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Library of Irish Literature INTRODUCTION. In the present edition of Thomas Davis it is designed to offer a selection of his writings more fully representative than has hitherto appeared in one volume. The book opens with the best of his historical studies—his masterly vindication of the much-maligned Irish Parliament of James II. [1] Next follows a selection of his literary, historical and political articles from The Nation and other sources, and, finally, we present a selection from his poems,

PREFACE. This enquiry is designed to rescue eminent men and worthy acts from calumnies which were founded on the ignorance and falsehoods of the Old Whigs, who never felt secure until they had destroyed the character as well as the liberty of Ireland. Irish oppression never could rely on mere physical force for any length of time. Our enormous military resources, and the large proportion of "fighting men," or men who love fighting, among our people, prohibit it. It was ever necessary to divide u

MEANS AND AIDS TO SELF-EDUCATION. "What good were it for me to manufacture perfect iron while my own breast is full of dross? What would it stead me to put properties of land in order, while I am at variance with myself? To speak it in a word: the cultivation of my individual self, here as I am, has from my youth upwards been constantly though dimly my wish and my purpose." "Men are so inclined to content themselves with what is commonest; the spirit and the senses so easily grow dead to the imp

NO REDRESS—NO INQUIRY. The British Parliament has refused to redress our wrongs, or even to inquire into them. For five long nights were they compelled to listen to arguments, facts, and principles proving that we were sorely oppressed. They did not deny the facts—they did not refute the reasoning—they did not undermine the principles—but they would not try to right us. "We inherit the right of hatred for six centuries of oppression; what will you do to prove your repentance, and propitiate our

A NATION ONCE AGAIN. I. When boyhood's fire was in my blood I read of ancient freemen For Greece and Rome who bravely stood, Three Hundred Men and Three Men . [52] And then I prayed I yet might see Our fetters rent in twain, And Ireland, long a province, be A Nation once again . II. And, from that time, through wildest woe, That hope has shone, a far light; Nor could love's brightest summer glow Outshine that solemn starlight: It seemed to watch above my head In forum, field and fane; Its angel