The history of Ireland, and of this period especially, has usually been written in the light of the orange or green ray : I am earnestly desirous of writing in the pure white light of truth, which, the scientific reader will recollect, contains both the orange and green, each in its due proportion ; but, writing in this spirit, I am well aware that I shall often deeply offend both the actions who have persistently travestied and deformed the history of Ireland from 1172 to 1878. Both parties must admit my facts.