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diff --git a/511-h/511-h.htm b/511-h/511-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3020adb --- /dev/null +++ b/511-h/511-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,5707 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?> + +<!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> + <title> + The Purcell Papers, Volume III. by JOSEPH SHERIDAN LE FANU + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; 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; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .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 Purcell Papers, by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu + +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 Purcell Papers + Volume III. (of III.) + +Author: Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu + +Release Date: May 24, 2008 [EBook #511] +Last Updated: November 30, 2012 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE PURCELL PAPERS *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE PURCELL PAPERS. + </h1> + <h2> + BY THE LATE <br /> JOSEPH SHERIDAN LE FANU, + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h4> + AUTHOR OF 'UNCLE SILAS.' + </h4> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h4> + IN THREE VOLUMES. + </h4> + <h2> + VOL. III. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <h4> + <br /> <br /> LONDON: RICHARD BENTLEY AND SON, <br /> <br /> Publishers in + Ordinary to Her Majesty the Queen. <br /> <br /> 1880. <br /> <br /> Library + of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data <br /> <br /> LeFanu, Joseph + Sheridan, 1814-1873. <br /> <br /> The Purcell papers. <br /> <br /> Reprint + of the 1880 ed. published by R. Bentley, London. <br /> <br /> I. Title. + PZ3.L518Pu5 (PR4879.L7) 823'.8 71-148813 ISBN 0-404-08880-5 <br /> <br /> + Reprinted from an original copy in the collection of the University of + Chicago Library. <br /> <br /> From the edition of 1880, London First AMS + edition published in 1975 Manufactured in the United States of America + <br /> <br /> International Standard Book Number: Complete Set: + 0-404-08880-5 Volume III: 0-404-08883-X <br /> <br /> AMS PRESS INC. <br /> + <br /> NEW YORK, N. Y. 10003 <br /> <br /> + </h4> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + Contents + </h2> + <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto"> + <tr> + <td> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> JIM SULIVAN'S ADVENTURES IN THE GREAT + SNOW. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> A CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OF A TYRONE + FAMILY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> AN ADVENTURE OF HARDRESS FITZGERALD, A + ROYALIST CAPTAIN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> 'THE QUARE GANDER.' </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> BILLY MALOWNEY'S TASTE OF LOVE AND GLORY. + </a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + JIM SULIVAN'S ADVENTURES IN THE GREAT SNOW. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Being a Ninth Extract from the Legacy of the late Francis + Purcell, P.P. of Drumcoolagh. +</pre> + <p> + Jim Sulivan was a dacent, honest boy as you'd find in the seven parishes, + an' he was a beautiful singer, an' an illegant dancer intirely, an' a + mighty plisant boy in himself; but he had the divil's bad luck, for he + married for love, an 'av coorse he niver had an asy minute afther. + </p> + <p> + Nell Gorman was the girl he fancied, an' a beautiful slip of a girl she + was, jist twinty to the minute when he married her. She was as round an' + as complate in all her shapes as a firkin, you'd think, an' her two cheeks + was as fat an' as red, it id open your heart to look at them. + </p> + <p> + But beauty is not the thing all through, an' as beautiful as she was she + had the divil's tongue, an' the divil's timper, an' the divil's behaviour + all out; an' it was impossible for him to be in the house with her for + while you'd count tin without havin' an argymint, an' as sure as she riz + an argymint with him she'd hit him a wipe iv a skillet or whatever lay + next to her hand. + </p> + <p> + Well, this wasn't at all plasin' to Jim Sulivan you may be sure, an' there + was scarce a week that his head wasn't plasthered up, or his back bint + double, or his nose swelled as big as a pittaty, with the vilence iv her + timper, an' his heart was scalded everlastin'ly with her tongue; so he had + no pace or quietness in body or soul at all at all, with the way she was + goin' an. + </p> + <p> + Well, your honour, one cowld snowin' evenin' he kim in afther his day's + work regulatin' the men in the farm, an' he sat down very quite by the + fire, for he had a scrimmidge with her in the mornin', an' all he wanted + was an air iv the fire in pace; so divil a word he said but dhrew a stool + an' sat down close to the fire. Well, as soon as the woman saw him, + </p> + <p> + 'Move aff,' says she, 'an' don't be inthrudin' an the fire,' says she. + </p> + <p> + Well, he kept never mindin', an' didn't let an' to hear a word she was + sayin', so she kim over an' she had a spoon in her hand, an' she took jist + the smallest taste in life iv the boilin' wather out iv the pot, an' she + dhropped it down an his shins, an' with that he let a roar you'd think the + roof id fly aff iv the house. + </p> + <p> + 'Hould your tongue, you barbarrian,' says she; 'you'll waken the child,' + says she. + </p> + <p> + 'An' if I done right,' says he, for the spoonful of boilin' wather riz him + entirely, 'I'd take yourself,' says he, 'an' I'd stuff you into the pot an + the fire, an' boil you.' says he, 'into castor oil,' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'That's purty behavour,' says she; 'it's fine usage you're givin' me, + isn't it?' says she, gettin' wickeder every minute; 'but before I'm + boiled,' says she, 'thry how you like THAT,' says she; an', sure enough, + before he had time to put up his guard, she hot him a rale terrible clink + iv the iron spoon acrass the jaw. + </p> + <p> + 'Hould me, some iv ye, or I'll murdher her,' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'Will you?' says she, an' with that she hot him another tin times as good + as the first. + </p> + <p> + 'By jabers,' says he, slappin' himself behind, 'that's the last salute + you'll ever give me,' says he; 'so take my last blessin',' says he, 'you + ungovernable baste!' says he—an' with that he pulled an his hat an' + walked out iv the door. + </p> + <p> + Well, she never minded a word he said, for he used to say the same thing + all as one every time she dhrew blood; an' she had no expectation at all + but he'd come back by the time supper id be ready; but faix the story + didn't go quite so simple this time, for while he was walkin', lonesome + enough, down the borheen, with his heart almost broke with the pain, for + his shins an' his jaw was mighty troublesome, av course, with the + thratement he got, who did he see but Mick Hanlon, his uncle's sarvint by, + ridin' down, quite an asy, an the ould black horse, with a halter as long + as himself. + </p> + <p> + 'Is that Mr. Soolivan?' says the by. says he, as soon as he saw him a good + bit aff. + </p> + <p> + 'To be sure it is, ye spalpeen, you,' says Jim, roarin' out; 'what do you + want wid me this time a-day?' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'Don't you know me?' says the gossoon, 'it's Mick Hanlon that's in it,' + says he. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, blur an agers, thin, it's welcome you are, Micky asthore,' says Jim; + 'how is all wid the man an' the woman beyant?' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh!' says Micky, 'bad enough,' says he; 'the ould man's jist aff, an' if + you don't hurry like shot,' says he, 'he'll be in glory before you get + there,' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'It's jokin' ye are,' says Jim, sorrowful enough, for he was mighty + partial to his uncle intirely. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, not in the smallest taste,' says Micky; 'the breath was jist out iv + him,' says he, 'when I left the farm. "An", says he, "take the ould black + horse," says he, "for he's shure-footed for the road," says he, "an' + bring, Jim Soolivan here," says he, "for I think I'd die asy af I could + see him onst," says he.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well,' says Jim, 'will I have time,' says he, 'to go back to the house, + for it would be a consolation,' says he, 'to tell the bad news to the + woman?' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'It's too late you are already,' says Micky, 'so come up behind me, for + God's sake,' says he, 'an' don't waste time;' an' with that he brought the + horse up beside the ditch, an' Jim Soolivan mounted up behind Micky, an' + they rode off; an' tin good miles it was iv a road, an' at the other side + iv Keeper intirely; an' it was snowin' so fast that the ould baste could + hardly go an at all at all, an' the two bys an his back was jist like a + snowball all as one, an' almost fruz an' smothered at the same time, your + honour; an' they wor both mighty sorrowful intirely, an' their toes almost + dhroppin' aff wid the could. + </p> + <p> + And when Jim got to the farm his uncle was gettin' an illegantly, an' he + was sittin' up sthrong an' warm in the bed, an' improvin' every minute, + an' no signs av dyin' an him at all at all; so he had all his throuble for + nothin'. + </p> + <p> + But this wasn't all, for the snow kem so thick that it was impassible to + get along the roads at all at all; an' faix, instead iv gettin' betther, + next mornin' it was only tin times worse; so Jim had jist to take it asy, + an' stay wid his uncle antil such times as the snow id melt. + </p> + <p> + Well, your honour, the evenin' Jim Soolivan wint away, whin the dark was + closin' in, Nell Gorman, his wife, beginned to get mighty anasy in herself + whin she didn't see him comin' back at all; an' she was gettin' more an' + more frightful in herself every minute till the dark kem an', an' divil a + taste iv her husband was coming at all at all. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh!' says she, 'there's no use in purtendin', I know he's kilt himself; + he has committed infantycide an himself,' says she, 'like a dissipated + bliggard as he always was,' says she, 'God rest his soul. Oh, thin, isn't + it me an' not you, Jim Soolivan, that's the unforthunate woman,' says she, + 'for ain't I cryin' here, an' isn't he in heaven, the bliggard,' says she. + 'Oh, voh, voh, it's not at home comfortable with your wife an' family that + you are, Jim Soolivan,' says she, 'but in the other world, you aumathaun, + in glory wid the saints I hope,' says she. 'It's I that's the unforthunate + famale,' says she, 'an' not yourself, Jim Soolivan,' says she. + </p> + <p> + An' this way she kep' an till mornin', cryin' and lamintin; an' wid the + first light she called up all the sarvint bys, an' she tould them to go + out an' to sarch every inch iv ground to find the corpse, 'for I'm sure,' + says she, 'it's not to go hide himself he would,' says she. + </p> + <p> + Well, they went as well as they could, rummagin' through the snow, antil, + at last, what should they come to, sure enough, but the corpse of a poor + thravelling man, that fell over the quarry the night before by rason of + the snow and some liquor he had, maybe; but, at any rate, he was as dead + as a herrin', an' his face was knocked all to pieces jist like an + over-boiled pitaty, glory be to God; an' divil a taste iv a nose or a + chin, or a hill or a hollow from one end av his face to the other but was + all as flat as a pancake. An' he was about Jim Soolivan's size, an' + dhressed out exactly the same, wid a ridin' coat an' new corderhoys; so + they carried him home, an' they were all as sure as daylight it was Jim + Soolivan himself, an' they were wondhering he'd do sich a dirty turn as to + go kill himself for spite. + </p> + <p> + Well, your honour, they waked him as well as they could, with what + neighbours they could git togither, but by rason iv the snow, there wasn't + enough gothered to make much divarsion; however it was a plisint wake + enough, an' the churchyard an' the priest bein' convanient, as soon as the + youngsthers had their bit iv fun and divarsion out iv the corpse, they + burried it without a great dale iv throuble; an' about three days afther + the berrin, ould Jim Mallowney, from th'other side iv the little hill, her + own cousin by the mother's side—he had a snug bit iv a farm an' a + house close by, by the same token—kem walkin' in to see how she was + in her health, an' he dhrew a chair, an' he sot down an' beginned to + convarse her about one thing an' another, antil he got her quite an' asy + into middlin' good humour, an' as soon as he seen it was time: + </p> + <p> + 'I'm wondherin', says he, 'Nell Gorman, sich a handsome, likely girl, id + be thinkin' iv nothin' but lamintin' an' the likes,' says he, 'an' + lingerin' away her days without any consolation, or gettin' a husband,' + says he. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh,' says she, 'isn't it only three days since I burried the poor man,' + says she, 'an' isn't it rather soon to be talkin iv marryin' agin?' + </p> + <p> + 'Divil a taste,' says he, 'three days is jist the time to a minute for + cryin' afther a husband, an' there's no occasion in life to be keepin' it + up,' says he; 'an' besides all that,' says he, 'Shrovetide is almost over, + an' if you don't be sturrin' yourself an' lookin' about you, you'll be + late,' says he, 'for this year at any rate, an' that's twelve months lost; + an' who's to look afther the farm all that time,' says he, 'an' to keep + the men to their work?' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'It's thrue for you, Jim Mallowney,' says she, 'but I'm afeard the + neighbours will be all talkin' about it,' says she. + </p> + <p> + 'Divil's cure to the word,' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'An' who would you advise?' says she. + </p> + <p> + 'Young Andy Curtis is the boy,' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'He's a likely boy in himself,' says she. + </p> + <p> + 'An' as handy a gossoon as is out,' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, thin, Jim Mallowney,' says she, 'here's my hand, an' you may be + talkin' to Andy Curtis, an' if he's willin' I'm agreeble—is that + enough?' says she. + </p> + <p> + So with that he made off with himself straight to Andy Curtis; an' before + three days more was past, the weddin' kem an', an' Nell Gorman an' Andy + Curtis was married as complate as possible; an' if the wake was plisint + the weddin' was tin times as agreeble, an' all the neighbours that could + make their way to it was there, an' there was three fiddlers an' lots iv + pipers, an' ould Connor Shamus(1) the piper himself was in it—by the + same token it was the last weddin' he ever played music at, for the next + mornin', whin he was goin' home, bein' mighty hearty an' plisint in + himself, he was smothered in the snow, undher the ould castle; an' by my + sowl he was a sore loss to the bys an' girls twenty miles round, for he + was the illigantest piper, barrin' the liquor alone, that ever worked a + bellas. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (1) Literally, Cornelius James—the last name employed as a + patronymic. Connor is commonly used. Corney, pronounced + Kurny, is just as much used in the South, as the short name + for Cornelius. +</pre> + <p> + Well, a week passed over smart enough, an' Nell an' her new husband was + mighty well continted with one another, for it was too soon for her to + begin to regulate him the way she used with poor Jim Soolivan, so they wor + comfortable enough; but this was too good to last, for the thaw kem an', + an' you may be sure Jim Soolivan didn't lose a minute's time as soon as + the heavy dhrift iv snow was melted enough between him and home to let him + pass, for he didn't hear a word iv news from home sinst he lift it, by + rason that no one, good nor bad, could thravel at all, with the way the + snow was dhrifted. + </p> + <p> + So one night, when Nell Gorman an' her new husband, Andy Curtis, was snug + an' warm in bed, an' fast asleep, an' everything quite, who should come to + the door, sure enough, but Jim Soolivan himself, an' he beginned flakin' + the door wid a big blackthorn stick he had, an' roarin' out like the divil + to open the door, for he had a dhrop taken. + </p> + <p> + 'What the divil's the matther?' says Andy Curtis, wakenin' out iv his + sleep. + </p> + <p> + 'Who's batin' the door?' says Nell; 'what's all the noise for?' says she. + </p> + <p> + 'Who's in it?' says Andy. + </p> + <p> + 'It's me,' says Jim. + </p> + <p> + 'Who are you?' says Andy; 'what's your name?' + </p> + <p> + 'Jim Soolivan,' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'By jabers, you lie,' says Andy. + </p> + <p> + 'Wait till I get at you,' says Jim, hittin' the door a lick iv the wattle + you'd hear half a mile off. + </p> + <p> + 'It's him, sure enough,' says Nell; 'I know his speech; it's his + wandherin' sowl that can't get rest, the crass o' Christ betune us an' + harm.' + </p> + <p> + 'Let me in,' says Jim, 'or I'll dhrive the door in a top iv yis.' + </p> + <p> + 'Jim Soolivan—Jim Soolivan,' says Nell, sittin' up in the bed, an' + gropin' for a quart bottle iv holy wather she used to hang by the back iv + the bed, 'don't come in, darlin'—there's holy wather here,' says + she; 'but tell me from where you are is there anything that's throublin' + your poor sinful sowl?' says she. 'An' tell me how many masses 'ill make + you asy, an' by this crass, I'll buy you as many as you want,' says she. + </p> + <p> + 'I don't know what the divil you mane,' says Jim. + </p> + <p> + 'Go back,' says she, 'go back to glory, for God's sake,' says she. + </p> + <p> + 'Divil's cure to the bit iv me 'ill go back to glory, or anywhere else,' + says he, 'this blessed night; so open the door at onst' an' let me in,' + says he. + </p> + <p> + 'The Lord forbid,' says she. + </p> + <p> + 'By jabers, you'd betther,' says he, 'or it 'ill be the worse for you,' + says he; an' wid that he fell to wallopin' the door till he was fairly + tired, an' Andy an' his wife crassin' themselves an' sayin' their prayers + for the bare life all the time. + </p> + <p> + 'Jim Soolivan,' says she, as soon as he was done, 'go back, for God's + sake, an' don't be freakenin' me an' your poor fatherless childhren,' says + she. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, you bosthoon, you,' says Jim, 'won't you let your husband in,' says + he, 'to his own house?' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'You WOR my husband, sure enough,' says she, 'but it's well you know, Jim + Soolivan, you're not my husband NOW,' says she. + </p> + <p> + 'You're as dhrunk as can be consaved, says Jim. + </p> + <p> + 'Go back, in God's name, pacibly to your grave,' says Nell. + </p> + <p> + 'By my sowl, it's to my grave you'll sind me, sure enough,' says he, 'you + hard-hearted bain', for I'm jist aff wid the cowld,' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'Jim Sulivan,' says she, 'it's in your dacent coffin you should be, you + unforthunate sperit,' says she; 'what is it's annoyin' your sowl, in the + wide world, at all?' says she; 'hadn't you everything complate?' says she, + 'the oil, an' the wake, an' the berrin'?' says she. + </p> + <p> + 'Och, by the hoky,' says Jim, 'it's too long I'm makin' a fool iv mysilf, + gostherin' wid you outside iv my own door,' says he, 'for it's plain to be + seen,' says he, 'you don't know what your're sayin', an' no one ELSE knows + what you mane, you unforthunate fool,' says he; 'so, onst for all, open + the door quietly,' says he, 'or, by my sowkins, I'll not lave a splinther + together,' says he. + </p> + <p> + Well, whin Nell an' Andy seen he was getting vexed, they beginned to bawl + out their prayers, with the fright, as if the life was lavin' them; an' + the more he bate the door, the louder they prayed, until at last Jim was + fairly tired out. + </p> + <p> + 'Bad luck to you,' says he; 'for a rale divil av a woman,' says he. I + 'can't get any advantage av you, any way; but wait till I get hould iv + you, that's all,' says he. An' he turned aff from the door, an' wint round + to the cow-house, an' settled himself as well as he could, in the sthraw; + an' he was tired enough wid the thravellin' he had in the day-time, an' a + good dale bothered with what liquor he had taken; so he was purty sure of + sleepin' wherever he thrun himself. + </p> + <p> + But, by my sowl, it wasn't the same way with the man an' the woman in the + house—for divil a wink iv sleep, good or bad, could they get at all, + wid the fright iv the sperit, as they supposed; an' with the first light + they sint a little gossoon, as fast as he could wag, straight off, like a + shot, to the priest, an' to desire him, for the love o' God, to come to + them an the minute, an' to bring, if it was plasin' to his raverence, all + the little things he had for sayin' mass, an' savin' sowls, an' banishin' + sperits, an' freakenin' the divil, an' the likes iv that. An' it wasn't + long till his raverence kem down, sure enough, on the ould grey mare, wid + the little mass-boy behind him, an' the prayer-books an' Bibles, an' all + the other mystarious articles that was wantin', along wid him; an' as soon + as he kem in, 'God save all here,' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'God save ye, kindly, your raverence,' says they. + </p> + <p> + 'An' what's gone wrong wid ye?' says he; 'ye must be very bad,' says he,' + entirely, to disturb my devotions,' says he, 'this way, jist at + breakfast-time,' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'By my sowkins,' says Nell, 'it's bad enough we are, your raverence,' says + she, 'for it's poor Jim's sperit,' says she; 'God rest his sowl, wherever + it is,' says she, 'that was wandherin' up an' down, opossite the door all + night,' says she, 'in the way it was no use at all, thryin' to get a wink + iv sleep,' says she. + </p> + <p> + 'It's to lay it, you want me, I suppose,' says the priest. + </p> + <p> + 'If your raverence 'id do that same, it 'id be plasin' to us,' says Andy. + </p> + <p> + 'It'll be rather expinsive,' says the priest. + </p> + <p> + 'We'll not differ about the price, your raverence,' says Andy. + </p> + <p> + 'Did the sperit stop long?' says the priest. + </p> + <p> + 'Most part iv the night,' says Nell, 'the Lord be merciful to us all!' + says she. + </p> + <p> + 'That'll make it more costly than I thought,' says he. 'An' did it make + much noise?' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'By my sowl, it's it that did,' says Andy; 'leatherin' the door wid sticks + and stones,' says he, 'antil I fairly thought every minute,' says he, 'the + ould boords id smash, an' the sperit id be in an top iv us—God bless + us,' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'Phiew!' says the priest; 'it'll cost a power iv money.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, your raverence,' says Andy, 'take whatever you like,' says he; + 'only make sure it won't annoy us any more,' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! by my sowkins,' says the priest, 'it'll be the quarest ghost in the + siven parishes,' says he, 'if it has the courage to come back,' says he, + 'afther what I'll do this mornin', plase God,' says he; 'so we'll say + twelve pounds; an' God knows it's chape enough,' says he, 'considherin' + all the sarcumstances,' says he. + </p> + <p> + Well, there wasn't a second word to the bargain; so they paid him the + money down, an' he sot the table doun like an althar, before the door, an' + he settled it out vid all the things he had wid him; an' he lit a bit iv a + holy candle, an' he scathered his holy wather right an' left; an' he took + up a big book, an' he wint an readin' for half an hour, good; an' whin he + kem to the end, he tuck hould iv his little bell, and he beginned to ring + it for the bare life; an', by my sowl, he rung it so well, that he wakened + Jim Sulivan in the cowhouse, where he was sleepin', an' up he jumped, + widout a minute's delay, an' med right for the house, where all the + family, an' the priest, an' the little mass-boy was assimbled, layin' the + ghost; an' as soon as his raverence seen him comin' in at the door, wid + the fair fright, he flung the bell at his head, an' hot him sich a lick iv + it in the forehead, that he sthretched him on the floor; but fain; he + didn't wait to ax any questions, but he cut round the table as if the + divil was afther him, an' out at the door, an' didn't stop even as much as + to mount an his mare, but leathered away down the borheen as fast as his + legs could carry him, though the mud was up to his knees, savin' your + presence. + </p> + <p> + Well, by the time Jim kem to himself, the family persaved the mistake, an' + Andy wint home, lavin' Nell to make the explanation. An' as soon as Jim + heerd it all, he said he was quite contint to lave her to Andy, entirely; + but the priest would not hear iv it; an' he jist med him marry his wife + over again, an' a merry weddin' it was, an' a fine collection for his + raverence. An' Andy was there along wid the rest, an' the priest put a + small pinnance upon him, for bein' in too great a hurry to marry a widdy. + </p> + <p> + An' bad luck to the word he'd allow anyone to say an the business, ever + after, at all, at all; so, av coorse, no one offinded his raverence, by + spakin' iv the twelve pounds he got for layin' the sperit. + </p> + <p> + An' the neighbours wor all mighty well plased, to be sure, for gettin' all + the divarsion of a wake, an' two weddin's for nothin.' + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OF A TYRONE FAMILY + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Being a Tenth Extract from the Legacy of the late Francis + Purcell, P.P. of Drumcoolagh. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_INTR" id="link2H_INTR"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + INTRODUCTION. + </h2> + <p> + In the following narrative, I have endeavoured to give as nearly as + possible the ipsissima verba of the valued friend from whom I received it, + conscious that any aberration from HER mode of telling the tale of her own + life would at once impair its accuracy and its effect. + </p> + <p> + Would that, with her words, I could also bring before you her animated + gesture, her expressive countenance, the solemn and thrilling air and + accent with which she related the dark passages in her strange story; and, + above all, that I could communicate the impressive consciousness that the + narrator had seen with her own eyes, and personally acted in the scenes + which she described; these accompaniments, taken with the additional + circumstance that she who told the tale was one far too deeply and sadly + impressed with religious principle to misrepresent or fabricate what she + repeated as fact, gave to the tale a depth of interest which the events + recorded could hardly, themselves, have produced. + </p> + <p> + I became acquainted with the lady from whose lips I heard this narrative + nearly twenty years since, and the story struck my fancy so much that I + committed it to paper while it was still fresh in my mind; and should its + perusal afford you entertainment for a listless half hour, my labour shall + not have been bestowed in vain. + </p> + <p> + I find that I have taken the story down as she told it, in the first + person, and perhaps this is as it should be. + </p> + <p> + She began as follows: + </p> + <p> + My maiden name was Richardson,(1) the designation of a family of some + distinction in the county of Tyrone. I was the younger of two daughters, + and we were the only children. There was a difference in our ages of + nearly six years, so that I did not, in my childhood, enjoy that close + companionship which sisterhood, in other circumstances, necessarily + involves; and while I was still a child, my sister was married. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (1) I have carefully altered the names as they appear in the + original MSS., for the reader will see that some of the + circumstances recorded are not of a kind to reflect honour + upon those involved in them; and as many are still living, + in every way honoured and honourable, who stand in close + relation to the principal actors in this drama, the reader + will see the necessity of the course which we have adopted. +</pre> + <p> + The person upon whom she bestowed her hand was a Mr. Carew, a gentleman of + property and consideration in the north of England. + </p> + <p> + I remember well the eventful day of the wedding; the thronging carriages, + the noisy menials, the loud laughter, the merry faces, and the gay + dresses. Such sights were then new to me, and harmonised ill with the + sorrowful feelings with which I regarded the event which was to separate + me, as it turned out, for ever from a sister whose tenderness alone had + hitherto more than supplied all that I wanted in my mother's affection. + </p> + <p> + The day soon arrived which was to remove the happy couple from Ashtown + House. The carriage stood at the hall-door, and my poor sister kissed me + again and again, telling me that I should see her soon. + </p> + <p> + The carriage drove away, and I gazed after it until my eyes filled with + tears, and, returning slowly to my chamber, I wept more bitterly and, so + to speak, more desolately, than ever I had done before. + </p> + <p> + My father had never seemed to love or to take an interest in me. He had + desired a son, and I think he never thoroughly forgave me my unfortunate + sex. + </p> + <p> + My having come into the world at all as his child he regarded as a kind of + fraudulent intrusion, and as his antipathy to me had its origin in an + imperfection of mine, too radical for removal, I never even hoped to stand + high in his good graces. + </p> + <p> + My mother was, I dare say, as fond of me as she was of anyone; but she was + a woman of a masculine and a worldly cast of mind. She had no tenderness + or sympathy for the weaknesses, or even for the affections, of woman's + nature and her demeanour towards me was peremptory, and often even harsh. + </p> + <p> + It is not to be supposed, then, that I found in the society of my parents + much to supply the loss of my sister. About a year after her marriage, we + received letters from Mr. Carew, containing accounts of my sister's + health, which, though not actually alarming, were calculated to make us + seriously uneasy. The symptoms most dwelt upon were loss of appetite and + cough. + </p> + <p> + The letters concluded by intimating that he would avail himself of my + father and mother's repeated invitation to spend some time at Ashtown, + particularly as the physician who had been consulted as to my sister's + health had strongly advised a removal to her native air. + </p> + <p> + There were added repeated assurances that nothing serious was apprehended, + as it was supposed that a deranged state of the liver was the only source + of the symptoms which at first had seemed to intimate consumption. + </p> + <p> + In accordance with this announcement, my sister and Mr. Carew arrived in + Dublin, where one of my father's carriages awaited them, in readiness to + start upon whatever day or hour they might choose for their departure. + </p> + <p> + It was arranged that Mr. Carew was, as soon as the day upon which they + were to leave Dublin was definitely fixed, to write to my father, who + intended that the two last stages should be performed by his own horses, + upon whose speed and safety far more reliance might be placed than upon + those of the ordinary post-horses, which were at that time, almost without + exception, of the very worst order. The journey, one of about ninety + miles, was to be divided; the larger portion being reserved for the second + day. + </p> + <p> + On Sunday a letter reached us, stating that the party would leave Dublin + on Monday, and, in due course, reach Ashtown upon Tuesday evening. + </p> + <p> + Tuesday came the evening closed in, and yet no carriage; darkness came on, + and still no sign of our expected visitors. + </p> + <p> + Hour after hour passed away, and it was now past twelve; the night was + remarkably calm, scarce a breath stirring, so that any sound, such as that + produced by the rapid movement of a vehicle, would have been audible at a + considerable distance. For some such sound I was feverishly listening. + </p> + <p> + It was, however, my father's rule to close the house at nightfall, and the + window-shutters being fastened, I was unable to reconnoitre the avenue as + I would have wished. It was nearly one o'clock, and we began almost to + despair of seeing them upon that night, when I thought I distinguished the + sound of wheels, but so remote and faint as to make me at first very + uncertain. The noise approached; it became louder and clearer; it stopped + for a moment. + </p> + <p> + I now heard the shrill screaming of the rusty iron, as the avenue-gate + revolved on its hinges; again came the sound of wheels in rapid motion. + </p> + <p> + 'It is they,' said I, starting up; 'the carriage is in the avenue.' + </p> + <p> + We all stood for a few moments breathlessly listening. On thundered the + vehicle with the speed of a whirlwind; crack went the whip, and clatter + went the wheels, as it rattled over the uneven pavement of the court. A + general and furious barking from all the dogs about the house, hailed its + arrival. + </p> + <p> + We hurried to the hall in time to hear the steps let down with the sharp + clanging noise peculiar to the operation, and the hum of voices exerted in + the bustle of arrival. The hall-door was now thrown open, and we all + stepped forth to greet our visitors. + </p> + <p> + The court was perfectly empty; the moon was shining broadly and brightly + upon all around; nothing was to be seen but the tall trees with their long + spectral shadows, now wet with the dews of midnight. + </p> + <p> + We stood gazing from right to left, as if suddenly awakened from a dream; + the dogs walked suspiciously, growling and snuffing about the court, and + by totally and suddenly ceasing their former loud barking, expressing the + predominance of fear. + </p> + <p> + We stared one upon another in perplexity and dismay, and I think I never + beheld more pale faces assembled. By my father's direction, we looked + about to find anything which might indicate or account for the noise which + we had heard; but no such thing was to be seen—even the mire which + lay upon the avenue was undisturbed. We returned to the house, more + panic-struck than I can describe. + </p> + <p> + On the next day, we learned by a messenger, who had ridden hard the + greater part of the night, that my sister was dead. On Sunday evening, she + had retired to bed rather unwell, and, on Monday, her indisposition + declared itself unequivocally to be malignant fever. She became hourly + worse and, on Tuesday night, a little after midnight, she expired.(2) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (2) The residuary legatee of the late Frances Purcell, who + has the honour of selecting such of his lamented old + friend's manuscripts as may appear fit for publication, in + order that the lore which they contain may reach the world + before scepticism and utility have robbed our species of the + precious gift of credulity, and scornfully kicked before + them, or trampled into annihilation those harmless fragments + of picturesque superstition which it is our object to + preserve, has been subjected to the charge of dealing too + largely in the marvellous; and it has been half insinuated + that such is his love for diablerie, that he is content to + wander a mile out of his way, in order to meet a fiend or a + goblin, and thus to sacrifice all regard for truth and + accuracy to the idle hope of affrighting the imagination, + and thus pandering to the bad taste of his reader. He begs + leave, then, to take this opportunity of asserting his + perfect innocence of all the crimes laid to his charge, and + to assure his reader that he never PANDERED TO HIS BAD + TASTE, nor went one inch out of his way to introduce witch, + fairy, devil, ghost, or any other of the grim fraternity of + the redoubted Raw-head-and-bloody-bones. His province, + touching these tales, has been attended with no difficulty + and little responsibility; indeed, he is accountable for + nothing more than an alteration in the names of persons + mentioned therein, when such a step seemed necessary, and + for an occasional note, whenever he conceived it possible, + innocently, to edge in a word. These tales have been WRITTEN + DOWN, as the heading of each announces, by the Rev. Francis + Purcell, P.P., of Drumcoolagh; and in all the instances, + which are many, in which the present writer has had an + opportunity of comparing the manuscript of his departed + friend with the actual traditions which are current amongst + the families whose fortunes they pretend to illustrate, he + has uniformly found that whatever of supernatural occurred + in the story, so far from having been exaggerated by him, + had been rather softened down, and, wherever it could be + attempted, accounted for. +</pre> + <p> + I mention this circumstance, because it was one upon which a thousand wild + and fantastical reports were founded, though one would have thought that + the truth scarcely required to be improved upon; and again, because it + produced a strong and lasting effect upon my spirits, and indeed, I am + inclined to think, upon my character. + </p> + <p> + I was, for several years after this occurrence, long after the violence of + my grief subsided, so wretchedly low-spirited and nervous, that I could + scarcely be said to live; and during this time, habits of indecision, + arising out of a listless acquiescence in the will of others, a fear of + encountering even the slightest opposition, and a disposition to shrink + from what are commonly called amusements, grew upon me so strongly, that I + have scarcely even yet altogether overcome them. + </p> + <p> + We saw nothing more of Mr. Carew. He returned to England as soon as the + melancholy rites attendant upon the event which I have just mentioned were + performed; and not being altogether inconsolable, he married again within + two years; after which, owing to the remoteness of our relative + situations, and other circumstances, we gradually lost sight of him. + </p> + <p> + I was now an only child; and, as my elder sister had died without issue, + it was evident that, in the ordinary course of things, my father's + property, which was altogether in his power, would go to me; and the + consequence was, that before I was fourteen, Ashtown House was besieged by + a host of suitors. However, whether it was that I was too young, or that + none of the aspirants to my hand stood sufficiently high in rank or + wealth, I was suffered by both parents to do exactly as I pleased; and + well was it for me, as I afterwards found, that fortune, or rather + Providence, had so ordained it, that I had not suffered my affections to + become in any degree engaged, for my mother would never have suffered any + SILLY FANCY of mine, as she was in the habit of styling an attachment, to + stand in the way of her ambitious views—views which she was + determined to carry into effect, in defiance of every obstacle, and in + order to accomplish which she would not have hesitated to sacrifice + anything so unreasonable and contemptible as a girlish passion. + </p> + <p> + When I reached the age of sixteen, my mother's plans began to develop + themselves; and, at her suggestion, we moved to Dublin to sojourn for the + winter, in order that no time might be lost in disposing of me to the best + advantage. + </p> + <p> + I had been too long accustomed to consider myself as of no importance + whatever, to believe for a moment that I was in reality the cause of all + the bustle and preparation which surrounded me, and being thus relieved + from the pain which a consciousness of my real situation would have + inflicted, I journeyed towards the capital with a feeling of total + indifference. + </p> + <p> + My father's wealth and connection had established him in the best society, + and, consequently, upon our arrival in the metropolis we commanded + whatever enjoyment or advantages its gaieties afforded. + </p> + <p> + The tumult and novelty of the scenes in which I was involved did not fail + considerably to amuse me, and my mind gradually recovered its tone, which + was naturally cheerful. + </p> + <p> + It was almost immediately known and reported that I was an heiress, and of + course my attractions were pretty generally acknowledged. + </p> + <p> + Among the many gentlemen whom it was my fortune to please, one, ere long, + established himself in my mother's good graces, to the exclusion of all + less important aspirants. However, I had not understood or even remarked + his attentions, nor in the slightest degree suspected his or my mother's + plans respecting me, when I was made aware of them rather abruptly by my + mother herself. + </p> + <p> + We had attended a splendid ball, given by Lord M——, at his + residence in Stephen's Green, and I was, with the assistance of my + waiting-maid, employed in rapidly divesting myself of the rich ornaments + which, in profuseness and value, could scarcely have found their equals in + any private family in Ireland. + </p> + <p> + I had thrown myself into a lounging-chair beside the fire, listless and + exhausted, after the fatigues of the evening, when I was aroused from the + reverie into which I had fallen by the sound of footsteps approaching my + chamber, and my mother entered. + </p> + <p> + 'Fanny, my dear,' said she, in her softest tone, 'I wish to say a word or + two with you before I go to rest. You are not fatigued, love, I hope?' + </p> + <p> + 'No, no, madam, I thank you,' said I, rising at the same time from my + seat, with the formal respect so little practised now. + </p> + <p> + 'Sit down, my dear,' said she, placing herself upon a chair beside me; 'I + must chat with you for a quarter of an hour or so. Saunders' (to the maid) + 'you may leave the room; do not close the room-door, but shut that of the + lobby.' + </p> + <p> + This precaution against curious ears having been taken as directed, my + mother proceeded. + </p> + <p> + 'You have observed, I should suppose, my dearest Fanny—indeed, you + MUST have observed Lord Glenfallen's marked attentions to you?' + </p> + <p> + 'I assure you, madam——' I began. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, well, that is all right,' interrupted my mother; 'of course you + must be modest upon the matter; but listen to me for a few moments, my + love, and I will prove to your satisfaction that your modesty is quite + unnecessary in this case. You have done better than we could have hoped, + at least so very soon. Lord Glenfallen is in love with you. I give you joy + of your conquest;' and saying this, my mother kissed my forehead. + </p> + <p> + 'In love with me!' I exclaimed, in unfeigned astonishment. + </p> + <p> + 'Yes, in love with you,' repeated my mother; 'devotedly, distractedly in + love with you. Why, my dear, what is there wonderful in it? Look in the + glass, and look at these,' she continued, pointing with a smile to the + jewels which I had just removed from my person, and which now lay a + glittering heap upon the table. + </p> + <p> + 'May there not,' said I, hesitating between confusion and real alarm—'is + it not possible that some mistake may be at the bottom of all this?' + </p> + <p> + 'Mistake, dearest! none,' said my mother. 'None; none in the world. Judge + for yourself; read this, my love.' And she placed in my hand a letter, + addressed to herself, the seal of which was broken. I read it through with + no small surprise. After some very fine complimentary flourishes upon my + beauty and perfections, as also upon the antiquity and high reputation of + our family, it went on to make a formal proposal of marriage, to be + communicated or not to me at present, as my mother should deem expedient; + and the letter wound up by a request that the writer might be permitted, + upon our return to Ashtown House, which was soon to take place, as the + spring was now tolerably advanced, to visit us for a few days, in case his + suit was approved. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, well, my dear,' said my mother, impatiently; 'do you know who Lord + Glenfallen is?' + </p> + <p> + 'I do, madam,' said I rather timidly, for I dreaded an altercation with my + mother. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, dear, and what frightens you?' continued she. 'Are you afraid of a + title? What has he done to alarm you? he is neither old nor ugly.' + </p> + <p> + I was silent, though I might have said, 'He is neither young nor + handsome.' + </p> + <p> + 'My dear Fanny,' continued my mother, 'in sober seriousness you have been + most fortunate in engaging the affections of a nobleman such as Lord + Glenfallen, young and wealthy, with first-rate—yes, acknowledged + FIRST-RATE abilities, and of a family whose influence is not exceeded by + that of any in Ireland. Of course you see the offer in the same light that + I do—indeed I think you MUST.' + </p> + <p> + This was uttered in no very dubious tone. I was so much astonished by the + suddenness of the whole communication that I literally did not know what + to say. + </p> + <p> + 'You are not in love?' said my mother, turning sharply, and fixing her + dark eyes upon me with severe scrutiny. + </p> + <p> + 'No, madam,' said I, promptly; horrified, as what young lady would not + have been, at such a query. + </p> + <p> + 'I'm glad to hear it,' said my mother, drily. 'Once, nearly twenty years + ago, a friend of mine consulted me as to how he should deal with a + daughter who had made what they call a love-match—beggared herself, + and disgraced her family; and I said, without hesitation, take no care for + her, but cast her off. Such punishment I awarded for an offence committed + against the reputation of a family not my own; and what I advised + respecting the child of another, with full as small compunction I would DO + with mine. I cannot conceive anything more unreasonable or intolerable + than that the fortune and the character of a family should be marred by + the idle caprices of a girl.' + </p> + <p> + She spoke this with great severity, and paused as if she expected some + observation from me. + </p> + <p> + I, however, said nothing. + </p> + <p> + 'But I need not explain to you, my dear Fanny,' she continued, 'my views + upon this subject; you have always known them well, and I have never yet + had reason to believe you likely, voluntarily, to offend me, or to abuse + or neglect any of those advantages which reason and duty tell you should + be improved. Come hither, my dear; kiss me, and do not look so frightened. + Well, now, about this letter, you need not answer it yet; of course you + must be allowed time to make up your mind. In the meantime I will write to + his lordship to give him my permission to visit us at Ashtown. Good-night, + my love.' + </p> + <p> + And thus ended one of the most disagreeable, not to say astounding, + conversations I had ever had. It would not be easy to describe exactly + what were my feelings towards Lord Glenfallen;—whatever might have + been my mother's suspicions, my heart was perfectly disengaged—and + hitherto, although I had not been made in the slightest degree acquainted + with his real views, I had liked him very much, as an agreeable, + well-informed man, whom I was always glad to meet in society. He had + served in the navy in early life, and the polish which his manners + received in his after intercourse with courts and cities had not served to + obliterate that frankness of manner which belongs proverbially to the + sailor. + </p> + <p> + Whether this apparent candour went deeper than the outward bearing, I was + yet to learn. However, there was no doubt that, as far as I had seen of + Lord Glenfallen, he was, though perhaps not so young as might have been + desired in a lover, a singularly pleasing man; and whatever feeling + unfavourable to him had found its way into my mind, arose altogether from + the dread, not an unreasonable one, that constraint might be practised + upon my inclinations. I reflected, however, that Lord Glenfallen was a + wealthy man, and one highly thought of; and although I could never expect + to love him in the romantic sense of the term, yet I had no doubt but + that, all things considered, I might be more happy with him than I could + hope to be at home. + </p> + <p> + When next I met him it was with no small embarrassment, his tact and good + breeding, however, soon reassured me, and effectually prevented my + awkwardness being remarked upon. And I had the satisfaction of leaving + Dublin for the country with the full conviction that nobody, not even + those most intimate with me, even suspected the fact of Lord Glenfallen's + having made me a formal proposal. + </p> + <p> + This was to me a very serious subject of self-gratulation, for, besides my + instinctive dread of becoming the topic of the speculations of gossip, I + felt that if the situation which I occupied in relation to him were made + publicly known, I should stand committed in a manner which would scarcely + leave me the power of retraction. + </p> + <p> + The period at which Lord Glenfallen had arranged to visit Ashtown House + was now fast approaching, and it became my mother's wish to form me + thoroughly to her will, and to obtain my consent to the proposed marriage + before his arrival, so that all things might proceed smoothly, without + apparent opposition or objection upon my part. Whatever objections, + therefore, I had entertained were to be subdued; whatever disposition to + resistance I had exhibited or had been supposed to feel, were to be + completely eradicated before he made his appearance; and my mother + addressed herself to the task with a decision and energy against which + even the barriers, which her imagination had created, could hardly have + stood. + </p> + <p> + If she had, however, expected any determined opposition from me, she was + agreeably disappointed. My heart was perfectly free, and all my feelings + of liking and preference were in favour of Lord Glenfallen; and I well + knew that in case I refused to dispose of myself as I was desired, my + mother had alike the power and the will to render my existence as utterly + miserable as even the most ill-assorted marriage could possibly have done. + </p> + <p> + You will remember, my good friend, that I was very young and very + completely under the control of my parents, both of whom, my mother + particularly, were unscrupulously determined in matters of this kind, and + willing, when voluntary obedience on the part of those within their power + was withheld, to compel a forced acquiescence by an unsparing use of all + the engines of the most stern and rigorous domestic discipline. + </p> + <p> + All these combined, not unnaturally, induced me to resolve upon yielding + at once, and without useless opposition, to what appeared almost to be my + fate. + </p> + <p> + The appointed time was come, and my now accepted suitor arrived; he was in + high spirits, and, if possible, more entertaining than ever. + </p> + <p> + I was not, however, quite in the mood to enjoy his sprightliness; but + whatever I wanted in gaiety was amply made up in the triumphant and + gracious good-humour of my mother, whose smiles of benevolence and + exultation were showered around as bountifully as the summer sunshine. + </p> + <p> + I will not weary you with unnecessary prolixity. Let it suffice to say, + that I was married to Lord Glenfallen with all the attendant pomp and + circumstance of wealth, rank, and grandeur. According to the usage of the + times, now humanely reformed, the ceremony was made, until long past + midnight, the season of wild, uproarious, and promiscuous feasting and + revelry. + </p> + <p> + Of all this I have a painfully vivid recollection, and particularly of the + little annoyances inflicted upon me by the dull and coarse jokes of the + wits and wags who abound in all such places, and upon all such occasions. + </p> + <p> + I was not sorry when, after a few days, Lord Glenfallen's carriage + appeared at the door to convey us both from Ashtown; for any change would + have been a relief from the irksomeness of ceremonial and formality which + the visits received in honour of my newly-acquired titles hourly entailed + upon me. + </p> + <p> + It was arranged that we were to proceed to Cahergillagh, one of the + Glenfallen estates, lying, however, in a southern county, so that, owing + to the difficulty of the roads at the time, a tedious journey of three + days intervened. + </p> + <p> + I set forth with my noble companion, followed by the regrets of some, and + by the envy of many; though God knows I little deserved the latter. The + three days of travel were now almost spent, when, passing the brow of a + wild heathy hill, the domain of Cahergillagh opened suddenly upon our + view. + </p> + <p> + It formed a striking and a beautiful scene. A lake of considerable extent + stretching away towards the west, and reflecting from its broad, smooth + waters, the rich glow of the setting sun, was overhung by steep hills, + covered by a rich mantle of velvet sward, broken here and there by the + grey front of some old rock, and exhibiting on their shelving sides, their + slopes and hollows, every variety of light and shade; a thick wood of + dwarf oak, birch, and hazel skirted these hills, and clothed the shores of + the lake, running out in rich luxuriance upon every promontory, and + spreading upward considerably upon the side of the hills. + </p> + <p> + 'There lies the enchanted castle,' said Lord Glenfallen, pointing towards + a considerable level space intervening between two of the picturesque + hills, which rose dimly around the lake. + </p> + <p> + This little plain was chiefly occupied by the same low, wild wood which + covered the other parts of the domain; but towards the centre a mass of + taller and statelier forest trees stood darkly grouped together, and among + them stood an ancient square tower, with many buildings of a humbler + character, forming together the manorhouse, or, as it was more usually + called, the Court of Cahergillagh. + </p> + <p> + As we approached the level upon which the mansion stood, the winding road + gave us many glimpses of the time-worn castle and its surrounding + buildings; and seen as it was through the long vistas of the fine old + trees, and with the rich glow of evening upon it, I have seldom beheld an + object more picturesquely striking. + </p> + <p> + I was glad to perceive, too, that here and there the blue curling smoke + ascended from stacks of chimneys now hidden by the rich, dark ivy which, + in a great measure, covered the building. Other indications of comfort + made themselves manifest as we approached; and indeed, though the place + was evidently one of considerable antiquity, it had nothing whatever of + the gloom of decay about it. + </p> + <p> + 'You must not, my love,' said Lord Glenfallen, 'imagine this place worse + than it is. I have no taste for antiquity—at least I should not + choose a house to reside in because it is old. Indeed I do not recollect + that I was even so romantic as to overcome my aversion to rats and + rheumatism, those faithful attendants upon your noble relics of feudalism; + and I much prefer a snug, modern, unmysterious bedroom, with well-aired + sheets, to the waving tapestry, mildewed cushions, and all the other + interesting appliances of romance. However, though I cannot promise you + all the discomfort generally belonging to an old castle, you will find + legends and ghostly lore enough to claim your respect; and if old Martha + be still to the fore, as I trust she is, you will soon have a supernatural + and appropriate anecdote for every closet and corner of the mansion; but + here we are—so, without more ado, welcome to Cahergillagh!' + </p> + <p> + We now entered the hall of the castle, and while the domestics were + employed in conveying our trunks and other luggage which we had brought + with us for immediate use to the apartments which Lord Glenfallen had + selected for himself and me, I went with him into a spacious sitting-room, + wainscoted with finely polished black oak, and hung round with the + portraits of various worthies of the Glenfallen family. + </p> + <p> + This room looked out upon an extensive level covered with the softest + green sward, and irregularly bounded by the wild wood I have before + mentioned, through the leafy arcade formed by whose boughs and trunks the + level beams of the setting sun were pouring. In the distance a group of + dairymaids were plying their task, which they accompanied throughout with + snatches of Irish songs which, mellowed by the distance, floated not + unpleasingly to the ear; and beside them sat or lay, with all the grave + importance of conscious protection, six or seven large dogs of various + kinds. Farther in the distance, and through the cloisters of the arching + wood, two or three ragged urchins were employed in driving such stray kine + as had wandered farther than the rest to join their fellows. + </p> + <p> + As I looked upon this scene which I have described, a feeling of + tranquillity and happiness came upon me, which I have never experienced in + so strong a degree; and so strange to me was the sensation that my eyes + filled with tears. + </p> + <p> + Lord Glenfallen mistook the cause of my emotion, and taking me kindly and + tenderly by the hand, he said: + </p> + <p> + 'Do not suppose, my love, that it is my intention to SETTLE here. Whenever + you desire to leave this, you have only to let me know your wish, and it + shall be complied with; so I must entreat of you not to suffer any + circumstances which I can control to give you one moment's uneasiness. But + here is old Martha; you must be introduced to her, one of the heirlooms of + our family.' + </p> + <p> + A hale, good-humoured, erect old woman was Martha, and an agreeable + contrast to the grim, decrepid hag which my fancy had conjured up, as the + depository of all the horrible tales in which I doubted not this old place + was most fruitful. + </p> + <p> + She welcomed me and her master with a profusion of gratulations, + alternately kissing our hands and apologising for the liberty, until at + length Lord Glenfallen put an end to this somewhat fatiguing ceremonial by + requesting her to conduct me to my chamber if it were prepared for my + reception. + </p> + <p> + I followed Martha up an old-fashioned oak staircase into a long, dim + passage, at the end of which lay the door which communicated with the + apartments which had been selected for our use; here the old woman + stopped, and respectfully requested me to proceed. + </p> + <p> + I accordingly opened the door, and was about to enter, when something like + a mass of black tapestry, as it appeared, disturbed by my sudden approach, + fell from above the door, so as completely to screen the aperture; the + startling unexpectedness of the occurrence, and the rustling noise which + the drapery made in its descent, caused me involuntarily to step two or + three paces backwards. I turned, smiling and half-ashamed, to the old + servant, and said: + </p> + <p> + 'You see what a coward I am.' + </p> + <p> + The woman looked puzzled, and, without saying any more, I was about to + draw aside the curtain and enter the room, when, upon turning to do so, I + was surprised to find that nothing whatever interposed to obstruct the + passage. + </p> + <p> + I went into the room, followed by the servant-woman, and was amazed to + find that it, like the one below, was wainscoted, and that nothing like + drapery was to be found near the door. + </p> + <p> + 'Where is it?' said I; 'what has become of it?' + </p> + <p> + 'What does your ladyship wish to know?' said the old woman. + </p> + <p> + 'Where is the black curtain that fell across the door, when I attempted + first to come to my chamber?' answered I. + </p> + <p> + 'The cross of Christ about us!' said the old woman, turning suddenly pale. + </p> + <p> + 'What is the matter, my good friend?' said I; 'you seem frightened.' + </p> + <p> + 'Oh no, no, your ladyship,' said the old woman, endeavouring to conceal + her agitation; but in vain, for tottering towards a chair, she sank into + it, looking so deadly pale and horror-struck that I thought every moment + she would faint. + </p> + <p> + 'Merciful God, keep us from harm and danger!' muttered she at length. + </p> + <p> + 'What can have terrified you so?' said I, beginning to fear that she had + seen something more than had met my eye. 'You appear ill, my poor woman!' + </p> + <p> + 'Nothing, nothing, my lady,' said she, rising. 'I beg your ladyship's + pardon for making so bold. May the great God defend us from misfortune!' + </p> + <p> + 'Martha,' said I, 'something HAS frightened you very much, and I insist on + knowing what it is; your keeping me in the dark upon the subject will make + me much more uneasy than anything you could tell me. I desire you, + therefore, to let me know what agitates you; I command you to tell me.' + </p> + <p> + 'Your ladyship said you saw a black curtain falling across the door when + you were coming into the room,' said the old woman. + </p> + <p> + 'I did,' said I; 'but though the whole thing appears somewhat strange, I + cannot see anything in the matter to agitate you so excessively.' + </p> + <p> + 'It's for no good you saw that, my lady,' said the crone; 'something + terrible is coming. It's a sign, my lady—a sign that never fails.' + </p> + <p> + 'Explain, explain what you mean, my good woman,' said I, in spite of + myself, catching more than I could account for, of her superstitious + terror. + </p> + <p> + 'Whenever something—something BAD is going to happen to the + Glenfallen family, some one that belongs to them sees a black handkerchief + or curtain just waved or falling before their faces. I saw it myself,' + continued she, lowering her voice, 'when I was only a little girl, and + I'll never forget it. I often heard of it before, though I never saw it + till then, nor since, praised be God. But I was going into Lady Jane's + room to waken her in the morning; and sure enough when I got first to the + bed and began to draw the curtain, something dark was waved across the + division, but only for a moment; and when I saw rightly into the bed, + there was she lying cold and dead, God be merciful to me! So, my lady, + there is small blame to me to be daunted when any one of the family sees + it; for it's many's the story I heard of it, though I saw it but once.' + </p> + <p> + I was not of a superstitious turn of mind, yet I could not resist a + feeling of awe very nearly allied to the fear which my companion had so + unreservedly expressed; and when you consider my situation, the + loneliness, antiquity, and gloom of the place, you will allow that the + weakness was not without excuse. + </p> + <p> + In spite of old Martha's boding predictions, however, time flowed on in an + unruffled course. One little incident however, though trifling in itself, + I must relate, as it serves to make what follows more intelligible. + </p> + <p> + Upon the day after my arrival, Lord Glenfallen of course desired to make + me acquainted with the house and domain; and accordingly we set forth upon + our ramble. When returning, he became for some time silent and moody, a + state so unusual with him as considerably to excite my surprise. + </p> + <p> + I endeavoured by observations and questions to arouse him—but in + vain. At length, as we approached the house, he said, as if speaking to + himself: + </p> + <p> + ''Twere madness—madness—madness,' repeating the words bitterly—'sure + and speedy ruin.' + </p> + <p> + There was here a long pause; and at length, turning sharply towards me, in + a tone very unlike that in which he had hitherto addressed me, he said: + </p> + <p> + 'Do you think it possible that a woman can keep a secret?' + </p> + <p> + 'I am sure,' said I, 'that women are very much belied upon the score of + talkativeness, and that I may answer your question with the same + directness with which you put it—I reply that I DO think a woman can + keep a secret.' + </p> + <p> + 'But I do not,' said he, drily. + </p> + <p> + We walked on in silence for a time. I was much astonished at his unwonted + abruptness—I had almost said rudeness. + </p> + <p> + After a considerable pause he seemed to recollect himself, and with an + effort resuming his sprightly manner, he said: + </p> + <p> + 'Well, well, the next thing to keeping a secret well is, not to desire to + possess one—talkativeness and curiosity generally go together. Now I + shall make test of you, in the first place, respecting the latter of these + qualities. I shall be your BLUEBEARD—tush, why do I trifle thus? + Listen to me, my dear Fanny; I speak now in solemn earnest. What I desire + is intimately, inseparably, connected with your happiness and honour as + well as my own; and your compliance with my request will not be difficult. + It will impose upon you a very trifling restraint during your sojourn + here, which certain events which have occurred since our arrival have + determined me shall not be a long one. You must promise me, upon your + sacred honour, that you will visit ONLY that part of the castle which can + be reached from the front entrance, leaving the back entrance and the part + of the building commanded immediately by it to the menials, as also the + small garden whose high wall you see yonder; and never at any time seek to + pry or peep into them, nor to open the door which communicates from the + front part of the house through the corridor with the back. I do not urge + this in jest or in caprice, but from a solemn conviction that danger and + misery will be the certain consequences of your not observing what I + prescribe. I cannot explain myself further at present. Promise me, then, + these things, as you hope for peace here, and for mercy hereafter.' + </p> + <p> + I did make the promise as desired, and he appeared relieved; his manner + recovered all its gaiety and elasticity: but the recollection of the + strange scene which I have just described dwelt painfully upon my mind. + </p> + <p> + More than a month passed away without any occurrence worth recording; but + I was not destined to leave Cahergillagh without further adventure. One + day, intending to enjoy the pleasant sunshine in a ramble through the + woods, I ran up to my room to procure my bonnet and shawl. Upon entering + the chamber, I was surprised and somewhat startled to find it occupied. + Beside the fireplace, and nearly opposite the door, seated in a large, + old-fashioned elbow-chair, was placed the figure of a lady. She appeared + to be nearer fifty than forty, and was dressed suitably to her age, in a + handsome suit of flowered silk; she had a profusion of trinkets and + jewellery about her person, and many rings upon her fingers. But although + very rich, her dress was not gaudy or in ill taste. But what was + remarkable in the lady was, that although her features were handsome, and + upon the whole pleasing, the pupil of each eye was dimmed with the + whiteness of cataract, and she was evidently stone-blind. I was for some + seconds so surprised at this unaccountable apparition, that I could not + find words to address her. + </p> + <p> + 'Madam,' said I, 'there must be some mistake here—this is my + bed-chamber.' + </p> + <p> + 'Marry come up,' said the lady, sharply; 'YOUR chamber! Where is Lord + Glenfallen?' + </p> + <p> + 'He is below, madam,' replied I; 'and I am convinced he will be not a + little surprised to find you here.' + </p> + <p> + 'I do not think he will,' said she; 'with your good leave, talk of what + you know something about. Tell him I want him. Why does the minx + dilly-dally so?' + </p> + <p> + In spite of the awe which this grim lady inspired, there was something in + her air of confident superiority which, when I considered our relative + situations, was not a little irritating. + </p> + <p> + 'Do you know, madam, to whom you speak?' said I. + </p> + <p> + 'I neither know nor care,' said she; 'but I presume that you are some one + about the house, so again I desire you, if you wish to continue here, to + bring your master hither forthwith.' + </p> + <p> + 'I must tell you, madam,' said I, 'that I am Lady Glenfallen.' + </p> + <p> + 'What's that?' said the stranger, rapidly. + </p> + <p> + 'I say, madam,' I repeated, approaching her that I might be more + distinctly heard, 'that I am Lady Glenfallen.' + </p> + <p> + 'It's a lie, you trull!' cried she, in an accent which made me start, and + at the same time, springing forward, she seized me in her grasp, and shook + me violently, repeating, 'It's a lie—it's a lie!' with a rapidity + and vehemence which swelled every vein of her face. The violence of her + action, and the fury which convulsed her face, effectually terrified me, + and disengaging myself from her grasp, I screamed as loud as I could for + help. The blind woman continued to pour out a torrent of abuse upon me, + foaming at the mouth with rage, and impotently shaking her clenched fists + towards me. + </p> + <p> + I heard Lord Glenfallen's step upon the stairs, and I instantly ran out; + as I passed him I perceived that he was deadly pale, and just caught the + words: 'I hope that demon has not hurt you?' + </p> + <p> + I made some answer, I forget what, and he entered the chamber, the door of + which he locked upon the inside. What passed within I know not; but I + heard the voices of the two speakers raised in loud and angry altercation. + </p> + <p> + I thought I heard the shrill accents of the woman repeat the words, 'Let + her look to herself;' but I could not be quite sure. This short sentence, + however, was, to my alarmed imagination, pregnant with fearful meaning. + </p> + <p> + The storm at length subsided, though not until after a conference of more + than two long hours. Lord Glenfallen then returned, pale and agitated. + </p> + <p> + 'That unfortunate woman,' said he, 'is out of her mind. I daresay she + treated you to some of her ravings; but you need not dread any further + interruption from her: I have brought her so far to reason. She did not + hurt you, I trust.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, no,' said I; 'but she terrified me beyond measure.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well,' said he, 'she is likely to behave better for the future; and I + dare swear that neither you nor she would desire, after what has passed, + to meet again.' + </p> + <p> + This occurrence, so startling and unpleasant, so involved in mystery, and + giving rise to so many painful surmises, afforded me no very agreeable + food for rumination. + </p> + <p> + All attempts on my part to arrive at the truth were baffled; Lord + Glenfallen evaded all my inquiries, and at length peremptorily forbid any + further allusion to the matter. I was thus obliged to rest satisfied with + what I had actually seen, and to trust to time to resolve the perplexities + in which the whole transaction had involved me. + </p> + <p> + Lord Glenfallen's temper and spirits gradually underwent a complete and + most painful change; he became silent and abstracted, his manner to me was + abrupt and often harsh, some grievous anxiety seemed ever present to his + mind; and under its influence his spirits sunk and his temper became + soured. + </p> + <p> + I soon perceived that his gaiety was rather that which the stir and + excitement of society produce, than the result of a healthy habit of mind; + every day confirmed me in the opinion, that the considerate good-nature + which I had so much admired in him was little more than a mere manner; and + to my infinite grief and surprise, the gay, kind, open-hearted nobleman + who had for months followed and flattered me, was rapidly assuming the + form of a gloomy, morose, and singularly selfish man. This was a bitter + discovery, and I strove to conceal it from myself as long as I could; but + the truth was not to be denied, and I was forced to believe that Lord + Glenfallen no longer loved me, and that he was at little pains to conceal + the alteration in his sentiments. + </p> + <p> + One morning after breakfast, Lord Glenfallen had been for some time + walking silently up and down the room, buried in his moody reflections, + when pausing suddenly, and turning towards me, he exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + 'I have it—I have it! We must go abroad, and stay there too; and if + that does not answer, why—why, we must try some more effectual + expedient. Lady Glenfallen, I have become involved in heavy + embarrassments. A wife, you know, must share the fortunes of her husband, + for better for worse; but I will waive my right if you prefer remaining + here—here at Cahergillagh. For I would not have you seen elsewhere + without the state to which your rank entitles you; besides, it would break + your poor mother's heart,' he added, with sneering gravity. 'So make up + your mind—Cahergillagh or France. I will start if possible in a + week, so determine between this and then.' + </p> + <p> + He left the room, and in a few moments I saw him ride past the window, + followed by a mounted servant. He had directed a domestic to inform me + that he should not be back until the next day. + </p> + <p> + I was in very great doubt as to what course of conduct I should pursue, as + to accompanying him in the continental tour so suddenly determined upon. I + felt that it would be a hazard too great to encounter; for at Cahergillagh + I had always the consciousness to sustain me, that if his temper at any + time led him into violent or unwarrantable treatment of me, I had a remedy + within reach, in the protection and support of my own family, from all + useful and effective communication with whom, if once in France, I should + be entirely debarred. + </p> + <p> + As to remaining at Cahergillagh in solitude, and, for aught I knew, + exposed to hidden dangers, it appeared to me scarcely less objectionable + than the former proposition; and yet I feared that with one or other I + must comply, unless I was prepared to come to an actual breach with Lord + Glenfallen. Full of these unpleasing doubts and perplexities, I retired to + rest. + </p> + <p> + I was wakened, after having slept uneasily for some hours, by some person + shaking me rudely by the shoulder; a small lamp burned in my room, and by + its light, to my horror and amazement, I discovered that my visitant was + the self-same blind old lady who had so terrified me a few weeks before. + </p> + <p> + I started up in the bed, with a view to ring the bell, and alarm the + domestics; but she instantly anticipated me by saying: + </p> + <p> + 'Do not be frightened, silly girl! If I had wished to harm you I could + have done it while you were sleeping; I need not have wakened you. Listen + to me, now, attentively and fearlessly, for what I have to say interests + you to the full as much as it does me. Tell me here, in the presence of + God, did Lord Glenfallen marry you—ACTUALLY MARRY you? Speak the + truth, woman.' + </p> + <p> + 'As surely as I live and speak,' I replied, 'did Lord Glenfallen marry me, + in presence of more than a hundred witnesses.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well,' continued she, 'he should have told you THEN, before you married + him, that he had a wife living, which wife I am. I feel you tremble—tush! + do not be frightened. I do not mean to harm you. Mark me now—you are + NOT his wife. When I make my story known you will be so neither in the eye + of God nor of man. You must leave this house upon to-morrow. Let the world + know that your husband has another wife living; go you into retirement, + and leave him to justice, which will surely overtake him. If you remain in + this house after to-morrow you will reap the bitter fruits of your sin.' + </p> + <p> + So saying, she quitted the room, leaving me very little disposed to sleep. + </p> + <p> + Here was food for my very worst and most terrible suspicions; still there + was not enough to remove all doubt. I had no proof of the truth of this + woman's statement. + </p> + <p> + Taken by itself, there was nothing to induce me to attach weight to it; + but when I viewed it in connection with the extraordinary mystery of some + of Lord Glenfallen's proceedings, his strange anxiety to exclude me from + certain portions of the mansion, doubtless lest I should encounter this + person—the strong influence, nay, command which she possessed over + him, a circumstance clearly established by the very fact of her residing + in the very place where, of all others, he should least have desired to + find her—her thus acting, and continuing to act in direct + contradiction to his wishes; when, I say, I viewed her disclosure in + connection with all these circumstances, I could not help feeling that + there was at least a fearful verisimilitude in the allegations which she + had made. + </p> + <p> + Still I was not satisfied, nor nearly so. Young minds have a reluctance + almost insurmountable to believing, upon anything short of unquestionable + proof, the existence of premeditated guilt in anyone whom they have ever + trusted; and in support of this feeling I was assured that if the + assertion of Lord Glenfallen, which nothing in this woman's manner had led + me to disbelieve, were true, namely that her mind was unsound, the whole + fabric of my doubts and fears must fall to the ground. + </p> + <p> + I determined to state to Lord Glenfallen freely and accurately the + substance of the communication which I had just heard, and in his words + and looks to seek for its proof or refutation. Full of these thoughts, I + remained wakeful and excited all night, every moment fancying that I heard + the step or saw the figure of my recent visitor, towards whom I felt a + species of horror and dread which I can hardly describe. + </p> + <p> + There was something in her face, though her features had evidently been + handsome, and were not, at first sight, unpleasing, which, upon a nearer + inspection, seemed to indicate the habitual prevalence and indulgence of + evil passions, and a power of expressing mere animal anger, with an + intenseness that I have seldom seen equalled, and to which an almost + unearthly effect was given by the convulsive quivering of the sightless + eyes. + </p> + <p> + You may easily suppose that it was no very pleasing reflection to me to + consider that, whenever caprice might induce her to return, I was within + the reach of this violent and, for aught I knew, insane woman, who had, + upon that very night, spoken to me in a tone of menace, of which her mere + words, divested of the manner and look with which she uttered them, can + convey but a faint idea. + </p> + <p> + Will you believe me when I tell you that I was actually afraid to leave my + bed in order to secure the door, lest I should again encounter the + dreadful object lurking in some corner or peeping from behind the + window-curtains, so very a child was I in my fears. + </p> + <p> + The morning came, and with it Lord Glenfallen. I knew not, and indeed I + cared not, where he might have been; my thoughts were wholly engrossed by + the terrible fears and suspicions which my last night's conference had + suggested to me. He was, as usual, gloomy and abstracted, and I feared in + no very fitting mood to hear what I had to say with patience, whether the + charges were true or false. + </p> + <p> + I was, however, determined not to suffer the opportunity to pass, or Lord + Glenfallen to leave the room, until, at all hazards, I had unburdened my + mind. + </p> + <p> + 'My lord,' said I, after a long silence, summoning up all my firmness—'my + lord, I wish to say a few words to you upon a matter of very great + importance, of very deep concernment to you and to me.' + </p> + <p> + I fixed my eyes upon him to discern, if possible, whether the announcement + caused him any uneasiness; but no symptom of any such feeling was + perceptible. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, my dear,' said he, 'this is no doubt a very grave preface, and + portends, I have no doubt, something extraordinary. Pray let us have it + without more ado.' + </p> + <p> + He took a chair, and seated himself nearly opposite to me. + </p> + <p> + 'My lord,' said I, 'I have seen the person who alarmed me so much a short + time since, the blind lady, again, upon last night.' His face, upon which + my eyes were fixed, turned pale; he hesitated for a moment, and then said: + </p> + <p> + 'And did you, pray, madam, so totally forget or spurn my express command, + as to enter that portion of the house from which your promise, I might say + your oath, excluded you?—answer me that!' he added fiercely. + </p> + <p> + 'My lord,' said I, 'I have neither forgotten your COMMANDS, since such + they were, nor disobeyed them. I was, last night, wakened from my sleep, + as I lay in my own chamber, and accosted by the person whom I have + mentioned. How she found access to the room I cannot pretend to say.' + </p> + <p> + 'Ha! this must be looked to,' said he, half reflectively; 'and pray,' + added he, quickly, while in turn he fixed his eyes upon me, 'what did this + person say? since some comment upon her communication forms, no doubt, the + sequel to your preface.' + </p> + <p> + 'Your lordship is not mistaken,' said I; 'her statement was so + extraordinary that I could not think of withholding it from you. She told + me, my lord, that you had a wife living at the time you married me, and + that she was that wife.' + </p> + <p> + Lord Glenfallen became ashy pale, almost livid; he made two or three + efforts to clear his voice to speak, but in vain, and turning suddenly + from me, he walked to the window. The horror and dismay which, in the + olden time, overwhelmed the woman of Endor when her spells unexpectedly + conjured the dead into her presence, were but types of what I felt when + thus presented with what appeared to be almost unequivocal evidence of the + guilt whose existence I had before so strongly doubted. + </p> + <p> + There was a silence of some moments, during which it were hard to + conjecture whether I or my companion suffered most. + </p> + <p> + Lord Glenfallen soon recovered his self-command; he returned to the table, + again sat down and said: + </p> + <p> + 'What you have told me has so astonished me, has unfolded such a tissue of + motiveless guilt, and in a quarter from which I had so little reason to + look for ingratitude or treachery, that your announcement almost deprived + me of speech; the person in question, however, has one excuse, her mind + is, as I told you before, unsettled. You should have remembered that, and + hesitated to receive as unexceptionable evidence against the honour of + your husband, the ravings of a lunatic. I now tell you that this is the + last time I shall speak to you upon this subject, and, in the presence of + the God who is to judge me, and as I hope for mercy in the day of + judgment, I swear that the charge thus brought against me is utterly + false, unfounded, and ridiculous; I defy the world in any point to taint + my honour; and, as I have never taken the opinion of madmen touching your + character or morals, I think it but fair to require that you will evince a + like tenderness for me; and now, once for all, never again dare to repeat + to me your insulting suspicions, or the clumsy and infamous calumnies of + fools. I shall instantly let the worthy lady who contrived this somewhat + original device, understand fully my opinion upon the matter. Good + morning;' and with these words he left me again in doubt, and involved in + all horrors of the most agonising suspense. + </p> + <p> + I had reason to think that Lord Glenfallen wreaked his vengeance upon the + author of the strange story which I had heard, with a violence which was + not satisfied with mere words, for old Martha, with whom I was a great + favourite, while attending me in my room, told me that she feared her + master had ill-used the poor blind Dutch woman, for that she had heard her + scream as if the very life were leaving her, but added a request that I + should not speak of what she had told me to any one, particularly to the + master. + </p> + <p> + 'How do you know that she is a Dutch woman?' inquired I, anxious to learn + anything whatever that might throw a light upon the history of this + person, who seemed to have resolved to mix herself up in my fortunes. + </p> + <p> + 'Why, my lady,' answered Martha, 'the master often calls her the Dutch + hag, and other names you would not like to hear, and I am sure she is + neither English nor Irish; for, whenever they talk together, they speak + some queer foreign lingo, and fast enough, I'll be bound. But I ought not + to talk about her at all; it might be as much as my place is worth to + mention her—only you saw her first yourself, so there can be no + great harm in speaking of her now.' + </p> + <p> + 'How long has this lady been here?' continued I. + </p> + <p> + 'She came early on the morning after your ladyship's arrival,' answered + she; 'but do not ask me any more, for the master would think nothing of + turning me out of doors for daring to speak of her at all, much less to + you, my lady.' + </p> + <p> + I did not like to press the poor woman further, for her reluctance to + speak on this topic was evident and strong. + </p> + <p> + You will readily believe that upon the very slight grounds which my + information afforded, contradicted as it was by the solemn oath of my + husband, and derived from what was, at best, a very questionable source, I + could not take any very decisive measure whatever; and as to the menace of + the strange woman who had thus unaccountably twice intruded herself into + my chamber, although, at the moment, it occasioned me some uneasiness, it + was not, even in my eyes, sufficiently formidable to induce my departure + from Cahergillagh. + </p> + <p> + A few nights after the scene which I have just mentioned, Lord Glenfallen + having, as usual, early retired to his study, I was left alone in the + parlour to amuse myself as best I might. + </p> + <p> + It was not strange that my thoughts should often recur to the agitating + scenes in which I had recently taken a part. + </p> + <p> + The subject of my reflections, the solitude, the silence, and the lateness + of the hour, as also the depression of spirits to which I had of late been + a constant prey, tended to produce that nervous excitement which places us + wholly at the mercy of the imagination. + </p> + <p> + In order to calm my spirits I was endeavouring to direct my thoughts into + some more pleasing channel, when I heard, or thought I heard, uttered, + within a few yards of me, in an odd, half-sneering tone, the words, + </p> + <p> + 'There is blood upon your ladyship's throat.' + </p> + <p> + So vivid was the impression that I started to my feet, and involuntarily + placed my hand upon my neck. + </p> + <p> + I looked around the room for the speaker, but in vain. + </p> + <p> + I went then to the room-door, which I opened, and peered into the passage, + nearly faint with horror lest some leering, shapeless thing should greet + me upon the threshold. + </p> + <p> + When I had gazed long enough to assure myself that no strange object was + within sight, 'I have been too much of a rake lately; I am racking out my + nerves,' said I, speaking aloud, with a view to reassure myself. + </p> + <p> + I rang the bell, and, attended by old Martha, I retired to settle for the + night. + </p> + <p> + While the servant was—as was her custom—arranging the lamp + which I have already stated always burned during the night in my chamber, + I was employed in undressing, and, in doing so, I had recourse to a large + looking-glass which occupied a considerable portion of the wall in which + it was fixed, rising from the ground to a height of about six feet—this + mirror filled the space of a large panel in the wainscoting opposite the + foot of the bed. + </p> + <p> + I had hardly been before it for the lapse of a minute when something like + a black pall was slowly waved between me and it. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, God! there it is,' I exclaimed, wildly. 'I have seen it again, Martha—the + black cloth.' + </p> + <p> + 'God be merciful to us, then!' answered she, tremulously crossing herself. + 'Some misfortune is over us.' + </p> + <p> + 'No, no, Martha,' said I, almost instantly recovering my collectedness; + for, although of a nervous temperament, I had never been superstitious. 'I + do not believe in omens. You know I saw, or fancied I saw, this thing + before, and nothing followed.' + </p> + <p> + 'The Dutch lady came the next morning,' replied she. + </p> + <p> + 'But surely her coming scarcely deserved such a dreadful warning,' I + replied. + </p> + <p> + 'She is a strange woman, my lady,' said Martha; 'and she is not GONE yet—mark + my words.' + </p> + <p> + 'Well, well, Martha,' said I, 'I have not wit enough to change your + opinions, nor inclination to alter mine; so I will talk no more of the + matter. Good-night,' and so I was left to my reflections. + </p> + <p> + After lying for about an hour awake, I at length fell into a kind of doze; + but my imagination was still busy, for I was startled from this + unrefreshing sleep by fancying that I heard a voice close to my face + exclaim as before: + </p> + <p> + 'There is blood upon your ladyship's throat.' + </p> + <p> + The words were instantly followed by a loud burst of laughter. + </p> + <p> + Quaking with horror, I awakened, and heard my husband enter the room. Even + this was it relief. + </p> + <p> + Scared as I was, however, by the tricks which my imagination had played + me, I preferred remaining silent, and pretending to sleep, to attempting + to engage my husband in conversation, for I well knew that his mood was + such, that his words would not, in all probability, convey anything that + had not better be unsaid and unheard. + </p> + <p> + Lord Glenfallen went into his dressing-room, which lay upon the right-hand + side of the bed. The door lying open, I could see him by himself, at full + length upon a sofa, and, in about half an hour, I became aware, by his + deep and regularly drawn respiration, that he was fast asleep. + </p> + <p> + When slumber refuses to visit one, there is something peculiarly + irritating, not to the temper, but to the nerves, in the consciousness + that some one is in your immediate presence, actually enjoying the boon + which you are seeking in vain; at least, I have always found it so, and + never more than upon the present occasion. + </p> + <p> + A thousand annoying imaginations harassed and excited me; every object + which I looked upon, though ever so familiar, seemed to have acquired a + strange phantom-like character, the varying shadows thrown by the + flickering of the lamplight, seemed shaping themselves into grotesque and + unearthly forms, and whenever my eyes wandered to the sleeping figure of + my husband, his features appeared to undergo the strangest and most + demoniacal contortions. + </p> + <p> + Hour after hour was told by the old clock, and each succeeding one found + me, if possible, less inclined to sleep than its predecessor. + </p> + <p> + It was now considerably past three; my eyes, in their involuntary + wanderings, happened to alight upon the large mirror which was, as I have + said, fixed in the wall opposite the foot of the bed. A view of it was + commanded from where I lay, through the curtains. As I gazed fixedly upon + it, I thought I perceived the broad sheet of glass shifting its position + in relation to the bed; I riveted my eyes upon it with intense scrutiny; + it was no deception, the mirror, as if acting of its own impulse, moved + slowly aside, and disclosed a dark aperture in the wall, nearly as large + as an ordinary door; a figure evidently stood in this, but the light was + too dim to define it accurately. + </p> + <p> + It stepped cautiously into the chamber, and with so little noise, that had + I not actually seen it, I do not think I should have been aware of its + presence. It was arrayed in a kind of woollen night-dress, and a white + handkerchief or cloth was bound tightly about the head; I had no + difficulty, spite of the strangeness of the attire, in recognising the + blind woman whom I so much dreaded. + </p> + <p> + She stooped down, bringing her head nearly to the ground, and in that + attitude she remained motionless for some moments, no doubt in order to + ascertain if any suspicious sound were stirring. + </p> + <p> + She was apparently satisfied by her observations, for she immediately + recommenced her silent progress towards a ponderous mahogany + dressing-table of my husband's. When she had reached it, she paused again, + and appeared to listen attentively for some minutes; she then noiselessly + opened one of the drawers, from which, having groped for some time, she + took something, which I soon perceived to be a case of razors. She opened + it, and tried the edge of each of the two instruments upon the skin of her + hand; she quickly selected one, which she fixed firmly in her grasp. She + now stooped down as before, and having listened for a time, she, with the + hand that was disengaged, groped her way into the dressing-room where Lord + Glenfallen lay fast asleep. + </p> + <p> + I was fixed as if in the tremendous spell of a nightmare. I could not stir + even a finger; I could not lift my voice; I could not even breathe; and + though I expected every moment to see the sleeping man murdered, I could + not even close my eyes to shut out the horrible spectacle, which I had not + the power to avert. + </p> + <p> + I saw the woman approach the sleeping figure, she laid the unoccupied hand + lightly along his clothes, and having thus ascertained his identity, she, + after a brief interval, turned back and again entered my chamber; here she + bent down again to listen. + </p> + <p> + I had now not a doubt but that the razor was intended for my throat; yet + the terrific fascination which had locked all my powers so long, still + continued to bind me fast. + </p> + <p> + I felt that my life depended upon the slightest ordinary exertion, and yet + I could not stir one joint from the position in which I lay, nor even make + noise enough to waken Lord Glenfallen. + </p> + <p> + The murderous woman now, with long, silent steps, approached the bed; my + very heart seemed turning to ice; her left hand, that which was + disengaged, was upon the pillow; she gradually slid it forward towards my + head, and in an instant, with the speed of lightning, it was clutched in + my hair, while, with the other hand, she dashed the razor at my throat. + </p> + <p> + A slight inaccuracy saved me from instant death; the blow fell short, the + point of the razor grazing my throat. In a moment, I know not how, I found + myself at the other side of the bed, uttering shriek after shriek; the + wretch was, however, determined if possible to murder me. + </p> + <p> + Scrambling along by the curtains, she rushed round the bed towards me; I + seized the handle of the door to make my escape. It was, however, + fastened. At all events, I could not open it. From the mere instinct of + recoiling terror, I shrunk back into a corner. She was now within a yard + of me. Her hand was upon my face. + </p> + <p> + I closed my eyes fast, expecting never to open them again, when a blow, + inflicted from behind by a strong arm, stretched the monster senseless at + my feet. At the same moment the door opened, and several domestics, + alarmed by my cries, entered the apartment. + </p> + <p> + I do not recollect what followed, for I fainted. One swoon succeeded + another, so long and death-like, that my life was considered very + doubtful. + </p> + <p> + At about ten o'clock, however, I sunk into a deep and refreshing sleep, + from which I was awakened at about two, that I might swear my deposition + before a magistrate, who attended for that purpose. + </p> + <p> + I accordingly did so, as did also Lord Glenfallen, and the woman was fully + committed to stand her trial at the ensuing assizes. + </p> + <p> + I shall never forget the scene which the examination of the blind woman + and of the other parties afforded. + </p> + <p> + She was brought into the room in the custody of two servants. She wore a + kind of flannel wrapper which had not been changed since the night before. + It was torn and soiled, and here and there smeared with blood, which had + flowed in large quantities from a wound in her head. The white + handkerchief had fallen off in the scuffle, and her grizzled hair fell in + masses about her wild and deadly pale countenance. + </p> + <p> + She appeared perfectly composed, however, and the only regret she + expressed throughout, was at not having succeeded in her attempt, the + object of which she did not pretend to conceal. + </p> + <p> + On being asked her name, she called herself the Countess Glenfallen, and + refused to give any other title. + </p> + <p> + 'The woman's name is Flora Van-Kemp,' said Lord Glenfallen. + </p> + <p> + 'It WAS, it WAS, you perjured traitor and cheat!' screamed the woman; and + then there followed a volley of words in some foreign language. 'Is there + a magistrate here?' she resumed; 'I am Lord Glenfallen's wife—I'll + prove it—write down my words. I am willing to be hanged or burned, + so HE meets his deserts. I did try to kill that doll of his; but it was he + who put it into my head to do it—two wives were too many; I was to + murder her, or she was to hang me; listen to all I have to say.' + </p> + <p> + Here Lord Glenfallen interrupted. + </p> + <p> + 'I think, sir,' said he, addressing the magistrate, 'that we had better + proceed to business; this unhappy woman's furious recriminations but waste + our time. If she refuses to answer your questions, you had better, I + presume, take my depositions.' + </p> + <p> + 'And are you going to swear away my life, you black-perjured murderer?' + shrieked the woman. 'Sir, sir, sir, you must hear me,' she continued, + addressing the magistrate; 'I can convict him—he bid me murder that + girl, and then, when I failed, he came behind me, and struck me down, and + now he wants to swear away my life. Take down all I say.' + </p> + <p> + 'If it is your intention,' said the magistrate, 'to confess the crime with + which you stand charged, you may, upon producing sufficient evidence, + criminate whom you please.' + </p> + <p> + 'Evidence!—I have no evidence but myself,' said the woman. 'I will + swear it all—write down my testimony—write it down, I say—we + shall hang side by side, my brave lord—all your own handy-work, my + gentle husband.' + </p> + <p> + This was followed by a low, insolent, and sneering laugh, which, from one + in her situation, was sufficiently horrible. + </p> + <p> + 'I will not at present hear anything,' replied he, 'but distinct answers + to the questions which I shall put to you upon this matter.' + </p> + <p> + 'Then you shall hear nothing,' replied she sullenly, and no inducement or + intimidation could bring her to speak again. + </p> + <p> + Lord Glenfallen's deposition and mine were then given, as also those of + the servants who had entered the room at the moment of my rescue. + </p> + <p> + The magistrate then intimated that she was committed, and must proceed + directly to gaol, whither she was brought in a carriage; of Lord + Glenfallen's, for his lordship was naturally by no means indifferent to + the effect which her vehement accusations against himself might produce, + if uttered before every chance hearer whom she might meet with between + Cahergillagh and the place of confinement whither she was despatched. + </p> + <p> + During the time which intervened between the committal and the trial of + the prisoner, Lord Glenfallen seemed to suffer agonies of mind which + baffle all description; he hardly ever slept, and when he did, his + slumbers seemed but the instruments of new tortures, and his waking hours + were, if possible, exceeded in intensity of terrors by the dreams which + disturbed his sleep. + </p> + <p> + Lord Glenfallen rested, if to lie in the mere attitude of repose were to + do so, in his dressing-room, and thus I had an opportunity of witnessing, + far oftener than I wished it, the fearful workings of his mind. His agony + often broke out into such fearful paroxysms that delirium and total loss + of reason appeared to be impending. He frequently spoke of flying from the + country, and bringing with him all the witnesses of the appalling scene + upon which the prosecution was founded; then, again, he would fiercely + lament that the blow which he had inflicted had not ended all. + </p> + <p> + The assizes arrived, however, and upon the day appointed Lord Glenfallen + and I attended in order to give our evidence. + </p> + <p> + The cause was called on, and the prisoner appeared at the bar. + </p> + <p> + Great curiosity and interest were felt respecting the trial, so that the + court was crowded to excess. + </p> + <p> + The prisoner, however, without appearing to take the trouble of listening + to the indictment, pleaded guilty, and no representations on the part of + the court availed to induce her to retract her plea. + </p> + <p> + After much time had been wasted in a fruitless attempt to prevail upon her + to reconsider her words, the court proceeded, according to the usual form, + to pass sentence. + </p> + <p> + This having been done, the prisoner was about to be removed, when she + said, in a low, distinct voice: + </p> + <p> + 'A word—a word, my lord!—Is Lord Glenfallen here in the + court?' + </p> + <p> + On being told that he was, she raised her voice to a tone of loud menace, + and continued: + </p> + <p> + 'Hardress, Earl of Glenfallen, I accuse you here in this court of justice + of two crimes,—first, that you married a second wife, while the + first was living; and again, that you prompted me to the murder, for + attempting which I am to die. Secure him—chain him—bring him + here.' + </p> + <p> + There was a laugh through the court at these words, which were naturally + treated by the judge as a violent extemporary recrimination, and the woman + was desired to be silent. + </p> + <p> + 'You won't take him, then?' she said; 'you won't try him? You'll let him + go free?' + </p> + <p> + It was intimated by the court that he would certainly be allowed 'to go + free,' and she was ordered again to be removed. + </p> + <p> + Before, however, the mandate was executed, she threw her arms wildly into + the air, and uttered one piercing shriek so full of preternatural rage and + despair, that it might fitly have ushered a soul into those realms where + hope can come no more. + </p> + <p> + The sound still rang in my ears, months after the voice that had uttered + it was for ever silent. + </p> + <p> + The wretched woman was executed in accordance with the sentence which had + been pronounced. + </p> + <p> + For some time after this event, Lord Glenfallen appeared, if possible, to + suffer more than he had done before, and altogether his language, which + often amounted to half confessions of the guilt imputed to him, and all + the circumstances connected with the late occurrences, formed a mass of + evidence so convincing that I wrote to my father, detailing the grounds of + my fears, and imploring him to come to Cahergillagh without delay, in + order to remove me from my husband's control, previously to taking legal + steps for a final separation. + </p> + <p> + Circumstanced as I was, my existence was little short of intolerable, for, + besides the fearful suspicions which attached to my husband, I plainly + perceived that if Lord Glenfallen were not relieved, and that speedily, + insanity must supervene. I therefore expected my father's arrival, or at + least a letter to announce it, with indescribable impatience. + </p> + <p> + About a week after the execution had taken place, Lord Glenfallen one + morning met me with an unusually sprightly air. + </p> + <p> + 'Fanny,' said he, 'I have it now for the first time in my power to explain + to your satisfaction everything which has hitherto appeared suspicious or + mysterious in my conduct. After breakfast come with me to my study, and I + shall, I hope, make all things clear.' + </p> + <p> + This invitation afforded me more real pleasure than I had experienced for + months. Something had certainly occurred to tranquillize my husband's mind + in no ordinary degree, and I thought it by no means impossible that he + would, in the proposed interview, prove himself the most injured and + innocent of men. + </p> + <p> + Full of this hope, I repaired to his study at the appointed hour. He was + writing busily when I entered the room, and just raising his eyes, he + requested me to be seated. + </p> + <p> + I took a chair as he desired, and remained silently awaiting his leisure, + while he finished, folded, directed, and sealed his letter. Laying it then + upon the table with the address downward, he said, + </p> + <p> + 'My dearest Fanny, I know I must have appeared very strange to you and + very unkind—often even cruel. Before the end of this week I will + show you the necessity of my conduct—how impossible it was that I + should have seemed otherwise. I am conscious that many acts of mine must + have inevitably given rise to painful suspicions—suspicions which, + indeed, upon one occasion, you very properly communicated to me. I have + got two letters from a quarter which commands respect, containing + information as to the course by which I may be enabled to prove the + negative of all the crimes which even the most credulous suspicion could + lay to my charge. I expected a third by this morning's post, containing + documents which will set the matter for ever at rest, but owing, no doubt, + to some neglect, or, perhaps, to some difficulty in collecting the papers, + some inevitable delay, it has not come to hand this morning, according to + my expectation. I was finishing one to the very same quarter when you came + in, and if a sound rousing be worth anything, I think I shall have a + special messenger before two days have passed. I have been anxiously + considering with myself, as to whether I had better imperfectly clear up + your doubts by submitting to your inspection the two letters which I have + already received, or wait till I can triumphantly vindicate myself by the + production of the documents which I have already mentioned, and I have, I + think, not unnaturally decided upon the latter course. However, there is a + person in the next room whose testimony is not without its value excuse me + for one moment.' + </p> + <p> + So saying, he arose and went to the door of a closet which opened from the + study; this he unlocked, and half opening the door, he said, 'It is only + I,' and then slipped into the room and carefully closed and locked the + door behind him. + </p> + <p> + I immediately heard his voice in animated conversation. My curiosity upon + the subject of the letter was naturally great, so, smothering any little + scruples which I might have felt, I resolved to look at the address of the + letter which lay, as my husband had left it, with its face upon the table. + I accordingly drew it over to me and turned up the direction. + </p> + <p> + For two or three moments I could scarce believe my eyes, but there could + be no mistake—in large characters were traced the words, 'To the + Archangel Gabriel in Heaven.' + </p> + <p> + I had scarcely returned the letter to its original position, and in some + degree recovered the shock which this unequivocal proof of insanity + produced, when the closet door was unlocked, and Lord Glenfallen + re-entered the study, carefully closing and locking the door again upon + the outside. + </p> + <p> + 'Whom have you there?' inquired I, making a strong effort to appear calm. + </p> + <p> + 'Perhaps,' said he, musingly, 'you might have some objection to seeing + her, at least for a time.' + </p> + <p> + 'Who is it?' repeated I. + </p> + <p> + 'Why,' said he, 'I see no use in hiding it—the blind Dutchwoman. I + have been with her the whole morning. She is very anxious to get out of + that closet; but you know she is odd, she is scarcely to be trusted.' + </p> + <p> + A heavy gust of wind shook the door at this moment with a sound as if + something more substantial were pushing against it. + </p> + <p> + 'Ha, ha, ha!—do you hear her?' said he, with an obstreperous burst + of laughter. + </p> + <p> + The wind died away in a long howl, and Lord Glenfallen, suddenly checking + his merriment, shrugged his shoulders, and muttered: + </p> + <p> + 'Poor devil, she has been hardly used.' + </p> + <p> + 'We had better not tease her at present with questions,' said I, in as + unconcerned a tone as I could assume, although I felt every moment as if I + should faint. + </p> + <p> + 'Humph! may be so,' said he. 'Well, come back in an hour or two, or when + you please, and you will find us here.' + </p> + <p> + He again unlocked the door, and entered with the same precautions which he + had adopted before, locking the door upon the inside; and as I hurried + from the room, I heard his voice again exerted as if in eager parley. + </p> + <p> + I can hardly describe my emotions; my hopes had been raised to the + highest, and now, in an instant, all was gone—the dreadful + consummation was accomplished—the fearful retribution had fallen + upon the guilty man—the mind was destroyed—the power to repent + was gone. + </p> + <p> + The agony of the hours which followed what I would still call my AWFUL + interview with Lord Glenfallen, I cannot describe; my solitude was, + however, broken in upon by Martha, who came to inform me of the arrival of + a gentleman, who expected me in the parlour. + </p> + <p> + I accordingly descended, and, to my great joy, found my father seated by + the fire. + </p> + <p> + This expedition upon his part was easily accounted for: my communications + had touched the honour of the family. I speedily informed him of the + dreadful malady which had fallen upon the wretched man. + </p> + <p> + My father suggested the necessity of placing some person to watch him, to + prevent his injuring himself or others. + </p> + <p> + I rang the bell, and desired that one Edward Cooke, an attached servant of + the family, should be sent to me. + </p> + <p> + I told him distinctly and briefly the nature of the service required of + him, and, attended by him, my father and I proceeded at once to the study. + The door of the inner room was still closed, and everything in the outer + chamber remained in the same order in which I had left it. + </p> + <p> + We then advanced to the closet-door, at which we knocked, but without + receiving any answer. + </p> + <p> + We next tried to open the door, but in vain—it was locked upon the + inside. We knocked more loudly, but in vain. + </p> + <p> + Seriously alarmed, I desired the servant to force the door, which was, + after several violent efforts, accomplished, and we entered the closet. + </p> + <p> + Lord Glenfallen was lying on his face upon a sofa. + </p> + <p> + 'Hush!' said I, 'he is asleep.' We paused for a moment. + </p> + <p> + 'He is too still for that,' said my father. + </p> + <p> + We all of us felt a strong reluctance to approach the figure. + </p> + <p> + 'Edward,' said I, 'try whether your master sleeps.' + </p> + <p> + The servant approached the sofa where Lord Glenfallen lay. He leant his + ear towards the head of the recumbent figure, to ascertain whether the + sound of breathing was audible. He turned towards us, and said: + </p> + <p> + 'My lady, you had better not wait here; I am sure he is dead!' + </p> + <p> + 'Let me see the face,' said I, terribly agitated; 'you MAY be mistaken.' + </p> + <p> + The man then, in obedience to my command, turned the body round, and, + gracious God! what a sight met my view. He was, indeed, perfectly dead. + </p> + <p> + The whole breast of the shirt, with its lace frill, was drenched with + gore, as was the couch underneath the spot where he lay. + </p> + <p> + The head hung back, as it seemed, almost severed from the body by a + frightful gash, which yawned across the throat. The instrument which had + inflicted it was found under his body. + </p> + <p> + All, then, was over; I was never to learn the history in whose termination + I had been so deeply and so tragically involved. + </p> + <p> + The severe discipline which my mind had undergone was not bestowed in + vain. I directed my thoughts and my hopes to that place where there is no + more sin, nor danger, nor sorrow. + </p> + <p> + Thus ends a brief tale whose prominent incidents many will recognise as + having marked the history of a distinguished family; and though it refers + to a somewhat distant date, we shall be found not to have taken, upon that + account, any liberties with the facts, but in our statement of all the + incidents to have rigorously and faithfully adhered to the truth. + </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> + AN ADVENTURE OF HARDRESS FITZGERALD, A ROYALIST CAPTAIN. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Being an Eleventh Extract from the Legacy of the late + Francis Purcell, P.P. of Drumcoolagh. +</pre> + <p> + The following brief narrative contains a faithful account of one of the + many strange incidents which chequered the life of Hardress Fitzgerald—one + of the now-forgotten heroes who flourished during the most stirring and, + though the most disastrous, by no means the least glorious period of our + eventful history. + </p> + <p> + He was a captain of horse in the army of James, and shared the fortunes of + his master, enduring privations, encountering dangers, and submitting to + vicissitudes the most galling and ruinous, with a fortitude and a heroism + which would, if coupled with his other virtues have rendered the unhappy + monarch whom he served, the most illustrious among unfortunate princes. + </p> + <p> + I have always preferred, where I could do so with any approach to + accuracy, to give such relations as the one which I am about to submit to + you, in the first person, and in the words of the original narrator, + believing that such a form of recitation not only gives freshness to the + tale, but in this particular instance, by bringing before me and steadily + fixing in my mind's eye the veteran royalist who himself related the + occurrence which I am about to record, furnishes an additional stimulant + to my memory, and a proportionate check upon my imagination. + </p> + <p> + As nearly as I can recollect then, his statement was as follows: + </p> + <p> + After the fatal battle of the Boyne, I came up in disguise to Dublin, as + did many in a like situation, regarding the capital as furnishing at once + a good central position of observation, and as secure a lurking-place as I + cared to find. + </p> + <p> + I would not suffer myself to believe that the cause of my royal master was + so desperate as it really was; and while I lay in my lodgings, which + consisted of the garret of a small dark house, standing in the lane which + runs close by Audoen's Arch, I busied myself with continual projects for + the raising of the country, and the re-collecting of the fragments of the + defeated army—plans, you will allow, sufficiently magnificent for a + poor devil who dared scarce show his face abroad in the daylight. + </p> + <p> + I believe, however, that I had not much reason to fear for my personal + safety, for men's minds in the city were greatly occupied with public + events, and private amusements and debaucheries, which were, about that + time, carried to an excess which our country never knew before, by reason + of the raking together from all quarters of the empire, and indeed from + most parts of Holland, the most dissolute and desperate adventurers who + cared to play at hazard for their lives; and thus there seemed to be but + little scrutiny into the characters of those who sought concealment. + </p> + <p> + I heard much at different times of the intentions of King James and his + party, but nothing with certainty. + </p> + <p> + Some said that the king still lay in Ireland; others, that he had crossed + over to Scotland, to encourage the Highlanders, who, with Dundee at their + head, had been stirring in his behoof; others, again, said that he had + taken ship for France, leaving his followers to shift for themselves, and + regarding his kingdom as wholly lost, which last was the true version, as + I afterwards learned. + </p> + <p> + Although I had been very active in the wars in Ireland, and had done many + deeds of necessary but dire severity, which have often since troubled me + much to think upon, yet I doubted not but that I might easily obtain + protection for my person and property from the Prince of Orange, if I + sought it by the ordinary submissions; but besides that my conscience and + my affections resisted such time-serving concessions, I was resolved in my + own mind that the cause of the royalist party was by no means desperate, + and I looked to keep myself unimpeded by any pledge or promise given to + the usurping Dutchman, that I might freely and honourably take a share in + any struggle which might yet remain to be made for the right. + </p> + <p> + I therefore lay quiet, going forth from my lodgings but little, and that + chiefly under cover of the dusk, and conversing hardly at all, except with + those whom I well knew. + </p> + <p> + I had like once to have paid dearly for relaxing this caution; for going + into a tavern one evening near the Tholsel, I had the confidence to throw + off my hat, and sit there with my face quite exposed, when a fellow coming + in with some troopers, they fell a-boozing, and being somewhat warmed, + they began to drink 'Confusion to popery,' and the like, and to compel the + peaceable persons who happened to sit there, to join them in so doing. + </p> + <p> + Though I was rather hot-blooded, I was resolved to say nothing to attract + notice; but, at the same time, if urged to pledge the toasts which they + were compelling others to drink, to resist doing so. + </p> + <p> + With the intent to withdraw myself quietly from the place, I paid my + reckoning, and putting on my hat, was going into the street, when the + countryman who had come in with the soldiers called out: + </p> + <p> + 'Stop that popish tom-cat!' + </p> + <p> + And running across the room, he got to the door before me, and, shutting + it, placed his back against it, to prevent my going out. + </p> + <p> + Though with much difficulty, I kept an appearance of quietness, and + turning to the fellow, who, from his accent, I judged to be northern, and + whose face I knew—though, to this day, I cannot say where I had seen + him before—I observed very calmly: + </p> + <p> + 'Sir, I came in here with no other design than to refresh myself, without + offending any man. I have paid my reckoning, and now desire to go forth. + If there is anything within reason that I can do to satisfy you, and to + prevent trouble and delay to myself, name your terms, and if they be but + fair, I will frankly comply with them.' + </p> + <p> + He quickly replied: + </p> + <p> + 'You are Hardress Fitzgerald, the bloody popish captain, that hanged the + twelve men at Derry.' + </p> + <p> + I felt that I was in some danger, but being a strong man, and used to + perils of all kinds, it was not easy to disconcert me. + </p> + <p> + I looked then steadily at the fellow, and, in a voice of much confidence, + I said: + </p> + <p> + 'I am neither a Papist, a Royalist, nor a Fitzgerald, but an honester + Protestant, mayhap, than many who make louder professions.' + </p> + <p> + 'Then drink the honest man's toast,' said he. 'Damnation to the pope, and + confusion to skulking Jimmy and his runaway crew.' + </p> + <p> + 'Yourself shall hear me,' said I, taking the largest pewter pot that lay + within my reach. 'Tapster, fill this with ale; I grieve to say I can + afford nothing better.' + </p> + <p> + I took the vessel of liquor in my hand, and walking up to him, I first + made a bow to the troopers who sat laughing at the sprightliness of their + facetious friend, and then another to himself, when saying, 'G—— + damn yourself and your cause!' I flung the ale straight into his face; and + before he had time to recover himself, I struck him with my whole force + and weight with the pewter pot upon the head, so strong a blow, that he + fell, for aught I know, dead upon the floor, and nothing but the handle of + the vessel remained in my hand. + </p> + <p> + I opened the door, but one of the dragoons drew his sabre, and ran at me + to avenge his companion. With my hand I put aside the blade of the sword, + narrowly escaping what he had intended for me, the point actually tearing + open my vest. Without allowing him time to repeat his thrust, I struck him + in the face with my clenched fist so sound a blow that he rolled back into + the room with the force of a tennis ball. + </p> + <p> + It was well for me that the rest were half drunk, and the evening dark; + for otherwise my folly would infallibly have cost me my life. As it was, I + reached my garret in safety, with a resolution to frequent taverns no more + until better times. + </p> + <p> + My little patience and money were wellnigh exhausted, when, after much + doubt and uncertainty, and many conflicting reports, I was assured that + the flower of the Royalist army, under the Duke of Berwick and General + Boisleau, occupied the city of Limerick, with a determination to hold that + fortress against the prince's forces; and that a French fleet of great + power, and well freighted with arms, ammunition, and men, was riding in + the Shannon, under the walls of the town. But this last report was, like + many others then circulated, untrue; there being, indeed, a promise and + expectation of such assistance, but no arrival of it till too late. + </p> + <p> + The army of the Prince of Orange was said to be rapidly approaching the + town, in order to commence the siege. + </p> + <p> + On hearing this, and being made as certain as the vagueness and + unsatisfactory nature of my information, which came not from any authentic + source, would permit; at least, being sure of the main point, which all + allowed—namely, that Limerick was held for the king—and being + also naturally fond of enterprise, and impatient of idleness, I took the + resolution to travel thither, and, if possible, to throw myself into the + city, in order to lend what assistance I might to my former companions in + arms, well knowing that any man of strong constitution and of some + experience might easily make himself useful to a garrison in their + straitened situation. + </p> + <p> + When I had taken this resolution, I was not long in putting it into + execution; and, as the first step in the matter, I turned half of the + money which remained with me, in all about seventeen pounds, into small + wares and merchandise such as travelling traders used to deal in; and the + rest, excepting some shillings which I carried home for my immediate + expenses, I sewed carefully in the lining of my breeches waistband, hoping + that the sale of my commodities might easily supply me with subsistence + upon the road. + </p> + <p> + I left Dublin upon a Friday morning in the month of September, with a + tolerably heavy pack upon my back. + </p> + <p> + I was a strong man and a good walker, and one day with another travelled + easily at the rate of twenty miles in each day, much time being lost in + the towns of any note on the way, where, to avoid suspicion, I was obliged + to make some stay, as if to sell my wares. + </p> + <p> + I did not travel directly to Limerick, but turned far into Tipperary, + going near to the borders of Cork. + </p> + <p> + Upon the sixth day after my departure from Dublin I learned, CERTAINLY, + from some fellows who were returning from trafficking with the soldiers, + that the army of the prince was actually encamped before Limerick, upon + the south side of the Shannon. + </p> + <p> + In order, then, to enter the city without interruption, I must needs cross + the river, and I was much in doubt whether to do so by boat from Kerry, + which I might have easily done, into the Earl of Clare's land, and thus + into the beleaguered city, or to take what seemed the easier way, one, + however, about which I had certain misgivings—which, by the way, + afterwards turned out to be just enough. This way was to cross the Shannon + at O'Brien's Bridge, or at Killaloe, into the county of Clare. + </p> + <p> + I feared, however, that both these passes were guarded by the prince's + forces, and resolved, if such were the case, not to essay to cross, for I + was not fitted to sustain a scrutiny, having about me, though pretty + safely secured, my commission from King James—which, though a + dangerous companion, I would not have parted from but with my life. + </p> + <p> + I settled, then, in my own mind, that if the bridges were guarded I would + walk as far as Portumna, where I might cross, though at a considerable + sacrifice of time; and, having determined upon this course, I turned + directly towards Killaloe. + </p> + <p> + I reached the foot of the mountain, or rather high hill, called Keeper—which + had been pointed out to me as a landmark—lying directly between me + and Killaloe, in the evening, and, having ascended some way, the darkness + and fog overtook me. + </p> + <p> + The evening was very chilly, and myself weary, hungry, and much in need of + sleep, so that I preferred seeking to cross the hill, though at some risk, + to remaining upon it throughout the night. Stumbling over rocks and + sinking into bog-mire, as the nature of the ground varied, I slowly and + laboriously plodded on, making very little way in proportion to the toil + it cost me. + </p> + <p> + After half an hour's slow walking, or rather rambling, for, owing to the + dark, I very soon lost my direction, I at last heard the sound of running + water, and with some little trouble reached the edge of a brook, which ran + in the bottom of a deep gully. This I knew would furnish a sure guide to + the low grounds, where I might promise myself that I should speedily meet + with some house or cabin where I might find shelter for the night. + </p> + <p> + The stream which I followed flowed at the bottom of a rough and swampy + glen, very steep and making many abrupt turns, and so dark, owing more to + the fog than to the want of the moon (for, though not high, I believe it + had risen at the time), that I continually fell over fragments of rock and + stumbled up to my middle into the rivulet, which I sought to follow. + </p> + <p> + In this way, drenched, weary, and with my patience almost exhausted, I was + toiling onward, when, turning a sharp angle in the winding glen, I found + myself within some twenty yards of a group of wild-looking men, gathered + in various attitudes round a glowing turf fire. + </p> + <p> + I was so surprised at this rencontre that I stopped short, and for a time + was in doubt whether to turn back or to accost them. + </p> + <p> + A minute's thought satisfied me that I ought to make up to the fellows, + and trust to their good faith for whatever assistance they could give me. + </p> + <p> + I determined, then, to do this, having great faith in the impulses of my + mind, which, whenever I have been in jeopardy, as in my life I often have, + always prompted me aright. + </p> + <p> + The strong red light of the fire showed me plainly enough that the group + consisted, not of soldiers, but of Irish kernes, or countrymen, most of + them wrapped in heavy mantles, and with no other covering for their heads + than that afforded by their long, rough hair. + </p> + <p> + There was nothing about them which I could see to intimate whether their + object were peaceful or warlike; but I afterwards found that they had + weapons enough, though of their own rude fashion. + </p> + <p> + There were in all about twenty persons assembled around the fire, some + sitting upon such blocks of stone as happened to lie in the way; others + stretched at their length upon the ground. + </p> + <p> + 'God save you, boys!' said I, advancing towards the party. + </p> + <p> + The men who had been talking and laughing together instantly paused, and + two of them—tall and powerful fellows—snatched up each a + weapon, something like a short halberd with a massive iron head, an + instrument which they called among themselves a rapp, and with two or + three long strides they came up with me, and laying hold upon my arms, + drew me, not, you may easily believe, making much resistance, towards the + fire. + </p> + <p> + When I reached the place where the figures were seated, the two men still + held me firmly, and some others threw some handfuls of dry fuel upon the + red embers, which, blazing up, cast a strong light upon me. + </p> + <p> + When they had satisfied themselves as to my appearance, they began to + question me very closely as to my purpose in being upon the hill at such + an unseasonable hour, asking me what was my occupation, where I had been, + and whither I was going. + </p> + <p> + These questions were put to me in English by an old half-military looking + man, who translated into that language the suggestions which his + companions for the most part threw out in Irish. + </p> + <p> + I did not choose to commit myself to these fellows by telling them my real + character and purpose, and therefore I represented myself as a poor + travelling chapman who had been at Cork, and was seeking his way to + Killaloe, in order to cross over into Clare and thence to the city of + Galway. + </p> + <p> + My account did not seem fully to satisfy the men. + </p> + <p> + I heard one fellow say in Irish, which language I understood, 'Maybe he is + a spy.' + </p> + <p> + They then whispered together for a time, and the little man who was their + spokesman came over to me and said: + </p> + <p> + 'Do you know what we do with spies? we knock their brains out, my friend.' + </p> + <p> + He then turned back to them with whom he had been whispering, and talked + in a low tone again with them for a considerable time. + </p> + <p> + I now felt very uncomfortable, not knowing what these savages—for + they appeared nothing better—might design against me. + </p> + <p> + Twice or thrice I had serious thoughts of breaking from them, but the two + guards who were placed upon me held me fast by the arms; and even had I + succeeded in shaking them off, I should soon have been overtaken, + encumbered as I was with a heavy pack, and wholly ignorant of the lie of + the ground; or else, if I were so exceedingly lucky as to escape out of + their hands, I still had the chance of falling into those of some other + party of the same kind. + </p> + <p> + I therefore patiently awaited the issue of their deliberations, which I + made no doubt affected me nearly. + </p> + <p> + I turned to the men who held me, and one after the other asked them, in + their own language, 'Why they held me?' adding, 'I am but a poor pedlar, + as you see. I have neither money nor money's worth, for the sake of which + you should do me hurt. You may have my pack and all that it contains, if + you desire it—but do not injure me.' + </p> + <p> + To all this they gave no answer, but savagely desired me to hold my + tongue. + </p> + <p> + I accordingly remained silent, determined, if the worst came, to declare + to the whole party, who, I doubted not, were friendly, as were all the + Irish peasantry in the south, to the Royal cause, my real character and + design; and if this avowal failed me, I was resolved to make a desperate + effort to escape, or at least to give my life at the dearest price I + could. + </p> + <p> + I was not kept long in suspense, for the little veteran who had spoken to + me at first came over, and desiring the two men to bring me after him, led + the way along a broken path, which wound by the side of the steep glen. + </p> + <p> + I was obliged willy nilly to go with them, and, half-dragging and + half-carrying me, they brought me by the path, which now became very + steep, for some hundred yards without stopping, when suddenly coming to a + stand, I found myself close before the door of some house or hut, I could + not see which, through the planks of which a strong light was streaming. + </p> + <p> + At this door my conductor stopped, and tapping gently at it, it was opened + by a stout fellow, with buff-coat and jack-boots, and pistols stuck in his + belt, as also a long cavalry sword by his side. + </p> + <p> + He spoke with my guide, and to my no small satisfaction, in French, which + convinced me that he was one of the soldiers whom Louis had sent to + support our king, and who were said to have arrived in Limerick, though, + as I observed above, not with truth. + </p> + <p> + I was much assured by this circumstance, and made no doubt but that I had + fallen in with one of those marauding parties of native Irish, who, + placing themselves under the guidance of men of courage and experience, + had done much brave and essential service to the cause of the king. + </p> + <p> + The soldier entered an inner door in the apartment, which opening + disclosed a rude, dreary, and dilapidated room, with a low plank ceiling, + much discoloured by the smoke which hung suspended in heavy masses, + descending within a few feet of the ground, and completely obscuring the + upper regions of the chamber. + </p> + <p> + A large fire of turf and heath was burning under a kind of rude chimney, + shaped like a large funnel, but by no means discharging the functions for + which it was intended. Into this inauspicious apartment was I conducted by + my strange companions. In the next room I heard voices employed, as it + seemed, in brief questioning and answer; and in a minute the soldier + reentered the room, and having said, 'Votre prisonnier—le general + veut le voir,' he led the way into the inner room, which in point of + comfort and cleanliness was not a whit better than the first. + </p> + <p> + Seated at a clumsy plank table, placed about the middle of the floor, was + a powerfully built man, of almost colossal stature—his military + accoutrements, cuirass and rich regimental clothes, soiled, deranged, and + spattered with recent hard travel; the flowing wig, surmounted by the + cocked hat and plume, still rested upon his head. On the table lay his + sword-belt with its appendage, and a pair of long holster pistols, some + papers, and pen and ink; also a stone jug, and the fragments of a hasty + meal. His attitude betokened the languor of fatigue. His left hand was + buried beyond the lace ruffle in the breast of his cassock, and the elbow + of his right rested upon the table, so as to support his head. From his + mouth protruded a tobacco-pipe, which as I entered he slowly withdrew. + </p> + <p> + A single glance at the honest, good-humoured, comely face of the soldier + satisfied me of his identity, and removing my hat from my head I said, + 'God save General Sarsfield!' + </p> + <p> + The general nodded + </p> + <p> + 'I am a prisoner here under strange circumstances,' I continued 'I appear + before you in a strange disguise. You do not recognise Captain Hardress + Fitzgerald!' + </p> + <p> + 'Eh, how's this?' said he, approaching me with the light. + </p> + <p> + 'I am that Hardress Fitzgerald,' I repeated, 'who served under you at the + Boyne, and upon the day of the action had the honour to protect your + person at the expense of his own.' At the same time I turned aside the + hair which covered the scar which you well know upon my forehead, and + which was then much more remarkable than it is now. + </p> + <p> + The general on seeing this at once recognised me, and embracing me + cordially, made me sit down, and while I unstrapped my pack, a tedious + job, my fingers being nearly numbed with cold, sent the men forth to + procure me some provision. + </p> + <p> + The general's horse was stabled in a corner of the chamber where we sat, + and his war-saddle lay upon the floor. At the far end of the room was a + second door, which stood half open; a bogwood fire burned on a hearth + somewhat less rude than the one which I had first seen, but still very + little better appointed with a chimney, for thick wreaths of smoke were + eddying, with every fitful gust, about the room. Close by the fire was + strewed a bed of heath, intended, I supposed, for the stalwart limbs of + the general. + </p> + <p> + 'Hardress Fitzgerald,' said he, fixing his eyes gravely upon me, while he + slowly removed the tobacco-pipe from his mouth, 'I remember you, strong, + bold and cunning in your warlike trade; the more desperate an enterprise, + the more ready for it, you. I would gladly engage you, for I know you + trustworthy, to perform a piece of duty requiring, it may be, no + extraordinary quality to fulfil; and yet perhaps, as accidents may happen, + demanding every attribute of daring and dexterity which belongs to you.' + </p> + <p> + Here he paused for some moments. + </p> + <p> + I own I felt somewhat flattered by the terms in which he spoke of me, + knowing him to be but little given to compliments; and not having any plan + in my head, farther than the rendering what service I might to the cause + of the king, caring very little as to the road in which my duty might lie, + I frankly replied: + </p> + <p> + 'Sir, I hope, if opportunity offers, I shall prove to deserve the + honourable terms in which you are pleased to speak of me. In a righteous + cause I fear not wounds or death; and in discharging my duty to my God and + my king, I am ready for any hazard or any fate. Name the service you + require, and if it lies within the compass of my wit or power, I will + fully and faithfully perform it. Have I said enough?' + </p> + <p> + 'That is well, very well, my friend; you speak well, and manfully,' + replied the general. 'I want you to convey to the hands of General + Boisleau, now in the city of Limerick, a small written packet; there is + some danger, mark me, of your falling in with some outpost or straggling + party of the prince's army. If you are taken unawares by any of the enemy + you must dispose of the packet inside your person, rather than let it fall + into their hands—that is, you must eat it. And if they go to + question you with thumbscrews, or the like, answer nothing; let them knock + your brains out first.' In illustration, I suppose, of the latter + alternative, he knocked the ashes out of his pipe upon the table as he + uttered it. + </p> + <p> + 'The packet,' he continued, 'you shall have to-morrow morning. Meantime + comfort yourself with food, and afterwards with sleep; you will want, + mayhap, all your strength and wits on the morrow.' + </p> + <p> + I applied myself forthwith to the homely fare which they had provided, and + I confess that I never made a meal so heartily to my satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + It was a beautiful, clear, autumn morning, and the bright beams of the + early sun were slanting over the brown heath which clothed the sides of + the mountain, and glittering in the thousand bright drops which the + melting hoar-frost had left behind it, and the white mists were lying like + broad lakes in the valleys, when, with my pedlar's pack upon my back, and + General Sarsfield's precious despatch in my bosom, I set forth, refreshed + and courageous. + </p> + <p> + As I descended the hill, my heart expanded and my spirits rose under the + influences which surrounded me. The keen, clear, bracing air of the + morning, the bright, slanting sunshine, the merry songs of the small + birds, and the distant sounds of awakening labour that floated up from the + plains, all conspired to stir my heart within me, and more like a mad-cap + boy, broken loose from school, than a man of sober years upon a mission of + doubt and danger, I trod lightly on, whistling and singing alternately for + very joy. + </p> + <p> + As I approached the object of my early march, I fell in with a countryman, + eager, as are most of his kind, for news. + </p> + <p> + I gave him what little I had collected, and professing great zeal for the + king, which, indeed, I always cherished, I won upon his confidence so far, + that he became much more communicative than the peasantry in those + quarters are generally wont to be to strangers. + </p> + <p> + From him I learned that there was a company of dragoons in William's + service, quartered at Willaloe; but he could not tell whether the passage + of the bridge was stopped by them or not. With a resolution, at all + events, to make the attempt to cross, I approached the town. When I came + within sight of the river, I quickly perceived that it was so swollen with + the recent rains, as, indeed, the countryman had told me, that the fords + were wholly impassable. + </p> + <p> + I stopped then, upon a slight eminence overlooking the village, with a + view to reconnoitre and to arrange my plans in case of interruption. While + thus engaged, the wind blowing gently from the west, in which quarter + Limerick lay, I distinctly heard the explosion of the cannon, which played + from and against the city, though at a distance of eleven miles at the + least. + </p> + <p> + I never yet heard the music that had for me half the attractions of that + sullen sound, and as I noted again and again the distant thunder that + proclaimed the perils, and the valour, and the faithfulness of my + brethren, my heart swelled with pride, and the tears rose to my eyes; and + lifting up my hands to heaven, I prayed to God that I might be spared to + take a part in the righteous quarrel that was there so bravely maintained. + </p> + <p> + I felt, indeed, at this moment a longing, more intense than I have the + power to describe, to be at once with my brave companions in arms, and so + inwardly excited and stirred up as if I had been actually within five + minutes' march of the field of battle. + </p> + <p> + It was now almost noon, and I had walked hard since morning across a + difficult and broken country, so that I was a little fatigued, and in no + small degree hungry. As I approached the hamlet, I was glad to see in the + window of a poor hovel several large cakes of meal displayed, as if to + induce purchasers to enter. + </p> + <p> + I was right in regarding this exhibition as an intimation that + entertainment might be procured within, for upon entering and inquiring, I + was speedily invited by the poor woman, who, it appeared, kept this humble + house of refreshment, to lay down my pack and seat myself by a ponderous + table, upon which she promised to serve me with a dinner fit for a king; + and indeed, to my mind, she amply fulfilled her engagement, supplying me + abundantly with eggs, bacon, and wheaten cakes, which I discussed with a + zeal which almost surprised myself. + </p> + <p> + Having disposed of the solid part of my entertainment, I was proceeding to + regale myself with a brimming measure of strong waters, when my attention + was arrested by the sound of horses' hoofs in brisk motion upon the broken + road, and evidently approaching the hovel in which I was at that moment + seated. + </p> + <p> + The ominous clank of sword scabbards and the jingle of brass accoutrements + announced, unequivocally, that the horsemen were of the military + profession. + </p> + <p> + 'The red-coats will stop here undoubtedly,' said the old woman, observing, + I suppose, the anxiety of my countenance; 'they never pass us without + coming in for half an hour to drink or smoke. If you desire to avoid them, + I can hide you safely; but don't lose a moment. They will be here before + you can count a hundred.' + </p> + <p> + I thanked the good woman for her hospitable zeal; but I felt a repugnance + to concealing myself as she suggested, which was enhanced by the + consciousness that if by any accident I were detected while lurking in the + room, my situation would of itself inevitably lead to suspicions, and + probably to discovery. + </p> + <p> + I therefore declined her offer, and awaited in suspense the entrance of + the soldiers. + </p> + <p> + I had time before they made their appearance to move my seat hurriedly + from the table to the hearth, where, under the shade of the large chimney, + I might observe the coming visitors with less chance of being myself + remarked upon. + </p> + <p> + As my hostess had anticipated, the horsemen drew up at the door of the + hut, and five dragoons entered the dark chamber where I awaited them. + </p> + <p> + Leaving their horses at the entrance, with much noise and clatter they + proceeded to seat themselves and call for liquor. + </p> + <p> + Three of these fellows were Dutchmen, and, indeed, all belonged, as I + afterwards found, to a Dutch regiment, which had been recruited with Irish + and English, as also partly officered from the same nations. + </p> + <p> + Being supplied with pipes and drink they soon became merry; and not + suffering their smoking to interfere with their conversation, they talked + loud and quickly, for the most part in a sort of barbarous language, + neither Dutch nor English, but compounded of both. + </p> + <p> + They were so occupied with their own jocularity that I had very great + hopes of escaping observation altogether, and remained quietly seated in a + corner of the chimney, leaning back upon my seat as if asleep. + </p> + <p> + My taciturnity and quiescence, however, did not avail me, for one of these + fellows coming over to the hearth to light his pipe, perceived me, and + looking me very hard in the face, he said: + </p> + <p> + 'What countryman are you, brother, that you sit with a covered head in the + room with the prince's soldiers?' + </p> + <p> + At the same time he tossed my hat off my head into the fire. I was not + fool enough, though somewhat hot-blooded, to suffer the insolence of this + fellow to involve me in a broil so dangerous to my person and ruinous to + my schemes as a riot with these soldiers must prove. I therefore, quietly + taking up my hat and shaking the ashes out of it, observed: + </p> + <p> + 'Sir, I crave your pardon if I have offended you. I am a stranger in these + quarters, and a poor, ignorant, humble man, desiring only to drive my + little trade in peace, so far as that may be done in these troublous + times.' + </p> + <p> + 'And what may your trade be?' said the same fellow. + </p> + <p> + 'I am a travelling merchant,' I replied; 'and sell my wares as cheap as + any trader in the country.' + </p> + <p> + 'Let us see them forthwith,' said he; 'mayhap I or my comrades may want + something which you can supply. Where is thy chest, friend? Thou shalt + have ready money' (winking at his companions), 'ready money, and good + weight, and sound metal; none of your rascally pinchbeck. Eh, my lads? + Bring forth the goods, and let us see.' + </p> + <p> + Thus urged, I should have betrayed myself had I hesitated to do as + required; and anxious, upon any terms, to quiet these turbulent men of + war, I unbuckled my pack and exhibited its contents upon the table before + them. + </p> + <p> + 'A pair of lace ruffles, by the Lord!' said one, unceremoniously seizing + upon the articles he named. + </p> + <p> + 'A phial of perfume,' continued another, tumbling over the farrago which I + had submitted to them, 'wash-balls, combs, stationery, slippers, small + knives, tobacco; by ——, this merchant is a prize! Mark me, + honest fellow, the man who wrongs thee shall suffer—'fore Gad he + shall; thou shalt be fairly dealt with' (this he said while in the act of + pocketing a small silver tobacco-box, the most valuable article in the + lot). 'You shall come with me to head-quarters; the captain will deal with + you, and never haggle about the price. I promise thee his good will, and + thou wilt consider me accordingly. You'll find him a profitable customer—he + has money without end, and throws it about like a gentleman. If so be as I + tell thee, I shall expect, and my comrades here, a piece or two in the way + of a compliment—but of this anon. Come, then, with us; buckle on thy + pack quickly, friend.' + </p> + <p> + There was no use in my declaring my willingness to deal with themselves in + preference to their master; it was clear that they had resolved that I + should, in the most expeditious and advantageous way, turn my goods into + money, that they might excise upon me to the amount of their wishes. + </p> + <p> + The worthy who had taken a lead in these arrangements, and who by his + stripes I perceived to be a corporal, having insisted on my taking a dram + with him to cement our newly-formed friendship, for which, however, he + requested me to pay, made me mount behind one of his comrades; and the + party, of which I thus formed an unwilling member, moved at a slow trot + towards the quarters of the troop. + </p> + <p> + They reined up their horses at the head of the long bridge, which at this + village spans the broad waters of the Shannon connecting the opposite + counties of Tipperary and Clare. + </p> + <p> + A small tower, built originally, no doubt, to protect and to defend this + pass, occupied the near extremity of the bridge, and in its rear, but + connected with it, stood several straggling buildings rather dilapidated. + </p> + <p> + A dismounted trooper kept guard at the door, and my conductor having, + dismounted, as also the corporal, the latter inquired: + </p> + <p> + 'Is the captain in his quarters?' + </p> + <p> + 'He is,' replied the sentinel. + </p> + <p> + And without more ado my companion shoved me into the entrance of the small + dark tower, and opening a door at the extremity of the narrow chamber into + which we had passed from the street, we entered a second room in which + were seated some half-dozen officers of various ranks and ages, engaged in + drinking, and smoking, and play. + </p> + <p> + I glanced rapidly from man to man, and was nearly satisfied by my + inspection, when one of the gentlemen whose back had been turned towards + the place where I stood, suddenly changed his position and looked towards + me. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I saw his face my heart sank within me, and I knew that my life + or death was balanced, as it were, upon a razor's edge. + </p> + <p> + The name of this man whose unexpected appearance thus affected me was Hugh + Oliver, and good and strong reason had I to dread him, for so bitterly did + he hate me, that to this moment I do verily believe he would have + compassed my death if it lay in his power to do so, even at the hazard of + his own life and soul, for I had been—though God knows with many + sore strugglings and at the stern call of public duty—the judge and + condemner of his brother; and though the military law, which I was called + upon to administer, would permit no other course or sentence than the + bloody one which I was compelled to pursue, yet even to this hour the + recollection of that deed is heavy at my breast. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I saw this man I felt that my safety depended upon the accident + of his not recognising me through the disguise which I had assumed, an + accident against which were many chances, for he well knew my person and + appearance. + </p> + <p> + It was too late now to destroy General Sarsfield's instructions; any + attempt to do so would ensure detection. All then depended upon a cast of + the die. + </p> + <p> + When the first moment of dismay and heart-sickening agitation had passed, + it seemed to me as if my mind acquired a collectedness and clearness more + complete and intense than I had ever experienced before. + </p> + <p> + I instantly perceived that he did not know me, for turning from me to the + soldier with all air of indifference, he said, + </p> + <p> + 'Is this a prisoner or a deserter? What have you brought him here for, + sirra?' + </p> + <p> + 'Your wisdom will regard him as you see fit, may it please you,' said the + corporal. 'The man is a travelling merchant, and, overtaking him upon the + road, close by old Dame MacDonagh's cot, I thought I might as well make a + sort of prisoner of him that your honour might use him as it might appear + most convenient; he has many commododies which are not unworthy of price + in this wilderness, and some which you may condescend to make use of + yourself. May he exhibit the goods he has for sale, an't please you?' + </p> + <p> + 'Ay, let us see them,' said he. + </p> + <p> + 'Unbuckle your pack,' exclaimed the corporal, with the same tone of + command with which, at the head of his guard, he would have said 'Recover + your arms.' 'Unbuckle your pack, fellow, and show your goods to the + captain—here, where you are.' + </p> + <p> + The conclusion of his directions was suggested by my endeavouring to move + round in order to get my back towards the windows, hoping, by keeping my + face in the shade, to escape detection. + </p> + <p> + In this manoeuvre, however, I was foiled by the imperiousness of the + soldier; and inwardly cursing his ill-timed interference, I proceeded to + present my merchandise to the loving contemplation of the officers who + thronged around me, with a strong light from an opposite window full upon + my face. + </p> + <p> + As I continued to traffic with these gentlemen, I observed with no small + anxiety the eyes of Captain Oliver frequently fixed upon me with a kind of + dubious inquiring gaze. + </p> + <p> + 'I think, my honest fellow,' he said at last, 'that I have seen you + somewhere before this. Have you often dealt with the military?' + </p> + <p> + 'I have traded, sir,' said I, 'with the soldiery many a time, and always + been honourably treated. Will your worship please to buy a pair of lace + ruffles?—very cheap, your worship.' + </p> + <p> + 'Why do you wear your hair so much over your face, sir?' said Oliver, + without noticing my suggestion. 'I promise you, I think no good of thee; + throw back your hair, and let me see thee plainly. Hold up your face, and + look straight at me; throw back your hair, sir.' + </p> + <p> + I felt that all chance of escape was at an end; and stepping forward as + near as the table would allow me to him, I raised my head, threw back my + hair, and fixed my eyes sternly and boldly upon his face. + </p> + <p> + I saw that he knew me instantly, for his countenance turned as pale as + ashes with surprise and hatred. He started up, placing his hand + instinctively upon his sword-hilt, and glaring at me with a look so + deadly, that I thought every moment he would strike his sword into my + heart. He said in a kind of whisper: 'Hardress Fitzgerald?' + </p> + <p> + 'Yes;' said I, boldly, for the excitement of the scene had effectually + stirred my blood, 'Hardress Fitzgerald is before you. I know you well, + Captain Oliver. I know how you hate me. I know how you thirst for my + blood; but in a good cause, and in the hands of God, I defy you.' + </p> + <p> + 'You are a desperate villain, sir,' said Captain Oliver; 'a rebel and a + murderer! Holloa, there! guard, seize him!' + </p> + <p> + As the soldiers entered, I threw my eyes hastily round the room, and + observing a glowing fire upon the hearth, I suddenly drew General + Sarsfield's packet from my bosom, and casting it upon the embers, planted + my foot upon it. + </p> + <p> + 'Secure the papers!' shouted the captain; and almost instantly I was laid + prostrate and senseless upon the floor, by a blow from the butt of a + carbine. + </p> + <p> + I cannot say how long I continued in a state of torpor; but at length, + having slowly recovered my senses, I found myself lying firmly handcuffed + upon the floor of a small chamber, through a narrow loophole in one of + whose walls the evening sun was shining. I was chilled with cold and damp, + and drenched in blood, which had flowed in large quantities from the wound + on my head. By a strong effort I shook off the sick drowsiness which still + hung upon me, and, weak and giddy, I rose with pain and difficulty to my + feet. + </p> + <p> + The chamber, or rather cell, in which I stood was about eight feet square, + and of a height very disproportioned to its other dimensions; its altitude + from the floor to the ceiling being not less than twelve or fourteen feet. + A narrow slit placed high in the wall admitted a scanty light, but + sufficient to assure me that my prison contained nothing to render the + sojourn of its tenant a whit less comfortless than my worst enemy could + have wished. + </p> + <p> + My first impulse was naturally to examine the security of the door, the + loop-hole which I have mentioned being too high and too narrow to afford a + chance of escape. I listened attentively to ascertain if possible whether + or not a guard had been placed upon the outside. + </p> + <p> + Not a sound was to be heard. I now placed my shoulder to the door, and + sought with all my combined strength and weight to force it open. It, + however, resisted all my efforts, and thus baffled in my appeal to mere + animal power, exhausted and disheartened, I threw myself on the ground. + </p> + <p> + It was not in my nature, however, long to submit to the apathy of despair, + and in a few minutes I was on my feet again. + </p> + <p> + With patient scrutiny I endeavoured to ascertain the nature of the + fastenings which secured the door. + </p> + <p> + The planks, fortunately, having been nailed together fresh, had shrunk + considerably, so as to leave wide chinks between each and its neighbour. + </p> + <p> + By means of these apertures I saw that my dungeon was secured, not by a + lock, as I had feared, but by a strong wooden bar, running horizontally + across the door, about midway upon the outside. + </p> + <p> + 'Now,' thought I, 'if I can but slip my fingers through the opening of the + planks, I can easily remove the bar, and then——' + </p> + <p> + My attempts, however, were all frustrated by the manner in which my hands + were fastened together, each embarrassing the other, and rendering my + efforts so hopelessly clumsy, that I was obliged to give them over in + despair. + </p> + <p> + I turned with a sigh from my last hope, and began to pace my narrow prison + floor, when my eye suddenly encountered an old rusty nail or holdfast + sticking in the wall. + </p> + <p> + All the gold of Plutus would not have been so welcome as that rusty piece + of iron. + </p> + <p> + I instantly wrung it from the wall, and inserting the point between the + planks of the door into the bolt, and working it backwards and forwards, I + had at length the unspeakable satisfaction to perceive that the beam was + actually yielding to my efforts, and gradually sliding into its berth in + the wall. + </p> + <p> + I have often been engaged in struggles where great bodily strength was + required, and every thew and sinew in the system taxed to the uttermost; + but, strange as it may appear, I never was so completely exhausted and + overcome by any labour as by this comparatively trifling task. + </p> + <p> + Again and again was I obliged to desist, until my cramped finger-joints + recovered their power; but at length my perseverance was rewarded, for, + little by little, I succeeded in removing the bolt so far as to allow the + door to open sufficiently to permit me to pass. + </p> + <p> + With some squeezing I succeeded in forcing my way into a small passage, + upon which my prison-door opened. + </p> + <p> + This led into a chamber somewhat more spacious than my cell, but still + containing no furniture, and affording no means of escape to one so + crippled with bonds as I was. + </p> + <p> + At the far extremity of this room was a door which stood ajar, and, + stealthily passing through it, I found myself in a room containing nothing + but a few raw hides, which rendered the atmosphere nearly intolerable. + </p> + <p> + Here I checked myself, for I heard voices in busy conversation in the next + room. + </p> + <p> + I stole softly to the door which separated the chamber in which I stood + from that from which the voices proceeded. + </p> + <p> + A moment served to convince me that any attempt upon it would be worse + than fruitless, for it was secured upon the outside by a strong lock, + besides two bars, all which I was enabled to ascertain by means of the + same defect in the joining of the planks which I have mentioned as + belonging to the inner door. + </p> + <p> + I had approached this door very softly, so that, my proximity being wholly + unsuspected by the speakers within, the conversation continued without + interruption. + </p> + <p> + Planting myself close to the door, I applied my eye to one of the chinks + which separated the boards, and thus obtained a full view of the chamber + and its occupants. + </p> + <p> + It was the very apartment into which I had been first conducted. The outer + door, which faced the one at which I stood, was closed, and at a small + table were seated the only tenants of the room—two officers, one of + whom was Captain Oliver. The latter was reading a paper, which I made no + doubt was the document with which I had been entrusted. + </p> + <p> + 'The fellow deserves it, no doubt' said the junior officer. 'But, + methinks, considering our orders from head-quarters, you deal somewhat too + hastily.' + </p> + <p> + 'Nephew, nephew,' said Captain Oliver, 'you mistake the tenor of our + orders. We were directed to conciliate the peasantry by fair and gentle + treatment, but not to suffer spies and traitors to escape. This packet is + of some value, though not, in all its parts, intelligible to me. The + bearer has made his way hither under a disguise, which, along with the + other circumstances of his appearance here, is sufficient to convict him + as a spy.' + </p> + <p> + There was a pause here, and after a few minutes the younger officer said: + </p> + <p> + 'Spy is a hard term, no doubt, uncle; but it is possible—nay, + likely, that this poor devil sought merely to carry the parcel with which + he was charged in safety to its destination. Pshaw! he is sufficiently + punished if you duck him, for ten minutes or so, between the bridge and + the mill-dam.' + </p> + <p> + 'Young man,' said Oliver, somewhat sternly, 'do not obtrude your advice + where it is not called for; this man, for whom you plead, murdered your + own father!' + </p> + <p> + I could not see how this announcement affected the person to whom it was + addressed, for his back was towards me; but I conjectured, easily, that my + last poor chance was gone, for a long silence ensued. Captain Oliver at + length resumed: + </p> + <p> + 'I know the villain well. I know him capable of any crime; but, by ——, + his last card is played, and the game is up. He shall not see the moon + rise to-night.' + </p> + <p> + There was here another pause. + </p> + <p> + Oliver rose, and going to the outer door, called: + </p> + <p> + 'Hewson! Hewson!' + </p> + <p> + A grim-looking corporal entered. + </p> + <p> + 'Hewson, have your guard ready at eight o'clock, with their carbines + clean, and a round of ball-cartridge each. Keep them sober; and, further, + plant two upright posts at the near end of the bridge, with a cross one at + top, in the manner of a gibbet. See to these matters, Hewson: I shall be + with you speedily.' + </p> + <p> + The corporal made his salutations, and retired. + </p> + <p> + Oliver deliberately folded up the papers with which I had been + commissioned, and placing them in the pocket of his vest, he said: + </p> + <p> + 'Cunning, cunning Master Hardress Fitzgerald hath made a false step; the + old fox is in the toils. Hardress Fitzgerald, Hardress Fitzgerald, I will + blot you out.' + </p> + <p> + He repeated these words several times, at the same time rubbing his finger + strongly upon the table, as if he sought to erase a stain: + </p> + <p> + 'I WILL BLOT YOU OUT!' + </p> + <p> + There was a kind of glee in his manner and expression which chilled my + very heart. + </p> + <p> + 'You shall be first shot like a dog, and then hanged like a dog: shot + to-night, and hung to-morrow; hung at the bridgehead—hung, until + your bones drop asunder!' + </p> + <p> + It is impossible to describe the exultation with which he seemed to dwell + upon, and to particularise the fate which he intended for me. + </p> + <p> + I observed, however, that his face was deadly pale, and felt assured that + his conscience and inward convictions were struggling against his cruel + resolve. Without further comment the two officers left the room, I suppose + to oversee the preparations which were being made for the deed of which I + was to be the victim. + </p> + <p> + A chill, sick horror crept over me as they retired, and I felt, for the + moment, upon the brink of swooning. This feeling, however, speedily gave + place to a sensation still more terrible. A state of excitement so intense + and tremendous as to border upon literal madness, supervened; my brain + reeled and throbbed as if it would burst; thoughts the wildest and the + most hideous flashed through my mind with a spontaneous rapidity that + scared my very soul; while, all the time, I felt a strange and frightful + impulse to burst into uncontrolled laughter. + </p> + <p> + Gradually this fearful paroxysm passed away. I kneeled and prayed + fervently, and felt comforted and assured; but still I could not view the + slow approaches of certain death without an agitation little short of + agony. + </p> + <p> + I have stood in battle many a time when the chances of escape were + fearfully small. I have confronted foemen in the deadly breach. I have + marched, with a constant heart, against the cannon's mouth. Again and + again has the beast which I bestrode been shot under me; again and again + have I seen the comrades who walked beside me in an instant laid for ever + in the dust; again and again have I been in the thick of battle, and of + its mortal dangers, and never felt my heart shake, or a single nerve + tremble: but now, helpless, manacled, imprisoned, doomed, forced to watch + the approaches of an inevitable fate—to wait, silent and moveless, + while death as it were crept towards me, human nature was taxed to the + uttermost to bear the horrible situation. + </p> + <p> + I returned again to the closet in which I had found myself upon recovering + from the swoon. + </p> + <p> + The evening sunshine and twilight was fast melting into darkness, when I + heard the outer door, that which communicated with the guard-room in which + the officers had been amusing themselves, opened and locked again upon the + inside. + </p> + <p> + A measured step then approached, and the door of the wretched cell in + which I lay being rudely pushed open, a soldier entered, who carried + something in his hand; but, owing to the obscurity of the place, I could + not see what. + </p> + <p> + 'Art thou awake, fellow?' said he, in a gruff voice. 'Stir thyself; get + upon thy legs.' + </p> + <p> + His orders were enforced by no very gentle application of his military + boot. + </p> + <p> + 'Friend,' said I, rising with difficulty, 'you need not insult a dying + man. You have been sent hither to conduct me to death. Lead on! My trust + is in God, that He will forgive me my sins, and receive my soul, redeemed + by the blood of His Son.' + </p> + <p> + There here intervened a pause of some length, at the end of which the + soldier said, in the same gruff voice, but in a lower key: + </p> + <p> + 'Look ye, comrade, it will be your own fault if you die this night. On one + condition I promise to get you out of this hobble with a whole skin; but + if you go to any of your d——d gammon, by G—, before two + hours are passed, you will have as many holes in your carcase as a + target.' + </p> + <p> + 'Name your conditions,' said I, 'and if they consist with honour, I will + never balk at the offer.' + </p> + <p> + 'Here they are: you are to be shot to-night, by Captain Oliver's orders. + The carbines are cleaned for the job, and the cartridges served out to the + men. By G—, I tell you the truth!' + </p> + <p> + Of this I needed not much persuasion, and intimated to the man my + conviction that he spoke the truth. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, then,' he continued, 'now for the means of avoiding this ugly + business. Captain Oliver rides this night to head-quarters, with the + papers which you carried. Before he starts he will pay you a visit, to + fish what he can out of you with all the fine promises he can make. Humour + him a little, and when you find an opportunity, stab him in the throat + above the cuirass.' + </p> + <p> + 'A feasible plan, surely,' said I, raising my shackled hands, 'for a man + thus completely crippled and without a weapon.' + </p> + <p> + 'I will manage all that presently for you,' said the soldier. 'When you + have thus dealt with him, take his cloak and hat, and so forth, and put + them on; the papers you will find in the pocket of his vest, in a red + leather case. Walk boldly out. I am appointed to ride with Captain Oliver, + and you will find me holding his horse and my own by the door. Mount + quickly, and I will do the same, and then we will ride for our lives + across the bridge. You will find the holster-pistols loaded in case of + pursuit; and, with the devil's help, we shall reach Limerick without a + hair hurt. My only condition is, that when you strike Oliver, you strike + home, and again and again, until he is FINISHED; and I trust to your + honour to remember me when we reach the town.' + </p> + <p> + I cannot say whether I resolved right or wrong, but I thought my + situation, and the conduct of Captain Oliver, warranted me in acceding to + the conditions propounded by my visitant, and with alacrity I told him so, + and desired him to give me the power, as he had promised to do, of + executing them. + </p> + <p> + With speed and promptitude he drew a small key from his pocket, and in an + instant the manacles were removed from my hands. + </p> + <p> + How my heart bounded within me as my wrists were released from the iron + gripe of the shackles! The first step toward freedom was made—my + self-reliance returned, and I felt assured of success. + </p> + <p> + 'Now for the weapon,' said I. + </p> + <p> + 'I fear me, you will find it rather clumsy,' said he; 'but if well + handled, it will do as well as the best Toledo. It is the only thing I + could get, but I sharpened it myself; it has an edge like a skean.' + </p> + <p> + He placed in my hand the steel head of a halberd. Grasping it firmly, I + found that it made by no means a bad weapon in point of convenience; for + it felt in the hand like a heavy dagger, the portion which formed the + blade or point being crossed nearly at the lower extremity by a small bar + of metal, at one side shaped into the form of an axe, and at the other + into that of a hook. These two transverse appendages being muffled by the + folds of my cravat, which I removed for the purpose, formed a perfect + guard or hilt, and the lower extremity formed like a tube, in which the + pike-handle had been inserted, afforded ample space for the grasp of my + hand; the point had been made as sharp as a needle, and the metal he + assured me was good. + </p> + <p> + Thus equipped he left me, having observed, 'The captain sent me to bring + you to your senses, and give you some water that he might find you proper + for his visit. Here is the pitcher; I think I have revived you + sufficiently for the captain's purpose.' + </p> + <p> + With a low savage laugh he left me to my reflections. + </p> + <p> + Having examined and adjusted the weapon, I carefully bound the ends of the + cravat, with which I had secured the cross part of the spear-head, firmly + round my wrist, so that in case of a struggle it might not easily be + forced from my hand; and having made these precautionary dispositions, I + sat down upon the ground with my back against the wall, and my hands + together under my coat, awaiting my visitor. + </p> + <p> + The time wore slowly on; the dusk became dimmer and dimmer, until it + nearly bordered on total darkness. + </p> + <p> + 'How's this?' said I, inwardly; 'Captain Oliver, you said I should not see + the moon rise to-night. Methinks you are somewhat tardy in fulfilling your + prophecy.' + </p> + <p> + As I made this reflection, a noise at the outer door announced the + entrance of a visitant. I knew that the decisive moment was come, and + letting my head sink upon my breast, and assuring myself that my hands + were concealed, I waited, in the attitude of deep dejection, the approach + of my foe and betrayer. + </p> + <p> + As I had expected, Captain Oliver entered the room where I lay. He was + equipped for instant duty, as far as the imperfect twilight would allow me + to see; the long sword clanked upon the floor as he made his way through + the lobbies which led to my place of confinement; his ample military cloak + hung upon his arm; his cocked hat was upon his head, and in all points he + was prepared for the road. + </p> + <p> + This tallied exactly with what my strange informant had told me. + </p> + <p> + I felt my heart swell and my breath come thick as the awful moment which + was to witness the death-struggle of one or other of us approached. + </p> + <p> + Captain Oliver stood within a yard or two of the place where I sat, or + rather lay; and folding his arms, he remained silent for a minute or two, + as if arranging in his mind how he should address me. + </p> + <p> + 'Hardress Fitzgerald,' he began at length, 'are you awake? Stand up, if + you desire to hear of matters nearly touching your life or death. Get up, + I say.' + </p> + <p> + I arose doggedly, and affecting the awkward movements of one whose hands + were bound, + </p> + <p> + 'Well,' said I, 'what would you of me? Is it not enough that I am thus + imprisoned without a cause, and about, as I suspect, to suffer a most + unjust and violent sentence, but must I also be disturbed during the few + moments left me for reflection and repentance by the presence of my + persecutor? What do you want of me?' + </p> + <p> + 'As to your punishment, sir,' said he, 'your own deserts have no doubt + suggested the likelihood of it to your mind; but I now am with you to let + you know that whatever mitigation of your sentence you may look for, must + be earned by your compliance with my orders. You must frankly and fully + explain the contents of the packet which you endeavoured this day to + destroy; and further, you must tell all that you know of the designs of + the popish rebels.' + </p> + <p> + 'And if I do this I am to expect a mitigation of my punishment—is it + not so?' + </p> + <p> + Oliver bowed. + </p> + <p> + 'And what IS this mitigation to be? On the honour of a soldier, what is it + to be?' inquired I. + </p> + <p> + 'When you have made the disclosure required,' he replied, 'you shall hear. + 'Tis then time to talk of indulgences.' + </p> + <p> + 'Methinks it would then be too late,' answered I. 'But a chance is a + chance, and a drowning man will catch at a straw. You are an honourable + man, Captain Oliver. I must depend, I suppose, on your good faith. Well, + sir, before I make the desired communication I have one question more to + put. What is to befall me in case that I, remembering the honour of a + soldier and a gentleman, reject your infamous terms, scorn your + mitigations, and defy your utmost power?' + </p> + <p> + 'In that case,' replied he, coolly, 'before half an hour you shall be a + corpse.' + </p> + <p> + 'Then God have mercy on your soul!' said I; and springing forward, I + dashed the weapon which I held at his throat. + </p> + <p> + I missed my aim, but struck him full in the mouth with such force that + most of his front teeth were dislodged, and the point of the spear-head + passed out under his jaw, at the ear. + </p> + <p> + My onset was so sudden and unexpected that he reeled back to the wall, and + did not recover his equilibrium in time to prevent my dealing a second + blow, which I did with my whole force. The point unfortunately struck the + cuirass, near the neck, and glancing aside it inflicted but a flesh wound, + tearing the skin and tendons along the throat. + </p> + <p> + He now grappled with me, strange to say, without uttering any cry of + alarm; being a very powerful man, and if anything rather heavier and more + strongly built than I, he succeeded in drawing me with him to the ground. + We fell together with a heavy crash, tugging and straining in what we were + both conscious was a mortal struggle. At length I succeeded in getting + over him, and struck him twice more in the face; still he struggled with + an energy which nothing but the tremendous stake at issue could have + sustained. + </p> + <p> + I succeeded again in inflicting several more wounds upon him, any one of + which might have been mortal. While thus contending he clutched his hands + about my throat, so firmly that I felt the blood swelling the veins of my + temples and face almost to bursting. Again and again I struck the weapon + deep into his face and throat, but life seemed to adhere in him with an + almost INSECT tenacity. + </p> + <p> + My sight now nearly failed, my senses almost forsook me; I felt upon the + point of suffocation when, with one desperate effort, I struck him another + and a last blow in the face. The weapon which I wielded had lighted upon + the eye, and the point penetrated the brain; the body quivered under me, + the deadly grasp relaxed, and Oliver lay upon the ground a corpse! + </p> + <p> + As I arose and shook the weapon and the bloody cloth from my hand, the + moon which he had foretold I should never see rise, shone bright and broad + into the room, and disclosed, with ghastly distinctness, the mangled + features of the dead soldier; the mouth, full of clotting blood and broken + teeth, lay open; the eye, close by whose lid the fatal wound had been + inflicted, was not, as might have been expected, bathed in blood, but had + started forth nearly from the socket, and gave to the face, by its fearful + unlikeness to the other glazing orb, a leer more hideous and unearthly + than fancy ever saw. The wig, with all its rich curls, had fallen with the + hat to the floor, leaving the shorn head exposed, and in many places + marked by the recent struggle; the rich lace cravat was drenched in blood, + and the gay uniform in many places soiled with the same. + </p> + <p> + It is hard to say, with what feelings I looked upon the unsightly and + revolting mass which had so lately been a living and a comely man. I had + not any time, however, to spare for reflection; the deed was done—the + responsibility was upon me, and all was registered in the book of that God + who judges rightly. + </p> + <p> + With eager haste I removed from the body such of the military + accoutrements as were necessary for the purpose of my disguise. I buckled + on the sword, drew off the military boots, and donned them myself, placed + the brigadier wig and cocked hat upon my head, threw on the cloak, drew it + up about my face, and proceeded, with the papers which I found as the + soldier had foretold me, and the key of the outer lobby, to the door of + the guard-room; this I opened, and with a firm and rapid tread walked + through the officers, who rose as I entered, and passed without question + or interruption to the street-door. Here I was met by the grimlooking + corporal, Hewson, who, saluting me, said: + </p> + <p> + 'How soon, captain, shall the file be drawn out and the prisoner + despatched?' + </p> + <p> + 'In half an hour,' I replied, without raising my voice. + </p> + <p> + The man again saluted, and in two steps I reached the soldier who held the + two horses, as he had intimated. + </p> + <p> + 'Is all right?' said he, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + 'Ay,' said I, 'which horse am I to mount?' + </p> + <p> + He satisfied me upon this point, and I threw myself into the saddle; the + soldier mounted his horse, and dashing the spurs into the flanks of the + animal which I bestrode, we thundered along the narrow bridge. At the far + extremity a sentinel, as we approached, called out, 'Who goes there? + stand, and give the word!' Heedless of the interruption, with my heart + bounding with excitement, I dashed on, as did also the soldier who + accompanied me. + </p> + <p> + 'Stand, or I fire! give the word!' cried the sentry. + </p> + <p> + 'God save the king, and to hell with the prince!' shouted I, flinging the + cocked hat in his face as I galloped by. + </p> + <p> + The response was the sharp report of a carbine, accompanied by the whiz of + a bullet, which passed directly between me and my comrade, now riding + beside me. + </p> + <p> + 'Hurrah!' I shouted; 'try it again, my boy.' + </p> + <p> + And away we went at a gallop, which bid fair to distance anything like + pursuit. + </p> + <p> + Never was spur more needed, however, for soon the clatter of horses' + hoofs, in full speed, crossing the bridge, came sharp and clear through + the stillness of the night. + </p> + <p> + Away we went, with our pursuers close behind; one mile was passed, another + nearly completed. The moon now shone forth, and, turning in the saddle, I + looked back upon the road we had passed. + </p> + <p> + One trooper had headed the rest, and was within a hundred yards of us. + </p> + <p> + I saw the fellow throw himself from his horse upon the ground. + </p> + <p> + I knew his object, and said to my comrade: + </p> + <p> + 'Lower your body—lie flat over the saddle; the fellow is going to + fire.' + </p> + <p> + I had hardly spoken when the report of a carbine startled the echoes, and + the ball, striking the hind leg of my companion's horse, the poor animal + fell headlong upon the road, throwing his rider head-foremost over the + saddle. + </p> + <p> + My first impulse was to stop and share whatever fate might await my + comrade; but my second and wiser one was to spur on, and save myself and + my despatch. + </p> + <p> + I rode on at a gallop, turning to observe my comrade's fate. I saw his + pursuer, having remounted, ride rapidly up to him, and, on reaching the + spot where the man and horse lay, rein in and dismount. + </p> + <p> + He was hardly upon the ground, when my companion shot him dead with one of + the holster-pistols which he had drawn from the pipe; and, leaping nimbly + over a ditch at the side of the road, he was soon lost among the ditches + and thornbushes which covered that part of the country. + </p> + <p> + Another mile being passed, I had the satisfaction to perceive that the + pursuit was given over, and in an hour more I crossed Thomond Bridge, and + slept that night in the fortress of Limerick, having delivered the packet, + the result of whose safe arrival was the destruction of William's great + train of artillery, then upon its way to the besiegers. + </p> + <p> + Years after this adventure, I met in France a young officer, who I found + had served in Captain Oliver's regiment; and he explained what I had never + before understood—the motives of the man who had wrought my + deliverance. Strange to say, he was the foster-brother of Oliver, whom he + thus devoted to death, but in revenge for the most grievous wrong which + one man can inflict upon another! + </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 QUARE GANDER.' + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Being a Twelfth Extract from the Legacy of the late Francis + Purcell, P.P. of Drumcoolagh. +</pre> + <p> + As I rode at a slow walk, one soft autumn evening, from the once noted and + noticeable town of Emly, now a squalid village, towards the no less + remarkable town of Tipperary, I fell into a meditative mood. + </p> + <p> + My eye wandered over a glorious landscape; a broad sea of corn-fields, + that might have gladdened even a golden age, was waving before me; groups + of little cabins, with their poplars, osiers, and light mountain ashes, + clustered shelteringly around them, were scattered over the plain; the + thin blue smoke arose floating through their boughs in the still evening + air. And far away with all their broad lights and shades, softened with + the haze of approaching twilight, stood the bold wild Galties. + </p> + <p> + As I gazed on this scene, whose richness was deepened by the melancholy + glow of the setting sun, the tears rose to my eyes, and I said: + </p> + <p> + 'Alas, my country! what a mournful beauty is thine. Dressed in loveliness + and laughter, there is mortal decay at thy heart: sorrow, sin, and shame + have mingled thy cup of misery. Strange rulers have bruised thee, and + laughed thee to scorn, and they have made all thy sweetness bitter. Thy + shames and sins are the austere fruits of thy miseries, and thy miseries + have been poured out upon thee by foreign hands. Alas, my stricken + country! clothed with this most pity-moving smile, with this most + unutterably mournful loveliness, thou sore-grieved, thou + desperately-beloved! Is there for thee, my country, a resurrection?' + </p> + <p> + I know not how long I might have continued to rhapsodize in this strain, + had not my wandering thoughts been suddenly recalled to my own immediate + neighbourhood by the monotonous clatter of a horse's hoofs upon the road, + evidently moving, at that peculiar pace which is neither a walk nor a + trot, and yet partakes of both, so much in vogue among the southern + farmers. + </p> + <p> + In a moment my pursuer was up with me, and checking his steed into a walk + he saluted me with much respect. The cavalier was a light-built fellow, + with good-humoured sun-burnt features, a shrewd and lively black eye, and + a head covered with a crop of close curly black hair, and surmounted with + a turf-coloured caubeen, in the packthread band of which was stuck a short + pipe, which had evidently seen much service. + </p> + <p> + My companion was a dealer in all kinds of local lore, and soon took + occasion to let me see that he was so. + </p> + <p> + After two or three short stories, in which the scandalous and supernatural + were happily blended, we happened to arrive at a narrow road or bohreen + leading to a snug-looking farm-house. + </p> + <p> + 'That's a comfortable bit iv a farm,' observed my comrade, pointing + towards the dwelling with his thumb; 'a shnug spot, and belongs to the + Mooneys this long time. 'Tis a noted place for what happened wid the + famous gandher there in former times.' + </p> + <p> + 'And what was that?' inquired I. + </p> + <p> + 'What was it happened wid the gandher!' ejaculated my companion in a tone + of indignant surprise; 'the gandher iv Ballymacrucker, the gandher! Your + raverance must be a stranger in these parts. Sure every fool knows all + about the gandher, and Terence Mooney, that was, rest his sowl. Begorra, + 'tis surprisin' to me how in the world you didn't hear iv the gandher; and + may be it's funnin me ye are, your raverance.' + </p> + <p> + I assured him to the contrary, and conjured him to narrate to me the + facts, an unacquaintance with which was sufficient it appeared to stamp me + as an ignoramus of the first magnitude. + </p> + <p> + It did not require much entreaty to induce my communicative friend to + relate the circumstance, in nearly the following words: + </p> + <p> + 'Terence Mooney was an honest boy and well to do; an' he rinted the + biggest farm on this side iv the Galties; an' bein' mighty cute an' a + sevare worker, it was small wonder he turned a good penny every harvest. + But unluckily he was blessed with an ilegant large family iv daughters, + an' iv coorse his heart was allamost bruck, striving to make up fortunes + for the whole of them. An' there wasn't a conthrivance iv any soart or + description for makin' money out iv the farm, but he was up to. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, among the other ways he had iv gettin' up in the world, he always + kep a power iv turkeys, and all soarts iv poultrey; an' he was out iv all + rason partial to geese—an' small blame to him for that same—for + twice't a year you can pluck them as bare as my hand—an' get a fine + price for the feathers, an' plenty of rale sizable eggs—an' when + they are too ould to lay any more, you can kill them, an' sell them to the + gintlemen for goslings, d'ye see, let alone that a goose is the most manly + bird that is out. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, it happened in the coorse iv time that one ould gandher tuck a + wondherful likin' to Terence, an' divil a place he could go serenadin' + about the farm, or lookin' afther the men, but the gandher id be at his + heels, an' rubbin' himself agin his legs, an' lookin' up in his face jist + like any other Christian id do; an' begorra, the likes iv it was never + seen—Terence Mooney an' the gandher wor so great. + </p> + <p> + 'An' at last the bird was so engagin' that Terence would not allow it to + be plucked any more, an' kep it from that time out for love an' affection—just + all as one like one iv his childer. + </p> + <p> + 'But happiness in perfection never lasts long, an' the neighbours begin'd + to suspect the nathur an' intentions iv the gandher, an' some iv them said + it was the divil, an' more iv them that it was a fairy. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, Terence could not but hear something of what was sayin', an' you + may be sure he was not altogether asy in his mind about it, an' from one + day to another he was gettin' more ancomfortable in himself, until he + detarmined to sind for Jer Garvan, the fairy docthor in Garryowen, an' + it's he was the ilegant hand at the business, an' divil a sperit id say a + crass word to him, no more nor a priest. An' moreover he was very great + wid ould Terence Mooney—this man's father that' was. + </p> + <p> + 'So without more about it he was sint for, an' sure enough the divil a + long he was about it, for he kem back that very evenin' along wid the boy + that was sint for him, an' as soon as he was there, an' tuck his supper, + an' was done talkin' for a while, he begined of coorse to look into the + gandher. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, he turned it this away an' that away, to the right an' to the left, + an' straight-ways an' upside-down, an' when he was tired handlin' it, says + he to Terence Mooney: + </p> + <p> + '"Terence," says he, "you must remove the bird into the next room," says + he, "an' put a petticoat," says he, "or anny other convaynience round his + head," says he. + </p> + <p> + '"An' why so?" says Terence. + </p> + <p> + '"Becase," says Jer, says he. + </p> + <p> + '"Becase what?" says Terence. + </p> + <p> + '"Becase," says Jer, "if it isn't done you'll never be asy again," says + he, "or pusilanimous in your mind," says he; "so ax no more questions, but + do my biddin'," says he. + </p> + <p> + '"Well," says Terence, "have your own way," says he. + </p> + <p> + 'An' wid that he tuck the ould gandher, an' giv' it to one iv the + gossoons. + </p> + <p> + '"An' take care," says he, "don't smother the crathur," says he. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, as soon as the bird was gone, says Jer Garvan says he: + </p> + <p> + '"Do you know what that ould gandher IS, Terence Mooney?" + </p> + <p> + '"Divil a taste," says Terence. + </p> + <p> + '"Well then," says Jer, "the gandher is your own father," says he. + </p> + <p> + '"It's jokin' you are," says Terence, turnin' mighty pale; "how can an + ould gandher be my father?" says he. + </p> + <p> + '"I'm not funnin' you at all," says Jer; "it's thrue what I tell you, it's + your father's wandhrin' sowl," says he, "that's naturally tuck pissession + iv the ould gandher's body," says he. "I know him many ways, and I + wondher," says he, "you do not know the cock iv his eye yourself," says + he. + </p> + <p> + '"Oh blur an' ages!" says Terence, "what the divil will I ever do at all + at all," says he; "it's all over wid me, for I plucked him twelve times at + the laste," says he. + </p> + <p> + '"That can't be helped now," says Jer; "it was a sevare act surely," says + he, "but it's too late to lamint for it now," says he; "the only way to + prevint what's past," says he, "is to put a stop to it before it happens," + says he. + </p> + <p> + '"Thrue for you," says Terence, "but how the divil did you come to the + knowledge iv my father's sowl," says he, "bein' in the owld gandher," says + he. + </p> + <p> + '"If I tould you," says Jer, "you would not undherstand me," says he, + "without book-larnin' an' gasthronomy," says he; "so ax me no questions," + says he, "an' I'll tell you no lies. But blieve me in this much," says he, + "it's your father that's in it," says he; "an' if I don't make him spake + to-morrow mornin'," says he, "I'll give you lave to call me a fool," says + he. + </p> + <p> + '"Say no more," says Terence, "that settles the business," says he; "an' + oh! blur and ages is it not a quare thing," says he, "for a dacent + respictable man," says he, "to be walkin' about the counthry in the shape + iv an ould gandher," says he; "and oh, murdher, murdher! is not it often I + plucked him," says he, "an' tundher and ouns might not I have ate him," + says he; and wid that he fell into a could parspiration, savin' your + prisince, an was on the pint iv faintin' wid the bare notions iv it. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, whin he was come to himself agin, says Jerry to him quite an' asy: + </p> + <p> + '"Terence," says he, "don't be aggravatin' yourself," says he; "for I have + a plan composed that 'ill make him spake out," says he, "an' tell what it + is in the world he's wantin'," says he; "an' mind an' don't be comin' in + wid your gosther, an' to say agin anything I tell you," says he, "but jist + purtind, as soon as the bird is brought back," says he, "how that we're + goin' to sind him to-morrow mornin' to market," says he. "An' if he don't + spake to-night," says he, "or gother himself out iv the place," says he, + "put him into the hamper airly, and sind him in the cart," says he, + "straight to Tipperary, to be sould for ating," says he, "along wid the + two gossoons," says he, "an' my name isn't Jer Garvan," says he, "if he + doesn't spake out before he's half-way," says he. "An' mind," says he, "as + soon as iver he says the first word," says he, "that very minute bring him + aff to Father Crotty," says he; "an' if his raverince doesn't make him + ratire," says he, "like the rest iv his parishioners, glory be to God," + says he, "into the siclusion iv the flames iv purgathory," says he, + "there's no vartue in my charums," says he. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, wid that the ould gandher was let into the room agin, an' they all + bigined to talk iv sindin' him the nixt mornin' to be sould for roastin' + in Tipperary, jist as if it was a thing andoubtingly settled. But divil a + notice the gandher tuck, no more nor if they wor spaking iv the + Lord-Liftinant; an' Terence desired the boys to get ready the kish for the + poulthry, an' to "settle it out wid hay soft an' shnug," says he, "for + it's the last jauntin' the poor ould gandher 'ill get in this world," says + he. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, as the night was gettin' late, Terence was growin' mighty sorrowful + an' down-hearted in himself entirely wid the notions iv what was goin' to + happen. An' as soon as the wife an' the crathurs war fairly in bed, he + brought out some illigint potteen, an' himself an' Jer Garvan sot down to + it; an' begorra, the more anasy Terence got, the more he dhrank, and + himself and Jer Garvan finished a quart betune them. It wasn't an imparial + though, an' more's the pity, for them wasn't anvinted antil short since; + but divil a much matther it signifies any longer if a pint could hould two + quarts, let alone what it does, sinst Father Mathew—the Lord purloin + his raverence—begin'd to give the pledge, an' wid the blessin' iv + timperance to deginerate Ireland. + </p> + <p> + 'An' begorra, I have the medle myself; an' it's proud I am iv that same, + for abstamiousness is a fine thing, although it's mighty dhry. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, whin Terence finished his pint, he thought he might as well stop; + "for enough is as good as a faste," says he; "an' I pity the vagabond," + says he, "that is not able to conthroul his licquor," says he, "an' to + keep constantly inside iv a pint measure," said he; an' wid that he wished + Jer Garvan a good-night, an' walked out iv the room. + </p> + <p> + 'But he wint out the wrong door, bein' a thrifle hearty in himself, an' + not rightly knowin' whether he was standin' on his head or his heels, or + both iv them at the same time, an' in place iv gettin' into bed, where did + he thrun himself but into the poulthry hamper, that the boys had settled + out ready for the gandher in the mornin'. An' sure enough he sunk down + soft an' complate through the hay to the bottom; an' wid the turnin' and + roulin' about in the night, the divil a bit iv him but was covered up as + shnug as a lumper in a pittaty furrow before mornin'. + </p> + <p> + 'So wid the first light, up gets the two boys, that war to take the + sperit, as they consaved, to Tipperary; an' they cotched the ould gandher, + an' put him in the hamper, and clapped a good wisp iv hay an' the top iv + him, and tied it down sthrong wid a bit iv a coard, and med the sign iv + the crass over him, in dhread iv any harum, an' put the hamper up an the + car, wontherin' all the while what in the world was makin' the ould burd + so surprisin' heavy. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, they wint along quite anasy towards Tipperary, wishin' every minute + that some iv the neighbours bound the same way id happen to fall in with + them, for they didn't half like the notions iv havin' no company but the + bewitched gandher, an' small blame to them for that same. + </p> + <p> + 'But although they wor shaking in their skhins in dhread iv the ould bird + beginnin' to convarse them every minute, they did not let an' to one + another, bud kep singin' an' whistlin' like mad, to keep the dread out iv + their hearts. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, afther they war on the road betther nor half an hour, they kem to + the bad bit close by Father Crotty's, an' there was one divil of a rut + three feet deep at the laste; an' the car got sich a wondherful chuck + goin' through it, that it wakened Terence widin in the basket. + </p> + <p> + '"Bad luck to ye," says he, "my bones is bruck wid yer thricks; what the + divil are ye doin' wid me?" + </p> + <p> + '"Did ye hear anything quare, Thady?" says the boy that was next to the + car, turnin' as white as the top iv a musharoon; "did ye hear anything + quare soundin' out iv the hamper?" says he. + </p> + <p> + '"No, nor you," says Thady, turnin' as pale as himself, "it's the ould + gandher that's gruntin' wid the shakin' he's gettin'," says he. + </p> + <p> + '"Where the divil have ye put me into," says Terence inside, "bad luck to + your sowls," says he, "let me out, or I'll be smothered this minute," says + he. + </p> + <p> + '"There's no use in purtending," says the boy, "the gandher's spakin', + glory be to God," says he. + </p> + <p> + '"Let me out, you murdherers," says Terence. + </p> + <p> + '"In the name iv the blessed Vargin," says Thady, "an' iv all the holy + saints, hould yer tongue, you unnatheral gandher," says he. + </p> + <p> + '"Who's that, that dar to call me nicknames?" says Terence inside, roaring + wid the fair passion, "let me out, you blasphamious infiddles," says he, + "or by this crass I'll stretch ye," says he. + </p> + <p> + '"In the name iv all the blessed saints in heaven," says Thady, "who the + divil are ye?" + </p> + <p> + '"Who the divil would I be, but Terence Mooney," says he. "It's myself + that's in it, you unmerciful bliggards," says he, "let me out, or by the + holy, I'll get out in spite iv yes," says he, "an' by jaburs, I'll wallop + yes in arnest," says he. + </p> + <p> + '"It's ould Terence, sure enough," says Thady, "isn't it cute the fairy + docthor found him out," says he. + </p> + <p> + '"I'm an the pint iv snuffication," says Terence, "let me out, I tell you, + an' wait till I get at ye," says he, "for begorra, the divil a bone in + your body but I'll powdher," says he. + </p> + <p> + 'An' wid that, he biginned kickin' and flingin' inside in the hamper, and + dhrivin his legs agin the sides iv it, that it was a wonder he did not + knock it to pieces. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, as soon as the boys seen that, they skelped the ould horse into a + gallop as hard as he could peg towards the priest's house, through the + ruts, an' over the stones; an' you'd see the hamper fairly flyin' three + feet up in the air with the joultin'; glory be to God. + </p> + <p> + 'So it was small wondher, by the time they got to his Raverince's door, + the breath was fairly knocked out of poor Terence, so that he was lyin' + speechless in the bottom iv the hamper. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, whin his Raverince kem down, they up an' they tould him all that + happened, an' how they put the gandher into the hamper, an' how he + beginned to spake, an' how he confissed that he was ould Terence Mooney; + an' they axed his honour to advise them how to get rid iv the spirit for + good an' all. + </p> + <p> + 'So says his Raverince, says he: + </p> + <p> + '"I'll take my booke," says he, "an' I'll read some rale sthrong holy bits + out iv it," says he, "an' do you get a rope and put it round the hamper," + says he, "an' let it swing over the runnin' wather at the bridge," says + he, "an' it's no matther if I don't make the spirit come out iv it," says + he. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, wid that, the priest got his horse, and tuck his booke in undher + his arum, an' the boys follied his Raverince, ladin' the horse down to the + bridge, an' divil a word out iv Terence all the way, for he seen it was no + use spakin', an' he was afeard if he med any noise they might thrait him + to another gallop an finish him intirely. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, as soon as they war all come to the bridge, the boys tuck the rope + they had with them, an' med it fast to the top iv the hamper an' swung it + fairly over the bridge, lettin' it hang in the air about twelve feet out + iv the wather. + </p> + <p> + 'An' his Raverince rode down to the bank of the river, close by, an' + beginned to read mighty loud and bould intirely. + </p> + <p> + 'An' when he was goin' on about five minutes, all at onst the bottom iv + the hamper kem out, an' down wint Terence, falling splash dash into the + water, an' the ould gandher a-top iv him. Down they both went to the + bottom, wid a souse you'd hear half a mile off. + </p> + <p> + 'An' before they had time to rise agin, his Raverince, wid the fair + astonishment, giv his horse one dig iv the spurs, an' before he knew where + he was, in he went, horse an' all, a-top iv them, an' down to the bottom. + </p> + <p> + 'Up they all kem agin together, gaspin' and puffin', an' off down wid the + current wid them, like shot in under the arch iv the bridge till they kem + to the shallow wather. + </p> + <p> + 'The ould gandher was the first out, and the priest and Terence kem next, + pantin' an' blowin' an' more than half dhrounded, an' his Raverince was so + freckened wid the droundin' he got, and wid the sight iv the sperit, as he + consaved, that he wasn't the better of it for a month. + </p> + <p> + 'An' as soon as Terence could spake, he swore he'd have the life of the + two gossoons; but Father Crotty would not give him his will. An' as soon + as he was got quiter, they all endivoured to explain it; but Terence + consaved he went raly to bed the night before, and his wife said the same + to shilter him from the suspicion for havin' th' dthrop taken. An' his + Raverince said it was a mysthery, an' swore if he cotched anyone laughin' + at the accident, he'd lay the horsewhip across their shouldhers. + </p> + <p> + 'An' Terence grew fonder an' fonder iv the gandher every day, until at + last he died in a wondherful old age, lavin' the gandher afther him an' a + large family iv childher. + </p> + <p> + 'An' to this day the farm is rinted by one iv Terence Mooney's lenial and + legitimate postariors.' + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BILLY MALOWNEY'S TASTE OF LOVE AND GLORY. + </h2> + <p> + Let the reader fancy a soft summer evening, the fresh dews falling on bush + and flower. The sun has just gone down, and the thrilling vespers of + thrushes and blackbirds ring with a wild joy through the saddened air; the + west is piled with fantastic clouds, and clothed in tints of crimson and + amber, melting away into a wan green, and so eastward into the deepest + blue, through which soon the stars will begin to peep. + </p> + <p> + Let him fancy himself seated upon the low mossy wall of an ancient + churchyard, where hundreds of grey stones rise above the sward, under the + fantastic branches of two or three half-withered ash-trees, spreading + their arms in everlasting love and sorrow over the dead. + </p> + <p> + The narrow road upon which I and my companion await the tax-cart that is + to carry me and my basket, with its rich fruitage of speckled trout, away, + lies at his feet, and far below spreads an undulating plain, rising + westward again into soft hills, and traversed (every here and there + visibly) by a winding stream which, even through the mists of evening, + catches and returns the funereal glories of the skies. + </p> + <p> + As the eye traces its wayward wanderings, it loses them for a moment in + the heaving verdure of white-thorns and ash, from among which floats from + some dozen rude chimneys, mostly unseen, the transparent blue film of turf + smoke. There we know, although we cannot see it, the steep old bridge of + Carrickadrum spans the river; and stretching away far to the right the + valley of Lisnamoe: its steeps and hollows, its straggling hedges, its + fair-green, its tall scattered trees, and old grey tower, are disappearing + fast among the discoloured tints and haze of evening. + </p> + <p> + Those landmarks, as we sit listlessly expecting the arrival of our modest + conveyance, suggest to our companion—a bare-legged Celtic brother of + the gentle craft, somewhat at the wrong side of forty, with a + turf-coloured caubeen, patched frieze, a clear brown complexion, dark-grey + eyes, and a right pleasant dash of roguery in his features—the tale, + which, if the reader pleases, he is welcome to hear along with me just as + it falls from the lips of our humble comrade. + </p> + <p> + His words I can give, but your own fancy must supply the advantages of an + intelligent, expressive countenance, and, what is perhaps harder still, + the harmony of his glorious brogue, that, like the melodies of our own + dear country, will leave a burden of mirth or of sorrow with nearly equal + propriety, tickling the diaphragm as easily as it plays with the + heart-strings, and is in itself a national music that, I trust, may never, + never—scouted and despised though it be—never cease, like the + lost tones of our harp, to be heard in the fields of my country, in + welcome or endearment, in fun or in sorrow, stirring the hearts of Irish + men and Irish women. + </p> + <p> + My friend of the caubeen and naked shanks, then, commenced, and continued + his relation, as nearly as possible, in the following words: + </p> + <p> + Av coorse ye often heerd talk of Billy Malowney, that lived by the bridge + of Carrickadrum. 'Leum-a-rinka' was the name they put on him, he was sich + a beautiful dancer. An' faix, it's he was the rale sportin' boy, every way—killing + the hares, and gaffing the salmons, an' fightin' the men, an' funnin' the + women, and coortin' the girls; an' be the same token, there was not a + colleen inside iv his jurisdiction but was breakin' her heart wid the fair + love iv him. + </p> + <p> + Well, this was all pleasant enough, to be sure, while it lasted; but + inhuman beings is born to misfortune, an' Bill's divarshin was not to last + always. A young boy can't be continially coortin' and kissin' the girls + (an' more's the pity) without exposin' himself to the most eminent parril; + an' so signs all' what should happen Billy Malowney himself, but to fall + in love at last wid little Molly Donovan, in Coolnamoe. + </p> + <p> + I never could ondherstand why in the world it was Bill fell in love wid + HER, above all the girls in the country. She was not within four stone + weight iv being as fat as Peg Brallaghan; and as for redness in the face, + she could not hould a candle to Judy Flaherty. (Poor Judy! she was my + sweetheart, the darlin', an' coorted me constant, ever antil she married a + boy of the Butlers; an' it's twenty years now since she was buried under + the ould white-thorn in Garbally. But that's no matther!) + </p> + <p> + Well, at any rate, Molly Donovan tuck his fancy, an' that's everything! + She had smooth brown hair—as smooth as silk-an' a pair iv soft + coaxin' eyes—an' the whitest little teeth you ever seen; an', bedad, + she was every taste as much in love wid himself as he was. + </p> + <p> + Well, now, he was raly stupid wid love: there was not a bit of fun left in + him. He was good for nothin' an airth bud sittin' under bushes, smokin' + tobacky, and sighin' till you'd wonder how in the world he got wind for it + all. + </p> + <p> + An', bedad, he was an illigant scholar, moreover; an', so signs, it's + many's the song he made about her; an' if you'd be walkin' in the evening, + a mile away from Carrickadrum, begorra you'd hear him singing out like a + bull, all across the country, in her praises. + </p> + <p> + Well, ye may be sure, ould Tim Donovan and the wife was not a bit too well + plased to see Bill Malowney coortin' their daughter Molly; for, do ye + mind, she was the only child they had, and her fortune was thirty-five + pounds, two cows, and five illigant pigs, three iron pots and a skillet, + an' a trifle iv poultry in hand; and no one knew how much besides, + whenever the Lord id be plased to call the ould people out of the way into + glory! + </p> + <p> + So, it was not likely ould Tim Donovan id be fallin' in love wid poor Bill + Malowney as aisy as the girls did; for, barrin' his beauty, an' his gun, + an' his dhudheen, an' his janius, the divil a taste of property iv any + sort or description he had in the wide world! + </p> + <p> + Well, as bad as that was, Billy would not give in that her father and + mother had the smallest taste iv a right to intherfare, good or bad. + </p> + <p> + 'An' you're welcome to rayfuse me,' says he, 'whin I ax your lave,' says + he; 'an' I'll ax your lave,' says he, 'whenever I want to coort + yourselves,' says he; 'but it's your daughter I'm coortin' at the + present,' says he, 'an that's all I'll say,' says he; 'for I'd as soon + take a doase of salts as be discoursin' ye,' says he. + </p> + <p> + So it was a rale blazin' battle betune himself and the ould people; an', + begorra, there was no soart iv blaguardin' that did not pass betune them; + an' they put a solemn injection on Molly again seein' him or meetin' him + for the future. + </p> + <p> + But it was all iv no use. You might as well be pursuadin' the birds agin + flying, or sthrivin' to coax the stars out iv the sky into your hat, as be + talking common sinse to them that's fairly bothered and burstin' wid love. + There's nothin' like it. The toothache an' cholic together id compose you + betther for an argyment than itself. It leaves you fit for nothin' bud + nansinse. + </p> + <p> + It's stronger than whisky, for one good drop iv it will make you drunk for + one year, and sick, begorra, for a dozen. + </p> + <p> + It's stronger than the say, for it'll carry you round the world an' never + let you sink, in sunshine or storm; an', begorra, it's stronger than Death + himself, for it is not afeard iv him, bedad, but dares him in every shape. + </p> + <p> + But lovers has quarrels sometimes, and, begorra, when they do, you'd + a'most imagine they hated one another like man and wife. An' so, signs + an', Billy Malowney and Molly Donovan fell out one evening at ould Tom + Dundon's wake; an' whatever came betune them, she made no more about it + but just draws her cloak round her, and away wid herself and the + sarvant-girl home again, as if there was not a corpse, or a fiddle, or a + taste of divarsion in it. + </p> + <p> + Well, Bill Malowney follied her down the boreen, to try could he deludher + her back again; but, if she was bitther before, she gave it to him in + airnest when she got him alone to herself, and to that degree that he + wished her safe home, short and sulky enough, an' walked back again, as + mad as the devil himself, to the wake, to pay a respect to poor Tom + Dundon. + </p> + <p> + Well, my dear, it was aisy seen there was something wrong avid Billy + Malowney, for he paid no attintion the rest of the evening to any soart of + divarsion but the whisky alone; an' every glass he'd drink it's what he'd + be wishing the divil had the women, an' the worst iv bad luck to all + soarts iv courting, until, at last, wid the goodness iv the sperits, an' + the badness iv his temper, an' the constant flusthration iv cursin', he + grew all as one as you might say almost, saving your presince, bastely + drunk! + </p> + <p> + Well, who should he fall in wid, in that childish condition, as he was + deploying along the road almost as straight as the letter S, an' cursin' + the girls, an' roarin' for more whisky, but the recruiting-sargent iv the + Welsh Confusileers. + </p> + <p> + So, cute enough, the sargent begins to convarse him, an' it was not long + until he had him sitting in Murphy's public-house, wid an elegant dandy iv + punch before him, an' the king's money safe an' snug in the lowest wrinkle + of his breeches-pocket. + </p> + <p> + So away wid him, and the dhrums and fifes playing, an' a dozen more + unforthunate bliggards just listed along with him, an' he shakin' hands + wid the sargent, and swearin' agin the women every minute, until, be the + time he kem to himself, begorra, he was a good ten miles on the road to + Dublin, an' Molly and all behind him. + </p> + <p> + It id be no good tellin' you iv the letters he wrote to her from the + barracks there, nor how she was breaking her heart to go and see him just + wanst before he'd go; but the father an' mother would not allow iv it be + no manes. + </p> + <p> + An' so in less time than you'd be thinkin' about it, the colonel had him + polished off into it rale elegant soger, wid his gun exercise, and his + bagnet exercise, and his small sword, and broad sword, and pistol and + dagger, an' all the rest, an' then away wid him on boord a man-a-war to + furrin parts, to fight for King George agin Bonyparty, that was great in + them times. + </p> + <p> + Well, it was very soon in everyone's mouth how Billy Malowney was batin' + all before him, astonishin' the ginerals, an frightenin' the inimy to that + degree, there was not a Frinchman dare say parley voo outside of the + rounds iv his camp. + </p> + <p> + You may be sure Molly was proud iv that same, though she never spoke a + word about it; until at last the news kem home that Billy Malowney was + surrounded an' murdered by the Frinch army, under Napoleon Bonyparty + himself. The news was brought by Jack Brynn Dhas, the peddlar, that said + he met the corporal iv the regiment on the quay iv Limerick, an' how he + brought him into a public-house and thrated him to a naggin, and got all + the news about poor Billy Malowney out iv him while they war dhrinkin' it; + an' a sorrowful story it was. + </p> + <p> + The way it happened, accordin' as the corporal tould him, was jist how the + Jook iv Wellington detarmined to fight a rale tarin' battle wid the + Frinch, and Bonyparty at the same time was aiqually detarmined to fight + the divil's own scrimmidge wid the British foorces. + </p> + <p> + Well, as soon as the business was pretty near ready at both sides, + Bonyparty and the general next undher himself gets up behind a bush, to + look at their inimies through spyglasses, and thry would they know any iv + them at the distance. + </p> + <p> + 'Bedadad!' says the gineral, afther a divil iv a long spy, 'I'd bet half a + pint,' says he, 'that's Bill Malowney himself,' says he, 'down there,' + says he. + </p> + <p> + 'Och!' says Bonypart, 'do you tell me so?' says he—'I'm fairly + heart-scalded with that same Billy Malowney,' says he; 'an' I think if I + was wanst shut iv him I'd bate the rest iv them aisy,' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'I'm thinking so myself,' says the gineral, says he; 'but he's a tough + bye,' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'Tough!' says Bonypart, 'he's the divil,' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'Begorra, I'd be better plased.' says the gineral, says he, 'to take + himself than the Duke iv Willinton,' says he, 'an' Sir Edward Blakeney + into the bargain,' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'The Duke of Wellinton and Gineral Blakeney,' says Bonypart, 'is great for + planning, no doubt,' says he; 'but Billy Malowney's the boy for ACTION,' + says he—'an' action's everything, just now,' says he. + </p> + <p> + So wid that Bonypart pushes up his cocked hat, and begins scratching his + head, and thinning and considherin' for the bare life, and at last says he + to the gineral: + </p> + <p> + 'Gineral Commandher iv all the Foorces,' says he, 'I've hot it,' says he: + 'ordher out the forlorn hope,' says he, 'an' give them as much powdher, + both glazed and blasting,' says he, 'an' as much bullets do ye mind, an' + swan-dhrops an' chain-shot,' says he, 'an' all soorts iv waipons an' + combustables as they can carry; an' let them surround Bill Malowney,' says + he, 'an' if they can get any soort iv an advantage,' says he, 'let them + knock him to smithereens,' says he, 'an' then take him presner,' says he; + 'an' tell all the bandmen iv the Frinch army,' says he, 'to play up + "Garryowen," to keep up their sperits,' says he, 'all the time they're + advancin'. An' you may promise them anything you like in my name,' says + he; for, by my sowl, I don't think its many iv them 'ill come back to + throuble us,' says he, winkin' at him. + </p> + <p> + So away with the gineral, an' he ordhers out the forlorn hope, all' tells + the band to play, an' everything else, just as Bonypart desired him. An' + sure enough, whin Billy Malowney heerd the music where he was standin' + taking a blast of the dhudheen to compose his mind for murdherin' the + Frinchmen as usual, being mighty partial to that tune intirely, he cocks + his ear a one side, an' down he stoops to listen to the music; but, + begorra, who should be in his rare all the time but a Frinch grannideer + behind a bush, and seeing him stooped in a convanient forum, bedad he let + flies at him sthraight, and fired him right forward between the legs an' + the small iv the back, glory be to God! with what they call (saving your + presence) a bum-shell. + </p> + <p> + Well, Bill Malowney let one roar out iv him, an' away he rowled over the + field iv battle like a slitther (as Bonypart and the Duke iv Wellington, + that was watching the manoeuvres from a distance, both consayved) into + glory. + </p> + <p> + An' sure enough the Frinch was overjoyed beyant all bounds, an' small + blame to them—an' the Duke of Wellington, I'm toult, was never all + out the same man sinst. + </p> + <p> + At any rate, the news kem home how Billy Malowney was murdhered by the + Frinch in furrin parts. + </p> + <p> + Well, all this time, you may be sure, there was no want iv boys comin' to + coort purty Molly Donovan; but one way ar another, she always kept puttin' + them off constant. An' though her father and mother was nathurally anxious + to get rid of her respickably, they did not like to marry her off in spite + iv her teeth. + </p> + <p> + An' this way, promising one while and puttin' it off another, she + conthrived to get on from one Shrove to another, until near seven years + was over and gone from the time when Billy Malowney listed for furrin + sarvice. + </p> + <p> + It was nigh hand a year from the time whin the news iv Leum-a-rinka bein' + killed by the Frinch came home, an' in place iv forgettin' him, as the + saisins wint over, it's what Molly was growin' paler and more lonesome + every day, antil the neighbours thought she was fallin' into a decline; + and this is the way it was with her whin the fair of Lisnamoe kem round. + </p> + <p> + It was a beautiful evenin', just at the time iv the reapin' iv the oats, + and the sun was shinin' through the red clouds far away over the hills iv + Cahirmore. + </p> + <p> + Her father an' mother, an' the boys an' girls, was all away down in the + fair, and Molly Sittin' all alone on the step of the stile, listening to + the foolish little birds whistlin' among the leaves—and the sound of + the mountain-river flowin' through the stones an' bushes—an' the + crows flyin' home high overhead to the woods iv Glinvarlogh—an' down + in the glen, far away, she could see the fair-green iv Lisnamoe in the + mist, an' sunshine among the grey rocks and threes—an' the cows an' + the horses, an' the blue frieze, an' the red cloaks, an' the tents, an' + the smoke, an' the ould round tower—all as soft an' as sorrowful as + a dhrame iv ould times. + </p> + <p> + An' while she was looking this way, an' thinking iv Leum-a-rinka—poor + Bill iv the dance, that was sleepin' in his lonesome glory in the fields + iv Spain—she began to sing the song he used to like so well in the + ould times— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'Shule, shule, shale a-roon;' +</pre> + <p> + an' when she ended the verse, what do you think but she heard a manly + voice just at the other side iv the hedge, singing the last words over + again! + </p> + <p> + Well she knew it; her heart flutthered up like a little bird that id be + wounded, and then dhropped still in her breast. It was himself. In a + minute he was through the hedge and standing before her. + </p> + <p> + 'Leum!' says she. + </p> + <p> + 'Mavourneen cuishla machree!' says he; and without another word they were + locked in one another's arms. + </p> + <p> + Well, it id only be nansinse for me thryin' an' tell ye all the foolish + things they said, and how they looked in one another's faces, an' laughed, + an' cried, an' laughed again; and how, when they came to themselves, and + she was able at last to believe it was raly Billy himself that was there, + actially holdin' her hand, and lookin' in her eyes the same way as ever, + barrin' he was browner and boulder, an' did not, maybe, look quite as + merry in himself as he used to do in former times—an' fondher for + all, an' more lovin' than ever—how he tould her all about the wars + wid the Frinchmen—an' how he was wounded, and left for dead in the + field iv battle, bein' shot through the breast, and how he was discharged, + an' got a pinsion iv a full shillin' a day—and how he was come back + to liv the rest iv his days in the sweet glen iv Lisnamoe, an' (if only + SHE'D consint) to marry herself in spite iv them all. + </p> + <p> + Well, ye may aisily think they had plinty to talk about, afther seven + years without once seein' one another; and so signs on, the time flew by + as swift an' as pleasant as a bird on the wing, an' the sun wint down, an' + the moon shone sweet an' soft instead, an' they two never knew a ha'porth + about it, but kept talkin' an' whisperin', an' whisperin' an' talkin'; for + it's wondherful how often a tinder-hearted girl will bear to hear a purty + boy tellin' her the same story constant over an' over; ontil at last, sure + enough, they heerd the ould man himself comin' up the boreen, singin' the + 'Colleen Rue'—a thing he never done barrin' whin he had a dhrop in; + an' the misthress walkin' in front iv him, an' two illigant Kerry cows he + just bought in the fair, an' the sarvint boys dhriving them behind. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, blessed hour!' says Molly, 'here's my father.' + </p> + <p> + 'I'll spake to him this minute,' says Bill. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh, not for the world,' says she; 'he's singin' the "Colleen Rue,"' says + she, 'and no one dar raison with him,' says she. + </p> + <p> + 'An' where 'll I go, thin?' says he, 'for they're into the haggard an top + iv us,' says he, 'an' they'll see me iv I lep through the hedge,' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'Thry the pig-sty,' says she, 'mavourneen,' says she, 'in the name iv + God,' says she. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, darlint,' says he, 'for your sake,' says he, 'I'll condescend to + them animals,' says he. + </p> + <p> + An' wid that he makes a dart to get in; bud, begorra, it was too late—the + pigs was all gone home, and the pig-sty was as full as the Burr coach wid + six inside. + </p> + <p> + 'Och! blur-an'-agers,' says he, 'there is not room for a suckin'-pig,' + says he, 'let alone a Christian,' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'Well, run into the house, Billy,' says she, 'this minute,' says she, 'an' + hide yourself antil they're quiet,' says she, 'an' thin you can steal + out,' says she, 'anknownst to them all,' says she. + </p> + <p> + 'I'll do your biddin', says he, 'Molly asthore,' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'Run in thin,' says she, 'an' I'll go an' meet them,' says she. + </p> + <p> + So wid that away wid her, and in wint Billy, an' where 'id he hide himself + bud in a little closet that was off iv the room where the ould man and + woman slep'. So he closed the doore, and sot down in an ould chair he + found there convanient. + </p> + <p> + Well, he was not well in it when all the rest iv them comes into the + kitchen, an' ould Tim Donovan singin' the 'Colleen Rue' for the bare life, + an' the rest iv them sthrivin' to humour him, and doin' exactly everything + he bid them, because they seen he was foolish be the manes iv the liquor. + </p> + <p> + Well, to be sure all this kep' them long enough, you may be sure, from + goin' to bed, so that Billy could get no manner iv an advantage to get out + iv the house, and so he sted sittin' in the dark closet in state, cursin' + the 'Colleen Rue,' and wondherin' to the divil whin they'd get the ould + man into his bed. An', as if that was not delay enough, who should come in + to stop for the night but Father O'Flaherty, of Cahirmore, that was buyin' + a horse at the fair! An' av course, there was a bed to be med down for his + raverence, an' some other attintions; an' a long discoorse himself an' + ould Mrs. Donovan had about the slaughter iv Billy Malowney, an' how he + was buried on the field iv battle; an' his raverence hoped he got a dacent + funeral, an' all the other convaniences iv religion. An' so you may + suppose it was pretty late in the night before all iv them got to their + beds. + </p> + <p> + Well, Tim Donovan could not settle to sleep at all at all, an' so he kep' + discoorsin' the wife about the new cows he bought, an' the stripphers he + sould, an' so an for better than an hour, ontil from one thing to another + he kem to talk about the pigs, an' the poulthry; and at last, having + nothing betther to discoorse about, he begun at his daughter Molly, an' + all the heartscald she was to him be raison iv refusin' the men. An' at + last says he: + </p> + <p> + 'I onderstand,' says he, 'very well how it is,' says he. 'It's how she was + in love,' says he, 'wid that bliggard, Billy Malowney,' says he, 'bad luck + to him!' says he; for by this time he was coming to his raison. + </p> + <p> + 'Ah!' says the wife, says she, 'Tim darlint, don't be cursin' them that's + dead an' buried,' says she. + </p> + <p> + 'An' why would not I,' says he, 'if they desarve it?' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'Whisht,' says she, 'an' listen to that,' says she. 'In the name of the + Blessed Vargin,' says she, 'what IS it?' says she. + </p> + <p> + An' sure enough what was it but Bill Malowney that was dhroppin' asleep in + the closet, an' snorin' like a church organ. + </p> + <p> + 'Is it a pig,' says he, 'or is it a Christian?' + </p> + <p> + 'Arra! listen to the tune iv it,' says she; 'sure a pig never done the + like is that,' says she. + </p> + <p> + 'Whatever it is,' says he, 'it's in the room wid us,' says he. 'The Lord + be marciful to us!' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'I tould you not to be cursin',' says she; 'bad luck to you,' says she, + 'for an ommadhaun!' for she was a very religious woman in herself. + </p> + <p> + 'Sure, he's buried in Spain,' says he; 'an' it is not for one little + innocent expression,' says he, 'he'd be comin' all that a way to annoy the + house,' says he. + </p> + <p> + Well, while they war talkin', Bill turns in the way he was sleepin' into + an aisier imposture; and as soon as he stopped snorin' ould Tim Donovan's + courage riz agin, and says he: + </p> + <p> + 'I'll go to the kitchen,' says he, 'an' light a rish,' says he. + </p> + <p> + An' with that away wid him, an' the wife kep' workin' the beads all the + time, an' before he kem back Bill was snorin' as loud as ever. + </p> + <p> + 'Oh! bloody wars—I mane the blessed saints about us!—that + deadly sound,' says he; 'it's going on as lively as ever,' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'I'm as wake as a rag,' says his wife, says she, 'wid the fair anasiness,' + says she. 'It's out iv the little closet it's comin,' says she. + </p> + <p> + 'Say your prayers,' says he, 'an' hould your tongue,' says he, 'while I + discoorse it,' says he. 'An' who are ye,' says he, 'in the name iv of all + the holy saints?' says he, givin' the door a dab iv a crusheen that + wakened Bill inside. 'I ax,' says he, 'who are you?' says he. + </p> + <p> + Well, Bill did not rightly remember where in the world he was, but he + pushed open the door, an' says he: + </p> + <p> + 'Billy Malowney's my name,' says he, 'an' I'll thank ye to tell me a + betther,' says he. + </p> + <p> + Well, whin Tim Donovan heard that, an' actially seen that it was Bill + himself that was in it, he had not strength enough to let a bawl out iv + him, but he dhropt the candle out iv his hand, an' down wid himself on his + back in the dark. + </p> + <p> + Well, the wife let a screech you'd hear at the mill iv Killraghlin, an'— + </p> + <p> + 'Oh,' says she, 'the spirit has him, body an' bones!' says she. 'Oh, holy + St. Bridget—oh, Mother iv Marcy—oh, Father O'Flaherty!' says + she, screechin' murdher from out iv her bed. + </p> + <p> + Well, Bill Malowney was not a minute remimberin' himself, an' so out wid + him quite an' aisy, an' through the kitchen; bud in place iv the door iv + the house, it's what he kem to the door iv Father O'Flaherty's little + room, where he was jist wakenin' wid the noise iv the screechin' an' + battherin'; an' bedad, Bill makes no more about it, but he jumps, wid one + boult, clever an' clane into his raverance's bed. + </p> + <p> + 'What do ye mane, you uncivilised bliggard?' says his raverance. 'Is that + a venerable way,' says he, 'to approach your clargy?' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'Hould your tongue,' says Bill, 'an' I'll do ye no harum,' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'Who are you, ye scoundhrel iv the world?' says his raverance. + </p> + <p> + 'Whisht!' says he? 'I'm Billy Malowney,' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'You lie!' says his raverance for he was frightened beyont all bearin'—an' + he makes but one jump out iv the bed at the wrong side, where there was + only jist a little place in the wall for a press, an' his raverance could + not as much as turn in it for the wealth iv kingdoms. 'You lie,' says he; + 'but for feared it's the truth you're tellin',' says he, 'here's at ye in + the name iv all the blessed saints together!' says he. + </p> + <p> + An' wid that, my dear, he blazes away at him wid a Latin prayer iv the + strongest description, an', as he said himself afterwards, that was iv a + nature that id dhrive the divil himself up the chimley like a puff iv + tobacky smoke, wid his tail betune his legs. + </p> + <p> + 'Arra, what are ye sthrivin' to say,' says Bill; says he, 'if ye don't + hould your tongue,' says he, 'wid your parly voo;' says he, 'it's what + I'll put my thumb on your windpipe,' says he, 'an' Billy Malowney never + wint back iv his word yet,' says he. + </p> + <p> + 'Thundher-an-owns,' says his raverance, says he—seein' the Latin + took no infect on him, at all at all an' screechin' that you'd think he'd + rise the thatch up iv the house wid the fair fright—'and thundher + and blazes, boys, will none iv yes come here wid a candle, but lave your + clargy to be choked by a spirit in the dark?' says he. + </p> + <p> + Well, be this time the sarvint boys and the rest iv them wor up an' half + dressed, an' in they all run, one on top iv another, wid pitchforks and + spades, thinkin' it was only what his raverence slep' a dhrame iv the + like, by means of the punch he was afther takin' just before he rowl'd + himself into the bed. But, begorra, whin they seen it was raly Bill + Malowney himself that was in it, it was only who'd be foremost out agin, + tumblin' backways, one over another, and his raverence roarin' an' cursin' + them like mad for not waitin' for him. + </p> + <p> + Well, my dear, it was betther than half an hour before Billy Malowney + could explain to them all how it raly was himself, for begorra they were + all iv them persuadin' him that he was a spirit to that degree it's a + wondher he did not give in to it, if it was only to put a stop to the + argiment. + </p> + <p> + Well, his raverence tould the ould people then, there was no use in + sthrivin' agin the will iv Providence an' the vagaries iv love united; an' + whin they kem to undherstand to a sartinty how Billy had a shillin' a day + for the rest iv his days, begorra they took rather a likin' to him, and + considhered at wanst how he must have riz out of all his nansinse + entirely, or his gracious Majesty id never have condescinded to show him + his countenance that way every day of his life, on a silver shillin'. + </p> + <p> + An' so, begorra, they never stopt till it was all settled—an' there + was not sich a weddin' as that in the counthry sinst. It's more than forty + years ago, an' though I was no more nor a gossoon myself, I remimber it + like yestherday. Molly never looked so purty before, an' Billy Malowney + was plisant beyont all hearin,' to that degree that half the girls in it + was fairly tarin' mad—only they would not let on—they had not + him to themselves in place iv her. An' begorra I'd be afeared to tell ye, + because you would not believe me, since that blessid man Father Mathew put + an end to all soorts of sociality, the Lord reward him, how many gallons + iv pottieen whisky was dhrank upon that most solemn and tindher occasion. + </p> + <p> + Pat Hanlon, the piper, had a faver out iv it; an' Neddy Shawn Heigue, + mountin' his horse the wrong way, broke his collarbone, by the manes iv + fallin' over his tail while he was feelin' for his head; an' Payther + Brian, the horse-docther, I am tould, was never quite right in the head + ever afther; an' ould Tim Donovan was singin' the 'Colleen Rue' night and + day for a full week; an' begorra the weddin' was only the foundation iv + fun, and the beginning iv divarsion, for there was not a year for ten + years afther, an' more, but brought round a christenin' as regular as the + sasins revarted. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Purcell Papers, by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE PURCELL PAPERS *** + +***** This file should be named 511-h.htm or 511-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/5/1/511/ + +Produced by Judith Boss and Charles Keller + +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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