'He gave him spear and shield. He brandished them in the middle of the house, so that nothing remained of the fifteen sets of armour that were in store in Conchobar's household against the breaking of weapons or taking of arms by any one. Conchobar's own armour was given to him. That withstood him, and he brandished it, and blessed the king whose armour it was, and said, "Blessing to the people and race to whom is king the man whose armour that is."
'Then Cathbad came to them, and said: "Has the boy taken arms?" said Cathbad.
'"Yes," said Conchobar.
'"This is not lucky for the son of his mother," said he.
'"What, is it not you advised it?" said Conchobar.
'"Not I, surely," said Cathbad.
'"What advantage to you to deceive me, wild boy?" said Conchobar to
Cuchulainn.
'"O king of heroes, it is no trick," said Cuchulainn; "it is he who taught it to his pupils this morning; and I heard him, south of Emain, and I came to you then."
'"The day is good thus," said Cathbad; "it is certain he will be famous and renowned, who shall take arms therein; but he will be short-lived only."
'"A wonder of might," said Cuchulainn; "provided I be famous, I am content though I were but one day in the world."