Page:Once a Week Volume V.djvu/566

 . 9, 1861.] the grave in which the fibula and beads were found, stood a large slab of limestone, somewhat resembling a modern tombstone in shape and size, but without any inscription or ornament whatever. It was probably placed there when the body was interred, to mark the grave of some chieftain or remarkable person, and it is regarded with some degree of veneration by the islanders, who would not on any account remove or displace it. In a field at a little distance, another of these ancient tombs was discovered a few years ago, by some labourers who were employed in digging the foundation of a wall, and on removing the stone which covered it, there was found with the skeleton an urn containing ashes, and an iron sword, which crumbled away soon after being exposed to the air. The skull bore evident marks of having been fractured by some blunt weapon; and the state of preservation in which the bones were found may perhaps be attributable to the nature of the soil, which was a dry limestone shingle, in which very little moisture is retained, but which, when manured with sea-weed, produces excellent crops of corn and potatoes.

Flint arrow-heads, and stone weapons, besides bronze and silver ornaments, of various shapes and sizes, have been found scattered over different parts of the island. A crescent-shaped ornament, of pure gold, having a small cup at each end, of about an inch in diameter, was turned up by the plough in a field near Ushet Point, a few years ago. The gold was valued by a jeweller at ten pounds.

There is a curious romantic tale in the Irish language, preserved among the manuscripts in the library of Trinity College, Dublin, entitled, “The Adventures of Comgall Long-nails, Prince of Ulster,” in which mention is made of a King of Rachran, or Rachlin, who belonged to the Tuatha de Danaan race, so famous for magical arts. The story has been translated, and is as follows:

“Comgall Long-nails, Prince of Ulster, was affianced to Taise Taebgel (the gentle white-haired), daughter of Ridoun, King of Rachraun, now Rachlin Island. The marriage ceremony was not, however, completed at that time, owing to a dispute which sprung up between Comgall and another Ultonian prince, touching their respective rights to rule the principality. In the mean time, Nabgodon, King of Norway, heard of the fair daughter of Ridoun, and proposed marriage to her, but she rejected him, because of her previous engagement with Comgall. Nabgodon was not, however, to be put off with this denial: he equipped a strong fleet, and sailed directly for Rachraun, with the intention of carrying the princess off to Norway and making her his wife; but Comgall having got information of his purpose, and having been defeated by his more powerful rival at home, determined first to sail to Rachraun and rescue the princess from the snare which was laid for her, and having made her his wife, he would leave Erin, and seek other adventures.”

Then follows a long description of the claims of the rival chieftains and their respective merits, which, as it bears no relation to the principal events of the story, may be omitted. The description of Comgall’s visit to Rachraun, and the meeting of the lovers, is taken from the 17th page of the tract.

“Comgall now summoned before him the chiefs of his people and his faithful followers, and took counsel with them what he should do. They all advised him to leave Erin, and wait for a more favourable time to recover his kingdom.

‘Let us leave it, then,’ said Comgall, ‘and let us repair to the court of Ridoun, that I may assist in protecting his daughter, and take her for my wife.’

“Ridoun had by this time received true information of the approach of Nabgodon, and his people said to him, that he should not remain alone in his own island to await the coming of the Norwegians, for that no power of Druidism or secret magic (Ridoun was of the Tuath de Danaan race) could possibly save him without other aid.

‘Then,’ said Ridoun, ‘I will go to Comgall, and urge him to come with his chiefs and defend his wife against the Norwegians, since I am not powerful enough of myself to protect her, and a dark Druidical mist cannot save us.’

“He then left the island, and sailed away to meet Comgall. The Irish prince had just finished the repairs of his ships and marshalled their crews, when he perceived a lone canoe coming towards them over the billows of the sea, and one brave, beautiful man in it. They continued to observe the vessel for some time, and at last Comgall said:

‘I know the champion in the boat: he is Ridoun, the son of Iomchad, and he is coming to invite me to my marriage feast.’

“Ridoun directed his boat towards Comgall’s ship, and saluted him in these words:

‘Whither do you steer with this fleet, Comgall?’

‘To your court,' answered Comgall.

‘I am well pleased that you go there,' said Ridoun, ‘because we are threatened with the visit of a more powerful fleet than yours.’

‘What fleet is that?’ asked Comgall.

‘It is,’ replied Ridoun, ‘that of Nabgodon, King of Norway, who demanded my daughter in marriage, but I gave her not, as she was your wife, and he is now coming with a great force to carry her off from me; you had therefore better come yourself, and protect her.’

‘Then,’ said Comgall, ‘go thou before us, King, and prepare for the reception of these nobles, who are to accompany me, and tell the Princess that I will defend her against Nabgodon; for if he should attempt to take her, he shall fall by my hand. ”

Ridoun then took his leave, and went before them to his own court. He was soon followed by Comgall and his men, who, on their arrival, were received with regal pomp and entertained with magnificent hospitality in a great palace which had been built for the reception of Comgall outside the ramparts of the king’s own fortified palace.

Then said Ridoun to Comgall, “You may now order your banqueting-hall, and set your people in their respective places.”