Page:Irish minstrelsy, vol 2 - Hardiman.djvu/146

134 their perusal, the most prejudiced must hesitate, and, perhaps, even excuse the feelings so warmly expressed throughout these National effusions by our indignant bards.

Two well known hills in Tipperary and Limerick.

By Una (Winifred) and Donald, were meant Ireland and the exiled Prince.

$2$But the four great septs mentioned here, the bard intended to represent the whole body of the ancient Irish, who were ready to espouse the cause of "The King."— in the original, should be. The particular acts of delinquency of the other personages named in this stanza, have not been ascertained.

By Sabia is meant Ireland. Our patriotic monarch Brian Boroimhe, had a daughter of that name.

Garret Fitzgerald, the great Earl of Desmond, killed in 1582. He is supposed by the country people, even to this day, to be bound to an enchanted pillar in Lough Gur, a lake nine miles south of Limerick. They report, that at the end of every seven years he may be seen riding on the lake, mounted on an enchanted charger, and that when his horse's shoes, which are made of silver, shall be worn out, he will return to life, and destroy the enemies of Ireland. The story of this powerful Earl and his tragical end may be seen at large in our History. It may here be added, that Daniel Kelly, Queen Elizabeth's "well beloved subject and soldier," who cut off his head, was rewarded with a pension of £20. a year for that