e, 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]

Cairbre 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]

Tuathal was the son of a former legitimate monarch, and had been invited
to Ireland by a powerful party. He was perpetually at war with the
Attacotti, but at last established himself firmly on the throne, by
exacting an oath from the people, "by the sun, moon, and elements," that
his posterity should not be deprived of the sovereignty. This oath was
taken at Tara, where he had convened a general assembly, as had been
customary with his predecessors at the commencement of each reign; but
it was held by him with more than usual state. His next act was to take
a small portion of land from each of the four provinces, forming what is
now the present county of Meath, and retaining it as the mensal portion
of the Ard-Righ, or supreme monarch. On each of these portions he
erected a palace for the king of every province, details of which will
be given when we come to that period of our history which refers to the
destruction of Tara. Tuathal had at this time two beautiful and
marriageable daughters, named Fithir and Dairine. Eochaidh Aincheann,
King of Leinster, sought and obtained the hand of the younger daughter,
Dairine, and after her nuptials carried her to his palace at Naas, in
Leinster. Some time