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ETHICS OF BOXING AND MANLY SPORT.

The poem specifies the positions allotted to the kings and the great chiefs, to witness the games and exercises of the fair.

"In the Kalends of August, without fail,
They assembled in every third year,
They arranged seven well-fought races,
In the seven days of the week.

"Here they proclaimed in clear words
The privileges and laws of the province;
Every rule of our sevens law.
In every third year they adjusted.

"Corn, milk, peace, ease, and prosperity,
Waters full and in abundance,
Righteous rules and loyalty to kings.
With troops to guard Erinn were its care.

"The hospitality of the Hy-Drona,
And the steed contests of the men of Ossary,
And the dash of spear-handles
From the entire host, were it termination."

From the poem contained in the ancient "Book of Leinster" (Prof. O'Curry's translation) is the following description of the fair of Tailten : —

"The Leinstermen held this, the fair,
Both as tribes and householders.
Here they proclaimed, boldly and loudly,
The privileges of every law, and their restraints.

"To sue, to levy, to controvert debts.
To abuse steeds in their career
Is not allowed here by contending racers,
Nor elopement, oppression, or arrest.