Irish History Reader (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1905. Excerpt: ... drive them back with slaughter to their ships. These partial defeats, however, had no lasting effect upon the Northmen, whose command of the sea gave them a choice of landing place, and they soon returned to renew the work of pillage and massacre. One of their chieftains, Turgesius, formed a kind of Danish kingdom in the centre of Ireland, and from his strongly built fortress on an island in Lough Owel, Westmeath, for many years tyrannised over the people of the centre of Ireland. He forced every one of Irish blood to pay him annually, a tribute in coin, and in case of failure to pay, the unfortunate being had his nose slit with a sharp knife; hence the tribute was styled "Nose Money." Turgesius was captured at last by a clever ruse of Malachy, king of Meath, and in punishment for his crimes was drowned in Lough Owel. BRIAN BORU. Few historical names are better known to Irishmen than that of Brian Boru. Brian was the youngest son of Kennedy, prince or provincial king of Thomond, or North Munster. On the accession of his brother, Mahon, to the throne of his ancestors, Brian, who was then a mere youth, took part in all his warlike expeditions, and distinguished himself by courage and valour in many a hard-fought field. The most cordial union subsisted between the brothers; and the elder acted as military preceptor towards the younger. Mahon fell by treachery after a brilliant career. Invited by Molloy, or O'Mahony, prince of Desmond, to a friendly conference, to take place at the house of a chieftain named O'Donovan, he received a solemn guarantee from the Bishop of Cork that his person would be respected. Mahon went with confidence, but was seized by O'Donovan and basely murdered by Molloy's men; he was stabbed to the heart through a copy of the Holy Gospe...