In the present work it is impossible to give details of their MSS.

still preserved, of their wonderful skill in caligraphy, still the admiration of the most gifted, and of the perfection to which they brought the science of music; but I turn from this attractive subject with less regret, from the hope of being soon able to produce an Ecclesiastical History of Ireland, in which such details will find their proper place, and will be amply expanded.[192] The revolution of social feeling which was effected in Ireland by the introduction of Christianity, is strongly marked.

Before the advent of St.Patrick, few Irish monarchs died a natural death--ambition or treachery proved a sufficient motive for murder and assassination; while of six kings who reigned during the eighth and ninth centuries, only one died a violent death, and that death was an exception, which evidently proved the rule, for Nial was drowned in a generous effort to save the life of one of his own servants.
The fatal pestilence, already recorded, did not appear again after its severe visitation, which terminated in 667.

In 693 Finnachta Fleadhach (the Hospitable) commenced his reign.

He remitted the Boromean Tribute at the request of St.Moling, and eventually abdicated, and embraced a religious life.