rally of Druidism against Christianity took place behind
his banner, on the plain of Moira. It was the year 637,
and preparations had long gone on on both sides for a
final trial of strength. Congal had recruited numerous
bands of Saxons, Britons, Picts and Argyle Scots, who
poured into the Larbours of Down for months, and were
marshalled on the banks of the Lagan, to sustain his
cause. The Poets of succeeding ages have dwelt much in
detail on the occurrences of this memorable day. It was
what might strictly be called a pitched battle, time and
place being fixed by mutual agreement. King Donald was
accompanied by his Bard, who described to him, as they
came in sight, the several standards of Congal's host,
and who served under them. Conspicuous above all, the
ancient banner of the Red Branch Knights-"a yellow lion
wrought on green satin"--floated over Congal's host. On
the other side the monarch commanded in person, accompanied
by his kinsmen, the sons of Hugh III. The red hand of
Tirowen, the cross of Tirconnell, the eagle and lion of
Innishowen, the axes of Fanad, were in his ranks, ranged
closely round his own standard. The cause of the
Constitution and the Church prevailed, and Druidism
mourned its last hope extinguished on the plains of Moira,
in the death of Congal, and the defeat of his vast army.
King Donald returned in triumph to celebrate his victory
at Emania and to receive the benediction of the Church
at Armagh.

The sons of Hugh III., Dermid and Blathmac, zealous and
pious Christian princes, survived the field of Moira and