" Comrades and valiant partners," Ingcel cried,
" Stand not to pause to wonder or lament
These scrupulous companions ; rest them well !
But set your spirits to achieve the end
That brought us hither. Now that they are gone
And nothing hinders, are we all agreed
To give this onset bravely and at once ? "
" I speak for all," said Fergobar. " Agreed !
Ready we are and willing, and I myself,
Having my proper vows of vengeance,
Will lead you, and be foremost of you all."
They raised the shout of onset : from his seat
Leaped Cecht, leaped Cormac, Conall Carnach leaped,
And Duftach from the cauldron drew his spear ;
But Conary with countenance serene
Sat on unmoved. " We are enough," he said,
" To hold the house, though thrice out number came ;
And little think they, whosoe'er they are,
(Grant gracious ones of Heaven, it be not they !)
That such a welcome waits them at the hands
Of Erin's choicest champions. Door-keepers,
Stand to your posts, and strike who enters down I "
The shout came louder, and at every door
At once all round the house, the shock began
Of charging hosts and battery of blows ;
And through the door that fronted Conary's seat
A man burst headlong, reeling, full of wounds,
But dropped midway, smote by the club of Cecht.
" What, thou ? oh Fergobar ! " cried Conary ;
" Say, ere thou diest, that thou art alone —
That Ferragon and Lomna whom I love
