resigned the sovereignty, and caused me, a boy, to be made king of
Ulla and captain of the Red Branch. But now I say, ere we consider
what province or territory shall first see the embattled Red
Branch cross her borders, let us enquire of Cathvah the Ard-Druid,
whether the omens be propitious, and whether through his art he is
able to reveal to us some rite to be performed or prohibition to
be observed."

That proposal was not pleasing to Fergus, but it pleased the Red
Branch, and they praised the wisdom of their king.

Then Cathvah the Ard-Druid [Footnote: High Druid, or Chief Druid.
Similarly we have Ard-Ri or High King.] spake.

"It hath been foretold," he said, "long since, that the Ultonians
shall win glory such as never was and never will be, and that
their fame shall endure till the world's end. But, first, there
are prophecies to be accomplished and predictions to be fulfilled.
For ere these things may be there shall come a child to Emain
Macha, attended by clear portents from the gods; through him shall
arise our deathless fame. Also it hath been foretold that there
shall be great divisions and fratricidal strife amongst the
children of Rury, a storm of war which shall strip the Red Branch
nigh bare."

Fergus was wroth at this, and spoke words of scorn concerning the
diviner, and concerning all omens, prohibitions, and prophecies.
Concobar, too, and all the Red Branch, rebuked the prophet. Yet he
stood against them like a rock warred on by winds which stand
immovable, let them rage as they will, and refused to take back