“Thou shalt go forth to-night,” said the man, [Footnote: This man was Lu the Long-Handed, the same who met him when he was leaving home.] “and take captive the Liath Macha and Black Shanghlan. Power will be given to thee. Go out boldly.”
“I am not wont to go out fearfully,” answered the lad. “Great labours are thrust upon me.”
He went into the supper hall as at other times and took his customary place there, and ate and drank.
“Thy eyes are very bright,” said Laeg.
“They will be brighter ere the day,” he replied.
“That is an expert juggler,” said Laeg. “How he tosseth the bright balls!”
“Can he toss the stars so?” said Setanta.
“Thou art strange and wild to-night,” said Laeg.
“I will be stranger and wilder ere the morrow,” cried Setanta.
He stood up to go. Laeg caught him by the skirt of his mantle. The piece came away in his hand.