Page:Annals of Ireland - Connellan.djvu/18

 as that of the Celts of ancient Gaul and other countries, shewing the peculiarities of a remarkable race, so spirited, bold, brilliant, enthusiastic, and fond of fame, but prone to fierce feuds and dissensions amongst themselves, impetuous, rash, violent, wanting caution, coolness and calculation, greater talkers than thinkers—valiant, social, generous, high-minded, hospitable and humane, but too easily excited, passionate, and proud, every page of the Annals of our country exhibiting what Byron designated "The magnificent and fiery spirit of her sons." The fierce wars of many centuries, with the Danes, Anglo-Normans, and English, must have greatly deteriorated the national character of the Irish, prevented the development of their virtues, and retarded all civilization; for rapine, anarchy, and internal discord, constantly prevailed during these sanguinary contests, which were incessantly continued for a period of more than seven hundred years, through which the Milesians fought for their national independence, against powerful foreign foes; and these Annals present a faithful picture of a people who, amidst all these adverse circumstances, were still renowned for their religious zeal, their love of literature, their hospitality, and feats of arms.