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Prev | Next | Contents | Main Page [FN#143] A conjecture. MS. gives dilecad (Str.) indracht ?
causeway over stony moor.
Mider appointed a meeting for the end of a month. Echaid assembled (i.e. collected)troops.
of heroes of Ireland so that they were in Tara, and what was best of champions
of Ireland, each ring about another, around Tara im the middle, and outside it
and within. And the king and the queen in the middle of the house, and its Liss
shut under locks, for they knew that would comie of insen the great might. Etain
was dispensing that night to the princes, for it was meet then for her pouring (of the wine)
When they were thereon at their talking they saw Mider (come) to them on
the floor of the royal palace. He was fair always, was fairer then on that night.
He brought to amazement the hosts that he saw.[FN#145] Were silent all thereon, and
the king gave welcome to him. It is this we have come for, said Mider. What was promised
to myself, said he, let it be given to me. It is a debt if a promise is given,
I have given to thee. Not have I thought on, said Echaid, that very thing up to now.
Thou hast promised Etain herself to me, said Mider, message (lit. a coming) from you.
There was a blush on Etain thereupon. Let there be no blush on thee, said Mider, not
evil marriage-feast to thee. I am myself, said he, a year at seeking thee with
treasures and jewels that are the most beautiful in Ireland and not I took thee
till there should be permission of Echaid. Not by good-will to me any
getting thee. I myself said to thyself, said she, until Echaid gives me up
not will I come to thee. Take me with thee for my own part, if me Echaid will give up.
Not thee will I give up however, said Echaid, but (I give) a placing of his two hands
about thee on floor of the house, as thou art. It shall be done! said Mider.
that is, Mider
and carried her off over skylight of the house. Pose up the hosts, about the king
after a disgrace on them, they saw the two swans around Tara. It is this,
they took (the road) to elfmound about about Femun. And went Echaid with a troop
of men of Ireland about him to elf mound about Femun i.e. elfmound of the fair-haired women.
That was the counsel of the men of Ireland, he dug up each elf-mound.
should come his wife to him from them. Prev | Next | Contents | Main Page
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