Pro._ book iii.
[199] _Irish_ .-- The history of the two hundred years during which these northern pirates desolated the island, has been preserved in a MS.

of venerable age and undoubted authenticity.

It is entitled _Cogadh Gaedhil re Gallaibh_ (the Wars of the Gaedhil with the Gall).

It was quoted by Keating, known to Colgan, and used by the Four Masters; but for many years it was supposed to have been completely lost, until it was discovered, in 1840, by Mr.O'Curry, among the Seabright MSS.

The work is now edited, with a translation and most valuable notes, by Dr.Todd.
Several other copies have been discovered since, notably one by the Franciscan Brother, Michael O'Clery, which is at present in the Burgundian Library at Brussels.