The first was called the Brehon, or the judge.

These judges took 'pawns' of both the parties, and then judged according to their own discretion.

Their property was neutral, and the Irishmen would not prey upon them.

They had great plenty of cattle, and they harboured many vagabonds and idle persons.

They were the chief maintainers of rebels, but when the English army came to their neighbourhood they fled to the mountains and woods 'because they would not succour them with victuals and other necessaries.' The next sort was called _Shankee_, who had also great plenty of cattle wherewith they succoured the rebels.