orations out of which the oldest annalists [of Roman history] compiled
their narratives." vol. i. p. 371. Sir G.C. Lewis, however, thinks that
the composition of national annals would precede the composition of any
private history; but he adds that he judges from the "example of modern
times." With all respect to such an authority, it seems rather an
unphilosophical conclusion. Family pedigrees would depend on family
pride, in which the Romans were by no means deficient; and on political
considerations, which were all-important to the Irish Celt.

[79] _Tales_.--O'Curry, p. 241.

[80] _Verse_.--See Niebuhr, _Hist_. vol i. pp. 254-261. Arnold has
adopted his theory, and Macaulay _has acted on it_. But the Roman poems
were merely recited at public entertainments, and were by no means a
national arrangement for the preservation of history, such as existed
anciently in Ireland. These verses were sung by boys _more patrum_ (Od.
iv. 15), for the entertainment of guests. Ennius, who composed his
_Annales_ in hexameter verse, introducing, for the first time, the Greek
metre into Roman literature, mentions the verses which the _Fauns_, or
religious poets, used to chant. Scaliger thinks that the _Fauns_ were a
class of men who exercised in Latium, at a very remote period, the same
functions as the Magians in Persia and _the Bards in Gaul_. Niebuhr
supposes that the entire history of the Roman, kings was formed from
poems into a prose narrative.

CHAPTER VI.

Tighearnmas--His Death--Introduces Colours as a Distinction of
Rank--Silver Shields and Chariots first used--Reign of Ugaine Mor--The
Treachery of Cobhthach--Romantic Tales--Queen Mab--Dispute which led to
the celebrated Cattle Spoil--The Story of the Tain bo Chuailgne--The
Romans feared to invade Ireland--Tacitus--Revolt of the Attacotti--Reign
of Tuathal--Origin of the Boromean Tribute.

[B.C. 1700.]

Our annals afford but brief details from the time of Eremon to that of
_Ugaine Mor_. One hundred and eighteen sovereigns are enumerated from
the Milesian conquest of Ireland (according to the Four Masters, B.C.
1700) to the time of St. Patrick, A.D. 432. The principal events
recorded are international deeds of arms, the clearing of woods, the
enactment of laws, and the erection of palaces.

Tighearnmas, one of these monarchs, is said to have introduced the
worship of idols into Ireland. From this it would appear, that the more
refined Magian, or Sun-worship, h