The upper bench with Conall ; since the tomb
Holds him, by hand of Conall well avenged.
The foremost this, the mightiest champion this
Left of the Red Branch, since Cuchulhn's fall.
Look you, as thick as fragments are of ice
When one night's frost is crackled underfoot,
As thick as autumn leaves, as blades of grass.
Shall the lopp'd members and the cloven half- heads
Of them that hear me, be, by break of day,
Before Da-Derga's doors, if this assault
Be given, while Conall Carnach waits within ! "
" Pity to slay that man," said Lomna Druth.
" That is the man who, matched at fords of Clane,
With maimed Mesgedra, though no third was near,
Tied up his own right hand, to fight him fair
A man both mild and valiant, frank and wise,
A friend of men of music and of song.
Loved of all woman : were there only one
Such hero in the house, for that one's sake
Forego this slaughter ! "
" Lomna," Ingcel said,
" Not without reason do men call thee fool ;
And, Ferragon, think not that fear of man
The bravest ever born on Irish soil
Shall make its shameful entrance in the breast
Of one of all who hear us. Spy, say on,
What further sawest thou ? "
