island. As prince, he stood on equal terms with princes;
as poet, he was affiliated to that all-powerful Bardic
Order, before whose awful anger kings trembled, and
warriors succumbed in superstitious dread. A spotless
soul, a disciplined body, an indomitable energy, an
industry that never wearied, a courage that never blanched,
a sweetness and courtesy that won all hearts, a tenderness
for others that contrasted strongly with his rigour
towards himself--these were the secrets of the success
of this eminent missionary--these were the miracles by
which he accomplished the conversion of so many barbarous
tribes and Pagan Princes.




CHAPTER VI.

KINGS OF THE SEVENTH CENTURY.

THE five years of the sixth century, which remained after
the death of Hugh II., were filled by Hugh III., son of
Dermid, the semi-Pagan. Hugh IV. succeeded (A.D. 599)
and reigned for several years; two other kings, of small
account, reigned seven years; Donald II. (A.D. 624)
reigned sixteen years; Connall and Kellach, brothers,
(A.D. 640) reigned jointly sixteen years; they were
succeeded (A.D. 656) by Dermid and Blathmac, brothers,
who reigned jointly seven years; Shanasagh, son of the
former, reigned six years; Kenfala, four; Finnacta, "the