The wonders of Ireland and other papers on Irish subjects - Tapa blanda

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1911 edition. Excerpt: ... though his voice still sounded in their ears. A faint murmur now broke through the stillness, the listeners started as if from a dream, the murmur rapidly rose, and the first wild burst of uncontrolled admiration had partially rung through the hall, when it was suddenly hushed; for every eye was fixed on a tall venerable figure that advanced towards the throne with slow and stately tread. The name of Connla the Sage involuntarily burst from the monarch's lips as the stranger confronted him. He bestowed not a single glance at the rich panoply that surrounded him; the magnificently attired courtiers were unnoticed; he stood unmoved and fearless before the king, and bent on him an indignant glance, before which the royal culprit for a moment quailed, as if those eyes pierced to the inmost depths of his soul. The stranger's voice at length broke the death-like silence. "Thou hast heard, 0 king, a tale that well suits thy royal ear. Nobly hast thou emulated the valour of thy great ancestor; why not also imitate his virtue? The mind of the noble Milesius spurned the debasing trammels of idolatry: a deformed idol is the object of thy senseless adoration. Thy wickedness has ascended to the throne of the Eternal, and prosperity hardens thee yet more in thy iniquity. But provoke not too far the wrath of the Almighty One. It is not yet too late. Eevoke, 0 Tiernmas, thy impious purpose, and fill not the measure of thy iniquity by persevering in to-morrow's sacrifice." Then the king spoke; and as he half raised himself from his throne, a flush of anger lighted his countenance. "Foolish and presumptuous old man, how canst thou dare to oppose the will or dictate to the authority of thy king? Thou art old and despised, and the consciousness of...