--- title: Opening, part 13 — The foray of Queen Meave, and other legends of I… · full text with trees description: Opening, part 13, «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 III. --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg78491/13/) [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 13 # Opening, part 13 Opening, part 13 of «The foray of Queen Meave, and other legends of Ireland's heroic age» by Aubrey De Vere: the whole text, 226 sentences and 4584 words. The small number after every sentence leads to its own page with its syntax tree and pragmatics, parsed by Mova itself. FRAGMENT III.[1](1/ "tree and pragmatics") \_THE COMBAT AT THE FORD.[2](2/ "tree and pragmatics") ARGUMENT.[3](3/ "tree and pragmatics") Queen Meave sends her herald to Ferdīa the Firbolg, requiring him to engage with Cuchullain in single combat.[4](4/ "tree and pragmatics") Ferdīa refuses to fight against his ancient friend; yet, later he attends a royal banquet given in his honour; and there, being drawn aside through the witcheries of the Princess Finobar, he consents to the fight.[5](5/ "tree and pragmatics") The charioteer of Ferdīa sees Cuchullain advancing in his war-car to the Ford, and, rapt by a prophetic spirit, sings his triumph.[6](6/ "tree and pragmatics") For two days the ancient friends contend against each other with reluctance and remorse: but on the third day the battle-rage bursts fully forth: and on the fourth, Cuchullain, himself pierced through with wounds innumerable, slays Ferdīa by the Gae-Bulg.[7](7/ "tree and pragmatics") He lays his friend upon the bank, at its northern side, and, standing beside him, sings his dirge.[8](8/ "tree and pragmatics") Meantime the queen, ere dawned that ninetieth morn, Mused, ill at ease; ‘Daily my people die, And many a stormy brow on me is bent:-- What if they turn on me like starving hounds That rend their huntsman?’[9](9/ "tree and pragmatics") In her ear once more Sounded the word of Cailitin; ‘The man To fight Cuchullain is the man he loves: His death were death to both.’[10](10/ "tree and pragmatics") Then came the kings Confederate, saying; ‘Send Ferdīa forth\![11](11/ "tree and pragmatics") Ferdīa is the mightiest of our host: Ferdīa is Cuchullain’s chief of friends: Westward of Alba in the Isle of Skye Scatha, that rock-browed northern warrioress, In amplest lore of battles trained them both: Except the Gae-Bulg, every feat of arms Is known to each alike.’[12](12/ "tree and pragmatics") The queen gave way: She sent her herald to the man she scorned With offers huge, tract vaster than his own Not barren like his mountains billow-beat, But laughing in the lap of Ai’s plains; A war-car deftly carved and ribbed with brass; And, for his clansmen, raiment of all dyes, Twelve suits.[13](13/ "tree and pragmatics") A stalwart man, yet fair as strong The Firbolg towered, dark-eyed, dark-haired, pale-faced, Unlike the Gael.[14](14/ "tree and pragmatics") Melodious was his voice But deeper than a lion’s.[15](15/ "tree and pragmatics") Ceaseless thought On immemorial wrongs--he brooded still O’er glories of Moytura, and Tailltenn, Their great assemblies, and their solemn games, And kingly graves--had cast upon his brow Perpetual shade; and ever, on the march, If high on crags there stood some Gaelic tomb Wind-worn a thousand years, he passed it by With face averse, muttering, ‘New men\![16](16/ "tree and pragmatics") New men\![17](17/ "tree and pragmatics") We note not such!’[18](18/ "tree and pragmatics") The herald’s task discharged, He answered thus, not turning; ‘Tell your queen That I, a Firbolg, serve, but not for hire, A cause not mine.[19](19/ "tree and pragmatics") Cuchullain is my friend: Better I died than he!’[20](20/ "tree and pragmatics") O’er-awed though wroth The queen despatched in statelier embassage Three warriors, and three ollambs, and three bards: With reverence they addressed him.[21](21/ "tree and pragmatics") ‘Chief and Prince\![22](22/ "tree and pragmatics") True prince, though scion of a house deject, The queen, who judges all men by their deeds, This day hath in thine honour made a feast And sues to it thy presence.[23](23/ "tree and pragmatics") Kings alone Partake that banquet; Ailill first, and she Of princesses the fairest, Finobar!’[24](24/ "tree and pragmatics") Scornful the Firbolg answered; ‘Finobar\![25](25/ "tree and pragmatics") She whose bright face hath frosted with death’s white Full four score faces of war-breathing men Sent to that Ford successive\![26](26/ "tree and pragmatics") Let it be\![27](27/ "tree and pragmatics") Tell them I join their feast: tell them beside Their bribe shall prove base gold!’[28](28/ "tree and pragmatics") In mantle blue Clasped by a silver torque, and silver belt Enringed with silver rings innumerable That evening from his tent Ferdīa strode With large attendance.[29](29/ "tree and pragmatics") Ailill and the queen Received him on their threshold.[30](30/ "tree and pragmatics") At the board Princes alone had place.[31](31/ "tree and pragmatics") High up, o’er each Glittered upon the wall his blazoned shield.[32](32/ "tree and pragmatics") King Ailill placed Ferdīa on his right; Beyond him sat the Princess.[33](33/ "tree and pragmatics") In her ear Her mother whispered as she neared that seat: She answered with her eyes.[34](34/ "tree and pragmatics") Well stricken harp Gladdened that festive throng; and many a tale, The rage of hunger lessening by degrees, Ailill recounted of the heroic past, When, youthful yet, he ranged ’mid friends and foes Such men as breathed no longer.[35](35/ "tree and pragmatics") Servitors Brimmed oft the goblets; and Ferdīa’s brow, As song to song succeeded, tale to tale, Remitted its first sternness.[36](36/ "tree and pragmatics") Finobar Unconsciously had dropp’d her jewell’d hand Not far from his: her large and dusky eyes, Shyly at first from his withdrawn, at last Full frankly met them: on her lips the smile Increased, though waveringly, then waned, not died, And in it sadness mingled as she spake: ‘But late yon harper told us of a dream-- My earliest of remembered dreams was sad; I saw some princess of your earlier stock Whose lover late had perished, slain in fight By ours, methought them recent.[37](37/ "tree and pragmatics") At her feet-- Why there I scarcely know--I made lament: “All thou hast lost for thy sake I renounce: For me, like thee, no bridal rites forever\![38](38/ "tree and pragmatics") Dead on thy marriage garland lies mine own; For lo! the stain accursed is on our sword: Thy race came first: this Island should be theirs!”’[39](39/ "tree and pragmatics") Ferdīa listened; and the icy pride Thawed in his bosom.[40](40/ "tree and pragmatics") With a sudden change The jubilant music into martial soared, Wild battle-chaunt.[41](41/ "tree and pragmatics") Upon the warrior’s hand Still nigh to hers, there lay a scar.[42](42/ "tree and pragmatics") With eye Reverently dewed the princess gazed thereon: ‘Aye, of your war-deeds I have heard so long, It seems as though since childhood--Whence that wound?[43](43/ "tree and pragmatics") What battle left it there?[44](44/ "tree and pragmatics") What sister bound it?[45](45/ "tree and pragmatics") I would that sister were my sister too, Partaker of my heart, my hope, my life: I have no youthful friend!’[46](46/ "tree and pragmatics") She paused:--again But now with paler cheek, and hurried, spake: ‘Beware my mother\![47](47/ "tree and pragmatics") She would send you forth Her knight to meet Cuchullain\![48](48/ "tree and pragmatics") Shun that man\![49](49/ "tree and pragmatics") Cuchullain spares not: four score warriors dead Avouch it.[50](50/ "tree and pragmatics") Chief of Gaels is he\![51](51/ "tree and pragmatics") Ah me\![52](52/ "tree and pragmatics") The last great battle ’twixt the old race and new Would find the same sad ending as the first.’[53](53/ "tree and pragmatics") The Firbolg frowned: she faltered, ‘Am I false, False to my race’--and tears were in her voice-- ‘False to my race, who cannot wish such ending?’[54](54/ "tree and pragmatics") She paused; again she questioned of his wars: He told her of his sire’s.[55](55/ "tree and pragmatics") Like one who thinks Not speaks, she murmured low; ‘A soothsayer Thus warned my mother--I was then a child-- “Bring not that maid to war-fields\![56](56/ "tree and pragmatics") She shall die Grieving for some dead warrior.”’[57](57/ "tree and pragmatics") Changed once more The martial songs to amorous and of mirth, And once again the torches’ golden flame Laughed on the cup new-brimmed.[58](58/ "tree and pragmatics") Again she spake, That lovesome one, ‘I love not songs of love\![59](59/ "tree and pragmatics") Better the war-song\![60](60/ "tree and pragmatics") Best, methinks, of all That lullaby half war and sorrow half Breathed by some bride while o’er her wounded lord Softly descends the sleep:--so softly sank Cold dews of evening on this flower still wet.’[61](61/ "tree and pragmatics") She took it from her breast, and held it near: He smelt it; kissed it; kept it.[62](62/ "tree and pragmatics") With a smile She added; ‘For your sister?[63](63/ "tree and pragmatics") Have you one?[64](64/ "tree and pragmatics") If so, ’tis likely she resembles me: They chide me oft; “No Gaelic face is thine, Dark-eyed, dark-browed, a rebel since its birth!”’[65](65/ "tree and pragmatics") She ceased; again she spake: ‘Even now, methinks, That lullaby I spake of I can hear\![66](66/ "tree and pragmatics") Is it for thee, my friend, or Cuchullain?’[67](67/ "tree and pragmatics") That hand, of flower amerced, drew nearer yet To his.[68](68/ "tree and pragmatics") That smile had passed.[69](69/ "tree and pragmatics") Tearful she turned On him those luminaries of love and death, Her eyes, like stars in midnight waters glassed; Turned them, but spake no longer.[70](70/ "tree and pragmatics") Through his brain Shivered their shrouded lustre; through his blood: The sanguine currents from the warrior’s heart Long sad, to female sympathies unused, Drank up at once that splendour, and the tears That splendour’s strange eclipse.[71](71/ "tree and pragmatics") And yet, that hour, Seen in some lonelier region of his soul Another presence, O how different, stood\![72](72/ "tree and pragmatics") Again, that hour, he saw those guileless eyes, Blue as the seas they gazed on; saw once more That hair like winter sunshine, brow snow-white, That unvoluptuous form and virginal, That love-unwakened breast with love for all, Those hands that knew not what their touch conferred, Those blithesome, wave-washed, scarce divided feet:-- The huge cliff smiled upon her; seemed to say, ‘Ah little nursling mine\![73](73/ "tree and pragmatics") Ah tender child Of winds and rocks untender!’[74](74/ "tree and pragmatics") Had he loved?[75](75/ "tree and pragmatics") Sadness is celibate and eremite: His converse long had been with injuries past, In Scatha’s isle with frowning crags and clouds-- Aye, but with one beside, a friend, his nearest, Who loved that maid, and sued her grace.[76](76/ "tree and pragmatics") Ferdīa Had never spoken love; nor thought, ‘I love:’ And yet, that hour, was false.[77](77/ "tree and pragmatics") A hundred harps Rang out together, and the feast was o’er: Murmured the rose-red lips; but what they said He heard not.[78](78/ "tree and pragmatics") Mournfully at last withdrew Those eyes, like eyes fated thenceforth to bear One image on till death.[79](79/ "tree and pragmatics") She joined her mother.[80](80/ "tree and pragmatics") The queen, as he departed, took his hand: Alone they stood: she spake: ‘That noble scorn Which spurned a bribe, approves a Firbolg’s worth: ’Twas Ailill sent that herald. ’[81](81/ "tree and pragmatics") Twas not I. I know you now, and proffer royal terms Confirmed by guarantee of all our kings: Accept this combat; and the princess wed\![82](82/ "tree and pragmatics") Ferdīa\![83](83/ "tree and pragmatics") I have made that offer thrice To three dead warriors with the king’s consent, Never till now with hers!’[84](84/ "tree and pragmatics") He pledged his word: The battle day was fixed; the morrow morn: She took that glittering torque whose splendours clasped Her mantle red; with it his mantle bound: Then with attendance to his tent he passed.[85](85/ "tree and pragmatics") Meantime, that night within his forest lair In dreams Cuchullain lay, and saw in dreams, Not recent fights, but ocean and that isle Where with Ferdīa he had dwelt in youth, With Scatha--and another.[86](86/ "tree and pragmatics") And in dream He mused; ‘The dearest of my friends survives: These wars will pass; Ferdīa then and I Thenceforth are one for aye!’[87](87/ "tree and pragmatics") That self-same hour Sadly from troubled sleep the Firbolg woke, Murmuring, as one in trance, ‘Against my friend\![88](88/ "tree and pragmatics") Against my only friend!’[89](89/ "tree and pragmatics") With gloomy brows His clansmen watched him arming.[90](90/ "tree and pragmatics") One sole man They feared; that man Cuchullain.[91](91/ "tree and pragmatics") Morn the while Was dawning, though nor glowing cheek she raised Nor ardent eyes, with silver wand not gold Striking the unkindling portals of the East; And, ere the sun had risen, Ferdīa bathed Three times his forehead in the frosty stream; And bade attend his charioteer; and drave Begirt by stateliest equipage of war Down to the river’s brim.[92](92/ "tree and pragmatics") In regal pomp The host confederate followed, keen to watch With Meave, and Ailill, and with Finobar, All passions of a fight unmatched till then; While clustered here and there, on rock or mound, Minstrel and food-purveyor groom and leech With healing herbs, and charms.[93](93/ "tree and pragmatics") The sun arose And smote the forest roof dew-saturate As onward dashed through woodlands to the Ford Cuchullain’s war-car.[94](94/ "tree and pragmatics") Nearer soon it rolled Crushing the rocks.[95](95/ "tree and pragmatics") Above those wondrous steeds That Great One glittered through the mist of morn, Splendour gloom-veiled.[96](96/ "tree and pragmatics") Ferdīa’s charioteer Half heard, half saw him.[97](97/ "tree and pragmatics") Spirit-rapt, yet awed, Perforce thus sang he standing near the marge.[98](98/ "tree and pragmatics") ‘I hear the on-rushing of the car\![99](99/ "tree and pragmatics") I see There throned that warrior not of mortal mould Swathed in the morning.[100](100/ "tree and pragmatics") Dreadful are his wheels; Dreadful as breaker arched, when on its crest Stands Fear, and Fate upon the rock-strewn shore: But not sea-rocks they crush, those brazen wheels, But realms, and peoples, and the necks of men.[101](101/ "tree and pragmatics") ‘I see the war-car\![102](102/ "tree and pragmatics") Terrible it comes, Four-peaked; and o’er those peaks a shadowy pall Pavilioning dim crypt and caves of death: I see it by the gleam of spears high held, The glare of circling Spirits.[103](103/ "tree and pragmatics") Lo! the same I saw far northward drifting, months gone by, Ere yet that madness quelled the northern land.’[104](104/ "tree and pragmatics") Then cried Ferdīa, stationed where huge trees Shut out unwelcome vision: ‘For a bribe Thou seest these portents, singing of my death!’[105](105/ "tree and pragmatics") Once more, in agony prophetic, he-- ‘The man within that car is Uladh’s Hound\![106](106/ "tree and pragmatics") What hound?[107](107/ "tree and pragmatics") No stag-hound of the storm-swept hills: No watch-hound watching by a merchant’s store: The hound he is that tracks the steps of doom; The hound of realms o’er-run, and hosts that fly; The hound that laps the blood!’[108](108/ "tree and pragmatics") Again he sang; ‘The Hound of Uladh is a hound with wings; A hound man-headed\![109](109/ "tree and pragmatics") Yea, and o’er that head Victory and empire, like two eagles paired Sail onward, tempest-pinioned.[110](110/ "tree and pragmatics") Endless morn Before him fleeting over seas and lands, With shaft retorted lights his chariot-beam.[111](111/ "tree and pragmatics") That chariot stays not, turns not: on it comes, Like torrent shooting from a tall cliff’s brow, Level long time; then downward borne!’[112](112/ "tree and pragmatics") ‘A bribe!’[113](113/ "tree and pragmatics") Once more Ferdīa cried; ‘A bribe! a lie\![114](114/ "tree and pragmatics") Traitor! for Ailill’s gold and gold of Meave, Thou sing’st thy master’s death-song!’[115](115/ "tree and pragmatics") By the stream Cuchullain stood: not yet he knew his foe; That foe who slowly to the Ford advanced Full panoplied, and in his hand a spear.[116](116/ "tree and pragmatics") Long gazed they each on each.[117](117/ "tree and pragmatics") Cuchullain spake: ‘Welcome howe’er thou com’st, Ferdīa\![118](118/ "tree and pragmatics") Once In Scatha’s isle far otherwise thou camest Morn after morn with tidings fresh of war Plaything and pastime of our brother swords.[119](119/ "tree and pragmatics") This day thou com’st invader of my land Murthemné, bulwark broad of Uladh’s realm; Thou com’st to burn my cities, spoil my flocks-- A change there is, Ferdīa!’[120](120/ "tree and pragmatics") Stern of brow The Firbolg answered; ‘Friends we were; not peers: The younger thou. ’[121](121/ "tree and pragmatics") Twas thine to yoke my steeds; Arm me for fight.[122](122/ "tree and pragmatics") A stripling hopes this day With brandished spear to make a mountain flee\![123](123/ "tree and pragmatics") Son of the Gael! long centuries since, thy race Trampled my race:--their vengeance hour is near; I bid thee to depart!’[124](124/ "tree and pragmatics") To him his friend; ‘Ferdīa, in the old days on Scatha’s Isle Thou wert my tribe, my household-stock, my race\![125](125/ "tree and pragmatics") Questioned I then on battle-plain, or when On frosty nights we couched beneath one rug, Ancestral claims, traditions of the clan?[126](126/ "tree and pragmatics") A change there is, Ferdīa!’[127](127/ "tree and pragmatics") Thus with words Or mild, or stern in hope to save not slay, Those friends contended.[128](128/ "tree and pragmatics") Sternest was the man Whose conscience most aggrieved him.[129](129/ "tree and pragmatics") ‘To this Ford Thou cam’st the first, old comrade! choice of arms Is therefore thine by right.’[130](130/ "tree and pragmatics") Cuchullain spake: Ferdīa chose the javelin.[131](131/ "tree and pragmatics") Arrow-swift, While still the charioteers brought back the shaft, The missiles flew.[132](132/ "tree and pragmatics") Keen-eyed as ocean bird That, high in sunshine poised, glimpses his prey Beneath the wave, and downward swooping slays him, Each watched the other’s movements, if an arm Lifted too high, or buckler dropp’d too low Left bare a rivet.[133](133/ "tree and pragmatics") Long that fight endured: Three times exhausted sank their hands: three times They sat on rocks for respite, each the other Eyeing askance, not silent; ‘Lo the man Who shields an ox-like or a swine-like race That strikes no blow itself!’ or thus; ‘Ah pledge Of amity eterne in old time sworn\![134](134/ "tree and pragmatics") Ferdīa, vow thy vow henceforth to maids\![135](135/ "tree and pragmatics") The man-race nothing heeds thee!’[136](136/ "tree and pragmatics") Evening fell And stayed perforce that combat.[137](137/ "tree and pragmatics") Slowly drew The warriors near; and as they noted, each, The other bleeding, in its strength returned The friendship unextinct: round either’s neck That other wound his arms and kissed him thrice: That night their coursers in the self-same field Grazed, side by side: that night their charioteers With rushes gathered from the self-same stream Made smooth their masters’ beds, then sat themselves By the same fire.[138](138/ "tree and pragmatics") Of every healing herb That lulled his wounds Cuchullain sent the half To staunch Ferdīa’s; while to him in turn Ferdīa sent whate’er of meats or drinks Held strengthening power or cordial, to allay Distempered nerve or nimble spirit infuse, In equal portions shared.[139](139/ "tree and pragmatics") The second morn They met at sunrise:--‘Thine the choice of arms;’ The Firbolg spake; the Gael made answer; ‘Spears!’[140](140/ "tree and pragmatics") Then leaped the champions on their battle-cars And launched them into battle.[141](141/ "tree and pragmatics") Dire their shock In fiery orbits wheeling now; anon Wheel locked in wheel.[142](142/ "tree and pragmatics") Profounder wounds by far That day than on the first the warriors gored, Since closer was the fight.[143](143/ "tree and pragmatics") With laughing lip Not less that eve Cuchullain sang the stave That chides in war ‘Fomorian obstinacy:’ Again at eve drew near they, slower now For pain, and interwove fraternal arms: Again their coursers in the self-same field Grazed side by side, and from the self-same stream Again their charioteers the rushes culled: Again they shared alike both meats and drinks, Again those herbs allaying, o’er their wounds With incantations laid.[144](144/ "tree and pragmatics") Forlorn and sad Peered the third morning o’er the vaporous woods, The wan grey river with its floating weed, And bubble unillumined.[145](145/ "tree and pragmatics") From the marge Cuchullain sadly marked the advancing foe:-- ‘Alas, my brother! beamless is thine eye; The radiance lives no longer on thy hair; And slow thy step.’[146](146/ "tree and pragmatics") The doomed one answered calm, ‘Cuchullain, slow of foot, but strong of hand Fate drags his victim to the spot decreed: The choice to-day is mine: I choose the sword.’[147](147/ "tree and pragmatics") So spake the Firbolg; and they closed in fight: And straightway from his heart to arm and hand Rushed up the strength of all that buried race By him so loved\![148](148/ "tree and pragmatics") Once more it swelled his breast: In majesty re-clothed each massive limb, And flashed in darksome light of hair and eye Resplendent as of old.[149](149/ "tree and pragmatics") Surpassing deeds They wrought, while circled meteor-like their swords, Or fell like heaven’s own bolt on shield or helm.[150](150/ "tree and pragmatics") Long hours they strove till morning’s purer gleams Vanished in noon.[151](151/ "tree and pragmatics") Sharper that day their speech; For, in the intenser present, years gone by Hung but like pallid, thin, horizon clouds O’er memory’s loneliest limit.[152](152/ "tree and pragmatics") Evening sank Upon the dripping groves and shuddering flood With rainy wailings.[153](153/ "tree and pragmatics") Not as heretofore Their parting.[154](154/ "tree and pragmatics") Haughtily their mail they tossed Each to his followers.[155](155/ "tree and pragmatics") In the self-same field That night their coursers grazed not; neither sat Their charioteers beside the self-same fire: Nor sent they, each to other, healing herbs.[156](156/ "tree and pragmatics") Ere morn the Firbolg drank the strength of dreams Picturing his race’s wrong; and trumpet blasts Went o’er him blown from fields of ancient wars: And thus he mused, half-wakened; ‘Not for Meave; Not for the popular suffrage; not for her That maid who fain had held me from the snare, Fight I that fight whose end shall crown this day: O race beloved, this day your vengeance dawns Red in the East\![157](157/ "tree and pragmatics") The mightiest of the Gaels Goes down before me\![158](158/ "tree and pragmatics") What if both should die?[159](159/ "tree and pragmatics") So best\![160](160/ "tree and pragmatics") Thus too the Firbolg is avenged!’[161](161/ "tree and pragmatics") Thus mused he.[162](162/ "tree and pragmatics") Stately from his couch he rose, And armed himself, sedate.[163](163/ "tree and pragmatics") Upon his breast He laid, in iron sheathed, a huge, flat stone, For thus he said, ‘Though many a feat of arms Is mine, from Scatha learned, or else self-taught, The Gae-Bulg is Cuchullain’s!’[164](164/ "tree and pragmatics") On his head He fixed his helm, and on his arm his shield Sable as night, with fifty bosses bound, All brass; the midmost like a noontide sun. Cuchullain eyed him as he neared the Ford, And spake to Leagh; ‘This day, if slack of hand Thou notest me, or wearied, hurl, as wont, Sharp storm of arrowy railing from thy lips That so the battle-anger from on high May flame on me.’[165](165/ "tree and pragmatics") The choice of arms was his: He chose ‘the Ford-Feat.’[166](166/ "tree and pragmatics") On the Firbolg’s brow A shadow fell:--‘All weapons there,’ he mused, ‘Have place alike: if on him falls the rage He will not spare the Gae-Bulg!’[167](167/ "tree and pragmatics") Well they knew, Both warriors, that the fortunes of that day Must end the conflict; that for one, or both, The sun that hour ascending shone his last: Therefore all strength of onset till that hour By either loosed or hoarded, craft of fight Reined in one moment but to spring the next Forward in might more terrible, compared With that last battle was a trivial thing; Whilst every weapon, javelin, spear, or sword, Lawful alike that day, scattered abroad Huge flakes of dinted mail; from every wound Bounded the life-blood of a heart athirst For victory or for death.[168](168/ "tree and pragmatics") The vernal day Panted with summer ardours, while aloft Noontide, a fire-tressed Fury, waved her torch, Kindling the lit grove and its youngling green From the azure-blazing zenith.[169](169/ "tree and pragmatics") As the heat So waxed the warriors’ frenzy.[170](170/ "tree and pragmatics") Hours went by: That day they sought not rest on rock or mound, Held no discourse.[171](171/ "tree and pragmatics") Slowly the sun declined; And as wayfarers oft when twilight falls Advance with strength renewed, so they, refreshed, Surpassed their deeds at morning.[172](172/ "tree and pragmatics") With a bound Cuchullain, from the bank high springing, lit Full on the broad boss of Ferdīa’s shield, His dagger-point down turned.[173](173/ "tree and pragmatics") With spasm of arm Instant the Firbolg from its sable rim Cast him astonished.[174](174/ "tree and pragmatics") Upward from the Ford Again Cuchullain reached that shield: again With spasm of knee Ferdīa flung him far, While Leagh in scorn reviled him: ‘As the flood Shoots on the tempest’s blast its puny foam; The oak-tree casts its dead leaf on the wave; The mill-wheel showers its spray; the shameless woman Hurls on the mere that babe which was her shame, So hurls he forth that fairy-child bewitched Whom men misdeemed for warrior!’[175](175/ "tree and pragmatics") Then from heaven Came down upon Cuchullain, like the night, The madness-rage.[176](176/ "tree and pragmatics") The Foes confronted met: Shivered their spears from point to haft: their swords Flashed lightnings round them.[177](177/ "tree and pragmatics") Fate-compelled, their feet Drew near, then reached that stream which backward fled Leaving its channel dry.[178](178/ "tree and pragmatics") While raged that fight Cuchullain’s stature rose, huge bulk, immense, Ascending still: as high Ferdīa towered Like Fomor old, or Nemed from the sea, Those shields, their covering late from foot to helm, Shrinking, so seemed it, till above them beamed Shoulders and heads.[179](179/ "tree and pragmatics") So close that fight, their crests That waved defiance, mingled in mid air; While all along the circles of their shields, And all adown their swords, viewless for speed Ran, mad with rage, the demons of dark moors And war-sprites of the valleys, Bocanachs And Banacahs, whose scream, so keen its edge, Might shear the centuried forest as the scythe Shears meadow grass.[180](180/ "tree and pragmatics") To these in dread response Thundered far off from sea-caves billow-beat And halls rock-vaulted ’neath the eternal hills, That race Tuatha, giant once, long since To pigmy changed, that forge from molten ores For aye their clanging weapons, shield or spear, On stony anvils, waiting still their day Of vengeance on the Gael.[181](181/ "tree and pragmatics") That tumult scared The horses of the host of Meave that brake From war-car or the tethering rope, and spread Ruin around.[182](182/ "tree and pragmatics") Camp-followers first, then chiefs Innumerable were dragged along, or lay ’Neath broken axle, dead.[183](183/ "tree and pragmatics") The end was nigh: Cuchullain’s shield splintered upon his arm Served him no more; and through his fenceless side Ferdīa drave the sword.[184](184/ "tree and pragmatics") Then first the Gael Hurled forth this taunt; ‘The Firbolg, bribed by Meave, Has sold his ancient friend!’[185](185/ "tree and pragmatics") Ferdīa spake, ‘No Firbolg he, the man in Scatha’s Isle, That won a maid, then left her!’[186](186/ "tree and pragmatics") Backward stepp’d Cuchullain paces three: he reached the bank; He uttered low; ‘The Gae-Bulg!’[187](187/ "tree and pragmatics") Instant, Leagh Within his hand had lodged it.[188](188/ "tree and pragmatics") Bending low, Low as that stream, the war-game’s crowning feat, He launched it on Ferdīa’s breast.[189](189/ "tree and pragmatics") The shield, The iron plate beneath, the stone within it, Like shallow ice-films ’neath a courser’s hoof Burst.[190](190/ "tree and pragmatics") All was o’er.[191](191/ "tree and pragmatics") To earth the warrior sank: Dying, he spake: ‘Not thine this deed, O friend-- ’Twas Meave who winged that bolt into my heart!’[192](192/ "tree and pragmatics") Then ran Cuchullain to that great one dead, And raised him in his arms, and laid him down Beside the Ford, but on its northern bank, Not in that realm by Ailill swayed and Meave: Long time he looked the dead man in the face; Then by him fell in swoon.[193](193/ "tree and pragmatics") ‘Cuchullain, rise\![194](194/ "tree and pragmatics") The men of Erin be upon thee\![195](195/ "tree and pragmatics") Rise!’[196](196/ "tree and pragmatics") Thus Leagh.[197](197/ "tree and pragmatics") He answered, waking; ‘Let them come\![198](198/ "tree and pragmatics") To me what profit if I live or die?[199](199/ "tree and pragmatics") The man I loved is dead!’[200](200/ "tree and pragmatics") But by the dead Cuchullain stood; and thus he made lament: ‘Ferdīa\![201](201/ "tree and pragmatics") On their head the curse descend Who sent thee to thy death\![202](202/ "tree and pragmatics") We meet no more; Never while sun, and moon, and earth endure.[203](203/ "tree and pragmatics") ‘Ferdīa\![204](204/ "tree and pragmatics") Far away in Scatha’s isle A great troth bound us and a vow eterne Never to raise war-weapons, each on each:-- ’Twas Finobar that snared thee\![205](205/ "tree and pragmatics") She shall die.[206](206/ "tree and pragmatics") ‘Ferdīa! dearer to my heart wert thou Than all beside if all were joined in one: Dear was thy clouded face, and darksome eye; Thy deep, sad voice; thy words so wise and few; Dear was thy silence: dear thy slow, grave ways, Not boastful like the Gael’s.’[207](207/ "tree and pragmatics") Silent he stood While Leagh in reverence from the dead man’s breast Loosened his mail.[208](208/ "tree and pragmatics") There shone the torque of Meave:\[33\] There where the queen had fixed it yet it lay.[209](209/ "tree and pragmatics") Cuchullain clutched it.[210](210/ "tree and pragmatics") ‘Ha! that torque I spurned\![211](211/ "tree and pragmatics") Dark gem ill-lifted from the seas of Death\![212](212/ "tree and pragmatics") Swart planet bickering from the heavens of Fate\![213](213/ "tree and pragmatics") With what a baleful beam thou look’st on me! ’[214](214/ "tree and pragmatics") Twas thou, ’twas thou, not I, that slew’st this man’-- He dashed it on the rock, and with his heel Smote it to fragments.[215](215/ "tree and pragmatics") Then, as one from trance Waking, once more he spake: ‘Oh me--oh me, That I should see that face so great and pale\![216](216/ "tree and pragmatics") To-day face-whitening death is on that face; And in my hand my sword:--’tis crimson yet.[217](217/ "tree and pragmatics") That day when he and I triumphed in fight By Formait’s lake o’er Scatha’s pirate foes The woman fetched a beaker forth of wine, And made us drink it both; and made us vow Friendship eterne.[218](218/ "tree and pragmatics") O friend, my hand this day Tendered a bloody beaker to thy lip.’[219](219/ "tree and pragmatics") Again he sang; ‘Queen Meave to Uladh’s bound Came down; and dark the deed that grew thereof; Came down with all the hosting of her kings; And dark the deed that grew thereof.[220](220/ "tree and pragmatics") We two Abode with Scatha in her northern isle, Her pupils twinned.[221](221/ "tree and pragmatics") The sea-girt warrioress That honoured few men honoured us alike: We ate together of the self-same dish: We couched together ’neath the self-same shield: Now living man I stand, and he lies dead!’[222](222/ "tree and pragmatics") He raised again his head: once more he sang: ‘Each battle was a game, a jest, a sport Till came, fore-doomed, Ferdīa to the Ford.[223](223/ "tree and pragmatics") I loved the warrior though I pierced his heart.[224](224/ "tree and pragmatics") Each battle was a game, a jest, a sport Till stood, self-doomed, Ferdīa by the Ford.[225](225/ "tree and pragmatics") Huge lion of the forestry of war; Fair, central pillar of the House of Fame; But yesterday he towered above the world: This day he lies along the earth, a shade.’[226](226/ "tree and pragmatics") - ← previous: [Opening, part 12](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg78491/12/) - next →: [Opening, part 14](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg78491/14/) - ↑ 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/)