Chapter XIII

§ 72. The heroes ceased their discussions and their babblings and fell
to eating and enjoying themselves. It was Sualtam mac Rôig, father of
Cuchulainn himself, who that night attended upon the Ultonians.
Moreover, Conchobar’s ladder-vat was filled for them. Their portion
having been brought to their presence, the spencers came to serve, but at
the outset they withheld the Champion’s Portion from distribution.
“Why not give the Champion’s Portion,” quoth Duach of the Chafer
Tongue, “to some one of the heroes; those three have not returned from
the King of Cruachan, having no sure token with them, whereby the
Champion’s Portion may be assigned to one of them?”
§ 73. Thereupon Loigaire the Triumphant got up and lifted on high
the bronze cup having the silver bird [chased] on the bottom. “The
Champion’s Portion is mine,” he quoth, “and none may contest it with
me.” “It is not,” quoth Conall Cernach. “Not alike are the tokens we
brought off with us. Yours is a cup of bronze, whereas mine is a cup of
white metal (findruini). From the difference between them the
Champion’s Portion clearly belongs to me.” “It belongs to neither of
you,” quoth Cuchulainn as he got up and spoke. “Ye have brought no
token that procures you the Champion’s Portion. Yet the king and queen
whom 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. The
Champion’s Portion remains with me, seeing I brought a token
distinguished above the rest.”
§ 74. He then lifted on high a cup of red gold having a bird chased on
the bottom of it in precious dragon-stone, the size of his eyes twain. All
the 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 Conchobar
and Fergus and the Ulster nobles as well. By the verdict of Ailill and of
Mève the Champion’s Portion is yours.” “I swear by my people’s god,”
said Loigaire and Conall the Victorious, “that the cup you have brought
is purchased. Of the jewels and of the treasures in your possession have
you given to Ailill and to Mève for it in order that a defeat might not be
on record against you, and that the Champion’s Portion might be given
to no one else in preference. By my people’s god, that judgment shall not
stand; the Champion’s Portion shall not be yours.” They then sprang up
one after the other, their swords drawn. Straightway Conchobar and
Fergus intervened, whereupon they let down their hands and sheathed
their swords. “Hold!” quoth Sencha, “do as I bid.” “We will,” they
quoth