No More Learning

But you are in my house. Whatever man
Would fight with you shall fight it out with me.
They're dumb, they're dumb. How many of you would meet
[_Draws sword. _
This mutterer, this old whistler, this sandpiper,
This edge that's greyer than the tide, this mouse
That's gnawing at the timbers of the world,
This, this---- Boy, I would meet them all in arms
If I'd a son like you. He would avenge me
When I have withstood for the last time the men
Whose fathers, brothers, sons, and friends I have killed
Upholding Conchubar, when the four provinces
Have gathered with the ravens over them.
But I'd need no avenger. You and I
Would scatter them like water from a dish.

YOUNG MAN.

We'll stand by one another from this out.
Here is the ring.

CUCHULAIN.

No, turn and turn about.
But my turn's first because I am the older.

[_Spreading out cloak.
_

Nine queens out of the Country-under-Wave
Have woven it with the fleeces of the sea
And they were long embroidering at it. --Boy,
If I had fought my father, he'd have killed me.
As certainly as if I had a son
And fought with him, I should be deadly to him;
For the old fiery fountains are far off
And every day there is less heat o' the blood.

CONCHUBAR.

[_In a loud voice. _]

No more of this. I will not have this friendship.
Cuchulain is my man, and I forbid it.
He shall not go unfought, for I myself--

CUCHULAIN.

I will not have it.

CONCHUBAR.

You lay commands on me?

CUCHULAIN.

[_Seizing CONCHUBAR. _]

You shall not stir, High King. I'll hold you there.