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diff --git a/16013-h/16013-h.htm b/16013-h/16013-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2935c30 --- /dev/null +++ b/16013-h/16013-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,8292 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> + <title> + The Works of William Carleton, Traits of the Irish Peasant, Part II. + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd7; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Station; The Party Fight And Funeral; +The Lough Derg Pilgrim, by William Carleton + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Station; The Party Fight And Funeral; The Lough Derg Pilgrim + Traits And Stories Of The Irish Peasantry, The Works of + William Carleton, Volume Three + +Author: William Carleton + +Illustrator: M. L. Flanery + +Release Date: June 7, 2005 [EBook #16013] +Last Updated: March 2, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STATION AND OTHERS *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + <h1> + THE WORKS OF WILLIAM CARLETON + </h1> + <h3> + VOLUME III. + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + TRAITS AND STORIES OF THE IRISH PEASANTRY + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + PART II. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="linkimage-0001" id="linkimage-0001"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%"> + <img src="images/page818.jpg" alt="Frontispiece " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="linkimage-0002" id="linkimage-0002"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%"> + <img src="images/titlepage.jpg" alt="Titlepage " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CONTENTS + </h2> + <table summary=""> + <tr> + <td> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> THE STATION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> THE PARTY FIGHT AND FUNERAL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> THE LOUGH DERG PILGRIM. </a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + List of Illustrations + </h2> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0001"> Frontispiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0002"> Titlepage </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0003"> Page 756— They Set Off, Whip and Spur, at + Full Speed </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0004"> Page 763— Usually Stood, Shaking at Us + his Rod </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0005"> Page 818— In This Trim Did I Return to My + Friends </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_TOC" id="link2H_TOC"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <br /><br /> <a name="link2H_4_0003" + id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE STATION. + </h2> + <p> + Our readers are to suppose the Reverend Philemy M'Guirk, parish priest of + Tir-neer, to be standing upon the altar of the chapel, facing the + congregation, after having gone through the canon of the Mass; and having + nothing more of the service to perform, than the usual prayers with which + he closes the ceremony. + </p> + <p> + “Take notice, that the Stations for the following week will be held as + follows:— + </p> + <p> + “<i>On Monday, in Jack Gallagher's of Corraghnamoddagh</i>. Are you there, + Jack?” + </p> + <p> + “To the fore, yer Reverence.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, then, Jack, there's something ominous—something auspicious—to + happen, or we wouldn't have you here; for it's very seldom that you make + part or parcel of this <i>present</i> congregation; seldom are you here, + Jack, it must be confessed: however, you know the old classical proverb, + or if you don't, I do, which will just answer as well—<i>Non semper + ridet Apollo</i>—it's not every day <i>Manus</i> kills a bullock; + so, as you are here, be prepared for us on Monday.” + </p> + <p> + “Never fear, yer Reverence, never fear; I think you ought to know that the + grazin' at Corraghnamoddagh's not bad.” + </p> + <p> + “To do you justice, Jack, the mutton was always good with you, only if you + would get it better killed it would be an improvement. Get Tom McCusker to + kill it, and then it'll have the right smack.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, yer Rev'rence, I'll do it.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>On Tuesday, in Peter Murtagh's of the Crooked Commons</i>. Are you + there, Peter?” + </p> + <p> + “Here, yer Reverence.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, Peter, I might know you are here; and I wish that a great many of + my flock would take example by you: if they did, I wouldn't be so far + behind in getting in my <i>dues</i>. Well, Peter, I suppose you know that + this is Michaelmas?” * + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Michaelmas is here jocularly alluded to as that period + of the year when geese are fattest. +</pre> + <p> + “So fat, yer Reverence, that they're not able to wag; but, any way, Katty + has them marked for you—two fine young crathurs, only this year's + fowl, and the ducks isn't a taste behind them—she crammin' them this + month past.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe you, Peter, and I would take your word for more than the + condition of the geese. Remember me to Katty, Peter.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>On Wednesday, in Parrah More Slevin's of Mullaghfadh</i>. Are you + there, Parrah More?”—No answer. “Parrah More Sle-vin?”—Silence. + “Parrah More Slevin, of Mullaghfadh?”—No reply. “Dan Fagan?” + </p> + <p> + “Present, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know what keeps that reprobate from mass?” + </p> + <p> + “I bleeve he's takin' advantage, sir, of the frost, to get in his praties + to-day, in respect of the bad footin', sir, for the horses in the bog when + there's not a frost. Any how, betune that and a bit of a sore head that he + got, yer Reverence, on Thursday last in takin' part wid the O'Scallaghans + agin the Bradys, I bleeve he had to stay away to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “On the Sabbath day, too, without my leave! Well, tell him from me, that + I'll make an example of him to the whole parish, if he doesn't attend mass + better. Will the Bradys and the O'Scallaghans never be done with their + quarrelling? I protest, if they don't live like Christians, I'll read them + out from the altar. Will you tell Parrah More that I'll hold a station in + his house on next Wednesday?” + </p> + <p> + “I will, sir; I will, yer Reverence.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>On Thursday, in Phaddhy Sheemus Phaddhy's of the Esker</i>. Are you + there, Phaddhy?”' + </p> + <p> + “Wid the help of God, I'm here, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Phaddhy, how is yer son Briney, that's at the Latin? I hope he's + coming on well at it.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, sir, he's not more nor a year and a half at it yet, and he's got + more books amost nor he can carry; he'll break me buying books for him.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that's a good sign, Phaddhy; but why don't you bring him to me till + I examine him?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, never a one of me can get him to come, sir, he's so much afeard of + yer Reverence.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Phaddhy, we were once modest and bashful ourselves, and I'm glad to + hear that he's afraid of his clargy; but let him be prepared for me on + Thursday, and maybe I'll let him know something he never heard before; + I'll open his eyes for him.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you hear that, Briney?” said the father, aside to the son, who knelt + at his knee; “you must give up yer hurling and idling now, you see. Thank + yer Reverence; thank you, docthor.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>On Friday, in Barny O'Darby's, alias Barny Butters</i>. Are you there, + Barny?” + </p> + <p> + “All that's left of me is here, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Barny, how is the butter trade this season?” + </p> + <p> + “It's a little on the rise, now, sir: in a, month or so I'm expecting it + will be brisk enough. Boney, sir, is doing that much for us anyway.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, and, Barny, he'll do more than that for us: God prosper him at all + events; I only hope the time's coming, Barny, when every one will be able + to eat his own butter, and his own beef, too.” + </p> + <p> + “God send it, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Barny, I didn't hear from your brother Ned these two or three + months; what has become of him?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, yer Reverence, Pentland done him up.” + </p> + <p> + “What! the gauger?” + </p> + <p> + “He did, the thief; but maybe he'll sup sorrow for it, afore he's much + oulder.” + </p> + <p> + “And who do you think informed, Barny?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I only wish we knew that, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I knew it, and if I thought any miscreant here would become an + informer, I'd make an example of him. Well, Barny, on Friday next: but I + suppose Ned has a drop still—eh, Barny?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, sir, we'll be apt to have something stronger nor wather, anyhow.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, Barny; your family was always a dacent and spirited family, + I'll say that for them; but, tell me, Barny, did you begin to dam the + river yet? * I think the trouts and eels are running by this time.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * It is usual among the peasantry to form, about + Michaelmas, small artificial cascades, called dams, + under which they place long, deep, wicker creels, + shaped like inverted cones, for the purpose of securing + the fish that are now on their return to the large + rivers, after having deposited their spawn in the + higher and remoter streams. It is surprising what a + number of fish, particularly of eels, are caught in + this manner—sometimes from one barrel to three in the + course of a single night! +</pre> + <p> + “The creels are made, yer Reverence, though we did not set them yet; but + on Tuesday night, sir, wid the help o' God, we'll be ready.” + </p> + <p> + “You can corn the trouts, Barny, and the eels too; but should you catch + nothing, go to Pat Hartigan, Captain Sloethorn's gamekeeper, and, if you + tell him it's for me, he'll drag you a batch out of the fish-pond.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! then, you're Reverence, it's himself that'll do that wid a heart an' + a half.” + </p> + <p> + Such was the conversation which took place between the Reverend Philemy + M'Guirk, and those of his parishioners in whose houses he had appointed to + hold a series of Stations, for the week ensuing the Sunday laid in this + our account of that hitherto undescribed portion of the Romish discipline. + </p> + <p> + Now, the reader is to understand, that a station in this sense differs + from a station made to any peculiar spot remarkable for local sanctity. + There, a station means the performance of a pilgrimage to a certain place, + under peculiar circumstances, and the going through a stated number of + prayers and other penitential ceremonies, for the purpose of wiping out + sin in this life, or of relieving the soul of some relation from the pains + of purgatory in the other; here, it simply means the coming of the parish + priest and his curate to some house in the town-land, on a day publicly + announced from the altar for that purpose, on the preceding Sabbath. + </p> + <p> + This is done to give those who live within the district in which the + station is held an opportunity of coming to their duty, as frequenting the + ordinance of confession is emphatically called. Those who attend + confession in this manner once a year, are considered merely to have done + their duty; it is expected, however, that they should approach the + tribunal,* as it is termed, at least twice during that period, that is, at + the two great festivals of Christmas and Easter. The observance or + omission of this rite among Roman Catholics, establishes, in a great + degeee, the nature of individual character. The man who,frequents his duty + will seldom be pronounced a bad man, let his conduct and principles be + what they may in other respects; and he who neglects it, is looked upon, + by those who attend it, as in a state little short of reprobation. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * That is, of confession—so going to confession is + termed by the priests. +</pre> + <p> + When the “giving out” of the stations was over, and a few more jests were + broken by his Reverence, to which the congregation paid the tribute of a + general and uproarious laugh, he turned round, and resumed the performance + of the mass, whilst his “flock” began to finger their beads with faces as + grave as if nothing of the kind had occurred. When mass was finished, and + the holy water sprinkled upon the people, out of a tub carried by the + mass-server through the chapel for that purpose, the priest gave them a + Latin benediction, and they dispersed. + </p> + <p> + Now, of the five individuals in whose houses the “stations” were appointed + to be held, we will select <i>Phaddhy Sheemus Phaddhy</i> for our purpose; + and this we do, because it was the first time in which a station was ever + kept in his house, and consequently Phaddhy and his wife had to undergo + the initiatory ceremony of entertaining Father <i>Philemy</i> and his + curate, the Reverend <i>Con M'Coul</i>, at dinner. + </p> + <p> + <i>Phaddhy Sheemus Phaddhy</i> had been, until a short time before the + period in question, a very poor man; but a little previous to that event, + a brother of his, who had no children, died very rich—that is, for a + farmer—and left him his property, or, at least, the greater part of + it. While Phaddhy was poor, it was surprising what little notice he + excited from his Reverence; in fact, I have heard him acknowledge, that + during all the days of his poverty, he never got a nod of recognition or + kindness from Father Philemy, although he sometimes did, he said, from + Father Con, his curate, who honored him on two occasions so far as to + challenge him to a bout at throwing the shoulder-stone, and once to a + leaping match, at both of which exercises Father Con, but for the superior + power of Phaddhy, had been unrivalled. + </p> + <p> + “It was an unlucky day to him,” says Phaddy, “that he went to challenge + me, at all at all; for I was the only man that ever bate him, and he + wasn't able to hould up his head in the parish for many a day afther.” + </p> + <p> + As soon, however, as Phaddhy became a man of substance, one would almost + think that there had been a secret relationship between his good fortune + and Father Philemy's memory; for, on their first meeting, after Phaddhy's + getting the property, the latter shook him most cordially by the hand—a + proof that, had not his recollection been as much improved as Phaddhy's + circumstances, he could by no means have remembered him; but this is a + failing in the memory of many, as well as in that of Father Philemy. + Phaddhy, however, <i>was no Donnell</i>, to use his own expression, and + saw as far into a deal board as another man. + </p> + <p> + “And so, Phaddy,” said the priest, “how are all your family?—six you + have, I think?” + </p> + <p> + “Four, your Rev'rence, only four,” said Phaddy, winking at Tim Dillon, his + neighbor, who happened to be present—“three boys an' one girl.” + </p> + <p> + “Bless my soul, and so it is indeed, Phaddy, and I ought to know it; an + how is your wife Sarah?—I mean, I hope Mrs. Sheemus Phaddhy is well: + by the by, is that old complaint of hers gone yet?—a pain in the + stomach, I think it was, that used to trouble her; I hope in God, Phaddhy, + she's getting over it, poor thing. Indeed, I remember telling her, last + Easter, when she came to her duty, to eat oaten bread and butter with + water-grass every morning fasting, it cured myself of the same complaint.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, thin, I'm very much obliged to your Rev'rence for purscribin' for + her,” replied Phaddhy; “for, sure enough, she has neither pain nor ache, + at the present time, for the best rason in the world, docthor, that she'll + be dead jist seven years, if God spares your Rev'rence an' myself till + to-morrow fortnight, about five o'clock in the mornin'.” + </p> + <p> + This was more than Father Philemy could stand with a good conscience, so + after getting himself out of the dilemma as well as he could, he shook + Phaddhy again very cordially by the hand, saying, “Well, good-bye, + Phaddliy, and God be good to poor Sarah's soul—I now remember her + funeral, sure enough, and a dacent one it was, for indeed she was a woman + that had everybody's good word—and, between you and me, she made a + happy death, that's as far as we can judge here; for, after all, there may + be danger, Phaddy, there may be danger, you understand—however, it's + your own business, and your duty, too, to think of that; but I believe + you're not the man that would be apt to forget her.” + </p> + <p> + “Phaddhy, ye thief o' the world,” said Jim Dillon, when Father Philemy was + gone, there's no comin' up to ye; how could you make sich a fool of his + Rev'rence, as to tell im that Katty was dead, and that you had only four + childher, an' you has eleven o' them, an' the wife in good health?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, jist, Tim,” replied Phaddhy, with his usual shrewdness, “to tache + his Reverence himself to practise truth a little; if he didn't know that I + got the stockin' of guineas and the Linaskey farm by my brother Barney's + death, do ye think that he'd notish me at all at all?—not himself, + avick; an' maybe he won't be afther comin' round to me for a sack of my + best oats,* instead of the bushel I used to give him, and houldin' a + couple of stations wid me every year.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * The priest accompanied by a couple of servants each + with a horse and sack, collects from such of his + parishioners as can afford it, a quantity of oats, + varying with the circumstances of the donor. This + collection—called <i>Questing</i>—is voluntary on the part + of his parishioners who may refuse it it they wish; + very few are found however, hardy enough to risk the + obloquy of declining to contribute, and the consequence + is that the custom operates with as much force as if it + were legal and compulsory. +</pre> + <p> + “But won't he go mad when he hears you tould him nothing but lies?” + </p> + <p> + “Not now, Tim,” answered Phaddhy—“not now; thank God,—I'm not + a poor man, an' he'll keep his temper. I'll warrant you the horsewhip + won't be up now, although, afore this, I wouldn't say but it might—though + the poorest day I ever was, 'id's myself that wouldn't let priest or friar + lay a horsewhip to my back, an' that you know, Tim.” + </p> + <p> + Phaddhy's sagacity, however, was correct; for, a short time after this + conversation, Father Philemy, when collecting his oats, gave him a call, + laughed heartily at the sham account of Katty's death, examined young + Briney in his Latin, who was called after his uncle, pronounced him very + cute, and likely to become a great scholar—promised his interest + with the bishop to get him into Maynooth, and left the family, after + having shaken hands with, and stroked down the heads of all the children. + </p> + <p> + When Phaddhy, on the Sunday in question, heard the public notice given of + the Station about to be held in his house, notwithstanding his correct + knowledge of Father Philemy's character, on which he looked with a + competent portion of contempt, he felt a warmth of pride about his heart, + that arose from the honor of having a station, and of entertaining the + clergy, in their official capacity, under his own roof, and at his own + expense—that gave him, he thought, a personal consequence, which + even the “stockin' of guineas” and the Linaskey farm were unable, of + themselves, to confer upon him. He did enjoy, 'tis true, a very fair + portion of happiness on succeeding to his brother's property; but this + would be a triumph over the envious and ill-natured remarks which several + of his neighbors and distant relations had taken the liberty of indulging + in against him, on the occasion of his good fortune. He left the chapel, + therefore, in good spirits, whilst Briney, on the contrary, hung a lip of + more melancholy pendency than usual, in dread apprehension of the + examination that he expected to be inflicted on him by his Reverence at + the station. + </p> + <p> + Before I introduce the conversation which took place between Phaddhy and + Briney, as they went home, on the subject of this literary ordeal, I must + observe, that there is a custom, hereditary in some Irish families, of + calling fathers by their Christian names, instead of by the usual + appellation of “father.” This usage was observed, not only by Phaddhy and + his son, but by all the Phaddys of that family, generally. Their surname + was Doran, but in consequence of the great numbers in that part of the + country who bore the same name, it was necessary as of old, to distinguish + the several branches of it by the Christian names of their fathers and + grandfathers, and sometimes this distinction went as far back as the + great-grandfather. For instance—Phaddhy Sheemus Phaddhy, meant + Phaddhy, the son of Sheemus, the son of Phaddhy; and his son, Briney, was + called, Brian Phaddy Sheemus Phaddy, or, <i>anglice</i>, Bernard the son + of Patrick, the son of James, the son of Patrick. But the custom of + children calling fathers, in a viva voce manner, by their Christian names, + was independent of the other more general usage of the patronymic. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Briney,” said Phaddy, as the father and son returned home, cheek by + jowl from the chapel, “I suppose Father Philemy will go very deep in the + Latin wid ye on Thursday; do ye think ye'll be able to answer him?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Phaddhy,” replied Briney, “how could I be able to answer a clargy?—doesn't + he know all the languages, and I'm only in the <i>Fibulae AEsiopii</i> + yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that Latin or Greek, Briney?” + </p> + <p> + “It's Latin, Phaddhy.” + </p> + <p> + “And what's the translation of that?” + </p> + <p> + “It signifies the Fables of AEsiopius.” + </p> + <p> + “Bliss my sowl! and Briney, did ye consther that out of yer own head?” + </p> + <p> + “Hogh! that's little of it. If ye war to hear me consther <i>Gallus + Gallinaceus</i>, a dunghill cock?” + </p> + <p> + “And, Briney, are ye in Greek at all yet?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Phaddhy, I'll not be in Greek till I'm in Virgil and Horace, and thin + I'll be near finished.” + </p> + <p> + “And how long will it be till that, Briney?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Phaddhy, you know I'm only a year and a half at the Latin, and in + two years more I'll be in the Greek.” + </p> + <p> + “Do ye think will ye ever be as larned as! Father Philemy, Briney?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't ye, know whin I'm a clargy I will but I'm only a <i>lignum + sacerdotis</i> yet, Phaddhy.” + </p> + <p> + “What's <i>ligdum saucerdoatis</i>, Briney?” + </p> + <p> + “A block of a priest, Phaddhy.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, Briney, I suppose Father Philemy knows everything.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, to be sure he does; all the languages' that's spoken through the + world, Phaddhy.” + </p> + <p> + “And must all the priests know them, Briney?—how many are they?” + </p> + <p> + “Seven—sartainly, every priest must know them, or how could they lay + the divil, if he'd, spake to them in a tongue they couldn't understand, + Phaddhy?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I declare, Briney, I see it now; only for that, poor Father Philip, + the heavens be his bed, wouldn't be able to lay ould Warnock, that haunted + Squire Sloethorn's stables.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that when the two horses was stole, Phaddhy?” + </p> + <p> + “The very time, Briney; but God be thanked, Father Philip settled him to + the day of judgment.” + </p> + <p> + “And where did he put him, Phaddhy?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, he wanted to be put anundher the hearth-stone; but Father Philip + made him walk away with himself into a thumb-bottle, and tied a stone to + it, and then sent him to where he got a cooling, the thief, at the bottom + of the lough behind the house.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'll tell you what I'm thinking I'll be apt to do, Phaddhy, when + I'm a clargy.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is that, Briney?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, I'll—but, Phaddhy,don't be talking of this, bekase, if it + should come to be known, I might get my brains knocked out by some of the + heretics.” + </p> + <p> + “Never fear, Briney, there's no danger of that—but what is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, I'll translate all the Protestants into asses, and then we'll get + our hands red of them altogether.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that flogs for cuteness, and it's a wondher the clargy* doesn't do + it, and them has the power; for 'twould give us pace entirely. But, + Briney, will you speak in Latin to Father Philemy on Thursday?” + </p> + <p> + * I have no hesitation in asserting that the bulk of the uneducated + peasantry really believe that the priests have this power. + </p> + <p> + “To tell you the thruth, Phaddhy, I would rather he wouldn't examine me + this bout, at all at all.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, but you know we couldn't go agin him, Briney, bekase he promised to + get you into the college. Will you speak some Latin, now till I hear you?” + </p> + <p> + “Hem!—<i>Verbum personaley cohairit cum nomnatibo numbera at persona + at numquam sera yeast at bonis moras voia</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “Bless my heart!—and, Briney, where's that taken from?” + </p> + <p> + “From Syntax, Phaddhy.” + </p> + <p> + “And who was Syntax—do you know, Briney?” + </p> + <p> + “He was a Roman, Phaddhy, bekase there's a Latin prayer in the beginning + of the book.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, was he—a priest, I'll warrant him. Well, Briney, do you mind + yer Latin, and get on wid yer larnin', and when you grow up you'll have a + pair of boots, and a horse of your own (and a good broadcloth black coat, + too) to ride on, every bit as good as Father Philemy's, and may be betther + nor Father Con's.” + </p> + <p> + From this point, which usually wound up these colloquies between the + father and son, the conversation generally diverged into the more spacious + fields of science; so that by the time they reached home, Briney had + probably given the father a learned dissertation upon the elevation of the + clouds above the earth, and told him within how many thousand miles they + approached it, at their nearest point of approximation. + </p> + <p> + “Katty,” said Phaddhy, when he got home, “we're to have a station here on + Thursday next: 'twas given out from the altar to-day by Father Philemy.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, wurrah, wurrah!” exclaimed Katty, overwhelmed at the consciousness of + her own incapacity to get up a dinner in sufficient style for such guests—“wurrah, + wurrah! Phaddhy, ahagur, what on the livin' earth will we do at all at + all! Why, we'll never be able to manage it.” + </p> + <p> + “Arrah, why, woman; what do they want but their skinful to eat and dhrink, + and I'm sure we're able to allow them that, any way?” + </p> + <p> + “Arrah, bad manners to me, but you're enough to vex a saint—'their + skinful to eat and dhrink!'—you common crathur you, to speak that + way of the clargy, as if it was ourselves or the laborers you war spaking + of.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, and aren't we every bit as good as they are, if you go to that?—haven't + we sowls to be saved as well as themselves?” + </p> + <p> + “'As good as they are!'—as good as the clargy!! <i>Manum a yea agus + a wurrah!</i>*—listen to what he says! Phaddhy, take care of + yourself, you've got rich, now; but for all that, take care of yourself. + You had betther not bring the priest's ill-will, or his bad heart upon us. + You know they never thruv that had it; and maybe it's a short time your + riches might stay wid you, or maybe it's a short time you might stay wid + them: at any rate, God forgive you, and I hope he will, for making use of + sich unsanctified words to your lawful clargy.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * My soul to God and the Virgin. +</pre> + <p> + “Well, but what do you intind to do?—-or, what do you think of + getting for them?” inquired Phaddy. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, it's very little matther what I get for them, or what I'll do + either—sorrow one of myself cares almost: for a man in his senses, + that ought to know better, to make use of such low language about the + blessed and holy crathurs, that hasn't a stain of sin about them, no more + than the child unborn!” + </p> + <p> + “So you think.” + </p> + <p> + “So I think! aye, and it would be betther for you that you thought so, + too; but ye don't know what's before ye yet, Phaddhy—and now take + warnin' in time, and mend your life.” + </p> + <p> + “Why what do you see wrong in my life? Am I a drunkard? am I lazy? did + ever I neglect my business? was I ever bad to you or to the childher? + didn't I always give yez yer fill to ate, and kept yez as well clad as yer + neighbors that was richer? Don't I go to my knees, too, every night and + morning?” + </p> + <p> + “That's true enough, but what signifies it all? When did ye cross a + priest's foot to go to your duty? Not for the last five years, Phaddhy—not + since poor Torly (God be good to him) died of the mazles, and that'll be + five years, a fortnight before Christmas.” + </p> + <p> + “And what are you the betther of all yer confessions? Did they ever mend + yer temper, avourneen? no, indeed, Katty, but you're ten times worse + tempered coming back from the priest than before you go to him.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Phaddhy! Phaddhy! God look down upon you this day, or any man that's + in yer hardened state—I see there's no use in spaking to you, for + you'll still be the ould cut.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, will I; so you may as well give up talking about it Arrah, woman!” + said. Phaddhy, raising his voice, “who does it ever make betther—show + me a man now in all the neighborhood, that's a pin-point the holier of it? + Isn't there Jemmy Shields, that goes to <i>his duty</i> wanst a month, + malivogues his wife and family this minute, and then claps them to a + Rosary the next; but the ould boy's a thrifle to him of a fast day, afther + coming from the priest. Betune ourselves, Katty, you're not much behind + him.” + </p> + <p> + Katty made no reply to him, but turned up her eyes, and crossed herself, + at the wickedness of her unmanageable husband. “Well, Briney,” said she, + turning abruptly to the son, “don't take patthern by that man, if you + expect to do any good; let him be a warning to you to mind yer duty, and + respect yer clargy—and prepare yerself, now that I think of it, to + go to Father Philemy or Father Con on Thursday: but don't be said or led + by that man, for I'm sure I dunna how he intends to face the Man above + when he laves this world—and to keep from his duty, and to spake of + his clargy as he does!” + </p> + <p> + There are few men without their weak sides. Phaddhy, although the priests + were never very much his favorites, was determined to give what he himself + called a <i>let-out</i> on this occasion, simply to show his ill-natured + neighbors that, notwithstanding their unfriendly remarks, he knew “what it + was to be dacent,” as well as his betters; and Katty seconded him in his + resolution, from her profound veneration for the clargy. Every preparation + was accordingly entered into, and every plan adopted that could possibly + be twisted into a capability of contributing to the entertainment of + Fathers Philemy and Con. + </p> + <p> + One of those large, round, stercoraceous nosegays that, like many other + wholesome plants, make up by odor what is wanting in floral beauty, and + which lay rather too contagious as Phaddhy expressed it, to the door of + his house, was transplanted by about half a dozen laborers, and as many + barrows, in the course of a day or two, to a bed some yards distant from + the spot of its first growth; because, without any reference whatever to + the nasal sense, it was considered that it might be rather an eye-sore to + their Reverences, on approaching the door. Several concave inequalities, + which constant attrition had worn in the earthen floor of the kitchen, + were filled up with blue clay, brought on a cart from the bank of a + neighboring river, for the purpose. The dresser, chairs, tables, I pots, + and pans, all underwent a rigor of discipline, as if some remarkable event + was about to occur; nothing less, it must be supposed than a complete, + domestic revolution, and a new state of things. Phaddhy himself cut two or + three large furze bushes, and, sticking them on the end of a pitchfork, + attempted to sweep down the chimney. For this purpose he mounted on the + back of a chair, that he might be able to reach the top with more ease; + but, in order that his footing might be firm, he made one of the + servant-men sit upon the chair, to keep it steady during the operation. + Unfortunately, however, it so happened that this man was needed to assist + in removing a meal-chest to another part of the house; this was under + Katty's superintendence, who, seeing the fellow sit rather more at his + ease than she thought the hurry and importance of the occasion permitted, + called him, with a little of her usual sharpness and energy, to assist in + removing the chest. For some reason or other, which it is not necessary to + mention here, the fellow bounced from his seat, in obedience to the shrill + tones of Katty, and the next moment Phaddhy (who was in a state of + abstraction in the chimney, and totally unconscious of what was going + forward below) made a descent decidedly contrary to the nature of that + which most aspirants would be inclined to relish. A severe stun, however, + was the most serious injury he received on his own part, and several round + oaths, with a good drubbing, fell to the servant; but unluckily he left + the furze bush behind him in the highest and narrowest part of the + chimney; and were it not that an active fellow succeeded in dragging it up + from the outside of the roof, the chimney ran considerable risk, as Katy + said, of being choked. + </p> + <p> + But along with the lustration which every fixture within the house was + obliged to undergo, it was necessary that all the youngsters should get + new clothes; and for this purpose, Jemmy Lynch, the tailor, with his two + journeymen and three apprentices, were sent for in all haste, that he + might fit Phaddhy and each of his six sons, in suits, from a piece of + home-made frieze, which Katty did not intend to break up till “towards + Christmas.” + </p> + <p> + A station is no common event, and accordingly the web was cut up, and the + tailor left a wedding-suit, half-made, belonging to Edy Dolan, a thin old + bachelor, who took it into his head to try his hand at becoming a husband + ere he'd die. As soon as Jemmy and his train arrived, a door was taken off + the hinges, and laid on the floor, for himself to sit upon, and a new + drugget quilt was spread beside it, for his journeymen and apprentices. + With nimble fingers they plied the needle and thread, and when night came, + a turf was got, into which was stuck a piece of rod, pointed at one end + and split at the other; the “the white candle,” slipped into a shaving of + the fringe that was placed in the cleft end of the stick, was then lit, + whilst many a pleasant story, told by Jemmy, who had been once in Dublin + for six weeks, delighted the circle of lookers-on that sat around them. + </p> + <p> + At length the day previous to the important one arrived. Hitherto, all + hands had contributed to make every thing in and about the house look + “dacent”—scouring, washing, sweeping, pairing, and repairing, had + been all disposed of. The boys got their hair cut to the quick with the + tailor's scissors; and such of the girls as were not full grown, not only + that which grew on the upper part of the head taken off, by a cut somewhat + resembling the clerical tonsure, so that they looked extremely wild and + unsettled with their straight locks projecting over their ears; every + thing, therefore, of the less important arrangements had been gone through—the + weighty and momentous concern was as yet unsettled. + </p> + <p> + This was the feast; and alas! never was the want of experience more + strongly felt than here. Katty was a bad cook, even to a proverb; and bore + so indifferent a character in the country for cleanliness, that very few + would undertake to eat her butter. Indeed, she was called Katty Sallagh (* + Dirty Katy) on this account: however, this prejudice, whether ill or weil + founded, was wearing fast away, since Phaddhy had succeeded to the + stocking of guineas, and the Lisnaskey farm. It might be, indeed, that her + former poverty helped her neighbors to see this blemish more clearly: but + the world is so seldom in the habit of judging people's qualities or + failings through this uncharitable medium, that the supposition is rather + doubtful. Be this as it may, the arrangements for the breakfast and dinner + must be made. There was plenty of bacon, and abundance of cabbages—eggs, + ad infinitum—oaten and wheaten bread in piles—turkeys, geese, + pullets, as fat as aldermen—cream as rich as Croesus—and three + gallons of poteen, one sparkle of which, as Father Philemy said in the + course of the evening, would lay the hairs on St. Francis himself in his + most self-negative mood, if he saw it. So far so good: everything + excellent and abundant in its way. Still the higher and more refined items—the + <i>deliciae epidarum</i>—must be added. White bread, and tea, and + sugar, were yet to be got; and lump-sugar for the punch; and a tea-pot and + cups and saucers to be borrowed; all which was accordingly done. + </p> + <p> + Well, suppose everything disposed for tomorrow's feast;—suppose + Phaddhy himself to have butchered the fowl, because Katty, who was not + able to bear the sight of blood, had not the heart to kill “the crathurs” + and imagine to yourself one of the servant men taking his red-hot tongs + out of the fire, and squeezing a large lump of hog's lard, placed in a + grisset, or <i>Kam</i>, on the hearth, to grease all their brogues; then + see in your mind's eye those two fine, fresh-looking girls, slyly take + their old rusty fork out of the fire, and going to a bit of three-corned + looking-glass, pasted into a board, or, perhaps, to a pail of water, there + to curl up their rich-flowing locks, that had hitherto never known a curl + but such, as nature gave them. + </p> + <p> + On one side of the hob sit two striplings, “thryin' wan another in their + catechiz,” that they may be able to answer, with some credit, to-morrow. + On the other hob sits Briney, hard at his syntax, with the <i>Fibulae + AEsiopii</i>, as he called it, placed open at a particular passage, on the + seat under him, with a hope that, when Philemy will examine him, the book + may open at his favorite fable of “<i>Gallus Gallinaceus</i>—a + dung-hill cock.” Phaddy himself is obliged to fast this day, there being + one day of his penance yet unperformed, since the last time he was at his + duty; which was, as aforesaid, about five years: and Katty, now that + everything is cleaned up and ready, kneels down in a corner to go over her + beads, rocking herself in a placid silence that is only broken by an + occasional malediction against the servants, or the cat, when it attempts + the abduction of one of the dead fowl. + </p> + <p> + The next morning the family were up before the sun, who rubbed his eyes, + and swore that he must have overslept himself, on seeing such a merry + column of smoke dancing over Phaddhy's chimney. A large wooden dish was + placed upon the threshold of the kitchen door, filled with water, in + which, with a trencher of oatmeal for soap,* they successively scrubbed + their faces and hands to some purpose. In a short time afterwards, Phaddhy + and the sons were cased, stiff and awkward, in their new suits, with the + tops of their fingers just peeping over the sleeve cuffs. The horses in + the stable were turned out to the fields, being obliged to make room for + their betters, that were soon expected under the reverend bodies of Father + Philemy and his curate; whilst about half a bushel of oats was left in the + manger, to regale them on their arrival. Little Richard Maguire was sent + down to the five-acres, with the pigs, on purpose to keep them from about + the house, they not being supposed fit company at a set-dinner. A roaring + turf fire, which blazed two yards up the chimney, had been put down; on + this was placed a large pot, filled with water for the tea, because they + had no kettle. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Fact—Oatmeal is in general substituted for soap, by + those who cannot afford to buy the latter. +</pre> + <p> + By this time the morning was tolerably advanced, and the neighbors were + beginning to arrive in twos and threes, to wipe out old scores. Katty had + sent several of the gorsoons “to see if they could see any sight of the + clargy,” but hitherto their Reverences were invisible. At length, after + several fruitless embassies of this description, Father Con was seen + jogging along on his easygoing hack, engaged in the perusal of his Office, + previous to his commencing the duties of the day. As soon as his approach + was announced, a chair was immediately placed for him in a room off the + kitchen—the parlor, such as it was, having been reserved for Father + Phileniy himself, as the place of greater honor. This was an arrangement, + however, which went against the grain of Phaddhy, who, had he got his + will, would have established Father Con in the most comfortable apartment + of the house: but that old vagabond, human nature, is the same under all + circumstances—or, as Katty would have (in her own phraseology) + expressed it, “still the ould cut;” for even there the influence of rank + and elevation was sufficient to throw merit into the shade; and the + parlor-seat was allotted to Father Philemy, merely for being Parish + Priest, although it was well known that he could not “tare off” * mass in + half the time that Father Con could, nor throw a sledge, or shoulder-stone + within a perch of him, nor scarcely clear a street-channel, whilst the + latter could jump one-and-twenty feet at a running leap. But these are + rubs which men of merit must occasionally bear; and, when exposed to them, + they must only rest satisfied in the consciousness of their own deserts. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * The people look upon that priest as the best and most + learned who can perform the ceremony of the mass in the + shortest period of time. They call it as above “tareing + off”. The quickest description of mass, however, is the + “hunting mass,” so termed from the speed at which the + priest goes over it—that is, “at the rate of a hunt.” + </pre> + <p> + From the moment that Father Con became visible, the conversation of those + who were collected in Phaddhy's dropped gradually, as he approached the + house, into a silence which was only broken by an occasional short + observation, made by one or two of those who were in habits of the + greatest familiarity with the priest; but when they heard the noise of his + horse's feet near the door, the silence became general and uninterrupted. + </p> + <p> + There can scarcely be a greater contrast in anything than that presented + by the beginning of a station-day and its close. In the morning, the faces + of those who are about to confess present an expression in which terror, + awe, guilt, and veneration may be easily traced; but in the evening all is + mirth and jollity. Before confession every man's memory is employed in + running over the catalogue of crimes, as they are to be found in the + prayer-books, under the ten commandments, the seven deadly sins, the + Commandments of the Church, the four sins that cry to heaven for + vengeance, and the seven sins against the Holy Ghost. + </p> + <p> + When Father Con arrived, Phaddhy and Katty were instantly at the door to + welcome him. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Musha, cead millia failtha ghud</i> (* A hundred thousand welcomes to + you.) to our house, Father Con, avourneen!” says Katty, dropping him a low + curtsey, and spreading her new, brown, quilted petticoat as far out on + each side of her as it would go—“musha, an' it's you that's welcome + from my heart out.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you,” said honest Con, who, as he knew not her name, did not + pretend to know it. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Father Con,” said Phaddhy, this is, the first time you have ever + come to us this, way; but, plase God, it won't be the last, I hope.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope not, Phaddhy,” said Father Con, who, notwithstanding his + simplicity of character, loved a good dinner in the very core of his + heart, “I hope not, indeed, Phaddhy.” He then threw his eye about the + premises, to see what point he might set his temper to during the + remainder of the day; for it is right to inform our readers that a + priest's temper, at a station, generally rises or falls according to the + prospect of his cheer. + </p> + <p> + Here, however, a little vista, or pantry, jutting out from the kitchen, + and left ostentatiously open, presented him with a view which made his + very nose curl with kindness. What it contained we do not pretend to say, + not having seen it ourselves; we judge, therefore, only by its effects + upon his physiognomy. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Phaddhy,” he says, “this is a very fine house you've got over you;” + throwing his eye again towards a wooden buttress which supported one of + the rafters that was broken. + </p> + <p> + “Why then, your Reverence, it would not be a bad one,” Phaddhy replied, + “if it had a new roof and new side-walls; and I intend to get both next + summer, if God spares me till then.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, upon my word, if it had new side-walls, a new roof, and new gavels, + too,” replied Father Con, “it would look certainly a great deal the better + for it;—and do you intend to to get them next summer, Paddy?” + </p> + <p> + “If God spares me, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Are all these fine gorsoons yours, Phaddhy?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, so Katty says, your Reverence,” replied Phaddhy, with a good-natured + laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Haven't you got one of them for the church, Phaddhy?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, your Reverence, there's one of them that I hope will live to have + the robes upon him Come over, Briney, and speak to Father Con. He's not + very far in his Latin yet, sir but his master tells me that he hasn't the + likes of him in the school for brightness—Briney, will you come + over, I say; come over, sarrah, and spake to the gintleman, and him wants + to shake hands wid you—come up, man, what are you afeard of?—sure + Father Con's not going to examine you now.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, Briney,” said Father Con, “I'm not about to examine you at + present.” + </p> + <p> + “He's a little dashed, yer Reverence, be-kase he thought you war going to + put him through some of his Latin,” said the father, bringing him up like + a culprit to Father Con, who shook hands with him, and, after a few + questions as to the books he read, and his progress, dismissed him. + </p> + <p> + “But, Father Con, wid submission,” said Katty, “where's Father Philemy + from us?—sure, we expected him along wid you, and he wouldn't go to + disappoint us?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you needn't fear that, Katty,” replied Father Con; “he'll be here + presently—before breakfast, I'll engage for him at any rate; but he + had a touch of the headache this morning, and wasn't able to rise so early + as I was.” + </p> + <p> + During this conversation a little crowd had collected about the door of + the room in which he was to hear the confessions, each struggling and + fighting to get the first turn; but here, as in the more important + concerns of this world, the weakest went to the wall. He now went into the + room, and taking Katty herself first, the door was closed upon them, and + he gave her absolution; and thus he continued to confess and absolve them, + one by one, until breakfast. + </p> + <p> + Whenever a station occurs in Ireland, a crowd of mendicants and other + strolling impostors seldom fail to attend it; on this occasion, at least, + they did not. The day, though frosty, was fine; and the door was + surrounded by a train of this description, including both sexes, some + sitting on stones, some on stools, with their blankets rolled up under + them; and others, more ostensibly devout, on their knees, hard at prayer; + which, lest their piety might escape notice, our readers may be assured, + they did not offer up in silence. On one side you might observe a sturdy + fellow, with a pair of tattered urchins secured to his back by a sheet or + blanket pinned across his breast with a long iron skewer, their heads just + visible at his shoulders, munching a thick piece of wheaten bread, and the + father on his knees, with a a huge wooden cross in hand, repeating <i>padareens</i>, + and occasionally throwing a jolly eye towards the door, or through the; + window, opposite which he knelt, into the kitchen, as often as any + peculiar stir or commotion led him to suppose that breakfast, the loadstar + of his devotion, was about to be produced. + </p> + <p> + Scattered about the door were knots of these, men and women, occasionally + chatting together; and when the subject of their conversation happened to + be exhausted, resuming their beads, until some new topic would occur, and + so on alternately. + </p> + <p> + The interior of the kitchen where the neighbors were assembled, presented + an appearance somewhat more decorous. Andy Lalor, the mass-server, in whom + the priest had the greatest confidence, stood in a corner examining, in + their catechism, those who intended to confess; and, if they were able to + stand the test, he gave them a bit of twisted brown paper as a ticket, and + they were received at the tribunal. + </p> + <p> + The first question the priest uniformly puts to the penitent is, “Can you + repeat the Confiteor?” If the latter answers in the affirmative, he goes + on until he comes to the words, mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa, + when he stops, it being improper to repeat the remainder until after he + has confessed; but, if he is ignorant of the “Confiteor,” the priest + repeats it for him! and he commences the rehearsal of his offences, + specifically as they occurred; and not only does he reveal his individual + crimes, but his very thoughts and intentions. By this regulation our + readers may easily perceive, that the penitent is completely at the mercy + of the priest—that all family feuds, quarrels, and secrets are laid + open to his eye—that the ruling; passions of men's lives are held up + before him, the weaknesses and propensities of nature—all the + unguarded avenues of the human heart and character are brought within his + positive knowledge, and that, too, as they exist in the young and the old, + the married and the single, the male and the female. + </p> + <p> + It was curious to remark the ludicrous expression of temporary sanctity + which was apparent on the countenances of many young men and maidens who + were remarkable in the neighborhood for attending dances and wakes, but + who, on the present occasion, were sobered down to a gravity which sat + very awkwardly upon them; particularly in I the eyes of those who knew the + lightness and drollery of their characters. This, however, was observable + only before confession; for, as soon as, “the priest's blessed hand had + been over them,” their gloom and anxiety passed away, and the thoughtless + buoyancy of their natural disposition resumed its influence over their + minds. A good-humored nod, or a sly wink, from a young man to his female + acquaintance, would now be indulged in; or, perhaps a small joke would + escape, which seldom failed to produce a subdued laugh from such as had + confessed, or an impatient rebuke from those who had not. + </p> + <p> + “Tim!” one would exclaim, “arn't ye ashamed or afeared to get an that way, + and his Reverence undher the wan roof wid ye?” + </p> + <p> + “Tim, you had better dhrop your joking,” a second would observe, “and not + be putting us through other, (* confusing us) when we have our offenses to + remimber; you have got your job over, and now you have nothing to trouble + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, it's fine behavior,” a third would say, “and you afther coming + from the priest's knee; and what more, didn't resave (* Communicate) yet; + but wait till Father Con appears, and, I'll warrant, you'll be as grave as + another, for all you're so stout now.” + </p> + <p> + The conversation would then pass to the merits of Father Philemy and + Father Con, as Confessors. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” one would observe—“for my part, I'd rather go to Father + Philemy, fifty times over, than wanst to Father Con, bekase he never axes + questions; but whatever you like to tell him, he hears it, and forgives + you at wanst.” + </p> + <p> + “And so sign's an it,” observed another; “he could confess more in a day + that Father Con could in a week.” + </p> + <p> + “But for all that,” observed Andy Lalor, “it's still best to go to the man + that puts the questions, you persave, and that won't let the turning of a + straw escape him. Whin myself goes to Father Philemy, somehow or other, I + totally disremember more nor wan half of what I intinded to tell him, but + Father Con misses nothing, for he axes it.” + </p> + <p> + When the last observation was finished, Father Con, finding that the usual + hour for breakfast had arrived, came into the kitchen, to prepare for the + celebration of mass. For this purpose, a table was cleared, and just in + the nick of time arrived old Moll Brian, the vestment woman, or itinerant + sacristan, whose usual occupation was to carry the priests' robes and + other apparatus, from station to station. In a short time, Father Con was + surpliced and robed; Andy Lalor, whose face was charged with commensurate + importance during the ceremony, sarved Mass, and answered the priest + stoutly in Latin although he had not the advantage of understanding that + sacerdotal language. Those who had confessed, now communicated; after + which, each of them took a draught, of water out of a small jug, which was + handed round from one to another. The ceremony then closed, and those who + had partaken of the sacrament, with the exception of such as were detained + for breakfast, after filling their bottles with holy water, went home with + a light heart. A little before the mass had been finished, Father Philemy + arrived; but, as Phaddy and Katty were then preparing to resave they could + not at that moment give him a formal reception. As soon, however, as + communion was over, the <i>cead millia failtha</i> was repeated with the + usual warmth, by both, and by all their immediate friends. Breakfast was + now laid in Katty's best style, and with an originality of arrangement + that scorned all precedent. Two tables were placed, one after another, in + the kitchen; for the other rooms were not sufficiently large to + accommodate the company. Father Philemy filled the seat of honor at the + head of the table, with his back to an immense fire. On his right hand sat + Father Con; on his left, Phaddhy himself, “to keep the-clargy company;” + and, in due succession after them, their friends and neighbors, each + taking precedence according to the most scrupulous notions of + respectability. Beside Father Con sat “Pettier Malone,” a “young + collegian,” who had been sent home from Maynooth to try his native air, + for the recovery of his health, which was declining. He arrived only a few + minutes after Father Philemy, and was a welcome reinforcement to Phaddhy, + in the arduous task of sustaining the conversation with suitable credit. + </p> + <p> + With respect to the breakfast, I can only say, that it was superabundant—that + the tea was as black as bog water—that there were hen, turkey, and + geese eggs—plates of toast soaked, crust and crumb, in butter; and + lest there might be a deficiency, one of the daughters sat on a stool at + the fire, with her open hand, by way of a fire screen, across her red, + half-scorched brows, toasting another plateful, and, to crown all, on each + corner of the table was a bottle of whiskey. At the lower board sat the + youngsters, under the surveillance of Katty's sister, who presided in that + quarter. When they were commencing breakfast, “Father Philemy,” said + Katty, “won't yer Rev'rence bless the mate (* food) if ye plase?” + </p> + <p> + “If I don't do it myself,” said Father Philemy, who was just after + sweeping the top off a turkey egg, “I'll get them that will. Come,” said + he to the collegian, “give us grace, Peter; you'll never learn younger.” + </p> + <p> + This, however, was an unexpected blow to Peter, who knew that an English + grace would be incompatible with his “college feeding,” yet was unprovided + with any in Latin—The eyes of the company were now fixed upon him, + and he blushed like scarlet on finding himself in a predicament so awkward + and embarrassing. “<i>Aliquid, Petre, alliquid; 'de profundis'—si + habes nihil aliud</i>,” said Father Philemy, feeling for his + embarrassment, and giving him a hint. This was not lost, for Peter began, + and gave them the <i>De profundis</i>—a Latin psalm, which Roman + Catholics repeat for the relief of the souls in, purgatory. They forgot, + however, that there was a person in company who considered himself as + having an equal claim to the repetition of at least the one-half of it; + and accordingly, when Peter got up and repeated the first verse, Andy + Lalor got also on his legs, and repeated the response.* This staggered + Peter a little, who hesitated, as uncertain how to act. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * This prayer is generally repeated by two persons, who + recite each a verse alternately. +</pre> + <p> + “<i>Perge, Petre, perge</i>,” said Father Philemy, looking rather + wistfully at his egg—“<i>perge, stultus est et asinus quoque</i>.” + Peter and Andy proceeded until it was finished, when they resumed their + seats. + </p> + <p> + The conversation during breakfast was as sprightly, as full of fun and + humor as such breakfasts usually are. The priest, Phaddhy, and the young + collegian, had a topic of their own, whilst the rest were engaged in a + kind of by play, until the meal was finished. + </p> + <p> + “Father Philemy,” said Phaddhy, in his capacity of host, “before we begin + we'll all take a dhrop of what's in the bottle, if it's not displasing to + yer Reverence; and, sure, I know, 'tis the same that doesn't come wrong at + a station, any how.” + </p> + <p> + This, <i>more majorum</i>, was complied with; and the glass, as usual, + went round the table, beginning with their Reverences. Hitherto, Father + Philemy had not had time to bestow any attention on the state of Kitty's + larder, as he was in the habit of doing, with a view to ascertain the + several items contained therein for dinner. But as soon as the + breakfast-things were removed, and the coast clear, he took a peep into + the pantry, and, after throwing his eye over its contents, sat down at the + fire, making Phaddhy take a seat beside him, for the especial purpose of + sounding him as to the practicability of effecting a certain design, which + was then snugly latent in his Reverence's fancy. The fact was, that on + taking the survey of the premises aforesaid, he discovered that, although + there was abundance of fowl, and fish, and bacon, and hung-beef—yet, + by some unaccountable and disastrous omission, there was neither fresh + mutton nor fresh beef. The priest, it must be confessed, was a man of + considerable fortitude, but this was a blow for which he was scarcely + prepared, particularly as a boiled leg of mutton was one of his fifteen + favorite joints at dinner. He accordingly took two or three pinches of + snuff in rapid succession, and a seat at the fire, as I have said, placing + Phaddhy, unconscious of his design, immediately beside him. + </p> + <p> + Now, the reader knows that Phaddhy was a man possessing a considerable + portion of dry, sarcastic humor, along with that natural, quickness of + penetration and shrewdness for which most of the Irish peasantry are in a + very peculiar degree remarkable; add to this that Father Philemy, in + consequence of his contemptuous bearing to him before he came in for his + brother's property, stood not very high in his estimation. The priest knew + this, and consequently felt that the point in question would require to be + managed, on his part, with suitable address. + </p> + <p> + “Phaddhy,” says his Reverence, “sit down here till we chat a little, + before I commence the duties of the day. I'm happy to, see that you have + such a fine thriving family: how many sons and daughters have you?” + </p> + <p> + “Six sons, yer Reverence,” replied. Phaddhy, “and five daughters: indeed, + sir, they're as well to be seen as their neighbors, considhering all + things. Poor crathurs, they get fair play* now, thank Grod, compared to + what they used to get—God rest their poor uncle's sowl for that! + Only for him, your Reverence, there would be very few inquiring this or + any other day about them.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * By this is meant good food and clothing. +</pre> + <p> + “Did he die as rich as they said, Phaddhy?” inquired his Reverence. + </p> + <p> + “Hut, sir,” replied Phaddhy, determined to take what he afterwards called + a rise out of the priest; “they knew little about it—as rich as they + said, sir! no, but three times as rich, itself: but, any how, he was the + man that could make the money.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm very happy to hear it, Phaddhy, on, your account, and that of your + children. God be good to him—<i>requiescat animus ejus in pace, per + omnia secula seculorum</i>, Amen!—he liked a drop in his time, + Phaddhy, as well as ourselves, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “Amen, amen—the heavens be his bed!—he-did, poor man! but he + had it at first cost, your Reverence, for he run it all himself in the + mountains: he could afford to take it.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Phaddhy, the heavens be his bed, I pray; no Christmas or Easter ever + passed but he was sure to send me the little keg of stuff that never saw + water; but, Phaddhy, there's one thing that concerns me about him, in + regard of his love of drink—I'm afraid it's a throuble to him where + he is at present; and I was sorry to find that, although he died full of + money, he didn't think it worth his while to leave even the price of a + mass to be said for the benefit of his own soul.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, sure you know, Father Philemy, that he wasn't what they call a + dhrinking man: once a quarther, or so, he sartinly did take a jorum; and + except at these times, he was very sober. But God look upon us, yer + Reverence—or upon myself, anyway; for if he's to suffer for his + doings that way, I'm afeard we'll have a troublesome reck'ning of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Hem, a-hem!—Phaddhy,” replied the priest, “he has raised you and + your children from poverty, at all events, and you ought to consider that. + If there is anything in your power to contribute to the relief of his + soul, you havs a strong duty upon you to do it; and a number of masses, + offered up devoutly, would—” + </p> + <p> + “Why, he did, sir, raise both myself and my childre from poverty,” said + Phaddhy, not willing to let that point go farther—“that I'll always + own to; and I hope in God that whatever little trouble might be upon him + for the dhrop of dhrink, will be wiped off by this kindness to us.” + </p> + <p> + “He hadn't even a Month's mind!”* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * A Mouth's Mind is the repetition of one or more + masses, at the expiration of a month after death, for + the repose of a departed soul. There are generally more + than the usual number of priests on such occasions: + each of whom receives a sum of money, varying according + to the wealth of the survivors—sometimes five + shillings, and sometimes five guineas. +</pre> + <p> + “And it's not but I spoke to him about both, yer Eeverence.” + </p> + <p> + “And what did he say, Phaddy?” + </p> + <p> + “'Phaddy,' said he, 'I have been giving Father M'Guirk, one way or + another, between whiskey, oats, and dues, a great deal of money every + year; and now, afther I'm dead,' says he, 'isn't it an ungrateful thing of + him not to offer up one mass for my sowl, except I leave him payment for + it?'” + </p> + <p> + “Did he say that, Phaddhy?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm giving you his very words, yer Reverence.” + </p> + <p> + “Phaddhy, I deny it; it's a big lie—he could not make much use of + such words, and he going to face death. I say you could not listen to + them; the hair would stand on your head if he did; but God forgive him—that's + the worst I wish him. Didn't the hair stand on your head, Phaddhy, to hear + him?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, then, to tell yer Reverence God's truth, I can't say it did.” + </p> + <p> + “You can't say it did! and if I was in your coat, I would be ashamed to + say it did not. I was always troubled about the way the fellow died, but I + hadn't the slightest notion: that he went off such a reprobate. I fought + his battle and yours hard enough yesterday; but I knew less about him than + I do now.” + </p> + <p> + “And what, wid submission, did you fight our battles about, yer + Reverence?” inquired Phaddhy. + </p> + <p> + “Yesterday evening, in Parrah More Slevin's, they had him a miser, and + yourself they set down as very little better.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I don't think I desarved that from Parrah More, anyhow, Father + Philemy; I think I can show myself as dacent as Parrah More or any of his + faction.” + </p> + <p> + “It was not Parrah More himself, nor his family, that said anything about + you, Phaddhy,” said the priest, “but others that were present. You must + know that we were all to be starved here to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! ho!” exclaimed Phaddhy, who was hit most palpably upon the weakest + side—the very sorest spot about him, “they think bekase this is the + first station that ever was held in my house, that you won't be thrated as + you ought; but they'll be disappointed; and I hope, for so far, that yer + Reverence and yer friends had no rason to complain.” + </p> + <p> + “Not in the least, Phaddhy, considering that it was a first station; and + if the dinner goes as well off as the breakfast, they'll be biting their + nails: but I should not wish myself that they would have it in their power + to sneer or throw any slur over you about it.—Go along, Dolan,” + exclaimed his Reverence to a countryman who came in from the street, where + those stood who were for confession, to see if he had gone to his room—“Go + along, you vagrant, don't you see I'm not gone to the tribunal yet?—But + it's no matter about that, Phaddhy, it's of other things you ought to + think: when were you at your duty?” + </p> + <p> + “This morning, sir,” replied the other—“but I'd have them to + understand, that had the presumption to use my name in any such manner, + that I know when and where to be dacent with any mother's son of Parrah + More's faction; and that I'll be afther whispering to them some of these + fine mornings, plase goodness.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, Phaddhy, don't put yourself in a passion about it, + particularly so soon after having been at confession—it's not right—I + told them myself, that we'd have a leg of mutton and a bottle of wine at + all events for it was what they had; but that's not worth talking about—when + were you with the priest before Phaddhy?” + </p> + <p> + “If I wasn't able, it would be another thing, but as long as I'm able, + I'll let them know that I've the spirit”—said Phaddhy, smarting + under the implication of niggardliness—“when was I at confession + before, Father Philemy? Why, then, dear forgive me, not these five years;—and + I'd surely be the first of the family that would show a mane spirit, or a + want of hospitality.” + </p> + <p> + “A leg of mutton is a good dish, and a bottle of wine is fit for the first + man in the land!” observed his Reverence; “five years!—why, is it + possible you stayed away so long, Phaddhy! how could you expect to prosper + with five years' burden of sin upon your conscience—what would it + cost you—?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, myselfs no judge, your Reverence, as to that; but, cost what it + will, I'll get both.” + </p> + <p> + “I say, Phaddhy, what trouble would it cost you to come to your duty twice + a year at the very least; and, indeed, I would advise you to become a + monthly communicant. Parrah More was speaking of it as to himself, and you + ought to go—” + </p> + <p> + “And I will go and bring Parrah More here to his dinner, this very day, if + it was only to let him see with his own eyes—” + </p> + <p> + “You ought to go once a month, if it was only to set an example to your + children, and to show the neighbors how a man of substance and + respectability, and the head of a family, ought to carry himself.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is the best wine got, your Reverence?” + </p> + <p> + “Alick M'Loughlin, my nephew, I believe, keeps the best wine and spirits + in Ballyslantha.—You ought also, Phaddy, to get a scapular, and + become a scapularian; I wish your brother had thought of that, and he + wouldn't have died in so hardened a state, nor neglected to make a + provision for the benefit of his soul, as he did.” + </p> + <p> + “Lave the rest to me, yer Reverence, I'll get it; Mr. M'Loughlin will give + me the right sort, if he has it betune him and death.” + </p> + <p> + “M'Laughlin! what are you talking about?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, what is your Reverence talking about?” + </p> + <p> + “The scapular,” said the priest. + </p> + <p> + “But I mane the wine and the mutton,” says Phaddhy. + </p> + <p> + “And is that the way you treat me, you reprobate you?” replied his + Reverence in a passion: “is that the kind of attention you're paying me, + and I, advising you, all this time, for the good of your soul? Phaddhy, I + tell you, you're enough to vex me to the core—five years!—only + once at confession in five years! What do I care about your mutton and + your wine!—you may get dozens of them if you wish; or, may be, it + would be more like a Christian to never mind getting them, and let the + neighbors laugh away. It would teach you humility, you hardened creature, + and God knows you want it; for my part, I'm speaking to you about other + things; but that's the way with the most of you—mention any + spiritual subject that concerns your soul, and you turn a deaf ear to it—here, + Dolan, come in to your duty. In the meantime, you may as well tell Katty + not to boil the mutton too much; it's on your knees you ought to be at + your rosary, or the seven penitential psalms, any way.” + </p> + <p> + “Thrue for you, sir,” says Phaddhy; “but as to going wanst a month, I'm + afeard, your Rev'rence, if it would shorten my timper as it does Katty's, + that we'd be bad company for one another; she comes home from confession, + newly set, like a razor, every bit as sharp; and I'm sure that I'm within + the truth when I say there's no bearing her.” + </p> + <p> + “That's because you've no relish for anything spiritual yourself, you + nager you,” replied his Reverence, “or you wouldn't see her temper in that + light—but, now that I think of it, where did you get that stuff we + had at breakfast?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, that's the sacret; but I knew your Rev'rence would like it; did + Parrah More aiquil it? No, nor one of his faction couldn't lay his finger + on such a dhrop.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you could get me a few gallons of it,” said the priest; “but let + us drop that; I say, Phaddhy, you're too worldly and too careless about + your duty.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Father Philemy, there's a good time coming; I'll mend yet.” + </p> + <p> + “You want it, Phaddhy.” + </p> + <p> + “Would three gallons do, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “I would rather you would make it five, Phaddhy; but go to your rosary.” + </p> + <p> + “It's the penitential psalms, first, sir,” said Phaddhy, “and the rosary + at night. I'll try, anyhow; and if I can make off five for you, I will.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Phaddhy; but I would recommend you to say the rosary before + night.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe yer Reverence is right,” replied Phaddhy, looking somewhat + slyly in the priest's face; “I think it's best to make sure of it now, in + regard that in the evening, your Reverence—do you persave?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said his Reverence, “you're in a better frame of mind at present, + Phaddhy, being fresh from confession.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, his Reverence—for whom Phaddhy, with all his shrewdness + in general, was not a match—went into his room, that he might send + home about four dozen of honest, good-humored, thoughtless, jovial, + swearing, drinking, fighting Hibernians, free from every possible stain of + sin and wickedness! + </p> + <p> + “Are you all ready now?” said the priest to a crowd of country people who + were standing about the kitchen door, pressing to get the “first turn” at + the tribunal, which on this occasion consisted of a good oaken chair, with + his Reverence upon it. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you crush forward in that manner, you ill-bred spalpeens? Can't + you stand back, and behave yourselves like common Christians?—back + with you! or, if you make me get my whip, I'll soon clear you from about + the dacent man's door. Hagarty, why do you crush them two girls there, you + great Turk, you? Look at the vagabonds! Where's my whip,” said he, running + in, and coming out in a fury, when he commenced cutting about him, until + they dispersed in all directions. He then returned into the house; and, + after calling in about two dozen, began to catechize them as follows, + still holding the whip in his hand, whilst many of those individuals, who + at a party quarrel or faction fight, in fair or market, were incapable of + the slightest terror, now stood trembling before him, absolutely pale and + breathless with fear. + </p> + <p> + “Come, Kelly,” said he to one of them, “are you fully prepared for the two + blessed sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist, that you are about to + receive? Can you read, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Can I read, is id?—my brother Barney can, yor Rev'rence,” replied + Kelly, sensible, amid all the disadvantages around him, of the degradation + of his ignorance. + </p> + <p> + “What's that to me, sir?” said the priest, “what your brother Barney can + do—can you not read yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “I can not, your Reverence,” said Kelly, in a tone of regret. + </p> + <p> + “I hope you have your Christian Doctrine, at all events,” said the priest. + “Go on with the Confiteor.” + </p> + <p> + Kelly went on—“Confeetur Dimnipotenmti batchy Mary semplar virginy, + batchy Mickletoe Archy Angelo, batchy Johnny Bartisty, sanctris postlis—Petrum + hit Paulum omnium sanctris, et tabby pasture, quay a pixavit minus coglety + ashy hony verbum et offer him smaxy quilia smaxy quilta—sniaxy maxin + in quilia.” * + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Let not our readers suppose that the above version in + the mouth of a totally illiterate peasant is + overcharged; for we have the advantage of remembering + how we ourselves used to hear it pronounced in our + early days. We will back the version in the text + against Edward Irving's new language—for any money.— + Original note. +</pre> + <p> + “Very well, Kelly, right enough, all except the pronouncing, which + wouldn't pass muster in Maynooth, however. How many kinds of commandments + are there?” + </p> + <p> + “Two, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “What are they?” + </p> + <p> + “God's and the Church's.” + </p> + <p> + “Repeat God's share of them.” + </p> + <p> + He then repeated the first commandment according to his catechism. + </p> + <p> + “Very good, Kelly, very good. Well now, repeat the commandments of the + Church.” + </p> + <p> + “First—Sundays and holidays, Mass thou shalt sartinly hear; + </p> + <p> + “Second—All holidays sanctificate throughout all the whole year. + </p> + <p> + “Third—Lent, Ember days, and Virgins, thou shalt be sartain to fast; + </p> + <p> + “Fourth—Fridays and Saturdays flesh thou shalt not, good, bad or + indifferent, taste. + </p> + <p> + “Fifth—In Lent and Advent, nuptial fastes gallantly forbear. + </p> + <p> + “Sixth—Confess your sins, at laste once dacently and soberly every + year. + </p> + <p> + “Seventh—Resave your God at confission about great Easter-day; + </p> + <p> + “Eighth—And to his Church and his own frolicsome clargy neglect not + tides (tithes) to pay.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said his Eeverence, “now, to great point is, do you understand + them?” + </p> + <p> + “Wid the help of God, I hope so, your Rev'rence; and I have also the three + thriptological vartues.” + </p> + <p> + “Theological, sirrah!” + </p> + <p> + “Theojollyological vartues; the four sins that cry to heaven for + vingeance; the five carnal vartues—prudence, justice, timptation, + and solitude; (* Temperance and fortitude) the seven deadly sins; the + eight grey attitudes—” + </p> + <p> + “Grey attitudes! Oh, the Boeotian!” exclaimed his Eeverence, “listen to + the way in which he's playing havoc among them. Stop, sir,” for Kelly was + going on at full speed—“Stop, sir. I tell you it's not gray + attitudes, but bay attitudes—doesn't every one know the eight + beatitudes?” + </p> + <p> + “The eight bay attitudes; the nine ways of being guilty of another's sins; + the ten commandments; the twelve fruits of a Christian; the fourteen + stations of the cross; the fifteen mystheries of the passion—” + </p> + <p> + “Kelly,” said his Eeverence, interrupting him, and heralding, the joke, + for so it was intended, with a hearty chuckle, “you're getting fast out of + your teens, ma bouchal?” and this was of course, honored with a merry + peal; extorted as much by an effort of softening the rigor of examination, + as by the traditionary duty which entails upon the Irish laity the + necessity of laughing at a priest's jokes, without any reference at all to + their quality. Nor was his Reverence's own voice the first to subside into + that gravity which became the solemnity of the occasion; or even whilst he + continued the interrogatories, his eye was laughing at the conceit with + which it was evident the inner man was not competent to grapple. “Well, + Kelly, I can't say but you've answered very well, as far as the repealing + of them goes; but do you perfectly understand all the commandments of the + church?” + </p> + <p> + “I do, sir,” replied Kelly, whose confidence kept pace with his + Reverence's good-humor. + </p> + <p> + “Well, what is meant by the fifth?” + </p> + <p> + “The fifth, sir?” said the other, rather confounded—“I must begin + agin, sir, and go on till I come to it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the priest, “never mind that; but tell us what the eighth + means?” + </p> + <p> + Kelly stared at him a second time, but was not able to advance “First—Sundays + and holidays, mass thou shalt hear;” but before he had proceeded to the + second, a person who stood at his elbow began to whisper to him the proper + reply, and in the act of so doing received a lash of the whip across the + ear for his pains. + </p> + <p> + “You blackguard, you!” exclaimed Father Philemy, “take that—how dare + you attempt to prompt any person that I'm examining?” + </p> + <p> + Those who stood around Kelly now fell back to a safe distance, and all was + silence, terror, and trepidation once more. + </p> + <p> + “Come, Kelly, go on—the eighth?” + </p> + <p> + Kelly was still silent. + </p> + <p> + “Why, you ninny you, didn't you repeat it just now. 'Eighth—And to + his church neglect not tithes to pay.' Now that I have put the words in + your mouth, what does it mean?” + </p> + <p> + Kelly having thus got the cue, replied, in the words of the Catechism, “To + pay <i>tides</i> to the lawful <i>pasterns</i> of the church, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Pasterns!—oh, you ass you! <i>Pasterns!</i> you poor; base, + contemptible, crawling reptile, as if we trampled you under our hooves—oh, + you scruff of the earth! Stop, I say—it's pastors.” + </p> + <p> + “Pastures of the church.” + </p> + <p> + “And, tell me, do you fulfil that commandment?” + </p> + <p> + “I do, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “It's a lie, sir,” replied the priest, brandishing the whip over his head, + whilst Kelly instinctively threw up his guard to protect himself from the + blow. “It's a lie, sir,” repeated his Eeverence; “you don't fulfil it. + What is the church?” + </p> + <p> + “The church is the congregation of the faithful that purfiss the true + faith, and are obadient to the Pope.” + </p> + <p> + “And who do you pay tithes to?” + </p> + <p> + “To the parson, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “And, you poor varmint you, is he obadient to the Pope?” + </p> + <p> + Kelly only smiled at the want of comprehension which prevented him from + seeing the thing according to the view which his Reverence took of it. + </p> + <p> + “Well, now,” continued Father Philemy, “who are the lawful pastors of + God's church?” + </p> + <p> + “You are, sir: and all our own priests.” + </p> + <p> + “And who ought you to pay your tithes to?” + </p> + <p> + “To you, sir, in coorse; sure I always knew that, your Rev'rence.” + </p> + <p> + “And what's the reason, then, you don't pay them to me, instead of the + parson?” + </p> + <p> + This was a puzzler to Kelly, who only knew his own side of the question. + “You have me there, sir,” he replied, with a grin. + </p> + <p> + “Because,” said his Reverence, “the Protestants, for the present, have, + the law of the land on their side, and power over you to compel the + payment of tithes to themselves; but we have right, justice, and the law + of God on ours; and, if every thing was in its proper place, it is not to + the parsons, but to us, that you would pay them.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, sir,” replied Kelly, who now experienced a community of + feeling upon the subject with his Reverence, that instantly threw him into + a familiarity of manner which he thought the point between them justified—“who + knows, sir?” said he with a knowing smile, “there's a good time coming, + yer Rev'rence.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” said Father Philemy, “wait till we get once into the Big* House, and + if we don't turn the scales—if the Established Church doesn't go + down, why, it won't be our fault. Now, Kelly, all's right but the money—have + you brought your dues?” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Parliament. This was written before the passing of + the Emancipation Bill. +</pre> + <p> + “Here it is, sir,” said Kelly, handing him his dues for the last year. + </p> + <p> + It is to be observed here, that, according as the penitents went to be + examined, or to kneel down to confess, a certain sum was exacted from + each, which varied according to the arrears that might have been due to + the priest. Indeed, it is not unusual for the host and hostess, on these + occasions, to be refused a participation in the sacrament, until they pay + this money, notwithstanding the considerable expense they are put to in + entertaining not only the clergy, but a certain number of their own + friends and relations. + </p> + <p> + “Well, stand aside, I'll hear you first; and now, come up here, you young + gentleman, that laughed so heartily a while ago at my joke—ha, ha, + ha!—come up here, child.” + </p> + <p> + A lad now approached him, whose face, on a first view, had something + simple and thoughtless in it, but in which, on a closer inspection, might + be traced a lurking, sarcastic humor, of which his Reverence never dreamt. + </p> + <p> + “You're for confession, of course?” said the priest. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Of coorse</i>,” said the lad, echoing him, and laying a stress upon + the word, which did not much elevate the meaning of the compliance in + general with the rite in question. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” exclaimed the priest, recognizing him when he approached—“you + are Dan Fagan's son, and designed for the church yourself; you are a good + Latinist, for I remember examining you in Erasmus about two years ago—<i>Quomodo + sehabet corpus tuum, charum lignum sacredotis</i>” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Valde, Domine</i>,” replied the lad, “<i>Quomodo se habet anima tua, + charum exemplar sacerdotage, et fulcrum robustissium Ecclesiae sacrosancte</i>?” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, Harry,” replied his Reverence, laughing—“stand aside; + I'll hear you after Kelly.” + </p> + <p> + He then called up a man with a long melancholy face, which he noticed + before to have been proof against his joke, and after making two or three + additional and fruitless experiments upon his gravity, he commenced a + cross fire of peevish interrogatories, which would have excluded him from + the “tribunal” on that occasion, were it not that the man was remarkably + well prepared, and answered the priest's questions very pertinently. + </p> + <p> + This over, he repaired to his room, where the work of absolution + commenced; and, as there was a considerable number to be rendered sinless + before the hour of dinner, he contrived to unsin them with an alacrity + that was really surprising. + </p> + <p> + Immediately after the conversation already detailed between his Reverence + and Phaddhy, the latter sought Katty, that he might communicate to her the + unlucky oversight which they had committed, in neglecting to provide fresh + meat and wine. “We'll be disgraced forever,” said Phaddhy, “without either + a bit of mutton or a bottle of wine for the gintlemen, and that big thief + Parrah More Slevin had both.” + </p> + <p> + “And I hope,” replied Katty, “that you're not so mane as to let any of + that faction outdo you in dacency, the nagerly set? It was enough for them + to bate us in the law-shoot about the horse, and not to have the laugh + agin at us about this.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that same law-shoot is not over with them yet,” said Phaddhy; “wait + till the spring fair comes, and if I don't have a faction gathered that'll + sweep them out of the town, why my name's not Phaddhy! But where is Matt + till we sind him off?” + </p> + <p> + “Arrah, Phaddhy,” said Katty, “wasn't it friendly of Father Philemy to + give us the hard word about the wine and mutton?” + </p> + <p> + “Very friendly,” retorted Phaddhy, who, after all, appeared to have + suspected the priest—“very friendly, indeed, when it's to put a good + joint before himself, and a bottle of wine in his jacket. No, no, Katty! + it's not altogether for the sake of Father Philemy, but I wouldn't have + the neighbors say that I was near and undacent; and above all tilings, I + wouldn't be worse nor the Slevins—for the same set would keep it up + agin us long enough.” + </p> + <p> + Our readers will admire the tact with which Father Philemy worked upon the + rival feeling between the factions; but, independently of this, there is a + generous hospitality in an Irish peasant which would urge him to any + stratagem, were it even the disposal of his only cow, sooner than incur + the imputation of a narrow, or, as he himself terms it, “undacent” or + “nagerly” spirit. + </p> + <p> + In the course of a short time, Phaddhy dispatched two messengers, one for + the wine, and another for the mutton; and, that they might not have cause + for any unnecessary delay, he gave them the two reverend gentlemen's + horses, ordering them to spare neither whip nor spur until they returned. + This was an agreeable command to the messengers, who, as soon as they + found themselves mounted, made a bet of a “trate,” to be paid on arriving + in the town to which they were sent, to him who should first reach a + little stream that crossed the road at the entrance of it, called the + “Pound burn.” But I must not forget to state, that they not only were + mounted on the priest's horses, but took their great-coats, as the day had + changed, and threatened to rain. Accordingly, on getting out upon the main + road, they set off, whip and spur, at full speed, jostling one another, + and cutting each other's horses as if they had been intoxicated; and the + fact is, that, owing to the liberal distribution of the bottle that + morning, they were not far from it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0003" id="linkimage-0003"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%"> + <img src="images/page756.jpg" + alt="Page 756-- They Set Off, Whip and Spur, at Full Speed " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + “Bliss us!” exclaimed the country people, as they passed, “what on airth + can be the matther with Father Philemy and Father Con, that they're + abusing wan another at sich a rate!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” exclaimed another, “it's apt to be a sick call, and they're thrying, + maybe, to be there before the body grows cowld.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, it may be,” a third conjectured, “it's to old Magennis, that's on the + point of death, and going to lave all his money behind him.” + </p> + <p> + But their astonishment was not a whit lessened, when, in about an hour + afterwards, they perceived them both return; the person who represented + Father Con having an overgrown leg of mutton slung behind his back like an + Irish harp, reckless of its friction against his Reverence's coat, which + it had completely saturated with grease; and the duplicate of Father + Philemy with a sack over his shoulder, in the bottom of which was half a + dozen of Mr. M'Laughlin's best port. + </p> + <p> + Phaddhy, in the meantime, being determined to mortify his rival Parrah + More by a superior display of hospitality, waited upon that parsonage, and + exacted a promise from him to come down and partake of the dinner—a + promise which the other was not slack in fulfilling. Phaddhy's heart was + now on the point of taking its rest, when it occurred to him that there + yet remained one circumstance in which he might utterly eclipse his rival, + and that was to ask Captain Wilson, his landlord, to meet their Reverences + at dinner. He accordingly went over to him, for he only lived a few fields + distant, having first communicated the thing privately to Katty, and + requested that, as their Reverences that day held a station in his house, + and would dine there, he would have the kindness to dine along with them. + To this the Captain, who was intimate with both the clergymen, gave a + ready compliance, and Phaddhy returned home in high spirits. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, the two priests were busy in the work of absolution; the + hour of three had arrived, and they had many to shrive; but, in the course + of a short time, a reverend auxiliary made his appearance, accompanied by + one of Father Philemy's nephews, who was then about to enter Maynooth. + This clerical gentleman had been appointed to a parish; but, owing to some + circumstances which were known only in the distant part of the diocese + where he had resided, he was deprived of it, and had, at the period I am + writing of, no appointment in the church, though he was in full orders. If + I mistake not, he incurred his bishop's displeasure by being too warm an + advocate for Domestic Nomination,* a piece of discipline, the + re-establishment of which was then attempted by the junior clergymen of + the diocese wherein the scene of this station is laid. Be this as it may, + he came in time to assist the gentlemen in absolving those penitents (as + we must call them so) who still remained unconfessed. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Domestic Nomination was the right claimed by a + portion of the Irish clergy to appoint their own + bishops, independently of the Pope. +</pre> + <p> + During all this time Katty was in the plenitude of her authority, and her + sense of importance manifested itself in a manner that was by no means + softened by having been that morning at her duty. Her tones were not so + shrill, nor so loud as they would have been, had not their Reverences been + within hearing; but what was wanting in loudness, was displayed in a firm + and decided energy, that vented, itself frequently in the course of the + day upon the backs and heads of her sons, daughters, and servants, as they + crossed her path in the impatience and bustle of her employment. It was + truly ludicrous to see her, on encountering one of them in these fretful + moments, give him a drive head-foremost against the wall, exclaiming, as + she shook her fist at him, “Ho, you may bless your stars, that they're + under the roof, or it wouldn't go so asy wid you; for if goodness hasn't + said it, you'll make me lose my sowl this blessed and holy day: but this + is still the case—the very time I go to my duty, the devil (between + us and harm) is sure to throw fifty temptations acrass me, and to help + him, you must come in my way—but wait till tomorrow, and if I, don't + pay you for this, I'm not here.” + </p> + <p> + That a station is an expensive ordinance to the peasant who is honored by + having one held in his house, no one who knows the characteristic + hospitality of the Irish people can doubt. I have reason, however, to know + that, within the last few years, stations in every sense have been very + much improved, where they have not been abolished altogether. The priests + now are not permitted to dine in the houses of their parishioners, by + which a heavy tax has been removed from the people. + </p> + <p> + About four o'clock the penitents were at length all despatched; and those + who were to be detained for dinner, many of whom had not eaten anything + until then, in consequence of the necessity of receiving the Eucharist + fasting, were taken aside to taste some of Phaddhy's poteen. At length the + hour of dinner arrived, and along with it the redoubtable Parra More + Slevin, Captain Wilson, and another nephew of Father Philemy's, who had + come to know what detained his brother who had conducted the auxiliary + priest to Phaddhy's. It is surprising on these occasions, to think how + many uncles, nephews, and cousins, to the forty-Second degree, find it + needful to follow their Reverences on messages of various kinds; and it is + equally surprising to observe with what exactness they drop in during the + hour of dinner. Of course, any blood-relation or friend of the priests + must be received with cordiality; and consequently they do not return + without solid proofs of the good-natured hospitality of poor Paddy, who + feels no greater pleasure than in showing his “dacency” to any one + belonging to his Reverence. + </p> + <p> + I dare say it would be difficult to find a more motley and diversified + company than sat down to the ungarnished fare which Katty laid before + them. There were first Fathers Philemy, Con, and the Auxiliary from the + far part of the diocese; next followed Captain Wilson, Peter Malone, and + Father Philemy's two nephews; after these came Phaddhy himself, Parrah + More Slevin, with about two dozen more of the most remarkable and uncouth + personages that could sit down to table. There were besides about a dozen + of females, most of whom by this time, owing to Katty's private kindness, + were in a placid state of feeling. Father Philemy <i>ex officio</i>, + filled the chair—he was a small man with cherub cheeks as red as + roses, black twinkling eyes, and double chin; was of the fat-headed genus, + and, if phrenologists be correct, must have given indications of early + piety, for he was bald before his time, and had the organ of veneration + standing visible on his crown; his hair from having once been black, had + become an iron gray, and hung down behind his ears, resting on the collar + of his coat according to the old school, to which, I must remark, he + belonged, having been educated on the Continent. His coat had large double + breasts, the lappels of which hung down loosely on each side, being the + prototype of his waistcoat, whose double breasts fell downwards in the + same manner—his black small-clothes had silver buckles at the knees, + and the gaiters, which did not reach up so far, discovered a pair of white + lamb's-wool stockings, somewhat retreating from their original color. + </p> + <p> + Father Con was a tall, muscular, able-bodied young man, with an immensely + broad pair of shoulders, of which he was vain; his black hair was cropped + close, except a thin portion of it which was trimmed quite evenly across + his eyebrows; he was rather bow-limbed, and when walking looked upwards, + holding out his elbows from his body, and letting the lower parts of his + arms fall down, so that he went as if he carried a keg under each; his + coat, though not well made, was of the best glossy broadcloth—and + his long clerical boots went up about his knees like a dragoon's; there + was an awkward stiffness about him, in very good keeping with a dark + melancholy cast of countenance, in which, however, a man might discover an + air of simplicity not to be found in the visage of his superior Father + Philemy. + </p> + <p> + The latter gentleman filled the chair, as I said, and carved the goose; on + his right sat Captain Wilson; on his left, the auxiliary—next to + them Father Con, the nephews, Peter Malone, <i>et cetera</i>. To enumerate + the items of the dinner is unnecessary, as our readers have a pretty + accurate notion of them from what we have already said. We can only + observe, that when Phaddhy saw it laid, and all the wheels of the system + fairly set agoing, he looked at Parrah More with an air of triumph which + he could not conceal. It is also unnecessary for us to give the + conversation in full; nor, indeed, would we attempt giving any portion of + it, except for the purpose of showing the spirit in which a religious + ceremony such as it is, is too frequently closed. + </p> + <p> + The talk in the beginning was altogether confined to the clergymen and Mr. + Wilson, including a few diffident contributions from “Peter Malone” and + the “two nephews.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. M'Guirk,” observed Captain Wilson, after the conversation had taken + several turns, “I'm sure that in the course of your professional duties, + sir, you must have had occasion to make many observations upon human + nature, from the circumstance of seeing it in every condition and state of + feeling possible; from the baptism of the infant, until the aged man + receives the last rites of your church, and the soothing consolation of + religion from your hand.” + </p> + <p> + “Not a doubt of it, Phaddhy,” said Father Philemy to Phaddhy, whom he had + been addressing at the time, “not a doubt of it; and I'll do everything in + my power to get him <i>in</i>* too, and I am told he is bright.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * That is—into Maynooth college—the great object of + ambition to the son of an Irish peasant or rather to + his parent. +</pre> + <p> + “Uncle,” said one of the nephews, “this gentleman is speaking to you.” + </p> + <p> + “And why not?” continued his Eeverence, who was so closely engaged with + Phaddhy, that he did not even hear the nephew's appeal—“a bishop—and + why not? Has he not as good a chance of being a bishop as any of them? + though, God knows, it is not always merit that gets a bishopric in any + church, or I myself might—But let that pass.” said he, fixing his + eyes on the bottle. “Father Philemy,” said Father Con, “Captain Wilson was + addressing himself to you in a most especial manner.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Captain, I beg ten thousand pardons, I was engaged talking with + Phaddhy here about his son, who is a young shaving of our cloth, sir, he + is intended for the Mission*—Phaddhy, I will either examine him + myself, or make Father Con examine him by-and-by.—Well, Captain?” + The Captain now repeated what he had said. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * The Church of Rome existing in any heretical country— + that is, where she herself is not the State church—is + considered a missionary establishment; and taking + orders in her is termed “Going upon the Mission.” Even + Ireland is looked upon as <i>in partibus infidelium</i>, + because Protestantism is established by law—hence the + phrase above. +</pre> + <p> + “Very true, Captain, and we do see it in as many shapes as ever—Con, + what do you call him?—put on him.” + </p> + <p> + “Proteus,” subjoined Con, who was famous at the classics. + </p> + <p> + Father Philemy nodded for the assistance, and continued—“but as for + human nature, Captain, give it to me at a good rousing christening; or + what is better again, at a jovial wedding between two of my own + parishioners—say this pretty fair-haired daughter of Phaddhy Shemus + Phaddhy's here, and long Ned Slevin, Parrah More's son there—eh + Phaddhy, will it be a match?—what do you say, Parrah More? Upon my + veracity I must bring that about.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, then, yer Reverence,” replied Phaddhy, who was now a little + softened, and forgot his enmity against Parrah More for the present, + “unlikelier things might happen.” + </p> + <p> + “It won't be my fault,” said Parrah More, “if my son Ned has no + objection.” + </p> + <p> + “He object!” replied Father Philemy, “if' I take it in hands, let me see + who'll dare to object; doesn't the Scripture say it? and sure we can't go + against the Scripture.” + </p> + <p> + “By the by,” said Captain Wilson, who was a dry humorist, “I am happy to + be able to infer from what you say, Father Philemy, that you are not, as + the clergymen of your church are supposed to be, inimical to the Bible.” + </p> + <p> + “Me an enemy to the Bible! no such thing, sir; but, Captain, begging your + pardon we will have nothing more about the bible; you see we are met here, + as friends and good fellows, to enjoy ourselves after the severity of our + spiritual duties, and we must relax a little; we can't always carry long + faces like Methodist parsons—come, Pairah More, let the Bible take a + nap, and give us a song.” + </p> + <p> + His Reverence was now seconded in his motion by the most of all present, + and Parrah More accordingly gave them a song. After a few songs more, the + conversation went on as before. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Parrah More,” said Phaddhy, “you must try my wine; I hope it's as + good as what you gave his Reverence yesterday.” The words, however, had + scarcely passed his lips, when Father Philemy burst out into a fit of + laughter, clapping and rubbing his hands in a manner the most + irresistible. “Oh, Phaddhy, Phaddhy!” shouted his Reverence, laughing + heartily, “I done you for once—I done you, my man, cute as you + thought yourself: why, you nager you, did you think to put us off with + punch, and you have a stocking of hard guineas hid in a hole in the wall?” + </p> + <p> + “What does yer Rev'rence mane,” said Phaddhy; “for myself can make no + understanding out of it, at all at all?” + </p> + <p> + To this his Reverence only replied by another laugh. + </p> + <p> + “I gave his Reverence no wine,” said Parrah More, in reply to Phaddhy's + question. + </p> + <p> + “What!” said Phaddhy, “none yesterday, at the station held with you?” + </p> + <p> + “Not a bit of me ever thought of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor no mutton?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, then, devil a morsel of mutton, Phaddhy; but we had a rib of beef.” + </p> + <p> + Phaddhy now looked over to his Reverence rather sheepishly, with the smile + of a man on his face who felt himself foiled. “Well, yer Reverence has + done me, sure enough,” he replied, rubbing his head—“I give it up to + you, Father Philemy; but any how, I'm glad I got it, and you're all + welcome from the core of my heart. I'm only sorry I haven't as much more + now to thrate you all like gintlemen; but there's some yet, and as much + punch as will make all our heads come round.” + </p> + <p> + Our readers must assist us with their own imaginations, and suppose the + conversation to have passed very pleasantly, and the night, as well as the + guests, to be somewhat far gone. The principal part of the conversation + was borne by the three clergymen, Captain Wilson, and Phaddy; that of the + two nephews and Peter Malone ran in an under current of its own; and in + the preceding part of the night, those who occupied the bottom of the + table, spoke to each other rather in whispers, being too much restrained + by that rustic bashfulness which ties up the tongues of those who feel + that their consequence is overlooked among their superiors. According as + the punch circulated, however, their diffidence began to wear off; and + occasionally an odd laugh or so might be heard to break the monotony of + their silence. The youngsters, too, though at first almost in a state of + terror, soon commenced plucking each other; and a titter, or a suppressed + burst of laughter, would break forth from one of the more waggish, who was + put to a severe task in afterwards composing his countenance into + sufficient gravity to escape detection, and a competent portion of + chastisement the next day, for not being able to “behave himself with + betther manners.” + </p> + <p> + During these juvenile breaches of decorum, Katty would raise her arm in a + threatening attitude, shake her head at them, and look up at the clergy, + intimating more by her earnestness of gesticulation than met the ear. + Several songs again went round, of which, truth to tell, Father Philomy's + were by far the best; for he possessed a rich, comic expression of eye, + which, added to suitable ludicrousness of gesture, and a good voice, + rendered him highly amusing to the company. Father Con declined singing, + as being decidedly serious, though he was often solicited. + </p> + <p> + “He!” said Father Philemy, “he has no more voice than a woolpack; but + Con's a cunning fellow. What do you think, Captain Wilson, but he pretends + to be too pious to sing, and gets credit for piety,—not because he + is devout, but because he has a bad voice; now, Con, you can't deny it, + for there's not a man in the three kingdoms knows it better than myself; + you sit there with a face upon you that might go before the Lamentations + of Jeremiah the Prophet, when you ought to be as jovial as another.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Father Philemy,” said Phaddhy, “as he won't sing, may be, wid + submission he'd examine Briney in his Latin, till his mother and I hear + how's he doing at it.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, he's fond of dabbling at Latin, so he may try him—I'm sure I + have no objection—: so, Captain, as I was telling you—” + </p> + <p> + “Silence there below!” said Phaddhy to those at the lower end of the + table, who were now talkative enough; “will yez whisht there till Father + Con hears Briney a lesson in his Latin. Where are you, Briney? come here, + ma bouchal.” + </p> + <p> + But Briney had absconded when he saw that the tug of war was about to + commence. In a few minutes, however, the father returned, pushing the boy + before him, who in his reluctance to encounter the ordeal of examination, + clung to every chair, table, and person in his way, hoping that his + restiveness might induce them to postpone the examination till another + occasion. The father, however, was inexorable, and by main force dragged + him from all his holds, and, placed him before Father Con. + </p> + <p> + “What's come over you, at all at all, you unsignified shingawn you, to + affront the gintleman in this way, and he kind enough to go for to give + you an examination?—come now, you had betther not vex me, I tell + you, but hould up your head, and spake out loud, that we can all hear you: + now, Father Con, achora, you'll not be too hard upon him in the beginning, + till he gets into it, for he's aisy dashed.” + </p> + <p> + “Here, Briney,” said Father Philemy, handing him his tumbler, “take a pull + of this and if you have any courage at all in you it will raise it;—take + a good pull.” Briney hesitated. + </p> + <p> + “Why, but you take the glass out of his Reverence's hand, sarrah,” said + the father—“what! is it without dhrinking his Reverence's health + first?” + </p> + <p> + Briney gave a most melancholy nod at his Reverence, as he put the tumbler + to his mouth, which he nearly emptied, notwithstanding his shyness. + </p> + <p> + “For my part,” said his Reverence, looking at the almost empty tumbler, “I + am pretty sure that that same chap will be able to take care of himself + through life. And so, Captain,—” said he, resuming the conversation + with Captain Wilson—for his notice of Briney was only parenthetical. + </p> + <p> + Father Con now took the book, which was AEsop's Fables, and, in accordance + with Briney's intention, it opened exactly at the favorite fable of Gallus + Gallinacexis. He was not aware, however, that Briney had kept that place + open during the preceding part of the week, in order to effect this point. + Father Philemy, however, was now beginning to relate another anecdote to + the Captain, and the thread of his narrative twined rather ludicrously + with that of the examination. + </p> + <p> + Briney, after, a few hems, at length proceeded—“<i>Gallus + Gallinaceus</i>, a dung-hill cock—” + </p> + <p> + “So, Captain, I was just after coming out of Widow Moylan's—it was + in the Lammas fair—and a large one, by the by, it was—so, sir, + who should come up to me but Branagan. 'Well, Branagan,' said I, 'how does + the world go now with you?'——” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Gallus Gallinaceus</i>, a dunghill cock——” + </p> + <p> + ——“Says he. 'And how is that?' says I. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Gallus Gallinaceus</i>——” + </p> + <p> + ——-“Says he, 'Hut tut, Branagan,' says I—'you're drunk.' + 'That's the thing, sir' says Branagan, 'and I want to explain it all to + your Reverence.' 'Well,' said I, 'go on—-” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Gallus Gallinaceus</i>, a dunghill cock——” + </p> + <p> + ——“Says he,——Let your Gallus Gallinaceus go to + roost for this night, Con,” said Father Philemy, who did not relish the + interruption of his story; “I say, Phaddhy, send the boy to bed, and bring + him down in your hand to my house on Saturday morning, and we will both + examine him, but this is no time for it, and me engaged in conversation + with Captain Wilson.—So, Captain ____ 'Well, sir,' says Branagan, and + he staggering,—'I took an oath against liquor, and I want your + Reverence to break it,' says he. 'What do you mean?' I inquired. 'Why, + please your Reverence,' said he, 'I took an oath against liquor, as I told + you, not to drink more nor a pint of whiskey in one day, and I want your + Reverence to break it for me, and make it only half a pint; for I find + that a pint is too much for me; by the same token, that when I get that + far, your Reverence, I disremember the oath entirely.” + </p> + <p> + The influence of the bottle now began to be felt, and the conversation + absolutely blew a gale, wherein hearty laughter, good strong singing, loud + argument, and general good humor blended into one uproarious peal of + hilarity, accompanied by some smart flashes of wit and humor which would + not disgrace a prouder banquet. Phaddhy, in particular, melted into a + spirit of the most unbounded benevolence—a spirit that would (if by + any possible means he could effect it) embrace the whole human race; that + is to say, he would raise them, man, woman, and child, to the same + elevated state of happiness which he enjoyed himself. That, indeed, was + happiness in perfection, as pure and unadulterated as the poteen which + created it. How could he be otherwise than happy?—he had succeeded + to a good property, and a stocking of hard guineas, without the hard labor + of acquiring them; he had the “clargy” under his roof at last, partaking + of a hospitality which he felt himself well able to afford them; he had + settled with his Reverence for five years' arrears of sin, all of which + had been wiped out of his conscience by the blessed absolving hand of the + priest; he was training up Briney for the Mission, and though last, not + least, he was—far gone in his seventh tumbler! + </p> + <p> + “Come, jinteels,” said he, “spare nothing here—there's lashings of + every thing; thrate yourselves dacent, and don't be saying tomorrow or + next day, that ever my father's son was nagerly. Death alive, Father Con, + what are you doin'? Why, then, bad manners to me if that'll sarve, any + how.” + </p> + <p> + “Phaddhy,” replied Father Con, “I assure you I have done my duty.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, Father Con, granting all that, it's no sin to repate a good + turn you know. Not a word I'll hear, yer Reverence—one tumbler along + with myself, if it was only for ould times.” He then filled Father Con's + tumbler with his own hand, in a truly liberal spirit. “Arrah, Father Con, + do you remember the day we had the leapin'-match, and the bout at the + shoulder-stone?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, I'll not forget it, Phaddhy.” + </p> + <p> + “And it's yourself that may say that; but I bleeve I rubbed the consate + off of your Reverence—only that's betune ourselves, you persave.” + </p> + <p> + “You did win the palm, Phaddhy, I'll not deny it; but you are the only man + that ever bet me at either of the athletics.' + </p> + <p> + “And I'll say this for yer Reverence, that you are one of the best and + most able-bodied gintlemen I ever engaged with. Ah! Father Con, I'm past + all that now—but no matter, here's yer Reverence's health, and a + shake. hands; Father Philomy, yer health, docthor: yer strange Reverence's + health—Captain Wilson, not forgetting you, sir: Mr. Pettier, yours; + and I hope to see you soon with the robes upon you, and to be able to + prache us a good sarmon. Parrah More—<i>wus dha lauv</i> (* give me + yer hand), you steeple you; and I haven't the smallest taste of objection + to what Father Philemy hinted at—yell obsarve. Kitty, you thief of + the world, where are you? Your health, avourneen; come here, and give us + your fist, Katty: bad manners to me if I could forget you afther all;—the + best crathur, your Reverence, under the sun, except when yer Reverence + puts yer <i>comedher</i> on her at confession, and then she's a little, + sharp or so, not a doubt of it: but no matther, Katty ahagur, you do it + all for the best. And Father Philemy, maybe it's myself didn't put the + thrick upon you in the Maragy More, about Katty's death—ha, ha, ha! + Jack M'Craner, yer health—all yer healths, and yer welcome here, if + you war seven times as many. Briney, where are you, ma bouchal? Come up + and shake hands wid yer father, as well as another—come up, acushla, + and kiss me. Ah, Briney, my poor fellow, ye'll never be the cut of a man + yer father was; but no matther, avourneen, ye'll be a betther man, I hope; + and God knows you may asy be that, for Father Philemy, I'm not what I + ought to be, yer Reverence; however, I may mend, and will, maybe, before a + month of Sundays goes over me: but, for all that, Briney, I hope to see + the day when you'll be sitting an ordained priest at my own table; if I + once saw that, I could die contented—so mind yer larning, acushla, + and, his Reverence here will back you, and make inthorest to get you into + the college. Musha, God pity them crathurs at the door—aren't they + gone yet? Listen to them coughin', for fraid we'd forget them: and throth + and they won't be forgot this bout any how—Katty, avourneen, give + them every one, big and little, young and ould, their skinful—don't + lave a wrinkle in them; and see, take one of them bottles—the + crathurs, they're starved sitting there all night in the cowld—and + give them a couple of glasses a-piece—it's good, yer Reverence, to + have the poor body's blessing at all times; and now, as I was saying, + Here's all yer healths! and from the very veins of my heart yer welcome + here.” + </p> + <p> + Our readers may perceive that Phaddhy + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Was not only blest, but glorious, + O'er a' the ills o' life victorious;” + </pre> + <p> + for, like the generality of our peasantry, the <i>native</i> drew to the + surface of his character those warm, hospitable, and benevolent virtues, + which a purer system of morals and education would most certainly keep in + full action, without running the risk, as in the present instance, of + mixing bad habits with frank, manly, and generous qualities. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + “I'll not go, Con—I tell you I'll not go till I sing another song. + Phaddhy, you're a prince—but where's the use of lighting more + candles now, man, than you had in the beginning of the night? Is Captain + Wilson gone? Then, peace be with him; it's a pity he wasn't on the right + side, for he's not the worst of them. Phaddhy, where are you?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, yer Reverence,” replied Katty, “he's got a little unwell, and jist + laid down his head a bit.” + </p> + <p> + “Katty,” said Father Con, “you had better get a couple of the men to + accompany Father Philemy home; for though the night's clear, he doesn't + see his way very well in the dark—poor man, his eye-sight's failing + him fast.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, the more's the pity, Father Con. Here, Denis, let yourself and Mat + go home wid Father Philemy.” + </p> + <p> + “Good-night, Katty,” said Father Con—“Good-night: and may our + blessing sanctify you all.” + </p> + <p> + “Good-night, Father Con, ahagur,” replied Katty; “and for goodness' sake + see that they take care of Father Philemy, for it's himself that's the + blessed and holy crathur, and the pleasant gintleman out and out.” + </p> + <p> + “Good-night, Katty,” again repeated Father Con, as the cavalcade proceeded + in a body—“Good-night!” And so ended the Station. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE PARTY FIGHT AND FUNERAL. + </h2> + <p> + We ought, perhaps, to inform our readers that the connection between a + party fight and funeral is sufficiently strong to justify the author in + classing them under the title which is prefixed to this story. The one + being usually the natural result of the other, is made to proceed from it, + as is, unhappily, too often the custom in real life among the Irish. + </p> + <p> + It has been long laid down as a universal principle, that + self-preservation is the first law of nature. An Irishman, however, has + nothing to do with this; he disposes of it as he does with the other laws, + and washes his hands out of it altogether. But commend him to a fair, + dance, funeral, or wedding, or to any other sport where there is a + likelihood of getting his head or his bones broken, and if he survive, he + will remember you with a kindness peculiar to himself to the last day of + his life—will drub you from head to heel if he finds that any + misfortune has kept you out of a row beyond the usual period of three + months—will render the same service to any of your friends that + stand in need of it; or, in short, will go to the world's end, or fifty + miles farther, as he himself would say, to serve you, provided you can + procure him a bit of decent fighting. Now, in truth and soberness, it is + difficult to account for this propensity; especially when the task of + ascertaining it is assigned to those of another country, or even to those + Irishmen whose rank in life places them too far from the customs, + prejudices, and domestic opinions of their native peasantry, none of which + can be properly known without mingling with them. To my own knowledge, + however, it proceeds in a great measure from education. And here I would + beg leave to point out an omission of which the several boards of + education have been guilty, and which, I believe, no one but myself has + yet been sufficiently acute and philosophical to ascertain, as forming a + <i>sine qua non</i> in the national instruction of the lower orders of + Irishmen. + </p> + <p> + The cream of the matter is this:—a species of ambition prevails in + the Green Isle, not known in any other country. It is an ambition of about + three miles by four in extent; or, in other words, is bounded by the + limits of the parish in which the subject of it may reside. It puts itself + forth early in the character, and a hardy perennial it is. In my own case, + its first development was noticed in the hedge-school which I attended. I + had not been long there, till I was forced to declare myself either for + the Caseys or the Murphys, two tiny factions, that had split the school + between them. The day on which the ceremony of my declaration took place + was a solemn one. After school, we all went to the bottom of a deep + valley, a short distance from the school-house; up to the moment of our + assembling there, I had not taken my stand under either banner: that of + the Caseys was a sod of turf, stuck on the end of a broken fishing-rod—the + eagle of the Murphy's was a Cork red potato, hoisted in the same manner. + The turf was borne by an urchin, who afterwards distinguished himself in + fairs and markets as a <i>builla batthah</i> (* cudgel player) of the + first grade, and from this circumstance he was nicknamed <i>Parrah Rackhan</i>. + (* Paddy the Rioter) The potato was borne by little Mickle M'Phauden + Murphy, who afterwards took away Katty Bane Sheridan, without asking + either her own consent or her father's. They were all then boys, it is + true, but they gave a tolerable promise of that eminence which they + subsequently attained. + </p> + <p> + When we arrived at the bottom of the glen, the Murphys and the Caseys, + including their respective followers, ranged themselves on either side of + a long line, which was drawn between the belligerent powers with the + but-end of one of the standards. Exactly on this line was I placed. The + word was then put to me in full form—“Whether will you side with the + dacent Caseys, or the blackguard Murphys?” “Whether will you side with the + dacent Murphys, or the blackguard Caseys?” “The potato for ever!” said I, + throwing up my caubeen, and running over to the Murphy standard. In the + twinkling of an eye we were at it; and in a short time the deuce an eye + some of us had to twinkle. A battle royal succeeded, that lasted near half + an hour, and it would probably have lasted above double the time, were it + not for the appearance of the “master,” who was seen by a little + shrivelled vidette, who wanted an arm, and could take no part in the + engagement. This was enough—we instantly radiated in all possible + directions, so that by the time he had descended through the intricacies + of the glen to the field of battle, neither victor nor vanquished was + visible, except, perhaps, a straggler or two as they topped the brow of + the declivity, looking back over their shoulders, to put themselves out of + doubt as to their visibility by the master. They seldom looked in vain, + however, for there he usually stood, shaking at us his rod, silently + prophetic of its application on the following day. This threat, for the + most part, ended in smoke; for except he horsed about forty or fifty of + us, the infliction of impartial justice was utterly out of his power. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0004" id="linkimage-0004"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%"> + <img src="images/page763.jpg" + alt="Page 763-- Usually Stood, Shaking at Us his Rod " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + But besides this, there never was a realm in which the evils of a divided + cabinet were more visible: the truth is, the monarch himself was under the + influence of female government—an influence which he felt it either + contrary to his inclination or beyond his power to throw off. “Poor Norah, + long may you reign!” we often used to exclaim, to the visible + mortification of the “master,” who felt the benevolence of the wish + bottomed upon an indirect want of allegiance to himself. Well, it was a + touching scene!—how we used to stand with the waistbands of our + small-clothes cautiously grasped in our hands, with a timid show of + resistance, our brave red faces slobbered over with tears, as we stood + marked for execution! Never was there a finer specimen of deprecation in + eloquence than we then exhibited—the supplicating look right up into + the master's face—the touching modulation of the whine—the + additional tightness and caution with which we grasped the waistbands with + one hand, when it was necessary to use the other in wiping our eyes and + noses with the polished sleeve-cuff—the sincerity and vehemence with + which we promised never to be guilty again, still shrewdly including the + condition of present impunity for our offence:—“this—one—time— + master, if ye plaise, sir;” and the utter hopelessness and despair which + were legible in the last groan, as we grasp the “master's” leg in utter + recklessness of judgment, were all perfect in their way. Reader, have you + ever got a reprieve from the gallows? I beg pardon, my dear sir; I only + meant to ask, are you capable of entering into what a personage of that + description might be supposed to feel, on being informed, after the knot + had been neatly tied under the left ear, and the cap drawn over his eyes, + that her majesty had granted him a full pardon? But you remember your own + schoolboy days, and that's enough. + </p> + <p> + The nice discrimination with which Norah used to time her interference was + indeed surprising. God help us! limited was our experience, and shallow + our little judgments, or we might have known what the master meant, when + with upraised arm hung over us, his eye was fixed upon the door of the + kitchen, waiting for Norah's appearance. + </p> + <p> + Long, my fair and virtuous countrywomen, I repeat it to you all, as I did + to Norah—may you reign in the hearts and affections of your husbands + (but nowhere else), the grace, ornaments, and happiness of their hearths + and lives, you jewels, you! You are paragons of all that's good, and your + feelings are highly creditable to yourselves and to humanity. + </p> + <p> + When Norah advanced, with her brawny, uplifted arm (for she was a powerful + woman) and forbidding aspect, to interpose between us and the avenging, + terrors of the birch, do you think that she did not reflect honor on her + sex and the national character! I sink the base allusion to the <i>miscaun</i>* + of fresh butter, which we had placed in her hands that morning, or the + dish of eggs, or of meal, which we had either begged or stolen at home, as + a present for her; disclaiming, at the same time, the rascally idea of + giving it as a bribe, or from any motive beneath the most lofty minded and + disinterested generosity on our part. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * A portion of butter, weighing from one pound to six or + eight, made in the shape of a prism. +</pre> + <p> + Then again, never did a forbidding face shine with so winning and amicable + an expression as did hers on that merciful occasion. The sun dancing a + hornpipe on Easter Sunday morning, or the full moon sailing as proud as a + peacock in a new halo head-dress, was a very disrespectable sight, + compared to Norah's red beaming face, shrouded in her dowd cap with long + ears, that descended to her masculine and substantial neck. Owing to her + influence, the whole economy of the school was good; for we were permitted + to cuff one another, and do whatever we pleased, with impunity, if we + brought the meal, eggs, or butter; except some scapegoat who was not able + to accomplish this, and he generally received on his own miserable carcase + what was due to us all. + </p> + <p> + Poor Jack Murray! His last words on the scaffold, for being concerned in + the murder of Pierce the gauger, were, that he got the first of his bad + habits under Pat Mulligan and Norah—that he learned to steal by + secreting at home, butter and meal to paste up the master's eyes to his + bad conduct—and that his fondness for quarrelling arose from being + permitted to head a faction at school; a most ungrateful return for the + many acts of grace which the indulgence of Norah caused; to be issued in + his favor. + </p> + <p> + I was but a short time under Pat, when, after the general example, I had + my cudgel, which I used to carry regularly to a certain furze bush within + fifty perches of the “seminary,” where I hid it till after “dismiss.*”! I + grant it does not look well in me to become I my own panegyrist; but I can + at least declare, that there were few among the Gaseys able to, resist the + prowess of this right arm, puny as it was at the period in question. Our + battles were obstinate and frequent; but as the quarrels of the two + families and their relations on each side, were as bitter and pugnacious + in fairs and markets as ours were in school, we hit upon the plan of + holding our Lilliputian engagements upon the same days on which our + fathers and brothers contested. According to this plan, it very often + happened that the corresponding parties were successful, and as + frequently, that whilst the Caseys were well drubbed in the fair, their + sons were victorious at school, and vice versa. + </p> + <p> + For my part, I was early trained in cudgelling, and before I reached my + fourteenth year, could pronounce as sage and accurate an opinion upon the + merits of a shillelagh, as it is called, or cudgel, as a veteran of sixty + could at first sight. Our plan of preparing them was this: we sallied out + to any place where there was an underwood of blackthorn or oak, and, + having surveyed the premises with the eye of a connoisseur, we selected + the straightest root-growing piece which we could find: for if not + root-growing we did not consider it worth cutting, knowing from experience + that a mere branch, how straight and fair soever it might look, would be + apt to snap in the twist and tug of war. Having cut it as close to the + root as possible, we then lopped off the branches, and put it up the + chimney to season. When seasoned, we took it down, and wrapping it in + brown paper, well steeped in hog's lard or oil, we buried it in a horse + dunghill, paying it a daily visit for the purpose of making it straight by + doubling back the bends or angles across the knee, in a direction contrary + to their natural tendency. Having daily repeated this until we had made it + straight, and renewed the oil wrapping paper until the staff was perfectly + saturated, we then rubbed it well with a woollen cloth, containing a + little black-lead and grease, to give it a polish. This was the last + process, except that if we thought it too light at the top, we used to + bore a hole in the lower end with a red-hot iron spindle, into which we + poured melted lead, for the purpose of giving it the knock-down weight. + </p> + <p> + There were very few of Paddy Mulligan's scholars without a choice + collection of such cudgels, and scarcely one who had not, before his + fifteenth year, a just claim to be called the hero of a hundred fights, + and the heritor of as many bumps on the cranium as would strike both Gall + and Spurzheim speechless. + </p> + <p> + Now this, be it known, was, and in some districts yet is, an integral part + of an Irish peasant's education. In the northern parts of Ireland, where + the population of the Catholics on the one side, and of Protestant and + Dissenters on the other, is nearly equal, I have known the respective + scholars of Catholic and Protestant schools to challenge each other and + meet half-way to do battle, in vindication of their respective creeds; or + for the purpose of establishing the character of their respective masters + as the more learned man; for if we were to judge by the nature of the + education then received, we would be led to conclude that a more + commercial nation than Ireland was not on the face of the earth, it being + the indispensable part of every scholar's business to become acquainted + with the <i>three sets of Bookkeeping</i>. + </p> + <p> + The boy who was the handiest and the most daring with the cudgel at Paddy + Mulligan's school was Denis Kelly, the son of a wealthy farmer in the + neighborhood. He was a rash, hot-tempered, good-natured lad, possessing a + more than common share of this blackthorn ambition; on which account he + was cherished by his relations as a boy that was likely at a future period + to be able to walk over the course of the parish, in fair, market, or + patron. He certainly grew up a stout, able young fellow; and before he + reached nineteen years, was unrivalled at the popular exercises of the + peasantry. Shortly after that time he made his debut in a party-quarrel, + which took place in one of the Christmas Margamores, (* Big Markets) and + fully sustained the anticipations which were formed of him by his + relations. For a year or two afterwards no quarrel was fought without him; + and his prowess rose until he had gained the very pinnacle of that + ambition which he had determined to reach. About this time I was separated + from him, having found it necessity, in order to accomplish my objects in + life, to reside with a relation in another part of the country. + </p> + <p> + The period of my absence, I believe, was about fifteen years, during which + space I heard no account of him whatsoever. At length, however, that + inextinguishable attachment which turns the affections and memory to the + friends of our early days—to those scenes which we traversed when + the heart was light and the spirits buoyant—determined me to make a + visit to my native place, that I might witness the progress of time and + care upon those faces that were once so familiar to me; that I might again + look upon the meadows, and valleys, and groves, and mountains, where I had + so often played, and to which I still found myself bound by a tie that a + more enlightened view of life and nature only made stronger and more + enduring. I accordingly set off, and arrived late in the evening of a + December day, at a little town within a few miles of my native home. On + alighting from the coach and dining, I determined to walk home, as it was + a fine frosty night. The full moon hung in the blue unclouded firmament in + all her lustre, and the stars shone out with that tremulous twinkling + motion so peculiarly remarkable in frost. I had been absent, I said, about + fifteen years, and felt that the enjoyment of this night would form an era + in the records of my memory and my feelings. I find myself indeed utterly + incapable of expressing what I experienced; but those who have ever been + in similar circumstances will understand what I mean. A strong spirit of + practical poetry and romance was upon me; and I thought that a commonplace + approach in the open day would have rendered my return to the scenes of my + early life a very stale and unedifying matter. I left the inn at seven + o'clock, and as I had only five miles to walk, I would just arrive about + nine, allowing myself to saunter on at the rate of two miles and half per + hour. My sensations, indeed, as I went along, were singular; and as I took + a solitary road that went across the mountains, the loneliness of the + walk, the deep gloom of the valleys, the towering height of the dark + hills, and the pale silvery-light of a sleeping lake, shining dimly in the + distance below, gave me such a distinct notion of the sublime and + beautiful, as I have seldom since experienced. I recommend every man who + has been fifteen years absent from his native fields to return by + moonlight. + </p> + <p> + Well, there is a mystery yet undiscovered in our being, for no man can + know the full extent of his feelings or his capacities. Many a slumbering + thought, and sentiment, and association reposes within him, of which he is + utterly ignorant, and which, except he come in contact with those objects + whose influence over his mind can alone call them into being, may never be + awakened, or give him one moment of either pleasure or pain. There is, + therefore, a great deal in the position which we hold in society, and + simply in situation. I felt this on that night: for the tenor of my + reflections was new and original, and my feelings had a warmth and + freshness in them, which nothing but the situation in which I then found + myself could give them. The force of association, too, was powerful; for, + as I advanced nearer home, the names of hills, and lakes, and mountains, + that I had utterly forgotten, as I thought, were distinctly revived in my + memory, and a crowd of youthful thoughts and feelings, that I imagined my + intercourse with the world and the finger of time had blotted out of my + being, began to crowd afresh on my fancy. The name of, a townland would + instantly return with its appearance; and I could now remember the history + of families and individuals that had long been effaced from my + recollection. + </p> + <p> + But what is even more singular is, that the superstitious terrors of my + boyhood began to come over me as formerly, whenever a spot noted for + supernatural appearances met my eye. It was in vain that I exerted myself + to expel them, by throwing the barrier of philosophic reasoning in their + way; they still clung to me, in spite of every effort to the contrary. But + the fact is, that I was, for the moment, the slave of a morbid and + feverish sentiment, that left me completely at the mercy of the dark and + fleeting images that passed over my fancy. I now came to a turn where the + road began to slope down into the depths of a valley that ran across it. + When I looked forward into the bottom of it, all was darkness + impenetrable, for the moon-beams were thrown off by the height of the + mountains that rose on each side of it. I felt an indefinite sensation of + fear, because at that moment I recollected that it had been, in my younger + days, notorious as the scene of an apparition, where the spirit of a + murdered pedlar had never been known to permit a solitary traveler to pass + without appearing to him, and walking cheek-by-jowl along with him to the + next house on the way, at which spot he usually vanished. The influence of + my feelings, or, I should rather say, the physical excitement of my + nerves, was by no means slight, as these old traditions recurred to me; + although, at the same time, my moral courage was perfectly unimpaired, so + that, notwithstanding this involuntary apprehension, I felt a degree of + novelty and curiosity in descending the valley: “If it appear,” said I, “I + shall at least satisfy myself as to the truth of apparitions.” My dress + consisted of a long, dark surtout, the collar of which, as the night was + keen, I had turned up about my ears, and the corners of it met round my + face. In addition to this I had a black silk handkerchief tied across my + mouth to keep out the night air, so that, as my dark fur traveling cap + came down over my face, there was very little of my countenance visible. I + now had advanced half way into the valley, and all about me was dark and + still: the moonlight was not nearer than the top of the hill which I was + descending; and I often turned round to look upon it, so silvery and + beautiful it appeared in the distance. Sometimes I stopped for a few + moments, admiring' its effect, and, contemplating the dark mountains as + they stood out against the firmament, then kindled into magnificent + grandeur by the myriads of stars that glowed in its expanse. There was + perfect silence and solitude around me; and, as I stood alone in the dark + chamber of the mountains, I felt the impressiveness of the situation + gradually supersede my terrors. A sublime sense of religious awe descended + on me; my soul kindled into a glow of solemn and elevated devotion, which + gave me a more intense perception of the presence of God than I had ever + before experienced. “How sacred—how awful,” thought I, “is this + place!—how impressive is this hour!—surely I feel myself at + the footstool of God! The voice of worship is in this deep, soul-thrilling + silence, and the tongue of praise speaks, as it were, from the very + solitude of the mountains!” I then thought of Him who went up into the + mountain-top to pray, and felt the majesty of those admirable descriptions + of the Almighty, given in the Old Testament, blend in delightful harmony + with the beauty and fitness of the Christian dispensation, that brought + light and immortality to light. “Here,” said I, “do I feel that I am + indeed immortal, and destined for scenes of a more exalted and + comprehensive existence!” + </p> + <p> + I then proceeded further into the valley, completely freed from the + influence of old and superstitious associations. A few porches below me a + small river crossed the road, over which was thrown a little stone bridge + of rude workmanship. This bridge was the spot on which the apparition was + said to appear; and as I approached it, I felt the folly of those terrors + which had only a few minutes before beset me so strongly. I found my moral + energies recruited, and the dark phantasms of my imagination dispelled by + the light of religion, which had refreshed me with a deep sense of the + Almighty presence. I accordingly walked forward, scarcely bestowing a + thought upon the history of the place, and had got within a few yards of + the bridge, when on resting my eye accidentally upon the little elevation + formed by its rude arch, I perceived a black coffin placed at the edge of + the road, exactly upon the bridge itself! + </p> + <p> + It may be evident to the reader, that, however satisfactory the force of + philosophical reasoning might have been upon the subject of the solitude, + I was too much the creature of sensation for an hour before, to look on + such a startling object with firm nerves. For the first two or three + minutes, therefore, T exhibited as finished a specimen of the dastardly as + could be imagined. My hair absolutely raised my cap some inches off my + head; my mouth opened to an extent which I did not conceive it could + possibly reach; I thought my eyes shot out from their sockets, and my + fingers spread out and became stiff, though powerless. The “<i>obstupui</i>” + was perfectly realized in me, for, with the exception of a single groan, + which I gave on first seeing the object, I found that if one word would + save my life, or transport me to my own fireside, I could not utter it. I + was also rooted to the earth, as if by magic; and although instant + tergiversation and flight had my most hearty concurrence, I could not move + a limb, nor even raise my eyes off the sepulchral-looking object which lay + before me. I now felt the perspiration fall from my face in torrents, and + the strokes of my heart fell audibly on my ear. I even attempted to say, + “God preserve me!” but my tongue was dumb and powerless, and could not + move. My eye was still upon the coffin, when I perceived that, from being + motionless, it instantly began to swing,—first in a lateral, then in + a longitudinal direction, although it was perfectly evident that no human + hand was nearer it than my own. At length I raised my eyes off it, for my + vision was strained to an aching intensity, which I thought must have + occasioned my eye-strings to crack. I looked instinctively about me for + assistance—but all was dismal, silent, and solitary: even the moon + had disappeared among a few clouds that I had not noticed in the sky. + </p> + <p> + As I stood in this state of indescribable horror, I saw the light + gradually fade away from the tops of the mountains, giving the scene + around me a dim and spectral ghastliness, which, to those who were never + in such a situation, is altogether inconceivable. + </p> + <p> + At length I thought I heard a noise as it Were of a rushing tempest, + sweeping from the hills down into the valley; but on looking up, I could + perceive nothing but the dusky desolation that brooded over the place. + Still the noise continued; again I saw the coffin move; I then felt the + motion communicated to myself, and found my body borne and swung backwards + and forwards, precisely according to the motion of the coffin. I again + attempted to utter a cry for assistance, but could not: the motion in my + body still continued, as did the approaching noise in the hills. I looked + up a second time in the direction in which the valley wound off between + them, but judge of what I must have suffered, when I beheld one of the + mountains moving, as it were, from its base, and tumbling down towards the + spot on which I stood! In the twinkling of an eye the whole scene, hills + and all, began to tremble, to vibrate, and to fly round me, with a rapid, + delirious motion; the stars shot back into the depths of heaven, and + disappeared; the ground on which I stood began to pass from beneath my + feet; a noise like the breaking of a thousand gigantic billows again burst + from every direction, and I found myself instantly overwhelmed by some + deadly weight, which prostrated me on the earth, and deprived me of sense + and motion. + </p> + <p> + I know not how long I continued in this state; but I remember that, on + opening my eyes the first object that presented itself to me, was the sky + glowing as before with ten thousand stars, and the moon walking in her + unclouded brightness through the heavens. The whole circumstance then + rushed back upon my mind, but with a sense of horror very much diminished; + I arose, and on looking towards the spot, perceived the coffin in the same + place. I then stood, and endeavoring to collect myself, viewed it as + calmly as possible; it was, however, as motionless and distinct as when I + first saw it. I now began to reason upon the matter, and to consider that + it was pusillanimous in me to give way to such boyish terrors. The + confidence, also, which my heart, only a short time before this, had + experienced in the presence and protection of the Almighty, again + returned, and, along with it, a degree of religious fortitude, which + invigorated my whole system. “Well,” thought I, “in the name of God I + shall ascertain what you are, let the consequence be what it may.” I then + advanced until I stood exactly over it, and raising my foot gave it a + slight kick. “Now,” said I, “nothing remains but to ascertain whether it + contains a dead body or not;” but on raising the end of it, I perceived by + its lightness, that it was empty. To investigate the cause of its being + left in this solitary spot was, however, not within the compass of my + philosophy, so I gave that up. On looking at it more closely, I noticed a + plate, marked with the name and age of the person for whom it was + intended, and on bringing my eyes near the letters, I was able, between + fingering and reading, to make out the name of my old cudgel-fighting + school-fellow, Denis Kelly. + </p> + <p> + This discovery threw a partial light upon the business; but I now + remembered to have heard of individuals who had seen black, unearthly + coffins, inscribed with the names of certain living persons; and that + these were considered as ominous of the death of those persons. I + accordingly determined to be certain that this was a real coffin; and as + Denis's house was not more than a mile before me, I decided on carrying it + that far, “If he be dead,” thought I, “it will be all light, and if not, + we will see more about it.” My mind, in fact, was diseased by terror. I + instantly raised the coffin, and as I found a rope lying on the ground + under it, I strapped it about my shoulders and proceeded: nor could I help + smiling when I reflected upon the singular transition which the man of + sentiment and sensation so strangely underwent;—from the sublime + contemplation of the silent mountain solitude and the spangled heavens to + the task of carrying a coffin! It was an adventure, however, and I was + resolved to see how it would terminate. + </p> + <p> + There was from the bridge an ascent in the road, not so gradual as that by + which I descended on the other side; and as the coffin was rather heavy, I + began to repent of having anything to do with it; for I was by no means + experienced in carrying coffins. The carriage of it was, indeed, + altogether an irksome and unpleasant concern; for owing to my ignorance of + using the rope that tied it skilfully, it was every moment sliding down my + back, dragging along the stones, or bumping against my heels: besides, I + saw no sufficient grounds I had for entering upon the ludicrous and odd + employment of carrying another man's coffin, and was several; times upon + the point of washing my hands out of it altogether. But the novelty of the + incident, and the mystery in which it was involved, decided me in bringing + it as far as Kelly's house, which was exactly on my way home. + </p> + <p> + I had yet half a mile to go; but I thought it would be best to strap it + more firmly about my body before I could start again: I therefore set it + standing on its end, just at the turn of the road, until I should breathe + a little, for I was rather exhausted by a trudge under it of half a mile + and upwards. Whilst the coffin was in this position, I standing exactly + behind it (Kelly had been a tall man, consequently it was somewhat higher + than I was), a crowd of people, bearing lights, advanced round the corner; + and the first object which presented itself to their vision, was the + coffin in, that position, whilst I was totally invisible behind it. As + soon as they saw it, there was an involuntary cry of consternation from + the whole crowd; at this time I had the coffin once more strapped firmly + by a running knot to my shoulders, so that I could loose it whenever I + pleased. On seeing the party, and hearing certain expressions which + dropped from them, I knew at once that there had been some unlucky blunder + in the business on their part; and I would have given a good deal to be + out of the circumstances in which I then stood. I felt that I could not + possibly have accounted for my situation, without bringing myself in for + as respectable a portion of rank cowardice as those who ran away from the + coffin; for that it was left behind in a fit of terror, I now entertained + no doubt whatever, particularly when I remembered the traditions connected + with the spot in which I found it. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Manim a Yea agus a wurrah!</i>”* exclaimed one of them, “if the black + man hasn't brought it up from the bridge! <i>Dher a larna heena</i>**, he + did; for it was above the bridge we first seen him: jist for all the world—the + Lord be about us—as Antony and me war coming out on the road at the + bridge, there he was standing—a headless man, all black, without + face or eyes upon him—and then we left the coffin and cut acrass the + fields home.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * My soul to God and the Virgin. + + ** By the very book—meaning the Bible, which, in the + Irish, is not simply called the book, but the very + book, or the book itself. +</pre> + <p> + “But where is he now, Eman?” said one of them, “are you sure you seen + him?” + </p> + <p> + “Seen him!” both exclaimed, “do you think we'd take to our scrapers like + two hares, only we did; arrah, bad manners to you, do you think the coffin + could walk up wid itself from the bridge to this, only he brought it?—isn't + that enough?” + </p> + <p> + “Thrue for yez,” the rest exclaimed, “but what's to be done?” + </p> + <p> + “Why to bring the coffin home, now that we're all together,” another + observed; “they say he never appears to more than two at wanst, so he + won't be apt to show himself now, when we're together.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, boys, let two of you go down to it,” said one of them, “and we'll + wait here till yez bring it up.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Eman Dhu, “do you go down, Owen, as you have the Scapular* on + you, and the jug of holy water in your hand, and let Billy M'Shane, here + repate the confeethurs (* <i>The Confiteor</i>) along wid you.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * The scapular is one of the highest religious orders, + and is worn by both priest and layman. It is considered + by the people a safeguard against evil both spiritual + and physical. +</pre> + <p> + “Isn't it the same thing, Eman,” replied Owen, “if I shake the holy water + on you, and whoever goes wid you? sure you know that if only one dhrop of + it touched you, the devil himself couldn't harm you!” + </p> + <p> + “And what needs yourself be afraid, then,” retorted Eman; “and you has the + Scapular on you to the back of that? Didn't you say, you war coming out, + that if it was the devil, you'd disparse him?” + </p> + <p> + “You had betther not be mintioning his name, you <i>omadhaun</i>,” replied + the other; “if I was your age, and hadn't a wife and childre on my hands, + it's myself that would trust in God, and go down manfully; but the people + are hen-hearted now, besides what they used to be in my time.” + </p> + <p> + During this conversation, I had resolved, if possible, to keep up the + delusion, until I could get myself extricated with due secrecy out of this + ridiculous situation; and I was glad to find that, owing to their + cowardice, there was some likelihood of effecting my design. + </p> + <p> + “Ned,” said one of them to a little man, “go down and speak to it, as it + can't harm you.” + </p> + <p> + “Why sure,” said Ned, with a tremor in his voice, “I can speak to it where + I am, widout going within rache of it. Boys, stand close to me: hem—In + the name of—but don't you think I had betther spake to it in the + Latin I sarve mass* wid; it can't but answer that, for the sowl of it, + seeing it's a blest language?” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * The person who serves mass, as it is called, is he + who makes the responses to the priest during that + ceremony. As the mass is said in Latin the serving of + it must necessarily fall upon many who are ignorant of + that language, and whose pronunciation of it is, of + course, extremely ludicrous. +</pre> + <p> + “Very well,” the rest replied; “try that Ned; give it the best and + ginteelest grammar you have, and maybe it may thrate us dacent.” + </p> + <p> + Now it so happened that, in my schoolboy days, I had joined a class of + young fellows who were learning what is called the “<i>Sarvin' of Mass</i>” + and had impressed it so accurately on a pretty retentive memory, that I + never forgot it. At length, Ned pulled, out his beads, and bedewed himself + most copiously with the holy water. He then shouted out, with a voice + which resembled that of a man in an ague fit, “Dom-i-n-us vo-bis-cum?” “Et + cum spiritu tuo,” I replied, in a husky sepulchral tone, from behind the + coffin. As soon as I uttered these words, the whole crowd ran back + instinctively with fright; and Ned got so weak, that they were obliged to + support him. + </p> + <p> + “Lord have marcy on us!” said Ned; “hoys, isn't it an awful thing to speak + to a spirit? my hair is like I dunna what, it's sticking up so stiff upon + my head.” + </p> + <p> + “Spake to it in English, Ned,” said they, till we hear what it will say. + Ax it does anything trouble it; or whether its sowl's in Purgatory.” + </p> + <p> + “Wouldn't it be betther,” observed another, “to ax it who murthered it; + maybe it wants to discover that?” + </p> + <p> + “In the—na-me of Go-o-d-ness,” said Ned, down to me, “what are you?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm the soul,” I replied in the same voice, “of the pedlar that was + murdered on the bridge below.” + </p> + <p> + “And—who—was—-it, sur, wid—submission, that—murdhered—you?” + </p> + <p> + To this I made no reply. + </p> + <p> + “I say,” continued Ned, “in—the—name—of—G-o-o-d-ness—who + was it—that took the liberty of murdhering you, dacent man?” + </p> + <p> + “Ned Corrigan,” I answered, giving his own name. + </p> + <p> + “Hem! God presarve us! Ned Corrigan!” he exclaimed. “What Ned, for there's + two of them—is it myself or the other vagabone?” + </p> + <p> + “Yourself, you murderer!” I replied. + </p> + <p> + “Ho!” said Ned, getting quite stout, “is that you, neighbor? Come, now, + walk out wid yourself out of that coffin, you vagabone you, whoever you + are.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mane, Ned, by spaking to it that-a-way?” the rest inquired. + </p> + <p> + “Hut,” said Ned, “it's some fellow or other that's playing a thrick upon + us. Sure I never knew either act nor part of the murdher, nor of the + murdherers; and you know, if it was anything of that nature, it couldn't + tell me a lie, and me a Scapularian along wid axing it in God's name, with + Father Feasthalagh's Latin.” + </p> + <p> + “Big tare-an'-ouns;” said the rest; “if we thought it was any man making + fun of us, but we'd crop the ears off his head, to tache him to be + joking!” + </p> + <p> + To tell the truth, when I heard this suggestion, I began to repent of my + frolic; but I was determined to make another effort to finish the + adventure creditably. + </p> + <p> + “Ned,” said they, “throw some of the holy water on us all, and in the name + of St. Pether and the Blessed Virgin, we'll go down and examine it in a + body.” + </p> + <p> + This they considered a good thought, and Ned was sprinkling the water + about him in all directions, whilst he repeated some jargon which was + completely unintelligible. They then began to approach the coffin at + dead-march time, and I felt that this was the only moment in which my plan + could succeed; for had I waited until they came down all would have been + discovered. As soon, therefore, as they began to move towards me, I also + began, with equal solemnity, to retrograde towards them; so that, as the + coffin was between us, it seemed to move without human means. + </p> + <p> + “Stop, for God's sake, stop,”—shouted Ned; “it's movin'! It has made + the coffin alive; don't you see it thravelling this way widout hand or + foot, barring the boords?” + </p> + <p> + There was now a halt to ascertain the fact: but I still retrograded. This + was sufficient; a cry of terror broke from the whole group, and, without + waiting for further evidence, they set off in the direction they came + from, at full speed, Ned flinging the jug of holy water at the coffin, + lest the latter should follow, or the former encumber him in his flight. + Never was there so complete a discomfiture; and so eager were they to + escape, that several of them came down on the stones; and I could hear + them shouting with desperation, and imploring the more advanced not to + leave them behind. I instantly disentangled myself from the coffin, and + left it standing exactly in the middle of the road, for the next passenger + to give it a lift as far as Denis Kelly's, if he felt so disposed. I lost + no time in making the best of my way home; and on passing poor Denis's + house I perceived, by the bustle and noise within, that he was dead. + </p> + <p> + I had given my friends no notice of this visit; my reception was + consequently the warmer, as I was not expected. That evening was a happy + one, which I shall long remember. At supper I alluded to Kelly, and + received from my brother a full account, as given in the following + narrative, of the circumstances which caused his death. + </p> + <p> + “I need not remind you, Toby, of our schoolboy days, nor of the principles + usually imbibed at such schools as that in which the two tiny factions of + the Caseys and the Murphys qualified themselves, among the latter of whom + you cut so distinguished a figure. You will not, therefore, be surprised + to hear that these two factions are as bitter as ever, and that the boys + who at Pat Mulligan's school belabored each other, in imitation of their + brothers and fathers, continue to set the same iniquitous example to their + children; so that this groundless and hereditary enmity is likely to + descend to future generations; unless, indeed, the influence of a more + enlightened system of education may check it. But, unhappily, there is a + strong suspicion of the object proposed by such a system; so that the + advantages likely to result from it to the lower orders of the people will + be slow and distant.” + </p> + <p> + “But, John,” said I, “now that we are upon that subject, let me ask what + really is the bone of contention between Irish factions?” + </p> + <p> + “I assure you,” he replied, “I am almost as much at a loss, Toby, to give + you a satisfactory answer, as if you asked me the elevation of the highest + mountain on the moon; and I believe you would find equal difficulty in + ascertaining the cause of their feuds from the factions themselves. I + really am convinced they know not, nor, if I rightly understand them, do + they much care. Their object is to fight, and the turning of a straw will + at any time furnish them with sufficient grounds for that. I do not think, + after all, that the enmity between them is purery personal: they do not + hate each other individually; but having originally had one quarrel upon + some trifling occasion, the beaten party cannot bear the stigma of defeat + without another trial of strength. Then, if they succeed, the onus of + retrieving lost credit is thrown upon the party that was formerly + victorious. If they fail a second time, the double triumph of their + conquerors excites them to a greater determination to throw off the + additional disgrace; and this species of alternation perpetuates the evil. + </p> + <p> + “These habits, however, familiarize our peasantry to acts of outrage and + violence—the bad passions are cultivated and nourished, until + crimes, which peaceable men look upon with fear and horror, lose their + real magnitude and deformity in the eyes of Irishmen. I believe this kind + of undefined hatred between either parties or nations, is the most + dangerous and fatal spirit which can pervade any portion of society. If + you hate a man for an obvious and palpable injury, it is likely that when + he cancels that injury by an act of subsequent kindness, accompanied by an + exhibition of sincere sorrow, you will cease to look upon him as your + enemy; but where the hatred is such that, while feeling you cannot, on a + sober examination of your heart, account for it, there is little hope that + you will ever be able to stifle the enmity that you entertain against him. + This, however, in politics and religion, is what is frequently designated + as principle—a word on which men, possessing higher and greater + advantages than the poor ignorant peasantry of Ireland, pride themselves. + In sects and parties, we may mark its effects among all ranks and nations. + I therefore, seldom wish, Toby, to hear a man assert that he is of this + party or that, from principle; for I am usually inclined to suspect that + he is not, in this case, influenced by conviction. + </p> + <p> + “Kelly was a man who, but for these scandalous proceedings among us, might + have been now alive and happy. Although his temperament was warm, yet that + warmth communicated itself to his good as well as to his evil qualities. + In the beginning his family were not attached to any faction—and + when I use the word faction, it is in contradistinction to the word party—for + faction, you know, is applied to a feud or grudge between Roman Catholics + exclusively. But when he was young, he ardently attached himself to the + Murphys; and, having continued among them until manhood, he could not + abandon them, consistently with that sense of mistaken honor which forms + so prominent a feature in the character of the Irish peasantry. But + although the Kellys were not <i>faction-men</i>, they were bitter <i>party-men</i>, + being the ringleaders of every quarrel Which took place between the + Catholics and Protestants, or, I should rather say, between the Orangemen + and Whiteboys. + </p> + <p> + “From the moment Denis attached himself to the Murphys, until the day he + received the beating which subsequently occasioned his death, he never + withdrew from them. He was in all their battles; and in course of time, + induced his relations to follow his example; so that, by general consent, + they were nicknamed 'the Errigle Slashers.' Soon after you left the + country, and went to reside with my uncle, Denis married a daughter of + little Dick Magrath's, from the Race-road, with whom he got a little + money. She proved a kind, affectionate wife; and, to do him justice, I + believe he was an excellent husband. Shortly after his marriage his father + died, and Denis succeeded him in his farm; for you know that, among the + peasantry, the youngest generally gets the landed property—the elder + children being obliged to provide for themselves according to their + ability, as otherwise a population would multiply upon a portion of land + inadequate to its support. + </p> + <p> + “It was supposed that Kelly's marriage would have been the means of + producing a change in him for the better, but it did not. He was, in fact, + the slave of a low, vain ambition, which constantly occasioned him to have + some quarrel or other on his hands; and, as he possessed great physical + courage and strength, he became the champion of the parish. It was in vain + that his wife used every argument to induce him to relinquish such + practices; the only reply he was in the habit of making, was a + good-humored slap on the back and a laugh, saying, + </p> + <p> + “'That's it, Honor; sure and isn't that the Magraths, all over, that would + let the manest spalpeen that ever chewed cheese thramp upon them, without + raising a hand in their own defence; and I don't blame you for being a + coward, seeing that you have their blood in your veins—not but that + there ought to be something betther in you, afther all; for it's the + M'Karrons, by your mother's side, that had the good dhrop of their own in + them, anyhow—but you're a Magrath out and out.' + </p> + <p> + “'And, Denis,' Honor would reply, 'it would be a blessed day for the + parish, if all in it were as peaceable as the same Magraths. There would + be no sore heads, nor broken bones, nor fighting, nor slashing of one + another in fairs and markets, when people ought to be minding their + business. You're ever and always at the Magraths, bekase they don't join + you agin the Caseys or the Orangemen, and more fools they'd be to make or + meddle between you, having no spite agin either of them; and it would be + wiser for you to be <i>sed</i> by the Magraths, and <i>red</i> your hands + out of sich ways altogether. What did ever the Murphys do to sarve you or + any of your family, that you'd go to make a great man of yourself fighting + for them? Or what did the poor Caseys do to make you go agin the honest + people? Arrah, bad manners to me, if you know what you're about, or if <i>sonse</i> + (* Good Luck) or grace can ever come of it; and mind my words, Denis, if + God hasn't said it, you'll live to rue your folly for the same work.' + </p> + <p> + “At this Denis would laugh heartily. 'Well said, Honor <i>Magrath</i>, but + not <i>Kelly</i>, Well, it's one comfort that our childher aren't likely + to follow your side of the house, any way. Come here, Lanty; come over, + acushla, to your father! Lanty, ma bouchal, what 'ill you do when you grow + a man?” + </p> + <p> + “'I'll buy a horse of my own to ride on, daddy.' + </p> + <p> + “'A horse, Lanty! and so you will, ma bouchal; but that's not it—sure + that's not what I mane, Lanty. What 'ill you do to the Caseys?” + </p> + <p> + “'Ho, ho! the Caseys! I'll bate the blackguards wid your blackthorn, + daddy!' + </p> + <p> + “'Ha, ha, ha! that's my stout man, my brave little soger! <i>Wus dha lamh + avick!</i>—give me your hand, my son! Here, Nelly,' he would say to + the child's eldest sister, 'give him a brave whang of bread, to make him + able to bate the Caseys. Well, Lanty, who more will you leather, ahagur?' + </p> + <p> + “'All the Orangemen; I'll kill all the Orangemen!' + </p> + <p> + “This would produce another laugh from the father, who would again kiss + and shake hands with his son, for these early manifestations of his own + spirit. + </p> + <p> + “'Lanty, ma bouchal,' he would say, 'thank God, you're not a <i>Magrath</i>; + 'tis you that's a <i>Kelly</i>, every blessed inch of you! and if you turn + out as good a <i>buillagh balthah</i> as your father afore you, I'll be + contint, avour-neen!' + </p> + <p> + “'God forgive you, Denis,' the-wife would reply, 'it's long before you'd + think of larning him his prayers, or his cateehiz, or anything that's + good! Lanty, agra, come over to myself, and never heed what that man says; + for, except you have some poor body's blessing, he'll bring you to no + good.' + </p> + <p> + “Sometimes, however, Kelly's own natural good sense, joined with the + remonstrances of his wife, prevailed for a short time, and he would + withdraw himself from the connection altogether; but the force of habit + and of circumstances was too strong in him, to hope that he could ever + overcome it by his own firmness, for he was totally destitute of religion. + The peaceable intervals of his life were therefore very short. + </p> + <p> + “One summer evening I was standing in my own garden, when I saw a man + galloping up towards me at full speed. When he approached, I recognized + him as one of the Murphy faction, and perceived that he was cut and + bleeding. + </p> + <p> + “'Murphy,' said I, 'What's the matter!' + </p> + <p> + “'Hard fighting, sir,' said he, 'is the matter. The Caseys gathered all + their faction, bekase they heard that Denis Kelly has given us up, and + they're sweeping the street wid us. I'm going hot foot for Kelly, sir, for + even the very name of him will turn the tide in our favor. Along wid that, + I have sent in a score of the Duggans, and, if I get in Denis, plase God + we'll clear the town of them!' + </p> + <p> + “He then set off, but pulled up abruptly, and said, + </p> + <p> + “'Arrah, Mr. Darcy, maybe you'd be civil enough to lind me the loan of a + sword, or bagnet, or gun, or anything that way, that would be sarviceable + to a body on a pinch?' + </p> + <p> + “'Yes!' said I, 'and enable you to commit murder? No, no, Murphy; I'm + sorry it's not in my power to put a final stop to such dangerous + quarrels!' + </p> + <p> + “He then dashed off, and in the course of a short time I saw him and + Kelly, both on horseback, hurrying into the town in all possible haste, + armed with their cudgels. The following day, I got my dog and gun, and + sauntered about the hills, making a point to call upon Kelly. I found him + with his head tied up, and his arm in a sling. + </p> + <p> + “'Well, Denis,' said I, 'I find you have kept your promise of giving up + quarrels!' + </p> + <p> + “And so I did, sir,' said Denis; 'but, sure you wouldn't have me for to go + desart them, when the Caseys war three to one over them? No; God be + thanked, I'm not so mane as that, anyhow. Besides, they welted both my + brothers within an inch of their lives.' + </p> + <p> + “'I think they didn't miss yourself,' said I. + </p> + <p> + “'You may well say they did not, sir,' he replied: 'and, to tell God's + truth, they thrashed us right and left out of the town, although we + rallied three times, and came in agin. At any rate, it's the first time + for the last five years that they dare go up and down the street, calling + out for the face of a Murphy, or a Kelly; for they're as bitter now agin + us as agin the Murphys themselves.' + </p> + <p> + “'Well, I hope, Denis,' I observed, 'that what occurred yesterday will + prevent you from entering into their quarrels in future. Indeed, I shall + not give over, until I prevail on you to lead a quiet and peaceable life, + as the father of a rising family ought to do.' + </p> + <p> + “'Denis,' said the wife, when I alluded to the children, looking at him + with a reproachful and significant expression—'Denis, do you hear + that!—the father of a family, Denis! Oh, then, God look down on that + family; but it's—Musha, God bless you and yours, sir,' said she to + me, dropping that part of the subject abruptly; 'it's kind of you to + trouble yourself about him, at all at all: it's what them that has a + better right to do it, doesn't do.' + </p> + <p> + “'I hope,' said I, 'that Denis's own good sense will show him the folly + and guilt of his conduct, and that he will not, under any circumstances, + enter into their battles in future. Come, Denis, will you promise me + this?' + </p> + <p> + “'If any man,' replied Denis, 'could make me do it, it's yourself, sir, or + any one of your family; but if the priest of the parish was to go down on + his knees before me, I wouldn't give it up till we give them vagabone + Caseys one glorious battherin,' which, plase God, we'll do, and are well + able to do, before a month of Sundays goes over us. Now, sir, you needn't + say another word,' said he, seeing me about to speak; 'for by Him that + made me we'll do it! If any man, I say, could persuade me agin it, you + could; but, if we don't pay them full interest for what we got, why my + name's not Denis Kelly—ay, sweep them like varmint out of the town, + body and sleeves!' + </p> + <p> + “I saw argument would be lost on him, so I only observed, that I feared it + would eventually end badly. + </p> + <p> + “'Och, many and many's the time, Mr. Darcy,' said Honor, 'I prophesied the + same thing; and, if God hasn't said it, he'll be coming home a corpse to + me some day or other; for he got as much bating, sir, as would be enough + to kill a horse; and, to tell you God's truth, sir, he's breeding up his + childher—' + </p> + <p> + “'Honor,' said Kelly, irritated, 'whatever I do, do I lave it in your + power to say that I'm a bad husband? so don't rise me by your talk, for I + don't like to be provoked. I know it's wrong, but what can I do? Would you + have me for to show the Garran-bane,* and lave them like a cowardly + thraitor, now that the other faction is coming up to be their match? No; + let what will come of it, I'll never do the mane thing—death before + dishonor!' + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * The white horse, i.e., be wanting in mettle. + Tradition affirms that James the Second escaped on a + white horse from the battle of the Boyne; and from this + circumstance a white horse has become the emblem of + cowardice. +</pre> + <p> + “In this manner Kelly went on for years; sometimes, indeed, keeping quiet + for a short period, but eventually drawn in, from the apprehension of + being reproached with want of honor and truth, to his connection. This, + truly, is an imputation which no peasant could endure; nor, were he + thought capable of treachery, would he be safe from the vengeance of his + own party. Many a time have I seen Kelly reeling home, his head and face + sadly cut, the blood streaming from him, and his wife and some neighbor on + each side of him—the poor woman weeping and deploring the senseless + and sanguinary feuds in which her husband took so active a part. + </p> + <p> + “About three miles from this, down at the Long Ridge, where the Shannons + live, dwelt a family of the Grogans, cousins to Denis. They were anything + but industrious, although they might have lived very independently, having + held a farm on what they called an old take, which means a long lease + taken out when lands were cheap. It so happened, however, that, like too + many of their countrymen, they paid little attention to the cultivation of + their farm; the consequence of which neglect was, that they became + embarrassed, and overburdened with arrears. Their landlord was old Sam + Simmons, whose only fault to his tenants was an excess of indulgence, and + a generous disposition wherever he could possibly get an opportunity to + scatter his money about him, upon the spur of a benevolence which, it + would seem, never ceased goading him to acts of the most Christian + liberality and kindness. Along with these excellent qualities, he was + remarkable for a most rooted aversion to law and lawyers; for he would + lose one hundred pounds rather than recover that sum by legal proceedings, + even when certain that five Pounds would effect it; but he seldom or never + was known to pardon a breach of the peace. + </p> + <p> + “I have always found that an excess of indulgence in a landlord never + fails ultimately to injure and relax the industry of the tenant; at least, + this was the effect which his forbearance produced on them. But the most + extraordinary good-nature has its limits, and so had his; after repeated + warning, and the most unparalleled patience on his part, he was at length + compelled to determine on at once removing them from his estate, and + letting his land to some more efficient and deserving tenant. He + accordingly desired them to remove their property from the premises, as he + did not wish, he said, to leave them without the means of entering upon + another farm, if they felt so disposed. This they refused to do; adding, + that they would, at least, put him to the expense of ejecting them. He + then gave orders to his agent to seize; but they, in the mean time, had + secreted their effects by night among their friends and relations, sending + a cow to this one, and a horse to that; so that, when the bailiff came to + levy his execution, he found very little, except the empty walls. They + were, however, ejected without ceremony, and driven altogether off the + farm, for which they had actually paid nothing for the three preceding + years. In the mean time the farm was advertised to be let, and several + persons had offered themselves as tenants; but what appeared very + remarkable was, that the Roman Catholics seldom came a second time to make + any further inquiry about it; or, if they did, Simmons observed that they + were sure to withdraw their proposals, and ultimately decline having + anything to do with it. + </p> + <p> + “This was a circumstance which he could not properly understand; but the + fact was, that the peasantry were almost to a man members of a + widely-extending system of agrarian combination, the secret influence of + which intimidated such of their own religion as intended to take it, and + prevented them from exposing themselves to the penalty which they knew + those who should dare to occupy it must pay. In a short time, however, the + matter began to be whispered about, until it spread gradually, day after + day, through the parish, that those who already had proposed, or intended + to propose, were afraid to enter upon the land on any terms. Hitherto, it + is true, these threats floated about only in the vague form of rumor. + </p> + <p> + “The farm had been now unoccupied for about a year; party spirit ran very + high among the peasantry, and no proposals came in, or were at all likely + to come. Simmons then got advertisements printed, and had them posted up + in the most conspicuous parts of this and the neighboring parishes. It was + expected, however, that they would be torn down; but, instead of that, + there was a written notice posted up immediately under each, which ran in + the following words:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “'Take Notess. + + “'Any man that'll dare to take the farm belonging to + smooth Sam Simmons, and sitivated at the long ridge, + will be flayed alive. + + “' Mat Midnight. + + “'B. N.—It's it that was latterrally occupied by the + Grogans.' +</pre> + <p> + “This occasioned Simmons and the other magistrates of the barony to hold a + meeting, at which they subscribed to the amount of fifty pounds as a + reward for discovering the author or authors of the threatening notice; + but the advertisement containing the reward, which was posted in the usual + places through the parish, was torn down on the first night after it was + put up. In the meantime, a man, nicknamed Vengeance—Vesey Vengeance, + in consequence of his daring and fearless spirit, and his bitterness in + retaliating injury—came to Simmons, and proposed for the farm. The + latter candidly mentioned the circumstances of the notice, and fairly told + him that he was running a personal risk in taking it. + </p> + <p> + “'Leave that to me, sir,' said Vengeance; 'if you will set me the farm at + the terms I offer, I am willing to become your tenant; and let them that + posted up the notices go to old Nick, or, if they annoy me, let them take + care I don't send them there. I am a true blue, sir—a purple man*—have + lots of fire-arms, and plenty of stout fellows in the parish ready and + willing to back me; and, by the light of day if they make or meddle with + me or mine, we will hunt them in the face of the world, like so many mad + dogs, out of the country: what are they but a pack of ribles, that would + cut our throats, if they dared?' + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * These terms denote certain stages of initiation in + the Orange system +</pre> + <p> + “'I have no objection,' said Simmons, 'that you should express a firm + determination to defend your life and protect your property; but I utterly + condemn the spirit with which you seem to be animated. Be temperate and + sober, but be firm. I will afford you every assistance and protection in + my power, both as a magistrate and a landlord; but if you speak so + incautiously, the result may be serious, if not fatal, to yourself.' + </p> + <p> + “Instead of that,' said Vengeance, 'the more a man appears to be afeard, + the more danger he is in, as I know by what I have seen; but, at any rate, + if they injure me, I wouldn't ask better sport than taking down the ribles—the + bloody-minded villains! Isn't it a purty thing that a man darn't put one + foat past the other only as they wish. By the light o' day, I'll pepper + them!' + </p> + <p> + “Shortly after this, Vengeance, braving all their threats, removed to the + farm, and set about its cultivation with skill and vigor. He had not been + long there, however, when, a notice was posted one night on his door, + giving him ten days to clear off from this interdicted spot, threatening, + in case of non-compliance, to make a bonfire of the house and offices, + inmates included. The reply, which Vengeance made to this was fearless and + characteristic. He wrote another notice, which he posted on the + chapel-door, stating that he would not budge an inch—recommending, + at the same time, such as intended paying him a nightly visit to be + careful that they might not chance to go home with their heels foremost. + This, indeed, was setting them completely at defiance, and would, no doubt + have been fatal to Vesey, were it not for a circumstance which I will now + relate:—In a little dell, below Vesey's house, lived a poor woman, + called Doran, a widow; she inhabited a small hut, and was principally + supported by her two sons, who were servants, one to a neighboring farmer, + a Roman Catholic, and the other to Dr. Ableson, rector of the parish. He + who had been with the rector lost his health shortly before Vengeance + succeeded the Grogans as occupier of the land in question, and was obliged + to come home to his mother. He was then confined to his bed, from which, + indeed, he never rose. + </p> + <p> + “This boy had been his mother's principal support—for the other was + unsettled, and paid her but little attention, being like most of those in + his situation, fond of drinking, dancing, and attending fairs. In short, + he became a Ribbonman, and consequently was obliged to attend their + nightly meetings. Now it so happened that for a considerable time after + the threatening notice had been posted on Vengeance's door, he received no + annoyance, although the period allowed for his departure had been long + past, and the purport of the paper uncomplied with. Whether this proceeded + from an apprehension on the part of the Ribbonmen of receiving a warmer + welcome than they might wish, or whether they deferred the execution of + their threat until Vengeance might be off his guard, I cannot determine; + but the fact is, that some months had elapsed and Vengeance remained + hitherto unmolested. + </p> + <p> + “During this interval the distress of Widow Doran had become known to the + inmates of his family, and his mother—for she lived with him—used + to bring down each day some nourishing food to the sick boy. In these kind + offices she was very punctual; and so great was the poverty of the poor + widow, and so destitute the situation of her sick son, that, in fact, the + burden of their support lay principally upon Vengeance's family. + </p> + <p> + “Vengeance was a small, thin man, with fair hair, and fiery eyes; his + voice was loud and shrill, his utterance rapid, and the general expression + of his countenance irritable. His motions were so quick, that he rather + seemed to run than walk. He was a civil, obliging neighbor, but performed + his best actions with a bad grace; a firm, unflinching friend, but a + bitter and implacable enemy. Upon the whole he was generally esteemed and + respected—though considered as an eccentric character, for such + indeed he was. On hearing of Widow Doran's distress, he gave orders that a + portion of each meal should be regularly sent down to her and her son; and + from that period forward they were both supported principally from his + table. + </p> + <p> + “In this way some months had passed, and still Vengeance was undisturbed + in his farm. It often happened, however, that Doran's other son came to + see his brother; and during these visits it was but natural that his + mother and brother should allude to the kindness which they daily + experienced from Vesey. + </p> + <p> + “One night, about twelve o'clock, a tap came to Widow Doran's door, who + happened to be attending the invalid, as he was then nearly in the last + stage of his illness. When she opened it, the other son entered, in an + evident hurry, having the appearance of a man who felt deep and serious + anxiety. + </p> + <p> + “'Mother,' said he, 'I was very uneasy entirely about Mick, and just + started over to see him, although they don't know at home that I'm out, so + I can't stay a crack; but I wish you would go to the door for two or three + minutes, as I have something to say to him.' + </p> + <p> + “'Why, thin, Holy Mother!—Jack, a-hagur, is there anything the + matther, for you look as if you had seen something?' * + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * This phrase means—you look as if you had seen a + ghost; it is a very common one. +</pre> + <p> + “'Nothing worse than myself, mother,' he replied; 'nor there's nothing the + matther at all—only I have a few words to say to Mick here, that's + all.' + </p> + <p> + “The mother accordingly removed herself out of hearing. + </p> + <p> + “'Mick,' says the boy, 'this is a bad business—I wish to God I was + clear and clane out of it.' + </p> + <p> + “'What is it?' said Mick, alarmed. “' Murther, I'm afeard, if God doesn't + turn it off of them, somehow. + </p> + <p> + “'What do you mane, man, at all?' said the invalid, raising himself, in + deep emotion, on his elbow, from his poor straw bed. + </p> + <p> + “'Vengeance,' said he—'Vengeance, man—he's going to get it. I + was out with the boys on Sunday evening, and at last it's agreed on to + visit him to-morrow night. I'm sure and sartin he'll never escape, for + there's more in for him than taking the farm, and daring them so often as + he did—he shot two fingers off of a brother-in-law of Jem Reilly's + one night that they war on for threshing him, and that's coming home to + him along with the rest.' + </p> + <p> + “'In the name of God, Jack,' inquired Mick, 'what do they intend to do to + him?' + </p> + <p> + “' Why,' replied Jack, 'it's agreed to put a coal in the thatch, in the + first place; and although they were afeared to name what he's to get + besides, I doubt they'll make a spatchcock of himself. They won't meddle + with any other of the family, though—but he's down for it.' + </p> + <p> + “'Are you to be one of them?' asked Mick. + </p> + <p> + “'I was the third man named,' replied the other, 'bekase, they said, I + knew the place.' + </p> + <p> + “'Jack,' said his emaciated brother, with much solemnity, raising himself + up in the bed—'Jack, if you have act or part in that bloody + business, God in his glory you'll never see. Fly the country—cut off + a finger or toe—break your arm—or do something that may + prevent you from being there. Oh, my God!' he exclaimed, whilst the tears + fell fast down his pale cheeks—'to go to murder the man, and lave + his little family widout a head or a father over them, and his wife a + widow! To burn his place, widout rhime, or rason, or offince! Jack, if you + go, I'll die cursing you. I'll appear to you—I'll let you rest + neither night nor day, sleeping nor waking, in bed or out of bed. I'll + haunt you, till you'll curse the very hour you war born.' + </p> + <p> + “'Whist, Micky,' said Jack, 'you're frightening me: I'll not go—will + that satisfy you?' + </p> + <p> + “'Well, dhrop down on your two knees, there,' said Micky, 'and swear + before the God that has his eye upon you this minute, that you'll have no + hand in injuring him or his, while you live. If you don't do this, I'll + not rest in my grave and maybe I'll be a corpse before mornin.' + </p> + <p> + “'Well Micky, said Jack, who though wild and unthinking, was a lad whose + heart and affections were good, 'it would be hard for me to refuse you + that much, and you! not likely to be long wid me—I will;' and he + accordingly knelt down and swore solemnly, in words which his brother + dictated to him, that he would not be concerned in the intended murder. + </p> + <p> + “'Now, give me your hand, Jack,' said the invalid; 'God bless you—and + so He will. Jack, if I depart before I see you again, I'll die happy. That + man has supported me and my mother for near the last three months, bad as + you all think him. Why, Jack, we would both be dead of hunger long ago, + only for his family; and, my God! to think, of such a murdhering intention + makes my blood run cowld'— + </p> + <p> + “'You had better give him a hint, then,' said Jack, 'some way, or he'll be + done for, as sure as you're stretched on that bed; but don't mintion + names, if you wish to keep me from being murdhered for what I did. I must + be off now, for I stole out of the barn:* and only that Atty Laghy's gone + along wid the master to the —— fair, to help him to sell the + two coults, I couldn't get over at all.' + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Laboring servants in Ireland usually sleep in barns. +</pre> + <p> + “'Well, go home, Jack, and God bless you, and so He will, for what you did + this night.' + </p> + <p> + “Jack accordingly departed, after bidding his mother and brother farewell. + </p> + <p> + “When the old woman came in, she asked her son if there was anything wrong + with his brother, but he replied that there was not. + </p> + <p> + “'Nothing at all,' said he—'but will you get up airly in the + morning, plase God, and tell Vesey Johnston that I want to see him; and—that—I + have a great dale to say to him?' + </p> + <p> + “' To be sure I will, Micky; but, Lord guard us, what ails you, avourneen, + you look so frightened?' + </p> + <p> + “'Nothing at all, at all, mother; but will you go where I say airly + to-morrow, for me?' + </p> + <p> + “'It's the first thing I'll do, God willin',' replied the mother. And the + next morning Vesey was down with the invalid very early, for the old woman + kept her word and paid him a timely visit. + </p> + <p> + “'Well, Micky, my boy,' said Vengeance, as he entered the hut, 'I hope + you're no worse this morning.' + </p> + <p> + “'Not worse, sir,' replied Mick; 'nor, indeed, am I anything better + either, but much the same way. Sure it's I that knows very well that my + time here is but short.' + </p> + <p> + “'Well, Mick, my boy,' said Vengeance, 'I hope you're prepared for death—and + that you expect forgiveness, like a Christian. Look up, my boy, to God at + once, and pitch the priests and their craft to ould Nick, where they'll + all go at the long-run.' + </p> + <p> + “'I b'lieve,' said Mick, with a faint smile, 'that you're not very fond of + the priests, Mr. Johnston; but if you knew the power they possess as well + as I do, you wouldn't spake of them so bad, anyhow.' + </p> + <p> + “'Me fond of them!' replied the other;' 'why, man, they're a set of the + most gluttonous, black-looking hypocrites that ever walked on neat's + leather; and ought to be hunted out of the country—hunted out of the + country, by the light of day! every one of them; for they do nothing but + egg up the people against the Protestants.' + </p> + <p> + “'God help you, Mr. Johnston,' replied the invalid, 'I pity you from my + heart for the opinion you hould about them. I suppose if you were sthruck + dead on the spot wid a blast from the fairies, that you think a priest + couldn't cure you by one word's spaking?' + </p> + <p> + “'Cure me!' said Vengeance, with a laugh of disdain; 'by the light of day! + if I caught one of them curing me, I'd give him the purtiest chase you + ever saw in your life, across the hills.' + </p> + <p> + “'Don't you know,' said Mick, 'that priest Dannelly cured Bob Beaty of the + falling sickness—until he broke the vow that was laid upon him, of + not going into a church, and the minute he crossed the church-door, didn't + he dhrop down as bad as ever—and what could the minister do for + him?' + </p> + <p> + “'And don't you know,' rejoined Vengeance, 'that that's all a parcel of + the most lying stuff possible; lies—lies—all lies—and + vagabondism? Why, Mick, you Papishes worship the priests; you think they + can bring you to heaven at a word. By the light of day, they must have + good sport laughing at you, when they get among one another. Why don't + they teach you and give you the Bible to read, the ribelly rascals? but + they're afraid you'd know too much then.' + </p> + <p> + “'Well, Mr. Johnston,' said Mick, 'I b'lieve you'll never have a good + opinion of them, at any rate.' + </p> + <p> + “'Ay, when the sky falls,' replied Vengeance; 'but you're now on your + death bed, and why don't you pitch them to ould Nick, and get a Bible? Get + a Bible, man; there's a pair of them in my house, that's never used at all—except + my mother's, and she's at it night and day. I'll send one of them down to + you: turn yourself to God—to your Redeemer, that died on the mount + of Jehosha-phat, or somewhere about Jerusalem, for your sins—and + don't go out of the world from the hand of a rascally priest, with a band + about your eyes, as if you were at blind-man's-buff, for, by the light of + day, you're as blind as a bat in a religious way.' + </p> + <p> + “'There's no use in sending me a Bible,' replied the invalid, 'for I can't + read it: but, whatever you may think, I'm very willing to lave my + salvation with my priest.' + </p> + <p> + “'Why, man,' observed Vengeance, 'I thought you were going to have sense + at last, and that you sent for me to give you some spiritual consolation.' + </p> + <p> + “'No, sir,' replied Mick; 'I have two or three words to spake to you.' + </p> + <p> + “'Come, come, Mick, now that we're on a spiritual subject, I'll hear + nothing from you till I try whether it's possible to give you a trute + insight into religion. Stop, now, and let us lay our heads together, that + we may make out something of a dacenter creed for you to believe in than + the one you profess. Tell me the truth, do you believe in the priests?' + </p> + <p> + “'How?' replied Mick; 'I believe that they're holy men—but I know + they can't save me widout the Redeemer and His blessed mother,' + </p> + <p> + “'By the light above us, you're shuffling, Mick—I say you do believe + in them—now, don't tell me to the contrary—I say you're + shuffling as fast as possible.' + </p> + <p> + “'I tould you truth, sir,' replied Mick; 'and if you don't believe me, I + can't help it.' + </p> + <p> + “'Don't trust in the priests, Mick; that's the main point to secure your + salvation.' + </p> + <p> + “Mick, who knew his prejudices against the priests, smiled faintly, and + replied— + </p> + <p> + “'Why, sir, I trust in them as bein' able to make inthercession wid God + for me, that's all' + </p> + <p> + “'They make intercession! By the stool I'm sitting on, a single word from + one of them would ruin you. They, a set of ribles, to make interest for + you in heaven! Didn't they rise the rebellion in Ireland?—answer me + that.' + </p> + <p> + “'This is a subject, sir, we would never agree on,' replied Mick. + </p> + <p> + “'Have you the Ten Commandments?' inquired Vesey. + </p> + <p> + “'I doubt my mimory's not clear enough to have them in my mind,' said the + lad, feeling keenly the imputation of ignorance, which he apprehended from + Vesey's blunt observations. + </p> + <p> + “Vesey, however, had penetration enough to perceive his feelings, and, + with more delicacy than could be expected from him, immediately moved the + question. + </p> + <p> + “'No matter, Mick,' said he, 'if you would give up the priests, we would + get over that point: as it is, I will give you a lift in the Commandments; + and, as I said a while ago,' if you take my advice, I'll work up a creed + for you that you may depend upon. But now, for the Commandments—let + me see. + </p> + <p> + “'First: Thou shalt have no other gods but me. Don't you see, man how that + peppers the priests?' + </p> + <p> + “'Second: Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath-day.' + </p> + <p> + “'Third: That shalt not make to thyself—no, hang it no!—I'm + out—that's the Second—very right. Third: Honor thy father and + thy mother—you understand that, Mick? It means that you are bound to—to—just + so—to honor your father and your mother, poor woman.' + </p> + <p> + “'My father—God be good to him!—is dead near fourteen years, + sir,' replied Mick. + </p> + <p> + “'Well, in that case, Mick, you see all that's left for you is to honor + your mother—although I'm not certain of that either; the + Commandments make no allowance at all for death, and in that case why, + living or dead, the surest way is to respect and obey them—that is, + if the thing were'nt impossible. I wish we had blind George M'Girr here, + Mick; although he's as great a rogue as ever escaped hemp, yet he'd beat + the devil himself at a knotty point.' + </p> + <p> + “'His breath would be bad about a dying man,' observed Mick. + </p> + <p> + “'Ay, or a living one,' said Vesey; 'however, let us get on—we were + at the Third. Fourth: Thou shalt do no murder.' + </p> + <p> + “At the word murder, Mick started, and gave a deep groan, whilst his eyes + and features assumed a gaunt and hollow expression, resembling that of a + man struck with an immediate sense of horror and affright. + </p> + <p> + “'Oh! for heaven's sake, sir, stop there,' said Doran, 'that brings to my + mind the business I had with you, Mr. Johnston.' + </p> + <p> + “'What is it about?' inquired Vengeance, in his usual eager manner. + </p> + <p> + “'Do you mind,' said Mick, 'that a paper was stuck one night upon your + door, threatening you, if you wouldn't lave that farm you're in?'. + </p> + <p> + “'I do, the blood-thirsty villains! but they knew a trick worth two of + coming near me.' + </p> + <p> + “'Well,' said Mick, 'a strange man, that I never seen before, came into me + last night, and tould me, if I'd see you, to say that you would get a + visit from the boys this night, and to take care of yourself.' + </p> + <p> + “'Give me the hand, Mick,' said Vengeance,—'give me the hand; in + spite of the priests, by the light of day you're an honest fellow. This + night you say, they're to come? And what are the bloody wretches to do, + Mick. But I needn't ask that, for I suppose it's to murder myself, and to + burn my place. + </p> + <p> + “'I'm afeard, sir, you're not far from the truth,' replied Mick; 'but, Mr. + Johnston, for God's sake don't mintion my name; for, if you do, I'll get + myself what they were laying out for you, be bumed in my bed maybe.' + </p> + <p> + “'Never fear, Mick,' replied Vengeance; 'your name will never cross my + lips.' + </p> + <p> + “'It's a great thing,' said Mick, 'that would make me turn informer: but + sure, only for your kindness and the goodness of your family, the Lord + spare you to one another! mightn't I be dead long ago? I couldn't have one + minute's peace if you or yours came to any harm when I could prevint it.' + </p> + <p> + “'Say no more, Mick,' said Vengeance, taking his hand again; 'I know that, + leave the rest to me; but how do you find yourself, my poor fellow? You + look weaker than you did, a good deal.' + </p> + <p> + “'Indeed I'm going very fast, sir,' replied Mick; 'I know it'll soon be + over with me.' + </p> + <p> + “'Hut, no, man,' said Vengeance, drawing his hand rapidly across his eyes, + and clearing his voice, 'not at all—don't say so; would a little + broth serve you? or a bit of fresh meat?—or would you have a fancy + for anything that I could make out for you? I'll get you wine, if you + think it would do you good.” + </p> + <p> + “'God reward you,' said Mick feebly—'God reward you, and open your + eyes to the truth. Is my mother likely to come in, do you think?' + </p> + <p> + “'She must be here in a few minutes,' the other replied; 'she was waiting + till they'd churn, that she might bring you down a little fresh milk and + butter.' + </p> + <p> + “'I wish she was wid me,' said the poor lad, 'for I'm lonely wantin' her—her + voice and the very touch of her hands goes to my heart. Mother, come home, + and let me lay my head upon your breast, agra machree, for I think it will + be for the last time: we lived lonely, avourneen, wid none but ourselves—sometimes + in happiness, when the nabors 'ud be kind to us—and sometimes in + sorrow, when there 'ud be none to help us. It's over now, mother, and I'm + lavin' you for ever!' + </p> + <p> + “Vengeance wiped his eyes—'Rouse yourself, Mick,' said he, 'rouse + yourself.' + </p> + <p> + “'Who is that sitting along with you on the stool?' said Mick. + </p> + <p> + “'No one,' replied his neighbor; 'but what's the matter with you, Mick?—your + face is changed.' + </p> + <p> + “Mick, however, made no reply; but after a few slight struggles, in which + he attempted to call upon his mother's name, he breathed his last. When + Vengeance saw that he was dead—looked upon the cold, miserable hut + in which this grateful and affectionate young man was stretched—and + then reflected on the important service he had just rendered he could not + suppress his tears. + </p> + <p> + “After sending down some of the females to assist his poor mother in + laying him out, Vengeance went among his friends and acquaintances, + informing them of the intelligence he had received, without mentioning the + source from which he had it. After dusk that evening, they all flocked, as + privately as possible, to his house, to the number of thirty or forty, + well provided with arms and ammunition. Some of them stationed themselves + in the out-houses, some behind the garden edge, and others in the + dwelling-house.” + </p> + <p> + When my brother had got thus far in his narrative, a tap came to the + parlor-door, and immediately a stout-looking man, having the appearance of + a laborer, entered the room. “Well, Lachlin,” said my brother, “what's the + matter?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, sir,” said Lachlin, scratching his head, “I had a bit of a favor to + ax, if it would be plaisin' to you to grant it to me.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that,” said my brother. “Do you know, sir,” said he, “I haven't + been at a wake—let us see—this two or three years, anyhow; + and, if you'd have no objection, why, I'd slip up awhile to Denis Kelly's; + he's a distant relation of my own, sir; and blood's thicker than wather + you know.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm just glad you came in, Lachlin,” said my brother, “I didn't think of + you; take a chair here, and never heed the wake to-night, but sit down and + tell us about the attack on Vesey Vengeance, long ago. I'll get you a + tumbler of punch; and, instead of going to the wake to night, I will allow + you to go to the funeral to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, sir,” said Lachlin, “you know whenever the punch is consarned, I'm + aisily persuaded; but not making little of your tumbler, sir,” said the + shrewd fellow, “I would get two or three of them if I went to the wake.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sit down,” said my brother, handing him one, “and we won't permit + you to get thirsty while you're talking, at all events.” + </p> + <p> + “In troth, you haven't your heart in the likes of it,” said Lachlin. + </p> + <p> + “Gintlemen, your healths—your health, sir, and we're happy to see + you wanst more. Why, thin, I remember you, sir, when you were a gorsoon, + passing to school wid your satchel on your back; but, I'll be bound you're + by no means as soople now as you were thin. Why, sir,” turning to my + brother “he could fly or kick football with the rabbits.—Well, this + is raal stuff!” + </p> + <p> + “Now, Lachlin,” said my brother, “give us an account of the attack you + made on Vesey Vengeance's house, at the Long Ridge, when all his party + were chased out of the town.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, thin, sir, I ought to be ashamed to mintion it; but you see, + gintleman, there was no getting over being connected wid them; but I hope + your brother's safe, sir!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, perfectly safe, Lachlin; you may rest assured he'll never mention + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir,” said Lachlin, addressing himself to me, “Vesey Vengeance was—.” + </p> + <p> + “Lachlin,” said my brother, “he knows all about Vesey; just give an + account of the attack.” + </p> + <p> + “The attack, sir! no, but the chivey we got over the mountains. Why, sir, + we met in, an ould empty house, you see, that belonged to the Farrells of + Ballyboulteen, that went over to America that spring. There war none wid + us, you may be sure, but them that war up;* and in all we might be about + sixty or seventy. The Grogans, one way or another, got it up first among + them, bekase they expected Mr. Simmons would take them back when he'd find + that no one else dare venther upon their land. There war at that time two + fellows down from the county Longford, in their neighborhood, of the name + of Collier—although that wasn't their right name—they were + here upon their keeping, for the murder of a proctor in their own part of + the country. One of them was a tall, powerful fellow, with sandy hair, and + red brows; the other was a slender chap, that must have been drawn into it + by his brother—for he was very mild and innocent, and always + persuaded us agin evil. The Grogans brought lashings of whiskey, and made + them that war to go foremost amost drunk—these war the two Colliers, + some of the strangers from behind the mountains, and a son of Widdy + Doran's, that knew every inch about the place, for he was bred and born + jist below the house a bit. He wasn't wid us, however, in regard of his + brother being under board that night; but, instid of him, Tim Grogan went + to show the way up the little glin to the house, though, for that matther, + the most of us knew it as well as he did; but we didn't like to be the + first to put a hand to it, if we could help it. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * That is, had been made members of a secret society. +</pre> + <p> + “At any rate, we sot in Farrell's empty house, drinking whiskey, till they + war all gathered, when about two dozen of them got the damp soot from the + chimley, and rubbed it over their faces, making them so black, that their + own relations couldn't know them. We then went across the country in + little lots, of about six or ten, or a score, and we war glad that the + wake was in Widdy Koran's, seeing that if any one would meet we war going + to it you know, and the blackening of the faces would pass for a frolic; + but there was no great danger of being met for it was now long beyant + midnight. + </p> + <p> + “Well, gintlemen, it puts me into a tremble, even at this time, to think + of how little we cared about doing what we were bent upon. Them that had + to manage the business war more than half drunk; and, hard fortune to me! + but you would think it was to a wedding they went—some of them + singing songs against the law—some of them quite merry, and laughing + as if they had found a mare's nest. The big fellow, Collier, had a dark + lanthern wid a half-burned turf in it to light the bonfire, as they said; + others had guns and pistols—some of them charged and some of them + not; some had bagnets, and ould rusty swords, pitchforks, and go on. + Myself had nothing in my hand but the flail I was thrashing wid that day; + and to tell the thruth, the divil a step I would have gone with them, only + for fraid of my health; for, as I said awhile agone, if any discovery was + made afterwards, them that promised to go, and turned tail, would be + marked as the informers. Neither was I so blind, but I could see that + there war plenty there that would stay away if they durst. + </p> + <p> + “Well, we went on till we came to a little dark corner below the house, + where we met and held a council of war upon what we should do. Collier and + the other strangers from behind the mountains war to go first, and the + rest were to stand round the house at a distance—he carried the + lanthern, a bagnet, and a horse-pistol; and half a dozen more war to bring + over bottles of straw from Vengeance's own haggard, to hould up to the + thatch. It's all past and gone now—but three of the Reillys were + desperate against Vesey that night, particularly one of them that he had + shot about a year and a half before—that is, peppered two of the + right-hand fingers of him, one night in a scuffle, as Vesey came home from + an Orange lodge. Well, all went on purty fair; we had got as far as the + out-houses,where we stopped, to see if we could hear any noise; but all + was quiet as you plase. + </p> + <p> + “'Now, Vengeance,' says Reilly, swearing a terrible oath out of him—'you + murdering Orange villain, you're going to get your pay,' says he. + </p> + <p> + “'Ay,' says Grogan, 'what he often threatened to others he'll soon meet + himself, plase God—come, boys,' says he, 'bring the straw and light + it, and just lay it up, my darlings, nicely to the thatch here, and ye'll + see what a glorious bonfire we'll have of the black Orange villain's + blankets in less than no time.' + </p> + <p> + “Some of us could hardly stand this: 'Stop, boys,' cried one of Dan + Slevin's sons—'stop, Vengeance is bad enough, but his wife and + children never offinded us—we'll not burn the place.' + </p> + <p> + “'No,' said others, spaking out when they heard any body at all having + courage to do so—'it's too bad, boys, to burn the place; for if we + do,' says they, 'some of the innocent may be burned before they get from + the house, or even before they waken out of their sleep.' + </p> + <p> + “'Knock at the door first,' says Slevin, 'and bring Vengeance out; let us + cut the ears off of his head and lave him.' + </p> + <p> + “'Damn him!' says another, 'let us not take the vagabone's life; it's + enough to take the ears from him, and to give him a prod or two of a + bagnet on the ribs; but don't kill him.' + </p> + <p> + “'Well, well,' says Reilly, 'let us knock at the door, and get himself and + the family out,' says he, 'and then we'll see what can be done wid him.' + </p> + <p> + “'Tattheration to me,' says the big Longford fellow, 'if he had sarved me, + Reilly, as he did you, but I'd roast him in the flames of his own house,' + says he. + </p> + <p> + “'I'd have you to know,' says Slevin, 'that you have no command here, + Collier. I'm captain at the present time,' says he; 'and more nor what I + wish shall not be done. Go over,' says he to the blackfaces, 'and rap him + up.' + </p> + <p> + “Accordingly they began to knock at the door, commanding Vengeance to get + up and come out to them. + </p> + <p> + “'Come, Vengeance,' says Collier, 'put on you, my good fellow, and come + out till two or three of your neighbors, that wish you well, gets a sight + of your purty face, you babe of grace!' + </p> + <p> + “'Who are you that wants me at all?' says Vengeance from within. + </p> + <p> + “'Come out, first,' says Collier; 'a few friends that has a crow to pluck + with you; walk out, avourneen; or if you'd rather be roasted alive, why + you may stay where you are,' says he. + </p> + <p> + “'Gentlemen,' says Vengeance, 'I have never, to my knowledge, offended any + of you; and I hope you won't be so cruel as to take an industrious, + hard-working man from his family, in the clouds of the night, to do him an + injury. Go home, gentlemen, in the name of God, and let me and mine alone. + You're all mighty dacent gentlemen, you know, and I'm determined never to + make or meddle with any of you. Sure, I know right well it's purtecting me + you would be, dacent gentlemen. But I don't think there's any of my + neighbors there, or they wouldn't stand by and see me injured.' + </p> + <p> + “'Thrue for you, avick,' says they giving, at the same time; a terrible + patterrara agin the door, with two or three big stones. + </p> + <p> + “'Stop, stop!' says Vengeance, 'don't break the door, and I'll open it. I + know you're merciful, dacent gentlemen—I know your merciful.' + </p> + <p> + “So the thief came and unbarred it quietly, and the next minute about a + dozen of them that war within the house let slap at us. As God would have + had it, the crowd didn't happen to be forenent the door, or numbers of + them would have been shot, and the night was dark, too, which was in our + favor. The first volley was scarcely over, when there was another slap + from the outhouse; and after that another from the gardens; and after + that, to be sure, we took to our scrapers. Several of them were very badly + wounded; but as for Collier, he was shot dead, and Grogan was taken + prisoner, with five more, on the spot. There never was such a chase as we + got; and only that they thought there was more of us in it, they might + have tuck most of us prisoners. + </p> + <p> + “'Fly, boys!' says Grogan as soon as they fired out of the house—'we've + been sould,' says he, 'but I'll die game, any how,'—and so he did, + poor fellow; for although he and the other four war transported, one of + them never sould the pass or stagged. Not but that they might have done + it, for all that, only that there was a whisper sent to them, that if they + did, a single soul belonging to one of them wouldn't be left living. The + Grogans were cousins of Denis Kelly's, that's now laid out there above. + </p> + <p> + “From the time this tuck place till after the 'sizes, there wasn't a stir + among them on any side; but when that war over, the boys began to prepare. + Denis, heavens be his bed, was there in his glory. This was in the spring + 'sizes, and the May fair soon followed. Ah! that was the bloody sight, I'm + tould—for I wasn't at it—atween the Orangemen and them. The + Ribbonmen war bate though, but not till after there was a desperate fight + on both sides. I was tould that Denis Kelly that day knocked down + five-and-twenty men in about three-quarters of an hour; and only that long + John Grimes hot him a <i>polthoge</i> on the sconce with the butt-end of + the gun, it was thought the Orangemen would be beat. That blow broke his + skull, and was the manes of his death. He was carried home senseless.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Lachlin,” said my brother, “if you didn't see it, I did. I happened + to be looking out of John Carson's upper window—for it wasn't + altogether safe to contemplate it within reach of the missiles. It was + certainly a dreadful and barbarous sight. You have often observed the + calm, gloomy silence that precedes a thunder-storm; and had you been there + that day, you might have witnessed its illustration in a scene much more + awful. The thick living mass of people extended from the corner-house, + nearly a quarter of a mile, at this end of the town, up to the parsonage + on the other side. During the early part of the day, every kind of + business was carried on in a hurry and an impatience, which denoted the + little chance they knew there would be for transacting it in the evening. + </p> + <p> + “Up to the hour of four o'clock the fair was unusually quiet, and, on the + whole, presented nothing in any way remarkable; but after that hour you + might observe the busy stir and hum of the mass settling down into a deep, + brooding, portentous silence, that was absolutely fearful. The females, + with dismay and terror pictured in their faces, hurried home; and in + various instances you might see mothers, and wives, and sisters, clinging + about the sons, husbands, and brothers, attempting to drag them by main + force from the danger which they knew impended over them. In this they + seldom succeeded: for the person so urged was usually compelled to tear + himself from them by superior strength. + </p> + <p> + “The pedlars and basket-women, and such as had tables and standings + erected in the streets, commenced removing them with all possible haste. + The shopkeepers, and other inhabitants of the town, put up their shutters, + in order to secure their windows from being shattered. Strangers, who were + compelled to stop in town that night, took shelter in the inns and other + houses of entertainment where they lodged: so that about five o'clock the + street was completely clear, and free for action. + </p> + <p> + “Hitherto there was not a stroke—the scene became even more silent + and gloomy, although the moral darkness of their ill-suppressed passions + was strongly contrasted with the splendor of the sun, that poured down a + tide of golden light upon the multitude. This contrast between the natural + brightness of the evening, and the internal gloom of their hearts, as the + beams of the sun rested upon the ever-moving crowd, would, to any man who + knew the impetus with which the spirit of religious hatred was soon to + rage among them, produce novel and singular sensations. For, after all + Toby, there is a mysterious connection between natural and moral things, + which often invest both nature and sentiment with a feeling that certainly + would not come home to our hearts if such a connection did not exist. A + rose-tree beside a grave will lead us from sentiment to reflection; and + any other association, where a painful or melancholy thought is clothed + with a garb of joy or pleasure, will strike us more deeply in proportion + as the contrast is strong. On seeing the sun or moon struggling through + the darkness of surrounding clouds, I confess, although you may smile, + that I feel for the moment a diminution of enjoyment—something + taken, as it were, from the sum of my happiness. + </p> + <p> + “Ere the quarrel commenced, you might see a dark and hateful glare + scowling from the countenances of the two parties, as they viewed and + approached each other in the street—the eye was set in deadly + animosity, and the face marked with an ireful paleness, occasioned at once + by revenge and apprehension. Groups were silently hurrying with an eager + and energetic step to their places of rendezvous, grasping their weapons + more closely, or grinding their teeth in the impatience of their fury. The + veterans on each side were surrounded by their respective followers, + anxious to act under their direction; and the very boys seemed to be + animated with a martial spirit, much more eager than that of those who had + greater experience in party quarrels. + </p> + <p> + “Jem Finigan's public-house was the head-quarters and rallying-point of + the Ribbonmen; the Orangemen assembled in that of Joe Sherlock, the master + of an Orange lodge. About six o'clock the crowd in the street began + gradually to fall off to the opposite ends of the town—the Roman + Catholics towards the north, and the Protestants towards the south. + Carson's window, from which I was observing their motions, was exactly + half way between them, so that I had a distinct view of both. At this + moment I noticed Denis Kelly coming forward from the closely condensed + mass formed by the Ribbonmen: he advanced with his cravat off, to the + middle of the vacant space between the parties, holding a fine oak cudgel + in his hand. He then stopped, and addressing the Orangemen, said, + </p> + <p> + “'Where's Vengeance and his crew now? Is there any single Orange villain + among you that dare come down and meet me here like a man? Is John Grimes + there? for if he is, before we begin to take you out of a face, to hunt + you altogether out of the town, ye Orange villains I would be glad that + he'd step down to Denis Kelly here for two or three minutes; I'll not keep + him longer.' + </p> + <p> + “There was now a stir and a murmur among the Orangemen, as if a rush was + about to take place towards Denis; but Grimes, whom I saw endeavoring to + curb them in, left the crowd, and advanced toward him. + </p> + <p> + “At this moment an instinctive movement among both masses took place; so + that when Grimes had come within a few yards of Kelly, both parties were + within two or three perches of them. Kelly was standing, apparently off + his guard, with one hand thrust carelessly into the breast pocket of his + waistcoat, and the cudgel in the other; but his eye was fixed calmly upon + Grimes as he approached. They were both powerful, fine men—brawny, + vigorous, and active; Grimes had somewhat the advantage of the other in + height; he also fought with his left hand, from which circumstance he was + nicknamed Kitlhouge. He was a man of a dark, stern-looking countenance; + and the tones of his voice were deep, sullen, and of appalling strength. + </p> + <p> + “As they approached each other, the windows on each side of the street + were crowded; but there was not a breath to be heard in any direction, nor + from either party. As for myself, my heart palpitated with anxiety. What + they might have felt I do not know: but they must have experienced + considerable apprehension; for as they were both the champions of their + respective parties, and had never before met in single encounter, their + characters depended on the issue of the contest. + </p> + <p> + “'Well, Grimes,' said Denis, 'sure I've often wished for this same + meetin,' man, betune myself and you; I have what you're goin' to get, <i>in</i> + for you this long time; but you'll get it now, avick, plase God—' + </p> + <p> + “'It was not to scould I came, you Popish, ribly rascal,' replied Grimes, + 'but to give you what you're long—' + </p> + <p> + “Ere the word had been out of his mouth, however, Kelly sprung over to + him; and making a feint, as if he intended to lay the stick on his ribs, + he swung it past without touching him and, bringing it round his own head + like lightning, made it tell with a powerful back-stroke, right on + Grimes's temple, and in an instant his own face was sprinkled with the + blood which sprung from the wound. Grimes staggered forwards towards his + antagonist, seeing which, Kelly sprung back, and was again meeting him + with full force, when Grimes, turning a little, clutched Kelly's stick in + his right hand, and being left-handed himself, ere the other could wrench + the cudgel from him, he gave him a terrible blow upon the back part of the + head, which laid Kelly in the dust. + </p> + <p> + “There was then a deafening shout from the Orange party; and Grimes stood + until Kelly should be in the act of rising, ready then to give him another + blow. The coolness and generalship of Kelly, however, were here very + remarkable; for, when he was just getting to his feet, 'Look at your party + coming down upon me!' he exclaimed to Grimes, who turned round to order + them back, and, in the interim, Kelly was upon his legs. + </p> + <p> + “I was surprised at the coolness of both men; for Grimes was by no means + inflated with the boisterous triumph of his party—nor did Denis get + into a blind rage on being knocked down. They approached again, their eyes + kindled into savage fury, tamed down into the wariness of experienced + combatants; for a short time they stood eyeing each other, as if + calculating upon the contingent advantages of attack or defence. This was + a moment of great interest; for, as their huge and powerful frames stood + out in opposition, strung and dilated by the impulse of passion and the + energy of contest, no judgment, however experienced, could venture to + anticipate the result of the battle, or name the person likely to be + victorious. Indeed it was surprising how the natural sagacity of these men + threw their attitudes and movements into scientific form and symmetry. + Kelly raised his cudgel, and placed it transversely in the air, between + himself and his opponent; Grimes instantly placed his against it—both + weapons thus forming a St. Andrew's cross—whilst the men themselves + stood foot to foot, calm and collected. Nothing could be finer than their + proportions, nor superior to their respective attitudes; their broad + chests were in a line; their thick, well-set necks laid a little back, as + were their bodies, without, however, losing their balance; and their + fierce but calm features, grimly but placidly scowling at each other, like + men who were prepared for the onset. + </p> + <p> + “At length Kelly made an attempt to repeat his former feint, with + variations; for whereas he had sent the first blow to Grimes's right + temple, he took measures now to reach the left; his action was rapid, but + equally quick was the eye of his antagonist, whose cudgel was up in ready + guard to meet the blow. It met it; and with such surprising power was it + sent and opposed, that both cudgels, on meeting, bent across each other + into curves. An involuntary huzza followed this from their respective + parties—not so much on account of the skill displayed by the + combatants as in admiration of their cudgels, and of the judgment with + which they must have been selected. In fact, it was the staves, rather + than the men, that were praised; and certainly the former did their duty. + In a moment their shillelaghs were across each other once more, and the + men resumed their former attitudes; their savage determination, their + kindled eyes, the blood which disfigured the face of Grimes, and begrimed + also the countenance of his antagonist into a deeper expression of + ferocity, occasioned many a cowardly heart to shrink from the sight. There + they stood, gory and stern, ready for the next onset; it was first made by + Grimes, who tried to practise on Kelly the feint which Kelly had before + practised on him. Denis, after his usual manner, caught the blow in his + open hand, and clutched the staff, with an intention of holding it until + he might visit Grimes, now apparently unguarded, with a levelling blow; + but Grimes's effort to wrest the cudgel from his grasp, drew all Kelly's + strength to that quarter, and prevented him from availing himself of the + other's defenceless attitude. A trial of muscular power ensued, and their + enormous bodily strength was exhibited in the stiff tug for victory. + Kelly's address prevailed; for while Grimes pulled against him with all + his collected vigor, the former suddenly let go his hold, and the latter, + having lost his balance, staggered back; lightning could not be more quick + than the action of Kelly, as, with tremendous force, his cudgel rung on + the unprotected head of Grimes, who fell, or rather was shot to the + ground, as if some superior power had clashed him against it; and there he + lay for a short time, quivering under the blow he had received. + </p> + <p> + “A peal of triumph now arose from Kelly's party; but Kelly himself, + placing his arms a-kimbo, stood calmly over his enemy, awaiting his return + to the conflict. For nearly five minutes he stood in this attitude, during + which time Grimes did not stir; at length Kelly stooped a little, and + peering closely into his face, exclaimed— + </p> + <p> + “'Why, then, is it acting you are?—any how, I wouldn't put it past + you, you cunning vagabone; 'tis lying to take breath he is—get up, + man, I'd scorn to touch you till you're on your legs; not all as one, for + sure it's yourself would show me no such forbearance. Up with you, man + alive, I've none of your thrachery in me. I'll not rise my cudgel till + you're on your guard.' + </p> + <p> + “There was an expression of disdain, mingled with a glow of honest, manly + generosity on his countenance, as he spoke, which made him at once the + favorite with such spectators as were not connected with either of the + parties. Grimes arose, and it was evident that Kelly's generosity deepened + his resentment more than the blow which had sent him so rapidly to the + ground; however, he was still cool, but his brows knit, his eye flashed + with double fierceness, and his complexion settled into a dark blue shade, + which gave to his whole visage an expression fearfully ferocious. Kelly + hailed this as the first appearance of passion; his brow expanded as the + other approached, and a dash of confidence, if not of triumph, softened in + some degree the sternness of his features. + </p> + <p> + “With caution they encountered again each collected for a spring, their + eyes gleaming at each other like those of tigers. Grimes made a motion as + if he would have struck Kelly with his fist; and, as the latter threw up + his guard against the blow, he received a stroke from Grimes's cudgel in + the under part of the right arm. This had been directed at his elbow, with + an intention of rendering the arm powerless: it fell short, however, yet + was sufficient to relax the grasp which Kelly had of his weapon. Had Kelly + been a novice, this stratagem alone would have soon vanquished him; his + address, however, was fully equal to that of his antagonist. The staff + dropped instantly from his grasp, but a stout thong of black polished + leather, with a shining tassel at the end of it, had bound it securely to + his massive wrist; the cudgel, therefore, only dangled from his arm, and + did not, as the other expected, fall to the ground, or put Denis to the + necessity of stooping for it—Grimes's object being to have struck + him in that attitude. + </p> + <p> + “A flash of indignation now shot from Kelly's eye, and with the speed of + lightning he sprung within Grimes's weapon,—determined to wrest it + from him. The grapple that ensued was gigantic. In a moment Grimes's staff + was parallel with the horizon between them, clutched in the powerful grasp + of both. They stood exactly opposite, and rather close to each other; + their arms sometimes stretched out stiff and at full length, again + contracted, until their faces, glowing and distorted by the energy of the + contest, were drawn almost together. Sometimes the prevailing strength of + one would raise the staff slowly, and with gradually developed power, up + in a perpendicular position: again the reaction of opposing strength would + strain it back, and sway the weighty frame of the antagonist, crouched and + set into desperate resistance, along with it; whilst the hard pebbles + under their feet were crumbled into powder, and the very street itself + furrowed into gravel by the shock of their opposing strength. Indeed, so + well matched a pair never met in contest: their strength, their wind, + their activity, and their! natural science appeared to be perfectly equal. + </p> + <p> + “At length, by a tremendous effort, Kelly got the staff twisted nearly out + of Grimes's hand, and a short shout, half encouraging, half indignant, + came from Grimes's party. This added shame to his other passions, and + threw an impulse of almost superhuman strength into him: he recovered his + advantage, but nothing more; they twisted—they heaved their great + frames against each other—they struggled—their action became + rapid—they swayed each other this way and that—their eyes like + fire—their teeth locked, and their nostrils dilated. Sometimes they + twined about each other like serpents, and twirled round with such + rapidity, that it was impossible to distinguish them—sometimes, when + a pull of more than ordinary power took place, they seemed to cling + together almost without motion, bending down until their heads nearly + touched the ground, their cracking joints seeming to stretch by the + effort, and the muscles of their limbs standing out from the flesh, strung + into amazing tension. + </p> + <p> + “In this attitude were they, when Denis, with the eye of a hawk, spied a + disadvantage in Grimes's position; he wheeled round, placed his broad + shoulder against the shaggy breast of the other, and giving him what is + called an 'inside crook,' strained him, despite of every effort, until he + got him off his shoulder, and off the point of resistance. There was a cry + of alarm from the windows, particularly from the females, as Grimes's huge + body was swung over Kelly's shoulder, until it came down in a crash upon + the hard gravel of the street, while Denis stood in triumph, with his + enemy's staff in his hand. A loud huzzah followed this from all present + except the Orangemen, who stood bristling with fury and shame for the + temporary defeat of their champion. + </p> + <p> + “Denis again had his enemy at his mercy; but he scorned to use his + advantage ungenerously; he went over, and placing the staff in his hands—for + the other had got to his legs—retrograded to his place, and desired + Grimes to defend himself. + </p> + <p> + “After considerable manoeuvring on both sides, Denis, who appeared to be + the more active of the two, got an open on his antagonist, and by a + powerful blow upon Grimes's ear, sent him to the ground with amazing + force. I never saw such a blow given by mortal; the end of the cudgel came + exactly upon the ear, and as Grimes went down, the blood spurted out of + his mouth and nostrils; he then kicked convulsively several times as he + lay upon the ground, and that moment I really thought he would never have + breathed more. + </p> + <p> + “The shout was again raised by the Ribbonmen, who threw up their hats, and + bounded from the ground with the most vehement exultation. Both parties + then waited to give Grimes time to rise and renew the battle; but he + appeared perfectly contented to remain where he was: for there appeared no + signs of life or motion in him. + </p> + <p> + “'Have you got your gruel, boy?' said Kelly, going over to where he lay;—'Well, + you met Denis Kelly, at last, didn't you? and there you lie; but plase + God, the most of your sort will soon lie in the same state. Come, boys,' + said Kelly, addressing his own party, 'now for bloody Vengeance and his + crew, that thransported the Grogans and the Caffries, and murdered + Collier. Now, boys, have at the murderers, and let us have satisfaction + for all!' + </p> + <p> + “A mutual rush instantly took place; but, ere the Orangemen came down to + where Grimes lay, Kelly had taken his staff, and handed it to one of his + own party. It is impossible to describe the scene that ensued. The noise + of the blows, the shouting, the yelling, the groans, the scalped heads, + and gory visages, gave both to the ear and eye an impression that could + not easily be forgotten. The battle was obstinately maintained on both + sides for nearly an hour, and with a skill of manoeuvring, attack, and + retreat, that was astonishing. + </p> + <p> + “Both parties arranged themselves against each other, forming something + like two lines of battle, and these extended along the town nearly from + one end to the other. It was curious to remark the difference in the + persons and appearances of the combatants. In the Orange line the men were + taller, and of more powerful frames; but the Ribbonmen were more hardy, + active, and courageous. Man to man, notwithstanding their superior bodily + strength, the Orangemen could never fight the others; the former depend + too much upon their fire and side-arms, but they are by no means so well + trained to the use of the cudgel as their enemies. In the district where + the scene of this fight is laid, the Catholics generally inhabit the + mountainous part of the country, to which, when the civil feuds of worse + times prevailed, they had been driven at the point of the bayonet; the + Protestants and Presbyterians, on the other hand, who came in upon their + possessions, occupy the richer and more fertile tracts of the land; being + more wealthy, they live with less labor, and on better food. The + characteristic features produced by these causes are such as might be + expected—the Catholic being, like his soil, hardy, thin, and capable + of bearing all weathers; and the Protestants, larger, softer, and more + inactive. + </p> + <p> + “Their advance to the first onset was far different from a faction fight. + There existed a silence here, that powerfully evinced the inextinguishable + animosity with which they encountered. For some time they fought in two + compact bodies, that remained unbroken so long as the chances of victory + were doubtful. Men went down, and were up, and went down in all + directions, with uncommon rapidity; and as the weighty phalanx of + Orangemen stood out against the nimble line of their mountain adversaries, + the intrepid spirit of the latter, and their surprising skill and activity + soon gave symptoms of a gradual superiority in the conflict. In the course + of about half an hour, the Orange party began to give way in the northern + end of the town; and as their opponents pressed them warmly and with + unsparing hand, the heavy mass formed by their numbers began to break, and + this decomposition ran up their line until in a short time they were + thrown into utter confusion. They now fought in detached parties; but + these subordinate conflicts, though shorter in duration than the shock of + the general battle, were much more inhuman and destructive; for whenever + any particular gang succeeded in putting their adversaries to flight, they + usually ran to the assistance of their friends in the nearest fight—by + which means they often fought three to one. In these instances the persons + inferior in numbers suffered such barbarities, as it would be painful to + detail. + </p> + <p> + “There lived a short distance out of the town a man nicknamed Jemsy + Boccagh, on account of his lameness—he was also sometimes called + 'Hop-an'-go-constant,' who fell the first victim to party spirit. He had + got arms on seeing his friends likely to be defeated, and had the + hardihood to follow, with charged bayonet, a few Ribbonmen, whom he + attempted to intercept, as they fled from a large number of their enemies, + who had got them separated from their comrades. Boccagh ran across a + field, in order to get before them in the road, and was in the act of + climbing a ditch, when one of them, who carried a spade-shaft, struck him + a blow on the head, which put an end to his existence.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Fact. The person who killed him escaped to America + where he got himself naturalized, and when the British + government claimed him, he pleaded his privilege of + being an American citizen, and he was consequently not + given up. Boccagh was a very violent Orangeman, and a + very offensive one. +</pre> + <p> + “This circumstance imparted, of course, fiercer hatred to both parties,—triumph + inspiring the one, a thirst for vengeance nerving the other. Kelly + inflicted tremendous punishment in every direction; for scarcely a blow + fell from him which did not bring a man to the ground. It absolutely + resembled a military engagement, for the number of combatants amounted at + least to four thousand men. In many places the street was covered with + small pools and clots of blood, which flowed from those who lay insensible—while + others were borne away bleeding, groaning, or staggering, having been + battered into a total unconsciousness of the scene about them. + </p> + <p> + “At length the Orangemen gave way, and their enemies, yelling with madness + and revenge, began to beat them with unrestrained fury. The former, + finding that they could not resist the impetuous tide which burst upon + them, fled back past the church, and stopped not until they had reached an + elevation, on which lay two or three heaps of stones, that had been + collected for the purpose of paving the streets. Here they made a stand, + and commenced a vigorous discharge of them against their pursuers. This + checked the latter; and the others, seeing them hesitate and likely to + retreat from the missiles, pelted them with such effect, that the tables + became turned, and the Ribbonmen made a speedy flight back into the town. + </p> + <p> + “In the meantime several Orangemen had gone into Sherlock's, where a + considerable number of arms had been deposited, with an intention of + resorting to them in case of a defeat at the cudgels. These now came out, + and met the Ribbonmen on their flight from those who were pelting them + with the stones. A dreadful scene ensued. The Ribbonmen, who had the + advantage in numbers, finding themselves intercepted before by those who + had arms, and pursued behind by those who had recourse to the stones, + fought with uncommon bravery and desperation. Kelly, who was furious, but + still collected and decisive, shouted out in Irish, lest the opposite + party might understand him, 'Let every two men seize upon one of those who + have the arms.' + </p> + <p> + “This was attempted, and effected with partial success; and I have no + doubt but the Orangemen would have been ultimately beaten and deprived of + their weapons, were it not that many of them, who had got their pistols + out of Sherlock's, discharged them among their enemies, and wounded + several. The Catholics could not stand this; but wishing to retaliate as + effectually as possible, lifted stones wherever they could find them, and + kept up the fight at a distance, as they retreated. On both sides, + wherever a solitary foe was caught straggling from the rest, he was + instantly punished with a most cruel and blood-thirsty spirit. + </p> + <p> + “It was just about this time that I saw Kelly engaged with two men, whom + he kept at bay with great ease—retrograding, however, as he fought, + towards his own party. Grimes, who had for some time before this recovered + and joined the fight once more, was returning, after having pursued + several of the Ribbonmen past the market-house, where he spied Kelly thus + engaged. With a Volunteer gun in his hand, and furious with the + degradation of his former defeat, he ran-over and struck him with the + butt-end of it upon the temple—and Denis fell. When the stroke was + given, an involuntary cry of 'Murder,—foul, foul!' burst from those + who looked on from the windows; and long John Steele, Grimes's + father-in-law, in indignation, raised his cudgel to knock him down for + this treacherous and malignant blow;—but a person out of Neal + Cassidy's back-yard hurled a round stone, about six pounds in weight, at + Grimes's head, that felled him to the earth, leaving him as insensible, + and nearly in as dangerous a state as Kelly,—for his jaw was broken. + </p> + <p> + “By this time the Catholics had retreated out of the town, and Denis might + probably have received more punishment, had those who were returning from + the pursuit recognized him; but James Wilson, seeing the dangerous + situation in which he lay, came out, and, with the assistance of his + servant-man, brought him into his own house. When the Orangemen had driven + their adversaries off the field, they commenced the most hideous yellings + through the streets—got music, and played party tunes—offered + any money for the face of a Papist; and any of that religion who were so + unfortunate as to make their appearance, were beaten in the most + relentless manner. It was precisely the same thing on the part of the + Ribbonmen; if a Protestant, but above all, an Orangeman, came in their + way, he was sure to be treated with barbarity; for the retaliation on + either side was dreadfully unjust—the innocent suffering as well as + the guilty. Leaving the window, I found Kelly in a a bad state below + stairs. + </p> + <p> + “'What's to be done?' said I to Wilson. + </p> + <p> + “'I know not,' replied he, 'except I put him between us on my jaunting + car, and drive him home.' + </p> + <p> + “This appeared decidedly the best plan we could adopt; so, after putting + to the horse, we placed him on the car, sitting one on each side of him, + and, in this manner, left him at his own house. + </p> + <p> + “'Did you run no risk,' said I, 'in going among Kelly's friends, whilst + they were under the influence of party feeling and exasperated passion?' + </p> + <p> + “'No,' said he; 'we had rendered many of them acts of kindness, and had + never exhibited any spirit but a friendly one towards them; and such + individuals, but only such, might walk through a crowd of enraged + Catholics or Protestants quite unmolested.' + </p> + <p> + “The next morning Kelly's landlord, Sir W. E———, and two + magistrates, were at his house, but he lay like a log, without sense or + motion. Whilst they were there, the surgeon arrived and, after examining + his head declared that the skull was fractured. During that and the + following day, the house was surrounded by crowds, anxious to know his + state; and nothing might be heard amongst most of them but loud and + undisguised expressions of the most ample revenge. The wife was frantic; + and, on seeing me, hid her face in her hands, exclaiming. + </p> + <p> + “'Ah, sir, I knew it would come to this; and you, too, tould him the same + thing. My curse and God's curse on it for quarrelling! Will it never stop + in the counthry till they rise some time and murdher one another out of + the face?' + </p> + <p> + “As soon as the swelling in his head was reduced, the surgeon performed + the operation of trepanning, and thereby saved his life; but his strength + and intellect were gone, and he just lingered for four months, a feeble, + drivelling simpleton, until, in consequence of a cold, which produced + inflammation in the brain, he died, as hundreds have died before, the + victim of party spirit.” + </p> + <p> + Such was the account which I heard of my old school-fellow, Denis Kelly; + and, indeed, when I reflected upon the nature of the education he + received, I could not but admit that the consequences were such as might + naturally be expected to result from it. + </p> + <p> + The next morning a relation of Mrs. Kelly's came down to my brother, + hoping that, as they wished to have as decent a funeral as possible, he + would be so kind as to attend it. + </p> + <p> + “Musha, God knows, sir,” said the man, “it's poor Denis, heavens be his + bed! that had the regard and reverence for every one, young and ould, of + your father's family; and it's himself that would be the proud man, if he + was living, to see you, sir, riding after his coffin.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said my brother, “let Mrs. Kelly know that I shall certainly + attend, and so will my brother, here, who has come to puy me a visit. Why, + I believe, Tom, you forget him!” + </p> + <p> + “Your brother, sir! Is it Master Toby, that used to cudgel the half of the + counthry when he was at school? Gad's my life, Masther Toby (I was now + about thirty-six), but it's your four quarters, sure enough! Arrah, thin, + sir, who'd think it—you're grown so full and stout?—but, faix, + you'd always the bone in you! Ah, Masther Toby!” said he, “he's lying + cowld, this morning, that would be the happy man to lay his eyes wanst + more upon you. Many an' manys the winther's evening did he spind, talking + about the time when you and he were bouchals (* boys) together, and of the + pranks you played at school, but especially of the time you both leathered + the four Grogans, and tuck the apples from thim—my poor fellow—and + now to be stretched a corpse, lavin' his poor widdy and childher behind + him!” + </p> + <p> + I accordingly expressed my sorrow for Denis's death, which, indeed, I + sincerely regretted, for he possessed materials for an excellent + character, had not all that was amiable and good in him been permitted to + run wild. + </p> + <p> + As soon as my trunk and traveling-bag had been brought from the inn, where + I had left them the preceding night, we got our horses, and, as we wished + to show particular respect to Denis's remains, rode up, with some of our + friends, to the house. When we approached, there were large crowds of the + country-people before the door of his well-thatched and + respectable-looking dwelling, which had three chimneys, and a set of + sash-windows, clean and well glazed. On our arrival, I was soon recognized + and surrounded by numbers of those to whom I had formerly been known, who + received and welcomed me with a warmth of kindness and sincerity, which it + would be in vain to look for among the peasantry of any other nation. + Indeed, I have uniformly observed, that when no religious or political + feeling influences the heart and principles of an Irish peasant, he is + singularly sincere and faithful in his attachments, and has always a bias + to the generous and the disinterested. To my own knowledge, circumstances + frequently occur, in which the ebullition of party spirit is, although + temporary, subsiding after the cause that produced it has passed away, and + leaving the kind peasant to the natural, affectionate, and generous + impulses of his character. But poor Paddy, unfortunately, is as + combustible a material in politics or religion as in fighting—thinking + it his duty to take the weak side*, without any other consideration than + because it is the weak side. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * A gentleman once told me an anecdote, of which he was + an eye-witness. Some peasants, belonging to opposite + factions, had met under peculiar circumstances; there + were, however, two on one side, and four on the other— + in this case, there was likely to be no fight; but, in + order to balance the number, one of the more numerous + party joined the weak side—“bekase, boys, it would be + a burnin' shame, so it would, for four to kick two; + and, except I join them, by the powers, there's no + chance of there being a bit of sport, or a row, at all + at all!” Accordingly, he did join them, and the result + of it was, that he and his party were victorious, so + honestly did he fight. +</pre> + <p> + When we entered the house I was almost suffocated with the strong fumes of + tobacco-smoke, snuff, and whiskey; and as I had been an old school-fellow + of Denis's, my appearance was the signal for a general burst of grief + among his relations, in which the more distant friends and neighbors of + the deceased joined, to keep up the keening. + </p> + <p> + I have often, indeed always, felt that there! is something extremely + touching in the Irish cry; in fact, that it breathes the very spirit of + wild and natural sorrow. The Irish peasantry, whenever a death takes + place, are exceedingly happy in seizing upon any contingent circumstances + that may occur, and making them subservient to the excitement of grief for + the departed, or the exaltation and praise of his character and virtues. + My entrance was a proof of this—I had scarcely advanced to the + middle of the floor, when my intimacy with the deceased, our boyish + sports, and even our quarrels, were adverted to with a natural eloquence + and pathos, that, in spite of my firmness, occasioned me to feel the + prevailing sorrow. They spoke, or chaunted mournfully, in Irish; but the + substance of what they said was as follows:— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Denis, Denis, avourneen! you're lying low, this morning of sorrow!—lying + low are you, and does not know who it is (alluding to me) that is standing + over you, weeping for the days you spent together in your youth! It's + yourself, <i>acushla agus asthore machree</i> (the pulse and beloved of my + heart), that would stretch out the right hand warmly to welcome him to the + place of his birth, where you had both been so often happy about the green + hills and valleys with each other! He's here now, standing over you; and + it's he, of all his family, kind and respectable as they are, that was + your own favorite, Denis, <i>avourneen dhelish!</i> He alone was the + companion that you loved!—with no other could you be happy!—For + him did you fight, when he wanted a friend in your young quarrels! and if + you had a dispute with him, were you not sorry for it? Are you not now + stretched in death before him, and will he not forgive you?” + </p> + <p> + All this was uttered, of course, extemporaneously, and without the least + preparation. They then passed on to an enumeration of his virtues as a + father, a husband, son, and brother—specified his worth as he stood + related to society in general, and his kindness as a neighbor and a + friend. + </p> + <p> + An occurrence now took place which may serve, in some measure, to throw + light upon many of the atrocities and outrages which take place in + Ireland. Before I mention it, however, I think it necessary to make a few + observations relative to it. I am convinced that those who are intimately + acquainted with the Irish peasantry will grant that there is not on the + earth a class of people in whom the domestic affections of + blood-relationship are so pure, strong, and sacred. The birth of a child + will occasion a poor man to break in upon the money set apart for his + landlord, in order to keep the christening, surrounded by his friends and + neighbors, with due festivity. A marriage exhibits a spirit of joy, an + exuberance of happiness and delight, to be found only in the Green Island; + and the death of a member of a family is attended with a sincerity of + grief, scarcely to be expected from men so much the creatures of the more + mirthful feelings. In fact, their sorrow is a solecism in humanity—at + once deep and loud—mingled up, even in its deepest paroxysms, with a + laughter-loving spirit. It is impossible that an Irishman, sunk in the + lowest depths of affliction, could permit his grief to flow in all its sad + solemnity, even for a day, without some glimpse of his natural humor + throwing a faint and rapid light over the gloom within him. No: there is + an amalgamation of sentiments in his mind which, as I said before, would + puzzle any philosopher to account for. Yet it would be wrong to say, + though his grief has something of an unsettled and ludicrous character + about it, that he is incapable of the most subtle and delicate shades of + sentiment, or the deepest and most desolating intensity of sorrow. But he + laughs off those heavy vapors which hang about the moral constitution of + the people of other nations, giving them a morbid habit, which leaves them + neither strength nor firmness to resist calamity—which they feel + less keenly than an Irishman, exactly as a healthy man will feel the pangs + of death with more acuteness than one who is wasted away by debility and + decay. Let any man witness an emigration, and he will satisfy himself that + this is true. I am convinced that Goldsmith's inimitable description of + one in his “Deserted Village,” was a picture drawn from actual + observation. Let him observe the emigrant, as he crosses the Atlantic, and + he will find, although he joins the jest, and the laugh, and the song, + that he will seek a silent corner, or a silent hour, to indulge the sorrow + which he still feels for the friends, the companions, and the native + fields that he has left behind him. This constitution of mind is + beneficial: the Irishman seldom or never hangs himself, because he is + capable of too much real feeling to permit himself to become the slave of + that which is factitious. There is no void in his affections or + sentiments, which a morbid and depraved sensibility could occupy; but his + feelings, of what character soever they may be, are strong, because they + are fresh and healthy. For this reason, I maintain, that when the domestic + affections come under the influence of either grief or joy, the peasantry + of no nation are capable of feeling so deeply. Even on the ordinary + occasions of death, sorrow, though it alternates with mirth and + cheerfulness, in a manner peculiar to themselves, lingers long in the + unseen recesses of domestic life: any hand, therefore, whether by law or + violence, that plants a wound here, will suffer to the death. + </p> + <p> + When my brother and I entered the house, the body had just been put into + the coffin and it is usual after this takes place, and before it is nailed + down, for the immediate relatives of the family to embrace the deceased, + and take their last look and farewell of his remains. In the present + instance, the children were brought over, one by one, to perform that + trying and melancholy ceremony. The first was an infant on the breast, + whose little innocent mouth was held down to that of its dead father; the + babe smiled upon his still and solemn features, and would have played with + his grave-clothes, but that the murmur of unfeigned sorrow, which burst + from all present, occasioned it to be removed. The next was a fine little + girl, of three or lour years, who inquired where they were going to bring + her daddy, and asked if he would not soon come back to her. + </p> + <p> + “My daddy's sleeping a long time,” said the child, “but I'll waken him + till he sings me 'Peggy Slevin.' I like my daddy best, bekase I sleep wid + him—and he brings me good things from the fair; he bought me this + ribbon,” said she, pointing to a ribbon which he had purchased for her. + </p> + <p> + The rest of the children were sensible of their loss, and truly it was a + distressing scene. His eldest son and daughter, the former about fourteen, + the latter about two years older, lay on the coffin, kissing his lips, and + were with difficulty torn away from it. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” said the boy, “he is going from us, and night or day we will never + see him or hear him more! Oh! father—father—is that the last + sight we are ever to see of your face? Why, father dear, did you die, and + leave us forever?—forever—wasn't your heart good to us, and + your words kind to us—Oh! your last smile is smiled—your last + kiss given—and your last kind word spoken to your children that you + loved, and that loved you as we did. Father, core of my heart, are you + gone forever, and your voice departed? Oh! the murdherers, oh! the + murdherers, the murdherers!” he exclaimed, “that killed my father; for + only for them, he would be still wid us: but, by the God that's over me, + if I live, night or day I will not rest, till I have blood for blood; nor + do I care who hears it, nor if I was hanged the next minute.” + </p> + <p> + As these words escaped him, a deep and awful murmur of suppressed + vengeance burst from his relations. At length their sorrow became too + strong to be repressed; and as it was the time to take their last embrace + and look of him, they came up, and after fixing their eyes on his face in + deep affliction, their lips began to quiver, and their countenances became + convulsed. They then burst out simultaneously into a tide of violent + grief, which, after having indulged in it for some time, they checked. But + the resolution of revenge was stronger than their grief, for, standing + over his dead body, they repeated, almost word for word, the vow of + vengeance which the son had just sworn. It was really a scene dreadfully + and terribly solemn; and I could not avoid reflecting upon the mystery of + nature, which can, from the deep power of domestic affection, cause to + spring a determination to crime of so black a dye. Would to God that our + peasantry had a clearer sense of moral and religious duties, and were not + left so much as they are to the headlong impulse of an ardent temperament + and an impetuous character; and would to God that the clergy who + superintend their morals, had a better knowledge of human nature, and a + more liberal education! + </p> + <p> + During all this time the heart-broken widow sat beyond the coffin, looking + upon what passed with a stupid sense of bereavement; and when they had all + performed this last ceremony, it was found necessary to tell her that the + time was come for the procession of the funeral, and they only waited for; + her to take, as the rest did, her last look and embrace of her husband. + When she heard this, it pierced her like an arrow; she became instantly + collected, and her complexion assumed a dark shade of despairing anguish, + which it was an affliction even to look upon, one then stooped over the + coffin, and kissed him several times, after which she ceased sobbing, and + lay silently with her mouth to his. + </p> + <p> + The character of a faithful wife sorrowing for a beloved husband has that + in it which compels both respect and sympathy. There was not at this + moment a dry eye in the house. She still lay silent on the coffin; but, as + I observed that her bosom seemed not to heave as it did a little before, I + was convinced that she had become insensible. I accordingly beckoned to + Kelly's brother, to whom I mentioned what I had suspected; and on his + going over to ascertain the truth, he found her as I had said. She was + then brought to the air, and after some trouble—recovered; but I + recommended them to put her to bed, and not to subject her to any + unnecessary anguish, by a custom which was really too soul-piercing to + endure. This, however, was, in her opinion, the violation of an old rite, + sacred to her heart and affections—she would not hear of it for an + instant. Again she was helped out between her brother and brother-in-law; + and, after stooping down, and doing as the others had done— + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said she, “I will sit here, and keep him under my eye as long as I + can—surely you won't blame me for it; you all know the kind husband + he was to me, and the good right I have to be sorry for him! Oh!” she + added, “is it thrue at all?—is he, my own Denis, the young husband + of my early—and my first love, in good airnest, dead, and going to + leave me here—me, Denis, that you loved so tindherly, and our + childher, that your brow was never clouded aginst? Can I believe myself or + is it a dhrame? Denis, <i>avick machree! avick machree!</i>* your hand was + dreaded, and a good right it had, for it was the manly hand, that was ever + and always raised in defence of them that wanted a friend; abroad, in the + faction-fight, against the oppressor, your name was ever feared, acushla?—but + at home—at home—where was your fellow Denis, agrah, do you + know the lips that's spaking to you?—your young bride—your + heart's light—Oh! I remimber the day you war married to me like + yesterday. Oh! avourneen, then and since wasn't the heart of your own + Honor bound up in you—yet not a word even to me. Well, agrah, + machree, 'tisn't your fault, it's the first time you ever refused to spake + to your own Honor. But you're dead, avourneen, or it wouldn't be so—you're + dead before my eyes—husband of my heart, and all my hopes and + happiness goes into the coffin and the grave along wid you, forever!” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Son of my heart! Son of my heart! +</pre> + <p> + All this time she was rocking herself from side to side, her complexion + pale and ghastly as could be conceived, and the tears streaming from her + eyes. When the coffin was about to be closed, she retired until it was + nailed down, after which she returned with her bonnet and cloak on her, + ready to accompany it to the grave. I was astonished—for I thought + she could not have walked two steps without assistance; but it was the + custom, and to neglect it, I found, would have thrown the imputation of + insincerity upon her grief. While they were preparing to bring the coffin + out, I could hear the chat and conversation of those who were standing in + crowds before the door, and occasionally a loud, vacant laugh, and + sometimes a volley of them, responsive to the jokes of some rustic wit, + probably the same person who acted master of the revels at the wake. + </p> + <p> + Before the coffin was finally closed, Ned Corrigan, whom I had put to + flight the preceding night, came up, and repeated the De Profundis, in + very strange Latin, over the corpse. When this was finished, he got a jug + of holy water, and after dipping his thumb in it, first made the sign of + the cross upon his own forehead, and afterwards sprinkled it upon all + present, giving my brother and myself an extra compliment, supposing, + probably, that we stood most in need, of it. When this was over, he + sprinkled the corpse and the coffin in particular most profusely. He then + placed two pebbles from Lough Derg* and a bit of holy candle, upon the + breast of the corpse, and having said a Pater and Ave, in which he was + joined by the people, he closed the lid and nailed it down. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Those who make a station at Lough Derg are in the + habit of bringing home some of its pebbles, which are + considered to be sacred and possessed of many virtues. +</pre> + <p> + “Ned,” said his brother, “are his feet and toes loose?” + </p> + <p> + “Musha, but that's more than myself knows,” replied Ned—“Are they, + Katty?” said he, inquiring from the sister of the deceased. + </p> + <p> + “Arrah, to be sure, avourneen!” answered Katty—“do you think we + would lave him to be tied that way, when he'd be risin' out of his last + bed at the day of judgment? Wouldn't it be too bad to have his toes tied + thin, avourneen?” + </p> + <p> + The coffin was then brought out and placed upon four chairs before the + door, to be keened; and, in the mean time, the friends and well-wishers of + the deceased were brought into the room to get each a glass of whiskey, as + a token of respect. I observed also, that such as had not seen any of + Kelly's relations until then, came up, and shaking hands with them, said—“I'm + sorry for your loss!” This expression of condolence was uniform, and the + usual reply was, “Thank you, Mat, or Jim!” with a pluck of the skirt, + accompanied by a significant nod, to follow. They then got a due share of + whiskey; and it was curious, after they came out, their faces a little + flushed, and their eyes watery with the strong, ardent spirits, to hear + with what heartiness and alacrity they entered into Denis's praises. + </p> + <p> + When he had been keened in the street, there being no hoarse, the coffin + was placed upon two handspikes, which were fixed across, but parallel to + each other under it. These were borne by four men, one at the end of each, + with the point of it crossing his body a little below his stomach; in + other parts of Ireland, the coffin is borne upon a bier on the shoulders, + but this is more convenient and less distressing. + </p> + <p> + When we got out upon the road, the funeral was of great extent—for + Kelly had been highly respected. On arriving at the merin which bounded + the land he had owned, the coffin was laid down, and a loud and wailing + keene took place over it. It was again raised, and the funeral proceeded + in a direction which I was surprised to see it take, and it was not until + an acquaintance of my brother's had explained the matter that I understood + the cause of it. In Ireland when a murder is perpetrated, it is sometimes + usual, as the funeral proceeds to the grave-yard, to bring the corpse to + the house of him who committed the crime, and lay it down at his door, + while the relations of the deceased kneel down, and, with an appaling + solemnity, utter the deepest, imprecations, and invoke the justice of + heaven on the head of the murderer. This, however, is generally omitted if + the residence of the criminal be completely out of the line of the + funeral, but if it be possible, by any circuit, to approach it, this dark + ceremony is never omitted. In cases where the crime is doubtful, or + unjustly imputed, those who are thus visited come out, and laying their + right hand upon the coffin, protest their innocence of the blood of the + deceased, calling God to witness the truth of their asseverations; but, in + cases where the crime is clearly proved against the murderer, the door is + either closed, the ceremony repelled by violence, or the house abandoned + by the inmates until the funeral passes.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Many of these striking and startling old customs have + nearly disappeared, and indeed it is better that they + should. +</pre> + <p> + The death of Kelly, however, could not be actually, or, at least, directly + considered a murder, for it was probable that Grimes did not inflict the + stroke with an intention to take away his life, and, besides, Kelly + survived it four months. Grimes's house was not more than fifteen perches + from the road: and when the corpse was opposite the little bridleway that + led up to it, they laid it down for a moment, and the relations of Kelly + surrounded it, offering up a short prayer, with uncovered heads. It was + then borne toward the house, whilst the keening commenced in a loud and + wailing cry, accompanied with clapping of hands, and every other symptom + of external sorrow. But, independent of their compliance with this + ceremony, as an old usage, there is little doubt that the appearance of + anything connected with the man who certainly occasioned Kelly's death, + awoke a keener and more intense sorrow for his loss. The wailing was thus + continued until the coffin was laid opposite Ghimes's door; nor did it + cease then, but, on the contrary, was renewed with louder and more bitter + lamentations. + </p> + <p> + As the multitude stood compassionating the affliction of the widow and + orphans, it was the most impressive and solemn spectacle that could be + witnessed. The very house seemed to have a condemned look; and, as a + single wintry breeze waved a tuft of long grass that grew on a seat of + turf at the side of the door, it brought the vanity of human enmity before + my mind with melancholy force. When the keening ceased, Kelly's wife, with + her children, knelt, their faces towards the house of their enemy, and + invoked, in the strong language of excited passion, the justice of heaven + upon the head of the man who had left her a widow, and her children + fatherless. I was anxious to know if Grimes would appear to disclaim the + intention of murder; but I understood that he was at market—for it + happened to be market-day. + </p> + <p> + “Come out!” said the widow—“come out, and look at the sight that's + here before you! Come and view your own work! Lay but your hand upon the + coffin, and the blood of him you murdhered will spout, before God and + these Christian people, in your guilty face! But, oh! may the Almighty God + bring this home to you!—May you never lave this life, John Grimes, + till worse nor has overtaken me and mine fall upon you and yours! May our + curse light upon you this day!—the curse, I say, of the widow and + the orphans, that your bloody hand has made us, may it blast you! May you, + and all belonging to you wither off of the 'airth! Night and day, sleeping + and waking—like snow off the ditch, may you melt, until your name + and your place be disremimbered, except to be cursed by them that will + hear of you and your hand of murdher! Amin, we pray God this day!—and + the widow and orphans' prayer will not fall to the ground while your + guilty head is above it! Childhre, do you all say it?” + </p> + <p> + At this moment a deep, terrific murmur, or rather ejaculation, + corroborative of assent to this dreadful imprecation, pervaded the crowd + in a fearful manner; their countenances darkened, their eyes gleamed, and + their scowling visages stiffened into an expression of determined + vengeance. + </p> + <p> + When these awful words were uttered, Grimes's wife and daughters + approached the window in tears, sobbing, at the same time, loudly and + bitterly. + </p> + <p> + “You're wrong,” said the wife—“you're wrong, Widow Kelly, in saying + that my husband murdhered him:—he did not murdher him; for when you + and yours were far from him, I heard John Grimes declare before the God + who's to judge him, that he had no thought or intention of taking his + life; he struck him in anger, and the blow did him an injury that was not + intended. Don't curse him, Honor Kelly,” said she, “don't curse him so + fearfully; but, above all, don't curse me and my innocent childher, for we + never harmed you, nor wished you ill! But it was this party work did it! + Oh, my God!” she exclaimed, wringing her hands in utter bitterness of + spirit, “when will it be ended between friends and neighbors, that ought + to live in love and kindness together instead of fighting in this + bloodthirsty manner!” + </p> + <p> + She then wept more violently, as did her daughters. + </p> + <p> + “May God give me mercy in the last day, Mrs. Kelly, as I pity from my + heart and soul you and your orphans,” she continued; “but don't curse us, + for the love of God—for you know we should forgive our enemies, as + we ourselves, that are the enemies of God, hope to be forgiven.” + </p> + <p> + “May God forgive me, then, if I have wronged you or your husband,” said + the widow, softened by their distress; “but you know, that whether he + intended his life or not, the stroke he gave him has left my childher + without a father, and myself dissolate. Oh, heavens above me!” she + exclaimed, in a scream of distraction and despair, “is it possible—is + it thrue—that my manly husband—the best father that ever + breathed the breath of life—my own Denis, is lying dead—murdhered + before my eyes? Put your hands on my head, some of you—put your + hands on my head, or it will go to pieces. Where are you, Denis—where + are you, the strong of hand, and the tender of heart? Come to me, darling, + I want you in my distress. I want comfort, Denis; and I'll take it from + none but yourself, for kind was your word to me in all my afflictions!” + </p> + <p> + All present were affected; and, indeed, it was difficult to say, whether + Kelly's wife or Grimes's was more to be pitied at the moment. The + affliction of the latter and of her daughters was really pitiable; their + sobs were loud, and the tears streamed down their cheeks like rain. When + the widow's exclamations had ceased, or rather were lost in the loud cry + of sorrow which were uttered by the keeners and friends of the deceased—they, + too, standing somewhat apart from the rest, joined in it bitterly; and the + solitary wail of Mrs. Grimes, differing in character from that of those + who had been trained to modulate the most profound grief into strains of a + melancholy nature, was particularly wild and impressive. At all events, + her Christian demeanor, joined to the sincerity of her grief, appeased the + enmity of many; so true is it that a soft answer turneth away wrath. I + could perceive, however, that the resentment of Kelly's male relations did + not appear to be in any degree moderated. + </p> + <p> + The funeral again proceeded, and I remarked that whenever a strange + passenger happened to meet it, he always turned back, and accompanied it + for a short distance, after which he resumed his journey, it being + considered unlucky to omit this visage on meeting a funeral. Denis's + residence was not more than two miles from the churchyard, which was + situated in the town where he had received the fatal blow. As soon as we + had got on about the half of this way, the priest of the parish met us, + and the funeral, after proceeding a few perches more, turned into a green + field, in the corner of which stood a table with the apparatus for saying + mass spread upon it. + </p> + <p> + The coffin was then laid down once more, immediately before this temporary + altar; and the priest, after having robed himself, the wrong or the sable + side of the vestments out, as is usual in the case of death, began to + celebrate mass for the dead, the congregation all kneeling. When this was + finished, the friends of the deceased approached the altar, and after some + private conversation, the priest turned round, and inquired aloud— + </p> + <p> + “Who will give Offerings?” + </p> + <p> + The people were acquainted with the manner in which this matter is + conducted, and accordingly knew what to do. When the priest put the + question, Denis's brother, who Was a wealthy man, came forward, and laid + down two guineas on the altar; the priest took this up, and putting it on + a plate, set out among the multitude, accompanied by two or three of those + who were best acquainted with the inhabitants of the parish. He thus + continued putting the question, distinctly, after each man had paid; and + according as the money was laid down, those who accompanied the priest + pronounced the name of the person who gave it, so that all present might + hear it. This is also done to enable the friends of the deceased to know + not only those who show them this mark of respect, but those who neglect + it, in order that they may treat them in the same manner on similar + occasions. The amount of money so received is very great; for there is a + kind of emulation among the people, as to who will act with most decency + and spirit, that is exceedingly beneficial to the priest. In such + instances the difference of religion is judiciously overlooked; for + although the prayers of Protestants are declined on those occasions, yet + it seems the same objection does not hold good against their money, and + accordingly they pay as well as the rest. When the priest came round to + where I stood, he shook hands with my brother, with whom he appeared to be + on very friendly and familiar terms; he and I were then introduced to each + other. + </p> + <p> + “Come,” said he, with a very droll expression of countenance, shaking the + plate at the same time up near my brother's nose,—“Come, Mr. D'Arcy, + down with your offerings, if you wish to have a friend with St. Peter when + you go as far as the gates; down with your money, sir, and you shall be + remembered, depend upon it.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” said my brother, pulling out a guinea, “I would with the greatest + pleasure; but I fear this guinea is not orthodox. I'm afraid it has a + heretical mark upon it.” + </p> + <p> + “In that case,” replied his Reverence laughing heartily, “your only plan + is to return it to the bosom of the church, by laying it on the plate here—it + will then be within the pale, you know.” + </p> + <p> + This reply produced a great deal of good-humor among that part of the + crowd which immediately surrounded them—not excepting his nearest + relations, who laughed heartily— + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said my brother, as he laid it on the plate, “how many prayers + will you offer up in my favor for this?” + </p> + <p> + “Leave that to myself,” said his Reverence, looking at the money; “it will + be before you, I say, when you go to St. Peter.” + </p> + <p> + He then held the plate over to me in a droll manner; and I added another + guinea to my brother's gift; for which I had the satisfaction of having my + name called out so loud, that it might be heard a quarter of a mile off. + </p> + <p> + “God bless you, sir,” said the priest, “and I thank you.” + </p> + <p> + “John,” said I, when he left us, “I think that is a pleasant and rather a + sensible man?” + </p> + <p> + “He's as jovial a soul,” replied my brother, “as ever gave birth to a + jest, and he sings a right good song. Many a convivial hour have he and I + spent together; and a more hospitable man besides, never yet existed. + Although firmly attached to his own religion, he is no bigot; but, on the + contrary, an excellent, liberal, and benevolent man.” + </p> + <p> + When the offerings were all collected, he returned to the altar, repeated + a few additional prayers in prime style—as rapid as lightning; and + after hastily shaking the holy water on the crowd, the funeral moved oh. + It was now two o'clock, the day clear and frosty, and the sun unusually + bright for the season. During mass, many were added to those who formed + the funeral train at the outset; so that, when we got out upon the road, + the procession appeared very large. After this, few or none joined it; for + it is esteemed by no means “dacent” to do so after mass, because, in that + case, the matter is ascribed to an evasion of the offerings; but those + whose delay has not really been occasioned by this motive, make it a point + to pay them at the grave-yard, or after the interment, and sometimes even + on the following day—so jealous are the peasantry of having any + degrading suspicion attached to their generosity. + </p> + <p> + The order of the funeral now was as follows:—Foremost the women—next + to them the corpse, surrounded by the relations—the eldest son, in + deep affliction, “led the coffin,” as chief mourner, holding in his hand + the corner of a sheet or piece of linen, fastened to the mort-cloth, + called moor-cloth. After the coffin came those who were on foot, and in + the rear were the equestrians. When we were a quarter of a mile from the + churchyard, the funeral was met by a dozen of singing-boys, belonging to a + chapel choir, which the priest, who was fond of music, had some time + before formed. They fell in, two by two, immediately behind the corpse, + and commenced singing the Requiem, or Latin hymn for the dead. + </p> + <p> + The scene through which we passed at this time, though not clothed with + the verdure and luxuriant beauty of summer, was, nevertheless, marked by + that solemn and decaying splendor which characterizes a fine country, lit + up by the melancholy light of a winter setting sun. It was, therefore, + much more in character with the occasion. Indeed—I felt it + altogether beautiful; and, as the “dying day-hymn stole aloft,” the dim + sunbeams fell, through a vista of naked, motionless trees, upon the + coffin, which was borne with a slower and more funereal pace than before, + in a manner that threw a solemn and visionary light upon the whole + procession, this, however, was raised to something dreadfully impressive, + when the long train, thus proceeding with a motion so mournful, as seen, + each, or at least the majority of them, covered with a profusion of + crimson ribbons, to indicate that the corpse they bore—owed, his + death to a deed of murder. The circumstance of the sun glancing his rays + upon the coffin was not unobserved by the peasantry, who considered it as + a good omen to the spirit of the departed. + </p> + <p> + As we went up the street which had been the scene of the quarrel that + proved so fatal to Kelly, the coffin was again laid down on the spot where + he received his death-blow; and, as was usual, the wild and melancholy + keene was raised. My brother saw many of Grimes's friends among the + spectators, but he himself was not visible. Whether Kelly's party saw then + or not, we could not say; if they did, they seemed not to notice them, for + no expression of revenge or indignation escaped them. + </p> + <p> + At length we entered the last receptacle of the dead. The coffin was now + placed upon the shoulders of the son and brothers of the deceased, and + borne round the church-yard; whilst the priest, with his stole upon him, + preceded it, reading prayers for the eternal repose of the soul. Being + then laid beside the grave, a “De profundis” was repeated by the priest + and the mass-server; after which a portion of fresh clay, carried from the + fields, was brought to his Reverence, who read a prayer over it, and + consecrated it. This is a ceremony which is never omitted at the interment + of a Roman Catholic. When it was over, the coffin was laid into the grave, + and the blessed clay shaken over it. The priest now took the shovel in his + own hands, and threw in the three first shovelfuls—one in the name + of the Father, one in the name of the Son, and one in the name of the Holy + Ghost. The sexton then took it, and in a short time Denis Kelly was fixed + for ever in his narrow bed. + </p> + <p> + While these ceremonies were going forward, the churchyard presented a + characteristic picture. Beside the usual groups who straggle through the + place, to amuse themselves by reading the inscriptions on the tombs, you + might see many individuals kneeling on particular graves, where some + relation lay—for the benefit of whose soul they offered up their + prayers with an attachment and devotion which one cannot but admire. + Sometimes all the surviving members of the family would assemble, and + repeat a Rosary for the same purpose. Again, you might see an unhappy + woman beside a newly-made grave, giving way to lamentation and sorrow for + the loss of a husband, or of some beloved child. Here, you might observe + the “last bed” ornamented with hoops, decked in white paper, emblematic of + the virgin innocence of the individual who slept below;—there, a + little board-cross informing you that “this monument was erected by a + disconsolate husband to the memory of his beloved wife.” But that which + excited greatest curiosity was a sycamore-tree, which grow in the middle + of the burying-ground. + </p> + <p> + It is necessary to inform the reader, that in Ireland many of the + church-yards are exclusively appropriated to the interment of Roman + Catholics, and, consequently, the corpse of no one who had been a + Protestant would be permitted to pollute or desecrate them. This was one + of them: but it appears that by some means or other, the body of a + Protestant had been interred in it—and hear the consequence! The + next morning heaven marked its disapprobation of this awful visitation by + a miracle; for, ere the sun rose from the east, a full-grown sycamore had + shot up out of the heretical grave, and stands there to this day, a + monument at once of the profanation and its consequence. Crowds wore + looking at this tree, feeling a kind of awe, mingled with wonder, at the + deed which drew down such a visible and lasting mark of God's displeasure. + On the tombstones near Kelly's grave, men and women were seated, smoking + tobacco to their very heart's content; for, with that profusion which + characterizes the Irish in everything, they had brought out large + quantities of tobacco, whiskey, and bunches of pipes. On such occasions it + is the custom for those who attend the wake or the funeral to bring a full + pipe home with them; and it is expected that, as often as it is used, they + will remember to say “God be merciful to the soul of him that this pipe + was over.” + </p> + <p> + The crowd, however, now began to disperse; and the immediate friends of + the deceased sent the priest, accompanied by Kelly's brother, to request + that we would come in, as the last mark of respect to poor Denis's memory, + and take a glass of wine and a cake. + </p> + <p> + “Come, Toby,” said my brother, “we may as well go in, as it will gratify + them; we need not make much delay, and we will still be at home in + sufficient time for dinner.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly you will,” said the Priest; “for you shall both come and dine + with me to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “With all my heart,” said my brother; “I have no objection, for I know you + give it good.” + </p> + <p> + When we went in, the punch was already reeking from immense white jugs, + that couldn't hold less than a gallon each. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said his Reverence, very properly, 'you have had a decent and + creditable funeral, and have managed every thing with great propriety; let + me request, therefore, that you will not get drunk, nor permit yourselves + to enter into any disputes or quarrels; but be moderate in what you take, + and go home peaceably.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, thin, your Reverence,” replied the widow, “he's now in his grave, + and, thank God, it's he that had the dacent funeral all out—ten good + gallons did we put over you, asthore, and it's yourself that liked the + dacent thing, any how—but sure, sir, it would shame him where he's + lyin', if we disregarded him so far as to go home widout bringing in our + friends, that didn't desart us in our throuble, an' thratin' them for + their kindness.” + </p> + <p> + While Kelly's brother was filling out all their glasses, the priest, my + brother, and I, were taking a little refreshment. When the glasses were + filled, the deceased's brother raised his in his hand, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Well, gintlemen,” addressing us, “I hope you'll pardon me for not + dhrinking your healths first; but people, you know, can't break through an + ould custom, at any rate—so I give poor Denis's health that's in his + warm grave, and God be merciful to his sowl.” + </p> + <p> + The priest now winked at me to give them their own way; so we filled our + glasses, and joined the rest in drinking “Poor Denis's health, that's now + in his warm grave, and God be merciful to his soul.” + </p> + <p> + When this was finished, they then drank ours, and thanked us for our + kindness in attending the funeral. It was now past five o'clock; and we + left them just setting into a hard bout of drinking, and rode down to his + Reverence's residence. + </p> + <p> + “I saw you smile,” said he, on our way, “at the blundering toast of Mat + Kelly; but it would be labor in vain to attempt setting them right. What + do they know about the distinctions of more refined life? Besides, I + maintain, that what they said was as well calculated to express their + affection, as if they had drunk honest Denis's memory. It is, at least, + unsophisticated. But did you hear,” said he, “of the apparition that was + seen last night, on the mountain road above Denis's?” + </p> + <p> + “I did not hear of it,” I replied, equivocating a little. + </p> + <p> + “Why,” said he, “it is currently reported that the spirit of a murdered + pedlar, which haunts the hollow of the road at Drumfurrar bridge, chased + away the two servant men as they were bringing home the coffin, and that + finding it a good fit, he got into it, and walked half a mile along the + road, with the wooden surtout upon him; and, finally, that to wind up the + frolic, he left it on one end half-way between the bridge and Denis's + house, after putting a crowd of the countrymen to flight. I suspect some + droll knave has played them a trick. I assure you, that a deputation of + them, who declared that they saw the coffin move along of itself, waited + upon me this morning, to know whether they ought to have put him into the + coffin, or gotten another.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said my brother, in reply to him, “after dinner we will probably + throw some light upon that circumstance; for I believe my brother here + knows something about it.” + </p> + <p> + “So, sir,” said the priest, “I perceive you have been amusing yourself at + their expense.” + </p> + <p> + I seldom spent a pleasanter evening than, I did with Father Miloy (so he + was called), who was, as my brother said, a shrewd, sensible man, + possessed of convivial powers of the first order. He sang us several good + songs; and, to do him justice, he had an excellent voice. He regretted + very much the state of party and religious feeling, which he did every + thing in his power to suppress. “But,” said he, “I have little + co-operation in my efforts to communicate knowledge to my flock, and + implant better feelings among them. You must know,” he added, “that I am + no great favorite with them. On being appointed to this parish by my + bishop, I found that the young man who was curate to my predecessor had + formed a party against me, thinking, by that means, eventually to get the + parish himself. Accordingly, on coming here, I found the chapel doors + closed on me: so that a single individual among them would not recognize + me as their proper pastor. By firmness and spirit, however, I at length + succeeded, after a long struggle against the influence of the curate, in + gaining admission to the altar; and, by a proper representation of his + conduct to the bishop, I soon made my gentleman knock under. Although + beginning to gain ground in the good opinion of the people, I am by no + means yet a favorite. This curate and I scarcely speak; but I hope that in + the course of time, both he and they will begin to find, that by kindness + and a sincere love for their welfare on my part, good-will and affection + will ultimately be established among us. At least, there shall be nothing + left undone, so far as I am concerned, to effect it.” + </p> + <p> + It was now near nine o'clock, and my brother was beginning to relate an + anecdote concerning the clergyman who had preceded Father Molloy in the + parish, when a messenger from Mr. Wilson, already alluded to, came up in + breathless haste, requesting the priest, for God's sake, to go down into + town instantly, as the Kellys and the Grimeses were engaged in a fresh + quarrel. + </p> + <p> + “My God!” he exclaimed—“when will this work have an end? But, to + tell you the truth, gentlemen, I apprehended it; and I fear that something + still more fatal to the parties will yet be the consequence. Mr. D'Arcy, + you must try what you can do with the Grimeses, and I will manage the + Kellys.” + </p> + <p> + We then proceeded to the town, which was but a very short distance from + the Priest's house; and, on arriving, found a large crowd before the door + of the house in which the Kellys had been drinking, engaged in hard + conflict. The priest was on foot, and had brought his whip with him, it + being an argument, in the hands of a Roman Catholic pastor, which tells so + home that it is seldom gainsaid. Mr. Molloy and my brother now dashed in + amongst them: and by remonstrance, abuse, blows, and entreaty, they with + difficulty succeeded in terminating the fight. They were also assisted by + Mr. Wilson and other persons, who dared not, until their appearance, run + the risk of interfering between them. Wilson's servant, who had come for + the priest, was still standing beside me, looking on; and, while my + brother and Mr. Molloy were separating the parties, I asked him how the + fray commenced. + </p> + <p> + “Why, sir,” said he, “it bein' market-day, the Grimeses chanced to be in + town, and this came to the ears of the Kellys, who were drinking in + Cassidy's here, till they got tipsy; some of them then broke out, and + began to go up and down the street, shouting for the face of a murdhering + Grimes. The Grimeses, sir, happened at the time to be drinking with a + parcel of their friends in Joe Sherlock's, and hearing the Kellys calling + out for them, why, as the dhrop, sir, was in on both sides, they were soon + at it. Grimes has given one of the Kelly's a great bating; but Tom Grogan, + Kelly's cousin, a little before we came down, I'm tould, has knocked the + seven senses out of him, with the pelt of a brick-bat in the stomach.” + </p> + <p> + Soon after this, however, the quarrel was got under; and, in order to + prevent any more bloodshed that night, my brother and I got the Kellys + together, and brought them as far as our residence, on their way home. As + they went along, they uttered awful vows, and determinations of the + deepest revenge, swearing repeatedly that they would shoot Grimes from + behind a ditch, if they could not in any other manner have his blood. They + seemed highly intoxicated; and several of them were cut and abused in a + dreadful manner; even the women were in such a state of excitement and + alarm, that grief for the deceased was, in many instances, forgotten. + Several of both sexes were singing; some laughing with triumph at the + punishment they had inflicted on the enemy; others of them, softened by + what they had drunk, were weeping in tones of sorrow that might be heard a + couple of miles off. Among the latter were many of the men, some of whom, + as they staggered along, with their frieze big coats hanging off one + shoulder, clapped their hands, and roared like bulls, as if they intended, + by the loudness of their grief then, to compensate for their silence when + sober. It was also quite ludicrous to see the men kissing each other, + sometimes in this maudlin sorrow, and at others when exalted into the very + madness of mirth. Such as had been cut in the scuffle, on finding the + blood trickle down their faces, would wipe it off—then look at it, + and break out into a parenthetical volley of curses against the Grimeses; + after which, they would resume their grief, hug each other in mutual + sorrow, and clap their hands as before. In short, such a group could be + seen nowhere but in Ireland. + </p> + <p> + When my brother and I had separated from them, I asked him what had become + of Vengeance, and if he were still in the country. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said he; “with all his courage and watchfulness, he found that his + life was not safe; he, accordingly, sold off his property, and collecting + all his ready cash, emigrated to America, where, I hear, he is doing + well.” + </p> + <p> + “God knows,” I replied, “I shouldn't be surprised if one-half of the + population were to follow his example, for the state of society here, + among the lower orders, is truly deplorable.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, but you are to consider now,” he replied, “that you have been looking + at the worst of it. If you pass an unfavorable opinion upon our countrymen + when in the public house or the quarrel, you ought to remember what they + are under their own roofs, and in all the relations of private life.” + </p> + <p> + The “Party Fight,” described in the foregoing sketch, is unhappily no + fiction, and it is certain that there are thousands still alive who have + good reason to remember it. Such a fight, or I should rather say battle—for + such in fact it was—did not take place in a state of civil society, + if I can say so, within the last half century in this country. The + preparations for it were secretly being made for two or three months + previous to its occurrence, and however it came to light, it so happened + that each party became cognizant of the designs of the other. This + tremendous conflict, of which I was an eye-witness,—being then but + about twelve years of age—took place in the town, or rather city, of + Clogher, in my native county of Tyrone. The reader may form an opinion of + the bitterness and ferocity with which it was fought on both sides when he + is informed that the Orangemen on the one side, and the Ribbonmen on the + other, had called in aid from the surrounding counties of Monaghan, Cavan, + Fermanagh, and Derry; and, if I mistake not, also from Louth. In numbers, + the belligerents could not have been less than from four to five thousand + men. The fair day on which it occurred is known simply as “the Day of the + great Fight.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE LOUGH DERG PILGRIM. + </h2> + <p> + In describing the habits, superstitions, and feelings of the Irish people, + it would be impossible to overlook a place which occupies so prominent a + position in their religious usages as the celebrated Purgatory of St. + Patrick, situated in a lake that lies among the bleak and desolate looking + mountains of Donegal. + </p> + <p> + It may also be necessary to state to the reader, that the following + sketch, though appearing in this place, was the first production from my + pen which ever came before the public. The occasion of its being written + was this:—I had been asked to breakfast by the late Rev. Caesar + Otway, some time I think in the winter of 1829. About that time, or a + little before, he had brought out his admirable work called, “Sketches in + Ireland, descriptive of interesting portions of Donegal, Cork, and Kerry.” + Among the remarkable localities of Donegal, of course it was natural to + suppose, that “<i>Lough Derg</i>,” or the celebrated “<i>Purgatory of St. + Patrick</i>,” would not be omitted. Neither was it; and nothing can exceed + the accuracy and truthful vigor with which he describes its situation and + appearance. In the course of conversation, however, I discovered that he + had never been present during the season of making the Pilgrimages, and + was consequently ignorant of the religious ceremonies which take place in + it. In consequence, I gave him a pretty full and accurate account I of + them, and of the Station which I myself had made there. After I had + concluded, he requested me to put what I had told him upon paper, adding, + “I will dress it up and have it inserted in the next edition.” + </p> + <p> + I accordingly went home, and on the fourth evening afterwards brought him + the Sketch of the Lough Derg Pilgrim as it now appears, with the exception + of some offensive passages which are expunged in this edition. Such was my + first introduction to literary life. + </p> + <p> + And here I cannot omit paying my sincere tribute of grateful recollection + to a man from whom I have received so many acts of the warmest kindness. + To me he was a true friend in every sense of the word. In my early trials + his purse and his advice often supported, soothed, and improved me. In a + literary point of view I am under the deepest obligations to his excellent + judgment and good taste. Indeed were it not for him, I never could have + struggled my way through the severe difficulties with which in my early + career I was beset. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Green be the turf above thee, + Friend of my early days; + None knew thee but to love thee, + Or named thee but to praise.” + </pre> + <p> + But to my theme, which will be better understood, as will my description + of the wild rites performed on the shores of its most celebrated island, + by the following extracts, taken from this able and most vivid describer + of Irish scenery: + </p> + <p> + “The road from the village of Petigo leading towards Lough Derg, runs + along a river tumbling over rocks; and then after proceeding for a time + over a boggy valley, you ascend into a dreary and mountainous tract, + extremely ugly in itself, but from which you have a fine view indeed of + the greatest part of the lower lake of Lough Erne, with its many elevated + islands, and all its hilly shores, green, wooded, and cultivated, with the + interspersed houses of its gentry, and the comfortable cottages of its + yeomanry—the finest yeomanry in Ireland—men living in + comparative comfort, and having in their figures and bearing that + elevation of character which a sense of loyalty and independence confers. + I had at length, after traveling about three miles, arrived where the road + was discontinued, and by the direction of my guide, ascended a + mountain-path that brought me through a wretched village, and led to the + top of a hill. Here my boy left me, and went to look for the man who was + to ferry us to Purgatory, and on the ridge where I stood I had leisure to + look around. To the south-west lay Lough Erne, with all its isles and + cultivated shores; to the north-west lay Lough Derg, and truly never did I + mark such a contrast. Lough Derg under my feet—the lake, the shores, + the mountains, the accompaniments of all sorts presented the very + landscape of desolation; its waters expanding in their highland solitude, + amidst a wide waste of moors, without one green spot to refresh the eye, + without a house or tree—all mournful in the brown hue of its + far-stretching bogs, and the gray uniformity of its rocks; the surrounding + mountains even partook of the sombre character of the place; their forms + without grandeur, their ranges continuous and without elevation. The lake + itself was certainly as fine as rocky shores and numerous islands could + make it: but it was encompassed with such dreariness; it was deformed so + much by its purgatorial island; the associations connected with it were of + such a degrading character, that really the whole prospect before me + struck my mind with a sense of painfulness, and I said to myself, 'I am + already in Purgatory.' A person who has never seen the picture that was + now under my eye, who had read of a place consecrated by the devotion of + ages, towards which the tide of human superstition had flowed for twelve + centuries, might imagine that St. Patrick's Purgatory, secluded in its + sacred island, would have all the venerable and gothic accompaniments of + olden time; and its ivied towers and belfried steeples, its carved + windows, and cloistered arches, its long dark aisles and fretted vaults + would have risen out of the water, rivalling Iona or Lindisfarn; but + nothing of the sort was to be seen. The island, about half a mile from the + shore, presented nothing but a collection of hideous slated houses and + cabins, which gave you an idea that they were rather erected for the + purpose of tollhouses or police-stations than any thing else. + </p> + <p> + “I was certainly in an interesting position. I looked southerly towards + Lough Erne, with the Protestant city of Enniskillen rising amidst its + waters, like the island queen of all the loyalty, and industry, and + reasonable worship that have made her sons the admiration of past and + present time; and before me, to the north, Lough Derg, with its far-famed + isle, reposing there as the monstrous birth of a dreary and degraded + superstition, the enemy of mental cultivation, and destined to keep the + human understanding in the same dark unproductive state as the moorland + waste that lay outstretched around. I was soon joined by my guide and by + two men carrying oars, with whom I descended from the ridge on which I was + perched, towards the shores of the lake, where there was a sort of boat, + or rather toll-house, at which the pilgrims paid a certain sum before they + were permitted to embark for the island. In a few minutes we were afloat; + and while sitting in the boat I had time to observe my ferrymen: one was a + stupid countryman, who did not speak; the other was an old man with a + Woollen night-cap under his hat, a brown snuff-colored coat, a nose + begrimed with snuff, a small gray eye enveloped amidst wrinkles that + spread towards his temples in the form of birds' claws, and gave to his + countenance a sort of leering cunning that was extremely disagreeable. I + found he was the clerk of the island chapel; that he was a sort of master + of the ceremonies in purgatory, and guardian and keeper of it when the + station time was over and priests and pilgrims had deserted it. I could + plainly perceive that he had smoked me out as a Protestant, that he was on + his guard against me as a spy, and that his determination was to get as + much and to give as little information as he could; in fact, he seemed to + have the desire to obtain the small sum he expected from me with as little + exposure of his cause, and as little explanation of the practices of his + craft as possible. The man informed me that the station time was over + about a month, and he confirmed my guide's remark that the Pope's jubilee + had much diminished the resort of pilgrims during the present season. He + informed me also that the whole district around the lough, together with + all its islands, belonged to Colonel L———, a relation of + the Duke of Wellington; and that this gentleman, as landlord, had leased + the ferry of the island to certain persons who had contracted to pay him + £260 a year; and to make up this sum, and obtain a suitable income for + themselves, the ferrymen charged each pilgrim five pence. Therefore, + supposing that the contractors make cent, per cent, by their contract, + which it may be supposed they do, the number of pilgrims to this island + may be estimated at 13,000; and, as my little guide afterwards told me + (although the cunning old clerk took care to avoid it), that each pilgrim + paid the priest from 1s. 8d. to 2s. 6d., therefore we may suppose that the + profit to the prior of Lough Derg and his priests was no small sum. + </p> + <p> + “In a short time I arrived at the island, and as stepping out of the boat + I planted my foot on the rocks of this scene of human absurdity, I felt + ashamed for human nature, and looked on myself as one of the millions of + fools that have, century after century, degraded their understandings by + coming hither. The island I found to be of an oval shape. + </p> + <p> + “The buildings on it consisted of a slated house for the priests, two + chapels, and a long range of cabins on the rocky surface of the island, + which may contain about half an acre; there were also certain round walls + about two feet high, enclosing broken stone and wooden crosses; these were + called saints' beds, and around these circles, on the sharp and stony + rocks, the pilgrims go on their naked knees. Altogether I may briefly sum + up my view of this place, and say that it was filthy, dreary, and + altogether detestable—it was a positive waste of time to visit it, + and I hope I shall never behold it again.” * + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Fire at Lough Derg.—On the 15th Aug 1842, the + station at this celebrated place was brought to a + conclusion; but in the course of the night it was + discovered that some of the houses were on fire, and + four dwellings which, we believe, were recently + erected, were altogether consumed. The people of the + neighboring country directed their efforts chiefly to + the preservation of the prior's house, which adjoined + those in flames, and by pouring a continued supply of + water against its windows, succeeded in saving it. The + night being calm, and the wind in a favorable + direction, the injury sustained was less than must have + existed under different circumstances. The houses burnt + were occupied as lodgings for pilgrims when on station. +</pre> + <p> + The following is extracted from Bishop Henry Jones's account, published in + 1647: + </p> + <p> + “The island called St. Patrick's Purgatory is altogether rocky, and rather + level; within the compass of the island, in the water towards the + north-east, about two yards from the shore, stand certain rocks, the least + of which, and next the shore, is the one St. Patrick knelt on for the + third part of the night in prayer, he did another third in his cell, which + is called his bed, and another third in the cave or purgatory; in this + stone there is a cleft or print, said to be made by St. Patrick's knees; + the other stone is much greater and further off in the lake, and covered + with water, called Lachavanny: this is esteemed of singular virtue; + standing thereon healeth pilgrims' feet, bleeding as they are with cuts + and bruises got in going barefoot round the blessed beds. + </p> + <p> + “The entrance into the island is narrow and rocky; these rocks they report + to be the guts of a great serpent metamorphosed into stones. When Mr. + Copinger, a gentleman drawn thither by the fame of the place, visited it, + there was a church covered with shingles dedicated to St. Patrick, and it + was thus furnished: at the east end was a high altar covered with linen, + over which did hang the image of our Lady with our Saviour in her arms; on + the right did hang the picture of the three kings offering their presents + to our Saviour; and on the left the picture of our Saviour on the cross; + near the altar, and on the south side, did stand on the ground an old + worm-eaten image of St. Patrick; and behind the altar was another of the + same fabric, but still older in appearance, called. St Arioge; and on the + right hand another image called St. Volusianus. + </p> + <p> + “Between the church and the cave there is a small rising ground, and on a + heap of stones lay a little stone cross, part broken, part standing; and. + in the east of the church was another cross made of twigs interwoven: + 'this is known by the name of St. Patrick's altar, on which lie three + pieces of a bell, which they say St. Patrick used to carry in, his hand. + Here also was laid a certain knotty bone of some bigness, hollow in the + midst like the nave of a wheel, and out of which issue, as it were, + natural spokes: this was: shown as a great rarity, being part of a great, + serpent's tail—one of those monsters the blessed Patrick expelled + out of Ireland. + </p> + <p> + “Towards the narrowest part of the island were six circles—some call + them saints' beds, or beds of penance. Pilgrims are continually praying + and kneeling about these beds; and they are compassed around with sharp + stones and difficult passages for the accommodation of such as go + barefooted. + </p> + <p> + “In the farthest part northward of the island, are certain beds of stone + cast together; as memorials for some that are elsewhere; buried; but who + trust to the prayers and merits of those who daily resort to this + Purgatory. Lastly, in this island are several Irish cabins covered with + thatch, and another for shriving or confession; and there are: separate + places assigned for those who come from the four provinces of Ireland. + </p> + <p> + “In all, the pilgrims remain on the island nine days; they eat but once in + the twenty-four hours, of oatmeal and water. They have liberty to refresh + themselves with the water of the lake, which, as Roth says, 'is of such + virtue, that though thou shouldst fill thyself with it, yet will it not + offend; but is as if it flowed from some mineral.' + </p> + <p> + “The pilgrims at night lodge or lie on straw, without pillow or pallet, + rolling themselves in their mantles, and wrapping their heads in their + breeches; only on some one of the eight nights they must lie on one of the + saints' beds, whichever they like.” + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + I was, at the time of performing this station, in the middle of my + nineteenth year—of quick perception—warm imagination—a + mind peculiarly romantic—a morbid turn for devotion, and a candidate + for the priesthood, having been made slightly acquainted with Latin, and + more slightly still with Greek. + </p> + <p> + At this period, however, all my faculties merged like friendly streams + into the large current of my devotion. Of religion I was completely + ignorant, although I had sustained a very conspicuous part in the + devotions of the family, and signalized myself frequently; by taking the + lead in a rosary. I had often out-prayed and out-fasted an old circulating + pilgrim, who occasionally visited our family; a feat on which few would + have ventured; and I even arrived to such a pitch of perfection at + praying, that with the assistance of young and powerful lungs, I was fully + able to distance him at any English prayer in which we joined. But in + Latin, I must allow, that owing to my imperfect knowledge of its + pronunciation, and to some twitches of conscience I felt on adventuring to + imitate, him by overleaping this impediment, he was able to throw me back + a considerable distance in his turn; so that when we both started for a <i>De + Profundis</i>, I was always sure to come in second. Owing to all this I + was considered a young man of promise, being, moreover, as my master often + told my father, a youth of prodigious parts and great cuteness. Indeed, on + this subject my master's veracity could not be questioned; because when I + first commenced Latin, I was often heard repeating the prescribed tasks in + my sleep. Many of his relations had already, even upon the strength of my + prospective priesthood, begun to claim relationship with our family, and + before I was nineteen, I found myself godfather to a dozen godsons and as + many god-daughters; every one of whom I had with unusual condescension + taken under my patronage; and most of the boys were named after myself. + Finding that I was thus responsible for so much, in the opinion of my + friends, and having the aforesaid character of piety to sustain, I found + it indispensable to make the pilgrimage. Not that I considered myself a + sinner, or by any means bound to go from that motive, for although the + opinion of my friends, as to my talents and sanctity, was exceedingly + high, yet, I assure you, it cut but a very indifferent figure, when + compared with my own on both these subjects. + </p> + <p> + I very well remember that the first sly attempt I ever made at a miracle + was in reference to Lough Derg; I tried it by way of preparation for my + pilgrimage. I heard that there had been a boat lost there, about the year + 1796, and that a certain priest who was in her as a passenger, had walked + very calmly across the lake to the island, after the bout and the rest of + the passengers in her had all gone to the bottom. Now, I had, from my + childhood, a particular prejudice against sailing in a boat, although Dick + Darcy, a satirical and heathenish old bachelor, who never went to Mass, + used often to tell me, with a grin which I was never able rightly to + understand, that I might have no prejudice against sailing, “because,” + Dick would say, “take my word for it, you'll never die by drowning.” At + all events, I thought to myself, that should any such untoward accident + occur to me, it would be no unpleasant circumstance to imitate the priest; + but that it would be infinitely more agreeable to make the first + experiment in a marl-pit, on my father's farm, than on the lake. + Accordingly, after three days' fasting, and praying for the power of not + sinking in the water, I slipped very quietly down to the pit, and after + reconnoitering the premises, to be sure there was no looker-on, I + approached the brink. At this moment my heart beat high with emotion, my + soul was wrapt up to a most enthusiastic pitch of faith, and my whole + spirit absorbed in feelings, where hope—doubt—gleams of + uncertainty—visions of future eminence—twitches of fear—reflections + on my expertness in swimming—on the success of the water-walking + priest afore-mentioned—and on the depth of the pond—had all + insisted on an equal share of attention. At the edge of the pit grew large + water-lilies, with their leaves spread over the surface; it is singular to + reflect upon what slight and ridiculous circumstances the mind will seize, + when wound up in this manner to a pitch of superstitious absurdity. I am + really ashamed, even whilst writing this, of the confidence I put for a + moment in a treacherous water-lily, as its leaf lay spread so smoothly and + broadly over the surface of the pond, as if to lure my foot to the + experiment. However, after having stimulated myself by a fresh pater and + ave, I advanced, my eyes turned up enthusiastically to heaven—my + hands resolutely clenched—my teeth locked together—my nerves + set—and my whole soul strong in confidence—I advanced, I say, + and lest I might give myself time to cool from this divine glow, I made a + tremendous stride, planting my right foot exactly in the middle of the + treacherous water-lily leaf, and the next moment was up to the neck in + water. Here was devotion cooled. Happily I was able to bottom the pool, or + could swim very well, if necessary; so I had not much difficulty in + getting out. As soon as I found myself on the bank, I waited not to make + reflections, but with a rueful face set off at full speed for my father's + house, which was not far distant; the water all the while whizzing out of + nay clothes, by the rapidity of the motion, as it does from a + water-spaniel after having been in that element. It is singular to think + what a strong authority vanity has over the principles and passions in the + weakest and strongest moments of both; I never was remarkable, at that + open, ingenuous period of my life, for secrecy; yet did I now take + especial care not to invest either this attempt at the miraculous, or its + concomitant failure, with anything like narration. It was, however, an act + of devotion that had a vile effect on my lungs, for it gave me a cough + that was intolerable; and I never felt the infirmities of humanity more + than in this ludicrous attempt to get beyond them; in which, by the way, I + was nearer being successful than I had intended, though in a different + sense. This happened a month before I started for Lough Derg. + </p> + <p> + It was about six o'clock of a delightful morning in the pleasant month of + July, when I set out upon my pilgrimage, with a single change of linen in + my pocket, and a pair of discarded shoes upon my bare feet; for, in + compliance with the general rule, I wore no stockings. The sun looked down + upon all nature with great good humor; everything smiled around me; and as + I passed for a few miles across an upland country which stretched down + from a chain of dark rugged mountains that lay westward, I could not help + feeling, although the feeling was indeed checked—that the scene was + exhilarating. The rough upland was in several places diversified with + green spots of cultivated land, with some wood, consisting of an old + venerable plantation of mountain pine, that hung on the convex sweep of a + large knoll away to my right,—with a broad sheet of lake that curled + to the fresh arrowy breeze of morning, on which a variety of water-fowl + were flapping their wings or skimming along, leaving a troubled track on + the peaceful waters behind them; there were also deep intersections of + precipitous or sloping glens, graced with hazel, holly, and every + description of copse-wood. On other occasions I have drunk deeply of + pleasure, when in the midst of this scenery, bearing about me the young, + free, and bounding spirit, its first edge of enjoyment unblunted by the + collision of base minds and stony hearts, against which experience jostles + us in maturer life. + </p> + <p> + The dew hung shining upon the leaves, and fell in pattering showers from + the trees, as a bird, alarmed at my approach, would spring from the branch + and leave it vibrating in the air behind her; the early challenge of the + cock grouse, and the <i>quick-go-quick</i> of the quail, were cheerfully + uttered on all sides. The rapid martins twittered with peculiar glee, or, + in the light caprice of their mirth, placed themselves for a moment upon + the edge of a scaur, or earthly precipice, in which their nests were + built, and then shot up again to mingle with the careering and joyful + flock that cut the air in every direction. Where is the heart which could + not enjoy such a morning scene? Under any other circumstances it would + have enchanted me; but here, in fact, that intensity of spirit which is + necessary to the due contemplation of beautiful prospects, was transferred + to a gloomier object. I was under the influence of a feeling quite new to + me. It was not pleasure, nor was it pain, but a chilliness of soul which + proceeded from the gloomy and severe task that I had undertaken—a + task which, when I considered the danger and the advantages annexed to its + performance, was sufficient to abstract me from every other object. It was + really the first exercise of that jealous spirit of mistaken devotion + which keeps the soul in perpetual sickness, and invests the innocent + enjoyments of life with a character of sin and severity. It was this + gloomy feeling that could alone have strangled in their birth those + sensations which the wisdom of God has given as a security in some degree + against sin, by opening to the heart of man sources of pleasure, for which + the soul is not compelled to barter away her innocence, as in those of a + grosser nature. I may be wrong in analyzing the sensation, but for the + first time in my life I felt anxious and unhappy; yet, according to my own + opinions, I should have been otherwise. I was startled at what I + experienced, and began to consider it as a secret intimation that I had + chosen a wrong time for my journey. I even felt as if it would not prosper—as + if some accident or misfortune would befall me ere my return. The boat + might sink, as in 1796: this was quite alarming. The miraculous experiment + on the pond here occurred to me with full force, and came before my + imagination in a new point of view. The drenching I got had a deep and + fearful meaning. It was ominous—it was prophetic,—and sent by + a merciful Providence to deter me from attending the pilgrimage at this + peculiar time—perhaps on this particular day: to-morrow the spell + might be broken, the danger past, and the difference of a single day could + be nothing. Just at this moment an unlucky hare, starting from an + adjoining thicket, scudded across my path, as if to fill up the measure of + these ominous predictions. I paused, and my foot was on the very turn to + the rightabout, when instantly a thought struck me which produced a + reaction in my imagination. Might not all this be the temptation of the + devil, suggested to prevent me from performing this blessed work? not the + hare itself be some———? In short, the counter-current + carried me with it. I had commenced my journey, and every one knows that + when a man commences a journey it is unlucky to turn back. On I went, but + still with a subdued and melancholy tone of feeling. If I met a cheerful + countryman, his mirth found no kindred spirit in me: on the contrary, my + taciturnity seemed to infect him; for, after several ineffectual' attempts + at conversation, he gradually became silent, or hummed a tune to himself, + and, on parting, bade me a short, doubtful kind of good day, looking over + his shoulder, as he departed, with a face of scrutiny and surprise. + </p> + <p> + After getting five or six miles across the country, I came out on one of + these by-roads which run independently of all advantages of locality, “up + hill and down dale,” from one little obscure village to another. These + roads are generally paved with round broad stones, laid curiously together + in longitudinal rows like the buttons on a schoolboy's jacket; Owing to + the infrequency of travellers on them, they are quite overgrown with + grass, except in one stripe along the middle, which is kept naked by the + hoofs of horses and the tread of foot passengers. There is some tradition + connected with these roads, or the manner of their formation, which I do + not remember. + </p> + <p> + At last I came out upon the main road; and you will be pleased to imagine + to yourself the figure of a tall, gaunt, gawkish young man, dressed in a + good suit of black cloth, with shirt and cravat like snow, striding + solemnly along, without shoe or stocking; for about this time I was twelve + miles from home, and blisters had already risen upon my feet, in + consequence of the dew having got into my shoes, which at the best were + enough to cut up any man; I had therefore to strip and carry my shoes—one + in my pocket, and another stuffed in my hat; being thus with great + reluctance compelled to travel barefoot: yet I soon turned even this to + account, when I reflected that it would enhance the merit of my + pilgrimage, and that every fresh blister would bring down a fresh + blessing. 'Tis true I was nettled to the soul, on perceiving the face of a + laborer on the way-side, or of a traveller who met me, gradually expanding + into a broad sarcastic grin, as such an unaccountable figure passed him. + But these I soon began to suspect were Protestant grins; for none but + heretics would presume by any means to give me a sneer. The Catholics + taking me for a priest, were sure to doff their hats to me; or if they + wore none, as is not unfrequent when at labor, they would catch their + forelocks with their finger and thumb, and bob down their heads in the act + of veneration. This attention of my brethren more than compensated for the + mirth of all other sects; in fact, their mistaking me for a priest began + to give me a good opinion of myself, and perfectly reconciled me to the + fatiguing severity of the journey. + </p> + <p> + I have had occasion to remark, while upon this pilgrimage, or rather long + afterwards,—for I was but little versed then in the science of + reflection—that it is impossible to calculate upon the capabilities + of either body or mind, until they are drawn out by some occasion of + peculiar interest, in which those of either or both are thrown upon their + own energies and resources. In my opinion, the great secret or the + directing principle of all enterprise rests in the motive of action; for, + whenever a suitable interest can be given to the principles of human + conduct, the person bound by, and feeling that interest will not only + perform as much as could possibly be expected from his natural powers, but + he will recruit his energies by drawing in all the adventitious aid which + the various relations of that interest, as they extend to other objects, + are capable of affording him. It was amazing, for instance, to observe the + vigor and perseverance with which feeble, sickly old creatures, performed + the necessary austerities of this dreadful pilgrimage;—creatures, + who if put to the same fatigue, on any other business, would at once sink + under it; but the motive supplied energy, and the infirmities of nature + borrowed new strength from the deep and ardent devotion of the spirit. + </p> + <p> + The first that I suspected of being fellow pilgrims were two women whom I + overtook upon the way. They were dressed in gray cloaks, striped red and + blue petticoats; drugget, or linseywoolsey gowns, that came within about + three inches of their ankles. Each had a small white bag slung at her + back, which contained the scanty provisions for the journey, and the oaten + cakes, crisp and hard-baked, for the pilgrimage to the lake. The hoods of + their cloaks fell down their backs, and each dame had a spotted cotton + kerchief pinned around her <i>dowd</i> cap at the chin, whilst the + remainder of it fell down the shoulders, over the cloaks. Each had also a + staff in her hand, which she held in a manner peculiar to a travelling + woman—that is, with her hand round the upper end of it, her right + thumb extended across its head, and her arm, from the elbow down, parallel + with the horizon. The form of each, owing to the want of that spinal + strength and vigor which characterize the erect gait of man, was bent a + little forward, and this, joined to the idea produced by the nature of + their journey, gave to them something of an ardent and devoted character, + such as the mind and eye would seek for in a pilgrim, I saw them at some + distance before me, and knew by the staves and white bags behind them that + they were bound for Lough Derg. I accordingly stretched out a little that + I might overtake them; for in consequence of the absorbing nature of my + own reflections, my journey had only been a solitary one, and I felt that + society would relieve me. I was not a little surprised, however, on + finding that as soon as I topped one height of the road, I was sure to + find my two old ladies a competent distance before me in the hollow (most + of the northern roads are of this nature), and that when I got to the + bottom, I was as sure to perceive their heads topping the next hill, and + then gradually sinking out of my sight. I was surprised at this, and + perhaps a little nettled, that a fresh active young fellow should not have + sufficient mettle readily to overtake two women. I did stretch out, + therefore, with some vigor, yet it was not till after a chase of two miles + or so that I found myself abreast of them. As soon as they noticed me they + dropped a curtesy each, addressing me at the same time as a clergyman, and + I returned their salutation with all due gravity. Upon my inquiring how + far they had travelled that day, it appeared that they had actually + performed a journey seven miles longer than mine: “We needn't ax your + Reverence if you're for the Islan'?” said one of them. “I am,” I replied, + not caring to undeceive her as to my Reverentiality. + </p> + <p> + The truth was, in the midst of all my sanctity I felt proud of the old + woman's mistake as to my priesthood, and really had not so much ready + virtue about me, on the occasion, as was sufficient to undeceive her. I + was even thankful to her for the inquiry, and thought, on a closer + inspection, I perceived an uncommon portion of good sense and intelligence + in her face. “My very excellent, worthy woman,” said I, “how is it that + you are able to travel at such a rate, when one would suppose you should + be fatigued by this time, after so long a journey?” + </p> + <p> + “Musha?” said she, “but your Reverence ought to know that.”—I felt + puzzled at this: “How should I know it?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “I'm sure,” she continued, “you couldn't expect a poor ould crathur o' + sixty to travel at this rate, at all at all; except for raisons, your + Reverence:”—looking towards me quite confidently and knowingly. This + was still more oracular, and I felt very odd under it; my character for + devotion was at stake, and I feared that the old lady was drawing me into + a kind of vicious circle. “Your Reverence knows, that for the likes o' me, + that can hardly move to the market of a Saturday, Lord help me! an' home + agin, for to travel at this rate, would be impossible, any how, except,” + she added, “for what I'm carryin', sir, blessed be God for it!”—peering + at me again with more knowing and triumphant look. + </p> + <p> + “Why that's true,” said I, thoughtfully; and then, assuming a bit of the + sacerdotal privilege, and suddenly raising my voice, though I was as + innocent as the child unborn of her meaning,—“that's true; but now + as you appear to be a sensible, pious woman, I hope you-understand the + nature of what you are carrying—and in a proper manner, too, for you + know that's the chief point.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Father dear, I do my best, avourneen; an' I ought of a sartinty to + know it, bekase blessed Friar Hagan spent three dys instructin' Mat and + myself in it; an' more betoken, that Mat sent him a sack o' phaties, an' a + bag of oats for his trouble, not forgettin' the goose he got from myself, + the Micklemas afther.—Arrah how long is that ago, Katty a-haygur?” + said she, addressing her companion. + </p> + <p> + “Ten years,” said Katty. “Oh! it's more, I'm thinkin'; it's ten years + since poor Dick, God rest his sowl, died, and this was full two years + afore that: but no matther, agra, I'll let your Reverence hear the prayer, + at any rate.” She here repeated a beautiful Irish prayer to the Blessed + Virgin, of which that beginning with “Hail, holy Queen!” in the Roman + Catholic prayer-books is a translation, or perhaps the original. While she + was repeating the prayer, I observed her hand in her bosom, apparently + extricating something, which, on being brought out, proved to be a + scapular; she held it up, that I might see it: “Your Reverence,” said she, + “this is the ninth journey of the kind I made: but you don't wonder now, I + bleeve, how stoutly I'm able to stump it.” + </p> + <p> + “You really do stump it stoutly, as you' say,” I replied. + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” said she, “an' not a wan' o' me but's as weak as a cat, at home + scarce can put a hand to any thing; but then, your Reverence, my eldest + daughter, Ellish, jist minds the house, an' lots the ould mother mind the + prayers, as I'm not able to do a hand's turn, worth namin'.” + </p> + <p> + “But you appear to be stout and healthy,” I observed, “if a person may + judge by your looks.” + </p> + <p> + “Glory be to them that giv it to me then! that I am at the present time, + <i>padre dheelish</i>. But don't you know I'm always so durin' this + journey; I've a wicket heart-burn that torments the very life out o' me, + all the year round till this; and what 'ud your Reverence think, but it's + sure to lave me, clear and clane, and a fortnight or so afore I come here; + I never wanst feels a bit iv it, while I rouse and prepare myself for the + Island, nor for a month after I come here agen, Glory be to God.” She then + turned to her companion, and commenced, in a voice half audible—“Musha! + Katty a-haygur, did ye iver lay your two livin' eyes on so young a priest? + a sweet and holy crathur he is, no doubt, and has goodness in his face, + may the Lord bless him!” + </p> + <p> + “Musha!” said she, “surely your Reverence can't be long afther bein' + ordained, I'm thinkin'?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that's very strange,” said I, evading her, “so you tell me your + heartburn leaves you, and that you get stout every year about the time of + your pilgrimage?” + </p> + <p> + “An' troth an' I do!—hut! what am I sayin'? Indeed, sir, may be + that's more than I can say, either, your Reverence: but for sartin'it is”— + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean that you do, or that you do not?” I inquired. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, your Reverence, you jist hot it—the Lord bless you, and + spare you to the parents that reared ye; an' proud people may they be at + having the likes of 'im, Katty avourneen”—turning abruptly to Katty, + that she might disarm my interogatories on this tender subject with a + better grace—“proud people, as I said afore, the Lord may spare him + to them!” + </p> + <p> + We here topped a little hill, and saw the spire of a steeple, and the + skirts of a country town, which a passenger told us was about three miles + distant. + </p> + <p> + My feet by this time were absolutely in griskins, nor was I by any means + prepared for a most unexpected proposal, which the spokeswoman, after some + private conversation with the other, undertook to make. I could not + imagine what the purport of the dialogue was; but I easily saw, that I + myself was the subject of it, for I could perceive them glance at me + occasionally, as if they felt a degree of hesitation in laying down the + matter for my approval; at length she opened it with great adroitness:—“Musha, + an' to be sure he will, Katty dear an' darlin'—and mightn't you know + he would—the refusin' to do it isn't in his face, as any body that + has eyes to see may know—you ashamed!—and what for would ye be + ashamed?—asthore, it's 'imself that's not proud, or he wouldn't + tramp it, barefooted, along wud two ould crathurs like huz; him that has + no sin to answer for—but I'll spake to 'im myself, and yell see it's + he that won't refuse it. Why thin, your Reverence, Katty an' I war + thinkin', that as there's only three of us, an' the town's afore us, where + we'll rest a while, plaise God—for by that time the shower that's + away over there will be comin' down;—that as there's but three of + us, would it be any harm if we sed a bit of a Rosary, and your Reverence + to join us?” + </p> + <p> + This was, indeed, a most unexpected attack; but it was evident that I was + set down by this curious woman as a paragon of piety; though indeed her + object was rather to smooth the way in my mind, for what she intended + should be a very excellent opinion of her own godliness. + </p> + <p> + I looked about me, and as far as my eye could reach, the road appeared + solitary. I did, 'tis true, debate the matter with myself, pro and con, + for I felt the absurdity of my situation, and of this abrupt proposal, + more than I was willing to suppose I did. Still, thought I, it is a + serious thing to refuse praying with this poor woman, because she is poor—God + is no respecter of person—this too is a Rosary to the Blessed + Virgin; besides, nothing can be too humbling for a person when once + engaged in this holy station—“So, pride, I trample you under my + feet!” said I to myself, at a moment when the appearance of a respectable + person on the road would have routed all my humility. I complied, however, + with a very condescending grace, and to it we went. The old women pulled + out their beads, and I got my hat, which had one of my shoes in it, under + my arm. They requested that I would open the Rosary, which I did: and thus + we kept tossing the ball of prayer from one to another along the way, + whilst I was bending and sinking on the hard gravel in perfect agony. But + we had not gone far, when the shower, which we did not suppose would have + fallen until we should reach the town, began to descend with greater + bounty than we were at all prepared for, or than I was, at least; for I + had no outside coat: but indeed the morning was so beautiful, that rain + was scarcely to be apprehended. With respect to the old lady, she appeared + to be better acquainted with the necessary preparations for such a journey + than I had been: for as soon as the shower became heavy (and it fell very + heavily), she whipped off her cloak, and before I could say a syllable to + the contrary, had it pinned about me. She then drew out of a large + four-cornered pocket of red cloth, that hung at her side, a hare's-skin + cap, which in a twinkling was on her own cranium. But what was most + singular, considering the heat of the weather, was the appearance of an + excellent frieze jacket, such as porters and draymen usually wear, with + two outside pockets on the sides, into one of which she drove her arm up + to the elbow, and in the other hand carried her staff like a man—I + thought she wore the cap, too, a little to the one side on her head. + Indeed, a more ludicrous appearance could scarcely be conceived than she + now exhibited. I, on the other hand, cut an original figure, being six + feet high, with a short gray cloak pinned tightly about me, my black + cassimere small-clothes peeping below it—my long, yellow, polar + legs, unencumbered with calves, quite naked—a good hat over the + cloak—but no shoes on my feet, marching thus gravely upon my + pilgrimage, with two such figures! + </p> + <p> + In this singular costume did we advance the rain all the time falling in + torrents. The town, however, was not far distant, and we arrived at a + little thatched house, where “dry lodgin'” was offered above the door, + both to “man and baste;” and never did an unfortunate group stand more in + need of dry lodging, for we were wet to the skin. On entering the town, we + met a carriage, in which were a gentleman and two ladies: I chanced to be + walking a little before the woman, but could perceive, by casting a glance + into the carriage, that they were in convulsions with laughter; to which I + have strong misgivings of having contributed in no ordinary degree. But I + felt more indignant at the wit, forsooth, of the well-fed serving-man + behind the coach, who should also have his joke upon us; for as we passed, + he turned to my companion, whom he addressed as a male personage—“And + why, you old villain, do you drive your cub to the 'island' pinioned in + such a manner,—give him the use of his arms, you sinner!”—thus + intimating that I was a booby son of her's in leading-strings. The old + lady looked at him with a very peculiar expression of countenance; I + thought she smiled, but never did a smile appear to me so pregnant with + bitterness and cursing scorn. “Ay,” said she, “there goes the well-fed + heretic, that neither fasts nor prays—his God is his belly—they + have the fat of the land for the present, your Reverence, but wait a bit. + In the mane time, we had betther get in here a little, till this shower + passes—you see the sun's beginnin' to brighten behind the rain, so + it can't last long: and a bit of breakfast will do none of us any harm.” + We then entered the house aforesaid, which presented a miserable prospect + for refreshment; but as I was in some measure identified with my + fellow-travelers, I could not with a good grace give them up. I had not at + the time the least experience of the world, was incapable of that + discrimination which guides some people, as it were by instinct, in + choosing their society, and had altogether but a poor notion of the more + refined decorum of life. When we got in, the equivocal lady began to + exercise some portion of authority. “Come,” said she, “here's a clargyman, + and you had betther lose no time in gettin' his Reverence his breakfast;” + then, said, the civil creature to the mistress, in the same kind of half + audible tone— + </p> + <p> + “Avourneen, if you have anything comfortable, get it for him; he is + generous, an' will pay you well for it; a blessed crathur he is too, as + ever brought good luck under your roof; Lord love you, if ye hard him + discoursin' uz along the road, as if he was one of ourselves, so mild and + sweet! I'm sure I'll always have a good opinion of myself for puttin' on + the jacket this bout, at any rate, as I was able to spare his Reverence + the cloak, a-haygur! the mild crathur!” + </p> + <p> + While my fellow traveller was thus talking, I had time to observe that the + woman of the house was a cleanly-looking creature, with something of a + sickly appearance. An old gray-headed man sat in something between a chair + and a stool, formed of one solid piece of ash, supported by three legs + sloping outwards; the seat of it was quite smooth by long use, and a + circular row of rungs, capped by a piece of semicircular wood, shaped to + receive the reclining body of whoever might occupy it, rose from the seat + in presumptuous imitation of an arm-chair. There were two other chairs + besides this, but the remainder of the seats were all stools. The room was + square, with a bed in each of the corners adjoining the fire, covered with + blue drugget quilts, stoutly quilted; there was another room in which the + travellers slept. Opposite me on the wall was the appropriate picture of + St. Patrick himself, with his crosier in hand, driving all kinds of + venomous reptiles out of the kingdom. The Hermit of Killamey was on his + right, and the Yarmouth Tragedy, or the dolorious history of Jemmy and + Nancy, two unfortunate lovers, on his left. Such is the rigorous economy + of a pilgrimage, and such is the circumstances of the greater part of + those who undertake it, that it is to houses of this description the + generality of them resort. These “dry lodging” houses may not improperly + be called Pilgrims' Inns, a great number of them being opened only during + the continuance of the three months in which the stations are performed. + </p> + <p> + Breakfast was now got ready, but it was evident that my two companions had + not been taken into account; for there was “an equipage” only for one. I + inquired from my speaking partner if she and her fellow-traveller would + not breakfast. The only reply I received was a sorrowful shake of the + head, and “Och, no, plaise your Reverence, no!” in quite an exhausted + cadence. On hearing this, the kind landlady gave them a look of uncommon + pity, exclaiming at the same time, as if in communication with her own + feelings, “Musha, God pity them, the poor crathurs; an they surely can't + but be both wake an ungry afther sich a journey, this blessed an' + broilin'day—och! och! if I had it or could afford it, an' they + shouldn't want, any way—arrah, won't ye thry and ate a bit of + something?” addressing herself to them. “Ooh, then, no, alanna, but I'd + just thank ye for a dhrink of cowld wather, if ye plase; an' that may be + the strengthenin' of us a bit.” I saw at once that their own little stock + of provisions, if they really had any, was too scanty to allow the simple + creatures the indulgence of a regular meal; still I thought they might, if + they felt so very weak, have taken even the slightest refreshment from + their bags. However, I was bound in honor, and also in charity, to give + them their breakfast, which I ordered accordingly for them both, it being, + I considered, only fair that as we had prayed together we should eat + together. Whilst we were at breakfast, the landlady, with a piece of + foresight for which I afterwards thanked her, warmed a pot of water, in + which my feet were bathed; she then took out a large three-cornered + pincushion with tassels, which hung at her side, a darning needle, and + having threaded it, she drew a white woollen thread several times along a + piece of soap, pressing it down with her thumb until it was quite soapy; + this she drew very tenderly through the blisters which were risen on my + feet, cutting it at both ends, and leaving a part of it in the blister. It + is decidedly the best remedy that ever was tried, for I can declare that + during the remainder of my pilgrimage, not one of these blisters gave me + the least pain. + </p> + <p> + When breakfast was over, and these kind attentions performed, we set out + once more; and from this place, I remarked, as we advanced, that an odd + traveller would fall in upon the way: so that before we had gone many + miles farther, the fatigue of the journey was much lessened by the society + of the pilgrims. These were now collected into little groups, of from + three to a dozen, each, with the exception of myself and one or two others + of a decenter cast, having the staff and bag. The chat and anecdotes were, + upon the whole, very amusing; but although there was a great variety of + feature, character, and costume among so many, as must always be the case + where people of different lives, habits, and pursuits, are brought + together; still I could perceive that there was a shade of strange + ruminating abstraction apparent on all. I could observe the cheerful + narrator relapse into a temporary gloom, or a fit of desultory reflection, + as some train of thought would suddenly rise in his mind. I could + sometimes perceive a shade of pain; perhaps of anguish, darken the + countenance of another, as if a bitter recollection was awakened; yet this + often changed, by an unexpected transition, to a gleam of joy and + satisfaction, as if a quick sense or hope of relief flashed across his + heart. + </p> + <p> + When we came near Petigo, the field for observation was much enlarged. The + road was then literally alive with pilgrims, and reminded me, as far as + numbers were concerned, of the multitudes that flocked to market on a + fair-day. Petigo is a snug little town, three or four miles from the lake, + where the pilgrims all sleep on the night before the commencement of their + stations. When we were about five or six miles from it, the road presented + a singular variety of grouping. There were men and women of all ages, from + the sprouting devotee of twelve, to the hoary, tottering pilgrim of + eighty, creeping along, bent over his staff, to perform this soul-saving + work, and die. + </p> + <p> + Such is the reverence in which this celebrated place is held, that as we + drew near it, I remarked the conversation to become slack; every face put + on an appearance of solemnity and thoughtfulness, and no man was inclined + to relish the conversation of his neighbor or to speak himself. The very + women were silent. Even the lassitude of the journey was unfelt, and the + unfledged pilgrim, as he looked up in his father's or mother's face, would + catch the serious and severe expression he saw there, and trot silently + on, forgetting that he was fatigued. + </p> + <p> + For my part, I felt the spirit of the scene strongly, yet, perhaps, not + with such an exclusive interest as others. I had not only awe, terror, + enthusiasm, pride, and devotion to manage, but suffered heavy annoyance + from the inroad of a villanous curiosity which should thrust itself among + the statelier feelings of the occasion, and set all attempts to restrain + it at defiance. It was a sad bar to my devotions, which, but for its + intrusion, I might have conducted with more meritorious. steadiness. How, + for instance, was it possible for me to register the transgressions of my + whole life, heading them under the “seven deadly sins,” with such a + prospect before me as the beautiful waters and shores of Lough Erne? + </p> + <p> + Despite of all the solemnity about me, my unmanageable eye would turn from + the very blackest of the seven deadly offences, and the stoutest of the + four cardinal virtues, to the beetling, abrupt, and precipitous rocks + which hung over the lake as if ready to tumble into its waters. I broke + away, too, from several “acts of contrition” to conjecture whether the + dark, shadowy inequalities which terminated the horizon, and penetrated, + methought, into the very skies far beyond the lake, were mountains or + clouds: a dark problem, which to this day I have not been able to solve. + Nay, I was taken twice, despite of the most virtuous efforts to the + contrary, from a <i>Salve Regina</i>, to watch a little skiff, which shone + with its snowy sail spread before the radiant evening sun, and glided over + the waters, like an angel sent on some happy-message. In fact, I found my + heart on the point of corruption, by indulging in what I had set down in + my vocabulary as the lust of the eye, and had some faint surmise that I + was plunging into obduracy. I accordingly made a private mark with the + nail of my thumb, on the “act of contrition” in my prayer-book, and + another on the <i>Salve Regina</i>, that I might remember to confess for + these devilish wanderings. But what all my personal piety could not + effect, a lucky turn in the road accomplished, by bringing me from the + view of the lake; and thus ended my temptations and my defeats on these + points. + </p> + <p> + When we got into Petigo, we found the lodging-houses considerably crowded. + I contrived, however, to establish myself as well as another, and in + consequence of my black, dress and the garrulous industry of my epicene + companion, who stuck close to me all along, was treated with more than + common respect. And here I was deeply impressed with the remarkable + contour of many visages, which I had now a better opportunity of examining + than while on the road. There seemed every description of guilt, and every + degree of religious feeling, mingled together in the same mass, and all + more or less subdued by the same principle of abrupt and gloomy + abstraction. + </p> + <p> + There was a little man dressed in a turned black coat, and drab cassimere + small-clothes, who struck me as a remarkable figure; his back was long, + his legs and thighs short and he walked on the edge of his feet. He had a + pale, sorrowful face, with bags hung under his eyes, drooping eyelids, no + beard, no brows, and no chin; for in the place of the two latter, there + was a slight frown where the brows ought to have been, and a curve in the + place of the chin, merely perceptible from the bottom of his underlip to + his throat. He wore his own hair, which was a light bay, so that you could + scarcely distinguish it from a wig. I was given to understand that he was + a religious tailor under three blessed orders. + </p> + <p> + There was another round-shouldered man, with black, twinkling eyes, plump + face, rosy cheeks, and nose twisted at the top. In his character, humor + appeared to be the predominant principle. He was evidently an original, + and, I am sure, had the knack of turning the ludicrous side of every + object towards him. His eye would roll about from one person to another + while fingering his beads, with an expression of humor something like + delight beaming from his fixed, steady countenance; and when anything that + would have been particularly worthy of a joke met his glance, I could + perceive a tremulous twinkle of the eye intimating his inward enjoyment. I + think still this jocular abstinence was to him the severest part of the + pilgrimage. I asked him was he ever at the “Island” before; he peered into + my face with a look that infected me with risibility, without knowing why, + shrugged up his shoulders, looked into the fire, and said “No,” with a dry + emphatic cough after it—as much as to say, you may apply my answer + to the future as well as to the past. Religion, I thought, was giving him + up, or sent him here as a last resource. He spoke to nobody. + </p> + <p> + A little behind the humorist sat a very tall, thin, important-looking + personage, dressed in a shabby black coat; there was a cast of severity + and self-sufficiency in his face, which at once indicated him to be a man + of office and authority, little accustomed to have his own will disputed. + I was not wrong in my conjecture; he was a classical schoolmaster, and was + pompously occupied, when I first saw him, reading through his spectacles, + with his head raised aloft, the seven Penitential Psalms in Latin, out of + the Key of Paradise, to a circle of women and children, along with two or + three men in frieze coats, who listened with profound attention. + </p> + <p> + A little to the right of Syntax, were a man and woman—the man + engaged in teaching the woman a Latin charm against the colic, to which it + seems she was subject. Although they all, for the most part, who were in + the large room about us, prayed aloud, yet by fastening the attention on + any particular person, you could hear what he said. I therefore heard, the + words of this charm, and as my memory is not bad, I still remember them; + they ran thus: + </p> + <p> + <i>Petrus sedebat super lapidem marmoreain juxta cedem Jerusalem et + dolebat, Jesus veniebat et rogabat “Petre, quid doles?” “Doleo vento + ventre.” “Surge, Petre, et sanus esto.” Et quicunque haec verba non + scripta sed memoriter tradita recitat nunquam dolebit vento ventre</i>. + </p> + <p> + These are the words literally, but I need not say, that had the poor woman + sat there since, she would not have got them impressed on her memory. + </p> + <p> + There were also other countenances in which a man might almost read the + histories of their owners. Methought I could perceive the lurking, + unsubdued spirit of the battered rake, in the leer of his roving eye, + while he performed, in the teeth of his flesh, blood, and principles, the + delusive vow to which the shrinking spirit, at the approach of death, on + the bed of sickness, clung, as to its salvation; for it was evident that + superstition had only exacted from libertinism what fear and ignorance had + promised her. + </p> + <p> + I could note the selfish, griping miser, betraying his own soul, and + holding a false promise to his heart, as with lank jaw, keen eye, and brow + knit with anxiety for the safety of his absent wealth, he joined some + group, sager if possible to defraud them even of the benefit of their + prayers, and attempting to practise that knavery upon heaven which had + been so successful upon earth. + </p> + <p> + I could see the man of years, I thought, withering away under the + disconsolation of an ill-spent life, old without peace, and gray without + wisdom, flattering himself that he is religious because he prays, and + making a merit of offering to God that which Satan had rejected; thinking, + too, that he has withdrawn from sin, because the ability of committing it + has left him, and taking credit for subduing his propensities, although + they have only died in his nature. + </p> + <p> + I could mark, too, I fancied, the stiff, set features of the pharisee, + affecting to instruct others, that he might show his own superiority, and + descanting on the merits of works, that his hearers might know he + performed them himself. + </p> + <p> + I could also observe the sly, demure over-doings of the hypocrite, and + mark the deceitful lines of grave meditation running along that part of + his countenance where in others the front of honesty lies open and + expanded. I could trace him when he got beyond his depth, where the want + of sincerity in religion betrayed his ignorance of its forms. I could note + the scowling, sharp-visaged bigot, wrapt up in the nice observance of + trifles, correcting others, if the object of their supplications embraced + anything within a whole hemisphere of heresy, and not so much happy + because he thought himself the way of salvation, as because he thought + others out of it—a consideration which sent pleasure tingling to his + fingers' ends. + </p> + <p> + But notwithstanding all this, I noticed, through the gloom of the place, + many who were actuated by genuine, unaffected piety, from whom charity and + kindness beamed forth through all the disadvantages around them. Such + people, for the most part, prayed in silence and alone. Whenever I saw a + man or woman anxious to turn away their faces, and separate themselves + from the flocks of gregarious babblers, I seldom failed to witness the + outpouring of a contrite spirit. I have certainly seen, in several + instances, the tear of heartfelt repentance bedew the sinner's cheek. I + observed one peculiarly interesting female who struck me very much. In + personal beauty she was very lovely—her form perfectly symmetrical, + and she evidently belonged to rather a better order of society. Her dress + was plain, though her garments were by no means common. She could scarcely + be twenty, and yet her face told a tale of sorrow, of deep, wasting, + desolating sorrow. As the prayers, hymns, and religious conversations + which wont on, were peculiar to the place, time, and occasion—it + being near the hour of rest:—she probably did not feel that + reluctance in going to pray in presence of so many which she otherwise + would have felt. She kept her eye on a certain female who had a remote + dusky corner to pray in, and the moment she retired from it, this young + creature went up and there knelt down. But what a contrast to the calm, + unconscious, and insipid mummery which went on at the moment through the + whole room! Her prayer was short, and she had neither book nor beads; but + the heavings of her bosom, and her suppressed sobs, sufficiently + proclaimed her sincerity. Her petition, indeed, seemed to go to heaven + from a broken heart. When it was finished, she remained a few moments on + her knees, and dried her eyes with her handkerchief. As she rose up, I + could mark the modest, timid glance, and the slight blush as she presented + herself again amongst the company, where all were strangers. I thought she + appeared, though in the midst of such a number, to be woefully and + pitiably alone. + </p> + <p> + As for my own companion, she absolutely made the grand tour of all the + praying knots on the promises, having taken a very tolerable bout with + each. There were two qualities in which she shone preeminent—voice + and distinctness; for she gave by far the loudest and most monotonous + chant. Her visage also was remarkable, for her complexion resembled the + dark, dingy red of a winter apple. She had a pair of very piercing black + eyes, with which, while kneeling with her body thrown back upon her heels + as if they were a cushion, she scrutinized, at her ease, every one in the + room, rocking herself gently from side to side. The poor creature paid a + marked attention to the interesting young woman I have just mentioned. At + last, they dropped off one by one to bed, that they might be up early the + next morning for the Lough, with the exception of some half-dozen, more + long-winded than the rest whose voices I could hear at their sixth rosary, + in the rapid elevated tone peculiar to Catholic devotion, until I fell + asleep. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, when I awoke, I joined with all haste the aggregate + crowd that proceeded in masses towards the lake—or Purgatory—which + lies amongst the hills that extend to the north-east of Petigo. While + ascending the bleak, hideous mountain range, whose ridge commands a full + view of this celebrated scene of superstition, the manner and appearance + of the pilgrims were deeply interesting. Such groupings as pressed forward + around me would have made line studies either for him who wished to + deplore or to ridicule the degradations and absurdities of human nature; + indeed there was an intense interest in the scene. I look back at this + moment with awe towards the tremulous and high-strained vibrations of my + mind, as it responded to the excitement. Reader, have you ever approached + the Eternal City? have you ever, from the dreary solitudes of the + Campagna, seen the dome of St. Peter's for the first time? and have the + monuments of the greatest men and the mightiest deeds that ever the earth + witnessed—have the names of the Caesars, and the Catos, and the + Scipios, excited a curiosity amounting to a sensation almost too intense + to be borne? I think I can venture to measure the expansion of your mind, + as it enlarged itself before the crowding visions of the past, as the dim + grandeur of ages rose up and developed itself from amidst the shadows of + time; and entranced amidst the magic of your own associations, you desired + to stop—you were almost content to go no farther—your own + Rome, you were in the midst of—Rome free—Rome triumphant—Rome + classical. And perhaps it is well you awoke in good time from your shadowy + dream, to escape from the unvaried desolation and the wasting malaria that + brooded all around. Reader, I can fancy that such might have been your + sensations when the domes and the spires of the world's capital first met + your vision; and I can assure you, that while ascending the ridge that was + to give me a view of Patrick's Purgatory, my sensations were as + impressively, as powerfully excited. For I desire you to recollect, that + the welfare of your immortal soul was not connected with your imaginings, + your magnificent visions did not penetrate into the soul's doom. You were + not submitted to the agency, of a transcendental power. You were, in a + word, a poet, but not a fanatic. What comparison, then, could there be + between the exercise of your free, manly, cultivated understanding, and my + feelings on this occasion, with my thick-coming visions of immortality, + that almost lifted me from the mountain-path I was ascending, and brought + me, as it were, into contact with the invisible world? I repeat it, then, + that such were my feelings, when all the faculties which exist in the mind + were aroused and concentrated upon one object. In such a case, the pilgrim + stands, as it were, between life and death; and as it was superstition + that placed him there, she certainly conjures up to his heated fancy those + dark, fleeting, and indistinct images which are adjusted to that gloom + which she has already cast over his mind. Although there could not be less + than two hundred people, young and old, boys and girls, men and women, the + hale and the sickly, the blind and the lame, all climbing to gain the top + with as little delay as possible, yet was there scarcely a sound, + certainly not a word, to be heard among them. For my part, I plainly heard + the palpitations of my heart, both loud and quick. Had I been told that + the veil of eternity was about to be raised before me at that moment, I + could scarcely have felt more intensely. Several females were obliged to + rest for some time, in order to gain both physical and moral strength—one + fainted; and several old men were obliged to sit down. All were praying, + every crucifix was out, every bead in requisition; and nothing broke a + silence so solemn but a low, monotonous murmur of deep devotion. + </p> + <p> + As soon as we ascended the hill, the whole scene was instantly before us: + a large lake, surrounded by an amphitheatre of mountains, bleak, + uncomfortable, and desolate. In the lake itself, about half a mile from + the edge next us, was to be seen the “Island,” with two or three slated + houses on it, naked and un-plastered, as desolate-looking almost as the + mountains. A little range of exceeding low hovels, which a dwarf could + scarcely enter without stooping, appeared to the left; and the eye could + rest on nothing more, except a living mass of human beings crawling slowly + about. The first thing the pilgrim does when he gets a sight of the lake, + is to prostrate himself, kiss the earth, and then on his knees offer up + three Paters and Aves, and a Creed for the favor of being permitted to see + this blessed place. When this is over, he descends to the lake, and after + paying tenpence to the ferry-man, is rowed over to the Purgatory. + </p> + <p> + When the whole view was presented to me, I stood for some time to + contemplate it; I cannot better illustrate the reaction which, took place + in my mind, than by saying that it resembles that awkward inversion which + a man's proper body experiences when, on going to pull something from + which he expects a marvellous assistance, it comes with him at a touch, + and the natural consequence is, that he finds his head down and his heels + up. That which dashed the whole scene from the dark elevation in which the + romance of devotion had placed it was the appearance of slated houses, and + of the smoke that curled from the hovels and the prior's residence. This + at once brought me back to humanity: and the idea of roasting meat, + boiling pots, and dressing dinners, dispossessed every fine and fearful + image which had floated through my imagination for the last twelve hours. + In fact, allowing for the difference of situation, it nearly resembled + John's Well, or James's Fair, when beheld at a distance, turning the + slated houses into inns, and the hovels into tents. A certain idea, + slight, untraceable, and involuntary, went over my brain on that occasion, + which, though it did not then cost me a single effort of reflection, I + think was revived and developed at a future period of my life, and became, + perhaps to a certain extent, the means of opening a wider range of thought + to my mind, and of giving a new tone to my existence. Still, however, + nothing except my idea of its external appearance disappointed, me; I + accordingly ascended with the rest, and in a short time found myself among + the living mass upon the island. + </p> + <p> + The first thing I did was to hand over my three cakes of oaten bread which + I had got made in Petigo, tied up in a handkerchief, as well as my hat and + second shirt, to the care of the owner of one of the, huts: having first, + by the way, undergone a second prostration on touching the island, and + greeted it with fifteen holy kisses, and another string of prayers. I + then, according to the regulations, should commence the stations, + lacerated as my feet were after so long a journey; so that I had not a + moment to rest. Think, therefore, what I must have suffered, on + surrounding a large chapel, in the direction of from east to west, over a + pavement of stone spikes, every one of them making its way along my nerves + and muscles to my unfortunate brain. I was absolutely stupid and dizzy + with the pain, the praying, the jostling, the elbowing, the scrambling and + the uncomfortable penitential murmurs of the whole crowd. I knew not what + I was about, but went through the forms in the same mechanical spirit + which pervaded all present. As for that solemn, humble, and heartfelt + sense of God's presence, which Christian prayer demands, its existence in + the mind would not only be a moral but a physical impossibility in Lough + Derg. I verily think that if mortification of the body, without conversion + of the life or heart—if penance and not repentance could save the + soul, no wretch who performed a pilgrimage here could with a good grace be + damned. Out of hell the place is matchless, and if there be a purgatory in + the other world, it may very well be said there is a fair rehearsal of it + in the county of Donegal in Ireland. + </p> + <p> + When I commenced my station, I started from what is called the “Beds,” and + God help St. Patrick if he lay upon them: they are sharp stones placed + circularly in the earth, with the spike ends of them up, one circle within + another; and the manner in which the pilgrim gets as far as the innermost, + resembles precisely that in which school-boys enter the “Walls of Troy” + upon their slates. I moved away from these upon the sharp stones with + which the whole island is surfaced, keeping the chapel, or “Prison,” as it + is called, upon my right; then turning, I came round again with a + circumbendibus, to the spot from which I set out. During this circuit, as + well as I can remember, I repeated fifty-five paters and aves, and five + creeds, or five decades; and be it known, that the fifty prayers were + offered up to the Virgin Mary, and the odd five to God! I then commenced + getting round the eternal beds, during which I repeated, I think, fifteen + paters and aves more; and as the bods decreased in circumference, the + prayers decreased in length, until a short circuit and three paters and + aves finished the last and innermost of these blessed couches. I really + forgot how many times each day the prison and these beds are to be + surrounded, and how many hundred prayers are to be repeated during the + circuit, though each circuit is in fact making the grand tour of the + island; but I never shall forget that I was the best part of a July day at + it, when the soles of my feet were flayed, and the stones hot enough to + broil a beefsteak! When the first day's station was over, it is necessary + to say that a little rest would have been agreeable? But no, this would + not suit the policy of the place; here it may be truly said that there is + no rest for the wicked. The only luxury allowed me was the privilege of + feasting upon one of my cakes (having not tasted food that blessed day + until then); upon one of my cakes, I say, and a copious supply of the + water of the lake, which, to render the repast more agreeable, was made + lukewarm! This was to keep my spirits up after the delicate day's labor I + had gone through, and to cheer me against the pleasant prospect of a hard + night's praying without sleep, which lay in the back ground! But when I + saw everyone at this refreshing meal with a good, thick, substantial + bannock, and then looked at the immateriality of my own, I could not help + reverting to the woman who made them for me, with a degree of vivacity not + altogether in unison with the charity of a Christian. The knavish creature + defrauded me of one-half of the oatmeal, although I had purchased it + myself in Petigo for the occasion; being determined that as I was only to + get two meals in the three days, they should be such as a person could + fast upon. Never was there a man more bitterly disappointed; for they were + not thicker than crown-pieces, and I searched for them in my mouth to no + purpose—the only thing like substance I could feel there was the + warm water. At last, night came; but here to describe the horrors of what + I suffered I hold myself utterly inadequate. I was wedged in a shake-down + bed with seven others, one of whom was a Scotch Papist—another a man + with a shrunk leg, who wore a crutch—all afflicted with that disease + which northern men that feed on oatmeal are liable to; and then the swarms + that fell upon my poor young skin, and probed, and stung, and fed on me! + it was pressure and persecution almost insupportable, and yet such was my + fatigue that sleep even here began to weigh down my eyelids. + </p> + <p> + I was just on the point of enjoying a little rest, when a man ringing a + large hand-bell, came round crying out in a low, supernatural growl, which + could be heard double the distance of the loudest shout—“Waken up, + waken up, and come to the prison!” The words were no sooner out of his + mouth, than there was a sudden start, and a general scramble in the dark + for our respective garments. When we got dressed, we proceeded to the + waters of the lake, in which we washed our face and hands, repeating + prayers during the ablution. This to me was the most impressive and + agreeable part of the whole station. The night, while we were in bed, or + rather in torture, had become quite stormy, and the waves of the lake beat + against the shore with the violence of an agitated sea. There was just + sufficient moon to make the “darkness visible,” and to show the black + clouds drifting with rapid confusion, in broken masses, over our heads. + This, joined to the tossing of the billows against the shore—the + dark silent groups that came, like shadows, stooping for a moment over the + surface of the waters, and retreating again in a manner which the severity + of the night rendered necessarily quick, raising thereby in the mind the + idea of gliding spirits—then the preconceived desolation of the + surrounding scenery—the indistinct shadowy chain of dreary mountains + which, faintly relieved by the lurid sky, hemmed in the lake—the + silence of the forms, contrasted with the tumult of the elements about us—the + loneliness of the place—its isolation and remoteness from the + habitations of men—all this put together, joined to the feeling of + deep devotion in which I was wrapped, had really a sublime effect upon me. + Upon the generality of those who were there, blind to the natural beauty + and effect of the hour and the place, and viewing it only through the + medium of superstitious awe, it was indeed calculated to produce the + notion of something not belonging to the circumstance and reality of human + life. + </p> + <p> + From this scene we passed to one, which, though not characterized by its + dark, awful beauty, was scarcely inferior to it in effect. It was called + the “Prison,” and it is necessary to observe here, that every pilgrim must + pass twenty-four hours in this place, kneeling, without food or sleep, + although one meal of bread and warm water, and whatever sleep he could get + in Petigo with seven in a bed, were his allowance of food and sleep during + the twenty-four hours previous. I must here beg the good reader's + attention for a moment, with, reference to our penance in the “Prison.” + Let us consider how the nature of this pilgrimage: it must be performed on + foot, no matter what the distance of residence (allowing for voyages)—the + condition of life—the age or the sex of the pilgrim may be. + Individuals from France, from America, England, and Scotland, visit it—as + voluntary devotees, or to perform an act of penance for some great crime, + or perhaps to atone for a bad life in general. It is performed, too, in + the dead heat of summer, when labor is slack, and the lower orders have + sufficient leisure to undertake it; and, I may add, when travelling on + foot is most fatiguing; they arrive, therefore, without a single + exception, blown and jaded almost to death. The first thing they do, + notwithstanding this, is to commence the fresh rigors of the station, + which occupies them several hours. This consists in what I have already + described, viz., the pleasant promenade upon the stony spikes around the + prison and the “beds;” that over, they take their first and only meal for + the day; after which, as in my own case just related, they must huddle + themselves in clusters, on what is barefacedly called a bed, but which is + nothing more nor less than a beggarman's shakedown, where the smell, the + heat, the filth, and above all, the vermin, are intolerable to the very + farthest stretch of the superlative degree. As soon as their eyes begin to + close here, they are roused by the bell-man, and summoned at the hour of + twelve—first washing themselves as aforesaid, in the lake, and then + adjourning to the prison which I am about to describe. There is not on + earth, with the exception of pagan rites,—and it is melancholy to be + compelled to compare any institution of the Christian religion with a + Juggernaut,—there is not on earth, I say, a regulation of a + religious nature, more barbarous and inhuman than this. It has destroyed + thousands since its establishment—has left children without parents, + and parents childless. It has made wives widows, and torn from the + disconsolate husband the mother of his children; and is itself the monster + which St. Patrick is said to have destroyed in the place—a monster, + which is a complete and significant allegory of this great and destructive + superstition. But what is even worse than death, by stretching the powers + of human sufferance until the mind cracks under them, it is said sometimes + to return these pitiable creatures maniacs—exulting in the laugh of + madness, or sunk for ever in the incurable apathy of religious melancholy. + I mention this now, to exhibit the purpose for which these calamities are + turned to account, and the dishonesty which is exercised over these poor, + unsuspecting people, in consequence of their occurrence. The pilgrims, + being thus aroused at midnight are sent to prison; and what think you is + the impression under which they enter it? one indeed, which, when we + consider their bodily weakness and mental excitement, must do its work + with success. It is this: that as soon as they enter the prison a + supernatural tendency to sleep will come over them, which, they say, is + peculiar to the place; that this is an emblem of the influence of sin over + the soul, and a type of their future fate; that if they resist this they + will be saved; but if they yield to it, they will not only be damned in + the next world, but will go mad, or incur some immediate and dreadful + calamity in this. Is it any wonder that a weak mind and exhausted body, + wrought upon by these bugbears, should induce upon by itself, by its own + terrors, the malady of derangement? We know that nothing acts so strongly + and so fatally upon reason, as an imagination diseased by religious + terrors: and I regret to say, that I had upon that night an opportunity of + witnessing a fatal instance of it. + </p> + <p> + After having washed ourselves in the dark waters of the lake, we entered + this famous prison, which is only a naked, unplastered chapel, with an + altar against one of the sides and two galleries. On entering this place, + a scene presented itself altogether unparalleled on the earth, and in + every point of view capable to sustain the feelings raised in the mind by + the midnight scenery of the lake as seen during the ablutions. The prison + was full, but not crowded; for had it been crowded, we would have been + happy. It was, however, just sufficiently filled to give every individual + the pleasure of sustaining himself, without having it in his power to + recline for a moment in an attitude of rest, or to change that most + insupportable of all bodily suffering, uniformity of position. There we + knelt upon a hard ground floor, and commenced praying; and again I must + advert to the policy which prevails in this island. During the period of + imprisonment, there are no prescribed prayers nor ceremonies whatever to + be performed, and this is the more strange, as every other stage of the + station has its proper devotions. But these are suspended here, lest the + attention of the prisoners might be fixed on any particular object, and + the supernatural character of drowsiness imputed to the place be thus + doubted—they are, therefore, turned in without anything to excite + them to attention or to resist the propensity to sleep occasioned by their + fatigue and want of rest Having thus nothing to do, nothing to sustain, + nothing to stimulate them, it is very natural that they should, even if + unexhausted by previous lassitude, be inclined to sleep; but everything + that can weigh them down is laid upon them in this heavy and oppressive + superstition, that the strong delusion may be kept up. + </p> + <p> + On entering the prison, I was struck with the dim religious twilight of + the place. Two candles gleamed faintly from the altar, and there was + something I thought of a deadly light about them, as they burned feebly + and stilly against the darkness which hung over the other part of the + building. Two priests, facing the congregation, stood upon the altar in + silence, with pale spectral visages, their eyes catching an unearthly + glare from the sepulchral light of the slender tapers. But that which was + strangest of all, and, as I said before, without a parallel in this world, + was the impression and effect produced by the deep, drowsy, hollow, + hoarse, guttural, ceaseless, and monotonous hum, which proceeded from + about four hundred individuals, half asleep and at prayer; for their + cadences were blended and slurred into each other, as they repeated, in an + awe-struck and earnest undertone, the prayers in which they were engaged. + It was certainly the strangest sound I ever heard, and resembled a + thousand subterraneous groans, uttered in a kind of low, deep, unvaried + chant. Nothing could produce a sense of gloomy alarm in a weak + superstitious mind equal to this; and it derived much of its wild and + singular character, as well as of its lethargic influence, from its + continuity; for it still—still rung lowly and supernaturally on my + ear. Perhaps the deep, wavy prolongation of the bass of a large cathedral + bell, or that low, continuous sound, which is distinct from its higher and + louder intonations, would give a faint notion of it, yet only a faint one; + for the body of hoarse monotony here was immense. Indeed, such a noise had + something so powerfully lulling, that human nature, even excited by the + terrible suggestions of superstitious fear, was scarcely able to withstand + it. + </p> + <p> + Now the poor pilgrims forget, that this strong disposition to sleep arises + from the weariness produced by their long journeys—by the exhausting + penance of the station, performed without giving them time to rest—by + the other still more natural consequence of not giving them time to sleep—by + the drowsy darkness of the chapel—and by the heaviness caught from + the low peculiar murmur of the pilgrims, which would of itself overcome + the lightest spirit. I was here but a very short time when I began to + doze, and just as my chin was sinking placidly on my breast, and the words + of an Ave Maria dying upon my lips, I felt the charm all at once broken by + a well-meant rap upon the occiput, conferred through the instrumentality + of a little angry-looking squat urchin of sixty years, and a remarkably + good black-thorn cudgel, with which he was engaged in thwacking the heads + of such sinners, as, not having the dread of insanity and the regulations + of the place before their eyes, were inclined to sleep. I declare the + knock I received told to such a purpose on my head, that nothing occurred + during the pilgrimage that vexed me so much. + </p> + <p> + After all, I really slept the better half of the night; yet so + indescribably powerful was the apprehension of derangement, that my + hypocritical tongue wagged aloud at the prayers, during these furtive + naps. Nay, I not only slept but dreamed. I experienced also that singular + state of being, in which, while the senses are accessible to the influence + of surrounding objects, the process of thought is suspended, the man seems + to enjoy an inverted existence, in which the soul sleeps, and the body + remains awake and susceptible of external impressions. I once thought I + was washing myself in the lake, and that the dashing noise of its waters + rang in my ears: I also fancied myself at home in conversation with my + friends; yet, in neither case, did I altogether forget where I was. Still + in struggling to bring my mind back, so paramount was the dread of awaking + deranged should I fall asleep, that these occasional visions—associating + themselves with this terror—and this again broken in upon by the + hoarse murmurs about me, throwing their dark shades on every object that + passed my imagination, the force of reason being too vague at the moment; + these occasional visions I say, and this jumbling together of broken + images and disjointed thoughts, had such an effect upon me, that I + imagined several times that the awful penalty was exacted, and that my + reason was gone for ever. I frequently started, and on seeing two dim + lights upon the altar, and on hearing the ceaseless and eternal murmurs + going on—going on—around me, without being immediately able to + ascribe them to their proper cause, I set myself down as a lost man; for + on that terror I was provokingly clear during the whole night. I more than + once gave an involuntary groan or shriek, on finding myself in this + singular state; so did many others, and these groans and shrieks were + wildly and fearfully contrasted with the never-ending hum, which, like the + ceaseless noise of a distant waterfall, went on during the night. The + perspiration occasioned by this inconceivable distress, by the heat of the + place, and by the unchangeableness of my position, flowed profusely from + every core. About two o'clock in the morning an unhappy young man, either + in a state of lethargic indifference, or under the influence of these + sudden paroxysms, threw himself, or fell from one of the galleries, and + was so shattered by the fall that he died next day at twelve o'clock,—and, + what was not much to the credit of the clergymen on the island—without + the benefit of the clergy; for I saw a priest with his stole and box of + chrism finishing off his extreme unction when he was quite dead. This is + frequently done in the Church of Rome, under a hope that life may not be + utterly extinct, and that consequently the final separation of the soul + and body may not have taken place. + </p> + <p> + In this prison, during the night, several persons go about with rods and + staves, rapping those on the head whom they see heavy; snuff-boxes also go + around very freely, elbows are jogged, chins chucked, and ears twitched, + for the purpose of keeping each other awake. The rods and staves are + frequently changed from hand to hand, and I thought it would be a lucky + job if I could get one for a little, to enable me to change my position. I + accordingly asked a man who had been a long time banging in this manner, + if he would allow me to take his place for some time, and he was civil + enough to do so. I therefore set out on my travels through the prison, + rapping about me at a great rate, and with remarkable effect; for, + whatever was the cause of it, I perceived that not a soul seemed the least + inclined to doze after a visit from me; on the contrary, I observed + several to scratch their heads, giving me at the same time significant + looks of very sincere thankfulness. + </p> + <p> + But what I am convinced was the most meritorious act of my whole + pilgrimage, as it was certainly the most zealously performed, was a + remembrance I gave the squat fellow, who visited me in the early part of + the night. He was engaged, tooth and nail, with another man, at a <i>De + Profundis</i>, and although not asleep at the time, yet on the principle + that prevention is better than cure, I thought it more prudent to let him + have his rap before the occasion for it might come on: he accordingly got + full payment, at compound interest, for the villanous knock he had lent me + before. + </p> + <p> + This employment stirred my blood a little, and I got much lighter. I could + now pay some attention to the scene about me, and the first object that + engaged it was a fellow with a hare-lip, who had completely taken the lead + at prayer. The organs of speech seemed to have been transferred from his + mouth to his nose, and, although Irish was his vernacular language, either + some fool or knave had taught him to say his prayers in English: and you + may take this as an observation founded on fact, that the language which a + Roman Catholic of the lower class does not understand, is the one in which + it is disposed to pray. As for him he had lots of English prayers, though + he was totally ignorant of that language. The twang from the nose, the + loud and rapid tone in which he spoke, and the malaproprian happiness with + which he travestied every prayer he uttered, would have compelled any man + to smile. The priests laughed outright before the whole congregation, + particularly one of them, whom I well knew; the other turned his face + towards the altar, and leaning over a silver pix, in which, according to + their own tenets, the Redeemer of the world must have been at that moment, + as it contained the consecrated wafers, gave full vent to his risibility. + Now it is remarkable that no one present attached the slightest + impropriety to this—I for one did not; although it certainly + occurred to me with full force at a subsequent period. + </p> + <p> + When morning came, the blessed light of the sun broke the leaden charm of + the prison, and infused into us a wonderful portion of fresh vigor. This + day being the second from our arrival, we had our second station to + perform, and consequently all the sharp spikes to re-traverse. We were not + permitted at all to taste food during these twenty-four hours, so that our + weakness was really very great. I beg leave, however, to return my special + acknowledgments for the truly hospitable allowance of wine with which I, + in common with every other pilgrim, was treated. This wine is made by + filling a large pot with the lake water, and making it lukewarm. It is + then handed round in jugs and wooden noggins—to their credit be it + recorded—in the greatest possible abundance. On this alone I + breakfasted, dined, and supped, during the second or prison day of my + pilgrimage. + </p> + <p> + At twelve o'clock that night we left prison, and made room for another + squadron, who gave us their kennels. Such a luxury was sleep to me, + however, that I felt not the slightest inconvenience from the vermin, + though I certainly made a point to avoid the Scotchman and the cripple. On + the following day I confessed; and never was an unfortunate soul so + grievously afflicted with a bad memory as I was on that occasion—the + whole thing altogether, but particularly the prison scene, had knocked me + up, I could not therefore remember a tithe of my sins; and the priest, + poor man, had really so much to do, and was in such a hurry, that he had + me clean absolved before I had got half through the preface, or knew what + I was about. I then went with a fresh batch to receive the sacrament, + which I did from the hands of the good-natured gentleman who enjoyed so + richly the praying talents of the hare-lipped devotee in the prison. + </p> + <p> + I cannot avoid mentioning here a practice peculiar to Roman Catholics, + which consists in an exchange of one or more prayers, by a stipulation + between two persons: I offer up a pater and ave for you, and you again for + me. It is called swapping or exchanging prayers. After I had received the + sacrament, I observed a thin, sallow little man, with a pair of beads, as + long as himself, moving from knot to knot, but never remaining long in the + same place. At last he glided up to me, and in a whisper asked me if I + knew him. I answered in the negative. “Oh, then, a lanna, ye war never + here before?” “Never.” “Oh, I see that, acushla, you would a known me if + you had: well then, did ye never hear of Sol Donnel, the pilgrim?” + </p> + <p> + “I never did,” I replied, “but are we not all pilgrims while here?” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure, aroon, but I'm a pilgrim every place else, you see, as well + as here, my darlin' sweet young man.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you're a pilgrim by profession?” + </p> + <p> + “That's it, asthore machree; everybody that comes here the second time, + sure, knows Sol Donnel, the blessed pilgrim.” + </p> + <p> + “In that case it was impossible for me to know you, as I was-never here + before.” + </p> + <p> + “Acushla, I know that, but a good beginnin' are ye makin' of it—an' + at your time of life too; but, avick, it must prosper wid ye, comin' here + I mane.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope it may.” “Well yer parents isn't both livin' it's likely?” “No.” + “Aye! but yell jist not forget that same, ye see; I b'lieve I sed so—your + father dead, I suppose?” “No, my mother.” “Your mother; well, avick, I + didn't say that for a sartinty; but still, you see, avourneen, maybe + somebody could a tould ye it was the mother, forhaps, afther all.” “Did + you know them?” I asked. “You see, a lanna, I can't say that, without + first hearin' their names.” “My name is B———.” “An' a + dacent bearable name it is, darlin'. Is yer father of them da-cent people, + the B———s of Newtownlimavady, ahagur!” “Not that I know + of.” “Oh, well, well, it makes no maxim between you an' me, at all, at + all; but the Lord mark you to grace, any how; it's a dacent name sure + enough, only if yer mother was livin', it's herself 'ud be the proud + woman, an' well she might, to see such a clane, promisin' son steppin' + home to her from Lough Derg.” “Indeed I'm obliged to you,” said I; “I + protest I'm obliged to you, for your good opinion of me.” “It's nothin' + but what ye desarve, avick! an' more nor that—yer the makin's of a + clargy I'm guessin'?” “I am,” said I, “surely designed for that.” “Oh, I + knew it, I knew it, it's in your face; you've the sogarth in yer very + face; an' well will ye become the robes when ye get them on ye: sure, an' + to tell you the truth (in a whisper, stretching up his mouth to my ear), I + feel my heart warm towardst you, somehow.” “I declare I feel much the same + towards you,” I returned, for the fellow in spite of me was gaining upon + my good opinion; “you are a decent, civil soul.” “An' for that raison, and + for your dacent mother's sake (<i>sobies-coat inpassy, amin</i>), (* + Requiescat in pace.) I'll jist here offer up the <i>gray profungus</i> (* + De profundis) for the release of her sowl out o' the burning flames of + pur-gathur.” I really could not help shuddering at this. He then repeated + a psalm for that purpose, the 130th in our Bible, but the 129th in theirs. + When it was finished, with all due gesticulation, that is to say, having + thumped his breast with great violence, kissed the ground, and crossed + himself repeatedly, he says to me, like a man confident that he had paved + his way to my good graces, “Now, avick, as we <i>did</i> do so much, + you're the very darlin' young man that I won't lave, widout the best, + maybe, that's to come yet, ye see; bekase I'll swap a prayer wid you, this + blessed minute.” “I'm very glad you mentioned it,” said I. “But you don't + know, maybe, darlin', that I'm undher five ordhers.” “Dear me! is it + possible you're under so many?” “Undher five ordhers, acushla!”—“Well,” + I replied, “I am ready.”—“Undher five ordhers—but I'll lave it + to yourself; only when it's over, maybe, ye'll hear somethin' from me + that'll make you thankful you ever gave me silver any way.” + </p> + <p> + By this time I saw his drift: but he really had managed his point so + dexterously—not forgetting the De profundis—that I gave him + tenpence in silver: he pocketed it with great alacrity, and was at the + prayer in a twinkling, which he did offer up in prime,style—five + paters, five aves, and a creed, whilst I set the same number to his + credit. When we had finished, he made me kneel down to receive his + blessing, which he gave in great form:—“Now,” said he, in a low, + important tone, “I'm goin' to show you a thing that'll make you bless the + born day you ever seen my face; and it's this—did ye ever hear of + the blessed Thirty Days' Prayer?” * “I can't say I did.” “Well, avick, in + good time still; but there's a blessed book, if you can get it, that has a + prayer in it, named the Thirty Bays' Prayer, an' if ye jist repate that + same, every day for thirty days fastin', there's no request ye'll ax from + heaven, good, bad, or indifferent, but ye'll get. And now do you begrudge + givin'me what I got?” “Not a bit,” said I, “and I'll certainly look for + the book.” “No, no, the darlin' fine young man,” soliloquizing aloud—“Well + and well did I know you wouldn't, nor another along wid it—sensible + and learned as ye are, to know the blessed worth of what ye got for it; + not makin', at the same time, any comparishment at all at all atween it + and the dirty thrash of riches of this earth, that every wan has their + heart fixed upon—exceptin' them that the Lord gives the larnin' an' + the edication to, to know betther.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * There is such a prayer, and I have often seen it in + Catholic Prayer-books. +</pre> + <p> + Oh, flattery! flattery! and a touch of hypocrisy on my part! Between ye, + did ye make another lodgment on my purse, which was instantly lightened by + an additional bank token, value tenpence, handed over to this + sugar-tongued old knave. When he Pocketed this, he shook me cordially by + the band, bidding me “not to forgit the Thirty Days' Prayer, at any rate.” + He then glided off with his small, sallow face, stuck between his little + shrugged shoulders, fingering his beads, and praying audibly with great + apparent fervor, whilst his little keen eye was reconnoitering for another + pigeon. In the course of a few minutes, I saw him lead a large, soft, + warm-looking, countryman, over to a remote corner, and enter into an + earnest conversation with him, which, I could perceive, ended by their + both kneeling down, I suppose, to swap a prayer; and I have no doubt but + he lightened the honest countryman's purse, as well as mine. + </p> + <p> + On the third day I was determined, if possible, to leave it early; so I + performed my third and last station round the chapel and the beds, reduced + to such a state of weakness and hunger, that the coats of my stomach must + have been rubbing against each other; my feet were quite shapeless. I + therefore made the shortest circuit and the longest strides possible, + until I finished it. + </p> + <p> + I witnessed this day, immediately before my departure from this gloomy and + truly purgatorial settlement, a scene of some interest. A priest was + standing before the door of the dwelling-house, giving tickets to such as + were about to confess, this being a necessary point. When he had + despatched them all, I saw an old man and his son approach him, the man + seemingly sixty, the boy about fourteen. They had a look of peculiar + decency, but were thin and emaciated, even beyond what the rigor of their + penance here could produce. The youth tottered with weakness, and the old + man supported him with much difficulty. It is right to mention here, that + this pilgrimage was performed in a season when sickness and famine + prevailed fearfully in this kingdom. They advanced up to the priest to pay + their money on receiving the tickets; he extended his palm from habit, but + did not speak. The old man had some silver in his hand; and as he was + about to give it to the priest, I saw the child look up beseechingly in + his father's face, whilst an additional paleness came over his own, and + his eyes filled with tears. The father saw and felt the appeal of the + child, and hesitated; the priest's arm was still extended, his hand open:—“Would + you, sir,” said the old man, addressing the priest, “be good enough to + hear a word from me?” “For what?” replied the priest, in a sharp tone. + “Why, sir,” answered the old man, “I am very much distressed.” “Ay—it + is the common story! Come, pay the money; don't you see I've no time to + lose?” “I won't detain you a minute, sir,” said the man; “this child”——“You + want to keep the money, then? that's your object; down with it on the + instant, and begone.” + </p> + <p> + The old man dropped it into the priest's hand, in a kind of start, + produced by the stern tone of voice in which he was addressed. When the + priest got the money he seemed in a better humor, not wishing, I could + see, to send the man away with a bad impression of him. “Well, now what's + that you were going to say to me?” “Why, sir,” resumed the old man, “that + I have not a penny in my possession behind what I have just now put into + your hand—not the price of a morsel for this child or myself, + although we have forty miles to travel!” “Well, and how am I to remedy + that? What brought you here, if you had not what would bear your + expenses?” “I had, sir, on setting out; but my little boy was five days + sick in Petigo, and that took away with it what we had to carry us home.” + “And you expect me, in short, to furnish you with money to do that? Do you + think, my good man, there are not paupers in my own parish, that have a + better right to assistance than you have!” “I do not doubt it, sir,” said + he, “I do not doubt it; and as for myself I could crawl home upon + anything; but what is this child to do? he is already sinking with hunger + and—” The poor man's utterance here failed him as he cast his eyes + on the poor, pale boy. When he had recovered himself a little, he + proceeded:— “He is all that it has pleased God to leave to his + afflicted mother and me, out of seven of them. His other brother and + sister and him were all we had living for some years; they are seven weeks + dead yesterday, of the fever; and when he was given over, sir, his mother + and I vowed, that if God would spare him to us, either she or I would + bring him to the 'Island,' as soon as he would be able for the journey. He + was but weakly settin' out, and we had no notion that the station was so + tryin' as it is: it has nearly overcome my child, and how he will be able + to walk forty miles in this weak, sickly state, God only knows?” “Oh! + sir,” said the boy, “my poor father is worse off and weaker than I am, and + he is sick too, sir; I am only weak, but not sick; but my poor father's + both weak and sick,” said he, his tears streaming from him, as he pressed + his father's arm to his breast—“my poor father is both weak and. + sick, ay, and hungry too,” said he. “Take this,” said the priest, “it is + as much as I can afford to give you,” putting a silver fivepenny-piece + into his hand; “there's a great deal of poor in my own parish.” “Alas I + thought, you are not a father. Indeed, sir,” said the poor man, “I thought + you would have allowed me to keep the silver I gave you, as how can we + travel two-and-forty miles on this?” “I tell you, my good man,” said the + priest, resuming a sterner tone, “I have done as much for you as I can + afford: and if every one gives you as much, you won't be ill off.” + </p> + <p> + The tears stood in the old man's eyes, as he fixed them hopelessly upon + his boy whilst the child looked ravenously at the money, trifling as it + was, and seemed to think of nothing except getting the worth of it of + food. As they left the priest, “Oh, come, come father,” said the little + fellow, “come and let us get something to eat.” “Easy, dear, till I draw + my breath a little, for, John I am weak; but the Lord is strong, and will + bring us home, if we put our trust in him; for if he's not more merciful + to his poor creatures, than some that acts in his name here, John, we + would have a bad chance.” They here sat down on the ledge of a rock, a few + yards from the chapel, and I still remained bound to the spot by the + interest I felt in what I had just witnessed. “What do you want, sir,” + said the priest to me; “did you get your ticket?” “I did, sir,” I replied; + “but I hope you will permit me to become an advocate for that poor man and + his son, as I think their case is one in which life and death are probably + concerned!” “Really, my good young man, you may spare your advocacy, I'm + not to be duped with such tales as you've heard.” “By the tale, sir, if + tale you call it,” I returned, “which the father told, I think, any man + might be guided in his charity; but really I think the most pitiful story + was to be read in their faces.” “Do you think so? Well, if that's your + opinion, I'm sure you have a fair opportunity of being charitable; as for + me, I have no more time to lose with either you or them,” said he, going + into a comfortable house, whilst I could have fairly seen him up to the + neck in the blessed element about us. I here stepped over, and instantly + desired the old man to hand me the fivepence, telling him at the same time + that there was something better in prospect, as a proof of which I gave + him half-a-crown. I then returned to the priest, and laid his fivepence + down on the table before him; for I had the generosity, the fire, and the + candor of youth about me, unrepressed by the hardening experience of life. + “What's this, sir?” said he. “Your money, sir,” I replied—“it is + such a very trifle, that it would be of no service to them, and they will + be enabled to go home without it; the old man returns it.” “That is as + much as to say,” he replied, sarcastically, “that you will patronize them + yourself; I wish you joy of it. Was it to witness the distresses of others + that you came to the island, let me ask?” “Perhaps I came from a worse + motive,” I returned. “I haven't the least doubt of it,” said he; “but move + off—one word of insolence more,” said he, stretching to a cutting + whip, for the use of which he was deservedly famous. “I will cut you up, + sirrah, while I'm able to stand over you.” “Upon my word,” said I, + extending my feet one after another, “you have cut me up pretty well + already, I think; but,” I added, with coolness, “is that, sir, the weapon + of a Christian?” “Is it the weapon of a Christian, sir? whatever weapon it + is, you will soon feel the weight of it,” said he, brandishing it over my + head. “My good father,” said I, “do you remember, since nothing else will + restrain you, that the laws of the country will not recognize such + horsewhip Christianity?” “The laws of the country. Oh, God help it for a + country! Yes! yes! excellent. Here Michael—I say, come here—drive + out this follow. I'll be calm; I'll not, put myself in a passion—out + with him! this fellow.” On turning round to contemplate the person spoken + to, we recognized each other as slight aquaintances. “Bless me,” said he, + “what's the matter? Why,” he added, addressing me, “what's this?” “How? do + you know him, Michael?” “Tut, I do—isn't he for the mission?” “Oh—ho!—is + that it? well, I'm glad I know so much; good-bye to you, for the present; + never fear but I'll keep my eye upon you.” So saying, we separated. + Michael followed me out. “This is an awkward business,” said he, “you had + better make submission, and ask his pardon; for you know he can injure + your prospects, and will do so, if you don't submit; he is not of the most + forgiving cast—but that's between ourselves.” “What o'clock is it?” + said I. “Near three.” “Well, good-bye, and God bless you; if he had a + spark of humanity in him, I would beg his pardon at once, if I thought I + had offended him; but as to making submission to such a man, as you call + it—why—this is a very sultry day, my friend.” I returned + directly to the old man and his son; and, let purity or motive go as it + may, truth to tell, they were no losers by the priest's conduct; as I + certainly slipped them a few additional shillings, out of sheer contempt + for him. On tasting a little refreshment in one of the cabins, the son + fainted—but on the whole they were enabled to accomplish their + journey home; and the father's blessing was surely a sufficient antidote + against the Priest's resentment. + </p> + <p> + I was now ready to depart; and on my way to the boat, found my two old + female companions watching, lest I should pass, and they might miss my + company on the way. It was now past three o'clock, and we determined to + travel as far as we could that night, as the accommodations were vile in + Petigo; and the spokeswoman mentioned a house of entertainment, about + twelve miles forward, where, she said, we would find better treatment. + When we got on terra firma, the first man I saw was the monosyllabic + humorist, sitting on a hillock resting himself—his eyes fixed on the + earth, and he evidently in a brown study on what he had gone through. He + was drawing in his breath gradually, his cheeks expanding all the while, + until they reached the utmost point of distention, when he would all at + once let it go with a kind of easy puff, ending in a groan, as he surveyed + his naked feet, which were now quite square, and, like my own, out of all + shape. I asked him how he liked the station; he gave me one of the old + looks, shrugged his shoulders, but said nothing—it was, however, a + shrug condemnatory. I then asked him would he ever make another + pilgrimage? He answered me by another shrug, a grave look, dryly raising + his eye-brows, and a second appeal to his feet, all of which I easily + translated into strong negatives. We refreshed ourselves in Petigo. + </p> + <p> + When we were on the way home, I observed that, although the singular and + fatal accident which befell the young man in the prison excited very + little interest at the time of its occurrence, yet no sooner had they who + witnessed it got clear of the island, than it was given with every + possible ornament; so that it would be as easy to recognize the plain + fact, when decked out by their elucidations, as it would be to understand + the sense of an original author, after it has come through the hands of + half a hundred commentators. But human nature is a darker enigma than any + you could find, in the “Lady's Magazine.” Who would suppose, for instance, + that it was the same motive which set their tongues wagging now, that had + chained their spirits by the strong force of the marvellous and the + terrible, while they were in prison! Yet this was the fact; but their + influence hung while there, like the tyrant's sword, over each individual + head; and until the danger of falling asleep in the “Prison” was past, + they could feel no interest for anything beyond themselves. In both cases, + however, they were governed by the force of the marvellous and the + terrible. + </p> + <p> + When we had finished our journey for the day, I was glad to find a + tolerable bed; and never did man enjoy such a luxury of sweet sleep as I + did that night. My old companion, too, evinced an attention to me seldom + experienced in an accidental traveller. She made them get down water and + bathe my feet, and asked me at what hour I would set out in the morning, + telling me that she would see my clothes brushed, and everything done + herself—so minute was the honest creature in her little attentions. + I told her I would certainly take a nap in the morning, as I had slept so + little for the last three nights, and was besides so fatigued. “Musha to + be sure, and why not, agra! afther the hard bout you had in that blessed + Island! betoken that you're tinder and too soft rared to bear it like them + that the work hardens; sleep!—to be sure you'll sleep your fill—you + want it, in coorse; and now go to bed, and you'll appear quite another man + in the mornin', plaise God!” + </p> + <p> + I did not awake the next morning till ten o'clock, when I found the sun + shining full into the room. I accordingly dressed myself partially, and I + say partially—for I was rather surprised to find an unexpected chasm + in my wardrobe; neither my hat, coat, nor waistcoat being forthcoming. But + I immediately made myself easy, by supposing that my kind companion had + brought them to be brushed. Yet I relapsed into something more than + surprise when I saw my fellow-traveler's redoubtable jacket lying on the + seat of a chair, and her hare's-skin cap on the top of it. My misgivings + now were anything but weak; nor was I at all improved, either in my + religion or philosophy, when, on calling up the landlady I heard that my + two companions had set out that morning at four o'clock. I then inquired + about my clothes, but all to no purpose; the poor landlady knew nothing + about them: which, in fact, was the case; but she told me that the old one + brushed them before she went away, saying that they were ready for me to + put on whenever I wanted them. “Well,” said I, “she has made another man + of me.” The landlady desired me to try if I had my purse; and I found that + the kind creature had certainly spared my purse, but showed no mercy at + all to what it contained, which was one pound in paper, and a few + shillings in silver, the latter, however, she left me. I had now no + alternative but to don the jacket and the hare's-skin cap, which when I + had done, with as bad a grace and as mortified a visage as ever man + dressed himself with, I found I had not the slightest encouragement to + throw my eye over the uniform gravity of my appearance, as I used to do in + the black, for, alas! that which I was proudest of, viz. the clerical cut + which it bestowed upon me was fairly gone—I had now more the + appearance of a poacher than a priest. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0005" id="linkimage-0005"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%"> + <img src="images/page818.jpg" + alt="Page 818-- In This Trim Did I Return to My Friends " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + In this trim did I return to my friends—a goose stripped of my + feathers; a dupe beknaved and beplundered—having been almost starved + to death in the “island,” and nearly cudgelled by one of the priests. As + soon as I crossed the threshold at home, the whole family were on their + knees to receive my blessing, there being a peculiar virtue in the Lough + Derg blessing. The next thing I did, after giving them an account of the + manner in which I was plundered and stripped, was to make a due + distribution of the pebbles* of the lake, to contain which my sisters had, + previous to my journey, wrought me a little silk bag. This I brought home, + stuffed as full as my purse was empty; for the epicene old villain left it + to me in all its plenitude—disdaining to touch it. When I went to + mass the following Sunday, I was surrounded by crowds, among whom I + distributed my blessing, with an air of seriousness not at all lessened by + the loss of my clothes and the emptying of my purse. On telling that part + of my story to the priest, he laughed till the tears ran down his cheeks. + He was a small, pleasant little man, who was seldom known to laugh at + anybody's joke but his own. Now, the said merriment of the Reverend Father + I felt as contributing to make me look exceedingly ridiculous and + sheepish. “So,” says he, “you have fallen foul of Nell M'Collum, the most + notorious shuler in the province! a gipsy, a fortuneteller, and a tinker's + widow; but rest contented, you are not the first she has gulled—but + beware the next time.”—“There is no danger of <i>that</i>,” said I, + with peculiar emphasis. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * An uncommon virtue in curing all kinds of complaints + is ascribed to these pebbles, small bags of which are + brought home by the pilgrims, and distributed to their + respective relations and friends. +</pre> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Station; The Party Fight And +Funeral; The Lough Derg Pilgrim, by William Carleton + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STATION AND OTHERS *** + +***** This file should be named 16013-h.htm or 16013-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/0/1/16013/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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