Myths and Legends of the Celtic Race - Knowledge Rush

208 Myths and Legends of the Celtic Race[244]they arise, Cuscrid son of Conor, Keltchar, Moonremur, Laerythe Triumphant, and others—Cuchulain is not introduced in thisstory—and in each case Ket has some biting tale to tell of anencounter in which he has come off better than they, and oneby one they sit down shamed and silenced. At last a shout ofwelcome is heard at the door of the hall and the Ulstermen growjubilant: Conall of the Victories has appeared on the scene. Hestrides up to the boar, and Ket and he greet each other withchivalrous courtesy:“And now welcome to thee, O Conall, thou of the ironheart and fiery blood; keen as the glitter of ice, ever-victoriouschieftain; hail, mighty son of Finnchoom!” said Ket.And Conall said: “Hail to thee, Ket, flower of heroes, lord ofchariots, a raging sea in battle; a strong, majestic bull; hail, sonof Maga!”“And now,” went on Conall, “rise up from the boar and giveme place.”“Why so?” replied Ket.“Dost thou seek a contest from me?” said Conall. “Verilythou shalt have it. By the gods of my nation I swear that since Ifirst took weapons in my hand I have never passed one day thatI did not slay a Connacht man, nor one night that I did not makea foray on them, nor have I ever slept but I had the head of aConnacht man under my knee.”“I confess,” then said Ket, “that thou art a better man than I,and I yield thee the boar. But if Anluan my brother were here, hewould match thee deed for deed, and sorrow and shame it is thathe is not.”“Anluan is here,” shouted Conall, and with that he drew fromhis girdle the head of Anluan and dashed it in the face of Ket.Then all sprang to their feet and a wild shouting and tumultarose, and the swords flew out of themselves, and battle raged inthe hall of mac Datho. Soon the hosts burst out through the doorsof the dūn and smote and slew each other in the open field, until