There were great cares on Fer Diad's mind that night, so that they did not let him sleep. One of his great anxieties was that he should let pass from him all the treasures that had been offered to him, and the maiden, by reason of combat with one man. If he did not fight with that one man, he must fight with the six warriors on the morrow. His care that was greater than this was that if he should show himself once on the ford to Cuchulainn, he was certain that he himself would not have power of his head or life thereafter; and Fer Diad arose early on the morrow.
'Good, my lad,' said he, 'get our horses for us, and harness the chariot.'
'On our word,' said the servant, 'we think it not greater praise to go this journey than not to go it.'
He was talking with his charioteer, and he made this little song, inciting his charioteer:
'Let us go to this meeting,' etc.
The servant got the horses and yoked the chariot, and they went forth from the camp.
'My lad,' said Fer Diad, 'it is not fitting that we make our journey without farewell to the men of Ireland. Turn the horses and the chariot for us towards the men of Ireland.'
The servant turned the horses and the chariot thrice towards the men of Ireland. …
'Does Ailill sleep now?' said Medb.
'Not at all,' said Ailill.