Page:Irish minstrelsy, vol 2 - Hardiman.djvu/148

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Donn has already been introduced to the reader, p. 129. Here he again appears in the character of a Prophet, with the title of Firinneach, or the truth teller, annexed to his name; but if his claim to that character may be judged of from the result of his predictions in the present ode, it rests on very slender foundations. Not one of them has been fulfilled, although it must be confessed, that they have been conceived in a lofty and poetic strain, and delivered with a tone and decision not unworthy of one inspired. Of a far different nature was the following Prophecy of Brecan, one of our ancient saints, a venerable body of men, whom in this age of philosophy and refinement it is unfashionable to mention, except to deride their virtue and piety under the names of weakness and superstition. This prediction has been fulfilled in every point, centuries after it was delivered.

Erin's white crested billow shall sleep on the shore. And it's voice shall be mute, while the spoilers glide o'er; And the stranger shall give a new priest to each shrine, And the sceptre shall wrest from her own regal line.

$1$Owen O'Rahally the author of this ode has been already noticed in page, 124.

Here again are meant the English adventurers. A bard