219 



that the Irish might thus be familiarized with the numerous works 

 of theology written in that tongue, and possibly with the deeper 

 design, that the proselytes might draw their doctrine the more di- 

 rectly from Rome. In the Tripartite* he is said to have taught 

 this alphabet to the poet Fiech, who, in the very same chapter, is 

 mentioned as having, previous to his receiving this instruction, sent 

 copies of his own poettis to some of the princes of Connaught, thus 

 clearly distinguishing the Irish and Roman characters. It does also 

 appear, that the saint changed the order of the Latin letters in such a 

 manner as would evidence an antecedent alphabet, to which it was 

 sought to conform the new characters, and it is avowed particularly 

 in his Biography, as written by Tirechan, that it was his custom to 

 give every convert an " abietorium," or alphabet of this construction. 

 Accordingly the new system of philosophy was soon almost univer- 

 sally substituted for the old, and, as before Christianity the Magi 

 were the repositories of learning, the ecclesiastics of the reformed 

 faith succeeded to their trust. 



The treasures of Roman lore were profitably spread over the coun- 

 try; the writings of Sedulius testify that classic poetry was cul- 

 tivated at a very early period in Ireland. Maidulph was the precep- 

 tor of Aldhelm, the first Englishman who wrote Latin verses, while 

 the classic Alcuin styles the Irish prelector, Colcus, his Master. -f- 

 The familiar use of the Greek and Roman authors at the close of the 

 present period, is still more evidenced by the frequent quotations from 

 them in the glossary of Cormac, the royal bishop of Munster. Even 

 oriental literature must have been known and cultivated, for Adam-r 



* Lib. 3. c. 21. t Vet. Ep. Hib. Sylloge, p, 36. 



P F 2 



