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104 THE HISTORYiiig monument of druidical bloodyness, and apriest-ridden state. I conclude with Bacrach(cliief Druid toConchobhar Nessan, king o^ Ulster),who is fabrd by the monks long after tlieextinction of the Druids, to lune before it happen'd,others say at the very time, describVl thepassion of Jesus Christ, inso lively and moveinga manner, that the king, transported with rage,drew his sword, and, with inexpressible fury, fella hacking and hewing the trees of the wood wherehe then was, which he mistook for the Jews :nay,that he put himself into such a heat as to dy ofthis frenzy. But even O'Flaherty, fully confutesthis silly action*, not thinking it possible thatsuch circumstances cou'd be any v. ay inferrdfrom an eclipse (which is the foundation of thestory) nor that a clearer revelation shouYl be madeof those things to the Irish Druids, than to theJewish prophets : and, finally, by shewing, thatConchobhar dy'd quietly in his bed fifteen yearsafter the crucifixion of Christ. Bacrach, however,was a great man, and the king himself hada Druid for his step-father and instructor.XVI. It can be no wonder, therefore, that menthus sacred in their function, illustrious in theiralliances, eminent for their learning, and honour dfor their valor, as well as dreaded for their powerand influence, should also be memorable both in^ Ogyg.