Congal; A Poem in Five Books (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. 1907. Excerpt: ... BOOK IV. THE ARGUMENT. King DomnaVs muster, ere the fight proceeds. Mad Sweeny's flight j and Northern Conafs deeds. Uarrad rejoins King Domnal, and tells of the approach of Congal and his forces. He describes to the Monarch their array; Scottish troops on the right, Northmen on the left, Franks in the centre, with Britons behind; and, over all, Ulster, with Congal Claen. King Domnal advances to Moyra and takes up his position. The Leinster hosts were on his right, or eastern flank; those of Connaught on the left; the household troops of Meath in the centre, in line with those of Lea Moha, or South Ireland. Behind his eastern wing as most exposed in situation were placed renowned Clan Colla and other Northern clans. The Monarch addresses his hosts. First those of Connaught, whom he reminds of the achievements of Queen Maev, King Dathy, and Owen Bell. Next the descendants of Mainy Mor, fighting under the Crozier of St. Grellan. Afterwards he confides to the Leinster troops his five sons, who are enrolled in their ranks. He reminds the Firbolg soldiers of their ancestry. To his household troops of Meath he repeats the peaceful overtures he had made in vain to Congal. To the Southern contingent he speaks of the heroism of Curoi Mac Daire. To his kinsman of Clan Colla he tells the tale of their champions Colla-TJais, Coll-da-Cree, Colla-Menn, and impresses on Ma'odhar of Armagh, and Ultan Long-Hand of Orior, that their fortunes depend on the issue of this fight. He recounts to his own Ulster clan the Kinel-Owen, their descent from Niall Nine-Hostager, and reminds them that they had received St. Patrick's benediction. He calls on God to bless his cause. The hostile armies, now face to face, engage in deadly conflict. Sweeny the brother of Lafinda, fighting on ...