He ultimately came across an old rusty
battle-axe, of great size, and, setting off after the others, he
arrived at the scene of strife just as the combatants were closing
with each other. Duncan Macrae (for such was his name), from his
stupid and ungainly appearance, was taken little notice of, and
was wandering about in an aimless, vacant, half-idiotic manner.
Hector Roy, Alexander's third son, and progenitor of the Gairloch
Mackenzies, observing him, asked why he was not taking part in the
fight, and supporting his chief and clan. Duncan replied - "Mar a
faigh mi miabh duine, cha dean mi gniomh duine." (Unless I get
a man's esteem, I shall not perform a man's work.) This was in
reference to his not having been provided with a proper weapon.
Hector answered him - "Deansa gniomh duine 's gheibh thu miabh
duine." (Perform a man's work and you will get a man's esteem.)
Duncan at once rushed into the strife, exclaiming - "Buille mhor
bho chul mo laimhe, 's ceum leatha, am fear nach teich rombam,
teicheam roimhe." (A heavy stroke from the back of my hand [arm]
and a step to [enforce] it. He who does not get out of my way,
let me get out of his.
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