The biggest man yet gentlest-countenanced
Of all that rode in Conary's company.
" Da-Derga he," said Conary.
" Ride on,"
Said Cecht. " Street Cualann whereon now we are
Leads straight to Bru'n-Da-Derga, and leads straight
Through and beyond it. 'Tis a house of rest
For all that come and go ; where ready still
The traveller finds the wind-dried fuel stack'd,
The cauldron slung, the ale-vat on the floor.
A strong, fast mansion. Seven good doors it has,
And seven good benches betwixt door and door
And seven good couches spread 'twixt bench and bench.
All that attend thee now, and all that come—
See where they come along Midluachra track,
The host of Emain, in good time I judge.
Journeying south — shall nothing want for room,
I shall go forward : for my duty it is
To enter first at nightfall, when my king
Comes to his lodging ; and with flint and steel
Kindle the fire whose flame shall guide him home."
Then forth, at gallop of his steeds, went Cecht ;
While, slower following, Conary was aware
Of three that rode before them on the way.
Red were their coursers and their mantles red,
Red, too, their caps, blood-red —
" Another gaysh,"
