Page:Chronicle of the law officers of Ireland.djvu/304

Rh if by an ominous concurrence of causes and events, that learned body which first read lectures on foreign laws in England, and introduced them into Ireland, sunk under the more useful ascendancy of the common law and its enlightened professors. The reign of Henry VIII. was distinguished by an uncommon accession of property, which was as profusely distributed as it had been profligately obtained, yet the firmness of Henry's character in Ireland appears evident by the general and instant revolt which threatened the dawn of a minor's reign. Elective chiefs of Milesian race were seduced or awed by Henry to accept the descendible rank of nobility, whereby paternal feelings superseded family pride, and a power derived from Brehon law or native customs was wisely directed to its complete subversion. Such also was the progressive strength of that principle, that the government of the young Prince, aided by those interested nobles, quickly enforced a general obedience. It also assumed another position worthy of notice, and which partook alike of the policy and justice of English law. The Privy Council, or Superior Courts, encouraged the complaints and redressed the grievances of dependent Irish septs. This sagacious system rent asunder the link of Milesian union, and enlisted at no expense inveterate enemies to its continuance; persons acquainted with the habits, prejudices, and language of the inferior classes, were thereby interested to exercise all such influence in exploding customs opposed to the common law. Religious disputes did not, during this reign, enforce any material variation from existing law, or much inflame the civil disorders of the country; but a new sovereign assumed the sceptre, whose personal honour and presumed education clashed with Edward's religious creed.

Property, however, remained confirmed and secure amidst the alarming mutations in religion, policy, and law; even the King's Inns grant held its destined station, though an order of friars remarkably numerous and learned had previously enjoyed that site.

Though legal materials of most extensive import, and in