Page:Irish minstrelsy, vol 2 - Hardiman.djvu/171

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So odious did the settlers render themselves on every occasion to the Irish, that, in process of time, all distinction was lost between an Englishman and an enemy. In fact the terms became synonymous. The people exulted in the misfortunes of England, and its destruction, or downfall, was always looked forward to with a hope which consoled them under every affliction. This forced, but justifiable feeling, was carefully kept alive by the bards. The following stanza, is one out of thousands which might be produced to that effect.—

The world subdued—like chaff before the blast The host of Cæsar—Alexander—past,— Proud Tarah's site is green—and Troy's in dust, And England's hour may come—remembering, trust.

$3$"The plough hath passed each hallowed mound, Where sages weighed a nation's right."

This passage is explained by the following extract, taken from an Irish Privy Council Book of Queen Elizabeth, preserved in Dublin Castle.—"Articles betwixt the Counsell of Ireland and Sir John O'Reyley, knt. of the co. of Cavan, commonly called the Breney, alias O'Reilie's countrie, the 28th of Aug. in the 25th year of the Queen's reign.—Item, he shall not assemble the Queen's people upon hills, or use any Iraghtes or parles upon hills.—He shall not keepe any Irish Brahons, or suffer the Irish Brahon's lawes to be used within his countrie.—He shall not take Earyckes or recompences for murther or killinge, or suffer any other under him to take the like.—He