Volume 1

The beauties of Ireland. Being original delineations, topographical, historical, and biographical, of each county / By J.N. Brewer. Illustrated with engravings, by J. & H.S. Storer, after original drawings, chiefly by Mr. Petrie.

  • Brewer, J. N. (James Norris)
Date:
1825-1826
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The beauties of Ireland. Being original delineations, topographical, historical, and biographical, of each county / By J.N. Brewer. Illustrated with engravings, by J. & H.S. Storer, after original drawings, chiefly by Mr. Petrie. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    in this country, than that obtained by sanguinary conquest. In the first battle between the Damnonii and the force led by Heber, on the second landing of the invading power, the bards assert one thousand to have fallen of those who defended the soil with des- perate patriotism. The words of ‘an “ old poet,” in celebration of this triumph, are thus quoted by the translator of Keating’s History of Ireland : ** On Sliagh Mis our warlike squadrons stood, Eager of fight, and prodigal of blood ; Victorious arms our stout Gadelians bore, Reet Ruin behind, and terror marched before. ‘ A thousand of the enchanted host are slain, , They try their charms and magic arts in vain, For with their mangled limbs they cover all the plain.” Reserving to a future page a succinct notice of the probable condition of society in these early ages, we proceed to a statement of some circumstances in the ensuing history of the island, which do not altogether depend on any peculiar class of annalists, but are supported by the testimony of writers. entertaining dissimilar motives, and connected with the literature of different countries. Whilst the rude population of Britain experienced the mingled penalties and advantages‘of an invasion from re Romans, Ireland remained free from the hostile visitation of that august people. We are informed by Tacitus that Julius Agricola had the conquest of this island in contemplation, and that, from the knowledge he had obtained of its internal state, he believed that the design’ might be carried into execution with one legion and some auxiliary troops. There can be no doubt but that Agricola formed so contemptuous an opinion of the defensible power of the country, from the accounts he had received of the numerous petty states into which Ireland was divided, the whole being continually agitated by jealousy, distrust, and ambitious warfare. The recal of this able general prevented his carrying the intended invasion into effect ; and we have no determinate proof that the Romans ever debarked on this island, whilst they held