Cuculain amongst the Red Branch Knights. He is the theme of many
heroic stories. Once in a duel he broke the right arm of his
opponent. He bade his seconds tie up his own corresponding arm.]
son of Amargin, youngest of the knights of Concobar. "Son of
Amargin," said the king, "do thou watch over the boys this day in
their pastimes. See that nothing is done unseemly or unjust.
Observe narrowly the behaviour and disposition of the lads, and
report all things clearly to me on the morrow."

So saying, he moved one of the pieces on the board, and Conall
Carna strode away southwards to where the boys were already
dividing themselves into two parties for a match at hurling.

That son of Amargin was the handsomest youth of all the province.
White and ruddy was his beardless countenance. Bright as gold
which boils over the edge of the refiner's crucible was his hair,
which fell curling upon his broad shoulders and over the
circumference of his shield, outshining its splendour. By his side
hung a short sword with a handle of walrus-tooth; in his left hand
he bore two spears tipped with glittering bronze. Fergus and
Concobar watched him as he strode over the grass; Concobar noted
his beauty and grace, but Fergus noted his great strength. Soon
the boys, being divided into two equal bands, began their pastime
and contended, eagerly urging the ball to and fro. The noise of
the stricken ball and the clash of the hurles shod with bronze,
the cries of the captains, and the shouting of the boys, filled
all the air.

That good knight stood midway between the goals, eastward from the
players. Ever and anon with a loud clear voice he reproved the