They have read the history of our dreadful civil wars, famines, and confiscations.

They know that by the old law of Ireland, and by custom from times far beyond the reach of authentic history, the clans and tribes of the Celtic people occupied certain districts with which their names are still associated, and that the land was inalienably theirs.

Rent or tribute they paid, indeed, to their princes, and if they failed the chiefs came with armed followers and helped themselves, driving away cows, sheep, and horses sufficient to meet their demand, or more if they were unscrupulous, which was 'distress' with a vengeance.

But the eviction of the people even for non-payment of rent, and putting other people in their place, were things never heard of among the Irish under their own rulers.

The chief had his own mensal lands, as well as his tribute, and these he might forfeit.