But the sufferings of the Irish clergy meet with no compassion, they but provoke the cold and unfeeling sneers, or the coarse and brutal exultation of the very men who caused their distress. The reply of Lord J. Russell and the Whigs, in the House of Commons, to such representations, and of Dr. M'Hale and his priests, to say nothing of the radical press, are as strong an illustration of the heartless spirit of party triumph as could any where be found." It is thus," said Lord J. Russell, "that a gentleman in the Spectator, who had been reading a number of medical books, in consequence of perusing a work on asthma, imagined himself for three weeks affected with the disorder; and, in consequence of reading a great many treatises on the gout, had all the symptoms except the pain." And to ridicule the remonstrance of the Irish clergy, literally dying of want, and in daily fear of being murdered, he adds another joke "There's such a charm in melancholy, They would not, if they could, be gay." The heart turns sickened from such unfeeling cruelty. Let one more specimen suffice. The Rev. Father Kehoe, in the chapel of Loughlin Bridge, on Sunday, 14th of June, 1836, said— "The Protestaut clergy are now very different from what they were. They are no longer the fine gentlemen they used to be. They are in a hobble, and we will put them in a greater hobble; for instead of bringing up their sons and daughters to be gentlemen and ladies, they will be glad to bring them up to be tradesmen and labourers like yourselves, boys." CONFESSIONS OF HARRY LORREQUER. CHAP. XI. OH! DUBLIN—. O! Dublin, sure, there is no doubtin', And hating each other for the "love of God." It was upon a fine cheery morning in the early part of May, 18, that I once more found myself in Dublin, en route to join, on the expiration of my leave. Since my departure, my regiment had been ordered to Kilkenny, that sweet city, so famed in song for its "fire without smoke;" but which, were its character in any way to derive from its past or present representative, might certainly, with more propriety, reverse the epithet, and read "smoke without fire." My last communication from head-quarters was full of nothing but gay doings balls, dinners, dejeunes, and, more than all, private the atricals seemed to occupy the entire attention of every man of the gallant -th. I was earnestly entreated to come, without waiting for the end of my leave that several of my old Ballad sung by Spring Rice, at the Cabinet Dinner, with much applause. "parts" were kept open for me; and that, in fact, the "boys of Kilkenny" were on tip-toe in expectation for my arrival, as though his Majesty's mail were to convey a Siddons or a Kemble. I shuddered a little as I read this, and recollected" my last appearance on any stage"-little anticipating, at the moment, that my next was to be nearly as productive of the ludicrous, as time and my confessions shall show. One circumstance, however, gave me considerable pleasure. It was this:I took it for granted that, in the varied and agreeable occupations which so pleasurable a career opened, my adventures in love would escape notice, and that I should escape the merciless raillery my two failures, in six months, might reasonably be supposed to call forth. I therefore wrote a hurried note to Curzon, setting forth the great inte rest all their proceedings had for me, and assuring him that my stay in town should be as short as possible, for that I longed once more to "strut the monarch of the boards," and concluded with a sly paragraph, artfully intended to act as a paratonnere to the gibes and jests which I dreaded, by endeavouring to make light of my matrimonial speculations. The postscript ran somewhat thus" Glorious fun have I had since we met; but were it not that my good angel stood by me, I should write these hurried lines with a wife at my elbow ; but luck, that never yet deserted, is still faithful to your old friend, H. Lorrequer." My reader may suppose for he is sufficiently be hind the scenes with me-with what feelings I penned these words; yet anything was better than the attack I looked forward to: and I should rather have changed into the Cape Rifle Corps, or any other army of martyrs, than met my mess with all the ridicule my late proceedings exposed me to.Having disburthened my conscience of this dread, I finished my breakfast, and set out on a stroll through the town. I believe it is Coleridge who somewhere says, that to transmit the first bright and early impressions of our youth, fresh and uninjured to a remote period of life, constitutes one of the loftiest prerogatives of genius. If this be true and I am not disposed to dispute it what a gifted people must be the worthy inhabitants of Dublin; for I scruple not to affirm, that of all cities of which we have any record in history, sacred or profane, there is not one so little likely to disturb the tranquil current of such reminiscences. "As it was of old, so is it now," enjoying a delightful permanency in all its habits and customs, which no changes elsewhere disturb or affect; and in this respect I defy O'Connell and all the tail to refuse it the epithet of "Conservative." Had the excellent Rip Van Winkle, instead of seeking his re pose upon the cold and barren acclivities of the Kaatskills-as we are veritably informed by Irving-but betaken himself to a comfortable bed at Morrison's or the Bilton, not only would he have enjoyed a more agreeable siesta, but, what the event showed of more consequence, the pleasing satisfaction of not being disconcerted by novelty on his awakening. It is possible that the waiter who brought him the water to shave for Rip's beard, we are told, had grown uncommonly long-might exhibit a little of that wear and tear which humanity is liable to from time; but had he questioned him as to the ruling topics-the popular amusements of the day-he would have heard, as he might have done twenty years before, that there was a meeting to convert Jews at the Rotunda; another to rob parsons at the Corn Exchange; that the Viceroy was dining with the Corporation, and congratulating them on the prosperity of Ireland, while the inhabitants were regaled with a procession of the "broad ribbon weavers," that had not weaved-heaven knows when! This, with an occasional letter from Mr. O'Connell, and now and then a duel in the "Phaynix," constituted the current pastimes of the city. Such, at least, were they in my day; and, though far from the dear locale, an odd flitting glance at the newspapers induces me to believe that matters are not much changed since. I rambled through the streets for some hours, revolving such thoughts as pressed upon me involuntarily by all I saw. The same little grey homunculus that filled my “prince's mixture" years before, stood behind the counter at Lundy Foot's, weighing out rappee and high toast, just as I last saw himThe fat college porter, that I used to mistake in my school-boy days for the Provost, God forgive me!-was there as fat and as ruddy as heretofore, and wore his Roman costume of helmet and plush breeches with an air as classic. The old state trumpeter at the castle, another object of my youthful veneration-poor "old God save the King," as we used to call him-walked the streets as of old; his cheeks, indeed, a little more lanky and tendinous; but then there had been many viceregal changes, and the "one sole melody his heart delighted in," had been more frequently called in requisition, as he marched in solemn state with the other antique gentlemen in tabards. As I walked along, each moment some old and early association being suggested by the objects around, I felt my arm suddenly seized. I turned hastily round, and beheld a very old compa nion in many a hard-fought field and merry bivouack, Tom O'Flaherty, of the-th. Poor Tom was sadly changed since we last met, which was at a ball in Madrid. He was then one of the best-looking fellows of his "style" I ever met-tall and athletic, with the easy bearing of a man of the world, and a certain jauntiness that I have never seen but in Irishmen who have mixed much in society. There was also a certain peculiar devil-may-care recklessness about the self-satisfied swagger of his gait, and the free and easy glance of his sharp black eye, united with a temper that nothing could ruffle, and a courage nothing could daunt. With such qualities as these, he had been the prime favourite of his mess, to which he never came without some droll story to relate, or some choice expedient for future amusement. Such had Tom once been; now he was much altered; and, though the quiet twinkle of his dark eye showed that the spirit of fun within was not "dead, but only sleeping," to myself, who knew something of his history, it seemed almost cruel to awaken him to anything which might bring him back to the memory of byegone days. A momentary glance showed me that he was no longer what he had been, and that the unfortunate change in his condition, the loss of all his earliest and oldest associates, and his blighted prospects, had nearly broken a heart that never deserted a friend, nor quailed before an enemy. Poor O Flaherty was no more the delight of the circle he once adorned; the wit that "set the table in a roar" was all but departed he had been dismissed the service!! The story is a brief one: In the retreat from Burgos, the Light Dragoons, after a most fatiguing day's march, halted at the wretched village of Cabenas. It had been deserted by the inhabitants the day before, who, on leaving, had set it on fire; and the blackened walls and fallen roof trees, were nearly all that now remained to show where the little hamlet had once stood. Amid a downpour of rain that had fallen for several hours, drenched to the skin, cold, weary, and nearly starving, the gallant -th reached this melancholy spot at nightfall, with little better prospect of protection from the storm than the barren heath through which their road led might afford them. Among the many who muttered curses, not loud but deep, on the wretched termination to their day's suffering, there was one who kept up his usual good spirits, and not only seemed himself nearly regardless of the privations and miseries about him, but actually succeeded in making the others who rode alongside, as perfectly for getful of their annoyances and troubles as was possible under such circumstances. Good stories, joking allusions to the more discontented ones of the party, ridiculous plans for the night's encampment, followed each other so rapidly, that the weariness of the way was forgotten; and while some were cursing their hard fate, that ever betrayed them into such misfortunes, the little group round O'Flaherty were almost convulsed with laughter at the wit and drollery of one over whom, if the circumstances had any influence, seemed only to heighten his passion for amusement. In the early part of the morning he had captured a turkey, which hung gracefully from his holster on one side, while a small goat-skin of Valencia wine balanced it on the other. These good things were destined to form a feast that evening, to which he had invited four others; that being, according to his most liberal calculation, the greatest number to whom he could afford a reasonable supply of wine. When the halt was made, it took some time to arrange the dispositions for the night; and it was nearly midnight before all the regiment had got their billets and were housed, even with such scanty accommodation as the place afforded. Tom's guests had not yet arrived, and he himself was busily engaged in roasting the turkey before a large fire, on which stood a capacious vessel of spiced wine, when the party appeared. A very cursory reconnaissance through the house, one of the only ones untouched in the village, showed that, from the late rain, it would be impossible to think of sleeping in the lower story, which already showed signs of being flooded; they therefore proceeded in a body up stairs, and what was their delight to find a most comfortable room, neatly furnished with chairs, and a table; but, above all, a large old-fashioned bed, an object of such luxury as only an old campaigner can duly appreciate. The curtains were closely tucked in all round, and, in their fleeting and hurried glance, they felt no inclination to disturb them, and rather proceeded to draw up the table before the hearth, to which they speedily removed the fire from below; and, ere many minutes, with that activity which a bivouack life invariably teaches, their supper smoked before them, and five happier fellows did not sit down that night within a large circuit around. Tom was unusually great; stores of drollery unlocked before, poured from him unceasingly, and what with his high spirits to excite "Come," said one of them, "let us "Och," said he, with difficulty steadying himself while he spoke; "we'll put him to bed with old Ridgeway, the quarter-master!” The roar of loud laughter that followed Tom's device, was renewed again and again, till not a man could speak, Noiselessly and steadily they now entered, and proceeded to lay down their burden, which, after a moment's discussion, they agreed to place between the quarter-master and the fire, of which, hitherto, he had reaped ample benefit. This done, they stealthily retreated, and hurried back to their quarters, unable to speak with laughter at the success of their plot, and their anticipation of Ridgeway's rage on awakening in the morning. It was in the dim twilight of a hazy morning, that the bugler of the th aroused the sleeping soldiers from their miserable couches, which, wretched as they were, they, nevertheless, rose from reluctantly-so wearied and fatigued had they been by the preceding day's march, not one among the number felt so indisposed to stir as the worthy quarter-master; his peculiar avocations had demanded a more than usual exertion on his part, and in the posture he had lain down at night he rested till morning, without stirring a limb. Twice the reveille had rung through the little encampment, and twice the quartermaster had essayed to open his eyes, but in vain; at last he made a tremendous effort, and sat bolt upright on the floor, hoping that the sudden effort might sufficiently arouse him; slowly his eyes opened, and the first thing they beheld was the figure of the dead priest, with a light cavalry helmet on his head, sheeted before him-Ridgeway, who was "bon Catholique," trembled in every joint-it might be a ghost, it might be a warning, he knew not what to think-he imagined the lips moved, and so overcome with terror was he at last, that he absolutely shouted like a maniac, and never ceased till the hut was filled with officers and men, who hearing the uproar ran to his aid the surprise of the poor quarter-master at the apparition, was scarcely greater than that of the beholders-no one was able to afford any explanation of the circumstance, though all were assured that it must have been done in jest the door upon which the priest had been conveyed afforded the cluethey had forgotten to restore it to its place accordingly the different billets were examined, and at last O'Flaherty was discovered in a most commodious bed, in a large room without a door, still fast asleep, and alone: how and when he had parted with his companions, he never could precisely explain, though he has since confessed, it was part of his scheme to lead them astray in the village, and then retire to the bed, which he had determined to ap propriate to his sole use. Old Ridgeway's rage knew no bounds; he absolutely foamed with passion, and in proportion as he was laughed at, his chofer rose higher; had this been the only result, it had been well for poor Tom, but unfortunately, the affair got to be rumoured through the country-the inhabitants of the village learned the indignity with which the Padre had been treated; they addressed a memorial to Lord Wellington-enquiry was immediately instituted-O'Flaherty was tried by court martial, and found guilty; nothing short of the heaviest punishment that could be inflicted under the circumstances, would satisfy the Spaniards, and at that precise period, it was part of our policy to conciliate their esteem by every means in our power. The commander of the forces resolved to make what he called an example," and poor O'Flaherty, the life and soul of his regiment, the darling of his mess, was broke, and pronounced incapable of ever serving his Majesty again. Such was the event upon which my poor friend's fortune in life seemed to hinge-he returned to Ireland, if not entirely broken-hearted, so altered that his best friends scarcely knew him—his "occupation was gone," the mess had been his home--his brother-officers stood for him in place of relatives-and he had lost all. His after life was spent in rambling from one watering place to another, more with the air of one who seeks to consume, than enjoy his time, and with such a change in his appearance as the alteration in his fortune had effected, he now stood before me, but altogether so different a man, that but for the well-known tones of a voice that had often convulsed me with laughter, I should scarcely have recog nised him, 66 Lorrequer, my old friend, I never thought of seeing you here, this is indeed a piece of good luck." 66 Why Tom? You surely knew that the were in Ireland, didn't you?" "To be sure. I dined with them only a few days ago, but they told me that you were off to Paris, to marry something superlatively beautiful, and most enormously rich, the daughter of a duke, if I remember right; but certes, they said your fortune was made, and I need not tell you, there was not a man among them better pleased than I was, to hear it." "Oh! they said so, did they? Droll dogs-always quizzing-I wonder you did not perceive the hoax-eh-very good, was it not?" This I poured out in short broken sentences, blushing like scarlet, aad fidgetting like a school girl, with downright nervousness. 66 A hoax! devilish well done too"said Tom, "for old Carden believed the whole story, and told me that he had obtained a six months' leave for you, to make your "com." and moreover, said that he had got a letter from the nobleman, Lord confound his name." "Lord Grey, is it?" said I, with a sly look at Tom. No, my dear friend," said he drily, "it was not Lord Grey-but to continue he had got a letter from him, dated from Paris, stating his surprise that you had never joined them there, according to promise, and that they knew your cousin Guy, and a great deal of other |