The Irish standard., 1914-07-25
A ROMANCE OF IRISH HISTORY.

A ROMANCE OF IRISH HISTORY.
Helen O'Donnell, daughter of the
earl of Tirconnell, was considered
the most beautiful and accomplished
young lady of her time; a graceful
mien. lovely countenance. and a
benignity of disposition like hers did
not fail to attract the young mobiles
of Ireland. Helen, on the other hand,
was not without feeling particular
attachments; there was one fortu-
nate sutton, the elegant young chief
tain of Fermanagh, who was blessed
with her regard. Mcguire had spent
his minority in Spain, and, added to
an uncommonly graceful department,
he had received a good education,
and acquired all the habits of gal
lantry for which that court was SO
famed. The earl of Tirconnell fav-
ored the suit of the young chief, and
all were happy; but that "the course
of true love never did flow smooth,
her short and eventful history fur
nishes another proof.
The celebrated Shane O'Neill, earl
of Tyrone, came on a visit to his
brother chief, O'Donnell, to arrange
for a general attack on the English
border. All the chieftains of Done
gal belonging to the sept Of ODon-
nell as we'll as of Mcguire assembled
at Ballyshannon, to greet the patriot
chief, who had so gallently defended
his country from the inroads of the
English.
The entertainments were such as
might be expected from a prince OF
the O'Donnells. The days were
passed in hunting the red deer on
the neighboring mountains OF
Barnesmore, or shooting the wild sea
birds on Tough Erne, and the nights
in song and merriment; but all these
and other amusements were lost on
the chief of Tyrone; he had seen
Helen O'Donnell-he had conversed
with her-he had conceived a pas
sion for her-nay, he had even pro-
posed to her-but was politely re-
fused by her father, who stated the
fact of her being betrothed to the
young chief of Fermanagh. O'Neill
appeared satisfied, but he was far
from being so; within his breast
there kindled flame of passion and
jealousy which threatened dreadful
consequences. Shane O'Neill was not
accustomed to have his desires
thwarted; he therefore determined
to punish alike the innocent and the
guilty, as some atonement for the Of
fence he thought he had received.
One evening after the banquet,
Mcguire left the hall, and proceeded
to seek his intended bride in the
garden of the castle. Helen came
forward to meet her lover; she had
her little Spanish hat and feather
on, and her crimson scarf.
Reginald" said she, with a maid
en- playfulness. why did you delay
so long? Come, let us walk near the
lake. it will be long ere the evening
closes, let us enjoy the scene."
LET me bear your harp, Helen,
said. Reginald, as he bowed acquies
cence. They walked a considerable
distance from the castle. along thu
banks of the little river which flow.
from Tough Erne. Conversation anG
music at intervals stole the hour.
away. At length they rested on s
verdant slope near the lake. Thu
view was enchanting. 1t was sum
mer; nature was dressed in her live
Hest apparel-the sun had retired
behind the mountains, but his last
rays resting on the valley threw 6
splendid radiance over the entire
scene.
Reginald, shall sing you a wilG
scrap composed lately?" said Helen
as she touched the strings of hel
harp. The young chief willingl,
consented, and she proceeded
Hail to my birthplace on high,
Hail to the noble and free;
Hail to my home, near the sky,
Where the wild deer away.
Dash through heather so gay.
oh this, this is liberty!
Hail to my own land above
Towering so gallantly;
Hail to the land that I love,
Where the eaglets roam,
Where all find q home,
Oh, this. this is liberty!
Then hail to my birthplace ono.
more;
shall never again quit thee,
But list to the waterfalls roar: