Page:A View of the State of Ireland - 1809.djvu/342

 soyle be barren, we are born to hardnesse. If you live in peace, we are your subjects. If you warre, we are your Souldiours. We aske no kingdome, no wealth, no triumpb in Ireland. We have brought our selves, and left these casualtyes with the enemie. Howsoever it like you to esteeme of us, we shall easily learne to like it, when we call to minde, not what we have beene, but what we are.

Great consultations was had upon this request, and many things debated too and fro. In the end they were answered, that their antiquities layde forcible arguments, wherefore it could not be expedient to accept the Scithians into Ireland, that mingling of nations in a Realme breedeth quarrels remedilesse, that Ireland finding scarcity rather of roome then of people, that those few inferred amongst a many might quickly disturbe and put the whole out of joynt. But quoth they, though wee may not dwell together yet shall you finde us your very good neighbours and friends. Not farre hence lyeth the Hand of Brittaine, in the north thereof: your manhood and polycies shall winne you scope enough, our Capitaines shall conduct you the way, our strength bhall helpe to settle you, addresse your shippes and hye you thither. With this perswasion they shaped course towards the north of Brittaine, now called Scotland, where contrary to all expectation Marius the King awayted their comming, and gave