Ossian Collection > Fingal

NOTES,
WHO, WALtOWING IN HIS VICES, AND CONTEMNING
THE liAWS, SHOULD HAVE HEMMED HIMSELF IN AMONG
HIS INIQUITOUS FAVOURITES, HAVE CLOSED HIS EAR
AGAINST THE VOICE OF COMPLAINT, HIS HEART AGAINST
THE CRIES OF MISERY.
Ireland, in the days of her glory, though governed by
a perfect monarchy, was, in the fullest sense of the word,
a FREE NATION : she was not bound with fetters of brass;
ruled with a rod of iron, and then mocked with a shadow
of liberty, and tauntingly told that she was free: she
reverenced her kings ; but liberty was the animating
pulse of her bosom ; and knowing and exulting in her
strength she suflFered no sovereign to reign unless he
considered himself, and acted as became the father of a
generous people. Hence the dynasty of Ireland lasted
longer by many ages, than any other upon the earth.
Ignorance may sneer, scepticism may cavil at this asser-
tion, but let them confute it if they can.
Folio 159.
Gold were the axle, wheels, and car;
Clear azure, &c.
That the ancient Irish possessed gold in great plenty,