An Illustrated History of Ireland from AD 400 to 1800Cusack, Mary Francis
History
An Illustrated History of Ireland from AD 400 to 1800
Cusack, Mary Francis
Ireland -- History
After the massacre, the Attacotti elected their leader, Cairbré
Cinn-Cait (or the Cat-head), to the royal dignity, for they still
desired to live under a "limited monarchy." But revolutions, even when
successful, and we had almost said necessary, are eminently productive
of evil. The social state of a people when once disorganized, does not
admit of a speedy or safe return to its former condition. The mass of
mankind, who think more of present evils, however trifling, than of past
grievances, however oppressive, begin to connect present evils with
present rule, and having lost, in some degree, the memory of their
ancient wrongs, desire to recall a dynasty which, thus viewed, bears a
not unfavourable comparison with their present state.[95]
Cairbré died after five years of most unprosperous royalty, and his son,
the wise and prudent Morann,[96] showed his wisdom and prudence by
refusing to succeed him. He advised that the rightful heirs should be
recalled. His advice was accepted. Fearadhach Finnfeachteach was invited
to assume the reins of government. "Good was Ireland during this his
time. The seasons were right tranquil; the earth brought forth its
fruit; fishful its river-mouths; milkful the kine; heavy-headed the
woods."[97]
Another revolt of the Attacotti took place in the reign of Fiacha of the
White Cattle. He was killed by the provincial kings, at the slaughter of
Magh Bolg.[98] Elim, one of the perpetrators of this outrage, obtained
the crown, but his reign was singularly unprosperous; and Ireland was
without corn, without milk, without fruit, without fish, and without any
other great advantage, since the Aitheach Tuatha had killed Fiacha
Finnolaidh in the slaughter of Magh Bolg, till the time of Tuathal
Teachtmar.[99]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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