The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-04-07

Brian Boru, or Brian OF the Tri-
butte. was q mighty king OF Ireland
I'm the fierce old days when the Danes
we're continually invading ireland and
laying the whole country. waste. Per-
haps he is best remembered for rid
ding Ireland forever from their dis
astrous inroads
In those far-off days the custom OF
bringing q boy UP away from home
prevailed; the place to which the lit
tie Brian was sent was the court Of
a neighboring king. and the little
lads life was passed and scenes OF
war and strife and danger.
When the time Of his training had
come to an end, Brian returned to
his fathers castle. As he rode along
swiftly and toyfully toward his BIRTH
place, the lad babe his herald sound
the horn, that the castle people might
know that he was near at hand. Be-
fore the man had time To follow
his directions, however. a stra nge
sound from behind rock startled
them all. And great was their amaze
ment to see a fair maid, whose gold
en-. curling hair fell In a shower about
htr shoulders.
Before. however. the company could
collect their senses. the maid had call
ed out that she was not 4 fairy. but
Brians own foster sister como to greet
him and make him welcome home.
Tho fair maid crossed the ford. and,
courtesytng low to Brian. told him
that King Kennedy. his father. waa
eagerly awaiting the sound Of the
hunting horn.
Why have you disturbed me with
your strange song at the hour Of my
return: ?" asked Brian, fearfully,
~ ha IA Pa -
Does the Terror of the Danes fear
a maiden's voice ." replied the maid,
smilingiy.
The horn sounded, and Brian and
his train crossed the river to his
fathers castle. Here q splendid
feast was set forth. and great was
the JOY OF the clan because OF the
lads return. Hardly had the vel
coming song been sung. however. and
Ministries ceased playing on their
harps when the gathering was horri-
fed by word, hastily brought. that
the Danes were piundering the clan
Brian's father. was the leader.
Hastily the king turned to young
Brian, standing SO strong and young
az his side. saying:
III iE well that you are home, my
lad: the need for stout hearts and
willing hands was never 20 great
among tho clan Of Cas-"
a great discussion as to whether 1t
were best to stand or fly followed.
When It was at its hottest the boy
Brian stood forth. crying: Why this
delay: Every moment spent In idle
talk Is lost. My father. let me stand
forth At the Ford OF Tribute and fight
these alien warriors"
The lads words stirred the people
TO action, and shouting their war cry,
they rallied round their chiefs. gath
ering on the banks of the River Shan.
non and watching the beacon fires
flame from the hills about them.
Never was a battle fiercer: chiefs
princes and even kings fell on every
side. King Kennedy ana two OF his
cons went down In the tierv conflict:
but the brave lad at tho Ford OF
Tribute never wavered. With his
stanch men at his back. he held the
place. staying the fierce rush OF the
Danes up the valley. A. the battle
wss raging fiercest, there appeared,
riding the rapids. a boat In which q
golden haired maiden stood singing.
1t was Rrian's foster sister, clothed
all in white. with her golden hair
floating about her shoulders singing
Wild song and bringing supplies to
Brian.
The terrified Danes, hearing her