Myths and Legends of the Celtic Race - Knowledge Rush

CHAPTER V: TALES OF THE ULTONIAN CYCLE 189Ulstermen, but in his battle-fury he smote among the hills withhis rainbow-sword, and struck off the tops of the three Maela ofMeath, so that they are flat-topped (mael) to this day.Cuchulain in his stupor heard the crash of Fergus's blows, andcoming slowly to himself he asked of Laeg what it meant. “It isthe sword-play of Fergus,” said Laeg. Then he sprang up, andhis body dilated so that the wrappings and swathings that hadbeen bound on him flew off, and he armed himself and rushedinto the battle. Here he met Fergus. “Turn hither, Fergus,” heshouted; “I will wash thee as foam in a pool, I will go over theeas the tail goes over a cat, I will smite thee as a mother smitesher infant.” “Who speaks thus to me?” cried Fergus. “Cuchulainmac Sualtam; and now do thou avoid me as thou art pledged.” 159“I have promised even that,” said Fergus, and then went outof the battle, and with him the men of Leinster and the men ofMunster, leaving Maev with her seven sons and the hosting ofConnacht alone. [225]It was midday when Cuchulain came into the fight; whenthe evening sun was shining through the leaves of the trees hiswar-chariot was but two wheels and a handful of shattered ribs,and the host of Connacht was in full flight towards the border.Cuchulain overtook Maev, who crouched under her chariot andentreated grace. “I am not wont to slay women,” said Cuchulain,and he protected her till she had crossed the Shannon at Athlone.The Fight of the BullsBut the Brown Bull of Quelgny, that Maev had sent intoConnacht by a circuitous way, met the white-horned Bull ofAilell on the Plain of Aei, and the two beasts fought; but theBrown Bull quickly slew the other, and tossed his fragments aboutthe land so that pieces of him were strewn from Rathcroghan toTara; and then careered madly about till he fell dead, bellowingand vomiting black gore, at the Ridge of the Bull, between Ulster159 See p. 211.