BRIEN BOIRUMHE. 119 courage and their fortitude. The fortitude displayed by Morrogh deterinined Carolus and Conmaol, two Danes of distinction, to attack in conjunction this prince, and both fell by his sword. It was observed, that he, with other chiefs, had retired from the battle more than once, and after each return seemed to be possessed of redoubled force. It was to slake their thirst and cool their hands, swelled with the use of the sword and battle-axe, in an adjoining brook, over which a small guard was placed, and this the Danes soon destroyed. On rejoining his troops the last time, Sitrie-Mac-Lodair, with a body of Danes, was making a fresh attack on the Dalgais-him Morrogh singled out, and with a blow of his battle-axe divided his body in two through his armour! The other Irish commanders in like manner distinguished them- selves, though their exploits are not so particularly nar- rated; and it would seem, from the number of prime nobility that fell on both sides, that, besides its being a general battle, the chiefs on each side every where singled out each other to single combat. The courage of the Irish was not to be subdued. Till near four o'clock in the afternoon did the issue of the day remain doubtful, and then it was that they made so general an attack upon the enemy that its force was not to be resisted. Destitute of leaders, and of course of order, the Danes gave way on every side. Morrogh, at this time, through the uncommon use and exertion of the sword arm, had both his hand and arm so swelled and pained as to be unable to lift them up. In this condition he was assailed sword in hand, by Henry, a Danish prince; but Morrogh, closing in upon him, seized him with the left hand, shook him out of his coat of mail, and prostrating him, pierced his body with his sword by forcing its pum- mel on his breast, and pressing the weight of his body on it. In this dying situation of Henry, he nevertheless seřzed the dagger which hung by Morrogh's side, and with it gave him, at the same instant, a mortal wound. The Dane
