were solemnly sworn on the relics of Saints--the Gospels
of the Monasteries or Cathedrals--or the croziers of
their venerated founders. The breach of such a treaty
was considered "a violation of the relics of the saint,"
whose name had been invoked, and awful penalties were
expected to follow so heinous a crime. The hostages were
then carried to the residence of the King, to whom they
were entrusted, and while the peace lasted, enjoyed a
parole freedom, and every consideration due to their
rank. If of tender age they were educated with the same
care as the children of the household. But when war broke
out their situation was always precarious, and sometimes
dangerous. In a few instances they had even been put to
death, but this was considered a violation of all the
laws both of hospitality and chivalry; usually they were
removed to some strong secluded fort, and carefully
guarded as pledges to be employed, according to the
chances and changes of the war. That Donogh preferred
negotiation to war, we may infer by his course towards
Leinster and Munster, in the beginning of his reign, and
his "kingly parlee" at a later period (A.D. 783) with
FIACHNA, of Ulidia, son of that over-exacting Hugh Roin,
whose head was taken from his shoulders at the Church
door of Faughard. This "kingly parlee" was held on an
island off the Methian shore, called afterwards "King's
Island." But little good came of it. Both parties still
held their own views, so that the satirical poets asked
what was the use of the island, when one party "would
not come upon the land, nor the other upon the sea?"
However, we needs must agree with King Donogh, that war