They were presently to have something more memorable to record than the loss of a battle or the stranding of a whale.  But before we come to this new chapter in the life of Ireland, let us show the continuity of the forces we have already depicted.  The old tribal turmoil went on unabated.  In 771, the first year of Doncad son of Domnall in the sovereignty over Ireland, that ruler made a full muster of the Ui-Neill and marched into Leinster.  The Leinstermen moved before the monarch and his forces, until they arrived at the fort called Nectain’s Shield in Kildare.  Domcad with his forces was entrenched at Aillin, whence his people continued to fire, burn, plunder and devastate the province for the space of a week, when the Leinstermen at last submitted to his will.  Seventeen years later it is recorded that the church and abbey of Ardmaca, or, as we may now begin to call it, Armagh, were struck by lightning, and the night was terrible with thunder, lightning and wind.

We see, therefore, that the double life of the people, the life of valor and the life of wisdom, were following their steady course in camp and school.  We may call up a very interesting witness to the whole condition of Ireland during this epoch:  Alfred king of the Northumbrian Saxons, who spent several years traveling through the land and studying in the schools.  On his departure, he wrote an ode of acknowledgment to the country he was leaving, in the verse of the native Irish tongue.  From this ode we may quote a few picturesque lines, taking them from a version which preserves something of the original rhythm: 

     “I traveled its fruitful provinces round,
     And in every one of the five I found,
     Alike in church and in palace hall,
     Abundant apparel and food for all. 
     Gold and silver I found, and money,
     Plenty of wheat and plenty of honey;
     I found God’s people rich in pity;
     Found many a feast and many a city.... 
     I found in each great church moreo’er,
     Whether on island or on shore,
     Piety, learning, fond affection,
     Holy welcome and kind protection.... 
     I found in Munster unfettered of any
     Kings and queens and poets a many,
     Poets well skilled in music and measure;
     Prosperous doings, mirth and pleasure. 
     I found in Connacht the just, redundance
     Of riches, milk in lavish abundance;
     Hospitality, vigor, fame,
     In Crimean’s land of heroic name.... 
     I found in Ulster, from hill to glen,
     Hardy warriors, resolute men. 
     Beauty that bloomed when youth was gone,
     And strength transmitted from sire to son.... 
     I found in Leinster the smooth and sleek,
     From Dublin to Slewmargy’s peak,
     Flourishing pastures, valor, health,
     Song-loving worthies, commerce, wealth.... 
     I found in Meath’s fair principality
     Virtue, vigor, and hospitality;