61 



They having obtained an ascendancy over the Gaoill, we may 

 reasonably expect from an enterprizing people, the children too 

 of a trading family, some national improvement ; but the bards 

 assure us, that none was effected by them, and the face of Erin 

 in t!ie 12th century proved the truth of the assertion. And on 

 reflection it could not be expected; for, while theft and robbery 

 were not otherwise corrected than by retaliation, and the crime of 

 murder not otherwise punished than by the Gothic law of eriiic 

 or amercement, life and property must have been insecure. The 

 tranquillity of the state must also have been constantly inter- 

 rupted by the ambitious ; who, with very few exceptions, 

 were rewarded even with the sceptre, on effecting the murder of 

 kings. 



As those opposite and savage tribes, while distinct, seemed des- 

 tined never to taste the sweets of peace in any country common 

 to both, we may therefore conclude, that the long continued misery 

 of Ireland was caused by the negative circumstance of it not 

 having been conquered by the Romans in the time of Julius 

 Caesar or of Agricola ; but what they, unfortunately, had not done, 

 was at length happily achieved by the posterity of the Angles, Sax- 

 ons, and Normans, under Henry the second, and the succeeding 

 kings of England ; who ultimately succeeded in abolishing those 

 laws, manners, and customs, and in reducing this island imder the 

 wisest and best form of government. 



OF THE PICTS. 



Exclusive of Ptolemy's tribes, this island, in later ages, received 

 others; among which we find the Picts, from the opposite coast. 



