“I had been somewhat lengthy in my description of the Dona, and from habit, entered into a minute account of all its parts, quite forgetting that you, perhaps, do not possess an appetite for antiquarian detail, and therefore might be better pleased to have a general outline than such a recital.  I therefore proceed to give it as briefly as possible, not, however, omitting any material points.

“The Irish word Domnach, which is pronounced Dona, means the Lord’s day, or the first day in the week, sanctified or consecrated to the service of the Lord.  It is also in that sense used for a house, church, or chapel.  Donayhmore means the great church or chapel dedicated to God.  This box, being holy, as containing the Gospels, and having the crucifix thereon, was dedicated or consecrated to the service of God.  Like the Caah, the Meeshach, and Dhimma’s box, it is of brass, covered with plates of silver, and resembles the two former in having a box of yew inside, which was the original case of the MS. and became venerated so much, on that account, as to be deemed worthy of being inclosed with it in the shrine made by permission of John O’Carberry, Abbot of Clonmacnois, in the 14th century.

“The top of the Dona is divided by a cross, on the lower arm of which is a figure of the Savior; over his head is a shield, divided per pale, between two crystal settings; on the dexter is a hand holding a scourge or whip of three thongs, and on a chief a ring; on the sinister, on a chief the same charge and three crucifixion nails.  In the first compartment, or quarter of the cross, are representations of St. Columbkill, St. Bridget, and St. Patrick.  In the second, a bishop pierced with two arrows, and two figures of St. Peter and St. Paul.  In the third, the Archangel Michael treading on the dragon, and the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus.  In the fourth, St. Tigemach handing to his successor, St. Sinellus, the Dona; and a female figure, perhaps Mary Magdalen.

“The front of the Dona is ornamented with three crystal settings, surmounted by grotesque figures of animals.  Between these are four horsemen with swords drawn, in full speed.

“The right hand end has a figure of St. Tigemach, and St. John the Baptist.  The left hand end a figure of St. Catherine with her wheel.

“The Dona is nine inches and a half long, seven wide, and not quite four thick.

“So far I have been enabled to describe the Dona from the evidently accurate and well executed drawings you were so good as to present to me.  Why the description is less particular than it should have been, I shall take another opportunity of explaining to you.

“There are three inscriptions on the Dona:  one on a scroll from the hand of the figure of the Baptist, of ECCE AGNUS DEI.  The two others are on plates of silver, but their exact position on the box is not marked in the drawing, but may be guessed by certain places which the plates exactly fit.  “The first is—­