It is impossible to conclude this Preface without an expression of regret at the dark and terrible fate which overtook the high-minded, patriotic, and distinguished Irishman, Thomas D'Arcy McGee. He was a man who loved his country well; and when the contemptible squabbles and paltry dissensions of the present have passed away, his name will be a hallowed memory, like that of Emmet or Fitzgerald, to inspire men with high, ideals of patriotism and devotion. CAMERON & FERGUSON. [Note: From 1857 until his death, McGee was active in Canadian politics. A gifted speaker and strong supporter of Confederation, he is regarded as one of Canada's fathers of Confederation. On April 7, 1868, after attending a late-night session in the House of Commons, he was shot and killed as he returned to his rooming house on Sparks Street in Ottawa. It is generally believed that McGee was the victim of a Fenian plot. Patrick James Whelan was convicted and hanged for the crime, however the evidence implicating him was later seen to be suspect.] CONTENTS BOOK I. CHAPTER I.—The First Inhabitants CHAPTER II.—The First Ages CHAPTER III.—Christianity Preached at Tara—The Result CHAPTER IV.—The Constitution, and how the Kings kept it CHAPTER V.—Reign of Hugh II.—The Irish Colony in Scotland obtains its Independence CHAPTER VI.—Kings of the Seventh Century CHAPTER VII.—Kings of the Eighth Century CHAPTER VIII.—What the Irish Schools and Saints did in the Three First Christian Centuries BOOK II. CHAPTER I.—The Danish Invasion CHAPTER II.—Kings of the Ninth Century (Continued)—Nial III.—Malachy I.—Hugh VII CHAPTER III.—Reign of Flan "of the Shannon" (A.D. 879 to 916) CHAPTER IV.—Kings of the Tenth Century—Nial IV.—Donogh II.—Congal III.—Donald IV CHAPTER V.—Reign of Malachy II. and Rivalry of Brian CHAPTER VI.—Brian, Ard-Righ—Battle of Clontarf CHAPTER VII.—Effects of the Rivalry of Brian and Malachy on the Ancient Constitution CHAPTER VIII.—Latter Days of the Northmen in Ireland BOOK III. CHAPTER I.—The Fortunes of the Family of Brian CHAPTER II.—The Contest between the North and South—Rise of the Family of O'Conor CHAPTER III.—Thorlogh More O'Conor—Murkertach of Aileach—Accession of Roderick O'Conor CHAPTER IV.—State of Religion and Learning among the Irish previous to the Anglo-Norman Invasion CHAPTER V.—Social Condition of the Irish previous to the Norman Invasion CHAPTER VI.—Foreign Relations of the Irish previous to the Anglo-Norman Invasion