he said, ‘and tasks await my hand:’ Passing the throne he whispered thus the queen, ‘The Hound of Uladh is your visitant Both day and night.’[236](236/ "tree and pragmatics") The cheek of Meave grew pale.[237](237/ "tree and pragmatics") - ← previous: [Opening, part 10](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg78491/10/) - next →: [Opening, part 12](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg78491/12/) - ↑ back to [The foray of Queen Meave, and other legends of Ireland's heroic age](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg78491/)