LIBRARY ANNEX 
 
 
 DATE 
 
 DUE 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 GAYLORD 
 
 
 
 PRINTED IN U.SA 
 
Cornell University Library 
 PR S236.R78L3 1880 
 
 The last monarch of Tara; a tale of Irela 
 
 3 1924 013 541 002 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of tliis bool< is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924013541002 
 
THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
ctRO R15 oei^ioNac 
 
 
 T:e,amRac. 
 
 sjetiL Ain eiftmn Anns An seiseA-6 aois. 
 
 noc -00 sgTiio'b eblAtiA. 
 
 THE LAST MONARCH 
 
 OF 
 
 T A R A: 
 
 A TALE OF IRELAND IN THE SIXTH' CENTURY. 
 
 BY EBLANA. 
 
 REVISED AND CORRECTED BY THE 
 
 VERY REV. U. J. CANON BOURKE, M.R.I.A. 
 
 At Ctl-dC: 
 tn. h. 51 tt 'SA til^C, 50 SK^IT) S^Cbltt WACZAK. 
 
 DUBLIN: 
 
 M. H. GILL & SON, 50 UPPER SACKVILLE-ST. 
 1880. 
 
oioNbRoccac. 
 PREFACE. 
 
 The following tale of ancient Ireland has been written solely in 
 the interest of this land, and of the Clanna-Gael, at home and 
 abroad ; the writer therefore trusts that its shortcomings may be 
 overlooked in consideration of its aim and object. By short- 
 comings she means the composition and management of the 
 subject. The subject itself; the events recorded ; all the principal 
 personages ; the religious, literary, civil, and military institutions 
 'n all their details ; the manners and customs of all classes of the 
 people; their houses, furniture, dress, ornaments, and everything 
 which they used — all these things need no apology; they are all 
 of strict historical accuracy, and in proof of this she refers her 
 readers to the various authorities which she has consulted in 
 the compilation of this little work. They are chiefly : The 
 "Annals of the Four Masters," by Connellan ; and by O'Dono v an 
 O'Flaherty's "Ogygia;" the "Book of Rights" ("Leabhar na 
 g-Ceart"); the "Chronicles of Eire ;" Petrie's"Tara;" Petrie's 
 " Round Towers ;" Dunraven's " Irish Architecture," edited by 
 Miss Stokes ; O'Mahony's " Keating's History of Ireland ;' 
 O'Connor's "Dissertations on ancient Irish History ;" O'Curry's 
 " Manuscript Materials of Irish History ;" O'Curry's "Manners 
 and Customs of the Ancient Irish;" Bunting's, Walker's, Petrie's, 
 and Hardiman's "Music;" Reeve's "Adamnan's St. Columba 
 (or Columkille); Sir W. Wilde's "Antiquities;" O'Donovan's 
 
Vi PREFACE. 
 
 "MSS. in Ordnance Survey ;" Dr. Joyce's "Irish Names of 
 Places;" the works of the Rev. Dr. Lanigan, Very Rev. 
 Canon Ulick J. Bourke, Miss Cusack (Sister M. F. Clare), 
 Rev. Dr. Colgan, and the Eev. J. O'Hanlon, the eminent 
 author of the "Lives of the Irish Saints." To this last- 
 named learned and painstaking hagiographer, the writer is es- 
 pecially indebted ; for not only did his first volume suggest to 
 her the idea of endeavouring to illustrate, in a light form, the 
 lives of some of the saints and heroes of Irish history, but she is 
 also indebted to him for placing the greater part of the above- 
 named works at her disposal. She is also indebted in a par- 
 ticular manner to the Very Rev. Canon Bourke, who read the 
 proofs and greatly improved them. In order to be as correct as 
 possible the writer has also consulted the Ordnance Survey and 
 other Maps, ancient and modern. Specimens of many of the 
 articles described are to be seen in the Museum of the Royal 
 Irish Academy. In describing the glories of the ancient Irish 
 the writer has not omitted their faults, as these ultimately led to 
 their enslavement, and it is profitable for us to take warning by 
 their errors. An eventful period in the life of St. Columkille 
 is introduced. It is much to be regretted that Irish history is 
 banned in Ireland, not only by the foreign rulers of the country, 
 but by the Irish race themselves. They have no idea of what 
 they lose by their wilful ignorance. They are told by their 
 interested masters across the channel that Ireland has no his- 
 tory; that it was a nation of savages until England took pity on 
 it, invaded and civilised it ; numbers of them are so debased 
 morally, physically, and intellectually by persecution, that they 
 believe it, without taking the trouble to find out for themselves 
 whether it be true or not. It is enough for them that England 
 says it; it is their duty to believe it ; it were disloyalty to doubt. 
 And not satisfied with this, they repeat the calumny, parrot-like, 
 to others, believing that they are speaking the truth. And yet this 
 lamentable state of aflfairs is not the fault of anyone individually. 
 
PREFACE. vil 
 
 It is part of a system, the miserable result of seven centuries of 
 national bondage and its accompanying degradation. The Irish 
 have been taught to look upon their conquerors pretty much as 
 the negroes look upon the whites — as a superior race. But if 
 the people of Ireland studied Irish history, they would know 
 that things were just the reverse of what they are taught to believe. 
 They would know that Ireland was the home of civilisation, 
 sanctity, learning, and worldly prosperity when England was 
 steeped in barbarism, heathenism, ignorance, and poverty ; and 
 that, moreover, it was Ireland that elevated England from that 
 terrible condition, and that the latter country owes to the former 
 whatever civilisation and prosperity she now enjoys. But all this is 
 studiously suppressed ; and if a stranger arrived here, and visited 
 all the schools of various classes and denominations throughout 
 Ireland, and examined the pupils in history, he would be obliged 
 to arrive at the conclusion that Ireland was a newly-discovered 
 country, lately planted with a purely English colony ; or that it 
 was a part of England, like Yorkshire or Surrey, that had, by 
 some volcanic eruption, been separated from the rest of that 
 country by a deep channel of angry waters, but whose people still 
 regarded themselves as purely and thoroughly English in descent, 
 in history, in politics, in aspirations, in everything, and insisted 
 upon having their children taught precisely as the children 
 are taught on the other side of the English Channel. And the 
 stranger would, no doubt, admire the marvellous unanimity of all 
 classes in their anxiety to pose before the world as Englishmen 
 and Englishwomen, as evidenced by the tone of the schools 
 which their children attended, from the Primary School up to 
 the University, and including also all denominations — Pro- 
 testants, Catholics, Presbyterians, &c., — each trying to out- 
 rival the others in spurning and ignoring the very existence of 
 such a place as Ireland, and trying to make their pupils believe 
 that England is, and ought to be, their country, that they ought 
 to grieve at her misfortune, glory in her triumph, cheerfully give 
 their money, their brains, their blood, their lives in building up 
 
Vlll PREFACE. 
 
 and consolidating her greatness, and be glad to receive in re- 
 turn bare toleration or contemptuous indifference to their rights. 
 Is it not too true that this is the way in which Irish children are 
 taught history in Irish schools ? Save, perhaps, in a few acade- 
 mies and colleges, where is the pupil of any of these schools who 
 can say that he or she has been taught Irish history in any of 
 these establishments ? Where, the student of the Queen's 
 Colleges, the Queen's University, the Catholic University, or 
 Trinity College, with whom Irish history has formed part of the 
 curriculum of his education .'' Echo answers. Where ? where ? 
 The distinguished member for the county in which was enacted 
 the greater part of the events recorded in our tale stated on one 
 occasion that, after having passed through the entire of what is 
 called a university education (which of course included the 
 histories of all countries except Ireland), he had to commence to 
 study Irish history for himself It would be very desirable that 
 every student on leaving the universities would do likewise. It 
 would be more desirable still if these universities would save 
 their students this trouble by making Irish history part of the 
 course, and it would be the climax of desirability if these institu- 
 tions, together with primary and intermediate schools, public 
 and private, would sink their differences on other points, and 
 be as unanimous in encouraging Irish history as they now are 
 in suppressing it What a delightful state of affairs! How preg- 
 nant with hope for the future of the country if the various 
 educational establishments of divers denominations— Protestant, 
 Presbyterian, and Catholic— instead of trying to see, as liitherto 
 many of them have done, which of them is the greatest enemy of 
 their common country, would endeavour to outrival each other in 
 instilling into the minds of their pupils reverence and love, and a 
 thorough acquaintance with the history of their native land ; if 
 the only charge which one denomination would be disposed to 
 make against the other would be that of failing to turn out of their 
 hands as good Irishmen as their rivals. This may appear un- 
 
PREFACE. IX. 
 
 reasonable and impossible, but it is well-known that some of the 
 very best and most patriotic of Irishmen have belonged to each of 
 the denominations that inhabit the country. Whether this 
 will ever come to pass it is hard to say ; but it is certain that 
 until it does Irishmen of all colours will have to place all their 
 pride and glory in a country not their own, and be satisfied to 
 shine in the borrowed plumes of another land, even though those 
 plumes had been originally stolen from their own. 
 
 It is to be hoped that the following tale will prove acceptable, 
 from a historical point of view, to all hues and shades of Irish- 
 men — for all shades of Irishmen and Irishwomen can say of the 
 country where the scenes are laid, 
 
 " This is my own, my native land !" 
 
 It is, however, to be regretted that the task was not under- 
 taken by abler and more experienced pens. However, it is not 
 too late for those able and willing to follow the matter up. 
 There are ample materials for the purpose. The present tale is, 
 of course, limited in persons, time, and place, and conveys no 
 idea of other parts of the country, much less of other characters 
 and epochs. Commending it once more to the kind and lenient 
 criticism and perusal of Old and Young Ireland at home and 
 abroad, I beg to subscribe myself 
 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 
coMSTtiaiL." 
 CONTENTS 
 
 An ceuT) ctUT). 
 IP art I. 
 
 Ant)-SC01L dltuAlfl-IRAReT). 
 THE COLLEGE OF CLONARD. 
 
 Ati cTieuT) ctiAibi'oit. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 An Coigcfiioc 6 'n Si^eij. — The Stranger from Greece - - - 9 
 
 Ati DAKA chAibnaiU 
 
 CHAPTER n. 
 
 An C015CIMOC Aju^ An c-Ab. — The Stranger and the Abbot - - 15 
 
 An cneAs cliAit)it)iU 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 CtoijceAcli Cl.tiAin-1i\Ai\eTi — The Bell-House, or Round Tower of 
 Clonard ..... - 19 
 
 AH clieAcliArimliA'oli diAibioit. 
 
 CHAPTER IV, 
 f 0il\5neAiriA nA tTlAiniTciive — The Monastic Buildings - - - - 25 
 
xii CONTENTS. 
 
 An cJi msmliA-oTi ctiAiTDioiU 
 
 CHAPTER V. PAGE 
 
 CaI/CA Ati Clio1i.1foe — The College Grounds - - 3' 
 
 An c-seniTiAt)h cViAibioit. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 An LeAbAiAAjAn — The Library. •poglAtn eiiveATin pAgAncA — Irish 
 
 Pagan Literature - ... 37 
 
 An c-seActicmliATJli cTiAibioit. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 An leAbAHAgAn — The Library. TroglAm ©iiACAnn CpiofOAi'oe. — Irish 
 
 Christian Literature - - - - - 5° 
 
 An c-ochcni1iAt)Vi cTiAibiT)it. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 An Scoit A^vf An niAinifcei\ — The School and the Monastery - - 56 
 
 An nAoimhADh diAiTaTOiL. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 n ei'ce te CeAcc — Coming Events - ... 65 
 
 At! 'OAUA CUI'O. 
 
 fari 11. 
 
 ceAmhAin nA nisTi. 
 
 TARA OF THE KINGS. 
 
 An clieux) cliAibit)il. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 CeAniAii\ nA llij — Tara of the ICings - - - . . . .jj 
 
 An ■OATLA CtlAlbTOlU 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Cotti-gnA'ouigceoiTMt)— The Rivals .... . . gg 
 
CONTENTS. xiii 
 
 An cneAS cliAibi'DiU' 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 PAGE 
 Ati c-At\T) ftij AJUT Ati A^T) KigATi — The High King and the High 
 
 Queen 94 
 
 AH cTieAcliAnm'hA'oh chAibioit, 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 ComTJAil — ^The Reception - .... • - 98 
 
 ATI dlulSeAt)!! CTlAlblOlt. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 neuIcA A1|\ CiujuJA'o — Clouds Thickening - - . . 103 
 
 AH c-semTiA-oVi cliAibiuiL. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 &M(i ATI SeAc^ATi — On the Shaughraun - - - . 1 1 1 
 
 ATI c-seAchcmtiA'oh c'hAiTDi'Olt. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 An ■pliAi'DeAci^-The Prophecy 13, 
 
 At! C-0CllCfn1lAt)Vl CTlA1b1t)lU 
 
 CHAPTER Vni. 
 
 riun TnAel.tno|\'6A— The Project of Maelmordha - - - 132 
 
 An nAOimtiA'oli cTiAibioiU 
 
 CHAPTER rX. 
 
 Cl^eAf tDAelmon'OA— The Feat of Maelmordha 138 
 
 An 'oeicViinTiA'oh cTiAibroiU 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 An c-A'oIaca'o— The Funeral 143 
 
XIV CONTENTS. 
 
 An uneAs ctn-o. 
 
 WM ni. 
 
 se toUAwTiAriA ■oeus 'n t)eisTi. 
 
 SIXTEEN YEARS AFTER. 
 
 An cheut) cTiAibiwU 
 
 CHAPTER I. PAGE 
 
 ■FiniAti Agtif CotwnatLe — ^Finian and Columkille 153 
 
 ATI ■OARA CTlAlbTOlU 
 CHAPTER n. 
 
 pelf CeAnii\AC — ^The Convention of Tara - - 160 
 
 ATI cneAS cliAibit)il.. 
 
 CHAPTER in. 
 TleAifi-CeAct)AiiM'6 — The Non-Delegates .- 175 
 
 ATI CVieAChTlAinTlA'oTl CllAlblOlt. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 An pleA'o — The Banquet ... . . j«n 
 
 An cliui5nihAT)1i c1iAibit)it. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 flA biAXJCACA — ^The Houses of Hospitality . . . 102 
 
 An c-setnhAT)Vi chAibit)it. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 CAbAil\c X)^e^ie Aifv Ati ni-bneiceAiTiAiti — ^Judging the Judge - 202 
 
 An c-seAc1iCTnhAt)h chAibiuit. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 neice CjvofoA — Untoward Events - \ . . 206 
 
CONTENTS. XV 
 
 AH c-oclicm1iA'o1i chAitoi'oil,. 
 
 CHAPTER Vin. PAGE 
 
 Ati CeiceA'D — The Escape -- 214 
 
 An tlAOmVlA'Oll ChAltDIOlt. 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 teigeA'o TiA fl^Acc — The Reading of the Laws. An WoiriiiAc — The 
 
 Sabbath - - - .... 217 
 
 ATI oeichmViATJh cViAiTDioit. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 riA CuA]\Ai"CAil — The Stipends 221 
 
 An c-AonmliA'oli chAibi'oit oeuS- 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 An c-At\t)-i\i§ A 5-ComAii\te — The Ardrigh in Council - . - 226 
 
 An ■OAftA CllAlt)1T)lt TDeuS. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Cac Ctil,A 'Ol\eiiTitie — The Battle of Coola Drevney . - 240 
 
 An cneAs ctiAibitut oeus. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 OiA-t\niAi'o Ajuf mugAin — Diarmaid and Mooan . 24S 
 
 An ceAtAmriAX) cuit). 
 fart IV. 
 
 'ooRctiA'OAs An 5At sHeine 
 (eclipse of the sun-burst). 
 
 An cTieut) cliAibit)it. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 CulrfeicpneAC — Retrospective; 257 
 
 An OAflA cTlA1t)1T)1l. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Aet) StiAiTie— Hugh Guaire - - - . 264 
 
xvi CONTENTS. 
 
 A11 rneAS diAibioit. 
 
 CHAPTER in. PAGE 
 
 An t^illeA'o— The Return .-..:. - 276 
 
 An dieAdinAmtiA'oli cliAibiuit. 
 
 CHAPTER rv, ' 
 
 poll RtiA'oAin— Rudhan's Pit - 238 
 
 A11 Cllu1SeAT)1l ChAlblTJll. 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 niAlltiJA'D HA CeAtriiAAC — The Cursing of Tara 287 
 
 ATI c-seiseAuTi chAit)it)il. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 CtiAl\c ftiJAtriAil Ajti]" 'Oeii\e — ^A Royal Visitation and a Catastrophe 297 
 
 ATI c-seAc1icm1iA'oh diAibrail. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 AilACAt) A^o-iMg HA eiiMoriti — The Funeral of the Monarch of 
 
 Ireland ... 304 
 
 cm o CV) . 
 
 END. 
 
QRO R]^ DeigioNQc NQ ueaiTirjac 
 ^t fast Slanralj of t;ara. 
 
 QN ceuo CUIO. 
 
 All'OSCOlt CtUAin-IRA-tieT). 
 
 THE COLLEGE OF CLONARD. 
 
 An ceuT) cAibi-oit. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 An Coijcfiioc 6 Jneuj. 
 
 THE STRANGER FROM GREECE. 
 
 >T was on a dark, cold night in the month of 
 October, in the year of our Lord, 538, that a 
 lonely traveller traversed the deeply-wooded 
 country which formed part of the ancient king- 
 dom of Midhe.* He had but just lost sight of the 
 light in the house of a brughfer, where he had 
 jeen entertained and directed on his road ; and though 
 he had since travelled a considerable distance, the 
 .-™_ „ friendly light had illumined his way, sometimes 
 obscured for an instant by the wood, only to reappear again to 
 cheer him on his journey ; but as it gradually became dimmer 
 and more dim, and as no other light appeared to take its place, 
 the heart of our traveller, youthful though he was, began to 
 sink within him. In vain he looked up at the heavens — the 
 moon as well as the stars were completely obscured by black, 
 impenetrable clouds; in vain he looked around— not the faintest 
 
 *Meath. 
 
lO THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 glimmer could he anywhere discern, not even that of the light 
 which he had but an instant before lost sight of. It seemed 
 for a moment as if he must pass the night in the wood ; but, 
 invoking the Divine assistance, he experienced renewed courage, 
 and proceeded vigorously on his way, using his arm as a shield 
 against the trees and shrubbery with which his path was beset, 
 and which enabled him to realise the difficulty of perceiving any 
 light, had it existed. After a few moments his exertions were 
 rewarded ; the wood became less dense, and fewer became the 
 obstacles to his onward progress. He stopped for a moment to 
 rest, and, raising hise yes, beheld, to his great joy, a faint gleam 
 of light in the distance, and apparently at a great height, and 
 at once resuming his journey, bent his steps in the direction of 
 the welcome beacon ; and soon, emerging from the wood, he 
 finds himself in a botharin* (bohereen) which appeared to lead 
 nearly in the direction of the light. However, he determined 
 to keep on the beaten track as long as possible, as the other 
 side of the botharin was also wooded. As he trudged along, no 
 longer feeling any anxiety about the night, he allowed his 
 thoughts to wander on divers subjects ; now thinking of his far- 
 off home, his journey, his present plight, and his future 
 prospects ; then his thoughts would take a devotional turn, and 
 the beacon-light in the distance would remind him of the star 
 that five hundred and thirty-eight years before had guided the 
 Eastern Magi to the crib of the long-promised Messiah ; again 
 he would be lost in speculation as to whence the light proceeded, 
 its immense height baffling every attempt at a solution of the 
 difficulty. 
 
 Thus did he while away the time as he shortened the distance 
 between him and the light, which every moment became larger 
 and brighter, until, emerging from the botharin into a hard, 
 well-kept bothar (road), he quickened his steps, as he perceived 
 that he was opposite to the .orifice whence the light evidently 
 proceeded. '.This discovery awakened a suspicion as to its 
 nature, which had escaped his recollection. The road on which 
 he trod was now illumined by the ray^s, and as his upturned , 
 gaze was riveted on the cheering beacon, he suddenly stopped, 
 as what he considered the most delicious music fell upon his ■ 
 ears. He was both surprised and charmed, as he felt satisfied 
 
 that the music proceeded from the same direction as the light 
 
 both descending together like twin spirits ; the one to cheer his 
 
 visual organs by her vivifying rays, the other to charm his 
 
 sense of hearing with her melody— both increasing their 
 
 * (Bohereen), a little road, or country lane. 
 
THE STRANGER FROM GREECE. II 
 
 gratifying attentions as he n eared their common shrine, until at 
 length the musical sister ceased her chimes ; but the regret 
 which he experienced from this circumstance was of short 
 duration ; for as he was beginning to discern the outlines of a 
 tower of gigantic proportions, as the residence of his charmers, 
 there came, wafted towards him by the evening breeze, the deep, 
 bass, mellow tones of thousands of human voices, mingled with 
 the sweet strains of the harp and other instruments. As he 
 turned towards the direction whence they proceeded, he stopped 
 for a moment, when, recognising the solemn strains as of a 
 sacred character, and concluding that it was the Irish chant* of 
 which he had heard, he flung his arms into the air as he 
 exclaimed : — 
 
 " Blessed be God ! I have at length reached my destination ! 
 I am within the precincts of the termoin lands of the far-famed 
 College of Cluain Irared ! Yes, here about me in every direc- 
 tion are streets of cells ! What a multitude of little houses ! 
 And here are some larger buildings! No doubt one of them is 
 the church where the holy monks a;re singing the Divine Office. 
 I must hasten thither to commence well my career of study by 
 invoking the aid of the Holy Spirit of wisdom and under- 
 standing." 
 
 So saying, he redoubled his speed until he came to the bank 
 of a river which reflected the light of the tower, and proceeding 
 along the brink, he came to a ceasaigh-droichet (wicker 
 bridge) which he crossed, and then found his way to the church 
 without further difiiculty ; directed thither by the lights which 
 proceeded from the windows, for the light of the tower had now 
 disappeared, owing to his close proximity to it. 
 
 As he entered the church, his first prayer was an act of 
 thanksgiving for his safe arrival. Then he joined his voice to 
 those of the endless rows of monks and students who thronged 
 the sacred building, headed as they were by the holy Finian 
 himself, the bishop and abbot of Cluain Irared — the wax candles 
 on the altar, and the immense twisted rushes which illumined 
 the body of the church, throwing a fitful glare on the counte- 
 nances of the congregation. 
 
 The office over, our traveller posted himself at the door 
 beside the bulldn, or holy water vessel, for the double pur- 
 pose of witnessing the filing out of his future friends and of 
 attracting the notice of the guest-master as he passed. 
 
 The students, who first came, eyed him with interest or 
 curiosity ; few of the monks saw him at all, but glided on with 
 
 * The ancient Irish chant in use before the introduction of the Gregorian 
 chant. 
 
12 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 eyes fixed on the ground, so strict were they in the observance 
 of their rules ; the guest-master, however, whose particular duty 
 it was to allow no stranger to escape his observation, bestowed 
 a look of keen scrutiny on the way-worn looking traveller as he 
 passed him, but could not stop the progress of the monks who 
 followed him, much less of the abbot himself, who closed the 
 procession, and whose bent head and absorbed manner ex- 
 tinguished the hopes of the stranger of catching even a 
 momentary glance from his future master. All had now passed 
 out, save a certain number of brothers who continued to chant 
 the psalms, for though the whole community only assembled at 
 the canonical hours, yet a choir of monks, skilled in psalmody, 
 continually, day and night, without intermission, chanted the 
 praises of their Creator in the church of the monastery. This 
 was easily accomplished without over-fatiguing any, for the 
 whole body of psalm-singers being divided into companies, 
 each relieving the preceding one in unceasing sucession, so 
 that one or other of these companies would be chanting their 
 psalms while the rest of their brethren were employed in their 
 respective duties. 
 
 No sooner had the venerable prelate passed, than the guest- 
 master was by the side of the stranger: " My son, thou hast 
 been travelling, and must need refreshment. Come with me to 
 the proinn-teach."* 
 
 " But, father, I have not yet told thee why I am here, or 
 whence I came." 
 
 " Thou canst do that whilst thou refreshes! thyself; but I 
 think I can guess at thy nationality. Thine accent and appear- 
 ance proclaim thee a native of the classic land of Greece.'' 
 
 Here they entered the proinnteach, and the guest-master 
 ensconsed the stranger at an immense log fire, and placed 
 at his feet a tub of water, which had been brought in by an 
 attendant. While availing himself of their attentions, the 
 youth replied : 
 
 " Yes, father, I am indeed a Greek, and having heard of 
 the fame of your Irish Universities, and of your hospitality 
 to poor and friendless strangers, I resolved to leave my 
 native land, once the abode of the arts and sciences for 
 this renowned Western Isle. Accordingly, I went on board a 
 merchant vessel which sailed from the Pirseusf to the port 
 of Baiscui, where we disembarked to visit the Cathair-Conright 
 
 » Refectory. t The Port of Athens. 
 
 J The fortress of Oonngh Mac Daire, composed of huge stones of a 
 circular form, on top of the mountain between the Bays of Tralee and 
 Castlemaine, in county of Kerry. 
 
THE STRANGER FROM GREECE. 1 3 
 
 and the Leim-Chuchullain.* I was surprised to see the 
 extensive trade which was carried on at that port, and the cities 
 adjacent. The splendid cuan (harbour) was filled with trading 
 vessels from every nation ; and when I had thought that we were 
 leaving them behind on entering the narrower part of the river 
 Sionnain (Shannon), I did not expect to find them as crowded 
 as ever at Luimneach-na-Longf (Limerick of the shipping). 
 Such, however being the case, we left the merchant vessel for 
 good, for the greater part of the passengers had arrived at their 
 destination. Having spent a short time there, and being fully- 
 refreshed, the remainder of the voyagers, including myself, got 
 into a smaller vessel, which was bound for Cruachan, J which, they 
 said, was the capital of the Kingdom of Connacht (Connaught). 
 Thus we sailed down the Sionnain, passing through Loch 
 Dearg, after which every place of interest was pointed out to me 
 until we entered Loch Ri,§ where, having been kindly instructed 
 concerning my route, I took leave of my companions ; and 
 while they sailed through the Lake of the King to his territory 
 on the western bank, I stepped on the eastern, when I found 
 myself on the Sligh-Asail. II I had not much trouble in making 
 myself understood, for, partly in Greece, and partly on my way 
 hither, I picked up much of your language, and moreover your 
 people appear used to foreigners, so I was enabled to prosecute 
 my journey without much difficulty. Once finally landed on 
 thine hospitable shores the journey was easy. Though having 
 no money, I have not known hunger or thirst, neither have I 
 been without a night's shelter. I have been entertained 
 in all sorts of houses, great and small, as well as 
 in the biadteachs. ^ Only a few hours ago I had a 
 bath and entertainment at the house of a ' bmgh,' who pressed 
 me to stay all night as my road lay through a wood, and the 
 evening was setting in dark ; but so anxious was I to reach 
 this monastery, that I declined his kind invitation, and pro- 
 ceeded on my journey. Before long, however, I began to regret 
 
 * Cuchullan's Leap, from whicli place that famous hero sets out on his 
 expedition to attack Conrigh, whom he slew. It is situated on the opposite 
 shore from Cathair-Conrigh, andis the promontory on south-western point dl 
 the present county Clare. It is incorrectly called Loop Head. 
 
 t Query. When again shall it be called Limerick of the Ships ? 
 
 fCroghan, near Elphin, in the present cotmty Roscommon. 
 The Lake of the King. 
 II The western road ; one of the five great roads of ancient Ireland. 
 •f Biadteachs, houses of hospitality. 
 
14 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 my obstinacy when the light from his house disappeared, and I 
 was left for a few moments in total darkness, until the light from 
 thine high tower appeared .through the trees. Fortunate, in- 
 deed, I was in coming from the direction I did, which was 
 opposite the light, for had I come from any other point, I could 
 not have seen it, and I must inevitably have been lost in the 
 wood." 
 
 " Not so, my son ; from whatever point of the compass thou 
 camest thou must have seen the light, for there are four orifices 
 in the top of the cloigteach* pointing to the four cardinal 
 points, so that the beacon lights which are placed there every 
 evening, and left lighting all through the night, are dis- 
 tinctly visible to all the country around, and, indeed, travellers 
 have been thus guided hither from every direction.' 
 
 " Well, I am more than ever surprised ! That is a wonderful, 
 dear old tower ; it has befriended me in more than one way to- 
 night, and I shall love it while I live. I must take a good look 
 at it on to-morrow. But I forgot to tell thee that my name is 
 Aristophanes, and, like my great namesake, I am a citizen of 
 Athens." 
 
 " Oh ! I am not all this time without discovering that thou 
 speakest the purest Attic dialect of the Greek language ; and 
 besides, thou didst mention the Piraeus as the port whence thou 
 didst embark for thy voyage hither." 
 
 This conversation and the good things which the monastery 
 provided were discussed at the same time ; the latter consisted 
 of a plentiful supper of beef, fish, vegetables, bread and cheese, 
 beer, and new milk. 
 
 The Greek, tired though he was, would have liked to ask all 
 about the music which had issued from the tower ; but as he had 
 now finished his supper, there was no excuse for detaining the 
 guest-master longer ; so he merely expressed a wish to see the 
 four lights referred to, before being conducted to the temporary 
 sleeping-place assigned him in the nearest cell, to which, after 
 having satisfied his curiosity, the guest-master conducted himj 
 saying : 
 
 " I sent our good Mael to procure a sleeping-place for thee 
 with one of thine own countrymen, who are here in such 
 numbers ; but he tells me that they were all fast asleep, and that 
 he did not like to disturb them if it could be avoided, especially 
 as one of our native pupils followed him and offered a share of 
 
 * Bell-house. 
 
THE STRANGER AND THE ABBOT. 15 
 
 his cell. However, thou must not let him keep thee awake by 
 asking thee too many questions : there will be time enough for 
 that, and thou needest rest." 
 
 Here they entered the cell, and were greeted by the young 
 Ruadhan. The guest-master having introduced them, and ex- 
 pressed a hope that they would continue good friends, left them 
 for the night. 
 
 Notwithstanding this Warning, however, the two did talk, 
 until sleep at length overpowered the traveller, and soon, in 
 common with every living thing about the monastery, he was 
 sunk in profound repose. 
 
 An TDAKA CAlbl'Olt, 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 Coijcjiioc A-gu-p A.11 c-Ab. 
 
 THE STRANGER AND THE ABBOT. 
 
 The next morning, as Ruadhan was in the act of rising, he was 
 startled by his companion suddenly springing up in bed 
 exclaiming : 
 
 " There it is again ! How delightful !" 
 
 " What 1 What is delightful ?" 
 
 " Why, the music that so charmed my ears as I journeyed 
 hither last night, and that seemed to issue from the illuminated 
 tower. Is that so ?" 
 
 " Yes ; but they are only five small bells, tuned to the five 
 notes which compose our Irish quinquegrade gapped scale ; they 
 are played with a metal hammer, and are just now calling us to 
 Mass. Art thou ready ?" 
 
 "Yes. I suppose we must observe silence now till it is 
 over ?'' 
 
 The church which they entered was built entirely of oak ; 
 was of graceful construction, and highly ornamented. In a 
 word, the best efforts of the builder, the carpenter, and the 
 goldsmith were lavished upon it. Although everything in per- 
 sonal use by the monks was of the simplest material possible, 
 yet they spared neither care nor expense in the adornment of 
 
1 6 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 the Temple of God. The altar, which was of carved yew, especi- 
 ally was decorated by the hands of the monks. A profusion of 
 beautiful flowers from the garrdha (garden) of the monastery 
 were artistically arranged in vases of gold and silver. Wax 
 candles were set in candlesticks of solid gold, the crucifix and 
 altar plate being of the same precious metal, dug from the 
 mines of Cruachan-Cinnseallagh,* and wrought by the hands of 
 some of the monks skilled in the goldsmith's art. The magni- 
 ficent illuminated missal was the work of other members of the 
 community who excelled in and taught that particular branch of 
 education. Its cover was of pure gold, sumptuously ornamented 
 with jewels. 
 
 The panelling on either side down the whole length of the 
 church was decorated with quaint but beautifully-coloured draw- 
 ings representing our Lord, the Holy Virgin, the Apostles, the 
 national patron saint, or some scene from either the Old or 
 New Testament. A white linen veil screened off the " iardom" 
 or sacristy, which adjoined the church, and opened also ex| 
 ternally. 
 
 When the community, the students, as well as the people 
 from the surrounding country who answered, as was their wont, 
 the musical summons from the tower bells, had taken their 
 places, the holy bishop, closing the long procession of monks, 
 ascended the altar-steps, and having been vested in the rich 
 episcopal robes which had been embroidered by the nuns and 
 pupils of Cill-Daire (Kildare), commenced the celebration of 
 the Divine Mysteries, then, with mitre on head, and holding 
 in hand his episcopal staff, he turned to the congregation, 
 delivered a short address, and finished by imparting his bene- 
 diction. Then all formed again into procession, and returned — 
 the people to their various homes, the monks to their several 
 occupations, and the students to the proinnteach, to partake of 
 the morning meal before commencing their studies. This 
 building, which the stranger had now a better opportunity of 
 observing than on the previous evening, was also composed of 
 wood ; it was of quadrangular form, and 30 feet in extent. 
 The pine table extended the whole length of the room, and 
 forms of the same wood were ranged on either side ; the walls 
 of panelled oak, having in the centre of each compartment a 
 quaint drawing or painting of some saint, or a representation of 
 some scene from the Holy Bible, executed by the monks or 
 scholars. 
 
 * Ancient gold mines in the present county Wicklow. 
 
THE STRANGER AND THE ABBOT. 17 
 
 The floor was composed of limestone from Oirghiall,* 
 covered with matting in the centre. In the mensa of the 
 proinnteach were kept the coUus, haritorium, biberee, and such 
 ferramenta as pagiones and cultillia.f 
 
 When, the Greek entered between the guest-master and 
 Ruadhan, and was introduced to his new companions, the latter 
 set up a ringing cheer, and welcomed him with a " ceud 
 mile failte," his own countrymen, of whom there were a 
 goodly number, overpowered him with questions concerning 
 their native land, desiring news of all that had happened there 
 since they had left it. 
 
 Soon, however, the conversation became more general, and 
 Aristophanes expressed surprise to find that the number of stu- 
 dents at Cluain-Irared numbered altogether about three thousand, 
 and amazed at the various nationalities represented ; for, besides 
 the Greeks and the native Irish, there were also students from 
 Britain, Albion,:]: Gaul, Iberia, § Italy, Germany, and Egypt. 
 
 Breakfast over, Ruadhan intimated to Aristophanes that he 
 would escort him over the monastery and its belongings, that 
 he had obtained leave to do so, as it was usual on a new 
 arrival. 
 
 The Greek arose to accompany him as the other students 
 filed out to the school, but as the two friends were just outside, 
 the guest-master came up, and desired Aristophanes to follow 
 him to the abbot's house whom he had only that moment found 
 an opportunity of apprising of the stranger's arrival. The Greek 
 accompanied the guest-master to the presence of his holy master. 
 
 The abbot's house was at some distance from the others, 
 and situated on a slight eminence ; it was of quadrangular 
 form, and superior in size to all the rest. It was constructed 
 of beams and planks, in form resembling the Swiss Chalet ; it 
 was twelve feet in width, and nine feet in height, formed of 
 rough blocks and planks of oak timber split with wedges. The 
 framework of upright posts and horizontal sleepers, mortised 
 at the angles, the end of each upright post being inserted into 
 the lower sleeper of the frame, and fastened by a large block of 
 wood, or forelock ; the door was provided with a glas (lock) 
 and eochair (key). The roof was flat, and the house of two 
 compartments, one over the other. 
 
 The guest-master and the new pupil, entering, passed the 
 two attendants, who were always stationed at the door, awaiting 
 the orders of the abbot ; a third attendant was in the act of 
 
 * Louth. • + Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical History." 
 
 J Scotland. § Spain. 
 
l8 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 reading to him ; both were seated on wooden benches at a 
 small wooden table, on which were arranged writing materials. 
 Suspended from a hook in one of the joints was a polaire, 
 or leathern satchel, for holding and carrying books. Two or 
 three pictures, representing sacred subjects, which hung on the 
 whitewashed walls, completed the furniture of this truly monastic 
 apartment ; the upper room was fitted out as a bedroom ; but 
 though it contained an humble bed, it was never used, for the 
 holy Finian slept on the bare floor, with a stone for his pillow. 
 He was scarcely past the middle age ; of kindly but firm aspect, 
 and as he was not then engaged in any episcopal function, 
 wore the usual monastic habit, common to all his brethern. 
 Besides the tonsure, he wore a long tunic made of wool, over 
 which was the cuculla or mantle, with its hood, of the same 
 material, the wool being of the natural colour it received from 
 the sheep. The abbot Finian was deeply absorbed in the 
 manuscript which his attendant was reading to him ; it was a 
 sublime composition by one of his pupils named Ciaran (Kiaran), 
 the son of an artificer. As he listened, the holy man became 
 overpowered by his feelings ; tears of joy streamed down his 
 cheeks ; he bent eagerly forward, fearful lest he should lose a 
 single word that fell from the lips of the reader. The latter 
 raised his eyes and suddenly stopped, as he beheld the guest- 
 master and the stranger before him. 
 
 Finian, surprised, raised his eyes also, as the guest-master, 
 overcome by what he had seen and heard, fell at his feet, and 
 his example was silently followed by the Greek. Finian blessed 
 both, and then said: "Is this the young stranger of whom 
 thou hast been telling me ?" 
 
 " Yes, venerable abbot ; he has travelled all the way from 
 Greece, as so many of his countrymen are doing, to put himself 
 under thy guidance and instruction.'' 
 
 " Come hither, my son ; come to the arms of thy father and 
 thy friend ; thou art no longer a stranger, but a child of my 
 soul and of my heart." 
 
 As Finian uttered these words he opened his arms, and the 
 Greek, overpowered by such an unexpected reception, flung 
 himself into them, and leaning his head on the abbot's shoulder, 
 relieved his feelings by a copious flood of tears. When these 
 had subsided, he related his story, and Finian, stroking him 
 gently, exclaimed : " Now, my child, I hope thou wilt make 
 thyself at home, and if there is any request thou wishest to 
 make, I shall be only too happy to grant it, as far as the rules 
 will permit. I have a special regard for thy country, once so 
 like our own." 
 
THE BELL-HOUSE, OR ROUND TOWER OF CLONARD. 19 
 
 "Nay, father; I came here penniless, attracted by the fame 
 of thy seminary and the generous hospitality which extends so 
 many blessings to less favoured nations ; that is more than I 
 could desire. Thy reception of me is in itself sufficient to re- 
 pay me for all I have gone through during my journey." 
 
 " Well, my son, thou shalt have able teachers in every 
 branch of study — sacred and profane — and I am confident thou 
 wilt, by application and perseverance, second their eiforts. Thy 
 fellow- students, too, among whom are many of thine own 
 countrymen, thou wilt find friendly and desirous to assist thee. 
 For the first couple of days thou will have enough to do to ex- 
 plore the monastery and its belongings. Ruadhan, who is to 
 accompany thee, will explain everything." 
 
 Then turning to the guest-master : ," Is he at hand .'"' 
 
 " Yes, my father, I see him yonder ; he is studying while he 
 is waiting." 
 
 " Well, now, thou hadst better let them commence their 
 rambles: " Beannacht leat momhic!" (A blessing with thee, 
 my son 1) 
 
 The reading was resumed as the two left the abbot's house, 
 and were joined by Ruadhan as soon as he perceived them. 
 The guest-master then left them to attend to his duties, for, his 
 services to Aristophanes were at an end, as the latter was now 
 a recognised alumnus of the college. 
 
 An cneAS cAibnDit. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 CloigueAch CtuA-in-lnAneo. 
 
 THE BELL-HOUSE, OR ROUND TOWER OF CLONARD. 
 
 The two youths being then left to themselves, Ruadhan asked 
 his companion whether he would like to examine the interior 
 of the monastic buildings first, or to explore the grounds and 
 termoin lands. Then suddenly remembering, added i " Or, 
 perhaps, thou wouldst prefer to examine the Cloigteach first 
 of all }" 
 
 " The Cloigteach 1 Is that what thou callest the round 
 tower with the light and the music ?" 
 
 " Exactly so." 
 
20 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 " Oh, then, the Cloigteach, the Cloigteach, by all means, 
 the first 1" 
 
 Then looking towards it: "What a majestic structure! 
 How gracefully it tapers towards the summit ! ' How many feet, 
 O Ruadhan, measureth it from the ground to the top of the cross 
 on the conical roof." 
 
 " The height, O Aristophanes, is about one hundred and 
 thirty feet, and the external circumference at the base, sixty 
 feet, exclusive of the projecting steps. And before we approach 
 too near, please observe the size of the lower stones, some of 
 which are nine feet long by three feet deep, and they gradually' 
 diminish in size until they reach the top. The masonry is 
 Cyclopean, and, rough as it appears when viewed from a dis- 
 tance ; yet if thou standst immediately under thou wilt see that it 
 is perfectly smooth and level. Let us mount the steps." 
 
 When they took their stand upon the upper platform, they 
 stood close to the Cloigteach, and looked up the side towards the 
 top.Aristophanes exclaiming: "Truly, the architecture iswonder- 
 ful ! Here are a great number of stones, some of them immense 
 blocks, which at a little distance appear as if roughly laid to- 
 gether; and, behold, as I run my eye closely along the surface, 
 the whole length of one hundred and thirty feet is so smooth 
 and even, and so perfectly are all their joints fitted, as to re- 
 semble one huge sheet of glass." 
 
 " Let us walk around, Aristophanes, until we come to this 
 spot again, and thou wilt see that it maintains the same charac- 
 ter throughout." 
 
 They proceeded to walk around on the platform at the base 
 of the tower, the Greek running his eye along the surface to 
 the top at every inch until they had completed the circuit, when 
 he again gave expression to his admiration. Then casting his 
 eyes beneath him, he turned to his companion, and said : " By 
 the way, Ruadhan, I presume that this circular projecting base 
 is usual with towers of such great height." 
 
 " It is usual, but there are exceptions ; this, as thou per- 
 ceivest, hast three steps or plinths ; others of lesser height have 
 only two, or sometimes one ; then in some localities they are 
 surrounded by an earthen mound." 
 
 " There appears to be seven or eight windows in this tower. 
 Is that the general number in others ?" 
 
 " Oh, no; they differ in that respect, too, and in many others; 
 there are seven here. Some have more and some less. Let us 
 enter." 
 
 A few steps brought them under the doorway, which was 
 
THE BELL-HOUSE, OR ROUND TOWER OF CLONARD. 2 1 
 
 twenty feet above where they stood. A huge strong ladder, 
 firmly secured, reached to it. . Ruadhan, assuring his companion 
 that it was perfectly safe and steady, invited him to mount. 
 When they had reached the top, they entered the doorway, 
 which stood open, and only admitted one at a time. When 
 they stood within, Ruadhan called the attention of his companion 
 to the fact that the entrance stood directly opposite to the door 
 of the church. Aristophanes looked, remarking that he had 
 not observed it before, and then stood to admire the fine view 
 which presented itself ; but his companion, assuring him that 
 the view would be much finer when seen from the top, invited 
 him to descend the stone steps which led to the bottom or 
 first storey. The floor was of solid masonry. It was lighted 
 by a single aperture ; and here Ruadhan pointed out the thick- 
 ness of the walls at the base, which was five feet, and remarked 
 that it was little less at the door above. Flights of steps lined 
 the walls round about, so that the friends ascended by a dif- 
 ferent way from that which they took in descending. They 
 find themselves again on the second storey, or that by which 
 they entered, and this floor was composed of wood, resting 
 on joists, which were set in holes in the walls all round. 
 
 Ascending then, the flights of stone steps round the interior 
 of the walls, they came to the third storey, which was exactly 
 like that b^elow it, the aperture being nearly as large as the door 
 below. The fourth, fifth, and sixth stories were somewhat 
 similar, save that they became smaller as they ascended, the 
 aperture also diminishing in size. When they reached the 
 seventh storey, Aristophanes remarked that stone hooks pro- 
 jected from the wall, on which hung polaries or book satchels. 
 
 " For what purpose, O Ruadhan, are those polaries here, so 
 high up in the Cloigteach }" 
 
 " It is in these that the Aistire (artist) keeps his music 
 tablets." 
 
 " Oh ! is he here now .'" 
 
 " I do not think he is, but if thou desirestit, he will take the 
 greatest pleasure at any time in giving thee every information. 
 Of course, this is all sacred music — one or other of which he 
 plays on the monastery bells when calling the community, 
 scholars, and people to Mass, or to any of the Divine Ofiices of 
 the Church." 
 
 " Oh, I shall never forget the first time I heard them. Is 
 it taught in the college ? I should, above all things, desire 
 to learn it." 
 
 " All known kinds of music is taught. Thou hast not yet 
 seen the music-room." 
 
2 2 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 "And are all as proficient as thine Aistire ?" 
 "By no means. Some are more proficient on the harp, 
 others on the violin, and so on ; but as in all things else, 
 practice makes perfect. And so our Aistire is the best bell- 
 ringer in the monastery : in fact it is his special duty." 
 
 They had now ascended to the top of the last flight and 
 entered the Cloigteach (bell-house) proper, and Ruadhan pro- 
 ceeded to explain, as well as he could, the peculiarities of 
 Irish music, regretting his own superficial knowledge of bell- 
 ringing and the absence of the Aistire. However, he com- 
 menced to play, and Aristophanes protested that he enjoyed it 
 as much as he did that of the Aistire. When he had finished,! 
 the Greek examined the five bells, sounded each of them sepa- ' 
 rately with the metal hammer ; examined the manner in which . 
 they were suspended from the iron bar ; and having satisfied , 
 himself, at length turned to look about the apartment. It was ■ 
 smaller than any of those below it ; the height of the walls were 
 thirteen feet, and from the top of the wall all around rose the 
 conical roof to a height of seventeen feet, terminating in a point 
 in the centre above — the total height from the floor being thirty 
 feet. From an iron hook, fastened in the cone, was suspended 
 a chain, to which was fastened, just above their heads, the now 
 extinguished larrip, which the night before had guided the Greek' 
 to the monastery. He now noticed its position exactly in the' 
 centre of the apartment, directly opposite the four windows 
 which faced the four cardinal points. Then approaching the 
 southern window, he gazed for some moments at the view 
 presented, expressing to Ruadhan his admiration, and asking 
 information about the far-off objects revealed by the morning, 
 sun. Ruadhan pointed out and explained, in turn, the great 
 monastery founded by St. Brigid, at Oill-Daire, other monas- 
 teries and churches, Cloigteachs, resembling the one in which 
 they stood, palaces, forts, duns, biadtachs, cities. Then at the 
 western — the most remarkable object among the others was the 
 palaces, churches, schools, and towers of Cruachan, the seat of 
 the kings of Olnamact or Oonnacht. 
 
 After admiring the objects of interest and the beauties of the 
 extensive scenery, they proceeded to the northern window,, 
 where they stopped a considerable time, the Greek admiring all 
 he saw, and listening intently to the account his companion gave 
 him concerning all the remarkable places and buildings within 
 their range of vision and beyond it, dwelling longest on the 
 history, fame, and glory of the great palace of Emania, the 
 gorgeousness of its appointments and surroundings, the fame 
 
THE BELL-HOUSE, OR ROUND TOWER OF CLONARD. 23 
 
 and exploits of its heroes and heroines, the learning and wis- 
 dom of its ollamhs* and fil6s,t becoming so enthusiastic as to 
 forget everything save the theme of his praise, when Aristo- 
 phanes, leaning out and looking towards his right, exclaimed : 
 
 " Behold, O Ruadhan ! yonder to the north-east. What city 
 is that, and what masses of building are those ?" 
 
 "Oh, that is the Oathair Teamhrach (the city of Tara), the 
 seat of the ArdrighJ of Eire,§ surpassing in power, glory, 
 and letters even Emania itself. Come to the eastern window, 
 and we shall have a better view." 
 
 From the eastern window Ruadhan pointed out and explained 
 to the Athenian in as few words as possible the origin, descrip- 
 tion, and use of the various palaces, duns, forts, schools, churches, 
 and houses of various classes which constituted the royal city. 
 Thence the eyes of the stranger wandered over Magh-Breagh, 
 the " Magnificent Plain," thence to the surrounding country to 
 the kingdom of Laghean or Leinster, in the distance, even to the 
 sea shore, the numerous merchant vessels which crowded its 
 ports appearing like so many specks on its waters, when, his 
 thoughts suddenly reverting to Tara, he said : 
 
 " Shall I soon have an opportunity of visiting the chief royal 
 city of Eire }" 
 
 "Thou canst visit it at any time, O Aristophanes, by obtain- 
 ing leave from our holy master ; but the triennial feisH will soon 
 be held by the monarch Tuathal Maelgarbh.^ At such times, 
 when all the States of Eire are assembled at Teamhair,** all 
 the colleges and schools break up for the occasion ; we are no 
 exception to that rule. Bishop Finian holds a seat in the 
 assembly of the nation, and his pupils know how to enjoy the 
 games and general sports which always accompany it. But the 
 sun is high in the heavens and thou hast seen little yet. Let 
 us go." 
 
 "But tell me first, O Ruadhan, are these Cloigteachs used 
 for any other purposes besides calling to prayer and serving as 
 beacon- towers to travellers and pilgrims }" 
 
 " Oh, there are several otherpurposes for which they are used. 
 On clear, starry nights some of our professors come up here to 
 make astronomical observations. Then they are used as ecclesi- 
 astical keeps. In some districts where the churches and 
 monasteries have been ravaged, the altar-plate and other valu- 
 ables were safely deposited in the chambers of the Cloigteach. 
 
 * Learned men. t Poets. J High King. § Ireland. 
 
 II Parliament,, or Convention. 11 Thooal Malegarve. . ** Tara. 
 
24 THE LAST MONARCH OF TAR A. 
 
 In those cases they are watch-towers, and places of safety, 
 and defence : the doors double, and fastened with locks, bolts 
 and bars, the walls are five feet at base ; they are impre- 
 gnable and proof against fire ; they can never be taken by 
 assault ; but by their position they command a view of the 
 church-entrance, from which they are distant about twenty feet 
 to the N.W., as thou seest ; and missiles can be let fall on the 
 heads of any parties attacking the church. However, nothing 
 of the kind has ever yet occurred in Cluain Irared, and I hope 
 never shall. Still, it is best to be prepared, and in the mean- 
 time they are indispensable as bell-houses, and beacon-towers." 
 
 " They are most interesting buildings, and in every respect 
 worthy of admiration. I am ready to accompany thee now. 
 Shall we descend by the same way by which we ascended }" 
 
 " No ; we can descend by the opposite side." 
 
 They commenced the descent of the stone steps to the 
 several storeys beneath, until they arrived at the second or 
 lowest storey save one. It will be remembered that it is in this 
 that the entrance is situated. Arrived at the door, they next 
 commenced to descend the ladder by which they had mounted 
 to the Cloigteach : they soon found themselves again on the pro- 
 jecting platform which surrounded the base of the tower ; and a 
 moment more and they had cleared the three steps which ran 
 all round the base. The Greek, running a little distance, 
 looked again towards the summit, and coming back, said to 
 his friend : 
 
 " Small wonder, indeed, O Ruadhan, that we could see 
 almost the whole country from such a height. The scenery on 
 all sides was truly magnificent."* 
 
 * Considerable difference of opinion exists as to the origin of the Round 
 Towers. Dr. Petrie, and also Rev. Dr. Kelly of Maynooth, say that they were of 
 Christian origin ; while VaUencey, Mr. Beauford, Dr. O'Connor, Miss Beau- 
 fort, Moore, D' Alton, Windele, O'Brien, Keane, Giraldus, and others main- 
 tain that they were of Pagan origin. The opinions of these various writers 
 are closely examined, and the Pagan theory proved and upheld, with great 
 learning and acumen by the Very Rev. Canon U. Bourke. 
 
THE MONASTIC BUILDINGS. 25 
 
 Atl CeAUARttlA'O CAlbl'Oll. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 "Poi-iigneA-rti/b. n^ Tn«.ini-pciiAe. 
 
 THE MONASTIC BUILDINGS. 
 
 They now proceeded to visit tiie other monastic buildings, 
 and first to the coisteannach, or coitchean (kitchen). This 
 building joined the proinnteach, and was seventeen feet in 
 extent. Many were the utensils for cooking, as the gridiron 
 (craticula), frying-pans (sartago), kettles, pots, (cacabus), the 
 dabhach or hydra (water-pot), lorgna, or skewers, iubhiar (spit), 
 coire, or cauldrons, griddles (gridil), &c. The plata (plates), 
 dabhacha, or tubs, and miasa (dishes), ladara, or ladles were 
 of the simplest material, as wood, or polished stone. The 
 monks, whose duty it was to attend to the creature comforts 
 of the college, were busily engaged just as the two friends 
 entered. 
 
 The c6ca (cook) was minding an immense coire (cauldron), 
 and his assistants were busy attending to his directions. Then 
 there were the buinnire, or foot messengers. The fuineadoir, 
 pistor or baker, was occupied in making bairgins, or cakes, at 
 a sycamore losaid, or kneading-trough. 
 
 Aristophanes and Ruadhan entered into conversation with 
 those functionaries, who began to lead them into all the myste- 
 ries of the coitchean, when the rannaire, pincerna, or butler en- 
 tered from the proinnteach to give directions, and he also 
 assisted in giving every information to the stranger. The latter, 
 being now satisfied, prepared to follow his companion, and as 
 both turned to depart, they were met at the entrance by some of 
 the brethren, laden with large pails of milk, which they had just 
 taken from the cows in the fields of the monastery. They 
 inspected the aith (kiln), which was employed for the twofold 
 object of thrashing (trituratio frugum), and drying ears of corn 
 (ad spicas siccandas). The latter process was conducted by 
 means of a large sieve. Their attention was next attracted by 
 the noise of the bro, or quern, and, as they approached, they 
 perceived, coming from an opposite quarter, some monks, carry- 
 ing on their backs sacks of corn, which they directly deposited . 
 beside the lamhbro (hand-quern). This primitive prototype of 
 
26 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 the muilinn, or mill, consisted of two flat stones, circular discs, 
 about eighteen inches across, the upper being made to rotate 
 on the lower by means of wooden handles; moreover, the upper 
 was concave, and the lower stone of the quern convex, having a 
 lip or margin called on that account by the significant name 
 potquern. This lip encircles or overlaps the upper stone, while 
 the meal is forced to pass through a hole in the side of the 
 lower. The top millstone was decorated with an ancient Irish 
 cross, carved in relief, the arms of which were enclosed within 
 a circle. This ornament distinguished church querns from 
 those employed for private or public use. The handle holes 
 were placed in the arms "of the cross. The whole quern was 
 made of sandstone from Oirghialla, and wrought by the hands 
 of a monk, the son of a quern-maker. All this was explained 
 to the Greek by the brother, who the whole time was occupied 
 in turning the handles, so that he lost not a moment in grind- 
 ing the meal. This infraction of the law of silence was allowed 
 on useful or necessary occasions like the present. At all other 
 times, and on ordinary occasions, silence was strictly en- 
 joined, in order that, as the brethren worked with their hands, 
 their minds might be fixed on heavenly things. 
 
 Ruadhan next led his friend to the sciobol (barn) close by, 
 an out-office of considerable importance, where the grain when 
 winnowed was stored in heaps until required. Thence they 
 proceeded to the cearda (workshops) of the ceardaidh, or arti- 
 ficers, taking first that of the saor (carpenter). Here they 
 stopped for a while examining the various articles fashioned 
 from the different kinds of wood, as daire foak), eo (yew), beith 
 (birch), sail (willow), ailm (fir), &c. The articles were many 
 and various, as cups, plates, dishes, goblets, methers, kneading- 
 troughs, bowls, and candlesticks. They were of all shapes and 
 sizes, round, oval, square, formed chiefly of a single piece of 
 wood turned with a lathe. Dishes 20 in. long by 1 1 broad, and 3 
 deep, with projecting handles, supported by a reel-shaped piece 
 beneath, extending across each extremity; others 3 ft. long by 21 
 in. broad and 3 deep. Milk coolers, oval and circular, of a single 
 piece, with perforated handles ; tumbler-shaped vessels, methers, 
 or mead-drinking vessels of different kinds, some with one 
 handle, some with two, others again with four handles, prolonged 
 into feet, and decorated with lines and circles, triangular and 
 chequered patterns; tubs and barrels made with staves. All 
 those various utensils, as property special to a monastery, were 
 also ornamented with crosses or other sacred emblems. While 
 some of the monks were engaged in making vessels of this class. 
 
THE MONASTIC BUILDINGS. 2^ 
 
 Others were engaged in carving or moulding yew or other suit- 
 able wood for the decoration of the church. Some cut and 
 prepared tablets of beith, or birch, for writing purposes, also for 
 wooden rulers. Others, again, were forming planks and boards 
 into tables, forms, shelves, and the like, or else preparing posts, 
 boards, and doors for building purposes. To these latter 
 Ruadhan observed that they should be ready to erect the cell 
 for the new comer on the following morning. They next visited 
 the gobha, or smith, and the ceard umha, or brazier. Some were 
 shoeing the plough horses, which cocked their ears at the ring- 
 ing sound of the anvil, and erected their manes as they glared 
 at the innumerable sparks that shot in every direction ; others 
 were fusing iron through the ferrementa ; some were fashioning 
 plates, hooks, and nails of iron ; some were making ploughs 
 and carts, hatchets, spades, locks, keys, and other articles. The 
 brazier hammered and worked at various objects, useful and 
 ornamental. Further on the cearda 6ir agus cearda airgid, 
 (gold and silversmiths), worked away at discs, crosses, chalices, 
 shrines, candlesticks, lamps, book-covers, and other sacred ob- 
 jects. Aristophanes examined carefully these beautiful articles, 
 as well as the gold and silver ore, and watched with interest the 
 process .of refining, entering into conversation with the monks 
 to whom that particular branch was committed. He next ad- 
 mired the precious stones, as onyx, amethyst, sapphire, emerald, 
 carbuncle, cruan, garnet, &c., which were used in ornamenting 
 the above-named church. Leaving this portion of the building, 
 their next visit was to the charcoal burner, who in his turn was 
 continually turning out guail, or charcoal, for the use of those 
 who as constantly needed it to carry on their operations. At 
 this moment the tower bells commenced to ring, and the two 
 friends turned their steps in towards the church, which was soon 
 filled by the whole community and school, all having left their 
 occupations for that purpose. Text over, the community went to 
 their cells, as was theirwont.to spend some time in private prayer, 
 and the students filed into the proinnteach to partake of the good 
 things which were set before them, being waited on by the 
 butler and his assistants. After dinner all the scholars returned 
 to the school-rooms, save Ruadhan and the new comer, who 
 departed to finish their explorations. This done, the monks 
 had returned to their occupations. Ruadhan and friend now 
 turned into the workers in stone, and examined all the objects 
 made of that useful substance, meeting face to face the fashioner 
 of the quern, who now exhibited to the Athenian the method of 
 forming and the manner of polishing the various stone articles. 
 
28 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 such as drinking-cups of potstone about four three-eighth inches 
 across the bowl, and five and a quarter over side, which included 
 the handle, and one and a quarter in depth. They were speci- 
 ally made for placing at roadside wells, to refresh the weary 
 traveller as he passed on his way. The good brother here 
 informed Aristophanes that so great was the wealth of Eire from 
 A. D. 123 to A. D. 226, during the reigns of Conn of the hundred 
 battles, and his grandson, Cormac Mac Art, that silver cups 
 were placed at roadside wells. Aristophanes, surprised at this 
 intelligence, declared that he would carefully study the history 
 of Eire from the earliest times. 
 
 Other objects formed of stone were next examined ; they 
 were cups, bowls, dishes, inkstands, and other articles in use in 
 the monastery. He specially admired some small limestone 
 salt-cellars. After this his attention was directed to objects all 
 quite different in kind, as stone coffins, gravestones with sculp- 
 tured crosses, and inscriptions in Latin and Irish. Some stones 
 and monoliths inscribed with ogham characters, the meaning of 
 which were duly explained ; other tombstones had a cross within 
 a circle, and inscribed in ogham also. All these were intended 
 to be placed over recently-made graves in the cemetery in the 
 monastery to which the two friends, after watching fora short 
 time the process of stone-cutting and inscribing, had now gained 
 access through a door opposite to that by which they had 
 entered the stone workshop, between which and the church the 
 cemetery lay. This they now traversed, examining the inscrip- 
 tions on the tombstones similar to those they had just seen. 
 As many of those interred had been known to Ruadhan, he 
 gave his friend an account of their lives and actions ; nor did 
 they leave without offering a prayer to the Great White Throne 
 for those who had preceded them on their voyage to eternity. 
 
 Full of those solemn and yet consoling thoughts which a 
 visit to the city of the dead is ever sure to inspire, the two com- 
 panions left the sacred place by another gate, Ruadhan leading 
 the way to the bronteach (hospital), where the patients, whether 
 monks or students, were terided with constant and unremitting 
 care by the numerous monks, whose particular duty it was and 
 many of whom were skilled physicians, having made that noble 
 science their principal study, while others of the brethren acted 
 as nurses and attendants. Here Ruadhan, introducing his new 
 friend to the physicians, nurses, and patients alike, they spent 
 some time in conversing, going from sick-bed to sick-bed sym- 
 pathising with each sufferer, and warmly praising the care and 
 skill displayed in behalf of the sick : cleanliness being the first 
 
THE MONASTIC BUILDINGS. 29 
 
 and most important thing attended to and enforced, and not- 
 ing with especial satisfaction the plentiful supply of running 
 water, fed by the river Boinn (Boyne), and so constructed by 
 one of the brethren skilled in such matters as to fill with a con- 
 tinuous flow on one side as fast as it emptied itself on the other. 
 Another remarkable feature in the hospital was the hot-air bath, 
 which was used as a cure for rheumatism, which was very com- 
 mon. Before leaving they witnessed a successful surgical 
 operation, which served to convince the foreigner more than 
 ever that the accounts of Irish scientific skill which had reached 
 his native land had not been exaggerated. On leaving the 
 hospital they directed their steps to the criolaire, or leather- 
 satchel maker. Here they witnessed the various stages of the 
 manufacture of these satchels, of which there were two kinds, 
 the polaire and the tiaga. The former, which were the most 
 elegant, were those in general use by the professors and students 
 for carrying their books from their cells to the school-rooms. 
 Aristophanes, deeply interested, watched the process of satchel- 
 making, first examined the blocks on which they were shaped, 
 and on which were depressed patterns on the sides and top. 
 While he looked the brathair (brother) placed a piece of leather, 
 which he had previously damped and cut to shape, on the block, 
 and pressed it closely into every curve and line of the pattern ; 
 He then left it until it dried, and the pattern on the block 
 became indelibly impressed on the leather. When the Greek 
 had sufficiently observed the nicety with which the damp leather 
 was folded on the block, his attention was directed to the next 
 process, and for this purpose he turned to another block on 
 which the leather had dried. This piece of strong leather was 
 36 inches long and 12 inches broad, and when taken off and 
 folded became transformed into a six-sided case 1 2 inches long, 
 12^ broad, and 2^ thick, having a flap which doubled over in 
 front. The brother now went to a table on which were a lot of 
 leather straps, which had been carefully cut, and selecting two 
 of them, commenced to stitch them on the upper corners of the 
 sides with a leathern thong. These were for the purpose of 
 slinging the case from the shoulder. The next thing was to 
 fasten on a lock which had been brought from the smithy, which 
 the Greek had already visited; then eight staples were admitted 
 through perforations in the flap for short iron rods to enter and 
 which met at the lock. When the whole was completed, Aris- 
 tophanes took the polaire into his hands to examine the em- 
 bossed work more minutely. The ornaments consisted of 
 trigretra, interlaced cross of two ovals ; the cross formed between 
 
30 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 four segments of circles within a circle, as well as several 
 varieties of the interlaced tracery forming crosses. He next 
 examined other cases which had been formed on other blocks, 
 and, with the help of the brother and Ruadhan, examined the 
 basso relievo, which differed from the other, this one consisting 
 of circles, having within them three animals interlaced in differ- 
 ent forms in each, curious animals, having their tails interlaced 
 with diamonds, knots, and crosses. The bottom of this case is 
 ornamented with triplicate, pear-shaped ornaments. Having 
 examined several other polairidh formed after the same manner, 
 but differing as to ornamentation, the Athenian now turned his 
 attention to a monk who was making satchels after a very 
 different manner, having before him a great number of flat bands, 
 which he interlaced until they formed a polaire, and then 
 finished. Aristophanes, on examining it, perceived that a line 
 ran down the centre, and that there were five small circles, which 
 the brother proceeded to ornament with the bead. The straps, 
 staples, iron rods, lock and key, having been all fastened on, 
 this kind of satchel presented a very pretty appearance. 
 
 A third method of making polairidh was now shown to the 
 Greek, who found himself beside a monk who had spread out 
 before him a skin which he had just cut out to the proper shape, 
 and had commenced to carve in very low relief or " grave en 
 creux." Having attentively looked on for some time and ad- 
 mired the perfection of the workmanship and the facility with 
 which the monk fashioned such endless varieties of fanciful 
 designs, his companion called his attention to another of the 
 brethren who was engaged in making the tiaga. These leathern 
 receptacles were somewhat similar to the polairidh, but of a 
 larger and rougher construction. They were also used for the 
 carriage of books and other articles as well. 
 
 As they were leaving, they were recalled by the monk to 
 whom they had first spoken on entering, and Aristophanes was 
 informed by him that he was entitled to a polaire, and that he 
 might take his choice. Aristophanes thereupon chose one of 
 those ornamented with the curious animals, and then left it to 
 the care of the brother until his cell should be erected. They 
 now turned into the greusaidh, or shoemaker, and the harness- 
 maker, who were busy plying at their trades. Next they visited 
 the monk whose special occupation it was to prepare parchments 
 for writing. From this they proceeded to the halla ceachd 
 (lecture halls), in one of which a fear-leighin (professor) was 
 delivering a lecture on metaphysics to his pupils; thence to the 
 music room, where instruction was being given in singing and 
 
THE COLLEGE GROUNDS. 3 1 
 
 in playing on the different kinds of musical instruments, as the 
 cruit (harp), ceis (small harp, lit charmer), the tiompan (another 
 kind of harp), cloga (bells), corn (horn), clairseach (another 
 kind of harp), cinnard cruit (the high-headed harp), crom cruit 
 (the down-bending harp), the ceiruin (a portable harp used for 
 religious purposes), the fidiol (violin), stoc (a horn), cuisle ciuil 
 (the musical pipe), and adharca ciuil (musical horns). They 
 traversed the airdal (room), looking at these various instruments, 
 looking attentively at the performers, and examining the piles 
 of music tablets suited to the different instruments. Leaving 
 this department, they entered another building called the teach 
 scriopta, or house of writing and drawing, where numbers of 
 monks were engaged in transcribing and illuminating manu- 
 scripts. They were called scriobaidh (scribes), and scribneoiridh 
 togaidhe (choice scribes) ; while some were multiplying such 
 works as the Holy Bible, the Four Gospels, the writings of the 
 Fathers and Doctors of the Church, the compositions of native 
 and foreign authors, in the most finished caligraphy; others, 
 with exquisite skill, traced fanciful and curious designs of end- 
 less variety, and filled them with the most chaste and gorgeous 
 colouring, sometimes brightening the effect by the application 
 of gold and silver. The chimes now pealed for None ; they 
 entered the eglais (church), and on coming out when the Divine 
 Office was over, Ruadhan informed Aristophanes that the monks 
 were about to break their fast for the first time that day, it being 
 Diaceadaoine (Wednesday), which, as well as Dia-h-Aoine 
 (^Friday), was always strictly observed. Before partaking of 
 their frugal meal, they chaunted the long i i8th Psalm and the 
 "Magnificat" standing. 
 
 An ctustriA'o. CAibi'oil. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 U&tcd. ii~r\ CotAi-poe. 
 
 THE COLLEGE GROUNDS. 
 
 Crossing a faitche (a green or court), they bent their steps 
 towards the pasture and tillage lands ; passing along through 
 various sraida, or streets of botha (small houses or cells) of the 
 brethren or students. 
 
 These were of wickerwork, round, with a cup roof, and 
 simply furnished. They looked at several ; they were the same 
 as that inhabited by Ruadhan, and occupied temporarily by 
 
32 THE LAST MONARCH OF TAR A. 
 
 Aristophanes, to whom his companion explained that he should 
 the following morning see for himself the way in which they 
 were built at the erection of his own cell. 
 
 These cells formed streets on every side round the monastic 
 buildings, all diverging from the sraid-mhor, or great street, which 
 was lined by the larger buildings, already described, the whole 
 combined to form a city in itself. 
 
 After traversing several of these streets, they found themselves 
 in the agricultural part of the monastery; looking in at the 
 seasmhach (stables) for the horses and carts, and at the buailidh 
 (booleys) for the ba(cows), caoire (sheep), and muca(pigs), which, 
 however, were not at the time in their sheds or quarters : the 
 two former grazing in the fields, and the latter grunting in a 
 muclach, an enclosed place hard by. And now, as they turned 
 their backs upon these ungainly though useful creatures, and 
 gazed before them, another hive of industry presents itself to 
 view. Hundreds of monks are engaged in various agricultural 
 avocations, and the high state of cultivation of this immense 
 tract of land bears ample testimony to their unremitting toil. 
 
 As the two friends walked through the ceapach (tillage lands), 
 watching the labourers at their work, Aristophanes asked many 
 questions of his companion, and sometimes of the brethren. 
 He was thus made acquainted with the names of all the various 
 vegetables then known. The lus lubhgort, or garden vegetables, 
 Were meacons, or parsnips ; cabaiste, or cabbage ; uiniuin, or 
 onions ; lus-na-bhfrancach, or tansy, &c. Immense fields of 
 tiuriund or crainneacht (wheat), seagal (rye),eorna(barley), coirce 
 (oats), &c., spread before him. They were separated by thick, 
 well-trimmed, quick-set hedges of truim, or elder ; sceach, or 
 hawthorn ; ubhall-fiadhain, or crab-apple. 
 
 The monks who acted as labourers in the various branches 
 of agriculture were evidently scrupulously exact in bringing 
 everything of which they had charge to the greatest possible 
 perfection. The capala (horses) belonging to the farm were all 
 in the best condition. The carts to which they were yoked were 
 a kind of sleigh, without wheels, and were called carra. 
 
 Before proceeding any further, they turned to the right, and 
 entered the abhal-ghort, or orchard, which abounded in all the 
 native fruit, including the vine, which was at that time cultivated 
 in Eire. Having eaten some abhala, or apples, and other fruit 
 then in season, and having conversed with the monks, to whose 
 care the abhalghort (orchard) was committed, they left it, and 
 immediately came to the corcoga, or beehives, with their swarms 
 of beacha (bees). They were carefully tended, their honey 
 
THE COLLEGE GROUNDS. S^ 
 
 being used in the proinnteach as an article of food, and in the 
 Dron-teach (hospital) as a medicine, and their wax for many 
 purposes, as making wax candles for the altar, waxing tablets, 
 polishing wood, &c. Passing this, they entered the garrdha 
 (flowergarden), which was beautifullylaid out in beds and walks by 
 the religious labourers, and in which were groves of trees, hedges 
 of iirne (sloe), sceach (whitethorn), or droighean (blackthorn). 
 Special attention was paid to the horticultural department, 
 great taste and skill beihg expended on the rearing of all known 
 kinds of flowers, these beautiful natural objects being constantly 
 required for the floral decoration of the altar — the monks ever 
 bearing in mind the words of the Psalmist, " Lord, I have loved 
 the beauty of thy house, and the place where thy glory d welleth." 
 It was besides useful for instructing the scholars in the science 
 of botany, as then known. A number of students were assembled 
 for that purpose as the two friends entered. 
 
 Leaving this, they traversed a muine (a brake or shrubbery), 
 which led them past cruacha, or stacks, or ricks, to a tamhnach 
 (tawnagh) a green field, where the cattle rest, when next they 
 found themselves at the ingheilt, or pasture lands, where 
 thousands of damha (oxen), ba (cows), and caoire (sheep), all in 
 admirable condition, grazed or ruminated in every direction. 
 The cattle were tended by the buachailla or cow-minders, the 
 sheep by the aodhairidh, or shepherds. 
 
 The two friends walked over a considerable part of the pas- 
 turage, until they came to the termoinn or boundary, when they 
 wheeled round to the right, and came on a soft meadow land, 
 where Ruadhan showed his companion another kind of cart called 
 the carr-sleamhnain, or sliding car. It consisted of low narrow 
 framework, with two low wooden tympana, or solid wheels. It 
 was more suitable for meadow lands than the car above named.- 
 Continuing their course they soon came to a geartha (gairha) or 
 woodland overgrown with underwood, and emerging from this 
 they found themselves on the banks of the amhain (river) Boinn, 
 or Boyne. Here several of the brethren were fishing for the use 
 of the monastery, this famous river abounding in various kinds 
 of iasg, or fish. It was the termoinn of Cluain-Irared, which 
 was situated on its left bank. Following its course, they came 
 to its confluence with the Amhain-dhu, or Blackwater. Here 
 the Greek obtained a good view of the surrounding country, 
 which, though a dead flat, presented a delightful and varied 
 scenery. On the two rivers curachs and c6ca glided along; 
 beyond, as far as the eye could reach, could be seen dotting the 
 country the churches, palaces, towers, forts, duns, and private 
 
34 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 houses, rich and poor, with their gardens, farms, race-courses, 
 rivers, and mountains. At one side, a dense forest ; at the other 
 the monastic buildings, and the city of Cluain-Irared. Turning 
 towards the direction whence they came, they beheld in per- 
 spective all that they had already seen in detail. Aristophanes, 
 charmed with the scenery, expressed his admiration to his com- 
 panion, who informed him that up to the time that the abbot 
 Finian arrived here the immense tract of highly cultivated land, 
 as well as the ground on which now stood the city of Cluain 
 Irared,* was one vast fasach, or wilderness, called Ros- 
 Fionnachuie.-j- The holy man, however, with his small company 
 of brothers, at once commenced to cut down the trees and build 
 the church and cells, and from this small beginning grew the 
 present gigantic establishment, the fame of his learning and 
 sanctity drawing under his wing countless multitudes of monks 
 and students ; first from JMidhe (Meath) and the surrounding 
 districts ; then from the other four kingdoms of Eire ; and, 
 finally, as he could see, from every country of Europe, and even 
 from sunny Africa. Ruadhan continued to explain that it was 
 a type of many other such monasteries spread throughout the 
 land and increasing every day. 
 
 They continued to converse as they walked along the river 
 bank until at length they relapsed into silence, both being im- 
 pressed by their surroundings, and the feelings, recollections, 
 and surprise it evoked. As they pondered, they bent their heads 
 towards the river flowing at theirfeet, rippling of which murmurs a 
 purring accompaniment to the songs of the birds ; to the evening 
 hymns of the badoiridh, or boatmen, as they glided along in 
 their corachs, as well as to the deep, solemn voices of the choirs 
 of monks who chanted perpetual praise in the college church, 
 and which were borne towards them on the evening breezes, 
 mingling strangely with the noise of the bro, of the implements 
 of husbandry, of the ringing anvils, and other tools of the busy 
 workmen in the various workshops ; the baial, or axe, of the 
 brother, who could be heard cutting firewood at a little distance 
 in the thicket ; the lowing of the cattle ; the soft breathings of the 
 
 • Clonard is situated at the confluence of the rivers Boyne and Blackwater, 
 in the present barony of Upper Moyfenrath, in county Meath, being twenty- 
 six miles from Dublin. Vallency and Sir James Ware say that Cluain-Irared 
 means " The Retirement on the Western Height;" that is, cluain, a lawn ; 
 iar, western ; and 4rd, a height; but Colgan and O'Donovan maintain that the 
 meamng is "Irard's or Erard's Lawn or Meadow," Iar-4rd being the name of 
 a man, and not of a place. 
 
 t (i.e.)— The wood or shrubbery 6f the white hazel. 
 
THE COLLEGE GROUNDS. 35 
 
 wind through the crainn (trees) — all mingling together as the two 
 friends stood there in silence, scarcely conscious of each other's 
 presence, unmindful of the fast-falling shades of even', oblivious 
 of all, save the witching influence of the charmed spot and of the 
 strangely commingled sounds which fell upon their ears. There 
 is no knowing how much longer they would have remained there 
 had not another sound suddenly broken the enchantment, causing 
 them to start from their reverie, the Greek exclaiming : 
 
 " Hark ! the monastery bells ! It is the hour of vespers. 
 Let us to the church." 
 
 " Look, O Aristophanes," said Ruadhan, as he looked towards 
 the tower, "the cloigteach is illuminated." 
 
 "Ha!" exclaimed the Greek, "the sisters are again united. 
 My first friends, they shall be dear to me unto the end." 
 
 Locked together, the two companions moved at a brisk pace 
 towards the eglais (church) by a different way from that by which 
 they had come. They could see the brethren flocking from all 
 directions towards the same spot; the horses and "carra" were 
 stabled ; the pastures were emptied of their occupants for the 
 night ; every one had left off work for the day to devote himself 
 wholly to prayer and contemplation. The companions soon came 
 to the ceiseog-droichet, or wicker bridge, which Aristophanes 
 had crossed on the previous night, and which had been one of 
 the first erected by the earliest monks on their taking possession ; 
 passing the cloigteach, from the uppermost storey of which the 
 bells still pealed, they soon were inside the church, together 
 with the entire college — clerical, religious, and lay. The per- 
 petual choir having been joined for vespers by the entire congre- 
 gation in singing the psalms, as was usual, all again left for their 
 cells to spend the remainder of the evening in prayer, reading, 
 and contemplation : the only difference being that the choir 
 which had been previously singing were now relieved by another 
 company, which would be, in like manner, relieved at a later 
 hour, thus keeping up a perpetual round of prayer and praise. 
 The students having partaken of their evening meal in the proinn- 
 teach, afterwards spent some time in recreating themselves before 
 retiring to their cells to study until called to the First Nocturn 
 at nine o'clock, when all again assembled as they had been on the 
 previous night at the hour at which Aristophanes first made their 
 acquaintance. This over, all retired to their beds, the Athenian 
 again sharing Ruadhan's cell. At intervals^ until morning the bells 
 rang for second and third Nocturns, the monks and many 
 of the students rising each time to assist at the devotions, the 
 perpetual choir relieving each other by night as well as by day. 
 
36 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 The next morning, Ruadhan and Aristophanes assisted at 
 the Divine Office. The former procured the assistance of the 
 saor, or carpenter, to build the cell for the Greek, according to 
 the orders of the abbot. The materials were all carried to the 
 sraid na Greugac, or street of the Greeks, which ran parallel to 
 the sraid na Galla, street of the Gauls, and at right angles with 
 the sraid na Sassenach, or street of the Saxons. Having first 
 carefully cleared the ground, the brother, with the assistance of 
 Aristophanes and Ruadhan, planted a taircadh, or stout post, 
 firmly in the spot which was to be the centre. Then each, taking 
 a pole from a number of slighter dimensions which lay on the 
 ground, proceeded to plant them in the places pointed out by 
 the brother. When these were secured, they proceeded in like 
 manner with the remainder of the poles, until they formed a 
 circle at equal distances round the central post, which towered 
 a considerable height above them. The next operation was to 
 take rods of coll, or hazel, from a heap which had been previously 
 cut and carried to the spot. With these they commenced to fill 
 the interstices between the poles, in the form of wicker or basket 
 work, until it reached the required height of the walls. This 
 done, and the structure now able to bear their weight, they 
 climbed to the top of the wall, and inserted by means of mortise 
 and tenon, a number of rafters which descended slantingly all 
 round from the tuircadh in the centre to the tops of the upright 
 posts of the walls. As the distance between these rafters neces- 
 sarily increased as they radiated from the centre, cross-pieces or 
 beams were inserted between them as often as needed, until at 
 last a regular shield roof with a sharp pitch was formed above. 
 Across the rafters and ribs thus inserted were then laid bands 
 or laths, or narrow strips of wood, which were fastened with 
 pegs or with gads or twisted withes, forming a regular net- 
 work from the top of the roof-tree to the walls. On these again 
 they fastened, at short distances, a sheeting of rods and branches 
 of trees stretching in like manner from the roof-tree to the walls. 
 And now, having completed the shell of the house, they thatched 
 it with rushes, which they neatly fastened down with scolba, or 
 scollops. This done, they staunched the walls with moss, 
 forming a complete lining with it on the inside. An iron hook 
 was fastened to one of the rafters on the inside, on which Aris- 
 tophanes could hang his polaire, or leathern satchel, which he 
 got from the criolaire. This pavilion-shaped house was next 
 furnished with a small round table, on which was placed a 
 wooden or stone candlestick for holding a candle made of 
 twisted rushes dipped in oil ; a wooden box, which served also 
 
IRISH PAGAN LITERATURE. 37 
 
 for a seat ; a simple wooden bedstead, provided with a pallet 
 filled with straw, and a gamme, or cushion of chaff, and coverlets 
 of ollan, or wool, which completed the appointments of the wicker 
 house, being precisely similar to the many thousands of others 
 which surrounded it. It was then handed over to Aristophanes 
 as his special habitation. By this time the cloigha (bells) began 
 to ring for the morning Affrion (Mass), and all proceeded to 
 eglais na mainistirfe (church of the monastery.) After the Holy 
 Sacrifice had concluded, all again came forth ; the monks 
 to their respective duties, the students to the proinnteach for 
 ceud proinn, or breakfast, after which they retired to their re- 
 spective houses or cells to prepare for their studies. Ruadhan 
 intimated to Aristophanes that they would now visit the leabha- 
 ragan or library, and suggested that Aristophanes should bring 
 his polaire to avoid having to go for it afterwards. For this 
 purpose both went to the new house, and the Greek, taking his 
 polaire, which was as yet empty, from its hook, accompanied 
 his friend back to the monastery. 
 
 An c-settiA'o cAibi'oit. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 An teA'b<i.|iA.5/i.n. 
 
 THE LIBRARY. 
 
 "PojlA.m &i|ieA.nn p^^g^nc*.. 
 
 IRISH PAGAN LITERATURE. 
 
 On entering the leabharagan (the library), Ruadhan conducted 
 Aristophanes to the leabhar-coimhedacb, or librarian (custos 
 librorum), who was arranging some manuscripts near the 
 entrance ; looking up as Ruadhan addressed him : 
 
 " Oh, Conan, leabhar coimhedach, I bring to thee a new 
 pupil of our holy abbot, Aristophanes, a Greek, from Attica. 
 Before entering on his studies, he desires to be made acquainted 
 with the contents of the leabharagan, of which accounts had 
 reached him in his native land." 
 
 Conan, addressing the Greek — "My young friend, thou art 
 welcome. I know that Ruadhan has been escorting thee all 
 over the monastery, and I have been expecting a visit to 
 myself. I am always most happy to be of service to any who 
 present themselves, but it is especially gratifying to meet with 
 
38 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 one who is capable of appreciating the particular department 
 under my charge, as those coming from thy beloved and classic 
 Achaia always do." 
 
 Aristophanes — " Oh, sir leabhar-coimhedach, thy kindness 
 confuses me. I must take thy compliments as referring to my 
 country rather than to myself, and they are not undeserved. 
 Greece, once so great and glorious, and so renowned for learn- 
 ing and civilisation, has sadly deteriorated, owing to the jealousy 
 of her enemies, and still more to the internal dissensions and 
 domestic strife of her own children. There appears to be a 
 wonderful similarity in laws, manners, customs, and institutions 
 between Greece and Eire ; so at least I have heard from those 
 who spent some time in this country, and travelled through 
 every part of it. I hope this second Greece will take warning 
 by its eastern prototype." 
 
 Euadhan looked grave, but Conan shook his head, as he 
 observed : 
 
 " I fear there is a similarity between the two countries in 
 more ways than perhaps is fortunate for either." 
 
 The leabhar-coimhedach then proceeded to show the 
 Athenian through the leabharagan, which resembled in form 
 and size the proinnteach, having tables running down the centre, 
 at which were seated numbers of students, so deeply absorbed 
 in reading, for purposes of composition, that they heeded not 
 the short conversation which had just taken place. On these 
 tables, at hand for the accommodation of the students, were 
 strewn all sorts of books and manuscripts, as well as maps, 
 charts, and globes. 
 
 The walls were lined with shelves, on which were arranged, 
 in admirable order in sections, thousands of manuscripts of 
 various ages, some quite discoloured with age, while others 
 appeared quite new; some were written on tablets, and some on 
 parchment. 
 
 Commencing at the entrance to the left, Conan first pointed 
 •out the works of the ancients of other lands, among which 
 Aristophanes recognised the Greek and Roman classics ; also 
 all the known works in history, poetry, philosophy, astronomy, 
 physics, theology, &c., of the pre-Christian period ;, all those 
 .again were divided into two sections, viz., those in the original 
 languages in which they were composed, and the translation of 
 those various works into Gaodhalic, by the monks and students 
 of the college. 
 
 Further on they stood before the sections containing the 
 ancient pagan literature of Eire; and Conan, reaching for some 
 
IRISH PAGAN LITERATURE. 39 
 
 very shabby-looking, discoloured old tablets, handled them with 
 the greatest care and respect, as he turned to the Greek, and said : 
 "Here, O Aristophanes, on these old tablets, nearly decayed 
 with age, are inscribed the writings of the Tuatha-de-Danaans. 
 They are the earliest record we have of Irish literature written 
 in this country. Those first are the works of Dagda, King of 
 Eire, in the year of the world 2804, or 1200 years before Christ. 
 The next are those of Ogma, who lived a little later. He was 
 the inventor of that occult and mysterious method of writing 
 called Craobh-Ogham (i.e., Virgean characters), of which these 
 are curious specimens. In their proper places I will show thee 
 a collection of this kind of writing by succeeding authors, both 
 Danaan and Milesian, but all alike acknowledge Ogma as the 
 inventor. Following next in order are the writings of Etana 
 the poetess, mother of King Dalboet, Anno Mundi 2884, while 
 Samson was yet Judge of Israel, or 11 20 years before Christ ; those 
 of Cairbre, the poet, son of Etana; of Dannanna, the poetess, 
 daughter of King Dalboet ; and Brigid, the poetess, daughter 
 of King Dagda. It is needless to observe, Aristophanes, 
 that there must be a great deal of the works of the Danaans 
 lost through the lapse of ages, and the many conflicts they had 
 with their Milesian conquerors, and for the same reasons must 
 we be deprived of the names of many more composers. But 
 turn we now to their supplanters. And here, O Aristophanes, 
 on those venerable tablets are inscribed the writings of the first 
 Milesian Ollamh,* philosopher and bard of Eire — Amerghin.f 
 the son of Milesius and Scota, the brother of Heremon, Heber, 
 and Ir. These we consider great curiosities : they consist 
 chiefly of poetry, philosophy, and law, written in the purest 
 Gaodhalic." 
 
 Aristophanes — " Is it not strange that so many ladies 
 distinguished themselves at so early a period of your history, 
 and that their names should have been so well preserved }" 
 
 Ruadhan — " No ; nothing strange about it. Our Irish laws 
 proclaim woman the equal of man. God and nature proclaims it 
 as well, and we are too religious and too chivalrous a nation to 
 deny it, or to seek to suppress the truth merely for the sake of 
 shining at the expense of our countrywomen, the crowning 
 work of creation. We Gaodhals yield to no other nation on 
 earth in chivalry ; it is a part of our education, our morals, and 
 our religion." 
 
 * Learned Man, pronounced 011av,from "oil," all, complete, whole, and 
 " lua," uttering, eloquent, free, ready, — a man ready to speak on any subject— 
 or, "oil," and " lain," .iaraaT, a " complete hand," on 3.ny ^ovaX.— Canon Bourke. 
 
 f Averean. 
 
40 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 Conan— " We had better return to Amerghin and his works, 
 lest you quarrel, and we shall have to bring our future king to 
 read a lesson to Ruadhan, they are such good friends." 
 
 Ruadhan — " Oh, thou speakest thus because thou knowest 
 that we never can agree ; but Diarmaid is not king yet." 
 
 Aristophanes — " And who is this mighty Diarmaid, O 
 Ruadhan ?" 
 
 Ruadhan — " Dost thou not remember, O Aristophanes, a 
 haughty, distinguished-looking youth, whom I pointed out to 
 thee in the refectory, and who I told thee was Prince Diarmaid 
 MacFergusMacCearbhall,who calls himself heir to the monarchy, 
 and even its rightful king." 
 
 Aristophanes — " Ah, I think I remember ; but there were so 
 many haughty, distinguished-looking youths there that I am not 
 quite ^re that I would again recognise him." 
 
 As he said this, he scanned Ruadhan with his eye from 
 head to foot. 
 
 Now, Ruadhan, though young, was exceedingly tall and 
 majestic-looking; he had already reached six feet, and had not 
 yet done growing. Not appearing to notice this, he said : 
 
 "Prince Diarmaid has as many airs as if he were already 
 Ardrigh."* 
 
 Aristophanes — " A haughty, distinguished-looking presence 
 is sometimes the sign of greatness." 
 
 Ruadhan — " It is much more frequently its substitute." 
 
 Conan — " But Diarmaid is making rapid progress in his 
 studies, and I have no doubt before long he will be a great proii- 
 cient. He studies unceasingly ; himself and young Columcille 
 are the most industrious and studious in the whole college, 
 carrying their zeal so far as frequently to break through the rules 
 which the abbot has established for insuring sufiScient rest and 
 recreation." 
 
 Ruadhan — "But there is this difference between Diarmaid 
 and Columcille: Columcille studies with the intention of devot- 
 ing his talents at some future time to the glory of God and the 
 interests of the Church. Diarmaid, on the other hand, only 
 thinks of qualifying himself for the throne which he is deter- 
 mined one day to fill, but for which he is utterly unfit, being but 
 half a Christian." 
 
 Conan — " Oh, come, come, my son, thou must not be un- 
 charitable. Diarmaid's life has been swayed by circumstances 
 which have never influenced thine ; and thou oughtest to be 
 
 * High King or Monarch. 
 
IRISH PAGAN LITERATURE. 41 
 
 grateful, instead of making uncharitable remarks on thy neigh- 
 bours' shortcomings." 
 
 Ruadhan — "But could he not be like Columcille, who, 
 though as likely to inherit a throne as he, is yet as gentle as 
 the bird whose name he bears .?''* 
 
 "Save when his hot Hy-Nial blood is up," exclaimed a voice 
 behind them. 
 
 On looking round at the sound of the well-known voice, 
 Prince Diarmaid himself stood before them ; and Conan ex- 
 claimed : 
 
 " Ha, Ruadhan, thou art caught this time. When will you 
 two learn to evince common Christian charity and mutual 
 respect towards each other .?" 
 
 Diarmaid — "I cannot stand his constant taunts and sarcasms 
 consistently with my self-respect." 
 
 Ruadhan — "Nor can I stand his seditious language and 
 druidical superstitions, consistently with my loyalty to my king 
 and my duty to my Church." 
 
 Diarmaid — " Thy ' lawful ' king stands before thee ; and thy 
 Church, which is also mine, does not acknowledge thy right to 
 judge thy neighbour." 
 
 Ruadhan — " Thou wouldst make everyone as disloyal as 
 thyself." 
 
 Diarmaid — " Since thou preachest so much of loyalty, thou 
 oughtest to practise at least a little respect where thou wilt one 
 day have to render homage." 
 
 Ruadhan — " I shall never pay thee homage, O Diarmaid." 
 
 Diarmaid — "Then thou shalt take the consequence, O 
 Ruadhan." 
 
 Saying which the young prince turned on his heel and faced 
 Conan, who, by a sign, checked the rising anger of Ruadhan, 
 and beckoning to Aristophanes, who had been a silent spectator, 
 thus addressed him: 
 
 " My son, thou must not think worse of these young gentle- 
 men for the scene which thou hast just witnessed ; but we 
 Gaodhals have an unfortunate propensity of quarrelling amongst 
 ourselves ; and as I fear that Ruadhan will not introduce thee 
 to the prince, that duty now devolves upon me." 
 
 Conan then introduced Diarmaid and Aristophanes, who 
 shook each other warmly by the hand — the prince asking the 
 Greek many questions, and was about leaving, when Conan 
 asked him whether there was anything he could do for him, but 
 
 * Columb is the Irish for dove. 
 
42 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 Diarmaid replied that it would do another time, as he was now 
 too agitated. He then left, and Conan, Aristophanes, and 
 Ruadhan at last resumed their examination of Amerghin's works, 
 which had been carefully preserved down to that time, i.e., over 
 1,500 years, though, as Conan told them, the greater part had 
 been long lost."* 
 
 After these curious writings had been duly examined, Conan 
 carefully replaced them, and then pointed out other works of 
 succeeding ollamhs, filds, lawgivers, and kings, including 
 Lughaidh,f the son of Ith, and nephew of Milesius ; these 
 formed a very considerable collection, and after explaining the 
 nature of their contents, he said : 
 
 " And here are the celebrated works called the ' Feneachus' 
 (or what the Romans would call jurisprudence), containing a 
 collection of civil laws, compiled by Ollamh Fodhla, J the famous 
 legislator, who reigned Ardrigh of Eire seven centuries before 
 the birth of our Saviour. He was assisted in this great work by 
 the brehons, ollamhs, and sages of this country. It consists 
 of judgments of all possible cases, which occurred to them, 
 according to the unerring line of equity and justice. These 
 they promulgated for the use of the Breithemhne§ and Muinter.|| 
 
 Aristophanes — "Then this great body of laws are over 1,200 
 years old.?" 
 
 Conan — "Yes, they were compiled about the time of the 
 destruction of the first Assyrian Empire, and the formation from 
 its ruins of the three separate kingdoms of Nineveh, Babylon, 
 and Media." 
 
 Having noticed the productions of various succeeding poets 
 and legislators, they next came to a collection of works on 
 history, science, law, and other subjects, which were written by 
 various learned persons in the reign of Cimbaoth,^ the great 
 restorer of the Irish Constitution, and the liberal patron of 
 literature, science, and art, who flourished 350 years before 
 Christ. 
 
 Next in succession came the literature of the reign of Ugoni 
 (or Hugony) the Great, who flourished fifty years later, and was 
 also remarkable for the encouragement he gave to learning. 
 Next after these, the commentaries on the laws of Ollamh 
 Fodhla, written by King Hugony's son and successor, Roigny 
 
 * Twenty-four of his poems are stfll extant. 
 
 t At least one of Lughaidh's poems is still extant. It was written in honour 
 of his wife, and is an example of the modesty of Irish women in those far off 
 pagan times. + Ollav Folia, i.e. Sage of Ireland, 
 
 § Judges. II People. V Kimbath. 
 
IRISH PAGAN LITERATURE. 43 
 
 Rosgadach,* as well as works on various subjects by eminent 
 persons in his reign. 
 
 When Conan had shown an innumerable collection of the 
 works of the three succeeding centuries, he said : 
 
 " During the century preceding the birth of Christ, owing to 
 internal commotion, the fil6s, with the assistance of the Druids, 
 were enabled to corrupt the laws, rendering them occult and 
 cabalistic. About the opening of the first century they, by their 
 bad effects, drove the people to desperation, and in the torrent 
 of popular fury, making no distinction between Use and Abuse, 
 Good and Bad alike were driven by the people of Lagheanf and 
 MumhanJ out of the Heberian and Heremonian provinces. In 
 their deep distress, those learned engrossers of law fled to the 
 Court of Eamhain,§ in the kingdom of Ulladh,|| where they 
 were received with honour by King Concobhar (Connor) Mac 
 Nessa, one of the wisest and most valiant princes that ever 
 reigned in Eire. That great prince, conscious of the danger, 
 set the most learned of the fil6s to work, and the result was the 
 production of a code of laws, at once simple and intelligible, 
 giving judgment of all cases so clearly that any person of fair 
 education could be a tolerable judge of his own case ; and the 
 principal among the compilers, namely, Forchern, Neid, and 
 Atharni, of Ben Hedar,^ gained immortal renown, and the 
 Order of Files were again admitted to credit with the people, 
 which has continued ever since."** 
 
 Aristophanes — " Was this the same king who died on the 
 day of our Lord's crucifixion, after having been granted a 
 knowledge of the great mystery which had just been consum- 
 mated, and grace to commend his departing soul to the Crucified 
 One ?" 
 
 Ruadhan — ''The same." 
 
 Conan — " Here are the various sections of that great work, 
 and here (showing other volumes) are the Axioms, to which 
 succeeding fil6s reduced it. They are called Breatha-Nimhe,ff 
 which name they obtained from the supposition of having been 
 compiled with so much equity and wisdom as to receive the 
 approbation of heaven, and to be unalterable." 
 
 Ruadhan — " Here, O Aristophanes, is one of the sections 
 of that great work, the name of which has been lost. It relates 
 specially to the Laws of Poetry ; lays down rules for Panegyric 
 
 * Royne the Poetic. There is a poem of his still extant, which describes 
 the peregrinations of the Gadelians. 
 
 t Leinster. J Munster (Mooan). § Emania. || Ulster. 
 
 ^ Hill of Howth. ** O'Connor. ft Celestial Judgments. 
 
44 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 and Satire; and prescribes penalties against licentious poets 
 and libellers. This part was begun by Atharni, and had several 
 additions from the hands of Ailgerach and from several others." 
 
 Conan — "Here now is another work, called the Uraiceacht- 
 nan-eagios (or the Precepts of the Poets), containing a hundred 
 kinds of compositions, written about the same time byForchern. 
 Aiid this collection here are all the known works of several 
 poets : their names were Sencha, Fachtnas, Ner, and Man-All- 
 Knowing, the poets. 
 
 Aristophanes — " Man -All -Knowing ! Was that his name ?" 
 
 Conan — " It was either his name, or else a title given him 
 on account of his learning and extensive acquirements. At all 
 events, it is the only name by which he is now known. Then 
 these next to Man-All-Knowing's are the works of Ethnea, the 
 poetess, the daughter of Amalgaidh. And here are a collection 
 of anonymous authors of the same time, and a miscellaneous lot 
 of the imperfect works of others." 
 
 He next showed the writings of various judges and files, and 
 amongst others those of Moran, the son of Carbrie, King of 
 Eire, and celebrated chief judge under Feredach the Just, a.d. 85. 
 Also those of King Feredach himself, together with the literature 
 and poetry of the following century, among others the " Meill 
 Bhreatha," by MacFalban. 
 
 " And here, O Aristophanes, said the leabhar-coimhedach, 
 is a book called Teagasc-na-Ri (or the Institutions of a Prince). 
 It was written by King Cormac MacArt, who died a.d. 266, and 
 contains admirable maxims on manners, morals, and govern- 
 ment ; and here is another book, or law tract, tailed the Book 
 of Acaill, by the same author; and all those here are the 
 writings, on divers subjects, of Cormac himself, as well as the 
 learned men of his time. But here is the most remarkable of 
 all the works of that great king ; it is called the Saltair of Team- 
 hair, and was compiled by him and his seanchaidhe,* the 
 principal of whom were Fintan, the son of Bochra, and Fithil, 
 the poet and judge." 
 
 Aristophanes — I have often heard of the great king Cormac, 
 and have heard the Sa'^tair of Teamhair mentioned, but I have 
 never been fully informed of the subjects on which it treats." 
 
 Conan (reading) — "Cormac assembled the ollamhainf of 
 Eire, and ordered them to collect the chronicles of the country 
 to Teamhair, and to write them in one book (the same which 
 thou now beholdest). In it were entered the coeval exploits 
 and synchronisms of the Kings of Eire with the kings and 
 * Shaanachy (Historians). f The learned and wise. 
 
IRISH PAGAN LITERATURE. 45 
 
 emperors of the world, and of the kings of the provincial 
 kingdoms with the monarchs of Eire. In it were also written 
 what the monarchs of Eire were entitled to receive from the 
 provincial kings, and the rents and dues of the provincial kings 
 from their subjects, from the noble to the subaltern. In it also 
 are described the boundaries and mearns of Eire from shore to 
 shore, from the provinces to the cantreds, from the cantreds 
 to the townlands, from the townland to the traighedh of land." 
 
 Then reaching for another MS., and opening it at a certain 
 place, he said : 
 
 " And here is a work of a later date, called the Uachonbhail, 
 which describes the Saltair of Teamhair thus:" — 
 
 He then read : 
 
 " A noble work was performed by Cormac at that time — 
 namely, this compilation of Cormac's Saltair, which was com- 
 posed by him, and the synchronisms and genealogies, the 
 succession of their kings and monarchs, their battles, their 
 contests, and their antiquities, from the world's beginning down 
 to that time were written ; and this is the Saltair of Teamhair, 
 which is the origin and foundation of the historians of Eire 
 from that period down to this time." 
 
 Ruadhan — "Cormac was the inventor of this kind of 
 chronology." 
 
 Having looked over the Saltair and the Uachonbhail, both 
 were again put into their respective places, and Conan pointed 
 to other manuscripts, saying : 
 
 " Those are the Celestial Judgments, written by Caribre 
 Liffe-car, Cormac's own son and successor." 
 
 Ruadhan — " He was called Liffe-car because born on the 
 banks of the Amhain Liffe."* 
 
 Conan — " Here are other works under the same title, written 
 by Fathil, judge to King Cormac ; and here again are other 
 Celestial Judgments, as well as romances and poems, by Finn 
 Mac Cumhaill,t that king's son-in-law, and general of his 
 army." 
 
 Aristophanes — " I have heard O Conan, that poetical 
 qualifications are a necessary condition of obtaining admission 
 into your Fenian Army. Is that true ?" 
 
 Conan — " Oh, most certainly Ruadhan, repeat in the exact 
 words of legal military regulations, the second of the ten condi- 
 tion for admission into the Fianna Eirionn."f 
 
 Ruadhan — " No man can be admitted into the Fianna until 
 he has mastered the Twelve Books of Poesy." 
 
 * River Liffey. f Cool. J Fenians of Ireland. 
 
46 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 Aristophanes — " Have you the Twelve Books of Poesy here?" 
 
 Conan — " We have ; here they are in this very section. They 
 are selections from various very old MSS., some of which you 
 have seen, and some of which are now lost. But we do not 
 train youths here for military pursuits ; we are men of peace, 
 and leave those affairs to the various military schools throughout 
 the country, the chief of which is the military department of 
 Mur Ollamhain of Teamhair, which comes down from remote 
 pagan times though now modified and Christianized. Finn 
 Mac Cumhaill* was a most famous Fenian hero in Cormac's 
 time, and his learning, bravery, and exploits are the favourite 
 themes of our bards. And this range here are the works in 
 succession of Fachtna, Seanched, Nerea, Eogan, Mac 
 Duthreacht, Achay, Mac Luchla, Modon, Mac Falban, and 
 Conla, Judge of Conriacht. They treat on a great variety of 
 subjects, principally philosophy and law. Here again is the 
 Fiondsuith, by Fiatach, a Temorain civilian, in the reign of 
 King Cormac, a.d. 260. The Teacht-Bhreath, a miscellany of 
 several laws , the Fuigheal-Bhreath, a supplement to the laws ; 
 the Fothamor, showing the true office of a judge, and the errors 
 which subjected him to a privation of his magistracy ; the Fotha 
 Beag, or book setting forth the Laws of Partition ; Aid-Bhreathe, 
 a law book treating of theft ; the Corrasfinnes, a book prescrib- 
 ing proper rules for regulation of disputes in dynastal tribes or 
 clans ; the Book of Cain, or Mulcts in four parts ; the first 
 relates to mulcts of all kinds ; the second to murders and other 
 vices ; the third to securities, pawns, and forfeits ; and the 
 fourth to witnesses and testimonies. To this work is added an 
 appendix entitled Eidgheadh, a book treating of crimes against 
 the laws. Here is a book called the Cain Fuitribhe, which 
 treats of the laws of prescription and possession. Faidh 
 Fenechais, a miscellany of all laws ; the Cain Borachta, or 
 property in herds and flocks. And here — what ! what are these ? 
 why, here are the Fenian poems of Oisin,t Fergus, Caoilte, and 
 others. Who put them here ? They should be with those of 
 Finn Mac Cumhall and the other Fenian poets. Ruadhan, 
 dost thou know who placed them here ?" 
 
 Ruadhan — "I do not know, O Conan, except it be that 
 idiot, Bee Mac De, who— oh ! oh ! ! oh ! ! ! " 
 
 This exclamation from Ruadham was caused by the object 
 of his slighting remark springing up from a seat behind him, 
 
 * He is the Fingal of MacPherson. 
 
 t It was on these poems of the Irish Oisin (Ossian) that MacPherson 
 founded his celebrated Scotch forgeries. 
 
IRISH PAGAN LITERATURE. 47 
 
 and pulling vigorously at both his ears. Conan and Aristo- 
 phanes turned suddenly round ; but the students, who were 
 dispersed through the leabharagan reading at the tables, rose 
 to their feet and gave a ringing cheer for Bee Mac De, who cried: 
 
 " Callest thou me an idiot, oh, thou loyal subject of Tuathal 
 Maelgarbh. I, who am to be poet, philosopher, and friend to 
 Ardrigh Diarmaid RIacCearbhall." 
 
 Ruadhan — " Thou ! ha, ha ; thou mayest be his friend, but 
 thou art more likely to be his fool and his jester than either his 
 poet or philosopher. But, in truth, O, Bee Mac De, I did not 
 know that thou wert in the leabharagan, else I should not have 
 spoken of thee at all." 
 
 Bee Mac De — " Well, the next time thou wantest to speak of 
 me only to call me an idiot, I would advise first to look carefully 
 around thee on every side. And listen, Ruadhan, when I am 
 installed with Diarmaid at Teamhair,* thou wilt then know 
 whether I am his fool and his jester or his poet and philosopher." 
 
 Ruadhan — " Well, perhaps by the time that Diarmaid is 
 Ardrigh of Eire, thou wilt be both a poet and philosopher." 
 
 Bee Mac De — " Thou speakest in irony; but thou shalt see." 
 
 So saying, Bee sat down and resumed his reading. The 
 other readers who enjoyed the scene also resumed theirs. 
 Ruadhan, turning, noticed a grave expression on the face of 
 Conan, while a scarcely expressed smile played about the features 
 of the Greek. 
 
 " Wert thou laughing, too, O Aristophanes ?" 
 
 Aristophanes — " I assure thee, O Ruadhan, I was not laugh- 
 ing at thee, but felt very sorry ; but I could not help admiring 
 the pluck and spirit of thine idiot and prince Diarmaid's 
 philosopher.'' 
 
 Ruadhan — "And what dost ihou admire, O Conan, thou 
 lookest grave ?" 
 
 Conan — " Were I a man of the world I would admire what 
 Aristophanes calls the pluck and spirit of simple Bee Mac De, 
 who is so much weaker and younger than thyself. But as a 
 monk, I admire neither thine ungenerous slight nor his pugilis- 
 tic mode of redressing his fancied wrongs- Were our holy 
 abbot here he would be very much displeased with both. And 
 now, Ruadhan, I hope that this will be the last quarrel, at least 
 for this day." 
 
 Aristophanes — "And are these all Fenian poems, O Conan ? 
 What an immense collection !" 
 
 * Tara. 
 
48 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 Conan— " They are Fenian poems and tales. These are di- 
 vided into four classes. The first consists of poems ascribed 
 directly to Finn Mac Cumhaill ; to his sons, Oisin and Fergus 
 Finnbheoill (the Eloquent) ; and to his kinsman, Caoilte. The 
 second class consists of tracts made up of articles in prose and 
 verse, ascribed to some of the same personages, but related by 
 a second person. The third class consists of miscellaneous 
 poems, descriptive of passages in the life of Finn and his war- 
 riors, but without any ascription of authorship. The fourth class 
 consists of certain prose tales, told in a romantic style, relating 
 to the exploit of the same renowned captain and those of his 
 most distinguished companions. And all that thou seest here, 
 to the end of this section, are the works on divers subjects (of 
 various authors down to the arrival of St. Patrick, whose advent 
 gave a new turn to the literature of Eire. He began by purging 
 the Fenachus of all laws relating to Druidism, and then was 
 compiled the Code Seanchus Mor, or the Great Antiquity. This 
 work is tripartite, and contains a summary of all laws — civil and 
 ecclesiastical. It is, however, regretted by many that the saint,^ 
 in his great zeal, burned no less than i8o volumes of Druids' 
 books at Teamhair. Now, there can be no doubt that there 
 were many shocking things in them which deserved to be burned ; 
 but there were thousands of persons well qualified to revise those 
 ancient works and retain all their beauties, while they rejected 
 whatever was inconsistent with the Christian religion." 
 
 Aristophanes — " Well, I am very much surprised, indeed. 
 In other countries the missionaries have ever been most careful 
 to guard the ancient native Pagan literature in consideration of 
 their intrinsic merit, though none of them all could compare 
 with the genius, learning, and refinement of thine ancient Gaod- 
 hilic scribes." 
 
 Conan — " Our literary men deeply deplore the loss of such 
 valuable MSS., even while they pay a high tribute to the sanctity 
 of the Apostle and to the very zeal which induced him to destroy 
 so many memorials of Eire's ancient glory, that it might re- 
 dound to her spiritual advantage. These here are the Cain 
 Drubhartaigh Bearra, which treat on commercial and maritime 
 affairs ; the Cain Lanambhna Mor and the Cain Lanamhna Beag, 
 which shows the sacred relations of society and how equals of 
 all denominations might compose disputes and live in harmony. 
 Here is the Cuilmenn ; the Book of Cuana ; the works of Con- 
 gal, the son and poet of King Eochy Feilach ; and a host of 
 other works." 
 
 Aristophanes — " What large volume is this ?" 
 
IRISH PAGAN LITERATURE. 49 
 
 Conan— " 'This is the Cin DromaSnechta or the Book of In- 
 vasions of Eire, from Magog, son of Japhet, from whom Milesius, 
 down to the year in which it was written — to wit, a.d. 365 — by 
 Ernan MacDuach, son of the King of Connacht, an ollamh and 
 a prophet, a professor in history and a professor in wisdom.' " 
 
 Ruadhan — " It was he that collected the genealogies and his- 
 tories of the men of Eire in one book — this Cin Droma Snechta." 
 
 Conan — " Thou seest here, O Aristophanes, the poetical 
 works of that most eminent bard, Torna Eigeas (or the learned), 
 chief bard to King Nial Naoi Gialliagh.* And here beside 
 them are those of the famous Dubthach Ua Lugair, who was 
 arch-poet to King Leoghairejf these, however, are only the 
 poems he wrote while still a pagan." 
 
 Aristophanes — " This next division is smaller than the others. 
 What doth it contain.'" 
 
 Conan — "That is entirely devoted to ogham writings. They 
 are the works of various authors, both pagan and Christian, 
 from Ogma himself, who invented it, down to the present day." 
 
 Ruadhan — " See here these staves. Wouldst thou ever think, 
 O Aristophanes, that these contained writing in prose and verse ?" 
 
 Aristophanes — " Never, indeed. I should rather think they 
 were square walking-sticks." 
 
 Conan — " Precisely, and so they are ; but they serve a double 
 purpose. They are known by different names — as Tamlorge 
 Filid (or staves of the poets) ; Taballorga (tablet staves) ; Tabli 
 Fili (tables of the poets) ; Fleasc Fill (the wand of the poet). 
 This, indeed, was the form of the ancient Gaelic tablet. The 
 old poets and historians always carried one of these wherever 
 they went. It served as a staff on which to lean ; and when 
 they wished to write, which they could do anywhere, even on 
 the roadside, they had nothing to do but to open their staff, thus. 
 
 Aristophanes — " How curious I Why it is now a regular fan." 
 
 Conan — " Yea, it is now a fan-shaped tablet ; and as thou 
 mayest see, neither pen nor ink was required. The scribe need 
 never be at a loss for writing material so long as he carried a 
 square staff in his hand and a knife in his pocket." 
 
 Aristophanes — " It is indeed truly wonderful ; and it is all 
 covered with writing. Is that the ogham character ?" 
 
 Conan— " Yes ; that is ogham, and is an excellent specimen 
 of that method of writing. We have here but a few of these 
 tablet staves, but there are many of them in the Mur Ollamhain, 
 of Teamhair, and the. other ancient schools of Eire." 
 
 • Nial of the Nine Hostages. t Leary. 
 
50 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 An c-seAcuitiA'6 cAibi'oiU 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 An teA-bA-iiAgA-n. 
 
 THE LIBRARY. 
 
 "PojtATn ei]Aed.nn Cnio|~OAi-6e. 
 
 IRISH CHRISTIAN LITERATURE. 
 
 As they came to the next division, the leabhar coimhedach 
 said: "And now we come to the Christian section, which 
 dates from the arrival of St. Patrick, about a hundred years ago, 
 with the exception of these few compositions of isolated 
 Christians scattered throughout the country before that time, 
 and which are all here together on this shelf, and amongst them 
 those of St. Ailbhe, of Imlaigh (Emly). These thou seest here, 
 O Aristophanes, are the Confessions, Epistles, and Canonical 
 Decrees of St. Patrick, and next to these are his hymns, amongst 
 which are his Feth Fiadha or Lorica, the hymn which he com- 
 posed and sung on his way to Teamhair. Now, here is a work 
 on the life, virtues, and miracles of St. Patrick, by his successor, 
 St. Benin ; and here is the celebrated Leabhar-na g-Ceart (or 
 Book of Rights) by the same writer." 
 
 Aristophanes — "What doth the Leabhar-na g-Ceart contain.?" 
 
 Oonan — " It containeth an account of the rights, privileges, 
 restrictions, and prohibitions of the kings and princes of Eire." 
 
 Ruadhan — " Are not these, O Conan, the Christian works of 
 Dubthach-Ua-Lugair i"' 
 
 Conan — " Yes ; all these he wrote after his conversion. 
 Among them are some most elegant verses praising the Om- 
 nipotent Creator and commemorating his saints. Here are his 
 celestial Decrees and his other prose works ; and here is the 
 Seanchus Mor, which I told thee, O Aristophanes, St. Patrick 
 purified. Well, Dubthach was one of those St. Patrick engaged 
 to revise and improve these old statutes of civil law — the Phe- 
 nechus. Here is a hymn of thirty-four distichs or ranns, on the 
 Acts of St. Patrick, by the holy Fiac, late Bishop of Sleigthi 
 (Sletty) ; he was a disciple of Dubthach. Here also are the 
 numerous works of Sedulius, the accomplished poet, orator, and 
 divine ; the prophecies of Cathal, our Irish Bishop of Tarentum, 
 
IRISH CHRISTIAN LITERATURE. 51 
 
 in Italy ; a Life of St. Patrick, by St. Cianan, Bishop of Daimh- 
 laig (Duleek) ; the Exhortations and Treatises of St. Fridolin, 
 the son of one of our kings ; the works of St. Jarlath, Bishop 
 of Tuaim-da-ghualaiun (Tuam) ; and of several minor authors. 
 And all these here are the works of St. Brigid, including her 
 Epistles and Poems ; among the latter is a poem on the virtues 
 of St. Patrick ; also a Rule for Nuns ; and a book called the 
 Quiver of Divine Desires." 
 
 Aristophanes — " How long is St. Brigid now dead, O Conan.?" 
 
 Conan — " She is now dead thirteen years, but her fame, her 
 virtues, and her example will live for ever. Then there are 
 writings of her chaplain, St. Ninnidh Lainidha, including several 
 hymns as well as a panegyric of St. Brigid. And here is another 
 panegyric of St. Brigid, by Brogan Cloen ; and her Life, by 
 Cogitosus. Following on these are the numerous works of 
 several holy virgins, including SS. Fanchea, Ite, &c. &c." 
 
 Aristophanes — " What great tome is this ?" 
 
 Conran — " Oh, that is an old work which has also been re- 
 vised to suit the altered state of things ; it is called the Dula, 
 and is in three parts. The first : Political subjection and 
 measures of Obedience to Kings ; of Wardships, Patronages, 
 and Privileged Places ; of Punishment of Offenders in case of 
 Blood ; and of the forms in which all sorts of Pacts, Contracts, 
 and Treaties should be reduced to writing; second part : Ecclesi- 
 astical Affairs, by Comin Fodha, and the rest of Laws, by Sea 
 and Land, by Cormac and LiSicar ; and third part : of what 
 Honours are due to Kings, Bishops, fil^s, &c., and what repa- 
 ration to be made for injuries done to them. This last part was 
 one of those composed by Roigny Rosgaidhach, 300 B.C., and 
 is in separate form among his other works, which I showed to 
 thee in one of the pagan sections. Here, again, are the com- 
 positions of the distinguished poet Gemmen ; and here is a 
 Psaltar commemorating 52 Irish saints, by Diarmaid the Just, 
 abbot of Inis Clothran; the Canons of the Blessed Frigidian, 
 our Irish bishop of Lucca, as well as the works in prose and 
 verse of St. Cailin, bishop of Down and abbot of Fenagh.* And 
 the remainder of this section are a miscellaneous collection of 
 MSS. treating on divers subjects, too numerous to mention. 
 They are civil, ecclesiastical, historical, poetical, and mytho- 
 logical ; they are by bishops, abbots, priests, monks, nuns, poets, 
 philosophers, ollamhs, brehons, &c." 
 
 The leabhar-coimhedach then pointed out to Aristophanes 
 the works of contemporary eminent living authors. 
 • Rev. J. O'Hanlon. 
 
52 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 Conan— " All of this collection are the works of our holy 
 abbot Finnian himself. Those which follow next are the 
 writings of blessed Comgall, at present presiding over the great 
 college of Beanchor ; these again, are those of the abbot Fin- 
 nian, of Maghbhele (Moville), &c. &c." 
 
 Then Conan showed to the astonished Greek the youthful 
 efforts of some of the pupils of Beanchor ; the Columbans and 
 Columbanuses ; the Mochoenocs and the Molnas ; the Blaans 
 and the Carthaigs ; the Galls and the Dichels ; the Fintans and 
 Fegnarnachs, and many other young scholars of Beanchor ; and 
 also of other colleges whose early effusions gave promise of 
 future glory. And after examining the various kinds of con- 
 tributions which daily flowed into Cluain-Irared leabharagan 
 from every part of the kingdom of Eire, Conan said : 
 
 " And this diyision here, O Aristophanes, is especially set 
 apart for the approved compositions of the students of our own 
 college — thy future comh-alta (fellow-pupils) ; and I must say that 
 they are in no way inferior to those of any other scoil (school) 
 in the righeacht (kingdom). Here, for instance, are the essays 
 and poems of Brendan ; the two Columbs — that is, Columcille 
 and Columb Mac Crimthan ; of Canicus (or Kenny) Ninnidb 
 and Nathy. Here are those of Lasrean and Ciaran, who has 
 just written another work of a most sublime character, and which 
 I hear has delighted the heart of our holy abbot." 
 
 Aristophanes — "Oh, I now remember; on my introduction 
 to the abbot in his own house his minister was engaged in 
 reading to him that very work, and he was so deeply absorbed 
 and moved that he did notice our presence, his minister was the 
 first to observe us. I shall never forget that scene." 
 
 Conan — " Here again, are the productions of Colman, or as 
 we generally call him, Mocolmoc, the nephew of our abbot ; 
 and here, O Aristophanes, are those of thy friend, Ruadhan — 
 nay, Ruadhan, do not be a coward ; stay where thou art, I have 
 something to show thee. Hast thou ever at all seen the com- 
 positions of an idiot ? Look 1" 
 
 Ruadhan — "Whose are these compositions, O Conan ?" 
 
 Conan — " Dost thou know any idiot in Cluain-Irared ?" 
 
 Aristophanes — " We had better speak softly, lest we get our 
 ears pulled." 
 
 Conan — " He is gone, and will not hear Ruadhan's praises." 
 
 Ruadhan — "Who is gone.? It cannot be I Whose are 
 these ?" 
 
 Conan— "Thou knowest well, O Ruadhan, to whom I refer. 
 These are the writings of Bee Mac De." 
 
IRISH CHRISTIAN LITERATURE, 
 
 53 
 
 Ruadhan— " Bee Mac De ! Impossible ! I can never be- 
 lieve it. In all my life I have never met so simple a boy. Why, 
 the subjects of these pieces are far above him." 
 
 Conan — " Nevertheless, he has written them, and moreover 
 they have undergone the keen scrutiny of one of our pro- 
 fessors as well as of our holy abbot himself; but perhaps they 
 will not bear thy criticism." 
 
 Aristophanes — "After all, I am afraid that Prince Diarmaid 
 is a better judge than thou art, O Ruadhan." 
 
 Ruadhan — " But why was it kept so secret from me .'" 
 Conan — "Because Bee Mac De feels too keenly thy slights 
 to wish to undeceive thee. I am acting against his wishes in 
 informing thee of the matter at all." 
 
 Aristophanes — " But that is all pride. Is it not i"' 
 Conan — Well, perhaps it is ; but in so young a boy it is ex- 
 cusable. And then Ruadhan is so hard on him." 
 
 Ruadhan — "My quarrel with him is less on his own account 
 than because of his intimacy with Diarmaid, and his adoption of 
 the prince's opinions." 
 
 Aristophanes — " Purely political." 
 Conan — " I wonder what will be the end of all this." 
 Aristophanes — "Nothing good can come of fraternal strife." 
 Conan — " Now it is growing late. Let us finish. Here is a 
 large collection of the recently received works, in prose and 
 verse, of eminent living authors ; of bishops, abbots, nuns, 
 monks, fil6s, ollarahs, philosophers, brehons, bards, and private 
 persons from every part of the nation ; all of which must undergo 
 strict examination before we can admit them ; they include some 
 of our former pupils, as Ciaran, the new bishop of Saighir (Sair), 
 Brendan , the navi gaJjo r. and others. And now we come to the 
 section which contain the scientific works of our nation, ancient 
 and modern, including a great collection of medical works by 
 native physicians ; works on astronomy, geometry, painting, 
 music, and all the known arts and sciences. All these are placed 
 here together for greater convenience, being constantly required 
 in the school-rooms. And here now is the foreign Christian 
 section, and first the sacred Scriptures, the first five books of 
 which, as thou knowest, O Aristophanes, was written by Moses, 
 Here, then, are several copies of the Holy Bible, Old and New 
 Testaments. Following in order are the writings of the fathers 
 and doctors of the Church, and a general collection of foreign 
 literature in the various languages in which they were com- 
 posed. And here in the next compartment are the translations 
 of those works into Gaelic by the monks of the college, 
 
54 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 assisted by many of the students. The last section contains only 
 illuminated MSS. Here, again, are some copies of the Holy 
 Scriptures, also translated into Irish, and, as thou seest, 
 gorgeously illuminated in gold and colours. Their covers are 
 of pure ductile gold, finely chased and studded with gems, 
 all from the preparation of the skins — the work of our college." 
 
 Aristophanes — " I have never seen anything so beautiful ; all 
 the workmanship in every department is simply perfect. Rua- 
 dhan has led me into all the various departments where these 
 works are carried on, and I have seen them in working order, but 
 until now I could notimagine the result of their combined efforts." 
 
 Conan — " Here are other and different kinds of work. The 
 Four Gospels, books of psalms, hymns, and other compositions 
 and translations, magnificently illuminated and bound in gold or 
 silver, or sumptuously ornamented with these metals or with 
 jewels. Besides these books here are great numbers of single 
 tablets, containing short hymns or passages and proverbs from 
 Scripture, the work of the younger pupils, also illuminated with 
 more or less elegance and ingenuity." 
 
 Aristophanes — " What a delightful art ! I must apply myself 
 diligently to its acquirement." 
 
 Having spent the day in taking a cursory glance at the most 
 remarkable of the very large collection of MSS. in the 
 leabharagan they found themselves again at the entrance on 
 the opposite side of the door from which they commenced.* 
 They then went to the tables, which ran along the centre of the 
 room, and looked at the various books with which they were 
 strewed; they were similar to those which he had seen on the 
 shelves, and were only taken down for the use of the students 
 who required them, but who had by this time nearly deserted 
 the leabharagan. 
 
 Mingled with these were maps, and chartes of various 
 countries, besides maps of the existing Irish Pentarchy, 
 maps also of the more ancient Eire under the various names by 
 which it had been known to the ancients. 
 
 Maps of the various divisions of Eire under the different 
 colonists, viz., the Partholanians, Nemedians, Fomorians, 
 Belgians, Firbolgs, Tuatha-de-Danaans, and Milesians. 
 
 * Although all this mass of literature is necessarily described in English 
 it must be remembered that no such language then existed even in Britain! 
 In Irish alone— t\i.e spoken language of all Ireland at that time — were all these 
 works written. There were, of course, numerous works in Sanscrit, Greek, 
 Hebrew, Latin, and others, but especially Latin. Irish however predominated 
 in literature as in all else. 
 
IRISH CHRISTIAN LITERATURE. 
 
 55 
 
 Maps showing the twenty-five divisions of Eire under Ugoni 
 the Great. Others showing the two divisions of Leath Cuinn 
 and Leath Mogha, of later times. Finally, the curious old maps 
 of Eire, by Ptolemy the great Greek geographer. 
 
 Then there were separate maps of the several kingdoms and 
 principalities into which the country was divided. 
 
 Aristophanes having expressed himself highly delighted 
 with all he had seen and heard, returned hearty thanks to the 
 leabhar-coimhedach for the treat he had given him, was about 
 to leave, expecting Ruadhan to accompany him, when the voice 
 of Conan arrested him : 
 
 " Stay, O Aristophanes, I am not done with thee yet. 
 Where is thy polaire .?" 
 
 Ruadhan — " Here it is on the floor, where he let it slip on 
 his entrance." 
 
 Aristophanes — " I had quite forgotten it." 
 
 Conan took the polaire from the hands of Ruadhan and went 
 again to the shelves. Ruadhan went after him and offered to 
 hold it. Conan consented, and then proceeded to take a book 
 from this place and another from that, going round the room 
 again. Ruadhan following, holding the polaire open until they 
 came again to Aristophanes, who had sat down, when the 
 leabhar-coimhedach, taking the well-filled polaire from Ruad- 
 han, presented it to Aristophanes in the name of the college. 
 The Athenian, overpowered with gratitude, was more profuse 
 than ever with his thanks, and promised to be very careful of 
 these valuable books. 
 
 Conan — " Be careful of them by all means ; but remember, 
 they are thine own. Thou hast here in this polaire all things 
 necessary for the curriculum of the college, thy daily studies in 
 every branch of literature and science, and thou hast also the 
 entire leabharagan at thy disposal. I hope that thou wilt make ' 
 good use of it." 
 
 Aristophanes — " Thou needest not fear for that, O Conan ; 
 my teachers shall find me a diligent student, and thou a frequent 
 visitor to thy leabharagan. Neither shall I be wanting in 
 gratitude to my benefactors." 
 
 Conan — " If thou doest all that 'thou sayest, we shall be 
 amply repaid. It was for the diffusion of religion and learning 
 that our institution was founded by the blessed Finnian, and we 
 are following our vocation to the best of our ability. We look 
 for our reward in another world." 
 
 Aristophanes — " And great shall be the reward of such self- 
 sacrificing zeal and universal beneficence." 
 
56 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 Conan — " Beannacht leat mo mhic." 
 
 The two friends emerged from the leabharagan, and as they 
 did so the bells chimed for vespers. Soon again the church, 
 was filled ; soon another day was o'er ; and the third night of 
 his stay at Cluain-Irared saw Aristophanes safely lodged in his 
 own cell — his independence, however, not unmingled with regret 
 for the loss of the nocturnal society of his already dear, though 
 captious friend. 
 
 An u-ocuitiA*6 CAibi*oiL. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 An Scoit Aguf An tTl&ini-pceii. 
 
 THE SCHOOL AND THE MONASTERY. 
 
 The next morning, at the usual hour, thousands of students 
 with their polaires slung across their shoulders, emerged from 
 the different sraida (streets) which surrounded the monastic 
 buildings. They were of many nationalities — Gauls, Saxons. 
 Albanians, Iberians, Italians, Helvetians, Egyptians, and 
 Greeks— but by far the greater number were, of course, children 
 of the soil, representing not Midhe only, but the other four 
 provincial States of Eire as well. Ruadhan had visited Aristo- 
 phanes, gave him some injunctions, taught him how to arrange 
 his polaire, an4 finally bore him company from his cell to the 
 school. As they joined the crowd, which thickened on every 
 side, and made their way into the school rooms, which were 
 soon filled, Aristophanes exclaimed : 
 
 " What a din ! I thought all were bound to silence." 
 
 Ruadhan— " Silence, indeed! The monks are bound to 
 silence, as far as is consistent with their several avocations ■ 
 but ihe students " ' 
 
 Aristophanes—" It is not so easy to impose silence on so 
 many thousands of school boys." 
 
 Ruadhan—" No ; the abbot Finian has worked many wonder- 
 ful miracles, but that is one he has never been able to 
 accomplish. However, once they are fairly settled down to the 
 day's business they will not be so bad until it is time to break 
 up again. Lo ! here come the feara-leighene (professors) with 
 the abbot at their head. See, he approaches Ciaran Mac-an- 
 t-Saoir."* 
 
 * Macanteer. 
 
THE SCHOOL AND THE MONASTERY. 57 
 
 Aristophanes; — " Is that he whose compositions so much 
 delighted the abbot ?" 
 
 Ruadhan — "The same, Aristophanes, and now he 
 embraces him ; he is also speaking ; but, with the noise, we can- 
 not hear. Ah, now they are aware of Finian's presence ; the 
 din subsides ; but we are late: he is now about to bless him. 
 Yet, listen." 
 
 Finian was in the act of raising his hands in benediction 
 over the bent head of Ciaran, and the whole school could now 
 hear the last words of the abbot. 
 
 "And further, O Ciaran, thou shalt be the spiritual father 
 of a numerous progeny, and half the monasteries of Eire shall 
 receive a rule from thee, and may the blessing of the Most 
 Holy Trinity — the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost — 
 descend upon thee and dwell with thee for ever." 
 
 These prophetic words fell from the lips of Finian amidst 
 universal silence, and stamped thenceforth a new character 
 upon the happy Ciaran ; for all knew from experience that the 
 prophecies of Finian were sure to be fulfilled." 
 
 The abbot then proceeded to make his usual morning 
 inspection of the opening of the school. 
 
 At last, on perceiving Aristophanes, he advanced towards 
 him and shook him warmly by the hand, and then proceeded 
 to introduce him to his future oididh (tutors) — the caogadacha, or 
 fifty men who had only to chant 150 psalms ; the foglaintidhe, or 
 professors of the fochaire or native education, who taught ten 
 out of the twelve books of the college course ; tl^e staraidh, or 
 historian, who had also, besides history, thirty lessons of 
 divinity in his course ; the foir-cetalach, or lecturer, who pro- 
 fessed uraicecht, or the grammar of the pupils, orthography, 
 criticism, enumeration, the course of the year, and the course 
 of the sun and moon (i.e., astronomy), and general science ; 
 the saoi canoine, or professor of divinity, who taught the Canons 
 and the Gospel of Jesus, that is the Word of God in the sacred 
 place in which it is — that is, who taught the Catholic canonical 
 wisdom ; to the feraleighen, or professors of Greigis (Greek), 
 Eabrais (Hebrew), Laidion (Latin), and Gaoidilge (Irish) ; the 
 aos ealadhan, or men of science : the drumchli* or chief head, a 
 
 * "Dniimcli, i.e., he who has (or knows) the top ridge (or highest range) 
 of learning, compounded of Druim, the ridge of a Mil or the ridge of a roof 
 of a house ; and cli, a form of cleit, the column or tree which in ancient times 
 supported the house ; and the man who was a druimcli was supposed to have 
 climbed up the pillar or tree of learning to its very ridge or top, and was thus 
 qualified to be a ferleighen — a professor or man qualified to teach or superin- 
 tend the teaching of the whole course of a college education." — O'Qurry. 
 
 s 
 
58 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 master wlio knew the whole course of learning* " from the 
 greatest book, which is called Cuilmein, down to the smallest 
 book, called the Ten Commandments, in which is properly 
 arranged the Good Testament which God prepared for Moses." 
 Thus the fera-leighin, drumchli, or chief master, was obliged by 
 law to be master of the whole course of Gaodhaelec literature, in 
 prose and verse, besides that of the Scripture, from the Ten 
 Commandments up to the whole Bible, as well as the learned 
 languages. 
 
 Finian having introduced Aristophanes to all the feraleighena 
 (professors), in turn, then said : 
 
 " Here, then, O Aristophanes, is the pedigree of the scholar : 
 
 Schoolboy, son of Lesson, 
 
 Son of Caogadach, 
 
 Son of Foglaintidh, 
 
 Son of Professor of (profane) Letters, 
 
 Son of Professor of the Canons, 
 
 Son of Druimcli, 
 
 Son of the Living God." 
 
 Aristophanes — "A curious pedigree, truly. I never heard 
 the like of it before. I shall not forget it easily, O father abbot." 
 
 Finian — " I am sure thou wilt not, my son • and thou shalt 
 pass under all these gradh egna (grades or professors of know- 
 ledge and wisdom), and every care shall be taken to instruct 
 thee in the whole circle of the sciences, but thou thyself must, 
 by diligence and industry, second the efforts of thine oididh 
 (tutors) ; and now, my son, I must attend to other duties for a 
 little while, and the Master Regent, will examine thee to find 
 what progress thou hadst made in the great school of Athens, and 
 he will then know in what classes and under what fera-leighein 
 to place thee. Thine Athenian birth and education is a great 
 advantage to thee. I have never heard any of thy countrymen 
 speak in purer Attic dialect. Here comes the Master Regent ; 
 farewell, my son, for a little while." 
 
 The Master Regent then proceeded to put Aristophanes 
 through his facings in every conceivable branch of foghlaim 
 (education), and found him more advanced than he had ex- 
 pected even from an Athenian. 
 
 He therefore placed him at the outset in an honourable place 
 in the school, and thus the latter commenced his career of hard 
 study, where so many of his countrymen, as well as foreigners of 
 other nations had already done, and continued to do for many 
 
 * O'Cuny. 
 
THE SCHOOL AND THE MONASTERY. 59 
 
 centuries afterwards ; for Clonard was indeed a second Athens, 
 but of far more holy descipline and enlightened morals ; the 
 closet of all wisdom and holiness ; the clear spring which 
 flowed through all Eire and all Europe ; the healthful life-giving 
 waters of mental cultivation and spiritual regeneration — the tree 
 which spread its branches over all the neighbouring states — the 
 nursery from whence issued the Twelve Apostles of Eire, to 
 found similar institutions for the diffusion of piety and learning, 
 and which in their turn became the parent-houses of yet more 
 numerous progenies, destined to shed light and lustre not only 
 over the land that gave them birth, but over the less favoured 
 nations of the earth, and which obtained for Eire the proud 
 titles by which for many centuries afterwards she was known — 
 " the University of Europe," " the centre of light and learning," 
 " the tranquil abode of the arts and sciences," " the island of 
 saints and scholars," and " the prime seat of learning to all 
 Christendom." 
 
 Thus flowed on smoothly and evenly, day by day, monastic 
 life at Cluain-Irared — work, prayer, and contemplation follow- 
 ing in unceasing succession. 
 
 At early dawn the monastery bells called forth the whole 
 city of Cluain-Irared to a new day of labour, prayer and praise ; 
 the divine oflSces, the holy Mass, the hour of solitary contem- 
 plation — each at their proper time. 
 
 These morning duties over, the whole community dispersed 
 to their several occupations — some went to the schools to fulfil 
 their duties in the various degrees of professorships, already 
 alluded to, as teachers, readers, or lecturers in the many 
 branches of science, literature, and art. Some went through the 
 country to missionary labours, preaching and administering the 
 Sacraments — some to the church for a day of meditation — 
 good psalmodists to relieve the perpetual choir — some to the 
 proinnteach to give alms, and to attend to visitors and 
 travellers — good transcribers and illuminators to the leabhar- 
 screptra (scriptorium) — the leabhar-coimhedach to the leabhara- 
 gan — some compiled the civil and ecclesiastical annals of the 
 country (and to their laudable diligence must be attributed the 
 fact that no country in Europe has a more ancient and authentic 
 history than the Irish) ;* those skilled in medicine went to the 
 hospital — the butler, baker, cook, attendants, and messengers 
 went to their respective duties — those skilled in the various 
 trades went to their workshops — some went to fish in the rivers, 
 
 * Cogan. 
 
6o THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 others to bring the cattle, sheep, and pigs to the fields — some 
 to yoke the horses to the ploughs and carts — some went to the 
 flower-garden, some to the kitchen-garden, others to plough and 
 harrow, and thrash, and winnow, and many to other agricultural 
 pursuits — all were incessantly employed from morning till night, 
 interrupted only at intervals by the chiming notes from the 
 cloigteach, calling them to the eaglais (church), to recite the 
 canonical hours, or to the proinnteach to partake of their frugal 
 meal, and to return with renewed strength to their respective 
 occupations. 
 
 However, the recitation of Prime, Tierce, Sext, and None 
 did not take long, containing only three psalms each; con- 
 sequently they were not over-loaded with long offices, and, 
 though bound to work at their various callings every day, except 
 Sundays and holidays, they had all, without exception, leisure 
 enough for study and attending the instructions of their 
 brethren, the professors and lecturers, and were also allowed a 
 certain time for reading ; for, owing to their great numbers and 
 the admirable order and discipline established by their holy 
 founder, all this could be accomplished without any incon- 
 venience, loss, or disorder ; all the various branches of industry 
 being pursued for a certain number of hours each day, and 
 every department kept in the strictest order and continually im- 
 proved; for the holy abbot ever active, ever on the alert, visited 
 in turn everybody and everything under his sway. 
 
 Now he would glide from one workshop to another, instruct- 
 ing, consoling, and encouraging the artificers ; again he would 
 flit through the fields and mix among the labourers, gardeners, 
 and shepherds ; next he would be in the hospital consulting 
 with the physicians, or supporting, by his exhortations and 
 sympathy, the sufferers, going from bedside to bedside in turn 
 shaping his words to the peculiar circumstances of each ; he 
 was infirm with the infirm, wept with those that weep, was all 
 things to all men. 
 
 His presence each day was eagerly looked forward to by the 
 patients ; his very appearance was in itself a consolation ; he 
 healed their souls, and in many instance.s he was known to heal 
 their bodies also, so as sometimes to astonish the physicians 
 who, though holy monks themselves, were not equal in sanctity 
 to their revered abbot. 
 
 He would next be amongst his pupils and their teachers in 
 the school, reading-rooms, and lecture-halls, teaching, reading, 
 and lecturing on many subjects, and expounding the Holy 
 Scriptures. 
 
THE SCHOOL AND THE MONASTERY. 6 1 
 
 This latter occupation took up the greater part of his time, 
 and so great was the fame of his learning, both sacred and pro- 
 fane, that he was known by the title of Reader to the Saints of 
 Eire (Ireland), partly from being invited by several saints, male 
 and female (among the latter St. Brigid), to instruct their com- 
 munities, and partly from the great number of saints who, 
 during many years issued from his schools, to be in turn 
 founders of other monasteries, famous as his own. 
 
 Then he would visit the leabharagan, or he would sit in his 
 own humble house reading or writing, or sometimes listening to 
 his minister reading to him, as on the occasion when Aristo- 
 phanes was first introduced to him. 
 
 But having founded other monasteries as Inisfallen and 
 Achonry, he was obliged sometimes to visit them, though he 
 took care to place them under proper management. When thus 
 leaving his principal residence at Cluain-Irared for a time, he 
 would appoint his fer-tighis, or prior, who always assisted him 
 when at home, to take his place when abroad. 
 
 These were times of sorrow for his community and pupils, 
 but it only served to intensify their joy on again beholding him. 
 He was beloved by the whole monastery, to whom he set an 
 example of the highest Christian perfection ; he was the strictest 
 and most fervent observer of the rules which he laid down for 
 the guidance of his brethren. 
 
 Their fare was of a very simple kind, consisting of herbs, 
 farinaceous substances, mixed with water, and a small allowance 
 of biscuit. 
 
 Their meal was late in day, but although scanty and such as to 
 render every day a sort of fast day, it was sufficient for the neces- 
 sities of nature, without injuring the health or impairing the 
 strength of the body, or preventing the monks from fulfilling their 
 duties of praying, working, or reading. 
 
 They were not allowed to eat anything before None (three 
 o'clock in the afternoon) on Wednesdays and Fridays through- 
 out the year. The great fast of Lent did not begin till the 
 Saturday previous to the first Sunday in Lent. 
 
 They abstained at all times from flesh meat, but were 
 allowed to eat fish and eggs even in Lent. Their usual drink 
 was milk and water. 
 
 On Sundays, however, their fare was improved, even the 
 
 blessed Finian allowing himself on these and other holidays a 
 
 little fish and a cup of beer or whey. On all other days throughout 
 
 the year confining himself to bread, herbs, and water,* in which 
 
 * Dr. Lanigan's " Eccl. Hist." 
 
62 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 his example was followed by many of his disciples ; for though 
 he laid down strict rules as to diet for his brethren, and which 
 he inexorably enforced, except in case of sickness, yet he always 
 took care to set an example of greater mortification, self-denial, 
 and labour in his own person than any which he imposed on his 
 followers. This, as was to be expected, resulted in the volun- 
 tary imitation, by many of his disciples, of the virtues and 
 austerities of their holy founder. He was also considerate in 
 other respects ; thus while his community slept on humble beds 
 with straw pallets, he laid himself down on the bare floor with a 
 stone for his pillow ; also, in the matter of the canonical hours, 
 according to the ofiSce prescribed for each day, for though all 
 were obliged to answer promptly the summons to Matins, Lauds, 
 Prime, Tierce, Sext, and None, Vespers, and Complin, as well 
 as the three Nocturns during the night, yet they were so 
 arranged as to render them as easy as possible ;. thus a much 
 greater number of psalms was read in the morning than during 
 the night or even during the day. 
 
 Saturday night, however, was an exception, as, coming so 
 near to Sunday, a much greater number was read on that night 
 than on any other. The First Nocturn was said at night ; the 
 second at midnight ; the third at the crowing of the cocks, and 
 the fourth early in the morning. 
 
 Then, again, when the nights began to grow long, the 
 number of psalms were augmented, and so proportionally until 
 they reached their greatest length, and diminished as the nights 
 became shorter.* 
 
 On Sundays and festivals, days on which they rested from all 
 labour, they gave themselves up wholly to psalm-singing, prayer, 
 meditation, and celebrating the Divine Mysteries.f 
 
 The students, however, were allowed more latitude. They, 
 too, rested on Sundays and holidays. There was no school, no 
 studies on those days ; they spent more time in the church on 
 those days ; more time in reading the Scriptures and other 
 books of devotion ; but they also spent a portion of |;he day, at 
 intervals, in innocent recreation, for none knew better than the 
 abbot Finian that old heads could not with prudence be placed, 
 on young shoulders, and he had too much respect for those 
 days dedicated to God or the saints to permit them to be made 
 disagreeable or irksome, to appear too long, or to be in the least 
 degree dreaded by even one among the multitude of youths of 
 various nations, and divers characters and idiosyncrasies who 
 were committed to his charge. 
 
 • Dr. Lanigan's " Eccl. Hist." f Ibid. 
 
THE SCHOOL AND THE MONASTERY. 63 
 
 Their diet also was as generous as it could well be — every- 
 thing that the monastery produced was plentifully supplied to 
 them — beef, mutton, veal, pork, bacon, poultry, fish, vegetables, 
 fruit, wine, and ale. Every care was taken of their health, the 
 ablest physicians were always at hand ; in fact, they had every- 
 thing needful for soul, mind, and body ; for, owing to the 
 liberality of the kings, princes, and prime families of Eire, the 
 monks were enabled to supply their numerous scholars (free of 
 charge) with food, raiment, and lodging, books and education 
 of the very highest class, embracing the whole circle of the 
 sciences, arts, and languages ; and when it is remembered how 
 precious those MSS. then were — just a thousand years before 
 printing was discovered, when books could only be multiplied 
 by the incessant labour of the monks — we shall be able to 
 appreciate the inestimable blessings which this nation conferred 
 on the other kingdoms of Europe ; for Clonard was but a type of 
 similar institutions which already dotted the land, and which 
 continued to increase and multipy, sending forth myriads of 
 pupils who were destined to shed eternal lustre upon the Irish 
 Church and nation, which at the time of which we write was 
 already an Island of Saints and Scholars, but was destined to 
 reach the meridian of her glory towards the close of the follow- 
 ing century, and continued thenceforth the bright luminary of 
 the world for many ages, until at length, first the Danish and 
 then the English vandals casting their greedy eyes in turn upon 
 this rich fertile little island, which was able to feed, clothe, and 
 educate (gratis) the other nations of the earth — conceived the 
 diabolical plan of robbing their benefactors of their natural 
 inheritance and reducing to slavery their former masters ; for it 
 is a remarkable fact that, next to the native Irish themselves, 
 perhaps no nation under the sun profited so much from Irish 
 liberality and culture as the barbarous Saxons of Britain. They 
 thronged our shores in great numbers, and in time returned to 
 their own country transformed from ignorant savages into 
 civilized, educated men. Little dreamt the Irish princes and 
 monks that the result of their generous hospitality would be the 
 destruction, enslavement, and utter demoralisation and humilia- 
 tion of their beloved Eire, Oh 1 that they could have for- 
 seen the hordes of Saxon and foreign vipers springing ' in 
 thousands on their shores, with death-dealing weapons in their 
 hands and hate and fury in their countenances, a murderous- 
 looking monster with trembling frame and blood-shot eyes at 
 their head, armed with a canting, hypocritical, cruel "bull" 
 from an English pope, flying in all directions through this un- 
 
64 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARAi 
 
 happy land ; burning, pillaging, and razing to the ground 
 churches, schools, and monasteries ; torturing, outraging; and 
 murdering their helpless, defenceless inmates ; burning and 
 destroying piles of books, MSS., and precious and beauti- 
 ful works of art, especially such as treated on Irish history, that 
 the name and memory of the Irish nation might be swept from 
 oif the face of the earth ; the bandit English king granting 
 away by wholesale, thousands of acres of fertile Irish provinces 
 to his hungry, ravenous followers ;* stripping the Irish chiefs 
 and princes of their lawful inheritance, devoting them to poverty, 
 exile, and death ; reducing their country to pauperism, slavery 
 and ignorance ; making her for the space of seven hundred years 
 the by-word and scorn of all Europe; plundering her of her 
 riches and then despising her for her poverty ; making it a crime 
 against the laws to teach her children, and then holding them 
 up to ridicule for their ignorance ; creating crime by infamous 
 blood-stained laws, and then defaming the fair name of a 
 virtuous, justice-loving people. Such was the idea of civilisation 
 at those times in the minds of the forefathers of Englishmen of 
 the present day. 
 
 What an ungrateful return to the descendants of those who 
 spared no labour or expense to raise the ancestors of these 
 foreign pirates from the abyss of ignorance and barbarism in 
 which they were engulphed, and bestow on them the inestim- 
 able blessings of knowledge and civilisation. But the ancient 
 Irish knew nought of all this ; and, unconscious of what the 
 future would bring forth, they continued with unabated zeal 
 their charitable labours at home and abroad,f leaving behind 
 many monuments all over the world to prove to posterity that 
 
 * One of the first acts of Henry H. in carrying out his mission of convert- 
 ing the Irish was to grant (?) to Hugh de Lacey the entire Iringdom of Meath, 
 containing 800,000 acres, which he robbed from its lawful owners. The re- 
 mainder of Ireland shared the same fate according as it fell a prey to the English. 
 
 t The Irish monks, not contented with what they could do at home, also 
 embarked from Eire to evangelise the other nations of Europe, founding 
 churches, monasteries, and schools, many of which remain even to this day. 
 It has been calculated that the ancient Irish monks founded 13 monastic 
 foundations in Scotland ; 12 in England; 7 in France; 1 2 in Armorie Gaul ; 7 
 in Lotharingia; 12 in Burgundy; loinAJsatia; 9 in Belgium; 16 in Bavaria; 
 
 6 in Italy ; 15 in Rhetia, Helvetia, and Suevia, besides many in Thuringia 
 
 Apologia. Further, in Germany 150 Irish saints are patrons of churches, and 
 sA these 36 were martyrs ; in Gaul 45 Irish saints, of whom 6 were martyrs ; in 
 Belgium 30, of whom many were martyrs ; in England 44 Irish saints and 
 patrons of churches; in Italy 13; inNorway 8; and in Iceland the same number. 
 The number in Switzerland is not exactly known, but they were many ■ and a 
 whole Canton (that of St. Gall) took its name from one oHhtm— Apologia 
 
COMING EVENTS. 65 
 
 Ireland is the best fitted of all other countries to be a separate 
 independent nation — the home and inheritance of the Irish 
 race — instead of giving, for centuries her intellect, her riches, 
 and her blood in building up the greatness of her once dull 
 pupil and her now most inveterate foe. 
 
 An riAonTiA'o cAibmiL 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 tieice te UeA.cc. 
 
 COMING EVENTS. 
 
 The students spent the earlier hours in close application to 
 study, save when they answered the summons of the cloige-na- 
 mainistire. Their hour of recreation has]come, and now they pour 
 out of the school- rooms, and lecture-halls, and library in shoals, 
 and disperse in groups to amuse themselves as they list ; some 
 remain on the faitche and play various games, as hurling, &c. ; 
 others run down to the amhain (river), where a great number of 
 corachs (boats) lie waiting for them, these they enter, and ride 
 gaily on the water, or get up a boat race ; others, again, 
 roam into the neighbouring woods ; some traverse the streets of 
 Cluain-Irared, and emerge at the end of the city opening 
 into the country at the opposite side; others dispose of them- 
 selves in the various fields belonging to the monastery, where 
 they divert themselves in many ways. 
 
 In one field a group were preparing for a hurling match ; 
 among them was Ruadhan, who, while in the act of stooping, 
 felt his shoulder touched by some one, and looking up, he 
 beheld Aristophanes, who exclaimed : 
 
 "Ho, Ruadhan, I have found thee. I did not know what 
 had become of thee. Canst thou tell me what they are doing in 
 yonder field ? — they are hauling some large objects." 
 Ruadhan, looking in the direction indicated, said : 
 " I am sure I do not know what it is all about; but I fancy I 
 see Prince Diarmaid among them ; he appears to be directing 
 their movements." 
 
 Aristophanes — " Then thou dost iiot care to go over there ?" 
 Ruadhan — " I much prefer staying here and playing hurley 
 with these gentlemen." 
 
 Aristophanes — " Then I shall help thee, O Ruadhan." 
 They then commenced to play, but after the first game, 
 Aristophanes exclaimed : 
 
66 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 " Look, O Ruadhan, who is that elevated in the centre of a 
 crowd of youths like a king on his throne ?" 
 
 Ruadhan, laughing, "Why, I declare Prince Diarmaid is 
 holding a mock court. He is turned from us, so we can approach 
 without being perceived by him." 
 
 " Where has he obtained the royal outfit, even to the crown ?" 
 asked the Greek, as the two had approached sufficiently near to 
 obtain a good view of the prince. 
 
 Ruadhan — " All are his own save the crown, and — let me 
 see^why he must have obtained a number of gold ornaments 
 from the goldsmith yonder, and formed them into a crown. It 
 is not exactly like the asion or the " mionn," which our kings 
 wear, but under the circumstances is very ingenious." 
 
 Aristophanes — " And look at the throne." 
 
 Ruadhan — "Ay, that is formed of the objects we saw them 
 carry ; the steps are trunks of trees, a small table from one of the 
 cells ; on top is an unfinished carved chair which the carpenter is 
 making for the abbot ; it is ornamented with some of Diarmaid' s 
 own jewellery, as well as some gold and jewelled ornaments 
 procured from the same monk who lent him the materials for 
 the crown ; it is covered with one of his own scarlet mantles. 
 Then, again, behold his court ; they are so disguised in their 
 various characters that I scarcely recognise them, but I think 
 that is Brendan in the robes of a brehon (judge). Ninnidh in 
 those of an ollamh (learned man), Columcille is easily recognised 
 in the character of chief bard, and Columb Mac Crimthan is 
 that of herald bearing the spear of state ; but who is that in the 
 hood of a fil6 (poet and philosopher), I cannot see his face .?" 
 
 Aristophanes — "Why, that is thy friend, Bee MacDe." 
 
 Ruadhan — " Ah, indeed ! Well, at all events, I believe the 
 ten principal officers of state are complete : there are the 
 bishops, and the high steward, and the attendants, and all the 
 hundreds of silly boys who surround the prince, seem to think 
 that all is reality. If King Tuathal Maelgarbh appeared upon 
 the scene, he would soon spoil all their sport." 
 
 Aristophanes — " Who is that in the garb of a prince ?" 
 
 Ruadhan — " Ah, that is Maelmordha Mac Argeadan, Diar- 
 maid's step-brother, who is taking the part of Righdamhna."* 
 
 Aristophanes — "Look, look 1 O Ruadhan look at the minia- 
 ture army approaching in perfect military order; they do 
 honours to their king, and a certain number form themselves 
 into a body guard. What are they called whom they represent ?" 
 
 * Heir Apparent. 
 
COMING EVENTS. 67 
 
 Ruadhan— " The Fianna Erionn.* Hark I what is that ?" 
 
 The exclamation was taken up by the crowds of young men 
 and boys, who by this time had assembled at the scene of the 
 improvised court. Many of them now rushing in one direction, 
 exclaiming : 
 
 " To the river ! To the river 1" 
 
 The two friends ran with the rest towards the river Boinn 
 (Boyne), but were obliged to look over the shoulders of those 
 who had gained it before them, and were now lining its brink, 
 cheering and clapping and welcoming with many " ceud miI6 
 failte." The cause of this excitement was soon known to all. 
 It was nothing less than about a dozen boats' full of woe-begone 
 looking Saxons who had come to seek admission to the schools 
 of Cluain-Irared. 
 
 The manner of their reception seemed to reassure them, and 
 with the assistance of their new friends, they were soon landed 
 on the monastic grounds ; but one of the mischief-loving youths, 
 from which even Cluain-Irared was not free, bethought him just 
 at the last moment of turning this unexpected event to account ; 
 so running with all his might towards where the prince and his 
 mock court were stationed, and knowing that though they must 
 have heard the noise, they were too far away to learn its exact 
 nature, he forced his way through the crowd surrounding the 
 " throne," and falling on one knee before Diarmaid, exclaimed, 
 with mock gravity, and panting for breath : 
 
 " O King ! a Saxon invasion ! Quick, quick to arms. Send, 
 
 O King, thy redoutable Fenians against Quick, oh, quick 1 
 
 they come 1 they come !" 
 
 Though this event was then unexpected, it was by no means 
 unusual, so Diarmaid never for a moment lost his presence of 
 mind, and rising up from his seat, and waiving his hand with an 
 air of command, he cried : 
 
 " To arms 1 to arms ! O Fianna Erionn, go, hurl the in- 
 vaders from our shores. Go, officers, order your men into 
 battle aray. I will myself lead you to victory. Ho 1 there, my 
 armour." 
 
 By this time the miniature regiments above-named com- 
 menced to march in order of battle, facing towards the river. 
 
 They had only gone a few steps, however, when they saw 
 the " invaders" approaching. On beholding them the " army" 
 recoiled in disgust, their chief officer approached Diarmaid just 
 as he was about to descend from his throne to head them, and 
 cried out : 
 
 • Fenians of Ireland. 
 
68 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 " O King, thou hast been deceived ; no army threatens thy 
 throne. Sendest thou thy brave Fenian army against a horde of 
 unarmed, defenceless, and half-naked savages ?" 
 
 Diarmaid — " Oh ! horror, horror ! Sayest thou truly, O . 
 
 Back, back, O Fianna Erionn. Let the Saxons approach our 
 throne in peace." 
 
 The bewildered Saxons approached, scarcely knowing what 
 they were doing, and looking in wonderment at all they saw. 
 
 Diarmaid again seating himself on the "throne," inter- 
 rogated them : 
 
 " Whence came ye, O strangers, and whither ?" 
 
 " We came, O King," answered one who acted as spokes- 
 man, " from Britain, our native land, to seek instruction in the 
 famous schools of Cluain-Irared." 
 
 Diarmaid — " Then ye came not as spies or enemies of our 
 Irish throne ?" 
 
 The Saxon — " I assure thee, O King, we have not come, nor 
 were we sent for such purpose ;_ but if we knew that the great 
 King of Eire were here we should have delayed our voyage." 
 
 Diarmaid — " In what, then, have the Kings of Eire ever 
 harmed thee, or those of thy nation ?" 
 
 The Saxon — " In nought have they ever done us anything 
 but good." 
 
 Diarmaid — " What way didst ye come ?" 
 
 The Saxon — " We landed at Inver Colpa* and sailed up the 
 Boinn- (Boyne)." 
 
 By this time the prince realised the absurdity of the situation 
 and could stand no more. He remembered that they were 
 foreigners, and also their pitiable plight, as well as the sudden- 
 ness of their appearance on the scene, and at once his better 
 nature mastered his youthful folly. 
 
 The other students arrived at the same conclusion in a 
 moment, and one of the Saxons who was some years at the 
 college, said to his young countrymen : 
 
 "You fools, do you not see that it is all a play ?" 
 
 The young strangers now began to realise that it was. 
 They brightened up, and one of them said : 
 
 "Oh, what a jolly place we have come to." 
 
 " I thought it was all a reality," said another. 
 
 " So did I," said a third; " but I was not afraid, for I knew 
 we were in the monastery ground." 
 
 " We shall have fine sport," said a fourth. 
 
 * Drogheda Bay. 
 
COMING EVENTS. 69 
 
 And so they went on talking. 
 
 Diarmaid — "Hark ye, guards, escort with honour these Saxon 
 knowledge-seekers to the presence of our trusty liege, the abbot 
 Finian." 
 
 " So I am thy trusty liege already, O Dairmaid." 
 
 Diarmaid turned round, and to his shame and dread beheld 
 the abbot himself, and by his side the guest-master ; but 
 another look convinced him that all was right, as he saw the 
 good-natured, amused expression with which Finian and his 
 companion viewed Diarmaid and his surroundings. However 
 the prince stammered : 
 
 " Oh, father abbot, I did not know that thou wert there, and 
 we were only playing." 
 
 Finian — " I am aware of all that, my son, and am not dis- 
 pleased ; but had the joke been carried any further with the 
 foreigners, I should have been very angry. God bless you all." 
 
 Then turning to the young strangers he said : 
 
 " Come with us, my children ; we have come out specially to 
 meet ye, having heard of your arrival." 
 
 Finian, the guest-master, and the newly-arrived Saxons then 
 proceeded towards the monastery, the latter to be bathed, re- 
 habilitated, and refreshed. 
 
 The students resumed their amusements, Diarmaid continued 
 to play the king; Maelmordha, the Righdamhna, Columcille 
 discoursed sweet music on the harp, the heralds blew the trum- 
 pets, or flourished the spear; the ollamhs tried to look as wise 
 as they could, and the abbots, brehons, stewards, Fenians, and 
 others all played their parts, and thus displayed wonderful 
 powers of imitation. 
 
 Some of the youths only looked on, while others again paid 
 no attention, but amused themselves at running, leaping, hurl- 
 ing, or otherwise, as they thought fit. 
 
 Many chatted in groups, or walked about. Among the latter 
 were Ruadhan and Aristophanes, arm in arm, chatting on some 
 subject, about which the new arrivals had evidently something 
 to do, for the Greek is heard exclaiming : 
 
 " How can it be possible, O Ruadhan, that those wild, un- 
 cared-for looking foreigners are the countrymen of the Saxons 
 of Cluain-Irared, who appear to be as civilised as the natives of 
 more advanced countries, even of those of Greece or Eire ?" 
 
 Ruadhan — " Oh, there is nothing easier of explanation. 
 The Saxons here were just as barbarous-looking on their arrival 
 as those we have just received, and many of them even more 
 so ; they were steeped in paganism ; they knew absolutely 
 
70 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 nothing, had no idea of the commonest requirements of civilised s 
 beings ; but that condition of things could not long continue 
 in any part of Eire, and certainly not in Cluain-Irared. They 
 almost invariably commence at the very lowest place in the 
 school, but rise by degrees to honourable distinction. Indeed 
 the monks bestow more care and time on them than on any of 
 the other students, native or foreign, owing to their near neigh-- 
 bourhood to our own isle, and their extremely backward condi- 
 tion, socially, mentally, and spiritually." 
 
 Aristophanes — "And yet, they are fair of aspect, and of 
 goodly presence; it is, indeed, a pity that they are so low in the 
 scale of humanity, but perhaps a bright future is in store for 
 them." 
 
 Ruadhan — " I sincerely hope so. Thou seest what can be 
 made here of even the most unpromising materials. In a short 
 time thou wilt not know the young savages who arrived here 
 to-day." 
 
 Aristophanes — " I can already guess at the transformation 
 which will be effected, if I can judge of their countrymen who 
 preceded them. But of this I am convinced, that whatever 
 glory, prosperity, or greatness may be in store for Britain, she 
 will owe it all to the charity, learning, and generous hospitality 
 of the Irish Nation." 
 
 Ruadhan — " I trust that when Eire shall have finished her 
 glorious work in regard to Britain, the two countries shall con- 
 tinue in mutual friendship for ages yet to come, and our kings 
 find faithful allies and friendly neighbours in the future 
 sovereigns of Britain." 
 
 Aristophanes — "I hope so; but it is hard to say what the 
 future may bring forth. I trust the future inhabitants of Eire 
 will never have cause to regret the beneficence and hospitality 
 of their ancestors. But there is one thing which has just 
 occurred to me, O Ruadhan ; while yet in Greece I have heard 
 that Eire was full of Saxon slaves. Is that a fact ? and if so, is 
 it any cause of offence to the neighbouring island ?" 
 
 Ruadhan— "It is a fact; but, as for it being a cause of 
 offence, it is all the other way. Saxon parents sell their sons 
 and their daughters to our people, and they think themselves 
 the gainers by the bargain. Besides, we are not the only pur- 
 chasers ; for Saxon children are in every market in Europe ■ 
 though they are the most numerous in this country." 
 
 Aristophanes — " I suppose they could not be done without ?" 
 
 Ruadhan— " Never; for notwithstanding the subjugation of 
 the Aitheach Tuatha (Attacotic) race, Eire herself could not 
 
COMING EVENTS. 71 
 
 supply the fortieth part of the numbers required for servitude. 
 Foreign slaves we must get, and none so ready as the Saxons to 
 supply our demands ; besides, they are better off under Irish 
 masters and mistresses than under Saxon parents. They are 
 converted to Christianity, and have the benefit of education and 
 civilised life, moreovertheyarekindly treated, and made capable 
 of rising themselves if they desire it." 
 
 This dialogue was carried on while the two friends walked a 
 considerable distance round the grounds of the college. They 
 had returned within sight of the field where Diarmaid was play- 
 ing the king, when Ruadhan said : 
 
 " The ' court ' is not broken up yet." 
 
 "What is the prince doing now ? He is standing on the 
 platform under his royal chair, and appears to be making a 
 speech." 
 
 " Oh, yes ; he is addressing his council on some affair of 
 State, I have no doubt." 
 
 " Airing his oratorical powers .''" 
 
 " Yes ; and showing in every way how fit he is to reign." 
 " I know nought of his rights or his pretensions, but I 
 affirm, O Ruadhan, that he looks every inch a king, notwith- 
 standing his youth and the mockery of his present situation." 
 
 " No doubt he has a regal presence,, and it is enhanced by 
 his present rich attire and graceful gestures." 
 
 " Dost know, O Ruadhan, he reminds me of a tradition of 
 Greece, which tells us of an Irish chief named Abaris, who was 
 sent there as ambassador from this country many hundred years 
 before Christ, and was present at a Council of Athens, having 
 his majestic figure set off to great advantage with the most costly 
 dress, and his language, wisdom, and prudence as a statesman, 
 orator, and courtier held forth for the admiration of all the 
 Grecian States." 
 
 " Yes ; Abaris upheld the honour of his country abroad ; 
 and since Prince Diarmaid is so like him, it would be well 
 if he were sent as ambassador somewhere, just to keep him out 
 of mischief at home." 
 
 " Look at him now. His chief brehon, Brendan, is writing 
 something on parchment at his dictation." 
 
 " No doubt it is as important as the rest of the business ; 
 now he is sending off a courier at full speed." 
 
 "And now the courier is returning with Ciaran Mac an t- Saoir." 
 " Ciaran Mac an t-Saoir ! Can it be ? Is he going to take 
 part in the foolery too ? Why, see; he is actually going to do 
 homage to Diarmaid !" 
 
72 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 " Are they always good friends ?" 
 
 " Oh, yes ; Diarmaid and Ciaran are always on the best of 
 terms. Now the important document is completed, and Bren- 
 dan hands it to Diarmaid, who looks at it and hands it back to 
 Brendan who begins to read it aloud. I would we were a little 
 nearer that we might hear. Now it is eagerly discussed by all 
 three. Diarmaid orders Brendan to make some alterations. 
 These are made, and again Diarmaid and Ciaran converse." 
 
 " Brendan is now reading the parchment again and it ap- 
 pears to be satisfactory, as he once more hands it to the Prince ; 
 and look, Ruadhan, he now invites some of the members of his 
 court to sign it. Now he. signs it himself and presents it with 
 all due formality to Ciaran. Canst thou guess what it is all 
 about." 
 
 " Not I. I am sure it is all nonsense, like the rest of the per- 
 formance. Diarmaid likes to rehearse the part of a king, for 
 which honour he has a great ambition, and which makes him 
 forget the allegiance due to his lawful sovereign." 
 
 " He fancies himself the lawful sovereign, I understand ?" 
 
 " But his fancy is treason and sedition." 
 
 " There appears to be a diiference of opinion on the subject 
 among thy countrymen, O Ruadhan. 1 already know that many 
 of the students here, and, no doubt, all of those riow surrounding 
 the Prince, would call King Tuathal Maelgarbh an usurper." 
 
 " No doubt Diarmaid has a strong party, not in Midhe only 
 but throughout all Eire. The native students here represent 
 the opinions of their parents and friends." 
 
 " Dost thou not fear that all these mutterings may be like 
 those of the volcano of which any day may witness the 
 eruption." 
 
 " It will not be Diarmaid's fault if our beloved Banba* is not 
 some day transformed into a political Etna or Vesuvius ; but 
 forewarned is forearmed, and King Tuathal, though aware of 
 his pretensions, so little fears him that he will offer no opposition 
 to his entrance into Mur Ollamhain." 
 
 " Where or what is Mur Ollamhain ? 
 
 "It is the chief university in the kingdom." 
 
 " A college like this ?" 
 
 " A college, but not like this ; for though both are edu- 
 cational institutions, it is scarcely possible to imagine any two 
 institutions so dissimilar. This College of Cluain-Irared and 
 other similar colleges throughout Eire are the result of the 
 introduction of Christianitv." 
 
 * A poetical name Jor Ireland. 
 
COMING EVENTS. 73 
 
 "Then how comes it that they are so different from and 
 superior to similar institutions in other countries where Chris- 
 tianity prevails ?'' 
 
 " Well, that is because Christianity, besides converting the 
 people of those countries from paganism had to commence the 
 task of their education, and a difficult, tedious task it necessarily' 
 was ; while the Gospel found its immediate universal reception 
 in Erin, favoured by the splendid literary attainments and time- 
 honoured intellectual life of its people." 
 
 " Then what meanest thou, O Ruadhan, by saying that these 
 Christian colleges are the result of the introduction of Christi- 
 anity?" 
 
 " Well, I will explain. For many hundred years before 
 Christ, colleges and schools, wherein were taught all the known 
 arts and sciences, abounded throughout all Eire ; but the chief 
 and principal of all these was the famous Mur Ollamhain of 
 Teamhair. These pagan colleges continued down to the time 
 of St. Patrick, and still continue in their modified and 
 Christianised form ; but it was found that they could not, with- 
 out entirely destroying their character, undertake the additional 
 duties inseparable from the changed order of things, so the 
 holy men who sprung up in such numbers after the arrival of 
 St. Patrick conceived the plan of founding such institutions 
 as this, thus blending religion and nationality in happy unison. 
 In fact when Christianity crossed the sea and became wedded 
 to Irish literature, the result proved beneficial to both, for while 
 Christianity elevated and ennobled the intellect of Eire, the 
 latter, in turn, enriched with the brilliancy of its genius, and 
 showed to the world, through the mirror of mental illumination, 
 the amiable qualities and heaven-born attributes of its fondly 
 cherished partner ; and following the natural order of things, 
 the Christian colleges of Eire bear an unmistakable family like- 
 ness to both parents." 
 
 " I understand the matter perfectly now. It explains what 
 was before to me quite incomprehensible. But there is another 
 thing that I do not quite understand. Thou hast said that the 
 king had so little fear ofDiarmaid that he would not oppose his 
 entrance into Mur Ollamhain, the chief university. i}"ow what 
 wants Diarmaid there ? Is not the splendid curriculum of 
 Cluain-Irared sufficient for even a prince who aspires to a 
 throne .?" 
 
 " As I said before, there is not a particle of similarity 
 between the monastery and the university. Prince Diarmaid, be 
 his pretensions ever so just, his rights so indisputable, and his 
 
 6 
 
74 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 qualifications ever so many, or so brilliant, could never ascend 
 the throne of Eire until he had taken out his degrees at Mur 
 Ollamhain, and that law is enforced, not only on candidates 
 for the Crown, but for those of every other oflBce of trust, emolu- 
 ment, or dignity in the kingdom. Diarmaid has been to Mur 
 'Ollamhain already, having entered it at the age of seven years,' 
 and gone through the minor degrees in the various branches 
 taught there during seven years more ; but he left it, as is now 
 the custom, to spend some time in a Christian monastic school, 
 and he chose Cluain-Irared, only to return to complete his 
 scholastic course in the prime university of the nation." 
 
 "And when does Diarmaid leave Cluain-Irared for Team- 
 hair ?" asked Aristophanes. 
 
 "Eight months hence, and on his arrival at Teamhair he will 
 first visit the royal palace to pay his respects to his sovereign 
 and rival, King Tuathal Maelgarbh." 
 
 " And has he no fear of the King .?" 
 
 " None; nor need he, so long as he conducts himself; but I 
 
 fear ho ! Brendan, come hither, is the court broken up ? 
 
 What a solemn-looking brehon thou wouldst make. I had 
 thought thou wouldst choose the Church as thy portion." 
 
 " So I intend, O Ruadhan, as well as thyself, answered 
 Brendan ; " but that is no reason why I should not humour the 
 prince. We might as well play at that as at anything else." 
 
 " What didst thou write upon the parchment which Prince 
 Diarmaid gave to Ciaran Mac an t-Saoir ?" 
 
 " Oh, that was no play. It was the only real thing in the 
 whole game." 
 
 " What meanest thou, O Brendan ?" 
 
 " I mean, O Ruadhan, that Prince Diarmaid has granted to 
 Ciaran Mac an t-$aoir, as a free gift for ever, for the purpose 
 of monastic foundations, the Isle of Inis Aingin* and the lands 
 of Artibra,f which thou knowest, O Ruadhan, form part of 
 Diarmaid's own private patrimony." 
 
 " I know ; but has he really granted those places to Ciaran >" 
 
 " Really and truly." 
 
 " But of what avail is a grant made in such a manner .?" 
 
 " Oh, it will be all right. It will be duly witnessed and 
 legally transferred to Ciaran." 
 
 " Well, after all, I am not surprised. Ciaran and Diarmaid 
 are old and fast friends, and the prince heard the prophecy of 
 Finian anent the future greatness of the son of the Saoir." 
 
 * In the river Shannon. f In King's County, now Clonmacnoise. 
 
COMING EVENTS. 75 
 
 " Here," said the Greek, " cometh Columcille, with his 
 harp, one of the witnesses of this never-to-be-forgotten grant." 
 
 "Oh," said Columb, coming up, " that was only for the sake 
 of the play. It will be properly witnessed before it is duly 
 tendered to Ciaran. I see Brendan has been telling ye all 
 about it." 
 
 " It looks," said Brendan, " as if Prince Diarmaid meant 
 to befriend the Church.'' 
 
 " If ever he becomes Ardrigh he will, I have no doubt, 
 amply endow monastic establishments." 
 
 " Then thou thinkest, O Columb, that it is not merely per- 
 sonal friendship for Ciaran to which Eire will owe the new 
 colleges that Ciaran will, no doubt, establish ?" 
 
 " I think not, O Ruadhan ; though Diarmaid loves Ciaran 
 well, he loves learning, and the welfare of his country better." 
 
 " Yet thou quarrelest with him' sometimes." 
 
 " I do. Our tempers are both very hot ; but we make it up 
 again ; and I say what I believe, O Ruadhan." 
 
 "And what thou sayest must be true, O Columb. Here, O 
 Aristophanes, is a young gentleman who is wiser than his master." 
 
 " Indeed 1 In what then doth his wisdom excel that of 
 Finian .?" 
 
 "When first he arrived here, after having passed under 
 Finian of Magh Bhile (Moville), and Gemmen of Laighen 
 (Leinster), our abbot directed him to build his cell at the door 
 of the monastery. Well, Columb obeyed the first partof the order, 
 but failed to the second ; so that he built his cell which thou 
 seest yonder, not at the door, but a long way from it." 
 
 " Why, that was disobedience." 
 
 " Nay, Aristophanes," said Columb, " I meant it not as such, 
 but I knew, no matter how, that the college would extend." 
 
 " Ay," said Ruadhan, " when the abbot saw where his 
 docile pupil had built his cell, he asked to know the reason of 
 its not having been built at the door, to which our friend here 
 replied : ' True, O Finian, it is not, but the door will be at this 
 place hereafter.' " 
 
 "Well," said Columcille, " I am not so very long here, and 
 behold already my words have been in part fulfilled ; for Since 
 I built my cell the scholars have increased, and behold there 
 the new lecture-hall which it was found necessary to build, and 
 as it happened that that part of the college, nearest to my cell, 
 was the most suitable place for it, it filled a considerable space 
 between the other monastic buildings and my cell, which even 
 now is nearer to the door than when I built it." 
 
76 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 " It is singular ; but still, it is not at the door." 
 
 " But it will be, O Ruadhan." 
 
 Saying which, Columcille and Brendan tripped off to the 
 school-rooms, whither all the students were now repairing, their 
 playtime being up. 
 
 Ruadhan and Aristophanes followed, remarking on the 
 singularity of the prediction of Columcille respecting the college, 
 Ruadhan repeating to his companion many other curious 
 instances of early indications of future greatness in the young 
 " Dove of the Cells." 
 
 Again the school-rooms and lecture-halls were thronged with 
 the students, who poured in from the fields, the rivers, and the 
 surrounding country. Lessons and studies were resumed until 
 again interrupted for purposes of prayer, refreshment, or rest, 
 as the case might be. And even when the library, lecture-halls, 
 and schools were deserted at close of day, the scholars, after 
 they had retired to their cells, continued to study their lessons 
 by the light of a large thick candle of twisted rushes dipped in 
 oil, which stood in the candlestick on the little round table 
 which was placed in the centre of each cell, and they studied 
 diligently until time for retiring to rest; and at early dawn again 
 resumed the rehearsal of their lessons in the intervals between 
 church hours and breakfast, until the opening of the school. 
 
 And thus sped day by day in prayer and study, work and 
 play, in the college of Cluain-Irared ; and thus were prepared 
 for the struggles and duties of life, in Church or State, the 
 multitude of youths, native and foreign, of every grade and 
 condition who daily thronged its halls and there drank deeply 
 of the Pierian springs of Classic Lore, and of the divine 
 fountains of Eternal Wisdom. 
 
 END OF PART I. 
 
an OQRQ cuio 
 
 fart 11. 
 
 ueAttiAin riA mj, 
 
 TARA OF THE KINGS. 
 
 An ceuT) cAibToit. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 UeA-TTiA-in rte>. tlij. 
 
 TARA OF THE KINGS. 
 
 ijHE ancient kingdom of Meath comprised, besides th e 
 present county of Meath, that of Westmeath, als o 
 parts of Dublin, of Kildare, and King's County, parts 
 of Cavan and Louth, and the greater part of Long- 
 ford. The capital of this Righeacht Midhe (kingdom of Meath ) 
 was Teamhair or Tara, the royal seat of the supreme monarch of 
 all Ireland. The Hill of Tara was situated in the centre of the 
 regal city ; and this in turn formed part of Magh Breagh,* or the 
 Magnificent Plain, a portion of the Meathian kingdom compris- 
 ing the greater part of the pres ent counties of Dublin and Meath. 
 The " five greatroads to Teamhair's royal seat" were the great 
 highways of intercommunication between Tara and the more 
 remote parts of the kingdom of Eire (Ireland). The northern 
 road was called the Slighe Miodh-Luachra ; the western road, 
 Slighe Asal ; the eastern road, Slighe Cualann ; the southern 
 road, Slighe Dala ; and the largest of all, the Great Western 
 Road, or Slighe M6r, defined by the Eascair Riada, a line of 
 gravel hills extending from Dublin and Kildare to Galway Bay 
 and to Mayo, and which, calculating roughly, divided Ireland 
 into two almost equal parts. At these five approaches to the 
 palace, 1,050 soldiers mounted guard every day, to point out to 
 the public, with great dignity, where the monarch resided. 
 These great roads, which were constructed in the second cen- 
 tury, were paved with large blocks of stone, somewhat re- 
 sembling the old Roman roads. Intersecting these, in all 
 
 *Moy Bray. 
 
78 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 directions, were a great number of inferior roads of various 
 sizes, all of which were kept clean and in repair, according to 
 law. The Oathair Teamhrach (City of Tara) was composed of 
 seven duns or enclosures, each containing 140 houses and 700 
 warriors — that is to say, nearly a thousand houses and 4,900 
 warriors in the whole city. Then the seven bailes, or town- 
 lands, of Tara contained altogether grazing land for 2,100 cows, 
 besides horses, sheep, swine, and deer, and the ploughing of 
 forty-nine ploughs for the year. Poultry, as well as bees, 
 abounded. The houses of the people were very varied. Every 
 house of the wealthy, and even of the humbler classes, con- 
 tained slaves who were, for the greater part, foreigners, and 
 of these the majority were natives of Britain ; but of the 
 general native Irish population, the poor occupied small, round 
 huts of mud, whitewashed outside and inside with lime, and 
 which were outside the city at one side. The farmers of various 
 classes occupied houses according to their means. Some were 
 of wicker-work, like those of Clonard, but larger, and fit for a 
 family. Some were log-houses of two stories, like the Swiss 
 Chalet, with flat roofs. Houses were built of " gius," or deal, of 
 " dair," or oak, and other kinds of wood ; they were round and 
 conical, or long and flat-roofed ; they were dashed, painted, or 
 polished, or thatched with skin or feathers ; on the inside they 
 were matted, stuifed with feathers, or panelled and polished. , Most 
 of the middle-class houses were oblong buildings, divided into 
 three parts by two rows of pillars which supported the roof. 
 The fire and^ candelabrum were in the central division, which 
 was about two-thirds of the whole length. In the recesses 
 between the pillars, and in the side divisions, were the imdai, 
 or couches. The furniture differed with the houses. Those 
 of the more pretentious farmers and citizens were furnished 
 with couches, chests, tables, shelves, &c., all polished and 
 sometimes carved. All houses of every class had more or 
 less land attached. Persons in comfortable circumstances 
 generally five houses each. The biadteachs, or houses of 
 hospitality, were very large buildings, sometimes two hundred 
 feet in diameter, and having immense tracts of land at- 
 tached for the free entertainment of the poor and sick, 
 also travellers, strangers, pilgrims, and persons of all classes' 
 rich and poor. There were about 5,000 of them all over 
 Ireland, and about fourteen in the city of Tara. The biad- 
 teach was generally composed of seven large buildings, in- 
 cluding a mill. There were many doors to the great dining- 
 hall, which could be opened or closed at pleasure. There were 
 
TAR A OF THE KINGS. 79 
 
 in the kitchen — besides coires, or chaldrons, capable of holding 
 an entire ox and pig whole, and all other kinds of cooking 
 utensils — great cooking machines, one of which contained 
 thirty spits for roasting. This great accommodation was neces- 
 sary, as the owners of these establishments were obliged to have 
 always ready, for all comers, all kinds of cooked beef, mutton, 
 veal, fish, poultry, soup, bread, fruit, milk, ale, honey, &c. 
 
 The traders and artificers were held in high esteem, some of 
 them ranking with the highest of the gentry. Their houses and 
 lands were in keeping with their state. There were sciathaires, 
 or shieldmakers ; makers of all other military weapons; leather 
 bottlemakers, leather-satchelmakers, shoemakers, saddlers, 
 braziers, gold and silversmiths, chariot and cartmakers ; workers 
 in bronze, stone and wood ; turners, carpenters, manufacturers of 
 fancy furniture ; builders of wooden houses and churches ; 
 builders of stone houses, raths, fortresses, churches, &c. ; 
 smiths and engravers ; dealers in feathers, skins, furs, parch- 
 ments, &c. ; manufacturers of linen, wool, silk, and satin ; 
 dyers, embroiderers, and upholsterers. 
 
 The citizens of Tara traded with the other cities of Eire, and 
 with foreign countries. Merchants from all parts of the world 
 were constantly traversing the streets of Tara. The seaport 
 towns of Ireland were full of the shipping of her own and other 
 nations, and from these various havens goods passed by road or 
 river to Tara, and back from Tara to the coast. 
 
 There were seven degrees of nobility : they were called 
 Flaiths or Aires ; they held various offices in the State, and 
 each had his own court, over which he presided, except the 
 Aire Echtai, who was the military commander of a district. 
 The Aire Ard was the Maor, or High Steward of the king, and 
 the Aire Forgaill was the Lord High Chancellor. Their 
 houses were raths or duns, and were sumptuously furnished. 
 They kept retainers, hunters and hounds, chariots,, and race- 
 horses. The higher nobility resided in raths. The ruins of 
 two of these raths are still to be seen — the Rath Miles, about a 
 mile to the north of Tara Hill, and the Rath Meabhe, about a 
 mile south-east of the hill. Besides the other officials of the 
 Ardrigh, or High King of Ireland, which were a goodly number, 
 there were ten principal who never left his presence. These 
 were a prince, who was the companion and champion of the 
 king, a brehon or judge, a bishop or priest (in pagan times a 
 druid), a physician, a bard, a musician, a historian, and 
 three stewards ; he had also his bodyguard, besides the attend- 
 ance of a detachment of the Fenian army. 
 
8o THE LAST MONARCH OF TAR A. 
 
 The Ardrigh and Ardrighan (supreme king and supreme queen) 
 with the royal household, officers and servants, resided on Tara 
 Hill. Drs. Petrie and Keating describe the various buildings 
 situated on the royal hill. The principal of these were the Teach 
 Miodchuarta, the House of the Conventions and of the 
 Banquets. The full length of this great house was seven 
 hundred and fifty-nine feet, and the breadth ninety feet. That 
 part of it called the Convention, or Banqueting Hall was three 
 hundred feet long, eighty feet wide, and nearly fifty feet high. 
 It had fourteen doors — seven to the east and seven to the west. 
 It was built of solid oak, the walls divided into panels, and 
 highly polished, and on them hung the shields and arms of the 
 warriors, and decorated with the horns of the elk. The cornices 
 and ornamentation were of iubar dearg, or red yew, quaintly 
 carved and well polished. The ceiling matched the walls, 
 being of pannelled oak, ornamented with yew likewise, and 
 from these beautiful polished carvings depended at intervals of 
 this long hall seven great brass chandeliers of the most elabo- 
 rate workmanship ; in the evenings these were lighted up with 
 myriads of wax candles. In this hall were tables and imdas, or 
 couches of polished oak and yew, the couches and seats stuifed 
 with feathers and covered with silk. Gold and silver plate 
 abounded, as well as vessels of glass, horn, and bronze. Oxen, 
 sheep, hogs, fish, poultry, fruit, wine, ale, honey, and butter 
 were served in immense quantities every day to one thou- 
 sand guests, besides princes, orators, and men of science, 
 engravers of gold and silver, carvers, modellers, lawyers, 
 physicians, nobles, professors, and judges. 
 
 Besides this great hall, which was at once the Banqueting 
 and the Convention Hall, the royal residence of the monarch was 
 divided into several divisions. There were in it one hundred 
 and fifty splendid apartments capable of containing sixty 
 persons in each, and one hundred and fifty others of less 
 pretensions, and used as barrack-rooms. But the state bed- 
 chamber was the most magnificent portion of that great house. 
 The floor was covered with ornamental matting, the walls 
 draped with crimson satin, elaborately embroidered with gold 
 thread and silk of many colours ; the windows and their 
 shutters beautifully carved, and having bars of gilt bronze on 
 the outside ; the highly wrought brass chandelier was lit up at 
 night with many wax candles, which burned all through the 
 night, and were reflected in the polished ceiling, with its rich 
 festoons of varnished yew, as well as in the scadieres, or mirrors, 
 which here and there relieved the dark, rich-coloured tapestry on 
 
TAR A OF THE KINGS. 8 1 
 
 which they hung. But, perhaps the state bed itself reflected 
 most of all the light of the wax candles. It was a great, square 
 couch, ornamented with plates of silver, and having four great 
 posts of red bronze, with gilding of gold on their heads, and in- 
 laid with gems of carbuncle, " so that day and night were of 
 equal light in it." There was a plate of silver — i.e., a kind of 
 gong in the canopy — reaching to the roof of the royal chamber, 
 this the monarch struck with his wand whenever he wished to 
 impose silence on his attendants. The royal couch was pro- 
 vided with great soft, downy feather-beds and pillows ; these 
 were covered with linen sheets and woollen blankets, and, over 
 all, beautifully embroidered and ornamented coverlets ; the 
 head was to the wall, the feet towards the fire. On porphyry 
 tables, inlaid with silver, were necessaries for the toilet, beside 
 them hung tiagas, or ornamental leather bags, gilt and bejewelled ; 
 in these were kept such of the jewellery and ornaments as were 
 in ordinary use ; the rest were [safely stored away in chests of 
 bronze (ornamented like the bedposts), which adorned other 
 parts of the chamber. 
 
 Then there was the house of the women, who fulfilled the 
 various duties necessary in the palace. There were twenty- 
 seven " coisteannacha," or kitchens, in which were "one hundred 
 and fifty stout cooks ;" there were nine cisterns for washing 
 hands and feet. The diameter of the surroundiiig rath was nine 
 hundred feet square. This enclosed the Teach Miodchuarta. 
 The Rath Na Righ was formed of two murs, or parapets, having 
 a trench between them ; the great or external diameter of the 
 outer walls is eight hundred and fifty-three feet, having a fosse 
 four feet deep from the ground running between them ; it en- 
 circled the southern brow of the hill. Within the Rath Na 
 Righ were three decra inganta, or wonderful monuments ; the 
 first of them was the Teach Cormac, or House of Oormac, in the 
 south-east of the rath. This house, which had been built by 
 King Cormac Mat Art, about a.d. 210, retained his name. It 
 was of circular form, the internal diameter every way being 
 three hundred feet, or nearly nine hundred feet in circumference. 
 The windows lit the house at intervals all round the building, 
 secured on the outside, as was usually the case, with bars of orna- 
 mental bronze ; the shutters and doors were of polished and 
 carved yew ; the walls between the windows were draped with 
 a sort of hanging made of the wings and feathers of white and 
 coloured birds. About the distance of sixty feet from the walls 
 all round were pillars of polished oak, inlaid with silver ; this 
 inner circle was about five hundred and forty feet in circum- 
 
82 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 ference, the spaces between the pillars being furnished .with 
 imdas, or couches, which also ran round the walls. The floor 
 was covered with ornamental matting, on which were placed here 
 and there large skins of various animals ; on pedestals between 
 the windows were busts and statues of famous kings, warriors, 
 poets, statesmen, and orators ; from various places in the 
 conical roof hung chandeliers of wrought brass — the largest 
 being in the centre ; between the festoons of the ceiling were 
 ranged mirrors, which reflected everything and everybody in the 
 house. In the centre, right under the great chandelier, stood 
 the most conspicuous object in the building — the throne of the 
 Ardrigh and Ardrighan. It was composed of pure gold, mag- 
 nificently wrought, and studded with emeralds : it was 
 covered with crimson satin fringed and bordered with gold, as 
 were also the steps and the canopy ; from the latter, which, 
 was circular, hung the craoibh ciuil, the musical branch, or 
 branch of peace ; it was a sort of crescent, having three apples, 
 or balls of red gold, upon it ; whenever the spirits of the 
 courtiers rose too high, the monarch shook his golden branch, 
 and immediately it produced peace and silence, and " sweeter 
 than the world's music was the music which the apples pro- 
 duced." The Gal Greine, or Sun Burst — the national flag of 
 Ireland — hung behind the sovereigns over the cathair rioghda 
 (royal chair). This palace of Cormac continued to be used by 
 every succeeding royal couple for all the purposes of a throne- 
 room. The second object of interest within the Rath na Righ was 
 the Foradh, where the people sometimes assembled. It extended 
 three hundred feet to the west, alongside the House of Cormac. 
 The third was the Mur Tea, which lay between the two preced- 
 ing on the south side ; it was sixty feet in diameter, and 
 had been erected over the queen who gave her name to Teamhair. 
 There were besides three other buildings within the enclo- 
 sure of the Rath na Righ — first, the Dumha na Bo, or the 
 Mound of the Cow, forty feet in diameter ; second, the Dumha 
 na-n-giall, or Mound of the Hostages, where prisoners of war 
 were kept, sixty-six feet in diameter ; and third, the Lia Fail, or 
 Stone of Destiny. On this stone the monarchs of Eire, 
 both pagan and Christian, were for many ages inaugurated ; it 
 was composed of granular limestone, was about eight feet above 
 the ground and four below it. The mill was situated on the 
 well of Neamhnach, adjacent to the Rath na Righ. Then 
 there was the Rath na Seannaidh, or Fort of the Synods, 
 where great ecclesiastical meetings were held ; it had two ex- 
 ternal fosses, and within two raths or mounds ; the larger was 
 
TARA OF THE KINGS. 83 
 
 one hundred and sixty feet in diameter, the smaller thirty-three 
 feet. These synod houses were plainly-furnished buildings, 
 having great numbers of long seats, or forms, of polished pine 
 for the accommodation of the bishops, abbots, and clergy who 
 met there from all parts of the kingdom for the regulation of 
 Church affairs. Adjoining these was the church, a beautiful 
 wooden structure, somewhat like the Church of Cluain-Irared, 
 but more gorgeously decorated. Here it was that the royal 
 family, ofiScers of state, literati, and the guards, attendants, and 
 servants in general of the Royal Hill fulfilled theirreligious duties. 
 
 The Rath of Laeighaire (son of Nial of the Nine Hostages) is 
 by the side of Rath na Righ to the south. There are four prin- 
 cipal doors in it facing the four cardinal points ; it was occupied 
 by the High Steward of Tara, and was furnished with the usual 
 magnificence — oak and yew, silver and bronze, skins, furs, and silk. 
 
 The Tur Trean Teamhrach, or Strong Tower of Tara, was a 
 fortress of cyclopean architecture composed of great stones 
 without cement, but of admirable architecture and of circular 
 form, about two hundred and eighty feet in internal circum- 
 ference ; the walls about twenty feet in height and fourteen feet 
 in thickness, with a doorway leading inside. A broad, deep 
 fosse surrounds this building on the outside ; here the am- 
 munition of war was kept, and armour of both men and horses ; 
 it was always guarded as the battlement of Tara. From the 
 summit of this, as well as of the royal palace, floated in the 
 breeze the Gal Greine, or Sun Burst. To the north-east was the 
 Mur OUamhain, or House of the Learned, in which resided 
 the brehons, ollamhs, files, seanchaidhe, and other learned men. 
 In it were the highest of the Irish law courts; the great Literary 
 Committee for the Supervision of Letters, and the celebrated 
 schools ; the Roll of Tara, which took cognisance of all legis- 
 lative enactments, and everything connected with the great 
 Triennial Feis, or Parliament of the States of Eire, assembled 
 at Tara ; and, lastly, the Royal Gymnasium and Military Insti- 
 tute, in which were trained in military tactics and feats of arms 
 the celebrated Fenian army and the other male youth of Ireland. 
 There were similar institutions attached to the other royal 
 courts of the provincial kingdoms, but the Mur OUamhain of 
 Tara was the first and chief. Beside it was the bronnteach, or 
 hospital for the sick and wounded. Then there were for each 
 of the provincial kings and their families a royal palace on the 
 Hill of Tara, appropriated for their exclusive use on occasions 
 of their visiting the capital of Eire on pleasure or business. 
 Thus, the King of Leinster had the Long Laighneach (Long 
 
84 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 Loynagh), or Leinster House ; the King of Connaught, the 
 Coisir-Connactach (Coshir Connaughtach), Connaught Ban- 
 quet House ; the King of Munster's residence was called the 
 Long Muimneaeh (Long Mueenagh), or Munster House ; and 
 the King of Ulster dwelt in the Echrais Ulladh (Aghrish Ulla), 
 or Ulster House. These four palaces were in every way fitted 
 to receive their royal occupants. But surpassing all these 
 buildings was the Grianan-na n-Inghin, or the Sunny Palace 
 of the Ladies. It- was here that the queens, princesses, and 
 ladies of the court resided. It was encircled on the outside by 
 a mound ; the dun was erected within ; over this was the 
 Grianan, from which they had a full view of the surrounding 
 country. The outer roof and walls were covered with the 
 wings of coloured birds, wherever the multitude of " lightsome 
 windows " with their bars of bronze did not interfere. The 
 bedrooms were furnished as became their occupants ; but the 
 great " Sunny Chamber," common to all the ladies was the most 
 delightful apartment of the royal eminence of Tara. Its great 
 dimensions, elevated position, and circular form, lit as it was all 
 round about with innumerable lightsome windows, rendered it 
 worthy indeed of its name, besides aiFording to its fair occupants 
 a most magnificent view in every direction. The beautiful varie- 
 gated floor matting was hid in many places by the rich furs and skins 
 which were laid here and there as rugs ; the walls between and 
 over the windows were thickly covered wi-th the wings and 
 feathers of many coloured birds : the ceiling, with those of pea- 
 cocks, so arranged as to diverge from the centre in a round fan- 
 like form, the interstices, as they widen towards the walls, filled 
 up with such care and precision, that, while the whole ceiling 
 was covered, it appeared as if each tail extended from the central 
 point to the wall, widening as they diverged all round. This 
 produced a most charming effect. From this central point hung 
 the grand chandelier. The imdas, or couches of polished yew, 
 inlaid with silver, were covered with green sroil (satin), em- 
 broidered with orsnath (or gold thread), and were scattered here 
 and there through the apartment, and could be moved to the 
 windows if desired. The window curtains, which hung in ample 
 folds at each window, matched the coverings of the imdas. 
 Between each of the windows hung a mirror ; above or below, 
 a painting. On small ornamental tables of jasper and porphyry, 
 inlaid with gold, were placed vases of richly chased gold, others 
 of carved horn, with stands and mountings of gold ; these were 
 filled with beautiful flowers from the well-kept gardens hard by, 
 which caused a delicious scent ever to pervade the atmosphere 
 
TARA OF THE KINGS. 85 
 
 of the Sunny Chamber; they were placed in some of the 
 windows, in the recesses between, or dispersed through the 
 apartment. Various other ornaments adorned other tables ; 
 among the rest were marble statuary, harps and charmers set 
 with precious stones, backgammon-boxes, inlaid chess-boards, 
 and many beautifully illuminated MSS. These MSS. were either 
 the standard works of the time, in prose or verse, or were recent 
 productions of contemporary authors, and not unfrequently the 
 compositions of the ladies themselves, who never failed to do 
 credit to their religious teachers in the various convents through- 
 out the country, and notably that of St. Brigid's, of Cill-Daire 
 (Kildare). The covers of these books were of great variety — 
 ivory, mother-of-pearl, silver, and even some of solid gold and 
 studded with gems. 
 
 It was in this " Sunny Chamber," the Royal " Grianan-na-n- 
 Inghin" of Tara, that the sovereign queens and princesses of suc- 
 cessive monarchs of Ireland basked for ages. There were nume- 
 rous other buildings and monuments on Tara Hill which the late 
 Dr. Petrie fully describes, but which are not necessary for our tale. 
 Such of the buildings as were called cathairs, or duns, were 
 composed of immense blocks of stones, laid together without 
 cement, but as evenly as glass, and of great strength. Those 
 called raths, dumhas, murs, or mounds, were formed of fine 
 clay, not unlike that of the ancient Germans, of which Tacitus 
 speaks so highly, and which he describes as an earth so pure and 
 splendid as to resemble painting. Then, those buildings called 
 teachs, longs, &c., were of oak from the forests of Cill-Daire (Kil- 
 dare) erected with no less taste and skill than the wooden archi- 
 tecture of ancient Greece, and, indeed, it was to this class that 
 the Great Convention Hall, as well as the luxurious family 
 apartments on the Druim Aobhin (Beautiful Ridge), for the 
 most part belonged. The roofs of all the buildings were 
 painted in many colours, and had a very beautiful effect. Tower- 
 ing over all waved the Gal Greine, or Sun Burst, the Irish 
 national banner. 
 
 The beautiful flower-gardens, with the "groves of fair trees," 
 stretched out from the Grianan. The entire group of buildings 
 was surrounded by nine great ramparts, which completed the 
 whole and gave a finished appearance to the "beautiful hill." In 
 fact, from whatever side Tara was viewed, it presented a most 
 splendid and imposing spectacle, much of which it owed to the 
 celebrated king, Cormac Mac Art, who resigned Ardrigh of Eire 
 in the third century, and was the most celebrated of Irish kings 
 for munificence, learning, wisdom, and valour. 
 
86 THE LAST MONARCH, OF TARA. 
 
 A11 "OAtlA CAlbltDlt. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 Corn-■^\\i^.^6vi■^^teo^\\m. 
 
 THE RIVALS. 
 
 It was the morning of St. John's Eve, something more than 
 eight months after the opening of our story. The mid- 
 summer sun shone resplendant in the heavens, as it looked down 
 onthethrivingCathairTeamhrach.and its prosperous inhabitants, 
 who had entered on another day's round of work and business. 
 
 The thoroughfares were already full of pedestrains, horse- 
 men, and all kinds of chariots, cars, and waggons, when sud- 
 denly a courier on horseback appeared in their midst. 
 
 His presence did not excite any surprise, as couriers with 
 messages for the high king frequently came from all points of 
 the compass. The people made way for him, and his panting 
 steed. He rode towards Druim Aoibhin (the Beautiful Hill), 
 and having reached the outer rampart, where the sentries on 
 guard were stationed, exclaimed : 
 
 " Ho ! there, guards, a message for the Ardrigh Tuathal 
 Maelgarbh." 
 
 '• Whence comest thou ?" asked one of the oflScers on guard. 
 . " I bear a letter from Prince Diarmaid Mac Fergus Mac 
 Cearbhall," answered the courier, boldly. 
 
 " Prince Diarmaid ! Ah! Pass on, then; so long as 'tis 
 not the prince himself." 
 
 " Where is the Ardrigh ?" 
 
 " The Ardrigh is holding council in Teach Miodhchuarta." 
 
 At the door of Teach Miodhchuarta the courier jumped from 
 his horse, and passing the janitors, one of whom announced 
 him ; he proceeded to the feet of the Ardrigh, who was sur- 
 rounded by his Airlighe ar da cleth, chief, or highest advisers, 
 the members of his council, and on his knee presented the 
 sealed letter. 
 
 King Tuathal Maelbharb was rather a young man, though 
 his head was nearly bald, which looked odd, at a time when 
 men of all classes wore their hair long and flowing. 
 
 He was, however, good-looking and very stately, and 
 majestic in his bearing. He was attired in triuibis, or pantaloons 
 
THE RIVALS. 87 
 
 of tartan satin of seven colours ; assai, or shoes of purple leather, 
 highly ornamented and jewelled ; a vest of purple, embroidered 
 with gold, and with gold buttons ; a long flowing cloak of 
 emerald green, richly embroidered also with gold thread and 
 fringe, and buttoned and clasped at the throat with the Roith 
 Croi, or hereditary, wheel-shaped brooch of solid gold. 
 
 His sword was sheathed by his side ; rings and jewels 
 adorned his fingers. He wore on his head his diadem, and 
 was engaged in serious conference with his council when the 
 courier arrived. 
 
 King Tuathal having read the message, thus addressed his 
 council: 
 
 "This letter, oh, most noble counsellors, has been sent to us 
 by our cousin, Prionsa Diarmaid Mac Fergus Mac Cearbhall, and 
 his brother, who crave permission to pay to us their respects, 
 before entering Mur Ollamhain. What sayest our Airlige ar da 
 cleth ?" 
 
 The Aire Forghaill says : 
 
 " O illustrious Ardrigh of Eire, my advice would be to forbid 
 the palace to Prionsa Diarmaid and his brother. The designs 
 of the prionsa on the throne are well-known, and his coming 
 bodes no good for those politically opposed to him." 
 
 The Aire Ard — "I concur in the opinion of the Aire 
 Forghaill ; but I would go further, and exclude him not only 
 from the royal presence, but from Mur Ollamhain itself. If he 
 is bent on mischief, Mur Ollamhain is sufficient for his purposes 
 owing to its close proximity to the Royal Palace." 
 
 The Ard Brethmne* — " Thou forgettest, O Aire Ard, that 
 there is no law to prevent the prionsa, or any other youth, how- 
 ever exalted, or however humble, from taking advantage of the 
 high education obtainable in Mur Ollamhain ; on the contrary, 
 were Prince Diarmaid, so unlike his countrymen of all ranks, 
 as to refuse, or neglect to do so, it would be the duty of the law 
 to enforce his attendance thereat." 
 
 The Ard OUamhf— "The Ard Breithmne is right. The 
 brothers must enter Mur Ollamhain ; there is no use in discussing 
 that question any further. It only remains to be seen whether 
 it is expedient to allow them access to the Royal presence." 
 
 The Ollamh re Seanchaide \ — " I do not see what harm can 
 come of it. Our illustrious monarch is in possession of the 
 throne, and he reigns also in the hearts of the majority of the 
 
 * Ard Brehon (chief judge). t A-rd Ollav (chief doctor.) 
 
 I Doctor of History. 
 
88 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 nation. The Prince's party are hopeless and disheartened ; 
 and their hero, at best, is but a stripling, and has to take out 
 his degrees at Mur Ollamhain before his claims, were they ever 
 so just, could be fully recognised. Now, that will take some 
 years, and there is nothing to prevent the Ardrigh from being 
 prepared for the worst by that time, and meanwhile, should any 
 overt act be committed by Diarmaid, his brother, or any of his 
 followers, or any seditious language made use of, the law gives 
 power to the Ardrigh, or his chancellor to order the arrest, or 
 the expulsion of the offender, even from Mur Ollamhain." 
 
 The Aire Tuisi* — " I agree with the Ollamh re Seanchaidhe, 
 but I cannot help wishing that the law gave more power to the 
 ard-righ in such emergencies. I would that such dangerous per- 
 sonages could be excluded altogether from the Kingdom of 
 Midhe." 
 
 The Ard-righ-rr" I heartily wish so, too ; but there is no time 
 now for idle speculation as to what might, or ought to be; we 
 have only to deal with things as we find them ; and while we are 
 trying to discover what we ought to do, the subject of our discus- 
 sions and our fears is on the way to our palace." 
 
 The Aire Tuisi — '' When, O King, is the Prince to arrive 7" 
 The Ard-righ — " He may be here at any moment." 
 The Aire Forgaill — " What ! so soon } He asks a favour, 
 and gives thee scant time, O King, to refuse it. I like not — but 
 what is that .?" 
 
 At this moment an officer of the guards entered with the 
 information that Prince Diarmaid, his half brother, and suite, 
 were at the gates, but were not permitted to pass them. What 
 was to be done ? 
 
 Ard-righ — " Admit the two princes to our presence, and set 
 an additional guard without, and, see, let the suite be dis- 
 missed." 
 
 The officer bowed, saluted, and then disappeared. 
 In a moment afterwards horses were heard galloping up to 
 the Teach Miodhchuarta, where they suddenly stopped. Their 
 riders dismounted, threw their bridles to the royal grooms who 
 were at once in attendance, and entered between two officers of 
 the household. 
 
 Though only half brothers, they had a remarkable resem- 
 blance to each other, displaying the same fair complexions, 
 glowing with health, and considerably heightened by their late 
 ride ; the same large brown eyeSj the same intellectual expres- 
 sion, the same nut-brown silky hair, falling in ringlets over their 
 
 * A miJitaiy commander. 
 
THE RIVALS. 89 
 
 well-formed shoulders ; the same graceful presence, and 
 mutually affectionate demeanour towards each other, which 
 never failed to strike even the most casual observer. 
 
 They were dressed alike. Triuibis of vivid yellow, em- 
 broidered assai of same colour, vests of green silk, embroidered 
 with gold thread and buttons ; the mantles of royal purple, 
 bordered with white feathers, and clasped at the throat with 
 brooch of gold ; they held in their hands their harreads, or caps 
 of black satin, bordered with small white feathers. 
 
 Approaching the throne, which was situated in the centre of 
 the great hall, the royal princes saluted the monarch, who 
 exclaimed : 
 
 " Welcome to Teamhair, oh, noble youths. No doubt your 
 arrival here is due to the most laudable purposes — the desire to 
 become masters of the whole curriculum of Mur OUamhain .-"' 
 
 " None other, O King," replied Diarmaid. 
 
 " Thy courier, doubtless, delayed on his journey, else thou 
 wouldst not have followed so soon on thy letter .?" 
 
 " Nay, O High King, our courier lost not a moment ; but I 
 conceal not the fact that we so timed the despatch as to leave 
 the least possible time for deliberation. 
 
 " Thou art candid, O Diarmaid." 
 
 " I deprecate thy displeasure, O Ardrigh ; but I feared a 
 refusal." 
 
 " We can understand thy fears, O Diarmaid. There is just 
 cause for them, and for which thou thyself art to blame ; and we 
 would excuse thy haste had we even time to consult with the 
 partner of our secret thoughts." 
 
 " It the partner of thy thoughts and of thy throne, O King, 
 have aught to fear, it will not be the fault of Finian Mac Fintan, 
 the bishop and abbot of Cluain-Irared." 
 
 " Ah ! How fareth it with the blessed Finian ?" 
 
 " Our late master is well, and commends himself to the 
 royal couple who sway the sceptre of Eire." 
 
 " May we hope that, coming as you do from under the guid- 
 ance of so learned and holy a master, you will accept accom- 
 plished facts and refrain from political agitation, which can only 
 result in misfortune and misery for our dear country 1" 
 
 " The abbot Finian has not allowed us to escape without a 
 long lecture concerning our duty to those among whom, for 
 some time to come, our lot will be cast ; but I confess that part, 
 at least, of the advice was very unwelcome, for my claims are 
 undisputed ; but as I have been unfortunate, owing to my tender 
 
90 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 age at the time of thy accession, O King, I am convinced that 
 it is next to useless to press my claims any further." 
 
 "That is sensibly spoken, O Diarmaid. Nobody blames 
 thee for wishing that the throne of thine ancestors had come to 
 thee. It is but natural that it should be so. If thou hadst had 
 no claims at all, thou shouldst have no trouble in coming here, 
 and we no fears. As it is, heaven has recognised our senior 
 claims." 
 
 "The Bishop Finianhas also impressed that upon me, and 
 many other things as well. Disagreeable as some of his words 
 were, I know at least that he spoke with a conscientious regard 
 to what he believed to be his duty, and he has always been kind 
 and forbearing, notwithstanding that I have ever been the 
 blackest of his black sheep." 
 
 " Candidly spoken again, O Diarmaid. And thou, O Mael- 
 mordha, wert thou another black sheep }" 
 
 " Undoubtedly I was, O King," replied the younger prince. 
 
 " My brother's greatest crime, before some of the students 
 of Cluain-Irared, has ever been his love for and devotion to my- 
 self," protested Diarmaid. 
 
 " Well, well," said the Ardrigh, " before ye have entered on 
 the books of Mur Ollamhain, ye shall have a little grouse shoot- 
 ing and boar hunting, and there will be a reception in your 
 honour at Rath na Righ in a few days. For the present the 
 steward shall attend to your refreshment, and we shall expect 
 ye to sup with us this evening." 
 
 The two princes bowed, and Diarmaid said :' 
 
 " We desire to pay our respects to the Ardrighan.''* 
 
 "The Ardrighan is in the grianan, and ye shall there find 
 her, when the steward has attended to ye." 
 
 The princes again bowed, and attended by the steward and 
 two officers of state, backed out of the royal presence, and 
 leaving the Ardrigh and the Airlighe ar de cleth to resume the 
 business which had occupied them previous to the receipt of 
 Diarmaid's letter, the latter and his brother were attended to by 
 the steward and his waiters, after which the two young princes 
 proceeded to the royal grianan, and entering the dun, mounted 
 the staircase, announced by an usher. 
 
 Before entering the dun they heard distinctly the sweet 
 strains of a cruit (harp), to which a female voice of surpassing 
 richness accompanied a soul-stirring Fenian song. 
 
 But their sounds had died away as they reached the foot of 
 the staircase, and on approaching the top they heard another 
 *High Queen (pronounced AwrdReean.) 
 
THE RIVALS. 9 1 
 
 voice reading, which ceased immediately on the usher announcing 
 the visitors. 
 
 On entering the regal apartment the quick eyes of the royal 
 youths took in at a glance the situation. 
 
 The Ardrighan, who was surrounded by her ladies of honour, 
 welcomed them with a gracious smile, but beneath which, the 
 youths were not slow to perceive an ill-concealed expression of 
 alarm and bewilderment on the fair, pale features. She was at- 
 tired in a long, flowing robe of bright green satin, richly em- 
 broidered with 6r snath, or gold thread ; around her waist was a 
 girset, or sash, also of satin but of cross-bar pattern, embracing 
 thewhole seven colours allowed only to the occupantsof a throne. 
 A scarf of white satin, bordered with beautiful small green 
 feathers, was thrown over her shoulders ; on her feet were 
 sandals of golden net work ; her wrists were clasped with 
 dorn-nascs, or bracelets of gold, set with emeralds ; on her fingers 
 were golden ornasc, or finger rings ; round her neck was a 
 fiam, or chain of gold. 
 
 Au nasc, or earrings, depended from her ears ; round her 
 head, a little back from the forehead, was a niamh land, or 
 radiant leaf of gold. It was a splendid flat crescent of gold, 
 broad and high immediately over the head, and diminishing 
 gradually as it came behind the ears, until it met in two points 
 under the hair behind the neck, where it was fastened, and kept 
 in proper place the wavy flaxen hair. 
 
 This beautiful ornament, especially in such an advantageous 
 place as the grianan, which was nearly all window, gave the 
 impression of a glorious nimbo, surrounding the head of a saint. 
 It also added to the height of the already queenly figure. 
 
 Her ladies were attired in the same fashion, and with 
 scarcely less magnificence for the most part, besides differing in 
 the. arrangement of colours. 
 
 They were seated on the many imdas which were scattered 
 through they sunny chamber, and were variously occupied — 
 some reading, some writing either compositions or correspond- 
 ence, some engaged in embroidery, &c. 
 
 The high queen having introduced to them the two brothers, 
 the latter perceived that they were as disturbed and anxious- 
 looking as their mistress. 
 
 The fact was they had all seen what was going on from the 
 windows. They had first witnessed the arrival of the courier, 
 but did not much mind that, but the arrival of Diarmaid and his 
 party sent through them a thrill of astonishment and all but 
 consternation. , 
 
g2 THE LAST MONARCH OF XARA. 
 
 The Ardrighan was on the point of descending from the 
 grianan to seek the Ardrigh in Teach Miodchuarta, but one of 
 her mna-uasala (ladies), represented to her that it was now too 
 late, and that it was best to put a good face on the matter, as 
 most probably the princes would visit the grianan as soon as 
 they had seen the Ardrigh. 
 
 The Ardrighan felt that this was, under the circumstances, 
 the best course to take, and complied, awaiting results. 
 
 Now that the youthful, though dreaded, rival of the Ardrigh 
 was here to account for himself, the noble ladies listened in- 
 tently to the conversation which passed between the Ardrighan 
 and Diarmaid, and which was in substance, the same as that 
 which he had already held with the Ardrigh. 
 
 All the while Maelmordha, who said little, was engaged in 
 marking its effect on the fair listeners; as he had previously 
 done with their fathers, brothers, and husbands in Teach Miod- 
 chuarta, while his brother held converse with the Ardrigh ; for 
 Maelmordha was a good reader of the human countenance, and 
 often learned more therefrom than could ever be learned from 
 letters or conversations. 
 
 By the time the explanations came to a close, Maelmordha 
 flattered himself that he knew exactly the diverse feelings it 
 excited in the breasts of the listeners ; diverse, indeed, he 
 thought, as the colours which they wore ; for though all felt it 
 their duty to be loyal to the powers that were, yet the strife of 
 party politics and the plausible arguments frequently dinned 
 into their ears by the princes' party, together with his acknow- 
 ledged descent from their former kings, added to which his 
 handsome appearance, majestic presence, and focail samhasach, 
 or polite address and gentle conversation — all conspired to make 
 them wish he had not come, for they felt it difl&cult to reconcile 
 these feelings with the scruples of their consciences ; but the 
 noble maidens felt most guilty of all, for the last-named quali- 
 fications of the prince and of his brother drove politics completely 
 out of their minds. 
 
 All this, and much more, did Maelmordha read, or fancy he 
 read, in the fair faces before him, and this he managed without 
 leaving on their minds any impression of rudeness or ofTensive- 
 ness. In fact, he would have sacrificed any information his 
 talent could give him, rather than give the least offence or cause 
 the slightest confusionto any, even thelowliestof the opposite sex. 
 
 When the Ardrighan was satisfied, or appeared so, she 
 changed the subject to lighter and more agreeable topics, in 
 which the ladies joined. 
 
THE RIVALS. 93 
 
 It was now that the brothers appeared to most advantage ; 
 and after every available subject was discussed, the cruit and 
 ceis* were taken from their places where they formed beautiful 
 ornaments, and by the desire of the Ardrighan several songs 
 were sung to those charming accompaniments. 
 
 Diarmaid and Maelmordha contributed their share to this 
 delightful amusement, and such was the result, that the maids of 
 honour felt convinced that the two princes were paragons of 
 human perfection. 
 
 After a game or two at fitcheal, or chess, for which the gem- 
 set chessboards, with their mother-of-pearl men, were put into 
 requisition, the two brothers took leave of the high queen and 
 her brilliant band of ladies, left the grianan, and, ordering their 
 horses, they set out for a ride through the city and part of the 
 Magnificent Plain. 
 
 The animals which they rode were two beautifvil black young 
 steeds of high mettle. The saddles were embossed and orna- 
 mented, with golden bridles. On the necks of the steeds were 
 mael lands of silver, with little bells of gold. 
 
 On emerging from the precincts of the palace, the officers 
 and servants of which were scattered about in groups, full of 
 curiosity and amazement, the two brothers were not a little sur- 
 prised to find themselves objects of curiosity and speculation to 
 the citizens as well. 
 
 This they were not prepared for so soon ; but sudden as their 
 arrival was, and in a city, too, where distinguished strangers 
 were not an uncommon sight, they were at once recognised, and 
 the news spread like wild-fire all over Magh Breagh. 
 
 The consequence was that there was nearly a cessation of 
 business when it was rumoured that the princes were coming ; 
 every one ran to the doors of their houses ; those who could, 
 filled the streets. 
 
 All classes were full of the importance of the event which 
 had so suddenly come upon them. They chatted in groups, 
 friends and foes alike, though with very diff'erent feelings. 
 
 The princes rode on, watching the effect of their presence on 
 the people, returning salutes where they met them, and appear- 
 ing oblivious of manifestations of a contrary nature. 
 
 The well-wishers of the royal youths, however, evinced great 
 prudence, and refrained from demonstrations which might 
 bring themselves or the objects of their regard into trouble ; for 
 Tuathal's Fenians were everywhere, and not likely to over- 
 
 * The harp and the channer. 
 
94 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 look any disloyal demonstrations from whatsoever point it 
 proceeded. 
 
 Thus, Diarmaid and his brother rode on until they left the 
 city behind, and with it the hurry and bustle of commerce and 
 trade, and emerged into the country parts. 
 
 The chariots, cars, and waggons were exchanged for the 
 hunting and shooting parties, whom they now frequently met, 
 and whom, for the most, they contrived to avoid or pass un- 
 noticed, leaving the sporting gentlemen to make the discovery 
 only on their arrival at their respective homes. 
 
 They were not, however, always so successful, for many of 
 all classes recognised them everywhere they went ; and not the 
 least demonstrative on those occasions were the groups who 
 here and there were engaged in constructing the heaps which 
 were to compose the bonfires in the evening. 
 
 An utieAS CAibi'oit. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 An r-A|iT» II15 aju]" ah A\\X) KiJAn. 
 
 THE HIGH KING AND THE HIGH QUEEN. 
 
 Meanwhile, though the royal pair saw each other frequently 
 during the day, there was no opportunity for any conversation 
 between them until coming towards evening, when the Ardri- 
 ghan was again in the grianan, having only a few of her ladies 
 about her, the Ardrigh found leisure to visit her. 
 
 On his entrance the Ardrighan advanced to meet him, taking 
 care to lead him to that part furthest removed from her ladies. 
 They, knowing the situation, discreetly moved further away, 
 completely out of hearing, and chatted away at the window next 
 to them. 
 
 The royal couple, on thus meeting alone, exchanged glances 
 of intelligence, inquiry, and concern. The Ardrighan was the 
 first to speak, and said : 
 
 " What a dreadful business, O Tuathal ! What on earth is 
 to be done ?" 
 
 " Done ! There is nothing to be done but to submit to the 
 inevitable." ^ 
 
 " What words from an Ardrigh ! Submit to Diarmaid Mac 
 Cearbhail !" 
 
THE HIGH KING AND THE HIGH QUEEN. 95 
 
 " Not to Diarmaid Mac Cearbhaill, but to the law." 
 
 "The law! Does the law then compel thee to receive in 
 thine own palace whosoever listeth to intrude upon thee ?" 
 
 " Not exactly ; but Diarmaid sent a courier with a letter 
 asking my permission to pay his respects to myself and to the 
 partner of my throne." 
 
 Here the Ardrigh bowed. 
 
 "And couldst not thou have refused ?" 
 
 " Well, that was the very thought that first suggested itself; 
 but Diarmaid arrived before my council, whom, of course, I 
 consulted had come to any resolution on the subject." 
 
 " And pray why didst thou not consult me ? Tuathal Mael- 
 garbh, thy crown and thy throne are also mine, and thou hadst 
 no right to endanger their possession without first consulting 
 me. Thy council, indeed. Had Diarmaid been chosen king 
 instead of thee, thy council would now be advising him. But 
 what sayeth thy council ?" 
 
 " Well, they were divided in opinion ; and it is hard to say 
 what conclusion would be arrived at had not Diarmaid and his 
 brother settled the question by arriving too soon ; and that is 
 also my answer to thy question as to why I had not consulted 
 thee." 
 
 " But why didst thou not keep him away by force, when it 
 could be otherwise done ?" 
 
 " Thou forgetest, mo mhuirnin,* that the business of the royal 
 brothers to Teamhair is to enter Mur Ollamhain, there to com- 
 plete the education which the law exacts ; and it would not look 
 well either for them or for us if they were excluded from the 
 palace." 
 
 " A's mo ghradhjf couldst thou not exclude them from Mur 
 Ollamhain itself.-'" 
 
 " I have no power to do so." 
 
 " No power ! And thou callest thyself a Righ and an 
 Ardrigh, too.'' 
 
 " But even an Ardrigh is not above the law, and the law 
 makes no excuse whatever for any youth of any position to fail 
 in acquiring the many branches of education which it has laid 
 down for them, nor does it permit anyone, however exalted, to 
 interfere with them or throw any obstacle in their way." 
 
 " I am aware of that ; but surely in such a case as the pre-, 
 sent something ought to be done to prevent Prince Diarmaid 
 from taking advantage of his position as a student at Mur Ollamh- 
 
 * My passionately beloved one — my darling. f -^""i ™y love. 
 
96 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 ain, to sow the seeds of disaffection to our throne by ingrati- 
 ating himself with the people." 
 
 "I do not think thou needest have so much fear of Diarmaid; 
 for, singular as it may appear, I have a greater fear of his brother, 
 Maelmordha." 
 
 " Maelmordha ! Oh, I do not think of him at all, much less 
 fear him. He counts for nothing. He is but Diarmaid's half- 
 brother, on the mother's side, and consequently cannot inherit 
 from Fergus Cearbhall, Diarmaid's father, through whom alone 
 Diarmaid claims the right to the throne." 
 
 " That is all true, a mo cheile* ; but still, since Maelmordha's 
 coming, I have felt an unaccountable dread of him, though I 
 know it is foolish, and perhaps wicked, to harbour the thought 
 that flashed through my mind, but it was quite involuntary." 
 
 " Is dilse"f exclaimed the Ardrighan, throwing her arms 
 round the neck of the Ardrigh and embracing him affectionately, 
 " can it be that thou thinkest that that is in peril, which is 
 dearer to me than crown or sceptre }" 
 
 The Ardrigh, kissing her, " Do not be alarmed, a chuisle agus 
 a stoir mo chroidhtej ; there is no danger of that from the pupils 
 of the holy Finian of Cluain-Irared." 
 
 " Ah, but they said something about being the black sheep of 
 Finian, whom with all his sanctity and disciplinary skill he 
 found it difficult to manage." 
 
 " Well, well, at all events the moment that any overt, sedi- 
 tious act is committed, we can legally banish them, not only from 
 Mur Ollamhain and from Magh Breagh, but even out of the 
 righeacht Midhe (kingdom of Meath)." 
 
 " Well, be it so, since there is no help for it ; and I suppose 
 we must treat him in every way as if he were our greatest friend, 
 just to save appearances." 
 
 " There is no doubt of it. After all, they are royal princes, 
 and we must show them the honour which is their due. I 
 confess I do not quite like it, but perhaps it is best. It will 
 show that we do not fear them, and that we can afford to treat 
 their pretensions with contempt." 
 
 "Yea, yea; I like that. Thou hast now put the matter in 
 its proper light. We shall spare no pains to do honour to our 
 dear guests, especially for the few days that must elapse before 
 their entry into Mur Ollamhain. We shall each do our respec- 
 tive parts ; so between hunting, shooting, racing, hurling, sports, 
 
 * Oh, my spouse— wife. f Most fond and faithful. 
 
 I Oh, pulse and beloved of my heart. 
 
THE HIGH KING AND THE HIGH QUEEN. 97 
 
 banquetting, receptions, reviews, &c., we shall convince the 
 people that there is an excellent understanding between us: 
 even the opposite party will think it useless to any longer resist 
 the established order of things, and perhaps in the end the 
 princes themselves may be won over by gifts which will make 
 them the richest men in all the kingdom of Eire." 
 
 " Sell their birthright for a mess of pottage ?'' 
 
 " Their birthright, Tuathal 1" 
 
 "Ay, their birthright — at least Diarmaid's birthright. He is 
 descended in the same degree as myself, from Nial Naoighillaigh,* 
 whose two sons — our two grandfathers — also reigned in turn. 
 
 " Well, ye are the same in that respect, but thou hast the 
 senior claim." 
 
 "The thing is, though, to getDiarmaid to acknowledge that." 
 
 "Well, we shall do our best — but look, Tuathal, the princes 
 have not yet returned from their ride. I have no doubt that 
 they were recognised ; and, there, oh I Tuathal — there are 
 bonfires in their honour I See I all Magh Breagh is ablaze 
 with them ! Look I in every direction 1 
 
 With this the Ardrighan literally dragged her husband around 
 the great curtained apartment, to many of the windows in suc- 
 cession, drawing the curtains wherever they obstructed the view. 
 
 The Ardrigh looked bewildered for a moment, and then 
 coming to himself, said : 
 
 " Mo cheile is mhilse,f thy fears have got the better of thy 
 memory. Knowest thou not that this is the Eve of St. John, 
 and that those bonfires would blaze away had Diarmaid Mac 
 Cearbhall never been born }" 
 
 " Ah, I had forgotten. But is it not rather early ? It is not 
 yet dark I And behold all the people — what crowds ! It would 
 appear as if every inhabitant of Magh Breagh were abroad. 
 Who can they be going to meet .?" 
 
 " Ah, mo ghradh,J that is as usual an occurrence on an even- 
 ing like this as the bonfires themselves. Thou wilt find that it is 
 all right." 
 
 "I hope so; but every circumstance now appears ominous. 
 But here cometh the princes, we must prepare for supper." 
 
 " Slan leat, mo shearc."§ 
 
 " Slan leat, a chuisle mo chroidhe." || 
 
 * Nial of the nine hostages. t My sweetest wife. J My love. 
 
 § Safety with thee, my affectionate one. || Pulse of my heart. 
 
g8 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 An ceAtAnttiATD cAibi-oit. 
 
 CHAPTER IV, 
 
 CoiTTO/i-lt. 
 THE RECEPTION. 
 
 The royal pair here separated to prepare for the entertainment 
 of their unwelcome guests, and when at night they retired to 
 rest, it was with the hope that the course of conduct which they 
 had resolved upon and inaugurated that evening would not be 
 without beneficial results. 
 
 The next day, being the Feast of St. John, everyone, includ- 
 ing the newly-arrived princes, were present at the celebration of 
 Mass in the royal church adjoining the palace ; the rest of the 
 day was spent befitting a great feast, as it was the custom for all, 
 even the laity, to attend the divine offices of the Church, at the 
 canonical hours. 
 
 The next few days were spent in following the red deer and 
 the wild boar through the forests of Midhe ; in partridge and 
 woodcock shooting ; in horse racing, and boat racing ; in hurling 
 matches, and various out-door games ; in chess playing and back- 
 gammon playing ; songs and music by the bards and musicians 
 of the palace, headed by the Ard Fil6 ; stories by the Sean- 
 chaidhe, or story-tellers, who told tales of the times of old, 
 of Fenian prowess, and Red Branch chivalry. The satirists, 
 the jugglers, and the clowns contributed their share to the general 
 amusement. All this continued until the day on which the re- 
 ception in honour of the princes was to take place. 
 
 Accordingly, as the hour appointed drew near, the gorgeous 
 chariots of the Ard Arcon (high nobles of the State) could be 
 seen dashing along from different points in the direction of the 
 Tulach Aoibhin (beautiful hill). 
 
 The citizens were astir watching the gay equipages and their 
 gayer occupants, as they sped past. Foreigners also filled the 
 thoroughfares, full of curiosity, and making inquiries as to the 
 names and offices of the owners of the various carbads. 
 
 These carbads, or chariots, though alike in construction, 
 
 , differed considerably in colour and ornamentation. The 
 
 bodies were all highly polished, and in some instances carved. 
 
THE RECEPTION. 99 
 
 The colour of the curtains, seats, and canopies differed in 
 different vehicles. Some were all of one colour, some striped, 
 or barred, some speckled, or plaided. The top of the canopies 
 were all decorated with plumes. 
 
 The gilding was most elaborate. The poles were of gilt 
 bronze, or, in some of the highest, were overlaid with silver 
 plate. The harness and bridles were golden or silver, or orna- 
 mented cruan. Round the horses' necks were the " mael land " 
 of silver, with their golden bells. The horses themselves, of 
 which there were four to the highest class of carbads, were of 
 the finest breed, and quite in keeping with the splendid equi- 
 pages which they drew. 
 
 The araid, or charioteers, wore the cocul, a short cloak or 
 cape, with sleeves reaching only to the elbow, or in some cases 
 covering the whole arm. Sometimes it had a smaller cape over. 
 They were of various colours. Belonging to them, but not 
 always attached, was a cennid, or conical hood, sometimes of 
 the same colour as the cape, and sometimes of a different one, 
 and bearing a tassel at its apex. 
 
 The cape had a kind of band or collar, ending in long 
 lappets, tied across the breast. They also wore woollen triuibhis 
 or pantaloons, and shoes of embossed leather. On their heads 
 they wore a gipne, or band or crescent of red gold, to keep the 
 hair down in its proper place on the forehead, and also as a dis- 
 tinguishing mark of their profession. 
 
 As each chariot drew up in the courtyard of Rath na Riogh, 
 and deposited its occupants, fair and brave, before the grand 
 entrance of Teach Cormaic, or the House of Cormac, the ara, 
 or charioteer, at once drove the equipage off to the Fan-na-g- 
 Carbad, or Slope of the Chariots. 
 
 The order was strictly enforced, for but one chariot was 
 allowed in the courtyard at a time, in order to prevent confusion. 
 Thus by the time the Teach Cormaic was full of aires, the Fan- 
 na-g-Carbad was lined with their chariots. 
 
 The assemblage which now thronged the Teach Cormaic was 
 a very brilliant one. All the grades of aires were there ; all the 
 Gradh Gasgaidh (Orders of Chivalry) ; the Chain Knights; the 
 Knights of the Golden Garter; the Curadhes Craoibh Ruaidh, or 
 Red Branch Knights; the Fenian warriors, orFiannaErionn; the 
 Clanna Diaga, and the Clanna Morna ; all the highest officers 
 of the various regiments ; the great officers of state, and of the 
 Household ; all the ollamhain, the breithmac, or judges of every 
 degree; the ollamhs, or learned men ; the orniths, or sages ; the 
 seanchaidh, or historians ; the lileadh, or poets, and philosophers; 
 
lOO THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 all the foreign ambassadors, accredited to the Court of Team- 
 hair,;were there, and the wives, sisters, and daughters of all these 
 classes. 
 
 The mna aisle oga* generally wore dresses of pure white 
 siraic (silk), or sroil (satin), though sometimes it was relieved 
 with a narrow stripe of green, blue, or pink ; round their waist 
 a girset of plaid, containing four or five colours, generally five ; 
 a sash matching in colour the stripe or the spot, when any, of 
 the dress ; a small gold or silver brooch was fastened at the 
 throat; round their necks were necklaces of pearle (pearl), or 
 partaing (coral), bracelets or armlets to match ; another string 
 of pearls, or of coral bound their hair, which hung in ringlets, 
 though sometimes they wore instead a small narrow niamh land, 
 or golden crescent, from which hung the meirge or silken veil, 
 generally of white, sometimes to match the colour of the 
 scarf, &c. 
 
 Sandals of gold network were on their feet, beneath which 
 the white silken stockings appeared. 
 
 Their mothers and married sisters were more gorgeously 
 attired. Richly coloured silk or satin robes of any of the pre- 
 vailing tints, or else black or white, elaborately embroidered 
 with gold or silver. 
 
 Sometimes these dresses were santbrecc, or beautifully 
 speckled ; in some cases, again, they were srebnaide sroil, or 
 striped satin, in which were two, three, four, or five colours ; 
 others were tartan or plaid. 
 
 Scarves matching or contrasting, and bordered with a curther 
 or fringe of gold, or sometimes with white or coloured feathers ; 
 golden network sandals, in which were inserted precious stones. 
 
 Veils of light silk, spotted with gold or silver ; niamh 
 landa, or radiant leaves of gold of large size ; muinche tores of 
 the same precious metal round their necks, or sometimes fiams 
 or gold chains, with a cross or other pendant ; magnificent gold 
 brooches set with various gems — the Tara brooch prevailed — 
 dornascs or bracelets, and geugau, or armlets, to match ; finger 
 and thumb rings — ornasc and ordnisa, set with gems ; grace- 
 fully carved cior (combs) of silver or mother-of-pearl adorned 
 the head, while the plaited hair terminated in two little caskets 
 or balls of gold called mella ; and au nascs, or earrings. 
 
 The officers of the army were in the uniforms of their 
 various regiments, and were distinguished by colour and device. 
 They wore triuibhis, or pantaloons, of the finest woollen 
 
 * Young ladies. 
 
THE RECEPTION. lOI 
 
 texture ; Allans, or vests, of different colour, and embroidered 
 with gold or silver, with gold buttons down the front. Over 
 this they wore the diallait oenaig, or assembly cloak, 
 which was in five-folding fuam. It was generally of tartan, 
 bordered with a golden border or fringe, and clasped at the 
 throat by one of the great variety of dealga, or brooches, which 
 prevailed. Their fingers and thumbs were also adorned with 
 gem set rings ; on their feet were assai of findruine, or of silver, 
 embossedwith gold, and generally studded more or less with gems. 
 Their swords and spears were very various, every regiment 
 having a different device on them, as well as a different colour 
 on the blades. The helmets were in keeping with the rest of 
 their outfit, being ornamented with precious metals. 
 
 The Gradh Gasgaidh, or Orders of Chivalry, besides all just 
 described, had the distinctive marks of their several orders, 
 thus : the Knights of the Golden Garter — Nasc Niadh — were 
 distinguished by a golden fillet-ring or garter, worn on the leg. 
 
 In order to obtain this badge of distinction, the wearer was 
 obliged to establish his title to it on the field of battle, sword 
 in hand.* 
 
 The Curradh Craoibhe Ruaidh, or Red Branch Knights were 
 known by their golden lion. 
 
 The Curradh Fiam, or Chain Knights displayed the ornament 
 which gave them their title, and which as well as the Red 
 Branch Knights, they won in many a hard-fought field. 
 
 The Clanna Morna had fought and earned the red gold rings, 
 which King Fail-dearg-doid invented as a reward for bravery 
 in the year of the world, 3882. 
 
 The Clanna Deaga had helmets, with the necks and fore- 
 pieces all of solid gold. 
 
 The Ollamhain, including the ollamhs proper, brehons, 
 seanchaidhe, fil6s, and learned professors, generally wore the 
 canabhas and long flowing robes of the very finest texture and 
 of the six colours. They wore on their heads a kind of barread, 
 or cap, peculiar to themselves, resembling a turban, and having 
 a tassel at the point. They wore gold and silver also, but the 
 rings on their fingers were prizes and marks of distinction for 
 pre-eminence in their respective sciences. f 
 
 * O'Curry, who also remarks that in those remote and what our enemies 
 call, barbarous times, the fawning on Prime Ministers was but a poor way to 
 obtain decorations and dignities. 
 
 t It was Aildergoid, King of Ireland in 3705, A.M., that first bestowed 
 gold rings on such as were pre-eminent in any science. 
 
I02 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 When all had assembled, and were either seated upon the 
 luxurious imdai which ran all round about the great circular 
 hall, or else promenaded backwards and forwards, or all round, 
 they conversed freely until the arrival of the sovereigns, dis- 
 cussing many subjects, but the prevailing topic was the late 
 royal arrival. As might be expected, a great diversity of 
 opinion existed, and as the time drew near, expectation and 
 excitement became more and more intense. 
 
 At length a flourish of trumpets was heard and all relapsed 
 into silence, while the royal procession entered Rath na Riogh, 
 and filed into Teach Cormaic. 
 
 The royal bodygfuard, the officers of State, and the ." ten," 
 attended the steps of the royal pair, who were accompanied by 
 Diarmaid and Maelmordha. All rose on their entry and the 
 Ardrigh and Ardrighan at once took their seats on the golden, 
 emerald-encrusted thrones with their crimson satin coverings, 
 canopies, curtains, and steps, elevated on a platform in the 
 centre of the house. 
 
 When the Ardrigh and the Ardrighan took their seats on the 
 cathair rioghdha (royal chairs), the " ten " stationed'themselves 
 about in their respective places ; the chief herald held the 
 Sleagh, or Spear of State. 
 
 The royal princes were honoured with special seats beside 
 the throne, and were "the observed of all observers." 
 
 The ceremony was then proceeded with, and numerous pre- 
 sentations took place. Everything went off well, and everybody 
 seemed pleased, including the rivals themselves. 
 
 The aois ciuil, or musicians, discoursed ciuil binn (sweet 
 music) ; the arsendtec, or songsters, sang go binn (melodiously). 
 The assembly interchanged civilities, or friendships, as the case 
 might be, through all the formal ceremony ; and not even once 
 during the whole time had the Ardrigh occasion to touch the 
 craoibh ciuil — musical branch. 
 
 When the ceremony was over, the whole party were enter- 
 tained at a grand banquet in the great banquetting-hall of Teach 
 Miodchuarta, a much more pleasing affair by far ; and what with 
 feasting and music, conversation and singing, dancing and 
 chess playing, it was far advanced into the night when the 
 chariots. were taken out and drawn up before the entrance of 
 Teach Miodchuarta, to bring from thence their respective 
 owners by various routes through the city to their several homes. 
 
CLOUDS THICKENING. 103 
 
 An ctiiseAtDi cAibi*oit. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 CLOUDS THICKENING. 
 
 The next morning Diarmaid and Maelmordha were introduced 
 to the' scene and companions of their future studies in the Mur 
 Ollamhain of Tara. 
 
 In pagan times such religion as was then known, together 
 with law, science, art, literature, and military tactics, were all 
 combined in the curriculum of all the great schools of the 
 country, of which Mur Ollamhain was the chief. But with the 
 introduction of Christianity there had sprung up colleges and 
 monasteries where the youth of the country, as well as of 
 foreign nations, were grounded in every kind of science and art, 
 sanctified and ennobled by the greatest of all sciences — the 
 science of the saints ; however, as these seats of learning were 
 not calculated to train youth to martial exercises beyond a cer- 
 tain attention to gymnastics, and as all were obliged to spend 
 some time in acquiring the military art, without a knowledge of 
 which they could not fulfil their duties, or maintain their posi- 
 tion in a country long famous for the bravery and valour of its 
 military orders, so they were obliged to spend a certain portion 
 of their time at one or other of the military schools attached to 
 every court. 
 
 Our hero and his brother had already, besides their sacred 
 and profane studies at the college of Cluain-Irared, under- 
 gone a preliminary course of military training here previously; 
 but all were expected, if possible, to perfect themselves at the 
 high military court of the nation — in the Mur Ollamhain at 
 Teamhair. Here, accordingly, it was necessary that they should 
 remain for a time to perfect themselves in the science of war, 
 as well as in all the various courses of literature and art. 
 
 At seven years they were entered, and a slender lance was 
 put into their hands and a sword by their sides. From this to 
 fourteen they were instructed in letters and discipline, when 
 they took their first vows. They were now exercised every day 
 in casting a javelin at a mark, in which they became so expert 
 
I04 THE LAST MONARCH OF TAR A. 
 
 as to be certain of transfixing an enemy with it when within 
 range. The cran-tubal, or sling, was very much used in ancient 
 times, from which they darted balls with great force and 
 direction. At the use of the sword and target they were un- 
 commonly skilful, and they fought on foot, on horseback, or in 
 chariots, according to their situation and circumstances. At 
 eighteen they took their last vows. 
 
 As already noticed, the martial training of children com- 
 menced at the age of seven years, and the more important 
 training of their minds at the earliest dawn of reason. None 
 were ever permitted to be idle ; all were usefully employed from 
 the highest to the lowest ; education was free to all : the highest 
 perfection of human knowledge was attainable by all, 'free of 
 cost ; all were expected to avail themselves of this wise pro- 
 vision of Irish rulers ; the highest offices of the State, ranking 
 next to royalty, were the prizes for industry and application to 
 literary pursuits ; while, on the other hand, the man who, how- 
 ever noble, or even royal his birth, or however vast his riches, 
 who neglected to cultivate his mind, was incapacitated from 
 holding even the lowest oflSce in the State, and could never enjoy 
 any honour, emolument, or dignity ; on the contrary, he was 
 branded with disgrace, and scorned by even the humblest of 
 the people. 
 
 As a consequence, it should not be wondered at that in 
 ancient Eire an ignorant person was as rare a curiosity as a 
 white blackbird, especially when it is well known that the Irish 
 in all ages were famed for their love of learning, and if they 
 have since been reduced to ignorance, it is because their jealous 
 enemies have razed to the ground their schools and colleges and 
 have burned and destroyed mountains of Irish writings; set a price 
 on the head of the schoolmaster as well as of the priest, each of 
 whom they put on a level with the wolf; made it a crime, 
 punishable with fine and imprisonment, to be caught teaching 
 the Irish to read ; and all this that it might be in their power 
 to defame and caluminate their victims, by enforced ignorance 
 of all literature, ensure their degradation ; and by the destruction 
 of their national annals, as well as by the above-named system 
 of making the acquisition of any kind of knowledge impossible, 
 rendering the Irish people totally ignorant of the past glorious 
 history of their country, that thus they might be reduced to the 
 condition of grovelling, degraded, slaves to their oppres- 
 sors, just as by the plunder and robbery of their broad 
 lands and immense wealth they were reduced to be the poorest 
 country in the world — the hewers of wood and the drawers of 
 
CLOUDS THICKENING. 105 
 
 water to the foreign horde, who have grown fat on the land and 
 the wealth which is the rightful inheritance of the children of 
 the soil. Little dreamed the Irish of that and succeeding 
 centuries of the return which still, later on, was to be made to 
 their posterity by the very country which they were then raising 
 from barbarism and ignorance. 
 
 Although the monasteries had supplemented in a great 
 degree, and, in some measure, superseded the ancient houses 
 of learning, yet the latter did not sink into mere military schools, 
 but continued to fulfil all the purposes of their institution. 
 
 As education of the very highest class was not confined to 
 a few, as it is now-a-days, but embraced the entire population 
 of all ranks and degrees, as well as multitudes of foreigners, 
 those who had the direction of those matters, so far from dis- 
 pensing with old educational establishments, rather found it 
 necessary to be continually increasing the number of schools 
 and colleges. 
 
 Thus while training them in all manly exercises, they were 
 also instructed in all the subtler sciences ; otherwise they would 
 be liable to forget much of what they had already learned in the 
 monasteries. 
 
 Diarmaid and Maelmordha now proceeded to finish the 
 twelve years of hard study in all the various branches of edu- 
 cation, and as Diarmaid considered himself destined for a posi- 
 tion on which a "fierce light " is said "to beat," he felt it all 
 the more incumbent on him to take good care that he should be 
 second to none in the acquisition and cultivation of all those 
 branches of knowledge which, necessary to the humblest, was 
 absolutely indispensable to the heir of the monarchy. This great 
 college had educated his ancestors for centuries, and they had 
 reflected credit on their " alma mater." 
 
 For five years our hero and his brother applied themselves 
 closely to all their studies — literary, legal, philosophical, poeti- 
 cal, musical, and military — going daily through all the evolutions 
 and feats of the Fianna Eirionn, or Fenians of Ireland, and 
 fulfilled, or were sworn to all the conditions imposed by law 
 upon that celebrated order. 
 
 During this time they had prudence enough to refrain from 
 all exhibitions of disaffection or discontent, though they had 
 many private conversations among themselves and many com- 
 ments on passing events. They saw the hollowness of the royal 
 favours bestowed upon them and easily understood the motives. 
 They also learned during this period a great deal concerning 
 
I06 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 the sentiments and hopes of their own party, which was much 
 stronger than even they had supposed. 
 
 In Mur Ollamhain itself they had many friends among the 
 various branches of the Ollamhain, as well as a large part of the 
 students, amongst the principal and most devoted of whom was 
 a young man named Amherghin Mac Amhlaghaidh,* on whom 
 was very shortly to be conferred the highest degree within the 
 power of the college to bestow. Then it came to their know- 
 ledge that a strong feeling in Diarmaid's favour pervaded a 
 great portion of the Fenian ranks in the seven duns of Teamhair. 
 Still they durst not, at least as yet, take advantage of all these 
 signs of a divided people, for the loyal portion of the com- 
 munity, including, as such communities always do, the 
 cowardly, the selfish, the paid servants of public departments of 
 State, the private place-hunters, the palace tradespeople and 
 merchants, and the motley throng which in every country have 
 ever worshipped success, whether right or wrong. 
 
 All these prionsa Diarmaid despised, for he knew that the 
 moment he ascended the throne, could he succeed in doing so, 
 all these would fall at his feet with protestations of fidelity and 
 life-long allegiance, and be as extravagant in their demon- 
 strations of loyalty to him as they now were to the reigning 
 prince. 
 
 But, besides these, there was another party honestly and con- 
 scientiously devoted to King Tuathal — honestly, because they were 
 incapable of deceit, or pretending to anything they did not feel, 
 even for the sake of court favours ; and conscientiously, because 
 they really believed that Tuathal was the lawful monarch, and 
 Diarmaid but a seditious pretender. 
 
 These, and they were not a few, Diarmaid dreaded, even 
 while he respected and admired them ; and would have pre- 
 ferred one convert from their ranks to a hundred of the half- 
 hearted, time-serving flunkeys, who would scarcely deign him a 
 gracious look, but whom his possible good fortune would bring 
 in thousand around his chariot wheels. 
 
 It is, however, but fair to say that this latter class, though 
 many, were but a minority of the inhabitants — the good and 
 true, on both sides, making the bulk of the population. Still, 
 whether from having Diarmaid in their midst, or from whatever 
 cause it arose, his partisans increased considerably from the 
 time of his arrival at Teamhair, and though great caution was 
 used, and great pains taken to conceal the growing disaffection, 
 still the authorities were not deceived. 
 
 * Avereen Mac Auley. 
 
CLOUDS THICKENIXG. I07 
 
 Many a long conference had Tuathal with his Airlighe ar da 
 Cleth ; many a longer one with his Ardrighan, and becoming 
 more frequent as dangers began to thicken, until at length it 
 was resolved to give Diarmaid an opportunity of doing or saying 
 something that would compromise him and give the Ardrigh an 
 excuse for ridding himself of so formidable a rival. 
 
 Accordingly it was arranged that the out-door sports should 
 be more frequent, and that Diarmaid should always be of the 
 party, which had not always been the case hitherto. In pur- 
 suance of this arrangement, public and private entertainments, 
 hurling and other games, hunting, shooting, horse-racing and 
 boat-racing, &c., followed each other, without anything occurring 
 out of the usual course, until at last, one morning early, when 
 the Ardrigh, his " ten," and a few other attendants were taking 
 a constitutional ride, they, on their homeward way, came upon 
 a party of the students of Mur Ollamhain, who, under the di- 
 rection of a military commander, were practising their feats. 
 On coming closer, Tuathal observed that Diarmaid, Maelmordha, 
 Amergin Mac Amhlaghaidh, and a few others whom he had 
 begun to suspect of partiality towards the prince, were of the 
 party. 
 
 As the Ardrigh and his party came upon the scene, Prince 
 Diarmaid was in the act of performing the " fod-bheim," or 
 sod-blow feat. This feat, when performed in battle, was always 
 done in contempt. Now, however; they were only practising, 
 and no ill-will existed between the prionsa and his antagonist 
 The latter, however, as was his duty, sought to parry the blow, 
 and kept moving in such a manner as to render the feat as 
 difficult as possible. The prince raised his jewelled sword for 
 the purpose of cutting the sod from under the feet of his anta- 
 gonist, whose agility was such that he appeared to be everywhere 
 at once. Their commander and his companions, as well as the 
 Ardrigh and his suite, were in breathless suspense for a moment, 
 as Diarmaid elevated his arm. Like a flash of lightning the 
 green-dyed blade shot past the dazed eyes of the spectators, 
 penetrated the green sod precisely under the spot where, at the 
 moment, the lively youth had landed ; but the hearty cheers 
 which were formed in an instant in the throats of the beholders 
 were stifled in their birth — for lo 1 the sword of the young prince 
 was still in the ground, while his antagonist was exulting at the 
 distance of the " cast of the dart" from the sword-blade of the 
 discomfited prionsa. Astonishment was depicted on every face; 
 but the Ardrigh, unable to control his delight, cried out : 
 
 " Ha, Diarmaid Mac Cearbhall, thou art a promising Fenian. 
 
I08 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 Why, the humblest of the Fenian ranks would have performed 
 that " fod-bheim" successfully, with half the trouble which thou 
 hast had in failing." 
 
 Diarmaid — " Beware, O Tuathal, of what thou sayest. If 
 thou dost insult me again, I will show thee with whom thou 
 hast to deal. And now do not look so furious, but draw near to 
 the spot where my sword yet remains in the sod and see if thy 
 sarcasms be just." 
 
 The Ardrigh dismounted, as did also those in his company, 
 and drew near to the spot indicated. The other students and 
 their officer already surrounded it, while three of their number 
 were endeavouring to unearth a huge stone which had lain 
 beneath the sod, and had just been the cause of the ill-success 
 which had attended the prince's fod-bheim. At length the 
 stone was removed, and of course explained to the satisfaction 
 of all the prince's mishap ; though everyone wondered how it 
 came there. Prince Diarmaid taking his sword and half-sheath- 
 ing it, turned to the Ardrigh, and haughtily exclaimed : 
 
 " Now, O Tuathal, it is time thou shouldest apologise for 
 thine insulting expressions. I have yet to learn that I or any 
 Fenian is expected to pierce with his sword a stone, and such a 
 stone, too." 
 
 Tuathal, angrily — " I did not know, O Diarmaid, that such 
 stone was there, nor could I ever suspect it. But as for apology, 
 it is thy duty first to apologise for thy threats to thy sovereign." 
 
 Maelmordha— " Thou forgettest, O Thuathail Maelgairbh, 
 that it is Diarmaid who is thy sovereign, and thou usurpest un- 
 justly his lawful inheritance." 
 
 Tuathal—" Ha, Maelmordha MacArgatain, so thou hast come 
 to the use of thy tongue at last, hast thou ? but I will teach 
 thee how to address thy sovereign. Take that, until the brehons 
 have awarded thee the punishment due to thy seditious language." 
 
 As the Ardrigh uttered these words, he struck Maelmordha 
 with his horse-switch, but as he did so. Prince Diarmaid, in- 
 censed beyond measure at this outrage upon his brother, un- 
 sheathed his sword, and before anyone knew what he was about, 
 cut the sod from beneath the feet of the Ardrigh, who, unpre- 
 pared for this crowning indignity, was in the act of laying his 
 hand on his sword lest Maelmordha should resent the insult 
 offered to him ; and ere he could grasp the hilt, he felt the ground 
 give way under his feet, and himself in the act of falling, until 
 he, with a sudden bound, cleared the spot which had been sepa- 
 rated from the surrounding earth. 
 
 All this was the work of a moment. Maelmordha saw, and 
 
CLOUDS THICKENING. 109 
 
 for the present, at least, felt himself sufficiently avenged, and 
 realising the situation, whispered something to some of his 
 companions, who immediately left the place. The outraged 
 monarch, as soon as he recovered himself, turned fiercely upon 
 Diarmaid, who was engaged parrying with his sword the approach 
 of the Ardrigh's attendants to arrest him, and at every step 
 backing further from them. But Tuathal now seeing the posi- 
 tion of affairs, shouted to his following : 
 
 " Ho, there, what are ye all about ? Why do ye not stop the 
 rebel ? Are ye too mixed up in his conspiracy against me } 
 Stop him, I say. Stop him, or your lives shall pay the forfeit." 
 
 But it was too late. Diarmaid had the advantage from his 
 very position ; for the moment his sword came from under the 
 feet of Tuathal ; he, without delay, backed from the scene, 
 brandishing his good sword in defence of his person. 
 
 Amherghin Mac Arahlaigh and others of his friends urged 
 him to escape without a monient's delay, and he had already 
 placed a good distance between himself and the king's party 
 before they had time to recover from the astonishment and 
 bewilderment of so unexpected a climax. 
 
 The whole thing took place in less time than it takes to 
 relate it ; and it was only as the Ardrigh recovered his self- 
 possession that some amongst his party, including new arrivals, 
 recovered theirs, and dashed in pursuit of the young fugitive. 
 The others were only roused by the angry words of Tuathal, and 
 they, too, were starting after their companions, when the 
 Ardrigh re-called them, and bade some of them mount their 
 horses and not fail to bring the delinquents back to justice, 
 while he ordered the remainder, including the "ten," to ac- 
 company himself home to the royal palace. 
 
 Arrived in the city, they found it in a state of great excite- 
 ment, for the students had flown with the first news, and others 
 who saw the after-transaction from a distance had arrived with 
 more particulars. It soon reached the palace and the ears of 
 the Ardrighan, who at once sent a detachment of Fenians, under 
 her most trusty officers, to meet the Ardrigh, and act as he 
 should direct them, according to whatever turn affairs had taken. 
 
 They met their royal master and his retinue on the Bealach 
 Mil6s.* He directed them on the roads they were to take in 
 pursuing the brothers and their adherents who had fled with 
 them, and told them then when they came to a certain point to 
 separate into different parties, taking different directions, that 
 some of them might be sure to overtake the fugitives. 
 
 * The road of Miles, between Rath Miles and Druim Aoibhin. 
 
no THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 Then the Ardrigh and his attendants resumed their ride 
 home, passing through the city, which was commencing another 
 day's business, and he was received with cheers as he passed along 
 from crowds of people who had gone out to meet him, or waited 
 to see him pass along. He cordially returned their salutations, 
 and felt reassured of their loyalty. 
 
 As he neared Tulach Aoibhin he descried the Ardrighan 
 and several of her ladies through the windows of the grianan, 
 and at once rode up to the entrance of that palace, and bound- 
 ing up the staircase, was in an instant locked in the arms of his 
 loving and beloved spouse. 
 
 In truth, from the first rumour that reached her ears, much 
 as she had desired a pretext for getting rid of Diarmaid, she 
 became a prey to the keenest anxiety ; and after despatching 
 assistance to her husband, she, with her ladies, kept a look-out 
 from those windows of the grianan, which looked in the 
 direction whence she knew he would come. 
 
 After having discussed the matter in all its bearings, the 
 Ardrigh left the grianan for the Council Chamber, where he 
 was soon surrounded by his Airlighe ar da Cleth. The result 
 of their conference did not transpire until the return of all the 
 pursuers who had been despatched after Diarmaid, but who, 
 after scouring all the surrounding country in vain, returned to 
 Teamhair with the disheartening news. 
 
 The anxious citizens received the intelligence with diverse 
 feelings, according as their sympathies were with the monarch 
 or his rival ; but the most intense excitement and curiosity was 
 manifested as to what would be the next step taken. 
 
 Not long were they left in suspense. Hundreds of busy 
 hands were employed in writing out as many copies of the 
 proclamation which king and queen and council had resolved 
 on in case the pursuers should not be successful. It was care- 
 fully written in large straight letters, which could be easily read 
 at a considerable distance, and ran as follows : — 
 
 " PROCLAMATION. 
 
 " Tuathal Maelgarbh, Righ Meidhe* and Ardrigh Eireann.f 
 To all our faithful subjects and trusty lieges. 
 
 " We hereby offer a reward of one thousand milch kine to 
 ■any person whomsoever who shall bring to us the heart of Prince 
 Diarmaid Mac Fergus Mac Cearbhall, who is in rebellion against 
 our person and throne, and has grossly outraged our royal person. 
 Given this 8th day of August, 544." 
 
 * King of Meath. f Supreme Monarch of Ireland. 
 
ON THE SHAUGHRAtn^. 1 1 1 
 
 An u-setliAtJ CAibmit, 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 Ai|A Ml SeACfiAn.* 
 
 ON THE SHAUGHRAUN. 
 
 When Prionsa Diarmaid fled from the angry monarch, he bent 
 his steps in the direction of the nearest shrubbery. This, it is 
 true, was the private property of a flaith, but that circumstance 
 did not trouble the prionsa much under existing state of affairs. 
 He would not harm the shrubbery, and his life or his liberty 
 were at stake. Having penetrated the copse, he stood for an 
 instant to listen to any sound that might indicate the where- 
 abouts of his brother or other companions. Directly he heard 
 what he thought was a low soft whistle, but lest it should only 
 the wind breathing through the brushwood, he waited for an 
 instant longer, when the sound was repeated, this time unmis- 
 takable. Diarmaid at once moved towards the point whence it 
 proceeded, and after some little difBculty, owing to the thickness 
 of the shrubbery, he reached the spot where he thought his 
 brother was, and as he looked about in search of Maelmordha, 
 the latter laid his hand on his shoulder, as he said : 
 
 " Ah, Diarmaid, mo dhear bhrathairij- 1 pray thee be silent, and 
 rest for a little in this brake, here- it is thickest of all around. 
 They are upon thy track." 
 
 Diarmaid — " They are indeed, O Maelmordha, gradh mo 
 croidhe,{ and they — but hark, there they are. Are we safe here .?" 
 
 Maelmordha, in a whisper — "We are; but let us lie close 
 together, and as flat as we can, this loose brushwood will cover 
 us completely. This is the best place I could discover. Did 
 they see thee enter this brake }" 
 
 Diarmaid — " I am sure they must have seen me, and that 
 they will follow. Here they come 1" 
 
 For the next five minutes the brothers lay at full length on 
 the ground, their arms round each other's necks ; their hearts 
 throbbing against each other's bosom, while their pursuers ran 
 
 * Air an Seacrin : On the shaughraun ; Wandering ; the state of having 
 nowhere to rest one's head. 
 •)• (Pr. Mil yar-raw-hir.) O my brother. % ^^^ ™^ chree, love of my heart. 
 
112 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 through and through the shrubbery on every side, and so close 
 did some of them come to the spot where they lay, that hope 
 well-nigh forsook the brothers. However, the pursuers either did 
 not see the place, or if they did, they did not seem to think it 
 in any way suspicious-looking, for presently two or three of the 
 pursuers, after having searched to no purpose, stood together 
 to consult at a little distance from where the two young men 
 lay concealed, and came to the conclusion that unless their 
 comrades discovered the fugitives, they were not in the shrubbery ; 
 and those comrades now coming up empty handed, it was agreed 
 that those whom they sought had found refuge in the dwelling- 
 house or other premises of the flaith, and that there accordingly 
 they should seek. In pursuance of this design, they left the 
 shrubbery on the opposite side from that on which they had 
 entered, when immediately the brothers sprang up, Diarmaid 
 exclaiming : 
 
 " Quick, Maelmordha, quick; to the forest, to the forest !" 
 
 Keeping close together, they made their way as quickly as 
 possible through the thick shrubbery until reaching the furthest 
 end ; with some difficulty, they crossed the mearn which divided 
 the property of the flaith from the adjoining forest. Once here 
 they breathed more freely, though they still felt that they must; 
 not unnecessarily lose time. They, therefore, sped through 
 the forest as fast as they could, but after a considerable time, 
 found themselves worn out with fatigue. Still they pull on 
 bravely for some time longer, until at length Diarmaid exlaimed : 
 
 " Mo dhear-hhrathair* I can proceed no further ; I must give 
 np at last." 
 
 " I, too, am worn out, mo gradh,f and have been this long 
 time past ; but the hope that we might reach yonder biadtach, 
 before being overtaken by our pursuers has kept me up." 
 
 " Are we near the biadtach 1" 
 
 " I think I can discern it even now through the trees." 
 
 "Then I will try to hold out a little longer, if thon art able." 
 
 " Take mine arm, mo mhuirnin.X^ 
 
 " Nay, Maelmordha, thou must be as fatigued as myself." 
 
 "Well, here is the end of the forest, and here to the right a 
 little is one of the four roads that leads to the biadtach." 
 
 "What if we should be overtaken there before we shall have 
 time to rest, which is most probable ?" 
 
 " While thou art taking refreshments, I will keep watch, and 
 warn thee of the approach of our foes." 
 
 * My brother. t My love. J My passionately beloved. 
 
ON THE SHAUGHRAUN. 1 13 
 
 " And what wilt thou do for refreshments, O Mael- 
 mordha ?" 
 
 " Oh, I will manage to take something, any way at all, if our 
 pursuers give me time, and if not I shall wait for a better 
 opportunity, further on." 
 
 " A dhear-hhrathair mo chleibh* that shall not be ; thou shalt 
 take thy needed refreshment, and rest too, just so long as I am 
 permitted to take mine." 
 
 " But, a chuisle mo chroidhe, that may not be long, and thine is 
 all the risk and all the danger ; thou alone art the rival of Tua- 
 thal Maelgarbh ; thou alone true Ardrigh na Erionn." 
 
 " Agus is tu mo dhearbhrathair, agus mac mo mhatair.f" 
 
 Saying these words, Diarmaid put his arms round Mael- 
 mordha's neck, and kissed him passionately ; another instant and 
 they were at the door of the biadtach, which they were about 
 entering, when they were met on the threshold by Amherghin 
 Mac Amhlaighaidh. 
 
 " Ha, Amherghin, thou here .?" cried Diarmaid. 
 
 "Yes, most illustrious prince," replied Amherghin, saluting, 
 "by direction of thy noble brother I sent some of our friends, 
 as yet unsuspected, back to Druim Aoibhin for our horses. I did 
 not think it prudent to go myself under the circumstances, as my 
 fidelity to thee, O Prince, is but too well known." 
 
 "Well, that is right," said Diarmaid; "but I fear we shall 
 not get our horses." 
 
 " Well, Prince, let us hope that we shall. In any case our 
 friends are to rejoin us." 
 
 " Is this to be the meeting-place ?' 
 
 " Nay, prince, my coming here was an afterthought. We did 
 not decide on any place in particular, as we did not know what 
 steps thou wouldst be obliged to take, oh, most noble prince." 
 
 " Well, how are they to know where to find us, for we shall 
 be obliged to leave this as speedily as possible .-'" 
 
 " I suggested to Amherghin," said Maelmordha, " that, in the 
 event of our having to fly, it would be in the direction of thine 
 own patrimony, O my brother." 
 
 " That is all the information I could give them," affirmed 
 Amherghin. 
 
 " Then," said Diarmaid, " it may be a considerable time 
 before we meet them, especially if they are obliged to come on 
 foot, so we had better take the shortest route to the Sionnain."J 
 
 * O brother of my bosom. 
 
 t And thou art my brother, and the son of my mother. J Shannon. 
 
114 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 " We might take an Ardsgoil Ghluain Irared* on our way, 
 where we might safely rest and meet with many friends," 
 suggested Maelmordha. 
 
 "Truly, we have many friends there, my brother, but we have 
 also many foes. I would for the present avoid all public places." 
 
 " It would be the wisest thing just now; also all highroads, 
 cities, and towns," said Amherghin. 
 
 "Then," said Maelmordha, "suppose we avoid the river, 
 and make our way to Deas Teabhtha.-f Once there we can see 
 our way more clearly." 
 
 " That, my brother, is the best course we can take." 
 
 While they thus talked, they partook of a plentiful meal, 
 which the brugh-fer and his waiters had set before them, after 
 having first presented them with tubs of water to bathe their 
 feet. Though they were not quite sure of the politics of those 
 by whom they were surrounded, they tried to appear as indifferent 
 as possible, and Maelmordha contrived to slip a few silver 
 coins into the hand of one of the servants, and directed him to 
 keep watch, without seeming to do so. Half an hour elapsed 
 and no sign of their pursuers, caused much surprise to the trio ; 
 they began to think that none of them thought the princes would 
 risk stopping at a public biadtach, which, in fact, they would not 
 have done had the news of the quarrel with the Ardrigh had 
 time to reach it. But as this news was liable to come at any 
 moment, our wanderers thought it prudent to pursue their 
 journey without further delay. They therefore set out from the 
 opposite door of the biadtach to that by which they had 
 entered ; and as agreed upon, travelled through the country, 
 having the Greek town of Truim on the right or north, and 
 Magh n-Ailbhe on the left or south side. By this means they 
 avoided meeting many persons, especially as they also kept clear 
 of the river, which was always full of boats and people gliding 
 backwards and forwards. They had not proceeded far into the 
 wood beyond Trim, when they heard horses galloping at some 
 distance behind them. They instinctively turned round, but 
 could see nothing, owing to the obstruction caused by the trees. 
 
 " Hurrah !" cried out Maelmordha. 
 
 "Why didst thou cry out }" asked Diarmaid. 
 
 " Why, to let our friends know where we are." 
 
 " How knowest thou whether they are friends or foes ?" 
 
 " I have no doubt they are the friends for whose coming we 
 are so anxious." 
 
 * The College of Olonard. J South Teffia, in west of Westmeath. 
 
ON THE SHAUGHRAUN. 115 
 
 " It may be so," said Amherghin," but I have misgivings about 
 it. Still if they are not those whom we expect, they may be 
 other friends or sympathisers ; at all events they need not 
 necessarily be foes." 
 
 " I think our foes have missed our path," said Diarmaid. 
 
 " Hark 1" said Maelmordha, " they approach nearer every 
 moment." 
 
 "Stay ye here," said Amherghin, "while I try to obtain a 
 glimpse of them without being seen." 
 
 The two brothers remained motionless beside a large tree, 
 while Amherghin was away, but in a few moments he ran back 
 breathless with terror and excitement, exclaiming I 
 
 " Faraoir ! faraoir l'^ they are the Fenians of King Tuathal. 
 They are on our track. • We must conceal ourselves at once." 
 
 " What shall we do }" said Diarmaid, " they have horses and 
 we have none." 
 
 " Their horses have brought them quickly upon us, but they 
 are of no avail in such a forest as this. They are dismounting 
 already," replied Amherghin. 
 
 " If we remain on the ground they may capture one or all of 
 us ; our only course is to climb the trees," said Maelmordha. 
 
 " Thou art right my brother," said Diarmaid, and here are 
 some very close ones. Let us mount." 
 
 In another minute the three fir oga were perched on as 
 many trees, at a great height above the ground, waiting with 
 keen anxiety to see what would happen next. They were not 
 kept long in suspense. The Fenians, for such they were, now 
 came very close to the spot where the fugitives were standing a 
 few minutes before. They darted about in all directions, though 
 never very far from the vicinity of the friends. 
 
 " Where can they have gone to }" exclaimed one of them at 
 last. 
 
 "Art thou sure that they were here at all ?" asked another. 
 
 " I am certain I heard a voice cry out ' hurrah !' and I am 
 equally certain that it was from somewhere hereabouts the voice 
 proceeded." 
 
 " But," asked a third, "what reason hast thou for thinking 
 that the voice was that of Prince Diarmaid.?" 
 
 " I do not think it was Prince Diarmaid's voice, but it struck 
 me as being very like the voice of his brother, and where Prince 
 Maelmordha is, his brother is not very far off." 
 
 "That is true ; but thou wert not near enough to distinguish 
 
 * (Pronounced for-reer) alas ! 
 
Il6 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 the voice of Lord Maelmordha, even though thou wert well 
 acquainted with it, which I doubt." 
 
 "Well, well, whoever it was, there is no trace of him now; 
 I feel there is no use in losing any more time here ; we had better 
 proceed further ; they may have fled on hearing our approach." 
 
 The trio in the trees, on hearing this, breathed more freely, 
 for they had heard every word of what passed. They were 
 already relaxing their hold on the branches, as a preparation 
 for freedom, when all at once their hearts stood still, as they 
 listened. 
 
 " Would it not be well to examine those great trees before 
 we quit so suspicious-looking a place as this .''" 
 
 "Dost thou mean to climb all these trees ? Why we would 
 require a reinforcement." 
 
 " No, I fear that would be hopeless, and perhaps after spend- 
 ing the day thus uselessly, we might miss one or two, which would 
 perhaps contain the object of our search." 
 
 " Well," said another, " lest we should be questioned about 
 the matter, we will give some of these trees a good shaking, and 
 if they contain any forbidden fruit, it shall be deposited at our 
 feet." 
 
 " Ha ! ha ! ha ! We shall see." 
 
 This was very unwelcome news to the " forbidden fruit;" so 
 they clung for dear life to the branches and upper part of the 
 triink, while their pursuers shook vigorously several of the 
 other trees round about them, until it appeared as if they were 
 going to miss the right ones. At last, however, one of them came 
 under the very tree on top of which Maelmordha sat. His 
 position was now a very critical one. Well he knew the im- 
 mense physical strength of these men, and he had no reason 
 to suppose that the particular individual, who now stood 
 beneath, was in any way inferior to the rest of his comrades ; 
 consequently he put forth all his strength and energy for the 
 final struggle; and he had need of both, for while he clung with 
 desperation to the thorny branches, the great tree swayed to and 
 fro, with such violence and rapidity, that it seemed every 
 moment as if torn up by the very roots. For an instant it 
 stopped, and a gleaming hope shot through the heart of its 
 occupant; but it was only for an instant, for the Herculus 
 beneath, letting go his hold, ran backward a few paces, when 
 with one giant-spring he plunged in among the branches, only 
 a very little distance below the unhappy Maelmordha, who now 
 nearly lost all hope, expecting every moment a hand-to-hand 
 encounter with his antagonist. He grasped his lance, point 
 
ON THE SHAUGHRAUN. 1 17 
 
 downwards, even while the same hand assisted the other to 
 enable him to keep his desperate hold on the tree, which rocked 
 and heaved as furiously as ever. Maelmordha's every sense and 
 every nerve was stretched to the utmost tension, for the 
 desperate encounter he felt was coming, as his enemy every 
 instant ascended higher and higher, when suddenly, a voice 
 from below called out in a commanding tone : 
 
 " Hallo, there, come down out of that, there is no use in 
 losing any more time here ; it is evident that the princes have 
 escaped so far ; but we must follow them, or answer for it to the 
 Ardrigh." 
 
 Before this address was half finished the object of it stood 
 beside his leader, to whom he said : 
 
 " I was in hopes that I could succeed in capturing one, if 
 not all of the fugitives. I had a suspicion of that tree." 
 
 "Why, didst thou see anything in it ?'' 
 
 " No ; I saw nothing ; but the unusual size and closeness of 
 it induced me to think that it might be preferred as a hiding 
 place to many others which grow around it," 
 
 " Oh, if that is all, we had better seek elsewhere. They 
 have had too long a start of us already. Call thy comrades." 
 
 The comrades having been all brought together, two or 
 three of them were ordered to bring the horses of all round by 
 the northern side of the wood, which was much thinner of 
 trees, while their companions explored the denser part of 
 the forest in hopes of coming upon the fugitives. When they 
 had all fairly gone on their way, the three friends de- 
 scended from their respective trees, and shook hands all round, 
 congratulating each other on their escape. Maelmordha 
 was specially sympathized with for the perilous position in 
 which he had found himself. His bleeding hands were kissed 
 by Diarmaid, and after his example by Amherghin. They sat 
 down on the grass to rest, and to give their pursuers time to go 
 a sufficient distance out of their intended path. They wondered 
 what had become of those who had originally pursued them on 
 foot, and how it came to pass that these horsemen could have 
 been so quickly put upon their track. Thus they speculated 
 and conversed about what had occurred, and what they would 
 now do, until they felt suflBciently rested, and deemed it safe to 
 pursue their journey. On and on they went through the forest, 
 and ere they left it, the monastery bells from the Round Tower 
 of Cluain-Irared, which was behind them a few miles to the 
 south-east, struck upon their ears ; they fervently joined in 
 spirit with their former companions and tutors in worship of 
 
Il8 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 the Most High, and as they now felt no fear of being overheard 
 by any whose interest or duty it was to capture them, they 
 commenced to raise their voices in chanting the psalms, which 
 they knew were being then chanted in the church of the 
 monastery, and which this time they offered in thanksgiving for 
 their deliverance, and in supplication for their future safety. 
 Soon after their voices died away they emerged into the open 
 country ; and their first act was to take a longing look at the 
 dear old cloigteach of Cluain-Irared, which reared its immense 
 height in the distance. Never before, perhaps, did they regard 
 it with so much affection. Never before did the world seem 
 so empty, so deceptive, so inadequate to supply the inward 
 cravings of man's heart. Mur Ollamhain was a glorious insti- 
 tution ; an institution which, for antiquity, learning, and refine- 
 ment every Irishman must feel proud ; and our young princes 
 did feel proud of it ; but, for all that, as they stood there, they 
 questioned if they did not feel happier, far happier at Cluain- 
 Irared, the sanctuary of saints as well as scholars. But they 
 had no time then for idle reminiscenses of the past ; the 
 present, and the immediate future was before them in all their 
 stern reality. They knew not what to-morrow would bring. 
 Hope in Providence, and a secondary though innate reliance 
 on their own brave, manly hearts, together with their fraternal' 
 affection, and the devotion of their faithful follower and friend, 
 were the treasures of their exile. Their way now lay through a 
 smiling country. Nothing but fields of corn, or flax, or hay-* 
 ricks, and the other evidences of farming, met their gaze, or 
 else pastures of kine, or sheep, dotted the landscape. Espying 
 a comfortable farm-house a little way off, they concluded to visit 
 it, Amherghin proposing that he should precede them a little dis- 
 tance to see that all was safe. This was agreed to, so Amherghin, 
 after a little, disappeared inside the farm-house. He soon 
 emerged again, and beckoned to his companions, who quickened 
 their pace. A little dog ^hich happened to be outside, barked 
 at them, but was speedily quieted by a little golden-haired girl 
 of about four years of age, who took him up in her arms. 
 Diarmaid and Maelmordha shook hands with her and patted 
 her on the head ; they then entered the house, where they were 
 hospitably entertained, and had their wounds, especially Mael- 
 mordha's, dressed. Having rested for a little, they took leave 
 of their entertainers, but did not offer them any compensation, 
 as it would be a great insult to even the humblest householder. 
 However, Diarmaid satisfied his conscience by presenting to the 
 little girl several bright gold coins, which gave great pleasure 
 
ON THE SHAUGHRAUN. Iig 
 
 to the child. Again resuming their journey, they traversed a 
 highly cultivated country, and though they met with many in- 
 viting-looking homesteads, they did not think it prudent to 
 stop oftener than was absolutely necessary. Thus they travelled 
 for many days, without any sign of their expected friends, 
 though so far they had succeeded in baffling their foes. The 
 nights were passed either in a public biadteach, or in a cottier's, or 
 farmer's house ; though sometimes, when no habitation of any 
 description was in view, they were obliged to lay themselves 
 down on the grass. This was especially the case when their 
 way led through a wood. Those inconveniences would not 
 occur but for their outlawed condition, for they felt constrained 
 above all things to avoid all cities, towns, and other populous 
 places. At last they entered the country of Deas Teabhtha, in 
 which part of the private patrimony of Prince Diarmaid was 
 situated. This fact raised their spirits not a little, and with 
 renewed courage they proceeded on their weary journey. At last 
 they came to the boundary which divided Diarmaid's property 
 from that of his neighbour. This they joyfully crossed, and 
 had no sooner done so than they sent up a loud huzza ! 
 Still, the fact of being on his own ground, was as yet but of 
 little avail to Diarmaid, or his companions, for the outward 
 boundary on their side was skirted by a forest. Into this 
 forest they accordingly entered, and plodded along while 
 ever they were able. At last when their strength failed, they 
 sat themselves down to rest, in as sad a plight as any they 
 had been in since their flight. Still they were not without 
 consolation. Diarmaid could call the ground on which he 
 lay, and the trees which surrounded him, his own. Then 
 they were nearer to safety, and, so far, at least, they had 
 escaped their pursuers. Here they lay for some time, list- 
 lessly conversing with each other, and expressing surprise at 
 the delay of their friends, assigning several reasons for it, that 
 they feared the risk, lest they should be caught ; that they were 
 unable to get the horses, and come on, on foot, in which case 
 they might not meet for long enough ; that they had got off 
 with the horses, but had been overtaken by the oflBcers of the 
 Ardrigh, and that they were now suffering for their temerity. 
 Many other causes they assigned, but were unable to come to 
 any conclusion. Then they commenced to talk about their 
 pursuers, wondered what had become of the first batch, on foot, 
 who entered the residence of the Flaith. Were they delayed 
 there ? Or did they leave the house by an opposite way } 
 Where went the horsemen who had so nearly captured them .-" 
 
I20 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 What route did they take after leaving the forest, &c. By 
 degrees the conversation died out,, and their eyelids were begin- 
 ning to close from the effects of the over fatigue they had gone 
 through, when — 
 
 " Hist I what is that ?" exclaimed Amherghin. 
 
 " Horses galloping," said Maelmordha, '' to the trees ! to 
 the trees 1" 
 
 " Ho 1" said Diarmaid, " they have dared to pursue me into 
 my own territory ; but Tuathal cares nought for that. He would 
 as soon have me captured here as elsewhere ; perhaps sooner." 
 
 By this time they had climbed the trees, and waited anxiously 
 for the result. They heard the galloping approaching nearer every 
 moment until at length it ceased, and now they heard voices 
 and footsteps approaching. It appeared as if horses were being 
 led through the forest. On and on they came, the three friends 
 peered through the trees to try to get a glimpse of the new- 
 comers. The latter led their horses right under where the 
 friends were ensconced. They were chatting as they came 
 along. Right in front of where Amherghin v/as mounted came 
 the foremost of the band. He was talking to those beside, and 
 immediately behind him. The listeners in the trees heard him 
 say: 
 
 " It is very singular that we have found no trace of them so 
 far. I am quite at fault." 
 
 "After all," said a second, "it is not very surprising, con- 
 sidering the caution they must have observed, and, the great 
 extent of ground over which they must have travelled by this 
 time. It is just possible that we are not on the right track at all." 
 
 " We must be on the right track," said a third, " for this is 
 Prionsa Diarmaid's own territory, and there is nothing more 
 likely than that he shall try to reach it by the nearest possible 
 route." ^ 
 
 " Yes," said a fourth ; " and, besides, this is the way we 
 were directed to come by Amherghin Mac Amlaghaidh who told 
 us " 
 
 " That it was the route Prince Diarmaid would most likely 
 take should he be obliged to fly," exclaimed Amherghin himself, 
 appearing suddenly before the speakers. 
 
 The latter stood stock-still with astonishment at the un- 
 expected apparition. 
 
 " Didst thou fall from the skies, or whence ?" asked four or 
 five in one breath. 
 
 " No," replied Amherghin, " I fell from a tree, on recognis- 
 ing ye. And the princes are here, too, all safe." 
 
ON THE SHAUGHRAUN. 121 
 
 On this the two brothers jumped from their hiding-places, 
 and appeared before their astonished friends, who sent up a 
 cheer of wild delight, and waved their barreads with exultation. 
 
 After a general hand-shaking all round, they all sat down on 
 the grass together to relate their adventures ; and while the 
 horses grazed at a little distance, one of the new comers pro- 
 duced a tiaga, or large leather-satchel, which was stuflfed with 
 provisions. This was welcome to the weary fugitives; and while 
 the meal was being prepared, another went towards one of the 
 horses and carried back a cruit, or harp, which he presented to 
 the delighted Amherghin. 
 
 "So, Amherghin," said Diarmaid, "our friends did not for- 
 get thy harp." 
 
 " I told them, prince, not on any account to forget it, if they 
 could by any chance secure it. How much shorter our past 
 journey would have appeared had it been in our company." 
 
 "That is quite true," said Maelmordha ; "and when we 
 have partaken of our much needed meal, and related our 
 respective adventures, thy sweet harp and sweeter voice shall 
 make us, for awhile, forget our forlorn condition." 
 
 " Thou art complimentary, mo thiarna* and it shall always be 
 the proudest object of my life to earn the good opinion of thy 
 royal brother and thyself." 
 
 They then proceeded to discuss the ready-cooked meal, 
 which was set before them, and which the whole company 
 declared they enjoyed better than any they had ever before 
 partaken of. When the new arrivals had heard the story of 
 their royal friends, and the doubt and surprise they and 
 Amherghin expressed regarding their pursuers, they were able to 
 clear up these difficulties. They assured them that from what 
 they could learn, they were convinced that the flaith, into 
 whose house their pursuers had entered in search of them, was 
 secretly attached to Prince Diarmaid, for the pursuers were de- 
 tained there a considerable time, and the flaith would not hear of 
 the officers of King Tuathal leaving his house without been 
 hospitably entertained. The officers were nothing loath, so 
 that by the time that they left the loyal flaith they were a long 
 way behind the objects of their pursuit. As for the horsemen, 
 who followed in their wake, it was explained that they had been 
 sent by the Ardrighan on the first rumour of what had taken 
 place ; they met the Ardrigh long before he entered the city, 
 and consequently were enabled to come up with the fugitives 
 
 * My lord. 
 
122 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 sooner than would otherwise have been possible ; they had 
 scoured the whole country, and they had had the pleasure of 
 meeting them at their journey hither, "though they little 
 guessed the nature of our ride," continued the narrator. 
 "Indeed, once fairly out of Teamhair by stratagem, we soon 
 discovered that many persons mistook us for volunteers of King 
 Tuathal, in the pursuit of his enemy." 
 
 This last observation caused great amusement to the hearers, 
 who were now in better spirits than they had been since their 
 flight. Diarmaid now called on Amherghin for a song, before 
 they resumed their journey. Amherghin, after tuning his harp, 
 proceeded to comply, and burst forth into the following song of 
 Ossian : — 
 
 [translation.] 
 
 " From Boisgne first host-leading Gorrie sprung ; 
 From Gorrie, Conn, in lays of victory sung ; 
 The generous Parlagh boasts a sire in Conn, 
 And in Treanmor a brave and gallant son. 
 Next from Treanmor the festive Cumhal came ; 
 From Cumhal, Finn, of great prophetic fame; 
 The last of all the illustrious line behold 
 In Ossian, son oi Finn, now poor and old. 
 Oh ! did the Fenians breathe this vital air. 
 Thou son of Calfruin, ne'er would I repair 
 Thus to thy cell, nor pass the vreary time 
 In Ustening to the dull, eternal chime 
 Of thy church notes — when in Maynoothe's sweet bowers 
 My Caoilte passed with me the happy hoiirs. 
 No want we knew — but now behold me, sage. 
 With generous pity, worn by care and age. 
 The sole survivor of a numerous line. 
 Thus left in want and soUtude to pine." 
 
 This concluded, the harpist was loudly cheered, and they 
 would have insisted on another song, but that the princes thought 
 it better to be moving ; they could stop again farther on. 
 Diarmaid, however, complimented Amherghin, and expressed his 
 concern that one like him, who had taken out the highest degrees 
 at Mur Ollamhain, should lose himself in following an out- 
 lawed prince, who might never be in a position to adequately 
 repay his services. 
 
 -" Oh, prince, thou knowest me not, when thou speakest so. 
 I have resolved to devote my life to thee, and, whether in pros- 
 perity or adversity, I will remain faithful to thee till death." 
 
 Diarmaid held out his hand to Amherghin, exclaiming: 
 " Thanks, a thousand thanks, my friend, and I trust Pro- 
 vidence will give me the power to reward such devotion." 
 
ON THE SHAUGHRAUN. 
 
 123 
 
 " My best reward, oh, prince, is the consciousness of having 
 done my duty to him whom I believe to be my lawful sovereign." 
 
 "Nay, O Amherghin, if I am ever Ardrigh, thou shalt be Ard 
 Fileadh,"* 
 
 The approving cheer which went up from their companions 
 completely drowned the grateful reply of Amherghin ; but once 
 more the prince and the poet clasped hands. 
 
 All then got into moving order, but as yet they could not 
 mount their horses, they had to lead them through the thicker 
 part of the forest. After a little, however, the trees became 
 more scattered. The company then prepared to mount. The 
 horses belonging to Diarmaid, Maelmordha, and Amherghin 
 showed evident demonstrations of delight at the near prospect 
 of again carrying their respective masters, whose journey now 
 became much easier than it was before. After awhile tKey 
 were able to gallop, as the obstructions to their progress be- 
 came fewer. Soon they came again upon a smiling, cultivated 
 country, inhabited by some of the thriving, prosperous clansmen 
 of Prince Diarmaid. Though taking the less frequented ways, 
 they were soon recognised. By degrees the news spread, when 
 nearly every inhabitant within a reasonable distance poured out 
 of their homes to greet their beloved flaith. Though Diarmaid 
 appreciated this evidence of devotion in his own people, it 
 made him anxious and uneasy lest the tumult of the demon- 
 strations should attract strangers, and possibly enemies, to the 
 scene. He consequently explained his position to them, and 
 begged of them to forego their intention of acquainting the rest 
 of his tribe-men of his arrival, as a crowd of even the most at- 
 tached friends would only expose him and his faithful followers 
 to the risk of capture. This representation had the desired 
 effect ; but the prince and his company were obliged to partake 
 of the hospitalities of the people, who also took the opportunity 
 to give him part of his rents and dues, in money and in kind. 
 They were soon all loaded with provisions and with various use- 
 ful articles, until the prince declared that any more would only 
 impede their progress, and he absolutely refused to take kine, 
 sheep, or other animals. It would be impossible for the present. 
 It was then arranged that these animals, as well as other com- 
 modities, should be sent from time to time to the country about 
 the confluence of the Sionnain and the Brosna. Diarmaid did 
 not as yet know the exact spot where he would take up his pre- 
 carious abode. All being arranged, the travellers took a warm 
 
 * Chief Bard, or Poet Laureate. 
 
124 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 farewell of Prince Diarmaid's devoted people, whose prayers and 
 benedictions followed them on their way. On they galloped 
 through Teabhtha, always observing the utmost secrecy. The 
 swiftness of their horses soon brought them to an earthen wall, 
 when Maelmordha exclaimed : 
 
 " Lo 1 Diarmaid, my brother, we are now at the boundaries 
 of Artibra, which, as thou rememberest, thou didst bestow on 
 our old school-fellow, Ciaran Mac an t-Saoir." 
 
 "Well, my brother," replied Diarmaid, "dost thou think 
 that Ciaran would refuse us permission, now that we are air an 
 seacrdn* to travel over lands, that, as prince and heir, I be- 
 stowed upon him in trust for the church and her children at 
 home and abroad." 
 
 " Nay, Diarmaid, I meant not that, but I am not without 
 hope that we may now meet with an old friend, whose sanctuary 
 will shield us from danger." 
 
 " I would much wish to meet with Ciaran once more ; I 
 have not heard that he has, so far, made any use of Artibra 
 — let us cross the wall — but we know that he has erected a mon- 
 astery in the Inis Aingin. We may perhaps some day sail up 
 the Sionnain to visit him." 
 
 " I fear," said Maelmordha, " that my horse is breaking 
 down." 
 
 "That is unfortunate just yet. If we were once at the 
 Brosna " 
 
 "Ah, but I am sorry for my poor horse.'' 
 
 Here Maelmordha began patting it. 
 
 "I am sorry, too, Maelmordha," said Diarmaid, "especially 
 as it is the brother of my own fine animal. What could have; 
 happened to it } I had thought they were the two best animals 
 in all Midhe. Let us dismount for awhile to rest him." 
 
 All accordingly dismounted, and while the horses rested and 
 fed, Maelmordha's horse being particularly petted and attended 
 to, their respective owners sat down and partook of some of the 
 provisions at their disposal, after which Amherghin, the most 
 perfect musician of the party, sung several songs of chivalry and 
 war, accompanying himself on his cruit. Several others of the 
 party also amused themselves in this manner, with Amherghin's 
 harp. When they had spent a little time thus they remounted 
 their steeds ; after travelling for some time, dismounting, to lead 
 their horses wherever the trees became too numerous, they in 
 the end reached the banks of the Brosna, without, so far as they 
 
 • On the Shaughraun. 
 
ON THE SHAUGHRAUX. 1 25 
 
 could see, meeting with any sign that their old companion had 
 as yet inhabited Artibra. This latter ride was somewhat pro- 
 longed by Maelmordha's steed having become weaker and more 
 exhausted at every step. At length, when within a short dis- 
 tance of the river, it broke down completely, and refused to pro- 
 ceed any further. The poor animal lay down, surrounded by 
 sympathising bipeds and quadrupeds. Diarmaid's horse made 
 the most affectionate demonstrations of love and sorrow, which 
 the invalid seemed to acknowledge as well as it could. The 
 bystanders were very much affected by this natural love dis- 
 played by two beasts." 
 
 "This affecting spectacle," said Diarmaid, "ought to be 
 a lesson to men, who are bound together by human ties " 
 
 "We, at least," said Maelmordha, "have nothing to re- 
 proach ourselves with in that respect." 
 
 " No," said Diarmaid, " we never had ; but there are many 
 who appear utterly dead to all natural feelings, even while they 
 easily coalesce with foreign elements. But I fear the poor 
 animal is going fast.'' 
 
 " He is dead," said Amherghin, a minute later. 
 
 "And I have lost a true friend," said Maelmordha. 
 
 "And my steed is stricken with sorrow," said Diarmaid. 
 
 " They were two superb animals," said Amherghin. " What 
 raven blackness !" 
 
 " Shall we bury the dead animal ?" asked one of the at- 
 tendants. 
 
 " Yea," said Maelmordha, " we cannot remain here." 
 
 Many hands set about preparing a grave with such im- 
 plements as were at their disposal, and soon Maelmorhda's 
 black steed was lovingly laid in earth, with a covering of 
 green sods placed over him. 
 
 Diarmaid patted his own horse and led him away; the 
 rest followed his example. When they got a few paces away 
 each offered his horse to Maelmordha, but he declined, on the 
 ground that he could not bear to ride any other horse just 
 yet, and that it was scarcely worth while, as they were very 
 near the river Brosna. 
 
 " Then," said Diarmaid, " we shall all walk to the river." 
 
 This they accordingly did, some of the attendants going 
 a little before, to guard against surprise from a possible enemy. 
 The royal brothers and the rest of their party continued their 
 course, as the scouting party gave no signs of danger. One of 
 the last-named party had, in fact, called one of the 5ad-fiara 
 (boatmen), and having questioned him, discovered th'at he was 
 
126 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 the son of one of Prince Diarmaid's tribe-men. This welcome in- 
 telligence induced him to let the young man into his confidence. 
 The result was that in a few minutes several other boats lay in 
 readiness to receive the prince and his party. Nothing could 
 have been so fortunate as this accidental rencontre with Seamus,* 
 for such was the boatman's name. He was ardently attached 
 to Prince Diarmaid, and was, besides, very popular with his 
 fellow-boatmen. He soon had several whom he could trust 
 about him ; others he sent for to take charge of the horses. 
 When everything was ready, he called aside the chief of the 
 scouting party, and conversed with him for a few minutes in 
 low tones. The intelligence conveyed by the boatman appeared 
 to be rather alarming, for his new acquaintance ran back to 
 meet the approaching royal party, who, seeing his alarming 
 attitude, suddenly stopped in the course. When he was within 
 speaking distance, the prince called out : 
 
 " What is it, Peader ?f Is there any danger ?" 
 
 "Nay, oh, illustrious prince, there is no immediate danger; 
 but yonder boatman, who is none other than thy trusty adherent, 
 Seamus Mac Aodh, has informed me that the usurper, Tuathal 
 Maelgarbh, has banished thee out of the kingdom of Midhe, and 
 set a price of one thousand milch kine upon thy heart." 
 
 "A Chineamhuin^X exclaimed Diarmaid ! "then is my life 
 in even more dg-nger than my liberty." 
 
 "But how came Seamus Mac Aodh to learn that, while we 
 have heard naught concerning it before .''" asked Maelmordha. 
 
 "Thou forgettest, mo thiarna, that we have travelled by the 
 most unfrequented ways, while Seamus has been plying up and 
 down the public river, and has, moreover, been meeting with 
 people from several of the cities and towns of Midhe." 
 
 " Is then the sentence of the Ardrigh proclaimed throughout 
 all the kingdom of Midhe .?" asked Amherghin. 
 
 "Throughout every city and town of Midhe, and all along 
 both banks of every Midhian§ river, the proclamation of Tuathal 
 Maelgarbh sets forth that Prince Diarmaid Mac Feargus Mac 
 Cearbhall is, by his royal fiat, banished from the kingdom of 
 Midhe; and further, that one thousand milch kine shall be the 
 reward of him who shall lay the prince's heart at the feet of the 
 Ardrigh." 
 
 "Though now surrounded by loyal friends," exclaimed Prince 
 Diarmaid, "I know not how soon I may meet the foe whose 
 interest it will be to tear the heart out of my body." 
 
 * (Pronounced Shemus) James. t Peter. 
 
 % (Prorfounced hyinn-a-winn) oh ! fate. § Meathian. 
 
ON THE SHAUGHRAUN. 127 
 
 " Before that foe can reach thy heart," exclaimed Mael- 
 mordha, fervently, and throwing his arms around his brother's 
 neck, " he must first pierce mine." 
 
 Diarmaid returned the embrace but was too full to speak. 
 All then knelt before Prince Diarmaid and pledged themselves 
 solemnly to be faithful to him unto death. Seamus, who was in 
 sight, now joined them, and united his vows to theirs. Diarmaid 
 received him warmly, and confided himself and his friends to his 
 keeping. All then proceeded to the river bank, where their 
 horses were taken in charge to be brought to the stables of a 
 neighbouring friendly flaith, the father of Amherghin, and they 
 themselves entered the boats there ready to receive them. A 
 favourable moment, when none of the other passenger boats, 
 which were plying up and down the river, were attracted to the 
 royal party, was taken advantage of for Diarmaid's descent into 
 Seamus's own boat. Maelmordha, Amherghin, and a few others 
 sailed with him in this boat, the rest of the party occupying the 
 other boats. When all was in readiness, the corachs were put 
 in motion, and sped swiftly along the river Brosna, without at- 
 tracting any particular notice from the river or the banks. 
 They did not go far, however, until they had an opportunity of 
 reading the " Proclamation." When Diarmaid had read his 
 " sentence," he turned calmly to Seamus, and said : 
 
 " The first part, O Seamus, of this fiat of Tuathal Maelgarbh, 
 it is my intention, at least for the present, to obey; and in 
 furtherance thereof, I beg of thee to take us as quickly as pos- 
 sible outside the kingdom of Midhe i* for the rest we must trust 
 to Providence alone." 
 
 " We shall do our best, oh prince, and shall take thee and thy 
 friends out of Midhe as quickly as our corachs will carry us ; but 
 thou knowest, oh prince, that excessive speed would attract un- 
 due attention, besides endangering collision with other pas- 
 sengers on this crowded river." 
 
 " Well, thou art the best judge of that. I leave all in thine 
 hands." 
 
 The voyage down the Brosna was not marked by any parti- 
 ticular incident, save that now and again some individual or 
 other in some passing corach, recognised and saluted the prince 
 and his brother. These encounters, though friendly, some- 
 times caused no little concern to Diarmaid and his friends, 
 especially as the "Proclamation" was posted at intervals all along 
 
 * The ancient kingdom of Meath extended to the Shannon, which river 
 divided it from the kingdom of Coimacht. 
 
128 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 the Brosna, on both banks, and as the passengers whom they 
 were constantly meeting were bound, many of them at least, 
 for the capital. Still they sailed along, though the repeated 
 meetings with the " Proclamations" seemed to unhinge Mael- 
 mordha even more than they did his brother, especially those 
 posted on the right bank of the Brosna. At last he exclaimed : 
 
 " Is it not extraordinary, O Diarmaid, that Tuathal, or his 
 servants, have had the temerity to post those outrageous pro- 
 clamations, even on thine own property; or at least what was 
 thine own before thou didst grant it to Ciaran Mac an t-Saoir .?" 
 
 '' It is certainly rather humiliating ; but I am convinced that 
 Ciaran knows nothing about it, else he would never per- 
 mit it." 
 
 " Would he dare to remove them ?" 
 
 " I am certain he would, but it is evident he is not in Artibra 
 at all." 
 
 " Where then can he he? We know he has long ago left 
 Cluain-Irared." 
 
 " Oh, yes ; he has founded a monastery in Inis Ainghin, 
 where, no doubt, he may be found. We must seek him." 
 
 " I suppose it would be imprudent to remove the postings 
 ourselves ?" 
 
 " It would be very dangerous in such a crowded place as 
 this. It must not be thought of." 
 
 " Now, Diarmaid, my brother, I have something to say to 
 thee." 
 
 " And what is it. mo gradh ?" 
 
 " We are now very near the river Sionnain, where thou wilt be 
 much safer than within the territory of Midhe. Well, thou and 
 Tuathal Maelgarbh are rivals ; he has usurped thy throne, and 
 from that throne has pronounced sentence of exile and death 
 upon thee. Is that jftst }" 
 
 "Just! no; but what of that ? Tuathal Maelgarbh is Ardrigh 
 n-Erind, de facto " 
 
 " And thou art Ardrigh n-Erind dej'ure." 
 
 "Ah! well, suppose so. Still I cannot make out what thou 
 art driving at." 
 
 " Well, look, O Diarmaid, here now is another copy of the 
 ' Proclamation ' which Tuathal has issued against thee. Now, 
 hast not thou just as good a right to issue such another ' Pro- 
 clamation ' against Tuathal himself .''" 
 
 " It is absurd. I am not at Teamhair." 
 
 " What of that } Thou art Ardrigh ; is not that enough .' 
 Wherever thou art, there is the ' court,' and the seat of thy 
 
ON THE SHAUGHRAUN. 1 29 
 
 power. The golden throne, and the state chambers of Rath na 
 Righ, and Teach Miodchuarta are not the source of royalty, 
 they are but its emblems. Tuathal has usurped these ; but all 
 lawful power vests in thee alone, This corach here, or, — if thou 
 landest first — a stone, orthe stump of a tree, will serve for thy 
 throne until the dawn of a better day." 
 
 " And when I am enthroned in state on the stump of a tree, 
 what am I to do ?" 
 
 "Issue such another ' Proclamation ' as that," pointing to 
 another, "against the traitor, Tuathal Maelgarbh. We shall not 
 be short of parchment or of scriveners." 
 
 " Good 1 and what then.?" 
 
 "Why, then, some one will proceed at once to carry thy 
 sentence into execution." 
 
 "Oh!" 
 
 "That will not be murder or assassination." 
 
 "Oh! no." 
 
 " But I am serious, O Diarmaid ; it will be but carrying out 
 a legal sentence." 
 
 " I wonder what would our old master, Finian of Cluain- 
 Irared, say to thy legal sentence }" 
 
 " What would he say to Tuathal's sentence." 
 
 " I do not think he would approve of either." 
 
 "Well, Tuathal is the aggressor, and he deserves banish- 
 ment, if not death, for his crime." 
 
 "Lol" exclaimed Diarmaid, " we are at the confluence of 
 the Brosna with the Sionnain." 
 
 "And thou art safe." 
 
 " I am not so sure of that just yet." 
 
 Having entered the river Sionnain they encountered numerous 
 other corachs plying between the cities and seaports of Mum- 
 hain* and Connacht, also vessels of a larger build, which 
 carried Irish and foreign merchandise along that noble river. 
 Here they crossed over to the Connacht side of the river, where 
 was situated a public biadhtach. Having rested and refreshed 
 themselves here, they again entered their boats, and continued 
 to sail down the Sionnain for about five miles, until they reached 
 the confluence of that river with the Suck. Here they were 
 invited to sup at the great rath of a noble flaith, who had known 
 Diarmaid and Maelmordha from infancy, ^hey remained here 
 all night, and the next morning resumed their voyage. Care 
 was always taken that no stranger should, under any pretence 
 
 * Munster. 
 
130 
 
 THE LAST MONARCH OF TAR A. 
 
 whatever, be allowed to enter the corach in which Diarmaid 
 sailed. Still, as they went northward, Diarmaid and Mael- 
 mordha often expressed surprise that no trace of anything ap- 
 proaching to any kind of building was observable in any part of 
 Artibra, either during their ride, through a portion of it, or on 
 its boundaries (southern) along the Brosna and the Sionnain, 
 or its Sionnain-skirted weslern mearn. However, when they 
 arrived at the extreme northern boundary of Artibra, they dis- 
 embarked, and entered a great rath belonging to Mac 
 Amhlaigh, Lord of Calraidh (Calry), Amherghin's father. 
 Here they were hospitably entertained ; they were shown all over 
 the rich grazing and tillage lands, as well as the gardens and 
 orchards of the fiaith. Before they left this (for they dare not re- 
 main even here), the flaith exacted a promise thattheywouldoften 
 again call at his house. This was agreed to, and they once 
 more entered their boats to continue their sail further down the 
 river, stopping on their way now at an humble cottage, again 
 at a lordly mansion ; at one time at the Midhian, at another at 
 the Connacht side of the river; sometimes they would stop a 
 night at the house of a brughfer, sometimes at that of an arti- 
 ficer. In answer to all inquiries as to why they would not take 
 up their abode at each of these different kinds of houses, they 
 invariably replied that the prince was obliged, for greater safety, 
 to remain as much as possible on the rivers. In this manner 
 many weeks passed by, the royal party sailing up and down the 
 Sionnain ; sometimes northward to Loch Ri, sometimes south- 
 ward to Loch Dearg, now taking a ride down the Suck again, 
 even daring the Midhian river Brosna. Diarmaid's clansmen had 
 kept their word. Every other day brought cattle, sheep, pigs, 
 poultry, honey, fruit, wines, suitable articles of dress, &c. 
 These tributes Diarmaid did not exactly need, owing to the 
 hospitality of all his friends along both banks of the river, still 
 they enabled him to make presents to his friends and followers, 
 and to give alms to the poor and sick, and to all who might 
 stand in need. It was, besides, a proof of the integrity and 
 devotion of his people, who sent him even more than his due, 
 at a time when, being on the shaughraun and outlawed, he could 
 not recover his tributes, were his followers unwilling to pay. 
 Many friendly greetings and messages of loyalty usually ac- 
 companied the tributes. Among the rest, he was assured that 
 hundreds of brave and manly hearts and hands were at his ser- 
 vice whenever he should require them. All this was very con- 
 soling to the prince, who returned his hearty thanks, and 
 frequently suitable presents as well. 
 
THE PROPHECY. 131 
 
 All U-SeACUtilAt) CAlblt)lt. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 An ■p^.Toe^-cc. 
 
 THE PROPHECY. 
 
 One day, as they were sailing along the Sionnain, they per- 
 ceived among the crowds of boats and other small vessels, one 
 in which were several men, apparently in the garb of monks ; 
 they were at too great a distance for our wanderers to distinguish 
 more. Soon they stopped, and were observed to disembark on 
 the banks of Artibra. On perceiving this a strange hope took 
 possession of Diarmaid and Maelmorda. In compliance with 
 their wishes, Seamus increased the speed of their corach. 
 When they arrived at the spot where they saw the monks dis- 
 embark, they did in like manner — Diarmaid, Maelmorda, and all 
 their followers. They penetrated into the interior of Artibra, 
 in hopes of coming up with the monks. Very soon they saw 
 them at a little distance. Following in the same direction, they 
 came up with them at the place called Druim Tibrait, or the 
 Hill of the Well. Some of the brethren were in the act of 
 cutting down trees with biaila, or axes, which they had brought 
 with them : others were clearing the hill. On hearing the foot- 
 steps behind, one of them turned round, and in another 
 moment Diarmaid and his old school-fellow, Ciaran Mac an t-Saoir 
 were clasped in each other's arms. Ciaran nekt embraced Mael- 
 mordha, and in turn greeted all the rest. When they had each 
 related all their adventures since they had parted in Clonard 
 College, Ciaran inquired why they had not visited him at Inis 
 Ainghin, where he had founded his first monastery, thanks to the 
 generosity of Diarmaid. Diarmaid replied that he and Mael- 
 mordha had gone to his monastery, but they were told that he 
 was away on a mission ; they were prevented calling again by 
 the numerous invitations which they were obliged to accept 
 from their numerous kind friends along the river. 
 
 " We did not make ourselves known to thy monks," said 
 Maelmordha. 
 
 " Surely ye were not afraid oi them,'" said Ciaran. 
 
 " Oh, no ; but we had determined to visit Inis Ainghin again." 
 
132 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 " Ye shall always be at home at Inis Ainghin and at Artibra,' ' 
 said Ciaran. 
 
 " What work is about being done here ?" said Diarmaid. 
 
 " The erecting of a small church," said Ciaran. 
 
 " Well, may that indeed belts name," said Diarmaid, 'Eglais 
 Beg' (or the Little Church)." 
 
 " Plant the pole with me," said Ciaran ; " and let mine hand 
 be above thine hand on it, and thine hand and thy sovereign 
 sway shall be over the men of Eire before long." 
 
 " How can this be ?" said Diarmaid, " since Tuathal is 
 Monarch of Eire, and I am exiled by him." 
 
 " God is powerful for that," said Ciaran. 
 
 They then set up the pole, and Diarmaid made a new and 
 solemn offering of the place to God and the Abbot Ciaran. All 
 then set to work, both Ciaran and his monks, and Diarmaid, 
 Maelmordha, and their attendants, and very soon a good tem- 
 porary building was erected, suflScient for present needs, to be 
 enlarged, improved, and extended by Ciaran, his monks, and 
 their respective successors. This was the humble origin of the 
 famous monastic school, which was afterwards known as Clon- 
 macnoise, and which soon bid fair to eclipse the glory of Clonard 
 itself. The ruins of Clonmacnoiseare all that English vandalism 
 has left of this ancient seat of religion and learning. When will 
 freedom again dawn on the posterity of the founders and patrons 
 of this and myriads of similar institutions, which in these early 
 ages dotted all over the land of the Gael ? 
 
 An U-OCUtTIA'6 CAlblTHt. 
 
 CHAPTER Vni. 
 
 Hun mA^etmop-oA. 
 
 THE PROJECT OF MAELMORDHA. 
 
 The Abbot Ciaran invited the brothers and their party to stay 
 with him for a few days ; this they cordially agreed to, and 
 they all rather enjoyed the novelty of the situation. Maelmordha 
 seemed rather restless, and towards evening disappeared ; but, 
 owing to the frequent moving up and down through Artibra of 
 the other young men, his longer absence was not noticed. 
 Seamus, the boatman, was therefore a little surprised to see him 
 
THE PROJECT OF MAELMORDHA. 133 
 
 coming towards him all alone. He saluted respectfully, the 
 young lord returned the courtesy, and coming nearer, exclaimed : 
 
 " Seamus, my good fellow, couldst thou bring me back to 
 Teamhair, all alone ?" 
 
 " Back to Teamhair ! and alone 1 Is my lord serious ?" 
 
 " Perfectly serious, Seamus. Canst thou do it at once, with- 
 out letting my brother or any of our friends know aught about 
 the matter ?" 
 
 " But remember the risk, mo thiama, even though the Ardrigh 
 is absent." 
 
 •'The Ardrigh absent! What meanest thou, O Seamus .?" 
 
 " That King Tuathal has left Teamhair for Greallach Eilti,* 
 where he is to hold an assembly on to-morrow." 
 
 " Ha, then he has come half way; but how knowest thou 
 that Tuathal has come to Greallach Eilti ?" 
 
 " I heard it about two hours ago from an old neighbour who 
 passed me on the river." 
 
 " Good ; then thou canst row me along the Brosna and through 
 the three lakesf to Greallach Eilti." 
 
 "Hast thou considered the matter well, mo thiama f asked 
 the astonished Seamus. 
 
 "Well, Seamus," replied Maelmordha, after a few minutes' 
 reflection, " after all, I think I will not go this evening." 
 
 " I am very glad to hear it. Thou wouldst lose either thy 
 liberty or thy life ; or wouldst, perhaps, be held as a hostage 
 for thy brother." 
 
 " Well, I will sleep over it. We are now stopping with the 
 Abbot Ciaran at Druim Tibrait, in here, and most probably I 
 will seek thee here in the morning; as yet I know not the hour; 
 but if thou art not here I suppose any of thy comrades will find 
 thee in yonder biadhtach 1" 
 
 Seamus signified assent, but said : — " I hope thou wilt 
 change thy mind." 
 
 " Well, Seamus, should I do so I will send one of our fol- 
 lowers to tell thee so. Slan hat mo chara."\ 
 
 Maelmordha returned to the new building, and felt gratified 
 that no one asked him any questions : in fact it was supposed 
 that he had merely taken a walk through Artibra. 
 
 The Abbot Ciaran invited all his guests to join himself and 
 his brethren in chanting the canonical hours in the new Eglais 
 Beg, and the sound of the divine praises were for the first time 
 
 * In northern part of present county of Westmeath. 
 
 t Lakes Enne], Owhel, and Iron. 
 
 + Health with thee ; farewell, my friend. 
 
134 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 borne on the evening breeze from the wilds of Artibra. The 
 passengers on the Sionnain at first thought it proceeded from 
 Inis Ainghin, until from that island also proceeded the familiar 
 sounds. Many were the questions asked concerning what was 
 evidently a new foundation, but as yet no one was able to give 
 a satisfactory answer. Meanwhile, Maelmordha had been con- 
 sidering what course he would take. At last he concluded he 
 would go to Greallach Eilti, but not by river, if he could help 
 it. Early in the morning, when no one was within hearing, he 
 thus addressed Diarmaid : 
 
 " Thou knowest, mo dhearlhrathair, that I have lost my black 
 steed." 
 
 "Yea, Maelmordha, I know, and am glad thou hast not 
 forgotten the poor animal." 
 
 " I shall never forget him ; but I am without a horse.'' 
 
 "Well, none of us had any occasion for a horse since we 
 came here. All our other horses are safe with Mac Amhlaigh ; 
 and when the time comes that we may use them thou wilt have 
 more horses than thou canst make use of. I can get plenty of 
 them in rents, and besides, there is scarcely a family on both 
 banks of the Sionnain and elsewhere who would not be delighted 
 to present thee with the best animals in their possession, both 
 for my sake and thine own." 
 
 "I know all that, O Diarmaid, mo ghradh, but I want one 
 immediately, and I would ask thee for the temporary use of the 
 best animal belonging to our company — thine own black steed, 
 the fellow of my dead one." 
 
 " And' where art thou going, mo dhearbhrathair}" asked Diar- 
 maid. 
 
 "Thou hast a right to ask that question; but, Diarmaid, thou 
 wilt not press it ?" 
 
 " No, if it is a secret ; but it is the first time I knew thee to 
 refuse me thy confidence." 
 
 " Now, that is hard ; when thine interest is dearer to me 
 than mine own life." 
 
 " 1 know that," said Diarmaid, embracing and kissing his 
 brother ; " but thy life is as dear to me as mine own, and far 
 dearer than mine interests." 
 
 " Then why refuse me thy steed for awhile .?" 
 
 " I have not refused thee ; thou knowest it is at thy service 
 at any moment thou dost want it, and it is thine for good if 
 thou dost prefer it to any other. But I fear, by thy manner, 
 that thou art going in- the way of danger that I am unable to 
 comprehend." 
 
THE PROJECT OF MAELMORDHA. 135 
 
 " Thou, a Fenian ! and thou talkest to another Fenian of 
 danger !" 
 
 " But thou art but one, while there may be multitudes of 
 Fenians against thee if thou dost rashly beard King Tuathal in 
 Teamhair." 
 
 "But," said Maelmordha, starting, "what makest thou think, 
 Oh, mo dhearbhrathair, that I have any thought of returning to 
 Teamhair?" 
 
 " I know not, but something in thine eye tells me that thou 
 art bent on something desperate. Tell me that I am mistaken." 
 
 " Well, I am not going to Teamhair, of that I can assure 
 thee." 
 
 " Then where art thou going to }" 
 
 " Well, since thou dost insist upon knowing, I must tell thee ; 
 but thou wilt at least promise that thou wilt not forbid or try to 
 foil me in any way." 
 
 " Thou placest me in a predicament — thou must have some 
 serious business in contemplation." 
 
 " But thou wilt promise. It is not much." 
 
 " I will promise, on condition that it involves nothing dan- 
 gerous to thee." 
 
 " Ha ! ha I ha ! danger again. Oh ! shade of Fionn Mac 
 Cumhal !" 
 
 " But thou forgettest, O Maelmordha, that with all our 
 Fenianism we had to fly before the superior numbers, as well as 
 the established authority, of our fellow Fenians." 
 
 "No; that was a different matter. Fioun Mac Cumhal him- 
 self would have had to fly before such odds. But I intend to 
 perform a feat that is not often heard of in Eire, and certainly 
 not elsewhere. I may as well tell thee all. Thou mighest have 
 noticed my absence on yester-eve; well, I went down to the 
 Sionnain banks where we landed to come here ; I saw and spoke 
 to Seamus ; I wanted him to bring me to Teamhair without 
 telling him why I wanted to go there ; he tried to persuade me 
 to forego my intention, on account of the risk, ' even though,' 
 as he said, ' the Ardrigh was not there' " 
 
 "Not there!" exclaimed Diarmaid. 
 
 "Not there," continued Maelmordha; "and when I ex- 
 pressed my surprise, as thou didst now, he told me that he had 
 been informed that Tuathal was already at Greallach Eilti, 
 where he is to hold an assembly on to-morrow." 
 
 " In the Rath ?" asked Diarmaid. 
 
 "At the Rath, in the open air, as it is an assembly of the 
 people." 
 
136 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 "And is it there thou wantest to go ?" 
 
 " Nowhere else, O Diannaid." 
 
 " And why dost thou wish to go there ?" 
 
 "Look here, Diarmaid, Tuathal has now reigned eleven years ; 
 that is, he has, during that period, usurped a throne which by 
 right belonged to thee. Not satisfied with that, he has even 
 dared to issue a proclamation condemning thee, his true sovereign, 
 to exile and death. Now, does not the man, guilty of such 
 crimes, deserve to die the death of a traitor ?" 
 
 " True ; but, after all, he u Ardrigh." 
 
 " I think we have settled the question of title already. It 
 now remains to be seen how long he is to be permitted to 
 retain a title to which he has no just claim." • 
 
 " We have a strong party which is ready at any moment to 
 take up arms against Tuathal Maelgarbh ; but as yet we have 
 not been able to bring matters to a crisis." 
 
 " But, Diarmaid, I am going to bring matters to a crisis, and 
 that, too, before to-morrow's sun has set." 
 
 " Thou art not going to kill Tuathal ?" 
 
 " No, no ; I am only going to execute him." 
 
 " That is a distinction without a difference." 
 
 " Nay, thou knowest that I have never harmed a living thing; 
 that I would not hurt my greatest enemy, or thine ; not even 
 Tuathal Maelgarbh, were his injuries to thee other than the 
 usurpation of thy crown, and a rebellion against thy authority." 
 
 " But how dost thou intend to carry out thy mad project i"" 
 
 " It is not mad ; he has set a price upon thy heart ; well, I 
 will slay a whelp, take out its heart, and carry it on the point of 
 my lance to Greallach Eilti ; he and the people with him will 
 think it is a courier with thy heart, and I shall have no difficulty 
 in gaining instant access to his presence " 
 
 "And then.?" 
 
 " And then I will pierce his own heart with my lance, and 
 thou shalt then be, de facto, as well as dejure, Ardrigh n-Erind." 
 
 " And how thinkest thou to escape the vengeance of his 
 court and servants after the commission of such a deed .?" 
 
 "The suddenness of the movement will so take the people 
 by surprise, that before they have time to recover their self-pos- 
 session, thy black steed will have borne me with safety from 
 the place. Now thou understandest why I am so desirous to 
 ride thy horse in preference to all others." 
 
 "Yea, but I do not quite approve of it." 
 
 " Why so, O Diarmaid .?" 
 
 " For many reasons. First : I like not the murder of " 
 
THE PROJECT OF MAELMORDHA. 137 
 
 " It is not murder, O Diarmaid." 
 
 " No, only killing " 
 
 "It is not killing; it is the execution of a rebel and a 
 criminal." 
 
 " Before a rebel or a criminal can be lawfully executed it is 
 first necessary that he should be judged and condemned by 
 lawfully-constituted tribunals." 
 
 "I grant all that; but as Tuathal's sentence is passed, I 
 may lawfully execute him." 
 
 " And, pray, when and where has his sentence been passed .''" 
 
 " Hast thou forgotten what I said to thee ere we had left 
 the Brosna for the Sionnain, concerning the proclamation of 
 Tuathal Maelgarbh, and what course I wanted thee to take in 
 the matter .?" 
 
 " Ah ! I remember how, as Ardrigh dtjure, I was to enthrone 
 myself on a stone or on the stump of a tree, and thence issue a 
 proclamation, condemning the rebel and usurper, Tuathal Mael- 
 garbh, to exile and death. But I do not remember that I have 
 done it." 
 
 " No, thou didst not do it ; but the Ardrigh of heaven hast 
 done so for thee by the mouth of his servant and representative, 
 Ciaran Mac an t-Saoir, Abbot of Inis Aingin and of Artibra." 
 
 " Dost thou suppose, then, from the words he made use of on 
 yesterday that he would sanction thee taking my adversary's life .'" 
 
 "I know not whether he would sanction the particular 
 manner in which I have resolved to ensure as speedily as pos- 
 sible the fulfilment of his prophecy ; but such implicit faith and 
 confidence do I place in the words he has spoken, that I am as 
 certain of the success of my plan as I am that its result will be 
 thine elevation to the throne of thine ancestors." 
 
 "And thou dost not believe that thou wouldst not be doing 
 wrong in taking the life of Tuathal ?" 
 
 " No, Diarmaid, I do not believe it ; I tell thee again that I 
 would not hurt, much less kill, Tuathal or anyone else, under 
 any other circumstances whatever. I am merely doing what I 
 should be obliged to do at thy command, wert thou on the 
 throne, and Tuathal conspiring against thee. I would that he 
 spared me the necessity of removing him from the throne in 
 such a manner, for I have no desire or liking for the business ; 
 but as matters stand I look upon it as a sacred duty, and if thou 
 hast any doubt upon the matter thou canst question the Abbot 
 Ciaran himself." 
 
 "Then let us question him now." 
 
 " He is now at meditation, and must not be disturbed ; be- 
 
 10 
 
138 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 sides, my brother, it is now nearly time that I should be starting. 
 So thou needest not fear, unless thou hast some other reason." 
 
 " Well, as I said before, I have many reasons ; but that and 
 another are the principal." 
 
 " And what is the other, O Diarmaid ?" 
 
 " It is the danger of losing thee, mo dearbhrathair. Of what 
 avail would the throne be to me if it were the cause of my losmg 
 the companion and playmate of my childhood .'" 
 
 " Nay, mo dearbhrathair, thou wilt not lose me ; and if thou 
 dost, why, I shall think it but a small return for all thy love and 
 kindness to lose my life in thy service." 
 
 " O Maelmordha, mo dhearbhrathair, that is extravagant; thou 
 must not go." 
 
 " Why not, mo ghridh ; though I spoke thus there is really 
 no fear whatever if I am to have thy steed ; he will carry me far 
 out of the reach of those who would revenge him whom they 
 call their king. And I shall myself be the first to carry to thee 
 the account of my exploit, and to greet thee as Ardrigh n-Erind." 
 
 " But lest it should miscarry, at least instruct someone else 
 what to do, and let him take thy place." 
 
 " It will not miscarry ; and to no other person in the world 
 would I entrust the performance of the project I have marked 
 out for myself." 
 
 " But if, after all, thou shouldst not be able to carry it through, 
 and lose thy life in an abortive attempt on Tuathal's life .'" 
 
 " Nay, Diarmaid, I see thou doubtest my courage or my 
 bravery, or else thou thinkest that I am incapable of any feat I 
 have undertaken to perform." 
 
 " Now, mo mhuirnin, thou must' not take on so ; thou 
 knowest I did not mean to offend thee. So come down from 
 thy high horse and mount mine, and go with him whithersoever 
 thou wilt." 
 
 An riAoittiAt) cAibi'oit. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 CteAf niA.el.mop'OA. 
 
 THE FEAT OF MAELMORDHA. 
 
 A LOVING kiss and aflFectionate embrace was all the answer the 
 delighted Maelmordha could give, and exulting in the success of 
 his last stratagem, hejhurried off to send one of the attendants to 
 Amherghin's father for the steed of which he had the temporary 
 
THE FEAT OF MAELMORDHA. 139 
 
 custody. He himself having blackened his face and hair, 
 giving an appearance of hair where there was none, next arrayed 
 himself in the plain woollen garb of one of the boatmen, which 
 articles Seamus procured for him, and had conveyed through the 
 messenger whom Maelmordha had sent to him for the purpose. 
 When at length he presented himself before the astonished Diar- 
 maid, the latter declared that, had the former not spoken he never 
 would have recognised him. They then took a most affectionate 
 farewell ; Diarmaid, though full of misgivings, feared to give 
 any further opposition, lest he should again hurt the feelings of 
 his brave and loving, though obstinate brother. Maelmordha 
 then dashed off to meet the horse, in order to avoid being seen 
 by either their own followers or the monks, for he thought it best 
 to lead as few as possible into the secret. He soon met his 
 brother's steed, on which the attendant was riding towards him ; 
 the latter dismounted, and in another instant Maelmordha was 
 riding at full speed in a northerly direction. After about twelve 
 miles' journey, he reached Athluain,* where he stopped at a 
 biadhtach to refresh himself and the horse. He shunned obser- 
 vation as much as possible. He then continued his journey, 
 and towards evening reached another biadhtach, where he put up 
 for the night ; he was now about a mile from the river Ethnea,f 
 and concluded to rest the horse there all night that he might be 
 fresh for the morrow's work. When he had seen his steed well 
 fed and groomed and put up, and had himself partaken of the 
 rich and abundant meal that was spread before him, he rambled 
 out to look about the country. He found that there were plenty of 
 animals of the kind he sought, and satisfied with the result, he 
 returned to the biadhtach. It was nearly overcrowded with 
 people who were on their way to Greallach Eilti to take part in 
 the assembly of the succeeding day. It is hard to say how he 
 might have fared had his identity been suspected ; but so com- 
 plete was his disguise, and so full were the people of the morrow's 
 doings, that he escaped all recognition. The next morning, 
 after breakfast, all the strangers took their .departure, with the 
 exception of Maelmordha, who remained behind, partly to ensure 
 a proper moment for the attack — it would not do to be there 
 before the time — and partly to give the horse as much rest as 
 possible, for the animal would need all its strength at the critical 
 moment. Accordingly, about noon, he was mounted on the 
 black steed ; he started from the biadhtach ; but before he took 
 the destined road, he turned a little to the right, where he had 
 
 • Athlone. t Inoy- 
 
140 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 been exploring the evening before ; and sc&rcely had heproceeded 
 a few steps, when the bark of a whelp fell upon his ear ; with a 
 bound he rushed on the animal and killed it with one stroke of 
 his lance ; he then cut out the heart, and fixing it upon the point 
 of his lance, he remounted, and turning his horse's head, rode at 
 full speed for his destination. On coming to the Ethnea river, 
 he crossed Ath Maighne, or the ford which led from southern to 
 northern Teabhtha. Galloping about a mile and a-half further, 
 he soon heard the indistinct murmurs of the multitude. Stray 
 stragglers whom he passed on his way looked their astonishment; 
 others, more bold, cried out : " Lo, he beareth Diarmaid's 
 heart !" Maelmordha heard, and rode on. Once or twice he 
 narrowly escaped death at the hands of some of his brother's 
 sympathisers, who not knowing him, and still less suspecting 
 his ruse, thought he was bearing their favourite's heart to the 
 usurping monarch. Now, he could see the rath, and could 
 even distinguish the Ardrigh seated on an eminence, with a 
 great concourse of people around him. As those who formed 
 the outer ring saw the horseman approach at full speed, and 
 bearing a heart at the point of his lance, they cried out : 
 
 " Lo I. here cometh a courier bearing the heart of the 
 traitor to the Ardrigh. Make way. Let him pass." 
 
 And the words ran through the assembly, and the people 
 opened a passage for the courier up to the very spot where 
 Ardrigh Tuathal was seated, and as the strange horseman tore 
 through the path so cheerfully made for him, a ringing cheer of 
 loyalty arose from the throats of the assembly. All made way, 
 officers and nobles, for the now far more important though 
 humble looking courier, who would not condescend to look at 
 anyone but King Tuathal himself. And still the cheers went 
 up from the people as the horseman galloped up the eminence 
 where was seated the smiling, haughty, triumphant-looking 
 Ardrigh, who, now at last, was rid of a powerful, dangerous 
 rival. Now, at least, his throne was secure ; now he could 
 reign in peace over Eire. Of what reward was not this loyal 
 courier worthy } He was evidently a very humble man ; oh, he 
 was in the garb of a boatman ! well, he would be a boatman no 
 longer. He should have his thousand milch kine, he should 
 
 have much more, he should have 
 
 At this moment the strange horseman was face to face with 
 the Ardrigh; but instead of dismounting and on his knees pre- 
 senting the long-desired heart, as Tuathal expected, he rushed 
 madly forward, and before anyone knew what he was about, he 
 plunged the heart-laden spear deep into the heart of the Ardrigh 
 
THE FEAT OF MAELMORDHA. 141 
 
 himself. Death was instantaneous, and before anyone knew 
 what had happened, Maelmordha, without waiting to extricate 
 his spear, wheeled round to the left, and had well-nigh escaped, 
 when a dreadful shout arose behind ; he was pursued by many 
 horsemen, and in another instant he lay weltering in his own 
 blood, pierced by a hundred spears. The multitude, on finding 
 that their monarch had been slain by stratagem before their 
 very eyes in the noon-day, were frantic with grief and rage. 
 Thousands of voices sertt up their wailing caoine,* and the 
 assembly which had a little while before met in joy broke up 
 now in sorrow, as the remains of the late Ardrigh were borne 
 from the place in melancholy procession to Teamhair. As for 
 Maelmordha, the cause of all this, he lay there a mangled 
 corpse, as yet uncared for, with no one as yet to chant his 
 caoine. Were there none among all that throng to sympathise 
 with the cause for which that unknown dead young man had dared 
 and suffered and sacrificed his life ? None ! At least, none while 
 the dead king and the crowds of his faithful subjects who had met 
 there to do him homage, remained upon the scene. But when they 
 had departed out of the place, two men stole cautiously towards 
 where the corpse lay stretched upon the ground. They bent over 
 him and touched him gently, when one of them exclaimed : 
 
 " Ah ! there is no hope, he is already cold and stiff; we can 
 do nothing for him." 
 
 " Poor fellow !" exclaimed the other man ; " he has put a 
 period to the distractions in which the rivalry of the princes has 
 so long plunged the country." 
 
 "And has paid for it with his life. Come, we had better 
 remove him to my house, it is the nearest." 
 
 " Ay, we can at least pay him the last sad ofiices. We 
 shall have to wash this black oflE him. I wonder why did he 
 thus disguise himself.?" 
 
 " I heard some of the people say that he must have been in 
 the confidence, or at least in the service of Prince Diarmaid, and 
 that having turned traitor and slain him, he was obliged to thus 
 disguise himself, lest he should never reach here alive." 
 
 " Yea, but we now know that such surmise cannot be correct. 
 Yonder heart, which with the lance was taken from the body of 
 the Ardrigh, was found on examination to be the heart of a 
 whelp. Besides, the man who would kill Tuathal would not 
 kill Diarmaid. He must have been one of the close intimates 
 of Prince Diarmaid, and thus disguised himself, lest he should 
 be identified too soon for the success of his plan." 
 
 » Kiieen. 
 
142 
 
 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 " We must examine him closely here, we are at the house." 
 
 They then bore the corpse into the house ; it was one of 
 those oblong buildings with flat roof, which was supported in 
 the interior by oaken pillars at regular intervals. The fireplace 
 arid candelabrum were in the central hall ; between the pillars 
 were the imdai, on one of which they laid the corpse. They 
 then commenced to wash it, and great was their surprise when, 
 on removing the black from the face and hair, they beheld, in- 
 stead of the rough-looking boatman, a youth of extreme beauty 
 and delicacy of complexion, and adorned with beautiful nut- 
 brown hair; greater still was their astonishment when they 
 recognised in the noble-looking features a Strong resemblance 
 to their beloved prince. 
 
 " Great heavens 1" exclaimed one of the men, "can it be that 
 it is Prince Diarmaid himself .''" 
 
 " Nay," replied the other, " it is not he ; but I am now 
 certain it is none other than his stepbrother, Maelmordha Mac 
 Agatan." 
 
 "What ought we to do ?" 
 
 "Thou and thy family can guard the corpse, and invite the 
 nnd caointe* to chant his praises and lament his untimely end, 
 while I bear the news to Prince Diarmaid." 
 
 "And dost thou know where to find him ?" 
 
 " I know nought, save that he is on the Sionnain ; but I doubt 
 not I shall be able to find him.'' 
 
 " I wonder does he know aught of the feat of Maelmordha .?" 
 
 "Well, it is hard to say; but one thing is certain, Maelmor- 
 dha came not by the Sionnain." 
 
 " No, he came on horseback. Was the horse also killed ?" 
 
 "No, it was slightly injured, but my son led it off here 
 before we dared approach the dead body of its master." 
 
 " Then it is on the premises ?" 
 
 " Yea, and well-cared for. I doubt not it would be able to 
 carry thee ; it is not much injured, and I am sure there would 
 be no objection to thy riding it into the possession of the 
 prince." 
 
 " I am sure not, but I would rather go by the boat along 
 the Sionnain ; it would be the surest place to meet Diarmaid." 
 
 He then set off, running down to the banks of the river 
 Ethnea, where he got into a corach, and sailed along that river 
 into Loch Ri, and thence into the Sionnain, keeping a sharp look 
 out all the way to Artibra, when. Seeing no sign, he inquired, 
 
 * Ktkeening women. 
 
THE FUNERAL. 1 43 
 
 and was told where the prince was. Following the directions 
 given him, he disembarked, and landing, penetrated into 
 Artibra. He perceived several young men moving about, and 
 going up to one of them, asked if he had lately seen Prince 
 Diarmaid, that he desired to see him. 
 
 '■ Prince Diarmaid cannot be seen now," replied the party 
 addressed, " he is overwhelmed with grief for the loss of his 
 brother." 
 
 " Then he is aware of his brother's death ?" 
 
 " The rumour first and then the whole account of the affair 
 reached us both from the Sionnain and the Brosna. Whence 
 earnest thou .-'" 
 
 " I came direct from Greallach Eilti and from the house 
 where lieth Maelmordha Mac Argatan." 
 
 " Then I know that Diarmaid will see thee. We were pre- 
 paring to go thither. Follow me." 
 
 The two men then walked towards the Eglais Beg, at the 
 door of which they met the Abbot Ciaran, who informed them 
 that Diarmaid was within, and did not like to be disturbed. 
 However, on hearing an explanation, he volunteered to inform 
 the prince. The latter was prostrate before the altar, and it 
 was some time before Ciaran could prevail on him to move. At 
 length, however, he appeared in the wicker hut into which 
 Ciaran had previously ushered the stranger. Their interview 
 was long, and when at last they emerged, Diarmaid conducted 
 the stranger into the proinnteach, which the industry of the 
 monks, aided by Diarmaid's attendants, had already in a fair 
 way of completion. Consigning him to the care of the guest- 
 master, the prince returned to the church, never quitting it until 
 the abbot himself, late at night, took him forcibly in his arms, 
 and deposited him on his bed in the cell assigned to his use. 
 
 An 'oeicrtiA'o cAibi-oit. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 An v-A-ol^ci^t. 
 
 THE FUNERAL. 
 
 The next morning, after Mass, the Abbot Ciaran and Prince 
 Diarmaid, with all the followers of both, including the stranger, 
 left the new monastery, and going down to the banks of the 
 Sionnain, entered the numerous boats, which, according to pre- 
 
144 THE LAST MONARCH OF TAR A. 
 
 vious arrangement, were there to meet them. The royal boat, 
 in which Diarmaid, Ciaran, Amherghin, and a few others sailed, 
 was a roomy, well-finished vessel of polished oak, with the royal 
 Sun Burst flying half-mast high. When all was ready the pro- 
 cession of boats sailed along the river, attracting universal 
 observation. They were soon joined by others, until nearly all 
 the boats on the Sionnain were following in the wake of the 
 royal banner When they had sailed about a mile, they stopped 
 to take in a cofSn, which had been ordered from a stone cutter, 
 who resided and worked at this spot. It was of white marble, 
 sculptured in crosses,seamAr6gs,* sunbursts, the Fenian harp, and 
 sacred inscriptions. It was placed carefully in the royal boat, 
 and the miniature fleet resumed its sad voyage. When they 
 arrived at Loch Ri, they found it full of loyal sympathisers, who 
 had come from various parts of the surrounding territory to 
 await their arrival. The greatest number of these were obliged 
 to remain there until their return, as the Ethnea river could not 
 accommodate them all. When at last the voyagers landed, 
 they were met by a great throng of people, for the news had now 
 spread far and wide. Universal sympathy was expressed on 
 the faces of the multitude. Some few thoughtless persons who 
 were for congratulating Prince Diarmaid on his new position, 
 and greeting him as Ardrigh n-Erind, were speedily brought to 
 their senses by the sight of the object of their worship, for in 
 truth, Diarmaid, notwithstanding his hand.some presence, noble 
 bearing, and royal attire, looked anything but a new-made king. 
 His woe-begone expression of heart-rending anguish went 
 straight to the hearts of the beholders, utterly crushing out all 
 thought of politics or rivalries, and welling forth in sympathetic 
 union with his own deep sorrow. Several carbads were in wait- 
 ing to receive the principal members of the party. The prince 
 and the abbot having been, by the stranger who brought the 
 news, introduced to the men in whose house the brother's 
 remains lay, they all set out for the house ; they were 
 not long in reaching it. The whole way was lined with 
 sympathisers, besides those who followed on foot. There was 
 no cheering or anything like an attempt at it, though, some at 
 least, thought the present state of affairs was at variance with 
 their experience of what the first public reception of a new 
 sovereign was wont to be. When the chariots stopped at the. 
 door of the house, their occupants alighted amidst the crowds 
 who surrounded it. They entered; Diarmaid advanced to 
 the couch on which his brother lay ; the mnd caointe, who 
 * Shamrocks. 
 
THE FUNERAL. 145 
 
 ■were chanting the history and praises of the deceased, looked at 
 the prince as if to gather from his actions and manner inspi- 
 ration for fresh outpourings of extempore lamentations. But 
 the stricken expression which had already been so contagious, 
 now had its effect on the mnd caointe. These hired, and even 
 at best but political sympathisers, stood speechless in the 
 presence of such genuine domestic affliction, they forgot 
 suddenly all their eloquence and rhetoric, and as if by common 
 consent, backed out of the presence of death, and joined 
 the crowd without the house. Meantime, Diarmaid, without 
 uttering a word, had fallen on the dead body of his brother. 
 The master of the house, with the Abbot Ciaran, Amherghin, 
 his father, and a few of the principal personages, stood at 
 a respectful distance for some time, until Ciaran thought 
 the thing had gone on too long ; he then went over and gently 
 tried to remove the prince, but the prince refused to stir ; the 
 abbot reminded him that time was passing, that the remains of 
 his brother should be coffined, as they had a long journey before 
 them. But the prince replied he would not allow the body to 
 be coflSned that day at all, nor perhaps the next, and that the 
 journey could be performed on one day as well as on another. 
 Ciaran represented that any such departure from their original 
 arrangements would seriously inconvenience the multitudes of 
 their friends who had come to assist at the funeral, who were 
 even then impatiently awaiting them on the roads and on the 
 rivers, and who would be disappointed at its non-arrival, and 
 would be obliged in great part to return to their homes, if there 
 were any undue delay. Ciaran finally remonstrated with Diar- 
 maid on the sinfulness of his excessive grief, representing to him 
 that it was flying in the face of the Sovereign Lord of All, who 
 in his inscrutable designs had deprived him of a beloved 
 brother, in the same moment that he granted himself a crown, 
 thus making use of Maelmordha as an instrument . 
 
 " What is that thou wouldst say, my son 1" suddenly ex- 
 claimed Ciaran, as Diarmaid fixed upon him a look of question- 
 ing astonishment. 
 
 "Nay," replied Diarmaid, " nothing just now ; this is neither 
 the time nor the place. I am ready now to do as thou wilt." 
 
 Diarmaid then took one long embrace of his dead brother, 
 impressing upon the beloved, though now unconscious features, 
 a parting kiss, and wearily raised himself from the couch. Many 
 hands then set about making all necessary preparations. The 
 corpse of Maelmordha was fully arrayed in his own splendid 
 attire, which he had left behind him at Artibra, but which Diar- 
 
146 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 maid had taken care to bring with him. Then the Abbot Ciaran 
 placed a silver crucifix upon his breast, and commenced to read 
 over him the prayers for the dead, until the^««, or funeral car, 
 arrived at the door, when he ceased, and the body, which had 
 been placed in the beautiful white marble coffin, was removed 
 into it, not, however, until Diarmaid had taken another fond 
 embrace and another parting kiss. The fenn was covered with 
 black satin, which hung down all round, and was bordered 
 with silver fringe. High up on top was placed the white coffin, 
 over which was laid the Gal Greine, yet so as not to hide the 
 coffin. At the corners and sides were placed other flags, as that 
 of the Red Branch, with its golden lion, the green banner of the 
 Fenians, with its harp and crown, and others of minor import- 
 ance. Wreath of sheamrogs and of ivy were placed on the 
 coffin, and the whole conveyance was drawn by eight magni- 
 ficent black horses, including Diarmaid's own, which had now 
 recovered from its slight wound. Great numbers of carbads of 
 various classes were there with their occupants, ready to form 
 into procession ; some of them were drawn by four horses, others 
 by three, two, and one, according to the means or position of 
 their owners. All their gay colours were, however, concealed 
 with black or white coverings. Others rode on horses, always 
 using black ones whenever procurable. Multitudes followed on 
 foot, the mna caointe set up the caoine ; others lined the roads 
 on either side all the way to the banks of the Ethnea. Arrived 
 here there was a general dismounting from horses and chariots. 
 The coffin was taken down from the fenn and placed in an ele- 
 vated position in the royal boat, where it could be seen by all 
 on river and on land. It was placed immediately under the Gal 
 Greine, which floated half-mast high. When Diarmaid, Ciaran, 
 Amherghin, and several of the nobility had entered this boat it 
 commenced to move on, the other boats, being fast filled with 
 people, followed in regular succession. The boats of private 
 persons which followed the funeral generally displayed their own 
 particular banner and device. The voices of the mnd caointe 
 rose above the waters of the Shannon, the chorus being taken up 
 by thousands of people on the river, and lining its brink on each 
 side, the whole way : — 
 
 "Och! och! mo bhron. 
 Oh, why did our brave prince die ? 
 Oh ! woe ! woe ! woe ! 
 O Maelmordha, of the sharp spear ! 
 Why didst thou die ? 
 
THE FUNERAL. 147 
 
 Why leave a brother's arms 
 To face the King of Terrors — 
 
 Grim Death? 
 Who closed within his icy embrace 
 King Tuathal and thee. 
 Och ! orro ! orro ! ollalu ! 
 To die in thy youth and beauty, 
 In the fair budding morn of thy manhood ; 
 While yet the roses were fresh upon thy cheeks, 
 The sunshine in thy bright brown eyes. 
 O Maelmordha, thou wert fair as brave. 
 Smooth and white were thy hands, 
 And long thy fingers ; 
 
 Thick and in ringlets was thy nut-brown hair. 
 Sweet was the music of thy mouth, 
 And melodious the tones of thy voice ; 
 Thou wert taU and stately, brave and true, 
 A hero among heroes, 
 A Fenian among the Fians ! 
 
 O Maelmordha ! 
 And thou didst die so soon — so young, 
 So beloved of thy brother, 
 And so regretted by all ! 
 Oh ! pitiable is the tale ! 
 Oh, grief 1 oh, woe! 
 Och! ollalu! 
 Pierced by a hundred spears 
 
 Is our beloved ! 
 Mo bhron I mo bhron ! 
 But yester mom, thou wentest 
 From thy brother's arms — 
 
 Thy Diarmaid I 
 Wentest forth from fair Artibra ! 
 Riding gaily on a black steed, 
 Wentest to thy destruction 
 
 At Greallach EUti ! 
 Holding at the point of thy lance 
 
 A whelp's heart ! 
 Thy beauty disguised under sordid forms. 
 That thou mightest rid Green Eire 
 Of the usurper — thy brother's rival ! 
 Who is now being carried to his tomb, 
 As thou art, O, Maelmordha ! 
 
 Oh, grief! oh, grief! 
 O, Maelmordha Mac Argeadan ! 
 Fair skinned Teamhair 
 Shall never more behold thee. 
 Nor shall gallant Midhe, 
 Nor far-stretched Magh Breagh. 
 Inisfail mourns her lost son, 
 Diarmaid our Ardrigh, a loving brother. 
 The Fenian host, a worthy comrade. 
 All mankind, a perfect man ! 
 Oh! Sionnain! Sionnain! Sionnain! 
 
148 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 Woe is the day that thou bearest on thy breast 
 
 The noble form of the gallant Maelmordha ; 
 
 Fair Artibra, receive once more 
 
 In thy Cluain-mac-nois — 
 
 tn thy calm retreat, the son of the noble ! 
 
 Holy monks ! holy abbot ! 
 
 In prayers and psalms and sacred office, 
 
 Consign the remains of our beloved 
 
 To the holy earth which ye have sanctified ! 
 
 tet Prince Diarmaid's gift — 
 
 The Eglais Beg— 
 Be the place of Maelmordha's resurrection ! 
 Saints and angels, receive his soul ! 
 Mother of Jesus, take him by the hand ! 
 Son of Mary, grant him rest !" 
 
 Slowly and sadly died away the solemn strains of the caoine, to 
 rise again in loud, piercing wails from the many thousand throats 
 that glided along on the Shannon's waters, or surged and 
 swayed on either bank. 
 
 When the long procession entered Loch Ri, they found it, as 
 before, full of ships and boats, which were so stationed as to 
 leave a passage through the lake for the royal funeral. When 
 it passed through, they immediately fell in behind, and followed 
 it through the Sionnain ; the banks on both sides were thronged 
 with people as before, who had long been waiting patiently for 
 its approach. When they arrived at Artibra, they found it very 
 difficult to get through, owing to the multitude of vessels that 
 were awaiting their arrival. Partly, indeed owing to this fact, but 
 much more out of respect for the prince and his dead brother, 
 the ordinary everyday traffic was for the time suspended. After 
 some difficulty, the royal vessel succeeded in drawing up at the 
 nearest point to the new monastery. The other boats followed 
 as close upon it as they could, and soon all the boats were 
 emptied, and the multitudes followed the coffin into the monastic 
 grounds. The coffin was brought into the Eglais Beg, and 
 there placed in state before the new temporary altar. Then all 
 who could be accommodated were admitted, and after a slight re- 
 fection to all who chose to partake of it, the caoine having ceased, 
 a procession formed of the monks entered the little church, and 
 under the direction of the Abbot Ciaran, commenced the office 
 for the dead. Their voices could be heard by the multitudes 
 without, who united their intentions with those of the monks. 
 When this was over, a few of the monks were left to continue 
 the chant, who were to be relieved in turn by all the rest, that 
 the prayers might not cease day or night. Thus, those who had 
 obtained admittance left, to give room to others, and in this 
 
THE FUNERAL. 1 49 
 
 manner all the people were enabled to enter the church in 
 batches at a time. This continued for eight days, during which 
 time crowds of strangers came from all parts, including visitors 
 from the monastery of Cluain-Irared. The old school-fellows 
 and teachers, of Maelmordha and Diarmaid, headed by the holy 
 Finian himself, and many of our old acquaintances, native and 
 foreign, including Aristophanes and Bee Mac De. Many came 
 also from Teamhair, brimful of information, as well as of sym- 
 pathy, but they found little opportunity of conveying the former. 
 Every morning the holy sacrifice was offered for the departed 
 Maelmordha by Ciaran and such of his monks as had arrived at 
 the dignity of the priesthood, also by the Bishop Finian and 
 some of his priests who accompanied him, as well as clergymen 
 from different other parts of the country. One morning after 
 the Abbots Finian and Ciaran had celebrated Mass, they and 
 Prince Diarmaid ,were closeted together, conversing over many 
 things connected with the memory of Maelmordha, and going 
 over all the events that had occurred. At length, Diarmaid 
 said : 
 
 " I cannot express the gratitude I feel that ye have not re- 
 fused to offer up the holy sacrifice and other prayers for Mael- 
 mordha, as I fear many would have done. The possibility of 
 such a result to the daring feat of my brother was the most 
 poignant source of my first grief." 
 
 " Was it anything concerning that subject that thou didst refer 
 to at the house in Greallach Eilti, where thy brother lay .?" asked 
 Ciaran. 
 
 " Yea," replied Diarmaid, " I felt at once relieved and sur- 
 prised at thy words to me there ; thou didst say something about 
 him being an instrument; at all events, thy words told 'me that 
 
 thou didst not believe him to be a ." 
 
 Diarmaid's tongue refused to utter the word, but Ciaran came 
 to his relief. 
 
 " My son, I know what thou wouldst say. Believe me, I 
 have thought the matter over long and anxiously, aye, even 
 before we reached Greallach Eilti, and before that time I had 
 concluded to pray for Maelmordha. Since the arrival of our 
 holy father here" — saluting Finian — " we have talked the matter 
 over, we have prayed for light; we have taken into account 
 Maelmordha's previous great virtue, and tender, generous 
 disposition ; his great love for thyself, the peculiarity of his 
 character and idiosyncracies ; the strength and evident con- 
 scientiousness of his moral and political views, which he so 
 curiously intermixed; the unhappy divisions of the. kingdom 
 
150 
 
 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 into two rival parties ; the justness of thy claims, O Diarmaid, 
 and Tuathal's usurpation — all these forces acting on a tempera- 
 ment like Maelmordha's, makes a very different case to that of a 
 man who would take a fellow-creature's life to gratify, without 
 any of those considerations I have mentioned, a sordid ambi- 
 tion or wicked revenge." 
 
 " Then it is the same as if he had killed Tuathal in war, or 
 by decree of the law in peace ?" 
 
 " My son," said the Abbot Finian, " on account of a heavy 
 cold, I am not able to say much to thee ; but let me tell thee 
 that it is only the peculiarities of Maelmordha's special case 
 that relieves his memory from the stain of murder. No other 
 person could plead Maelmordha's example in extenuation of a 
 similar act. Our friend Ciaran here has told me all the con- 
 versations which passed between them, as well as those which 
 thou hast related from time to time, I know myself of old 
 much of the inherent peculiarities of Maelmordha's character ; 
 and taking everything into consideration I am convinced that 
 where others would be condemned, thy brother has found 
 mercy." 
 
 "Whether he was right or wrong, Maelmordha was most 
 certainly convinced that Tuathal was an usurper and a criminal, 
 whom he was lawfully justified in putting to death," replied 
 Diarmaid. 
 
 " And, there can be no doubt," said Ciaran, " that the pro- 
 phetic words with which God inspired me in thy regard, and which 
 I uttered in his hearing, precipitated the climax which we now 
 deplore, and for this reason I now take on myself the entire 
 responsibility of Maelmordha's act." 
 
 Diarmaid warmly pressed the hand of Ciaran, and in his 
 presence and that of Finian made renewed voluntary offerings to 
 the monastery in behalf of Maelmordha, which he promised to 
 'carry into effect as soon as he was established at Teamhair. 
 
 On the day appointed for the interment, the people com- 
 menced to assemble from an early hour, the river was black with 
 boats full of people destined for Artibra. They poured in 
 in thousands from almost every part of the country. At the 
 appointed hour the Solemn Office and Mass for the Dead was 
 chanted by hundreds of priests and monks, including several 
 abbots and bishops. This over, the coffin was removed from its 
 position before the altar and carried outside the Eglais Beg. It 
 was then carried around the exterior of the church three times, 
 the long procession of religious and of the laity following, as 
 well as the crowds would permit. After the third time, they 
 
THE FUNERAL. 151 
 
 Stopped at the spot where the grave was dug, just outside the 
 church at the altar side, and into this grave was the cofiBn 
 lowered, amidst the universal wailing of the people. The grave 
 was filled in, and at the head was placed a marble tombstone, 
 from the same establishment which had supplied the coffin, sculp- 
 tured with sacred emblems and the name of the deceased. Then 
 the last absolution was given, and the people prepared to depart, 
 having witnessed the first interment that had ever taken place in 
 Artibra, but which was destined to become the favourite burial 
 place of countless thousands. Just, however, as the people 
 were preparing to depart, a deputation of the principal inhabi- 
 tants of Teamhair approached Prince Diarmaid, and first having 
 expressed their condolence with him in his bereavement, one of 
 their number — the chief herald — presented him with the spear 
 of state, and saluted him as Ard Righ n-Erind. At these words 
 all present knelt also, though the circumstances of the time and 
 place precluded any joyous demonstrations. Diarmaid accepted 
 the spear of state, which was tendered to him as a badge of his 
 new ofiice, and thanked the deputation, and then inquired 
 whether the late king was yet buried : 
 
 "He was buried, O King," replied the spokesman, "on 
 yesterday morning ; and I conceal not the fact, O King, that all 
 classes of people, thine own party, no less than his, turned out 
 to do honour to his memory." 
 
 " And I honour them for it," replied King Diarmaid, " for 
 death is a terrible thing, and in .its presence we should sink all 
 party feuds and jealousies. I would now that Tuathal had lived 
 and sat longer on my throne, so as my brother were left to me. I 
 hope ye did not leave Teamhair until after the obsequies of the 
 late Ardrigh ?" 
 
 " Nay, we took part in all the ceremonies of King Tuathal's 
 burial, e'en to the very last ; but when it was over, thou wert 
 proclaimed Afd Righ n-Erind, and we lost not a moment in setting ■ 
 out for Artibra, and coming at full speed, that we might be in 
 time for the other funeral ceremony of to-day, ere we formally 
 tendered our allegiance with the spear of state." 
 
 " And what of the Ardrighan .?" asked Diarmaid. 
 
 "The Ardrighan of Tuathal Maelgarbh has fled almost dis- 
 tracted to the Convent of Cill Daire. There is nothing to 
 prevent thee, O Ardrigh, from taking immediate possession of 
 Teamhair." 
 
 " I will not take possession just yet. It is enough that I 
 have been proclaimed." 
 
 " But Teamhair awaits thee, O King. Even the late King's 
 
152 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 most ardent adherents will now receive thee with loyalty as their 
 sovereign." 
 
 "Ah! I always thought so. Accomplished facts, then, are the 
 right things after all. A few days ago I was the anarchist and 
 the rebel whom it was the duty of all who claimed any respecta- 
 bility to shun. In another few days when I arrive at Teamhair, 
 these same people will be more extravagant in their demonstra- 
 tions of loyalty than the faithful people who have either outwardly 
 or in secret taken my side where there seemed the least possi- 
 bility of hope. O Maelmordha, what a change thou hast made by 
 the sacrifice of thy life ; and thou wert worth them' all put 
 together. Now, my friends, I know ye all, either personally or 
 by sight, and I know that all of ye have been ever faithful to me, 
 else I would not speak as I have done. I am very glad that ye 
 have paid honour to the remains of the late king ; it is the least 
 ye could do ; and I once more return ye all my most hearty 
 thanks for your loyalty and devotion." 
 
 " But wilt thou not, O King, come at once to Teamhair .? 
 Thou art proclaimed, 'tis true, all over the country by this time, 
 but thou hast yet to be legally inaugurated on Lia Fail." 
 
 " I must stay here for a little while to recover myself. Ye 
 must be aware that so soon after my bereavement I could not 
 think of taking a principal part in such a ceremony. It would 
 be utterly at variance with my feelings." 
 
 "Pardon me, O King," said the Abbot Ciaran, who stood 
 near, " I have been speaking with our old master, the Abbot of 
 Cluain-Irared, and we are of opinion that thou oughtest to lose 
 no time about thine inauguration. Thou hast already given way 
 to too much grief, which is very injurious to both soul and body, 
 and the very excitement of the ceremony of inauguration will 
 positively have a good effect on thee ; and if thou wilt not 
 take it amiss we would urge thee to accede to the solicitations 
 of thy people by the mouths of their delegates." 
 
 " Then I will yield to thine and the Abbot Finian's advice, 
 and will set out with ye all on to-morrow." 
 
 All who would were then entertained in the proinnteach, 
 including the deputation, and most of the visitors remained 
 there over night, that all might set off together the next day. 
 Then people departed, some to their homes, others made di- 
 rectly for the capital to be there beforehand. But all re- 
 membered to their latest breath, and their posterity after them 
 for many ages related in turn to their children the story of the 
 " Feat of Maelmordha," Cleas Maelmordha I 
 
 END. OF PART II. 
 
an "cueas cuio 
 Hart III. 
 
 se btiAtDAriA "oetis 'n 'oeij. 
 
 SIXTEEN YEARS AFTER. 
 
 An ceuT) cAibi'oit. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 ■pinion ■d-guf Coiutncil.'Le. 
 
 FINIAN AND COLUMK.ILLE. 
 
 jIIXTEEN years had passed away, and now, towards the 
 close of the month of October, in the year 560, we 
 find ourselves once more at the great monastery of 
 Cluain-Irared. It has undergone some changes since 
 we saw it last : new streets have been added, cells built, the 
 town without much improved ; several new buildings have been 
 found necessary to the monastery and school, among the prin- 
 cipal of which was a Uch aeidhedh, an "enclosure" or "house " 
 of guests. This was erected for reception and lodging of newly- 
 arrived travellers and strangers. The institution has extended 
 in every way ; it is also changed in its living element. Some 
 of the youths who, twenty-two years ago, were engaged in hard 
 study are now professors of the various branches ; and this is 
 true not only of natives, but also of foreigners, for our old 
 friend, Aristophanes, is now one of the professors of Greek in 
 the college. His predecessor in the post had, with many others 
 of the monastery and school, passed to his reward; others 
 on completing their education had left to pursue their various 
 walks in life. Many had settled down to worldly pursuits ; 
 others had entered the Church, and were priests, or monks, or 
 abbots either here or in other parts of the country. Ciaran, as 
 we know, had founded the monasteries of Inis Ainghin and 
 Artibra, already beginning to be called Clonmacnois, and en- 
 ticing multitudes to its now famous schools. He also founded 
 
 II 
 
154 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 Other schools, and fulfilled the prophecy of Finian in his regard, 
 that he would give a rule to half the monasteries of Eire. But 
 he himself had long since passed to a better world. Seven 
 months after we saw him last — seven months after his friend had 
 ascended the throne — Ciaran Mac an t-Saoir, abbot and founder 
 of Clonmacnois, went to his reward. The two Brendans quitted 
 to found the monasteries of Olonfert, Ardfert and of Birr respec- 
 tively. Ruadhan was now abbot of Lothra;*ColumcilIe was abbot 
 of many foundations, the principal of which were at Doire Cail- 
 cach,f Dairmhagh,J and Ceananus.§ The latter place was one of 
 the royal residences of his old school-fellow, Prince Diarmaid, who 
 was now reigning king, and had bestowed it upon him for the 
 honour of God and the Church. We already know the fate of 
 Diarmaid's half-brother, Maelmordha. Ninnidh is now bishop 
 of Achaid Conaire (Achonry), a see founded by Finian himself. 
 Others were already famous in their various walks in Church and 
 State. Bee Mac De had some six years before died at the palace 
 of Teamhair, " the poet, philosopher, and friend of Ardrigh 
 Diarmaid Mac Cearbhall ;" he was also famous throughout 
 Eire and Europe for his deep learning, many works, and pro- 
 phetic wisdom. Other foreigners besides our Greek friend also 
 remained in Eire, to serve in various ways the country from 
 which theyreceived so many advantages. Others returned to their 
 own countries with the patriotic intention of fashioning their 
 own countrymen as much as possible after the model of the 
 Gaedhilic race. The ragged, boorish-looking young Saxons 
 whom we saw landing at Cluain-Irared long ago, had for the most 
 part returned to their native Britain, to astonish the inhabitants 
 of that country, so far as even to ask themselves, could such 
 superior individuals be indeed their own countrymen ? But the 
 said countrymen themselves felt not a little pained when they 
 contrasted their own people with the noble race they had left 
 behind in the Emerald Isle. But, like good men that they were, 
 they still loved their own country best, even with all its short- 
 comings, its ignorance, its barbarism, and its crimes ; and so, 
 instead of despising it, railing and sneering at it, scorning it, 
 trampling on it, and disowning it ; instead of renouncing their 
 own names and taking Irish ones, in order to make them- 
 selves appear better than their fellows ; instead of affecting 
 Irish fashions and wearing Irish colours, in order to insult the 
 feelings and pirejudices of their own countrymen, and as an indi- 
 
 * Lorha, in north of present county Tipperaiy. 
 
 t Deny, it is called caUceach from cailc, acinder, because Doire (oak forest) 
 was burnt to cinders. — Canon Burke. } Durrow. § Kells. 
 
FINIAN AND COLUMCILLE. 1 55 
 
 cation that they have transferred their allegiance from their own 
 to the neighbouring isle, and tell their less fortunate country- 
 men in effect, if not in words, that they despise them, that they 
 look down upon them, and are ashamed to own them for com- 
 patriots ; and that they themselves, having the advantage of an 
 Irish education, know how to appreciate the history and the 
 glories of that country, and that, in short, they would be Irish- 
 men if they could. No; those good Saxons were not guilty of such 
 meanness or baseness ; it was not thus their Irish masters taught 
 them ; on the contrary, they returned home, animated with the 
 spirit of their holy teachers, and burning with a desire to elevate 
 the moral and intellectual tone of their own countrymen from 
 their present deploraljle condition. To this end they meant to de- 
 vote their lives, and they were encouraged by assurances and pro- 
 mises of assistance from the Green Isle they had left. They knew 
 that Irish monasteries were about to send learned and talented men 
 to found similar institutions in Britain, that thus they might 
 more effectually educate the British nation than they could by 
 receiving them at home. The present students of Cluain-Irared 
 were unborn at the opening of our tale, but they now filled the 
 vacant places of our old acquaintances ; they studied the same 
 sciences, languages, and literature ; they played the same games ; 
 they quarrelled over politics like their predecessors, save that 
 the political events about which they quarrelled were somewhat 
 different. New monks, and many of the old, continued to ply 
 their several handicrafts in the various workshops, while their 
 brethren taught in the schools ; the agricultural department was 
 more flourishing than ever ; the canonical hours were as strictly 
 observed as ever ; the. perpetual choir in the church was perpe- 
 tual still ; the cloige-na-mainistire (monastery bells) chimed as 
 delightfully as when our Greek traveller first heard them ; the 
 light still burned at night. The Abbot Finian, now venerable in 
 years, continued to be the presiding spirit that governed the whole. 
 But just now the whole establishment is in a state of the 
 greatest excitement. Our hero, the reigning Ardrigh, Diar- 
 maid Mac Feargus Mac Oearbhall, who has now been six- 
 teen years on the throne, is about to hold his sixth triennial 
 convention of the States of Eire at Tara, called Feis Teamh- 
 rach.* The illustrious abbot arid bishop of Cluain-Irared, by 
 virtue of his office and position, held a seat in that august 
 assembly. His establishment, in common with all the other 
 colleges throughout the country, always broke up on such occa- 
 
 * The Convention or Parliament of Tara. 
 
156 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 sions to enable all who would, especially the students, to take 
 part in the games, sports, feastings, and general diversions which 
 always accompanied it. Many of the students had already taken 
 their departure for Teamhair, in company with their parents and 
 friends, who had called for them, making Cluain-Irared their 
 ■way for that purpose. Others had of themselves gone off in 
 groups. But, as yet, the greater number remained, and the 
 friends of many of them kept pouring in for the purpose of 
 having their company to the capital ; accordingly there was 
 constant commotion, some coming while others were going 
 away ; they came and went by road and by river. People 
 from foreign lands, who had sons or relations in the college of 
 Cluain-Irared, also came. Some of these had been to Eire 
 before on such occasions, others now came for the first time. 
 They would see their young friends, and they would see the 
 Grand Convention of the States General of the most polished 
 people on earth : it was quite an event in their lives. They 
 were most courteously received by Finian and his brethren, and 
 were shown all over every department of the whole concern, 
 just as was our friend Aristophanes after his arrival. It is un- 
 necessary to dwell on their astonishment ; they had simply 
 never seen anything approaching it before. They were, among 
 the rest, shown the Leabharagan (library). Conan was leabhar 
 coimhedach still, but he was sinking into the vale of years, and 
 he was now assisted by a younger and more vigorous man, who 
 took upon him the heaviest parts of the duty, though the learn- 
 ing and experience of Conan was always at his service, and that 
 of the students and visitors. They now received the foreigners, 
 and spared no pains to convey to them .a general idea of the 
 contents of the library, which, by the way, had been conside- 
 rably enlarged, receiving additions to its stock of literature both 
 from within and without that institution. Some of the number 
 of the visitors appreciated all they saw and heard, while others, 
 no doubt, thought that the workshops without, or the pasture 
 lands and what was on them, much more worthy of attention. 
 However, when the illuminated MSS., which had also increased, 
 were shown, all present expressed their admiration. After 
 showing the various varieties of this beautiful art, the assistant 
 of Conan looked about him as if for something he could not 
 find, and then asked the latter a question ; the reply of Conan 
 brought an expression of recollection to the face of his assistant; 
 however, the latter merely intimated to the strangers that as 
 they had completed the inspection of the library, he would 
 now escort them to the church, which they had not yet seen. 
 
FINIAN AND COLUMCILLE. 157 
 
 On their way to the church, Sean* stopped at the Abbot 
 Finian's house, knocked at the door, and being invited to enter 
 did so ; the holy abbot was reading at a small table, but as the 
 assistant entered he raised his head, and addressed him : 
 
 " Well, my son, what is it that makes thee look so troubled?" 
 
 " Venerable Abbot, I have shown na daoine uaisle so\ through 
 the library, but I have not shown them the Book of Psalms." 
 
 " Well, I presume they know what a Book of Psalms is," 
 smiling. 
 
 "Oh, but, my father, I have shown the principal illuminated 
 works ; but I would fain show that, as it is somewhat diiFererit. 
 Knowest thou, O father, where it is 1" 
 
 "Didst not thou thyself, my son, hand it to the Abbot 
 Columb, who requested me to lend it to him on his visit here a 
 few days ago on his way to Teamhair .?" 
 
 " Yes, my father, and the Abbot Columb is somewhere about 
 here still, though we see little of him. Perhaps he spends all 
 his time somewhere aig I'eigheadh an leabhair."X 
 
 "Well, I have been informed how and where he is spending 
 the short time that remains, but I have concluded not to notice 
 it until he returns the book. However, if thou wantest to show 
 it to our noble visitors thou must seek the Abbot Columb on thy 
 own account." 
 
 " Then, holy father, I shall do so." 
 
 And Sean, making his obeisance, left the sanctum of his 
 abbot, and overtaking the visitors, who had wandered in the 
 direction of the church, he led them to the sacred building. 
 As they entered the church they found there several of the 
 native visitors, who came from distant parts of the country. 
 They were speaking in whispers ; the choir chanted the 
 psalms as usual, but were not disturbed. The librarian looked, 
 but seemed disappointed ; those who accompanied him, after a 
 short prayer, commenced to examine the sacred edifice ; some 
 of the others, after a little, entered behind the linen veil which 
 cut oiT the sacristy; the librarian, after listening a little, followed 
 them. When he lifted the veil, there before him stood the 
 Abbot Columcille, who had just risen from before a table on 
 which were writing materials. He was now speaking to the 
 visitors, many of whom were well known to him. Sean now 
 came up to him and introduced the foreigners ; all conversed 
 together a short time, they then passed the screen into the 
 
 * Shaun (John). 
 
 t Pr. naw dheenna ooishlya so, these noble people, gentlemen. 
 
 X Pr. auigleoo an lyowarh, at reading of the book. 
 
158 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 church again, Columcille in the excitement forgetting his pre- 
 vious employment. No sooner had Columb left than Sean went 
 to the table and examined the manuscript which lay upon it ; 
 he found beside it the Book of Psalms for which he sought ; 
 but, observing that the MSS. which was a copy of this was just 
 finished, he left both untouched, and returned by the outer door 
 to the Abbot Finian's house. 
 
 Meantime the Abbot Columb, with the party of visitors and 
 many belonging to the establishment, wandered through the 
 grounds, inspecting everything and returning in time for supper; 
 as they again entered the building, the attentiorl of the visitors 
 was directed to a little cell at the very door, which one of the 
 monks told them once belonged to the Abbot Columb when he 
 was a pupil.of the Abbot Finian's. On this the Abbot Columb 
 disappeared, and the monk continued to inform the party that 
 this monastery was originally very small, and each pupil had to 
 build his own cell and . occupy it. Columb being directed by 
 the Abbot Finian to build his cell at the door, the young scholar 
 built it, instead, on this very spot, which at that time was a con- 
 siderable distance from the door. The Abbot, on finding that 
 his order had not been obeyed, called Columb and asked 
 him why he had not followed his directions, observing, 
 at the same time, that the spot on which he built his cell 
 was not at the door but a long way from it. But Columb re- 
 plied : — " True, it is not, but the door will be at this place here- 
 after." And this prediction was accomplished, this monastery 
 extending its boundaries on all sides, and becoming the nursing 
 mother of several other famous universities. The visitors were 
 much moved at the recital, though some of them were too much 
 accustomed to hear wonderful things concerning Columb to 
 be greatly surprised. They now entered the monastery, and 
 repaired once more to the refectory, and took their seats at the 
 ample board. 
 
 Meanwhile when Columb left the party at the door to avoid 
 hearing his own praise, he went straight to the sacristy, where 
 he found all exactly as he had left it. He put away his writing 
 materials, and laying his completed copy of the Abbot Finian's 
 Book of Psalms, which he had been transcribing in secret, in a 
 place where he could be sure that none would observe it, he then 
 took the original book to return it to his old master, and meet- 
 ing that gentleman in the hall leading to the refectory, he 
 handed him his psalm book ; but, to Columb's inexpressible sur- 
 prise the old abbot also demanded the copy. Columb, perceiv- 
 ing that he had been discovered, at once refused, but Finian in- 
 
FINIAN AND COLUMCILLE. 159 
 
 sisted, and their raised tones soon brought out some of the 
 strangers ; hereupon Finian and Columb, by mutual consent, 
 referred their difference to the assembled strangers, and for this 
 purpose entered the refectory. The Abbot Finian explained 
 that Abbot Columb had borrowed his Book of Psalms which he 
 held in his hand, and that without his permission he had tran- 
 scribed a copy for himself ; he (Finian) therefore claimed the 
 copy. Columb, on the other hand, as stoutly maintained that 
 the copy was his, it having cost him great pains and labour, 
 even staying up the greater part of many nights in order to 
 have it finished before the breaking up of the school. Several 
 of the party expressed great concern that there should be any 
 misunderstanding between two such old friends, and recom- 
 mended various means of an amicable settlement, but all to no 
 purpose; Finian should have the copy, and Columb determined 
 to keep it, and even refused to produce it. Each insisted that 
 he had justice on his side ; each appealed to those present, to 
 the staff of the college and the strangers ; but perceiving that 
 everyone looked perplexed and embarrassed, they mutually 
 agreed to leave the matter to the arbitration of the Ardrigh 
 Diarmaid. This decision was received with applause by the 
 gentlemen present, who were not sorry to be thus relieved from 
 so embarrassing a position. They then proceeded to examine 
 the original book and admire the rare beauty of its illumination. 
 After partaking of supper, and spending some time in agreeable 
 conversation, the chimes pealed forth, and the whole party 
 repaired to the church, where they joined the monks and students 
 in singing the divine office, after which they were shown to the 
 simple but clean and commodious cells, and soon the busy 
 sounds of life, both within and without the monastery, were 
 hushed in profound repose. 
 
 The next morning, when the travellers awoke, they found all 
 about them life and bustle as on the previous day. The monks 
 — who had risen several times during the night, as was their 
 custom and rule, to sing the divine praises at the prescribed 
 hours — had now been some hours at their several occupations, 
 though some of the brethren were put about somewhat by the 
 general excitement and hilarity of the numerous students, who 
 for the past few days were continually setting off for Teamhair, 
 either in companies or with parents or friends. Such as' had 
 not yet departed now joined the monks and our travellers in the 
 church, in order to assist at the holy sacrifice before setting out. 
 All again formed into procession and returned to the monastery ; 
 and having partaken of breakfast in the refectory, those whose 
 
l6o THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 duty did not detain them prepared to take their departure for 
 Teamhair, in company with their numerous visitors ; and while 
 the elders of the party conversed about the politics of the 
 period, their more youthful companions enjoyed themselves 
 pretty much as boys ever do under such circumstances, and 
 although they were well-behaved in such company, ' still the 
 graver travellers were riot permitted to reach Teamhair without 
 being subjected to some harmless tricks. And now, while they 
 are prosaically plodding along, we shall use our privilege of 
 flying on the wings of imagination and arrive before them at 
 the chief seat of Eire's power and glory. 
 
 An XtAKA CMbl'Oli. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 ■peif UeAmjiAC. 
 
 THE CONVENTION OF TARA. 
 
 From the four provincial States of Eire, and all their sub- 
 divisions ; from Alba, or Scotland, which, as well as the Isles, 
 was then tributary to the Irish monarch, came thousands of per- 
 sons of all classes, in the train of their respective delegates, to 
 the capital of the royal kingdom of Midhe, and of the Irish 
 Empire — Teamhair na Riogh — where, following the example of 
 his predecessor for twelve hundred years, from the time of 
 Ollamh Fodhla, 700 years before Christ, down to his own time, 
 the Ardrigh, Diarmaid Mac Fergus Mac Cearbhall, was about 
 to hold the triennial Fes of the nation, to attend which the 
 members of that august assembly, together with their families 
 and retainers, had for some days previously been leaving their 
 homes in various parts of the country, and travelling along the 
 five great roads to Temor's royal seat, the colonial deputies 
 arriving at the nearest seaports, and travelling by road or river 
 to the metropolis, where the great house of assembly, as we have 
 already seen, was situated. Already a numerous throng filled the 
 biadtachs, or houses of hospitality, as well as the private resi- 
 dences and also the newly-erected pavilions, which many of • 
 the people had brought with them ; and as fresh streams of 
 people poured in in their thousands every succeeding moment,i 
 those temporary habitations sprung up as if by magic in every 
 
THE CONVENTION OF TARA. l6l 
 
 direction, presenting a very varied and picturesque appearance, 
 some being pure white, and others of every hue, and of all sizes 
 to suit the convenience of their owners. But as the last half- 
 hour is always the busiest, so the day preceding that on which 
 the Fes was to open far surpassed its predecessors in the 
 countless multitudes which it witnessed pouring into Tara from 
 the five great roads aforesaid. The " magnificent plain " it- 
 self appeared too small to contain the immense masses of 
 people, of animals, and of vehicles which now covered it. From 
 the Slighe Cualann, by Bray and Dublin and Ratoath, came 
 the King and Queen of Laighin, the princes and chiefs, ollamhs, 
 and people; from the Slighe Data, the great south-western 
 road from East Munster and Ossory to the southern side of the 
 hill came the King and Queen of Tuath Mumhain,* their princes 
 and retainers, &c. (its track at Tara still) ; by this road also came 
 the King of Deas Mumhain.f with his Banrighan (Queen), his 
 son, and followers ; from the Slighe Miodhluachra, the northern 
 roadf (in the direction of Duleek and Drogheda) came the King 
 and Queen of Uladh, and the Kings of Ailech and Oirghialla, 
 and the other princes, and lords spiritual and temporal ; by the 
 western road, Slighe Asal (a continuation of Fan na g-carbad) 
 came the King and Queen of Olnegmacht, or Connaught, and the 
 Princes of Breffni, Ui Fiachrach, &c., and all the nobles, bards, 
 and other followers of the princes. An immense number jour- 
 neyed by the Slighe Mor (which struck off from the Fan na 
 g-carbad) the great western road, defined by the Eiscir Riadha. 
 All these great roads were also fed from the bealachs bothers, 
 and other minor roads as well as from the ship and boat- 
 laden rivers. 
 
 As we have here already observed, it was decreed by law 
 that the roads should be always kept clean and in per- 
 fect repair. No mud or dirt of any kind was allowed to 
 accumulate at any time. But now as the multitudes poured in 
 to Teamhair, they found all the approaches to it as clean as 
 roads could be ; this was all the easier, as the roads over which 
 the chariots rolled were constructed of great large, square 
 stones, fitted together as nice as possible, so that there were 
 few crevices in which dirt could long remain ; besides which 
 there were men constantly employed at such times as these in 
 removing any dirt that might be made by the continual streams 
 
 !* North Munster. f South Munster. 
 
 X The present road in that direction is supposed to be identical with the 
 ancient one, i.e., Northern. 
 
1 62 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 of horses and chariots and waggons. . Indeed, it would be well 
 if the legislators of the nineteenth century took a leaf from the 
 book of their predecessors of the sixth. How those worthy 
 ancients would stare aghast could they see the nmd-immersed 
 streets of Ath-Cliath Duibhlinn, and the effects on every person 
 and thing that touched them. But their lives were cast in 
 pleasanter places and times than ours. It would never do in 
 those days of unrivalled prosperity, of gorgeous habilaments, 
 gilded chariots, and prancing, well-kept steeds, to Ijave every 
 thing ruined by dirty streets and roads. The law then was 
 strictly enforced ; and as at such times as for any cause, 
 whether fair, synod, games, or Fes, as at the present, parti- 
 cular care was taken beforehand to have all approaches to the 
 place of meeting well cleaned and repaired if necessary (those 
 were very frequent, for in ancient Eire there was always some- 
 thing which brought the people from their homes to some 
 particular point of the country) ; so it is not surprising that not- 
 withstanding the immense multitude which assembled at Team- 
 hair from all parts, near and far, the people and all about them 
 looked clean and bright ; it must be remembered there were 
 no railways ; those even from the most distant parts had to 
 travel in carbads, or chariots, or on horseback. 
 
 What a sight presented itself from the Druim Aoibhin, or 
 the beautiful or delightful hill, on this, the last day of prepara- 
 tion. It was surrounded, as far as the eye could reach, on every 
 side, all over the magnificent plain, by continually increasing 
 crowds of all ages and conditions ; some were on horseback, 
 mounted with more or less magnificence ; some were seated in 
 one, two, three, or four-horse carbads, or chariots (many of 
 which were highly ornamented), but by far the greater number 
 on foot, presenting an ever varying spectacle. There kings, 
 queens, princes, and princesses, chieftains and chieftainesses, 
 lords and ladies, flaiths* of the seven different grades ; there 
 were knights of the golden garter, chain knights ; and there 
 were the Curraidhe na Craoibhe Euadh, or Knights of the Red 
 Branch ; there were bishops, priests, and abbots, ollamhs, fil6s, 
 seanachies, bards, musicians, brughaidh ; there were also the 
 officers and men of the renowned Fenian army, warriors, 
 soldiers, merchants, traders, and navigators, ridires and daltins, 
 kerns and galloglasses, besides an immense concourse of the 
 general people of all age and condition, and of both sexes. 
 The men were attired in triuibis (tru-is) or hose of woollen stuff, 
 
 • Nobles. 
 
THE CONVENTION OF TARA. 1 63 
 
 generally striped, or plaided, and which united in a single piece 
 pantaloons and stockings ; ionar, a surcout, or doublet of any 
 colour; andflowingcloaksof crimson, green, gray, or brown; some 
 wearing a kind of coat buttoned down to the knees ; they wore 
 the hair long and flowing, and terminating in the glibbe, or 
 coulin, so much in vogue with the ancient Irish, and so cele- 
 brated by her bards ; they also wore the crommeil, or mustache ; 
 their heads were surmounted by a barread, or cap, correspond- 
 ing to the rest of their attire ; their feet and those of the women 
 were encased in boots or shoes of tanned leather. The women 
 wore a piece of snow-white linen, curiously transformed into a 
 headdress, and combs ; they wore loose dresses, striped, or 
 plaided^ and confined at the waist by ornamental belts ; they 
 wore mantles of every colour in the rainbow, besides some of 
 neutral tints ; ornaments of gold and silver were extensively worn 
 by the mass of the people of both sexes, as rings, earrings, 
 brooches, chains, bodkins, &c. ; ornamental brass and bronze 
 pins fastened the mantles : they were of various forms and 
 sizes, covered with a beautiful green patina, and of tasteful and 
 neat workmanship ; spring brooches, of Celtic trumpet pattern, 
 the acus fixed by a loop, some having the pin formed by a 
 spire of two or more coils attached to one end, and, passing 
 along the back, is looped in a catch behind ; triangular 
 brooches with trumpet ornaments ; buckle brooches, trumpet 
 pattern ; spring brooches, decorated down the centre and along 
 the edge; five-coiled brooches, &c. ; rings of gold, silver, bronze, 
 copper, stone, jet, amber, &c., varying in diameter from ^ of an 
 inch to 3f inches, worn on thumb, or finger, or attached by 
 ligatures to the ear, or appended with other ornaments to neck- 
 laces. Some of the thumb-rings had projecting knobs. Neck- 
 laces of beads, of stone, glass, bone, jet, and particularly amber, 
 with pendants or amulets, &c. ; star-shaped beads were used as 
 buttons, some even made of a whitish, polished flint. Some of the 
 poorer, and many even of the more affluent, wore beautiful shells 
 as necklets, bracelets, &c. ; and yet, notwithstanding all this 
 variety, the law of colours was strictly observed ; for though 
 there was a great variety of hues taken as a whole, yet the 
 majority wore but two colours, which was the usual number for 
 the general people; slaves wore only one, soldiers three, 
 brughaidhs and others four, flaiths five, ollamhs six, and kings 
 and queens seven, the highest number. And as it was entering 
 the winter season, cochal criochinn, or skin dress, was exten- 
 sively worn in a variety of ways, and being ornamental as well 
 as warm, had a very elegant effect. At that time, when the 
 
164 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 country was half covered with wood, the mountain passes and 
 rocky fastnesses afforded secure retreats to the cu-allaidh 
 (wolf), the sinnach (fox), the broc (badger), the madradh 
 crainn (martin), and the squirrel ; and the river's banks swarmed 
 with dobhar-chu (otters), their warm furs afforded the people 
 in great plerity a means of clothing and decoration, not now 
 procurable except by importation. Indeed at that time, and 
 long after the forests were cut down, or submerged in bog, pel- 
 try formed a considerable article of traffic and exportation. 
 Accordingly, all the furs above-named were worn by both 
 sexes ; and as at that time also rona (seals) abounded on the 
 coasts of Ireland, that highly-prized article of modern attire — 
 seal skin — formed a pleasing contrast to the furs of the land 
 animals. The furs of the smaller animals also, as the gearr- 
 fiadh (hare), the coinin (rabbit), the madadh (dog), &c., being 
 ornamental and warm, were used for head gear and other orna- 
 mental purposes. Buck skin pantaloons, ornamental leggings, 
 coisbheirt, i.e., buskins, or half boots. The ara (charioteers) 
 wore pointed caps, green tunics, woollen vests, and gold gibne. 
 The dress of the higher classes, besides being of a greater 
 variety of colours, was of finer and more costly texture, but in 
 form similar; thus a great number of princes, nobles, and ladies, 
 who mixed through the throng, presented a most gorgeous 
 and brilliant spectacle : gold, silver, and jewels abounded. The 
 artificers of Teamhair, previous to the opening day, drove a 
 roaring trade in all their various callings, and the ordinary 
 traffic was greater and more difficult than ever. Now, how- 
 ever, the ' cios' or tribute of King Diarmaid were added to the every 
 day traffic. Thus from every direction were constantly arriving 
 cars laden with swords, shields, and coats of mail ; others with 
 drinking-horns, chess-boards, backgammon-boards, &c., others 
 again with green, scarlet, crimson, or purple cloaks. Following 
 those were droves- of oxen, cows, sheep, hogs, &c., in thou- 
 sands, all 'tliese coming from the provincial kingdoms, as 
 tributes to the Ardrigh. In all directions might be seen the 
 banners of the kings, princes, and various clans ; they were of 
 every hue — green,' blue, crimson, yellow, but red predominated: 
 hence Ireland got the name of Banba-na-m-Bratach-Ruadh, i.e., 
 Ireland of the Red Banners. The devices of those banners were 
 even more varied than their colours ; some represented trees, 
 as the yew, the mountain ash, the oak, &c. ; some of animals, 
 as the wolf-dog, greyhound, lion, leopard, deer, &c. ; others 
 of weapons, as shields, swords, battle axes ; some of musical 
 instruments, as the cruit (harp), pipes, corns, &c. ; but the 
 
THE CONVENTION OF TARA. 165 
 
 banners of the Curraidh na Craoibhe Ruaidhe, or Knights of the 
 Red Branch were remarkably beautiful ; it represented a golden 
 lion on a green satin flag ; it waved and glittered in every direc- 
 tion ; and here it may be observed that this lion, which was the 
 emblem of Irish chivalry hundreds of years before England 
 emerged from barbarism, was the original of the rampant 
 animal that now rears his head wherever British Empire holds 
 sway ; but like many other things they borrowed, or usurped, 
 they will not even acknowledge whence they obtained their 
 heraldry. But the banner which waved pre-eminent from the 
 towers of the royal palace was the celebrated Gal Greine. Add 
 to all this the constantly increasing number of many-coloured 
 tents ; the palaces, monasteries, biadtachs, and private resi- 
 dences being insufficient to accommodate the numerous throng 
 that kept pouring into Magh Breagh, the constant hum of the 
 voices of the multitude, mingled with the bleating and lowing 
 of the tributary sheep and oxen, the neighing of the horses, the 
 gay laughter of youth, and the music of the cruthire, dispersed 
 through the crowd in all directions. 
 
 It was some time before this enormous and varied crowd 
 could be got into anything like order, the great difficulty being 
 to get the immense number of carbads, or chariots into their 
 proper places, which was the locality at Teamhair, leading from 
 the hill to Brugh na Boinne, and which was called Fan na 
 g-Carbad, or the Slope of the Chariots. From this struck oif the- 
 Slighe Mor, at the northern head of the hill, and joined the 
 Eiscir Riadha, or Great Connaught Road from Ath Cliath 
 (Dublin) ma Trim ; and when it is remembered that all persons 
 of every rank, had to travel either on horseback, or in chariots, 
 together with the fact that a great number of those vehicles 
 were brought as tributes to the Ardrigh, it may be conjectured 
 what an immense space they occupied on the Fan an g-carbad. 
 Then the thousands of horses, oxen, sheep, and swine were to 
 be got into their places. At last all this was accomfilished, and 
 the late comers made their way through the crowd, returning 
 salutes from old acquaintances, many of whom they had not 
 seen since the previous Fes. They, for the most part, sought 
 out the places where they were to take up their abode during 
 their stay. This, to the late comers, was no easy matter, for 
 many, to make, sure of a good place, had arrived a month before 
 the time, especially such as resided at great distances, or 
 •whose affairs would permit them. Every day, down to the very 
 last, had brought its reinforcements of delegates or of pleasure 
 seekers. The fourteen great public biadtachs were now over- 
 
1 66 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 crowded ; so were all the various classes of houses, rich and 
 poor, of the seven bailes of Teamhair. The farmers and the. 
 artificers, the traders and the merchants, the literati and all 
 others, had their dwellings full of their friends from all parts of 
 the country, and also frequently of strangers. Wise people 
 brought their own pavilions with them, which they erected any- 
 where and everywhere they could, and shared them with others 
 who had none and could not procure a lodging. When to- 
 wards the close of the eve of the opening day they had all been 
 put up they presented a very curious spectacle : they were 
 planted on every available spot of ground ; the private lands 
 of the inhabitants became, for the time, public property; every 
 field was thick with these many coloured habitations, so were 
 the courtyards of the houses. It was with the greatest 
 difficulty that the officers who had charge of the ceremonies 
 •could prevent pavilions being erected on those fields set apart 
 for the public games and sports. The provincial kings on their 
 arrival were conducted to the palaces set apart specially for 
 their use on the royal hill — the Righ Laigean(King of Leinster), 
 to the Long Laighnech (Long Loynagh), or Leinster House ; 
 the Eigh Connacht (King of Connaught), to the Coisir 
 •Connactach (Coshir-Connaughtagh), Connaught Banquet 
 House ; the Righ Mumhain (King of Munster), to the Long 
 Muimnach (Long Mueenagh), or Munster House ; the Righ 
 Ulladh (King of Ulster), to the Ecrais Ulladh (Aghrish-Ulla), 
 ■or Ulster House. The queens and princesses were sumptuously 
 accommodated in the Grianan n-inghin, each in her own 
 private apartments. Other illustrious personages were crowded 
 into every spare space.in the various royal buildings, or into the 
 houses of the aires, or of the officers of state. The provincial 
 literati were accommodated, as far as possible, in the Mur 
 OUamhain. When all these tired travellers had partaken of 
 refreshment they retired to rest as early as possible, in order to 
 be up betimes to take part in the morrow's festivities. 
 
 Early on the morning of the first day of the national Fes the 
 Hill of Teamhair and all the surrounding Plain presented a 
 most sublime spectacle. As Ireland was at that time an Island 
 of Saints, her people, of all grades, never thought of under- 
 taking anything, whether of business or pleasure, without first 
 invoking the aid of the Most High, aijd consequently the first 
 thing to be done was to assist at the Holy Sacrifice. All the 
 ibishops and priests who came to the Fes, celebrated not only 
 in the churches, monasteries, and convents, but in the royal 
 palaces, in the biadtachs, in private houses, in pavilions, and out 
 
THE CONVENTION OF TARA. 1 67 
 
 in the open air ; temporary altars were erected everywhere by 
 eager hands, and the kneeling multitudes that covered the 
 magnificent Plain, offered up, by the consecrated hands of thou- 
 sands of priests, the great Eucharistic Sacrifice of the New Law. 
 This grand act of sublime worship over, the enormous throng 
 proceeded to inaugurate the various amusements for which they 
 were assembled ; and the immense Plain, which but now re- 
 sembled one vast temple crowded with an enormous congre- 
 gation, its many thousand altars, and as many priests, with 
 their hands raised to heaven, or extended over the heads of 
 the countless worshipers, is now transformed into a scene of 
 the most intense excitement, until the din is suddenly hushed 
 by the blowing of trumpets. In answer to this blast of the 
 trumpets all the shieldbearers of the territorial chieftains 
 were seen working their way through the crowd from every 
 direction, until they were all assembled around the doors of 
 the Teach Miodchuarta, where the bolsgari, or marshall of the 
 household, received from them the shields [sciatd) of their 
 lords, which he then, according to the directions of the 
 genealogist, hung up, each in its assigned place. This over, 
 the shieldbearers departed, and intermixed again with the 
 crowd. Then the trumpeters appeared again at the doors of 
 the Teach, and blew the trumpets a second time ; and now the 
 shieldbearers of the chieftains of the military bands assembled 
 round the door in like manner, where the bolsgari received 
 their lord's shields from them also, and hung them up at the 
 other side of the hall, according to the orders of the sean- 
 chaidhe, and over the seats of the warriors. And now again, 
 for the third time, the trumpets were sounded, and as it fell upon 
 the ears of the multitude every eye was turned upon the door 
 of Teach Miodchuarta, and every tongue was hushed, and every 
 ear was attentive, and the herald proclaimed, amidst universal 
 silence : 
 
 " Let the kings, princes, and nobles of Eire, and the pastors 
 of the Church, and the chiefs of the ollamhs, and the heads of 
 the people, salute the Ardrigh in the High Chamber of Team- 
 hair." 
 
 And now, amidst a buzz of general excitement, the nobles 
 and the warrior chiefs, the bishops and abbots, and such of those 
 important personages named by the heralds as had during the 
 morning hours been mixed up with the general throng, now 
 made their way, as quickly as they could, to the royal presence. 
 And as soon as they were into order, a procession was formed, 
 and commenced to move towards the Teach Miodchuarta, and 
 
1 68 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 into the Convention Hall, preceded by the heralds and announced 
 by a flourish of trumpets. They proceeded up either side of the 
 great hall, falling into their respective places, each under his 
 own shield, all remaining standing until, last of all, the Ardrigh 
 entered, accompanied by the ten who always attend him, and 
 took his place on the throne. And now let the reader conceive 
 the magnificence of the scene thus presented. The shields of the 
 delegates decorated the oaken pannelling to its full extent of 
 300 feet on either side, as well as its breadth of 80 feet at 
 either end. These shields were for the greater part of silver, 
 many beautifully embossed with gold, some were altogether of 
 gold, and highly wrought. Above, or below, there were the 
 helmets, of great variety of workmanship, and having the necks 
 and forepieces all of gold. Over those waved the banners, of 
 various colours and devices as described before, the banners of 
 the Fiana and of the Red Branch Knights being conspicuous, 
 and the Gal Greina, or Sun Burst, in its place of honour directly 
 over the throne, also the Craobh Cuiul. The throne itself 
 was erected in the centre: it was of gold, studded with emeralds. 
 The Ardrigh, elevated in the centre, on his golden throne, 
 under the national banners, and facing the west, shone resplen- 
 dent in his seven-coloured robes of state, golden aison, or 
 crown, Roth Crot* immense golden torque, five feet seven inches 
 in length and about twenty-seven ounces in weight.f The rest of 
 his attire and ornaments resembled more or less that of the 
 other delegates, which we may describe in general terms, 
 making allowance for the number of colours which were more 
 or less restricted according to their various grades, and also 
 allowing for the different tastes, Their iriutbis (tru-is) combining 
 pantaloons and hose, were generally plaid, J thus combining in 
 the one article as many colours as they were allowed to wear ; 
 shirts (leanna) of white, kingly linen, embroidered with gold ; 
 embroidered tunics (imar) of blue, green, or saffrOn colour ; 
 cloaks of crimson, blue, or purple, or any colour, with golden 
 borders or deep fringe of golden thread, and fastened at the 
 throat with clasps of gold, these were of great variety and 
 
 • The Roth Croi, Royal Brooch, was worn as the distinctive em- 
 blem of the Monarch of Erin; it descended from monarch to monarch from 
 the remotest times. 
 
 + To be seen in the Royal Irish Academy. 
 
 \ This was the origin of the Scotch plaid. It was invented jn Ireland 
 ages previously, in consequence of the law of colours, instituted by Achy 
 Edgathach. The invention of plaid obviated the necessity of having as many 
 articles of dress visible as would enable the wearer to display all the colours 
 to which he was entitled. 
 
THE CONVENTION OF TARA. 169 
 
 beauty of form. The general names for pins, fibula, brooches, 
 &c., were dealg, birian, daillenn, bro-lagha (spearlike), escasen, 
 cartait, roith, croir, and breathnas. Some were what is 
 known as the Tara brooch ; some were plain, some richly 
 studded with gems. The Fenian officers present wore the eo* 
 {pr. yo) pattern ; brooches of Keltic trumpet pattern, its 
 acus fixed by a loop ; some have the pins formed by a spire of 
 two or more coils attached to one end, and passing along the 
 back are looped in a catch behind ; also curiously decorated 
 gold finger and thumb rings, bracelets, armlets and anklets. 
 The girdles they wore were of divers patterns, some of the richer 
 with golden buckles, and studded with precious stones ; sandals of 
 more or less magnificence, some of golden network, and with 
 buckles of gold. There were golden collars, golden gorgets, and 
 bracelets (fieasg), crescents, large hollow golden balls, fibula, 
 &c. The Chain Knights and the Knights of the Golden Garter 
 were distinguished by the golden garter, decorated and worn 
 conspicuously. The Knights of the Red Branch, the famed 
 Craoibhe Ruadh, were identified by a golden lion, and so of 
 the other Gradh Gaisgaidh, or orders of chivalry. The swords, 
 too, of all those various ranks were very beautiful and of great 
 variety, ornamented with gold and silver ; ivory-hilted, jewel- 
 hilted, studded with brilliants and emeralds. The kings and 
 sovereign princes wore crowns ; the ollamhs, bards, sean- 
 achies brehons, and learned professions generally, wore 
 laurel wreaths ; their robes were long and flowing, called the 
 canabhas, of the very finest texture, and of the six colours ; 
 they wore golden ornaments also, all regulated according to law. 
 But the most beautiful of all the garments worn in that illus- 
 trious assembly was that of the Ollamh Fileadh, or Chief Bard's ; 
 it was called the taeidhean, or ornamented mantle, made of the 
 skins and feathers of various coloured birds. The effect, in 
 conjunction with the robes of silk and wool, and the ornaments 
 of gold may be imagined. The fileadh were also crowned with 
 laurels. Then there were the prelates of the Church, to whom, 
 of course, the laws of colours and ornaments did not apply, 
 they following only the law of the Church. But their appear- 
 ance was not the less magnificent ; their richly embroidered 
 vestments of silk and gold, studded with precious stones ; their 
 mitres ablaze with brilliants ; their croziers of gold and silver, 
 set with gems ; their rings and pectoral crosses, all gems of 
 
 , ^j.j as indeed, was everything manufactured in Eire at that time 
 
 combined with their exceptionally sanctified and majestic 
 
 Eo, lit : salmon. 
 
 12 
 
I70 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 appearance, rendered those Christian supplanters of the Pagan 
 Druids the brightest ornaments of that renowned assembly — 
 an assembly which has never been equalled, much less sur- 
 passed, either previously or since that time, by any other nation 
 upon earth, and which had existed for upwards of 1,200 years. 
 
 Before the Ardrigh's cathair rioghda (royal chair, or throne) 
 extended a table, at which sat his chief secretary ; on the right 
 sat'the King of Uladh ; on the left the Kings of Tuath Mum- 
 hain, and of Deas Mumhan ; the King of Gaelan, (or Laeghan) 
 took his seat opposite the table, his face towards the throne, 
 the King of Olnegmacht, or Connacht, sat behind the throne, 
 as also the Kings and Princes of Alba (or Scotland) and the 
 Isles, and the chief secretaries of those kings sat between 
 them and the table. And on the right and left of the King of 
 Uladh sat the Princes of Dal Araidhe (Newry, and part of Down 
 and Antrim), of Dal Riada (different, the country east of Antrim), 
 Oir-thir (i.e., east-land, not exactly known), Ui Earca Chein 
 (Antrim), Dal m-Buinne (Upper Massarene), Ui Blathmaic 
 (Newtownards and Bangor, Co. Down), Duibhthrian (Dufferin, 
 Coi Down), Arda (the Ards, east of Down), Leith Chathail 
 (Lecale), Boirche (between Dundalk and Dun Sobairce), Cobha 
 (in Down) and Muirtheimhne (Louth), and the King of 
 Oirghiall sat on the left, and on the right of the Ardrigh, the 
 distance from him being such that his sword should reach the 
 hand of the King of Eire, and near him sat the chiefs of the 
 nin'e Triocha Ceads, or Cantreds ; and the King of Ailech sat 
 with the Kings of Uladh and of Oirghiall ; and right and left of 
 him sat the Princes of Lurg (in Fermanagh), of Cuileanlraidhe, 
 of Tuath Ratha (in Fermanagh) (Tooreah), Ui Tiachrach (in 
 Tyrone), Ui mic Caerthainn (in Derry), Cianachta (from Mun- 
 ster), Li (in Coleraine), Tuathas of Tort (in Artrim), Magh 
 Itha (in Donegal), Tulach Og (in Tyrone), Craebh (in Derry), 
 Inis Eoghain (in Donegal). And right and left of the Kings 
 of Mumhan were seated the Princes of Muscraidhe (Mus- 
 kerry, in Thomond), of Uaithne (Owney, in Limerick and 
 Tipperary), Ara (north-west of Tipperary and west of Limerick), 
 Corca Luighe (Cork), Dairbhre O Duibhne (in Kerry), Boir- 
 inn (Burren, in Clare), Ciarraidhe (Kerry), Baiscinn (in 
 Clare), Corcomruadh (Corcomroe), Seachtmhadh (in Tip- 
 perary), Deise (Deese, in Waterford), Osraidhe (Ossory), Loch 
 Leine (Killarney), Raithleann (in Cork), Orbhraidhe (Orrery) 
 Ui Fidhgheinte (in Limerick), Aine (in Limerick), Dal Chai, 
 (in Clare), Ui Liathain (in Cork), Irrluachair (Duhallow)s 
 Ui Ghabhra (in Limerick), Brughrigh (Bruree), Eile (King's, 
 County). On right and left of the King of Laghain sat the 
 
THE CONVENTION OF TARA. 171 
 
 Kings and Princes of Ui Failain (north of Kildare), Cualann (north 
 of Wicklow), Forthuatha (in Wicklow), Inbhear (Arklow), Ui 
 Feilmeadha (in Carlow and Wexford), Ui Ceinnsealaigh (in Carlow 
 and Wexford), Racilinn (in Kildare), Fothart Osnadhaigh (in Car- 
 low), UiDrona(Idrone), Ui Bairrche (Queen's County), UiBuidhe 
 (in Carlow), Laeighis (in Queen's County), Ui Criomhthannan 
 (in Queen's County), Failghe (in Kildare), and Ath Cliath 
 (Dublin). And right and left of the King of Olnagmacht, or 
 Connacht, sat the Princes of Cruachan (Rathcroghan, in Ros- 
 common), Umhall (in Mayo), Greagraidhe (in Sligo), Conmaicne 
 (in Galway and Mayo), Ciarraidhe (in Roscommon and Mayo), 
 Luighne (in Sligo), Dealbhna (in Galway), Ui Maine (between 
 Suck and Shannon), Ui Briuin (Breifny), Siol Muireadhaigh 
 (i.e., the seed or race of Muireadhach, Muilleathan, King of 
 Connaught), Ui Fiachrach (in Mayo and Sligo), and Partraidhe 
 (in Mayo). And right and left of the King of Teamhor sat the 
 Princes of Breagh (in Meath), of Magh Logha (in Meath), 
 Laeghaire (in Meath), Ardghal (in Meath), Caille Eachach 
 (King's County), Feara Tulach (in Westmeath) (the men of the 
 hills), Teabhtha (in Westmeath), Cuircne of the Caladh (in 
 Westmeath) (i.e., of the marshy district), Ui Beccon (in East 
 Meath), Cailla Fhallamhain (in Westmeath), Deise (in East 
 Meath), Dal larthair (in Westmeath), Luighne (in East Meath), 
 Fear Arda (south of Louth) (men of the heights), Saithne 
 (north of Dublin), Gaileanga (in East Meath), and Claen Rath 
 (in East Meath). And the chief secretaries of all these princes sat 
 at the table. The tanaiste (heirs apparent) signify second in 
 command, or according to some, from Tan, a territory ; and the 
 rioghdamhna, from righ, king, and damhna, material, hence 
 Roydamna, a person eligible to be a king (in case of the failure 
 of the tanist). Those important adjuncts of the nation were 
 ranged behind their respective kings or princes. The bishops 
 numbered about three hundred, and the abbots about the same. 
 The Ollamhain were ranged behind the throne. The Ard 
 Ollamhs (High Poets, or Poet Laureates) of the several kings ; 
 the ollamhs re San (professors of poetry) ; the ollamhs re 
 seanchas, or chroniclers and historians ; the seanchuidhe, or 
 antiquarians and genealogists; iYi& filtdhe, or poets and bards ; 
 i\ie saoithe, or sages; the brei/heamh* or jndges and lawgivers. 
 Next to these were the second class of the Irish aristocracy ; 
 they were termed Hghearna,\ or iiama (lord) ; there were of 
 
 * From Breithe, judgment. 
 
 f From Tir, territory ; or from tigh, house ; arna, top-man ; root, Sr, 
 high, noble. 
 
172 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 these lords about two hundred, each possessing a territory 
 equivalent to a barony, or sometimes two baronies, and holding 
 rank as such. Ranged behind them were the third class of the 
 Milesian peerage, called taoiseach* (chiefs) ; of these there were 
 more than six hundred, all heads of clans, and each possessing 
 a district, equal in extent to about a parish, or sometimes two 
 parishes, or more, and varying, on an average from ten thousand 
 to thirty thousand acres ; and these chiefs held a rank similar 
 to that of the principal landed gentry of modern times. There 
 were also present the airetuisi, the aireard, the aire for gill, aire 
 dessu, aire ecktai. The Gradh Gaisgaidh, or orders of chivalry, 
 were most numerously represented, especially the Red Branch 
 Knights, the Chain Kiiights, and the Knights of the Golden 
 Garter. There were also the higher officers of the renowned 
 Fianna Eirionn, or Fenians of Ireland ; the Clanna Deagha, and 
 the Clanna Morna ; the triaths, or military lords, or chiefs, and a 
 great array of warriors ; after these, the flaiths, another class of 
 gentry, of the seven different grades ; then the ceana,f or heads 
 of clans, they were very numerous ; and though last not least, 
 the lrughaidhe,% head farmers, who held large farms under the 
 chiefs, and were very numerous and wealthy, possessing great 
 flocks, much cattle, corn, &c., and were entitled to a place in 
 the assembly of the nation, as were also the biadtachs,§ or 
 keepers of those immense establishments of the same name. 
 
 When all these various orders of delegates had taken their 
 places, according to their several ranks — amidst universal 
 silence, the whole assembly standing, the Archbishop of Ard 
 Macha,|| comharha of St. Patrick, arose, arrayed in full ponti- 
 ficals, and holding in his hand the Bachell Isu, or Staff of 
 Jesus — offered, to the Most High, the deliberation of the as- 
 embly, and then proceeded to read the 
 
 " BEANNACHT PHADRUIG.IT 
 
 THE BLESSESTG OF GOD upon you all, 
 Men of Eire, sons, women, 
 And daughters ; princft blessing, 
 Good blessing, perpetual blessing, 
 Full blessing, superlative blessing, 
 Eternal blessing, the blessing of heaven, 
 Cloud-blessing, sea-blessing, 
 
 * Prom Tub, first, or foremost. + Pr. kan. 
 
 t Prom Bruighe, a farm. 
 
 § Prom Biadh, food, and Teach, a house. 11 Armagh. 
 IF Blessing of St. Patrick. 
 
THE CONVENTION OF TARA. 173 
 
 Fruit-blessing, land-blessing, 
 
 Produce-blessing, dew-blessing. 
 
 Blessing of the elements, blessing of prowess, 
 
 Blessing of chivalry, blessing of voice, 
 
 Blessing of deeds, blessing of magnificence. 
 
 Blessing of happiness be upon you all, 
 
 Laics, clerics, whUe I command 
 
 The blessing of the men of heaven, 
 
 It is my bequest, as it is a perpetual blessing, THE BLESSING.'' 
 
 Then the Ard Ollamh stepped forward and read as follows : — 
 
 " TEAMHAIR, THE HOUSE, in which resided the son of Conn, 
 The seat of the heros on Liath-druim,* 
 I have in memory 
 Their stipend to the chieftains. 
 
 Every king who occupies strong Teamhair, 
 And possesses the land of Eire, 
 He is the noblest among all 
 The hosts of Banbhat the fertile. 
 
 If he be a rightful King of Teamhair, 
 It is right for the chiefs, 
 
 To make each of them submission even at his house, 
 To the just and justly judging king. 
 
 It is due of him to acknowledge the hosts 
 When they come into his assembly. 
 It is due of them to give hostages each man, 
 When they come to Teamhair .... TEAMHAIR. 
 
 TEAMHAIR is not due to him, 
 
 Unless he be a very intelligent historian 
 So that he may teU his chieftains, 
 The stipend of every person. 
 
 That he may not give beyond right to anyone, 
 
 That he himself may not pass a false sentence ; 
 
 That no quarrel take place in his house. 
 
 For that is the great restriction of his restrictions. 
 
 That he may not wage fierce war 
 
 With the host of the province of Conchobhar, J 
 
 That Teamhair be never wasted 
 
 By war with the sons of Rudhraidhe.§ 
 It is his right to be at mighty Teamhair, 
 
 And all to him obedient ; 
 
 If he himself break not his faith, 
 
 His provincialists to him are obedient." 
 
 * One of the names of the Hill of Teamhair (Tara). 
 
 t A bardic name for Ireland. 
 
 j i.e., of Uladh, or Ulster, from Conchobhar Mac Nessa, king about time 
 of Christ. 
 
 § The ancient inhabitants of Uladh, or Ulster, from King Rudhraidhe 
 A.M. 3845. 
 
174 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 Then the provincial kings, princes, chiefs, &c., each in the 
 order of precedence, did homage to the Ardrigh, and at the 
 same time made to him a formal tender of their respective 
 tributes,* which on their arrival had been delivered to the 
 oflScers appointed to receive them, the Ardrigh in his turn 
 formally granting to them the stipendsf to which they were 
 entitled, but which were only to be delivered to them on the 
 eve of their departure for their several homes. When all this 
 had been gone through with the strictest regard to the rights of 
 each, and to the laws and usages of the country, and all were 
 seated in their exact places, the ollamhs, fil6s, brehons, and 
 seanachies unfolded the ponderous tomes, which contained the 
 writings of the Ollamhain and breithmne the rolls of the laws, 
 and the chronicles of the Gael ; and these were on the table, 
 and the secretaries of the provincial kings and princes, as well 
 as of the King of Eire, spread their parchments before them, 
 and prepared to take down the speeches of the delegates and 
 laws and regulations which should be enacted by the Convention. 
 And the Ardrigh having announced that all the various ranks 
 there assembled were equal, and free for their words, and that 
 the first to rise shpuld be allowed to speak unto the end, and 
 that when all who had a mind had spoken, their right hands 
 should be counted, and that they should avail. And everything 
 being now ready, the business of the assembly commenced. 
 But being of the wrong sex, we had better not intrude on their 
 deliberations, lest we should spoil all ; so while the delegates 
 are settling the affairs of the nation, we shall see how the time 
 passes with the non-delegates. 
 
 * Eineachlann. f Tuarastol. 
 
 Note. — A short time ago the Freeman's Joufnal described the English 
 Parliament as follows : — " In this country (Ireland), and in other lands, all 
 lovers of liberty have regarded it (the British Parliament) with sincere admira- 
 tion, as the oldest and purest of all forms of popular representation, and as the 
 august mother of aU existing free assemblies. All others are mushrooms. 
 High above all of them towers the grand old form of the Parliament of 
 Britain, the secret of whose longevity and strength, its triumph over every 
 foe, and its survival through every danger, is itsfreedom." 
 
 A correspondent of the Irish World (New York), has drawn the attention 
 of the Irish and other people across the Atlantic to this gross and fulsome 
 falsehood. But perhaps these words are too strong ; it may be pure ignorance 
 which dictated the above wonderful assertion ; but in any case it is a most 
 lamentable misfortune, that the only daily instructor of the Irish people — 
 supposed too, to represent them — should dare to make such an assertion in a 
 city abounding with historical evidences and descriptions of what was really 
 the " oldest and purest of all forms of popular representation, and the august 
 mother of all existing free assemblies" — to wit, the " grand old form (S^e. 
 
THE NON-DELEGATES. 175 
 
 An uneAS cAibi'oit. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 11 66.111 CeAC'OA.I^AIt). 
 
 THE NON- DELEGATES. 
 
 While the Teach Miodchuarta was being filled with the dele- 
 gates from every part of the kingdom, their several families were 
 thronging the other apartments of the building and of the other 
 royal palaces and the adjoining buildings. A constant stream of 
 gaily-attired ladies and oflScers, youths and maidens, foreign am- 
 bassadors and their families, kept moving here and there through 
 the various apartments, engaged either in earnest conversation 
 or giving way to careless mirth : some discussing politics, the 
 various important questions which occupied the attention of the 
 delegates at that moment ; some of military tactics, some of 
 their relations with foreign countries, or of foreign commerce, 
 &c. ; others, again, discussing the respective merits of the 
 different colleges and schools; spoke of new foundations; of the 
 rising stars which issued therefrom; of various questions, ecclesi- 
 astical or civil ; of the time of keeping Easter ; of the relations 
 with Rome ; of the ignorance and idolatry in which the sur- 
 
 Triennial Parliament, or Fes of Tara — 'which towers high above' all other 
 assemblies, including the much-lauded Parliament of Britain. Lovers Of 
 liberty in this country (Ireland), and in other lands, may regard the English 
 Parliaments (which, by the way, ordered a day of public thanksgiving to 
 God for the Cromwelliam massacres of the Irish people) — with sincere ad- 
 miration and wonder at its longevity of 1,100 years, and its triumph over 
 every foe (including the Irish), but the historical fact is that the Parliament 
 of Tara was instituted by Ollamh Fodhla 700 years B.C., and continued down 
 to the English Invasion — a period of nearly 1,900 years; that it was in the 
 eighth century of the Christian era that the Parhament of Britain was founded, 
 on the model of that of Tara, by Alfred the. Great, who was educated in Ire- 
 land, and who also introduced into England the judicial and legislative institu- 
 tions on the model of those of Ireland ; and that the present division of Eng- 
 land into shires with their governing bodies were also copied from Ireland. 
 As Alfred lived in the eighth century, when the Irish ParUament was 1,500 
 years old, how can the British Parlianient, which was only then bom, be the 
 'august mother,' of all others ?" 
 
 Btit it is another instance of the truth of the remark of ' Trans-Atlantid,' 
 that "It is stereotyped lies that have shielded the British system from 
 popular resentment and overthrow these hundreds of years past." 
 
176 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 rounding nations were immersed, and the probable result of the 
 intended evangelisation of those countries by Irish missioners ; 
 some discussed various questions of national interest, as the 
 several merits of the oUamhs and fil6s, and the lately published 
 works of many young students in the numerous colleges. Young 
 people discussed questions interesting to themselves, their 
 schools, their studies, their kind teachers, that numerous body 
 of holy men and women who abandoned all that the world holds 
 dear to devote themselves to the instruction of the youth of both 
 sexes ; and numerous good-humoured little disputes arose 
 as to the respective merits of their various alma maters, each, of 
 course, claiming their own to be the best ; some laid out schemes 
 for the future, built castles in the air, would be great kings or 
 queens, or would astonish the world by some remarkable feat or 
 prowess; would gain renown as a Knight of the Red Branch, or 
 of some of the other orders of chivalry ; or they would do deeds 
 of bravery and heroism as Fenian warriors ; some, on the con- 
 trary, would go preach the Gospel to the barbarous nations of 
 Germany or Helvetia, or spread the faith in Gaul or Britain, and 
 devote their lives to instruct the ignorant Saxons ; others would 
 stay at home and follow in the- footsteps of their saintly teachers ; 
 they too, would take the tonsure or the veil, and found convents 
 and monasteries, and keep alive the flame of piety and learning in 
 the land of their birth ; but among all this, love was not for- 
 gotten, and the old, old story was told again and again, from 
 hundreds of young lips, in that vast assemblage. 
 
 The numerous suites of apartments of all the buildings were 
 fully occupied. Some chatting in groups ; some listening to the 
 diflferent musicians and singers ; others playing at chess or back- 
 gammon; some, again, where they had room, dancing, and all 
 enjoyingthemselves according to their taste. The Ardrighan gave 
 receptions in Rath na Riogh to all the distinguished personages, 
 native and foreign, who were not among the delegates. 
 
 And now the reader follows a group that are just entering the 
 gorgeous Grianan n-ingean (Sunny Palace of the Ladies), 
 furnished in gold and silk, and filled with a very brilliant 
 assemblage. On a magnificent imda, where we formerly saw the 
 Ardrighan of Tuathal Maelgarbh, is now seated Mughain,* the 
 partner of the secret thoughts of Diarmaid Mac Cearbhall. She 
 is his second wife, and first saw the light in the palace fortress 
 on the Rock of Caiseal (Cashel). Her father is amongst the 
 delegates as King of Deas Mumhan, or South Munster. She 
 is arrayed in a robe of purple, bordered with gold, and having a 
 
 • Pr, Mooan. 
 
THE NON-DELEGATES. 1 77 
 
 scarf of plaid, which contained the seven colours, a golden 
 torque round her neck, and earrings ; her wrists encircled by 
 magnificent bracelets, and her beautiful dark hair sur- 
 mounted by an asion, or golden crown, from the plaits of 
 which depended the mella. Though still handsome, she has a 
 sickly appearance, having considered herself, though ailing, 
 obliged to conform as far as she was able to the exigencies of 
 the occasion. She was surrounded by her ladies- of-honour, and 
 provincial queens, princesses, and ladies, all arrayed in the 
 greatest magnificence. The ladies had previously been engaged 
 in conversation on the various topics which then engaged the 
 attention of the country ; and as the young damsels were full of 
 projects interesting to themselves, and did not much trouble 
 themselves about politics, so the queens and elder ladies had all 
 those subjects to themselves ; and though that jealousy of their 
 sex, which seems to be so natural to man, had shut them out 
 from all participation in the making of the laws, yet as those 
 laws, when made, affected them as deeply as they did men, and as 
 they were sure to be the greatest sufferers from the mistakes, 
 not to say prejudices and selfishness of men in the making of 
 those laws, so they discussed them in all their bearings, re- 
 ligious, civil, and social ; then passing from those to a variety 
 of other subjects, viz., literature, match-making, &c., after 
 which they amused themselves by chess-playing, listening to 
 the tales of the times of old ; again to the music of the cruit 
 (harp} or the ceis (charmer), anon to the songs of the maidens ; 
 sometimes they would walk through the various apartments of 
 the grianan ; sometimes they would go out for a better sight of 
 the various amusements of the people than could be obtained 
 from the windows, or would drive in their chariots through the 
 surrounding country, visit some church or convent, and would 
 stop now and again to watch the progress of some game, or feat, 
 or race, or hurling match. And as the occupants of those four- 
 horse gilded chariots were recognised by the people, deafening 
 Irish cheers rent the air. Notwithstanding the great numbers 
 who had followed the deer or the wild boar into the neighbour- 
 ing forests, or others who had set out to explore the country in 
 other directions, determining to see all they could while the 
 feast lasted, one would almost imagine' all Eire to be collected 
 on the magnificent plain where all was life and animation. 
 Bards and fil6as, cruitire and clairseoir, and other oirfidech, kept 
 up a continued concert of vocal and instrumental music ; the 
 harps, charmers, violins, pipes, horns, &c., played sometimes 
 separately, sometimes all together, sometimes in slow and 
 
178 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 solemn strains, sometimes as accompaniments to the voices of 
 the bards as they detailed in measured strain the past history of 
 the country, and deeds of heroism, or sung of love or war; 
 again they would play merry tunes ; and immediately the rin- 
 ceadh, or Irish dance, would be performed by the young men 
 and maidens ; others engaged in running, hurling, racing, dec.:; 
 other groups were collected here and there playing at fitcheal 
 (chess) ; others engaged in the old Irish games resembling 
 the Olympic games of Ancient Greece; while the more aged sat 
 by looking on, and conversing with each other on the various 
 scenes that were passing before their eyes, as well as on the more 
 important topics which engaged the attention of the country, or 
 a passing carbad of royal or noble ladies or gentlemen (wives, 
 sons, and daughters of the delegates) would excite their attention 
 for a moment. The Tuath da Danaan goldsmiths and artificers, 
 dyers, builders, &c. ; Firbolg dealers in skins, furs, feathers, 
 and stuffs; farmers and graziers ; merchants of all kinds, native 
 and continental ; students from all the colleges and convents 
 throughout the country: those were the most numerous class, 
 and represented every nationality as well as Eire — Clonard 
 College as a type of the rest, but some had a larger number of 
 students. The College of Ardmacha (Armagh) at the time of 
 which we write had no less than 7,000 students, and fully a third 
 of these were Saxons. There were hundreds of other colleges 
 throughout Eire which it would be impossible to name here ; but 
 it may be guessed what a throng of students mingled on those 
 occasions with the numerous other classes which composed the 
 country. All these various classes, and many more, such as 
 daltins (attendants on knights), kernes and galloglasses, Saxon 
 slaves, &c., all enjoyed themselves thoroughly at one or other 
 of the various amusements named, or in chatting in groups. All 
 through the city and for miles around, the whole scene resembled 
 an immense parterre : the variety of colours of the various 
 dresses of the people, of the banners, and the pavilions mingled 
 with the innumerable vehicles, gilt and ornamented in various 
 degrees of magnificence ; the gold and silver mountings of the 
 horses and chariots, and the swords and helmets of the warriors 
 glittering in the sun. In the midst of all — the din of the im- 
 mense multitude, the "music of the oirfidech, the animated 
 conversation of the merchants and others, the merry peals of 
 laughter elicited by the jugglers and fools and the noise of the 
 mills — a sudden commotion on the Druim Aoibhin (Beautiful 
 Hill) caused a wild cheer to go up from multitudes of 
 throats ; and as others looked to see the cause, they perceived 
 
THE BANQXI^*. 1 79 
 
 issuing from the portals of " Tara's Halls " great numbers of 
 the delegates. The business of the day was over, and while 
 some repaired to their apartments or dispersed themselves 
 through the throngs of knights and ladies who promenaded the 
 halls and chambers of the palaces, others preferred to take the 
 air and mix with the people without, and amuse themselves thus 
 for the time that remained before assembling for the evening 
 banquet. 
 
 An ceAunAmAT) cAibrait. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 ■An ■(MeA-'o. 
 
 THE BANQUET. 
 
 As the Ardrigh of the aerial world had all day shed his benignant 
 beams on the august assembly which had but a century before 
 renounced his claim to its worship, and had from that time 
 merely admired in him the beauty and majesty of the Creator of 
 all tilings, and been contented to share the glory of the Ardrigh 
 of Eire during the debate of the princes, bishops, and ollamhs 
 of the nation, and, no doubt, highly interested in all that passed ; 
 for having travelled over all the earth and penetrated into every 
 corner and crevice thereof, and seen how much the nations of 
 the world needed the vivifying, civilising care of Eire — what 
 her schools had done for the sons of other lands, and how 
 idolatry, barbarism, ignorance, and sin vanished before the 
 learning and sanctity of the missionaries of the Island of Saints 
 and Scholars, as does darkness at the approach of the first rays 
 of his own refulgent light — and now as 'the assembly breaks up, 
 he, too, not envious that he is no longer worshipped as a god, 
 but pleased that so noble and learned a nation should, as one 
 man, and without the shedding of a drop of blood, have em- 
 braced the religion of the one God, to whom alone he owes all 
 his glory ; and bestowing a kind look on all around, his last 
 bright ray kissing the golden crown of the chief of the august 
 assembly, he good-naturedly takes his departure through bound- 
 less space on his carbad of golden glory to take another look at the 
 vast countries which were destined as the future inheritance of 
 the exiled children of this " most noble island," that for the en- 
 tertainment of the evening the Ardrigh of Eire should have no 
 rival save the partner of his secret thoughts. 
 
l8o THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 The preparations having been completed by hundreds of 
 ■willing hands, the delegates, who had during the interval been 
 amusing themselves within or without the palace, began to re- 
 assemble, this time accompanied by their families, the ladies 
 and such of the princes and nobles as were disqualified by youth 
 or other causes from taking any part in their deliberations, but 
 who now left their sports and pastimes for the enjoyment of the 
 evening banquet. The great hall was brilliantly lighted up with 
 thousands of wax candles in the seven grand chandeliers which . 
 were reflected again a thousand-fold in the innumerable gold 
 and silver shields which ornamented the oaken walls, and re- 
 sembled so many mirrors ; most of the silver ones were embossed 
 with gold, and had a gorgeous glittering effect underneath the 
 many-coloured banners with their various devices which sur- 
 rounded the vast banqueting hall; but conspicuous among the rest 
 waved the magnificent banners of the Fenians, and oftheCuraidhe 
 naCraoibheRuaidhe(KnightsoftheRed Branch); andheadingall, 
 immediately over the throne, reared the national banner, the Sun- 
 burst of Eire. The immense apartment was scented with a pro- 
 fusion of the rarest flowers, which also enhanced the beauty of the 
 scene ; they were set in Tases of gold and silver in every available 
 spot of the great table, and also round about the walls under the 
 shields on small tables of porpyhry, jasper, and serpentine. It 
 being the end of Foghmhar (October), and approaching Geimh- 
 raidh (the winter period), the blazing fireplaces were not the 
 least grateful objects in the hall. The tables were laid with 
 every variety of viands, served in gold and silver plate. The iasc 
 (fish) was of every kind the sea or the rivers of the land produced; 
 salmon was the special prerogative of the Fenians, and was 
 here served to their ofiicers on plata d'or (plates of gold) ; 
 milrad (venison), mairt-fheoil (beef, pr. morty6il) caoir-fheoil 
 (mutton, pr. ceer 6il), laoig-fheoil (veal, /r. lee oil), rost, (roast 
 meat, pr. r6sth), all kinds of serccol (fowl meat), serccol tarsain 
 or tinnes (salt fowl), foreign wines ; and as there were so 
 many thousands to partake of all those good things, we may 
 be sure that the " 150 stout cuthgaire, or cooks, of the 27 royal 
 kitchens (coisteannac, pr. cuish tyan ac), had all a busy time of 
 it ; then there was fion fionn (white wine) and fion dearg (red 
 wine) served in golden goblets, handed round by 300 cup-bearers 
 (dailemh, i.e., fer dailemh dighe, dividing drink), besides beoir 
 (beer), and lionn (ale), and midh and other liquors served in 
 horns mounted in gold or silver, and in a boige, a small vessel 
 with a handle weighing five ounces of pure gold, given as a reward 
 
THE BANQUET. l8l 
 
 to files and ollamhs ; arin (bread) and cais (cheese) and mil 
 (honey), and every variety of meas (fruit) in season. 
 
 The regulations concerningthe privileges of thedifFerentorders 
 ■were as strictly observed in this vast assemblage as if it were an 
 ordinary family gathering. The kings, queens, and the saoi of 
 literature shared alike their portions of primchrachiat or prime 
 steak ; the Fenian officers were served with salmon ; to the 
 various other grades were assigned their just right. The ranaire,* 
 or butlers, dailemh,f or cup-bearers, and fosedh, or waiters, were 
 so numerous that every individual of the multitude of illustrious 
 guests was attended to with precision and promptitude. As 
 the royal and noble guests filed into the banqueting-hall, amid 
 streams of music, they presented a most brilliant spectacle in 
 their gorgeous attire of every hue, and their ornaments of gold, 
 silver, and precious stones. Immediately under the Sun-burst, 
 on the throne of gold, studded with emeralds, were seated the 
 Ardrigh of Eire and the partner of his secret thoughts, as well 
 as of his crown and dignity ; they were attired in robes of 
 state, with torques and crowns of gold. On either side of the 
 great table on regal couches were seated the numerous guests in 
 much the same order as was observed at the Fes, save that now 
 they were joined by their families. The kings, queens, princes, 
 princesses, ollamhs, fil6s, brehons, bards, seanachies, chieftians, 
 knights, tiarnas, flaiths, and all the other representatives of the 
 various departments of state, with their wives and children ; the 
 foreign delegates and ambassadors and their families. The 
 bishops also and the abbots and some of the clergy felt con- 
 strained on such occasions to depart from the strict observance 
 of almost perpetual abstinence and mortification, and to con- 
 descend to the innocent entertainments of their flocks. Grace 
 having been said, and the Blessing of St. Patrick been repeated 
 as before, the entertainment commenced. The whole was 
 enlivened with strains of delicious music, and in the intervals 
 were snatches of conversation, which soon became general. 
 The various topics of the day were discussed — liberty and 
 patriotism, peace and war, science and law, the foundations of 
 new colleges and convents, literature of the great authors of the 
 past, contemporary authors and their works, criticisms thereon ; 
 in short, every subject of their Fileacht. The Ardrigh pledged 
 his guests first, as was his duty, the privileges observed as before, 
 the King of Oirghialla being entitled to every third horn of 
 goodly ale from the King of Eire, which is accordingly pre- 
 
 * Ranairi, i.e., fer roinn bidh. f Dailemh, i.e.. fer dailamh dighe. 
 
1 82 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 sented to him in a splendid carved drinking-horn, beautifully 
 ornamented, the rims being wreaths of gold. His queen re- 
 ceives the same as her right, from the Queen of Eire. The 
 fruit also is regulated by privilege. The ladies drink methgath- 
 lin, or mead. 
 
 The bards and musicians played and sang of the glorious 
 actions of their ancestors, the genius of their ollamhs, and the 
 exploits of their heroes, ancient and modern, which excited 
 the applause of their illustrious company, and inspired the youth 
 with enthusiasm and intrepidity of mind, as well as desire to 
 excel, if possible, the prowess and genius of those of whom their 
 poets sang, oblivious of all around, save the almost inspired 
 singing of the bards, and hanging on their lips with rapture, so 
 that it was some time before the thanist Colman Mor himself, 
 so famous in court and field, could arouse him to a sense of his 
 surroundings in time to hear the unanimous call of the guests 
 for the new poem composed by our old friend, Amherghin Mac 
 Amhlagh the chief bard of King Diarmaid (for the king had kept 
 his promise), concerning the history of the name of the very 
 place in which they were assembled. Amherghin, now approach- 
 ing maturity, and who had from the commencement led the 
 concert, now stepped forward majestically, in his taeidhean, or 
 ornamented mantle, made of the skins and feathers of various 
 coloured birds, and his rings, torque, circlet, and other orna- 
 ments of gold, and having acknowledged the compliments of the 
 assembly, modestly prefaced his poem by a declaration that he 
 was indebted for the particulars of it to the old sage and histo- 
 rian, Fintan, who had departed to a still more glorious land. 
 Then taking his cruit (harp) he swept the chords with a master 
 hand, producing a prelude of such exquisite sweetness and finish 
 as charmed the audience and surprised even those who had the 
 pleasure of heating him every day,'; but they concluded that he 
 had bestowed more than ordinary pains on the composition, 
 which was to accompany the praises of his beloved Teamhair ; 
 and now, amidst the universal silence of the vast assembly, the 
 glorious voice breaks forth in solitary grandeur, and in unison 
 with his harp swelled forth to " lords and ladies bright," and in 
 addition to the united charms of the poetry and music, giving 
 the information to those who knew it not, of the origin of the 
 name of the hill on which stood the magnificent pile in which 
 they were assembled. And now every sense of the body and 
 every power of the mind of every individual then present were 
 concentrated on the chief bard, as he burst forth into the follow- 
 ing song : — 
 
THE BANQUET. 183. 
 
 ' Temor of Bregia, whence so called, 
 Relate to me, O learned sages, 
 When was it distinguished from the Bnigh ? 
 When was the place called Temor ? 
 
 ' Was it in the time of Partholan of battles ? 
 Or at the first arrival of Caesar 7 
 Or in the time of Nemid, famed for valour ? 
 Or with Ciocal of the bent knees ? 
 
 ' Was it with the Firbolg of great achievements ? 
 Or with the race of fairy elves ? 
 Tell me in which of those invasions 
 Did the place obtain the name of Temor ? 
 
 ' O Tuan ! O generous Finnchadh ! 
 O Bran ! O active Cu-alladh ! 
 O Dubhan ! ye venerable five, 
 Whence was acquired the name of Temor ? 
 
 ' Once it was a beauteous hazel wood. 
 In the time of the famed son of Olcan, 
 Until that dense wood was felled 
 By Liath, the son of Laighne, the large and blooming. 
 
 ' From thence it was called the Hill of Liath, 
 And it was fertile in crops of com. 
 Until the coming of Cain the prosperous. 
 The son of Fiacha Ceannfionan. 
 
 ' From thenceforth it was called Dniim Cain, 
 This hill, where the great assembled, 
 Until the coming of Orofinn the fair, 
 Daughter of the far-famed Alloid. 
 
 ' The fortress of Crofinn, well applied. 
 Was its name among the Tuath da Danaan, 
 Until the coming of the agreeable Tea, 
 The wife of Heremon of noble aspect. 
 
 • A rampart was raised around her house 
 For Tea the daughter of Lughaidh, 
 She was buried outside in her mound, 
 And from her it was named Temor. 
 
 ' The seat of the kings it was called. 
 The princes, descendants of the Milesians, 
 Five names it had ere that time — 
 That is from Fordruim to Temor. 
 
1 84 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA 
 
 " I am Fintan, the Bard, 
 The historian of many tribes ; 
 In latter times I have passed my days 
 At the earthen fort above Temor."* 
 
 '" The applause which followed was reward highly appreciated 
 by the Ard File, coming, as it did, from the highest repre- 
 sentatives of a nation, of whose people poetry formed a great 
 part of their education ; nor would they be satisfied till it was 
 again • repeated, which desire having been complied with 
 Amherghin was permitted to rest, while a chorus of bards, accom- 
 panied by their harps, charmers, and violins, entertained the 
 assembly with another effusion in praise of the chief seat of 
 Eire's glory, and of one of the most famous of her kings and 
 lawgivers. The audience wound up to the highest pitch of 
 enthusiasm, listened, while the bard sang : — 
 
 " Temor, the most beautiful of hills, 
 Under which Erin was warlike, 
 The chief city oi Cormac, the son of Art, 
 Son of valiant Conn of the Hundred Battles. 
 
 " Cormac, in worth excelled, 
 Was a warrior, poet, and sage ; 
 A true brehon of the Fenian men. 
 He was a good friend and companion. 
 
 " Cormac conquered in fifty battles. 
 And compiled the Psalter of Tara, 
 In that Psalter is contained 
 The fiill substance of history." 
 
 Various other songs were sung of love and war. 
 
 Next followed, by desire, one of the compositions, or rather 
 extempore productions, of Fergus Fionbell, or the sweet-voiced, 
 who was chief bard to the Fenii in the third century, and 
 whose poems were held in high estimation in the sixth. It was 
 sung in parts by the bards, and it was entitled : — 
 
 * This translation being literal, and, of course, not in rhyme, loses much of 
 its poetic beauty, as well as its force of language, it should be heard and 
 understood m the original to be appreciated ; besides, a knowledge of the 
 history of the country previous to the sixth century, in which it was com- 
 j posed and sung, and of the various remarkable personages mentioned in it is 
 necessary to make it clear. ' 
 
THE BANQUET. 1 85 
 
 " ODE TO GOLL, THE SON OF MORNIj* 
 
 " High-minded GoU, whose daring soul 
 Stoops not to one chiet's f control ! 
 Champion of the navy's pride ! 
 Mighty ruler of the tide! 
 Rider of the stormy wave, 
 Hostile nations to enslave ! J 
 
 " Shield of freedom's glorious boast 
 Head of her unconquered host ! 
 Ardent son of Morni's might I 
 Terror of the fields of fight ! 
 Long renowned and dreadful name ! 
 Hero of auspicious fame ! 
 Champion in our cause to arm ! 
 Tongue with eloquence to charm ! 
 With depth of sense and reach of manly thought ; 
 With every grace and every beauty fraught ! 
 
 " Girt with heroic might, 
 When glory and thy country call to arms, 
 Thou goest to mingle in the loud alarms, 
 
 And lead the rage of fight ! 
 Thine, hero ! — thine the princely sway 
 
 Of each conflicting hour ; 
 Thine every bright endowment to display, 
 
 The smile of beauty and the arm of pow'r ! 
 Science beneath our hero's shade. 
 Exults in all her patriot's gifts array'd ; 
 Her chief the soul of every fighting field ! 
 The arm, the heart, alike unknown to yield ! 
 
 " Hear, O Knn, thy people's voice! 
 Trembling on our hills, we plead — 
 
 Oh, let our fears to peace incline thy choice ! 
 Divide the spo^, and give the hero's meed ; 
 For bright and various is his high renown. 
 And war and science weaves his glorious crown ! 
 
 " " Did all the hosts of aU the earth unite, 
 From pole to pole, from wave to wave. 
 
 Exulting in their might ; 
 His is that monarchy of soul 
 To fit him for the wide control — 
 
 The empire of the brave ! 
 
 * Translated by Miss Brooke. It was composed by Fergus to allay the 
 embittered feelings of the rival septs of Momi and Boishna, of which Goll or 
 Gaul, and Finn were the respective leaders. Time— Middle of Third Century. 
 Place — Palace of Finn, at Almhain (Allwinn) county Kildare. 
 
 t Finn Mac Cumhall, then General of the Irish Militia. 
 
 J " Besirfes standing armies, the Irish kept a considerable naval force, by 
 which they laid other countries under contribution." 
 
 13 
 
1 86 THE tAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 " Friend of learning ! mighty name ! 
 Havoc of hosts, and pride of fame ! 
 Fierce as the foaming strength of ocean's rage. 
 When nature's powers in stnfe engage. 
 So does his dreadful progress roll. 
 And such the force that lifts his soul ! 
 
 ***** 
 
 " Finn of the flowing locks, oh, hear my voice ! 
 
 No more with Goll contend ! 
 Be peace henceforth thy happy choice. 
 
 And gain a valiant friend ! 
 Secure of victory to the field 
 
 His conquering standard goes ; 
 'Tis his the power of fight to wield, 
 
 And woe awaits his foes. 
 
 " Not to mean, insidious art 
 Does the great name of GoU its terrors owe ; 
 
 But from a brave, undaunted heart 
 His glories flow ! 
 
 ***** 
 
 " Finn of the dark-brown hair ! oh, hear my voice ! 
 No more with Goll contend ! 
 Be peace sincere, henceforth thy choice, 
 
 And gain a valiant friend ! 
 In peace, though inexhausted from his breast 
 
 Each gentle virtue flows ; 
 In war no force his fury can arrest, 
 And hopeless are his foes. 
 ***** 
 
 " Spirit resolute to dare ! 
 
 Aspect sweet beyond compare. 
 
 Bright with inspning soul! with blooming beauty fair ! 
 
 "Warrior of majestic charms ! 
 
 High in fame and great in arms ! 
 
 Well thy daring soul may tow'r — 
 
 Nothing is above thy pow'r ! 
 " Hear, O Finn, my ardent zeal, 
 
 While his glories I reveal ! 
 
 Fierce as ocean's angry wave. 
 
 When conflicting tempests wave ; 
 
 As still with the increasing storm. 
 
 Increasing ruin clothes its dreadful form ; 
 
 Such is the chief, o'erwhelming in his force, 
 
 Unconquered in his swift, resistless course ! 
 
 " Though in smiles of blooming grace array'd. 
 
 And bright in beauty's every charm ; 
 
 Yet think not, therefore, that his soul will bend; 
 
 Nor with the chief contend. 
 
 For well he knows to wield the glittering blade. 
 And fatal is his arm ! 
 
 Bounty in his bosom dwells. 
 
 High his soul of courage swells ! 
 
THE BANQUET. 187 
 
 Fierce the dreadful war to wage, 
 
 Mix in the whirl of fight, and guide the battle's rage ! 
 
 Wide, wide around triumphant ruin wield. 
 
 Roar through the ranks of death, and thunder o'er the field 
 
 " Many a chief of mighty sway, 
 
 Fights beneath his high command ; 
 Marshals his troops in bright array. 
 
 And spreads his banner o'er the land, 
 ' ' Champion of unerring aim ! 
 Chosen of kings, triumphant name ! 
 
 Bounty's hand and wisdom's head. 
 Valiant arm and lion soul. 
 
 O'er red heaps of slaughtered dead, 
 Thundering on to glory's goal ! 
 
 "Pride of Fenian fame and arms ! 
 Mildness of majestic charms i 
 Swiftness of the battle rage ! 
 Theme of the heroic page ! 
 Firm in purpose, fierce in fight ! 
 Arm of slaughter, soul of might! 
 
 " Glory's light ! illustrious name ! 
 Splendour of the paths of fame ! 
 Bom bright precedent to yield, 
 And sweep with death the hostile field ! 
 
 " Leader of sylvan sports ; the hounds, the horn, 
 The early melodies of mom ! 
 Love of the fair, and favourite of the muse ! 
 In peace, each peaceful science to diflfuse : 
 Prince of the noble deeds ! accomplished name ! 
 Increasing beauty, comprehensive fame ! 
 « * * * * 
 
 " Hear, O Goll, the poet's voice ! 
 Oh, be peace thy gen'rous choice ! 
 Yield thee to the bard's desire ! 
 Calm the terrors of thine ire ! 
 Cease then here our mutual strife. 
 And peaceful be our future life !" 
 
 Goll — "I yield, O Fergus, to thy mild desire : 
 Thy words, O bard ! are sweet ; 
 Thy wish, I freely meet, 
 And bid my wrath expire. 
 No more to discontent a prey, 
 I give to peace the future day : 
 To thee my soul I bend, 
 O guileless friend I 
 The accents of whose glowing lips well know that soul 
 to sway." 
 
 Baud — " O swift in Honour's course ! the generous name ! 
 Illustrious chief, of never-dying fame!" 
 
1 88 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 The applause which greeted Jhese and other songs having 
 subsided, there followed some instrumental music, either from one 
 or from many instruments together ; now charming the ears of 
 the audience by the exquisite sweetness of the ceis ; again firing 
 their souls with enthusiasm by the martial strains of the stoc 
 (stuck), and the cruit, and the tiompan, the fidiol, the cuishla 
 ciuil (cushla ciool) and the clairseach. 
 
 After this the seanachies commenced to amuse the company 
 with stories of deeds of valour, and tales of adventure, of love 
 and war, as follows : — 
 
 "the tale of lia fail. 
 
 " Now, it happened upon a day, as Eochaid Ollamh Fodhla* 
 did commune with Nearton the Ollamh, 
 
 " That lonar, Ard Cruimtear of Gaelan did come into the 
 tent of Eochaid, and he did say : 
 
 " ' As I did rise, three mornings now are passed, from the 
 arms of the image of death, and had purified my head, my feet, 
 my hands, and my heart, ' 
 
 " And forth had walked to refresh my spirit ; lo ! three young 
 men drew nigh unto me, and one said : 
 
 " ' If I see Ard Cruimtear, 'twere good he knew we have 
 tidings for the ear of the chief of Eri, fit to be told and heard,' 
 
 " And I did return unto Asti, nigh unto the Mount of Gaelen,t 
 with the young men, and I did inquire of them what manner of 
 thing it was the chief should know. 
 
 " And Saor, one of the youths, did stand up before me, and 
 he did tell : 
 
 " ' We be of the Gaal of Sciot, of Iber, and have hither come 
 with words for the ear of the chief, a son of Cier, as we hear, 
 whose heap is raised on the rocks of the terrible sea, behind the 
 utmost limits, of our land ; and hither have we come to tell : 
 
 " ' Our fathers of old time did leave the land of Iber with 
 Cathac, one of the race, and his mind was to be chief. And 
 v/hen the chiefs of Iber would not have it so, Cathac did call 
 unto him a company of young men, and they did provide a ship 
 upon the gathering together of all the waters behind the land.' 
 
 " ' And before the day that he, who was to be chosen king, 
 was named, Cathac and the young men were together. 
 
 " 'TSTow, long and long before this time, one whose name we 
 never heard was to be called chief; and the night before the 
 day he was to come forth into the presence of the Gael, 
 
 " ' A mighty stone, white as snow, round as the head of man, 
 
 * King of Ireland 700 years B.C. t Mount Leinster. 
 
THE BANQUET. 1 89 
 
 smooth as the arrows for the warrior's bow, was borne in a chest 
 drawn by many beasts, the priests surrounding the way they 
 moved. 
 
 " ' And the priests said, how Baal had sent the blessed stone, 
 even from the bosom of the mountains, that rear their mighty 
 heads above the plains, they formed by his own hands, white and 
 round, and smooth, to show unto the chief, e'en what he ought 
 to be. 
 
 " 'And mighty Baal forth did send his terrible voice, saying, 
 " Let all the race for evermore, receive the name of Chief on 
 Liafail (for so they called the stone) from the mouth of the high 
 priest, the servant of Baal on earth." 
 
 " ' And thus were four chiefs named. 
 
 " ' Now before the day, the chief who crossed the way 
 Cathac desired to move, was to come forth and take his seat on 
 Liafail, lo, Cathac and the young men did bear away the 
 blessed stone to the ship that floated on the waters behind the 
 land of Iber, and thereon they had much store ; 
 
 " ' For being but few to journey on the land, they would move 
 on the face of the waters in search of their brethren, led by two 
 of the race to the extremity of the world of land to the sun's 
 going, as they had heard. 
 
 " ' And they were driven from their course. 
 
 " ' These words have we heard ; it is but a tale of other times 
 long passed, told fronn mouth to ear ; it was but breath ; what 
 hath been said fit for the chief to hear, remains : 
 
 " ' We are of Ion, companion of Cathac ; our fathers told the 
 vessel was borne to this land, and here was broken, but all the 
 men came safe with Liafail ; and Firgneat did lead our fathers 
 to their caves, and when they came to understand the words 
 concerning Liafail, 
 
 " ' Chiefs of Iber, Gaal of Sciot, look on this stone, 
 
 " ' So smooth, so fair, so round, and so compact. 
 Be thus ; guard well this blessed gift, 
 And in what land this messenger shall stay 
 A chief of Iber shall stiU bear the sway.' 
 
 " ' Firgneat would not suffer him to abide with us; and when 
 the Danaan came to hear the words, they did bear away our Lia- 
 fail from them, 
 
 " 'And Liafail is now in Oldanmacht,* and called Stanclidden; 
 the Danaan cast their lots beneath him, as we hear : 
 
 " ' Thither send, O King ! and have the name of Chief on 
 
 * Connaught 
 
I go THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 Liafail from the priests' mouth ; so will the land remain to a son 
 of Iber and the Gaal of Sciot evermore.' 
 
 " And Eochaid said, ' Let me see the youths.' 
 
 " And Saor repeated his tale ; and Eocaid inquired of the 
 young men if they did ever hear what time these things did 
 hap } But they had no note, only that the Danaan then were not 
 upon this. land. 
 
 "And the youth did speak most part in the tongue of the 
 Gaal of Sciot, though not throughout. 
 
 "And they do dwell upon the hills and in the vales that 
 touch the waves of the world of waters, and of the sea of Iber 
 unto the waters that do spread themselves upon the land as thou 
 goest towards the south. 
 
 " And Eocaid did send Saor and a company of gallant youths 
 to Meirt, Chief of Oldanmact, with a present of four horses and 
 a piece of fine cloth, and a request to give Stanclidden unto 
 Saor ; Stanclidden which is Liafail. 
 
 " And Meirt did commune with those about him, and they 
 were of a mind to consent unto the desire of the son of Er. 
 
 "And Eocaid had sent a car for Liafail, and he was placed 
 thereon, and Saor and the young men returned with him to 
 Eocaid. 
 
 " And when the day came for seating Eochaid, and all the 
 assembly were on the Mount, and a mighty congregation of the 
 children of the land were round about,, what time Baal had 
 touched larsgith. 
 
 " And the heralds proclaimed aloud : 
 
 " ' Let Eochaid, the son of Fiaca, the son of Seadna, the 
 son of Ardfear, the son of Eolas, of the race of Er, son of the 
 hero, sit Erimionn.' " 
 
 "When the air had ceased to tremble for shouts of joy, 
 
 " Eocaid said, ' Let Saor of the Gaal of Sciot of Iber be 
 called.' 
 
 "And he was raised upon the shields of the tallest of the 
 warriors, and Saor did repeat the tale of Liafail, and when he had 
 made end, 
 
 "Eochaid did speak unto the heralds, and they did say aloud: 
 
 " ' The desire of Eocaid is towards Liafail,' 
 
 " Thus spake the heralds, but the Cruimtear and the Carneac 
 held their peace ; they remembered of Luban and of Cromcruad, 
 as the days of Tighernmas. 
 
 " But when it did seem good in the eyes of the people, 
 and all the chiefs were consenting unto it, lonar stood up, and 
 he did say : 
 
THE BANQUET. I91 
 
 " ' Is it the will of the congregation that Erimionn receive 
 the asion and mantle on Liafail ?' 
 
 " And all shouted, ' Yea.' 
 
 " And Eochaid was seated on Liafail, and the Ard Cruimtear 
 of Gaelen placed the asion on the head, and the mantle laid he 
 on the shoulders of Eochaid. 
 
 '■ And the Ard Cruimtear and all the priests turned their 
 eyes towards Baal, and bowed their head. 
 
 "And all the assembly turned their faces towards Eochaid, 
 and clapped their hands and shouted. 
 
 " And when silence abided, Erimionn did speak again unto 
 the heralds, 
 
 " And they did say aloud : 
 
 " ' From this day forth for evermore, what if this Mount be 
 called 'the Hill ofTobrad,'* 
 
 "And all said, 'Yea.' 
 
 " A.nd the tale of Liafail, and all the acts of the day whereon 
 Eochaid OUamh Fodhla was proclaimed Erimionn are taken 
 down a.s Eochaid did bid unto me, Neartan, the son of Beirt, Ard 
 OUamh of UUad, to remain with the words of the chronicles for 
 ever." 
 
 After these came other tales, as "The Tain Bo Cuailgne," 
 (cattle prey of Cooley) ; " Oidhbeadh-na-g-Curtaidhe " (or 
 Death of the Heroes) ; " Brisleach-Muighe Muirthemne ;" 
 " Tochmare Mocmern ;" " Destruction of the Court of Da 
 Darge," &c. 
 
 All the various ranks of the seanchaidhe, the ollamh, 
 anroth, cli, fochlog, and driseg, contributed their respective 
 shares to the general entertainment. 
 
 After this, the tricks and witticisms of the cainte (satirists), 
 cleasaige (jugglers), amadana (fools), and fuirscoire (buffoons), 
 kept the assembly in continual merriment until dancing 
 (the Irish rinceadh) commenced and occupied the remainder 
 of the night ; the chiefs and princes having deposited in 
 their drinking seats their red gold rings to pay for their seats at 
 Uisneach, another palace of the King of Eire, where assemblies 
 and sports were held in the month of May, which had been 
 called in pagan times Beltine. 
 
 And now having endeavoured to describe what passed within 
 the royal palace, we will next see how it fared with the less for- 
 tunate multitude outside. 
 
 «HillofTara. 
 
192 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 An CtHSltlAt) CAlblT)lt. 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 tiA blA.'OCACA.. 
 THE HOUSES OF HOSPITALITY. 
 
 As the sun sank to rest behind Ara-na-Naomh (Aran of the 
 Saints), and the fabulous Hy Brasil, the Isle of the Blesf, the 
 legend of which has been so beautifully rendered by Gerald 
 Griffin, the vast multitude began to disperse : those who lived 
 in the neighbourhood, to their homes ; the retainers and servants 
 of the provincial kings, princes, bishops, ollamhs, and nobles, 
 to their several tents, and all strangers to the houses, tents, 
 and the fourteen biadtachs, or houses of hospitality so called, 
 generally at cross roads, and, as we have seen, always weB sup- 
 plied with provisions and meat, boiled in large cauldrons, and 
 in which supplies of various kinds were always kept ready cooked 
 for all comers. 
 
 On occasions like the present, however, when people poured 
 into Tara from all parts of the country, and even from other 
 countries, the biadtachs round about the scene of the festivities 
 were always more than equal to the demands made upon them. 
 According as the very diverse multitudes, wearied with the 
 sports of the day, poured into the hospitable roofs for lest and 
 refreshment, all their wants were amply supplied. And, al- 
 though their surroundings were simplicity itself when compared 
 with the magnificence of the royal palaces, yet their actual enter- 
 tainment, mental, social, and physical, was in no way inferior 
 to that enjoyed by the higher ranks of their nation. TTie walls 
 were, indeed, nearly invisible from the number of shields with 
 ■which they were dotted, but instead of gold and silver they 
 were made of leather, wood, or brass, or some other simple 
 material, though very many of them were embossed with silver,' 
 or ornamented in various ways, and seen as they were between 
 a great ar?ay of banners, of divers colours and of many devices, 
 had a very striking effect. Instead of the gorgeous, highly- 
 wrought brass chandeliers, and their myriads of wax candles of 
 the royal banqueting hall, these humble places of entertainment 
 were lit up with immense candles formed of rushes, twisted 
 
THE HOUSES OF HOSPITALITY. 193 
 
 many times, until they were of great thickness ; great num- 
 bers of them were placed at intervals at either side. Instead 
 of the golden thrqnes and royal couches of " Tara's Hall," 
 there were long, plain forms, ranged at either side of the 
 equally plain substantial tables. The fireplaces, in which 
 g^eat logs blazed and crackled, were laden with large coiri umha, 
 or copper cauldrons, in which joints of meat of various kinds 
 were being cooked. At other fireplaces were various kinds of ma- 
 chines, each of which turned no less than thirty spits, all in working 
 order, which had been so contrived by ancient artificers. It 
 will be seen there were ample convenience for cooking for the 
 large number of people who were swarming in, filling the 
 benches, and ready to do justice to all the good things pre- 
 pared for them. Many of the military, not being able to find 
 accommodation at the numerous large tables, were obliged to 
 use their shields for that purpose, on which to eat their dinner; 
 the numerous cauldrons and spits were now relieved of their 
 burdens, and fresh joints put in their places to supply the ever 
 increasing demands. And now as they take their seats round 
 the hospitable board, every individual of the vast throng is 
 served with a plentiful supply of the best viands of every kind, 
 and they were none the less palatable, that, instead of being 
 served in silver and gold, they were handed round to each in 
 vessels of less pretensions. Immense tureens of polished stone 
 and pottery held the soups, which was served in stone bowls and 
 cups ; on dishes and plates of stone and wood, were piled all the 
 edibles — fish of every variety, fat beeves, dainty venison, pork, fresh 
 and salted ; goats and sheep's flesh; but beef predominated, for 
 Eire was unrivalled for the multitude and excellence of her cattle: 
 they formed, par excellence, the riches of the nation. Smaller 
 game also — ^turkeys, geese, ducks, fowl of every kind, rabbits 
 and hares ; bread and butter, and cheese, milk and honey ; 
 apples and nuts also, and every kind of fruit, were there in 
 profusion. Various kinds of drink also — wine,* at least 
 foreign ; ale, beer, mead, spring water from the wells, &c., 
 were drank out of vessels of horn, wood, stone, and pottery, 
 and methers of which there were various kinds — carved drinking- 
 horns, variegated drinking-horns, drinking-horns of various 
 colours, drinking-horns with handsome handles, curved drink- 
 ing-horns ; they were of various shapes, some even were orna- 
 mented with silver. And while the gay throng chatted, and 
 talked, and laughed, they did not forget the privileges which 
 
 . * The Vine was cultivated in ancient Erin. 
 
194 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 they were entitled to according to law. The bards and musicians, 
 who were there in great numbers, had their primchrochait 
 (prime steak) ; the Fenian men, their salmon ; the historians 
 a crooked bone; the hunter, a pig's shoulder; the cooks 
 (cuthgaire) and trumpeters (cornaire) " cheering mead." No 
 man could presume to assume the title of biadhtach who had 
 not seven townlands, each townland comprehending seven 
 plowlands ; he was also to have seven cows going, and be 
 master of seven herds of cattle, each herd containing 120 cows ; 
 his house was to be accessible by four diiferent roads ; and a hog, 
 a beef, and a mutton were always to be ready for the entertainment 
 of the traveller ; of such houses there were no less than 1800 
 in the two Munsters only. The attendants, with an eye to busi- 
 ness, took care not to delay unnecessarily the sons of music, 
 so that they were enabled before long to tune their several 
 instruments, and entertained the rest with strains, gay or 
 solemn, paying special compliment to the Fenian heroes of 
 bygone times, animating those of their listeners whe belonged 
 to that glorious band to enthusiasm and a thirst for military 
 glory. The following Fenian song was sung alternately and in 
 chorus by a numerous band of musicians : — 
 
 " THE CHASE.* 
 
 OlSIN. 
 
 " ' Oh, son of Calphruin ! thou, whose ear 
 Sweet chant of psahns delights to hear, 
 
 Hast thou e'er heard the tale. 
 How Fionn urged the lonely chase 
 Apart from all the Fenian race. 
 
 Brave sons of Inisfail ?' 
 
 Patrick, 
 " 'Oh, royal bom, whom none exceeds 
 In moving song, or hardy deeds, 
 That tale to me as yet untold, 
 Though far renown'd, do thou unfold. 
 
 In truth severely wise. 
 From fancy's wanderings far apart ; 
 For what is fancy's glorying art 
 
 But falsehood in disguise ?' 
 
 OlSIN. 
 
 " ' Oh, ne'er on gallant Fenian race 
 Fell falsehood's accusation base; 
 By faith of deeds, by strength of hand, 
 By trusty might of battle-brand. 
 
 * Translated by the Rev. W. H. Drummond D.D. 
 
THE HOUSES OF HOSPITALITY, 195 
 
 We spread afar our glorious fame, 
 And safely from each conflict came, 
 Ne'er sat a monk in holy chair, 
 Devote to chanting hymn and prayer, 
 
 More true than the Fenians bold ; 
 No chief like Fionn, world around, 
 Was e'er to bards so generous found, 
 
 With gifts of ruddy gold. 
 
 " 'If lived the son of Mom6 fleet. 
 
 Who ne'er for treasure burned ; 
 Or DuinS's son, to woman sweet, 
 
 Who ne'er from battle turned; 
 But fearless with his single glaive, 
 A hundred foemen dare to brave ; 
 If lived Macgaree, stem and wild, 
 
 That hero of the trenchant brand ; 
 Or Oaoilte, Ronan's witty child, 
 
 Of liberal heart and open hand ; 
 Or Oscar, once my darling boy. 
 Thy psalms would bring me little joy; 
 If Uved the Fenian deeds to sing. 
 
 Sweet Fergus with his voice of glee, 
 Or Daire, who trilled a faultless string. 
 
 Small pleasure were thy bells to me ; 
 If lived the dauntless little Hugh, 
 
 Or FiUan, courteous, kind, and meek, 
 Or Conan bold, for whom the dew 
 
 Of sorrow yet is on my cheek ; 
 Or that small dwarf whose power could steep 
 The Fenian host in death-like sleep — 
 More sweet one breath of theirs would be 
 Than all thy clerks' sad psalmody.' 
 
 Patrick. 
 
 " 'Thy chiefs renowned, extol no more; 
 Oh, son of kings, hor number o'er. 
 But low on bended knee'record. 
 The power and glory of the Lord. 
 And beat the breast and shed the tear, 
 And still his holy name revere — 
 Almighty, by whose potent breath 
 Thy vanquished Fenians sleep in death.' 
 
 OlSIN. 
 
 " • Alas ! for Oisin — dire the tale ! 
 
 * * * * * 
 
 Where now are the royal gifts of gold, 
 The flowing robe with its satin fold. 
 
 And the heart-delighting bowl ? 
 Where now the feast and the revel high, 
 And the jocund dance and sweet minstrelsy, 
 
THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 And the steed, loud neighing in the mom, 
 With the music sweet of hound and horn, 
 And well-armed guards of coast and bay ? 
 All, all, like a dream have passed away ; 
 And now we have clerks with their holy qualms, 
 And books, and bells, and eternal psalms ; 
 And fasting, that waster, gaunt and grim, 
 That strips of all beauty, both body and limb.' 
 
 Patrick. 
 
 << 'Oh ! cease this strain, nor longer dare 
 Thy Fionn, or his chiefs compare 
 With Him who reigns in matchless might, 
 The King of kings, enthroned in light. 
 'Tis He who frames the heaven and earth ; 
 
 'Tis He who nerves the hero's hand ; 
 'Tis He who calls fair fields to birth, 
 
 And bids each blooming branch expand : 
 He gives the fishy streams to run. 
 And lights the moon and radiant sun. 
 What deeds like these, though great his fame. 
 Canst thou ascribe to Fionn's name ?' 
 
 OlSIN. 
 
 " ' To weeds and grass his princely eye 
 ^ My sire ne'er fondly turned ; 
 
 But he raised his country's glory high, , 
 
 When the strife of warriors burned. 
 To shine in games of strength and skill. 
 To burst the torrent from the hill. 
 To lead the van of the bannered host. 
 These were his deeds, and these his boast.' 
 * * # « » 
 
 Patrick. 
 " 'Here let this vain contention rest. 
 For frenzy, bard, inspires thy breast.' 
 4? ^ jt fl? "^P 
 
 OlSIN. 
 
 " ' This arm, did frenzy touch ray brain. 
 
 Their heads from thy clerks would sever, 
 Nor thy crozier here, nor white book remain. 
 Nor thy bells be heard for ever.'j 
 
 Patrick. 
 "^Oh, son of kings, adorned with grace, 
 'Twere music to mine ear. 
 Of Fionn, and his wond'rous chase' 
 The promised tale to hear. 
 
THE HOUSES OF HOSPITALITY. 1-97 
 
 OlSIN, 
 
 " ' Well, though afresh my bosom bleeds, 
 Remembering days of old, ' 
 
 When I think of my sire and his mighty deeds, 
 Yet shaU the tale be told.' 
 
 Oisin's Tale. 
 
 " ' While the Fenian bands at Almhain's* towers, 
 In the hall of spears passed the festive hours. 
 The goblet crowned, with chessmen played. 
 Or gifts for gifts of love repaid. 
 From the reckless throng Fionn stole unseen. 
 When he saw a young doe on the heath-clad green. 
 
 With agile spring draw near ; 
 On Sceolan and Bran, his nimble hounds, 
 He whistles aloud, and away he bounds. 
 
 In chase of the hornless deer. 
 
 " ' With his hounds alone and his trusty blade. 
 The son of Luno's skill, 
 On the track of the flying doe he strayed, 
 
 To Guillion's pathless hill. 
 But when he came to its hard-won height, 
 
 No deer appeared in view ; 
 If east or west she had sped her flight. 
 Nor hounds, nor huntsman knew. 
 « * * ^ « 
 
 " ' There, while he gazes anxious round. 
 Sudden he hears a dolefiU sound. 
 And by a lake of crystal sheen, 
 Spies a nymph of lovelist form and mien ; 
 Her cheeks as the rose were crimson bright. 
 
 Her lips the red berry's glow ; 
 Her neck, as the polished marble white. 
 
 Her breast, the pure blossom's full blow ; 
 Downy gold were her locks, and her sparkling eyes 
 Like freezing stars in the ebon skies. 
 Such beauty, sage ! all cold as thou art. 
 Would kindle warm raptures of love in thy heart. 
 
 " ' Nigh to the nymph of golden hair. 
 
 With courteous grace he drew — 
 " O hast thou seen, enchantrees fair. 
 
 My hoimds, their game pursue ?" 
 
 Nymph. 
 " ' Thy hounds I saw not in the chase. 
 Oh, noble prince of the Fenian race ; 
 But I have cause of woe more deep, 
 For which I linger here and weep.' 
 
 _ • Almhain (pronounced Alwin), the Palace of Finn Mac Cumhall on the 
 hill of Allen, county Kildare. 
 
1 98 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 FlONN. 
 
 "•Oh, has thou lost a husband dear ? 
 Falls for a darling son thy tear, 
 
 Or daughter of thy heart ? 
 Sweet, soft-palmed nymph, the cause reveal 
 To one who can thy sorrow feel — 
 
 Perchance can ease thy smart.' 
 
 " The maid of tresses fair replied : — 
 
 ' A precious ring I wore, 
 Dropped from my finger in the tide. 
 
 Its loss I now deplore ; 
 But by the sacred bounds that bind 
 
 Each brave and loyal knight, 
 I now adjure thee, chief, to find 
 
 My peerless jewel bright.' 
 
 " He feels her adjuration's ties, 
 
 Disrobes each manly limb. 
 And for the smooth-palmed princess hies, 
 
 The gulphy lake to swim. 
 Five times deep diving down the wave, 
 Through every cranny, nook, and cave. 
 With care he searches round and round, 
 Tin the golden ring at length he found ; 
 But scarce to the shore the prize could bring. 
 
 When by some blasting ban — 
 Ah! piteous tale — the Fenian king 
 
 Grew a withered, gray old man ! 
 
 " Meanwhile the Fenians passed the hours 
 In the hall of spears, at Almhain's towers ; 
 The goblet crowned, with chessmen played, 
 Or gifts for gilts of love repaid. 
 When Caolite rose and asked in grief, 
 'Ye spearmen, where is our gallant chief? 
 Oh ! lost, I dread, is the Fenian boast — 
 Then who shall lead our bannered host ?' 
 
 " 'To urge the quest, we then decree, 
 Of Finn and his hounds, the joyous three, 
 That still to triumph led. 
 
 " ' And soon from Almhain's hall away. 
 With Caoilte, I, and our dark array, 
 
 North to Slew Guillin sped. 
 Then as with searching glance the eye 
 
 O'er all the prospect rolled, 
 Beside the lake a wretch we spy. 
 
 Poor, withered, gray and old. 
 Disgust and horror touch the heart, 
 To see the bones all fleshless start, 
 
 In a frame so lank and wan ; 
 
THE HOUSES OF HOSPITALITY. 199 
 
 We thought him some starved fisher torn 
 !From the whelming stream, by famine worn, 
 And left but the wreck of man. 
 
 " 'We asked if he had chanced to see 
 A swift chased chieftain go, 
 With two fleet hounds across the lea, 
 
 Behind a fair young doe. 
 He gave us back no answer clear, 
 But in the nimble Oaoilte's ear 
 He breathed his tale — O tale of grief! — 
 That in him we saw the Fenian chief ! 
 
 "Three sudden shouts, to hear the tale, 
 Our host raised loud and shrill — 
 The badgers started in the vale. 
 The wild deer on the hiU. 
 
 " Of CnmhaU's son then Caoilte sought, 
 What wizard Danaan foe had wrought. 
 Such piteous change, and Finn replied, 
 
 ' 'T-was Grmllin's daughter — me she bound 
 By a sacred spell to search the tide 
 
 Till the ling she lost was found.' 
 " Then Conan spoke in altered mood — 
 
 ' Safe may we ne'er depart. 
 Till we see restored our chieftain good. 
 
 Or Guillin rue his art !' 
 Then close around our chief we throng. 
 And bear him on our shields along. 
 
 " Eight days and nights the cavemed seat. 
 Where Quillin made his dark retreat. 
 
 We dig with sleepless care ; 
 Pour through the windings close the light. 
 Till we see, in all her radiance bright. 
 
 Spring forth the enchantress fair. 
 
 "A chalice she bore of angled mould. 
 And sparkling rich with gems and gold ; 
 Its brimming fount in the hand she placed. 
 Of Finn, whose looks small beauty graced. 
 
 " Feeble he drinks — the potion speeds 
 
 Through every joint and pore ; 
 To palsied age, fresh youth succeeds — 
 Finn of the swift and slender steeds 
 
 Becomes himself once more. 
 His shape, his strength, his bloom retnros. 
 And in manly glory bright he bums ! 
 " We gave three cheers that rent the air. 
 
 The badgers fled the vale, 
 And now, O sage, of frugal care. 
 
 Hast thou not heard the tale ?" 
 
200 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 When the deafening cheers which rewarded the musical 
 genius of the bards who had treated the audience to this beauti- 
 ful Fenian poem had subsided, several of the other bards and 
 musicians present were called upon for the " Battle of Gamhra," 
 which request they complied with. Several others followed, as 
 " The Lamentation of Cuchillin," love songs, &c. 
 
 Then came the turn of the seanachies with tales of other 
 times, as "Imteachtaan Ghiolla Decair,"* or "The Adventures 
 of the Dissatisfied Clown. 
 
 Interesting stories o' Queen Meadhbh, of Conn of the 
 Hundred Battles, of Cormac Mac Art, the Courtship of Finn 
 Mac Cumhaill with the Princess Ailbha, and several other tales 
 on every conceivable subject. 
 
 "the death of caoilte and dutama. 
 
 " Eochaid Ollamh Fodhla abideth on Tobrad. 
 
 " Peace and contentment are throughout the nation of Eire. 
 
 " The king hath gone towards Dun Sobairce (Dunseverick), 
 ring after ring, what time Baal entereth the threshold of his 
 house larsgith." 
 
 " Now, when he had ruled in UUadh two score rings, 
 
 " And the liiessengers have gone forth to call the assembly 
 of Eire to Tobrad, he sent to Fionn his son to come unto 
 him. 
 
 " And when Fionn was about to return to Dun Sobairce, 
 Eochaid said unto him, ' Tarry here with me till larsgith, then 
 return to Ulladh, and I will go with thee.' 
 
 "And as Baal was entering larsgith, the king took 
 his departure from his tents on Tobrad with Fionn his son, 
 and Neartan the ollamh. 
 
 "And Eochaid would go by the way of Mur Ollamhain 
 to see the youths, and to give a charge concerning them. 
 
 " And when it was known that the king purposed to take 
 that way, a great multitude accompanied him, and a train of 
 damsels came forth to do honour to the king. 
 
 "And Eochaid went unto Mur Ollamhain and he tarried 
 there for awhile ; and as he moved towards the river, one came 
 unto the king, and said : 
 
 " ' Youth of Gaelen (Leinster) have desired to race on 
 their horses before the king.' 
 
 "And Eochaid was conducted to a little hill, whence he 
 could look over the way the horses were to run, and all the 
 damsels came about him. 
 
 * Pronounced Imhaght an yilla dacker. 
 
THE HOUSES OF HOSPITAUTY. 201 
 
 " And as the horses were changing their course to go by 
 the waters' of the Buadaman, the horse of one of the young 
 men ran headlong into the river, and the youth was flung, and 
 he sunk to the ground, and he lay there, 
 
 " And a great uproar and loud lamentation were raised ; 
 and when one of the damsels nigh unto the king heard what 
 had happened, and that the youth covered over by the waters 
 was Caoilte, the son of Deag, chief minstrel of the king, 
 
 " She ran violently towards the river, and threw herself 
 into the waters. 
 
 " And what time the boats came and the ropes were brought 
 the young man and the damsel were in the arms of death. 
 
 " And a loud cry was raised, and Eocaid lamented, and 
 the company bore the weight of the lad and of the damsel 
 to a chamber of Mur Ollamhain. 
 
 "And the king did not go on his way, he lodged in the 
 chamber of the Ard OUamh, till the little heap was raised. 
 The cloth of death that covered the young man did also cover 
 the damsel ; they were laid side by side ; the heap of one is the 
 heap of the other, and the name of the damsel was Dutama. 
 
 " Is not the mournful song of the bards for the death of 
 Caoilte and Dutama amongst the writings of the bards in Mur 
 Ollamhain ?" 
 
 Other tales followed of Catha, or Battles ; of Longasa, or 
 Voyages ; of Toghla, or Destructions ; of the Tana, or Cattle 
 Spoils ; of Tochmarca, or Courtships ; of Fenian tales, and tales 
 of slaughters, sieges, and tragedies. 
 
 Although the jugglers* and foolsf had not all this time been 
 idle, having, on every opportunity, during the evening, been 
 tickling the assembly, now commenced in good earnest their 
 congenial calling, and for the next hour, the immense gathering 
 were kept in a continual fit of laughter and general merriment. 
 After which, the musicians struck up lively tunes, and tables and 
 forms, and other impediments being removed, a general dance 
 commenced, and continued with spirit during the remainder of 
 the evening. And thus ended the first day's celebration of the 
 Fes of Teamhair — the five succeeding days being repetitions of 
 the first with more or less variation — thus, while the delegates 
 were engaged, as on the first day, in the business of the nation, 
 their relatives, friends, retainers, and the rest of the people 
 enjoyed themselves in music, dancing, hunting in the neigh- 
 bouring forests, parties of pleasure to places of note within 
 
 * Cleasaige. t Amadhana. 
 
 14 
 
202 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 convenient distances, hurling, playing at chess and back- 
 gammon, and other games, &c. ; the day's proceedings or sports 
 winding up as before with the grand banquet in the palace, as well 
 as the great entertainments in the biadtachs, in all of which the 
 music, songs, and stories were each evening different, and the poets, 
 besides reciting well-known poems of others, and compositions 
 of their own, were also expected to call forth their powers 
 in that particular branch of poetry called Dichedal, or improvi- 
 sation ; some person present would suggest the subject, and the 
 bard would forthwith burst forth into an unpremeditated lay. 
 
 An u-setiiA'6 CAibi'oit. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 Ux^bfi^i-pc D|ieice M|\ iy.x\ Tn-D]ieice<).Tn/:>.in. 
 
 JUDGING THE JUDGE. 
 
 On the sixth day of the Fes, while the delegates were engaged 
 in winding up the various matters which had occupied them 
 since the opening day, and which were to be inscribed on the 
 Rolls of Mur Ollamhain, and the non-delegates were amusing 
 themselves pretty much as we have described above, two young 
 men walked arm-in-arm through the various throngs, engaged 
 in animated conversation, though now and then stopping to look 
 at some amusing tricks of the jugglers, or to watch the pro- 
 gress of some game, or to join a group of persons who would be 
 discussing some interesting question, but they would invariably 
 resume their walk and their interrupted dialogue. They were 
 our old friend, Aristophanes and Ainmire, nephew of Muir- 
 cheartach MacEarca, a former monarch of Ireland. As they 
 were in the middle of a heated discussion, each suddenly felt 
 a hand laid on his shoulder, and turning round they beheld 
 Fearghus (son of the above-named monarch and cousin of 
 Ainmire), who exclaimed : 
 
 " Why, boys, you had better not quarrel ; leave that to lords 
 abbots." 
 
 Aristophanes and Ainmire, laughing : "Oh I we are not 
 quarrelling, but we are just discussing the abbots and the 
 Ardrigh." 
 
JUDGING THE JUDGE. 203 
 
 Ainmire — "Where is do dhearbhrathair ?" * 
 
 Fearghus — " When the business of the Fes closed, the Abbot 
 Columb called him aside. There is considerable anxiety as to 
 the result of the Ardrigh's arbitration between him and the 
 Abbot Finian ; each party has his partisans." 
 
 Aristophanes — " We were discussing that point when thou 
 earnest up ; but I fear thy cousin Ainmire is rather hard on King 
 Diarmaid." 
 
 Fearghus — " How is that, Ainmire ; dost thou think he will 
 not do justice by the Abbot Columb }" 
 
 Ainmire — " I fear he will not ; I fancy he has a prejudice 
 against him." 
 
 Fearghus — " Let us be moving towards the palace, that we 
 may be in time to hear the judgment." 
 
 Animire — " Perhaps it has already commenced." 
 
 Fearghus — " Oh, no, impossible ; we shall be in time. But 
 what makest thou think that Diarmaid is prejudiced against the 
 Abbot Columb ?" 
 
 Ainmire — " Well, I cannot say that I can give any particular 
 reason, it may be only imagination ; but we shall see. In fact, I 
 cannot conceive how he is permitted to reign at all in a Christian 
 country, with his druids, and his magic, and other remnants of 
 pagan superstition." 
 
 Fearghus — " Well, those matters give great offence to the 
 nation ; but, then, he is the lawful monarch." 
 
 Aristophanes — " And then, on the other hand, he has built 
 and endowed many great churches and monasteries." 
 
 Ainmire — "Ay, he would compromise matters and serve 
 two masters," 
 
 Fearghus—" How is that ?" 
 
 Ainmire — " Why, on the one hand he would serve our Lord 
 and the Twelve Apostles, and on the other, Crom Cruach and 
 the twelve signs of the Zodiac."f 
 
 * Dhu yar-ra-hir, thy brother. 
 
 + Before the introduction of Christianity all the pagan kings and chiefs 
 had a cromcmagh, or idol, representing fire or the sun, and twelve inferior 
 deities around him composed of pillar stones, with heads of gold, representing 
 the signs of the Zodiac. Tigeammas was the first Irish king who introduced 
 Druidisra and the worship of idols into Ireland, B.C. 900, and while worshipping 
 Crom, along with a vast number of his subjects at Magh Sleacht in Breifne 
 on the feast of Samhuin (1st Nov.), he, with three-fourths of his people, were 
 struck dead by lightning, as a punishment for having introduced idolatry into 
 the kingdom. It was the same great idol, together with the famous temple, 
 which was afterwards destroyed by St. Patrick, who bmlt a church on its site 
 under the name of Fenagh ; it was long celebrated as a seat of learning and 
 religion. Cromleach, Crom's stone. 
 
204 THE LAST MONARCH OF TAR A. 
 
 Aristophanes — " Why, surely, thou dost not mean that he 
 worships idols." 
 
 Ainmire — " Well, not directly. He worships the true God 
 and honours his saints; but is not druidical superstition an in- 
 direct worship of Satan .'"' 
 
 Aristophanes — "There can be no doubt of that; still, I do 
 not think he views it in that light. It is time, however, that the 
 druids were relegated to their oak groves." 
 
 Ainmire — " It is time they were relegated out of the country 
 altogether." 
 
 Aristophanes — "Where were they on All Hallows, or on 
 what they call Samhain .?" 
 
 Ainmire — " Oh, they would not dare celebrate Samhain 
 while the multitude around celebrated the Church's feast of All 
 Saints." 
 
 Aristophanes — "Perhaps it is that KingDiarmaid encourages 
 them through a mistaken love for the traditions of the country." 
 
 Fearghus — " It were well, then, that he displayed equal love 
 for other traditions of the country, less sinful and more im- 
 portant." 
 
 Aristophanes — " To what dost thou refer, O Fearghus .'" 
 
 Fearghus — "I refer to his repeated attempts to dictate to the 
 provincial delegates. In truth he has tried our patience sadly 
 within the past six days. I have heard complaints of his conduct 
 at former conventions, but I never quite understood it until now ; 
 this being the first at which I had the honour of being present 
 as a delegate." 
 
 Aristophanes — " Oh, ye delegates are very tenacious of your 
 privileges ; I do not wonder he tries to show you he is a high 
 king in deed as well as in name." 
 
 Fearghus — "But it is a despotic and unconstitutional pro- 
 ceeding, utterly at variance with the laws and customs of the 
 country, and so says thy friend Ruadhan, the Abbot of Lothra." 
 
 Aristophanes — "AJi! my old friend and the king's old foe." 
 
 Ainmire — "And I do not see why it should be tolerated." 
 
 Aristophanes — " Well, I certainly would not approve of the 
 Ardrigh taking advantage of his exalted position, to infringe 
 the rights and liberties of the provincial kings, or of the people 
 at large ; but what is the use of an Ardrigh at all, if his position 
 is merely one of honour, without a vestige of power beyond that 
 of those who are his tributaries .''" 
 
 Fearghus — " Why 1 wouldst thou have the provincial kings 
 mere deputies in their own dominions ?" 
 
 Aristophanes — " No, certainly not ; they have as good a right 
 
JUDGING THE JUDGE. 205 
 
 to their respective kingdoms as King Diarmaid has to his own 
 kingdom of Midhe ;* but we must remember that besides being 
 king (righ) of Midhe, Diarmaid is also high king (Ardrigh) of 
 all Eire ; and that pre-eminence in dignity ought also to carry 
 ■with it pre-eminence in power." 
 
 Fearghus — "Thine argument is plausible, and it appears that 
 Diarmaid is so convinced of its truth that he is determined to 
 carry it into execution, if he can ; but that is exactly the point 
 on which the delegates differ from him, and which, during the 
 course of the Fes, had well nigh threatened to disturb the good 
 understanding which it is desirable to maintain." 
 
 Ainmire — "And, besides, that would leave the whole nation 
 at the mercy of one man." 
 
 Aristophanes — " Not more than each particular kingdom is 
 at the mercy of its particular sovereign ; and you know that that 
 is impossible under such a constitution as yours. All the various 
 classes have their weight in the government of the whole." 
 
 Ainmire — " That is true, but as Fearghus says, it is not likely 
 to succeed, as Diarmaid has too many against him ; so we may 
 flatter ourselves that the liberties of the country are safe." 
 
 Aristophanes — " I do not know that. One part of the country 
 is often fighting against the other, and if union is strength, 
 division is weakness. Your country can never be safe from the 
 possibility of foreign invasion until all its forces are united 
 under one strong supreme monarch, who, while banding all firmly 
 together for the common good, will yet leave the provincial kings 
 the undisputed sovereigns of their respective territories." 
 
 Fearghus — " Yes, thou art right ; that would certainly be a 
 most desirable state of afiairs, if it could only be accomplished ; 
 but I fear Diarmaid is not the man." 
 
 Ainmire — " No, Diarmaid is not the man ; but stay " 
 
 This conversation was carried on as they moved through the 
 motley crowd of various classes and nationalities, and as Ainmire 
 uttered the last word, they stopped and formed part of a crowd 
 of persons who were watching a hurling match which was being 
 played with great ardour and skill by a number of youths, several 
 of whom were recognised by the three friends as Eochaidh 
 Forghiall ; Curnan, son of Aodh, son of Eochy Tiormcarna, 
 King of Connaught ; Lorcan, son of Conall MacTadhg (Teige), 
 one of Diarmaid's chief officers, and several other youths. 
 Having watched the game with much interest for a few minutes, 
 the three companions moved away. Ainmire remarking that 
 
 t Meath. 
 
2o6 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 Curnan and Lorcan appeared as if they were inclined to quarrel, 
 but Fearghus and Aristophanes thought there was no fear, that 
 their apparent difference was the result of excitement incident to 
 hurling. They then ascended the Hill of Temhair, making their 
 way through the crowd, who were anxiously awaiting and com- 
 menting upon the expected judgment of the Ardrigh. 
 
 An u-seAcurtiA'o cAibi'oit. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 tleice Cuo'ptJA. 
 
 UNTOWARD EVENTS. 
 
 When the three friends entered the judgment-hall they found it 
 crowded to its utmost capacity, though the Ardrigh had not yet 
 made his appearance. Perceiving Domhnald, Fearghus's brother, 
 in close conversation with the Abbot Columb, they endeavoured 
 to join them, but had scarcely succeeded, when a flourish of 
 trumpets was heard, and almost immediately the heralds ushered 
 in the Ardrigh, who was attended by the ten*, who never leave his 
 royal presence, viz., a grandee, a bishop, a brehon, a physician, 
 a poet, an historian, a musician, and three stewards. AH rose as 
 he entered, and having seated himself on the catha;ir rioghda 
 (royal chair), and the heralds having proclaimed silence, he 
 opened his royal lips and electrified the audience by his 
 judgment : 
 
 " Le gach loin a hoinin, to every cow belongeth her little cow 
 (or calf), and in the same way to every book belongs its son- 
 book (copy) ; accordingly the book that thou didst write, 
 Columcille, belongs by right to Finian 1" 
 
 This decision was received by cheers from the party that 
 sided with the Abbot Finian, and with frowns and exclamations 
 
 * The law whicli required the perpetual attendance of these "ten" on 
 the king was enacted by King Cormac Ulfhada, in the third century, for him- 
 self and his successors, with this diiference, that in pagan times a druid made 
 one of the number, but after the introduction of Christianity, a bishop was 
 substituted. Diarmaid, however, had both, though he did not always deem it 
 prudent to bring them in juxtaposition, especiaUy when a great number of 
 people were assembled, or before the Church representatives. Lands were 
 assigned to certain families, each of which was to be employed in one of the 
 above-mentioned offices to the sovereigns of the various principalities. 
 
UNTOWARD EVENTS. 207 
 
 of dissent and dissatisfaction by the friends of the Abbot 
 Columb, who, rising from his seat, hotly exclaimed : 
 
 " This is an unjust decision, O Diarmaid 1 and I will avenge 
 it on thee." 
 
 On this the Abbot Finian also rose and said : 
 
 " The decision of the Ardrigh is most just, for to me belongs 
 the son-book, which was written from my Psalter." 
 
 Confused murmurs ran through the assembly, the partisans 
 of Columcille and those of Finian waging a war of words ; the 
 latter entreating the Ardrigh to order the son-book to be re- 
 stored to the possession of its parent ; while the former as 
 eagerly pleaded the cause of filial independence. Some tried to 
 lead the opinion of the brehon — one of the " teri' — but the 
 face of that functionary was impenetrable. The case had not 
 been brought before the judges, whose particular business it was 
 to hear and decide on all such cases, but it had been left to the 
 arbitration of the Ardrigh, and now the litigants must abide by 
 the result 
 
 While King Diarmaid (whose continued striking of the 
 craobh ciuil, or musical branch, failed to produce silence) 
 was surveying the vast assembly, at least the half of whom had 
 dared to call in question the justice of his decision to his very 
 face, and meditating how to bring them to a sense of their duty 
 while in his presence, their murmurs, exclamations, and mutual 
 recriminations became every moment louder and more loud, 
 until, penetrating beyond the walls of the palace, it was taken up 
 by the multitude outside, and in a few minutes assumed such 
 proportions as to rouse the Ardrigh to an effort to suppress such 
 dangerous symptoms ; but every attempt to make himself heard 
 now proved unavailing, even the heralds failing to produce 
 silence, so great was the noise occasioned by the numberless 
 voices, from which he could distinguish nothing save the de- 
 mand on the one side for the restoration of the son-book, and 
 the energetic opposition to that demand on the other. Perfectly 
 bewildered and enraged by the din, both from within and with- 
 out, which resembled the rushing torrent of many waters, he 
 rose from his royal seat and waving his sceptre authoritatively, he 
 commanded the Abbot Columcille to restore the son-book to the 
 Abbot Finian. The expressions of anger to which Columcille' s 
 partisans now gave vent were drowned in the ringing cheers of 
 Finian's friends, but mingled with it there came from without 
 shouts and cries, and an indescribable hubbub which struck the 
 hearts of those within with an unaccountable awe, and each party 
 forgot their differences, as an oflScer, followed by several others, 
 
208 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 rushed in, and breathless froni excitement and horror, thus 
 addressed the monarch : 
 
 "Pardon, O King, our unceremonious intrusion; but woe, 
 alas ! has come upon the land ; the Feast of Teamhair is violated ; 
 Lorchan, the son of thy best beloved officer, Conall Mac Tadhg, 
 lies a bleeding corpse on yonder faitche,* struck down by the 
 hand of thy royal hostage, Curnan Mac Aodh, Mac Eochj 
 Tiormcarna." 
 
 Ere the officer had concluded his account, the whole assembly 
 had made for the door amidst expressions of grief and horrqi: ; 
 the Ardrigh throwing up his hands in a perfect frenzy of grief 
 and rage, precipitately left his royal chair, calling alternately on 
 Christian and pjagan powers, and giving orders to everyone he 
 met to visit the offender with summary justice; but though every- 
 one was looking for Curnan, and some had seen him, yet no 
 one could find him, until at length word was brought to Diar- 
 maid that Curnan was safe in the arms of Columcille. This 
 news incensed the Ardrigh more, and in a tone not to be gain- 
 sayed, ordered the culprit to be torn from the abbot's arms and 
 consigned to instant death. And now was enacted a most heart- 
 rending scene. The officers of justice, followed by the Ardrigh 
 and great numbers of people, directed their steps towards the 
 spot where they were informed the Abbot Columb was endeavour- 
 ing to protect his client, and informing the abbot of the orders 
 they had received requested him to give the oifender into their 
 custody. But Columb refused to give up Curnan, alleging as 
 his reason that the youth had sought his protection, which he 
 had extended in virtue of the right of sanctuary with which he 
 was invested. 
 
 King Diarmaid, angrily — " But I say to thee, O Columb, that 
 thou must deliver up to the officers of justice that young culprit; 
 he has violated the sanctuary of the Feast of Teamhair, when it 
 is more than ever unlawful to engage in strife; he has shed the 
 blood of the son of my dearest friend ; he has ignited a spark 
 which, if not quenched in his blood, may lay the whole country 
 in a vast conflagration ; he has committed the worst of crimes, 
 and I say to thee, O Columb, that he must die !" 
 
 By this time the parents of Curnan, his grandfather, the King 
 of Connaught, and several other relations and followers, having 
 been apprised of what was coming on, arrived on the spot Justin 
 time to hear Diarmaid's last words. The crowd made way ; the 
 distracted mother threw herself on her son, who was still held 
 
 * Lawn. 
 
UNTOWARD EVENTS. 209 
 
 fast by Columcille. The scene that followed is beyond descrip- 
 tion ; even Diarmaid himself appeared for a moment melted and 
 irresolute, the other relations of Curnan, including his father 
 and grandfather, with great numbers of the people, had sank on 
 their knees before the monarch ; the three friends, Fearghus, 
 Aristophanes, and Ainmire, who had seen the youths playing 
 together, gave it as their opinion that the quarrel resulted from 
 the heat and excitement of the game, and that no ill-feeling 
 existed between them. Unfortunately though, there appeared 
 to be no doubt whatever as to whose hand struck the blow that 
 deprived Lorcan of life ; even Curnan's best friends did not 
 attempt to suggest the possibility of the deed having been done 
 by some other hand ; it had been witnessed by too many 
 persons ; those, however, and especially the young companions 
 of the unfortunate youth, declared emphatically that the un- 
 fortunate occurrence was partly accidental and wholly unpre- 
 meditated, and that no one was more shocked and horror-stricken 
 than Curnan himself, when he had seen what he had done. 
 Amid prayers for mercy and cries for justice, expressions of 
 commiseration for the dead youth and his parents, on the one 
 hand, and on the other for the distracted mother and afflicted 
 father of Curnan, and of sympathy with himself, the crowd again 
 opened, this time to admit the stricken father of the unfortunate 
 boy, the spark of whose young life was thus suddenly ex- 
 tinguished. ' His appearance diverted attention from the hapless 
 Curnan and his unfortunate relations. Throwing himself be- 
 fore the Ardrigh, he cried out : 
 
 " O King, I have served thee long and faithfully ; thou hast 
 been pleased to honour me with thy particular friendship ; my 
 beloved son, my darling child, the pride of my life, the hope and 
 comfort of my old age, his mother's joy, has been struck down 
 
 by an assassin's hand " (Cries of no, no, no). " Will it be 
 
 said that my lord king refuses to see justice done to his faithful 
 servant ; shall my gray hairs go down in sorrow to the grave ; is 
 all thy sympathy with the murderer, and none with his hapless 
 victim ; is this thy high sense of justice, O Diarmaid ; is this the 
 
 reward of my long and faithful services; is this O King, 
 
 I demand of thee the instant execution of the murderer of my 
 child." 
 
 Columcillle — " Cruel man ! Would the blood of Curnan 
 bring back to thee thy son ? Dost thou think to appease his 
 spirit by the oblation of a holocaust ? Were he permitted to 
 return for one moment, he would plead more earnestly than any 
 of us for the pardon of Curnan. Hast thou never offended thy 
 
2IO THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 God ? and if thou hast, has he meeted out to thee, measure for 
 measure ? Hadst thou ever had a mother ? Didst thou not see 
 how thou didst wring this woman's heart (pointing to Curnan's 
 mother) when thou didst call her son a murderer ? And I bid 
 thee, O Conall, never attempt to do so again. Well thou 
 knowest he is no murderer. All who witnessed the unfortunate 
 occurrence unite in asserting that it was an unprenieditated act, 
 and, that it resulted from some diiferences at hurling ; and more- 
 over, that even when striking the blow, Curnan had no idea of 
 taking life, but on the next instant was more horrified than any- 
 one else on his discovering how the affair had culminated. And 
 now I tell thee, once for all, that I will never yield him up to the. 
 civil power, and I warn thee and all others to respect my privi- 
 lege of sanctuary." 
 
 Conall — " O Columcille, thine arguments are as new, I have 
 no doubt, to all these people as they are to me. He must not 
 be called a murderer ; well, it is all the same to me by what 
 name he is called ; he has deprived me of my child. Thou 
 speakest, and indeed truly, of the mercy of God to those who 
 have offended Him ; thereby implying thatasHe 'forgives us our 
 trespasses, so ought we to forgive those that trespass against 
 us.' Truly, if everyone would adhere to the maxims of the 
 Gospel, it would be a happy world. From my heart I would 
 wish to forgive that unhappy youth. But for what purpose has 
 God ordained kings and princes and brehons, if not to do justice 
 between those over whom they reign. What would become of 
 society were everyone permitted to strike down their neighbour 
 for some petty difference, and then shield themselves from public 
 justice behind this mercifulinjunctionof our Redeemer, which was 
 only meant to regulate the conduct of private individuals." 
 
 "Columcille — "The distinction which thou drawest between 
 public justice and private vengeance would be most true and 
 just were Curnan really the murderer of thy son ; but as thou 
 knowest, it was a pure accident, the execution of Curnan would 
 be a real murder, and on the heads of his executioners andthejr 
 abettors would be the blood, not only of this unfortunate youth, 
 but of his sorely afflicted mother. Look, O Conall, look on 
 that mother's grief, and if thou hast a heart, see if thou canst 
 demand the murder of her child 1" 
 
 As he spoke the abbot pointed to the grief-struck mother of 
 the unhappy Curnan, and all the people by word and look ex- 
 pressed their sympathy, but Conall said : 
 
 " O Columb, thou hast struck a chord, and in a manner too, 
 that thou little dreamest " 
 
UNTOWARD EVENTS. 211 
 
 Then suddenly flinging his arms aloft, every attitude and ex- 
 pression betokening the intense grief which had taken possesion 
 of his soul, he cried out : 
 
 " Come ! O lord High King ! Come, O Abbot Columb ! 
 Come, all ye nobles and people, come ! and I will show ye a 
 mother's grief I Come ! come 1" 
 
 As Conall uttered these last words he turned to leave the 
 spot, waving his hand with such an air of mingled command and 
 entreaty that not only the deeply-impressed multitude, but even 
 the haughty Diarmaid himself, mechanically prepared to follow. 
 Reaching in a few minutes the lawn where the dead youth lay, 
 surrounded by another crowd, which opened on their approach, 
 a spectacle presented itself which caused the hearts of the be- 
 holders to stand still. There lay the youth who, a short while 
 previously, had been full of life and health and vigour, with high 
 expectation of a glorious and brilliant career in court or field. 
 There he lay in all the stony rigidity of death, his young life 
 shortened, all his hopes, at least for this world, frustrated ; and 
 bending over him, the scarcely less corpse-like figure of a 
 matronly lady ; her stony, eyes rivetted on his, her hands clasped ~ 
 in agony ; no hysterical sobs or cries escape from her, no tear 
 is shed, not even a muscle moves to show that her soul is the 
 tenant of her body. Conall, by gesture alone, directs the at- 
 tention of the people to the spectacle ; he dares not trust himself 
 to speak. The people look and are horrified, and from the 
 hearts of that vast multitude an unspoken prayer ascends to 
 heaven that God would vouchsafe to this sorely-afHcted mother 
 the relief of abundant and heart-wringing tears. The relations 
 of Curnan look, and a dread foreboding takes possession of them. 
 The Abbot Columcille looks and fears for his client, but clasps 
 him all the more closely to his privileged person. But Diar- 
 maid looks, and that look seals the fate of Curnan. Turning 
 fiercely to the oflScers of justice, he cries out: 
 
 " Ho 1 there, officers, seize the slayer of Conall's son, seize 
 
 him I seize him, ye What ! will not the Abbot Columb 
 
 deliver him up ?" 
 
 " Columcille — " Never, O Diarmaid ! I have granted my 
 protection, and I shall never now withdraw it. And I call upon 
 thee, O King, to respect the privilege of sanctuary which apper- 
 tains to all persons or things connected with the Church." 
 
 " Diarmaid — " Have I not told thee before, O Columcille, 
 that I will not, cannot, in this case, regard thy sanctuary, and 
 that thou must deliver up that youth to the justice of the law .'"' 
 
 Aedh (Curnan's father) — " But, O King, I beseech thee, 
 
212 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 hear me ; this death which thou wouldst inflict upon my son is 
 not according to the laws of the country. Let him be tried 
 before the brehons, and I will abide by the result." 
 
 Diarmaid — " Never shall that be ; the brehons would but 
 inflict an eric,* which thou knowest could never compensate for 
 the life of the youth or the woe and bei^eavement of his 
 parents. Besides, thou knowest that it is the law, and more- 
 over, thou also knowest that I have no'power to pardon thy son. 
 The power I seek is denied me by the country. Let my brehon 
 read the law." 
 
 The brehon (one of the " ten ") then drew from a fold of his 
 mantle a parchment, which related to the laws regulating the 
 Fes of Tara ; he read the following extract from the roll : 
 " Without theft, without wounding a man 
 
 Among them during all this time ; 
 
 Without feats of arms, without deceit, 
 
 Without exercising horses. 
 
 Whoever did any of those things 
 
 Was a wretched enemy with heavy venom. 
 
 Gold was not received as a retribution from him, 
 
 But his soul in one hour." 
 Eochy Tirmacharna (King of Connaught) — " But this was 
 no " heavy venom,'' but an accident; and we shall pay the 
 highest eric the judges shall award, and we shall make every 
 other compensation in our power, if thou wilt but spare our 
 child." 
 
 Here the confusion caused by the swaying and tumult of the 
 people, the efforts of the officers of Diarmaid to seize on Curnan, 
 assisted as they were by numbers of the people who sympathised 
 with the afflicted parents of the dead youth, and opposed by 
 Columcille and those who felt for the unfortunate position of 
 Curnan and the grief of his relatives, and especially of his 
 mother, who had swooned away on hearing the Ardrigh's fresh 
 orders, and who was being tended by some of the people. As 
 the King of Connaught prayed for the life of his grandson to 
 the impatient Diarmaid, the latter was exasperated by the 
 opposition of Columcille, against whom he had already enter- 
 tained feelings of intense hostility ; and now seeing that his 
 
 * A money fine. 
 
 At the Pais Teamhrach it was a sacred and established usage that the man 
 who committed a rape or robbery, or whp struck, or attempted to strike 
 another with any hostile weapon at it, should inevitably suffer death, and 
 neither the king himself nor any other person had the power of pardoning his 
 crime. 
 
UNTOWARD EVENTS. 213 
 
 officers were reluctant to force away the youth from the sanctuary 
 of the abbot's arms, he strode forward, and goaded on as he was 
 by the party that sided with what they considered the side of 
 justice, he excitedly and in a voice that almost parlysed the more 
 timid of the mutitude, thundered forth : — 
 
 " Officers, I command you, on pain of instant death, to seize, 
 bind, and forthwith execute the slayer of Conall's son ; pay no 
 regard to the sanctuary of Columcille ; Curnan paid none to 
 that of the Feast of Teamhair ; and hark ye, be quick about it, 
 lest others be got to do your work, and ye be sent to bear 
 Curnan company to the other world." 
 
 A short and terriiic struggle ensued, in which a large number 
 of the people attempted a rescue from the officers of justice, as 
 soon as they succeeded in wrenching their prisoner from the 
 powerful arms of Columcille, who denounced themselves and 
 their master in no measured terms. The relations of Curnan now 
 harangued the multitude, and heading their party, were about to 
 make a desperate onslaught on the opposing party for the 
 rescue of their young relation, when suddenly silence and horror 
 took possession of the assembled multitude ; some threw up 
 their hands into the air, many fell on their knees in the attitude 
 of prayer, but by far the greater number turned away their heads, 
 or covered their eyes with their hands, while many others 
 stopped their ears, as ominous sounds fell upon them — the 
 sounds of the executioners' work, followed by the groan and 
 stifled prayer of a departing soul. The silence of the grave 
 followed, so deep, so awful, that as each one of all that immense 
 multitude slowly opened his eyes, he almost expected to find him- 
 self the sole living inhabitant of the beautiful hill or the magnifi- 
 centplain. Soon, however, asthey sufficientlyrealised thedreadful 
 tragedy which had taken place, the many and conflicting feelings 
 and passions of the vast assemblage found vent in tears, groans, 
 lamentations, denunciations, threats of vengeance, mingled with 
 prayers and supplications to heaven for both victims, together 
 with the expressive and touching caoine,* which was sung by 
 many voices over the dead youths as they were removed— the 
 one to the royal palace of Diarmaid, and the other to the Coisir 
 Conacthacth (ConnaughtHouse, on Tara Hill) — for though Diar- 
 maid, in a softened mood, induced by awe, when the deed was 
 done, had offered another part of the palace as a sort of peace- 
 offering, his offer was declined. 
 
 The unfortunate mother of the hapless youth, whose murder 
 
 ♦ Pronounced kueene, the funeral song. 
 
214 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 ■was called an execution, had never, up to this, recovered from 
 the swoon into which she had fallen, on hearing the sentence on 
 her son, and thus was saved the sight of his death struggle, was 
 borne carefully to the house of a flaith, lest she should re- 
 cover, only to learn the fate of her child. The tumult which 
 would inevitably have followed the tragedy, was speedily sup- 
 pressed by the orders of the family of Curnan, who were not 
 disposed to have any disturbance just then, but were anxious to 
 return home quietly to inter their young relative, and afterwards 
 settle accounts with Diarmaid by recognised means. 
 
 The Abbot Columcille, immediately on the execution of 
 Curnan, had sought out King Diarmaid in the crowd, and the 
 Ardrigh, already somewhat uneasy as to the probable con- 
 sequence of his two-fold quarrel with such a powerful and in- 
 fluential personage as Columcille, connected as he was with a 
 powerful royal family, and tenacious of his rights and privileges, 
 sought to avoid another encounter ; but as he turned to give 
 orders, concerning the abbot, to one of his guards, the now 
 irate ecclesiastic came down on him with denunciations of his 
 tyrannical conduct, and then and there threatened him with the 
 vengeance of God, and of the Clanna Nials of the North. But 
 Diarmaid insisting on the justice of his decision, both with re- 
 gard to the book and the youth, and fearful of trusting himself 
 further in a dispute with the injured abbot, contrived to pene- 
 trate through the crowd, and thus escape to the interior of the 
 palace, not, however, without first giving orders for guards to be 
 set to watch the aljbot, and others to guard the frontiers of 
 Midhe to prevent his escape. 
 
 An u-occtnA'o CAbi-oit. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 An UeiceA-t). 
 
 THE ESCAPE. 
 
 The Abbot Columcille, finding himself virtually a prisoner, and 
 perceiving that notwithstanding the incessant moving to and fro 
 of the motley crowd, there was a constant watch upon his 
 movements by the guards of the Ardrigh, came to the conclusion 
 that it was necessary to elude the vigilance of those fimctionaries 
 with as Itttle delay as possible. Contriving to speak to one of 
 
THE ESCAPE. 315 
 
 his attendants without attracting suspicion from the guards, he 
 ordered him to collect his fellow-servants, and at once proceed 
 by the Slighe Midhluachra, or the Great Northern Road, to Tir- 
 connell, the abbot's native place. This order was immediately 
 put into execution, the attendants meeting with no opposition 
 from the guards. Columb's next step was to make good his 
 own escape, and for this purpose, having first sent up a prayer 
 to heaven for assistance, he proceeded to move from the im- 
 mediate precincts of the royal palace, down the " Delightful 
 Hill," through the City of Teamhair, across the magnificent 
 plain to the frontiers of Midhe, having passed not only the 
 multitudes of all kinds of people, but before the very eyes of 
 the guards told off to watch him, for, as the old chronicle says, 
 " the justice of God threw a veil of unrecognition around him." 
 Once beyond the immediate dominions of Diarmaid, he breathed 
 more freely ; but lest he should be pursued if he travelled by the 
 high road, he determined to take the longer route across the 
 mountains. He passed the night at the monastery of St. Buite 
 (Monasterboice).* The first thing he heard the next morning 
 was that he was pursued by the guards of the Ardrigh ; so par- 
 taking of a hasty breakfast, he left Monasterboice and made 
 for the mountains. Owing to the lateness of the season, and 
 the unfrequentedness of the path he had chosen across the hills 
 which lay between him and Oirghialla, it required all his native 
 cheerfulness and piety to bear up against the hardships of his 
 lonely journey, rendered more wearisome and perilous by the 
 reflection on the many trials he had so lately passed through, 
 and the fear of being pursued and overtaken by the soldiers of 
 the Ardrigh. One day, when these sad reflections more 
 than usually oppressed him, he all at once, rising from a stone 
 on which he had seated himself to take a short rest, and at 
 the same time to meditate on his sad condition, and proceeding 
 on his journey, burst forth into the following hymn, which has 
 been preserved from the wreck of the nation's literature, and is 
 illustrative of the man and the times : — 
 
 " ALONE I AM UPON THE MOUNTAIN. 
 
 " Alone I am upon the mountain ; 
 
 O God of Heaven ! prosper my way ; 
 So shall I pass more free and fearless 
 Than if six thousand were my stay, 
 
 * In present county Louth. The ruins are still to be seen. 
 
2i6 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 My flesh, indeed, might be defended. 
 But when the time comes life is ended. 
 If by six thousand I was guarded. 
 Or placed in islet in a lake. 
 Or in a fortress strong protected. 
 Or in a church my refuge take, 
 Still God wiU guard his own with care. 
 And even in battle safe they fare ; 
 No man can slay me till the day 
 "When God shaU take my life away ; 
 And when my earthly time is ended, 
 I die, no matter how defended — 
 
 My life! 
 Without His will no less can it be made, 
 As God shall please so let it be. 
 Nor can they add to it without his leave, 
 The lot which He has given that I shall see. 
 Nor prince upon his throne one hour can get 
 Of life beyond *hat God for him has set — 
 
 A guard ! 
 A guard, indeed, may guide a man full safe. 
 But never guard can keep a man from death, 
 For One alone has rule of every fate — 
 Alone can give or take our mortal breath. 
 Nor shall I fear though poverty may come. 
 The Son of Mary still shall give my share ; 
 For all the Master portions out some dole of food. 
 And under his protection all shall safely fare. 
 What is well spent, to bounteous hand returns. 
 What is denied the niggard keeper spurns. 
 
 Living God, alas ! for evil-working men. 
 
 That which they think not, comes to mar their life, 
 
 That which they hope for vanishes away. 
 
 And leaves them lonely in a world of strife. 
 
 No augur's word can tell our future fate — 
 
 No bird, no omen, say how long our death shall wait, 
 
 1 trust not in a bird, or twig, or dream, 
 But in the Lord of heaven's eternal might ; 
 He who has made us aU will help me now. 
 Nor leave me in this mountain lone to-night. 
 I have no love of earthly kin or kind, » 
 
 The love of Christ, the Son of God, fills my mind. 
 
 The great King's Son, my Lord and Abbot, rules : 
 
 All that I have is in the great King's hands. 
 
 The houses of my order are at Kells and Moone — 
 
 He wiU protect my people and my lands. 
 
 Praise be for evermore, and endless merit, 
 
 Unto the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." 
 
 Refreshed and strengthened by his trust in Providence, 
 Columb proceeded on his journey, and soon leaving the 
 mountains behind him, his road was thenceforth easier; he 
 stopped at the various monasteries and biadtachs on his 
 
THE ESCAPE. 217 
 
 route to refresh himself, but made no delay beyond what was 
 absolutely necessary. Having in this manner passed through 
 Oirghialla and the country of the Feara Manach,* he at length 
 reached his old home in Tirconnaill in perfect safety. Here, 
 owing to the previous arrival of his attendants, he found his 
 relatives in possession of the principal facts relating to his 
 quarrel with Diarmaid, and now he was besieged on all sides 
 with questions as to details, Columcille stating truly every- 
 thing as it occurred. The hot blood of the Clanna Nials could 
 ill brook such an insult ; and taking council with the men of 
 Tir-Eoghain,t they determined to. take part in the war which 
 they felt must inevitably take place between Midhe and 
 Connaught. They only awaited the arrival from the Fes of 
 Teamhair, of their friends and countrymen, and especially of 
 Domhnald and Fearghus, the sons of the former monarch of 
 Eire, Muircheartach Mac Earca, and their cousin, Ainmire, 
 son of Sedna. When at last they did come pouring into the 
 countries of Cinel Chonail, and Cinel Eoghan, by the Slighe 
 Midhluachra, or great Northern Road, and all the bealachs and 
 bothars, and all the other roads from Tara, they brought such 
 news as tended rather to increase than diminish the ire of 
 their countrymen. 
 
 AH riAoitiA'o cAibi'oit. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 LeijeA.'o riA. UeAci:. 
 
 THE READING OF THE LAWS. 
 
 An 'OoiritiAC. 
 
 THE SABBATH. 
 
 Meanwhile, the multitude on Druim Aoibhin and Magh Breagh 
 had slackened considerably. The royal family of Olnegmacht, 
 or Connaught, had taken their departure for their own homes, 
 taking with them all that remained of their murdered boy, and 
 followed by all their retinae and people. Those of other parts of 
 the kingdom, who sympathised with them, and whose business 
 
 * Fermanagh. t Tyrone. 
 
 IS 
 
2l8 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 or duty did not oblige them to remain at Tara, also repaired to 
 their various homes. Still, great as was the number of departures, 
 they could scarcely be missed out of the numerous throrig who 
 found it no easy matter to get away, even so short a time before 
 they intended ; so, as the next day was Sunday, they elected to 
 remain till the following Monday. It was, however, in no 
 gracious mood that they all at once beheld the chief brehon 
 mount the Lia Fail, and heard the heralds proclaim : 
 
 " Let the chief judge read aloud the words on the roll of the 
 laws of Eire, and let all the people attend thereunto." 
 
 And the people lapsed into silence ; the chief brehon coin- 
 menced : 
 
 "Sixteen years have been completed since Diarmaid Mac 
 Fearghus Mac Cearbhall hath been chosen to sit on the throne 
 of Eire, since which time the kings and princes of the land, the 
 pastors of the Church, and the chiefs of the Gaal have placed 
 him even here, the tie and the knot of the cincture that is to 
 bind together the affections of all the children of the land. 
 
 " That he may do somewhat to justify their thoughts of him, 
 he hath laboured without ceasing to give the laws a form and 
 strength, moreover to protect the children of Eire from violence 
 and oppression. 
 
 " Eire is the birthright of all the children of the land : the 
 king hath his portion, the princes, the nobles, each hath his 
 portion thereof; the priests, the ollamhain, the bards, and the 
 minstrels have their portions. 
 
 " And the Gael by their clans have their portion thereof. 
 
 " From the earth man derived sustenance, whereby to live. 
 Hath any increased his store of cattle, or of stuif, or of arms ? 
 Let his words as to these, and these like stand : ' Of his portion of 
 the land none can have dominion longer than he doih abide thereon. 
 His children and the mother of his children shall dwell thereon 
 till portion be made ; then let not the woman who bore, nor the 
 damsels who are to bring forth, be forgotten ; are not all the 
 race born of woman ?' 
 
 " Sons of Eire, honour and respect thy father. 
 
 "Love, honour, and respect, and tenderly, cherish all the 
 days of thy life the mother who bore and suckled and reared 
 thee up. 
 
 " Let thy hands minster unto her in all her necessities ; let 
 thy eye never look upon thy mother but in thanks and gentleness. 
 
 "Sons of Eire. 
 
 " Let the strength of thy arms protect the weakness of the 
 daughters of the land ; 
 
THE SABBATH. 2ig 
 
 " Let none enter into the office of another. 
 
 " The minstrel to his harp — 
 
 " The bard to his measures — 
 
 " The ollamh to philosophy, to noarish the young mind 
 with lessons of truth and wisdom, thereby to teach man to sub- 
 due his pcissions. 
 
 " The sage to wait on the moon, and mark the seasons, and 
 note times, and watch the motion of Tarsnasc* 
 
 " The people to make laws — 
 
 " The judges to declare the words, thereof — 
 
 '• The king to see them observed — 
 
 " Ardrigh to watch over Eire." 
 
 Here a large number of persons who had come to the spot 
 while the chief brehon was reading, made such a commotion at 
 the mention of the Ardrigh, that the judge's voice was entirely 
 drowned, and those who had been attentively listening in hopes 
 of hearing the laws that had just been made at the present Fes, 
 remonstrated with the disturbers, and hereupon a discussion 
 ensued between these two parties ; the one refusing to let the 
 brehon proceed any further, as he was the representative of 
 Diarmaid, who made himself so obnoxious in many ways since 
 the commencement of the Fes; the other party maintaining that 
 the laws which were about to be read were not made by Diar- 
 maid, but by the assembled delegates of the whole nation, of 
 whom Diarmaid was only the president ; and protested against 
 the conduct of the disturbers, which, they said was showing dis- 
 respect, not to the Ardrigh, but to the laws of their country. 
 This was emphatically denied by the others, who affirmed that 
 they had the highest respect for the laws of their native land, 
 which they never transgressed ; but that it was King Diarmaid 
 and his abettors who had violated them, and that too, at a 
 most solemn time, and in a most outrageous manner, and finally 
 declared their conviction that Diarmaid would find to his cost 
 whether the Son of Mary, or Crom Cruach, was the most power- 
 ful ; and whether the Christian Abbot Columcille would not 
 eventually prove more than a match for the pagan druid Traechan. 
 All this time the chief brehon, having made several abortive 
 attempts to make himself heard, was at length advised by the 
 inferior justices who surrounded him, as well as by several other 
 notable personages present, to defer the reading of the laws to 
 a more opportune moment, especially as all parties would sooner 
 or later learn all about them through the brehons of their 
 
 * Tarsnasc, the constellatioa of Orion 
 
220 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 respective kingdoms. The chief brehon having assented to this, 
 descended from his elevated position, and was soon lost to 
 sight. This having pacified the disturbers, all was again quiet, 
 many returning to the particular amusement at which they weie 
 before engaged, while the greater number stood in groups dis- 
 cussing the scene they had Just witnessed, the probable con- 
 sequences of the late unfortunate fiasco, and speculating as to 
 the nature of the laws which they had been prevented from 
 hearing read. A little later the banquet in the royal palace toot 
 place, which the readers may judge was a much quieter affair 
 than on the five preceding evenings. However, the entertain- 
 ments in the biadtachs, though somewhat diminished in numbers, 
 owing to the premature departure of many who sympathised 
 with the bereaved families, was yet freer, and the guests less 
 restrained in conversing on the subject, than those who were in 
 the presence of, and actually the guests of, the Ardrigh. 
 
 The next day being Sunday, Masses were celebrated from 
 early morning by the thousands of bishops and priests present, 
 both within doors and without ; and a thrilling spectacle it was; 
 the sad, double tragedy of the preceding day giving a greater 
 impulse to the devotion of the people, who, now that the excite- 
 ment was over, were able dispassionately to review it in all its 
 details ; those who had been led away by party, now deploring 
 its results ; and many a heartful prayer went up to heaven for 
 both the unfortunate youths ; every Mass which was cele- 
 brated on that day being offered specially for them — and perhaps 
 never before were such immense congregations assembled, joined 
 together heart and soul as one man in earnest, heartful suppli- 
 cations to the Father of Mercies ; many choking sobs mingled 
 with their prayers, and if any distractions came, it was the 
 thought, perhaps, that few, very few, as were the pagans remain- 
 ing in the country after the death of St. Patrick, yet in this land, 
 almost entirely Christian as it was, the very highest person in 
 the realm, if not entirely a pagan, had yet such sympathy for its 
 doctrines and practices as to retain in his services some druids, 
 with all their incantations and superstitions, all the while pro- 
 fessing submission to the laws of the Church. And yet this 
 bitter reflection had its consoling point, inasmuch as those 
 half-hearted Christians were more rare than the pagans them- 
 selves: the vast majority of the people being so ardent, sincere, 
 and enthusiastic in their practice of the maxims of the Gospel, 
 and holding in such horror everything opposed to it, as already 
 to have earned for themselves that glorious title which following 
 centuries confirmed, that of Island of Saints. According to the 
 
THE SABBATH 221 
 
 custom of the time, the people joined with the religious in re- 
 citing at the proper hours during the day and evening, the 
 Divine OflBce of the Church. In the intervals during meals or 
 recreation, the minstrels played sacred music, and the bards 
 sang hymns in honour of God, of his Mother, and of the saints. 
 Still, they did not consider the due observance of the Sabbath a 
 bar to innocent amusement — that was not an age of puritanical 
 hypocrisy ; — so accordingly they now and again played and sang 
 secular airs and songs for the amusement of the people, which 
 while they had nothing in them to which the most soberminded 
 could take exception, yet had the effect, by taking the mind of 
 the people for awhile from graver subjects, of causing them 
 by this temporary relaxation to. return with greater ardour to 
 their devotional exercises. Still, things were less lively than 
 they generally were, even on Sunday, at any previous Fes, owing 
 to the sad events of the day before; and it was with less regret than 
 was usual on such occasions that the multitude prepared to take 
 their departure to their several homes on the following morning. 
 Having heard Mass and breakfasted, they began from an 
 early hour to move along the five great roads and all the minor 
 ones, either on horseback, in carbads of various kinds, according 
 to their rank or means, or on foot. The whole of Monday was 
 spent departing or preparing to do so ; for though great numbers 
 went after breakfast at various hours ; many lingered on till later 
 in the day, some even until evening, in order to take all the amuse- 
 ment they could before leaving, or to witness the granting of an 
 tuarastal (the stipends) to the grandees, and their departure 
 alterwards. This ceremony was shorter than usual, owing to 
 the abrupt departure of the royal family of Connaught and the 
 minor princes of that kingdom, as well as the northern chieftains 
 of Tir Eoghan and Tir Chonail, and others, who became the 
 enemies of the Ardrigh on account of his harsh conduct to 
 Curnan, for what they believed to be an accident purely unpre- 
 meditated and unintentional. 
 
 An 'oeicmA'o cAibixnt, 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 -An Uua|iai"caI. 
 
 THE STIPENDS. 
 
 Great was the crowd that assembled on Druim Aoibhin to 
 witness the granting of the stipends to the provincial kings and 
 princes. At the appointed hour, the Ardrigh announced by the 
 
222 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA, 
 
 heralds and a flourish of trumpets, and accompanied by a long 
 retinue of the oflBcers of the court, not forgetting the inevitable 
 ' Ten,' who took their places close to him, emerged from the 
 royal palace, and took his seat on the Lia Fail. The provincial 
 notabilities who were entitled to stipends had already assem- 
 bled. The officers who had charge of the articles about to be 
 delivered to the princes took their places in proper order, ac- 
 cording to the rank of the provincials, so that each king or 
 prince was served in his own turn, according to the order of 
 precedence. The immense piles of various articles which were 
 now about to be granted away, were a dazzling spectacle.- It is 
 needless to again describe the appearance presented by the 
 grandees themselves ; this we have endeavoured to do already 
 in a former chapter. They now appeared in all their glory, in 
 the open air, before the Ardrigh, in front of the palace of Rath 
 na Righ ; and everything being now ready the business com- 
 menced. Then in obedience to the command of the Ardrigh, 
 the King of Ulladh* steps forward to receive his stipend, which 
 consisted of 50 swords, 50 steeds, 50 cloaks, 50 cowls, 50 
 scings,f and 50 coats of mail, 30 rings, and 10 greyhounds, 10 
 matals, 10 drinking-horns, with handsome handles, 10 ships 
 (these latter were not on the spot, but at Inbhior Colpa, now 
 Drogheda Bay), 20 handfuls of leeks, 20 seagull's eggs, and 20 
 bridles, adorned with cruanj and carbuncle. All these were 
 granted to the King of Ulladh every three years, and so of the 
 rest. 
 
 To the King of Laighin (Leinster), of Green Waters: 10 
 bondmen, 10 fleet quick-eyed hounds, 10 scings, 10 ships, 10 
 coats of mail, 30 rings, 50 swords, 100 bay steeds, 10 sheltering 
 cloaks, so cowls, 10 choice drinking-horns, and 10 royal 
 matals. 
 
 To the King of Caiseal (Cashel), or Deas Mumhan :§ 160 
 cloaks, 8 bright shields, 7 plough yokes, 140 short-horned cows, 8 
 steeds, 8 chariots (fully yoked), 8 rings, and 8 drinking-horns. 
 
 The King of Oirghialla received for stipend, free hostage- 
 ships for his hostages — 9 hostages, one for every cantred, to the 
 King of Eire, without incarceration or fettering, a befitting attire 
 for them, a steed, a sword with studs of gold, elegant apart- 
 ments, and their custody to be in the hand of the King of Team- 
 hair, and they are to be clothed and fed by him, and they are 
 •to be in the secrets of the King, and withering (a curse) is upon 
 
 • Ulster. t Scings, part of the trappings of a horse. 
 
 1 Cruan, a precious stone of a red and jellow colour. 
 § Desmond — Munster. 
 
THE STIPENDS. 223 
 
 them if they escape from their hostageships, and worse to the 
 king if he put on fetters. 
 
 The King of Ui Dortan received 3 purple cloaks with bor- 
 ders, 3 shields, 3 swords, and 3 coats of mail. 
 
 To the King of Ui Tuirtre : 8 fine purple cloaks, 8 bay 
 steeds, 8 shields, 8 swords, 8 drinking-horns, 8 hard-working, 
 good-handed bondmen. 
 
 To the King of Dartraidhe : 4 bondmen of great valour, 4 
 swords, 8 steeds, 4 golden shields. 
 
 The King of Fearn-mhagh received for stipend : 6 beautiful 
 drinking-horns for ale, 6 shields, 6 curved swords, 6 fair women, 
 and 6 chess-boards. 
 
 To the King of Liathruim : 3 beautiful steeds, 3 shields, 3 
 swords of battle, 3 mantles, and 3 coats of mail. 
 
 To the King of Ui Maith : 4 drinking-horns, 4 swords, 4 
 shields, 4 cloaks, and 4 iron-gray steeds. 
 
 To the King of Ui Eachach : 6 purple cloaks of four points, 
 6 shields, 6 swords, 6 drinking-horns, 6 dark-gray forked 
 steeds. 
 
 To the King of Araidhe: 20 drinking-horns, 20 swords, 20 
 greyhounds, 20 bondmen, 20 horses fit for expedition, 20 
 speckled cloaks, 20 matals (soft in texture), 20 drinking-horns, 
 20 quern-women. 
 
 To the King of Dal Riada : 3 well-trained black steeds, 3 
 women, 3 huge bondmen, and 3 ships (right gallant). 
 
 To the King of Oirthir : 4 bondmen who will not kill, 4 
 handsome bay steeds, and 4 very beautiful ships. 
 
 To the King of Ui Dearca Chein : 5 horses, bright (as the 
 sun), 6 war swords, 6 drinking-horns, and 6 bondmen of great 
 merriment. 
 
 To the King of Dal Buinne : 8 drinking-horns and 8 cups, 
 8 bondmen, 8 handsome women, and 8 horses of fine action. 
 
 To the King of Blathmaic : 8 handsome, expensive bond- 
 men, and 8 steeds, with bridles of old silver. 
 
 To the King of Duibhthrian : 2 rings, 10 steeds, 10 shields, 
 10 scings, and 10 ships on Loch Cuan.* 
 
 To the King of Boirche : 6 great spirited horses, 3 matals, 3 
 inclining drinking-horns, and 3 beautiful hounds. 
 
 To the King of Cobha: 10 drinking horns, 10 swords, 10 
 ships, and 10 cloaks with their borders of gold. 
 
 To the King of Muirthemhne : 6 tall drinking-horns full of 
 ale, 10 ships, 10 steeds, and 10 red tunics 
 
 * Strangford Lough, 
 
224 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 To the King of Breagh : 20 steeds, 20 greyhounds, and 20 
 swords. 
 
 To the King of Saithne : 40 cows, and a steed. 
 
 To the King of Deise : 20 beeves and 20 wethers. 
 
 To the King of Luighne : 20 steeds with saddles. 
 
 To the King of Gailanga : a javelin with its mounting of 
 wrought gold, and 20 splendid bridles, ornamented with cruan 
 and carbuncle. 
 
 To the King of Drung: 3 curved, narrow swords, and 3 very 
 beautiful steeds. 
 
 To the King of Loch Lein : 10 bay horses, 10 ships, 10 coats 
 of mail. 
 
 To the King of Brugh-righ : 10 tunics, brown and red, and 
 10 foreigners without Gaedhealga (Irish). (That is, not know- 
 ing Irish or Gaelic). 
 
 To the King of Ara : 6 swords, 6 shields, and 6 mantles of 
 deep purple. 
 
 To the King of Magh Locha : 5 swords, 5 shields, 5 short 
 cloaks, 5 steeds, and 5 white hounds. 
 
 To the King of Laeghaire : 10 strong steeds, 10 bondmen, 
 10 women, 10 horns and 10 hounds. 
 
 To the King of Ardghil : 7 shields; 7 steeds out of Alba 
 (Scotland), 7 large women, 7 bondmen, and 7 hounds. 
 
 To the King of Cailla Eachach : 7 strong steeds, 7 swords, 7 
 drinking-horns, and 7 well-coloured cloaks. 
 
 To the King of Feara Tulach : 6 steeds, 6 swords, 6 red 
 shields, and 5 foreigners without Gaedhealga. 
 
 To the King of Teabhtha : 8 shields, 8 swords, 8 drinking- 
 horns, 8 mantles, and 8 bondwomen. 
 
 To the King of Cuirene : 6 shields, 6 horses, 6 cloaks, 6 
 bondmen, and 6 drinking-horns. 
 
 To the King of Ui Beccon : 5 steeds, s chequered (plaid) 
 cloaks, and 5 swords. 
 
 To the King of Caille Fhallamhain : 5 shields, 5 horns, 5 
 steeds, and 5 bondwomen. 
 
 To the King of Dealbjina : 8 swords, 8 shields brought across 
 the brine, 8 steeds with slender legs, 8 bondmen and 8 bond- 
 women. 
 
 To the King of Arda: 8 foreigners, 8 fierce horses, 8 drink- 
 ing-horns, 8 cloaks with ring-clasps, and 8 exquisitely beau- 
 teous ships. 
 
 To the Sons of Chieftains : 12 ships of war, 12 lances, on 
 which there is poison, 12 swords with razor edges, 12 suits of 
 clothes of every colour. 
 
THE STIPENDS. 225 
 
 All those present having received their stipends according 
 to their rank and order of precedence, the stipends of the kings 
 and princes who had departed so abruptly were delivered into 
 the care of ofScers deputed to take charge of them, and thus 
 sent to their various destinations ; they were as follows : — 
 
 To the King of Cruachan :* or Connaught, 200 steeds, 60 
 cows, 4 rings, 4 drinking-horns adorned with gold, 4 shields of 
 red colour, 4 helmets of equal colour, 4 coats of mail after them 
 and 4 lances. 
 
 To the King of Ultonian Eamhain : varigated drinking-horns 
 with their peaks, and sets of chessmen with the chess-boards. 
 The full breadth of his face of gold, zoo cows, and 200 steeds, 
 20 beehives and 200 chariots. 
 
 To the King of Leath Chathail : 8 bondmen (tillers), 8 bay 
 steeds, and 8 curved drinking-horns. 
 
 To the King of Aileach : 5° swords and 50 shields, 50 bond- 
 men, so dresses, and 50 steeds. 
 
 To the King of Ui Niallain : 3 shields, 3 swords, 3 drinking- 
 horns, and 3 steeds. 
 
 To the King of Ui Breasail : 5 purple cloaks of fine bril- 
 liance, s scarlet cloaks, 5 swords, and s steeds, swift and of 
 goodly colour. 
 
 To the King of Ui Briuin Archoill : 3 tunics with golden 
 hems, 6 steeds, 6 bondmen, and 6 women. 
 
 To the King of Feara Manach, 5 cloaks with golden borders, 
 S shields, 5 swords, 5 ships, and 5 coats of mail. 
 
 To the King of Mughdhorn and Ros : 6 bondmen of great 
 energy, 6 swords, 6 shields, 6 drinking-horns, 6 purple cloaks, 
 and 6 blue cloaks. 
 
 All the stipends having been thus distributed, both to those 
 who were present and in the names of such as were not, they 
 were deposited in the cars (except the cattle and the ships) by 
 those whose business it was to see them arrive carefully at their 
 several destinations, and all arrangements having been com- 
 pleted, the hundreds of vehicles containing them began to 
 move towards the five great roads • which led to the different 
 places for which they were bound, the cattle accompanying 
 them, and the bondmen and bondwomen, either mounted 
 thereon, or when available seated on the cars, or sometimes 
 walking, or else sailing in the ships along the coast to their new 
 homes, whenevei: ships formed part of the stipends of the chiefs. 
 The retainers, followers, soldiers, students, merchants, traders, 
 
 * Fr. Croghan. 
 
226 THE LAST MONARCH OF TAR A. 
 
 professional men, musicians, knights, and all the various classes 
 also now took their departure in earnest, as well as the royal and 
 noble families, the bishops, abbots, ollamhs, &c., having taken 
 leave of the Ardrigh and his Ardrighan and family, and of the 
 other kings and princes, and commenced their homeward 
 journey. The abbots, monks, and students returned to their 
 respective schools and colleges, or else, as was customary, 
 change to some other than that which they had previously at- 
 tended ; all the other classes returned to their respective 
 homes and duties. The foreigners embarked for their own 
 countries, having bid farewell to their young relatives, whose 
 studies were not yet finished, or taking with them those whose 
 education was completed. By degrees Magh Breagh was re- 
 suming its wonted appearance; there were comparatively , few 
 besides the immediate subjects and retainers of the Ardrigh and 
 the general citizens. Some of the young people, however, were 
 putting every moment to account before separating ; games of 
 various kinds were still being played by such as were not en- 
 gaged in anything more important, or were too young to take 
 much to heart the sad scenes which had occurred. Some such 
 groups, having at length tired, stood conversing eagerly to- 
 gether with some young friends ; pledges of mutual friendship 
 passed between them, and plans for future meetings ; and by 
 degrees, began to move away to make their final preparations 
 after a hearty leave-taking. 
 
 An AonitiA*6 CAibi'oit laeug. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 A|\'opi5 iCy 5-ConiM|\'Le. 
 
 THE ARDRIGH IN COUNCIL. 
 
 The court of " the brown-haired Diarmaid " had now resumed 
 its wonted appearance, the Fes being over, and the delegates, 
 their families, and all their following departed to their several 
 homes. None were now to be seen in the vicinity of the Tulach 
 Aoibhin (Delightful Hill), save the royal family, the officers of 
 the court, the ladies of honour, the everlasting " Ten," hovering 
 for ever about the person of the Ardrigh ; all the servants, male 
 and female, 'of the royal household ; the councillors of state, who 
 
THE ARDRIGH IN COUNCIL. 227 
 
 every morning attended the Ardrigh for the transaction of busi- 
 ness ; the ollamhs, fil6s, orators, and men of science ; the 
 engravers of gold and silver, carvers, modellers, knights, &c. ; 
 all these and many more, every day flitted in and out through 
 the palace of Teamhair. One thousand guests were daily enter- 
 tained there in the most hospitable manner ; and now that it was 
 relieved from the crush of overpowering numbers, which ne- 
 cessitated the removal of many articles, those articles were once 
 more arranged in their proper places. Besides, there were daily 
 to be seen various classes of persons at the other buildings of 
 Teamhair. The thousand soldiers, some of whom always kept 
 guard at the Tur-Trean-Teamhrach (Strong Tower of Tara) ; 
 there were also the lucht-tighe (household troops) ; the lucht- 
 curmcate-righ (the body guard) of the king. Then at the Mur 
 OUamhain, the constant stream of authors who daily besieged it 
 to learn the fate of their compositions from the learned sages of 
 the Rialta na Fileadh ; the pupils, also, during the hours of re- 
 creation, might be seen basking in the sun, or amusing themselves 
 as they thought fit ; in short, many and various were the classes 
 of the people who daily, all the year round, either for business 
 or amusement, might be seen in the vicinity of " Tara's Halls," 
 where the " harp," unceasingly, " the soul of music shed," 
 perhaps softening the asperities of the lawyers, whose duties to 
 their clients brought them to the " legal " division of the 
 " Riaghalta of the Mur OUamhain." The city was as busy as ever, 
 trade and commerce flourishing, and all the manufactures in 
 full working order. 
 
 Nodlaigh (Christmas) came with its hallowed associations 
 and its family gatherings ; it must, however, be observed, that the 
 Anniversary of the Babe of Bethlehem was observed in this 
 Island of Saints at that time as a religious rather than as a 
 social festival — greater fervour and devotion, more bountiful 
 supplies to poor families, midnight Masses, heralded by the 
 joyful ringing of many bells, in a country in which bells 
 abounded, all these were the principal features of the observance 
 of the great Christmas festival ; and though festive gatherings 
 were not neglected, yet they did not, as they do now-a-days, 
 supersede its religious observance, making the "glad tidings of 
 great joy " an excuse for indulgence in sin and excess. 
 
 The new year came in much the same way as its predecessors, 
 but it was destined to witness the culmination of the sad catas- 
 trophe which had marred the last days of the Fes of Teamhair, 
 since which time couriers had been flying between the courts, 
 most deeply interested, to wit, Teamhair, Cruachan, Tir Eoghan, 
 
228 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 and Tir Chonaill, each official message only making war more and 
 more imminent, and causing the lovers of peace to despair of any 
 chance of an arrangement or compromise between the partiesv 
 While matters stood thus, the Ardrigh, one morning, while sur- 
 rounded by his arligh ar da cleth (councillors of state), who at- 
 tended him every morning for the transaction of routine business, 
 notified to them his good pleasure that they should have a special 
 meeting to discuss the situation, and then, having ascertained 
 how long it would take them to consider their resolutioit,, 
 appointed a day for the meeting. 
 
 On the appointed day there was a full attendance of the 
 council, together with as many ollamhs, brehons, seancheadhea, 
 fil6s, clergy, doctors, and professors, warriors, knights, and 
 ladies, as could gain admittance ; all being seated in their places 
 long before the appointed hour, they were engaged in discussing 
 the pros and cons of the situation in all its bearings, until they 
 heard the flourish of trumpets and the voices of the heralds, and 
 all rose in time to greet the Ardrigh, who entered and seated 
 himself on the cathair rioghda (royal chair) ; he was attended as 
 usual by the " Ten" who stationed themselves about him. 
 Silence having been obtained, and all being again seated, King 
 Diarmaid opened the meeting, and though he addressed only 
 his council, his words, and the words of all who followed him, 
 could be distinctly heard by the entire assemblage. 
 
 Ardrigh — " Let the ollamhain of our high chamber of Team- 
 hair hearken to our words : the disastrous events of the late 
 Fes have destroyed the good understanding which had pre- 
 viously existed between ourselves and the provincial kingdoms. 
 The son of one of our most esteemed officers was most foully 
 murdered " 
 
 Expressions of dissent and head-shakings greeted these last 
 words. 
 
 Ardrigh — " Well, he was struck down with a brazen hurley 
 while playing at coman* with Curnan, the son of Aodh, and 
 grandson of the King of Connaught; and as no one called in 
 question the identity of the perpetrator of the deed, we deemed 
 it due to the parents of the slain, to ourselves, to justice, and to 
 the law, to order the execution of Curnan. You all know the 
 opposition we met with, and the conduct of the Abbot Colum- 
 cille on the occasion, how by extending his sanctuary to Curnan, 
 he obliged us to violate it; his threats, and his subsequent 
 escape from the vigilance of our guards : you are acquainted 
 
 * Hurling. 
 
THE ARDRIGH IN COUNCIL. 229 
 
 with all these incidents. Well, we have not heard much from 
 him since, save indirectly. His kinsmen, the Clanna Nialls of 
 the North, have chosen to take to themselves the supposed in- 
 sults to the abbot, and neither is their wrath confined to the 
 affair of Curnan, but embraces also that of the Abbot Finian's 
 Psalm Book. Domhnald and Fearghus Mac Earca, who were 
 here during the Fes, are the mouthpieces of the Northerns. 
 Had We known the turn affairs would take, We would not have 
 allowed either them or their cousin Ainmire to escape. How- 
 ever, as it is, they are making common cause with the court of 
 Cruachan in demanding satisfaction of Us for Our manifold trans- 
 gressions. Now, We would fain know the opinion of Our 
 Council, which we have convened for the purpose, whether it is 
 just or dignified to permit the provincial kings, princes, and 
 people to sit in judgment on Our acts, and attempt to punish Us 
 for exercising Our supreme prerogative." 
 
 Ardollamh — "O high King and sages of Eire, truly the occa- 
 sion which calls us together is a sad one. We have all witnessed 
 the unfortunate occurrences of the late Fes, and we shall have 
 reason for congratulation if matters proceed no further. The 
 past cannot be recalled, but it is in our power at least to stay 
 further complications. Even though, as I firmly believe, the 
 killing of Conal's son was a pure accident, yet, it was no less true 
 that compensation was due to his afHicted family. Had it been 
 before the breatheamhain*, they would have inflicted a heavy sent 
 eric, which would have been sufficient to meet the case, it being 
 accidental; but as the Ardrigh adjudged that nothing but blood 
 could atone for blood, and in pursuance thereof, ordered the 
 execution of Curnan, it is but natural that his parents and his 
 family, powerful as they are, should look upon themselves as the 
 aggrieved parties, and resent the indignity, and, if possible, 
 demand satisfaction. We must bear in mind that the King 
 of Connaught is an independent sovereign, as absolute in his 
 dominions as is the Ardrigh in the kingdom of Midhe. Still it is 
 incumbent on us all to provide that Teamhair, which has ever 
 been pre-eminent in honour and dignity, if not in power, shall 
 continue to maintain its position in the sight of the children of 
 the land. This laudable desire, however, is not to be accom- 
 plished by ignoring the rights and trampling on the feelings of 
 the provincial royal families. I trust my Lord King will forgive 
 this plainness of speech, but we have been assembled here for 
 the discussion of this subject, and we have been invited to speak 
 
 * Judges 
 
230 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 our minds freely. I have no other object in view than the 
 honour and happiness of my king and country. I deplore the 
 disunion and discord which is so rife among my countrymen, 
 and which is the only stain on an otherwise brilliant national 
 character. Shall we ever learn mutual forbearance and brotherly 
 love ? Would it not be better for Midhe, as well as for Con- 
 naught, Tir-Eoghan, and Tir Chonail to seek a reconciliation, 
 and make some sacrifices for the common good, instead of being 
 perpetually engaged in wasting our strength and lavishing our 
 resources in weakening and humbling our own countrymen, who 
 like ourselves are ever engaged in that dissemination of learning, 
 and in the pursuit of science, manufacture, and commerce, 
 sharing with ourselves, as the common children of a common 
 land, the adrriiration and wonder of all European states." 
 
 The Taoiseach Buidhne* — "Let not my Lord King and 
 council be led from the path of duty by the words of the Ard- 
 ollamh. No one can regret more than I do the untoward events 
 which have led to these complications ; but now that they have 
 occurred, and have served to illustrate the spirit which pervades 
 certain provincial families, including some of their members, 
 who, from their vocations, one would suppose to be free from 
 the resentments and factious spirit of more worldly beings — now 
 that the Ardrigh has been threatened by Tir-Chonail, Tir- 
 Eoghan, and Conacht, it is the duty of all loyal men to support 
 the dignity and supremacy of Teamhair. It is too much the 
 fashion for the tributary states to declare war against Midhe for 
 every slight cause, often originating with themselves, as in the 
 present instance ; for was it not Curnan, by his illegal slaying — 
 even though accidental — of Conal's son, that originated the 
 quarrel with Conacht ? And again, was it not the secret tran- 
 scription of the Abbot Finian's Psalm Book, that led to the dis- 
 pute between him and the Abbot Columcille, and the subsequent 
 judgment — just or unjust — of the Ardrigh ? And now that they 
 
 brought the consequences of their well, their mistake or 
 
 inadvertence, if you will — upon their own heads, they forthwith 
 cry out that they are the victims of the Ardrigh's injustice and 
 cruelty — they demand satisfaction, and incite each other to 
 revenge their fancied wrongs on the Monarch of Eire. It is 
 evidently our duty to meet this case as it should be met. No 
 good will come of any half-hearted, weak-spirited measures ; it 
 will only bring on us the contempt of the nation, and sink the 
 highest regal seat of the realm to a level with its tributaries. Let 
 us not deceive ourselves ; we have to deal with three very power- 
 * A Military Commander. 
 
THE ARDRIGH IN COtJNCIL. 23 1 
 
 ful families, and all their adherents and followers ; and their 
 Curraide Craoibh Ruadh (Red Branch Knights) are as valiant and 
 as well disciplined as our own Fianna Eirionn (Fenians of Ire- 
 land). Let us bear in mind the indubitable fact that, while we 
 are talking, they are arming 1 Let us give up useless decla- 
 mation, and turn our attention to the more important work of 
 preparing to meet the threatened danger. Neither let us wait 
 to be attacked, and thus give to our foes the triumph of setting 
 hostile foot upon the paramount kingdom ; but rather let us arm 
 at once, and bear down upon our would-be assailants ; and then 
 when we have restored order by force of arms, let the Ardrigh, 
 if he is so minded, make terms of friendship with the so-called 
 aggrieved parties. But now let us be up and doing, the moments 
 we are wasting can never be recalled. Let the Ardrigh but give 
 his sanction to the muster of the forces, and let the council 
 loyally support him; the forces of Laghaen (Leinster) will aid us, 
 and, united, we shall bid defiance to North and West, and to all 
 that may be leagued with them against us. To arms I to 
 arms !" 
 
 The Ard Epscop.* — " Oh, Ardrigh and Ollamhain of Eire, it is 
 with the deepest pain and grief that I havelistened to the words of 
 the Taoiseach Buidhne, who appears to view the case in an 
 entirely wrong light, and from a purely military standpoint. It 
 is scarcely fair to charge the unfortunate Curnan with origi- 
 nating this unhappy quarrel ; he was a good youth, and was as 
 incapable as anyone here of deliberately imbruing his hands in 
 the blood of a fellow-creature. That he did actually slay the son 
 of Oonal in the heat and excitement of coman; no one can deny; 
 but that it was as unintentional as it was unpremeditated, is 
 equally indisputable. Now that blood has been shed on both 
 sides, it would be very unfortunate if there were any more sacri- 
 fice of human life in this most lamentable affair. It would not 
 at all be dishonourable or humiliating to make some compen- 
 sation to the family of Curnan, and thus heal in some degree 
 their wounded feelings. It would be much better than engage 
 in a disastrous war, especially when the Connaught men will be 
 aided by those of Tir Chonail and Tir Eoghan. As to the 
 observation of the Taoiseach Buidhne, that the Abbot Columcille 
 has been inciting the Clanna Nialls to make war upon the 
 Ardrigh in revenge for that affair of the Psalm Book, and- alleges 
 some threats which he used ; well, all I can say is, that I am 
 sufiiciently acquainted with Columcille to know that he would be 
 
 • Archbishop. 
 
2^2 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 utterly incapable of what has been alleged against him. That 
 he should have felt most keenly on the matter of the Psalm 
 Book, and even that smarting under the disappointment, the hot 
 blood of Niall of the Nine Hostages should have given vent 
 to threats by his mouth, is perhaps only to be expected; but 
 that, after mature deliberation, and after having undergone a 
 long and toilsome journey, during which he composed a beautiful 
 hymn; after all this, I say, it is impossible that he should con- 
 tinue to entertain feelings of resentment. We must also re- 
 member that some of his friends were here at the time to see for 
 themselves ; and, moreover, that his attendants preceded him 
 home, so that on his arrival, instead of detailing his wrongs, he 
 could only answer the questions of those who. already knew the 
 facts of the case, and whom it would be both unlawful and 
 useless to attempt to deceive. At the same time, however, las 
 they have insisted upon making his quarrel their own, and are 
 determined to wipe out the insult by joining their forces to those 
 of Conacht, with the royal family of which they have now become 
 identified — for they consider that the execution of Curnan, in 
 violation of the sanctuary of Columcille, is an outrage upon 
 themselves — I am not so sure that he will not bless their united 
 arms ; he will feel that he is in some measure the cause, how- 
 ever unwittingly, of their going to war, and perhaps he will think 
 that he owes it to the memory of Curnan. If I should be correct 
 in my surmise that Columcille will bless the arms of our oppo- 
 nents, I tremble for the consequences to ourselves. The 
 Taoiseach Buidhne has observed that our Fiana Eirionn are at 
 least equal to the forces of West or North. Now, there can be 
 no question of that, no one can be prouder than I am of the 
 glories of our Fenian army; but we must remember that neither 
 the Fenians nor the Red Branch, nor yet the Clanna Morna, nor 
 any other military order have been the same since the battle of 
 Gaura. Besides, it is quite possible that our forces will have to 
 fight, not so much the forces of Conacht, Tir Chonal, and Tir 
 Eoghan, as the invisible, but infinitely more powerful force 
 which the Abbot Columb's prayers may array against iis. We 
 all know what wonderful things he has already done — a man 
 who can change the fruits of the earth ; whose blessing changed 
 water into wine while a little pupil at the College of Clonard ; 
 raised a dead man to life — a man who could perform these and 
 many more miracles by invoking a blessing, will not be less 
 powerful in obtaining a victory for those to whom he imparts his 
 benediction. All I will say in conclusion is, that I would much 
 rather he was with us than against us ; and that I would strongly 
 
THE ARDRIGH IN COUNCIL. 2^2t 
 
 advise the Ardrigh and the council to seek a reconciliation, and 
 thus avoid the useless effusion of Christian blood." ■ 
 
 The Ollamh-re-Seanchaidhe — "Alas! my Lord High King, 
 and council, that we should be assembled for the purpose of de- 
 bating whether or not we should engage in strife unto death with 
 our brothers, the children of our fatherland. Too long has our 
 country been rent and torn by domestic wars, which never did 
 any good, but only served to keep the different tribes and clans 
 of Irishmen at variance with each other, wasting their energies, 
 their military skill, and their very life-blood in destroying their 
 fellow-countrymen, to whom they should be bound by ties of 
 the fastest friendship. Of what avail is all the Irish blood that 
 has been shed by Irishmen 7 Has it made our country better or 
 happier, or more prosperous } Has it not had rather the contrary 
 effect .-" Here we are, the most civilised nation on earth, possess- 
 ing a constitution the most polished in the world, renowned for 
 the learning, arts, science, law, commerce, and manufactures, 
 which render us unique among the nations, and draws to our 
 shores thousands from all the neighbouring islands, and from 
 the islands and the continent of southern Europe, who carry 
 back with them from our national institutions the seeds of the 
 future civilisation of their own countries. And yet, notwith- 
 standing all this, we are a spectacle to the world of a house di- 
 vided against itself! If union is strength, disunion is weak- 
 ness. Fancy a houseful of brothers who would be so busy 
 quarrelling amongst themselves as to be incapable of resisting a 
 common enemy who cometh to despoil them all equally of their 
 inheritance .-' And yet I fear me we shall eventually drift 
 towards that deplorable end, if we do not cease at once and for 
 ever our senseless, foolish, domestic feuds. Perhaps our very 
 hospitality to strangers, and our desire to raise them from ig- 
 norance and barbarism, may be the very means of our undoing ; 
 for while they carry away with them the knowledge and civili- 
 sation which we taught them, they may at the same time carry 
 with them another kind of knowledge which we never intended 
 they should, namely, the knowledge of our weakest points — a 
 knowledge, too, which they or their children may turn to account 
 at some future time, when they may, perhaps, take advantage of 
 some domestic wars to help themselves to a slice of our most 
 fertile and wealthy country ; and may heaven grant that the 
 entire of our beloved land may not at some future day become 
 enslaved to some power which will perhaps owe everything they 
 have worth possessing to the generosity of ourselves and our 
 children. But let it be remembered that heaven helps only 
 
 i5 
 
234 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA, 
 
 those who help themselves. It will not help us in spite of our- 
 selves. If we wish to continue a free and independent nation, 
 and to uphold the proud position we now enjoy, we must use all 
 our energies and employ all the means, all the knowledge, and 
 all the experience which we possess, which has come down 
 to us from remote antiquity, and which has been gradually in- 
 creasing and developing during twelve centuries of civilisation — 
 from the time when OUamh Fodhla promulgated our constitu- 
 tion 700 years before Christ, down to this year of grace, 561. 
 Let, I say, all these advantages be utilised for the further con- 
 solidation and union of the various kingdoms and clans which 
 compose our nation. Let none know any jealousy or rivalry, 
 save that of trying to outvie each other in contributing to the 
 well-being, happiness, and union of our beloved Banba."* 
 
 The Gaisgadhacht — " Oh, high King and sages of Fodhla.J 
 were our land united in the manner we have just heard, and all her 
 people in perpetual peace and harmony, where, I ask, would be 
 the glory, civil and military, for which she is so renowned } 
 What would be the use of our military schools, in which such 
 wealth is lavished in training our youth in martial exercises and 
 military tactics from the earliest age, if they were never to have 
 an opportunity of earning the rewards of valour and heroism, 
 and of proving themselves worthy of their illustrious and heroic 
 ancestry, for, after all, there is no school like the field of battle ; 
 there alone can the hero prove himself. Why, in every depart- 
 ment, as well as the military, it is this very jealousy and rivalry 
 which has made us great among the nations. In literature, in 
 science, art, and manufactures, in commerce, and in the military 
 art, it is our mutual jealousies and contentions which has 
 brought all these to such perfection, by each kingdom, princi- 
 pality, and family endeavouring to surpass all the rest. Besides, 
 any failing or shortcoming of one is sure to bring upon it the 
 criticism or censure of the others. Thus, what we have just 
 now heard condemned, has contributed, perhaps as much as any 
 other cause, to the general good, by creating and fostering that 
 wholesome spirit of emulation, which more than anything else 
 tends to draw out the hidden powers of the mind, and to develop 
 the physicial resources of the body. And although we are the 
 only nation which cultivates the more refined arts and sciences, 
 we by no means stand alone in the cultivation and practice of the 
 arts of war. Look atall the surrounding nations 1 Look at Britain, 
 
 * A bardic name for Ireland. t A military officer. 
 
 { Another bardic name for Ireland. 
 
THE ARDRIGH IN COUNCIL. 235 
 
 look at the fierce domestic wars between the kingdoms of the 
 Saxon Heptarchy ! look at the battles fought by the various 
 hordes of Germany and Helvetia. But you will say all these 
 are barbarous states, and we ought to be ashamed to follow their 
 example, and that their mode of warfare is rude and barbarous, 
 while we bring it to scientific perfection. Well, there are France 
 and Spain and other countries more civilised than Britain or 
 Germany, and they also are perpetually engaged in internecine 
 strife, not only those of their inhabitants who are yet sunk in 
 barbarism, but those to whom civilisation and enlightenment 
 have extended their beneficent rays. But civil war is not con- 
 fined to barbarous and semi-barbarous states. We all know the 
 history of the Roman Empire, its high civilisation and perpetual 
 warfare, and even now Italy is not free from contentions and 
 strife. Look again, this time at refined, cultivated Greece, with 
 its history nearly as glorious as our own, and what do we behold } 
 — ^the highest civilisation and refinement side by side with con- 
 tinual wars and conflict. Will not her heroes and warriors go 
 down to posterity, together with her philosophers, her statesmen, 
 her legislators, and her poets ? There is a peculiar analogy 
 between her institutions and our own, and a proof, if proof were 
 wanting, that the practice of the art of war is quite consistent with 
 the cultivation of literature, art, science, and all the most elegant 
 pursuits in their highest perfection. To arms ! then to arms ! 
 and let no sentimental weakness deter us from following in the 
 footsteps of those who have gone before us, and whose deeds oi" 
 heroism and feats of arms have acquired for our country the 
 respect and fear of foreign nations. Without going into the 
 causes which have led to this dispute — and which I deeply de- 
 plore — it is enough to say that our dignity and honour demands 
 that we shall not permit any tributary kingdom to beard us in 
 the manner in which we are threatened. Let us prove to North 
 and West, as well as to the nation at large, that we are as pre- 
 eminent in power as in honour — in deed as in name. Again, 
 then, I repeat — to arms ! to arms ! Faire ! faire ! !" 
 
 The Aire Forghaill — " Oh, Ardrigh and council of the land, 
 seldom have we been called to decide upon so painful a 
 question as that which now engages our attention. I will not go 
 over what has been already said, but there is one remark of the 
 last speaker to which I must take exception — it is that which 
 ascribes the respect and awe in which we are held by foreign 
 nations to our domestic warfare. Now, I cannot at all agree to 
 that. Though it is sometimes necessary — as I believe it is in 
 the present instance — to defend ourselves from even domestic 
 
236 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 aggression, and to uphold the supremacy of this paramount royal 
 seat, yet I cannot defend the suicidal practice of perpetual in- 
 ternal strife. Other nations have been referred to — Greece 
 especially, as having more resemblance in its laws and institu- 
 tions to our own country. It is to be hoped that the resemblance 
 shall not be rendered more perfect by being involved in a similar 
 fate, from similar causes, thus presenting to future ages the 
 twin-spectacle of two ancient, highly-polished learned nations 
 reduced by their own insane divisions and mutual discord to the 
 horrors and degradation of slavery to merciless, unscrupulous 
 barbarians. As to the respect and dread with which I admit we 
 are regarded by foreign nations, it is entirely owing, not to our 
 domestic wars, the consequences of which come home to none 
 save ourselves, but rather to the achievements of our country- 
 men, for many ages, in other lands. To the glorious feats of 
 Ugaine Mor (Hugony the Great), who was Ardrigh of Eire three 
 centuries before the Christian era, and was contemporary with 
 Alexander the Great, who sailed with a fleet into the Muir- 
 Toirrian (Mediterranean Sea), landed his forces in Africa, and 
 attacked Sicily, and having proceeded to Gaul, was married to 
 Csesair, the daughter of the king of that country. And we know 
 that we are indebted to the grandson of Ugaine, Labradh Loing- 
 seach (Labra of the Ships), who, having been exiled from Eire, 
 attained a high military command in the armies of Gaul — for the 
 introduction into this country of laegea (spear), which has given 
 its name to one of our provinces (Leinster), and which he 
 brought with his z,zoo Gaulish soldiers. Again, we have his 
 grandson, Aengus, who became Ardrigh z8o years before Christ, 
 and who, entering into alliance with the Gauls, invaded Greece 
 and Asia Minor with powerful forces. Then, during the Punic 
 Wars, our Irish ancestors sent auxiliary troops to their Keltic 
 brethren, the Gauls, who, in alliance with the Carthagenians, 
 under Hannibal, fought against the Roman armies in §pain and 
 Italy. Conair6 Mor (Conair6 the Great) and Crimthan Nianiar 
 (the Heroic), both of whom were Monarchs of Eire about the 
 commencement of the Christian era, made expeditions into 
 Britain and Gaul, and assisted the Picts and Britons in their 
 wars with the Romans. Then again, amongst the foreign ex- 
 peditions of Irish princes of that period, I may mention that of 
 Eogan Mor, or Mogha Nuadhat, the famous King of Mumhan 
 (Munster), in the second century, who went to Spain and mar- 
 ried Beara, a Spanish princess, who was daughter of Heber, King 
 of North of Spain (in the country afterwards called Castile), and 
 returned home with a powerful force of Spanish auxiliaries. In 
 
THE ARDRIGH IN COUNCIL. 237 
 
 the first century, the Curraidhe Craoibh Ruadh (Red Branch 
 Knights), and in the second and third centuries, the Fianna 
 Erionn (Fenians of Ireland) made several expeditions to Britain, 
 and as allies to the Picts, Caledonians, and Britons, fought 
 against the Roman legions; and Cormac Mac Art, the celebrated 
 Monarch of Eire in the third century made descents into Gaul 
 and Britain, and assisted the natives against the Roman power. 
 Soon after Crimthan III., who became Ardrigh, invaded Gaul 
 and Britain, broke through the Roman Wall, and at the head of 
 the Irish, Picts, and Britons, fought against the Roman armies. 
 Then again, our celebrated countryman, Carausius, who was a 
 native of Carman (Wexford), or, as Ptolemy, the Greek geo- 
 grapher, calls it, Menapia, and who was famed for his extraor- 
 dinary military abilities and bravery, trained from his youth in 
 naval expeditions, having entered the Roman Army in Britain in 
 the reign of the Emperors Diocletian and Maximian, and being 
 appointed commander-in-chief of their fleets in the Northern 
 Seas to bring under subjection the Franks, Saxons, and Scan- 
 dinavians, who attacked the Roman settlements in Gaul and 
 Britain, and having conquered these pirates, he attained such 
 power and popularity, that in A.d. 288, he assumed the purple, 
 and declared himself Roman Emperor in Britain ; and having 
 defeated the forces of the Emperor Maximian in several naval 
 engagements, Maximian was forced to acknowledge him as his 
 associate in the empire. Several Irish expeditions into Alba,* 
 during several centuries, resulted each time in our countrymen 
 obtaining settlements in that country, until Cairbre Riada led 
 his forces there in the third century, and possessed himself of 
 that country. In the latter end of the fifth century, the three 
 brothers, Fergus, Loam, and Aongus, led colonies to other 
 parts of Alba, and subdued the greater portion of those parts 
 which had not previously submitted to Irish arms, including the 
 Western Isles, and even yet these countries acknowledge our 
 sway. Then we must not forget the renowned Nial Naighi- 
 allach, who took hostages from nine dilferent nations, and had 
 many conflicts with the Roman arms, as it was in one of his 
 expeditions to Gaul that he met and carried home with him as 
 captive, among several others, the boy who was destined at a 
 future day to take captive in his turn our entire nation to the 
 
 * Scotland. Scotia was one of the ancient names of Ireland, and her people, 
 Scots, which names were applied to Alba after its colonisation from Ulster. 
 Per a considerable time afterwards Ireland was often called Scotia-Major and 
 Scotland Scotia-Minor, until at length the name of Scotland was eventually 
 transferred to the latter country. 
 
238 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 faith of Christ. And when Nial's nephew, the heroic Dathi, led 
 his forces into Britain, broke through the Wall of Severus, he 
 made the mighty Roman power again quail before Irish prowess., 
 and having carried his victorious arms through Gaul to the foot 
 of the Alps, died there the hero of 150 battles. Little wonder 
 that the mighty powers of Roman legions, who subdued nearly 
 the whole world, never dared to set foot on Irish ground, pre- 
 ferring the evidence of their senses and their experience to the 
 interested representations of an exiled Irish prince, who would 
 have their aid in furthering his pretensions to the Irish crown. 
 Why, our country abounds with trophies brought from almost 
 every nation by our ancient warriors and modern heroes. All 
 this is, together with our learning and civilisation, the true causeof 
 the proud position which we hold among the nations of the 
 earth, and is a far greater source of pride than the miserable 
 domestic quarrels which have never been of any advantage, but 
 are a continual source of weakness and of danger. At the same 
 time, when Irishmen will make war upon their countrymen to 
 avenge private wrongs, it by no means follows that the threat- 
 ened party are to tamely submit to forfeit their lives and liberties 
 without a struggle to defend them, especially when the kingdom 
 thus threatened is the highest regal seat of the realm — the seat, 
 too, entitled to the respect and submission of all the provincial 
 states. However, owing to the peculiar circumstances of this 
 particular case, and all that has occurred, I would recommend a 
 peaceful settlement. It would be better for all parties, and 
 would save the useless effusion of much Irish blood. Besides, 
 [ am not quite sure that it will be a question of the relative 
 bravery or prowess of the armies of Central and Eastern Eire, on 
 the one side, or of Western and Northern Eire on the other. 
 If what we hear is true of the Abbot Columcille blessing the 
 arms of his friends, I fear we shall" be sending our forces to 
 encounter — not the discipline and valour of Connaught, Tir 
 Eoghan, and Tir Chonal— but the very power of the Most 
 High. We know that the Great Being whose blessing is in- 
 voked upon our opponents, created the whole universe by an 
 act of his will, and that He could, in like manner, annihilate 
 it. Let us then make peace with our conntrymen, and reserve 
 our men With their valour, military education, and everything 
 else which has made our nation, for the defence of our common 
 country against the possible invasions of foreign foes." 
 
 Several others addressed the Council, nearly all of them 
 looking at the matter in different lights, but being divided into 
 two parties, the one for pe^ce, and the other for war. By the 
 
THE ARDRIGH IN COUNCIL. 239 
 
 time they had all spoken it was found that by holding up their 
 hands they were pretty equally divided. The audience, whose 
 hopes rose and fell with each speaker, according to their own 
 views upon the matter, were now painfully attentive to the wind- 
 up. Whispers ran through the assembly, and ill-suppressed 
 excitement was beginning to buzz upon the ears, when the 
 Ardrigh again spoke : 
 
 Ardrigh — " The discussion which has just taken place is but 
 another proof of the utter impossibility of ever getting a number 
 of men to agree upon any one single subject. Still, one would 
 imagine that Our Council, various though their callings be, who 
 profess such loyality to Our person and throne, and to the 
 honour and glory of their country, would sink their differences 
 and prejudices, and unite, as is their duty, in supporting Us in 
 Our efforts to maintain the honour, integrity, and supremacy of 
 Our royal seat. Of course, We allude to those members of Our 
 Council who were good enough to find fault with Our actions, 
 and to advise Us, in effect, to go down on our knees to every 
 one who chooses to insult Us. Of course they have sugared 
 over their arguments with the usual amount of plausibility, of 
 which We have such long experience. It is needless to go over 
 all the arguments which have been adduced in favour of Our 
 opponents, butWe will confine Ourselves to one. Weare well aware 
 that Our people, and the nation at large, charge Us with super- 
 stition, because it is Our pleasure to retain the services of Our 
 druids, in opposition to the wishes and feelings of this now almost 
 entirely Christianised land. Well, as We do not interfere in the 
 slightest degree in matters of religion with any, even the humblest 
 of Our subjects, We do not think it too much to ask that We be 
 allowed, at least, the same liberty, especially when it is well 
 known that We have done more for the Roman faith, in various 
 ways, including the foundation of colleges and monasteries, in 
 which Christianity, and it only, is taught, than many who are 
 so horrified at what they call Our druidical superstitions. But 
 it strikes Us that there is, at least, an equal ampunt of super- 
 stition on the side of Our censors. What is it but superstition 
 to maintain, as has just been done, that the Abbot Columcille, 
 by his prayers or blessing, can turn the tide of battle in favour 
 of his own friends, and against Us, without any reference to the 
 bravery, heroism, or military skill of either armies. Well, We have 
 just come to oppose superstition by superstition, and if the Abbot 
 Columb blesses the arms of Our enemies, Our druid Traechan, the 
 son of Teninson, will bless Our arms, and place such a charm be- 
 tween us as shall protect Us from the charm of Columcille, and 
 
240 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA, 
 
 at the same time prove to the whole nation that druidism has 
 not yet lost all its power. We cannot conclude without sin- 
 cerely thanking the faithful councillors who have stood by and 
 supported Us in Our necessity ; We shall not forget it. After 
 what We have said, it will be understood that it is Our intention 
 to muster Our forces and proceed at once to enter the country 
 of Our foes. Let the chief officers immediately set about mar- 
 shalling the forces under them into battle array. Faire 1 faire ! ! 
 To arms ! to arms ! ! to arms ! ! !" 
 
 An 'OAnA cAibitint -oeus. 
 
 CHAPTER XII, 
 Cac CuLa '0|ieitTiiie. 
 
 THE BATTLE OF COOLA DREVNEY.* 
 
 As the Ardrigh Diarmaid uttered the last words, he rose from 
 his cathair rioghda (royal chair), which was the signal for the 
 general rising of the whole council and audience. A scene of 
 the wildest excitement followed. Soon the council-chamber 
 was deserted, and the battle cries which had been taken up in 
 the chamber by those who favoured the Ardrigh now spread 
 like wild-fire, far and near, among the throngs who had col- 
 lected outside, entirely drowning the counter-cries of those who 
 had been all along for peace, as well as others who had decided in 
 favour of war, but who on hearing the last words of Diarmaid 
 regretted their decision and would have recalled it if they 
 could. However, it was now too late, and the multitude who 
 though pretty equally divided, appeared almost unanimous from 
 the fact that those who were in favour of war were by far the 
 most noisy, as is generally the case. By degrees, however, as 
 Diarmaid's exact words had reached the multitude, their wrath 
 knew no bounds, at what they considered his blasphemies, and 
 as a consequence their enthusiasm toned down considerably. 
 They were for the most part deeply imbued with religious feel- 
 ings, still many there were who loved war for its own sake, 
 quite regardless of all its causes and effects. The soldiers, 
 when called out, had only, of course, to do their duty, and 
 there was many a sad farewell taken of friends whom, perhaps, 
 
 * Cooldrevney. 
 
THE BATTLE OF COOLA DREVNEY. 24 1 
 
 they were never to meet more on this earth ; yet were they en- 
 couraged by their mothers, and other female friends, for the 
 utmost wish of the women was that their children might die in 
 the field, as it was, next to knighthood, a distinguished honour 
 to be ranked in the national troops. By the time they were all 
 mustered, they presented a magnificent spectacle. The Fianna 
 Erionn was the standing national militia, instituted long before 
 the Christian era, and brought to the greatest perfection in the 
 reign of the celebrated Cormac Ulfhada, monarch of Ireland in 
 the third century. None were admitted into this military body 
 but select men of the greatest activity, strength, stature, per- 
 fect form, and valour ; and when the force was complete it 
 consisted of seven Catha, that is battalions, or legions, each 
 battalion containing 3,000 men, making 21,000 for each of the 
 five provinces, or about 100,000 fighting men in time of war 
 for the entire kingdom. The Ardrigh had, for the time being, 
 chief control over these forces, but they often resisted his 
 authority. A commander was appointed over every thousand of 
 those troops, and the entire force was completely armed and 
 admirably disciplined, and each battalion had their bands of 
 musicians and bards to animate them in battle and celebrate 
 their feats of arms. A considerable number of the great mili- 
 tary force of Midhe now assembled on Magh Breagh, including 
 the warriors of the seven duns of Teamhair, under the command 
 of their several officers of divers grades. They were principally 
 known as Taoiseach, and Taoiseach-Buidhne, Flaith, Ceann- 
 Feadhna, or head of a force, and Ceann-Sloigh, i.e., the head 
 or leader of a host. Then there were the Laoch, Curraidh, 
 Gaisgidheach and Niadh, and Urraidh, or champions, chieftains, 
 and heroes. The Ceithearnacha (Kerne), or lightfoot infantry, 
 were armed with laigeana (spears), lanna and craoiseagha 
 (lances, javalins, and halberds), gatha and saigheada (arrows and 
 darts), bolg-saigheada (a bag or pouch for arrows, or a quiver), 
 sgians (daggers, or large knives), biaile (hatchets), tuagh-catha 
 (battle-axes), claidheamha (swords), and the cran-tabhuila 
 (slings). The handles of these weapons were generally of ash, 
 to which was fitted the long, sharp-pointed iron or steel head ; 
 the javelin was tied to the arm or shoulder by a thong or cord 
 of great length, so that they could hurl it at the enemy at 
 several yards' distance, and recover the weapon again ; thus, by 
 whirling it rapidly round the head and then casting with such 
 force that they penetrated the bodies of men, even through their 
 armour, and killed their horses at great distances. These 
 ceithearnacha had no defensive armour save the sciath, or 
 
242 THE LAST MONARCH OF TAKA. 
 
 shield, made either of wood or of wickerwork, covered with 
 leather, or partly of bronze, sometimes being entirely composed 
 of that metal. "They were so nimble and swiftfooted, like 
 stags, that they ran over mountains and valleys." They were 
 divided into bodies of spearmen, dartmen, slingers, and archers. 
 The galloglachs (gallowglasses) were the heavy infantry, a kind 
 of grenadiers, being select men of great strength and stature, 
 armed with claidheamh and tuagh-catha, and also wore the 
 luireacha (armour, coats of mail), which consisted of a net- 
 work of small iron rings, sometimes of strong leather ; the 
 sciath, or shield buckler and target, and the cath-barrs, or 
 helmets of bronze, and breast-plates of iron. Their chief 
 weapons were the tuagh-catha and the battle hammer, which 
 was a wooden club studded with short spikes and knobs of iron. 
 These galloglachs were divided into bodies of swordsmen and 
 battleaxe-men, and being the strongest, steadiest, and best 
 disciplined forces generally bore the brunt of battle. The 
 marc-shluagh,* or cavalry, might be considered as mounted 
 ceithern ; being chiefly a kind of light horse, they were armed 
 with spears, flint and iron javelins, swords, darts, and scians or 
 daggers ; also armour, as helmets, coats of mail, shields, Sec, 
 The arms, armour, and equipments of the various oflScers named 
 above were the same as those of the rank and file, with this 
 difference, that their shields of leather or bronze were embossed 
 with silver and gold, as were also their helmets, and breast- 
 plates, while many helmets, shields, and breast-plates, were 
 composed entirely of silver, others of silver embossed with gold, 
 while those of the highest commanders were frequently com- 
 posed altogether of pure ductile gold, highly wrought. Their 
 arms, too, were beautiful specimens of art, and ornamented 
 with gold and silver ; their spears and swords especially were 
 of exquisite workmanship, some having beautifully- carved ivory 
 or mother-of-pearl handles, others being gold and jewel hilted, 
 and all highly wrought. They had also another peculiarity, 
 that of having their blades dyed in different colours, as green, 
 blue, yellow, red, purple, &c. This practice was first intro- 
 duced by Eochaidh Faobhar-glas, or of the Green Edge, so called 
 because his own sword blades were green. Then there were 
 the carbads-searrdha (serrated chariots) bristling with scythes, 
 and manned by warriors in armour, and fully equipped ; the 
 horses that drew the war charoits were also encased in armour. 
 
 * A host, array, or troop of cavalry ; from Marc, a horse, and Sluagh, a 
 host, Marcach, a horseman. 
 
THE BATTLE OF COOLA DREVNEY. 243 
 
 The chariots of the higher officers were magnificently gilt and 
 ornamented, that of King Diarmaid surpassing all the rest. 
 
 While all the preparations were making, the people were in a 
 fever of excitement. Groups of persons were everywhere to be 
 seen talking about the events that were taking place. Crowds 
 paraded the streets, unable to lay their minds to anything. As 
 each splendidly equipped regiment appeared before their eyes 
 their cheers and huzzas mingled with the military music that 
 now and again burst upon their ears from every direction. But 
 when one morning the people of Teamhair heard the distant 
 sounds of the caisneachd (a species of music to which soldiers 
 march), and soon after descried coming up the Slighe Cualan 
 the Fenian forces of Laeghann (Leinster), and waving over 
 them their emerald green banner, with its golden harp, sur- 
 mounted by the Irish crown glittering in the sun, and borne by 
 O'Maolmhuaidh (O'Mulloy), the hereditary standard-bearer of 
 Laeghann, as they filed into Teamhair, horse, foot, war chariots 
 and all, they were received with unbounded enthusiasm by the 
 Midhains. Their marshal or commander-in-chief, O'Mordha 
 (O'Moore) of Laoighes (Leix), " of the one-coloured golden 
 shield," rode up to Mac Eochagain (Mac Geoghagan), the 
 marshal! of Midhe, and they conversed for some time, looking 
 now and again in the direction of their respective forces. The 
 barracks and biadhtachs were soon filled with the soldiers, who 
 were well entertained there during the day and lodged over the 
 night. The next morning, when all had been got into battle 
 array, great crowds assembled to see them set off, and cheer 
 after cheer went up as they filed past in due order ; the cetherni 
 and galloglacha, the champions and knights, the marc-sluagh 
 and war chariots, their bards and musiciaris, their standard 
 bearers and banner-bearers carrying the meirge, or standards, 
 and the bratacha, or banners. These were very various, accord- 
 ing to the chieftains whom they represented. Some had 
 representations of battle blades, swords, golden crosses, 
 lions, eagles, wolf-dogs, &c. ; thecolours were equally various — as 
 blue, red, yellow, purple ; bloody eagles on glistening sheet of 
 white satin, oak-trees on various grounds, blue anchors bound 
 with gold cable ; spears with venomous adders entwined, and 
 many others ; the most honoured, however, were the Green 
 Banner of the Leinster Fenians, with its crown and harp of 
 gold, and pre-eminent the famous Gal Greine. This last was 
 borne before Ardrigh Diarmaid, who now amidst enthusiastic 
 applause appeared before the people gorgeously armed from 
 head to foot, and surrounded by the " Ten." When the flourish 
 
244 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 oi stocks, or trumpets, which announced him, had died away, and 
 also the cheers of the people, he ascended his gilded war- 
 carbad, the " Ten '' mounted theirs. Then it was perceived that 
 Frachan the druid was one of the " Ten," that is, he was in the 
 place which of old was the right of the druids, but which, since 
 the introduction of Christianity, had up to this been filled by a 
 bishop or priest. The effect of this outrage on the feelings of 
 the people, was for a time most alarming. The applause which 
 had greeted Diarmaid was now turned into groans, lamentations 
 and even threats, and these at length became so menacing, that 
 it occurred to Diarmaid that he would be obliged to reduce his 
 own people to submission before he proceeded to settle ac- 
 counts with the Westerns and Northerns. 
 
 But now it became evident that disaffection was not con- 
 fined to the civilians^ but that his Fenian army were beginning 
 to look most dangerous. They, like other people, were divided 
 in opinion with regard to the justice of the impending war, but 
 they had no choice in the matter ; it was simply their duty to 
 fight at the call of their sovereign, but they were, ofiicers and 
 men alike, most fervent Christians almost to a man, and they 
 had no sympathy with the druidical superstitions of the 
 Ardrigh, but felt very much disposed to rebel. All this Diar- 
 maid was very soon made aware of; but he was not yet with- 
 out hope ; he had the Lagenian Fenians, they would frighten 
 their Meathian comrades into submission ; but as this thought 
 passed through his mind, O'Mordha (O'Moore), marshall of 
 Leinster, rode up to him, and an exciting dialogue passed 
 between them, the end of which was that O'Mordha threatened 
 to withdraw his forces from Midhe back again to Lagean, and 
 leave Diarmaid alone to fight his battle against his opponents, 
 aided by his druid and his druid's master. These last words 
 wfere applauded by the bystanders, but they fairly enraged King 
 Diarmaid. He saw that he would have to compromise the 
 matter, and then, standing up in his chariot, amidst universal 
 silence, declared before all that he, and he alone, would be re- 
 sponsible for the presence of the druid, that he interfered not 
 with any, either army or people, and that he expected the same 
 toleration to be shown to himself, that neither soldiers nor 
 civilians, neither Midians nor Lagenians, had aught to do with 
 his druid, and that he represented only himself in this parti- 
 cular matter. This speech seemed to pacify them, and so they 
 relapsed into silence, and permitted the army to go on its way. 
 The body-guards were in attendance, front, rere, and sidesmen. 
 Amherghin Mac Amhlaigh, Chief Bard, swept the chords of his 
 
THE BATTLE OF COOLA DREVNEY. 245 
 
 emit, and forthwith all the bards and musicians of the whole 
 army burst forth into the famous Rosgh Catha, or war song. 
 In various parts all the aois-ceoil (musicians) played their 
 several instruments. 
 
 The two armies began their march from Teamhair by the 
 Slighe Asal, or North-western Road. This great road brought 
 them straight to the place of battle, crossing on their way the 
 Boinn (Boyne), Amhain Dubh (Blackwater), and finally, the 
 source of the Sionnain (Shannon). As they neared the place 
 of encounter the aois-ceoil and fileadh all joined in a general 
 cronan, or chorus, to animate the more the hearts of the united 
 army. Under the exhilarating effects of the military music they 
 marched on towards the Loch Gilleadh (Gilly), and arriving 
 there turned northward, and encamped at a short distance to 
 the north of the lake. Having pitched their tents, they set 
 themselves to prepare for the battle, and many were the com- 
 ments and surmises of the united armies, as they observed King 
 Diarmaid and Frachan, his druid, walk off towards the direction 
 from which the enemy was expected. They returned immedi- 
 ately and re-entered Diarmaid's tent. Soon, however, the 
 druid reappeared, accompanied by some one, but whose iden- 
 tity was not quite clear, though it was strongly surmised that it 
 ■was Diarmaid himself disguised, having taken second thoughts 
 and returned for that purpose. They were also accompanied by 
 the " 7i«," also in disguise, and the bodyguard, and all shortly 
 returned as they went, when the whole force bivouaced for the 
 night. The next morning early they beheld great masses of 
 troops assembled a little to the north-east. Diarmaid and his 
 ofi&cers, and the ofScers of the Laegeni, commenced to marshal 
 their troops in order ;' the Gal Greine, the royal standard of the 
 Ardrigh, was advanced, and by its side the harp and crown 
 banner of Laegain. Simultaneously they beheld the famous 
 standard of UlladhJ(Ulster), borne by O' h-Anluain (O'Hanlon), 
 Prince of Orier, and hereditary standard-bearer of Ulladh. It 
 ■was of green satin, and on it was emblazoned the Golden Lion, 
 the device of the Curraidhe Craoibhe Ruaidhe (Red Branch 
 Knights). All the minor banners on both sides were unfurled, 
 and fierce battle-cries arose on both sides, mingled with the 
 terrific blasts of the war-trumpets, and the martial strains of the 
 Rosgh Catha. The forces of Tirowen (Tyrone) and Tirconnail 
 (Tirconnell) were led by Fergus and Domhnall, the two sons of 
 the late King Muirceartach Mac Earca, aided by their cousin 
 Ainmire Mac Sedna. In the midst of all the confusion King 
 Diarmaid's Druid Frachan Mac Teninson advanced in company 
 
246 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 with his disciples Tuathan Mac Dimman, Mac Saran, Mac 
 Garmac, Mac Eoghan, and after a few directions from Fraechan, 
 Tuathan advanced to a certain distance, where Diarmaid awaited 
 him, and there in sight of both armies placed the Erbhe Druad, 
 or druidical charm over the monarch's head. They then re- 
 turned, and amidst universal grumbling it was explained to the 
 armies of Midhe and Laegean, that they should not pass beyond 
 that spot. But now their attention was attracted to another 
 object ; it was the advance of a single chariot from the ranks of 
 UUadh. On a nearer approach it was clear that its occupant 
 was attired, not in military uniform, but in the garb of a monk ; 
 another glance showed it to be the well-known figure of the 
 abbot Columcille himself, who had seen what had just passed. 
 He approached to within a short distance of the magical circle 
 of the druid, and there, standing up in his chariot, elevated his 
 hands to heaven, and cried out in the hearing of both armies: 
 
 "O God, wilt Thou not drive off the fog which envelops 
 our number ? 
 
 "The host which has deprived us of our livelihood. 
 
 " The host which proceeds round the cairns ! 
 
 " He is a son of storm who betrays us, 
 
 " My Druid, — He will not refuse me, — is the Son of God, 
 and may He side with me ; 
 
 " How grandly he bears his course ; the steed of Baedan be- 
 fore the host. 
 
 " Power by Baedan of the yellow hair will be borne from 
 Eire on him (the steed)." 
 
 Having thus invoked the aid of heaven on the arms of his 
 friends he returned, and now the battle cries, and the shouts, 
 and the trumpet blasts, and the war songs; were all renewed, and 
 the opposing forces rushed to the encounter, and fierce and fast 
 the conflict raged ; volleys of stones from the Gran Tuabal 
 whizzed through the ranks of both armies ; showers of arrows 
 and darts darkened the atmosphere ; spears, and swords, and 
 battleaxes resounded on the shields, helmets, and coats of 
 mail ; the scythed chariots worked destruction in the ranks ; 
 but suddenly consternation seized the army of King Diarmaid ; 
 they now perceived that while their own men went down before 
 the shafts of their opponents, there appeared to be no sign of 
 any gaps in the opposite ranks. This discovery, inexplicable 
 as it was, and unaccountable from natural causes, was on the 
 point of driving them to desperation, when the terrible blasts 
 of brazen war trumpets burst upon their ears from a new direc- 
 tion, and on looking towards the point whence the thundering 
 
THE BATTLE OF COOLA DREVNEY. 247 
 
 sounds proceeded, they beheld the standard of t^he Clanna 
 Morna bearing for its arms Jupiter, a cavalier completely armed 
 and borne by Mac Diarmaid, the standard-bearer of Connacht ; 
 and marching under their banner to the sounds of martial music, 
 the army of Connacht, led by Aedh, the father of the unfortunate 
 Curnan, and son of Eochaidh Tirmacharna, King of Connaught, 
 and Nainnidh Mac Duach, came bearing down upon their left. 
 The army of King Diarmaid, now between two fires, at first 
 fought desperately ; but after a short but furious onslaught on 
 the Ardroyal and Laegenian troops by the united forces of Con- 
 nacht, Tirowen, and Tirconnell, in which numbers fell on the 
 side of the Ardrigh, while it was observed that they had only 
 succeeded inkilling one man, and that was he who had imprudently 
 passed beyond the Erbhe Druadh of King Diarmaid : that mon- 
 arch ordered the standards to be struck,* and retreating from 
 the scene of battle, after having lost 3,000 men, fled with the 
 remnant of his forces from Cairbre ; and being hotly pursued 
 by the enraged Connacians, with great difliculty saved his life. 
 When they had been a considerable distance on their way home 
 by the Slighe Asal, the soldiers of his own army and those of 
 his Laegean allies, being now at liberty to slacken their speed, 
 commenced to murmur openly against Dairmaid for thus bring- 
 ing them to wage war upon the Lord of Hosts. They broadly 
 hinted that he was unfit to be on the throne of a Christian na- 
 tion, that his coronation was a mistake, and that he had brought 
 dishonour on the flags of his country. At another time none 
 would have the hardihood thus to, beard Diarmaid ; but now the 
 discomfited monarch bore these taunts in silence, being wholly 
 preoccupied with his own thoughts. When at last himself and 
 his shattered army arrived in his capital, he was received with 
 studied coldness and rigidity. He at once retired to the 
 Grianan of the Ardrighan, he could not just now tolerate the 
 presence of anyone else, while his troops and allies disbanded 
 and scattered through their own friends and consoled those of 
 their fallen comrades. The Lageni remained until next day, 
 when they returned by Slighe Cualan, and Ath Cliathf to their 
 homes in the eastern cuigaidh (province). 
 
 * Striliing the standard was the signal of retreat. f Dublin. 
 
248 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 An uneAS cAbitDit "oetis. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 'OiA|\niAit) A5UI' ITIugAiti. 
 
 DIARMAID AND MOOAN. 
 
 When King Diarmaid entered the Sunny Chamber he found ths 
 Ardrighan alone, she having dismissed her ladies to the other 
 apartments of that building on perceiving from one of the win- 
 dows the approach of the Ardrigh; and while he is mounting 
 the staircase we will once more introduce our readers to the 
 royal apartments, where many years before King Tuathal Mael- 
 garbh and his queen so anxiously discussed the coming of 
 Prince Diarmaid to Teamhair. Diarmaid, now monarch of 
 Teamhair, had for second wife Mughain, the daughter of Con- 
 craidh, King of Deas Mumhain.* She is thus spoken of by 
 Flann of the monastery : 
 
 " Mughain, the daughter of worthy Concraidh, 
 Son of Duach, King of Deas Mumhain, 
 Who followed munificence, without guile, 
 The wife of Diarmaid Mac Cearbhall." 
 She was now about thirty-five years of age, of medium 
 size, of rather slight figure, her features regular and beautiful, 
 complexion very white, contrasting with the rich pink hue of her 
 cheeks, which told of her now recovered health ; her two rows 
 of white teeth, visible between her cherry lips, resembled 
 strings of pearls in a casket of coral ; her hair was a rich auburn 
 which fell in plaits behind her shoulders, the ends falling 
 into the golden mella ; on her head was the Niamh Land ; she 
 was attired in a robe of tartan satin, comprising the seven co- 
 lours, green predominating ; it was confined at the waist by a 
 girsat corcra, or purple waist scarf ; a green meirge, or silk 
 veil, hung from the " radiant leaf" down over her shoulders ; it 
 was bordered with gold embroidery ; in her ears were wheel- 
 shaped, golden au nasg, or earrings, set with emeralds, match- 
 ing the or-nasg, or finger-rings, the dornasc, or bracelets, and 
 the dealg, or brooch ; a.fiam, or gold chain, round her neck sus- 
 pended a gold cross on her bosom ; and her sandals were of 
 golden net-work, curiously ornamented. 
 
 • South Munster. 
 
DI ARM AID AND MOO AN. 249 
 
 When Diarmaid entered, Mughain, who already knew 
 the situation, from heralds and from her own observation from 
 the balcony of the Grianan, went towards her husband, as he 
 appeared at the door, and affectionately putting her arms round 
 his neck embraced him without uttering a word ; she saw, in 
 fact, that his beloved face wore an expression of dejection and 
 care such as she had never seen there before. Still, without 
 speaking, she led him to one of the luxurious imdai, covered 
 with green satin, embroidered with gold, where, yielding to her 
 gentle pressure he sunk nearly invisible in the downy couch. 
 Placing herself beside him, and making for him a tore with her 
 alabaster-like arms, she softly said : 
 
 " O Diarmaid, mo cheile, mo mhuirnin,* rest thee here yet a 
 little while ; I know thou art not, as yet, able to talk to me." 
 
 Diarmaid — "A Mughain, chuisle mo chroidhe, blat nafinne,f I 
 am never too tired to talk to thee ; had I taken thine advice, I 
 would have had a different story to-day ; but, in truth, I did all 
 for the best." 
 
 Mughain — " Thy druid then, O Diarmaid, hast played thee 
 false ?" 
 
 Diarmaid — "Yea, mo cheile,| he has been worsted by the 
 Abbot Columb's druid." 
 
 Mughain — " The Abbot Columb's druid ! What meanest 
 thou, mo ghridh .?" 
 
 Diarmaid — "It was so that Columcille, on the battle-field, 
 designated the Son of God." 
 
 Mughain — " Go deimhin !"§ 
 
 Diarmaid — "Yea, he invoked the -blessing of heaven on the 
 army of his kinsmen and their allies of Connacht, and his 
 prayer was heard ; for while we lost three thousand men, they 
 lost but one man, and that, he who had passed beyond our 
 Erbhe Druadh : Rag Laim was his name." 
 
 Mughain — I am at least glad that thou recognizes! in the 
 fortunes of the day the finger of God. And, oh! Diarmaid, mo 
 ghradh, A cheile m'anama 1|| Se Dia tus agus deire, bunn agus 
 barr gach uile nidh.^ Ta Dia ann gach ait.** Ta Dia maith do 
 
 * My husband, my passionately beloved one. 
 
 t O Mughain ! pulse of my heart, flower of all that is fair. 
 
 t My wife. 
 
 I Indeed. 
 
 II O Dermot, my love, O partner of my soul ! 
 
 II God is the beginning and the end, the foundation and the top of all 
 
 ** God IS m every place. 
 
 17 
 
250 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 gach duine ; Ardrigh Neimhe a ta, a bhi, agus a bheidheas go 
 brath."* 
 
 Diarmaid — " a stoir mo cleibh !f dost thou fear that I do 
 not believe in God ?" 
 
 Mughain — " Nay, my Diarmaid, but I fear that thou hast 
 sadly forgotten Him ; and thou, O my love, thou too a pupil of 
 Finian of Cluain-Irared." 
 
 Diarmaid — "Ah 1 those were happy days at Cluain-Irared ; 
 and I knew it not. I longed for the throne, and when it came, 
 it brought nought but bitterness — bitterness in the loss of the 
 brother of my bosom and the friend of my youth, and continued 
 bitterness in the cares, disappointments, and vexations which 
 have added to the weight of my crown and of which thy poor 
 head hast also felt the weight." 
 
 Mughain — "Och ! mo bhr6n, nach b-fuil sonas ort.J Is tu 
 mo bhron agus mo shogh, m'onoir agus mo naire, mo 
 bheatha agus mo bhas!"§ 
 
 Diarmaid — " Mo chuisle, agus mo run gheal,|| I but sadden 
 thee when I ought only to make thee rejoice." 
 
 Mughain — " If thou wouldst make me rejoice, O mo cheile 
 dhilis, thou wouldst turn thy back upon thy druids and their 
 magic, and return to the God of thy youth, who never forsakest 
 those that trust in Him. Thou hast just seen how He rewarded 
 the faith and trust of the Abbot Coluracille ; and rememberest 
 not thou, O Diarmaid, how many years we were married without 
 any sign of children, until with thy consent I besought the prayers 
 of two holysaints, Bishop Aedh ofRathAedh,^ and Bishop Finian 
 of Magh Bile,** and the Lord, hearkening to their supplications 
 on my behalf, cured my grief, and took away my reproach by 
 sending us our beloved son, Aedh Slane." 
 
 Diarmaid — "Yea, I remember all that, but I have not been 
 as grateful as thou. But it strikes me as strange that we Gaed- 
 hals (Gaels) should, like the Hebrews, reproach a woman with 
 that which is not her fault, especially as we have not the excuse 
 which they had. We ought rather to feel rejoiced that, without 
 
 * God is good to every person; the sovereign King of heaven, who is, 
 who was, and who shall be for ever, 
 f O treasure of my bosom ! 
 } my sorrow, that thou art not happy. 
 
 I Thou art ray sorrow and my joy, my honour and my shame, my life an 
 my death. 
 
 II My pulse and my fair secret love. 
 U In Meath. 
 
 ** Moville, in county Down 
 
DIARMAID AND MOO AN. 25 I 
 
 ourselves interfering with the designs of Providence, those we 
 love are spared the anguish and peril to which the propagation 
 of mankind exposes them." 
 
 Mughain — " A mo cheile dhilis, all are not like thee ; many 
 who profess horror of thine unhappy leanings towards paganish 
 mysteries might well take a lesson from thee in social virtue. 
 Thou didst never reproach my early barrenness ; but did not I 
 feel humbled before the nation ? Ah ! I cannot express what I 
 suffered, though but a passive instrument in the hands of God, 
 who in his own good time yielded to the prayers of his servants, 
 and although with some of the ' anguish and peril ' of which 
 thou hast so feelingly spoken, enabled me to present to thee a 
 son, and to the nation a prince, who perhaps may one day reign 
 in Eire." 
 
 " Diarmaid — " It will be a long day, even though, from 
 any cause, the throne should become vacant, Aedh Slane could 
 not fill it for many a year to come. It is not long since he entered 
 Mur OUamhain. No; women have seldom ruled in Eire, but 
 children, never." 
 
 Mughain — "Yet I trust that by the time that thou, O my 
 beloved ! hast exchanged an earthly for a heavenly crown, 
 our dear Aedh will be long past the age at which he will be 
 qualified, legally and physically, to take thy place." 
 
 Diarmaid — " In any event he cannot at once take my place. 
 The rule of alternate succession forbids that. Is it not strange 
 O mo cheile, that had I been slain at — don't shudder now, 
 thou seest I was not — had I been slain at Cula-Dreimhne, my 
 conquerors, Fergus and Domhnall, the representatives of the 
 Northern Hy Nials, would succeed to our throne to the exclu- 
 sion of our children Aedh Slane and Colman Beg ; ay, even to 
 the exclusion of Colman Mor himself, who, had he lived, would 
 have been in every way fitted for the high ofiice. But perhaps 
 thou dost not agree with me in that. He was not thy son." 
 
 Mughain — "O Diarmaid, how canst thou think so.? 'Tis, 
 indeed, but natural that I should love mine own children best, 
 but I am not so unjust as not to see good qualities in the son of 
 my husband, merely because he was not mine, but was the son 
 of my predecessor and rival. No, my Diarmaid, I did grieve 
 more than thou didst credit me with for the untimely death of 
 Colman Mor. He was the pride of the court, and of the field, 
 and the flower of Fenian chivalry," 
 
 Diarmaid — "Thou art my own Mughain. But speaking of 
 Fenian chivalry, dost thou not think that its prestige has 
 suffered from recent events ?' 
 
252 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 Mughain — " Nay, Diarmaid, I think not so ; we must re- 
 member that there were also Fenians in the armies ofConnacht, 
 Tirconnell, and Tirowen, besides the Olanna Morna, and the 
 Curraidhe Craoibhe Ruaidhe. Besides, it is absurd to say that 
 these, and these only, defeated the forces of Midhe and 
 Laegean. The truth is, my Diarmaid, both the opposing armies 
 had each their invisible as well as their visible allies. Thy loss 
 of 3,000 men against their one man is a human impossibility. 
 No one ever heard of the like before. Now, thou didst publicly 
 call upon the powers of darkness, that is the simple explanation 
 of druidism, as expounded by thy Fraechan ; Columcille, on the 
 other hand, as publicly and solemnly called upon the powers of 
 light on behalf of their opponents ; so that while the visible 
 battle raged between Ulladh and Connacht on the one side, and 
 Laegean and Midhe on the other, the more awful, though invisible 
 battle between heaven and hell, was being fought by the invisible 
 allies of both. And what more natural than the result .'' It was the 
 battle between the Archangel Michael and Lucifer all over again." 
 
 Diarmaid — " Then I suppose I am Lucifer, and Columcille 
 is the Archangel Michael ?" 
 
 Mughain — " Nay, Diarmaid, thou art not Lucifer ; thou art 
 much better than some Christians, it is to thy druid that I refer ; 
 but in truth, O Diarmaid, I have often grieved much that while 
 with one hand thou didst build and endow monasteries, churches, 
 and schools, with the other thou didst endeavour partially to 
 restore and maintain some relics of pagan superstition." 
 
 Diarmaid — " Well, I am really anxious for the good of the 
 Church and the maintenance of the Christian religion, and 
 have spared neither care nor expense for that end ; but thou 
 knowest, O Mughain, how much opposition and defiance we 
 meet with from some holy bishops and abbots in matters purely 
 temporal." 
 
 Mughain — " If thou dost refer to the aifair of Curnan Mac 
 Aedh, and the action of the Abbot Columb in his behalf, I 
 think that, rightly or wrongly, he believed that he was uphold- 
 ing the dignity and prerogatives of the Church." 
 
 Diarmaid — " Dignity and prerogatives ! What meanest thou, 
 mo ghradh P" 
 
 Mughain — "The prerogative of the Church in granting 
 sanctuary to whom it listeth, and its dignity in insisting that the 
 sanctuary, once granted, should be respected by the secular 
 power." 
 
 Diarmaid — " Ha ! the Church claims and insists upon the 
 prerogative of shielding criminals from justice !" 
 
DIARMAID AND MOOAN. 253 
 
 Wughain — " But, Diarmaid, dear, do not, I pray thee, call 
 poor Curnan a criminal. Was it not all a pure accident ?" 
 
 Diarmaid — " Very well, as thou likest. In fact, now that I 
 have had time to reflect upon the whole matter, I am satisfied 
 that it was an accident. But Lorcan was killed, the Fes of 
 Teamhair was violated, and I had no power to pardon the 
 slayer of Conal's son, whether it was accidental or malicious. 
 Why then should the Church, as represented by the Abbot 
 Columb, insist upon the Ardrigh of Eire, setting the example 
 before the whole nation of being first to break the laws and in- 
 fringe the constitution of Eire ?" 
 
 Mughain — " That is true ; Curnan could not be pardoned." 
 
 Diarmaid — "No; Ollamh Fodhla, and the wise legislators 
 who instituted the Fes of Teamhair, took stringent measures for 
 the protection of those who should attend it. Why, if it were 
 otherwise, what would become of us all ? Neither life nor pro- 
 perty would be safe. All who wanted to plunder might do so 
 with impunity, and those who had a grudge against others 
 might wound or even kill them, and then fly to some church, or 
 to the arms of an abbot, or other ecclesiastic, and there defy the 
 oflicers of justice and the laws of the land. What a terrible 
 state of affairs that would be 1 What a contrast to the past it 
 would be ! Why even St. Patrick himself, when revising the 
 ancient laws of the country to make them accord with Christi- 
 anity, left the law relative to the Fes of Teamhair untouched. 
 He, a foreigner, could recognise its wisdom and necessity, 
 while a native, trained up from his youth, and thoroughly in- 
 structed in the laws of his country, cooly, before an assembled 
 multitude, demands of his sovereign the abrogation and violation 
 of one of the most necessary of those laws, knowing that that 
 sovereign had no power to do so ; and all because he chose 
 to use the name and the authority of the Church, to shield a 
 youth who had come into collision with that law. Why, the 
 very Church itself repudiates the action of Columcille in the 
 matter !" 
 
 Mughain — " Go deimhin !* How is that .'" 
 
 Diarmaid — " Already rumours are afloat that many bishops 
 and abbots, including some of Columcille's old friends, are 
 meditating holding a synod to inquire into the conduct of one 
 of their body, in being the cause of so much bloodshed. Now, 
 such an inquiry can have but one result : — he and he alone is 
 answerable for the battle of Cul Dreimhne. He was not 
 
 * Indeed. 
 
254 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 bound to give the sanctuary of the Church to Curnan Mac 
 Aedh, but I was bound to see the law of Ollamh Fodhla carried 
 into execution." 
 
 Mughain— " The synod must consider that. Thou didst not 
 make that law, and thou couldst not break it. Nevertheless, I 
 trust that the Abbot Columcille shall come reproachless out of 
 the matter. O Diarmaid mo ghradh, the abbot has a loving 
 and tender heart, large enough too, to embrace all the lower 
 creation, and even inanimate objects. His soft, gray eyes have 
 been known to well out great large tears at the sufferings of 
 the birds and beasts, and such is his love for his oak- 
 groves that he would not allow his dear trees to be cut 
 down even for the building of his church, but had it built on a 
 l«ss convenient site to avoid touching them, and when a tree 
 happened to fall in his beloved wood he would allow no one to 
 touch it for nine days, and at the end of that period he would 
 set aside a tenth part for the use of the poor, and a third for the 
 use of strangers, and the rest he would distribute amongst all 
 the people of Doire Calcach."* 
 
 Diarmaid — " Yea, Mughain, dilis, I know all that, and it 
 was but natural that he should try to protect a fellow-creature in 
 trouble. But when he could not succeed in doing so, why 
 should he needlessly sacrifice the lives of three thousand more 
 human beings, which could have been avoided by submission 
 to his sovereign and to the laws of his country ?" 
 
 Mughain—" Well, surely, he could not know the number he 
 was sacrificing ?" 
 
 Diarmaid — " No ; he could not know ; the number might 
 be less and it might be more ; but when he stirred up his re- 
 latives to give us battle he knew he was about to sacrifice many 
 lives. And suppose that, instead of three thousand there were 
 killed but three men, or even one, what needless shedding of 
 blood it would be for the sake of one who had forfeited his life 
 to the law, and whom we could not save were he our own son ?" 
 Mughain — "Thou art quite right, O Diarmaid, momhuirnin; 
 but I do not think he reflected in time upon all the consequences, 
 else he would not have pursued the matter so far. And then, 
 Dhiarmaid, dhilis, although he threatened on thee the vengeance 
 of his Northern Hy Nials in the heat of his resentment, we are 
 not so sure that he really instigated his people to take up arras 
 against us." 
 
 Diarmaid — " Nevertheless they have done so." 
 
 * Derry. 
 
DIARMAID AND MOOAN. 255 
 
 Mughain — " Yea, but they knew of the matter quite indepen- 
 dent of him. Fergus, Domhnall, and Ainmire were here at 
 the time, as well as the family of Curnan ; then the attendants of 
 Columcille preceded him home to Tirconnell, and no doubt, 
 on his own arrival there he found it impossible to allay the 
 irritation and indignation of the northerns at the fancied insult 
 to their relative." 
 
 Diarmaid — " Well, I suppose we Gaedhals are doomed to 
 perpetual strife and discord. We have been always so, and 
 most probably always will be. If the Church would only dis- 
 countenance instead of encouraging our unhappy failing, 
 Christianity would be a temporal as well as a spiritual benefit." 
 
 Mughain — " Ah ! Diarmaid, dear, 'tis not the Church ; 'tis 
 ourselves still. Eirenacs* are fond of injuring and humbling 
 each other ; the Church is but a new weapon in their hands. It 
 is because Columcille was an Eirenac, and not because he was 
 a Christian abbot that these things have happened- They would 
 not be possible in any other country." 
 
 Diarmaid — " Well, well ; now that they have happened, 
 what is to be done .?" 
 
 Mughain — "Become reconciled by all means. Send for him 
 at once, and even though he is to blame in the matter, do not 
 reproach him with it. Neither defend thyself further than to 
 remind him that in the matter of Curnan, thou wert bound by 
 the law, over which thou hadst no control. As for the affair of 
 the Psalm Book, or Cathachf as it is now called, I think there 
 is a possibility of soothing his wounded feelings. Mocolmoc 
 of Cluain-Irared, the Abbot Kinian's nephew, passed through 
 this city while thou wert at the Battle of Cul-Dreimhne, and in- 
 formed us that his holy uncle grieved intensely over all the 
 untoward events that have occurred during the late Fes, and all 
 they have led to. He further informed us that Finian would 
 gladly restore the Psalm Book to Columcille, if by doing so he 
 could restore charity and good-will amongst ye all." 
 
 * Irishmen. 
 
 t The Cathach. — " The fragment of the original " Book of Battles,'' con- 
 tained in the shrine, is of small quarto form, consisting of 58 leaves of fine 
 vellum, written in a small, uniform, but rather a hurried hand, with some 
 slight attempts at illumination ; and when we recollect that this fragment was 
 written about 1,300 years ago, by one whose name, next to that of our great 
 apostle St. Patrick, has held the highest place in the memory of his own as 
 well as of foreign countries, we have reason indeed, to admire, and reason to 
 be proud of the- intense and tenacious devotion which could, under most un- 
 favourable circumstances, preserve even so much of so ancient and fragile a 
 monument." — Curry, It is now in the Museum of the Royal Irish Academy. 
 
256 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 Diarmaid — " Maiseadh !* did he say that ?" 
 
 .Mughain — " He did ; and now I think thou canst very 
 easily arrange matters on good footing. Then for thine own 
 part thou canst bestow upon Columb a piece of ground, or one 
 of our country seats, which will enable him to found another 
 monastery, and by the good which will follow from it repair 
 some of the injuries which have been done." 
 
 Diarmaid — " Yea, that pleases me, though Columcille showed 
 little respect for his old master and mine, the Bishop and 
 Abbot of Cluain-Irared ; but thou sayest Finian is ready to be 
 reconciled. Then so shall I.' Now which of our country seats 
 shall we bestow upon Columcille ?" 
 
 Mughain — " Oh, I do not mind ; whichsoever thou thinkest 
 best thyself." 
 
 Diarmaid — "We have already given him Dunchiule-Sibrinhe 
 Ceananus.t and Scryne."{ 
 
 Mughain — " Suirde§ will be very suitable for the purpose ; 
 and I pray thee, O Diarmaid, lose no time in bringing about this 
 reconciliation." 
 
 Diarmaid, rising up — " I go at once to direct mo Runaidh 
 (secretary) to write to Finian and to Columcille. So farewell 
 until seire (supper)," 
 
 Mughain — " Sldn leat, mo ghradh." 
 
 * Musha. Well then, indeed. 
 
 t Kells, county Meath, where the Round Tower, Columcille's house, and 
 many other interesting relics still remain. 
 X Skreen, where is also a Round Tower. 
 § Swords, near Dublin. 
 
 END OF PART THIRD. 
 
cm ceataRTTiab cuio. 
 fart IV. 
 
 'Oo]\CA'OA.-p An "^j^X. 5t^eiTie. 
 
 ECLIPSE OF THE STJN-(bURST). 
 
 An ceti-o CAibi'oit. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 CuL--peiepneA.c.* 
 
 RETROSPECTIVE. 
 
 lOWARDS the close of a summer's evening, in the year 
 563, a number of travellers, including aires (lords), 
 anflaiths (rich farmers), brughfers (farmers), ceann- 
 nides (merchants), saors (traders), araidhe (charioteers), 
 and stray travellers of every description, sought refreshment 
 and shelter for the night at the public biadtach at Ratoath, 
 on the Slighe Cualann. Some were pedestrians, many of whom 
 carried their wares on their backs ; others came on horseback, 
 others in carbads. These, as well as other kinds of vehicles laden 
 with various species of merchandise, were carefully stowed away 
 for the night in the out-offices, and the horses well attended to. 
 The travellers themselves gathered around the tables to partake of 
 the plentiful supper which was spread before them. They con- 
 versed freely on various matters, as the part whence they came, 
 the nature of their business to the capital, the politics of the day, 
 and other topics. While they spoke, fresh travellers continued to 
 pour in, among whom weresome foreigners. Places were made for 
 the new comers at the various tables. A French merchant, who 
 
 * I'r. Cool-heck-shin-yach. 
 
258 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 appeared travel-stained and weary, after having bathed his feet in 
 a tub, presented to him for the purpose — an agreeable process, and 
 one, by the way, of which all were obliged to avail themselves — sat 
 down at one of the tables, between a Temorian goldsmith and a 
 shipbuilder from Ath Cliath (Dublin). The latter being en- 
 grossed in conversation, relating to merchant and war vessels, 
 with his next neighbour on the other side, and the extent of the ■ 
 order he expected to receive from the Ardrigh, and on other 
 subjects interesting to himself, the French merchant turned to 
 the goldsmith, who was engaged in discussing in silence th6 
 dishes laid before him, and consisting of fresh pork, fowl, 
 cheese, new milk, honey, and ale ; the French merchant 
 followed his example ; but as soon as he removed the keen 
 edge of his appetite, he turned to the worthy goldsmith, and 
 said : 
 
 "Well, friend, how fares it with Church and State in the 
 dominions of King Diarmaid Mac Cearbhall ?" 
 
 " Hast thou, then, my friend, but lately arrived in Midhe ?" 
 
 " I arrived but two nights since in Eire itself, after an absence 
 of two years ?" 
 
 " Didst thou then hear of the battle of Cul-Dreimhne ?" 
 
 " Oh, yes ; it was commencing just as I left, and in Armorica 
 I heard of its termination ; but I was unable to learn more, from 
 being constantly travelling about through many countries, until 
 I at length arrived at Ath Cliath the night before last, where I 
 passed the night. The next day I had enough to do to transact 
 some business in that town, when I at once set out on my way 
 hither. I hope to reach the capital early to-morrow." 
 
 " Then, perhaps, thou didst not hear of the reconciliation of 
 the Abbot Columcille with King Diarmaid ?" 
 
 "No; have they been reconciled.' I am very glad to hear 
 that." 
 
 " Yea ; immediately after the battle of Cul-Dreimhne, which 
 proved so disastrous to King Diarmaid, he sent for the Abbot 
 Columcille and for the Abbot Finian, and 
 
 " Pardon, pray, how fares it with Bishop Finian ?" 
 
 " Oh, Finian is departed to glory." 
 
 "Finian dead! indeed! Finian the Wise, the Bishop and 
 Abbot of Cluain Irared, the Tutor of the Saints of Eire ! I am 
 very sorry to hear it. He must be a great loss ;" 
 
 " Yea, a loss that will not easily be repaired ; but it is a 
 glorious change for himself. However, though he was in no 
 wise to blame for what occurred, he grieved much on account of 
 all the lives that were lost, and in order to smooth animosities 
 
RETROSPECTIVE. 259 
 
 between all parties, he restored the Psalm Book to the Abbot 
 Columcille." 
 
 " I fancy that Columcille was to blame for all." 
 " He was indeed." 
 
 " But what did King Diarmaid do after he sent for him ?" 
 " He became reconciled to him, and bestowed upon him 
 one of his royal seats at Suirde (Swords), which Columcille lost 
 no time in converting into a monastery .?" 
 
 "And does he now reside at the new monastery ?" 
 " Oh, by no means ; he has left the country altogether.'' 
 " Left the country ! Dost thou mean that he has left Eire }" 
 " Yea ; he is now Abbot of Hy (or lona) an island of Alba 
 (Scotland). I will tell thee how it came about. Columcille 
 was the cause of two other battles, one that of Cuil Feadha, 
 against Colman Mac Diarmada, in revenge for his having been 
 outraged in the case of Baodan, son of King Ninnidh, who 
 was killed by Cuimin Mac Colman at Leim-en-eich, in violation 
 of the sanctuary of Columb. Then, again, he caused* another 
 battle to be fought at Cuil Rathan (Coleraine) against the Dal-n- 
 Araidhe and against the Ulladi, in consequence of a contro- 
 versy that took place between Columb and Comgall contending 
 for a church at Ross Toratair, because they took part against 
 Columcille in that controversy. In consequence of all these 
 events, a synod of the clergy was held at Tailtain,* the result of 
 which was that Columcille was excommunicated for being the 
 cause of so much bloodshed. Columcille himself was summoned 
 to attend, which he accordingly did, only arriving, however, after 
 sentence had been passed upon him. As soon as he came near 
 the synod house, he was perceived by Brendan, Abbot of Birr, 
 who immediately arose to salute him and embrace him 
 affectionately. The other members of the synod expostulated 
 with him for this, and inquired how he could thus receive and 
 salute a person who was excommunicated ; but the Abbot 
 Brendan replied : " If ye could see what the Lord has been 
 pleased to manifest to me regarding his chosen one, ye would 
 never have excommunicated one whom God so honours." Then 
 they inquired how Brendan knew this, and how God had 
 honoured this man whom they had condemned. Brendan replied 
 that he saw a pillar of light preceding this man of God, and 
 that the holy angels had accompanied him on his journey along 
 the plain. This was suflScient for them, and Columcille was re- 
 ceived with due honour. Nevertheless, he felt the need of some 
 
 * Teltown, county Meath. 
 
2 6o THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 special reparation for the bloodshed which he had caused, 
 whether the side which he took was one of justice or not. 
 Accordingly, he informed the synod of his desire, and promised 
 to abide by its decision. Therefore it was that Molaisi, Abbot 
 of Deirnie, or Innis Mairaidhe, decreed that he should leave his 
 beloved Eire, never to see it again, and should, in company 
 with twelve companions, take his departure for some land that 
 had not yet received the light of faith. This he at once submitted 
 to, and then it was settled in accordance with his own desire 
 that he should go to that part of Alba inhabited by the bar- 
 barous pagan Picts. His exile, however, voluntary though it 
 was, cost him many a pang, and in the bitterness of his soul, he 
 cried out : 
 
 " ' Death is better in reproachless Eire 
 Than perpetual life in Alba.' 
 
 " Having obtained from his cousin Conall, the King of the 
 Albanian Scots, the small island of Hy, or lona, which was an 
 append&ge of the new Scottish kingdom — which in its turn, as 
 thou knowest, is tributary to our own monarch — Columcille, 
 together with twelve of his disciples, set sail for that sequestered 
 spot, where we hear he is expelling the druids, and otherwise 
 making the place fit for the erection of his monastery, before 
 proceeding to explore the region beyond the Grampion Hills." 
 
 " And how long is he gone 1" asked the French merchant. 
 
 " Scarcely three months." 
 
 " I must visit him there some day that my business will 
 permit. I suppose he placed an abbot over his Irish monasteries 
 before leaving .?" 
 
 " Oh, yes; and I forgot to tell thee, he founded many more." 
 
 " Did he, indeed. How many .?" 
 
 " One hundred, including those founded when thou wert in 
 Eire before." 
 
 " What a number ! And all, I suppose, in full working order." 
 
 " All without exception." 
 
 " Where are they situated .?" 
 
 "Well, I will name the principal. Besides Doire Calcaich,* 
 Dair Magh,f and Ceannanus, J where is his beautiful new book ; 
 there is the one at Suirde (Swords),§ it is about seven miles from 
 Ath Cliath, over which he placed (St.) Finian Lobhar, Mac 
 Cean as abbot. He founded another on Tor Inis (Tory Island) ; || 
 another on the site of the battle of Cul-Dreimhne, at Druim- 
 
 * Deny. f Durrow, King's County. 
 
 J Kells. § The Round Tower is still at Swords. 
 
 I Off the coast of Donegal. It has a Round Tower also. 
 
RETROSPECTIVE . 2 6 1 
 
 cliffe;* another at Rath Both (Raphoe);f one at Mughain 
 (Moone)4 given him by Queen Mughain ; one at Doire Eithne 
 (or Kilmacreenan) ; and he founded one at Scryne (Skreen), at 
 which there is a well : thou canst see that establishment on thy 
 way to Teamhair to-morrow." 
 
 " Yea, I shall like it. But there is no use in going over 
 them all. Thou sayest he founded a hundred, including those 
 thou hast named ?" 
 
 " Yea, friend, and all bid fair to rival the already existing 
 institutions. It is said that the late Ardrighan by her munificence 
 enabled him to found many of them." 
 
 " The la/e Ardrighan dost thou say. Is then the fair Mu- 
 ghain dead ?" 
 
 " Alas ! yes, friend. But how comes it that thou didst not 
 hear that. I never doubted but that thou didst know it." 
 
 " I know not how it was, except that it was while I was on 
 the stormy sea, with my mind made up for a watery grave. We 
 had a terrible time of it, and heard nothing from any country 
 for a long period." 
 
 " But on thy landing at Ath Cliath, didst thou not hear the 
 sad news .''" 
 
 " Nay, though perhaps it was mine own fault; for owing to the 
 great delays I had met with, I hurried from the vessel to a biad- 
 tach, where I heeded nobody, but ate my supper and went to bed, 
 having to rise early on the following morning, which I accord- 
 ingly did, and then ran about Ath Cliath until I had finished my 
 business in that town, when I returned to the biadtach to re- 
 fresh myself in order to take immediate departure for the city of 
 Teamhair, and here thou findest me on my way thither. And 
 so thou sayest the Ardrighan is no more ?" 
 
 " No more for this life ; but she was good as she was beautiful, 
 and has only exchanged an earthly for a heavenly kingdom. 
 She was buried at Cluain Mac Nois, which, no doubt, thou art 
 aware was bestowed under the name of Artibra upon St. Ciaran 
 Mac an t-Saoir by King Diarmaid before he came to the throne." 
 " Yea, yea, I have heard of that. Artibra, or Cluahi Mac 
 Nois is now a celebrated university, resorted to by myriads of 
 the nobles of many lands, including my own." 
 
 " Well, Mughain was buried near the church beside Diar- 
 maid's first wife and his brother Maelmordha Mac Argatan. Oh ! 
 it was a sight to see. Thou shouldst have been there." 
 
 * County Sligo, also remains of a Round Tower. 
 
 t Round Tower destroyed. 
 
 I County Kildare, where is St. Columcille's Cross. 
 
262 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 "Ah! I would have given much to be present. But how 
 doth Diarmaid take the death of his truly beloved wife ?" 
 
 " Oh, he is distracted. Nothing but the threats of his 
 physicians could induce him either to eat or drink, for he 
 worshipped the fair secret love of his heart even to adoration." 
 
 " Ah ! and his idol is taken from him. Well, perhaps now he 
 will turn from his superstitions to the service of his God." 
 
 " What is that thou sayest friend } Oh, I had forgotten to 
 tell thee that after the battle of Cul-Dreimhne, Diarmaid re- 
 nounced for ever his druidism and magic. The foundation of 
 the monastery of Suirds was the first act of reparation. He 
 dismissed his druids for ever, and it is consoling to think that 
 when these men die, or are converted, there are none to succeed 
 them, and druidism will be totally extinguished. Well, on their 
 dismissal, Diarmaid, to the great joy of his queen, substituted 
 an anam-chara.* Then he went to visit the blessed Lomman of 
 Loch Uair, who was going on a mission ; and after" an interview 
 with Diarmaid, he went to converse with Maighnean. Bishop 
 Maighnean and Lomman of Loch Uair f then took leave, 
 embraced, and blessed each other. Maighnean on this occasion 
 preached sermons before Diarmaid. When Lomman of Loch 
 Uair heard the terrors of the Day of Judgment, and the 
 severe judgments of the Holy Trinity, he shouted in loud 
 lamentation in presence of the king and his people. When the 
 king's people heard the admonitions, severe judgments, and 
 hard sayings of the holy cleric, nine-and-twenty of them de- 
 parted this false world in presence of the king ; and Diarmaid 
 Mac Fergus also made his own peace with God from that day 
 forth ; and he gave his Coibsena (Confessions) and great 
 Almsona (Alms) to Maighnean, i.e., a screapall from every nose, 
 and a uinge (an ounce) of gold from every virgin daughter on 
 her first espousal to a man, or if she should prefer it rather than 
 (to pay) the king's stewards, she may give the garments and 
 clothes which she wore (at her marriage). The king also 
 gave to him the materials of a trosdan and a hachall (a 
 pastoral staff) of the gold which he got in ransom of the 
 foreigners. Maghnean's sermon at Loch Uair at that time 
 was noble and his covenant with the King of Eire. He 
 gave his blessing to Diarmaid and to his descendants after 
 him. And everything went on well since then. Diarmaid* 
 is a good Christian, and when I say that he worshipped his 
 wife, I meant not that worship which belongs to God alone, but 
 that inferior " worship " which every husband owes his wife, 
 
 * Soul's friend— Confessor. \ Lough Owe], in "VVestmeath. 
 
RETROSPECTIVE. 263 
 
 but which many are remiss in paying, while Diarmaid, although 
 Monarch of Eire, rendered with such fidelity and even extra- 
 vagance." 
 
 " Well, I am both glad and sorry for King Diarmaid — glad 
 of his conversion, and sorry for his bereavement. Still I think, 
 as the case now stands, that, he ought to be more resigned to the 
 will of Providence." 
 
 " He is becoming more resigned now, and takes more 
 interest in the duties of his position, which engages his mind, 
 and prevents his dwelling on his loss." 
 
 " That is as it should be." 
 
 " Didst thou hear of the death of the queen of the late King 
 Tuathal ?" 
 
 " Oh, yes, before I went away I heard of her death. She 
 died in St. Brigid's Convent of Cill Daire, where she had 
 resided since her husband's death. And now it is time to retire ; 
 nearly everyone but ourselves are in bed. I thank thee very 
 much for all the information thou hast given me, and I hope 
 thou wilt bear me company to the city in the morning ?" 
 " I shall be delighted to do so." 
 
 " Well, good-night." 
 
 " Good-night." 
 
 The next morning, after ceadphroinn (breakfast), all the 
 travellers prepared to resume their journey, including the two 
 new friends, who travelled together, chatting merrily on the 
 way, and stopping at Scryne to visit the monastery of Columcille, 
 after which they continued their journey until they arrived at 
 the Cathair Teamhrach (City of Tara), where to their surprise 
 they beheld a crowd near the precincts of the royal palace. 
 Asking what it was, they were informed that it was the Ardrigh 
 was sending his heralds on a tour of inspection all over the 
 country to see that everything was in proper condition. The 
 affair was causing much surmise among the citizens, some of 
 whom shook their heads, for they had heard that some of the 
 notabilities, who were about being honoured by a visit from the 
 royal heralds, would not feel flattered by the compliment, for 
 some of them preferred to have their own way in everything 
 that concerned- them, while others took pride in having every- 
 thing in exact accordance with law. 
 
264 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 An TDATIA CAlbl'6lL. 
 CHAPTER II. 
 Aet) 5u^i|ie. 
 
 HUGH GUAIRE. 
 
 Ardrigh Diarmaid Mac Cearbhall was seated on his breas- 
 fhora (throne) in the Teach Cormaic, in Rath na Riogh. He 
 was surrounded by his courtiers, the " Ten," and some of the 
 officers of the Fianna Erionn. They had been discussing the 
 improved condition of the country, throughout which Diarmaid 
 had established peace by enforcing respect for the laws, for 
 the strict administration of which he kept up a constant visita- 
 tion by his great stewards and Fenians throughout the country. 
 For some such purpose as this, was he now about to despatch 
 his representatives. He held the Spear of State — the distinctive 
 ensign of royalty — in his hand, as he exclaimed : 
 
 " Let our chief herald, Bacclortim, appear before us." 
 
 That functionary having presented himself and done 
 homage, the monarch then said : 
 
 "We entrust to thy care our Spear of Honour, that, carrying 
 it before the face of our trusty and Well-beloved 'Mac Con- 
 raidhe,* ceann-fedhnaf (kenn faana), and his company of 
 Fianna Erionn, all Our loyal subjects, throughout the kingdom 
 of Eire may receive ye with the same honour and render ye the 
 same assistance in the discharge of your duties, as if We our- 
 selves were present." 
 
 Diarmaid then handed the Spear of State to the herald, who 
 received it kneeling, and then the ceann-fedhna, and his assist- 
 ant officers, and the great stewards did homage likewise, and 
 then rising, backed out of the presence of the Ardrigh. On their 
 appearance without, they were received with vociferous cheers 
 by the assembled crowd who had collected to witness their 
 departure. Soon the company of Fenians were in order for the 
 journey. They were all superbly mounted, and the French mer- 
 chant could not help observing to his companion that the > 
 physique and outfit of the Fenians of Eire, well represented the 
 magnificence of their monarch. Off they started and were soon 
 
 * Mac Conray. t Commander of lOO men ] 
 
HUGH GUAIRE. 265 
 
 clattering along the solid pavements of the streets of Teamhair, 
 amidst the enthusiastic cheers of the patriotic and justly-proud 
 citizens of all ranks. They loved their country and its laws, and 
 the great majority almost worshipped Diarmaid for his consis- 
 tent and devoted loyalty to the institutions of his country ; and 
 although over-zeal in those matters had previously led him into 
 errors, and brought him into collision with the strong religious 
 feelings and prejudices of his subjects, all was now forgotten in 
 his change of life, especially as that change in no wise altered 
 his policy or cooled his ardour and devotion to institutions and 
 laws that had for 1,200 years made his country the most polished, 
 civilized, and valiant nation on earth. 
 
 The royal detachment made the tour of Midhe, then pene- 
 trated into UUadh (Ulster), always preceded by the Chief 
 Herald, who bore, as his insignia of ofEce and authority, the 
 monarch's royal spear, and who was accompanied by other 
 heralds carrying stoca, or trumpets, by which they announced the 
 coming of the Ardrigh's Fianna, on approaching any of the 
 noble residences, at which they intended to claim the free 
 quarterage due to their official dignity while engaged in the 
 examination of the state of the district, and the administration 
 of the laws, by the command of the Ardrigh. They always 
 stopped at the noblest residence in the district in which they 
 happened to be ; sometimes it would be that of king, at others 
 that of a prince, or chief, or highest class of aire. Their mode 
 ofproceedure was this: whenever they came to the house of 
 the principal resident, in which they intended to take up their 
 temporary abode, several blasts of the trumpets of the sub- 
 ordinate heralds notified their approach to the family they 
 intended to honour ; then on coming up to the door, the Chief 
 Herald advanced, carrying the Spear of Honour, "horizontally," 
 across his hands. 
 
 Now, the construction and size of houses and all their several 
 parts were all regulated by law, according to the rank and posi- 
 tion of their occupants. It was one of the requirements of 
 large mansions that the doors should correspond with the rest 
 of the building. This was in order that the dignity of the State 
 should be kept up. Still some of the nobles of those times had 
 their whims, and for one excuse or another preferred narrow 
 doors to wide ones, and would endeavour to evade the law in 
 the matter. But if royalty, or the representatives of royalty, 
 chanced to visit the abodes of these whimsical nobles, royalty 
 was offended, and the nobleman disgraced, for the wall' was 
 
 18 
 
266 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 there and then broken until it would admit the royal spear 
 horizontally ; in this manner the deputed royal visitation pro- 
 ceeded. The majority of the houses at which they stopped were in 
 proper condition, and their doors easily admitted the Spear of 
 State, and everything went well ; the Fenians were entertained and 
 they inspected the surrounding district, setting in order all that 
 they found that required it. Sometimes, however, they found 
 something to reform in the house at which they stopped : if the 
 door was too narrow, and that the chief herald could not pass 
 the spear in the proper manner, he forthwith ordered the walls to 
 be taken down until the required breadth was obtained. When 
 anything else was wrong they improved it in like manner. 
 Thus they made the tour of Ulladh, passing left-hand wise to- 
 wards the south-west, in time reaching the boundary of 
 Connacht, which kingdom they entered, travelling south-west- 
 wards, and stopping in every district as they did in Midhe and 
 Ulladh. In this manner they at length reached Ui Main6,*and 
 at once proceeded towards the residence of the chieftain, Aedh 
 Guaire. Loud blew the trumpets, repeated again and again as 
 they neared the castle. At length they drew up before the 
 door, having entered the courtyard within the encircling 
 mound. The Chief Herald going up to the door, at which stood 
 the door-keepers, who had heard the sound of the trumpets, 
 advanced with the Spear of Honour held in a horizontal posi- 
 tion, but on coming in contact with the door-jambs, it refused 
 to enter. 
 
 " Where is the flaith ?" asked the ceann-fedhna, coming up. 
 
 " He is from home," replied the chief steward of Aedh 
 Guaire, who had just appeared on the scene to receive the royal 
 agents in the absence of his master. 
 
 " Why is not the door made in accordance with law .?" asked 
 the chief herald. 
 
 " I know not," replied the steward, " save that it is the will 
 of my noble master. But we will break the door of either 
 side and make it in such manner as that thou canst bring in 
 the Spear of Honour as thou desirest." 
 
 " Well, it is well, for it is the will of the Ardrigh that the 
 walls be taken down until the entrance is wide enough to admit, 
 horizontally, the Spear of State," said the caenn-fedhna. 
 
 " Fianns, bring your pickaxes, and remove as much of these 
 walls as I shall mark out," cried the Chief Herald, who there- 
 
 * A large district situated partly in the present counties of Galway and 
 R(jscommon. 
 
HUGH GUAIRE. 267 
 
 upon marked with the spear, at each side of the door, as much 
 of the walls as were necessary to admit the spear. 
 
 This work was soon accomplished, for the servants of Aedh 
 Guaire durst not resist, and the Chief Herald entered, holding the 
 Spear short-wise, and was followed by the whole party. They then 
 sat down to a feast that the steward ordered to be prepared for 
 them. Everything went well. The bards, aois-ceoil, amadann and 
 cleasaighe entertained the royal agents during the feast. When 
 it was over it was too late to commence the inspection of 
 the district for that evening, so the Fianns and their officers 
 merely amused themselves, or were shown over the demesne by 
 the servants of the house, until the return of their host. That 
 worthy came home about dusk. Now, it so happened that there 
 were but two persons in the great hall at the time he arrived, to 
 wit, his own chief steward, and the chief herald of King 
 Diarmaid. The rest were about other parts of the premises or 
 in the grounds. 
 
 When Aedh Guaire came up to the door, and saw what had 
 been done in his absence, he burst into the house in a storm of 
 rage and indignation, and turning upon the steward, who was 
 the first he encountered, he exclaimed : 
 
 "What is this? What has been done.? Who has been 
 here '^ Answer me, sir. Who has been battering down the 
 door .? Who has dared to take such liberties in my absence 1" 
 
 The terrified steward, as soon as he could find utterance, 
 replied : 
 
 " During thy absence, O most noble Aedh Guaire, the royal 
 agents of Ardrigh Diarmaid, being on a visitation around Eire, 
 arrived here, and the door being too narrow to admit, horizon- 
 tally, the Spear of Honour, the Chief Herald was obliged to have 
 the wall at either side broken, until the requisite width was 
 obtained." 
 
 "And dost thou tell me that thou and the servants under 
 thee have permitted such an outrage ? Is it for that ye are 
 here ?" 
 
 " What could we do, O most noble master .? We dare not 
 resist the officers of the Ardrigh." 
 
 " Not resist 1" cried Aedh Guaire, now fairly boiling over. 
 " And why not, pray.-" Were there not enough of ye in it to hurl 
 the intruders from my castle }" 
 
 "Nay, be not angry, O noble flaith," said the royal herald, 
 now coming forward, " such a proceeding would but involve 
 thee with our dread sovereign." 
 
 "And who art thou, sir, that darest to address me unasked.?" 
 
268 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 " I am Bacclomm, Chief Herald to the illustrious Ardrigh of 
 Eire." 
 
 " Ha ! was it thou then that committed the outrage ?" said 
 the enraged noble, as he collared the herald. 
 
 "We — we — oh 1 let me go." 
 
 "Was it.?" 
 
 " We but — did our — duty ; we — 
 
 " Was it thou }" roared the flaith. ' 
 
 " We have done the same at other mansions — and the — 
 owners — oh 1 — were — not angry." 
 
 "Answer my question, sir, was it thou broke down the 
 walls ?" 
 
 "Thou— insultest the High King whose spear I bear — 
 Oh! — ," making an effort to display the spear which he held in 
 one hand, but was cut short by Aedh Guaire. 
 
 " What care I for thyself or thy spear, or thy High King. 
 I have my sword, and the man that broke my door shall suffer 
 death." 
 
 So saying, the irate flaith plunged his sword into the heart 
 of the unfortunate herald, who sank back gasping into the arms 
 of the steward. The latter, horrified beyond expression, could 
 only cast a look of grief and astonishment on his master, who, 
 interpreting the meaning, brandished his sword threateningly 
 before his shrinking steward, and passing on left the hall by the 
 opposite door, and mounted into the Grianan. Once there he 
 felt secure from intrusion for a time, and he commenced to 
 stride backwards and forwards and round about, apostrophising 
 timself, the herald, his steward, and the Ardrigh. Soon, how- 
 ever, he became calmer, would stop now and again in his march, 
 press his hand to his forehead, and again stride wildly round 
 the room. Numerous ideas appeared to be passing through his 
 mind. At last he stopped again, for perhaps the twentieth time, 
 beat his head wildly with his clenched hand, and exclaimed: 
 
 " Good God ! what have I done ? Have I stained my 
 hands with blood } Am I indeed a murderer ? Have I really 
 killed the chief herald of King Diarmaid ? But why did he 
 commit an attack on my castle — mine own private property } 
 But what did he do but knock a few stones out of the wall, 
 which could have been replaced } and I have taken his life for 
 the damage. Oh ! ma bhr6n,* mo gheur chradh.f And he was 
 no burglar, but an officer of state commissioned by the 
 Ardrigh ; ha, 'tis all Diarmaid's fault — oh, would that I killed 
 
 * My sorrow t My piercing anguish. 
 
HUGH GUAIRE. 269 
 
 him instead of his innocent, hapless herald — but let me see — 
 Diarmaid — no; 'tis not Diarmaid, 'tis the law. The lav/ requires 
 a certain width in such houses as this, and Diarmaid had no 
 choice but to enforce it. But why should the law interfere in 
 such matters 1 Why cannot I have what I like .? What matters 
 it to anyone but myself what is the size of my doors, or my 
 house, or anything else that is mine ? If it so pleased me, why 
 should I not beallowed to have a house like one of my labourers .? 
 But what a fool I am. Everyone should have the same right to 
 do as he liked as I claim for myself; and then what would be- 
 come of society : everything else in civil, social and domestic 
 life should follow my fancy picture in regard to houses, and 
 then what would become of trade and commerce, much less 
 science and art. There would no longer be any necessity for 
 these things ; besides the dignity and grandeur of the country 
 would be destroyed, and in a few years we should sink into a 
 condition of barbarism and poverty, unknown even at the 
 earliest period of our history. Then, from being the foremost 
 nation on earth, for civilisation and refinement, riches and 
 glory, the abode of all the polished and elegant arts, the 
 market of the world, we should in time fall far behind nations 
 which now envy our prosperty and try to imitate our example. 
 Oh ! I have been a fool, a madman ; I am at war, not with the 
 chief herald or other oflScers of the Ardrigh, or with the Ardrigh 
 himself, but with the laws of my native land — laws, too, which 
 coming down through centuries, have made her what she is. 
 I have set myself in opposition to the wise legislators who for 
 the wisest of purposes have instituted these laws regulating the 
 dress, houses, furniture, and other belongings of the various 
 ranks and degrees that go to make up the population of Eire. 
 Why did I not have my door as it ought to have been 1 It would 
 have added to mine own dignity in the eyes of my servants, and 
 my tribes-men, and the people in general. But I did not, and now 
 the law has done it for me ; and I have taken the life of the 
 officer who carried the law into execution, as if he did it on his 
 own responsibility, and as if he had not already done the same 
 at other places with impunity, as I have no doubt h.e did ; why, 
 I might as well have quarrelled with the Spear of State itself — 
 the Spear of State 1 — but I have quarrelled with it. Precious as 
 it is, both intrinsically and as a work of art, yet it is nothing in 
 itself. But it represents the highest authority in the realm ! 
 Great Heavens I what have I done .'' I have committed a double 
 crime ; I am guilty of murder and treason. I have imbrued 
 my hands in innocent blood, and I have outraged the 
 
270 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 dignity and power of my sovereign and of the constitu- 
 tion and laws of my country. O, mo bhron, I am a lost man ; 
 there is no hope for me ; I cannot escape an ignominious 
 death. What shall I do 1 How avert the vengeance of the 
 law .'' Let me think — how .? Ah — the Church ! — the Church 
 alone can save me. And to the Church I fly 1" 
 
 Here he stopped pacing and went towards one of the 
 windows, and looking out saw, notwithstanding the darkness, a 
 large number of persons in the gardens beneath, coming to- 
 wards the house from different directions. On seeing them 
 Aedh Guaire exclaimed : 
 
 " Ah I here are the Fianna returning from their rambles. 
 Directly they will be in the house and will discover their murdered 
 companion, and then they will seek out the murderer. They 
 will not in such a case respect even my Grianan. Oh ! I must 
 fly, and at once 1" 
 
 Saying which Aedh Guaire, grasping his sword, hastily left 
 the Grianan and rapidly descended the staircase, and without 
 daring to trust himself into the chamber of death, turned the 
 other way and left the house just as the foremost of the Fianna 
 were entering at the other side. Looking round on all sides to 
 make sure that no one saw him, he ran into a brake close by, 
 and under coyer of the shrubbery and of the darkness combined 
 he pushed through it, and ere he left it he heard the exclamations 
 and lamentations of the comrades of the chief herald over his 
 murdered body. Aedh Guaire, knowing that he had not a 
 moment to lose, as they would soon be in pursuit, on emerging 
 from the thicket cleared the ground rapidly, running with all his 
 might to the house of a friend, about half a mile from his own, 
 where, relating his story, truthfully, he obtained the use of a 
 good horse. His friend asked him where he intended to go, 
 but Aedh Guaire replied that as yet he had not made up his 
 mind, that up to that moment he had only time to think of get- 
 ting beyond reach of the Fianna, and that the only thing that 
 was clear to him was that he should seek out and put him- 
 self under the protection of some powerful ecclesiastic. 
 
 " Why, thou needest not go far for that : are there not many 
 here .?" 
 
 " Oh yes," replied Aedh Guaire, " there are many who could, 
 if they would ; but they make it part of their duty to insist upon 
 the laws being respected and obeyed, and .they will not shield 
 those who violate them. But that is only their own individual 
 opinion. Other churchmen believe that the Church should rule 
 the State and rule it arbitrarily, and that every priest and monk, 
 
HUGH GUAIRE. 271 
 
 bishop and abbot should insist upon his right to defy the king 
 and the laws of the land, and protect all scorners of the one and 
 violators of the other who flee to them for refuge from offended 
 majesty. I do not at all approve of what I believe will eventually 
 bring ruin upon the country ; but why should 1 not take advan- 
 tage of it as well as another ?" 
 
 " That is quite true, thou hast as good a right to the pro- 
 tection of the Church as anyone else ; at all events, it is thy 
 only chance. But wilt thou flee to a sacred building or to the 
 arms of a sacred personage }" 
 
 " Oh, it does not signify ; either will do ; but I will leave this 
 territory, and will, if possible, fly to my cousin Senech, the 
 Bishop of Muscraidhe ;* on the whole I think it best. Buide- 
 acas leat agus slan leat."j- 
 
 " Slan leat." 
 
 The two friends parted ; Aedh Guaire galloping at full speed 
 towards the Sionnain, where he dismounted, and hailing a boat, 
 he put his horse into it with the aid of the boatmen, and then 
 entered it himself. He was soon on the other bank of the river, 
 where he disembarked and again mounted his horse, and sped 
 to the residence of Bishop Senech, a few miles distant. Arrived 
 in presence of the bishop, he told his story as related before, and 
 finished by imploring the holy man's protection ; but the bishop 
 shook his head and looked grave as he replied : 
 
 " I fear, my cousin, it will be a task of extreme difiiculty." 
 
 " But," said Aedh Guaire, " nothing is difficult to the Church 
 of which thou art a bishop, and thou canst save me if thou wilt; 
 King Diarmaid will not dare now to question the rights of the 
 Church, Often has it stayed his avenging arm, and when he 
 refused to submit, terrible has been the penalty." 
 
 "Ay," replied the bishop, "bloodshed and death! Ah! 
 the Church's right of sanctuary is a good thing ; it has saved 
 many unfortunate people from the oppressions of the great; but 
 I fear me that it is now being fearfully abused. However, thou 
 at least must be saved ; but thy crime is one of more than usual 
 gravity, and as I have already said, it will be a task of the 
 utmost difSculty." 
 
 " But, father, I cannot see the difiSculty. What is there for 
 me to do but simply to remain under thy protection .?" 
 
 "Were the case of a milder nature," replied Senech, "my 
 sanctuary would, no doubt, be sufficient ; but for so serious a case 
 
 * Muskerry, Lower Ormond, 
 
 t Lit., Thanks with thee and health with thee. 
 
272 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 as thine, thou must seek more powerful protection than mine. 
 I will bring thee to our common uncle — the brother of our 
 mothers — the Abbot Ruadhan of Lothra."* 
 
 When the bishop had hospitably entertained his guest, they 
 both set out for the monastery of the Abbot Ruadhan, which 
 was situated in the same district. On arriving there they found 
 that the abbot was from home, but was expected every moment. 
 While waiting they went over the monastery, and the termoinn 
 lands, admired the fertility of the soil, visited the monastic 
 buildings, and the various offices hard by, as the mill, the kiln, 
 &c. &c. The bishop brought Aedh Guaire under the linden- 
 tree, which grew outside the monastery, which he told bim dis- 
 tilled a certain luscious sap into a vessel held beneath it for the 
 purpose- This miraculous liquor, as the bishop told his com- 
 panion, was furnished by the bounty of God to Ruadhan and his 
 monks, without any labour on their part, but such as proceeded 
 from their prayers and fasting. It had the taste of wine. Each 
 of those who partook of it filled a cup with the liquor, as it 
 flowed from the tree, and it at one time supplied not only the 
 monks and alumni of Lothra, but also their guests. But at 
 length the saints of Eire grew jealous regarding the miracle ; 
 they murmured against Ruadhan because their rnonks and 
 alumni left them and went to him. Accordingly, they formed a 
 deputation and waited on the Abbot Finian, Bishop of Cluain- 
 Irared. Finian then went at their head to visit his old pupil, 
 Ruadhan, and having seen the linden-tree, he entreated the 
 Abbot of Lothra to abandon such an easy way of living, lest it 
 should occasion envy in the other monasteries of Eire. He then 
 blessed the tree, and immediately the sap ceased to flow, so that 
 that night the liquor sufficed only for the monastic family, and 
 not for its guests. Thereupon the guests preferred a complaint 
 to the Abbot Ruadhan, who then said : 
 
 " Pour out the spring water for our guests and it shall be 
 changed into wine for them." 
 
 The cook went to draw the water from a fountain, when suddenly 
 a fish of wonderful size issued through the rocky bottom of the 
 well. This fish was cooked and set before the guests, together 
 with the water which had been turned into wine. They felt 
 inebriated and fell asleep. Finian and the other abbots who 
 were with him then besought Ruadhan to place his monks on 
 the same footing with their own religious brethren, with which 
 
 * Lorra, in northern part of present county of Tipperary, about three 
 miles from Lough Dearg. 
 
HUGH GUAIRE. 273 
 
 request he humbly complied. Then Finian said to him and 
 his monks : 
 
 "Do ye plough and reap your fields; these shall produce 
 fruitful crops forever, without further culture or manure." 
 
 " Since that time the liquor of this linden-tree has only pro- 
 duced suflBcient for the brethren of Ruadhan ; and moreover," 
 continued Senech, " the sap of this tree has this quality— it is 
 bitter to the taste of all others except those persons for whom 
 it is intended. It distilled its sap from the setting sun until the 
 ninth hour of the following day, so that in this manner a re- 
 freshment might be provided when fasting time had ended."* 
 Thus did the bishop endeavour to engage the mind of his com- 
 panion, and prevent him from dwelling on his own sad condition. 
 
 As he finished his story of the linden-tree they heard voices 
 behind them, and on turning round they beheld at a little dis- 
 tance coming towards them the Abbot Ruadhan himself, 
 accompanied by his old school-fellow Brendan, now Abbot of 
 Birr, which monastery was situated on the banks of the Sion- 
 nain, about three or four miles from Lothra. On coming up 
 they shook hands warmly with Bishop Senech, and Ruadhan 
 embraced his nephew, Aedh Guaire, and introduced him to the 
 Abbot Brendan. Then they all again entered the monastery, 
 where the Abbot Ruadhan entertained them, Senech remarking 
 with forced cheerfulness that there was a time when they would 
 have been treated to some of the luscious sap of the linden-tree 
 without, but that, thanks to the late holy Bishop of Cluain- 
 Irared, was all now at an end. This assumed carelessness of 
 manner did not, however, deceive Ruadhan, for he was not long 
 in discovering that something weighed on the minds of his two 
 new guests, but as they as yet said nothing he did not give ex- 
 pression to his thoughts. Brendan was equally sharp, and so 
 when the meal was ended he rose to go. Senech and Aedh 
 Guaire besought him not to disturb himself on their account, 
 that though they had come hither on a matter of great import- 
 ance, which, doubtless he had guessed, notwithstanding their 
 efi"orts to conceal it for a little while ; yet his presence in no 
 wise embarrassed them ; rather the contrary. Ruadhan now 
 united his appeals to theirs, and begged of Brendan to put off 
 his return home till morning, as he must be much fatigued after 
 the day. This being settled. Bishop Senech opened the im- 
 portant business in hand, and Aedh Guaire then related all his 
 adventures over again. Euadhan and Brendan, as they listened, 
 
 * Rev. J. O'Hanlon's Life of St. Ruadhan. 
 
274 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 were swayed by conflicting feelings, and were in turn filled with 
 astonishment, horror, fear, and pity. When Aedh Guaire had 
 finished, Senech asked Ruadhan and Brendan what was best to 
 be done, to which Ruadhan replied : 
 
 " What can be done in such a case ? The Church is indeed 
 all powerful, but — but " 
 
 Brendan — " But this is an exceptional case. It is really 
 most unfortunate." 
 
 Senech — " It is truly unfortunate; but it is done now, and 
 past recall ; and the question is, what is to be done }" 
 
 Ruadhan — " I know not. If it were anything but what it is, 
 I could shelter Aedh Guaire here." 
 
 Brendan — "And canst thou not do so as it is 7 Why, thou 
 art now the most powerful abbot in all Eire. Were my influence 
 as great I would have no hesitation in giving sanctuary to Aedh 
 Guaire in my monastery at Birr." 
 
 Ruadhan — " There is very little difference ; but in truth, 
 Brendan, King Diarmaid Mac Cearbhall would not willingly 
 permit thee, or me, or any other abbot in Eire, to interfere with 
 his royal prerogatives, much less his administration of the laws. 
 We know him of old." 
 
 Brendan — " Yea, we know him of old. Even in our young 
 days in the College of Cluain-Irared, some of his school-fellows 
 would not acknowledge his claims, and perhaps he remembers 
 it." 
 
 Ruadhan — " Ah ! that is my opinion too.'' 
 
 Aedh Guaire — " But, uncle, is there no hope for me } Art 
 thou really powerless to save me ?" 
 
 Ruadhan — "My son, thy unfortunate condition grieves me 
 much. But Diarmaid Mac Cearbhall is, after all, Ardrigh of 
 Eire, and he liketh not the Church's interference in matters of 
 State." 
 
 Senech — " No, he does not like the Church to shield — ah ! 
 well — to shield persons who violate the law." 
 
 Brendan — "No, he does not like it ; but what of that; we 
 are more than he ; we represent the Church, he only the State ; 
 we sway the spiritual power, he only the temporal. Let there 
 be a trial of strength between the two powers and see which 
 shall triumph." 
 
 Ruadhan — " That is well spoken. In fact thou but gavest 
 expression to mine own thoughts, but " 
 
 Brendan — " But what, O Ruadhan ?" 
 
 Ruadhan — " Any quarrel now between the Ardrigh and my- 
 self would, perhaps, be ascribed to personal motives." 
 
HUGH GUAIRE. 275 
 
 Senech — "And art thou going to sacrifice our relative here 
 to imaginary fears as to what people shall think ?" 
 
 Ruadhan — " Oh, no, Senech ; but a plan just occurs to me, 
 and I would know what ye all think of it." 
 
 All—" What is it, O Euadhan ?" 
 
 Ruadhan — " To bring our friend, Aedh Guaire here, across 
 the Scythian Valley* into Britain, and there consign him to the. 
 care of the king of that country, who is my warmest friend." 
 
 Senech — " Excellent I It is the safest course to take. There 
 would be danger anywhere in Eire." 
 
 Brendan — " There would, indeed ; no matter how sacred the 
 place of sanctuary Diarmaid might invade it. And perhaps it is 
 better to avoid a collision between Church and State." 
 
 Ruadhan — " I think so ; and after all, of what avail would be 
 our triumph in humbling the Ardrigh, if it came too late to save 
 the life of our friend here ? What thinkest thou thyself Aedh 
 Guaire } Wouldst thou like to go to Britain .'" 
 
 Aedh Guaire — "Most certainly, O uncle Ruadhan. I am 
 not in a position to choose the place of my habitation. Under 
 other circumstances I would not care to dwell in Britain ; but as 
 I am now situated, any place would afford a safer asylum than 
 Eire. Besides, I have no desire to be the cause of war between 
 Church and State, for notwithstanding my crime, I am loyal to 
 both." 
 
 Ruadhan — " Well said, my son ; I am sure thou art heartily 
 sorry for the deed thou hast done in a moment of passion .?" 
 
 Aedh Guaire — " I am, indeed, O abbot. I would give a 
 thousand worlds to recall it." 
 
 Senech — "Then thou wilt make thy peace with God before 
 thou settest out for Britain." 
 
 Aedh Guaire — " With the help of God's grace." 
 
 Brendan — "And we shall feel the less conscientious scruples 
 for aiding thy escape." 
 
 Senech — " And it would be well if there were no time lost 
 in seeking the protection of the British king." 
 
 Brendan — " When, O Ruadhan, will ye start.?" 
 
 Ruadhan — " Oh, the first thing in the morning." 
 
 The next morning, after seeing Ruadhan and Aedh Guaire 
 set off for Ath Cliath Duibhlinne,t where they were to embark 
 for Britain, Senech and Brendan took leave of the monks of 
 Lothra and of each other and took their departure for their 
 respective homes. 
 
 * Irish Sea. t Dublin. 
 
276 THE LAST MONARCH OF TAR A. 
 
 An uneAS CAibi'6it. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 THE RETURN. 
 
 When Mac Conraidhe, the ceann-fedhna and his ofRcers and 
 men who, as we have seen, were entering the house by one 
 door, just as its owner was escaping by the other, were able to 
 realise all that happened in their absence, their grief and horror 
 soon gave place to their ofiScial administrative duty. There 
 lay the unfortunate Bacclomm on one of the imdai, surrounded 
 by wax candles and by the servants of the house who were trying 
 to discover whether the chief herald were really dead or not. 
 These the ceann-fedhna ordered to be placed under immediate 
 arrest, notwithstanding their loud protestations of innocence. 
 Next he caused the house itself to be surrounded, lest anyone 
 should escape ; and as he was about to issue some other orders, 
 dark shadows fell across the entrance, and in another moment 
 the chief steward and a physician stood beside the corpse. The 
 liagh (physician), after a very brief examination, declared life to 
 be extinct. A Fenian politely informed the chief steward that 
 he was a prisoner ; but the chief steward now, for the first time, 
 perceiving the position of his fellow-servants, without replying 
 to his would-be captive, went up to the ceann-fedhna himself, 
 and handed him a piece of parchment. He then called for 
 more candles, but as none dared to stir, he was obliged to pro- 
 cure them himself. When he returned, Mac Conraidhe was 
 reading the parchment by the light of the wax candles which 
 surrounded the corpse. He looked up, and addressing the 
 steward, said : 
 
 " This parchment sets forth the name and title of him who 
 has perpetrated this fearful crime. Though it is tremulously 
 written like the hand of a dying man, I am satisfied that it is in 
 the handwriting of our late comrade, Bacclomm, chief herald of 
 Eire. See, comrades,, jf ye can recognise the writing." 
 
 The oflBcers and some of the men thus appealed to looked 
 at the document, and one and all declared that they believed it 
 to be the genuine handwriting of Bacclomm. Any difference 
 that existed being easily accounted for by the weakened and 
 
THE RETUIUSr. 277 
 
 dying state in which he was when he penned it. Some of them 
 remarked that they did not think that anyone of that trehhaire 
 (household) could have any possible means of knowing the 
 handwriting of deceased." 
 
 " But did Bacclomm do this of himself, or didst thou suggest 
 it to him ? Tell us all about it, thou who wert present ; thy 
 fellow-servants declare they were all absent when it occurred. 
 Is that true ?" 
 
 " Yea, most noble ceann-fedhna," replied the steward, and 
 then he went on to relate the whole occurrence from the arrival 
 home of his master to their own return to the house ; all that 
 had passed between his master, himself, and the herald ; the 
 fiaith's exit from the apartment, the herald recovering from the 
 fainting fit, consequent upon the sword-cut which he had re- 
 ceived, and finding himself still in his (the steward's) arms, he 
 thanked him for the friendship he had shown him since his 
 arrival at the house, and asked for parchment, pen, and ink, that 
 he might exonerate himself (the steward) and the servants of the 
 house from all blame in the matter; that he (the steward) then 
 laid him on the imda, where he now lay dead ; and having pro- 
 cured the writing materials, he supported him, while with 
 diflficulty and with many groans and gasps he penned the words 
 which he hoped would clear the innocent from all imputation. 
 He (the steward) then sent one of the servants, who, at this 
 juncture had entered the house for the ja^ar/(priest), who came in 
 time, and another for the liagh (physician) who, being from home, 
 the servant returned without him. After having given to the suffer- 
 ing herald all the restoratives that the house afforded, the latter at 
 length died in his arms ; and then, leaving the corpse to the care 
 of the servant he himself went for the liagh, that though he 
 could no longer give him relief, he would examine the body and 
 declare the cause of death, as the law required. 
 
 The steward having concluded, Mac Conraidhe asked him 
 where his master was to be found at this hour. But this question, 
 simple though it was, struck a new chord in the heart of the 
 steward, and he burst forth into lamentations and appeals 
 for mercy for his unfortunate master. The other servants, who 
 had been liberated from custody by order of j\lac Conraidhe, 
 joined their pleadings to those of the steward ; but the ceann- 
 fedhna, intimating that he should perform his duty, ordered a 
 general search to be made. This was accordingly done, the 
 Fianna not leaving a nook or cranny unexplored in all the 
 houses of Aedh Guaire, including the Grianan itself, but all 
 without avail; the flaith was nowhere to be found. The ceann- 
 
278 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 fedhna, to assure himself that he could not escape from the 
 premises, went out and closely questioned all the men who sur- 
 rounded the houses ; but they one and all declared solemnly 
 that no human being passed out from any point since they had 
 been put on guard. Suspicion now reverted again to the servants, 
 one of the officers affirming his belief that, though innocent of 
 the crime themselves, they had been guilty of aiding and abbet- 
 ting the escape of the real criminal, and that they ought to be 
 re-arrested on that charge. This was at once done by order of 
 the ceann-fedhna, who paid no heed to their protestations and 
 declarations of ignorance of the movements and whereabouts of 
 their master. He next despatched a courier post-haste to 
 Teamhair to infoim King Diarmaid of the tragedy and treason 
 of that unfortunate day. Detachments of armed horsemen were 
 also sent hither and thither in search of the escaped flaith, not- 
 withstanding the darkness and the lateness of the hour, the 
 ceann-fedhna regretting that he had not more men at his dis- 
 posal. Late as it was, the news soon spread over the neighbour- 
 hood, and crowds of men and boys were soon on the scene, and 
 many remained all night. The next morning nearly the whole 
 tuath, men, women, and children crowded round the mansion. 
 One of the first things to be done was to bury the unfortunate 
 herald. In the early morning the Office of the Church was sung 
 over his remains ; now the mna caoinie were wailing forth his 
 praises and his misfortune until a.fenn, or funeral car, appeared 
 at the door. On this he was laid and carried amidst the throngs 
 of people to the nearest monastery, which was to be his resting- 
 place, at least for the present, for bringing him home was 
 entirely out of the question under existing circumstances. The 
 sad ceremony over, the ceann-fedhna and such of his officers 
 and men as remained to him, returned to the castle, followed by 
 the curious and awe-struck crowd. Towards noon, some of the 
 pursuivants returned without having obtained any trace of the 
 fugitive. As the day wore on other detachments returned with 
 as little success, after having scoured the whole country around, 
 and searched every house, great and small, not omitting the 
 churches and monasteries, for though they would not themselves 
 dare to take a criminal from the church's sanctuary, there was 
 no objection to their making the Search when the fiigitive was 
 not there. 
 
 Night brought with it the remainder of the scouring party 
 with the same story, though they had taken a wider range than 
 their companions had done. Next morning the courier re- 
 turned from Teamhair with orders from the Ardrigh to the 
 
THE RETURN. 279 
 
 ceann-fedhna to send off companies of his men to every part of 
 the kingdom of Connacht, and for himself and a small company 
 to return to Teamhair — the Spear of State to be borne by Lorcan, 
 the herald next in rank to the late Bacclomm. The courier like- 
 wise informed Mac Conraidhe that King Diarmaid, on hearing 
 his story, at once sent large companies of the Fianna in search 
 of Aedh Guaire through every part of the kingdoms of Midhe 
 (Meath),Laegean(Leinster),]Mumhain(I\Iunster),Ulladh (Ulster), 
 and also fresh contingents to Connacht (Connaught), who would 
 soon arive. Mac Conraidhe, having disposed of his men accord- 
 ing to instructions, took his departure from the castle, which 
 he closed up, and brought home with him as prisoners the chief 
 steward and servants of Aedh Guaire ; Lorcan bearing the much- 
 abused Spear of State preceded the party. They left Ui 
 Maine, and crossing the Sionnain, passed through Athluain 
 (Athlone), and soon emerging on the Slighe Mor, or Eiscir 
 Riadha, rode along the great road until a little beyond Geisil, 
 they turned into the Slighe Dala, which brought them to Cluain- 
 Irared, where they were obliged to dismount in order to cross 
 the Boinn (Boyne). They were not much surprised to find 
 crowds at this point until they found themselves objects of 
 curiosity. It was evident they were expected. The news had 
 by this time been in everybody's mouth. With some difficulty 
 they got across, and before they were again mounted, the boat- 
 man contrived to whisper to Mac Conraidhe that he had some- 
 thing of importance to tell him, but not there. Mac Conraidhe 
 bade him come to Teamhair as soon as possible, and call upon 
 him. He then rode oflF at the head of his men, and arriving in 
 Teamhair, found the streets full, though it was nearly dark. 
 They all dismounted at the barracks, and Mac Conraidhe, after 
 making a hurried toilet, presented himself before King Diarmaid 
 in one of the sumptuous chambers of Teach Miodchuarta. The 
 king was seated near a blazing fire, regaling himself with cake 
 and wine, and having before him the new work of his Ardfileadh, 
 Amerghin Mac Amlaigh, which he was reading by the light of 
 wax candles in golden candlesticks, when Mac Conraidhe en- 
 tered. It was a ponderous tome, entitled " The Dinseanchus,"* 
 
 * This celebrated worlc, as -well as ' ' The Book of Kelts," and many other 
 works in prose and verse, of eminent Irish authors, were not noticed in the 
 seventh chapter of Part I., because they had not been written at the time our 
 story opened, though many, including those above-named, were written before 
 thedate at which we shall conclude. Others duringtheremainder of thecentury, 
 and others again during the five centuries following. But the writer of this 
 tale endeavours to keep strict chronological order in the relation of everything 
 contained in it. 
 
28o THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA'. 
 
 and was an etymological, historical, and topographical work, 
 giving an account of the fortresses, raths, cities, plains, moun- 
 tains, lakes, rivers, &c., of all the kingdoms of Eire I It was 
 destined for the library of Mur Ollamhain for the use of the 
 professors and students ; and the colleges of Cluain-Irared, 
 Cluain Mac Nois, Beanachor, Ardmacha, Daire, Ceannanus, 
 Daermaegh, and all the other colleges of Eire, as well as other 
 schools like Mur Ollamhain, were to be permitted to make copies 
 for their own libraries. 
 
 "Well, Mac Conraidhe," said King Diarmaid, looking up 
 from "The Dinseanchus," as the ceann-fedhna entered; 
 " what is all this we hear concerning Aedh Guaire, lord of Ui 
 Maine ? Is it true that he has killed our chief herald and in- 
 sulted our royal Spear of State ?" 
 
 " Yea, O King, it is, unfortuately, too true; but believe me, I 
 am in no way to blame." 
 
 " No ; where is Lorcan and the Spear?" 
 
 " He is coming, O Ardrigh." 
 
 Lorcan here entered, and bending, presented the Spear of 
 Honour to the Ardrigh, who said unto him : 
 
 " We appoint thee to the place of thy late chief, Bacclomm, 
 and We entrust Our royal spear to thy charge. Go leave it now 
 in its accustomed place." 
 
 The new chief herald kissed the monarch's hand, and taking 
 the spear again into his hands, backed out of the royal presence, 
 after having been presented with a goblet of twine. 
 
 After he had left, King Diarmaid again turned to the ceann- 
 fedhna and said : 
 
 "Thou wert not to blame, O Mac Conraidhe.? Where, 
 then, wert thou when the murder was committed ?" 
 
 " All of us, save the chief herald, were over part of the 
 demesne. We never even dreamed of such a calamity befalling 
 us, O King." 
 
 "Aedh Guaire, we have been informed, was absent from home 
 when ye arrived at his castle ?" 
 
 " He was, O most High King of Eire ; but his chief steward, 
 who with the other servants we have brought prisoners to 
 Teamhair, received us most kindly, and even himself offered to 
 break the narrow door, with the aid of some of the servants, but 
 Bacclomm ordered the Fianna to do so. We were most hospi- 
 tably entertained, and everything seemed to be as agreeable there 
 as elsewhere. We went for a stroll through the grounds, and 
 knew nought of what had been done till our return, when we 
 found Bacclomm a corpse, and Aedh Guaire fled." 
 
THE RETURN. 281 
 
 " Then thou didst not see Aedh Guaire at all ?" 
 
 " Nay, most illustrious Ardrigh ; none of our party, save 
 Bacclomm himself, saw the lord of Ui Main6 ; he must have 
 escaped before we re-entered the castle." 
 
 " Well, we must forgive thee and thy comrades, as it appears 
 ye were not to blame, and, moreover, thou hadst never had 
 such a mishap before ; so let us pledge each other's health, and 
 live in eternal friendship." 
 
 The king and the ceann-fedhna then quaffed the rich sparkling 
 wine from the richly-chased golden goblets, after which the 
 king said : 
 
 " But if we make allowances for thee and thy comrades, we 
 shall know how to deal with the murderer of our herald. We 
 will not leave a spot in Eire, or in Europe, or in the world, if 
 need be, unexplored, until we find him and make him pay the 
 penalty of his crime." 
 
 " But I forgot to tell thee, O King, the boatman who carried 
 us across the river Boinn at Cluain-Irared whimpered unto 
 me that he had something of importance to tell me, but not 
 there. I therefore appointed that he should come to my house 
 to-night." 
 
 " Well, has he come ?" 
 
 " I know not, O High King, I have not yet been at home." 
 
 " Ah, we are keeping thee from thy family." 
 
 " I love my family much, but I must attend unto my duty. I 
 ought to be satisfied that my sovereign is not angry with me." 
 
 " Now, Mac Conraidhe, that question has been settled, so 
 let there be an end of it. What if thou wouldst send to thy 
 house to see if the boatman hath come, and if so. We would like 
 to see him." 
 
 Mac Conraidhe left the Ardrigh to fulfil this request, and 
 despatching a messenger to his own house, he returned to his 
 royal master. Soon the messenger returned, bringing with him 
 the boatman, who had been waiting the return home of the 
 ceann-fedhna; When the boatman was ushered into the king's 
 presence, he did homage silently, till the king said : 
 
 " How art thou called, friend .'" 
 
 "Michedl (Michael), the boatman, they call me, O most 
 illustrious Ardrigh na Erionn." 
 
 "The Ardrigh would know what is the information of which 
 thou hast spoken," said the ceann-fgdhna. 
 
 " Last night," replied Michedl, as I was about to put to my 
 boat for the night, and retire to my humble cottage, a noble- 
 looking horseman gallopped up to me and desired me to assist 
 
 •9 
 
2 82 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 him in getting his horse into my corach, that I might row himself 
 and the animal across the Sionnain, as there was no drawbridge 
 at that point. Owing to thick heavy clouds which had all the 
 previous part of the night, since darkness had set in, obscured 
 the light of the moon, I could not recognise the noble wayfarer, 
 and I did not know his voice, but just as we landed at the other 
 side of the river, and while we were still getting the horse on 
 land, by a temporary rent in a cloud, the clear silvery light of the 
 full moon lit up for awhile every object, and revealed the 
 features of the traveller." 
 
 " And that traveller was " 
 
 " Aedh Guaire, lord of Ui Main6." 
 
 " Ha !" exclaimed in one breath the Ardrigh and the ceann- 
 fedhna. " We thought that was coming. But what didst thou 
 then know of the cause of his flight ?" 
 
 " I knew nought whatever, O King, nor did I even suspect 
 anything. It is ndt at all an unusual thing for travellers to cross 
 the rivers at that hour and in similar manner, some of whom 
 we know, and some of whom we do not know. The lord of 
 Ui Maine was not unknown to me ; but it was not till after- 
 wards that I knew the cause of his journey that night, and I 
 considered it my duty to my country and my sovereign to tell 
 what I knew, and thus, as far as I could, put justice upon the 
 right track." 
 
 " Thou art a good and loyal man, O Michedl, and thou shalt 
 be well rewarded," said King Diarmaid. 
 
 " Ten thousand thanks to thee, O King, and as many bless- 
 ings on thee and on thy posterity." 
 
 " Did Aedh Guaire say aught to thee, O Michedl ?" asked Mac 
 Conraidhe. 
 
 " Nothing whatever, O noble flaith, save with reference to 
 his passage, nor have I seen or heard aught of him since then." 
 
 " Where wilt thou stop for the night ?" asked Mac Conraidhe, 
 " Hast thou any friends in the city ?" 
 
 " None now, oh, excellent flaith, but I will stop in the nearest 
 biadtach." 
 
 " Good, and thou needest not go till We tell thee ; We may 
 want thee for a witness, but thou shalt not suffer any loss. We 
 will more than repay thee," were the parting words of the 
 Ardrigh before dismissing the faithful and contented Micheil. 
 
 After he had left, Diarmaid and Mac Conraidhe exchanged a 
 few more words about the matter in hand, in which it was re- 
 solved to send special envoys to Muscraidhe (Muskerry) and the 
 country about ; though that territory had been included in the 
 
RUADHAH'S PIT. 283 
 
 general search of Mumhain (Munster), and moreover it was by 
 no means certain that Aedh Guaire was still there or in any other 
 part of the kingdom of Mumhain. This settled, the ceann- 
 fedhna took leave of his royal master, and returned to the bosom 
 of his family, while the Ardrigh soon again became lost in the 
 pagesof "TheDinseachus,"which occupied him until hispersonal 
 domestics appeared to escort him to the state bedchamber to 
 rest for the night after the toils and cares of his kingly office 
 during the day. 
 
 An ceAuti^tiMtj CAibmit. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 PoLt TluAt)Mn. 
 
 ruadhan's pit. 
 
 The next morning before the monarch arose, he was informed 
 that a courier had arrived from Muscraidhe. 
 
 " From Muscraidhe ?" cried the Ardrigh ; " where is he .?" 
 
 " He is below, and beareth important news, O King." 
 
 " News from Muscraidhe !" exclaimed the king, springing 
 up, and more by signs than by words, ordering his attendants to 
 be expeditious about his toilet. He desired the courier, to be 
 shown up, and when that worthy entered the magnificent apart- 
 ment, Diarmaid was already dressed and impatient for his 
 appearance, who at once handed a parchment he held in his 
 hand, lowly bending before the impatient king. 
 
 As Diarmaid read to himself the despatch, he appeared every 
 moment growing more and more enraged, until he had finished 
 reading, when he suddenly flung it beneath his feet and stamped 
 upon it furiously. As soon as he could command his voice, he 
 cried to his attendants : 
 
 " Send for the British Ambassador. Do ye hear ? Let the 
 British Ambassador be brought hither immediately. Fly now." 
 
 The terrified attendants all rushed to fulfil the orders of the 
 irate king, and in their haste they nearly knocked down the 
 courier, who stood in their way. This attracted the notice of 
 the Ardrigh, and he exclaimed : 
 
 " Why standest thou there in the way ?" 
 
 " I hope my king is not angry with me," said the ■'courier, 
 deprecatingly. 
 
284 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 "No, no, We are not angry with thee, but if thou standest 
 there looking at Us in that manner much longer, We shall " 
 
 But the courier was gone. 
 
 Diarmaid paced furiously up and down the state bedchamber, 
 thinking every moment an hour until the arrival of the British 
 Ambassador. When at last that foreign delegate appeared, 
 trembling from head to foot, and dreading, he knew not what, 
 the haughty monarch of Eire at once opened fire : 
 
 "Thou hast heard of the fate of our chief herald .?" 
 
 " Oh, yes, most illustrious Ardrigh ; all are by this time aware 
 of the facts of that unfortunate occurrence." 
 
 " Art thou aware of the fact of the escape of the Chief of 
 Ui Main6 ?" 
 
 "Yea, O High King." 
 
 " Art thou aware of whither he has gone 1" 
 
 " Nay, how should I know, O King." 
 
 " Art thou sure .?" 
 
 " As sure as of my own existence, O dread Monarch." 
 
 " Beware now. NA ceil an fhirin.* 
 
 " I know not what I am to beware of, and I have nothing to 
 conceal, O King," replied the now thoroughly frightened 
 Briton." 
 
 " Then thou knowest nothing whatever of the whereabouts 
 of Aedh Guaire, Lord of Ui Main6." 
 
 " Nothing whatever, believe me, O most royal Monarch." 
 
 " Then We will tell thee what this despatch has told Us," 
 said King Diarmaid, indicating with his foot that document : 
 " Aedh Guaire escaped over the Sionnain into Muscradhe in Oir 
 Mumhain,f and sought out his cousin, Senech, who is bishop 
 of that territory. Senech, doubting the sufficiency of his 
 own sanctuary, brought the culprit to their common uncle, 
 who happens to be the Abbot Ruadhan of Lothra, who 
 never bore us any affection, and is the most disloyal and 
 disaffected of our subjects. Well, Ruadhan, in his turn, 
 doubting, and very justly, our recognition of his right to shield 
 public violators of the law, and rebels against our authority, 
 thought proper to bring his nephew over to Britain, and place 
 him under the protection of the British King, and they set out 
 from his monastery in presence of his monks, of Senech, the 
 Bishop of Muscraidhe, and of Brendan, the Abbot of Birr, from 
 whom We expected better. Now, dost thou still insist that thou 
 didst know nothing of all these proceedings, or that thou wert 
 not consulted or appealed to in any way about the matter ?" 
 • Conceal not the truth. t East Munster, or Ormond (Lower). 
 
RUADHAN'S PIT. 285 
 
 " I assure thee, most solemnly, King, that this is the first 
 I have heard of the occurrence ; but I have long been aware that 
 a warm friendship exists between the Abbot of Lothra, and my 
 royal master, the King of Britain." 
 
 " Ah 1 are We to understand then that the friendship of any of 
 our subjects for thy master means rebellion and disaffection 
 towards Ourselves ; and that the King of Britain aids and 
 shelters those who violate the laws and institutions of Eire ?" 
 
 " Oh, no, no ; most excellent Ardrigh of Eire, my beloved 
 master appreciates much the honour of being considered the 
 friend and brother of so mighty and powerful a monarch as 
 thyself ; and feels too grateful for the many favours and benefits 
 which this country has bestowed upon Britain, to do aught to 
 injure Eire, or offend her King." 
 
 " Well, we would prove thy words. Go now and send word 
 at once to thy master, the King of Britain, to deliver up to Us 
 Aedh Guaire, the Chief of Ui Main6, without any delay; and 
 thou mayest inform him that should he refuse to do so. We, 
 ourselves, with all our forces, will go over to him, and destroy 
 his kingdom, and remain there until we have found the fugitive 
 from justice. So be quick now, and let us have a speedy answer." 
 
 The British Ambassador, glad to escape on any terms, lost 
 no time in leaving the royal presence, and hastened to put into 
 execution the orders he had received ; and when, a few days 
 later, he once more appeared in the dreaded presence of the 
 Monarch of Teamhair, it was with a calmer expression and a 
 lighter heart, for he brought to King Diarmaid the news that 
 the British King had yielded up the culprit to save his kingdom 
 from invasion ; though not to compromise his friendship with 
 the Abbot of Lothra, it was to him that he had sent back the 
 lord of Ui Maine, as it was from him he had received the charge. 
 Diarmaid was satisfied with this, knowing that any other course 
 would be treachery, and accordingly he dismissed the ambassa- 
 dor most graciously. 
 
 He then called together his bodyguard and his " Ten," and 
 ordering the carbads for himself and his suite, prepared to set 
 out for Lothra. Along they dashed on the Slighe Dala, stopping 
 at this biadtach and at that, at one noble rath or another, for 
 rest and refreshment, and resumed their journey until at length 
 they turned from the Slighe Dala into a bealach, which led in a 
 westerly direction to Lothra. Arrived at some little distance 
 from the monastery. King Diarmaid desired his ara (charioteer) to 
 descend and go to the monastery. He thought that that person- 
 age would attract less attention than any of the members of his 
 
286 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 suite or his guards. The ara accordingly having received in- 
 structions as to how he was to act, walked up to the monastery 
 and entered. He soon returned, however, and informed the 
 monarch that he could see none but the Abbot Ruadhan him- 
 self, who sat in his own chair. King Diarmaid hearing this, 
 bade all his attendants to remain where they were, he, himself, 
 going up to the monastery, and entering saw the abbot in the 
 place his ara (charioteer) had named, that is, in his own accus- 
 tomed chair or seat, where he used to say his prayers. He was 
 in the act of reading when the Ardrigh entered. He rose, and 
 they cooly saluted each other. Then Diarmaid, conscious that 
 Ruadhan would not tell a falsehood, asked him where AedhGuaire 
 was, to which Ruadhan replied : 
 
 " I know not where he is, if he be not where thou standest." 
 
 Diarmaid, thinking the abbot spoke in jest, left the monastery 
 and returned to the guards and the "Ten;" he related to them 
 what had occurred, but added, that as he came along the road, 
 he had been thinking over the words of the abbot, and on 
 second consideration he believed that Ruadhan spoke not 
 in jest, but that there was some meaning in his words. The 
 " Ten " thought so too, and one of them — the brehon — 
 suggested that a man should be sent to dig under the spot where 
 the king had stood. At this moment a man with a pickaxe in 
 his hand passed near to where, they were. He was looking 
 curiously to see who they were, when he was hailed by one of 
 the guards at the command of Diarmaid. When he came up, 
 the king asked him his name ; he replied his name was Donnan. 
 The king then desired him to come with him, and they returned 
 back towards the monastery. It was now nearly dusk, and as 
 Diarmaid neared the door he saw a light. On entering, he 
 found that this light was held by a servant, who was in the act 
 of visiting Aedh Guaire. This man, in fact, was the only one to 
 whom Ruadhan confided the secret of his nephew's hiding- 
 place. He it was who brought him his meals at the hours of 
 refection, and otherwise attended to him. Ruadhan came in at 
 this moment, but Diarmaid ordered Donnan to dig a hole with 
 his pickaxe, at the same time indicating the spot where he 
 stood. Donnan lifted his pickaxe and struck with all his 
 might. 
 
 "Well," said the king, "what aileth thee, O Donnan.? 
 Why leanest thou thus on thy pickaxe ? It waxeth late. Hurry 
 with thy work and let us begone." 
 
 Donnan slowly raised himself up, and showed to the aston- 
 ished monarch his trembling hands, which seemed as if struck 
 
THE CURSIXG OF TARA. 287 
 
 with the palsy. He groaned in anguish, and then for the first 
 time perceiving the Abbot Ruadhan, he fell on his knees before 
 him and cried for mercy, and besought Ruadhan for forgiveness 
 and remission, with his benediction, which Ruadhan accordingly 
 gave him. He next begged permission to remain in the 
 monastery, and to take the habit of a monk. This permission 
 was also granted. And now, Ruadhan perceiving the uncom- 
 promising determination of KingDiarmaid, called for his bronze 
 bell. A brother having brought it to him, he sounded it, and 
 then the ^b//a (servant) aforesaid, brought Aedh Guaire forth from 
 the cave below. Diarmaid had previously gone to the door, and 
 beckoned to his followers, who by this time were at the house, 
 and now he gave Aedh Guaire into the custody of his guards, 
 and late as it was, ordered the immediate departure of the 
 whole party for Teamhair. Bidding a cold adieu to Ruadhan, 
 the cavalcade set out with Diarmaid at their head. His ara had 
 requested perrriission to remain with Ruadhan, but the king re- 
 fused for the present, telling him that when he should have left 
 him at Teamhair he might return if he chose. When they had fairly 
 left what they now called Poll Ruadhain, or Ruadhan's Pit, 
 and were going full speed along the Bealach Muscraidhe, 
 Ruadhan, accompanied by a few of his monks, left the monastery 
 also, and went in the direction of Birr. Arrived there, he in- 
 formed his friend the Abbot Brendan of what had occurred, 
 and requested of him to go with him to Teamhair to see that no 
 harm befell their friend Aedh Guaire. Brendan complied, and 
 taking also some of his monks, they set off in pursuit of the 
 royal party, whom they overtook at a biadtach, where all re- 
 mained during the night, and next morning they resumed their 
 journey to Teamhair. 
 
 An ctngeA'D cAibrait. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 ITIaI.I.uja'o ti/s Ce^rhnA-c. 
 
 THE CURSING OF TARA. 
 
 Owing to many stoppages which they made on the way it was 
 near sundown when the royal party arrived in the Cathair 
 Teainhrach. The citizens went out to meet them, gratified 
 that the dignity of their sovereign and the laws of their country 
 were about to be vindicated. King Diarmaid was touched by 
 
288 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 the loyalty of his people, and graciously returned their saluta- 
 tions. The prisoner was removed to the Carcair na n-Giall, 
 or Prison of the Hostages, where his servants already were ; the 
 guards dismounted and the " Ten " descended from their 
 chariots, and with the Ardrigh entered Teach Miodchuarta. The 
 people were about to disperse when they found that another 
 procession was entering the city. This latter party that now 
 excited the curiosity of the people, proved to be the Abbots 
 Ruadhan and Brendan, together with some of their monks and 
 many who had joined them on the way. They rang their bells 
 which they held in their hands, and with the singing of psalms, 
 entered the city, and proceeded at once to the Rath-na-Sean- 
 naidh, which, with the Church, stood between Rath na Righ 
 and Teach Miodchuarta. After spending some time here the 
 king sent for them, and accordingly they went to Teach Miod- 
 chuarta, and entered the great Banqueting Hall, where the 
 king was about to sup with his nobles. They thought this a 
 sign of peace ; so when supper was over they petitioned for 
 the release of Aedh Guaire ; but their petition was refused, 
 Diarmaid remaining as inflexible as ever. The party broke up 
 and all retired to rest. 
 
 Next morning Ruadhan, Brendan, and those who came with 
 them again craved an interview with the Ardrigh, which being 
 granted they renewed their petitions for the release of their 
 friend ; but Diarmaid informed them that his mind was un- 
 changed, and expressed surprise that their sacred cloth should 
 have been dishonoured by harbouring one who had committed 
 such a crime as to murder his (the king's) chief herald, who was 
 employed in the execution of his instructions, and then coming 
 here to keep the whole court awake all night by their loud pray- 
 ing and singing. 
 
 " Why speakest thou thus, O King ?" asked Ruadhan; " have 
 we kept thee awake last night ?" 
 
 "Yea, O Ruadhan, or rather, the noise of your chanting 
 awoke me from a heavy sleep ; but, in truth, although I men- 
 tion the fact, I can scarcely say that I regret it, for it cut short a 
 frightful dream." 
 
 " And what was the dream that we so disturbed, O Diarmaid .'" 
 asked Brendan. 
 
 " I will tell thee, O Brendan. About midnight, being heavily 
 asleep, I dreamed that I saw a great tree that rooted deeply into 
 the earth, whose lofty top and branches were so high and broad 
 that they came near the clouds of heaven, and I saw one 
 hundred and fifty men about the tree, with one hundred and fifty 
 
THE CURSING OF TARA. 289 
 
 broad-mouthed, sharp axes, cutting the tree, and when it was 
 cut, when it fell to the earth, the great noise that it made at the 
 time of the falling thereof, awoke me from sleep and from the 
 dream ; and immediately the notes of thy choir, singing psalms 
 in concert in the church, filled mine ears." 
 
 " Wouldst thou, O Diarmaid, know the meaning of thy 
 dream ?" said Ruadhan, " and wouldst thou hear the construc- 
 tion, exposition, and interpretation thereof?" 
 
 " Yea, O Ruadhan, I would know thy reading of it," said the 
 Ardrigh. 
 
 " Well, the great tree," said Ruadhan, " strongly rooted in 
 the earth, and branched abroad, so that it reached to the very 
 firmament, is thyself, O Diarmaid, whose power is over all Eire; 
 then the hundred and fifty men, with the hundred and fifty 
 sharp, broad- mouthed axes, cutting the tree, represents our- 
 selves chanting the hundred and fifty psalms of David, that will 
 cut thee from the very roots to thy destruction, that so thou 
 mayest fall for ever if thou dost not grant our petition, and re- 
 lease unto us Aedh Guaire, Chief of Ui Maine." 
 
 During this exposition of his dream, King Diarmaid gradu- 
 ally darkened, becoming every moment more visibly incensed, 
 and struggling to restrain his rising choler ; but the concluding 
 threat fairly upset his equilibrium, and made him forget at once 
 his own dignity and the sacred character of his adversaries and 
 tormentors. In this condition he gave a final refusal. Ruad- 
 han and Brendan then left him, taking their bells with them. 
 He grew livid with rage, stamped his feet, and began to pace up 
 and down the hall ; he was incapable of uttering a word. At 
 last when a few strides enabled him to command his utterance, 
 he threw up his hands and exclaimed, apostrophising himself: 
 
 " Great Heavens ! was there ever before on earth such a 
 monarch as my unhappy self } Insulted and threatened in mine 
 own palace by disloyal subjects, and all because I have dared to 
 attempt to fulfil the duties and to discharge the responsibilities 
 of my office. And if I dare to remonstrate, I shall be denounced 
 to my people as a foe to the Church; for these men consider 
 themselves above me by virtue of their office. Is this Christi- 
 anity ? No, it is not. Emphatically, no. It is not necessary 
 for the salvation of souls that the time-honoured laws and 
 institutions of the country should be overturned and trampled 
 upon, and the administration of justice defeated and treated 
 with contempt, just because the relatives and friends of a vio- 
 lator of the law happen to be dignitaries of the Church, and as 
 such claim to govern their sovereign, and threaten him with 
 
290 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 destruction if he dare to disobey. No ; that is not religion, and 
 I will treat such conduct as it deserves, and I shall use the 
 power with which the God of Heaven has invested me, for the 
 purposes for which He gave it — the protection of my people ; 
 the honour, happiness, and prosperity of my country ; ay, and 
 the real good of the Church itself. These men, for the sake of 
 their own personal feelings, natural though they be, and for an 
 imaginary and temporary triumph for the Church, would destroy 
 their country. But should they succeed, and thus leave the 
 kingdom a prey to any foreign barbarian who may set a covetous 
 eye on Eire, and count upon the Church as an ally who will 
 receive them with open arms, what then becomes of the Church 
 itself? Why, it too will become the prey of the same bar- 
 barians, who will first use it and then abuse it. Ah ! come what 
 will, the Church stands or falls — temporally of course, and in its 
 administrative liberty — with Eire. I shall do my duty." 
 
 While the Ardrjgh thus communed with himself, Ruadhan 
 and Brendan were astonishing and striking terror into the 
 people without. 
 
 From the moment they had left the angry monarch, they 
 commenced ringing their bells and singing psalms, going in 
 turn through all the buildings on Druim Aoibhin, cursing each 
 place. None durst interfere lest they should fall under the dis- 
 pleasure of the abbots. When they had cursed these places, 
 they then went without, and walked round the nine ramparts 
 which surrounded all the royal buildings, ringing their bells and 
 cursing as they went. Then they descended the hill, and again 
 went all round about it, ringing and cursing in like manner, in 
 the presence of thousands of the terrified people of all classes 
 who had congregated on hearing the unusual sounds, and who 
 now stood by, brave, strong men as multitudes of them were, in 
 mute helplessness and hopeless despair. They were over- 
 whelmed by the misfortune which had so suddenly come upon 
 themselves and upon their country. Oh, how they wished at 
 that moment that their beloved Teamhair was besieged by all 
 the countries of Europe at once ! How they would defend it ! 
 How all the chivalrous valour of the great Fenian army would 
 be brought out on such an occasion 1 How they would fight 
 their myriad enemies against overwhelming odds, until there 
 was not a man left to acknowledge defeat ! But there they were 
 with their brave hearts and strong arms, supplemented by the 
 most approved implements of warfare, utterly powerless against 
 two men, their own countrymen too, who, wielding the spiritual 
 power, invoked curses and maledictions upon their renowned 
 
THE CURSING OF TARA. 291 
 
 and much-prized Teamhair, the capital, too, and the supreme 
 seat of the power and the glory of their country. And they 
 never doubted the efficacy of the prayers, good or bad, of their 
 spiritual pastors and their temporal foes. They conjured up 
 before their mind's eye all the consequences of this terrible day. 
 They looked at the many groups of noble buildings that adorned 
 the beautiful hill, and fancied they saw them cold and deserted 
 looking, and then one by one crumbling away and falling into 
 decay, until at length it looked a desolate, bare hill, with the 
 indistinct outlines of a strange looking building such as they 
 had never seen, and which looked like a religious edifice of 
 some sort they knew not what. Not like a druidical temple, nor 
 yet like any Christian edifice that they had ever seen. Then 
 they looked round on the city itself and they imagined that the 
 houses had all disappeared, as if swallowed up in the earth. 
 Where were all the warehouses and stores and workshops ; all 
 the magnificent raths and duns of the nobility and gentry ; all 
 the flourishing farms and comfortable cottages .'' Where were 
 the chariots and carts and all the traffic and merchandize of 
 Teamhair .^ Where the foreign merchants ? and where the 
 native population .' Where ? where ? Oh I what is that ? 
 What strangers are those, now from the north and again from 
 the east, that carry fire and sword through the land ? and those 
 last bring with them the Church's certificate ; and the Church's 
 children in Eire are commanded to rebel against their native 
 princes, and to receive on bended knees the masters which the 
 chief of the church has appointed to rule them. And now, what 
 is this : rivers of blood deluge the land ; the children of the 
 Gaedhal are] murdered in hundreds of thousands ; the heavens 
 are darkened by the fumes of black smoke, and again lit up by 
 lurid glare of blazing churches and monasteries ; and the groans 
 of dying abbots, monks, priests, and nuns, pierce the skies, as 
 their souls are wrenched from their bodies, the hapless victims 
 of the Church's triumph over Eire. But the hapless citizens of 
 Teamhair all at once awoke from their frightful day-dream. 
 Their monarch, their beloved monarch, now in his misfortune, 
 dearer than ever, emerges from Teach Miodchuarta, and the 
 sight of him brings them again to a sense of their surroundings. 
 The unfortunate monarch, who had interrupted his colloquy 
 with himself, and had witnessed this terrible scene from the win- 
 dows of the great hall, now tottered rather than walked towards 
 them ; large tears coursed down his pale cheeks, and his whole 
 expression was so heart-broken that his generous people — ay, 
 and even those who had up to this been his foes, now forgot 
 
292 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 their own sorrows in witnessing the woe of their now ido- 
 lized monarch. They made an attempt to cheer him, but, ah ! 
 what a miserable failure ! Instead of the hearty, ringing, Irish 
 cheers, which heretofore had greeted him, his ears were now 
 horriiied to hear a weak, faltering, unhuman sound, as if all of his 
 people who were there assembled, were in the agonies of death. 
 At first it startled him as the thought struck him that they 
 too had abandoned him in his hour of need ; but a glance all 
 round and he read the truth. They were as broken-hearted as 
 himself, and he knew in that moment that adversity had drawn 
 them more closely together. 
 
 Ruadhan and Brendan had by this time come .round again 
 to the eastern side of the hill, and towards them the Ardrigh 
 bent his steps. " But they, seeing him, turned towards him, and 
 first ringing their bells* vigorously, they stood before him and 
 cursed himself and his posterity, his city and hill of Teamhair, 
 and prayed God that no king or queen ever again would or 
 could dwell there, and that it should be waste for ever, without 
 court or palace." 
 
 As this malediction fell from the lips of the abbots a great 
 cry of anguish went up from the multitude, for they regarded 
 it — and, oh, how justly 1 — as a curse invoked upon them also, 
 and upon their children and their posterity. But Diarmaid, see- 
 ing the utter prostration of the first city of the kingdom at the 
 feet of these foes of the State, and the people's evident belief 
 that all that had been invoked would come to pass, exclaimed: 
 
 " Well, God forgive thee, O Ruadhan, and thou O Brendan, 
 for this thing that ye have done, and may He restore Teamhair 
 to her pristine glory ere your successors have cause to curse 
 in their turn your rebellious conduct to-day." 
 
 Ruadhan and Brendan — " We are not rebels, O Diarmaid ; 
 our power is over all the earth ; but thou hast rebelled against 
 us, and thou hast despised the Church's privileges." 
 
 Diarmaid then said : " I defend the justice of the nation, 
 that in every place there may be peace ; but ye encourage and 
 defend evil ; ye shall receive the punishment of blood from the 
 Lord; for inallEire thy parish shall first fail, and departfrom thee." 
 
 Ruadhan replied : " Thy kingdom shall first fail, and none 
 of thy race shall hereafter reign." 
 
 * S(. Ruadhan. — " In collection of Dr. Petrie there is a bronze bell, which 
 he states to have been found in the holy well of Lothra, in Ormond, and which 
 there is ground for believing, is the bell which St. Ruadhan of Lothra rang 
 as he made the circuit of Tara, when he cursed that ancient residence of its 
 Irish monarch in the skth century, after which it was deserted."— 0' Curry. 
 
THE CURSING OF TARA. 293 
 
 The king said : " Thy place shall be empty, and swine 
 dwelling in it; with their snouts they shall upturn it." 
 
 Ruadhan replied : "The city of Teamhair shall first be un- 
 inhabited many hundred years, and hereafter remain without a 
 dwelling." 
 
 The Ardrigh answered : " Thy body shall suffer mutilation, 
 and one of thy members shall perish ; for thine eyes being put 
 out thou shall not see light." 
 
 Ruadhan said : " Thy body also shall be butchered by thy 
 enemies, and thy limbs shall be ignominiously dismembered." 
 
 The King replied: "A fierce boar with his tooth shall 
 undermine thy buildings." 
 
 Ruadhan replied : " Thy thigh shall not be buried in the 
 same place with thy body, but a man shall cast it into mire." 
 
 Then King Diarmaid said to them : "Ye defend iniquity, and 
 I virtue, ye disturb my kingdom ; however, God favours ye more 
 than He does me. Go, therefore, take away your man, and pay 
 a ransom for him." 
 
 Ruadhan said : " It is well ; but if thou hadst said so before, 
 thy city, thyself, and thy posterity would have been saved from 
 the curse of the Church." 
 
 Diarmaid — " From the curses of thee and thy friend there, 
 thou meanest." 
 
 Ruadhan — " Art thou going to release unto us Aedh Guaire ?" 
 
 Diarmaid — " Yea, when thou hast procured the ransom." 
 
 Ruadhan — " Then I shall send for it at once." 
 
 The Ardrigh then saluting his people, entered again into the 
 palace, accompanied by his nobles. Ruadhan, Brendan, and 
 the other monks went into the Rath-na-Sennaidh to deliberate 
 on the course to be pursued. The result was that they sent 
 some of their party back to Poll Ruadhain for thirty horses, to 
 present to the Ardrigh as a ransom for Aedh Guaire. 
 
 The people returned to their homes with very diff"erent feel- 
 ings and opinions regarding the release of the criminal. 
 Some were glad that he was to be set free, because he was 
 under the protection of the Church, and they were of opinion 
 that the Church and not the State ought to have the regulation 
 of such aifairs. Others held a contrary opinion, but still ap- 
 proved of what had been resolved upon, in the hope that the 
 undeserved clemency /of the king would induce the two abbots 
 to relent in their turn, and absolve the king, his children, the 
 royal hill and city from the curses they had invoked upon them, 
 and to substitute in their stead heavenly blessings. Another 
 class thought nothing of all this, but were angry with the 
 
294 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 Ardrigh for letting the delinquent oS so easily, or for allowing 
 himself to be so easily frightened from the discharge of his duty 
 to his country and his subjects by the curses of angry, proud, 
 interested ecclesiastics, as they termed the two abbots. Others, 
 again, there were who were very much inclined to turn out, and 
 by main force prevent, in spite of the Ardrigh himself, the 
 escape of the murderer. But even some of these, though they 
 would have faced any danger of the flesh, however overwhelming 
 it might be, shrank within themselves when they reflected that 
 their adversary was the spiritual power, and that the more pious 
 of their fellow-citizens and fellow-countrymen, who were by far 
 the most numerous, would sacrifice themselves, their children, 
 and their country in defence of even the temporal power and 
 glory of their Church. For some days the unhappy affair was 
 discussed in all its bearings and probable consequences, by all 
 classes of the people. The aire class, that is the nobility and 
 gentry, discussed it within their manorial halls, or in their as- 
 semblies. They wondered what consequences the destruction of 
 Teamhair would bring to their children and their children's 
 children. Would it reduce them from their high estate to middle 
 or even humble life ? What would be their position in future 
 times ? The merchants, traders, and artificers talked it over 
 with each other, with their customers and with the foreign 
 merchants, with whom they held commerce. They feared it 
 would destroy their trade, manufactures, and commercial enter- 
 prise. The farmers of all classes, rich and poor, trembled for 
 their own fate, for they should share the common doom. The 
 labourers, cottiers, servants, &c., dreaded the misfortune of 
 their employers, which was certain to bring misery and beggar^ 
 on themselves. The foreign slaves knew that if their masters 
 and mistresses were obliged to sell them they would be carried 
 off to barbarous countries, where they would be cruelly treated, 
 and they felt most of all others incensed against the relentless 
 abbots. The foreign merchants and traders saw the finest 
 market in Europe for their wares, and the mart whence they 
 were in the habit of supplying the rest of the world, with goods 
 of priceless value and unique workmanship, about to be wrested 
 from their grasp and torn from its high pinnacle of unrivalled 
 commercial glory. But of what avail were all these repinings 
 and lamentations ? What care Ruadhan and Brendan for their 
 trade and commerce or any such worldly interests. They were 
 far above such sordid pursuits. Neither cared they for the mere 
 worldly interests of their own countrymen and countrywomen 
 of any rank, degree, or calling. This their victims realized to 
 
THE CURSING OF TARA. 295 
 
 its fullest extent, and so they talked, and grieved, and brooded 
 over the coming evil, until the arrival in Teamhair of the ran- 
 som for Aedh Guaire. When the news spread the people again 
 assembled around Tulach Aoibhin to see the ransom. But when 
 thirty splendid horses of a hyacinth colour, and admirably 
 shaped, met their gaze, none could restrain their admiration. 
 When the Ardrigh, who was a great connoisseur of horses, came 
 cut to see them he expressed himself highly pleased with them. 
 The Abbot Brendan suggested that they might be tried ; there- 
 upon Diarmaid appointed a day for a horse race. This excite- 
 ment afforded a temporary distraction to the stricken king and 
 people ; so on the appointed morning they all repaired in their 
 gayest attire to the racecourse, which was about a mile 
 from the Delightful Hill, to the west. Here flocked thousands 
 of people, citizens and country people, on foot. Here came 
 streams of carbads of all descriptions, from the gilt and highly 
 ornamented four-horse carbads of the grandees down to the 
 humblest made, to suit the position or the means of those who 
 could have such a luxury, only at the least possible cost. Others 
 came on horseback. Multitudes on foot. The Ardrigh and all his 
 court came in state, and took up their position on the grand stand, 
 surrounded by the nobility of both sexes. The Abbots Ruadhan 
 and Brendan and their monks did not disdain to be present on 
 this particular occasion. The horses were soon on the ground, 
 those which had come from Poll Ruadhan and those they were 
 to compete with. Their riders had donned their uniform, and 
 were distinguished from each other by the different colours. 
 Everything was in readiness and the race began. All was now 
 excitement and expectation. The magnificent trained horses of 
 Teamhair and the surrounding Tuaths which had before won 
 many a race, were now put into competition with the thirty 
 strange horses from Lothra, and they appeared to know what 
 was expected from them. Many people observed, as they re- 
 cognised their old favourites that they had never raced so well 
 before. But now the hyacinth coloured horses, one after 
 another attracted attention ; their high mettle and remarkable 
 velocity, as they flew round and round, called forth the plaudits 
 of the assembly, and by the time the whole thirty were tried, as 
 well as the other horses which competed with them, the people 
 not only awarded the prize to the beautiful hyacinth horses, but 
 they were heartily tired of their sport. The races had been 
 going on for three days, and at the end of the third day the king 
 expressed to the Abbot Ruadhan his satisfaction at the beautiful 
 colour and forms of the thirty horses, and their-^spirited mettle, 
 
296 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 and extraordinary swiftness, of the ransom he had offered for 
 Aedh Guaire, and which he (the king) would accept, and would 
 forthwith enlarge the prisoner. Then he ordered Aedh Guaire 
 and all his servants to be handed over to the Abbot Ruadhan, 
 who with Brendan, their monks, and their newly enlarged clients, 
 prepared at once to take their departure from Teamhair. As 
 they were setting off, King Diarmaid asked them if they would 
 not revoke their curse, as he had set free the culprit ; but Ruad- 
 han replied that he (the king) had got a good ransom for him. 
 
 " Then,'' said the king, " Teamhair is cursed for nothing 1" 
 
 "Nay," said Ruadhan, " not fornothing ; Teamhair and thy- 
 self are cursed for thy obstinacy and disrespect towards the 
 Church. We cannot revoke it. 
 
 "Ratherye zwz'// not,'' said the king bitterly, and he turned away. 
 
 But now the people crowded around the unbending abbots, 
 and they cried for mercy on themselves and on their children ; 
 but the Abbot Brendan reminded them that they had not been 
 cursed, only Diarmaid and his posterity, and the palaces and 
 hill of Teamhair; but they cried out that the destruction of the 
 royal seat, and of their ancient line of kings, involved their own 
 ruin, and that whatever fate befell their monarch and his royal 
 residence would also fall upon them and upon their city. But 
 the Abbot Ruadhan, looking down upon them from the height of 
 his seven feet, told the miserable multitude of nobles and people, 
 that what had been done had been done ; that Teamhair and 
 the Ardrigh had been cursed, and that cursed they should remain. 
 He then entered his carbad, his companions entered theirs, and 
 the unforgiving and unmerciful representatives of the forgiving 
 and merciful Jesus of Nazareth, drove triumphantly through the 
 southern side of the city, and by the Slighe Dala, off to Poll 
 Ruadhan of Lothra. Michedl, the boatman, not being now 
 needed was well rewarded, and allowed at once to return to his 
 family, who were made prosperous for life by the bounty of the 
 Ardrigh. 
 
A ROYAL VISITATION AND A CATASTROPHE. 297 
 
 An u-seiseAt) cAibiTDit. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 A ROYAL VISITATION AND A CATASTROPHE. 
 
 For two years after the events recorded in the foregoing chapter 
 things went smoothly enough at Teamhair. Immediately after 
 the departure of Ruadhan and his party, Diarmaid's people had 
 petitioned him not to desert Teamhair, but to continue to live 
 amongst them. This being in accord with his own views 
 and will, as well as his sense of duty to his subjects and to 
 the laws of his country, he most emphatically promised to do ; 
 and that promise he was resolved to keep. As yet there was no 
 signs of evil effects from the ecclesiastical curses. Teamhair 
 was still the great emporium of the trade and commerce of Eire 
 and of Europe. Mur Ollamhain, still the prime university of 
 the nation ; the royal groups of buildings, the same as ever ; 
 Teach Miodchuarta was still the great meeting-place of the 
 States General. All the pomp and state of royalty Diarmaid up- 
 held in the very minutest particulars, and his constant passing 
 to and fro through the city ensured the most scrupulous regard 
 amongst his people for the good order, cleanliness, and beauty 
 of all the appliances of private and public life. Nor did he for- 
 get to visit occasionally, either personally or by deputation, the 
 more distant parts of his dominions. The affair of Aedh Guaire 
 did not deter him from performing so necessary a part of his 
 duty, though that disastrous occurrence produced very diiFerent 
 effects upon different people. The eyes of some were opened to 
 the danger of their country, of disobedience to its laws, and the 
 absurdity of seeking the protection of the Church from the con- 
 sequences of crime ; thus embroiling Church and State in war- 
 fare and enmity for the sake of every individual criminal. Others, 
 however, hailed it as the harbinger of universal liberty, whereby 
 every man would be his own sovereign, with only his own will 
 for law, whereby he could defy and make war upon king and 
 country, kill anyone who dared to execute the laws of the king- 
 dom, and be himself secure from outraged justice. 
 
 Diarmaid, however, had his own opinion of his position, his 
 privileges, and his duties, and though weighed down with his 
 
 20 
 
298 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 misfortunes, he determined, with the help of that God who had 
 ordained the higher powers, to continue to do what he and his 
 predecessors had done for ages. He was now about to go him- 
 self on one of these royal visitations, righthand-wise round Eire. 
 The people assembled, as was their wont, to see him off. The 
 guards were mounted and in due order. The carbads were one 
 by one brought into the courtyard before Teach Miodchuarta, 
 and into these each of the " Ten" entered. At last the royal 
 carbad appeared. It was drawn by four of the beautiful hyacinth 
 coloured horses, which had been the ransom of Aedh Guaire. 
 Their necks were now adorned with the mael lann, or necklace, 
 of gold, having attached to it all round little bells of gold. Their 
 bits were also of gold, also their buckles, rings, and other such 
 thing-s necessary to the harness. The harness itself was of 
 purple-dyed leather, gorgeously gilt. The bridle was richly gilt 
 also, and ornamented with cruan and carbuncle. The ara 
 (charioteer) was arrayed in his yellow vest and triubhis, silver 
 shoes, crimson cochall, confined at the throat by a golden 
 brooch ; a gipne, or golden band, confined the hair and kept it 
 backfrom the forehead. Thehair itselfwas plaited and hungdown 
 behind; and the iinne, or quadrangular cap, completed his outfit. 
 
 The chariot itself was built of the beautiful arbutus wood of 
 the territory around Loch Leine (Killarney). It was highly 
 polished and inlaid with plates of gold, representing the Sun- 
 burst, harps, shamrocks, &c. The upholstery was in keeping! 
 The interior, back, and the cushions of the seat were stuffed with 
 swansdown, and covered with rich tartan satin, comprising the 
 seven hues. The drapery and curtains matched ; the curtains, 
 which hung down on each side, and could be drawn all round 
 at pleasure, being lined with green silk. They were drawn by 
 thick, twisted golden cord, with tassels of same at ends. A 
 plume of peacock's feathers adorned the summit of the canopy. 
 The wheels, poles, and other metal work were of red bronze gilt 
 and ornamented. 
 
 The Ardrigh emerged from the palace, and as he did so, was 
 greeted with acclamations by the crowd. But can it be indeed 
 King Diarmaid ? Can that care-worn, emaciated-looking man 
 be indeed the handsome, stately, majestic-looking personage 
 whom we have been endeavouring to follow through all 
 the joys and sorrows, the glories and the humilitations of 
 his chequered career 7 What a change I But two years have 
 passed since one of the greatest misfortunes of his life had 
 come upon him, and he has since then aged twenty years. 
 Though still in the prime of life, his hair— his once beautiful 
 
A ROYAL VISITATION AND A CATASTROPHE. 2Q9 
 
 long, glossy, nut-brown hair, is grey from care and sorrow alone. 
 His once plump, rosy cheeks are pale and hollowed. Care sits 
 upon his brow. His once straight and courtly form is bent. His 
 once firm elastic step is now tottering under the weight of his 
 body, as leaning upon the arm of his son, Aedh Slain6, he, 
 -walks from the palace door to the royal carbad, and mounts into 
 its luxurious seat. He is attired in tartan satin vest, triubhis of 
 very fine textured green lamb's wool ; around one leg the 
 6r-nasg, golden ornamented shoes, a mantle of royal purple, with 
 fringe of gold thread, and fastened with his royal roth croi of 
 gold ; a green and gold barread covers his head ; his golden tore 
 hangs around his neck, a golden jewel-hilted sword hangs by 
 his side. Aedh Slain6 places him comfortably, and then takes 
 the rug, which is composed of the wings and feathers Of many- 
 coloured birds, lined with green silk, tucks it carefully around 
 his father's knees ; then they take a parting embrace, and 
 Aedh Slain6 descends, after having performed his self-imposed 
 task of filial devotion, which he would allow no one else to 
 perform; and immediately his brother, Colman Beg, who had 
 run out for the purpose, gets into the carbad for one more 
 parting kiss from his father. Diarmaid blesses him, as he has 
 blessed his brother, and the youth again descends, while the 
 Ardrigh prays fervently to the God of Mercies that a father's 
 blessing may more than counterbalance an abbot's curse. The 
 ara gave rein to the horses, and the royal carbad drove out of 
 the courtyard, and was surrounded by thecarbads of the " Ten," 
 which, with their occupants, awaited their leader. These chariots 
 resembled in form the royal one, save that they were not quite 
 so magnificent. They were mostly painted, one being black, 
 another yellow, another green, and so on, but all were brilliantly 
 polished, and were more or less gilt ; the wheels and poles of 
 bronze-gilt; the coverings and hangings were of silk or of 
 satin, but of one colour, as blue, green, crimson, yellow, &c.; 
 the plumes were of black or white ostrich feathers; the horses 
 and their trappings in keeping with the rest. All now got into 
 order, and a portion of the royal Fenian bodyguard led the way. 
 preceded by Lorcan, as chief herald, bearing the Spear of State. 
 The air was rent with the cheers that followed the royal 
 cortege — cheers most consoling to the heart of the poor king, 
 who acknowledged them with the most grateful and friendly 
 salutations. 
 
 Taking the southern part of the city, they proceed on their 
 way, first visiting that part of the kingdom of Midhe ; then on 
 through all the kingdom of Lagean, meeting everywhere the most 
 
300 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 cordial reception. In time they entered the kingdom of Mum- 
 hain, where they were also very well received, save in these 
 places where the Abbot Ruadhan's influence prevailed. Even 
 there the people were divided ; still nothing of any moment 
 occurred to mar the visitation. After examining all Mumhain, 
 they entered Connacht, without molestation from Aeh Guaire or 
 anyone else, and proceeding in a northerly direction, entering 
 Ulladh. Here, too, everything appeared to run smoothly, as 
 they travelled far into that kingdom. At last they entered the 
 district of Magh Line ; and as evening drew near, they hastened 
 to the residence of a chief, called Banban, the name by which 
 his castle was known being Rath Beg, or the Little Rath. Rath 
 M6r,* or the Great Rath, was quite convenient ; but as that was 
 the seat of the lords of Dal Araidhe, who were friends of the 
 northern Hy-Nials, and also of Ruadhanof Lothra, KingDiarmaid 
 had no desire to put up at their rath. It so happened, however, 
 that though Banban was loyal to King Diarmaid, he lived on 
 terms of the closest friendship with his next neighbour, Suibhne, 
 chief of Dal Araidhe, who was of superior rank to himself. The 
 blasts of the royal trumpets, borne alpng the evening air, were 
 heard by Banban and his family at Rath Beg ; and they were also 
 heard at Rath M6r. When the royal cortege drew up before Rath 
 Beg, and the chief herald went up first to the chief entrance, he 
 was received by Banban in person, and invited to enter ; this he 
 did, bringing in the Spear of State, horizontally, without the least 
 difficulty. Banban then went out to meet the Ardrigh, to whom 
 he did homage, and invited himself and all his retinue to the 
 hospitalities of his rath, only too delighted that the Ardrigh had 
 done him the honour. Soon the whole royal party, king, " ten," 
 guards, and all, were at home for the night in Rath Beg. 
 
 The next morning brought the nobility and gentry of the 
 surrounding country to pay their duty to the Ardrigh. Diarmaid 
 received them with his accustomed urbanity ; but he noticed that 
 one family was missing, and that too, the family residing nearest 
 to Rath Beg. It was also noticed by the assembled uaisle 
 (nobility), and there was much comment thereon. But they 
 departed to their homes, and as they did so, the family of Rath 
 Mor heard of what had passed ; so during the day, while the 
 Fianna were absent on their visitation, and Diarmaid was hold- 
 ing conversation with Banban in the principal hall of the rath, a 
 giolla entered and announced Aedh Dubh (or Black Hugh), the 
 son of Suibhne, chief of Dal Araidhe. Banban, the lord of 
 
 * Two miles east of Antrim. 
 
A ROYAL VISITATION AND A CATASTROPHE. 30 1 
 
 Rath Beg, not perceiving the king's look of reluctance, gladly 
 welcomed the son of his private friend, though political oppo- 
 nent, thinking it a sign of returning allegiance to Diarmaid on 
 the part of Suibhne Araidhe. But the haughty Black Hugh, who 
 had not obtained that cognomen for nothing, merely inclined 
 his head with the most frigid politeness to his sovereign, re- 
 marking at the same time that as Diarmaid had been good 
 enough to notice and comment upon his own and his parents' 
 absence, he then called to inform him that their absence was not 
 due to any inadvertence or accident, but solely to indicate their 
 denial of Diarmaid's right to their allegiance, and their contempt 
 for his defunct authority. King Diarmaid listened to this out- 
 rageous insult like one in a dream. He could scarcely believe 
 his senses, and was only recalled to them by the prompt action 
 of Banban who, when the first shock had subsided, collared the 
 rebellious noble, and shook him vigorously, as he shouted in 
 his ear : 
 
 " How darest thou make use of such language to thy 
 sovereign lord ; and in my house too ? How darest thou, I say ?" 
 
 *■ Hold," said the nearly-suffocated Aedh Dubh, " I dare 
 say and do, too, just what I choose, and Diarmaid Mac Cear- 
 bhall here is not my sovereign lord, and none who have been 
 cursed by Ruadhan of Lothra ever shall be ; as for thy house, I 
 do thee honour by entering into it; and moreover, I did not 
 select it, because it was thine, but because it is the temporary 
 abiding-place of a cursed king — stay! do not choke me, O 
 Banban." 
 
 "Ay, that I will, for well thou deservest worse than that." 
 
 "There was a time," now said the unhappy Diarmaid, 
 " when not even my greatest enemy would dare thus to address 
 me ; but now having, in the simple discharge of my duty, fallen 
 under the displeasure of an abbot, I am the butt for the insults 
 of every rebel and hypocrite. Oh ! woe ! woe 1 why am I, the 
 anointed High King of Eire, the only hapless being for whom 
 the Church of the God of Mercy hath no protection and no 
 mercy .■'" 
 
 ' ' I will tell thee, O Diarmaid," said Aedh Dubh ; " it is because 
 thou thyself had no mercy for Aedh Guaire, the chief of Ui 
 Maine." 
 
 "What ! no mercy! had I not more mercy for him than the 
 Abbot Ruadhan had for me .? Aedh Guaire committed murder 
 and treason, and by the laws of the country he forfeited his life. 
 For refusing to grant him his worthless life, because he was the 
 relative, and had sought the sanctuary of the Abbot of Lothra, 
 
302 THE LAST MONARCH OF TAR A. 
 
 that vindictive religious and his brother abbot, Brendan of Birr, 
 committed the greatest outrage known in history, not only on 
 myself and my children, but on the hapless citizens of Teamhair. 
 God alone knows what the future will bring forth, or how many 
 thousands of lives the cursing of Teamhair shall destroy. Then, 
 when I spared the life of Aedh Guaire, accepting a ransom, 
 Ruadhan and Brendan refused to revoke their malediction. 
 Thus, while I, the representative of the State, showed mercy to 
 a rebel and a murderer, Ruadhan and Brendan, the represen- 
 tatives of the Church, had no mercy for an ill-used King, or his 
 children, nor for the innocent population of Teamhair, or the 
 still more innocent babes, who will be the real sufferers from the 
 downfall of Teamhair." 
 
 " It is fearful to contemplate," said Banban. 
 
 "I understand not such fine logic," said Aedh Dubh ; "all I 
 know is that whatever the Abbot Ruadhan does is right. Rua- 
 dhan has cursed' Teamhair, therefore the malediction is just." 
 
 "Well, perhaps thou art a better theologian than I. All I 
 can say is that if such work continues, and if future abbots and 
 prelates imitate the conduct of Ruadhan, there may come a time 
 when there shall be neither cities nor kings in Eire to curse. 
 Then, perhaps, the Church will reign triumphant, and perhaps not. 
 It may be that the Church, or rather those who call themselves 
 the Church ; for I distinguish between the Church as a divine 
 institution, and those individual ecclesiastics who call them- 
 selves the Church in order to further their own personal ends 
 or political ambition." 
 
 Here Diarmaid, forgetting his infirmities, warmed into his 
 subject, as he continued : 
 
 " It may, perhaps, some time or other, suit the policy of the 
 ' Church ' in the last sense of that word, to curse, not one king, 
 or one city of Eire, but the entire population, from the highest 
 to the lowest, and every city, village, and acre of ground in the 
 whole country; and as Ruadhan and Brendan have done with 
 Teamhair, so some future ecclesiastics may do with Eire itself, 
 declare that no king or queen should ever again reign in that 
 cursed country. Ah ! but it may be that all these things will 
 bring their reward. If the Church will not tolerate Irish 
 kings, who love, and to the utmost of their power, benefit and 
 endow the Church ; if the Church will preach disloyalty and 
 disobedience to Irish laws and institutions, famed for their 
 justice and clemency, then, perhaps, at some future time the 
 successors of the men who do these things will be satisfied with 
 their work, and will preach to the descendants of the present 
 
A ROYAL VISITATION AND A CATASTROPHE. 303 
 
 population loyalty, obedience, and service unto death, to what- 
 ever foreign masters they shall appoint to govern the land ; and 
 instead of lording it over native sovereigns, they will only be 
 too proud to be allowed to kiss the feet of their foreign masters, 
 and be thankful for small remissions of perpetual punishments." 
 
 "Thou art not over respectful to the Church, O Diarmaid, 
 that thou speakest so," said Aedh Dubh. 
 
 " I tell thee, O son of Suibhne, that I mean only particular 
 members — dignitaries, if thou wilt — who prefer their own private 
 interests or public party or political strife to the real interests 
 and glory of the Church ; and who merely use the latter to give 
 prestige and sanction to the former." 
 
 " To whom dost thou allude, O Diarmaid ?" asked Aedh 
 Dubh. 
 
 " To all to whom it applies, whether they are yet in exist- 
 ence or whether they have yet to be born." 
 
 " Well, I neither know nor care aught for those who have 
 yet to be born ; but if by those who are yet in existence thou 
 includest Ruadhan of Lothra, I tell thee to beware," said Black 
 Hugh, growing blacker still. 
 
 " I include all who deserve it," said the Ardrigh ; " and now 
 I would know how long is it since thou didst become so loyal 
 and devoted a son of the Church ?" 
 
 " Well," answered Aedh Dubh, " much as I detest thee, O 
 Diarmaid, I will answer thy question. I care not a screapdl* for 
 the Church, according to thy first definition of it, that of a divine 
 institution ; but thy second definition of the Church is another 
 matter. I care very much for the Church as a political body 
 and for some of those ecclesiastics whom thou so much abhorrest. 
 Ruadhan of Lothra is my best friend, and I will not tolerate his 
 actions being brought before thy bar of justice." 
 
 " Were Ruadhan of Lothra in his proper place he would 
 stand before me a supplicant for pardon and mercy." 
 
 " Darest thou speak thus of my personal friend ; then take 
 that, and with it learn that the curses of so holy a man are not 
 an empty sound." 
 
 Uttering these words, Aedh Dubh, like a flash of lightning, 
 raised his sword and with it pierced the unfortunate monarch, 
 who fell into the arms of Banban. 
 
 Banban had been all the time standing listening to the fore- 
 going dialogue, but himself scarcely uttering a word. How- 
 ever, on- hearing the last words, and perceiving the quick action 
 
 * A threepenny piece. 
 
304 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 of Aedh Dubh, he instinctively rnshed between the monarch and 
 his assailant, but only succeeded in preventing the sword from 
 piercing the heart. But as Diarmaid fainted away and fell back 
 upon . the nearest imda, despite Banban's support, the treache- 
 rous assassin, dreading that Diarmaid should now live, again 
 lifted his sword, this time directing it at his neck, and nearly 
 severed the head from the body. 
 
 The assassin fled, but Banban, laying the fainting Ardrigh on 
 the imda, ran out of the hall, and fortunately encountered Diar- . 
 maid's physician — one of the "Ten,'^ — whom he sent in to his 
 master. Then he raised his voice and called loudly for assist- 
 ance. Diarmaid's anam-chara, or soul's friend, and all the other 
 members of the " Ten" as well as Banban's servants, were soon 
 around the dead monarch. The physician declared that not a 
 spark of life was in him when he examined him. The anam- 
 chara knelt down to recite the prayers for the dead, and all 
 present followed his example. When they arose, he addressed 
 a few feeling words to them, asking their continual prayers for 
 their late dear sovereign, who, he assured them, had for a con- 
 siderable time past been a model of every Christian virtue, and 
 he concluded by expressing a hope, that as he was sorely tried 
 in this world in his capacities, both of a man and a king, that 
 his happiness and glory would be the greater now in heaven. 
 The words of the priest consoled those present, but it could not 
 entirely silence the lamentations with which they bewailed their 
 king. Someone asked Banban had he taken any steps towards 
 the arrest of the assassin, but he replied that he had escaped 
 before he could do aught to prevent him, but that he had set 
 the officers of justice on his track. 
 
 AH c-seACuttiA'o CAibi'oit. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 ABlACAt) AjA-opij n^ e|\ionn. 
 
 THE FUNERAL OF THE MONARCH OF IRELAND. 
 
 When the Fianna returned in the evening their surprise, grief, 
 and horror may be imagined. They could scarcely realise the 
 terrible woe that had fallen upon them. The mna caointe soon 
 
THE FUNERAL OF THE MONARCH OF IRELAND. 305 
 
 appeared and chanted over the late king the wild, weird songs 
 of woe and glory. When the news got abroad great were the 
 crowds that flocked from all parts to Magh Line. As succeeding 
 days spread the news through every part of Eire, the populations 
 of the five kingdoms sent deputations to attend on their behalf 
 the funeral of the Ardrigh. Those deputations accordingly 
 began to arrive day after day, and amongst them one day came 
 the greatest of all, the deputation from Teamhair, the capital city 
 itself, and with it the two sons of Diarmaid. But we will not 
 dwell on the heart-breaking scene which then took place, nor 
 upon the description which these Temorians gave of the effect 
 which the terrible news produced in that city. Suffice it to say, 
 there was weeping, groaning, and lamentations in every house 
 in Teamhair. The following days brought deputations from the 
 more distant portions of the country. At length when all who 
 were expected had arrived, the arrangements for the funeral 
 were brought to completion. The great and grand, though 
 sombre, funeral car, drew up before Rath Beg. The white 
 marble coffin, containing the body without the head was placed 
 thereon, amidst universal lamentation. All the ensigns of 
 royalty were there ; all the flags of the nation were there furled — 
 the Gal Greina surmounting them all. 
 
 All the nobility, clergy, gentry, traders, merchants, farmers, 
 ollamhain, and all sorts of people, rich and poor, assembled 
 to pay the last honours to the remains of the Ardrigh. All 
 the grand chariots had their gorgeous coverings covered 
 over again with black silk or satin edged and otherwise 
 adorned with silver lace. Diarmaid's own carbad thus arrayed 
 was drawn unoccupied in the great procession. The clergy 
 and monks from several monasteries, including that to which 
 the remains were being brought, also Cluain Irared, Cluain 
 Mac Nois, Ardmacha, Inisfallen, Ceananus, Scryne, and 
 hundreds of others, walked four abreast, and chanted the 
 Office for the Dead through all the streets, roads, &c., through 
 which the procession passed. On and on it crept for seven 
 miles northward, until it reached Conchobhar,* when it 
 stopped at the Church of St. Macnisese, the oldest foundation 
 in Eire. Here King Diarmaid's body was interred, amidst 
 prayers, psalms, and lamentations. Great, however, as was the 
 grief and woe of the people, they could not but feel for the much 
 more natural and genuine sorrow of Diarmaid's two sons, Aedh 
 Slane and Colman Beg. However, there is an end to all things ; 
 
 * Connor, in county Antrim. 
 
3o6 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA, 
 
 SO the sad ceremonial over, all again returned, some of the 
 people of Conchobhar and surrounding country to their homes, 
 and others who had come with the funeral returned with their 
 companions to take part in another ceremony — the funeral of 
 Diarmaid's head — which according to his own oft-expressed 
 desire that his body should be buried in Cluain MacNois, was now 
 to be brought thither, as the most that could be done under the 
 circumstances. Accordingly a silver shrine was ordered, and 
 into this Diarmaid's head was put, and in a few days afterwards 
 all set out again, this time passing the northern banks of 
 Loch n-Eathach,* and travelling southward through the heart 
 of the country to Cluain Mac Nois. At every point aleng 
 the route they were joined by fresh contingents of nobles and 
 people : the Righ Cuicidh, or Provincial Kings ; the Righ 
 Tuathas, or Tribe Kings ; the greater part of all the various 
 classes of aires, or flaiths ; all the agricultural, literary, me- 
 chanical, trading, and military classes of all the five kingdoms 
 were there in great force, on foot, on horseback, and in chariots. 
 All the churches and monasteries of Eire — save those of Lothra, 
 Birr, and a few others, who sympathised with these latter — sent 
 as many of their monks and priests as possible. The abbots 
 themselves and the bishops were there. Myriads of students, . 
 native and foreign, also came in their hundreds of thousands to 
 do honour to the memory of their late monarch ; but the poor 
 were loudest of all in their lamentations for their friend and 
 benefactor. • 
 
 Increasing in bulk as it went along, the sad procession was 
 likewise lengthened by accessions from all the rivers, which 
 brought mourners from Alba, Britain, the Isles, Gaul, &c., 
 including priests, bishops, and monks from Irish foundations in 
 those countries, former pupils of Irish colleges and schools, as 
 also the Galli, Brittani, and Albani themselves. The multitudes 
 ofmonks and clergy chanted OflBces for the Dead in turn all along 
 the whole route. This was relieved by the cepoy, or funeral 
 dirge, which recounted the descent and exploits of the dead. It 
 was chanted by the mourning bards, assisted by their pupils and 
 the family mourners, while the professional mourners sang the 
 accompaniment in melancholy strains and in measured notes to 
 correspond with the metre of the dirge. Then the Fenian army, 
 who turned out with all the honours, contributed their share in 
 paying the last public mark of respect to the deceased monarch. 
 All the military musical instruments were put in requisition, and 
 
 * Lough Neagh. 
 
THE FUNERAL OF THE MONARCH OF IRELAND. 307 
 
 played now the Camhadh,or Lamentations (without words); again 
 the Gol-truaighe, or melancholy music, exciting sorrow; then 
 the Cuigrath, or Lamentations (with words), sung by the bards, 
 dirge time; then the Calloid, or funeral elegy. Though 
 numerous groups from Teamhair had gone to meet it at almost 
 every point of the journey, when they reached the part of the 
 Boinn, nearest to Teamhair, and again when they arrived at Mul- 
 lingearr,* nearly the entire population of that city appeared to 
 have congregated at those points. At the latter place, also, the 
 Colleges of Cluain-Irared and Cluain Mac Nois, which had 
 already sent deputations to Magh Line, now appeared in such 
 force as to have it remarked that they had left those monas- 
 teries empty. From the time the funeral left Magh Line it 
 halted at all the churches and monasteries on its route. Pro- 
 ceeding still south-westward, theyat length arrived at their desti- 
 nation, and poured in their hundreds of thousands into the 
 termoinn lands of St. Ciaran. People had already congregated 
 here, and the rivers Sionnain and Brosna were black with 
 corachs and larger vessels as far as the eye could reach. The 
 furled flags and banners of many colours and myriad devices on 
 the river and in the grounds, now joined the multitudes of 
 similar ensigns which accompanied the funeral, headed by the 
 more important banners of the provincial kingdoms, and the 
 predominating Gal Greine. All the vehicles and horses being 
 left without, the multitude, or all who could, entered the 
 monastery gates. Soon every inch of ground of that large de- 
 mesne was covered with closely packed masses of human beings. 
 Many of the foreigners, perhaps schoolfellows of Diarmaid 
 and of Ciaran, or others who remembered the Eaglais Beg, or 
 Little Church, which Diarmaid had, after bestowing the land, 
 helped with his own royal hands to build with Ciaran Mac 
 an t-Saoir, were now astonished to see the noble pile of 
 buildings which Diarmaid's continued bountiful benefactions 
 and munificent patronage up to his death had enabled Ciaran's 
 successors to erect. The Eglais Beg, was now the centre around 
 which were grouped no less than seven churches, two cloige- 
 techs, or round towers, great school-rooms and lecture- halls, 
 and all the other necessary buildings to such an institution, 
 innumerable monastic cells, as well as an already large and 
 important town.f As soon as crowding would permit, the shrine 
 
 * Mullingar, in Westmeath. 
 
 + The ruins of those now form a picturesque object on the banks of the 
 Shannon, seven miles below Athlone. 
 
3o8 THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 containing Diarmaid's head was brought into the principal 
 church, the doors and windows being left open, and here and 
 in the other churches and without, hundreds of Masses were 
 offered up, and thousands of religious chanted the divine offices, 
 the abbots, priests, and monks of Cluain Mac Nois and Cluain 
 Irared taking lead. This over, the shrine containing the 
 monarch's head was interred with his first and second queens, 
 and his brother, Maelmordha Mac Argatan, and his own son, 
 Colman M6r, amidst the heartrending cries and inconsolable 
 grief of his people. Then Amerghin Mac Amlaigh, the Ard 
 Fileadh of the late Ardrigh, amidst universal silence, delivered 
 the paneric, or funeral oration, recounting the genealogy, deeds, 
 and virtue of the departed sovereign, and the loss sustained by 
 the city of Teamhair, the kingdom of Midhe, and the empire of 
 Eire and the colonies. When he had done, the Abbot of Cluain 
 Mac Nois delivered a religious address, praising the virtues, 
 charity to the poor, munificence and bounty of the late monarch 
 to the Church, his encouragement and patronage of education, 
 and wound up by asking of the assembled multitudes and all 
 their friends, who either could not hear him or were not present, 
 to remember the late beloved, but unfortunate sovereign in their 
 prayers to their dying day. 
 
 All being now over, the vast throng began to disperse, 
 having been refreshed in the proinnteach, or else in the biad- 
 tachs without ; friend met friend, and acquaintance greeted 
 acquaintance, and everybody condoled with all whom he met, 
 anent their mutual sorrow. Our old friend, Aristophanes, now 
 professor of Greek in Cluain-Irared College, who had come with 
 the rest, now met two of his old schoolfellows there. Can- 
 nach (Kenny), Abbot of Cill Cannaich (Kilkenny), and 
 Coemhghein (Kevin), Abbot of Gleann da Loch (Glendalough), 
 who had also come with the people of their respective parts of 
 the country to pay their last token of respect to their old 
 companion and late sovereign. The three friends shook 
 hands and expressed their grief for the loss of so dear a 
 friend. 
 
 " What thinkest thou now, O Aristophanes, of thy old friend, 
 Ruadhan ?" asked Cannach. 
 
 " I am disappointed in him, O Cannaich ; but after all, when 
 I think of his old grudge to Diarmaid, perhaps it is not so 
 surprising." 
 
 "But surely " asked Coemhghein, " thou dost not approve of 
 Ruadhan's revengeful conduct.'"' 
 
 " Nay, most certainly not. In fact his conduct is in- 
 
THE FtTNERAL OF THE MONARCH OF IRELAND. 309 
 
 explicable. I have loved him ever since my arrival at Cluain- 
 Irared ; but though no Eirenac,* I cannot express to ye the 
 grief and the sorrow his act has occasioned me. Is he really an 
 Eirenac, or is he of foreign extraction ?" 
 
 " No, he is no foreigner ; he is one of ourselves. It takes a 
 true Eirenac to hate and injure Eire. Every Eirenac prefers him- 
 self to his country." 
 
 " Strange, most strange," said Aristophanes. 
 
 "Thou oughtest to know us by this time," said Coemhghein. 
 
 " Yea, ye have a glorious country and a glorious history; but 
 how can it continue if your people — otherwise superior to the 
 inhabitants of any other country — are so selfish and un- 
 patriotic .''" 
 
 "These are hard words," said Cannach, "but I fear too 
 true. The words used by Diarmaid before his assassination in 
 Banban's rath, may have a prophetic meaning." 
 
 " Ah ; I heard of that ; but he could not know, he could 
 only surmise from what had passed under his own eyes." 
 
 True ; but is not that enough for a less intelligent man than 
 the late great king ?" 
 
 " But why does the Church insist upon such extravagant 
 power; why, no country could long survive what I have seen done 
 in Eire since I came hither." 
 
 " Oh, believe me, Aristophanes, it is not the Church ; every 
 individual monk or abbot is not the Church. I am an abbot, so 
 is my friend Coemhghein here, yet neither of us would do the 
 deed that Ruadhan had done for all the murderers in the 
 world." 
 
 " I believe that," said Aristophanes ; but I am sorry for 
 Ruadhan. If ever the churches and monasteries suffer from 
 foreign invasion, Ruadhan's monastery and his successors of 
 Lothra will not escape. But tell me, please, why should there be 
 any notice taken of the curse on Teamhair. Why should not 
 Diarmaid's son reign there as if nothing had happened ?" 
 
 "No; in the first place, Diarmaid's sons will not reign 
 at all, either at Teamhair or anywhere else, at least for the 
 present. They are too young, and besides the law of alternate 
 succession requires a prince of the Northern Hy Niall race to 
 reign now, as the late Ardrigh was the head of the Southern 
 Hy Nials.f 
 
 • Irishman. 
 
 t The [rish monarchs continued to take their title from Tara till the 
 Norman Invasion, and held conventions there for some time, but it was never 
 
3IO THE LAST MONARCH OF TARA. 
 
 " Ah, I had forgotten ; but might not they dwell in 
 Teamhair." 
 
 " They might if they liked ; but here our internal dissensions 
 come in again. Fergus and Domhnall, the two sons of our 
 former Ardrigh Muirchiertach Mac Earca, are the political foes 
 of the Damnonian dynasty, of which Diarmaid was the re- 
 presentative. They are, more'over, the fast personal friends of 
 the Abbot Ruadhan, and they will take pride and pleasure in 
 showing triumphantly to the nation that his sentence on their 
 late rival shall be carried out. Fergus and Domhnall, who as 
 thou knowest fought successfully many battles against Diar- 
 maid, will be crowned jointly Ard Righa na Erionn, and 
 Teamhair shall most certainly be deserted during their reign." 
 
 "I see it now," said Aristophanes; "but will not the sons of 
 Diarmaid be eligible to succeed them ?" 
 
 " Most certainly, if they live .?" 
 
 " Then might they not return to Teamhair }" 
 
 " It is hard to say. No one can tell how long it will be till 
 they come to the throne. Then, our people are so religious, 
 that perhaps, much as they grieve over the fall of their ancient 
 capital, they will have a scruple in attempting to save it in spite 
 of the Church." 
 
 " Well, well, I know what f would do, if I had the power ; 
 but perhaps your people are doomed to destruction. Let 
 Fergus and Domhall do what they will ; let them reign where 
 they please ; but if they would hand down their names with 
 
 afterwards used as a royal esidence. They never had any fixed place after, 
 but each chose for himself a residence most convenient or agreeable, usually 
 in their own hereditary principalities. Thus, the Northern Hy Nials resided 
 at the fortress of Aileach, near Derry, and those of the Southern Hy Nials, 
 first at the Rath near CastlepoUard — ^now called Dun Torgeis, having after- 
 wards become the residence of the Danish King, Turgesis — and subsequently 
 at Dun na Sciath, on the margin of Loch Ainninn, now Loch Ennell, near 
 Mullingar. 
 
 Diarmaid's son, Aedh Slaine, reigned when his turn came, and his pos- 
 terity reigned down to the English Invasion. 
 
 Moore says : " This desertion of Teamhair must have gradually led to 
 the disintegration of the Gaelic nation. Its tribes can no longer be said to 
 have had any common bond of union between them, any Pan Gaedalon 
 where they could meet in harmony and be reminded of their common origin. 
 Patriotism, if it ever had existence amongst them, dwindled down to mere 
 personal or family ambition, and henceforth they were the predestined prey of 
 any warlke rovers that might choose to mix themselves up in their intestine 
 quarrels. Thenceforth the Ui Niall or Ui Brian had as little sympathy with 
 the Eoganachts or the Dal-a-Gais as they had with the Saxon or the 
 Dane." 
 
THE FUNERAL OF THE MONARCH OF IRELAND. 31 1 
 
 honour to posterity, they must imitate, as far as they can, the 
 valour and chivalry, the justice and mercy, the ability, learning, 
 munificence, and virtue of Diarmaid Mac Fergus Mac Cear- 
 bhall. The Last Monarch of Tara. — Ard Righ Deighionach 
 NA Teamrach. 
 
 C 111 O C. 
 
 Printed by H. M. Gill & Son, 60 Upper Sackrille-street, Dublin.