conceal the like of this evil custom, and even to put it in (their) manuscript on pain of losing their professorship, if it had been practised in Ireland. Wherefore it is clear that it is a lie Cambrensis has uttered here. Cambrensis says, in his tenth chapter, that the Irish are an inhospitable nation: here is what he says:—"Moreover, this nation is an inhospitable nation" (says he).[Quotes 1] However, I think Stanihurst sufficient in his history by way of reply to him in this matter; here is what he says, speaking of the generosity of the Irish:— "Verily (he says), they are a most hospitable people; and there is no greater degree in which you may earn their gratitude, than freely, and of your own will, to make your resort to their houses."[Quotes 2] Hence it may be inferred, without leave of Cambrensis, that they are hospitable people, (and) truly generous in regard to food. Cambrensis says, where he writes concerning Ireland, that it was the wife of the king of Meath[Notes 1] who eloped with Diarmuid of the foreigners; yet this is not true for him, but she was the wife of Tighearnan O'Ruairc, king of Brefny,[Notes 2] and daughter to Murchadh, son of Flann, son of Maoilseachlainn, king of Meath, and Dearbhforgaill was her name. He says, moreover, that it is from Sliev Bloom[Notes 3] the Suir,[Notes 4] Nore, and Barrow take their rise, though that is not true for him, for it is clear that it is from the brow of Sliev Bloom, on the east side, the Barrow springs, and that it is from the brow of Sliev Aldun,[Notes 5] which is called the mountain of the Gap in Ikerrin,[Notes 6] the Suir and the Nore rise.
Again, he says, in the twenty-fifth chapter of his narration concerning Ireland, that the king of Cineal Conaill,[Notes 7] i.e.
F; also H 5.32; do ríṫí has been suggested, but does not seem to be correct; do ġníṫíḋe, H.
