THE DRAMATIC TREATMENT OF LEGEND


"The Red Branch ought not to be staged. . . . That literature ought
not to be produced for popular consumption for the edification of
the crowd. . . . I say to you drop this thing at your, peril. . . .
You may succeed in degrading Irish ideals, and banishing the soul
of the land. . . . Leave the heroic cycles alone, and don't bring
them down to the crowd..." (Standish O'Grady in All Ireland Review).

Years ago, in the adventurous youth of his mind, Mr. O'Grady found
the Gaelic tradition like a neglected antique dun with the doors
barred, and there was little or no egress. Listening, he heard
from within the hum of an immense chivalry, and he opened the doors
and the wild riders went forth to work their will. Now he would
recall them. But it is in vain. The wild riders have gone forth,
and their labors in the human mind are only beginning. They will
do their deeds over again, and now they will act through many men
and speak through many voices. The spirit of Cuculain will stand
at many a lonely place in the heart, and he will win as of old
against multitudes. The children of Turann will start afresh
still eager to take up and renew their cyclic labors, and they
will gain, not for themselves, the Apples of the Tree of Life,
and the Spear of the Will, and the Fleece which is the immortal
body. All the heroes and demigods returning will have a wider
field than Erin for their deeds, and they will not grow weary