--- title: Opening, part 12 — The foray of Queen Meave, and other legends of I… · full text with trees description: Opening, part 12, «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 II. --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg78491/12/) [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 12 # Opening, part 12 Opening, part 12 of «The foray of Queen Meave, and other legends of Ireland's heroic age» by Aubrey De Vere: the whole text, 173 sentences and 3488 words. The small number after every sentence leads to its own page with its syntax tree and pragmatics, parsed by Mova itself. FRAGMENT II.[1](1/ "tree and pragmatics") \_THE DEEDS OF CUCHULLAIN.[2](2/ "tree and pragmatics") ARGUMENT.[3](3/ "tree and pragmatics") Fergus is sent to Cuchullain with gifts, and requires him to forsake King Conor.[4](4/ "tree and pragmatics") This he will not do, yet consents to forbear Meave’s host till she has reached the border of Uladh, the queen engaging that the warfare shall then be restricted to a combat between himself and a single champion sent against him day by day.[5](5/ "tree and pragmatics") Each day Meave’s champion is slain.[6](6/ "tree and pragmatics") Cailitin, lord of the Magic Clan, counsels Meave to send against Cuchullain his best-loved friend Ferdīa; yet she sends, instead, Lok Mac Favesh.[7](7/ "tree and pragmatics") When he too falls, Cailitin and his twenty-seven sons, all magicians, fling themselves upon Cuchullain to slay him.[8](8/ "tree and pragmatics") Cuchullain slays them.[9](9/ "tree and pragmatics") The Mor Reega, the War-Goddess of the Gael, prophesies to him that there yet awaits him the greatest of his trials.[10](10/ "tree and pragmatics") After ninety days of combat Cuchullain’s father brings him tidings that all Uladh lies bound under a spell of imbecility.[11](11/ "tree and pragmatics") Thus ever day by day, and night by night, Through strength of him that mid the royal host Passed, and re-passed like thought, the bravest fell; For ne’er against the inglorious or the small That warrior raised his hand.[12](12/ "tree and pragmatics") Then Ailill spake; ‘Let Fergus seek that champion in the woods, Gift-laden, and withdraw him from his king:’ But Fergus answered; ‘Sue and be refused\![13](13/ "tree and pragmatics") That great one loves his country.[14](14/ "tree and pragmatics") Heard ye never How when King Conor’s sin, that forfeit pledge Plighted with Usnach’s sons, had left the Accursed Crownless, and Eman’s bulwarks in the dust, Her elders on Cuchullain worked, what time He came my work of vengeance to complete?[15](15/ "tree and pragmatics") They said, “Cuchullain loves his land o’er all\![16](16/ "tree and pragmatics") The man besides, though terrible to foes, Is tender to the weak.[17](17/ "tree and pragmatics") Through Eman’s streets Send ye proclaim, ‘Will any holy Maid To save the city take her station sole On yonder bridge, at parting of the ways, That city’s Emblem-Victim, robed in black Down from her girdle to the naked feet; Above that girdle this alone--the chains Of Eman’s gate, circling that virgin throat And down at each side streaming?[18](18/ "tree and pragmatics") It may be That dread one will relent, pitying in her Great Uladh’s self despoiled of robe and crown, Her raiment bonds and shame.’[19](19/ "tree and pragmatics") Of Eman’s maids But one, the best and purest gave consent: Alone she stood at parting of the ways: While near and nearer yet that war-car drew Wide-eyed she stood, death-pale: it stopp’d: she spake; Eman, thy Mother, stands a widow now: And many a famished babe that wrought no ill Lies mid her ruins wailing.”[20](20/ "tree and pragmatics") To the left The warrior turned his steeds.[21](21/ "tree and pragmatics") The land was saved.’[22](22/ "tree and pragmatics") Then spake the kings confederate; ‘Hard albeit That task, to draw Cuchullain from his charge, Seek him, and proffer terms!’[23](23/ "tree and pragmatics") Fergus next morn Made way through those sea-skirting woods, and cried Three times, ‘Setanta;’ and Cuchullain heard And knew that voice, and, beaming, issued forth, And clasped his ancient master round the neck, And led him to his sylvan cell.[24](24/ "tree and pragmatics") Therein Long time they held discourse of ancient days Heaven-fair through mist of years.[25](25/ "tree and pragmatics") The youthful host Set forth their rural feast, whate’er the woods And they that in them dwelt, swine-herds, and hinds, Yielded, their best: nor lacked it minstrel strain, Bird-song by autumn chilled, that brake through boughs Lit by unwarming sunshine.[26](26/ "tree and pragmatics") Banquet o’er, Fergus his errand shewed, and named the gifts By Ailill sent, and Meave.[27](27/ "tree and pragmatics") Cuchullain rose And curtly answered; ‘Never will I break My vow; nor wrong the land; nor sell my king:’ Fergus too royal was to hear surprised, Or grieved, his friend’s resolve, nor touched again Upon that pact unworthy.[28](28/ "tree and pragmatics") Happier themes Succeeded, mirthful some.[29](29/ "tree and pragmatics") Of these the last Made sport of Ailill.[30](30/ "tree and pragmatics") Fergus spake; ‘One night To Meave’s pavilion swift of foot I sped; War-tidings wait not.[31](31/ "tree and pragmatics") Ailill from afar Furtively followed, stung by jealous spleen.[32](32/ "tree and pragmatics") The queen had passed into the inner tent; I sought her there.[33](33/ "tree and pragmatics") In the outer Ailill marked My sword, that morning thither sent, a loan, For Meave had vowed with braided gems, her boast, To out-brave its hilt.[34](34/ "tree and pragmatics") His wrath was changed to joy\![35](35/ "tree and pragmatics") He snatched it up; he cried; “Hail, forfeit mine\![36](36/ "tree and pragmatics") Hail Eric just!”[37](37/ "tree and pragmatics") \[30\] and laughed his childish laugh.[38](38/ "tree and pragmatics") Since then he neither frowns on me nor smiles: He will not let me rule his foolish kings; Yet, deeming still my sword a charm ’gainst fate Wears it.[39](39/ "tree and pragmatics") An apter one for him I keep: One day ’twill raise a laugh!’[40](40/ "tree and pragmatics") In graver mood At parting Fergus spake; ‘For thee unmeet That pact of Meave, though not for her: but thou Conceal not, know’st thou meeter terms, and fit?’[41](41/ "tree and pragmatics") To whom Cuchullain; ‘Fergus, terms there be, Other, and fitter.[42](42/ "tree and pragmatics") I divulge them not: Divine them he that seeks them!’[43](43/ "tree and pragmatics") On the morn Fergus these things narrated to the chiefs In synod met.[44](44/ "tree and pragmatics") Then rose a recreant churl, And thus gave counsel; ‘Lure Cuchullain here On pretext fair; and slay him at the feast!’[45](45/ "tree and pragmatics") Against that recreant Fergus hurled his spear, And slew him, and continued, ‘Hundreds six, Our best, have perished, and our march is slow: Now, warriors, hear my counsel, and my terms.[46](46/ "tree and pragmatics") Cuchullain scorns your gifts--of such no more! ’[47](47/ "tree and pragmatics") Twixt southern Erin and my Uladh’s realm, Runs Neeth: across that river lies a ford; Speak to Cuchullain; “By that ford stand thou, Guarding thy land.[48](48/ "tree and pragmatics") Against thee, day by day, Be ours to send one champion--one alone:-- While lasts that strife forbear the host beside!”’[49](49/ "tree and pragmatics") Then roared the kings a long and loud applause, Since wise appeared that counsel: faith they pledged, And sureties in the hearing of the Gods: Likewise Cuchullain, when his friend returned, Made answer; ‘Well you guessed! a month or more My strength will hold: meantime our Uladh arms.’[50](50/ "tree and pragmatics") To seal that pact he sought the hostile camp, And shared the banquet.[51](51/ "tree and pragmatics") Wondering, all men gazed, And maidens, lifted on the warriors’ shields, Gladdened, so bright that youthful face.[52](52/ "tree and pragmatics") At morn Meave, when the chief departed, kissed his cheek: ‘Pity,’ she said, ‘that such a one should die!’[53](53/ "tree and pragmatics") The one sole time that Meave compassion felt.[54](54/ "tree and pragmatics") That eve Cuchullain drank the wave of Neeth, And wading reached Murthemné’s soil, his charge And knelt, and kissed it.[55](55/ "tree and pragmatics") As the sun declined He clomb a rocky height, and northward gazed, And cried; ‘Ye Red Branch warriors, haste\![56](56/ "tree and pragmatics") I keep The ford; but who shall guard it when I die?’[57](57/ "tree and pragmatics") Next morning by that stream the fight began, Two champions face to face: and, every morn, Rang out, renewed, that combat; every eve Again went up from that confederate host The shout of rage.[58](58/ "tree and pragmatics") Daily their bravest died, Thirty in thirty days.[59](59/ "tree and pragmatics") Feerbraoth fell; And Natherandal, though the Druid horde Above his javelins, carved at set of moon From the ever-sacred holly stem, had breathed Vain consecration, and with futile salve Anointed them: confuted soon they sailed In ignominy adown that seaward tide With him that hurled them.[60](60/ "tree and pragmatics") Eterconnel next, Dalot, and Cuir.[61](61/ "tree and pragmatics") Yet he who laid them low Was beardless at the lip:--While thus they strove A second month went by.[62](62/ "tree and pragmatics") Such things beholding The queen was moved; and in her grew one day Craving for Cruachan.[63](63/ "tree and pragmatics") But on her ear Rolled forth that hour the lowings of that Bull Cuailgné’s Donn: for he from Daré’s house Had heard, though far, the clamours of the host, And answered rage with rage.[64](64/ "tree and pragmatics") Then Meave resolved, Though all my host should perish to a man This foot shall tread no more my native plains Save with that Bull in charge\![65](65/ "tree and pragmatics") To her by night Came Cailitin, who ever walked by night Shunning mankind, and Fergus most of all, Cailitin, father of the Magic Clan, And thus addressed her; ‘Place in me thy trust\![66](66/ "tree and pragmatics") I hate Cuchullain, for he hates my spells Resting his hope on virtue.[67](67/ "tree and pragmatics") In thy camp Ferdīa bides, a Firbolg feared of all.[68](68/ "tree and pragmatics") Win him to meet Cuchullain.[69](69/ "tree and pragmatics") They in youth Were friends: to slay that friend will lay a hand Icy as death upon Cuchullain’s heart.[70](70/ "tree and pragmatics") Ferdīa dies--thus much mine art foreshews-- Then I, since magic spells have puissance most Upon a soul depressed and body sick, Fall on him with my seven and twenty sons, Magicians all.[71](71/ "tree and pragmatics") One are we: thence with one May fight, thy pledge unflawed.[72](72/ "tree and pragmatics") A drop of blood Shed by our swords, though small as beetle’s eye, Costs him his life.’[73](73/ "tree and pragmatics") Fiercely the queen replied, ‘A Firbolg\![74](74/ "tree and pragmatics") Never!’[75](75/ "tree and pragmatics") Cailitin resumed, ‘Then send for Lok Mac Favesh!’[76](76/ "tree and pragmatics") With the morn Mac Favesh sought her tent.[77](77/ "tree and pragmatics") Direful his mien; Massive his stride; his body brawny and huge; For, though of Gaelic race, the stock of Ir, With him was mingled giant blood of old, Wild blood of Nemedh’s brood that hurled sea rocks ’Gainst the Fomorian.[78](78/ "tree and pragmatics") Oft the advancing tide Drowned both, in battle knit.[79](79/ "tree and pragmatics") Before the queen Boastful the sea-king laid his club, and spake: ‘Queen, though to combat with a beardless boy Affronts my name, my lineage, and my strength, His petulance shall vex thine eye no more\![80](80/ "tree and pragmatics") Uladh is thine to-morrow!’[81](81/ "tree and pragmatics") At the dawn By hundreds girt, the great ones of his clan, Down drave he to the ford, and onward strode Trampling the last year’s branches strewn hard by That snapp’d beneath him.[82](82/ "tree and pragmatics") Hides of oxen seven Sustained the brazen bosses of his shield; And forth he stretched a hand that might have grasped A tiger’s throat and choked him.[83](83/ "tree and pragmatics") O’er his helm Hovered an imaged demon raven-black.[84](84/ "tree and pragmatics") Cuchullain met him; hours endured the strife, That mountained strength triumphant now, anon Cuchullain’s might divine.[85](85/ "tree and pragmatics") Then first that might Was fully tasked.[86](86/ "tree and pragmatics") Upon the bank that day Stood up a Portent seen by none save him, A Shape not human.[87](87/ "tree and pragmatics") Terribly it fixed On him alone its never-wandering eye; The dread Mor Reega,\[31\] she that from the skies O’er-rules the battle-fields, and sways at will This way or that the sable tides of death.[88](88/ "tree and pragmatics") He gazed; and, though incapable of fear, Awe, such as heroes feel, possessed his heart: Its beatings shook his brain: his corporal mould Throbbed as a branch against some river swift; And backward turned his hair like berried trails Of thorn athwart the hedge.[89](89/ "tree and pragmatics") Three several times He saw her, yet fought on.[90](90/ "tree and pragmatics") With beckoning hand At last that Portent summoned from the main A huge sea-snake: round him it twined its knots: Then on Cuchullain fell the rage from heaven: A sword-blow, and that vast sea-worm lay dead\![91](91/ "tree and pragmatics") A sword uplifted, and Mac Favesh fell Prone on the shuddering flood.[92](92/ "tree and pragmatics") In death he cried, ‘Lay me with forehead turned to Uladh’s realm;-- They shall not say that fugitive I died.’[93](93/ "tree and pragmatics") Cuchullain wrought his will: then, bleeding fast, Stood upright, leaning on his spear aslant; A warrior battle-wearied.[94](94/ "tree and pragmatics") From the bank Meantime, the dark magician, Cailitin, He and his sons, with wide and greedy eyes, That still, like one man’s eyes, together moved, Had watched that fight, counting each drop that fell Down from Cuchullain’s wounds.[95](95/ "tree and pragmatics") When faint he stood At once their cry rang out like one man’s cry; Like one their seven and twenty javelins flew: As swift, Cuchullain caught them on his shield: An instant more, and all that horde accursed Was dealing with him.[96](96/ "tree and pragmatics") From the trampled ford Went up a mist of spray that veiled that strife, Though pierced by demon cries, and flash beside Of demon swords.[97](97/ "tree and pragmatics") O’er it at last up-towered On-borne, such power to blend have Spirits impure, A single Form--as when o’er seas storm-laid The watery column reels, and draws from heaven The cloud, and drowns the ship--a single Form, And Head, and Hand, clutching Cuchullain’s crest: Not wholly sank he.[98](98/ "tree and pragmatics") O’er that mist of spray Glittered his sword.[99](99/ "tree and pragmatics") There fell a silence strange: Slowly that mist dispersed; and on the sands That false Enchanter lay with all his sons Black, bleeding bulks of death.[100](100/ "tree and pragmatics") Amid them stood Cuchullain; near him, seen by him alone, That dread Mor Reega, now benign.[101](101/ "tree and pragmatics") She spake: ‘I hated thee, since less in me thy trust Than in great Virtue’s aid.[102](102/ "tree and pragmatics") I hate no more.[103](103/ "tree and pragmatics") Be strong! a trial waits thee heavier yet-- No man is friend of mine till trial-proved.’[104](104/ "tree and pragmatics") Yet sad at heart that eve Cuchullain clomb His wonted rock, and faint with loss of blood, And mused; ‘My strength must lessen day by day;’ And northward gazed, thus murmuring; ‘All too late To save the land those Red Branch Knights will come When I am dead-- My war-car, and my war-steeds are far off And I am here alone.’[105](105/ "tree and pragmatics") Through grief that night He slept not; for the Magic Clan had power, Though dead, to lean above him as a cloud Darkening his spirit.[106](106/ "tree and pragmatics") Happy days gone by They changed to grief and shame.[107](107/ "tree and pragmatics") While thus he sat He saw, not distant, on the forest floor, In moonbeams clad, though moon was near him none, A pure and princely presence.[108](108/ "tree and pragmatics") Lithe his form In youthful prime: chain armour round him clung Bright as if woven of diamonds.[109](109/ "tree and pragmatics") Glad his eye; Dulcet his voice as strain from Elfin glen Far heard o’er waters.[110](110/ "tree and pragmatics") Thus that warrior spake: ‘My child, an ancestor of thine I come, Great Ethland’s son, in virtuous battle slain.[111](111/ "tree and pragmatics") Among the Sidils\[32\] now, and fairy haunts Moon-lit, and under depths of lucent lakes, Gladness I have who in my day had woe, And youth perpetual though I died in age.[112](112/ "tree and pragmatics") Repose thou need’st: for sixty days thine eyes Have closed reluctant.[113](113/ "tree and pragmatics") Sleep a three days’ sleep Whilst I thy semblance bearing meet thy foes.’[114](114/ "tree and pragmatics") Thus spake the youth, then sang Lethean song, And, straight, Cuchullain slept.[115](115/ "tree and pragmatics") Three days gone by, Again that vision came.[116](116/ "tree and pragmatics") ‘Arise,’ he said: The warrior rose; and lo! his wounds were healed: Down to the river sped he.[117](117/ "tree and pragmatics") Waiting there Stood up Iarion, champion of the queen, There stood, nor thence returned.[118](118/ "tree and pragmatics") Eochar next Perished, then Tubar, Chylair, Alp, and Ord, In all full ninety warriors.[119](119/ "tree and pragmatics") Ninety days Had fled successive since that strife began, When, on the evening of the ninetieth day, His strength entire, and victory eagle-winged Fanning his ardent cheek, Cuchullain scaled Once more that specular rock.[120](120/ "tree and pragmatics") Within his heart Spirit illusive that, with purpose veiled, Oft tries the loftiest most, this presage sang ‘Southward, not distant, thou shalt see them march At last, that Red Branch Order, in their van Thy Conal Carnach!’[121](121/ "tree and pragmatics") Other spectacle Met him, a chariot small with horses small, And, o’er the axle bent, a small old man Urging them feebly on.[122](122/ "tree and pragmatics") It was his sire\![123](123/ "tree and pragmatics") T’wards him Cuchullain rushed: the old man wept, For gladness wept, and afterwards for woe, Kissing the wounds unnumbered of his son: Reverent, Cuchullain led him to his cell; Reverent, he placed before him wine and meat; Nor questioned yet.[124](124/ "tree and pragmatics") The old man satisfied, Garrulity returned, though less than once, Now quelled by patriot passion.[125](125/ "tree and pragmatics") Thus he spake:-- ‘Setanta! son of mine\![126](126/ "tree and pragmatics") I bring ill news: Uladh is mad; the Red Branch House is mad: We two are mad; and all the world are mad, Mad as thy mother\![127](127/ "tree and pragmatics") Through the realm I sped: A mist hung o’er it heavy, and on her sons Imbecile spirit, and a heartless mind, And base soul-sickness.[128](128/ "tree and pragmatics") Evermore I cried, “Arise! the stranger’s foot is on your soil: They come to stall their horses in your halls; To slay your sons; enslave your spotless maids; Alone my son withstands them!”[129](129/ "tree and pragmatics") Shrewd of eye Men answered; “Merchant; see thy wares be sound\![130](130/ "tree and pragmatics") No lack-wits we!”[131](131/ "tree and pragmatics") Old seers I saw that decked Time-honoured foreheads with a jester’s crown: I saw an ollamb trample under foot His sacred Oghams: next I saw him grave His own blear image on the tide-washed sands, Boasting, “The unnumbered ages here shall stoop Honouring true Wisdom’s image.”[132](132/ "tree and pragmatics") Shepherds set The wolf to guard their fold.[133](133/ "tree and pragmatics") The wittol bade The losel lead his wife to feast and dance: Young warriors looked on maids with woman’s eyes.[134](134/ "tree and pragmatics") I drave to Daré’s Dûn: his loud-voiced sons Adored the Donn Cuailgné as their sire, And called their sire a calf.[135](135/ "tree and pragmatics") To Iliach’s tower I sped: he answered; “What! the foe! they come\![136](136/ "tree and pragmatics") Climb we yon apple trees, and garner store\![137](137/ "tree and pragmatics") Wayfarers need much victual!”[138](138/ "tree and pragmatics") Onward next To Sencha’s castle:--On the roof he knelt, Self-styled the kingdom’s chief astrologer, Waiting the unrisen stars.[139](139/ "tree and pragmatics") To Olchar’s Dûn I journeyed: wrapp’d in rags the strong man lay, Thin from long fast; with eyelids well nigh closed: Not less beneath them lay a gleaming streak: “Awake me not,” he said: “a dormouse I\![140](140/ "tree and pragmatics") Till peace returns I simulate to sleep.”[141](141/ "tree and pragmatics") I sought the brothers Nemeth: one his eyes Bent on the smoke-wreath from his chimney’s top, One on the foam-streak wavering down the stream; While each a finger raised, and said “Tread light\![142](142/ "tree and pragmatics") Our earth is grass o’er glass!”[143](143/ "tree and pragmatics") I sought the mart: Men babbled; “Bid the Druids find the king!”[144](144/ "tree and pragmatics") I sought the Druids’ College: in a hall Reed-strewn to smother sound they held debate On Firbolg and Dedannan contracts pledged Ere landed first the Gael.[145](145/ "tree and pragmatics") The Red Branch House Was changed to hospital; and knights full-armed Nodded o’er lepers’ beds.[146](146/ "tree and pragmatics") I sought the king: From hall deserted on to hall I roamed: I found him in his armoury walled around With mail of warriors dead.[147](147/ "tree and pragmatics") There stood, or lay, The chiefs by Uladh worshipp’d.[148](148/ "tree and pragmatics") Nearest, crouched Great Conal Carnach patting of his sword Like nurse that lulls an infant.[149](149/ "tree and pragmatics") On his throne Sat Conchobar in miniver and gold: His eyes were on his grandsire’s shield that breathed At times a sigh athwart the steel-lit gloom: Around his lips an idiot’s smile was curled: “What will be will be,” spake the king at last: “All things go well.”’[150](150/ "tree and pragmatics") Thus Saltain told his tale: One thing he told not--how, a moment’s space, The passion of an old man’s scorn had wrought Deliverance strange for that astonished throng, High miracle of nature.[151](151/ "tree and pragmatics") He, the man Despised since youth, the laughter of the crowd, Himself restored to youth by change like death, Had rolled his voice abroad, a mighty voice; They heard it: from their trance they burst: they stood Radiant once more with mind\![152](152/ "tree and pragmatics") They stood till died The noble anger’s latest echo.[153](153/ "tree and pragmatics") Then That mist storm-riven put forth once more its hand, And downward dragged its prey.[154](154/ "tree and pragmatics") Upon his feet Cuchullain sprang, his father’s tale complete: That rage divine which gave him strength divine Had fallen on him from heaven.[155](155/ "tree and pragmatics") He raised his hands, And roared against the synod of the Gods That suffer shames below.[156](156/ "tree and pragmatics") Beyond the stream That host confederate heard and armed in haste, And slept that night in armour.[157](157/ "tree and pragmatics") Far away Compassion touched the strong hearts of the Gods, The strongest most--Mor Reega’s.[158](158/ "tree and pragmatics") Ere that cry Had left its last vibration on the air High up the Battle-Goddess, adamant-mailed, Was drifting over Uladh.[159](159/ "tree and pragmatics") Eman’s towers Flashed back her helmet’s beam.[160](160/ "tree and pragmatics") With lifted spear She smote the brazen centre of her shield Three times; and thunder, triple-bolted, rolled Three times from sea to sea.[161](161/ "tree and pragmatics") The spell was snapp’d: Humanity returned to man\![162](162/ "tree and pragmatics") The first Who woke was Leagh, Cuchullain’s charioteer: Forth from the opprobrious mist he passed like ship That cleaves the limit of some low marsh-fog And sweeps into main ocean.[163](163/ "tree and pragmatics") Forth he rushed-- Forth to Cuchullain’s chariot-house, and dragged Abroad that war-car feared of man and yoked White Liath Macha, and his comrade black, And dashed adown the vacant, echoing streets, And passed the gateway towers: the warders slept: Beyond them, propp’d against the city wall, A cripple crunched his mouldering crust.[164](164/ "tree and pragmatics") Still on He rushed, the reins forth shaking and the scourge, Clamouring and crying; ‘Haste, Cuchullain’s steeds\![165](165/ "tree and pragmatics") On Liath Macha\![166](166/ "tree and pragmatics") Sable Sangland on\![167](167/ "tree and pragmatics") Your master needs you\![168](168/ "tree and pragmatics") Aye! ye know it now\![169](169/ "tree and pragmatics") The blood-red nostril smells the fight far off\![170](170/ "tree and pragmatics") On to Murthemné, and Cuailgné’s hills, And Neeth’s remembered ford!’[171](171/ "tree and pragmatics") Unseen he drave; So slowly, clinging still to brake and rock, And oft re-settling, vanished from the land The insane mist.[172](172/ "tree and pragmatics") That hurricane of wheels Not less was heard by men who nothing saw: On stony plain, in hamlet, and in vale:-- They muttered as in sleep; ‘Deliverance comes.’[173](173/ "tree and pragmatics") - ← previous: [Opening, part 11](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg78491/11/) - next →: [Opening, part 13](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg78491/13/) - ↑ 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/)