Chapter XIII

§ 72. The heroes ceased their discussions and their babblings and fellto eating and enjoying themselves. It was Sualtam mac Rôig, father ofCuchulainn himself, who that night attended upon the Ultonians.Moreover, Conchobar’s ladder-vat was filled for them. Their portionhaving been brought to their presence, the spencers came to serve, but atthe outset they withheld the Champion’s Portion from distribution.“Why not give the Champion’s Portion,” quoth Duach of the ChaferTongue, “to some one of the heroes; those three have not returned fromthe King of Cruachan, having no sure token with them, whereby theChampion’s Portion may be assigned to one of them?”§ 73. Thereupon Loigaire the Triumphant got up and lifted on highthe bronze cup having the silver bird [chased] on the bottom. “TheChampion’s Portion is mine,” he quoth, “and none may contest it withme.” “It is not,” quoth Conall Cernach. “Not alike are the tokens webrought off with us. Yours is a cup of bronze, whereas mine is a cup ofwhite metal (findruini). From the difference between them theChampion’s Portion clearly belongs to me.” “It belongs to neither ofyou,” quoth Cuchulainn as he got up and spoke. “Ye have brought notoken that procures you the Champion’s Portion. Yet the king and queenwhom ye visited were loath in the thick of distress to intensify the strife.But no less than your deserts have ye received at their hands. TheChampion’s Portion remains with me, seeing I brought a tokendistinguished above the rest.”§ 74. He then lifted on high a cup of red gold having a bird chased onthe bottom of it in precious dragon-stone, the size of his eyes twain. Allthe Ultonian nobles in the suite of Conchobar mac Nessa saw it.“Therefore it is I,” he quoth, “who deserve the Champion’s Portion,provided I have fair play.” “To thee we all award it,” quoth Conchobarand Fergus and the Ulster nobles as well. By the verdict of Ailill and ofMève the Champion’s Portion is yours.” “I swear by my people’s god,”said Loigaire and Conall the Victorious, “that the cup you have broughtis purchased. Of the jewels and of the treasures in your possession haveyou given to Ailill and to Mève for it in order that a defeat might not beon record against you, and that the Champion’s Portion might be givento no one else in preference. By my people’s god, that judgment shall notstand; the Champion’s Portion shall not be yours.” They then sprang upone after the other, their swords drawn. Straightway Conchobar andFergus intervened, whereupon they let down their hands and sheathedtheir swords. “Hold!” quoth Sencha, “do as I bid.” “We will,” theyquoth