Moreover, he promised, even were it in his power, not to assist them against Bryan ; but, he told the King of Munster his opinion, that the north- ern progress was then unseasonable, and might justly be deferred for another oppor- tunity, and, therefore,
Maelseachlainn
dis- suaded him from undertaking it.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v4
ii.
, Book xi.
, chap,
vi. , p. 245.
'" See Rev. James Wills' " Lives of lUus-
trious and Distinguished Irishmen," vol. i. Second Period, p. 203,
to Malachy, the monarch. See
"
Carabren-
sis Everus," vol. ii. , cap. ix. , pp. 34, 35. Rev. Dr. Kelly's edition.
'3 See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene-
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 359
CHAPTER V.
THE KING OF MUNSTER OBTAINS THE SUPREME RULE IN IRELAND—ROMANTIC AND ANNALISTIC ACCOUNTS OK THIS EVENT—SUBMISSION TO AND ALLIANCE OF MAEL- SEACHLAINN WITH BRYAN BOROIMHA—THEIR HOSTING LED AGAINST THE NORTHERNS—THIS EXPEDITION INTERRUPTED—-THE CONVENTION HELD AT DUN- DALK ACCEPTS BRYAN AS SUPREME MONARCH OVER IRELAND—HIS ROYAL PROGRESSES.
A GREAT political contest was looming before the minds of two powerful
rivals ; but, by mutual consent, peace had been observed, for some time, between these ambitious competitors. It was a strained forbearance, only
kept within bounds, by the danger of breaking ground in a rupture, the con- sequences of which neither Malachy nor Bryan could rightly forecast. How-
ever, the latter deemed, that crisis had opportunely come; and, he began to
form a league, which it was intended should deprive the monarch Malachy of
hiscrown. Bryan'sdaughterhadmarriedSitric,theDanishkingofDublin;
and now commenced, what our annalists call " the first turning of Bryan and
the Connaughtmen, against Maelseachlainn Mor. "' By some writers, it has
been asserted, that Malachy had been addicted to a life of pleasure, that he
became indolent,'^ and that the chiefs and people of Ireland deemed the hap-
piness of their country to have been sacrificed to his love of ease, and to his
diversions. 3 His want of greater energy, in checking the advances of the
foreigners, after the five first years of his reign, made a strong impression on
the chiefs of the kingdom, especially when they contrasted his apatliy, with
the restless and enterprising spirit of Bryan. This caused them to hope, that
the blessings of peace and subordination, then confined to Leath-Mogha,
should extend to all the people. It is said, that a convention of chiefs, repre-
senting the different states of Connaught and of Munster, was held ; and, as
a result of their deliberations, that deputies were sent to require the deposition
of Malachy, as he neither exerted himself like a prince, in defence of his
country, nor sufl! icicntly protected his subjects. * This convention is placed, at A. D. 1000,5 by some of our historical writers.
We have a romantic account of this important movement, and which, if not found conflicting with our authentic annals, at least, humanly speaking, bears in some particulars the impress of improbability, as related by some old chroniclers. ' Yet, several incidents laid down, may be quite reconcilable with the truth of genuine history, as also with the manners and themotives which actuatedtheleadingcharactersofthatperiod. Somethingmustbededucted from narratives, that have come down to us, when they proceed from very re- mote sources ; but, we are not wholly at liberty to withhold the account which follows. The deputies of the convention, we are told, expostulated with Malachy, and used the freedom to inform him, tliat a King of Ireland, who had at heart the happiness of his people, would never suffer the insolent attacks of the foreigners, to pass unavenged, as he did ; that the brave Bryan Boroimha undertook the cause of public liberty, and to repel the incursions
Chapter v. — ' This is deemed to have
been effected through yuile or treachery, ac-
cording to the o id book of Lecan, and, also,
according to 'I'iyhernach, the Annalist, who
* See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's " Gene-
ral History of Ireland," vol. li. . Book xi. ,
cliap. vi. , p. 246.
' See ibid.
' The narrative of these transactions is that
lived near this very
period.
' See Rev. Geoffrey Keating's "Gene- chiefly contained, in Dermod O'Connor's
ral History of Ireland," book ii. , p. 475. 'See Ferd. Warner's "History of Ire-
land," vol. i. , Book ix. , p. 404.
translation of Rev. Dr. Keating's "General History of Ireland. "
' This kind of language from the electors
36o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
of the haughty Danes. Therefore, it had been resolved by the chiefs, that he
deserved to wear the crown of Ireland, as he knew how to defend it, with
honour to himself, and how to ensure happiness for his subjects. In fine, those ambassadors declared, they were commissioned to acquaint Malachy, that
the nobility and gentry designed to dethrone him ; and, therefore, to prevent bloodshed and disturbance, they advised him to resign the supreme rule of his own accord, and to retire into a more private station of life. ? This represen- tation was received with the utmost scorn and indignation by Maelseachlainn, whoabsolutelyrefusedtocomply. Heresolvedtoenterintonotreatywith the nobility of Munster, who desired to meet him at a place called Magh da Caomhog. ^ Heinsisteduponhishereditaryrightsofpossession,andthese he determined to maintain, to the very last extremity. The King of Munster, informed by his messengers regarding the resolution of the monarch, had re- solved upon making use of force, to depose him, and to seize upon the crown. For this purpose, he raised an army of 20,000 veterans. ' These consisted of the Munster standing forces, and of the Danish auxiliary troops, whom he had received into pay, particularly those who held possessions in Leath
Mogha, and who, for that reason, owed homage and subjection to the King of Munster. At the head of his Momonian battalions. Bryan set out, and directed his march towards Tara. Before commencing hostilities, however, he despatched a herald to the King of Ireland. That herald had orders to summon Maelseachlainn to resign the throne, and to send hostages of the first quality to Bryan, the better to secure his future obedience. If the monarch refused tliis demand, the herald was to challenge him to submit their dispute, by adecisive battle, to the longestandsharpest sword. Surprised at this message, Maelseachlainn answered, that he was in no condition to give Bryan battle immediately, because his army was disbanded, and it should require some time to collect them together, nor was it out of cowardice he refused to meet the Munster army in the field. If Bryan would suspend hostilities, and allow him the respite of a month, to muster his forces, and particularly the troops of Leath Cuinn,'° the King of Ireland promised, he would accept the challenge ; or, if his subjects refused to support him in this resolution with men or money, he promised to send proper hostages, as a security for his obedience. HelikewisedesiredthecommissionersofMunster,tousetheir interest with Bryan, and so appeal to his generosity," that he would not permit his army to plunder Meath, but that he would restrain their incursions, and continue at Tara, until the time for the cessation of hostilities had expired. His ambassadors returned with this answer to the Munster King, who accepted theconditionsproposed. Bryancommandedhisofficerstocontinuethesoldiers peaceably in their quarters, until further orders were given. Meantime, Maelseachlainn convened the principal nobility of Leath Cuinn. He opened the whole case, and advised with them, regarding this important subject. He despatched messengers, moreover, to most of the petty princes in the king-
of Ireland was not unusual. The Catlia- Cnucha relates, that in the reignof Conn of the Hundred Baltics, the states con\-ened at Tara, before the occurrence of the battle,
p. 246.
from which tlie record is nam—ed, addressed "
"General History of Ireland," vol. ii. . Book
xi. , chap, vi. , p. 247. '"
See, also, Cojax)! ! 5AeT)het lie JdL-
l-aibh, edited by Rev. James Henthorn
Tudd, chap. Ixxii. , pp. 118, 110.
"
See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene- ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. . Book xi. , chap, vi.
the monarch in these terms
:
Resign, O
King, the throne of Tara to some prince
more worthy, since you do not protect your
subjects from tlie incursions of Cumhal, and the children of Cathoir-More. " See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "General History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. , chap, vi. .
* fied.
It does not seem to have been identi-
9
According to Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's
'
dom, to demand their assistance. He sent Giolla Comhgall," by some his- torians called Abbot of Bangor, whom he retained as his antiquary,'3 to the great Hugh O'Neill, the most powerful chief in Ulster,'-* to require his pro- portion of troops, in this pressing emergency, upon which his crown and the securityofhispersondepended. IfO'Neillrefusedtosupplyhim\yithhis
quota of troops, he was warned to provide hostages and to send them, as an evidence of his subjection and obedience to Bryan Boroimha, King of Munster ; for, these were the terms he was bound to comply with, and which, although severe in themselves, yet the necessity of affairs should oblige him
to accept. That antiquary had a commission, to dehver the same message to Eochaidh, son of Ardgail, King of Ulster, as also to Cathal, son to O'Connor,KingofConnaught. Herequiredtheirimmediateassistance,and
if they were unwilling to support the monarch against the Munster army, he had orders to represent, that if the King of Ireland was forced to resign his crown, and to surrender the royal seat of Tara, where the Irish monarchs had resided for so many ages, it could be no reproach to him, because he was denied the assistance of his subjects. He was instructed to declare, moreover, that such dishonour should more immediately affect the O'Neills, and the principal nobility of Leath Cuinn, whose ancestors had been in possession of the Irish throne, for so many successive generations. 'S
Themessengerwasveryfaithful,intheexecutionofhisorders; and,when
herepresentedall thosecircumstances,andthenecessityoftheking'saffairs, to the nobility of Leath Cuinn, the answer he received from Hugh O'Neill
was, that when the royal seat of Tara was possessed by Eoghan's posterity, his own great ancestors defended it against all external attempts. Therefore, it was reasonable, that those who were its masters should secure themselves in the possession or deliver it up ; but, with regard to himself, he absolutely refused to assist the King of Ireland, who had lost the affections of his people, or to draw upon himself the displeasure and resentment of the noble tribe of theDailgais,whosefriendshipheesteemed. Wherefore,hedeterminedto takenopartinthatdispute. GiollaComhgaillreturnedwiththisunwelcome answer to the King of Ireland.
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 361
and that the princes, reflecting
— of non-compliance Hugh
O'Neill
might
be
injurious consequences
ce of his
example
" This means " the servant ofComhgall. "
We find no corresponding name in our An-
nals. liut, in the year 1016, a Dermot
O'Maoltealcha, successor of Comgall, died.
He is said to have been a learned scholar, a
and he is stated to have been Ollum or poet of Ulaid.
'• See the account of these transactions, as furnished in Dr. Sylvester O'llalluran's General History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book
scribe, and a bishop. See Rev. William xi. , c'lap. vi. , p. 248.
"
Reeves'
Connor and Dromore," Appendix A, sect, iv. , p. 154.
'5 This accords with the account, contained
in the Cos-jriVi J^ieohel, Tie Jalldibli, and, there too, is introduced the Irish poem, com-
Ecclesiastical Antiquities ofDown,
Finding himself abandoned by the petty
attended with
might prevail upon others to withdraw their supplies Maelseachlainn resolved to pay a visit in person, and to persuade the northern prince, if pos- sible, to interest himself in his cause. As an argument, which the monarch thought irresistible, he offered, rather than the royal seat of Tara might fall under the power of Bryan Boiroimha, that he should resign his own right, and if O'Neill used his utmost efforts to defend the monarchy against the enemy, Maelseachlainn engaged toconfirm him, in thepossession of that ancient seat of power, and in the lands belonging to it ; while he promised for him- self and for his successors, that no claim should be revived, and that the
'3 In the Irish Tract, CogA-oh JaeDhel posed by Gilla Comgaill O'Slebhin, and He SaLLiibh, he is called 51LLA Com^AilL addressed to Aodh O'Neill. See chap, Ixxii. , «<» Stebiti, or Gilla Comgaill O'Slebhin, Ixxiii. , pp. 120 to 127.
since the influen—
362 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23,
monarchy should descend without oppo'sition to O'Neill's posterity. So vio- lent was the resentment, felt by the King of Ireland against Bryan Boiroimhe, that he had resolved to disappoint those designs of the Munster king, at any sacrifice; particularly, he intended, that the seat of Tara, which was the high court of the Irish monarchs, should not fall into the hands of Bryan. On hearing such proposals, Hugh O'Neill desired to be excused from giving an immediate answer, and he insisted upon time, to convene the principal nobi- lity of Siol Eogain, in order to ascertain their sentiments and opinions, upon
amatterofsuchgreatimportance. Accordingly,whentheassemblymet,he communicated to them the cause for the King of Ireland's arrival, and the
seemingly advantageous proposals he offered, if they would support him against the King of Munster, and the army that was raised against him, by the tribe of the Dailgais. After some debates, the chiefs of Siol Eogain cametoaresolution,nottoconcernthemselveswiththeKingofIreland; for, they suspected his intentions and offers, supposing he did not design to renounce Tara, after his own affair was accomplished, and when he found himselfsecurelyestablishedonthethrone. Accordingly,theyadvisedHugh O'Neill, that he should return a courteous answer to the King of Ireland, but, with an absolute refusal, to act in a quarrel of that consequence, which might possibly draw upon him new enemies, and whose resentment might prove his destruction. '*
The representatives in that convention perceived, however, that they might procure some advantages for themselves, through the misfortunes and exigenciesoftheKingofIreland. Therefore,aftersomeconsideration,they imagined, that the answer agreed upon at their meeting might be altered or modified. Although they seemed satisfied, that if they joined the King of Ireland's army against the forces of Munster, they might lose their lives, and that scarce a man of them sliould return home—especially since they were to
the martial and invincible tribe of the Dailgais, who never turned their
engage
backs,andwhoweretheconstantscourgesoftheDanes yettheyresolved
to venture assistance for the King of Ireland, and to raise a competent force, on condition that they might find a recompense, equal to the hazard, and that he should deliver to them one-half of the Meathian country, and the lands of
Tara for a reward. They had resolved, too, if they did not meet with success in the expedition, that their wives and children should be sufficiently provided for ; and, although they might lose their lives, it was deemed their duty to takeapropercarefortheinterestsoftheirposterity. Accordingly,thesepro- posals in such terms were offered to Maolseachluin, who received them with indignation, apprehending them to be exorbitant and unjust. Therefore, he left O'Neill, and with his retinue returned to his own court. Under such disappointments, he was undetermined what course to adopt, and therefore he summoned the principal men of Clan Colman, to assist him with their advice. He represented to the tribal nobility the deplorable state of his affairs, and particularly he informed them, about the insolence and haughty demands of Hugh O'Neill, as also those of the Siol Eogain chiefs. He requested withal, that they would not leave him in this extremity, but that they should continue their fidelity to him, at this time, and when he had most occasion for their counsel and assistance. The clans, assembled upon that emeroency, weighing even the minutest circumstance of the case, came to this resolution, that being unable to meet the King of . Munster in the field, and to decide the dispute by force of arms, their monarch should make his submis-
'' The narrative in the text, although more CojA'oh jAeroheL Re 5<ill<iibh. See chap, circumstantial, agrees with that in the Ixxiv. , pp. 126 to 131.
—
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 363
sion to Bryan Boiroimha, and immediately go to his camp at Tara, where he had lain for a month, and there, to offer him his future obedience. This ad-
vice was complied with by Maelseachlainn, who taking with him twelve hundred horse, arrived at the King of Munster's camp. '? He was soon ad-
mitted into the presence of Bryan Boiroimha, who received him with great
courtesy, and there accepted his submission. '* As the monarch had come
without guarantee or protection, and depending solely on the honour of his rival, the latter touched with his misfortunes, and assured of his submission, refused to take hostages, which were tendered. ''
For this romantic account, in all its statements, we may rest assured, there ishardlygoodauthority. OurannalsrelatethedepositionofMalachy,andthe success of Bryan, in a briefer and more prosaic fashion, as we are now about to give the best received accounts. In all probability, the King of Munster had a clear perception of the fact, which can now be so easily inferred, that his object, by the issue of a very important expedition had been quietly secured; and,ifso,thereneedsnofurtherreasonforanyforbearance,which
saved his force, which avoided an unnecessary risk, and which ensured their
'' If we are to credit the account given in theBruodin Chronicle, quoted by O'Halloran, on this occasion Malachie waited on Bryan at Tara, with the crown on his head, the
sceptre in his hand, and all the regalia. Thii
statement, and tlie speeches which followed,
are ingeniously and pathetically reported, 'with an affecting scene of Malachy in tears
northwards with his army, and to watch the motions of Hugh O'Neill, and Eochaidh,
son to Ardgail, King of Ulster. If he found these mclined to oppose him, Bryan
resolved to engage them, and he said, more- over, that he should not be surprised if Maol- seachluin should juin his northern confede- rates, and fight against him, since he was
yielding to Bryan's embrace ; but, they willing to hazard his cause upon the issue of
may well be relegated to the imaginative flights of fancy, on the part of the narrator.
'*
In addition to what is recorded in the
text, we are told, that Maolseachlainn so re-
sented the treatment he received from Hugh
O'Neill, that he informed Bryen of what had
passed ; and, notwithstanding, that his un-
fortunate circumstances obliged him to sub-
mit, yet he still retained so much of tlie
kingly spirit, be told the Munster potentate,
that his submission was no reflection upon
his personal courage, for he had fully deter-
mined to give him battle, if his subjects had
allowedhimtohaveacompetentforce. He
declared, therefore, his present tender of able to the condition of his army ; for, the obedience, to be the result of invincible ne-
cessity, and which it was out of his power to
overrule. This ingenuous declaration made
such an impression upon the King of Mun-
ster, that he was sensibly affected with the
posture of the fallen monarch's affairs. It is
furthermore related, that Bryan promised, if
his adversary had any prosi)ect of retrieving
Hiedifficulties under which helay, Bryan would
forego the advantages now had, and allow
him a year's respite, to repair his broken for-
tune. Then, he engaged to meet Xlaelseach-
lainn in the field, and there decide the contro-
ver:>y by the sword ; and, Bryan further en-
gaged, that he would rely U|ion Maelseach-
lainn's honour, for the execution of those
termsalreadyarranged,aftertheyearhadex-
pired, and that he would not insist upon
hostages, as a security for their perlormance.
la the meantime, be proposed to march Uxiii. , Ixxiv. , Ixxv. , pp. 130 to 133.
a battle, and that the victor should afterwards enjoy the crown of Ireland without further disturbance. Moved with the generosity of the Momonian king, Maelseachlainn as- surred him, that he abhorred such ungrateful and dishonourable practices.
Moreover, he promised, even were it in his power, not to assist them against Bryan ; but, he told the King of Munster his opinion, that the north- ern progress was then unseasonable, and might justly be deferred for another oppor- tunity, and, therefore, Maelseachlainn dis- suaded him from undertaking it. This ad- vicewasacceptedbyBryen,anditwassuit-
greater part of his provisions was now ex-
hausted, and he was in no capacity to attempt
such a journey, or to execute such a design.
Bryen therefore decamped from Taia, and
directedhismarchhomewards; but,firsthe
made a present of 240 fine horses to the Irish
monarch, and he bestowed very munificent
gifts of gold and silver upon his retinue.
The two kings parted in great friendship, and with all the outward testimonies of affec-
tion and respect. Bryen Boiroimha returne<l to his court in Munster, wHle Maolseach- lainn took upon himself the care of his government, and the administration of the
publicaffairs. SeeDr. JeoffreyKeating's "Ge- neral Historyof Ireland," . Second Hook, pp. 476to481. TranslatedbyDermodO'Cunnor.
" See Cogd'oh 5<seDheL lie 5o,LUibh, edited by Rev. James Henthoin Todd, chap.
364 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
golden opinions, from all classes of his subjects. The view here taken of
Bryan's cautious policy, if not absolutely affirmed, is strongly justified, by the concurring conduct, both of himself and of those excluded branches, con- nected with the monarchical family. '^" Collecting the chiefs and forces of South Connaught, in the year 1000, with the men of Ossory and of Leinster, as also with the forces of Munster, and strengthening himself additionally, by a strong party of the foreigners, settled in Dublin, Bryan marched towards the royal seat of Tara. ^' This bold movement brought him to the very centre of
Malachy's possessions. ''^ Discovering that the monarch had then taken up a position, on the plain of Bregia, Bryan detached in advance of his army a party of Danish cavalry. Most probably, this military movement was for the purpose of making observations. However, these allies had a collision with
Malachy's force. Rashly pressing on, they experienced a hard fate in theen- counter, for they were cut almost to pieces. ^s Afterwards, Bryan's army proceeded to Fearta-Neimheadh,''' in Magh Breagh ; but, finding the army of Malachy to be superior, the King of Munster deemed it prudent to retreat, when he had arrived, on the scene for action. Without plundering or burn- ing, or daring to risk a battle, he retraced his course, and retired from Meath. Nor were the men of Munster more successful, the following year, when they caused a great depredation, in the south of Meath, and on the Nones of January, looi, when Aengus, son of Carrach, with a few of his people, over- took them, recovered the spoils, and killed several, whose heads were borne off, as trophies of the victory. Afterwards, Maelseachlainn, King of Ireland, and Cathal Ua Conchobhai, in friendly alliance, agreed to raise a causeway or artificial ford, at Ath-liag,'5 now Lanesborough, each carrying his portion of the work to the middle of the Shannon. '*
In the following year, 1002,^7 the powerful rival of Maelseachlainn having marched to Ath-Luain, with a hosting ofMunstermen, Leinstermen and foreigners, found himself at the head of a strong force. Thus, he weakened the Ui-Neill of the south and the Connaughtmen, while he took their hostages. '^ Neither help for the monarch in his hour of trial, nor pity for his misfortune,^' was then to be found. However, Maelseachlainn was allowed to retain the peaceable possession of Tara, and the crown lands of Meath ; while he acknowledged Bryan as his suzerain. 3° Without a blow to retrieve the honour of his house, the " descendant of a series of fifty Hy-Niell Kings "3'
became a subject. The fallen monarch pledged his allegiance to Bryan, as
"> See Rev. James Wills' " Lives of lUus- trious and Distinguished Irishmen," vol. i. , Second Period, pp. 203, 204.
"'See Dr. O' Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 742, 743.
" Histoire de
Regnault's rirlande," liv. i. , chap, v. , p. 54.
and n. (r).
'' According to the most authentic com-
putation.
'* The " Annales Ultonienses" notice this
event, under the year lOOi. See Rev. Dr.
'"See Elias
O'Connor's " Rerum Hibemicarimi
Scrip-
'3 This event is placed, under the year
999, alias 1000, in the " Annales Ultonien-
ses. " See Rev. Dr. O'Connor's " Rerum lected, including the proceedings of Brian,
HibernicarumScriptores,"tomus iv. , p. 292. ^* This is translated, Neimhidh's Grave. Dr. O'Donovan thinks the place to be Fear-
from the deposition of Maelseachlain, or Malachy, the last of the line of the Hy-Niall Monarchs of Ireland, to the battle of Clon-
"
tagh, in the parish of Moynalty, barony of tarf. See John O'Donoghue's Historical
Lower Kells, and county of Meath.
°5 The Annals of Ulster state, at this same year, that both of these potentates raised a tochar, or road, at Atlia Luain, now Ath-
lone.
"'' See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of
Memoirs of the O'Briens, chap, iii. , pp. 24
to 37.
=" See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene-
ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. . Book xi. , chap, vi. , p. 250.
of Ire-
3" gee Thomas Moore's "
the Four Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 744, 745, land," vol. ii. , chap, xxi. , p, lOO.
tores," tomus iv. , p. 293.
"^ In a work of very considerable merit,
curious and interesting matter has been col-
History
'
the future recognised King of Ireland ; although, to the close of his reign,
Maelseachlainn is said to have nourished a secret resentment against the vic-
tor. 3^ This event of Malachy's deposition has been referred to a. d. 996, in
Mageoghan's translation of the Annals of Clonmacnoise ;33 but, the more
exact chronology of Tighemach places it, at a. d. 1002. 34 The vast numeri-
cal superiority of Bryan's army made it evident, that nothing but defeat was
to be expected from resistance. The monarch therefore submitted, while
hostages35 weregivenbyhimselfandbytheConnaughtmen. Makingthose
appeals to the justice and generosity of his rival, and which suited the occa-
sion, he secured present safety by submission, and by giving security for his
future allegiance. It is unfair to assert, that in usurping the supreme power,
Bryan was clearly impelled by motives of selfish ambition •ff' for, we can well
conceive a political necessity, in urging this course, which should largely be taken into account.
—The year of Christ 1002, is held by some writers—such as the Four Mas-
ters to have been the first year of Bryan, as supreme monarch over Ireland. 37
At that period, he is thought tohaveattained the ripe age of seventy-six years. 3' He is said 39 to have been solemnly anointed and crowned by the Archbishop of Cashel,4° at Tara, in the presence of the princes and chief nobles of the land. '*' However,thestatementaboutBryan'sageisverymuchtobedoubted; and,it is thought, he had then only attained about the sixty-first year, when his de- posedrivalMaelseachlainnwasaboutfifty-three. <' Bryan'ssupremacywasnot readily acknowledged, however, especially in the northern division of Ireland. For this reason, an expedition had been planned, and his direction of it towards the quarter, where his authority was likely to be most questioned, was prudently conceived. Attempts have been made, according to the illus- trious bard and historian, Thomas Moore, to lend an appearance of popular
sanction to Bryan's usurpation, by the plausible pretence, that it was owing to the solicitation of the states and princes of Connaught, that he was induced
to adopt measures for the deposition of Malachy. *3 But, whatever may have been the originating causes for this action, we are informed, and on apparently goodauthority, that Bryanwas the best and most famous king of his time, during the twelve years of his reign, and that he was well worthy of the government ; nor had he a peer among the previous or subsequent monarchs of the Irish
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 365
nation,
" for and Manhood, Fortune, Manners, Laws, Liberality, Religion,
^ See Walter Harris' "History and Anti- quities of the City of Dublin, from the earliest Accounts," chap, ix. , p. 195.
dix, pp. 544, 545.
^^ See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. , ii. , pp. 746, 747.
" See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene-
35 The writer of this chronicle adds, that
was " in such man- ral of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book
Moyleseaghlyn deposed,
ner as I do not intend to relate in this place. "
History xi. , chap, vii. , pp. 253, 254.
Petrie's " Ecclesiastical
3* See Dr.
Architecture and Round Towers of Ireland," part ii. , sect, iii. , sub-sect. 3, p. 390.
*"
at this
the
George
Strictly speaking,
period,
pre-
's These were at first conveyed to Ath-
lone, and afterwards conducted to Bryan's
house. See Co5<M3h 5<jer)het Re JaV Cineidi, the son of Lorcan, witli his genea-
l^ibti, chap. Ixxvi. , pp. 132, 133.
logy traced back to Milesius, was monarch of Ireland, the multitude confirmed the choice, by giving what was called the Royal Shout.
<" . Such is the opinion of Dr. John O'Dono-
van, in "Annals of the Four Masters," vol.
* See Thomas Moore's " land," vol. ii. , chap, xxi. , p. 120.
of Ire-
5' There is a Genealogical Table of the several branches of the O'Briens, beginning with Brian Boroimhe, Monarch of Ireland, A. D. 1002, and his six
History
sons, Morrogh, Conor,
ii. , p. 747, n. (o).
<' . See " of History
xxi. , p, 120.
Ireland,"
vol.
ii. , chap.
Flan, Tcige, Donald, and Donogh, taken
from the Irish Annals, in John O'Donoghue's "
HistoricalMemoiroftheO'Briens,"Appen-
^ According to Mageoghegan's translation ofthe "Annals of Clonmacnoise," at A. D. 996.
late of that see was not invested with metro-
politan jurisdiction.
" It is related, when proclamation was made to the people, that Brien, the son of
366 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
many other good parts. "^* Nor is it easy, at this distance of time, to estimate
as it deserves, a revohition, which transferred the sceptre of Ireland from the
descendant of Heremon, the elder of Milead's sons, to a prince sprung from
the younger brother, Heber, and to find that object, for which Mogha Nuad-
hat contended in the second century, accomplished by Bryan Boroimha, in thebeginningoftheeleventh. ^ TheNorthernandtheSouthernHy-Nialls
had long previous to his reign divided the sovereignty between them. ** At the first entry of Bryan to supreme power in his kingdom, the whole realm was over-
run and overspread everywliere by the Northmen : the churches, abbeys, and other religious places, were by them quite razed and debased, or otherwise turned to vile, base, and abominable uses. Almost all the noblemen and gentlemen, with those that were distinguished, had been turned out oftheir lands and livings, without any hope of recovery or future redress. Some of the best persons were compelled to serve, and were held in bondage, while both human law and God's fear were set aside. *'
It has been supposed, notwithstanding, that Bryan could hardly have entailed any more ruinous evil upon the country, than to set an ex-
ample of contempt for established rights, thereby weakening, in the minds of the people, that habitual reverence for ancient laws and usages,
which was the only security afforded by the national character, for the preser- vation of public order and pe—ace. *' This consideration, however, takes only a partial view of the situation one greatly complicated by personal right or prerogative and by general interests, on both sides, or by public policy and uncertainty, at a very unsetded period of our history. The principles, which should guide national as individual morality, are well understood, in the ab- stract ; it is only when they are to be applied in practice, that difficulties arise to confuse the faculties, not alone of rulers and of their subjects, but even of conscientious moralists, having the most acute intellect and profound know- ledge of the rules for action. No opinion is historically well formed, which does not include a full and fair consideration of all the important circum-
"
*s See John O'Donoghue's Historical discipline, munificent to his friends, and
Memoir of the O'Briens," Mediasval Part, merciful to his enemies. He had a great
chap, ii. , pp. 22, 23.
^'In the work already quoteil, we find a
clear and intelligible list of the Irish mon-
archs, descendants of Niall of the Nine Hos-
tages, according to the chronology of the Four Masters. See ibid. , Preface xvii. to
share in the affections of the people, upon account of his many heroic victories and ac-
complishments, nor was it unjust or inglori- ous in him to make an attempt upon the
crown of Ireland, for it appears in this his-
tory, that the course of succession was often — interrupted, and hereditary rights laid aside ;
the was in some measure monarchy
elective, and generally fell into the hands of the most valiant and beloved by the people ; so that the aspersions that are fixed by some authors upon the characier of this Momonian prince, for thrusting himself by violence into the throne of Munsier are ill supported ; nor did he banished the Danes, made up the he violate any of the established l. iws, or act contrary to the constitution of the kingdom, The greatest part of the island he subdued by his arms, for he forced under his obedience all who refused to confess his authority; but thejustice and natural clemency of his tem- per soon procure<l him the affections of the people of all ranks and conditions, so that he was proclaimed by universal consent, and Maolseachluin was to the
xix.
" The Annals of Clonmacnoise add
:
" In sume it was strange how men of any fashion cou'd use other men as the Danes did use the Irish-men at that time. But King Bryan Borowe was a meet salve to cure such festered soares, all the phissick in the world cou'd not help it else where, in a small time
Churches and Religious houses, restored the nobility to their . -^ntient patrimony and pos- sessions, and iu fine, brought all to a notable reformation. "
** See Thomas Moore's " History of Ire-
land," vol. ii. , chap, xxi. , p. 120.
« A viudicatiim of Bryan is thus furnished
in Dermot O'Connor's Keating's "General
:
History of Ireland," as lollows —" And
obliged resign sceptre, and retire peaceajjly to the state of a
subject," Bookii. , pp. 482, 483.
worthy he was to command a kingdom of much larger extent, for he was a prince invin- cible in arms, of great experience in military
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 367
stances, bearing on passing or remote transactions ; yet, the kings and the people of that period were obliged to face dictates or obscurities of policy, and theurgentnecessitiesofcasesthatarose. NorweretherespectivestatesofIre- land of one accord, in reference to the past and existing condition of affairs. The superiority of Bryan's religious as also energetic character, and his re- markable abilities, caused him to be. idolized by the people; while his ascendant military genius pointed him out, as the leader best qualified to defend their national prosperity and liberty, against the machinations and forces of those powerful foreign colonists and invaders, who so frequently disturbed their domestic peace. '"
During the first year of Brian's reign, the Irish Annals record disturbances and outrages occurring, in various parts of the kingdom. A conference is said to have been held at Dun Delga, or Dundalk, between Bryan, and Aedh, with Eochaidh, from the northern parts of Ireland. A truce, which was to last for a year, obliged the latter, to observe peace with Maelseachlainn and the peo- ple of Connaught. s" Notwithstanding his signal victory over the supreme monarch, it required all the forecast, resolution, combination and vigilance, withademonstrationofmilitaryforce,onthepartofBrian; for,thedifferent branches of Hy-Nialls could hardly brook the fancied wrongs and humilia- tion sustained, by the head of their family. s' Timid yet sufficiently intelligi- ble attempts at disturbance followed. These were terminated, by a bolder effort, which gave occasion for Bryan to crush their disaffection.
vi. , p. 245.
'" See Rev. James Wills' " Lives of lUus-
trious and Distinguished Irishmen," vol. i. Second Period, p. 203,
to Malachy, the monarch. See
"
Carabren-
sis Everus," vol. ii. , cap. ix. , pp. 34, 35. Rev. Dr. Kelly's edition.
'3 See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene-
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 359
CHAPTER V.
THE KING OF MUNSTER OBTAINS THE SUPREME RULE IN IRELAND—ROMANTIC AND ANNALISTIC ACCOUNTS OK THIS EVENT—SUBMISSION TO AND ALLIANCE OF MAEL- SEACHLAINN WITH BRYAN BOROIMHA—THEIR HOSTING LED AGAINST THE NORTHERNS—THIS EXPEDITION INTERRUPTED—-THE CONVENTION HELD AT DUN- DALK ACCEPTS BRYAN AS SUPREME MONARCH OVER IRELAND—HIS ROYAL PROGRESSES.
A GREAT political contest was looming before the minds of two powerful
rivals ; but, by mutual consent, peace had been observed, for some time, between these ambitious competitors. It was a strained forbearance, only
kept within bounds, by the danger of breaking ground in a rupture, the con- sequences of which neither Malachy nor Bryan could rightly forecast. How-
ever, the latter deemed, that crisis had opportunely come; and, he began to
form a league, which it was intended should deprive the monarch Malachy of
hiscrown. Bryan'sdaughterhadmarriedSitric,theDanishkingofDublin;
and now commenced, what our annalists call " the first turning of Bryan and
the Connaughtmen, against Maelseachlainn Mor. "' By some writers, it has
been asserted, that Malachy had been addicted to a life of pleasure, that he
became indolent,'^ and that the chiefs and people of Ireland deemed the hap-
piness of their country to have been sacrificed to his love of ease, and to his
diversions. 3 His want of greater energy, in checking the advances of the
foreigners, after the five first years of his reign, made a strong impression on
the chiefs of the kingdom, especially when they contrasted his apatliy, with
the restless and enterprising spirit of Bryan. This caused them to hope, that
the blessings of peace and subordination, then confined to Leath-Mogha,
should extend to all the people. It is said, that a convention of chiefs, repre-
senting the different states of Connaught and of Munster, was held ; and, as
a result of their deliberations, that deputies were sent to require the deposition
of Malachy, as he neither exerted himself like a prince, in defence of his
country, nor sufl! icicntly protected his subjects. * This convention is placed, at A. D. 1000,5 by some of our historical writers.
We have a romantic account of this important movement, and which, if not found conflicting with our authentic annals, at least, humanly speaking, bears in some particulars the impress of improbability, as related by some old chroniclers. ' Yet, several incidents laid down, may be quite reconcilable with the truth of genuine history, as also with the manners and themotives which actuatedtheleadingcharactersofthatperiod. Somethingmustbededucted from narratives, that have come down to us, when they proceed from very re- mote sources ; but, we are not wholly at liberty to withhold the account which follows. The deputies of the convention, we are told, expostulated with Malachy, and used the freedom to inform him, tliat a King of Ireland, who had at heart the happiness of his people, would never suffer the insolent attacks of the foreigners, to pass unavenged, as he did ; that the brave Bryan Boroimha undertook the cause of public liberty, and to repel the incursions
Chapter v. — ' This is deemed to have
been effected through yuile or treachery, ac-
cording to the o id book of Lecan, and, also,
according to 'I'iyhernach, the Annalist, who
* See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's " Gene-
ral History of Ireland," vol. li. . Book xi. ,
cliap. vi. , p. 246.
' See ibid.
' The narrative of these transactions is that
lived near this very
period.
' See Rev. Geoffrey Keating's "Gene- chiefly contained, in Dermod O'Connor's
ral History of Ireland," book ii. , p. 475. 'See Ferd. Warner's "History of Ire-
land," vol. i. , Book ix. , p. 404.
translation of Rev. Dr. Keating's "General History of Ireland. "
' This kind of language from the electors
36o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
of the haughty Danes. Therefore, it had been resolved by the chiefs, that he
deserved to wear the crown of Ireland, as he knew how to defend it, with
honour to himself, and how to ensure happiness for his subjects. In fine, those ambassadors declared, they were commissioned to acquaint Malachy, that
the nobility and gentry designed to dethrone him ; and, therefore, to prevent bloodshed and disturbance, they advised him to resign the supreme rule of his own accord, and to retire into a more private station of life. ? This represen- tation was received with the utmost scorn and indignation by Maelseachlainn, whoabsolutelyrefusedtocomply. Heresolvedtoenterintonotreatywith the nobility of Munster, who desired to meet him at a place called Magh da Caomhog. ^ Heinsisteduponhishereditaryrightsofpossession,andthese he determined to maintain, to the very last extremity. The King of Munster, informed by his messengers regarding the resolution of the monarch, had re- solved upon making use of force, to depose him, and to seize upon the crown. For this purpose, he raised an army of 20,000 veterans. ' These consisted of the Munster standing forces, and of the Danish auxiliary troops, whom he had received into pay, particularly those who held possessions in Leath
Mogha, and who, for that reason, owed homage and subjection to the King of Munster. At the head of his Momonian battalions. Bryan set out, and directed his march towards Tara. Before commencing hostilities, however, he despatched a herald to the King of Ireland. That herald had orders to summon Maelseachlainn to resign the throne, and to send hostages of the first quality to Bryan, the better to secure his future obedience. If the monarch refused tliis demand, the herald was to challenge him to submit their dispute, by adecisive battle, to the longestandsharpest sword. Surprised at this message, Maelseachlainn answered, that he was in no condition to give Bryan battle immediately, because his army was disbanded, and it should require some time to collect them together, nor was it out of cowardice he refused to meet the Munster army in the field. If Bryan would suspend hostilities, and allow him the respite of a month, to muster his forces, and particularly the troops of Leath Cuinn,'° the King of Ireland promised, he would accept the challenge ; or, if his subjects refused to support him in this resolution with men or money, he promised to send proper hostages, as a security for his obedience. HelikewisedesiredthecommissionersofMunster,tousetheir interest with Bryan, and so appeal to his generosity," that he would not permit his army to plunder Meath, but that he would restrain their incursions, and continue at Tara, until the time for the cessation of hostilities had expired. His ambassadors returned with this answer to the Munster King, who accepted theconditionsproposed. Bryancommandedhisofficerstocontinuethesoldiers peaceably in their quarters, until further orders were given. Meantime, Maelseachlainn convened the principal nobility of Leath Cuinn. He opened the whole case, and advised with them, regarding this important subject. He despatched messengers, moreover, to most of the petty princes in the king-
of Ireland was not unusual. The Catlia- Cnucha relates, that in the reignof Conn of the Hundred Baltics, the states con\-ened at Tara, before the occurrence of the battle,
p. 246.
from which tlie record is nam—ed, addressed "
"General History of Ireland," vol. ii. . Book
xi. , chap, vi. , p. 247. '"
See, also, Cojax)! ! 5AeT)het lie JdL-
l-aibh, edited by Rev. James Henthorn
Tudd, chap. Ixxii. , pp. 118, 110.
"
See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene- ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. . Book xi. , chap, vi.
the monarch in these terms
:
Resign, O
King, the throne of Tara to some prince
more worthy, since you do not protect your
subjects from tlie incursions of Cumhal, and the children of Cathoir-More. " See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "General History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book xi. , chap, vi. .
* fied.
It does not seem to have been identi-
9
According to Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's
'
dom, to demand their assistance. He sent Giolla Comhgall," by some his- torians called Abbot of Bangor, whom he retained as his antiquary,'3 to the great Hugh O'Neill, the most powerful chief in Ulster,'-* to require his pro- portion of troops, in this pressing emergency, upon which his crown and the securityofhispersondepended. IfO'Neillrefusedtosupplyhim\yithhis
quota of troops, he was warned to provide hostages and to send them, as an evidence of his subjection and obedience to Bryan Boroimha, King of Munster ; for, these were the terms he was bound to comply with, and which, although severe in themselves, yet the necessity of affairs should oblige him
to accept. That antiquary had a commission, to dehver the same message to Eochaidh, son of Ardgail, King of Ulster, as also to Cathal, son to O'Connor,KingofConnaught. Herequiredtheirimmediateassistance,and
if they were unwilling to support the monarch against the Munster army, he had orders to represent, that if the King of Ireland was forced to resign his crown, and to surrender the royal seat of Tara, where the Irish monarchs had resided for so many ages, it could be no reproach to him, because he was denied the assistance of his subjects. He was instructed to declare, moreover, that such dishonour should more immediately affect the O'Neills, and the principal nobility of Leath Cuinn, whose ancestors had been in possession of the Irish throne, for so many successive generations. 'S
Themessengerwasveryfaithful,intheexecutionofhisorders; and,when
herepresentedall thosecircumstances,andthenecessityoftheking'saffairs, to the nobility of Leath Cuinn, the answer he received from Hugh O'Neill
was, that when the royal seat of Tara was possessed by Eoghan's posterity, his own great ancestors defended it against all external attempts. Therefore, it was reasonable, that those who were its masters should secure themselves in the possession or deliver it up ; but, with regard to himself, he absolutely refused to assist the King of Ireland, who had lost the affections of his people, or to draw upon himself the displeasure and resentment of the noble tribe of theDailgais,whosefriendshipheesteemed. Wherefore,hedeterminedto takenopartinthatdispute. GiollaComhgaillreturnedwiththisunwelcome answer to the King of Ireland.
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 361
and that the princes, reflecting
— of non-compliance Hugh
O'Neill
might
be
injurious consequences
ce of his
example
" This means " the servant ofComhgall. "
We find no corresponding name in our An-
nals. liut, in the year 1016, a Dermot
O'Maoltealcha, successor of Comgall, died.
He is said to have been a learned scholar, a
and he is stated to have been Ollum or poet of Ulaid.
'• See the account of these transactions, as furnished in Dr. Sylvester O'llalluran's General History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book
scribe, and a bishop. See Rev. William xi. , c'lap. vi. , p. 248.
"
Reeves'
Connor and Dromore," Appendix A, sect, iv. , p. 154.
'5 This accords with the account, contained
in the Cos-jriVi J^ieohel, Tie Jalldibli, and, there too, is introduced the Irish poem, com-
Ecclesiastical Antiquities ofDown,
Finding himself abandoned by the petty
attended with
might prevail upon others to withdraw their supplies Maelseachlainn resolved to pay a visit in person, and to persuade the northern prince, if pos- sible, to interest himself in his cause. As an argument, which the monarch thought irresistible, he offered, rather than the royal seat of Tara might fall under the power of Bryan Boiroimha, that he should resign his own right, and if O'Neill used his utmost efforts to defend the monarchy against the enemy, Maelseachlainn engaged toconfirm him, in thepossession of that ancient seat of power, and in the lands belonging to it ; while he promised for him- self and for his successors, that no claim should be revived, and that the
'3 In the Irish Tract, CogA-oh JaeDhel posed by Gilla Comgaill O'Slebhin, and He SaLLiibh, he is called 51LLA Com^AilL addressed to Aodh O'Neill. See chap, Ixxii. , «<» Stebiti, or Gilla Comgaill O'Slebhin, Ixxiii. , pp. 120 to 127.
since the influen—
362 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23,
monarchy should descend without oppo'sition to O'Neill's posterity. So vio- lent was the resentment, felt by the King of Ireland against Bryan Boiroimhe, that he had resolved to disappoint those designs of the Munster king, at any sacrifice; particularly, he intended, that the seat of Tara, which was the high court of the Irish monarchs, should not fall into the hands of Bryan. On hearing such proposals, Hugh O'Neill desired to be excused from giving an immediate answer, and he insisted upon time, to convene the principal nobi- lity of Siol Eogain, in order to ascertain their sentiments and opinions, upon
amatterofsuchgreatimportance. Accordingly,whentheassemblymet,he communicated to them the cause for the King of Ireland's arrival, and the
seemingly advantageous proposals he offered, if they would support him against the King of Munster, and the army that was raised against him, by the tribe of the Dailgais. After some debates, the chiefs of Siol Eogain cametoaresolution,nottoconcernthemselveswiththeKingofIreland; for, they suspected his intentions and offers, supposing he did not design to renounce Tara, after his own affair was accomplished, and when he found himselfsecurelyestablishedonthethrone. Accordingly,theyadvisedHugh O'Neill, that he should return a courteous answer to the King of Ireland, but, with an absolute refusal, to act in a quarrel of that consequence, which might possibly draw upon him new enemies, and whose resentment might prove his destruction. '*
The representatives in that convention perceived, however, that they might procure some advantages for themselves, through the misfortunes and exigenciesoftheKingofIreland. Therefore,aftersomeconsideration,they imagined, that the answer agreed upon at their meeting might be altered or modified. Although they seemed satisfied, that if they joined the King of Ireland's army against the forces of Munster, they might lose their lives, and that scarce a man of them sliould return home—especially since they were to
the martial and invincible tribe of the Dailgais, who never turned their
engage
backs,andwhoweretheconstantscourgesoftheDanes yettheyresolved
to venture assistance for the King of Ireland, and to raise a competent force, on condition that they might find a recompense, equal to the hazard, and that he should deliver to them one-half of the Meathian country, and the lands of
Tara for a reward. They had resolved, too, if they did not meet with success in the expedition, that their wives and children should be sufficiently provided for ; and, although they might lose their lives, it was deemed their duty to takeapropercarefortheinterestsoftheirposterity. Accordingly,thesepro- posals in such terms were offered to Maolseachluin, who received them with indignation, apprehending them to be exorbitant and unjust. Therefore, he left O'Neill, and with his retinue returned to his own court. Under such disappointments, he was undetermined what course to adopt, and therefore he summoned the principal men of Clan Colman, to assist him with their advice. He represented to the tribal nobility the deplorable state of his affairs, and particularly he informed them, about the insolence and haughty demands of Hugh O'Neill, as also those of the Siol Eogain chiefs. He requested withal, that they would not leave him in this extremity, but that they should continue their fidelity to him, at this time, and when he had most occasion for their counsel and assistance. The clans, assembled upon that emeroency, weighing even the minutest circumstance of the case, came to this resolution, that being unable to meet the King of . Munster in the field, and to decide the dispute by force of arms, their monarch should make his submis-
'' The narrative in the text, although more CojA'oh jAeroheL Re 5<ill<iibh. See chap, circumstantial, agrees with that in the Ixxiv. , pp. 126 to 131.
—
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 363
sion to Bryan Boiroimha, and immediately go to his camp at Tara, where he had lain for a month, and there, to offer him his future obedience. This ad-
vice was complied with by Maelseachlainn, who taking with him twelve hundred horse, arrived at the King of Munster's camp. '? He was soon ad-
mitted into the presence of Bryan Boiroimha, who received him with great
courtesy, and there accepted his submission. '* As the monarch had come
without guarantee or protection, and depending solely on the honour of his rival, the latter touched with his misfortunes, and assured of his submission, refused to take hostages, which were tendered. ''
For this romantic account, in all its statements, we may rest assured, there ishardlygoodauthority. OurannalsrelatethedepositionofMalachy,andthe success of Bryan, in a briefer and more prosaic fashion, as we are now about to give the best received accounts. In all probability, the King of Munster had a clear perception of the fact, which can now be so easily inferred, that his object, by the issue of a very important expedition had been quietly secured; and,ifso,thereneedsnofurtherreasonforanyforbearance,which
saved his force, which avoided an unnecessary risk, and which ensured their
'' If we are to credit the account given in theBruodin Chronicle, quoted by O'Halloran, on this occasion Malachie waited on Bryan at Tara, with the crown on his head, the
sceptre in his hand, and all the regalia. Thii
statement, and tlie speeches which followed,
are ingeniously and pathetically reported, 'with an affecting scene of Malachy in tears
northwards with his army, and to watch the motions of Hugh O'Neill, and Eochaidh,
son to Ardgail, King of Ulster. If he found these mclined to oppose him, Bryan
resolved to engage them, and he said, more- over, that he should not be surprised if Maol- seachluin should juin his northern confede- rates, and fight against him, since he was
yielding to Bryan's embrace ; but, they willing to hazard his cause upon the issue of
may well be relegated to the imaginative flights of fancy, on the part of the narrator.
'*
In addition to what is recorded in the
text, we are told, that Maolseachlainn so re-
sented the treatment he received from Hugh
O'Neill, that he informed Bryen of what had
passed ; and, notwithstanding, that his un-
fortunate circumstances obliged him to sub-
mit, yet he still retained so much of tlie
kingly spirit, be told the Munster potentate,
that his submission was no reflection upon
his personal courage, for he had fully deter-
mined to give him battle, if his subjects had
allowedhimtohaveacompetentforce. He
declared, therefore, his present tender of able to the condition of his army ; for, the obedience, to be the result of invincible ne-
cessity, and which it was out of his power to
overrule. This ingenuous declaration made
such an impression upon the King of Mun-
ster, that he was sensibly affected with the
posture of the fallen monarch's affairs. It is
furthermore related, that Bryan promised, if
his adversary had any prosi)ect of retrieving
Hiedifficulties under which helay, Bryan would
forego the advantages now had, and allow
him a year's respite, to repair his broken for-
tune. Then, he engaged to meet Xlaelseach-
lainn in the field, and there decide the contro-
ver:>y by the sword ; and, Bryan further en-
gaged, that he would rely U|ion Maelseach-
lainn's honour, for the execution of those
termsalreadyarranged,aftertheyearhadex-
pired, and that he would not insist upon
hostages, as a security for their perlormance.
la the meantime, be proposed to march Uxiii. , Ixxiv. , Ixxv. , pp. 130 to 133.
a battle, and that the victor should afterwards enjoy the crown of Ireland without further disturbance. Moved with the generosity of the Momonian king, Maelseachlainn as- surred him, that he abhorred such ungrateful and dishonourable practices.
Moreover, he promised, even were it in his power, not to assist them against Bryan ; but, he told the King of Munster his opinion, that the north- ern progress was then unseasonable, and might justly be deferred for another oppor- tunity, and, therefore, Maelseachlainn dis- suaded him from undertaking it. This ad- vicewasacceptedbyBryen,anditwassuit-
greater part of his provisions was now ex-
hausted, and he was in no capacity to attempt
such a journey, or to execute such a design.
Bryen therefore decamped from Taia, and
directedhismarchhomewards; but,firsthe
made a present of 240 fine horses to the Irish
monarch, and he bestowed very munificent
gifts of gold and silver upon his retinue.
The two kings parted in great friendship, and with all the outward testimonies of affec-
tion and respect. Bryen Boiroimha returne<l to his court in Munster, wHle Maolseach- lainn took upon himself the care of his government, and the administration of the
publicaffairs. SeeDr. JeoffreyKeating's "Ge- neral Historyof Ireland," . Second Hook, pp. 476to481. TranslatedbyDermodO'Cunnor.
" See Cogd'oh 5<seDheL lie 5o,LUibh, edited by Rev. James Henthoin Todd, chap.
364 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
golden opinions, from all classes of his subjects. The view here taken of
Bryan's cautious policy, if not absolutely affirmed, is strongly justified, by the concurring conduct, both of himself and of those excluded branches, con- nected with the monarchical family. '^" Collecting the chiefs and forces of South Connaught, in the year 1000, with the men of Ossory and of Leinster, as also with the forces of Munster, and strengthening himself additionally, by a strong party of the foreigners, settled in Dublin, Bryan marched towards the royal seat of Tara. ^' This bold movement brought him to the very centre of
Malachy's possessions. ''^ Discovering that the monarch had then taken up a position, on the plain of Bregia, Bryan detached in advance of his army a party of Danish cavalry. Most probably, this military movement was for the purpose of making observations. However, these allies had a collision with
Malachy's force. Rashly pressing on, they experienced a hard fate in theen- counter, for they were cut almost to pieces. ^s Afterwards, Bryan's army proceeded to Fearta-Neimheadh,''' in Magh Breagh ; but, finding the army of Malachy to be superior, the King of Munster deemed it prudent to retreat, when he had arrived, on the scene for action. Without plundering or burn- ing, or daring to risk a battle, he retraced his course, and retired from Meath. Nor were the men of Munster more successful, the following year, when they caused a great depredation, in the south of Meath, and on the Nones of January, looi, when Aengus, son of Carrach, with a few of his people, over- took them, recovered the spoils, and killed several, whose heads were borne off, as trophies of the victory. Afterwards, Maelseachlainn, King of Ireland, and Cathal Ua Conchobhai, in friendly alliance, agreed to raise a causeway or artificial ford, at Ath-liag,'5 now Lanesborough, each carrying his portion of the work to the middle of the Shannon. '*
In the following year, 1002,^7 the powerful rival of Maelseachlainn having marched to Ath-Luain, with a hosting ofMunstermen, Leinstermen and foreigners, found himself at the head of a strong force. Thus, he weakened the Ui-Neill of the south and the Connaughtmen, while he took their hostages. '^ Neither help for the monarch in his hour of trial, nor pity for his misfortune,^' was then to be found. However, Maelseachlainn was allowed to retain the peaceable possession of Tara, and the crown lands of Meath ; while he acknowledged Bryan as his suzerain. 3° Without a blow to retrieve the honour of his house, the " descendant of a series of fifty Hy-Niell Kings "3'
became a subject. The fallen monarch pledged his allegiance to Bryan, as
"> See Rev. James Wills' " Lives of lUus- trious and Distinguished Irishmen," vol. i. , Second Period, pp. 203, 204.
"'See Dr. O' Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 742, 743.
" Histoire de
Regnault's rirlande," liv. i. , chap, v. , p. 54.
and n. (r).
'' According to the most authentic com-
putation.
'* The " Annales Ultonienses" notice this
event, under the year lOOi. See Rev. Dr.
'"See Elias
O'Connor's " Rerum Hibemicarimi
Scrip-
'3 This event is placed, under the year
999, alias 1000, in the " Annales Ultonien-
ses. " See Rev. Dr. O'Connor's " Rerum lected, including the proceedings of Brian,
HibernicarumScriptores,"tomus iv. , p. 292. ^* This is translated, Neimhidh's Grave. Dr. O'Donovan thinks the place to be Fear-
from the deposition of Maelseachlain, or Malachy, the last of the line of the Hy-Niall Monarchs of Ireland, to the battle of Clon-
"
tagh, in the parish of Moynalty, barony of tarf. See John O'Donoghue's Historical
Lower Kells, and county of Meath.
°5 The Annals of Ulster state, at this same year, that both of these potentates raised a tochar, or road, at Atlia Luain, now Ath-
lone.
"'' See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of
Memoirs of the O'Briens, chap, iii. , pp. 24
to 37.
=" See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene-
ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. . Book xi. , chap, vi. , p. 250.
of Ire-
3" gee Thomas Moore's "
the Four Masters," vol. ii. , pp. 744, 745, land," vol. ii. , chap, xxi. , p, lOO.
tores," tomus iv. , p. 293.
"^ In a work of very considerable merit,
curious and interesting matter has been col-
History
'
the future recognised King of Ireland ; although, to the close of his reign,
Maelseachlainn is said to have nourished a secret resentment against the vic-
tor. 3^ This event of Malachy's deposition has been referred to a. d. 996, in
Mageoghan's translation of the Annals of Clonmacnoise ;33 but, the more
exact chronology of Tighemach places it, at a. d. 1002. 34 The vast numeri-
cal superiority of Bryan's army made it evident, that nothing but defeat was
to be expected from resistance. The monarch therefore submitted, while
hostages35 weregivenbyhimselfandbytheConnaughtmen. Makingthose
appeals to the justice and generosity of his rival, and which suited the occa-
sion, he secured present safety by submission, and by giving security for his
future allegiance. It is unfair to assert, that in usurping the supreme power,
Bryan was clearly impelled by motives of selfish ambition •ff' for, we can well
conceive a political necessity, in urging this course, which should largely be taken into account.
—The year of Christ 1002, is held by some writers—such as the Four Mas-
ters to have been the first year of Bryan, as supreme monarch over Ireland. 37
At that period, he is thought tohaveattained the ripe age of seventy-six years. 3' He is said 39 to have been solemnly anointed and crowned by the Archbishop of Cashel,4° at Tara, in the presence of the princes and chief nobles of the land. '*' However,thestatementaboutBryan'sageisverymuchtobedoubted; and,it is thought, he had then only attained about the sixty-first year, when his de- posedrivalMaelseachlainnwasaboutfifty-three. <' Bryan'ssupremacywasnot readily acknowledged, however, especially in the northern division of Ireland. For this reason, an expedition had been planned, and his direction of it towards the quarter, where his authority was likely to be most questioned, was prudently conceived. Attempts have been made, according to the illus- trious bard and historian, Thomas Moore, to lend an appearance of popular
sanction to Bryan's usurpation, by the plausible pretence, that it was owing to the solicitation of the states and princes of Connaught, that he was induced
to adopt measures for the deposition of Malachy. *3 But, whatever may have been the originating causes for this action, we are informed, and on apparently goodauthority, that Bryanwas the best and most famous king of his time, during the twelve years of his reign, and that he was well worthy of the government ; nor had he a peer among the previous or subsequent monarchs of the Irish
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 365
nation,
" for and Manhood, Fortune, Manners, Laws, Liberality, Religion,
^ See Walter Harris' "History and Anti- quities of the City of Dublin, from the earliest Accounts," chap, ix. , p. 195.
dix, pp. 544, 545.
^^ See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. , ii. , pp. 746, 747.
" See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "Gene-
35 The writer of this chronicle adds, that
was " in such man- ral of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book
Moyleseaghlyn deposed,
ner as I do not intend to relate in this place. "
History xi. , chap, vii. , pp. 253, 254.
Petrie's " Ecclesiastical
3* See Dr.
Architecture and Round Towers of Ireland," part ii. , sect, iii. , sub-sect. 3, p. 390.
*"
at this
the
George
Strictly speaking,
period,
pre-
's These were at first conveyed to Ath-
lone, and afterwards conducted to Bryan's
house. See Co5<M3h 5<jer)het Re JaV Cineidi, the son of Lorcan, witli his genea-
l^ibti, chap. Ixxvi. , pp. 132, 133.
logy traced back to Milesius, was monarch of Ireland, the multitude confirmed the choice, by giving what was called the Royal Shout.
<" . Such is the opinion of Dr. John O'Dono-
van, in "Annals of the Four Masters," vol.
* See Thomas Moore's " land," vol. ii. , chap, xxi. , p. 120.
of Ire-
5' There is a Genealogical Table of the several branches of the O'Briens, beginning with Brian Boroimhe, Monarch of Ireland, A. D. 1002, and his six
History
sons, Morrogh, Conor,
ii. , p. 747, n. (o).
<' . See " of History
xxi. , p, 120.
Ireland,"
vol.
ii. , chap.
Flan, Tcige, Donald, and Donogh, taken
from the Irish Annals, in John O'Donoghue's "
HistoricalMemoiroftheO'Briens,"Appen-
^ According to Mageoghegan's translation ofthe "Annals of Clonmacnoise," at A. D. 996.
late of that see was not invested with metro-
politan jurisdiction.
" It is related, when proclamation was made to the people, that Brien, the son of
366 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 23.
many other good parts. "^* Nor is it easy, at this distance of time, to estimate
as it deserves, a revohition, which transferred the sceptre of Ireland from the
descendant of Heremon, the elder of Milead's sons, to a prince sprung from
the younger brother, Heber, and to find that object, for which Mogha Nuad-
hat contended in the second century, accomplished by Bryan Boroimha, in thebeginningoftheeleventh. ^ TheNorthernandtheSouthernHy-Nialls
had long previous to his reign divided the sovereignty between them. ** At the first entry of Bryan to supreme power in his kingdom, the whole realm was over-
run and overspread everywliere by the Northmen : the churches, abbeys, and other religious places, were by them quite razed and debased, or otherwise turned to vile, base, and abominable uses. Almost all the noblemen and gentlemen, with those that were distinguished, had been turned out oftheir lands and livings, without any hope of recovery or future redress. Some of the best persons were compelled to serve, and were held in bondage, while both human law and God's fear were set aside. *'
It has been supposed, notwithstanding, that Bryan could hardly have entailed any more ruinous evil upon the country, than to set an ex-
ample of contempt for established rights, thereby weakening, in the minds of the people, that habitual reverence for ancient laws and usages,
which was the only security afforded by the national character, for the preser- vation of public order and pe—ace. *' This consideration, however, takes only a partial view of the situation one greatly complicated by personal right or prerogative and by general interests, on both sides, or by public policy and uncertainty, at a very unsetded period of our history. The principles, which should guide national as individual morality, are well understood, in the ab- stract ; it is only when they are to be applied in practice, that difficulties arise to confuse the faculties, not alone of rulers and of their subjects, but even of conscientious moralists, having the most acute intellect and profound know- ledge of the rules for action. No opinion is historically well formed, which does not include a full and fair consideration of all the important circum-
"
*s See John O'Donoghue's Historical discipline, munificent to his friends, and
Memoir of the O'Briens," Mediasval Part, merciful to his enemies. He had a great
chap, ii. , pp. 22, 23.
^'In the work already quoteil, we find a
clear and intelligible list of the Irish mon-
archs, descendants of Niall of the Nine Hos-
tages, according to the chronology of the Four Masters. See ibid. , Preface xvii. to
share in the affections of the people, upon account of his many heroic victories and ac-
complishments, nor was it unjust or inglori- ous in him to make an attempt upon the
crown of Ireland, for it appears in this his-
tory, that the course of succession was often — interrupted, and hereditary rights laid aside ;
the was in some measure monarchy
elective, and generally fell into the hands of the most valiant and beloved by the people ; so that the aspersions that are fixed by some authors upon the characier of this Momonian prince, for thrusting himself by violence into the throne of Munsier are ill supported ; nor did he banished the Danes, made up the he violate any of the established l. iws, or act contrary to the constitution of the kingdom, The greatest part of the island he subdued by his arms, for he forced under his obedience all who refused to confess his authority; but thejustice and natural clemency of his tem- per soon procure<l him the affections of the people of all ranks and conditions, so that he was proclaimed by universal consent, and Maolseachluin was to the
xix.
" The Annals of Clonmacnoise add
:
" In sume it was strange how men of any fashion cou'd use other men as the Danes did use the Irish-men at that time. But King Bryan Borowe was a meet salve to cure such festered soares, all the phissick in the world cou'd not help it else where, in a small time
Churches and Religious houses, restored the nobility to their . -^ntient patrimony and pos- sessions, and iu fine, brought all to a notable reformation. "
** See Thomas Moore's " History of Ire-
land," vol. ii. , chap, xxi. , p. 120.
« A viudicatiim of Bryan is thus furnished
in Dermot O'Connor's Keating's "General
:
History of Ireland," as lollows —" And
obliged resign sceptre, and retire peaceajjly to the state of a
subject," Bookii. , pp. 482, 483.
worthy he was to command a kingdom of much larger extent, for he was a prince invin- cible in arms, of great experience in military
April 23. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 367
stances, bearing on passing or remote transactions ; yet, the kings and the people of that period were obliged to face dictates or obscurities of policy, and theurgentnecessitiesofcasesthatarose. NorweretherespectivestatesofIre- land of one accord, in reference to the past and existing condition of affairs. The superiority of Bryan's religious as also energetic character, and his re- markable abilities, caused him to be. idolized by the people; while his ascendant military genius pointed him out, as the leader best qualified to defend their national prosperity and liberty, against the machinations and forces of those powerful foreign colonists and invaders, who so frequently disturbed their domestic peace. '"
During the first year of Brian's reign, the Irish Annals record disturbances and outrages occurring, in various parts of the kingdom. A conference is said to have been held at Dun Delga, or Dundalk, between Bryan, and Aedh, with Eochaidh, from the northern parts of Ireland. A truce, which was to last for a year, obliged the latter, to observe peace with Maelseachlainn and the peo- ple of Connaught. s" Notwithstanding his signal victory over the supreme monarch, it required all the forecast, resolution, combination and vigilance, withademonstrationofmilitaryforce,onthepartofBrian; for,thedifferent branches of Hy-Nialls could hardly brook the fancied wrongs and humilia- tion sustained, by the head of their family. s' Timid yet sufficiently intelligi- ble attempts at disturbance followed. These were terminated, by a bolder effort, which gave occasion for Bryan to crush their disaffection.
