Laeg started from the couch. He struck flintsparks upon a rag steeped in nitre, and waved it to a flame, and kindled a lanthorn. He flung his own mantle upon the bed and went forth in his shirt. The storm raged terribly; the stars were dancing in high heaven. He came to the house of the Chief Leech and beat at the door. The Leech was not in bed. All the wise men of Emain Macha were awake that night, listening to the portents.
“Setanta, son of Sualtam, is sick,” said Laeg.
“What are his symptoms?” said the Leech.
“He is colder than ice, his eyes shine terribly, and his teeth clatter, but he says that he is hotter than fire.”
The Leech went to Cuculain. “This is not a work for me,” he said, “but for a seer. Bring hither Cathvah and his Druids.” Cathvah and and his seers came. They made their symbols of power over the youth and chanted their incantations and Druid songs. After that Cuculain slept. He slept for three days and three nights. There was a great stillness while the boy slept, for it was not lawful at any time for anyone to awake Cuculain when he slumbered.
On the third morning Cuculain awoke. The bright morning sunshine was all around, and the birds sang in Emain Macha. He called for Laeg with a loud voice and bade him order a division of the boys to get ready their horses and chariots for charioteering exercise and fighting out of their cars.
CHAPTER XIV. — THE KNIGHTING OF CUCULAIN
“Then felt I like a watcher of the skies
When a new planet swims into his ken.”
KEATS.