Page:The courtship of Ferb (Leahy).djvu/109

 extant Ogham inscription to "Fraech, son of Medb," found on the site of her traditional palace, has been supposed to refer to this queen; and, in later times, she was regarded by the Irish peasantry as the queen of the fairies; so that she has finally become the Queen Mab of Spenser's "Faerie Queene," and of Mercutio's speech in "Romeo and Juliet."

5.—Yoked to a chariot of white bronze.—The metal, whose name findruine is translated usually as "white bronze," was of unknown composition, but it appears to have stood next to silver in value—far superior to bronze.

8.—Said Briccriu.—Briccriu of the Poison Tongue occurs several times in the tales of this period, and is a leading character in the story called the "Feast of Briccriu." He is sometimes found at the court of Connaught, sometimes in Ulster; always with the same character of mischief-maker and scoffer. Though he is not a prominent character in the "Courtship of Ferb," his few appearances are in full keeping with his traditional character.

11.—Badb shall destroy.—The Badb (Bahb), who furnishes the tale of the "Courtship of Ferb" with its Rh