However, Cathal Crobderg's son and his Galls moved towards the position held by Toirrdelbach and his chieftains, who had only grooms and rabble with them; for Aed son of Ruaidri and the son of Muirchertach and Domnall O Flaithbertaig
and Tigernan son of Cathal Micuran and the sons of Toirrdelbach son of Ruaidri had gone to guard the cattle and people of Fergal O Taidc, their sworn ally. Now his case was this, that he was the first Connachtman who broke his oath with the sons of Ruaidri, and he brought in [Aed] mac Cathail [Chrobdeirg] and his Galls to protect his cattle and people from them.

Now as to the sons of Ruaidri, they decided while at Loch Mac Feradaig to disband until the Galls of [Aed] mac Cathail Chrobdeirg should disband; they themselves, Toirrdelbach and Aed, with the son of Magnus, and Donn Oc to seek the
protection of O Flaithbertaig, their sworn ally, while the son of Muirchertach [Muimnech] O Conchobair and Tigernach son of Cathal [Micuran O Conchobair] should go to protect their cows and folk and to make peace for the sake of these, until the Galls of the son of Cathal Crobderg should be disbanded.

Next day Ruaidri's sons met with O Flaithbertaig and the sons of Muirchertach and Tigernan son of Cathal [Micuran O Conchobair] and Donn Oc, and they all proceeded northwards to Druim Cenannain. But then Aed mac Cathail Chrobdeirg with his Galls came after them, and they decided that each one should return to his cattle and people and leave the sons of Ruaidri. Ruaidri's sons departed out of the country, having no Galls or other following at hand, and together with Donn Oc they once more sought the protection of Aed O Neill, this expedition having resulted in nothing but the wasting and ruining
of a countryside which before had been completely peaceful and prosperous.

As for Cathal's son [Aed], he advanced upon O Flaithbertaig and exacted hostages and sureties from him for the nonce, and then went on northwards to Kilmaine and Mayo, where the sons of Muirchertach and Tigernan son of Cathal Micuran concluded a peace for the sake of their cattle and people, making submission to Cathal Crodberg's son under the guarantees
of Donnchad Cairbrech and the chief Galls of Ireland. And this was a much-needed rest, for there was not a church or layproperty in Connacht which had escaped destruction.

Tigernan son of Cathal Micuran son of Toirrdelbach Mor King of Ireland, was slain by Donnchad O Dubda and his sons. This was the most generous and valiant of the eligible princes of the O Connors and he that performed the most notable and successful exploits down to this time.

Now as for Aed mac Ruaidri, he was watching the Galls from the east. He neither harassed nor engaged them, nor was it with his consent that any other did so. He knew nothing of the slaying of Donn Oc when the rout came upon him from the west, but made his escape by the power of his hands, without dishonour or harm. He turned upon one that was pressing after him and cast a javelin at him so that the shaft passed right through his body, and [after this] he and his party were allowed to depart without being attacked. Echtigern son of the brehon O Minachain and others not recorded here were slain by them that day.

Lochlainn the son of Echtigern O Cellaig's son was killed by the sons of Gilla Riabach O Baigill this year.

Maelruanaid son of Donnchad O Dubda was killed by Maelsechlainn son of Conchobair Ruad son of Muirchertach Muimnech O Conchobair and the son of Tigernan son of Cathal Micuran O Conchobair.

Fergal Mac Thacadan was treacherously killed by Conchobar Mac Tigernain on Inishfree.

Fedlimid O Conchobair came out of the North with a great army from Cenel Eogain, first into Brefne and thence into the Tuatha, bringing with him Conchobar son of Tigernan [O Ruairc], and so into Tir Maine. They drove Toirrdelbach out of
Connacht and he took refuge again with the Galls. Fedlimid gathered the trains of Connacht and conducted them past the Curlieu Hills, but the Galls sent envoys after him and made peace with him and have him back his kingdom.

A huge army was raised by Walter son of Richard Burke to attack Fedlim mac Cathail Chrobdeirg and Aed his son and Conchobar son of Tigernan O Ruairc, an army which for might and multitude had never been surpassed in Ireland, for it numbered twenty thousand to a man. They came to Mayo and Balla and passed through Leyney, which they plundered on all sides, to Achonry; and from there they sent messengers to the Ui Raigillig, bidding them to come and meet them at Cros Dairi Cain at the eastern end of the Brauslieve mountains in Tir Thuathail. The Ui Raigillig came to Clachan Mucada on Slieve Anierin, but turned back from there, not having effected a meeting with the Galls, and came to Soltin Gasain. And on that same day—a friday, and the feast of Crosses in fact—Conchobar son of Tigernan O Ruairc mustered the men of Brefne and Conmaicne and all whom he could get, including Aed son of Fedlim O Conchobair and the chiefs of the Sil Murray and the rest of the men of Connacht. Now these are the best men that were with him:—Conchobair son of Tigernan O Ruairc king of Brefne, Cathal O Flaithbertaig, Murchad Finn O Fergail, Ruad in Feda O Flainn, Flann Mag Oirechtaig and Donn Oc, O Cellaig, the
three sons of Mac Diarmata, Diarmait O Flannacain, Cathal son of Duarcan O hEgra, the two sons of Tigernan O Conchobair and Gilla na Naem O Taidc. But there were many of the youth of Connacht there besides these. The van of this host came upon the Ui Raigillig at Sailten Gassan and pursued them to Alt Tige Meg Currin. Here the new levies of the Muinter Raigillig turned
upon this joint force and broke them thrice. The main army came up with them after [some of] their men had been killed: Diarmait O Flannacain, Mac Maenaig, Coiclid O Coiclid and a number of others; and the combined armies came to Alt na hElti and Doirin Cranncha, between Ath na Betige and Bel in Belaig and Coill Esa and Coill Airthir, on Slieve Anierin. And here the Muinter Raigillig turned hardily, eagerly, wildly, strenuously, irrepressibly, to attack Fedlim's son and to avenge their injuries and oppression on him, and each chieftain exhorted his followers to go against the Connacht army.

Then rose up the Connachtmen on the other side of the battle, and a comely, quick, hot and hasty company were they.  They ranged themselves in a burning, blazing, active, fiery throng, a phalanx stout and stable, round Aed mac Fedlim, that
strong sturdy prince, and on that day the high-king's son showed a ruler's fury, a champion's endurance, a lion's prowess. A fierce furious felling fight was joined then between the two hosts, many were killed and wounded on either side: Conchobar son of Tigernan [O Ruairc] king of Brefne, Murchad Finn O Fergail, Maelruanaid Mac Donnchada and many others were wounded on that field and some of them, among whom was Murchad O Fergail, died of their wounds at home; while Flann Mag Oirechtaig was killed in the recoil of the battle, and many more with him. However, those who have knowledge of this great battle relate that the warriors of the host on that field could not look in the face of the high lord, for two great wideglancing torches were flaming and flashing in his head, so that all feared to speak with him; for he was within
hailing-distance in front of the armies as they approached the forces of the Ui Briuin; and he uttered his high-king's war -cry and his champion's shout in the midst of the fight and never stopped on that charge and onset until the ranks of the Ui Briuin were scattered.

But there were killed there Cathal O Raigillig, king of Muinter Mailmorda and Cath Aeda Finn, Domnall Ruad and Niall his sons, and Cu Chonnacht his brother; the three sons of Cathal Dub O Ruairc, Gofraid, Fergal and Domnall; Annad son of Domnall O Raigillig, killed by Conchobar son of Tigernan O Ruairc; Niall, that is in Caech O Raigillig; Tigernan Mag Brataig and Gilla Micheil son of Taichlech and Donnchad O Bibsaig; Magnus Mac Gilla Duib, and more than three score of their chief men besides. Sixteen of the Ui Raigillig themselves were also killed there. The Battle of Mag Slecht at the brink of Ath Derg, at Allt na hElti above Belach na Bethige—that is the name of this battle.

After this battle, Fedlim O Conchobair and his son Aed na nGall, with the men of Connacht, and Tigernan O Ruairc, with the men of Brefne, made an expedition to Loch in Trein; and the two armies fell upon the churches of Brefne, all
except Fenagh, and returned(?) to their homes with hostages of the Fir Brefne, that is, of Mac Fiachrach and Mac Tigernain and Mag Samradain and of the son of Art O Ruairc; and Fedlim gave the hostages of the chieftains into the custody of O Ruairc and handed over Mag Samradain to his own son, Aed na nGall.

Conchobar son of Tigernan O Ruairc, king of Brefne, and Gilla na Naem Mag Samradain and Mac Raith Mag Tigernain, the son of Cu Buide, and Mac na hOidche Mag Dorchaid and Cathal Mag Ragnaill and the sons of the kings and chieftains of the Ui Briuin with their followers came to Fenagh to meet with Domnall O Raigillig. They pursued him from the meeting-place and killed his beloved son Annad and Gilla Isa Mac in Chrottaig (Son of the Hunchback) [O Raigillig?] and many others. Next day, St. Brendan's day, they took a great prey out of Cruacha O Cubrain and plundered the country all the way to Fenagh. That day was ‘a drop before a shower’ to the Muinter Raigillig, since from it proceeded the beginning of the harm and
harassing that afterwards befell them. For it is then that they sent envoys to the Connacht Galls, Macwilliam Burke and Mac Gosdelb, [inviting them] to destroy Connacht and Brefne.

Great war arose between Aed O Conchobair and Conchobar son of Tigernan O Ruairc, though they had been good
comrades till now.

Conchobar son of Tigernan O Ruairc submitted to O Conchobair and his son and made peace, offering them their own choice of the territory of Brefne. The Stone-castle on Cherry Island in Loch Garradice was yielded to them, and Aed mac Fedlim meic Cathail put a garrison into it.

Sitrecc son of Ualgarg O Ruairc was made king by Aed O Conchobair in opposition to Conchobar son of Tigernan O Ruairc. The said Sitrecc was killed by Domnall, son of the said Conchobar, to avenge that king-making.

Conchobar son of Tigernan O Ruairc, king of Brefne, was treacherously killed at Ath na Failme by Gilla Beraig O Lamduib, who was one of his own men, and by the men of Matha O Raigillig.

Domnall son of Conchobar son of Tigernan O Ruairc, who had been held in durance on account of his father by Fedlim O Conchobair and his son, was released by them and made king of Brefne in his father's stead.

Aed O Conchobair went to join Brian O Neill in the North, taking many of the chief men of Connacht with him. O Neill and the chief men of Cenel Eogain went, together with Aed O Conchobair, to Downpatrick to attack the Galls, and the Galls of that place defeated them both. Brian O Neill, king of the Gaels of Ireland, was killed at the battle of Druim Derg by Downpatrick; also Domnall O Cairri, Diarmait Mac Lachlainn, Muirchertach and Magnus O Cathain, Cian O hIndergi, Dondslebi Mag Cana, Aed O Cathain, Conchobar O Duibdirma and Aed his son, Amlaib O Gairmlegaig, Cu Ulad and Niall O
hAnluain. The losses of the Ui Cathain amounted to fifteen of their nobles. And of Connacht there were killed on this battlefield Gilla Crist son of Conchobar son of Cormac son of Tomaltach Mac Diarmata, Cathal son of Tigernan O Conchobair,
Maelruanaid Mac Donnchada, Cathal son of Donnchad son of Muirchertach [Mac Diarmata], Aed son of Muirchertach Finn, Tadc son of Cathal son of Brian O Mailruanaid, Diarmait son of Tadc son of Muiredach son of Tomaltach O Mailruanaid, Conchobar Mac Gilla Erraith, Tadc son of Cian O Gadra, Gilla Beraig O Cuind, Carolus son of Bishop O Muiredaig and many others gentle and simple.

Lochlainn son of Amlaib son of Art O Ruairc and Tigernan his brother along with him were killed by Aed O Conchobair, having been delivered up by Domnall son of Niall son of Congalach O Ruairc.

Domnall son of Conchobar son of Tigernan O Ruairc, king of Brefne, was craftily killed by the Tellach Dunchada. Muirchertach his brother was then killed by Aed O Conchobair.

Conchobar son of Tigernan O Conchobair was killed by Maelsechlainn son of Art O Ruairc and the Clann Fermaige.

Conchobar Buide son of Amlaib son of Art O Ruairc, king of Brefne, was killed by the sons of Conchobar son of Tigernan O Conchobair, and he killed the best man of them, Tigernan son of Conchobar.

Tigernan son of Aed O Ruairc, king of Brefne, died.

Maelsechlainn son of Amlaib son of Art O Ruairc, king of Dartry and Clann Fermaige, was killed by Conchobar son of Domnall son of Tigernan O Ruairc at Killarga. He [Conchobar] was made king afterwards.

Ruaidri son of Toirrdelbach [O Conchobair], eligible prince of Connacht, was killed by Gilla Crist Mag Flannchaid and the rest of the Dartraigi on the border of Drumcliff, as well as Persun Riabach (the Swarthy Parson) son of Tigernan O
Conchobair and many others not enumerated here.

Gilla Isa Mag Tigernain, chieftain of the Tellach Dunchada, rested in Christ.

Gilla Isa Mag Tigernain, high-chieftain of the Cenel mBrenainn, rested.

Two chieftains of Tullyhunco died this year, Duarcan and Sitrecc [Mag Tigernain].

Carrach in Chairn Mag Tigernain, chieftain of Tullyhunco, died.

Tigernan Mag Tigernain died.

Tigernan son of Niall O Ruairc died.

Matha Mag Tigernain, chieftain of Tullyhuncoe, was killed in treachery by Cathal son of Domnall O Ruairc, his foster-son, on the floor of his own house.

Domnall Mag Tigernain, chieftain of Tullyhunco, who used to be called the Saitnech, was killed by Cathal na Taisech (of the Chieftains) O Ruairc.

Defeat of Mac Ruaidri and the men of Brefne at Kilmore. Seven score gallowglasses of the followers of Mac Ruaidri were killed there, and two sons of Aed Brefnech O Conchobair were captured; Donnchad son of Niall O Ruairc, Conchobar Buide Mag Tigernain, chieftain of Tullyhunco, Mathgamain Mag Tigernain, Gilla Ruad son of the Erenagh Mag Tigernain, Nicol son of the Master and many others of their kin were also killed.

This same Cathal led an army into Tir Conaill and his followers entered O Gairmlegaig's territory; Cathal Bodur O Ruairc was killed by Maelsechlainn O Gairmlegaig and Maelsechlainn was himself killed, in the same fight, by Tigernan O Ruairc.

Tomas Mag Tigernain, chieftain of Tullyhuncoe, died.

Brian son of Matha Mag Tigernain, chieftain of Tullyhuncoe, the most famous man of the Brefnians, died.  As the poet says:

‘Brian Mag Tigernain of the encounters, no bounty should be compared with his bounty; peacefully he ever practised hospitality; Heaven was the end of his career.’

Sitrecc son of the erenagh Mag Tigernain died.

Cathal son of Imar Mag Tigernain died.

The Clan Murtagh migrated into Mag Nisi this year. They made an expedition into Moylurg—Tadc son of Ruaidri O Conchobair and Fergal Mag Tigernain, chieftain of Tullyhunco, and Diarmait Mag Ragnaill, chieftain of the Muinter Eolais,
together with some gallowglasses—and burnt the stronghold of Aed Mac Diarmata. Fergal Mac Diarmata, king of Moylurg, and Aed caught up with them and gave battle to them, and killed some of their men.

Tigeman son of Cathal O Ruairc died.

Tigernan O Ruairc went to seize a prey in Lurg and brought it away with him, and Aed Oc son of Aed O Ruairc was killed by O Mailaduin of Lurg.

A great war between the Clan Murtagh and the Ui Raigillig this year. O Raigillig, O Fergail, Mag Uidir and O Conchobair rose up against the Clan Murtagh and with their combined forces drove them out of Muinter Eolais. From here the
Clan Murtagh went to [seek refuge with] Macwilliam Burke, and Mag Tigernain went with them.

Barrdub daughter of O Ruairc, wife of Domnall Mag Tigernain, rested.

Tigernan son of Brian Mag Tigernain, good son of a chieftain, rested.

Cairbre and Eogan, sons of Mag Tigernain, made an expedition against the Galls and one of their own men turned traitor and sold them to the Galls for pelf. The Galls gathered round them, killed twenty-five of them, including the two
sons of Mag Tigernain, and cut off their heads.

Tadc O Ruairc, king of Brefne, died, and Tigernan O Ruairc took the kingship after him.

Aine daughter of Tadc Mac Donnchada, wife of Tigernan O Ruairc king of Brefne, most excellent of the women of Leth Chuinn, died at Tuaim Senchaid on Garradice Loch and was afterwards buried at Sligo.

Tigernan O Ruairc raided O Mailduin of Lurg. O Domnaill came upon him and forcibly took the prey from him.

The attack on Cavan was delivered by the sons of O Ruairc, that is Tigernan Oc and Aed Buide and Tadc, and the sons of Mag Samradain, against Maelmorda O Raigillig, while the Muinter Mailmorda were encamped in their rear. It is hard to estimate the destruction wrought there, of people and goods. Twenty suits of armour were burned there, as well as Mac in Biataigh, who came to the help of the Muinter Raigillig. Two score horses were taken from them as well.

Aine daughter of Brian Mag Tigernain rested on the fourteenth of April.

Maelsechlainn son of Brian Mag Tigernain died this year.

The Belleek raid, made by Tigernan O Ruairc on O Domnaill and on Cathal and Eogan O Ruairc. O Domnaill and the Cenel Conaill were encamped on the further side of the rapids and Cathal and Eogan on this side of them, and he carried off
the prey from both parties.

Brian son of Domnall son of Muirchertach O Domnaill, Conchobar Mac Donnchada, king of Tirerrill, and the sons of Tigernan O Ruairc went on a hosting this year; and in spite of all the men of Connacht south of the Curlieus, who had
assembled horse and foot and gallowglasses to oppose them, they placed stores and food in the castle of Roscommon. This was on the Monday after the feast of the Archangel Michael. Now the folk from the country north of the Curlieus expected that the men of Clanrickard would be with them in provisioning the castle, but they were not; only Macwilliam with a small body
of horse came as far as Ballintober to meet them. Here they came near to flinching, since the Clanrickard had not sent the army they had promised, but Mac Donnchada said he would never withdraw till he either perished or provisioned the castle, and he bade Macwilliam remain where he was, seeing that he was not strong enough to fight or tackle the Connachtmen. ‘And,’ said he, ‘if I am killed, I should like you to be alive to nourish my children.’ Thereupon he led the way, nor did he pause in that forward rush till he reached Roscommon, and they provisioned the castle, losing only one warrior, and his body they
brought away with them. And seldom has an expedition been made in Ireland, bolder and braver than this.

Tigernan Oc son of Tigernan son of Ualgarc O Ruairc, a man well qualified for the kingship of Brefne, died this year, at the end of his thirty-sixth year, between Easter and May-day.

Sadb daughter of Tigernan O Ruairc, wife of Emann son of Tomas son of Cathal O Fergail, died.

Henry Barrett was captured by Mac Wattin in the church at Errew on Loch Con, and Tigernan was visiting him every night in a vision as long as the prisoner was in his keeping, till at last he obtained his restitution without ransom. And
he gave a quarter of land for ever to God and to Tigernan of Errew in compensation for having violated his sanctuary.

Domnall son of Tigernan Mor O Ruairc died of the smallpox, and that was a terrible loss to the whole Garbtrian of
Connacht.

Eogan son of Tigernan Mor O Ruairc, eligible prince of Brefne, was drowned in Garradice Loch on his way from Cherry Island to visit his father, who was on his deathbed at the time. This was a ‘fall on the assembly threshold,’ his being
drowned on the threshold of the kingship.

Tigernan Mor son of Ualgarc O Ruairc, king of Brefne, the keenest and boldest fighter of the Cath O mBriuin since the time of Tigernan son of Murchad, one who took forcible possession of his patrimony from his enemies by the prowess of his own strong hand, died at a good old age in his own stronghold about St. Bridget's day and was buried in the monastery
of Sligo.

Eogan son of Cu Chonnacht son of Tomas Mag Tigernain died a little before Great Christmas.

Another strong attack was made by Tadc O Ruairc, Conchobar Mag Ragnaill, Cathal Mag Ragnaill and the Muinter Ruairc against Cill Deman, Mag Ragnaill's stronghold. They burned the town and wrought much destruction; a strong party of pursuers came up with them, but they came away by dint of great bravery. For two miles they were distressed and hard put to
it, but they bore the brunt and left not a man behind. There is no telling how many were wounded on both sides. Two gentle well-born warriors of O Ruairc's followers died of their wounds, Flaithbertach son of Gilla Crist O Ruairc and Tigernan Oc son of Tigernan. Some of the Muinter Eolais themselves were killed on that day.

Tadc son of Tigernan O Ruairc, king of Brefne, died.

Donnchad son of Tigernan Oc O Ruairc, king of Brefne, died.

O Conchobair won a victory at Ath Lechta Casc in which Diarmait son of Brian and Tadc son of Tadc Mac Tigernain na Corra were killed. However, the family of Brian were let [...]. . . (?) their cattle and followers. These things were done on St. Berach's day. They forfeited their land to the sons of O Conchobair Ruad.

Feidlim son of Donachad son of Tigernan Oc O Ruairc was treacherously captured by O Ruairc, that is Domnall; and after that Aed son of Tadc son of Tigernan O Ruairc was victoriously captured by Tigernan Oc son of Donnchad son of
Tigernan [Oc O Ruairc].

Tigernan Oc son of Tadc O Ruairc, worthy king of the Ui Briuin and the Cath Aeda Finn, died after overcoming the world and the Devil.

Domnall son of Tadc O Ruairc was made king in his stead by O Domnaill and the rest of his friends; and the posterity of Tigernan [Oc] son of Tigernan Mor son of Ualgarg rose up unjustly against him and Donnchad Losc son of Tigernan Mor was set up by themselves, the men of Carbury, and the Clann Donnchada.

Tadc Mac Tigernain, a prosperous and wealthy yeoman, and his wife, Nuala daughter of Mac Donnchada Riabach, that is Fergal, died.

Donnchad son of Fergal son of Eogan son of Tigernan. Mor O Ruairc was killed by his own people.

Tadc Oc son of Tigernan O Ruairc, an excellent prospective chieftain of Brefne, died.

Conchobar son of Ruaidri Mac Donnchada was killed by Eogan son of Tigernan O Ruairc at Ballindoon this year.

Tigernan Oc son of Eogan son of Tigernan O Ruairc was killed by Sean son of Tigernan Finn O Ruairc.

Mag Tigernain, Fergal son of Gilla Isa Oc son of Gilla Isa son of Brian, chieftain of Tullyhuncoe, a charitable humane man, died at his own residence and his brother succeeded him.

Eogan son of Feidlim son of Donnchad son of Tigernan Oc O Ruairc was drowned in Loch Glenade.

Tadg son of Eogan son of Tigernan O Ruairc, destined and well qualified to be king and high-lord, was treacherously killed by the sons of Tigernan.

O Ruairc, that is Brian son of Eogan son of Tigernan, made a great hosting into Muinter Eolais, obtaining power over every region of the land and at last forcing them against their will to yield him pledges and hostages.

O Ruairc, Eogan son of Tigernan, chief ornament of the men of Conmaicne, famous heir of the old Fergal, a pillar of the bounty and magnificence of Western Europe, a wise openhanded very wealthy prince, a man who tamed his neighbours and maintained all stout warfare against border foes, prop of the nobility and endurance of the posterity of Aed Finn son of Fergna son of Fergus, died in the robe of St. Francis after Unction and Penance.

Eogan son of Tigernan O Ruairc, an eminent gentleman and qualified for lordship by his nobility, hospitality and accomplishments, if God had granted him life and time, was killed by the sons of O Mailmiadaig in the convent of the Friars at Dromahaire.

The son of Mac Flannchaid, Toirrdelbach, was killed by his two brothers in front of Mag Flannchaid's residence; and O Ruairc, that is Brian son of Eogan son of Tigernan, ravaged much of Dartry on that account.

Brian son of Eogan son of Tigernan was proclaimed O Ruairc.

First of January on Thursday. One thousand five hundred three score and two years was the age of the Lord when there died that tree of victory, that thicket of shelter, that fruitful branch, that hand which governed and supported the
children of Conn Cetchathach, namely Brian son of Eogan son of Tigernan son of Tadc son of Tigernan Mor O Ruairc, the man who most compelled the neighbouring territories to yield him rents and tributes, who offered the best hospitality and the greatest gifts to musicians and entertainers and men of art, who of all the seed of Adam bought most poems and earned most praise, who had the greatest number of Irish gentlemen and nobles in receipt of payment and wages from him, and who
acquired the most charter-land and sword-land on every side. This was the man who bought more wine than any other man in Ireland, and drank it without stay or stint, the best man in the land. The one to be most honourably remembered for his famous achievements, who was never beaten in fight or fray, who broke through every gap and every pass in spite of his
enemies, who possessed the most gold and silver and wealth, horns and cups and goblets, arms and armour and ordnance, flocks and herds and goodly cattle; for, as the proverb says, he who scatters gathers.

There are fifty and twelve years
And one thousand and five hundred
From the coming of Christ in Bethlehem
To the taking of Brian from the Brefnians.