Irish soil. To Ireland, then, Rome had imparted none of her civilization. The country was in fact in a state of barbarism; the government was the same as that which had been handed down for centuries, and which continued for ages after. The country was divided into five principal kingdoms, whose chiefs acknowledged a nominal allegiance to one chief sovereign who was monarch of the realm. But there were still a great number of petty chiefs, also claiming the title of kings, and often setting up for independence, or disputing the authority of their accustomed masters. The wrangles between these rival powers were savage and incessant; and the people were therefore embroiled in almost constant war. Among the rapid succession of princes, history tells us of but few that did not die by violence. In some of the dynasties, whole centuries pass, affording but a ghastly record of murdering and murdered chiefs. In such a state of things, it is obvious that there could be little progress in the arts of peace, or in that culture which proceeds from the diffusion of intellectual light. A knowledge of letters, indeed, is said to have existed in the country, and there was, no doubt, much mystical lore among the Druidical priesthood, who, at this

dark period of society, appear to have led both prince and people, as their cheated and deluded captives, whithersoever they pleased. The dominion, indeed, of these artful priests over the mind of the nation seems to have been absolute, and they exerted it with unsparing rigor. The whole people were subjected to an oppressive routine of rites and ceremonies, among which the sacrifice of human victims - men, women, and children was common. The details of these shocking superstitions are indeed too frightful to be repeated here. It is sufficient to say that the mission of St. Patrick contemplated the conversion of a nation, wedded to these unholy rites, to the pure and peaceful doctrines of the gospel. He came alone, armed with no earthly power, arrayed in no visible pomp, to overturn the cherished dynasty of ages; to beat down a formidable priesthood; to slay the many-headed monster, prejudice; to draw aside the thick cloud which overspread a nation, and permit the light of Heaven to shine upon it.

There was something in the very conception of this noble enterprise which marks St. Patrick as endowed with the true spirit of an apostle. We cannot follow him through the details of his mission. It is sufficient to say

that, exercising no power but persuasion, and using no weapon but truth, he proceeded from place to place, reasoning with the people, combating the Druid, and preaching to the prince. It was on one of these occasions that he is said to have illustrated the doctrine of the Trinity, by stooping to the ground, and plucking a branch of trefoil, or three-leaved clover maintaining that the three leaves upon one stem, displayed, in nature, a trinity combined with unity, which might fitly represent the Triune Deity, whom he preached. Thus, by his zeal and address, in the brief space of thirty years, St. Patrick introduced Christianity into every province in the land, and that without one drop of bloodshed. Every where the frowning altars of the Druids fell before him; the superstitious prince did homage to the cross, and the proud priest of the sun bent his knee to the true God. Christianity was thus introduced and spread over Ireland without violence, and by the agency of a single individual.

Such appear to be the true character and history of St. Patrick, divested of the marvels and miracles with which superstition has embellished them. Such at least is the view

taken by the Irish historian;* and such is the image pictured in the faith or fancy of the Irish people. And where is there a brighter page in history than this? Where is there a life more ennobled by lofty purposes, more illustrious from its glorious results, than this of St. Patrick? Surely, such an individual is no proper theme for ridicule or contempt. If we Americans do homage to the memory of Washington, who aided in delivering our country from tyranny, the Irishman may as justly hold dear the cherished recollections of him who redeemed his country from paganism. Aside from the immediate benefits which St. Patrick secured to Ireland, he has left to all mankind the heritage of a glorious truthwhich is, that in contending with human power, human passions and human depravity, the minister of Jesus Christ needs no other weapon than truth, enforced by holy example. He has left us an imperishable lesson of wisdom-that moral suasion can overturn the dominion of ignorance and prejudice which might forever hold the sword at bay.

*This is substantially the account given of St. Patrick by Thomas Moore, in his History of Ireland.

We now resume the thread of Irish history, which, instead of the meagre list of kings, with the records of their barbarous deeds, from the time of St. Patrick presents a series of very different events. The scene is indeed changed, and illustrious saints of both sexes pass in review before our eyes; the cowl and the veil now eclipse the glory of the regal crown; and, instead of the festive halls of Tara and Emania, the lonely cell of the fasting penitent becomes the scene of fame. But, while monasteries were building, and missionaries were sent forth to Christianize various countries, few events of political importance took place for a long series of years. At the beginning of the sixth century, Christianity had become almost universal throughout Ireland; and before its close her church could boast of a considerable number of persons, whose fame for sanctity and learning has since been cherished throughout a large part of the Christian world.

As I shall have occasion, in discussing the literature of Ireland, to notice the events of this period, I pass over a large space, barren of political interest, and come to the period when the country was first invaded by those hosts of sea robbers, who passed under the general name of