This is a modern-English version of Fairy Legends and Traditions of the South of Ireland, originally written by Croker, Thomas Crofton. It has been thoroughly updated, including changes to sentence structure, words, spelling, and grammar—to ensure clarity for contemporary readers, while preserving the original spirit and nuance. If you click on a paragraph, you will see the original text that we modified, and you can toggle between the two versions.

Scroll to the bottom of this page and you will find a free ePUB download link for this book.

FAIRY LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS OF THE SOUTH OF IRELAND.

BY

BY

T. CROFTON CROCKER.

T. Crofton Crocker.

 

A New Edition.

A New Release.

WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS, AFTER DESIGNS OF THE AUTHOR AND OTHERS.

WITH MANY ILLUSTRATIONS, BASED ON DESIGNS BY THE AUTHOR AND OTHERS.

 

“Come l’araba Fenice
Che ci sia, ognun lo dice;
Dove sia, nessun lo sa.”—Metastasio.

“Like the Phoenix
Everyone says it exists;
But no one knows where it is.”—Metastasio.

 

Philadelphia:

Philly:

LEA AND BLANCHARD.

LEA & BLANCHARD.

1844.

1844.


PREFACE.

The erudite Lessing styles a preface “the history of a book.” Now, though there can be no necessity for a preface in that sense of the word to the reprint of a work of mere whim, which has been nearly ten years before the public, yet a few words are requisite to prevent the present condensed and revised edition from being considered an abridgment.

The knowledgeable Lessing calls a preface “the history of a book.” While there’s no real need for a preface in that sense for the reprint of a work that is just a matter of personal choice and has been available to the public for nearly ten years, a few words are necessary to clarify that this updated and revised edition shouldn’t be seen as an abridgment.

However compact may be the mode of printing adopted, the act of compressing into one volume the three in which the “Fairy Legends” originally appeared, involved to a certain extent the necessity of selection, perhaps the most difficult of all tasks judiciously to perform; but the following statement will show the system proceeded on.

However compact the printing method used, putting the three volumes of the “Fairy Legends” into one involved some level of selection, which is possibly the most challenging task to do wisely; however, the following statement will outline the approach taken.

Forty tales descriptive of Irish superstitions now appear instead of fifty. All superfluous annotations have been struck out, and a brief summary at the end of each section substituted, explanatory of the classification adopted, and in which a few additional notes have been introduced,[vi] as well as upon the text. It is therefore hoped that this curtailment will be regarded as an essential improvement; some useless repetition in the tales being thereby avoided, and much irrelevant matter in the notes dispensed with, although nothing which illustrates in the slightest degree the popular Fairy Creed of Ireland has been sacrificed. At the same time, the omission of a portion of the ten immaterial tales will sufficiently answer doubts idly raised as to the question of authorship.

Forty stories about Irish superstitions are now included instead of fifty. All unnecessary notes have been removed, and a brief summary at the end of each section explains the classification used. This summary includes a few extra notes, as well as commentary on the text.[vi] It is hoped that this reduction will be seen as a significant improvement; some pointless repetition in the tales has been avoided, and a lot of irrelevant information in the notes has been cut out, though nothing that even slightly illustrates the popular Fairy Creed of Ireland has been sacrificed. At the same time, leaving out some of the ten trivial tales will address any doubts raised about authorship.


CONTENTS.

  The Shefro. Page
I. The Legend of Knocksheogowna, 13
II. The Legend of Knockfierna, 17
III. The Legend of Knockgrafton, 21
IV. The Priest’s Supper, 26
V. The Brewery of Egg-shells, 30
VI. Legend of Bottle Hill, 34
VII. The Confessions of Tom Bourke, 43
VIII. Fairies or no Fairies, 56
  Note on the Section. 61
  The Cluricaune.
IX. The Haunted Cellar, 63
X. Master and Man, 70
XI. The Little Shoe, 77
  Note on the Section. 79
  The Banshee.
XII. The Bunworth Banshee, 81
XIII. The McCarthy Banshee, 85
  Note on the Section. 100
  The Phooka.
XIV. The Spirit Horse, 101
XV. Daniel O’Rourke, 105
XVI. The Crookened Back, 112
  Note on the Section. 117
  Thierna na Oge.
XVII. Fior Usga, 119
XVIII. Cormac and Mary (Ballad,) 122
XIX. The Legend of Lough Gur, 124
XX. The Enchanted Lake, 126
XXI. The Legend of O’Donoghue, 130
  Note on the Section. 132
 [viii] The Merrow.
XXII. The Lady of Gollerus, 133
XXIII. Flory Cantillon’s Funeral, 139
XXIV. The Lord of Dunkerron (Ballad,) 143
XXV. The Wonderful Tune, 146
  Note on the Section. 154
  The Dullahan.
XXVI. The Good Woman, 155
XXVII. Hanlon’s Mill, 163
XXVIII. The Death Coach (Ballad,) 167
XXIX. The Headless Horseman, 169
  Note on the Section. 178
  The Fir Darrig.
XXX. Diarmid Bawn, the Piper, 179
XXXI. Teigue of the Lee, 184
XXXII. Ned Sheehy’s Excuse, 190
XXXIII. The Lucky Guest, 201
  Note on the Section. 208
  Treasure Legends.
XXXIV. Dreaming Tim Jarvis, 209
XXXV. Rent-Day, 217
XXXVI. Linn-na-Payshtha, 220
  Note on the Section. 225
  Rocks and Stones.
XXXVII. The Legend of Cairn Thierna, 226
XXXVIII. The Rock of the Candle, 229
XXXIX. Clough na Cuddy, 232
XL. The Giant’s Stairs. 240
  Appendix—Letter from Sir Walter Scott. 247

TO THE DOWAGER LADY CHATTERTON.

CASTLE MAHON.

Castle Mahon.

You, Lady, I would guide through Fairy-land
(Where cold and skeptical thinkers are banished,) A land of dreams, with imaginary castles stacked; The moonlight Shefros there, in a happy group With skillful Cluricaune, should be prepared to stand To welcome you—Imagination’s child!
Until it would burst on your ear so sadly wild The Banshee's scream, pointing with a withered hand. In the dim twilight, the Phooka should appear,
Whose dark figure disappears in the sunlight,
That reveals clear, calm Lakes to your view,
Where blessed spirits live in eternal beauty.
I know you, Lady—you won't mock Such Fairy Scenes.—Then continue with your Guide.

The Wood Engravings after Designs by Mr. Brooke, R. H. A., Mr. McClise, and the Author.

The Wood Engravings based on designs by Mr. Brooke, R.H.A., Mr. McClise, and the Author.


Irish FAIRY LEGENDS.

Irish fairy tales.


“Look there! look there, mammy!”

"Look over there! Look, mom!"


FAIRY LEGENDS.

FAIRY TALES.

THE SHEFRO.

THE SHEFRO.

————————“Fairy Elves
Whose midnight revels, by a forest side
Or fountain some belated peasant sees,
Or dreams he sees, while over-head the Moon
Sits arbitress, and nearer to the earth
Wheels her pale course.”—

————————“Fairy Elves
Whose midnight parties, by the edge of a forest
Or fountain some late-night peasant observes,
Or thinks he sees, while above, the Moon
Sits as a judge, and closer to the earth
Moves her pale path.”—

Milton.

Milton.


LEGENDS OF THE SHEFRO.

Legends of the Shefro.

THE LEGEND OF KNOCKSHEOGOWNA.
I.

In Tipperary is one of the most singularly shaped hills in the world. It has got a peak at the top like a conical nightcap thrown carelessly over your head as you awake in the morning. On the very point is built a sort of lodge, where in the summer the lady who built it and her friends used to go on parties of pleasure; but that was long after the days of the fairies, and it is, I believe, now deserted.

In Tipperary, there's one of the most uniquely shaped hills in the world. It has a peak that looks like a conical nightcap tossed carelessly over your head as you wake up in the morning. At the very top, there's a kind of lodge where the lady who built it and her friends used to enjoy summer outings, but that was long after the days of the fairies, and I believe it’s now abandoned.

But before lodge was built, or acre sown, there was close to the head of this hill a large pasturage, where a herdsman spent his days and nights among the herd. The spot had been an old fairy ground, and the good people were angry that the scene of their light and airy gambols should be trampled by the rude hoofs of bulls and cows. The lowing of the cattle sounded sad in their ears, and the chief of the fairies of the hill determined in person to drive away the new comers; and the way she thought of was this. When the harvest nights came on, and the moon shone bright and brilliant over the hill, and the cattle were lying down hushed and quiet, and the herdsman, wrapt in his mantle, was musing with his heart gladdened by the glorious company of the stars twinkling above him, she would come and dance before him,—now in one shape—now in another,—but all ugly and frightful to behold. One time she would be a great horse, with the wings of an eagle, and a tail like a dragon, hissing loud and spitting fire. Then in a moment she would change into a little man lame of a leg, with a[13]
[14]
bull’s head, and a lambent flame playing round it. Then into a great ape, with duck’s feet, and a turkey cock’s tail. But I should be all day about it were I to tell you all the shapes she took. And then she would roar, or neigh, or hiss, or bellow, or howl, or hoot, as never yet was roaring, neighing, hissing, bellowing, howling, or hooting, heard in this world before or since. The poor herdsman would cover his face, and call on all the saints for help, but it was no use. With one puff of her breath she would blow away the fold of his great coat, let him hold it never so tightly over his eyes, and not a saint in heaven paid him the slightest attention. And to make matters worse, he never could stir; no, nor even shut his eyes, but there was obliged to stay, held by what power he knew not, gazing at these terrible sights until the hair of his head would lift his hat half a foot over his crown, and his teeth would be ready to fall out from chattering. But the cattle would scamper about mad, as if they were bitten by the fly; and this would last until the sun rose over the hill.

But before the lodge was built or the fields were planted, there was a large pasture near the top of this hill where a herdsman spent his days and nights with the herd. This area had once been a fairy ground, and the fairies were upset that their light and joyful dances were being trampled by the heavy hooves of bulls and cows. The lowing of the cattle sounded sorrowful to them, and the leader of the fairies decided to drive away the newcomers herself. Her plan was this: when the harvest nights arrived, and the moon shone brightly over the hill, with the cattle lying quietly down, and the herdsman, wrapped in his cloak, lost in thought, enjoying the beautiful company of the twinkling stars above, she would come and dance in front of him—sometimes in one form, sometimes in another—but all strange and terrifying to see. One time she would appear as a great horse with the wings of an eagle and a dragon’s tail, hissing loudly and breathing fire. Then, in a moment, she would turn into a little man with a lame leg and a bull’s head, with a flickering flame dancing around it. Then she would shift into a large ape with duck’s feet and a turkey’s tail. I could go on all day describing the shapes she took. Then she would roar, neigh, hiss, bellow, howl, or hoot in ways that no one had ever heard before or since. The poor herdsman would cover his face and call on all the saints for help, but it was no use. With one breath, she would blow away the fold of his great coat, no matter how tightly he held it over his eyes, and not a single saint in heaven paid him any attention. To make things worse, he couldn’t move; he couldn't even close his eyes, forced to stay there, held by an unknown force, staring at these frightening sights until his hair stood up enough to lift his hat half a foot above his head, and his teeth chattered from fear. The cattle would run around frantically as if they were stung by a fly, and this would go on until the sun rose over the hill.

The poor cattle from want of rest were pining away, and food did them no good; besides, they met with accidents without end. Never a night passed that some of them did not fall into a pit, and get maimed, or, may be, killed. Some would tumble into a river and be drowned; in a word, there seemed never to be an end of the accidents. But what made the matter worse, there could not be a herdsman got to tend the cattle by night. One visit from the fairy drove the stoutest hearted almost mad. The owner of the ground did not know what to do. He offered double, treble, quadruple wages, but not a man could be found for the sake of money to go through the horror of facing the fairy. She rejoiced at the successful issue of her project, and continued her pranks. The herd gradually thinning, and no man daring to remain on the ground, the fairies came back in numbers, and gambolled as merrily as before, quaffing dew-drops from acorns, and spreading their feast on the heads of capacious mushrooms.

The poor cattle, lacking rest, were wasting away, and food didn’t help them; besides, they faced endless accidents. Not a night went by without some of them falling into a pit and getting injured or even killed. Some would plunge into a river and drown; in short, the accidents never seemed to stop. To make things worse, there wasn’t a herdsman willing to take care of the cattle at night. Just one encounter with the fairy drove the bravest souls almost insane. The landowner didn’t know what to do. He offered double, triple, even quadruple wages, but no one would risk the horror of facing the fairy. She delighted in the success of her scheme and kept playing her tricks. With the herd gradually disappearing and no one brave enough to stay on the land, the fairies returned in large numbers, frolicking happily as before, sipping dew-drops from acorns, and laying out their feast on the tops of big mushrooms.

What was to be done? the puzzled farmer thought in vain. He found that his substance was daily diminishing, his people terrified, and his rent-day coming round. It is no wonder that he looked gloomy, and walked mournfully[15] down the road. Now in that part of the world dwelt a man of the name of Larry Hoolahan, who played on the pipes better than any other player within fifteen parishes. A roving, dashing blade was Larry, and feared nothing. Give him plenty of liquor, and he would defy the devil. He would face a mad bull, or fight single-handed against a fair. In one of his gloomy walks the farmer met him, and on Larry’s asking the cause of his down looks, he told him all his misfortunes. “If that is all ails you,” said Larry, “make your mind easy. Were there as many fairies on Knocksheogowna as there are potato blossoms in Eliogurty, I would face them. It would be a queer thing, indeed, if I, who never was afraid of a proper man, should turn my back upon a brat of a fairy not the bigness of one’s thumb.” “Larry,” said the farmer, “do not talk so bold, for you know not who is hearing you; but if you make your words good, and watch my herds for a week on the top of the mountain, your hand shall be free of my dish till the sun has burnt itself down to the bigness of a farthing rushlight.”

What was he going to do? The confused farmer thought in vain. He realized that his resources were shrinking every day, his people were scared, and rent day was coming up. It's no surprise that he looked sad and walked down the road with a heavy heart[15]. Now in that area lived a man named Larry Hoolahan, who played the pipes better than anyone else for fifteen parishes. Larry was a bold, carefree guy who feared nothing. Give him enough drinks, and he'd challenge the devil. He'd confront a raging bull or fight against a crowd all by himself. During one of his gloomy walks, the farmer ran into him, and when Larry asked why he looked so down, the farmer shared all his troubles. “If that’s all you’re worried about,” said Larry, “don’t sweat it. Even if there were as many fairies on Knocksheogowna as there are potato blossoms in Eliogurty, I’d take them on. It would be ridiculous if I, who’ve never been afraid of a real man, turned my back on a fairy that’s no bigger than my thumb.” “Larry,” said the farmer, “don’t talk so bravely, you don’t know who might be listening; but if you keep your word and watch my livestock for a week on the top of the mountain, I won’t expect anything from you until the sun shrinks down to the size of a tiny candle.”

The bargain was struck, and Larry went to the hill-top, when the moon began to peep over the brow. He had been regaled at the farmer’s house, and was bold with the extract of barley-corn. So he took his seat on a big stone under a hollow of the hill, with his back to the wind, and pulled out his pipes. He had not played long when the voice of the fairies was heard upon the blast, like a slow stream of music. Presently they burst out into a loud laugh, and Larry could plainly hear one say, “What! another man upon the fairies’ ring? Go to him, queen, and make him repent his rashness;” and they flew away. Larry felt them pass by his face as they flew, like a swarm of midges; and, looking up hastily, he saw between the moon and him a great black cat, standing on the very tip of its claws, with its back up, and mewing with the voice of a water-mill. Presently it swelled up towards the sky, and turning round on its left hind-leg, whirled till it fell to the ground, from which it started up in the shape of a salmon, with a cravat round its neck, and a pair of new topboots. “Go on, jewel,” said Larry; “if you dance, I’ll pipe;” and he struck up. So she turned into this, and that,[16] and the other, but still Larry played on, as he well knew how. At last she lost patience, as ladies will do when you do not mind their scolding, and changed herself into a calf, milk-white as the cream of Cork, and with eyes as mild as those of the girl I love. She came up gentle and fawning, in hopes to throw him off his guard by quietness, and then to work him some wrong. But Larry was not so deceived; for when she came up, he, dropping his pipes, leaped upon her back.

The deal was made, and Larry went up to the hilltop as the moon began to rise. He had been treated well at the farmer’s house and felt bold from the barley drink. So, he sat on a large stone under the hill’s hollow, with his back to the wind, and pulled out his pipes. He hadn’t played long when the voice of the fairies floated through the air, like a gentle stream of music. Soon, they burst into laughter, and Larry clearly heard one say, “What! Another man on the fairies’ ring? Go to him, queen, and make him regret his foolishness;” then they flew away. Larry felt them brush past his face like a swarm of gnats, and when he looked up quickly, he saw a large black cat standing on its tiptoes between him and the moon, its back arched, meowing like a watermill. Suddenly, it swelled upwards into the sky, turned on its left hind leg, spun around until it fell to the ground, and then sprang up in the form of a salmon, wearing a cravat and a pair of shiny new top boots. “Go on, darling,” said Larry; “if you dance, I’ll play;” and he began to play. So it transformed into this, that, and the other, but Larry kept playing, as he knew how. Eventually, she lost her patience, as ladies often do when you ignore their complaints, and turned into a calf, as white as Cork cream, with eyes as gentle as the girl I love. She approached him sweetly, hoping to lull him into lowering his guard, planning to trick him. But Larry wasn’t fooled; when she came close, he dropped his pipes and jumped onto her back.

Now from the top of Knocksheogowna, as you look westward to the broad Atlantic, you will see the Shannon, queen of rivers; “spreading like a sea,” and running on in gentle course to mingle with the ocean through the fair city of Limerick. It on this night shone under the moon, and looked beautiful from the distant hill. Fifty boats were gliding up and down on the sweet current, and the song of the fishermen rose gaily from the shore. Larry, as I said before, leaped upon the back of the fairy, and she, rejoiced at the opportunity, sprung from the hill-top, and bounded clear, at one jump, over the Shannon, flowing as it was just ten miles from the mountain’s base. It was done in a second, and when she alighted on the distant bank, kicking up her heels, she flung Larry on the soft turf. No sooner was he thus planted, than he looked her straight in the face, and scratching his head, cried out, “By my word, well done! that was not a bad leap for a calf!”

Now from the top of Knocksheogowna, when you look west toward the vast Atlantic, you'll see the Shannon, the queen of rivers, “spreading like a sea,” flowing gently to meet the ocean through the beautiful city of Limerick. On this night, it sparkled under the moon and looked stunning from the distant hill. Fifty boats were gliding up and down the lovely current, and the song of the fishermen joyfully rose from the shore. Larry, as I mentioned before, jumped onto the back of the fairy, and she, thrilled by the chance, sprang from the hilltop and leaped effortlessly over the Shannon, which was flowing just ten miles from the mountain’s base. It happened in an instant, and when she landed on the far bank, kicking up her heels, she tossed Larry onto the soft ground. No sooner had he landed than he looked her straight in the face, scratched his head, and exclaimed, “By my word, well done! That was quite the jump for a calf!”

She looked at him for a moment, and then assumed her own shape. “Laurence,” said she, “you are a bold fellow; will you come back the way you went?” “And that’s what I will,” said he, “if you let me.” So changing to a calf again, again Larry got on her back, and at another bound they were again upon the top of Knocksheogowna. The fairy, once more resuming her figure, addressed him: “You have shown so much courage, Laurence,” said she, “that while you keep herds on this hill you never shall be molested by me or mine. The day dawns, go down to the farmer, and tell him this; and if any thing I can do may be of service to you, ask, and you shall have it.” She vanished accordingly; and kept her word in never visiting the hill during Larry’s life: but he never troubled her with requests. He piped and drank at the farmer’s expense,[17] and roosted in his chimney corner, occasionally casting an eye to the flock. He died at last, and is buried in a green valley of pleasant Tipperary: but whether the fairies returned to the hill of Knocksheogowna[1] after his death, is more than I can say.

She looked at him for a moment and then shifted back to her original form. “Laurence,” she said, “you’re a brave guy; will you return the same way you came?” “And that’s what I’ll do,” he replied, “if you let me.” So, transforming into a calf again, Larry climbed onto her back, and with another leap, they ended up once more on the top of Knocksheogowna. The fairy, taking her human form again, spoke to him: “You’ve shown so much bravery, Laurence,” she said, “that as long as you tend to the herds on this hill, you will never be bothered by me or my kind. The day is breaking, go down to the farmer and inform him of this; and if there’s anything I can do to help you, just ask, and you shall have it.” She disappeared just like that; and she kept her promise by never bothering the hill during Larry’s lifetime: but he never troubled her with requests. He played music and drank at the farmer’s expense,[17] and settled in the warm corner by the chimney, occasionally checking on the flock. In the end, he passed away and was buried in a lush valley in beautiful Tipperary: but whether the fairies returned to the hill of Knocksheogowna[1] after he died, I can't say.


THE LEGEND OF KNOCKFIERNA.[2]
II.

It is a very good thing not to be any way in dread of the fairies, for without doubt they have then less power over a person; but to make too free with them, or to disbelieve in them altogether, is as foolish a thing as man, woman, or child can do.

It’s great not to fear fairies because they have less power over you; but being too familiar with them or completely denying their existence is one of the silliest things anyone can do.

It has been truly said, that “good manners are no burden,” and that “civility costs nothing;” but there are some people fool-hardy enough to disregard doing a civil [18]thing, which, whatever they may think, can never harm themselves or any one else, and who at the same time will go out of their way for a bit of mischief, which never can serve them; but sooner or later they will come to know better, as you shall hear of Carroll O’Daly, a strapping young fellow up out of Connaught, whom they used to call, in his own country, “Devil Daly.”

It has been accurately stated that “good manners are no burden,” and that “civility costs nothing;” however, some people are reckless enough to ignore the importance of being polite [18], which, no matter what they think, can never hurt themselves or anyone else. At the same time, they will go out of their way to cause trouble, which will never benefit them; but eventually, they will learn from it, as you'll find out with Carroll O’Daly, a strong young man from Connaught, who was known in his own area as “Devil Daly.”

Carroll O’Daly used to go roving about from one place to another, and the fear of nothing stopped him; he would as soon pass an old churchyard or a regular fairy ground, at any hour of the night as go from one room into another, without ever making the sign of the cross, or saying, “Good luck attend you, gentlemen.”

Carroll O’Daly used to wander around from one place to another, and he wasn’t afraid of anything; he would just as easily walk past an old churchyard or a typical fairy ground at any hour of the night as he would move from one room to another, without ever making the sign of the cross or saying, “Good luck to you, gentlemen.”

It so happened that he was once journeying, in the county of Limerick, towards “the Balbec of Ireland,” the venerable town of Kilmallock; and just at the foot of Knockfierna he overtook a respectable-looking man jogging along upon a white pony. The night was coming on, and they rode side by side for some time, without much conversation passing between them, further than saluting each other very kindly; at last, Carroll O’Daly asked his companion how far he was going?

It just so happened that he was traveling in County Limerick towards "the Balbec of Ireland," the historic town of Kilmallock. Right at the foot of Knockfierna, he caught up with a respectable-looking man riding along on a white pony. Night was approaching, and they rode side by side for a while, without much conversation beyond exchanging friendly greetings. Finally, Carroll O'Daly asked his companion how far he was going.

“Not far your way,” said the farmer, for such his appearance bespoke him; “I’m only going to the top of this hill here.”

“Not far from here,” said the farmer, as his appearance suggested; “I’m just heading to the top of this hill.”

“And what might take you there,” said O’Daly, “at this time of the night?”

“And what are you doing out here,” said O’Daly, “at this time of night?”

“Why then,” replied the farmer, “if you want to know; ’tis the good people.”

“Why then,” replied the farmer, “if you want to know; it’s the good people.”

“The fairies you mean,” said O’Daly.

“The fairies you’re talking about,” said O’Daly.

“Whist! whist!” said his fellow-traveller, “or you may be sorry for it;” and he turned his pony off the road they were going, towards a little path which led up the side of the mountain, wishing Carroll O’Daly good night and a safe journey.

“Whist! Whist!” said his travel companion, “or you might regret it;” and he steered his pony off the road they were on, toward a small path that climbed the mountain, wishing Carroll O’Daly good night and a safe trip.

“That fellow,” thought Carroll, “is about no good this blessed night, and I would have no fear of swearing wrong if I took my Bible oath that it is something else beside the fairies, or the good people, as he calls them, that is taking him up the mountain at this hour. The fairies!” he repeated, “is it for a well-shaped man like him to be going after[19] little chaps like the fairies! To be sure some say there are such things, and more say not; but I know this, that never afraid would I be of a dozen of them, ay, of two dozen, for that matter, if they are no bigger than what I hear tell of.”

“That guy,” thought Carroll, “is up to no good tonight, and I wouldn’t hesitate to swear on my Bible that there’s something else besides the fairies, or the good people, as he calls them, that’s leading him up the mountain at this hour. The fairies!” he repeated, “is it really for a well-built man like him to be chasing after[19] little creatures like the fairies! Sure, some say they exist, and more say they don’t; but I know this, I wouldn’t be afraid of a dozen of them, or even two dozen for that matter, if they’re no bigger than what I’ve heard about.”

Carroll O’Daly, whilst these thoughts were passing in his mind, had fixed his eyes steadfastly on the mountain, behind which the full moon was rising majestically. Upon an elevated point that appeared darkly against the moon’s disk, he beheld the figure of a man leading a pony, and he had no doubt it was that of the farmer with whom he had just parted company.

Carroll O’Daly, while these thoughts crossed his mind, had his gaze fixed intently on the mountain, behind which the full moon was rising beautifully. On a high point that stood out darkly against the moon’s glow, he saw the figure of a man leading a pony, and he was certain it was the farmer he had just said goodbye to.

A sudden resolve to follow flashed across the mind of O’Daly with the speed of lightning: both his courage and curiosity had been worked up by his cogitations to a pitch of chivalry; and, muttering, “Here’s after you, old boy!” he dismounted from his horse, bound him to an old thorntree, and then commenced vigorously ascending the mountain.

A sudden decision to follow struck O’Daly’s mind like lightning: both his courage and curiosity had been stirred to a level of chivalry; and, muttering, “I’m coming after you, old buddy!” he got off his horse, tied it to an old thorn tree, and then started climbing the mountain energetically.

Following as well as he could the direction taken by the figures of the man and pony, he pursued his way, occasionally guided by their partial appearance: and after toiling nearly three hours over a rugged and sometimes swampy path, came to a green spot on the top of the mountain, where he saw the white pony at full liberty grazing as quietly as may be. O’Daly looked around for the rider, but he was nowhere to be seen; he, however, soon discovered, close to where the pony stood, an opening in the mountain like the mouth of a pit, and he remembered having heard, when a child, many a tale about the “Poul-duve,” or Black Hole of Knockfierna; how it was the entrance to the fairy castle which was within the mountain; and how a man whose name was Ahern, a land surveyor in that part of the country, had once attempted to fathom it with a line, and had been drawn down into it, and was never again heard of; with many other tales of the like nature.

Following the path of the man and pony as best as he could, he made his way, sometimes guided by their fleeting appearances. After nearly three hours of struggling over a rough and often swampy trail, he reached a green area at the top of the mountain, where he spotted the white pony grazing peacefully. O’Daly looked around for the rider, but he was nowhere in sight. However, he soon noticed an opening in the mountain, resembling the mouth of a pit, near where the pony stood. He remembered hearing many stories as a child about the “Poul-duve,” or Black Hole of Knockfierna; how it was said to be the entrance to the fairy castle inside the mountain, and how a man named Ahern, a land surveyor in that region, had once tried to measure its depth with a line and was pulled down into it, never to be heard from again, along with many other similar tales.

“But,” thought O’Daly, “these are old woman’s stories: and since I’ve come up so far, I’ll just knock at the castle door and see if the fairies are at home.”

“But,” thought O’Daly, “these are just old wives' tales: and since I’ve come this far, I’ll just knock on the castle door and see if the fairies are home.”

No sooner said than done; for, seizing a large stone, as big, ay, bigger than his two hands, he flung it with all his[20] strength down into the Poul-duve of Knockfierna. He heard it bounding and tumbling about from one rock to another with a terrible noise, and he leaned his head over to try and hear when it would reach the bottom,—and what should the very stone he had thrown in do but come up again with as much force as it had gone down, and gave him such a blow full in the face, that it sent him rolling down the side of Knockfierna, head over heels, tumbling from one crag to another, much faster than he came up. And in the morning Carroll O’Daly was found lying beside his horse; the bridge of his nose broken, which disfigured him for life; his head all cut and bruised, and both his eyes closed up, and as black as if Sir Daniel Donnelly had painted them for him.

No sooner said than done; for, grabbing a large stone, as big, yeah, bigger than his two hands, he threw it with all his[20] strength down into the Poul-duve of Knockfierna. He heard it bouncing and tumbling around from one rock to another with a terrible noise, and he leaned over to try and hear when it would hit the bottom,—and what did the very stone he threw do but come back up with as much force as it went down, hitting him square in the face, sending him rolling down the side of Knockfierna, head over heels, tumbling from one crag to another, much faster than he had gone up. And in the morning, Carroll O’Daly was found lying beside his horse; the bridge of his nose was broken, which disfigured him for life; his head was all cut and bruised, and both his eyes were swollen shut, looking as black as if Sir Daniel Donnelly had painted them for him.

Carroll O’Daly was never bold again in riding along near the haunts of the fairies after dusk; but small blame to him for that; and if ever he happened to be benighted in a lonesome place, he would make the best of his way to his journey’s end, without asking questions, or turning to the right or to the left, to seek after the good people, or any who kept company with them.

Carroll O’Daly was never brave again about riding near the fairies' places after dark; and who could blame him for that? If he ever found himself caught out in a lonely spot after sunset, he would hurry on to his destination without asking questions or veering off to the right or left in search of the good folk or anyone associated with them.


THE LEGEND OF KNOCKGRAFTON.
III.

There was once a poor man who lived in the fertile glen of Aherlow, at the foot of the gloomy Galtee mountains, and he had a great hump on his back: he looked just as if his body had been rolled up and placed upon his shoulders; and his head was pressed down with the weight so much, that his chin, when he was sitting, used to rest upon his knees for support. The country people were rather shy of meeting him in any lonesome place, for though, poor creature, he was as harmless and as inoffensive as a new-born infant, yet his deformity was so great, that he scarcely appeared to be a human being. And some ill-minded persons had set strange stories about him afloat. He was said to have a great knowledge of herbs and charms; but certain it was that he had a mighty skilful hand in platting straw and rushes into hats and baskets, which was the way he made his livelihood.

There was once a poor man who lived in the fertile valley of Aherlow, at the base of the gloomy Galtee mountains, and he had a large hump on his back: he looked as if his body had been rolled up and placed on his shoulders; and his head was bent down from the weight so much that when he sat, his chin rested on his knees for support. The local people were a bit hesitant to encounter him in any isolated spot, because, although he was as harmless and innocent as a newborn baby, his deformity was so severe that he barely seemed human. Some mean-spirited individuals had spread strange rumors about him. He was said to have extensive knowledge of herbs and charms; however, it was certain that he was very skilled at weaving straw and rushes into hats and baskets, which was how he made his living.

Lusmore, for that was the nickname put upon him by reason of his always wearing a sprig of the fairy cap, or lusmore,[3] in his little straw hat, would ever get a higher penny for his plaited work than any one else, and perhaps that was the reason why some one, out of envy, had circulated the strange stories about him. Be that as it may, it happened that he was returning one evening from the pretty town of Cahir towards Cappagh, and as little Lusmore walked very slowly, on account of the great hump upon his back, it was quite dark when he came to the old moat of Knockgrafton, which stood on the right hand side of his road. Tired and weary was he, and noways com[22]fortable in his own mind at thinking how much farther he had to travel, and that he should be walking all the night; so he sat down under the moat to rest himself, and began looking mournfully enough upon the moon, which,

Lusmore, that was the nickname given to him because he always wore a sprig of the fairy cap, or lusmore, [3] in his little straw hat, would always get a better price for his woven work than anyone else. Maybe that’s why someone, out of envy, had spread strange stories about him. Regardless, one evening, he was coming back from the lovely town of Cahir toward Cappagh, and since little Lusmore walked very slowly because of the big hump on his back, it was already dark by the time he reached the old moat of Knockgrafton, which was on the right side of the road. He was tired and weary, not feeling comfortable at all thinking about how much farther he had to go and that he’d be walking all night; so he sat down under the moat to rest and began to look sadly at the moon, which,

"Rising in cloudy grandeur, at last," Apparent Queen, reveal your unmatched light,
And over the darkness, she draped her silver cloak.”

Presently there rose a wild strain of unearthly melody upon the ear of little Lusmore; he listened, and he thought that he had never heard such ravishing music before. It was like the sound of many voices, each mingling and blending with the other so strangely, that they seemed to be one, though all singing different strains, and the words of the song were these:—

Presently, a wild, otherworldly melody filled the ears of little Lusmore; he listened and thought he had never heard such enchanting music before. It was like the sound of many voices, each mixing and blending with the others so strangely that they seemed to be one, even though they were all singing different parts, and the words of the song were these:—

Da Luan, Da Mort, Da Luan, Da Mort, Da Luan, Da Mort, when there would be a moment’s pause, and then the round of melody went on again.

Da Luan, Da Mort, Da Luan, Da Mort, Da Luan, Da Mort, when there would be a moment’s pause, and then the round of melody went on again.

Lusmore listened attentively, scarcely drawing his breath, lest he might lose the slightest note. He now plainly perceived that the singing was within the moat, and, though at first it had charmed him so much, he began to get tired of hearing the same round sung over and over so often without any change; so, availing himself of the pause when the Da Luan, Da Mort, had been sung three times, he took up the tune and raised it with the words augus Da Cadine, and then went on singing with the voices inside of the moat, Da Luan, Da Mort, finishing the melody when the pause again came, with augus Da Cadine.[4]

Lusmore listened carefully, hardly breathing, so he wouldn’t miss a single note. He realized that the singing was coming from inside the moat, and even though it had originally captivated him, he started to get tired of hearing the same round repeated over and over without any variation. So, taking advantage of the break after the Da Luan, Da Mort had been sung three times, he picked up the tune and added the words augus Da Cadine, then continued singing along with the voices in the moat, Da Luan, Da Mort, finishing the melody when the break came again with augus Da Cadine.[4]

The fairies within Knockgrafton, for the song was a fairy melody, when they heard this addition to their tune, were so much delighted, that with instant resolve it was determined to bring the mortal among them, whose musical skill so far exceeded theirs, and little Lusmore was conveyed into their company with the eddying speed of a whirlwind.

The fairies in Knockgrafton, since the song was a fairy melody, were so thrilled when they heard this addition to their tune that they quickly decided to bring the human who outshone them with his musical talent. Little Lusmore was swept into their group with the speed of a whirlwind.

Glorious to behold was the sight that burst upon him as he came down through the moat, twirling round and round with the lightness of a straw, to the sweetest music that [23]kept time to his motion. The greatest honour was then paid him, for he was put up above all the musicians, and he had servants tending upon him, and every thing to his heart’s content, and a hearty welcome to all; and, in short, he was made as much of as if he had been the first man in the land.

Glorious to see was the sight that greeted him as he came down through the moat, twirling around with the lightness of a straw, to the sweetest music that [23] kept time with his movements. The greatest honor was then given to him, as he was placed above all the musicians, with servants attending to him and everything he desired, along with a warm welcome for everyone; in short, he was treated as if he were the most important person in the land.

Presently Lusmore saw a great consultation going forward among the fairies, and, notwithstanding all their civility, he felt very much frightened, until one, stepping out from the rest, came up to him, and said,—

Presently, Lusmore noticed a big discussion happening among the fairies, and, despite all their politeness, he felt quite scared, until one fairy stepped forward from the group, came up to him, and said,—

"Lusmore! Lusmore!
Don't doubt or lament,
For the burden that you carried Your burdens are gone!—
Look at the floor,
And check it out, Lusmore!”

When these words were said, poor little Lusmore felt himself so light, and so happy, that he thought he could have bounded at one jump over the moon, like the cow in the history of the cat and the fiddle; and he saw, with inexpressible pleasure, his hump tumble down upon the ground from his shoulders. He then tried to lift up his head, and he did so with becoming caution, fearing that he might knock it against the ceiling of the grand hall, where he was; he looked round and round again with the greatest wonder and delight upon every thing, which appeared more and more beautiful; and, overpowered at beholding such a resplendent scene, his head grew dizzy, and his eyesight became dim. At last he fell into a sound sleep, and when he awoke, he found that it was broad daylight, the sun shining brightly, the birds singing sweet; and that he was lying just at the foot of the moat of Knockgrafton, with the cows and sheep grazing peaceably round about him. The first thing Lusmore did, after saying his prayers, was to put his hand behind to feel for his hump, but no sign of one was there on his back, and he looked at himself with great pride, for he had now become a well-shaped dapper little fellow; and more than that, he found himself in a full suit of new clothes, which he concluded the fairies had made for him.

When these words were spoken, poor little Lusmore felt so light and happy that he thought he could leap over the moon in a single bound, just like the cow in the nursery rhyme. He saw, with indescribable joy, his hump fall off his shoulders and hit the ground. He then cautiously tried to lift his head, worrying that he might bump it against the ceiling of the grand hall he was in; he looked all around with wonder and delight at everything, which seemed more and more beautiful. Overwhelmed by the stunning scene, he got dizzy and his vision blurred. Eventually, he fell into a deep sleep, and when he woke up, he found it was broad daylight, the sun shining brightly, and the birds singing sweetly. He realized he was lying at the foot of the moat of Knockgrafton, with cows and sheep peacefully grazing around him. The first thing Lusmore did after saying his prayers was to reach behind him to check for his hump, but there was no sign of it on his back. He examined himself with great pride, as he had now become a well-shaped, stylish little guy; even better, he discovered he was wearing a brand new suit of clothes, which he guessed the fairies had made for him.

Towards Cappagh he went, stepping out as lightly, and[24] springing up at every step, as if he had been all his life a dancing-master. Not a creature who met Lusmore knew him without his hump, and he had great work to persuade every one that he was the same man—in truth he was not, so far as outward appearance went.

Towards Cappagh he went, moving lightly and springing up with every step, as if he had been a dancing teacher his whole life. Not a single person who saw Lusmore recognized him without his hump, and he had a tough time convincing everyone that he was the same person—in reality, he was not, at least in terms of how he looked.

Of course it was not long before the story of Lusmore’s hump got about, and a great wonder was made of it. Through the country, for miles round, it was the talk of every one, high and low.

Of course, it didn’t take long for the story of Lusmore’s hump to spread, and it became a great curiosity. For miles around the countryside, everyone—rich and poor—was talking about it.

One morning as Lusmore was sitting contented enough at his cabin-door, up came an old woman to him, and asked if he could direct her to Cappagh.

One morning, while Lusmore was sitting happily at his cabin door, an old woman approached him and asked if he could point her to Cappagh.

“I need give you no directions, my good woman,” said Lusmore, “for this is Cappagh; and who do you want here?”

“I don’t need to give you any directions, ma'am,” said Lusmore, “because this is Cappagh; who are you looking for here?”

“I have come,” said the woman, “out of Decie’s country, in the county of Waterford, looking after one Lusmore, who, I have heard tell, had his hump taken off by the fairies: for there is a son of a gossip of mine has got a hump on him that will be his death; and may be, if he could use the same charm as Lusmore, the hump may be taken off him. And now I have told you the reason of my coming so far: ’tis to find out about this charm, if I can.”

“I’ve come,” said the woman, “from Decie's country, in County Waterford, searching for a guy named Lusmore, who I’ve heard had his hump removed by the fairies. One of my friend's sons has a hump that could be the death of him; maybe, if he could use the same charm as Lusmore, it could be taken off him too. And now you know why I’ve come this far: to find out about this charm, if I can.”

Lusmore, who was ever a good-natured little fellow, told the woman all the particulars; how he had raised the tune for the fairies at Knockgrafton, how his hump had been removed from his shoulders, and how he had got a new suit of clothes into the bargain.

Lusmore, who was always a friendly little guy, shared all the details with the woman; how he had called the tune for the fairies at Knockgrafton, how his hump had been taken off his shoulders, and how he had received a new outfit as a bonus.

The woman thanked him very much, and then went away quite happy and easy in her own mind. When she came back to her gossip’s house, in the county Waterford, she told her every thing that Lusmore had said, and they put the little hump-backed man, who was a peevish and cunning creature from his birth, upon a car, and took him all the way across the country. It was a long journey, but they did not care for that, so the hump was taken from off him; and they brought him, just at nightfall, and left him under the old moat of Knockgrafton.

The woman thanked him and then left feeling quite happy and at peace. When she returned to her friend’s house in County Waterford, she told her everything Lusmore had said. They put the little hump-backed man, who had always been a grumpy and sly character, on a cart and took him all the way across the country. It was a long trip, but they didn’t mind, so they removed the hump from him. They brought him, just at sunset, and left him under the old mound of Knockgrafton.

Jack Madden for that was the humpy man’s name, had not been sitting there long when he heard the tune going on within the moat much sweeter than before;[25] for the fairies were singing it the way Lusmore had settled their music for them, and the song was going on: Da Luan, Da Mort, Da Luan, Da Mort, Da Luan, Da Mort, augus Da Cadine, without ever stopping. Jack Madden, who was in a great hurry to get quit of his hump, never thought of waiting until the fairies had done, or watching for a fit opportunity to raise the tune higher again than Lusmore had: so having heard them sing it over seven times without stopping, out he bawls, never minding the time, or the humour of the tune, or how he could bring his words in properly, augus da Cadine augus Da Hena,[5] thinking that if one day was good, two were better; and that, if Lusmore had one new suit of clothes given to him, he should have two.

Jack Madden—that was the humpy man's name—hadn't been sitting there long when he heard the tune playing in the moat, much sweeter than before; [25] the fairies were singing it the way Lusmore had arranged their music, and the song went on: Da Luan, Da Mort, Da Luan, Da Mort, Da Luan, Da Mort, augus Da Cadine, without ever stopping. Jack Madden, who was in a big hurry to get rid of his hump, didn’t think to wait until the fairies were done or look for the right moment to raise the tune higher than Lusmore had. So after hearing them sing it over seven times without stopping, he yelled out, not caring about the timing, the mood of the tune, or how to fit his words in properly, augus da Cadine augus Da Hena, [5] thinking that if one day was good, two would be better; and that if Lusmore got one new suit of clothes, he should get two.

No sooner had the words passed his lips than he was taken up and whisked into the moat with prodigious force; and the fairies came crowding round about him with great anger, screeching and screaming, and roaring out, “Who spoiled our tune? who spoiled our tune?” and one stepped up to him above all the rest and said—

No sooner had he spoken than he was suddenly lifted and thrown into the moat with incredible force; and the fairies rushed around him in anger, shouting and screaming, “Who messed up our song? Who messed up our song?” One of them stepped forward above all the others and said—

“Jack Madden! Jack Madden!
Your words came out so poorly in
The song that makes us happy;—
This castle you're in,
That your life may bring us sadness;—
“Here are two cheers for Jack Madden!”

And twenty of the strongest fairies brought Lusmore’s hump, and put it down upon poor Jack’s back, over his own, where it became fixed as firmly, as if it was nailed on with twelvepenny nails, by the best carpenter that ever drove one. Out of their castle they then kicked him; and in the morning, when Jack Madden’s mother and her gossip came to look after their little man, they found him half dead, lying at the foot of the moat, with the other hump upon his back. Well, to be sure how they did look at each other! but they were afraid to say any thing, lest a hump might be put upon their own shoulders: home they brought the unlucky Jack Madden with them, as downcast in their hearts and their looks as ever two gossips were; [26]and what through the weight of his other hump and the long journey, he died soon after, leaving, they say, his heavy curse to any one who would go to listen to fairy tunes again.

And twenty of the strongest fairies brought Lusmore’s hump and placed it on poor Jack’s back, where it stuck as if it were nailed on with big nails by the best carpenter ever. They then kicked him out of their castle; and the next morning, when Jack Madden’s mother and her friend came to check on their little man, they found him half dead, lying at the foot of the moat, with the other hump on his back. They exchanged glances, but were too afraid to say anything, worried that a hump might get placed on their own shoulders. They brought the unfortunate Jack Madden home, as downcast in their hearts and expressions as any two friends could be; [26] and due to the weight of his other hump and the long journey, he soon died, leaving, it’s said, his heavy curse to anyone who would dare to listen to fairy tunes again.


THE PRIEST’S SUPPER.
IV.

It is said by those who ought to understand such things, that the good people, or the fairies, are some of the angels who were turned out of heaven, and who landed on their feet in this world, while the rest of their companions, who had more sin to sink them, went down further to a worse place. Be this as it may, there was a merry troop of the fairies, dancing and playing all manner of wild pranks on a bright moonlight evening towards the end of September. The scene of their merriment was not far distant from Inchegeela, in the west of the county Cork—a poor village, although it had a barrack for soldiers; but great mountains and barren rocks, like those round about it, are enough to strike poverty into any place: however, as the fairies can have every thing they want for wishing, poverty does not trouble them much, and all their care is to seek out unfrequented nooks and places where it is not likely any one will come to spoil their sport.

It’s said by those who should know that the good people, or the fairies, are some of the angels who were kicked out of heaven and ended up here on earth, while the others, who had heavier sins, fell further down to a worse fate. Anyway, there was a lively group of fairies, dancing and playing all sorts of wild pranks on a bright moonlit night toward the end of September. Their fun took place not far from Inchegeela, in the west of County Cork—a poor village, even though it had a barracks for soldiers; but the big mountains and barren rocks surrounding it are enough to bring poverty to any place. However, since the fairies can have anything they want just by wishing, poverty doesn’t bother them much, and all they care about is finding quiet little spots where no one is likely to interrupt their fun.

On a nice green sod by the river’s side were the little fellows dancing in a ring as gaily as may be, with their red[27] caps wagging about at every bound in the moonshine; and so light were these bounds, that the lobes of dew, although they trembled under their feet, were not disturbed by their capering. Thus did they carry on their gambols, spinning round and round, and twirling and bobbing, and diving and going through all manner of figures, until one of them chirped out—

On a nice green patch by the river, the little guys were dancing in a circle as cheerfully as could be, with their red[27] caps bouncing around with every jump in the moonlight; and their jumps were so light that the dew drops, although they shook beneath their feet, weren't disturbed by their playful antics. They kept up their fun, spinning around and around, twirling and bobbing, diving, and doing all sorts of moves, until one of them chirped out—

"Stop, stop your drumming,
Here's the end of our performance;
By my scent I can tell "A priest is coming this way!"

And away every one of the fairies scampered off as hard as they could, concealing themselves under the green leaves of the lusmore, where, if their little red caps should happen to peep out, they would only look like its crimson bells; and more hid themselves in the hollow of stones; or at the shady side of brambles, and others under the bank of the river, and in holes and crannies of one kind or another.

And away all the fairies ran as fast as they could, hiding under the green leaves of the lusmore, where, if their little red caps happened to show, they would just look like its red flowers; and some hid in the hollows of stones; others on the shady side of brambles, and some under the riverbank, and in various holes and crevices.

The fairy speaker was not mistaken; for along the road, which was within view of the river, came Father Horrigan on his pony, thinking to himself that as it was so late he would make an end of his journey at the first cabin he came to. According to this determination, he stopped at the dwelling of Dermod Leary, lifted the latch, and entered with “My blessing on all here.”

The fairy speaker was right; along the road, which was clearly visible from the river, came Father Horrigan on his pony, thinking that since it was late, he would finish his journey at the first cabin he found. Following this plan, he stopped at Dermod Leary's house, lifted the latch, and entered saying, “My blessing on all here.”

I need not say that Father Horrigan was a welcome guest wherever he went, for no man was more pious or better beloved in the country. Now it was a great trouble to Dermod that he had nothing to offer his reverence for supper as a relish to the potatoes which “the old woman,” for so Dermod called his wife, though she was not much past twenty, had down boiling in the pot over the fire: he thought of the net which he had set in the river, but as it had been there only a short time, the chances were against his finding a fish in it. “No matter,” thought Dermod, “there can be no harm in stepping down to try, and may be as I want the fish for the priest’s supper, that one will be there before me.”

I don’t need to say that Father Horrigan was a welcomed guest wherever he went, because no one was more devout or better loved in the area. Now, Dermod was quite worried that he had nothing to offer his reverence for dinner alongside the potatoes that “the old woman,” as Dermod referred to his wife—even though she wasn’t much older than twenty—had boiling in the pot over the fire. He thought about the net he had set in the river, but since it had only been there a short while, the chances of catching a fish in it were slim. “No matter,” Dermod thought, “I might as well go down and check, and maybe since I need the fish for the priest’s dinner, one will be waiting for me.”

Down to the river-side went Dermod, and he found in the net as fine a salmon as ever jumped in the bright waters of “the spreading Lee;” but as he was going to take it out, the net was pulled from him, he could not tell how or by whom, and away got the salmon, and went swimming along with the current as gaily as if nothing had happened.

Down to the riverbank went Dermod, and he found in the net a beautiful salmon like no other that ever jumped in the clear waters of “the spreading Lee;” but just as he was about to pull it out, the net was yanked from him, he couldn’t tell how or by whom, and the salmon swam off, moving with the current as if nothing had happened.

Dermod looked sorrowfully at the wake which the fish had left upon the water, shining like a line of silver in the moonlight, and then, with an angry motion of his right hand, and a stamp of his foot, gave vent to his feelings by muttering, “May bitter bad luck attend you night and day for a blackguard schemer of a salmon, wherever you go! You ought to be ashamed of yourself, if there’s any shame in you to give me the slip after this fashion! And I’m clear in my own mind you’ll come to no good, for some kind of evil thing or other helped you—did I not feel it pull the net against me as strong as the devil himself?”

Dermod looked sadly at the wake the fish left on the water, glimmering like a silver line in the moonlight, and then, with an angry motion of his right hand and a stamp of his foot, expressed his frustration by muttering, “May you face terrible bad luck day and night, you sneaky schemer of a salmon, wherever you go! You should be ashamed of yourself, if you have any shame at all, for slipping away from me like this! And I firmly believe you’ll come to no good, because some kind of evil force helped you—didn’t I feel it pulling the net against me as strong as the devil himself?”

“That’s not true for you,” said one of the little fairies, who had scampered off at the approach of the priest, coming up to Dermod Leary, with a whole throng of companions at his heels; “there was only a dozen and a half of us pulling against you.”

“That's not true for you,” said one of the little fairies, who had run off when the priest came by, approaching Dermod Leary with a whole crowd of friends behind him; “there were only about eighteen of us pulling against you.”

Dermod gazed on the tiny speaker with wonder, who continued: “Make yourself noways uneasy about the priest’s supper; for if you will go back and ask him one question from us, there will be as fine a supper as ever was put on a table spread out before him in less than no time.”

Dermod looked at the little speaker in amazement, who went on: “Don't worry at all about the priest’s dinner; if you go back and ask him one question from us, there will be a great dinner laid out for him in no time at all.”

“I’ll have nothing at all to do with you,” replied Dermod, in a tone of determination; and after a pause he added, “I’m much obliged to you for your offer, sir, but I know better than to sell myself to you or the like of you for a supper; and more than that, I know Father Horrigan has more regard for my soul than to wish me to pledge it for ever, out of regard to any thing you could put before him—so there’s an end of the matter.”

“I want nothing to do with you,” Dermod replied firmly. After a moment, he continued, “I appreciate your offer, but I’m not going to sell myself to you or anyone like you for a meal; and I also know that Father Horrigan cares more about my soul than to let me commit it forever for anything you could offer—so that’s the end of it.”

The little speaker, with a pertinacity not to be repulsed by Dermod’s manner, continued, “Will you ask the priest one civil question for us?”

The little speaker, with a determination that Dermod's attitude couldn't shake off, continued, “Will you ask the priest one polite question for us?”

Dermod considered for some time, and he was right in doing so, but he thought that no one could come to harm out of asking a civil question. “I see no objection to do[29] that same, gentlemen,” said Dermod; “But I will have nothing in life to do with your supper,—mind that.”

Dermod thought about it for a while, and he was right to do so, but he believed that nobody could get hurt by asking a polite question. “I have no problem with doing[29] that, gentlemen,” said Dermod; “But I want nothing to do with your dinner—keep that in mind.”

“Then,” said the little speaking fairy, whilst the rest came crowding after him from all parts, “go and ask Father Horrigan to tell us whether our souls will be saved at the last day, like the souls of good Christians; and if you wish us well, bring back word what he says without delay.”

“Then,” said the little talking fairy, as the others rushed up from all sides, “go and ask Father Horrigan to tell us if our souls will be saved on the last day, like the souls of good Christians; and if you care about us, come back quickly with his answer.”

Away went Dermod to his cabin, where he found the potatoes thrown out on the table, and his good wife handing the biggest of them all, a beautiful laughing red apple, smoking like a hard-ridden horse on a frosty night, over to Father Horrigan.

Away went Dermod to his cabin, where he found the potatoes tossed on the table, and his good wife handing the biggest one of all, a beautiful laughing red apple, steaming like a tired horse on a chilly night, over to Father Horrigan.

“Please your reverence,” said Dermod, after some hesitation, “may I make bold to ask your honour one question?”

“Please, your honor,” Dermod said after a moment of hesitation, “can I ask you a question?”

“What may that be?” said Father Horrigan.

“What could that be?” asked Father Horrigan.

“Why, then, begging your reverence’s pardon for my freedom, it is, if the souls of the good people are to be saved at the last day?”

“Why, then, with all due respect for your authority, is it that the souls of good people will be saved on the last day?”

“Who bid you ask me that question, Leary?” said the priest, fixing his eyes upon him very sternly, which Dermod could not stand before at all.

“Who told you to ask me that question, Leary?” the priest said, staring at him very sternly, which Dermod couldn’t handle at all.

“I’ll tell no lies about the matter, and nothing in life but the truth,” said Dermod. “It was the good people themselves who sent me to ask the question, and there they are in thousands down on the bank of the river waiting for me to go back with the answer.”

“I won’t lie about this, only the truth matters,” said Dermod. “It was the good people themselves who sent me to ask the question, and they’re down by the riverbank in the thousands, waiting for me to return with the answer.”

“Go back by all means,” said the priest, “and tell them, if they want to know, to come here to me themselves, and I’ll answer that or any other question they are pleased to ask, with the greatest pleasure in life.”

“Feel free to go back,” said the priest, “and let them know that if they want to find out, they should come here to me directly, and I’ll happily answer that or any other question they might have.”

Dermod accordingly returned to the fairies, who came swarming round about him to hear what the priest had said in reply; and Dermod spoke out among them like a bold man as he was: but when they heard that they must go to the priest, away they fled, some here and more there; and some this way and more that, whisking by poor Dermod so fast and in such numbers, that he was quite bewildered.

Dermod went back to the fairies, who gathered around him to hear what the priest had said. Dermod spoke confidently, as was his nature, but when they heard they had to go to the priest, they scattered in all directions. Some went this way and others went that way, rushing past Dermod so quickly and in such numbers that he was completely confused.

When he came to himself, which was not for a long time, back he went to his cabin and ate his dry potatoes along with Father Horrigan, who made quite light of the thing;[30] but Dermod could not help thinking it a mighty hard case that his reverence, whose words had the power to banish the fairies at such a rate, should have no sort of relish to his supper, and that the fine salmon he had in the net should have been got away from him in such a manner.

When he finally came to his senses, which took a while, he went back to his cabin and ate his dry potatoes with Father Horrigan, who laughed off the whole situation; [30] but Dermod couldn't help but feel it was pretty unfair that his reverend, whose words had the power to drive away the fairies so easily, had no appetite for his supper, and that the nice salmon he had caught got away from him like that.


THE BREWERY OF EGG-SHELLS.
V.

It may be considered impertinent, were I to explain what is meant by a changeling; both Shakspeare and Spenser have already done so, and who is there unacquainted with the Midsummer Night’s Dream[6] and the Fairy Queen?[7]

It might seem rude if I were to explain what a changeling is; both Shakespeare and Spenser have already covered that, and who doesn’t know about A Midsummer Night’s Dream[6] and the Fairy Queen?[7]

Now Mrs. Sullivan fancied that her youngest child had been changed by “fairies’ theft,” to use Spenser’s words, and certainly appearances warranted such a conclusion; for in one night her healthy, blue-eyed boy had become shrivelled up into almost nothing, and never ceased squalling and crying. This naturally made poor Mrs. Sullivan very unhappy; and all the neighbours, by way of comforting her, said, that her own child was, beyond any kind of doubt, [31]with the good people, and that one of themselves had been put in his place.

Now Mrs. Sullivan believed that her youngest child had been switched by “fairies’ theft,” to use Spenser’s words, and certainly the signs supported this idea; for in just one night, her healthy, blue-eyed boy had shriveled up almost to nothing and couldn’t stop crying. This understandably made poor Mrs. Sullivan very unhappy, and all the neighbors, in an attempt to comfort her, said that her real child was, without a doubt, [31] with the good folks, and that one of their own had taken his place.

Mrs. Sullivan, of course, could not disbelieve what every one told her, but she did not wish to hurt the thing; for although its face was so withered, and its body wasted away to a mere skeleton, it had still a strong resemblance to her own boy; she, therefore, could not find it in her heart to roast it alive on the griddle, or to burn its nose off with the red-hot tongs, or to throw it out in the snow on the road-side, notwithstanding these, and several like proceedings, were strongly recommended to her for the recovery of her child.

Mrs. Sullivan, of course, couldn’t ignore what everyone told her, but she didn’t want to hurt the thing; because even though its face was so wrinkled and its body had wasted away to almost nothing, it still looked a lot like her own son. So, she couldn’t bring herself to roast it alive on the griddle, or burn its nose off with the hot tongs, or toss it out into the snow by the roadside, even though these and other similar suggestions were strongly recommended to her for getting her child back.

One day who should Mrs. Sullivan meet but a cunning woman, well known about the country by the name of Ellen Leah (or Gray Ellen). She had the gift, however she got it, of telling where the dead were, and what was good for the rest of their souls; and could charm away warts and wens, and do a great many wonderful things of the same nature.

One day, Mrs. Sullivan unexpectedly ran into a clever woman, known throughout the region as Ellen Leah (or Gray Ellen). She had the talent, however she acquired it, of revealing the locations of the dead and what would benefit the rest of their souls. She could also remove warts and bumps, along with many other amazing things of a similar kind.

“You’re in grief this morning, Mrs. Sullivan,” were the first words of Ellen Leah to her.

“You're grieving this morning, Mrs. Sullivan,” were the first words of Ellen Leah to her.

“You may say that, Ellen,” said Mrs. Sullivan, “and good cause I have to be in grief, for there was my own fine child whipped off from me out of his cradle, without as much as by your leave, or ask your pardon, and an ugly dony bit of a shrivelled-up fairy put in his place: no wonder then that you see me in grief, Ellen.”

“You might say that, Ellen,” Mrs. Sullivan said, “and I have every reason to be upset, because my own precious child was taken from me right out of his cradle, without a word of permission or an apology, and a nasty little shriveled-up fairy was put in his place: it’s no surprise that you see me in grief, Ellen.”

“Small blame to you, Mrs. Sullivan,” said Ellen Leah; “but are you sure ’tis a fairy?”

“Not much blame on you, Mrs. Sullivan,” said Ellen Leah; “but are you sure it’s a fairy?”

“Sure!” echoed Mrs. Sullivan, “sure enough am I to my sorrow, and can I doubt my own two eyes? Every mother’s soul must feel for me!”

“Of course!” replied Mrs. Sullivan, “I really regret it, and could I doubt what I see with my own eyes? Every mother must empathize with me!"

“Will you take an old woman’s advice?” said Ellen Leah, fixing her wild and mysterious gaze upon the unhappy mother; and, after a pause, she added, “but may be you’ll call it foolish?”

“Will you take an old woman’s advice?” asked Ellen Leah, locking her wild and mysterious gaze on the unhappy mother. After a pause, she added, “But maybe you’ll think it’s foolish?”

“Can you get me back my child,—my own child, Ellen?” said Mrs. Sullivan with great energy.

“Can you bring my child back to me,—my own child, Ellen?” said Mrs. Sullivan with great determination.

“If you do as I bid you,” returned Ellen Leah, “you’ll know.” Mrs. Sullivan was silent in expectation, and Ellen continued. “Put down the big pot, full of water, on the[32] fire, and make it boil like mad; then get a dozen new-laid eggs, break them, and keep the shells, but throw away the rest; when that is done, put the shells in the pot of boiling water, and you will soon know whether it is your own boy or a fairy. If you find that it is a fairy in the cradle, take the red-hot poker and cram it down his ugly throat, and you will not have much trouble with him after that, I promise you.”

“If you do what I say,” Ellen Leah replied, “you’ll find out.” Mrs. Sullivan stayed quiet, waiting, and Ellen went on. “Put the big pot full of water on the[32] fire and bring it to a crazy boil; then grab a dozen fresh eggs, break them, and save the shells, but throw away the rest; once that’s done, put the shells into the pot of boiling water, and you’ll soon see whether it’s your own boy or a fairy. If you discover it’s a fairy in the cradle, take the red-hot poker and shove it down his ugly throat, and I promise you won’t have much trouble with him after that.”

Home went Mrs. Sullivan, and did as Ellen Leah desired. She put the pot in the fire, and plenty of turf under it, and set the water boiling at such a rate that if ever water was red hot—it surely was.

Home went Mrs. Sullivan and did what Ellen Leah wanted. She put the pot on the fire, added plenty of turf under it, and got the water boiling so vigorously that if water could ever be red hot—it definitely was.

The child was lying for a wonder quite easy and quiet in the cradle, every now and then cocking his eye, that would twinkle as keen as a star in a frosty night, over at the great fire, and the big pot upon it; and he looked on with great attention at Mrs. Sullivan breaking the eggs, and putting down the egg-shells to boil. At last he asked, with the voice of a very old man, “What are you doing, mammy?”

The child was lying really comfortably and quietly in the cradle, occasionally glancing over with an eye that sparkled like a star on a chilly night at the big fire and the large pot on it; he watched intently as Mrs. Sullivan cracked the eggs and set the shells to boil. Finally, he asked in the voice of someone much older, “What are you doing, mom?”

Mrs. Sullivan’s heart, as she said herself, was up in her mouth ready to choke her, at hearing the child speak. But she contrived to put the poker in the fire, and to answer, without making any wonder at the words, “I’m brewing, a vick” (my son).

Mrs. Sullivan’s heart, as she said herself, was in her throat, ready to choke her, when she heard the child speak. But she managed to put the poker in the fire and respond without showing any surprise at the words, “I’m brewing, a vick” (my son).

“And what are you brewing, mammy?” said the little imp, whose supernatural gift of speech now proved beyond question that he was a fairy substitute.

“And what are you making, mom?” said the little imp, whose supernatural ability to speak now clearly showed that he was a fairy substitute.

“I wish the poker was red,” thought Mrs. Sullivan; but it was a large one, and took a long time heating: so she determined to keep him in talk until the poker was in a proper state to thrust down his throat, and therefore repeated the question.

“I wish the poker was red,” thought Mrs. Sullivan; but it was a large one, and took a long time to heat up: so she decided to keep him talking until the poker was hot enough to shove down his throat, and so she repeated the question.

“Is it what I’m brewing, a vick,” said she, “you want to know?”

“Is it what I’m making, a vick,” she said, “that you want to know?”

“Yes, mammy: what are you brewing?” returned the fairy.

“Yes, mom: what are you brewing?” replied the fairy.

“Egg-shells, a vick,” said Mrs. Sullivan.

"Eggshells, a vick," said Mrs. Sullivan.

“Oh!” shrieked the imp, starting up in the cradle, and clapping his hands together, “I’m fifteen hundred years in the world, and I never saw a brewery of egg-shells before!”[33] The poker was by this time quite red, and Mrs. Sullivan seizing it, ran furiously towards the cradle; but somehow or other her foot slipped, and she fell flat on the floor, and the poker flew out of her hand to the other end of the house. However, she got up, without much loss of time, and went to the cradle intending to pitch the wicked thing that was in it into the pot of boiling water, when there she saw her own child in a sweet sleep, one of his soft round arms rested upon the pillow—his features were as placid as if their repose had never been disturbed, save the rosy mouth which moved with a gentle and regular breathing.

“Oh!” shouted the imp, jumping up in the cradle and clapping his hands, “I've been in this world for fifteen hundred years, and I've never seen a brewery made of egg shells before!”[33] The poker was glowing red by now, and Mrs. Sullivan grabbed it, rushing furiously toward the cradle; but somehow, her foot slipped, and she fell flat on the floor, sending the poker flying out of her hand to the other end of the house. However, she quickly got back up and went to the cradle, planning to toss the wicked thing inside into the pot of boiling water. But there she found her own child sweetly asleep, one of his soft round arms resting on the pillow—his features were as calm as if they had never been disturbed, except for his rosy mouth, which moved gently with regular breathing.

Who can tell the feelings of a mother when she looks upon her sleeping child? Why should I, therefore, endeavour to describe those of Mrs. Sullivan at again beholding her long-lost boy? The fountain of her heart overflowed with the excess of joy—and she wept!—tears trickled silently down her cheeks, nor did she strive to check them—they were tears not of sorrow, but of happiness.

Who can describe a mother's emotions when she sees her child sleeping? So, why should I try to explain Mrs. Sullivan's feelings when she finally saw her long-lost son again? Her heart was overflowing with joy—and she cried! Tears silently streamed down her cheeks, and she didn’t even try to stop them—they were tears of happiness, not sadness.


LEGEND OF BOTTLE HILL.
VI.

"Come hear a story from long ago,
"Come listen to me—”

It was in the good days, when the little people, most impudently called fairies, were more frequently seen than they are in these unbelieving times, that a farmer, named Mick Purcell, rented a few acres of barren ground in the neighbourhood of the once celebrated preceptory of Mourne, situated about three miles from Mallow, and thirteen from “the beautiful city called Cork.” Mick had a wife and family: they all did what they could, and that was but little, for the poor man had no child grown up big enough to help him in his work: and all the poor woman could do was to mind the children, and to milk the one cow, and to boil the potatoes, and to carry the eggs to market to Mallow; but with all they could do, ’twas hard enough on them to pay the rent. Well, they did manage it for a good while; but at last came a bad year, and the little grain of oats was all spoiled, and the chickens died of the pip, and the pig got the measles,—she was sold in Mallow, and brought almost nothing; and poor Mick found that he hadn’t enough to half pay his rent, and two gales were due.

It was in the good old days, when little beings, rather boldly called fairies, were seen more often than they are in these skeptical times, that a farmer named Mick Purcell rented a few acres of barren land near the once famous preceptory of Mourne, located about three miles from Mallow and thirteen from "the beautiful city called Cork." Mick had a wife and kids: they all did what they could, which wasn’t much, as the poor man had no child old enough to help him with his work. All the poor woman could manage was to look after the children, milk their one cow, boil the potatoes, and take the eggs to market in Mallow. Even with all their efforts, it was tough for them to pay the rent. They managed for quite a while, but eventually, a bad year hit; the small crop of oats was ruined, the chickens died from disease, and the pig caught the measles—she was sold in Mallow for hardly anything. In the end, poor Mick realized he didn’t have enough to cover even half of his rent, and two payments were overdue.

“Why then, Molly,” says he, “what’ll we do?”

“Why then, Molly,” he says, “what are we going to do?”

“Wisha, then, mavourneen, what would you do but take the cow to the fair of Cork and sell her?” says she; “and Monday is fair day, and so you must go to-morrow, that the poor beast may be rested again the fair.”

“Wisha, then, darling, what would you do except take the cow to the Cork fair and sell her?” she says; “and Monday is fair day, so you have to go tomorrow, so the poor animal can be rested up for the fair.”

“And what’ll we do when she’s gone?” says Mick, sorrowfully.

“And what will we do when she’s gone?” says Mick, sadly.

“Never a know I know, Mick; but sure God won’t leave us without Him, Mick; and you know how good He was to us when poor little Billy was sick, and we had nothing at all for him to take, that good doctor gentleman[35] at Ballydahin come riding and asking for a drink of milk; and how he gave us two shillings; and how he sent the things and bottles for the child, and gave me my breakfast when I went over to ask a question, so he did: and how he came to see Billy, and never left off his goodness till he was quite well?”

“Honestly, I don’t know, Mick; but sure God won’t abandon us, Mick; and you remember how kind He was to us when poor little Billy was sick, and we had nothing for him to take. That good doctor gentleman[35] from Ballydahin came riding by asking for a drink of milk; he gave us two shillings; he sent things and bottles for the child, and even gave me my breakfast when I went over to ask a question. And he kept coming to see Billy, never stopping his kindness until he was completely well?”

“Oh! you are always that way, Molly, and I believe you are right after all, so I won’t be sorry for selling the cow; but I’ll go to-morrow, and you must put a needle and thread through my coat, for you know ’tis ripped under the arm.”

“Oh! you’re always like this, Molly, and I think you’re right after all, so I won’t regret selling the cow; but I’ll go tomorrow, and you have to sew up my coat, because it’s ripped under the arm.”

Molly told him he should have every thing right; and about twelve o’clock next day he left her, getting a charge not to sell his cow except for the highest penny. Mick promised to mind it, and went his way along the road. He drove his cow slowly through the little stream which crosses it and runs by the old walls of Mourne. As he passed he glanced his eye upon the towers and one of the old elder trees which were only then little bits of switches.

Molly told him he should get everything sorted out; and around noon the next day, he left her, with a reminder not to sell his cow for anything less than top dollar. Mick promised to keep that in mind and continued along the road. He slowly drove his cow through the small stream that crosses it and flows by the old walls of Mourne. As he passed, he took a look at the towers and one of the old elder trees that were now just small sticks.

“Oh, then, if I only had half the money that’s buried in you, ’tisn’t driving this poor cow I’d be now! Why, then, isn’t it too bad that it should be there covered over with earth, and many a one besides me wanting? Well, if it is God’s will, I’ll have some money myself coming back.”

“Oh, then, if I only had half the money that’s buried in you, I wouldn’t be driving this poor cow now! Why is it so unfortunate that it’s buried in the ground, while so many others, including me, could use it? Well, if it’s God’s will, I’ll have some money coming back to me.”

So saying, he moved on after his beast; ’twas a fine day, and the sun shone brightly on the walls of the old abbey as he passed under them; he then crossed an extensive mountain tract, and after six long miles he came to the top of that hill—Bottle Hill ’tis called now, but that was not the name of it then, and just there a man overtook him.

So saying, he continued after his animal; it was a beautiful day, and the sun shone brightly on the walls of the old abbey as he walked beneath them; he then crossed a vast stretch of mountains, and after six long miles, he reached the top of that hill—it's called Bottle Hill now, but that wasn't its name back then, and right there, a man caught up to him.

“Good morrow,” says he. “Good morrow,” kindly, says Mick, looking at the stranger, who was a little man, you’d almost call him a dwarf, only he wasn’t quite so little neither: he had a bit of an old, wrinkled, yellow face, for all the world like a dried cauliflower, only he had a sharp little nose, and red eyes, and white hair, and his lips were not red, but all his face was one colour, and his eyes never were quiet, but looking at every thing, and although they were red, they made Mick feel quite cold when he looked at them. In truth he did not much like the little man’s company; and he couldn’t see one bit of his legs,[36] nor his body; for, though the day was warm, he was all wrapped up in a big great coat. Mick drove his cow something faster, but the little man kept up with him. Mick didn’t know how he walked, for he was almost afraid to look at him, and to cross himself, for fear the old man would be angry. Yet he thought his fellow-traveller did not seem to walk like other men, nor to put one foot before the other, but to glide over the rough road, and rough enough it was, like a shadow, without noise and without effort. Mick’s heart trembled within him, and he said a prayer to himself, wishing he hadn’t come out that day, or that he was on fair hill, or that he hadn’t the cow to mind, that he might run away from the bad thing—when, in the midst of his fears, he was again addressed by his companion.

“Good morning,” he said. “Good morning,” Mick replied kindly, looking at the stranger, who was a short guy, you’d almost call him a dwarf, but he wasn’t quite that small either: he had an old, wrinkled, yellow face, like a dried-up cauliflower, but with a sharp little nose, red eyes, and white hair. His lips weren't red, but his whole face was one color, and his eyes were never still, darting around at everything, and even though they were red, they gave Mick a chill when he looked at them. Honestly, he didn’t really like being around the little man, and he couldn’t see anything of his legs, nor his body; even though it was a warm day, he was bundled up in a huge coat. Mick drove his cow a bit faster, but the little man kept up with him. Mick had no idea how he walked, as he was almost too scared to look at him or cross himself, afraid that the old man would get angry. Still, he thought his fellow traveler didn’t seem to walk like other people, nor did he lift one foot in front of the other, but glided over the rough, bumpy road like a shadow, without a sound or any effort. Mick’s heart raced, and he said a quick prayer, wishing he hadn’t gone out that day, or that he was on a nice hill, or that he didn’t have to watch the cow so he could run away from this bad thing—when, amidst his fears, his companion spoke to him again.

“Where are you going with the cow, honest man?”

“Where are you taking the cow, sir?”

“To the fair of Cork then,” says Mick, trembling at the shrill and piercing tones of the voice.

“To the fair of Cork then,” says Mick, shaking at the sharp and piercing sound of the voice.

“Are you going to sell her?” said the stranger.

“Are you planning to sell her?” said the stranger.

“Why, then, what else am I going for but to sell her?”

“Then what else am I trying to do but sell her?”

“Will you sell her to me?”

“Will you sell her to me?”

Mick started—he was afraid to have any thing to do with the little man, and he was more afraid to say no.

Mick hesitated—he was scared to get involved with the little man, and he was even more scared to say no.

“What’ll you give for her?” at last says he.

“What will you give for her?” he finally says.

“I’ll tell you what, I’ll give you this bottle,” said the little one, pulling a bottle from under his coat.

“I'll tell you what, I'll give you this bottle,” said the little one, pulling a bottle from underneath his coat.

Mick looked at him and the bottle, and, in spite of his terror, he could not help bursting into a loud fit of laughter.

Mick looked at him and the bottle, and despite his fear, he couldn't help but burst into loud laughter.

“Laugh if you will,” said the little man, “but I tell you this bottle is better for you than all the money you will get for the cow in Cork—ay, than ten thousand times as much.”

“Go ahead and laugh,” said the little man, “but I’m telling you this bottle is worth more than all the money you’d get for the cow in Cork—yes, even worth ten thousand times more.”

Mick laughed again. “Why then,” says he, “do you think I am such a fool as to give my good cow for a bottle—and an empty one, too? indeed, then, I won’t.”

Mick laughed again. “So then,” he says, “do you really think I’m silly enough to trade my good cow for a bottle—and an empty one at that? No way, I won’t.”

“You had better give me the cow, and take the bottle—you’ll not be sorry for it.”

"You should give me the cow and take the bottle—you won't regret it."

“Why, then, and what would Molly say? I’d never hear the end of it; and how would I pay the rent? and what would we all do without a penny of money?

“Why, then, and what would Molly say? I’d never hear the end of it; and how would I pay the rent? And what would we all do without a dime?”

“I tell you this bottle is better to you than money; take it, and give me the cow. I ask you for the last time, Mick Purcell.”

“I’m telling you this bottle is worth more to you than money; take it and give me the cow. I’m asking you for the last time, Mick Purcell.”

Mick started.

Mick began.

“How does he know my name?” thought he.

“How does he know my name?” he thought.

The stranger proceeded: “Mick Purcell, I know you, and I have regard for you; therefore do as I warn you, or you may be sorry for it. How do you know but your cow will die before you get to Cork?”

The stranger continued, "Mick Purcell, I know you and I have respect for you; so heed my warning, or you might regret it. How do you know your cow won’t die before you even make it to Cork?"

Mick was going to say “God forbid!” but the little man went on (and he was too attentive to say any thing to stop him; for Mick was a very civil man, and he knew better than to interrupt a gentleman, and that’s what many people, that hold their heads higher, don’t mind now).

Mick was about to say “God forbid!” but the little man continued (and he was too polite to say anything to stop him; because Mick was a very polite guy, and he knew better than to interrupt a gentleman, which is something that many people who think they're better don’t care about nowadays).

“And how do you know but there will be much cattle at the fair, and you will get a bad price, or may be you might be robbed when you are coming home? but what need I talk more to you when you are determined to throw away your luck, Mick Purcell?

“And how do you know there won’t be a lot of cattle at the fair, and you’ll end up getting a terrible price, or maybe you could get robbed on your way home? But why am I even talking to you when you’re set on wasting your luck, Mick Purcell?

“Oh! no, I would not throw away my luck, sir,” said Mick; “and if I was sure the bottle was as good as you say, though I never liked an empty bottle, although I had drank what was in it, I’d give you the cow in the name——”

“Oh! No, I wouldn’t waste my luck, sir,” said Mick. “And if I were sure the bottle was as good as you say, even though I’ve never liked an empty bottle, even if I drank what was inside, I’d give you the cow in the name—”

“Never mind names,” said the stranger, “but give me the cow; I would not tell you a lie. Here, take the bottle, and when you go home do what I direct exactly.”

“Forget about names,” said the stranger, “just give me the cow; I promise I’m not lying. Here, take the bottle, and when you get home, follow my instructions exactly.”

Mick hesitated.

Mick paused.

“Well then, good by, I can stay no longer: once more, take it, and be rich; refuse it, and beg for your life, and see your children in poverty, and your wife dying for want: that will happen to you, Mick Purcell!” said the little man with a malicious grin, which made him look ten times more ugly than ever.

“Well then, goodbye, I can’t stay any longer: take it and be rich; refuse it, and beg for your life, watch your kids live in poverty, and see your wife suffering for what she needs: that’s what will happen to you, Mick Purcell!” said the little man with a nasty grin that made him look even uglier than before.

“May be ’tis true,” said Mick, still hesitating: he did not know what to do—he could hardly help believing the old man, and at length in a fit of desperation he seized the bottle—“Take the cow,” said he, “and if you are telling a lie, the curse of the poor will be on you.”

“Maybe it’s true,” said Mick, still hesitating: he didn’t know what to do—he could hardly help believing the old man, and finally, in a moment of desperation, he grabbed the bottle—“Take the cow,” he said, “and if you’re lying, the curse of the poor will be on you.”

“I care neither for your curses nor your blessings, but I have spoken truth, Mick Purcell, and that you will find to-night, if you do what I tell you.”

“I don’t care about your curses or your blessings, but I’ve spoken the truth, Mick Purcell, and you’ll see that tonight if you do what I say.”

“And what’s that?” says Mick.

"And what’s that?" says Mick.

“When you go home, never mind if your wife is angry, but be quiet yourself, and make her sweep the room clean,[38] set the table out right, and spread a clean cloth over it; then put the bottle on the ground, saying these words: ‘Bottle, do your duty,’ and you will see the end of it.”

“When you get home, don’t worry if your wife is upset, but keep calm yourself, and have her clean the room, [38] set the table properly, and lay a clean cloth over it; then place the bottle on the ground and say: ‘Bottle, do your duty,’ and you’ll see the outcome.”

“And is this all?” says Mick.

“And is this it?” says Mick.

“No more,” said the stranger. “Good by, Mick Purcell—you are a rich man.”

“No more,” said the stranger. “Goodbye, Mick Purcell—you’re a rich man.”

“God grant it!” said Mick, as the old man moved after the cow, and Mick retraced the road towards his cabin; but he could not help turning back his head, to look after the purchaser of his cow, who was nowhere to be seen.

“God grant it!” said Mick, as the old man went after the cow, and Mick made his way back to his cabin; but he couldn't help turning his head to look for the buyer of his cow, who was nowhere to be seen.

“Lord between us and harm!” said Mick: “He can’t belong to this earth; but where is the cow?” She too was gone, and Mick went homeward muttering prayers, and holding fast the bottle.

“God protect us from harm!” said Mick: “He can’t be from this world; but where is the cow?” She was gone too, and Mick headed home, mumbling prayers and tightly holding the bottle.

“And what would I do if it broke?” thought he. “Oh! but I’ll take care of that;” so he put it into his bosom, and went on anxious to prove his bottle, and doubting of the reception he should meet from his wife; balancing his anxieties with his expectations, his fears with his hopes, he reached home in the evening, and surprised his wife, sitting over the turf fire in the big chimney.

“And what would I do if it broke?” he thought. “Oh! I’ll take care of that,” so he tucked it into his shirt and continued on, eager to try out his bottle but worried about how his wife would react. He weighed his worries against his hopes, his fears against his expectations, and by evening, he reached home to find his wife sitting by the turf fire in the large fireplace.

“Oh! Mick, are you come back! Sure you wer’n’t at Cork all the way! What has happened to you? Where is the cow? Did you sell her? How much money did you get for her? What news have you? Tell us every thing about it.”

“Oh! Mick, you’re back! You weren’t in Cork the whole time, were you? What happened to you? Where’s the cow? Did you sell her? How much did you get for her? What’s the news? Tell us everything about it.”

“Why then, Molly, if you’ll give me time, I’ll tell you all about it. If you want to know where the cow is, ’tisn’t Mick can tell you, for the never a know does he know where she is now.”

“Why then, Molly, if you give me a moment, I’ll tell you everything. If you want to know where the cow is, Mick can’t help you because he has no idea where she is right now.”

“Oh! then, you sold her; and where’s the money?”

“Oh! So, you sold her; and where’s the money?”

“Arrah! stop awhile, Molly, and I’ll tell you all about it.”

“Hey! Hold on for a moment, Molly, and I’ll explain everything to you.”

“But what is that bottle under your waistcoat?” said Molly, spying its neck sticking out.

“But what’s that bottle under your waistcoat?” Molly asked, noticing its neck sticking out.

“Why, then, be easy now, can’t you,” says Mick, “till I tell it to you?” and putting the bottle on the table, “That’s all I got for the cow.”

“Why, then, can’t you relax now,” says Mick, “until I tell you?” and setting the bottle on the table, “That’s all I have for the cow.”

His poor wife was thunderstruck. “All you got! and what good is that, Mick? Oh! I never thought you were such a fool; and what’ll we do for the rent, and what——”

His poor wife was shocked. “Is that all you got? What good is that, Mick? Oh! I never thought you were such an idiot; and how are we going to pay the rent, and what——”

“Now, Molly,” says Mick, “can’t you hearken to reason? Didn’t I tell you how the old man, or whatsomever he was, met me,—no, he did not meet me neither, but he was there with me—on the big hill, and how he made me sell him the cow, and told me the bottle was the only thing for me?”

“Now, Molly,” says Mick, “can’t you listen to reason? Didn’t I tell you how the old man, or whatever he was, encountered me—no, he didn’t encounter me either, but he was there with me—on the big hill, and how he got me to sell him the cow, and said the bottle was the only thing for me?”

“Yes, indeed, the only thing for you, you fool!” said Molly, seizing the bottle to hurl it at her poor husband’s head; but Mick caught it, and quietly (for he minded the old man’s advice) loosened his wife’s grasp, and placed the bottle again in his bosom. Poor Molly sat down crying, while Mick told his story, with many a crossing and blessing between him and harm. His wife could not help believing him, particularly as she had as much faith in fairies as she had in the priest, who indeed never discouraged her belief in the fairies; may be, he didn’t know she believed in them, and may be, he believed in them himself. She got up, however, without saying one word, and began to sweep the earthen floor with a bunch of heath; then she tidied up every thing, and put out the long table, and spread the clean cloth, for she had only one, upon it, and Mick, placing the bottle on the ground, looked at it and said, “Bottle, do your duty.”

“Yes, of course, the only thing for you, you idiot!” said Molly, grabbing the bottle to throw it at her poor husband's head; but Mick caught it, and calmly (since he remembered the old man’s advice) released his wife’s grip and put the bottle back in his jacket. Poor Molly sat down crying, while Mick told his story, crossing himself and blessing himself to ward off danger. His wife couldn’t help but believe him, especially since she had just as much faith in fairies as she did in the priest, who never really discouraged her belief in them; maybe he didn’t know she believed in them, and maybe he believed in them himself. She got up, though, without saying a word, and started sweeping the earthen floor with a bunch of heath; then she tidied everything up, set the long table, and spread the one clean cloth she had on it. Mick, placing the bottle on the ground, looked at it and said, “Bottle, do your duty.”

“Look there! look there, mammy!” said his chubby eldest son, a boy about five years old—“look there! look there!” and he sprang to his mother’s side, as two tiny little fellows rose like light from the bottle, and in an instant covered the table with dishes and plates of gold and silver, full of the finest victuals that ever were seen, and when all was done went into the bottle again. Mick and his wife looked at every thing with astonishment; they had never seen such plates and dishes before, and didn’t think they could ever admire them enough; the very sight almost took away their appetites; but at length Molly said, “Come and sit down, Mick, and try and eat a bit: sure you ought to be hungry after such a good day’s work.”

“Look over there! Look over there, Mom!” said his chubby oldest son, a boy around five years old—“Look over there! Look over there!” He jumped to his mother’s side as two tiny little figures appeared like magic from the bottle, and in an instant, they filled the table with dishes and plates of gold and silver, overflowing with the finest food anyone had ever seen. Once everything was set out, they went back into the bottle. Mick and his wife stared in amazement; they had never seen such plates and dishes before and didn’t think they could ever admire them enough; just looking at them almost made them lose their appetites. But eventually, Molly said, “Come and sit down, Mick, and try to eat something: you must be hungry after such a good day’s work.”

“Why, then, the man told no lie about the bottle.”

“Why, then, the man didn’t lie about the bottle.”

Mick sat down, after putting the children to the table; and they made a hearty meal, though they couldn’t taste half the dishes.

Mick sat down after getting the kids at the table, and they had a big meal, even though they couldn’t taste half the dishes.

“Now,” says Molly, “I wonder will those two good little[40] gentlemen carry away these fine things again?” They waited, but no one came; so Molly put up the dishes and plates very carefully, saying, “Why, then, Mick, that was no lie sure enough; but you’ll be a rich man yet, Mick Purcell.”

“Now,” says Molly, “I wonder if those two nice gentlemen will take these nice things again?” They waited, but no one showed up; so Molly carefully put away the dishes and plates, saying, “Well, Mick, that really wasn’t a lie; you’re going to be a rich man one day, Mick Purcell.”

Mick and his wife and children went to their bed, not to sleep, but to settle about selling the fine things they did not want, and to take more land. Mick went to Cork and sold his plate, and bought a horse and cart, and began to show that he was making money; and they did all they could to keep the bottle a secret; but for all that, their landlord found it out, for he came to Mick one day and asked him where he got all his money—sure it was not by the farm; and he bothered him so much, that at last Mick told him of the bottle. His landlord offered him a deal of money for it; but Mick would not give it, till at last he offered to give him all his farm for ever: so Mick, who was very rich, thought he’d never want any more money, and gave him the bottle: but Mick was mistaken—he and his family spent money as if there was no end of it; and, to make the story short, they became poorer and poorer, till at last they had nothing left but one cow; and Mick once more drove his cow before him to sell her at Cork fair, hoping to meet the old man and get another bottle. It was hardly day-break when he left home, and he walked on at a good pace till he reached the big hill: the mists were sleeping in the valleys and curling like smoke-wreaths upon the brown heath around him. The sun rose on his left, and just at his feet a lark sprang from its grassy couch and poured forth its joyous matin song, ascending into the clear blue sky,

Mick and his wife and kids went to bed, not to sleep, but to talk about selling the nice things they didn't want and to buy more land. Mick went to Cork, sold his silverware, and bought a horse and cart, showing that he was starting to make money. They did everything they could to keep their drinking a secret, but eventually, their landlord found out. One day, he approached Mick and asked where he was getting all his money—certainly, it wasn't from the farm. He nagged Mick so much that Mick finally confessed about the bottle. The landlord offered him a lot of money for it, but Mick refused until the landlord offered him his entire farm for life. Mick, who was now quite wealthy, thought he wouldn't need more money, so he handed over the bottle. However, Mick was wrong—he and his family spent money as if it would never run out. To make a long story short, they became poorer and poorer until all they had left was one cow. Once again, Mick took his cow to sell at the Cork fair, hoping to find the old man and get another bottle. It was barely daybreak when he left home, and he walked quickly until he reached the big hill: the mists lay in the valleys, curling like smoke around the brown heath. The sun rose to his left, and just at his feet, a lark flew up from the grass and began singing its cheerful morning song into the clear blue sky.

"Until its shape is like a dot in the air, merging" "And filled with music, was melting in the light."

Mick crossed himself, listening as he advanced to the sweet song of the lark, but thinking, notwithstanding, all the time of the little old man; when, just as he reached the summit of the hill, and cast his eyes over the extensive prospect before and around him, he was startled and rejoiced by the same well-known voice:—“Well, Mick Purcell, I told you, you would be a rich man.”

Mick crossed himself, listening as he walked to the sweet song of the lark, but all the while, he couldn't stop thinking about the little old man. Just as he reached the top of the hill and looked out over the wide view in front of him, he was surprised and delighted by the same familiar voice:—“Well, Mick Purcell, I told you, you would be a rich man.”

“Indeed, then, sure enough I was, that’s no lie for you, sir. Good morning to you, but it is not rich I am now—but have you another bottle, for I want it now as much as I did long ago; so if you have it, sir, here is the cow for it.”

“Yeah, that’s the truth, sir. Good morning to you, but I’m not well off right now—but do you have another bottle? I want it just as much as I did back then; so if you have it, sir, here’s the cow for it.”

“And here is the bottle,” said the old man, smiling; “you know what to do with it.”

“And here’s the bottle,” said the old man, smiling; “you know what to do with it.”

“Oh! then, sure I do, as good right I have.”

“Oh! then, of course I do, as I have every right to.”

“Well, farewell for ever, Mick Purcell: I told you, you would be a rich man.”

“Well, goodbye forever, Mick Purcell: I told you that you would be a rich man.”

“And good-bye to you, sir,” said Mick, as he turned back; “and good luck to you, and good luck to the big hill—it wants a name—Bottle Hill.—Good-bye, sir, good-bye;” so Mick walked back as fast as he could, never looking after the white-faced little gentleman and the cow, so anxious was he to bring home the bottle. Well, he arrived with it safely enough, and called out, as soon as he saw Molly,—“Oh! sure, I’ve another bottle!”

“And goodbye to you, sir,” said Mick as he turned back; “and good luck to you, and good luck to the big hill—it needs a name—Bottle Hill.—Goodbye, sir, goodbye;” and with that, Mick hurried back as fast as he could, never looking back at the pale little gentleman and the cow, so eager was he to get home with the bottle. Well, he got back safely and shouted as soon as he saw Molly,—“Oh! I’ve got another bottle!”

“Arrah! then have you? why, then, you’re a lucky man, Mick Purcell, that’s what you are.”

“Wow! So you do? Well, you're a lucky guy, Mick Purcell, that's for sure.”

In an instant she put every thing right; and Mick, looking at his bottle, exultingly cried out, “Bottle, do your duty.” In a twinkling, two great stout men with big cudgels issued from the bottle (I do not know how they got room in it), and belaboured poor Mick and his wife and all his family, till they lay on the floor, when in they went again. Mick, as soon as he recovered, got up and looked about him; he thought and thought, and at last he took up his wife and his children; and, leaving them to recover as well as they could, he took the bottle under his coat, and went to his landlord, who had a great company: he got a servant to tell him he wanted to speak to him, and at last he came out to Mick.

In an instant, she fixed everything; and Mick, staring at his bottle, shouted excitedly, “Bottle, do your duty.” In a flash, two enormous, sturdy men with big clubs emerged from the bottle (I have no idea how they fit in there), and they started hitting poor Mick, his wife, and their entire family until they were all lying on the floor, after which the men went back inside. Once Mick came to his senses, he got up and looked around; he thought for a while, and finally picked up his wife and his kids; leaving them to recover as best as they could, he tucked the bottle under his coat and went to his landlord, who was entertaining a large crowd: he had a servant inform him that he wanted to talk, and eventually, the landlord came out to see Mick.

“Well, what do you want now?”

“Well, what do you want now?”

“Nothing, sir, only I have another bottle.”

“Nothing, sir, I just have another bottle.”

“Oh! ho! is it as good as the first?”

“Oh! Wow! Is it as good as the first one?”

“Yes, sir, and better; if you like, I will show it to you before all the ladies and gentlemen.”

“Yes, sir, and even better; if you want, I can show it to you in front of all the ladies and gentlemen.”

“Come along, then.” So saying, Mick was brought into the great hall, where he saw his old bottle standing high up on a shelf: “Ah! ha!” says he to himself, “may be I won’t have you by and by.”

“Come along, then.” With that, Mick was taken into the great hall, where he spotted his old bottle sitting high up on a shelf: “Ah! Ha!” he thought to himself, “maybe I won’t have you later.”

“Now,” says his landlord, “show us your bottle.” Mick set it on the floor, and uttered the words; in a moment the landlord was tumbled on the floor; ladies and gentlemen, servants and all, were running and roaring, and sprawling, and kicking and shrieking. Wine cups and salvers were knocked about in every direction, until the landlord called out, “Stop those two devils, Mick Purcell, or I’ll have you hanged!”

“Now,” says his landlord, “show us your bottle.” Mick put it on the floor and said the words; in an instant, the landlord was thrown onto the floor; ladies and gentlemen, servants and all, were running, yelling, stumbling, kicking, and screaming. Wine cups and trays were sent flying in every direction, until the landlord shouted, “Stop those two troublemakers, Mick Purcell, or I’ll have you hanged!”

“They never shall stop,” said Mick, “till I get my own bottle that I see up there at top of that shelf.”

“They're never going to stop,” Mick said, “until I get that bottle I see up there on the top of that shelf.”

“Give it down to him, give it down to him, before we are all killed!” says the landlord.

“Hand it over to him, hand it over to him, before we all get killed!” says the landlord.

Mick put the bottle in his bosom; in jumped the two men into the new bottle, and he carried the bottles home. I need not lengthen my story by telling how he got richer than ever, how his son married his landlord’s only daughter, how he and his wife died when they were very old, and how some of the servants, fighting at their wake, broke the bottles; but still the hill has the name upon it; ay, and so ’twill be always Bottle Hill to the end of the world, and so it ought, for it is a strange story.

Mick tucked the bottle under his arm; the two men jumped into the new bottle, and he took the bottles home. I won’t drag out my story by explaining how he became richer than ever, how his son married his landlord’s only daughter, how he and his wife lived to a very old age, and how some of the servants, bickering at their wake, broke the bottles; but the hill still bears the name. Yes, it will always be Bottle Hill till the end of time, and rightfully so, because it’s a peculiar tale.


THE CONFESSIONS OF TOM BOURKE.
VII.

Tom Bourke lives in a low long farm-house, resembling in outward appearance a large barn, placed at the bottom of the hill, just where the new road strikes off from the old one, leading from the town of Kilworth to that of Lismore. He is of a class of persons who are a sort of black swans in Ireland; he is a wealthy farmer. Tom’s father had, in the good old times, when a hundred pounds were no inconsiderable treasure, either to lend or spend, accommodated his landlord with that sum at interest; and obtained, as a return for the civility, a long lease, about half-a-dozen times more valuable than the loan which procured it. The old man died worth several hundred pounds, the greater part of which, with his farm, he bequeathed to his son Tom. But, besides all this, Tom received from his father, upon his death-bed, another gift, far more valuable than worldly riches, greatly as he prized, and is still known to prize them. He was invested with the privilege, enjoyed by few of the sons of men, of communicating with those mysterious beings called “the good people.”

Tom Bourke lives in a long, low farmhouse that looks like a big barn, located at the bottom of the hill where the new road branches off from the old one, connecting the towns of Kilworth and Lismore. He belongs to a rare group in Ireland; he’s a wealthy farmer. Back in the good old days, when a hundred pounds was a significant amount to either lend or spend, his father lent that sum to his landlord with interest and, in return for this favor, got a long lease worth about six times more than the loan. The old man passed away with several hundred pounds, most of which, along with his farm, he left to his son Tom. But beyond all this, Tom also received a gift from his father on his deathbed that was far more precious than material wealth, no matter how much he valued it, and he is still known to treasure it. He gained the rare privilege of communicating with mysterious beings called “the good people.”

Tom Bourke is a little, stout, healthy, active man, about fifty-five years of age. His hair is perfectly white, short and bushy behind, but rising in front erect and thick above his forehead, like a new clothes-brush. His eyes are of that kind which I have often observed with persons of a quick but limited intellect—they are small, gray, and lively. The large and projecting eyebrows under, or rather within, which they twinkle, give them an expression of shrewdness and intelligence, if not of cunning. And this is very much the character of the man. If you want to make a bargain with Tom Bourke, you must act as if you were a general besieging a town, and make your advances[44] a long time before you can hope to obtain possession; if you march up boldly, and tell him at once your object, you are for the most part sure to have the gates closed in your teeth. Tom does not wish to part with what you wish to obtain, or another person has been speaking to him for the whole of the last week. Or, it may be, your proposal seems to meet the most favourable reception. “Very well, sir;” “That’s true, sir;” “I’m very thankful to your honour,” and other expressions of kindness and confidence, greet you in reply to every sentence; and you part from him wondering how he can have obtained the character which he universally bears, of being a man whom no one can make any thing of in a bargain. But when you next meet him, the flattering illusion is dissolved: you find you are a great deal farther from your object than you were when you thought you had almost succeeded: his eye and his tongue express a total forgetfulness of what the mind within never lost sight of for an instant; and you have to begin operations afresh, with the disadvantage of having put your adversary completely upon his guard.

Tom Bourke is a small, stocky, healthy, active man, around fifty-five years old. His hair is completely white, short and bushy in the back, but standing up thick and proud in front, like a new clothes brush. His eyes resemble those often seen in quick but narrow-minded people—they're small, gray, and lively. The large, prominent eyebrows, under which his eyes twinkle, give him an expression of cleverness and intelligence, if not a bit of craftiness. This really sums up his character. If you want to make a deal with Tom Bourke, you need to approach it like a general laying siege to a city and make your advances well in advance before you can hope to get anywhere; if you confront him straight on and state your aim right off, you can mostly expect the gates to slam in your face. Tom doesn't want to part with what you want, or someone else has been chatting with him all week. Or, it might be that your proposal seems to be met with great enthusiasm. “Very well, sir;” “That’s true, sir;” “I’m very thankful to your honor,” and other phrases of warmth and trust greet you in response to every point you make; and you leave him wondering how he can have the reputation of being someone no one can deal with in negotiations. But when you meet him again, the flattering illusion vanishes: you realize you are much further from your goal than you thought when you believed you were nearly there: his eyes and his words show a complete forgetfulness of what he never lost track of in his mind; and you have to start all over again, now at a disadvantage for having caught your opponent completely on his guard.

Yet, although Tom Bourke is, whether from supernatural revealings, or (as many will think more probable) from the tell-truth, experience, so distrustful of mankind, and so close in his dealings with them, he is no misanthrope. No man loves better the pleasures of the genial board. The love of money, indeed, which is with him (and who will blame him?) a very ruling propensity, and the gratification which it has received from habits of industry, sustained throughout a pretty long and successful life, have taught him the value of sobriety, during those seasons, at least, when a man’s business requires him to keep possession of his senses. He has therefore a general rule, never to get drunk but on Sundays. But, in order that it should be a general one to all intents and purposes, he takes a method which, according to better logicians than he is, always proves the rule. He has many exceptions: among these, of course, are the evenings of all the fair and market days that happen in his neighbourhood; so also all the days on which funerals, marriages, and christenings, take place among his friends within many miles of him. As to this last class of exceptions, it may appear at first very singular,[45] that he is much more punctual in his attendance at the funerals than at the baptisms or weddings of his friends. This may be construed as an instance of disinterested affection for departed worth, very uncommon in this selfish world. But I am afraid that the motives which lead Tom Bourke to pay more court to the dead than the living are precisely those which lead to the opposite conduct in the generality of mankind—a hope of future benefit and a fear of future evil. For the good people, who are a race as powerful as they are capricious, have their favourites among those who inhabit the world; often show their affection, by easing the objects of it from the load of this burdensome life; and frequently reward or punish the living, according to the degree of reverence paid to the obsequies and the memory of the elected dead.

Yet, even though Tom Bourke has become very distrustful of people, whether due to supernatural insights or (as many would find more believable) from hard-earned experience, he isn’t a misanthrope. No one enjoys the company of friends at a table more than he does. His desire for money, which dominates him (and who can blame him?), and the satisfaction he gets from his lifelong, industrious habits have made him appreciate the value of sobriety, particularly when he needs to stay sharp for business. So, he has a general rule: he only gets drunk on Sundays. However, to make this rule effective, he follows a method that, according to better logicians than he is, proves the rule. He has many exceptions: these include the evenings of all the fairs and market days in his area, as well as all the days his friends have funerals, weddings, and christenings within many miles of him. As for this last group of exceptions, it might seem quite strange,[45] but he is much more punctual at funerals than at his friends’ baptisms or weddings. This could be seen as a sign of genuine affection for those who have passed, which is unusual in this selfish world. However, I’m afraid the reasons that lead Tom Bourke to show more respect for the dead than the living are the same reasons that cause most people to act the opposite way—a hope for future benefits and a fear of future consequences. The good people, who are both powerful and unpredictable, have their favorites among the living; they often express their affection by relieving those favorites from the weight of this burdensome life and frequently reward or punish the living based on how much respect is shown to the funerals and memories of the chosen dead.

It is not easy to prevail on Tom to speak of those good people, with whom he is said to hold frequent and intimate communications. To the faithful, who believe in their power, and their occasional delegation of it to him, he seldom refuses, if properly asked, to exercise his high prerogative, when any unfortunate being is struck[8] in his neighbourhood. Still, he will not be won unsued: he is at first difficult of persuasion, and must be overcome by a little gentle violence. On these occasions he is unusually solemn and mysterious, and if one word of reward be mentioned, he at once abandons the unhappy patient, such a proposition being a direct insult to his supernatural superiors. It is true, that as the labourer is worthy of his hire, most persons, gifted as he is, do not scruple to receive a token of gratitude from the patients or their friends, after their recovery.

It’s not easy to get Tom to talk about those good people he’s supposedly in close contact with. To the faithful, who believe in their power and that they sometimes delegate it to him, he rarely refuses to exercise his special authority, if asked properly, when someone unfortunate is struck[8] in his area. However, he won’t respond without some coaxing: he’s initially hard to persuade and needs a bit of gentle pressure. During these times, he acts unusually serious and mysterious, and if any mention of payment comes up, he immediately turns away from the unfortunate person, viewing such a suggestion as a direct insult to his supernatural superiors. It’s true that while a laborer deserves his pay, most people with his gifts don’t hesitate to accept a token of gratitude from the patients or their families after their recovery.

To do Tom Bourke justice, he is on these occasions, as I have heard from many competent authorities, perfectly disinterested. Not many months since, he recovered a young woman (the sister of a tradesman living near him,) who had been struck speechless after returning from a funeral, and had continued so for several days. He steadfastly refused receiving any compensation; saying, that even if he had not as much as would buy him his supper, he could take nothing in this case, because the girl had offended at the funeral one of the good people belonging to his own family, and though he would do her a kindness, he could take none from her.

To give Tom Bourke credit, he is, on these occasions, as I've heard from many reliable sources, completely selfless. Just a few months ago, he helped a young woman (the sister of a local tradesman) who had lost her voice after coming back from a funeral and had remained that way for several days. He firmly refused to accept any payment, saying that even if he didn't have enough money for his own dinner, he couldn't take anything in this situation because the girl had upset one of the good people in his own family at the funeral, and while he would help her, he couldn't accept anything from her.

About the time this last remarkable affair took place, my friend Mr. Martin, who is a neighbour of Tom’s, had some business to transact with him, which it was exceedingly difficult to bring to a conclusion. At last Mr. Martin, having tried all quiet means, had recourse to a legal process, which brought Tom to reason, and the matter was arranged to their mutual satisfaction, and with perfect good-humour between the parties. The accommodation took place after dinner at Mr. Martin’s house, and he invited Tom to walk into the parlour and take a glass of punch, made of some excellent potteen, which was on the table: he had long wished to draw out his highly endowed neighbour on the subject of his supernatural powers, and as Mrs. Martin, who was in the room, was rather a favourite of Tom’s, this seemed a good opportunity.

About the time this last remarkable event happened, my friend Mr. Martin, who lives nearby Tom, had some business to sort out with him, which was extremely difficult to finalize. Eventually, Mr. Martin, after trying all peaceful methods, resorted to legal action, which got Tom to listen, and they sorted things out to their mutual satisfaction, with everyone in good spirits. The resolution took place after dinner at Mr. Martin’s house, where he invited Tom to step into the parlor and have a glass of punch made with some excellent potteen, which was on the table. He had long wanted to draw out his talented neighbor on the topic of his supernatural abilities, and since Mrs. Martin, who was in the room, was somewhat of a favorite of Tom’s, this seemed like a perfect chance.

“Well, Tom,” said Mr. Martin, “that was a curious business of Molly Dwyer’s, who recovered her speech so suddenly the other day.”

“Well, Tom,” said Mr. Martin, “that was a strange situation with Molly Dwyer, who suddenly got her speech back the other day.”

“You may say that, sir,” replied Tom Bourke; “but I had to travel far for it: no matter for that, now. Your health, ma’am,” said he, turning to Mrs. Martin.

“You might say that, sir,” replied Tom Bourke; “but I had to go a long way for it: that doesn’t matter now. Here’s to your health, ma’am,” said he, turning to Mrs. Martin.

“Thank you, Tom. But I am told you had some trouble once in that way in your own family,” said Mrs. Martin.

“Thank you, Tom. But I heard you had some issues like that in your own family,” said Mrs. Martin.

“So I had, ma’am; trouble enough; but you were only a child at that time.”

“So I did, ma’am; I had plenty of trouble; but you were just a kid back then.”

“Come, Tom,” said the hospitable Mr. Martin, interrupting him, “take another tumbler;” and he then added, “I wish you would tell us something of the manner in[47] which so many of your children died. I am told they dropped off, one after another, by the same disorder, and that your eldest son was cured in a most extraordinary way, when the physicians had given over.”

“Come on, Tom,” said the friendly Mr. Martin, cutting him off, “have another drink;” and then he added, “I wish you would share how so many of your children passed away. I heard they fell ill one after the other from the same sickness, and that your oldest son was cured in a truly remarkable way, even after the doctors had given up.”

“’Tis true for you, sir,” returned Tom; “your father, the doctor (God be good to him, I won’t belie him in his grave) told me, when my fourth little boy was a week sick, that himself and Doctor Barry did all that man could do for him; but they could not keep him from going after the rest. No more they could, if the people that took away the rest wished to take him too. But they left him; and sorry to the heart I am I did not know before why they were taking my boys from me; if I did, I would not be left trusting to two of ’em now.”

“It’s true for you, sir,” Tom replied. “Your father, the doctor (may God bless him, I won’t speak poorly of him now that he’s gone) told me, when my fourth little boy was sick for a week, that he and Doctor Barry did everything they could for him; but they couldn’t stop him from joining the others. Neither could they have, if the people who took the others wanted him too. But they left him behind; and it deeply pains me to say I didn’t know sooner why they were taking my boys away from me; if I had known, I wouldn’t be left relying on just two of them now.”

“And how did you find it out, Tom?” inquired Mr. Martin.

“And how did you find out, Tom?” Mr. Martin asked.

“Why, then, I’ll tell you, sir,” said Bourke: “When your father said what I told you, I did not know very well what to do. I walked down the little bohereen, you know, sir, that goes to the river-side near Dick Heafy’s ground; for ’twas a lonesome place, and I wanted to think of myself. I was heavy, sir, and my heart got weak in me, when I thought I was to lose my little boy; and I did not know well how to face his mother with the news, for she doted down upon him. Beside, she never got the better of all she cried at her brother’s berrin (burying) the week before. As I was going down the bohereen, I met an old bocough,[9] that used to come about the place once or twice a year, and used always to sleep in our barn while he staid in the neighbourhood. So he asked me how I was. ‘Bad enough, Shamous (James),’ says I. ‘I’m sorry for your trouble,’ says he; ‘but you’re a foolish man, Mr. Bourke. Your son would be well enough if you would only do what you ought with him.’ ‘What more can I do with him, Shamous?’ says I: ‘the doctors give him over.’ ‘The doctors know no more what ails him than they do what ails a cow when she stops her milk,’ says Shamous: ‘but go to such a one,’ says he, telling me his name, ‘and try what he’ll say to you.’”

“Why, then, I’ll tell you, sir,” said Bourke: “When your father mentioned what I told you, I really didn’t know what to do. I walked down the little bohereen, you know, sir, that leads to the riverside near Dick Heafy’s property; it was a lonely spot, and I needed to think. I was feeling heavy, sir, and my heart felt weak when I thought I might lose my little boy; plus, I wasn't sure how to face his mother with the news, since she was so attached to him. Besides, she hadn't gotten over all the tears she shed at her brother’s funeral the week before. As I was walking down the bohereen, I bumped into an old bocough,[9] who used to pop by once or twice a year, always staying in our barn while he was in the area. He asked me how I was. ‘Bad enough, Shamous (James),’ I said. ‘I’m sorry to hear that,’ he said; ‘but you’re being foolish, Mr. Bourke. Your son would be fine if you just did what you needed to do for him.’ ‘What more can I do with him, Shamous?’ I asked: ‘the doctors have given up on him.’ ‘The doctors don’t know any more about what’s wrong than they do about why a cow stops producing milk,’ said Shamous: ‘but go to someone like that,’ he said, giving me a name, ‘and see what he tells you.’”

“And who was that, Tom?” asked Mr. Martin.

“And who was that, Tom?” Mr. Martin asked.

“I could not tell you that, sir,” said Bourke, with a mysterious look: “howsoever, you often saw him, and he does not live far from this. But I had a trial of him before; and if I went to him at first, may be I’d have now some of them that’s gone, and so Shamous often told me. Well, sir, I went to this man, and he came with me to the house. By course, I did every thing as he bid me. According to his order, I took the little boy out of the dwelling-house immediately, sick as he was, and made a bed for him and myself in the cow-house. Well, sir, I lay down by his side, in the bed, between two of the cows, and he fell asleep. He got into a perspiration, saving your presence, as if he was drawn through the river, and breathed hard, with a great impression (oppression) on his chest, and was very bad—very bad entirely through the night. I thought about twelve o’clock he was going at last, and I was just getting up to go call the man I told you of; but there was no occasion. My friends were getting the better of them that wanted to take him away from me. There was nobody in the cow-house but the child and myself. There was only one halfpenny candle lighting, and that was stuck in the wall at the far end of the house. I had just enough of light where we were laying to see a person walking or standing near us: and there was no more noise than if it was a churchyard, except the cows chewing the fodder in the stalls. Just as I was thinking of getting up, as I told you—I wont belie my father, sir—he was a good father to me—I saw him standing at the bed-side, holding out his right hand to me, and leaning his other hand on the stick he used to carry when he was alive, and looking pleasant and smiling at me, all as if he was telling me not to be afeard, for I would not lose the child. ‘Is that you, father?’ says I. He said nothing. ‘If that’s you,’ says I again, ‘for the love of them that’s gone, let me catch your hand.’ And so he did, sir; and his hand was as soft as a child’s. He stayed about as long as you’d be going from this to the gate below at the end of the avenue, and then went away. In less than a week the child was as well as if nothing ever ailed him; and there isn’t to-night a healthier boy of nineteen, from this blessed house to the town of Ballyporeen, across the Kilworth mountains.”

“I can’t tell you that, sir,” Bourke said with a mysterious look. “You often saw him, and he doesn’t live far from here. But I had an experience with him before, and if I had gone to him at first, maybe I’d have some of them that are gone now, like Shamous often told me. Well, sir, I went to this man, and he came with me to the house. Of course, I did everything he told me. Following his instructions, I took the little boy out of the house right away, sick as he was, and made a bed for him and myself in the cow shed. So, sir, I lay down next to him in the bed, between two of the cows, and he fell asleep. He started sweating, excuse my language, as if he had crossed the river, breathing heavily, with a great pressure on his chest, and was really unwell—quite bad all through the night. Around midnight, I thought he was about to go, and I was just getting up to call the man I told you about; but it wasn’t necessary. My friends were overcoming those who wanted to take him away from me. There was nobody in the cow shed but the child and me. There was just one halfpenny candle lighting, stuck in the wall at the far end of the shed. I had just enough light where we were lying to see a person walking or standing near us; and it was as quiet as a cemetery, except for the cows munching on the fodder in their stalls. Just as I was thinking about getting up, as I mentioned — I won't lie about my father, sir — he was a good father to me — I saw him standing at the bedside, holding out his right hand to me, leaning on the stick he used to carry when he was alive, looking pleasant and smiling at me, as if he was telling me not to be afraid, because I wouldn’t lose the child. ‘Is that you, father?’ I asked. He didn’t say anything. ‘If that’s you,’ I said again, ‘for the love of those who are gone, let me hold your hand.’ And he did, sir; his hand was as soft as a child’s. He stayed for about the time it takes to walk from here to the gate at the end of the avenue, and then he left. In less than a week, the child was as well as if nothing had ever been wrong; and tonight, there isn’t a healthier boy of nineteen, from this blessed house to the town of Ballyporeen, across the Kilworth mountains.”

“But I think, Tom,” said Mr. Martin, “it appears as if you are more indebted to your father than to the man recommended to you by Shamous; or do you suppose it was he who made favour with your enemies among the good people, and that then your father——”

“But I think, Tom,” said Mr. Martin, “it seems like you owe more to your dad than to the guy recommended to you by Shamous; or do you think it was him who got in good with your enemies among the decent folks, and then your dad——”

“I beg your pardon, sir,” said Bourke, interrupting him; “but don’t call them my enemies. ’Twould not be wishing to me for a good deal to sit by when they are called so. No offence to you, sir.—Here’s wishing you a good health and long life.”

“I’m sorry, sir,” Bourke said, interrupting him. “But please don’t refer to them as my enemies. It wouldn’t take much for me to feel uncomfortable hearing them called that. No offense to you, sir—here’s to your good health and a long life.”

“I assure you,” returned Mr. Martin, “I meant no offence, Tom; but was it not as I say?”

“I promise you,” Mr. Martin replied, “I didn't mean any offense, Tom; but wasn't it like I said?”

“I can’t tell you that, sir,” said Bourke; “I’m bound down, sir. Howsoever, you may be sure the man I spoke of, and my father, and those they know, settled it between them.”

“I can’t tell you that, sir,” said Bourke; “I’m restricted, sir. However, you can be sure that the man I mentioned, my father, and those they know worked it out among themselves.”

There was a pause, of which Mrs. Martin took advantage to inquire of Tom, whether something remarkable had not happened about a goat and a pair of pigeons, at the time of his son’s illness—circumstances often mysteriously hinted at by Tom.

There was a pause, which Mrs. Martin seized to ask Tom if something unusual had happened involving a goat and a pair of pigeons during his son's illness—details that Tom often hinted at mysteriously.

“See that now,” said he, returning to Mr. Martin, “how well she remembers it! True for you, ma’am. The goat I gave the mistress your mother, when the doctors ordered her goats’ whey.”

“See that now,” he said, turning back to Mr. Martin, “how well she remembers it! That’s true for you, ma’am. The goat I gave to your mother when the doctors prescribed goat’s whey for her.”

Mrs. Martin nodded assent, and Tom Bourke continued—“Why, then, I’ll tell you how that was. The goat was as well as e’er a goat ever was, for a month after she was sent to Killaan to your father’s. The morning after the night I just told you of, before the child woke, his mother was standing at the gap leading out of the barn-yard into the road, and she saw two pigeons flying from the town of Kilworth, off the church, down towards her. Well, they never stopped, you see, till they came to the house on the hill at the other side of the river, facing our farm. They pitched upon the chimney of that house, and after looking about them for a minute or two, they flew straight across the river, and stopped on the ridge of the cow-house where the child and I were lying. Do you think they came there for nothing, sir?”

Mrs. Martin nodded in agreement, and Tom Bourke continued, “Well, let me explain how that happened. The goat was doing just fine, as healthy as any goat can be, right up until a month after she was sent to Killaan to your father's place. The morning after the night I just mentioned, before the child woke up, his mother was standing at the gate that led from the barnyard to the road, and she saw two pigeons flying from the town of Kilworth, off the church, coming towards her. They didn’t stop, you see, until they reached the house on the hill across the river, facing our farm. They landed on the chimney of that house, and after looking around for a minute or two, they flew straight across the river and landed on the ridge of the cowhouse where the child and I were lying. Do you think they came there for no reason, sir?”

“Certainly not, Tom,” returned Mr. Martin.

“Definitely not, Tom,” replied Mr. Martin.

“Well, the woman came in to me, frightened, and told me. She began to cry.—‘Whisht, you fool!’ says I: ‘’tis all for the better.’ ’Twas true for me. What do you think, ma’am; the goat that I gave your mother, that was seen feeding at sunrise that morning by Jack Cronin, as merry as a bee, dropped down dead, without any body knowing why, before Jack’s face; and at that very moment he saw two pigeons fly from the top of the house out of the town, towards the Lismore road. ’Twas at the same time my woman saw them, as I just told you.”

“Well, the woman came to me, scared, and told me her story. She started to cry. ‘Calm down, you silly!’ I said, ‘this is all for the best.’ And it really was for me. What do you think, ma’am? The goat I gave your mother, which Jack Cronin saw feeding at sunrise that morning, as happy as can be, suddenly dropped dead right in front of him, and nobody knew why. At that exact moment, he saw two pigeons fly from the top of the house out of town, heading towards the Lismore road. My woman saw them at the same time, just like I told you.”

“’Twas very strange, indeed, Tom,” said Mr. Martin; “I wish you could give us some explanation of it.”

“It's really strange, Tom,” said Mr. Martin; “I wish you could explain it to us.”

“I wish I could, sir,” was Tom Bourke’s answer; “but I’m bound down. I can’t tell but what I’m allowed to tell, any more than a sentry is let walk more than his rounds.”

“I wish I could, sir,” was Tom Bourke’s answer; “but I’m stuck. I can’t say any more than I’m supposed to, just like a guard can’t step outside his beat.”

“I think you said something of having had some former knowledge of the man that assisted in the cure of your son,” said Mr. Martin.

“I think you mentioned that you had some prior knowledge of the man who helped cure your son,” said Mr. Martin.

“So I had, sir,” returned Bourke. “I had a trial of that man. But that’s neither here nor there. I can’t tell you any thing about that, sir. But would you like to know how he got his skill?”

“So I did, sir,” Bourke replied. “I had a trial with that man. But that’s not the point. I can’t tell you anything about it, sir. But would you like to know how he got his skills?”

“Oh! very much indeed,” said Mr. Martin.

“Oh! For sure,” said Mr. Martin.

“But you can tell us his Christian name, that we may know him the better through the story,” added Mrs. Martin. Tom Bourke paused for a minute to consider this proposition.

“But you can tell us his first name, so we can understand him better through the story,” added Mrs. Martin. Tom Bourke paused for a minute to think about this suggestion.

“Well, I believe I may tell you that, any how; his name is Patrick. He was always a smart, active, ’cute boy, and would be a great clerk if he stuck to it. The first time I knew him, sir, was at my mother’s wake. I was in great trouble, for I did not know where to bury her. Her people and my father’s people—I mean their friends, sir, among the good people, had the greatest battle that was known for many a year, at Dunmanwaycross, to see to whose churchyard she’d be taken. They fought for three nights, one after another, without being able to settle it. The neighbours wondered how long I was before I buried my mother; but I had my reasons, though I could not tell them at that time. Well, sir, to make my story short, Patrick came on the fourth morning and told me he settled the[51] business, and that day we buried her in Kilcrumper churchyard with my father’s people.”

“Well, I guess I can tell you this anyway; his name is Patrick. He was always a sharp, lively, cute kid, and he would make a great clerk if he really applied himself. The first time I met him, sir, was at my mother’s wake. I was in a tough spot because I didn't know where to bury her. Her side of the family and my father’s side—I mean their friends, sir, among the good people—had a huge fight that lasted many years at Dunmanwaycross over which churchyard she would be laid to rest in. They battled for three nights in a row, unable to reach a decision. Neighbors were curious about why it took me so long to bury my mother, but I had my reasons, even though I couldn't share them back then. Anyway, to cut to the chase, Patrick showed up on the fourth morning and told me he had sorted out the[51] issue, and that day we buried her in Kilcrumper churchyard with my father's family.”

“He was a valuable friend, Tom,” said Mrs. Martin, with difficulty suppressing a smile. “But you were about to tell how he became so skilful.”

“He was a great friend, Tom,” Mrs. Martin said, struggling to hide a smile. “But you were about to explain how he became so skilled.”

“So I will, and welcome,” replied Bourke. “Your health, ma’am. I am drinking too much of this punch, sir; but to tell the truth, I never tasted the like of it: it goes down one’s throat like sweet oil. But what was I going to say?—Yes—well—Patrick, many a long year ago, was coming home from a berrin late in the evening, and walking by the side of the river opposite the big inch,[10] near Ballyhefaan ford.[11] He had taken a drop, to be sure; but he was only a little merry, as you may say, and knew very well what he was doing. The moon was shining, for it was in the month of August, and the river was as smooth and as bright as a looking-glass. He heard nothing for a long time but the fall of the water at the mill wier about a mile down the river, and now and then the crying of the lambs on the other side of the river. All at once, there was a noise of a great number of people, laughing as if they’d break their hearts, and of a piper playing among them. It came from the inch at the other side of the ford, and he saw, through the mist that hung over the river, a whole crowd of people dancing on the inch. Patrick was as fond of a dance as he was of a glass, and that’s saying enough for him; so he whipped[12] off his shoes and stockings, and away with him across the ford. After putting on his shoes and stockings at the other side of the river, he walked over to the crowd, and mixed with them for some time without being minded. He thought, sir, that he’d show them better dancing than any of themselves, for he was proud of his feet, sir, and good right he had, for there was not a boy in the same parish could foot a double or treble with him. But pwah!—his dancing was no more to theirs than mine would be to the mistress there. They did not seem as if they had a bone in their bodies, and they kept it up as if nothing could tire [52]them. Patrick was ’shamed within himself, for he thought he had not his fellow in all the country round; and was going away when a little old man, that was looking at the company for some time bitterly as if he did not like what was going on, came up to him. ‘Patrick,’ says he. Patrick started, for he did not think any body there knew him. ‘Patrick,’ says he, ‘you’re discouraged, and no wonder for you. But you have a friend near you. I’m your friend, and your father’s friend, and I think worse (more) of your little finger than I do of all that are here, though they think no one is as good as themselves. Go into the ring and call for a lilt. Don’t be afeard. I tell you the best of them did not do as well as you shall, if you will do as I bid you.’ Patrick felt something within him as if he ought not to gainsay the old man. He went into the ring, and called the piper to play up the best double he had. And, sure enough, all that the others were able for was nothing to him! He bounded like an eel, now here and now there, as light as a feather, although the people could hear the music answered by his steps, that beat time to every turn of it, like the left foot of the piper. He first danced a hornpipe on the ground. Then they got a table, and he danced a treble on it that drew down shouts from the whole company. At last he called for a trencher; and when they saw him, all as if he was spinning on it like a top, they did not know what to make of him. Some praised him for the best dancer that ever entered a ring; others hated him because he was better than themselves; although they had good right to think themselves better than him or any other man that never went the long journey.”

“So I will, and welcome,” replied Bourke. “Cheers, ma’am. I’m drinking too much of this punch, sir; but honestly, I’ve never tasted anything like it: it goes down as smooth as oil. But what was I going to say?—Yes—well—Patrick, a long time ago, was coming home from a berrin late one evening, walking by the river opposite the big inch,[10] near Ballyhefaan ford.[11] He had definitely had a few to drink; but he was only a bit merry and knew exactly what he was doing. The moon was shining because it was August, and the river was as smooth and bright as a mirror. For a long time, he only heard the sound of the water falling at the mill weir about a mile down the river, and now and then the cries of lambs on the other side. Suddenly, there was a noise of a crowd of people laughing as if they'd break their hearts, along with a piper playing among them. It came from the inch across the ford, and through the mist hanging over the river, he saw a whole group of people dancing on the inch. Patrick loved to dance as much as he loved a drink, and that's saying something; so he kicked off his shoes and socks and dashed across the ford. After putting on his shoes and socks on the other side of the river, he walked over to the crowd and mingled with them for a while without anyone noticing. He thought, sir, that he could show them better dancing than any of them, for he was proud of his footwork, and rightly so, because there wasn’t a guy in the entire parish who could outdance him. But wow!—his dancing was nothing compared to theirs; it would be like comparing mine to the mistress there. They didn’t seem to have a bone in their bodies, and they kept going as if nothing could tire them. Patrick felt embarrassed because he thought he had no equal in the whole country, and was about to leave when a little old man who had been watching the group with a sour look, as if he didn’t like what was happening, approached him. ‘Patrick,’ says he. Patrick jumped, not expecting anyone there to know him. ‘Patrick,’ says he, ‘you’re feeling down, and who could blame you? But you have a friend nearby. I’m your friend, and your father’s friend, and I value your little finger more than all of them here, even though they think no one is better than themselves. Go into the ring and ask for a tune. Don’t be afraid. I promise you, the best of them couldn’t do as well as you will if you follow my lead.’ Patrick felt something inside him telling him not to argue with the old man. He stepped into the ring and called for the piper to play his best double. And sure enough, nothing the others could do compared to him! He bounced around like an eel, now here and now there, as light as a feather, and the crowd could hear the music matching his steps, keeping time with every beat, just like the piper’s left foot. He first danced a hornpipe on the ground. Then they brought out a table, and he danced a treble on it that earned roaring cheers from the whole crowd. Finally, he asked for a trencher; and when they saw him spinning on it like a top, they didn’t know what to make of him. Some praised him as the best dancer to ever step into a ring; others disliked him because he was better than they were, even though they had every right to think of themselves as better than him or any other man who has never traveled far.”

“And what was the cause of his great success?” inquired Mr. Martin.

“And what was the reason for his great success?” Mr. Martin asked.

“He could not help it, sir,” replied Tom Bourke. “They that could make him do more than that made him do it. Howsomever, when he had done, they wanted him to dance again, but he was tired, and they could not persuade him. At last he got angry, and swore a big oath, saving your presence, that he would not dance a step more; and the word was hardly out of his mouth, when he found himself all alone, with nothing but a white cow grazing by his side.”

“He couldn't help it, sir,” replied Tom Bourke. “The people who could make him do more than that were the ones who got him to do it. However, after he was done, they wanted him to dance again, but he was tired, and they couldn't convince him. Finally, he got angry and swore a big oath, pardon my language, that he wouldn’t dance another step; and the moment he said that, he found himself all alone, with just a white cow grazing beside him.”

“Did he ever discover why he was gifted with these extraordinary powers in the dance, Tom?” said Mr. Martin.

“Did he ever find out why he was given these amazing powers in the dance, Tom?” Mr. Martin asked.

“I’ll tell you that too, sir,” answered Bourke, “when I come to it. When he went home, sir, he was taken with a shivering, and went to bed; and the next day they found he got the fever, or something like it, for he raved like as if he was mad. But they couldn’t make out what it was he was saying, though he talked constant. The doctors gave him over. But it’s little they know what ailed him. When he was, as you may say, about ten days sick, and every body thought he was going, one of the neighbours came in to him with a man, a friend of his, from Ballinlacken, that was keeping with him some time before. I can’t tell you his name either, only it was Darby. The minute Darby saw Patrick, he took a little bottle, with the juice of herbs in it, out of his pocket, and gave Patrick a drink of it. He did the same every day for three weeks, and then Patrick was able to walk about, as stout and as hearty as ever he was in his life. But he was a long time before he came to himself; and he used to walk the whole day sometimes by the ditch side, talking to himself, like as if there was some one along with him. And so there was surely, or he wouldn’t be the man he is to-day.

“I’ll let you know about that too, sir,” Bourke replied, “when the time comes. When he got home, sir, he started shivering and went to bed; and the next day they found he had a fever or something like that, because he was raving like he was insane. But they couldn’t figure out what he was saying, even though he talked non-stop. The doctors gave up on him. But they really had no idea what was wrong with him. After about ten days of being sick, when everyone thought he was near death, one of the neighbors came in with a guy, a friend of his from Ballinlacken, who had been staying with him for some time before. I can’t tell you his last name either, just that it was Darby. The moment Darby saw Patrick, he pulled a little bottle with herbal juice out of his pocket and gave Patrick a drink. He did this every day for three weeks, and after that, Patrick was able to walk around, as strong and healthy as he ever was. But it took him a while to fully recover; he would sometimes walk all day by the ditch, talking to himself, as if someone was with him. And there really was, or he wouldn’t be the person he is today.

“I suppose it was from some such companion he learned his skill,” said Mr. Martin.

“I guess it was from some companion like that he learned his skill,” said Mr. Martin.

“You have it all now, sir,” replied Bourke. “Darby told him his friends were satisfied with what he did the night of the dance; and though they couldn’t hinder the fever, they’d bring him over it, and teach him more than many knew beside him. And so they did. For you see all the people he met on the inch that night were friends of a different faction; only the old man that spoke to him; he was a friend of Patrick’s family, and it went again’ his heart, you see, that the others were so light, and active, and he was bitter in himself to hear ’em boasting how they’d dance with any set in the whole country round. So he gave Patrick the gift that night, and afterwards gave him the skill that makes him the wonder of all that know him. And to be sure it was only learning he was that time when he was wandering in his mind after the fever.”

“You've got it all now, sir,” Bourke replied. “Darby told him his friends were happy with what he did the night of the dance; and even though they couldn’t stop the fever, they’d help him get through it and teach him more than many others around him knew. And that’s exactly what happened. You see, all the people he met that night were friends of a different group; only the old man who talked to him was a friend of Patrick’s family, and it hurt him to see how carefree and lively the others were, and he felt bitter listening to them brag about how they could dance with anyone in the whole area. So he gave Patrick that gift that night, and later on, he gave him the talent that makes him a marvel to everyone who knows him. And of course, at that time, he was just learning while he was lost in his thoughts after the fever.”

“I have heard many strange stories about that inch near Ballyhefaan ford,” said Mr. Martin. “’Tis a great place for the good people, isn’t it, Tom?”

“I’ve heard a lot of weird stories about that spot near Ballyhefaan ford,” said Mr. Martin. “It’s a great place for the good people, isn’t it, Tom?”

“You may say that, sir,” returned Bourke. “I could tell you a great deal about it. Many a time I sat for as good as two hours by moonlight, at th’ other side of the river, looking at ’em playing goal as if they’d break their hearts over it; with their coats and waistcoats off, and white handkerchiefs on the heads of one party, and red ones on th’ other, just as you’d see on a Sunday in Mr. Simming’s big field. I saw ’em one night play till the moon set, without one party being able to take the ball from th’ other. I’m sure they were going to fight, only, ’twas near morning. I’m told your grandfather, ma’am, used to see ’em, there, too,” said Bourke, turning to Mrs. Martin.

“You could say that, sir,” Bourke replied. “I could tell you a lot about it. Many times, I sat for almost two hours by moonlight on the other side of the river, watching them play soccer as if their lives depended on it; with their coats and vests off, white handkerchiefs on one side and red ones on the other, just like you’d see on a Sunday in Mr. Simming’s big field. I saw them playing one night until the moon set, and neither side could take the ball from the other. I’m sure they were about to fight, but it was close to morning. I’ve heard your grandfather, ma’am, used to watch them there as well,” Bourke said, turning to Mrs. Martin.

“So I have been told, Tom,” replied Mrs. Martin. “But don’t they say that the churchyard of Kilcrumper[13] is just as favourite a place with the good people as Ballyhefaan inch.”

“So I've heard, Tom,” replied Mrs. Martin. “But don’t they say that the churchyard of Kilcrumper[13] is just as popular a spot with the good folks as Ballyhefaan inch?”

“Why, then, may be, you never heard, ma’am, what happened to Davy Roche in that same churchyard,” said Bourke; and turning to Mr. Martin, added, “’twas a long time before he went into your service, sir. He was walking home of an evening, from the fair of Kilcummer, a little merry, to be sure, after the day, and he came up with a berrin. So he walked along with it, and thought it very queer, that he did not know a mother’s soul in the crowd, but one man, and he was sure that man was dead many years afore. Howsomever, he went on with the berrin, till they came to Kilcrumper churchyard; and then he went in and staid with the rest, to see the corpse buried. As soon as the grave was covered, what should they do but gather about a piper, that come along with ’em, and fall to dancing as if it was a wedding. Davy longed to be among ’em (for he hadn’t a bad foot of his own, that time, whatever he may now;) but he was loath to begin, because they all seemed strange to him, only the man I told you that he thought was dead. Well, at last this man saw what Davy wanted, and came up to him. ‘Davy,’ says he, ‘take out a [55]partner, and show what you can do, but take care and don’t offer to kiss her.’ ‘That I won’t,’ says Davy, ‘although her lips were made of honey.’ And with that he made his bow to the purtiest girl in the ring, and he and she began to dance. ’Twas a jig they danced, and they did it to th’ admiration, do you see, of all that were there. ’Twas all very well till the jig was over; but just as they had done, Davy, for he had a drop in, and was warm with the dancing, forgot himself, and kissed his partner, according to custom. The smack was no sooner off his lips, you see, than he was left alone in the churchyard, without a creature near him, and all he could see was the tall tombstones. Davy said they seemed as if they were dancing too, but I suppose that was only the wonder that happened him, and he being a little in drink. Howsomever, he found it was a great many hours later than he thought it; ’twas near morning when he came home; but they couldn’t get a word out of him till the next day, when he woke out of a dead sleep about twelve o’clock.”

“Why, then, you might not have heard, ma’am, what happened to Davy Roche in that same churchyard,” said Bourke; and turning to Mr. Martin, added, “It was a long time before he started working for you, sir. He was walking home one evening from the Kilcummer fair, a little tipsy after the day, and he came across a funeral. So he walked along with it, thinking it was strange that he didn’t recognize anyone in the crowd except for one man, who he was certain had been dead for many years. Anyway, he continued with the funeral until they arrived at the Kilcrumper churchyard; then he went in and stayed with the others to watch the burial. As soon as the grave was filled, what did they do but gather around a piper who had come along with them, and start dancing as if it was a wedding. Davy wanted to join them (since he hadn't lost his dancing skills back then, whatever may be the case now); but he was hesitant to join in because everyone seemed unfamiliar to him, except for the man he thought was dead. Eventually, this man noticed Davy’s eagerness, and came over to him. 'Davy,' he said, 'find a partner and show what you can do, but make sure you don’t try to kiss her.' 'I won't,' said Davy, 'even if her lips were made of honey.' And with that, he bowed to the prettiest girl in the circle, and they began to dance. They danced a jig, and they did it to the admiration of everyone there. It was all going well until the jig ended; but just as they finished, Davy, having had a few drinks and feeling good from dancing, lost his sense and kissed his partner, as was customary. No sooner had the kiss left his lips than he found himself alone in the churchyard, with no one around him, and all he could see were the tall tombstones. Davy said they looked like they were dancing too, but I suppose that was just the shock he experienced, and being a bit drunk. Anyway, he realized it was much later than he thought; it was almost morning when he got home, but they couldn’t get a word out of him until the next day when he woke up from a deep sleep around twelve o’clock.”

When Tom had finished the account of Davy Roche and the berrin, it became quite evident that spirits of some sort were working too strong within him to admit of his telling many more tales of the good people. Tom seemed conscious of this.—He muttered for a few minutes broken sentences concerning churchyards, river-sides, leprechauns, and dina magh, which were quite unintelligible, perhaps to himself, certainly to Mr. Martin and his lady. At length he made a slight motion of the head upwards, as if he would say, “I can talk no more;” stretched his arm on the table, upon which he placed the empty tumbler slowly, and with the most knowing and cautious air; and rising from his chair, walked, or rather rolled, to the parlour door. Here he turned round to face his host and hostess; but after various ineffectual attempts to bid them good night, the words, as they rose, being always choked by a violent hiccup, while the door, which he held by the handle, swung to and fro, carrying his unyielding body along with it, he was obliged to depart in silence. The cow-boy, sent by Tom’s wife, who knew well what sort of allurement detained him, when he remained out after a certain hour, was in attendance to conduct his master home. I have no doubt that he returned without meeting any material injury, as I know[56] that within the last month, he was, to use his own words, “As stout and hearty a man as any of his age in the county Cork.”

When Tom finished telling the story of Davy Roche and the berrin, it was clear that some kind of spirits were working too strongly in him for him to share many more tales about the good people. Tom seemed aware of this. He mumbled for a few minutes about churchyards, riverbanks, leprechauns, and dina magh, which were completely unintelligible, maybe even to him, definitely to Mr. Martin and his lady. Finally, he made a slight motion with his head upward, as if to say, “I can't talk anymore;” stretched his arm across the table, slowly placed the empty glass down with the most knowing and cautious air; then, rising from his chair, he walked, or rather rolled, to the parlor door. Here he turned to face his hosts; but after several failed attempts to say good night, the words would always get stuck in his throat because of a violent hiccup, while the door, which he held onto, swung back and forth, dragging his stubborn body along with it, forcing him to leave in silence. The cow-boy, sent by Tom’s wife, who knew exactly what kind of temptation kept him out late, was there to take him home. I have no doubt he returned without any serious trouble, as I know[56] that in the last month, he was, in his own words, “As stout and hearty a man as any of his age in County Cork.”


FAIRIES OR NO FAIRIES.
VIII.

John Mulligan was as fine an old fellow as ever threw a Carlow spur into the sides of a horse. He was, besides, as jolly a boon companion over a jug of punch as you would meet from Carnsore Point to Bloody Farland. And a good horse he used to ride; and a stiffer jug of punch than his was not in nineteen baronies. May be he stuck more to it than he ought to have done—but that is nothing whatever to the story I am going to tell.

John Mulligan was as great an old guy as ever kicked a horse with a Carlow spur. He was also one of the most fun buddies to share a jug of punch with, from Carnsore Point to Bloody Farland. He used to ride a good horse, and his punch was stiffer than anyone else's in nineteen baronies. Maybe he indulged in it a bit more than he should have, but that’s not what this story is about.

John believed devoutly in fairies; and an angry man was he if you doubted them. He had more fairy stories than would make, if properly printed in a rivulet of print running down a meadow of margin, two thick quartos for Mr. Murray, of Albemarle street; all of which he used to tell on all occasions that he could find listeners. Many believed his stories—many more did not believe them—but nobody, in process of time, used to contradict the old gentleman, for it was a pity to vex him. But he had a couple of young neighbours who were just come down from their first vacation in Trinity College to spend the summer months with an uncle of theirs, Mr. Whaley, an old Cromwellian, who lived at Ballybegmullinahone, and they were[57] too full of logic to let the old man have his own way undisputed.

John firmly believed in fairies, and he got really angry if anyone doubted them. He had more fairy stories than would fill two thick books if they were printed out in a neat layout, perfect for Mr. Murray on Albemarle Street. He shared these tales whenever he could find someone to listen. Many people believed his stories—many more did not—but over time, no one dared to contradict the old gentleman, as it felt cruel to upset him. However, a couple of young neighbors had just returned from their first vacation at Trinity College to spend the summer with their uncle, Mr. Whaley, an old Cromwellian who lived at Ballybegmullinahone. They were[57] too logical to let the old man have his way without challenge.

Every story he told they laughed at, and said that it was impossible—that it was merely old woman’s gabble, and other such things. When he would insist that all his stories were derived from the most credible sources—nay, that some of them had been told him by his own grandmother, a very respectable old lady, but slightly affected in her faculties, as things that came under her own knowledge—they cut the matter short by declaring that she was in her dotage, and at the best of times had a strong propensity to pulling a long bow.

Every story he shared made them laugh, and they claimed it was impossible—that it was just old woman's chatter and other nonsense. When he insisted that all his stories came from reliable sources—actually, that some of them had been told to him by his own grandmother, a very respectable elderly woman, though a bit forgetful about certain things—they quickly dismissed it by saying she was losing her grip and, at the best of times, had a tendency to exaggerate.

“But,” said they, “Jack Mulligan did you ever see a fairy yourself?”

“But,” they said, “Jack Mulligan, have you ever seen a fairy yourself?”

“Never,” was the reply.—“Never, as I am a man of honour and credit.”

“Never,” was the response.—“Never, as I am a man of honor and integrity.”

“Well, then,” they answered, “until you do, do not be bothering us with any more tales of my grandmother.”

“Well, then,” they replied, “until you do, please stop bothering us with any more stories about my grandmother.”

Jack was particularly nettled at this, and took up the cudgels for his grandmother; but the younkers were too sharp for him, and finally he got into a passion, as people generally do who have the worst of an argument. This evening it was at their uncle’s, an old crony of his, with whom he had dined—he had taken a large portion of his usual beverage, and was quite riotous. He at last got up in a passion, ordered his horse, and, in spite of his host’s entreaties, galloped off, although he had intended to have slept there; declaring that he would not have any thing more to do with a pair of jackanapes puppies, who, because they had learned how to read good-for-nothing books in cramp writing, and were taught by a parcel of wiggy, red-snouted, prating prigs, (“not,” added he, “however, that I say a man may not be a good man and have a red nose,”) they imagined they knew more than a man who had held buckle and tongue together facing the wind of the world for five dozen years.

Jack was really annoyed by this and stood up for his grandmother, but the kids were too clever for him, and eventually, he got so angry, like people do when they lose an argument. That evening, they were at their uncle’s place, an old friend of his, where he had dinner—he had drunk a lot of his usual drink and was feeling quite rowdy. Finally, he got up in anger, called for his horse, and despite his host's pleas, he galloped off, even though he had planned to stay the night, saying he didn’t want to deal with a couple of arrogant kids who thought they knew better than him just because they could read useless books in messy handwriting, taught by a bunch of pretentious, red-nosed know-it-alls, (“not,” he added, “that I’m saying a guy can’t be a good person with a red nose,”) even though they acted like they knew more than someone who had faced life's challenges for sixty years.

He rode off in a fret, and galloped as hard as his horse Shaunbuie could powder away over the limestone. “Yes, indeed!” muttered he, “the brats had me in one thing—I never did see a fairy; and I would give up five as good acres as ever grew apple-potatoes to get a glimpse of one—and by the powers! what is that?”

He rode off in a rush, galloping as fast as his horse Shaunbuie could go over the limestone. “Absolutely!” he muttered to himself, “the kids got me on that one—I’ve never seen a fairy; and I’d trade five good acres that grew apple potatoes just to catch a glimpse of one—and what on earth is that?”

He looked, and saw a gallant spectacle. His road lay by a noble demesne, gracefully sprinkled with trees, not thickly planted as in a dark forest, but disposed, now in clumps of five or six, now standing singly, towering over the plain of verdure around them as a beautiful promontory arising out of the sea. He had come right opposite the glory of the wood. It was an oak, which in the oldest title-deeds of the county, and they were at least five hundred years old, was called the old oak of Ballinghassig. Age had hollowed its centre, but its massy boughs still waved with their dark serrated foliage. The moon was shining on it bright. If I were a poet, like Mr. Wordsworth, I should tell you how the beautiful light was broken into a thousand different fragments—and how it filled the entire tree with a glorious flood, bathing every particular leaf, and showing forth every particular bough; but, as I am not a poet, I shall go on with my story. By this light Jack saw a brilliant company of lovely little forms dancing under the oak with an unsteady and rolling motion. The company was large. Some spread out far beyond the farthest boundary of the shadow of the oak’s branches—some were seen glancing through the flashes of light shining through its leaves—some were barely visible, nestling under the trunk—some, no doubt, were entirely concealed from his eyes. Never did man see any thing more beautiful. They were not three inches in height, but they were white as the driven snow, and beyond number numberless. Jack threw the bridle over his horse’s neck, and drew up to the low wall which bounded the demesne, and leaning over it, surveyed with infinite delight, their diversified gambols. By looking long at them, he soon saw objects which had not struck him at first; in particular that in the middle was a chief of superior stature, round whom the group appeared to move. He gazed so long that he was quite overcome with joy, and could not help shouting out: “Bravo! little fellow,” said he, “well kicked and strong.” But the instant he uttered the words the night was darkened, and the fairies vanished with the speed of lightning.

He looked and saw a breathtaking scene. His path ran alongside a grand estate, beautifully dotted with trees, not tightly packed like in a dark forest, but arranged in clusters of five or six, or standing alone, towering over the lush green plains like a stunning cliff rising from the sea. He had come right across from the majestic part of the woods. It was an oak tree, referred to in the county's oldest documents, which were at least five hundred years old, as the old oak of Ballinghassig. Time had hollowed out its center, but its thick branches still swayed with their dark, jagged leaves. The moon was shining brightly on it. If I were a poet like Mr. Wordsworth, I would describe how the beautiful light was scattered into a thousand fragments—and how it filled the entire tree with a radiant glow, illuminating every single leaf and showcasing every branch; but since I'm not a poet, I'll stick to my story. In this light, Jack saw a stunning group of tiny forms dancing under the oak with a wobbly and flowing movement. The crowd was large. Some spread far beyond the edge of the oak’s shadow—some glimmered as the light filtered through its leaves—some were barely seen, tucked under the trunk—some, no doubt, were completely hidden from his view. Never had anyone seen anything more beautiful. They were not more than three inches tall, but they were as white as fresh snow, and there were countless of them. Jack tossed the reins over his horse's neck and moved closer to the low wall that bordered the estate, leaning over it to take in their varied antics with immense pleasure. By watching them closely, he soon noticed details he hadn’t seen at first; particularly, in the center was a leader of greater height, around whom the group seemed to swirl. He stared for so long that he was overwhelmed with joy and couldn't help but shout: “Bravo! little guy,” he said, “great kicks and strong.” But the moment he spoke, the night darkened, and the fairies vanished in an instant.

“I wish,” said Jack, “I had held my tongue; but no matter now. I shall just turn bridle about and go back to Ballybegmullinahone Castle, and beat the young Master[59] Whaleys, fine reasoners as they think themselves, out of the field clean.”

“I wish,” said Jack, “I had kept my mouth shut; but it doesn’t matter now. I’ll just turn around and head back to Ballybegmullinahone Castle, and wipe the floor with the young Master[59] Whaleys, who think they’re such great thinkers.”

No sooner said than done: and Jack was back again as if upon the wings of the wind. He rapped fiercely at the door, and called aloud for the two collegians.

No sooner said than done: and Jack was back again as if on the wings of the wind. He knocked hard on the door and shouted for the two college students.

“Halloo!” said he, “young Flatcaps, come down, if you dare. Come down, if you dare, and I shall give you oc-oc-ocular demonstration of the truth of what I was saying.”

“Hello!” he said, “young Flatcaps, come down if you’re brave enough. Come down if you’re brave enough, and I’ll give you oc-oc-ocular proof of the truth of what I was saying.”

Old Whaley put his head out of the window, and said, “Jack Mulligan, what brings you back so soon?”

Old Whaley leaned out of the window and said, “Jack Mulligan, what brings you back so soon?”

“The fairies,” shouted Jack; “the fairies!”

“The fairies,” shouted Jack; “the fairies!”

“I am afraid,” muttered the Lord of Ballybegmullinahone, “the last glass you took was too little watered; but, no matter—come in and cool yourself over a tumbler of punch.”

“I’m afraid,” muttered the Lord of Ballybegmullinahone, “the last drink you had was too strong; but, it’s fine—come in and relax with a glass of punch.”

He came in and sat down again at table. In great spirits he told his story;—how he had seen thousands and tens of thousands of fairies dancing about the old oak of Ballinghassig; he described their beautiful dresses of shining silver; their flat-crowned hats, glittering in the moonbeams; and the princely stature and demeanour of the central figure. He added, that he heard them singing and playing the most enchanting music; but this was merely imagination. The young men laughed, but Jack held his ground. “Suppose,” said one of the lads, “we join company with you on the road, and ride along to the place, where you saw that fine company of fairies?”

He came in and sat back down at the table. In high spirits, he shared his story—how he had seen thousands and thousands of fairies dancing around the old oak tree in Ballinghassig. He described their beautiful dresses made of shining silver, their flat-crowned hats sparkling in the moonlight, and the impressive stature and demeanor of the main figure. He added that he heard them singing and playing the most enchanting music, but that part was just his imagination. The young men laughed, but Jack stood his ground. “What if,” one of the guys suggested, “we join you on the way and ride to the spot where you saw that amazing group of fairies?”

“Done!” cried Jack; “but I will not promise that you will find them there, for I saw them scudding up in the sky like a flight of bees, and heard their wings whizzing through the air.” This, you know, was a bounce, for Jack had heard no such thing.

“Done!” shouted Jack; “but I can’t guarantee that you’ll find them there, because I saw them darting up in the sky like a swarm of bees, and I heard their wings buzzing through the air.” This, as you might guess, was an exaggeration, because Jack hadn’t heard anything like that.

Off rode the three, and came to the demesne of Oakwood. They arrived at the wall flanking the field where stood the great oak; and the moon, by this time, having again emerged from the clouds, shone bright as when Jack had passed. “Look there,” he cried, exultingly: for the same spectacle again caught his eyes, and he pointed to it with his horsewhip; “look, and deny if you can.”

Off rode the three and arrived at the Oakwood estate. They reached the wall next to the field where the great oak stood, and by this time, the moon had come out from behind the clouds, shining as brightly as when Jack had passed. “Look there,” he exclaimed excitedly, as the same sight caught his eye again, pointing at it with his horsewhip. “Look and try to deny it.”

“Why,” said one of the lads, pausing, “true it is that we do see a company of white creatures; but were they fairies ten times over, I shall go among them;” and he dismounted to climb over the wall.

“Why,” said one of the guys, pausing, “it’s true we see a bunch of white creatures; but even if they were fairies ten times over, I’m going to join them;” and he got off to climb over the wall.

“Ah, Tom! Tom,” cried Jack, “stop, man, stop! what are you doing? The fairies—the good people, I mean—hate to be meddled with. You will be pinched or blinded; or your horse will cast its shoe; or—look! a wilful man will have his way. Oh! oh! he is almost at the oak—God help him! for he is past the help of man.”

“Ah, Tom! Tom,” shouted Jack, “stop, man, stop! What are you doing? The fairies—the good folks, I mean—hate to be messed with. You’ll get pinched or blinded; or your horse will throw a shoe; or—look! A stubborn man will have his way. Oh! oh! He’s almost at the oak—God help him! Because he’s beyond the help of man.”

By this time Tom was under the tree, and burst out laughing. “Jack,” said he, “keep your prayers to yourself. Your fairies are not bad at all. I believe they will make tolerably good catsup.”

By this time, Tom was under the tree and started laughing. “Jack,” he said, “keep your prayers to yourself. Your fairies aren't bad at all. I think they’ll make pretty decent ketchup.”

“Catsup,” said Jack, who, when he found that the two lads (for the second had followed his brother) were both laughing in the middle of the fairies, had dismounted and advanced slowly—“What do you mean by catsup?”

“Catsup,” said Jack, who, when he saw that the two boys (since the second had followed his brother) were both laughing among the fairies, had gotten off and walked over slowly—“What do you mean by catsup?”

“Nothing,” replied Tom, “but that they are mushrooms (as indeed they were:) and your Oberon is merely this overgrown puff-ball.”

“Nothing,” Tom replied, “except that they’re mushrooms (which they actually are:) and your Oberon is just this huge puffball.”

Poor Mulligan gave a long whistle of amazement, staggered back to his horse without saying a word, and rode home in a hard gallop, never looking behind him. Many a long day was it before he ventured to face the laughers at Ballybegmullinahone; and to the day of his death the people of the parish, ay, and five parishes round called him nothing but musharoon Jack, such being their pronunciation of mushroom.

Poor Mulligan let out a long whistle of disbelief, stumbled back to his horse without a word, and rode home at a fast pace, never looking back. It took him many days before he dared to confront the jokers at Ballybegmullinahone; and until the day he died, people from the parish, and even five surrounding parishes, referred to him only as musharoon Jack, which was their way of pronouncing mushroom.

I should be sorry if all my fairy stories ended with so little dignity: but—

I would feel bad if all my fairy tales ended so poorly: but—

“Our actors,
As I predicted, we were all spirits, and "Are melted into air—into thin air."

The name Shefro, by which the foregoing section is distinguished, literally signifies a fairy house or mansion, and is adopted as a general name for the Elves who are supposed to live in troops or communities, and were popularly supposed to have castles or mansions of their own.—See Stewart’s Popular Superstitions of the Highlands, 1823, pp. 90, 91, &c.

The name Shefro, referring to the section above, literally means a fairy house or mansion. It's commonly used as a general term for the Elves, who are believed to live in groups or communities and were thought to have their own castles or mansions. — See Stewart’s Popular Superstitions of the Highlands, 1823, pp. 90, 91, & etc.

Sia, sigh, sighe, sigheann, siabhra, siachaire, siogidh, are Irish words, evidently springing from a common Celtic root, used to express a fairy or goblin, and even a hag or witch. Thus we have the compounds Leannan-sighe, a familiar, from Leannan, a pet, and Sioghdhraoidheachd, enchantment with or by spirits.

Sia, sigh, sighe, sigheann, siabhra, siachaire, siogidh are Irish words that clearly come from a shared Celtic root, used to refer to a fairy or goblin, and even a hag or witch. So we have the compounds Leannan-sighe, meaning beloved, from Leannan, which means pet, and Sioghdhraoidheachd, which means enchantment with or by spirits.

Sigh gàoithe or siaheann-gàoithe, a whirlwind, is so termed because it is said to be raised by the fairies. The close of day called Sia, because twilight,

Sigh gàoithe or siaheann-gàoithe, a whirlwind, is called that because it’s said to be created by fairies. The end of the day is referred to as Sia, because of twilight,

“That sweet hour, when day is almost closing,”

is the time when the fairies are most frequently seen. Again, Sigh is a hill or hillock, because the fairies are believed to dwell within. Sidhe, sidheadh, and sigh, are names for a blast or blight, because it is supposed to proceed from the fairies.

is when fairies are most often seen. Again, Sigh means a hill or mound, as fairies are thought to live inside it. Sidhe, sidheadh, and sigh refer to a disturbance or curse, as they are believed to come from the fairies.

The term Shoges, i.e. Sigh oges (young or little spirits,) Fairies, is used in a curious poem printed under the name of “The Irish Hudibras,” 1689, pp. 23, and 81; a copy of which, entitled “The Fingallian Travesty,” is among the Sloane MSS. No. 900. In the Third Part of O’Flaherty’s Ogygia, it is related that St. Patrick and some of his followers, who were chanting matins beside a fountain, were taken for “Sidhe, or fairies,” by some pagan ladies.

The term Shoges, or Sigh oges (meaning young or little spirits), refers to Fairies and appears in a curious poem published under the title “The Irish Hudibras,” in 1689, on pages 23 and 81. A version of this poem, called “The Fingallian Travesty,” is found among the Sloane MSS. No. 900. In the Third Part of O’Flaherty’s Ogygia, it's mentioned that St. Patrick and a few of his followers, who were chanting morning prayers by a fountain, were mistaken for “Sidhe, or fairies,” by some pagan women.

“The Irish,” according to the Rev. James Hely’s translation of O’Flaherty, “call these Sidhe, aërial spirits or phantoms, because they are seen to come out of pleasant hills, where the common people imagine they reside, which fictitious habitations are called by us Sidhe or Siodha.”

“The Irish,” according to Rev. James Hely’s translation of O’Flaherty, “call these Sidhe, aerial spirits or phantoms, because they are seen to come out of beautiful hills, where regular people believe they live, and these imaginary homes are what we call Sidhe or Siodha.”

For a similar extended use of the German word Alp, Elf, &c. see Introductory Essay to the Grimms’ Irische Elfenmärchen, pp. 55-62.

For a similar long use of the German word Alp, Elf, etc., see the Introductory Essay to the Grimms’ Irische Elfenmärchen, pp. 55-62.


LEGENDS OF THE CLURICAUNE.

Cluricaune Legends.

“————————— That sottish elf
Who quaffs with swollen lips the ruby wine,
Draining the cellar with as free a hand
As if it were his purse which ne’er lacked coin;—
And then, with feign’d contrition ruminates
Upon his wasteful pranks, and revelry,
In some secluded dell or lonely grove
Tinsel’d by Twilight.”—

“————————— That foolish elf
Who drinks the red wine with swollen lips,
Emptying the cellar as if he had
A purse that was never empty;—
And then, pretending to regret, reflects
On his reckless antics and partying,
In some quiet valley or lonely woods
Glimmering in the twilight.”—

Δ.

Δ.


THE HAUNTED CELLAR.
IX.

There are few people who have not heard of the Mac Carthies—one of the real old Irish families, with the true Milesian blood running in their veins, as thick as buttermilk. Many were the clans of this family in the south; as the Mac Carthy-more—and the Mac Carthy-reagh—and the Mac Carthy of Muskerry; and all of them were noted for their hospitality to strangers, gentle and simple.

There are few people who haven't heard of the Mac Carthies—one of the genuine old Irish families, with true Milesian blood running thick in their veins like buttermilk. There were many branches of this family in the south, like the Mac Carthy-more, the Mac Carthy-reagh, and the Mac Carthy of Muskerry; all of them were known for their hospitality to both the rich and the poor.

But not one of that name, or of any other, exceeded Justin Mac Carthy, of Ballinacarthy, at putting plenty to eat and drink upon his table; and there was a right hearty[64] welcome for every one who would share it with him. Many a wine-cellar would be ashamed of the name if that at Ballinacarthy was the proper pattern for one; large as that cellar was, it was crowded with bins of wine, and long rows of pipes, and hogsheads, and casks, that it would take more time to count than any sober man could spare in such a place, with plenty to drink about him, and a hearty welcome to do so.

But no one named Justin Mac Carthy, or anyone else, was better at putting a feast on the table than Justin Mac Carthy of Ballinacarthy; and there was a warm-hearted welcome for everyone who wanted to share it with him. Many a wine cellar would feel embarrassed if the one at Ballinacarthy was considered the standard; as large as that cellar was, it was packed with wine bins, long rows of pipes, hogsheads, and casks that it would take more time to count than any sober person could spare in a place with so much to drink and such a warm invitation to enjoy it.

There are many, no doubt, who will think that the butler would have little to complain of in such a house; and the whole country round would have agreed with them, if a man could be found to remain as Mr. Mac Carthy’s butler for any length of time worth speaking of; yet not one who had been in his service gave him a bad word.

There are definitely many who will think that the butler wouldn't have much to complain about in such a house; and everyone around would have agreed with them, if someone could actually be found to stick around as Mr. Mac Carthy's butler for any significant amount of time; yet not a single person who had worked for him said anything negative about him.

“We have no fault,” they would say, “to find with the master; and if he could but get any one to fetch his wine from the cellar, we might every one of us have grown gray in the house, and have lived quiet and contented enough in his service until the end of our days.”

“We have no issues,” they would say, “with the master; and if he could just find someone to bring his wine from the cellar, we could all have grown old in the house and lived peacefully and happily in his service until the end of our days.”

“’Tis a queer thing that, surely,” thought young Jack Leary, a lad who had been brought up from a mere child in the stables of Ballinacarthy to assist in taking care of the horses, and had occasionally lent a hand in the butler’s pantry:—“’tis a mighty queer thing, surely, that one man after another cannot content himself with the best place in the house of a good master, but that every one of them must quit, all through the means, as they say, of the wine-cellar. If the master, long life to him! would but make me his butler, I warrant never the word more would be heard of grumbling at his bidding to go to the wine-cellar.”

"It’s a strange thing, for sure," thought young Jack Leary, a boy who had been raised in the stables of Ballinacarthy to help care for the horses and had occasionally lent a hand in the butler’s pantry. "It’s really odd that one man after another can’t be satisfied with the best position in a good master’s house, but instead, they all leave, all because of the wine cellar. If the master—long may he live!—would just make me his butler, I promise no one would complain anymore about being sent to the wine cellar."

Young Leary accordingly watched for what he conceived to be a favourable opportunity of presenting himself to the notice of his master.

Young Leary therefore waited for what he thought was a good chance to get the attention of his boss.

A few mornings after, Mr. Mac Carthy went into his stable-yard rather earlier than usual, and called loudly for the groom to saddle his horse, as he intended going out with the hounds. But there was no groom to answer, and young Jack Leary led Rainbow out of the stable.

A few mornings later, Mr. Mac Carthy went into his stable yard a bit earlier than usual and called out loudly for the groom to saddle his horse because he planned to go out with the hounds. But there was no groom to respond, so young Jack Leary brought Rainbow out of the stable.

“Where is William?” inquired Mr. Mac Carthy.

“Where's William?” asked Mr. Mac Carthy.

“Sir?” said Jack; and Mr. Mac Carthy repeated the question.

"Sir?" Jack said; and Mr. Mac Carthy asked the question again.

“Is it William, please your honour?” returned Jack; “why, then, to tell the truth, he had just one drop too much last night.”

“Is it William, your honor?” Jack replied. “Well, to be honest, he just had one drink too many last night.”

“Where did he get it?” said Mr. Mac Carthy; “for since Thomas went away, the key of the wine-cellar has been in my pocket, and I have been obliged to fetch what was drank myself.”

“Where did he get it?” asked Mr. Mac Carthy. “Ever since Thomas left, I’ve had the key to the wine cellar in my pocket, and I’ve had to grab what was drunk myself.”

“Sorrow a know I know,” said Leary, “unless the cook might have given him the least taste in life of whiskey. But,” continued he, performing a low bow by seizing with his right hand a lock of hair, and pulling down his head by it, whilst his left leg which had been put forward, was scraped back against the ground, “may I make so bold as just to ask your honour one question?”

“Sadness, yeah, I get it,” said Leary, “unless the cook might have given him the smallest sip of whiskey in his life. But,” he continued, making a slight bow by grabbing a lock of hair with his right hand and pulling his head down while scraping his left leg back against the ground, “can I be bold enough to ask your honor just one question?”

“Speak out, Jack,” said Mr. Mac Carthy.

“Speak up, Jack,” said Mr. Mac Carthy.

“Why, then, does your honour want a butler?”

“Why, then, do you want a butler?”

“Can you recommend me one,” returned his master, with a smile of good humour upon his countenance, “and one who will not be afraid of going to my wine-cellar?”

“Can you recommend one to me?” his master replied, smiling in good humor, “and someone who won’t be scared to go to my wine cellar?”

“Is the wine-cellar all the matter?” said young Leary: “not a doubt have I of myself then for that.”

“Is the wine cellar all we’re talking about?” said young Leary. “I definitely don’t have any doubts about myself for that.”

“So you mean to offer me your services in the capacity of butler?” said Mr. Mac Carthy, with some surprise.

“So you’re offering me your services as a butler?” said Mr. Mac Carthy, somewhat surprised.

“Exactly so,” answered Leary, now for the first time looking up from the ground.

“Exactly,” replied Leary, finally looking up from the ground for the first time.

“Well, I believe you to be a good lad, and have no objection to give you a trial.”

“Well, I think you're a good guy, and I have no problem giving you a chance.”

“Long may your honour reign over us, and the Lord spare you to us!” ejaculated Leary, with another national bow, as his master rode off; and he continued for some time to gaze after him with a vacant stare, which slowly and gradually assumed a look of importance.

“May you reign over us for a long time, and may the Lord keep you safe!” Leary exclaimed, giving another respectful bow as his master rode away. He continued to watch him for a while with a blank expression, which slowly transformed into one of significance.

“Jack Leary,” said he at length, “Jack—is it Jack?” in a tone of wonder; “faith, ’tis not Jack now, but Mr. John, the butler;” and with an air of becoming consequence he strided out of the stable-yard towards the kitchen.

“Jack Leary,” he said after a moment, “Jack—Is it Jack?” with a tone of surprise; “well, it’s not Jack anymore, but Mr. John, the butler;” and with a sense of importance, he walked out of the stable yard towards the kitchen.

It is of little purport to my story, although it may afford an instructive lesson to the reader, to depict the sudden transition of nobody into somebody. Jack’s former stable companion, a poor superannuated hound named Bran, who[66] had been accustomed to receive many an affectionate tap on the head, was spurned from him with a kick and an “Out of the way, sirrah.” Indeed, poor Jack’s memory seemed sadly affected by this sudden change of situation. What established the point beyond all doubt was his almost forgetting the pretty face of Peggy, the kitchen wench, whose heart he had assailed but the preceding week by the offer of purchasing a gold ring for the fourth finger of her right hand, and a lusty imprint of good-will upon her lips.

It's not really important to my story, although it might teach the reader something, to show how suddenly someone can go from being a nobody to a somebody. Jack's old stable mate, a poor old dog named Bran, who[66] was used to receiving many affectionate pats on the head, was kicked aside with a "Get out of the way, you fool." Poor Jack's memory really seemed to be impacted by this sudden change in his circumstances. What proved this beyond any doubt was that he almost forgot the pretty face of Peggy, the kitchen girl, whose heart he had tried to win just the week before by offering to buy her a gold ring for her fourth finger and giving her a hearty kiss.

When Mr. Mac Carthy returned from hunting, he sent for Jack Leary—so he still continued to call his new butler. “Jack,” said he, “I believe you are a trustworthy lad, and here are the keys of my cellar. I have asked the gentlemen with whom I hunted to-day to dine with me, and I hope they may be satisfied at the way in which you will wait on them at table; but, above all, let there be no want of wine after dinner.”

When Mr. Mac Carthy got back from hunting, he called for Jack Leary—still what he called his new butler. “Jack,” he said, “I trust you’re a reliable guy, and here are the keys to my cellar. I’ve invited the gentlemen I hunted with today to dinner, and I hope they’ll be pleased with how you serve them at the table; but, most importantly, make sure there’s plenty of wine after dinner.”

Mr. John having a tolerably quick eye for such things, and being naturally a handy lad, spread his cloth accordingly, laid his plates and knives and forks in the same manner he had seen his predecessors in office perform these mysteries, and really, for the first time, got through attendance on dinner very well.

Mr. John, having a pretty sharp eye for things like this and being a naturally handy guy, spread his cloth as needed, arranged his plates and knives and forks just like he had seen his predecessors do, and honestly, for the first time, managed to serve dinner quite well.

It must not be forgotten, however, that it was at the house of an Irish country squire, who was entertaining a company of booted and spurred fox-hunters, not very particular about what are considered matters of infinite importance under other circumstances and in other societies.

It should not be overlooked, though, that it was at the home of an Irish landowner who was hosting a group of fox-hunters in boots and spurs, not overly concerned about what would typically be considered matters of great importance in other situations and societies.

For instance, few of Mr. Mac Carthy’s guests, (though all excellent and worthy men in their way,) cared much whether the punch produced after soup was made of Jamaica or Antigua rum; some even would not have been inclined to question the correctness of good old Irish whiskey; and, with the exception of their liberal host himself, every one in company preferred the port which Mr. Mac Carthy put on his table to the less ardent flavour of claret,—a choice rather at variance with modern sentiment.

For example, few of Mr. Mac Carthy’s guests, (although all great and respectable men in their own right,) really cared whether the punch served after soup was made with Jamaica or Antigua rum; some wouldn’t have even questioned the quality of good old Irish whiskey; and, except for their generous host himself, everyone preferred the port that Mr. Mac Carthy served to the milder taste of claret—a choice that was quite different from today’s preferences.

It was waxing near midnight, when Mr. Mac Carthy rang the bell three times. This was a signal for more wine; and Jack proceeded to the cellar to procure a fresh supply, but it must be confessed not without some little hesitation.

It was getting close to midnight when Mr. Mac Carthy rang the bell three times. This was a signal for more wine, and Jack went to the cellar to get a fresh supply, though he did hesitate a bit.

The luxury of ice was then unknown in the south of Ireland; but the superiority of cool wine had been acknowledged by all men of sound judgment and true taste.

The luxury of ice was unknown in the south of Ireland at that time; however, everyone with good sense and real taste recognized the superiority of cool wine.

The grandfather of Mr. Mac Carthy, who had built the mansion of Ballinacarthy upon the site of an old castle which had belonged to his ancestors, was fully aware of this important fact; and in the construction of his magnificent wine-cellar had availed himself of a deep vault, excavated out of the solid rock in former times as a place of retreat and security. The descent to this vault was by a flight of steep stone stairs, and here and there in the wall were narrow passages—I ought rather to call them crevices; and also certain projections which cast deep shadows, and looked very frightful when any one went down the cellar stairs with a single light: indeed, two lights did not much improve the matter, for though the breadth of the shadows became less, the narrow crevices remained as dark and darker than ever.

The grandfather of Mr. Mac Carthy, who built the Ballinacarthy mansion on the site of an old castle that belonged to his ancestors, was well aware of this important fact. In constructing his impressive wine cellar, he took advantage of a deep vault carved out of solid rock long ago as a place of refuge and safety. The way down to this vault was via a steep flight of stone stairs, and there were narrow passages in the walls—I'd rather call them crevices—as well as some projections that created deep shadows, appearing quite menacing when someone descended the cellar stairs with a single light. In fact, even with two lights, things didn’t improve much; although the shadows were less broad, the narrow crevices stayed as dark as ever, if not darker.

Summoning up all his resolution, down went the new butler, bearing in his right hand a lantern and the key of the cellar, and in his left a basket, which he considered sufficiently capacious to contain an adequate stock for the remainder of the evening; he arrived at the door without any interruption whatever; but when he put the key, which was of an ancient and clumsy kind—for it was before the days of Bramah’s patent,—and turned it in the lock, he thought he heard a strange kind of laughing within the cellar, to which some empty bottles that stood upon the floor outside vibrated so violently, that they struck against each other: in this he could not be mistaken, although he may have been deceived in the laugh; for the bottles were just at his feet, and he saw them in motion.

Summoning all his resolve, the new butler headed down, holding a lantern and the key to the cellar in his right hand, and a basket in his left, which he thought was big enough to carry enough supplies for the rest of the evening. He reached the door without any interruptions, but when he inserted the old, bulky key—which was from before the days of Bramah’s patent—and turned it in the lock, he thought he heard a strange kind of laughter coming from inside the cellar. Some empty bottles on the floor outside shook so violently that they clinked against each other. He couldn't be mistaken about that, even if he was wrong about the laugh, since the bottles were right at his feet and he saw them moving.

Leary paused for a moment, and looked about him with becoming caution. He then boldly seized the handle of the key, and turned it with all his strength in the lock, as if he doubted his own power of doing so; and the door flew open with a most tremendous crash, that, if the house had not been built upon the solid rock, would have shook it from the foundation.

Leary took a moment to pause and looked around him with careful consideration. Then he confidently grabbed the key handle and turned it with all his strength, as if he wasn't sure he could do it; the door burst open with a huge crash that, if the house hadn’t been built on solid rock, would have shaken it to its foundation.

To recount what the poor fellow saw would be impossible, for he seems not to know very clearly himself: but[68] what he told the cook the next morning was, that he heard a roaring and bellowing like a mad bull, and that all the pipes and hogsheads and casks in the cellar went rocking backwards and forwards with so much force, that he thought every one would have been staved in, and that he should have been drowned or smothered in wine.

To describe what the poor guy saw would be impossible, as he doesn't seem to understand it clearly himself: but[68] what he told the cook the next morning was that he heard a roaring and bellowing like a crazy bull, and that all the pipes and barrels in the cellar were rocking back and forth so violently that he thought they would all burst, and that he might drown or suffocate in wine.

When Leary recovered, he made his way back as well as he could to the dining-room, where he found his master and the company very impatient for his return.

When Leary recovered, he struggled to make his way back to the dining room, where he found his master and the guests eagerly awaiting his return.

“What kept-you?” said Mr. Mac Carthy in an angry voice; “and where is the wine? I rung for it half an hour since.”

“What took you so long?” Mr. Mac Carthy said angrily. “And where's the wine? I called for it half an hour ago.”

“The wine is in the cellar, I hope, sir,” said Jack, trembling violently; “I hope ’tis not all lost.”

“The wine is in the cellar, I hope, sir,” Jack said, shaking with fear; “I hope it’s not all gone.”

“What do you mean, fool?” exclaimed Mr. Mac Carthy in a still more angry tone: “why did you not fetch some with you?”

“What do you mean, idiot?” Mr. Mac Carthy shouted, even angrier. “Why didn’t you bring some with you?”

Jack looked wildly about him, and only uttered a deep groan.

Jack looked around frantically and let out a deep groan.

“Gentlemen,” said Mr. Mac Carthy to his guests, “this is too much. When I next see you to dinner, I hope it will be in another house, for it is impossible I can remain longer in this, where a man has no command over his own wine-cellar, and cannot get a butler to do his duty. I have long thought of moving from Ballinacarthy; and I am now determined, with the blessing of God, to leave it to-morrow. But wine shall you have, were I to go myself to the cellar for it.” So saying, he rose from the table, took the key and lantern from his half stupified servant, who regarded him with a look of vacancy, and descended the narrow stairs, already described, which led to his cellar.

“Gentlemen,” Mr. Mac Carthy said to his guests, “this is too much. When I next have you over for dinner, I hope it will be in another house, because I can’t stay in this one any longer, where a man has no control over his own wine cellar and can't get a butler to do his job. I’ve been thinking about moving from Ballinacarthy for a while; and now I’m determined, with God’s blessing, to leave tomorrow. But you will have wine, even if I have to go to the cellar myself for it.” With that, he stood up from the table, took the key and lantern from his half-dazed servant, who looked at him blankly, and went down the narrow stairs that led to his cellar.

When he arrived at the door, which he found open, he thought he heard a noise, as if of rats or mice scrambling over the casks, and on advancing perceived a little figure, about six inches in height, seated astride upon the pipe of the oldest port in the place, and bearing the spigot upon his shoulder. Raising the lantern, Mr. Mac Carthy contemplated the little fellow with wonder: he wore a red nightcap on his head; before him was a short leather apron, which now, from his attitude, fell rather on one side; and he had stockings of a light blue colour, so long as nearly to[69] cover the entire of his legs; with shoes, having huge silver buckles in them, and with high heels (perhaps out of vanity to make him appear taller). His face was like a withered winter apple; and his nose, which was of a bright crimson colour, about the tip wore a delicate purple bloom, like that of a plum: yet his eyes twinkled

When he got to the door, which was open, he thought he heard a noise, as if rats or mice were scurrying over the barrels. As he moved closer, he noticed a little figure, about six inches tall, sitting on the pipe of the oldest port in the place, with the spigot resting on his shoulder. Raising the lantern, Mr. Mac Carthy looked at the little guy in amazement: he had a red nightcap on his head; in front of him was a short leather apron that, given his position, hung off to one side; and he wore light blue stockings that nearly[69] covered his entire legs. His shoes had large silver buckles and high heels (maybe out of a desire to look taller). His face resembled a shriveled winter apple, and his bright crimson nose had a delicate purple hue at the tip, similar to a plum; yet his eyes sparkled.

“like those bugs
Of sweetened dew on moonlit nights—

and his mouth twitched up at one side with an arch grin.

and the corner of his mouth lifted in a playful grin.

“Ha, scoundrel!” exclaimed Mr. Mac Carthy, “have I found you at last? disturber of my cellar—what are you doing there?”

“Ha, you rascal!” shouted Mr. Mac Carthy, “have I finally caught you? Trouble-maker in my cellar—what are you doing there?”

“Sure, and master,” returned the little fellow, looking up at him with one eye, and with the other throwing a sly glance towards the spigot on his shoulder, “a’n’t we going to move to-morrow? and sure you would not leave your own little Cluricaune Naggeneen behind you?”

“Of course, master,” replied the little guy, looking up at him with one eye while sneakily glancing at the spigot on his shoulder with the other. “Aren’t we moving tomorrow? And surely you wouldn’t leave your little Cluricaune Naggeneen behind, right?”

“Oh!” thought Mr. Mac Carthy, “if you are to follow me, Master Naggeneen, I don’t see much use in quitting Ballinacarthy.” So filling with wine the basket which young Leary in his fright had left behind him, and locking the cellar door, he rejoined his guests.

“Oh!” thought Mr. Mac Carthy, “if you’re going to stick with me, Master Naggeneen, I don’t see much point in leaving Ballinacarthy.” So he filled the basket with wine that young Leary had left behind in his panic and locked the cellar door before rejoining his guests.

For some years after, Mr. Mac Carthy had always to fetch the wine for his table himself, as the little Cluricaune Naggeneen seemed to feel a personal respect towards him. Notwithstanding the labour of these journeys, the worthy lord of Ballinacarthy lived in his paternal mansion to a good round age, and was famous to the last for the excellence of his wine, and the conviviality of his company; but at the time of his death, that same conviviality had nearly emptied his wine-cellar; and as it was never so well filled again, nor so often visited, the revels of Master Naggeneen became less celebrated, and are now only spoken of amongst the legendary lore of the country. It is even said that the poor little fellow took the declension of the cellar so to heart, that he became negligent and careless of himself, and that he has been sometimes seen going about with hardly a skreed to cover him.

For some years after, Mr. Mac Carthy always had to go get the wine for his table himself, as the little Cluricaune Naggeneen seemed to hold him in personal respect. Despite the effort of these trips, the good lord of Ballinacarthy lived in his family home to a good old age and was known right until the end for the quality of his wine and the enjoyment of his gatherings; however, by the time of his death, that same enjoyment had nearly emptied his wine cellar. Since then, it was never as well stocked again or visited as often, so the parties of Master Naggeneen became less famous and are now only mentioned in the legendary stories of the area. It’s even said that the poor little guy took the decline of the cellar to heart so much that he became neglectful and careless about himself, and he has sometimes been seen wandering around with hardly anything to cover him.

Some, however, believe that he turned brogue-maker, and assert that they have seen him at his work, and heard[70] him whistling as merry as a blackbird on a May morning, under the shadow of a brown jug of foaming ale, bigger—ay bigger than himself; decently dressed enough, they say;—only looking mighty old. But still ’tis clear he has his wits about him, since no one ever had the luck to catch him, or to get hold of the purse he has with him, which they call spré-na-skillinagh, and ’tis said is never without a shilling in it.

Some people, however, think that he became a shoemaker and claim they’ve seen him at work, whistling happily like a blackbird on a May morning, under the shade of a big brown jug of frothy ale, even bigger than he is; they say he’s dressed decently enough—just looking really old. But it’s clear he’s still sharp, since no one has ever managed to catch him or get their hands on the purse he carries, which they call spré-na-skillinagh, and it’s said to always have a shilling in it.


MASTER AND MAN.
X.

Billy Mac Daniel was once as likely a young man as ever shook his brogue at a patron, emptied a quart, or handled a shillelagh: fearing for nothing but the want of drink; caring for nothing but who should pay for it; and thinking of nothing but how to make fun over it: drunk or sober, a word and a blow was ever the way with Billy Mac Daniel; and a mighty easy way it is of either getting into or ending a dispute. More is the pity, that through the means of his drinking, and fearing and caring for nothing, this same Billy Mac Daniel fell into bad company; for surely the good people are the worst of all company any one could come across.

Billy Mac Daniel was once a young man who was as likely as anyone to shake his drink at a customer, down a quart, or swing a shillelagh: he feared nothing except running out of alcohol; he cared about nothing except who was picking up the tab; and he thought about nothing but having a good time with it. Drunk or sober, a word and a fight was always how Billy Mac Daniel handled things; and it's an easy way to either start or settle an argument. It's a shame that through his drinking and not caring about anything, Billy Mac Daniel ended up in bad company; because good people can be the worst company anyone could run into.

It so happened that Billy was going home one clear frosty night not long after Christmas; the moon was round[71] and bright; but although it was as fine a night as heart could wish for, he felt pinched with the cold. “By my word,” chattered Billy, “a drop of good liquor would be no bad thing to keep a man’s soul from freezing in him; and I wish I had a full measure of the best.”

It just so happened that Billy was heading home on a clear, frosty night not long after Christmas; the moon was full[71] and bright; but even though it was a lovely night, he felt the cold biting at him. “I swear,” Billy chattered, “a drink of good liquor would really do a guy good to keep his spirit from freezing; I wish I had a full glass of the best.”

“Never wish it twice, Billy,” said a little man in a three-cornered hat, bound all about with gold lace, and with great silver buckles in his shoes, so big that it was a wonder how he could carry them, and he held out a glass as big as himself, filled with as good liquor as ever eye looked on or lip tasted.

“Never wish for it twice, Billy,” said a short guy in a three-cornered hat, decorated all around with gold lace, and with huge silver buckles on his shoes, so big that it was amazing how he managed to walk in them. He held out a glass as big as he was, filled with the best liquor anyone had ever seen or tasted.

“Success, my little fellow,” said Billy Mac Daniel, nothing daunted, though well he knew the little man to belong to the good people; “here’s your health, any way, and thank you kindly; no matter who pays for the drink;” and he took the glass and drained it to the very bottom, without ever taking a second breath to it.

“Success, my little friend,” said Billy Mac Daniel, unfazed, even though he knew the little man was one of the good people; “here’s to your health, anyway, and thank you very much; it doesn’t matter who pays for the drink;” and he took the glass and downed it all in one go, without taking another breath.

“Success,” said the little man; “and you’re heartily welcome, Billy; but don’t think to cheat me as you have done others,—out with your purse and pay me like a gentleman.”

“Success,” said the little man; “and you’re very welcome, Billy; but don’t think you can cheat me like you have with others—show me your purse and pay me like a gentleman.”

“Is it I pay you?” said Billy: “could I not just take you up and put you in my pocket as easily as a blackberry?”

“Do I really have to pay you?” said Billy. “Couldn't I just pick you up and put you in my pocket as easily as a blackberry?”

“Billy Mac Daniel,” said the little man, getting very angry, “you shall be my servant for seven years and a day, and that is the way I will be paid; so make ready to follow me.”

“Billy Mac Daniel,” said the little man, getting really angry, “you will be my servant for seven years and a day, and that’s how I will pay you; so get ready to follow me.”

When Billy heard this, he began to be very sorry for having used such bold words towards the little man; and he felt himself, yet could not tell how, obliged to follow the little man the live-long night about the country, up and down, and over hedge and ditch, and through bog and brake, without any rest.

When Billy heard this, he started to really regret using such harsh words towards the little man; he felt he had to follow the little man all night long around the countryside, up and down, over hedges and ditches, and through marshes and underbrush, without any break.

When morning began to dawn, the little man turned round to him and said, “You may now go home, Billy, but on your peril don’t fail to meet me in the Fort-field to-night; or if you do, it may be the worse for you in the long run. If I find you a good servant, you will find me an indulgent master.”

When morning started to break, the little man turned to him and said, “You can head home now, Billy, but be careful not to miss our meeting in the Fort-field tonight; if you do, it could turn out badly for you in the long run. If I see you as a good servant, you’ll find me to be a generous master.”

Home went Billy Mac Daniel; and though he was tired and weary enough, never a wink of sleep could he get for[72] thinking of the little man; but he was afraid not to do his bidding, so up he got in the evening, and away he went to the Fort-field. He was not long there before the little man came towards him and said, “Billy, I want to go a long journey to-night; so saddle one of my horses, and you may saddle another for yourself, as you are to go along with me, and may be tired after your walk last night.”

Home went Billy Mac Daniel; and even though he was really tired and worn out, he couldn’t get a wink of sleep for[72] thinking about the little man. But he was too scared to ignore his request, so he got up in the evening and headed to the Fort-field. He didn’t wait long before the little man came up to him and said, “Billy, I need to make a long journey tonight; so saddle one of my horses, and you can saddle another for yourself, since you're coming with me and might be tired after your walk last night.”

Billy thought this very considerate of his master, and thanked him accordingly: “But,” said he, “if I may be so bold, sir, I would ask which is the way to your stable, for never a thing do I see but the fort here, and the old thorn tree in the corner of the field, and the stream running at the bottom of the hill, with the bit of bog over against us.”

Billy thought this was really kind of his master and thanked him for it. “But,” he said, “if I can be so bold, sir, could you please tell me the way to your stable? Because all I can see is the fort here, the old thorn tree in the corner of the field, and the stream at the bottom of the hill, along with a patch of bog over there.”

“Ask no questions, Billy,” said the little man, “but go over to that bit of bog, and bring me two of the strongest rushes you can find.”

“Don’t ask any questions, Billy,” said the little man, “but go over to that patch of marsh and bring me two of the strongest reeds you can find.”

Billy did accordingly, wondering what the little man would be at; and he picked out two of the stoutest rushes he could find, with a little bunch of brown blossom stuck at the side of each, and brought them back to his master. “Get up, Billy,” said the little man, taking one of the rushes from him and striding across it.

Billy did as instructed, curious about what the little man was up to. He picked out two of the strongest rushes he could find, each with a small bunch of brown blossoms attached to the side, and brought them back to his master. “Get up, Billy,” said the little man, taking one of the rushes from him and stepping over it.

“Where will I get up, please your honour?” said Billy.

“Where should I get up, your honor?” Billy asked.

“Why, upon horseback, like me, to be sure,” said the little man.

“Why, on horseback, just like me, of course,” said the little man.

“Is it after making a fool of me you’d be,” said Billy, “bidding me get a horseback upon that bit of a rush? May be you want to persuade me that the rush I pulled but awhile ago out of the bog over there is a horse?”

“Are you kidding me?” said Billy. “You want me to get on that little bit of grass? Maybe you’re trying to convince me that the mess I just pulled out of the mud over there is a horse?”

“Up! up! and no words,” said the little man, looking very vexed; “the best horse you ever rode was but a fool to it.” So Billy, thinking all this was in joke, and fearing to vex his master, straddled across the rush: “Borram! Borram! Borram!” cried the little man three times (which in English, means to become great), and Billy did the same after him: presently the rushes swelled up into fine horses, and away they went full speed; but Billy, who had put the rush between his legs, without much minding how he did it, found himself sitting on horseback the wrong way, which was rather awkward, with his face to the horse’s tail;[73] and so quickly had his steed started off with him, that he had no power to turn round, and there was therefore nothing for it but to hold on by the tail.

“Up! Up! And no arguing,” said the little man, looking very annoyed; “the best horse you ever rode is nothing compared to this one.” So Billy, thinking this was all a joke and not wanting to upset his master, straddled the rush: “Borram! Borram! Borram!” cried the little man three times (which means to become great in English), and Billy repeated it after him: soon the rushes transformed into fine horses, and they took off at full speed; but Billy, who had put the rush between his legs without really paying attention, found himself sitting on the horse the wrong way, which was pretty awkward, facing the horse’s tail;[73] and because his steed took off so quickly, he had no chance to turn around, so he had no choice but to hold on to the tail.

At last they came to their journey’s end, and stopped at the gate of a fine house: “Now, Billy,” said the little man, “do as you see me do, and follow me close; but as you did not know your horse’s head from his tail, mind that your own head does not spin round until you can’t tell whether you are standing on it or on your heels: for remember that old liquor, though able to make a cat speak, can make a man dumb.”

At last, they reached the end of their journey and stopped at the gate of a nice house. “Now, Billy,” said the little man, “do what I do and stay close behind me; but since you couldn't tell your horse's head from its tail, be careful that your own head doesn't spin around until you can't figure out if you're standing on it or on your heels. Remember, that old liquor, while it can make a cat talk, can leave a man speechless.”

The little man then said some queer kind of words, out of which Billy could make no meaning; but he contrived to say them after him for all that; and in they both went through the key-hole of the door, and through one key-hole after another, until they got into the wine-cellar, which was well stored with all kinds of wine.

The little man then said some strange words that Billy couldn't understand; however, he managed to repeat them anyway. They both slipped through the keyhole of the door and through one keyhole after another until they ended up in the wine cellar, which was stocked with all kinds of wine.

The little man fell to drinking as hard as he could, and Billy, noway disliking the example, did the same. “The best of masters are you surely,” said Billy to him; “no matter who is the next; and well pleased will I be with your service if you continue to give me plenty to drink.”

The little man started drinking as much as he could, and Billy, definitely not against following his lead, did the same. “You’re truly the best of masters,” Billy said to him; “it doesn’t matter who comes after; I’ll be more than happy with your service as long as you keep the drinks coming.”

“I have made no bargain with you,” said the little man, “and will make none; but up and follow me.” Away they went, through key-hole after key-hole; and each mounting upon the rush which he had left at the hall door, scampered off, kicking the clouds before them like snowballs, as soon as the words, “Borram, Borram, Borram,” had passed their lips.

“I haven’t made any deal with you,” said the little man, “and I won’t make one; just get up and follow me.” Off they went, through keyhole after keyhole; each jumping onto the rush he had left at the front door, they took off, kicking the clouds ahead of them like snowballs, as soon as they said, “Borram, Borram, Borram.”

When they came back to the Fort-field, the little man dismissed Billy, bidding him to be there the next night at the same hour. Thus did they go on, night after night, shaping their course one night here, and another night there—sometimes north, and sometimes east, and sometimes south, until there was not a gentleman’s wine-cellar in all Ireland they had not visited, and could tell the flavour of every wine in it as well—ay, better than the butler himself.

When they returned to the Fort-field, the little man sent Billy away, telling him to come back the next night at the same time. They continued this way, night after night, adjusting their route each time—one night here, another night there—sometimes north, sometimes east, and sometimes south, until they had visited every gentleman’s wine cellar in all of Ireland and could identify the flavor of every wine better than the butler himself.

One night, when Billy Mac Daniel met the little man as usual in the Fort-field, and was going to the bog to fetch the horses for their journey, his master said to him, “Billy,[74] I shall want another horse to-night, for may be we may bring back more company with us than we take.” So Billy, who now knew better than to question any order given to him by his master, brought a third rush, much wondering who it might be that should travel back in their company, and whether he was about to have a fellow-servant. “If I have,” thought Billy, “he shall go and fetch the horses from the bog every night; for I don’t see why I am not, every inch of me, as good a gentleman as my master.”

One night, when Billy Mac Daniel met the little man as usual in the Fort-field and was heading to the bog to get the horses for their journey, his master said to him, “Billy,[74] I’ll need another horse tonight, because we might bring back more people than we’re taking.” So Billy, who now understood better than to question any order from his master, brought a third rush, wondering who it could be that would be traveling back with them, and whether he would have a fellow-servant. “If I do,” thought Billy, “he can go and get the horses from the bog every night, because I don’t see why I’m not as good a gentleman as my master.”

Well, away they went, Billy leading the third horse, and never stopped until they came to a snug farmer’s house in the county Limerick, close under the old castle of Carrigogunnel, that was built, they say, by the great Brian Boru. Within the house there was great carousing going forward, and the little man stopped outside for some time to listen; then turning round all of a sudden, said, “Billy, I will be a thousand years old to-morrow!”

Well, off they went, with Billy leading the third horse, and they didn’t stop until they reached a cozy farmhouse in County Limerick, right beneath the old Carrigogunnel castle, which, they say, was built by the great Brian Boru. Inside the house, there was a lot of partying going on, and the little man paused outside for a while to listen; then suddenly, he turned around and said, “Billy, I’ll be a thousand years old tomorrow!”

“God bless us, sir,” said Billy, “will you?”

“God bless us, sir,” Billy said, “will you?”

“Don’t say these words again, Billy,” said the little man, “or you will be my ruin for ever. Now, Billy, as I will be a thousand years in the world to-morrow, I think it is full time for me to get married.”

“Don’t say those words again, Billy,” said the little man, “or you’ll ruin me forever. Now, Billy, since I’ll be around for a thousand years starting tomorrow, I think it’s about time for me to get married.”

“I think so too, without any kind of doubt at all,” said Billy, “if ever you mean to marry.”

“I think so too, without a doubt,” said Billy, “if you ever plan to get married.”

“And to that purpose,” said the little man, “have I come all the way to Carrigogunnel; for in this house, this very night, is young Darby Riley going to be married to Bridget Rooney; and as she is a tall and comely girl, and has come of decent people, I think of marrying her myself, and taking her off with me.”

“And for that reason,” said the little man, “I’ve come all the way to Carrigogunnel; because in this house, tonight, young Darby Riley is going to marry Bridget Rooney; and since she’s a tall and attractive girl from a good family, I’m thinking of marrying her myself and taking her away with me.”

“And what will Darby Riley say to that?” said Billy.

“And what will Darby Riley say to that?” Billy asked.

“Silence!” said the little man, putting on a mighty severe look: “I did not bring you here with me to ask questions;” and without holding further argument, he began saying the queer words, which had the power of passing him through the key-hole as free as air, and which Billy thought himself mighty clever to be able to say after him.

“Be quiet!” the little man said, adopting a very serious expression. “I didn’t bring you here to ask questions.” Without any further discussion, he started to recite the strange words that allowed him to pass through the keyhole as easily as breathing, and Billy thought it was pretty clever that he could mimic him.

In they both went; and for the better viewing the company, the little man perched himself up as nimbly as a cock-sparrow upon one of the big beams which went across the house over all their heads, and Billy did the same upon[75] another facing him; but not being much accustomed to roosting in such a place, his legs hung down as untidy as may be, and it was quite clear he had not taken pattern after the way in which the little man had bundled himself up together. If the little man had been a tailor all his life, he could not have sat more contentedly upon his haunches.

In they both went; and to get a better look at the crowd, the little man quickly hopped up like a sparrow onto one of the big beams running across the room over everyone's heads, and Billy did the same on[75] another beam facing him. However, since he wasn't used to perching in such a spot, his legs hung down awkwardly, and it was obvious he hadn't copied the little man's neat way of tucking himself in. If the little man had been a tailor all his life, he couldn't have looked more comfortable sitting on his haunches.

There they were, both master and man, looking down upon the fun that was going forward—and under them were the priest and piper—and the father of Darby Riley, with Darby’s two brothers and his uncle’s son—and there were both the father and the mother of Bridget Rooney, and proud enough the old couple were that night of their daughter, as good right they had—and her four sisters with bran new ribands in their caps, and her three brothers all looking as clean and as clever as any three boys in Munster—and there were uncles and aunts, and gossips and cousins enough besides to make a full house of it—and plenty was there to eat and drink on the table for every one of them, if they had been double the number.

There they were, both the master and his servant, looking down at the fun that was happening—and below them were the priest and the piper—and Darby Riley's father, along with Darby’s two brothers and his uncle’s son—and there were both Bridget Rooney’s father and mother, and they felt proud enough that night of their daughter, as they rightly should—and her four sisters wearing brand new ribbons in their caps, and her three brothers looking as clean and sharp as any three boys in Munster—and there were uncles and aunts, and friends and cousins enough to fill the house—and there was plenty to eat and drink on the table for each of them, even if there had been double the number.

Now it happened, just as Mrs. Rooney had helped his reverence to the first cut of the pig’s head which was placed before her, beautifully bolstered up with white savoys, that the bride gave a sneeze which made every one at table start, but not a soul said “God bless us.” All thinking that the priest would have done so, as he ought if he had done his duty, no one wished to take the word out of his mouth, which unfortunately was pre-occupied with pig’s head and greens. And after a moment’s pause, the fun and merriment of the bridal feast went on without the pious benediction.

Now it happened, just as Mrs. Rooney helped the priest to the first cut of the pig's head placed before her, beautifully arranged with white cabbages, the bride let out a sneeze that startled everyone at the table, but no one said "God bless us." Everyone thought the priest would have done so, as he should have if he had done his job, so no one wanted to take the words out of his mouth, which unfortunately was busy with pig's head and greens. After a brief pause, the fun and celebration of the wedding feast continued without the blessing.

Of this circumstance both Billy and his master were no inattentive spectators from their exalted stations. “Ha!” exclaimed the little man, throwing one leg from under him with a joyous flourish, and his eye twinkled with a strange light, whilst his eyebrows became elevated into the curvature of Gothic arches—“Ha!” said he, leering down at the bride, and then up at Billy, “I have half of her now, surely. Let her sneeze but twice more, and she is mine, in spite of priest, mass-book, and Darby Riley.”

Billy and his master were both paying close attention to the situation from their high positions. “Ha!” the little man exclaimed, joyfully throwing one leg out with a flourish, his eyes sparkling with a strange light as his eyebrows arched like Gothic windows. “Ha!” he said, glancing down at the bride and then back up at Billy. “I already have half of her. Just let her sneeze a couple more times, and she’ll be mine, regardless of the priest, the ceremony, and Darby Riley.”

Again the fair Bridget sneezed; but it was so gently, and she blushed so much, that few except the little man took or[76] seemed to take any notice: and no one thought of saying “God bless us.”

Again the beautiful Bridget sneezed; but it was so soft, and she blushed so much, that few besides the little man noticed it or[76] seemed to notice: and no one thought to say “God bless us.”

Billy all this time regarded the poor girl with a most rueful expression of countenance; for he could not help thinking what a terrible thing it was for a nice young girl of nineteen, with large blue eyes, transparent skin, and dimpled cheeks, suffused with health and joy, to be obliged to marry an ugly little bit of a man who was a thousand years old, barring a day.

Billy had been looking at the poor girl with a really sad expression; he couldn’t help but think how awful it was for a nice young girl of nineteen, with big blue eyes, clear skin, and dimpled cheeks full of health and joy, to have to marry an ugly little man who seemed like he was a thousand years old, minus a day.

At this critical moment the bride gave a third sneeze, and Billy roared out with all his might, “God save us!” Whether this exclamation resulted from his soliloquy, or from the mere force of habit, he never could tell exactly himself; but no sooner was it uttered, than the little man, his face glowing with rage and disappointment, sprung from the beam on which he had perched himself, and shrieking out in the shrill voice of a cracked bagpipe, “I discharge you my service, Billy Mac Daniel—take that for your wages,” gave poor Billy a most furious kick in the back, which sent his unfortunate servant sprawling upon his face and hands right in the middle of the supper table.

At that crucial moment, the bride sneezed for a third time, and Billy shouted with all his strength, “God save us!” Whether this outburst came from his spontaneous thoughts or just habit, he could never really figure out. But as soon as he said it, the little man, his face flushed with anger and disappointment, jumped off the beam where he had been sitting and, screeching in a high-pitched voice like a broken bagpipe, “I release you from my service, Billy Mac Daniel—take that as your pay,” kicked poor Billy hard in the back, sending him sprawling face-first right onto the supper table.

If Billy was astonished, how much more so was every one of the company into which he was thrown with so little ceremony; but when they heard his story, Father Cooney laid down his knife and fork, and married the young couple out of hand with all speed; and Billy Mac Daniel danced the Rinka at their wedding, and plenty did he drink at it too, which was what he thought more of than dancing.

If Billy was shocked, imagine how surprised everyone else was in the group he joined so abruptly. But when they heard his story, Father Cooney put down his knife and fork and quickly married the young couple on the spot. Billy Mac Daniel danced the Rinka at their wedding, and he drank a lot as well, which he cared about even more than dancing.


THE LITTLE SHOE.
XI.

“Now tell me, Molly,” said Mr. Coote to Molly Cogan, as he met her on the road one day, close to one of the old gateways of Kilmallock,[14] “did you ever hear of the Cluricaune?”

“Now tell me, Molly,” said Mr. Coote to Molly Cogan, as he ran into her on the road one day, near one of the old gates of Kilmallock,[14] “have you ever heard of the Cluricaune?”

“Is it the Cluricaune? why, then, sure I did, often and often; many’s the time I heard my father, rest his soul! tell about ’em.”

“Is it the Cluricaune? Well, sure I did, over and over; countless times I heard my father, may he rest in peace, talk about them.”

“But did you ever see one, Molly, yourself?”

“But have you ever seen one, Molly, yourself?”

“Och! no, I never see one in my life; but my grandfather, that’s my father’s father, you know, he see one, one time, and caught him too.”

“Och! No, I never saw one in my life; but my grandfather, that’s my father’s father, you know, he saw one, one time, and caught him too.”

“Caught him! Oh! Molly, tell me how?”

“Got him! Oh! Molly, how did you do it?”

“Why, then, I’ll tell you. My grandfather, you see, was out there above in the bog, drawing home turf, and the poor old mare was tired after her day’s work, and the old man went out to the stable to look after her, and to see if she was eating her hay; and when he came to the stable door there, my dear, he heard something hammering, hammering, hammering, just for all the world like a shoemaker making a shoe, and whistling all the time the prettiest tune he ever heard in his whole life before. Well, my grandfather, he thought it was the Cluricaune, and he said to himself, says he, ‘I’ll catch you, if I can, and then, I’ll have money enough always.’ So he opened the door very quietly, and didn’t make a bit of noise in the world that ever was heard; and looked all about, but the never a bit of the little man he could see anywhere, but he heard him hammering and whistling, and so he looked and looked, till at last he see the little fellow; and where was he, do you think, but in the girth under the mare; and there he was with his little bit of an apron on him, and hammer in [78]his hand, and a little red nightcap on his head, and he making a shoe; and he was so busy with his work, and he was hammering and whistling so loud, that he never minded my grandfather till he caught him fast in his hand. ‘Faith I have you now,’ says he, ‘and I’ll never let you go till I get your purse—that’s what I won’t; so give it here to me at once, now.’—‘Stop, stop,’ says the Cluricaune, ‘stop, stop,’ says he, ’till I get it for you.’ So my grandfather, like a fool, you see, opened his hand a little, and the little fellow jumped away laughing, and he never saw him any more, and the never the bit of the purse did he get, only the Cluricaune left his little shoe that he was making; and my grandfather was mad enough angry with himself for letting him go; but he had the shoe all his life, and my own mother told me she often see it, and had it in her hand, and ’twas the prettiest little shoe she ever saw.”

“Why, then, I’ll tell you. My grandfather was out in the bog, gathering turf, and the poor old mare was worn out from her day’s work. He went to the stable to check on her and see if she was eating her hay. When he got to the stable door, my dear, he heard something pounding, pounding, pounding, just like a shoemaker making a shoe and whistling the prettiest tune he’d ever heard. Well, my grandfather thought it was the Cluricaune, and he said to himself, ‘I’ll catch you if I can, and then I’ll have enough money forever.’ So he opened the door quietly, without making a sound, and looked around, but he couldn’t see a trace of the little man. Still, he could hear him hammering and whistling. He kept looking until finally he saw the little fellow. And guess where he was? Under the mare’s girth, with a tiny apron on, a hammer in his hand, and a little red nightcap on his head, making a shoe. He was so focused on his work and hammering and whistling so loudly that he didn’t notice my grandfather until he caught him in his hand. ‘I’ve got you now,’ said my grandfather, ‘and I won’t let you go until I get your purse—that’s for sure, so hand it over now.’ ‘Wait, wait,’ said the Cluricaune, ‘just let me get it for you.’ So my grandfather, being foolish, opened his hand a little, and the little guy jumped away laughing, and my grandfather never saw him again, nor did he get the purse—only the Cluricaune left behind the little shoe he was making. My grandfather was furious with himself for letting him go, but he kept the shoe all his life, and my mother told me she’d seen it a lot, even held it, and it was the prettiest little shoe she ever laid eyes on.”

“And did you see it yourself, Molly?”

“And did you see it yourself, Molly?”

“Oh! no, my dear, it was lost long afore I was born; but my mother told me about it often and often enough.”

“Oh! no, my dear, it was lost long before I was born; but my mother told me about it over and over.”

The main point of distinction between the Cluricaune and the Shefro, arises from the sottish and solitary habits of the former, who are rarely found in troops or communities.

The main difference between the Cluricaune and the Shefro lies in the foolish and solitary behavior of the Cluricaune, who are seldom seen in groups or communities.

The Cluricaune of the county of Cork, the Luricaune of Kerry, and the Lurigadaune of Tipperary, appear to be the same as the Leprechan or Leprochaune of Leinster, and the Logherry-man of Ulster; and these words are probably all provincialisms of the Irish for a pigmy.

The Cluricaune from County Cork, the Luricaune from Kerry, and the Lurigadaune from Tipperary appear to be similar to the Leprechaun or Leprochaune from Leinster, and the Logherry-man from Ulster; these terms are likely all regional variations of the Irish word for a small person.

It is possible, and is in some measure borne out by the text of one of the preceding stories [IX.], that the word luacharman is merely an Anglo-Irish induction, compounded of (a rush,) and the English word, man.—A rushy man,—that may be, a man of the height of a rush, or a being who dwelt among rushes, that is, unfrequented or boggy places.

It’s possible, and somewhat supported by a text from one of the earlier stories [IX.], that the word luacharman is simply an Anglo-Irish creation, combining (a rush) and the English word man.—A rushy man—this could refer to a man who is as tall as a rush or someone who lives among rushes, indicating remote or wet areas.

The following dialogue is said to have taken place in an Irish court of justice, upon the witness having used the word Leprochaune:—

The following dialogue supposedly took place in an Irish court when a witness used the word Leprochaune:—

Court.—Pray what is a leprochaune? the law knows no such character or designation.

Court.—What exactly is a leprechaun? The law doesn’t recognize any such character or title.

Witness.—My lord, it is a little counsellor man in the fairies, or an attorney that robs them all, and he always carries a purse that is full of money, and if you see him and keep your eyes on him, and that you never turn them aside, he cannot get away, and if you catch him he gives you the purse to let him go, and then you’re as rich as a Jew.

Witness.—My lord, it’s a little guy among the fairies, like a thief who takes from them all. He always carries a purse full of money, and if you see him and keep your eyes on him without looking away, he can’t escape. If you catch him, he’ll give you the purse to let him go, and then you’ll be as rich as can be.

Court.—Did you ever know of any one that caught a Leprochaune? I wish I could catch one.

Court.—Have you ever heard of anyone catching a Leprechaun? I wish I could catch one.

Witness.—Yes, my lord, there was one—

Witness.—Yes, my lord, there was one—

Court.—That will do.

Court.—That will do.

With respect to “money matters,” there appears to be a strong resemblance between the ancient Roman Incubus and the Irish Cluricaune.—“Sed quomodo dicunt, ego nihil scio, sed audivi, quomodo incuboni pileum rapuisset et thesaurum invenit,” are the words of Petronius.—See, for farther arguments in support of identity of the two spirits, the Brothers Grimm’s Essay on the Nature of the Elves, prefixed to their translation of this work, under the head of “Ancient Testimonies.”

Regarding “money matters,” there seems to be a strong similarity between the ancient Roman Incubus and the Irish Cluricaune. —“But how they say it, I know nothing, but I've heard how the Incubus snatched a cap and found treasure,” are the words of Petronius. —For more arguments supporting the connection between the two spirits, see the Brothers Grimm’s Essay on the Nature of the Elves, which is included at the beginning of their translation of this work, under the section “Ancient Testimonies.”

“Old German and Northern poems contain numerous accounts of the skill of the dwarfs in curious smith’s-work.”—“The Irish Cluricaune is heard hammering; he is particularly fond of making shoes, but these were in ancient times made of metal (in the old Northern language a shoemaker is called a shoe-smith;) and, singularly enough, the wights in a German tradition manifest the same propensity; for, whatever work the shoemaker has been able to cut out in the day, they finish with incredible quickness during the night.”

“Old German and Northern poems have many stories about the dwarfs’ skill in strange metalworking.” — “The Irish Cluricaune is often heard hammering; he really enjoys making shoes, which in ancient times were made of metal (in the old Northern language, a shoemaker is called a shoe-smith); and interestingly, the spirits in a German tradition show the same tendency; for whatever work the shoemaker manages to cut out during the day, they complete with astonishing speed at night.”

The Brothers Grimm.

The Brothers Grimm.


LEGENDS OF THE BANSHEE.

Banshee Legends.

“Who sits upon the heath forlorn,
With robe so free and tresses torn?
Anon she pours a harrowing strain,
And then—she sits all mute again!
Now peals the wild funereal cry—
And now—it sinks into a sigh.”

“Who sits on the desolate heath,
In a flowing robe and tangled hair?
Soon she sings a haunting tune,
And then—she falls silent again!
Now the wild funeral cry rings out—
And now—it fades into a sigh.”

Ourawns.

Our owns.


THE BANSHEE.
XII.

The Reverend Charles Bunworth was rector of Buttevant, in the county of Cork, about the middle of the last century. He was a man of unaffected piety, and of sound learning; pure in heart, and benevolent in intention. By the rich he was respected, and by the poor beloved; nor did a difference of creed prevent their looking up to “the minister” (so was Mr. Bunworth called by them) in matters of difficulty and in seasons of distress, confident of receiving from him the advice and assistance that a father would afford to his children. He was the friend and the benefactor of the surrounding country—to him, from the neighbouring town of Newmarket, came both Curran and[82] Yelverton for advice and instruction, previous to their entrance at Dublin College. Young, indigent and inexperienced, these afterwards eminent men received from him, in addition to the advice they sought, pecuniary aid; and the brilliant career which was theirs, justified the discrimination of the giver.

The Reverend Charles Bunworth was the rector of Buttevant, in County Cork, around the middle of the last century. He was a genuinely devout man with solid knowledge; pure in heart and kind in intention. The wealthy respected him, while the poor loved him; and a difference in beliefs didn’t stop them from looking up to “the minister” (as Mr. Bunworth was known to them) in times of trouble and distress, confident they would receive guidance and support from him like a father would give to his children. He was a friend and benefactor to the local community—both Curran and Yelverton came to him from the nearby town of Newmarket for advice and guidance before they entered Dublin College. Young, poor, and inexperienced, these future prominent figures not only received the advice they were looking for but also financial support from him; the successful careers they went on to have proved the giver’s judgment was spot on.

But what extended the fame of Mr. Bunworth, far beyond the limits of the parishes adjacent to his own, was his performance on the Irish harp, and his hospitable reception and entertainment of the poor harpers who travelled from house to house about the country. Grateful to their patron, these itinerant minstrels sang his praises to the tingling accompaniment of their harps, invoking in return for his bounty abundant blessings on his white head, and celebrating in their rude verses the blooming charms of his daughters, Elizabeth and Mary. It was all these poor fellows could do; but who can doubt that their gratitude was sincere, when, at the time of Mr. Bunworth’s death, no less than fifteen harps were deposited in the loft of his granary, bequeathed to him by the last members of a race which has now ceased to exist. Trifling, no doubt, in intrinsic value were these relics, yet there is something in gifts of the heart that merits preservation; and it is to be regretted that, when he died, these harps were broken up one after the other, and used as fire-wood by an ignorant follower of the family, who, on a removal to Cork for a temporary change of scene, was left in charge of the house.

But what really spread the fame of Mr. Bunworth far beyond the neighboring parishes was his skill on the Irish harp, as well as his warm hospitality and generous entertainment of the poor harpers who wandered from house to house across the countryside. Grateful for his support, these traveling musicians sang his praises with the lively sound of their harps, wishing abundant blessings upon his gray head in return for his kindness, and singing in their simple verses about the beauty of his daughters, Elizabeth and Mary. It was all these poor fellows could do; but who can doubt the sincerity of their gratitude, considering that at Mr. Bunworth’s death, no fewer than fifteen harps were stored in the loft of his granary, left to him by the last surviving members of a race that has now disappeared. These relics may have had little intrinsic value, yet there is something meaningful in gifts from the heart that deserves to be preserved. It’s unfortunate that after his death, these harps were broken one by one and used as firewood by an ignorant family follower, who, while temporarily moving to Cork for a change of scenery, was left in charge of the house.

The circumstances attending the death of Mr. Bunworth may be doubted by some; but there are still living credible witnesses who declare their authenticity, and who can be produced to attest most, if not all of the following particulars.

The circumstances surrounding Mr. Bunworth's death may be questioned by some, but there are still credible witnesses alive who confirm their truthfulness and who can be brought forward to testify to most, if not all, of the following details.

About a week previous to his dissolution, and early in the evening a noise was heard at the hall door resembling the shearing of sheep; but at the time no particular attention was paid to it. It was nearly eleven o’clock the same night, when Kavanagh, the herdsman, returned from Mallow, whither he had been sent in the afternoon for some medicine, and was observed by Miss Bunworth, to whom he delivered the parcel, to be much agitated. At this time, it must be observed, her father was by no means considered in danger.

About a week before his passing, early in the evening, a sound came from the hall door that resembled sheep being sheared; however, no one paid much attention to it at the time. It was nearly eleven o'clock that same night when Kavanagh, the herdsman, returned from Mallow, where he had gone in the afternoon to get some medicine. Miss Bunworth noticed that he seemed very upset when he handed her the package. At this point, it's important to note that her father was not thought to be in any danger.

“What is the matter, Kavanagh?” asked Miss Bunworth: but the poor fellow, with a bewildered look, only uttered, “The master, Miss—the master—he is going from us;” and, overcome with real grief, he burst into a flood of tears.

“What’s wrong, Kavanagh?” asked Miss Bunworth. But the poor guy, looking confused, could only say, “The master, Miss—the master—he’s leaving us;” and, overwhelmed with genuine sadness, he broke down in tears.

Miss Bunworth, who was a woman of strong nerve, inquired if any thing he had learned in Mallow induced him to suppose that her father was worse. “No, Miss,” said Kavanagh; “it was not in Mallow——”

Miss Bunworth, a woman of strong nerves, asked if anything he learned in Mallow made him think her father was worse. “No, Miss,” Kavanagh said; “it wasn’t in Mallow——”

“Kavanagh,” said Miss Bunworth, with that stateliness of manner for which she is said to have been remarkable, “I fear you have been drinking, which, I must say, I did not expect at such a time as the present, when it was your duty to have kept yourself sober;—I thought you might have been trusted:—what should we have done if you had broken the medicine bottle, or lost it? for the doctor said it was of the greatest consequence that your master should take the medicine to-night. But I will speak to you in the morning, when you are in a fitter state to understand what I say.”

“Kavanagh,” said Miss Bunworth, with the kind of dignity she was known for, “I’m afraid you’ve been drinking, which I honestly didn’t expect at a time like this, when you should have kept yourself sober. I thought you could be trusted. What would we have done if you had broken the medicine bottle or lost it? The doctor said it was crucial for your master to take his medicine tonight. But I’ll talk to you in the morning, when you’re in a better state to understand what I’m saying.”

Kavanagh looked up with a stupidity of aspect which did not serve to remove the impression of his being drunk, as his eyes appeared heavy and dull after the flood of tears;—but his voice was not that of an intoxicated person.

Kavanagh looked up with a dazed expression that didn't help the impression that he was drunk, as his eyes seemed heavy and dull from the tears he had shed;—but his voice didn't sound like that of someone who was intoxicated.

“Miss,” said he, “as I hope to receive mercy hereafter, neither bit nor sup has passed my lips since I left this house; but the master——”

“Miss,” he said, “I swear, as I hope for mercy in the future, I haven’t eaten or drunk anything since I left this house; but the master——”

“Speak softly,” said Miss Bunworth; “he sleeps, and is going on as well as we could expect.”

“Speak quietly,” said Miss Bunworth; “he’s sleeping, and doing as well as we could hope.”

“Praise be to God for that, any way,” replied Kavanagh; “but oh! Miss, he is going from us surely—we will lose him—the master—we will lose him, we will lose him!” and he wrung his hands together.

“Thank God for that, anyway,” Kavanagh replied; “but oh! Miss, he’s surely leaving us—we're going to lose him—the master—we're going to lose him, we’re going to lose him!” and he wrung his hands together.

“What is it you mean, Kavanagh?” asked Miss Bunworth.

“What do you mean, Kavanagh?” asked Miss Bunworth.

“Is it mean?” said Kavanagh: “the Banshee has come for him, Miss, and ’tis not I alone who have heard her.”

“Is it cruel?” Kavanagh said. “The Banshee has come for him, Miss, and it’s not just me who has heard her.”

“’Tis an idle superstition,” said Miss Bunworth.

"That's just a silly superstition," said Miss Bunworth.

“May be so,” replied Kavanagh, as if the words ‘idle superstition’ only sounded upon his ear without reaching his mind—“May be so,” he continued; “but as I came through the glen of Ballybeg, she was along with me,[84] keening, and screeching, and clapping her hands, by my side, every step of the way, with her long white hair falling about her shoulders, and I could hear her repeat the master’s name every now and then, as plain as ever I heard it. When I came to the old abbey, she parted from me there, and turned into the pigeon-field next the berrin ground, and folding her cloak about her, down she sat under the tree that was struck by the lightning, and began keening so bitterly, that it went through one’s heart to hear it.”

“Maybe so,” Kavanagh replied, as if the term ‘idle superstition’ just rang in his ears without really sinking in—“Maybe so,” he continued; “but as I walked through the glen of Ballybeg, she was right there with me, [84] wailing, screaming, and clapping her hands beside me every step of the way, her long white hair falling around her shoulders. I could hear her say the master’s name every now and then, just as clearly as I’ve ever heard it. When I reached the old abbey, she separated from me there and turned into the pigeon field next to the burial ground, wrapped her cloak around herself, sat down under the tree that was struck by lightning, and began wailing so painfully that it pierced your heart to listen.”

“Kavanagh,” said Miss Bunworth, who had, however, listened attentively to this remarkable relation, “my father is, I believe, better; and I hope will himself soon be up and able to convince you that all this is but your own fancy; nevertheless, I charge you not to mention what you have told me, for there is no occasion to frighten your fellow-servants with the story.”

“Kavanagh,” said Miss Bunworth, who had, however, listened carefully to this remarkable story, “I think my father is doing better, and I hope he’ll be up soon to show you that all of this is just your imagination; still, I ask you not to mention what you’ve told me, as there’s no need to scare your fellow servants with the story.”

Mr. Bunworth gradually declined; but nothing particular occurred until the night previous to his death: that night both his daughters, exhausted with continued attendance and watching, were prevailed upon to seek some repose; and an elderly lady, a near relative and friend of the family, remained by the bed-side of their father. The old gentleman then lay in the parlour, where he had been in the morning removed at his own request, fancying the change would afford him relief; and the head of his bed was placed close to the window. In a room adjoining sat some male friends, and, as usual on like occasions of illness, in the kitchen many of the followers of the family had assembled.

Mr. Bunworth slowly got worse, but nothing out of the ordinary happened until the night before he died. That night, both his daughters, worn out from being by his side and watching over him, were convinced to get some rest, while an older lady, a close relative and friend of the family, stayed by their father's bedside. The old man was in the living room, where he had been moved that morning at his own request, thinking that the change would help him feel better, with the head of his bed positioned right by the window. In a nearby room, some male friends sat together, and as was customary during times of illness, many of the family’s supporters had gathered in the kitchen.

The night was serene and moonlit—the sick man slept—and nothing broke the stillness of their melancholy watch, when the little party in the room adjoining the parlour, the door of which stood open, was suddenly roused by a sound at the window near the bed: a rose tree grew outside the window, so close as to touch the glass; this was forced aside with some noise, and a low moaning was heard, accompanied by clapping of hands, as if of a female in deep affliction. It seemed as if the sound proceeded from a person holding her mouth close to the window. The lady who sat by the bed-side of Mr. Bunworth went into the adjoining room, and in a tone of alarm, inquired of the gentlemen there, if they had heard the Banshee? Skeptical of supernatural appearances,[85] two of them rose hastily and went out to discover the cause of these sounds, which they also had distinctly heard. They walked all around the house, examining every spot of ground, particularly near the window from whence the voice had proceeded; the bed of earth beneath, in which the rose tree was planted, had been recently dug, and the print of a footstep—if the tree had been forced aside by mortal hand—would have inevitably remained; but they could perceive no such impression; and an unbroken stillness reigned without. Hoping to dispel the mystery, they continued their search anxiously along the road, from the straightness of which and the lightness of the night, they were enabled to see some distance around them; but all was silent and deserted, and they returned surprised and disappointed. How much more then were they astonished at learning that the whole time of their absence, those who remained within the house had heard the moaning and clapping of hands even louder and more distinct than before they had gone out; and no sooner was the door of the room closed on them, than they again heard the same mournful sounds! Every succeeding hour the sick man became worse, and as the first glimpse of the morning appeared, Mr. Bunworth expired.

The night was calm and lit by the moon—the sick man slept—and nothing interrupted the somber vigil when the small group in the room next to the parlor, which had its door open, was suddenly awakened by a sound at the window near the bed: a rose bush grew right outside the window, so close it brushed against the glass; this was pushed aside with some noise, and a soft moaning could be heard, accompanied by clapping, as if a woman was in deep distress. It sounded like the noise was coming from someone pressing their mouth against the window. The woman sitting by Mr. Bunworth's bedside went into the next room and urgently asked the men there if they had heard the Banshee. Doubting supernatural happenings,[85] two of them quickly got up and went outside to find out what was making the noise, which they had also heard clearly. They walked around the house, checking every spot, especially near the window where the voice had come from; the soil underneath the rose bush had recently been disturbed, and if a person had pushed the tree aside, there would have been a footprint left, but they found no trace of one, and a deep silence surrounded them. Hoping to solve the mystery, they continued searching down the road, where the straight path and the bright night allowed them to see quite far; but everything was quiet and empty, and they returned feeling surprised and let down. They were even more shocked to learn that during their absence, those who stayed inside the house had heard the moaning and clapping even louder and clearer than before they left; and no sooner had they shut the door than the mournful sounds had returned! With each passing hour, the sick man grew worse, and as the first light of dawn appeared, Mr. Bunworth passed away.


LEGENDS OF THE BANSHEE.
XIII.

The family of Mac Carthy have for some generations possessed a small estate in the county of Tipperary. They are the descendants of a race, once numerous and powerful in the south of Ireland; and though it is probable that the property they at present hold is no part of the large possessions of their ancestors, yet the district in which they live is so connected with the name of Mac Carthy by those associations which are never forgotten in Ireland, that they have preserved with all ranks a sort of influence much greater than that which their fortune or connexions could otherwise give them. They are, like most of this class, of[86] the Roman Catholic persuasion, to which they adhere with somewhat of the pride of ancestry, blended with a something, call it what you will, whether bigotry, or a sense of wrong, arising out of repeated diminutions of their family possessions, during the more rigorous periods of the penal laws. Being an old family, and especially being an old Catholic family, they have of course their Banshee; and the circumstances under which the appearance, which I shall relate, of this mysterious harbinger of death, took place, were told me by an old lady, a near connexion of theirs, who knew many of the parties concerned, and who, though not deficient in understanding or education, cannot to this day be brought to give a decisive opinion as to the truth or authenticity of the story. The plain inference to be drawn from this is, that she believes it, though she does not own it; and as she was a contemporary of the persons concerned—as she heard the account from many persons about the same period, all concurring in the important particulars—as some of her authorities were themselves actors in the scene—and as none of the parties were interested in speaking what was false; I think we have about as good evidence that the whole is undeniably true as we have of many narratives of modern history, which I could name, and which many grave and sober-minded people would deem it very great pyrrhonism to question. This, however, is a point which it is not my province to determine. People who deal out stories of this sort must be content to act like certain young politicians, who tell very freely to their friends what they hear at a great man’s table; not guilty of the impertinence of weighing the doctrines, and leaving it to their hearers to understand them in any sense, or in no sense, just as they may please.

The Mac Carthy family has owned a small estate in Tipperary for several generations. They are descendants of a once-numerous and powerful line in the south of Ireland. While it’s likely that the property they currently own isn’t part of their ancestors' vast holdings, the area they live in is closely tied to the Mac Carthy name through deep-rooted associations that never fade in Ireland. Because of this connection, they hold a level of influence that exceeds what their wealth or connections could generally provide. Like many in their class, they are Roman Catholic and take pride in their heritage, mixed with a sense of wrongness, whether from bigotry or the ongoing loss of their family lands during the harsher times of the penal laws. Being an old family, especially an old Catholic family, they have their Banshee. The details surrounding the appearance of this mysterious omen of death were shared with me by an elderly relative of theirs who knew many involved. Though she is insightful and educated, she still struggles to firmly assert the truth or authenticity of the tale. It’s clear from this that she believes it, even if she won't admit it. Since she was contemporaneous with the individuals involved and heard the account from various sources around the same time—many of whom agreed on the important details—and since some of her sources were participants in the events, and none had a motive to misrepresent the truth, I think we have as strong a basis for believing this story as many modern historical accounts, which some serious-minded individuals would consider unreasonable to doubt. Nevertheless, deciding this is not my role. Those who share tales like this must accept that they operate like young politicians, who freely share stories they hear at a powerful person's table without the arrogance of analyzing the messages, allowing their listeners to interpret them however they wish.

Charles Mac Carthy was, in the year 1749, the only surviving son of a very numerous family. His father died when he was little more than twenty, leaving him the Mac Carthy estate, not much encumbered, considering that it was an Irish one. Charles was gay, handsome, unfettered either by poverty, a father, or guardians, and therefore was not at the age of one-and-twenty, a pattern of regularity and virtue. In plain terms, he was an exceedingly dissipated—I fear I may say debauched young man. His companions[87] were, as may be supposed, of the higher classes of the youth in his neighbourhood, and, in general, of those whose fortunes were larger than his own, whose dispositions to pleasure were therefore under still less restrictions, and in whose example he found at once an incentive and an apology for his irregularities. Besides, Ireland, a place to this day not very remarkable for the coolness and steadiness of its youth, was then one of the cheapest countries in the world in most of those articles which money supplies for the indulgence of the passions. The odious exciseman, with his portentous book in one hand, his unrelenting pen held in the other, or stuck beneath his hat-band, and the ink-bottle (‘black emblem of the informer’) dangling from his waist-coat-button—went not then from ale-house to ale-house, denouncing all those patriotic dealers in spirit, who preferred selling whisky, which had nothing to do with English laws (but to elude them,) to retailing that poisonous liquor, which derived its name from the British “parliament,” that compelled its circulation among a reluctant people. Or if the gauger—recording angel of the law—wrote down the peccadillo of a publican, he dropped a tear upon the word, and blotted it out for ever! For, welcome to the tables of their hospitable neighbours, the guardians of the excise, where they existed at all, scrupled to abridge those luxuries which they freely shared; and thus the competition in the market between the smuggler, who incurred little hazard, and the personage ycleped fair trader, who enjoyed little protection, made Ireland a land flowing, not merely with milk and honey, but with whisky and wine. In the enjoyments supplied by these, and in the many kindred pleasures to which frail youth is but too prone, Charles Mac Carthy indulged to such a degree, that just about the time when he had completed his four-and-twentieth year, after a week of great excesses, he was seized with a violent fever, which, from its malignity, and the weakness of his frame, left scarcely a hope of his recovery. His mother, who had at first made many efforts to check his vices, and at last had been obliged to look on at his rapid progress to ruin in silent despair, watched day and night at his pillow. The anguish of parental feeling was blended with that still deeper misery which those only[88] know who have striven hard to rear in virtue and piety a beloved and favourite child; have found him grow up all that their hearts could desire, until he reached manhood; and then, when their pride was highest, and their hopes almost ended in the fulfilment of their fondest expectations, have seen this idol of their affections plunge headlong into a course of reckless profligacy, and, after a rapid career of vice, hang upon the verge of eternity, without the leisure for, or the power of, repentance. Fervently she prayed that, if his life could not be spared, at least the delirium, which continued with increasing violence from the first few hours of his disorder, might vanish before death, and leave enough of light and of calm for making his peace with offended Heaven. After several days, however, nature seemed quite exhausted, and he sunk into a state to like death to be mistaken for the repose of sleep. His face had that pale, glossy, marble look, which is in general so sure a symptom that life has left its tenement of clay. His eyes were closed and sunk; the lids having that compressed and stiffened appearance which seemed to indicate that some friendly hand had done its last office. The lips, half-closed and perfectly ashy, discovered just so much of the teeth as to give to the features of death their most ghastly, but most impressive look. He lay upon his back, with his hands stretched beside, quite motionless; and his distracted mother, after repeated trials, could discover not the least symptom of animation. The medical man who attended, having tried the usual modes for ascertaining the presence of life, declared at last his opinion that it was flown, and prepared to depart from the house of mourning. His horse was seen to come to the door. A crowd of people who were collected before the windows, or scattered in groups on the lawn in front, gathered round when the door opened. These were tenants, fosterers, and poor relations of the family, with others attracted by affection, or by that interest which partakes of curiosity, but is something more, and which collects the lower ranks round a house where a human being is in his passage to another world. They saw the professional man come out from the hall door and approach his horse, and while slowly, and with a melancholy air, he prepared to mount, they clustered round him with inquiring[89] and wishful looks. Not a word was spoken; but their meaning could not be misunderstood; and the physician, when he had got into his saddle, and while the servant was still holding the bridle, as if to delay him, and was looking anxiously at his face, as if expecting that he would relieve the general suspense, shook his head, and said in a low voice, “It’s all over, James;” and moved slowly away. The moment he had spoken, the women present, who were very numerous, uttered a shrill cry, which, having been sustained for about half a minute, fell suddenly into a full, loud, continued and discordant but plaintive wailing, above which occasionally were heard the deep sounds of a man’s voice, sometimes in broken sobs, sometimes in more distinct exclamations of sorrow. This was Charles’s foster-brother, who moved about in the crowd, now clapping his hands, now rubbing them together in an agony of grief. The poor fellow had been Charles’s playmate and companion when a boy, and afterwards his servant; had always been distinguished by his peculiar regard, and loved his young master, as much, at least, as he did his own life.

Charles Mac Carthy was, in 1749, the only surviving son of a very large family. His father passed away when he was just over twenty, leaving him the Mac Carthy estate, which was not heavily burdened, considering it was in Ireland. Charles was cheerful, attractive, and free from the constraints of poverty, a father, or guardians, and so, at twenty-one, he was not exactly a model of discipline and virtue. To put it bluntly, he was quite a partying—I fear I might say debauched young man. His friends were mostly from the upper classes of youth in his area, typically those whose fortunes were greater than his own, whose pursuit of pleasure had even fewer limits, and whose example provided both motivation and justification for his excesses. Moreover, Ireland, even today not especially known for its youth's coolness and steadiness, was back then one of the cheapest places in the world for most of the things money buys to indulge the passions. The loathed exciseman, with his ominous book in one hand, his relentless pen in the other, or tucked under his hatband, and the ink-bottle (‘black symbol of the informer’) dangling from his waistcoat button—did not then go from tavern to tavern denouncing all those patriotic sellers of spirits who preferred to sell whisky, which had nothing to do with English laws (other than dodging them), rather than retailing the toxic liquor that bore the name of the British “parliament,” which forced it upon a reluctant populace. Or if the gauger—recording angel of the law—noted a publican’s slip, he would shed a tear on that word and erase it forever! For the guardians of excise, when they existed at all, were welcoming to the tables of their hospitable neighbors and rarely shrank from sharing those luxuries; thus, the market rivalry between the smuggler, who faced little risk, and the so-called fair trader, who enjoyed little protection, turned Ireland into a land flowing not merely with milk and honey, but with whisky and wine. In the pleasures provided by these, and in the many similar indulgences to which fragile youth is all too susceptible, Charles Mac Carthy indulged to such an extent that by the time he turned twenty-four, after a week of excess, he was struck down by a severe fever, which, due to its severity and the weakness of his body, left little hope of recovery. His mother, who had initially made many efforts to curb his vices, ultimately had to watch in silent despair as he rapidly descended into ruin, keeping vigil day and night at his bedside. The pain of parental love mixed with the deeper anguish known only to those who have strived to raise a beloved child in virtue and piety; watched him grow into everything they could hope for until he reached manhood; and then, when their pride was at its highest, and their hopes almost fulfilled, saw this idol of their affections dive headfirst into a life of reckless depravity, hanging on the edge of eternity, without the time or ability for repentance. She fervently prayed that if his life couldn't be saved, at least the delirium that had escalated since the first hours of his illness would disappear before death, leaving enough clarity and peace for him to reconcile with an offended Heaven. After several days, however, his body seemed completely spent, and he fell into a state so like death that it could easily be mistaken for sleep. His face had that pale, glossy, marble appearance, which is generally a sure sign that life has vacated its clay vessel. His eyes were closed and sunken, with the eyelids having that tight and stiffened look, suggesting that some compassionate hand had performed its final duty. The lips, half-closed and perfectly ashy, displayed just enough of his teeth to give death's features their most haunting, yet striking appearance. He lay on his back, hands by his sides, completely still; and his distraught mother, after numerous attempts, could detect not the slightest sign of life. The doctor attending him, having tried the usual methods to determine the presence of life, finally declared that it was gone and prepared to leave the house of mourning. His horse was seen approaching the door. A crowd gathered outside the windows, or huddled in groups on the lawn in front, consisting of tenants, foster relatives, and poor relatives of the family, along with others drawn by love or that curious interest that is something more, collecting the lower ranks around a house where a person is transitioning to another world. They watched the professional man emerge from the hall and walk to his horse, and while he prepared to mount slowly and with a sad demeanor, they closed in around him with questioning and hopeful expressions. No words were exchanged, but their intentions were clear; and when the physician finally mounted his horse, while the servant anxiously held the bridle as if trying to prolong his departure, he looked worriedly at the doctor's face, expecting him to alleviate the communal anxiety. The doctor shook his head and spoke softly, “It’s all over, James,” and began to ride away. As soon as he said this, the many women present let out a piercing cry, which, after about half a minute, turned into a full, loud, continuous, and discordant wail, mixed with plaintive sounds, above which could be heard the deep voice of a man, sometimes breaking into sobs, sometimes delivering clearer proclamations of sorrow. This was Charles’s foster brother, who moved among the crowd, sometimes clapping his hands, sometimes rubbing them together in his grief. This poor fellow had been Charles’s playmate and companion as a child, later becoming his servant; he had always received special affection and loved his young master as much as his own life.

When Mrs. Mac Carthy became convinced that the blow was indeed struck, and that her beloved son was sent to his last account, even in the blossoms of his sin, she remained for some time gazing with fixedness upon his cold features; then, as if something had suddenly touched the string of her tenderest affections, tear after tear trickled down her cheeks, pale with anxiety and watching. Still she continued looking at her son, apparently unconscious that she was weeping, without once lifting her handkerchief to her eyes, until reminded of the sad duties which the custom of the country imposed upon her, by the crowd of females belonging to the better class of the peasantry, who now, crying audibly, nearly filled the apartment. She then withdrew, to give directions for the ceremony of waking, and for supplying the numerous visiters of all ranks with the refreshments usual on these melancholy occasions. Though her voice was scarcely heard, and though no one saw her but the servants and one or two old followers of the family, who assisted her in the necessary arrangements, every thing was conducted with the greatest regularity; and though she made no effort to check her sorrows, they[90] never once suspended her attention, now more than ever required to preserve order in her household, which, in this season of calamity, but for her would have been all confusion.

When Mrs. Mac Carthy realized that the blow had indeed been dealt and that her beloved son had departed this life, even amidst his sins, she stood for a while, staring at his cold face. Then, as if a deep chord of her affection had been struck, tears began to flow down her anxious, pale cheeks. She continued to gaze at her son, seemingly unaware that she was crying, without once raising her handkerchief to her eyes, until the mournful duties dictated by custom pulled her attention away. A crowd of women from the better-off peasantry, sobbing loudly, nearly filled the room. She then stepped away to organize the wake and to provide refreshments for the many visitors of all kinds who came during these sorrowful times. Although her voice was barely audible and only the servants and a couple of old family friends saw her as she coordinated the arrangements, everything was carried out with great precision. Even though she made no effort to hold back her grief, it never once distracted her, especially now, when she needed to maintain order in her home, which, without her, would have been in total chaos during this time of tragedy.

The night was pretty far advanced; the boisterous lamentations which had prevailed during part of the day in and about the house had given place to a solemn and mournful stillness; and Mrs. Mac Carthy, whose heart, notwithstanding her long fatigue and watching, was yet too sore for sleep, was kneeling in fervent prayer in a chamber adjoining that of her son:—suddenly her devotions were disturbed by an unusual noise, proceeding from the persons who were watching round the body. First, there was a low murmur—then all was silent, as if the movements of those in the chamber were checked by a sudden panic—and then a loud cry of terror burst from all within:—the door of the chamber was thrown open, and all who were not overturned in the press rushed wildly into the passage which led to the stairs, and into which Mrs. Mac Carthy’s room opened. Mrs. Mac Carthy made her way through the crowd into her son’s chamber, where she found him sitting up in the bed, and looking vacantly around like one risen from the grave. The glare thrown upon his sunk features and thin lathy frame gave an unearthly horror to his whole aspect. Mrs. Mac Carthy was a woman of some firmness; but she was a woman, and not quite free from the superstitions of her country. She dropped on her knees, and, clasping her hands, began to pray aloud. The form before her moved only its lips and barely uttered, “Mother;”—but though the pale lips moved, as if there was a design to finish the sentence, the tongue refused its office. Mrs. Mac Carthy sprung forward, and catching the arm of her son, exclaimed, “Speak! in the name of God and his saints, speak! are you alive?”

The night was well advanced; the loud cries that had filled the house earlier in the day had given way to a heavy, sad silence. Mrs. Mac Carthy, whose heart was still too aching for sleep despite her exhaustion, was kneeling in fervent prayer in a room next to her son's. Suddenly, her prayers were interrupted by an unusual noise coming from those gathered around the body. First, there was a low murmuring—then silence, as if the people in the room were struck by a sudden fear—and then a loud cry of terror erupted from everyone inside: the door of the room flew open, and those who weren’t knocked over in the chaos rushed wildly into the hallway that led to the stairs, which opened into Mrs. Mac Carthy’s room. Mrs. Mac Carthy pushed her way through the crowd into her son’s room, where she found him sitting up in bed, staring blankly around like someone who had come back from the dead. The light casting over his sunken features and thin, weak body added a ghastly quality to his appearance. Mrs. Mac Carthy was a strong woman; however, she was still a woman, and not entirely free from the superstitions of her culture. She fell to her knees, clasped her hands, and began to pray aloud. The figure in front of her only moved its lips and barely managed to say, “Mother;”—but even though the pale lips moved as if trying to complete the thought, the tongue wouldn’t cooperate. Mrs. Mac Carthy lunged forward, grabbing her son’s arm, and cried out, “Speak! In the name of God and all the saints, speak! Are you alive?”

He turned to her slowly, and said, speaking still with apparent difficulty, “Yes, my mother, alive, and—— But sit down and collect yourself; I have that to tell, which will astonish you still more than what you have seen.” He leaned back on his pillow, and while his mother remained kneeling by the bed-side, holding one of his hands clasped in hers, and gazing on him with the look of one who distrusted[91] all her senses, he proceeded:—“do not interrupt me until I have done. I wish to speak while the excitement of returning life is upon me, as I know I shall soon need much repose. Of the commencement of my illness I have only a confused recollection; but within the last twelve hours, I have been before the judgment-seat of God. Do not stare incredulously on me—’tis as true as have been my crimes, and, as I trust, shall be my repentance. I saw the awful Judge arrayed in all the terrors which invest him when mercy gives place to justice. The dreadful pomp of offended omnipotence, I saw,—I remember. It is fixed here; printed on my brain in characters indelible; but it passeth human language. What I can describe I will—I may speak it briefly. It is enough to say, I was weighed in the balance and found wanting. The irrevocable sentence was upon the point of being pronounced; the eye of my Almighty Judge, which had already glanced upon me, half spoke my doom; when I observed the guardian saint, to whom you so often directed my prayers when I was a child, looking at me with an expression of benevolence and compassion. I stretched forth my hands to him, and besought his intercession; I implored that one year, one month might be given to me on earth, to do penance and atonement for my transgressions. He threw himself at the feet of my Judge, and supplicated for mercy. Oh! never—not if I should pass through ten thousand successive states of being—never, for eternity, shall I forget the horrors of that moment, when my fate hung suspended—when an instant was to decide whether torments unutterable were to be my portion for endless ages? But Justice suspended its decree, and Mercy spoke in accents of firmness, but mildness, ‘Return to that world in which thou hast lived but to outrage the laws of Him who made that world and thee. Three years are given thee for repentance; when these are ended, thou shalt again stand here, to be saved or lost for ever.’—I heard no more; I saw no more, until I awoke to life, the moment before you entered.”

He turned to her slowly and said, still speaking with apparent difficulty, “Yes, my mother, alive, and—but sit down and gather yourself; I have something to tell you that will astonish you even more than what you've already seen.” He leaned back on his pillow as his mother knelt by the bedside, holding one of his hands in hers and gazing at him with an expression of disbelief regarding all her senses. He continued: “Do not interrupt me until I’m finished. I want to speak while the excitement of coming back to life is still with me, knowing I will soon need a lot of rest. I only have a vague recollection of how my illness began; but in the last twelve hours, I stood before the judgment seat of God. Don’t look at me in disbelief—it’s as true as my crimes, and, I hope, as true as my repentance. I saw the terrifying Judge surrounded by all the fearsome aspects that come when mercy gives way to justice. I witnessed the dreadful grandeur of offended omnipotence; I remember it. It is etched in my mind in indelible marks; but it’s beyond human description. What I can describe I will—I'll keep it brief. It’s enough to say I was weighed in the balance and found wanting. The irrevocable sentence was about to be pronounced; the eye of my Almighty Judge, which had already glanced at me, almost spoke my doom; when I noticed the guardian saint, to whom you often directed my prayers as a child, looking at me with kindness and compassion. I reached out my hands to him and pleaded for his intercession; I begged that I could have one year, one month on earth to do penance and make amends for my wrongdoings. He threw himself at the feet of my Judge and begged for mercy. Oh! I will never—no matter how many lives I might live—ever forget the horrors of that moment when my fate was hanging in the balance—when an instant was about to decide whether I would suffer unthinkable torments for endless ages. But Justice held back its decree, and Mercy spoke with firmness yet gentleness, ‘Return to that world in which you have lived only to break the laws of the One who created that world and you. You have three years for repentance; when they are over, you shall stand here again, to be saved or lost forever.’—I heard no more; I saw no more, until I woke to life, just before you entered.”

Charles’s strength continued just long enough to finish these last words, and on uttering them he closed his eyes, and lay quite exhausted. His mother, though, as was before[92] said, somewhat disposed to give credit to supernatural visitations, yet hesitated whether or not she should believe that, although awakened from a swoon, which might have been the crisis of his disease, he was still under the influence of delirium. Repose, however, was at all events necessary, and she took immediate measures that he should enjoy it undisturbed. After some hours’ sleep, he awoke refreshed, and thenceforward gradually but steadily recovered.

Charles’s strength lasted just long enough for him to say these last words, and after saying them, he closed his eyes and lay completely exhausted. His mother, although somewhat inclined to believe in supernatural events, still hesitated to accept that, even after being roused from a faint that could have marked the peak of his illness, he was still affected by delirium. Regardless, he clearly needed rest, so she quickly made sure he could enjoy it without interruptions. After sleeping for a few hours, he woke up feeling refreshed and gradually but steadily began to recover from then on.

Still he persisted in his account of the vision, as he had at first related it; and his persuasion of its reality had an obvious and decided influence on his habits and conduct. He did not altogether abandon the society of his former associates, for his temper was not soured by his reformation; but he never joined in their excesses, and often endeavoured to reclaim them. How his pious exertions succeeded, I have never learnt; but of himself it is recorded, that he was religious without ostentation, and temperate without austerity; giving a practical proof that vice may be exchanged for virtue, without a loss of respectability, popularity, or happiness.

Still, he continued to share his vision as he had initially described it, and his strong belief in its reality clearly impacted his habits and behavior. He didn't completely cut ties with his old friends; his reformation didn't leave him bitter. However, he never participated in their excesses and often tried to help them change their ways. I haven’t found out how successful his efforts were, but it’s noted that he was religious without being showy, and moderate without being rigid, demonstrating that one can trade vice for virtue without losing respect, popularity, or happiness.

Time rolled on, and long before the three years were ended, the story of his vision was forgotten, or, when spoken of, was usually mentioned as an instance proving the folly of believing in such things. Charles’s health from the temperance and regularity of his habits, became more robust than ever. His friends, indeed, had often occasion to rally him upon a seriousness and abstractedness of demeanour, which grew upon him as he approached the completion of his seven-and-twentieth year, but for the most part his manner exhibited the same animation and cheerfulness for which he had always been remarkable. In company he evaded every endeavour to draw from him a distinct opinion on the subject of the supposed prediction; but among his own family it was well known that he still firmly believed it. However, when the day had nearly arrived on which the prophecy was, if at all, to be fulfilled, his whole appearance gave such promise of a long and healthy life, that he was persuaded by his friends to ask a large party to an entertainment at Spring House, to celebrate his birth-day. But the occasion of this party, and the circumstances which[93] attended it, will be best learned from a perusal of the following letters, which have been carefully preserved by some relations of his family. The first is from Mrs. Mac Carthy to a lady, a very near connexion and valued friend of hers, who lived in the county of Cork, at about fifty miles’ distance from Spring House.

Time went by, and long before the three years were up, the story of his vision was forgotten, or, when mentioned, it was usually brought up as an example of the foolishness of believing in such things. Charles’s health, due to his temperance and regular habits, became stronger than ever. His friends often teased him about the seriousness and distraction he displayed as he approached his twenty-seventh birthday, but for the most part, he still showed the same energy and cheerfulness that he had always been known for. In social situations, he dodged every attempt to get him to share a clear opinion on the supposed prediction; however, it was well known among his family that he still strongly believed in it. As the day approached when the prophecy was supposed to be fulfilled, his whole demeanor gave the impression of a long and healthy life ahead, so his friends convinced him to invite a large group over to Spring House to celebrate his birthday. The reason for this party and the events surrounding it will be best understood through reading the following letters, which have been carefully kept by some of his relatives. The first letter is from Mrs. Mac Carthy to a lady, a very close relative and valued friend of hers, who lived in County Cork, about fifty miles away from Spring House.

“To Mrs. Barry, Castle Barry.

“To Mrs. Barry, Castle Barry.”

Spring House, Tuesday morning,
October 15th, 1752.

Spring House, Tuesday morning,
October 15th, 1752.

“MY DEAREST MARY,

“MY DEAR MARY,

“I am afraid I am going to put your affection for your old friend and kinswoman to a severe trial. A two days’ journey at this season, over bad roads and through a troubled country, it will indeed require friendship such as yours to persuade a sober woman to encounter. But the truth is, I have, or fancy I have, more than usual cause for wishing you near me. You know my son’s story. I can’t tell how it is, but as next Sunday approaches, when the prediction of his dream or his vision will be proved false or true, I feel a sickening of the heart, which I cannot suppress, but which your presence, my dear Mary, will soften, as it has done so many of my sorrows. My nephew, James Ryan, is to be married to Jane Osborne (who, you know, is my son’s ward,) and the bridal entertainment will take place here on Sunday next, though Charles pleaded hard to have it postponed a day or two longer. Would to God—but no more of this till we meet. Do prevail upon yourself to leave your good man for one week, if his farming concerns will not admit of his accompanying you; and come to us with the girls, as soon before Sunday as you can.

"I’m afraid I’m going to put your love for your old friend and family member to a serious test. A two-day trip at this time of year, over rough roads and through a troubled area, will definitely require a strong friendship like yours to convince a sensible woman to take it on. But honestly, I have, or think I have, more reasons than usual to want you close by. You know my son’s story. I can’t explain it, but as next Sunday approaches, when the prediction from his dream or vision will be tested, I feel a weight in my heart that I can’t shake, but your presence, my dear Mary, will ease it, just like it has with many of my troubles. My nephew, James Ryan, is about to marry Jane Osborne (who, as you know, is my son’s ward), and the wedding celebration is happening here next Sunday, even though Charles strongly suggested delaying it by a day or two. I wish to God—but let’s not discuss this until we meet. Please make sure to leave your good man for one week, if his farming duties don’t allow him to come with you; and come to us with the girls as soon as you can before Sunday."

“Ever my dear Mary’s attached cousin and friend,

“Always your loyal cousin and friend,

“Ann Mac Carthy.”

“Ann Mac Carthy.”

Although this letter reached Castle Barry early on Wednesday, the messenger having travelled on foot, over bog and moor, by paths impassable to horse or carriage, Mrs. Barry, who at once determined on going, had so many arrangements to make for the regulation of her domestic affairs (which, in Ireland, among the middle orders[94] of the gentry, fall soon into confusion when the mistress of the family is away,) that she and her two younger daughters were unable to leave home until late on the morning of Friday. The eldest daughter remained, to keep her father company, and superintend the concerns of the household. As the travellers were to journey in an open one-horse vehicle, called a jaunting-car (still used in Ireland,) and as the roads, bad at all times, were rendered still worse by the heavy rains, it was their design to make two easy stages; to stop about mid-way the first night, and reach Spring House early on Saturday evening. This arrangement was now altered, as they found that from the lateness of their departure, they could proceed, at the utmost, no further than twenty miles on the first day; and they therefore purposed sleeping at the house of a Mr. Bourke, a friend of theirs, who lived at somewhat less than that distance from Castle Barry. They reached Mr. Bourke’s in safety, after rather a disagreeable drive. What befell them on their journey the next day to the Spring House, and after their arrival there, is fully related in a letter from the second Miss Barry to her eldest sister.

Although this letter got to Castle Barry early on Wednesday, the messenger had to walk over bog and moor, taking paths that were impossible for horses or carriages. Mrs. Barry, who immediately decided to leave, had to make a lot of arrangements for her household (which can quickly fall into disorder among the middle class of gentry in Ireland when the lady of the house is away), so she and her two younger daughters couldn’t leave until late Friday morning. The eldest daughter stayed behind to keep her father company and oversee the household. Since the travelers planned to take an open one-horse vehicle called a jaunting-car (still used in Ireland), and the roads, which were already bad, were made worse by heavy rains, they intended to take two easy stages, stopping about halfway on the first night and arriving at Spring House early Saturday evening. However, they had to change their plans when they realized they could only travel about twenty miles on the first day due to their late start, so they decided to spend the night at the home of Mr. Bourke, a friend who lived slightly less than that distance from Castle Barry. They reached Mr. Bourke's safely after a rather uncomfortable drive. What happened to them on their journey the next day to Spring House and after their arrival is detailed in a letter from the second Miss Barry to her eldest sister.

“Spring House, Sunday evening,
20th October, 1752.

“Spring House, Sunday evening,
October 20, 1752.

“DEAR ELLEN,

“DEAR ELLEN,

“As my mother’s letter, which encloses this, will announce to you briefly the sad intelligence which I shall here relate more fully, I think it better to go regularly through the recital of the extraordinary events of the last two days.

“As you’ll see from my mother’s letter included here, it briefly shares the sad news I'll explain in detail. I think it's best to walk you through the incredible events of the last two days step by step.”

“The Bourkes kept us up so late on Friday night, that yesterday was pretty far advanced before we could begin our journey, and the day closed when we were nearly fifteen miles distant from this place. The roads were excessively deep, from the heavy rains of the last week, and we proceeded so slowly, that at last my mother resolved on passing the night at the house of Mr. Bourke’s brother (who lives about a quarter of a mile off the road), and coming here to breakfast in the morning. The day had been windy and showery, and the sky looked fitful, gloomy, and uncertain. The moon was full, and at times shone[95] clear and bright; at others, it was wholly concealed behind the thick, black, and rugged masses of clouds, that rolled rapidly along, and were every moment becoming larger, and collecting together, as if gathering strength for a coming storm. The wind, which blew in our faces, whistled bleakly along the low hedges of the narrow road, on which we proceeded with difficulty from the number of deep sloughs, and which afforded not the least shelter, no plantation being within some miles of us. My mother, therefore, asked Leary, who drove the jaunting-car, how far we were from Mr. Bourke’s. ‘’Tis about ten spades from this to the cross, and we have then only to turn to the left into the avenue, ma’am.’ ‘Very well, Leary: turn up to Mr. Bourke’s as soon as you reach the cross roads.’ My mother had scarcely spoken these words, when a shriek that made us thrill as if our very hearts were pierced by it, burst from the hedge to the right of our way. If it resembled any thing earthly, it seemed the cry of a female, struck by a sudden and mortal blow, and giving out her life in one long deep pang of expiring agony. ‘Heaven defend us!’ exclaimed my mother. ‘Go you over the hedge, Leary, and save that woman, if she is not yet dead, while we run back to the hut we just passed, and alarm the village near it.’ ‘Woman!’ said Leary, beating the horse violently, while his voice trembled—‘that’s no woman: the sooner we get on, ma’am, the better;’ and he continued his efforts to quicken the horse’s pace. We saw nothing. The moon was hid. It was quite dark, and we had been for some time expecting a heavy fall of rain. But just as Leary had spoken, and had succeeded in making the horse trot briskly forward, we distinctly heard a loud clapping of hands, followed by a succession of screams, that seemed to denote the last excess of despair and anguish, and to issue from a person running forward inside the hedge, to keep pace with our progress. Still we saw nothing; until, when we were within about ten yards of the place where an avenue branched off to Mr. Bourke’s to the left, and the road turned to Spring House on the right, the moon started suddenly from behind a cloud, and enabled us to see, as plainly as I now see this paper, the figure of a tall thin woman, with uncovered head, and long hair that float[96]ed round her shoulders, attired in something which seemed either a loose white cloak, or a sheet thrown hastily about her. She stood on the corner hedge, where the road on which we were, met that which leads to Spring House, with her face towards us, her left hand pointing to this place, and her right arm waving rapidly and violently, as if to draw us on in that direction. The horse had stopped, apparently frightened at the sudden presence of the figure, which stood in the manner I have described, still uttering the same piercing cries, for about half a minute. It then leaped upon the road, disappeared from our view for one instant, and the next was seen standing upon a high wall a little way up the avenue, on which we proposed going, still pointing towards the road to Spring House, but in an attitude of defiance and command, as if prepared to oppose our passage up the avenue. The figure was now quite silent, and its garments, which had before flown loosely in the wind, were closely wrapped around it. ‘Go on, Leary, to Spring House, in God’s name,’ said my mother; ‘whatever world it belongs to, we will provoke it no longer.’ ‘’Tis the Banshee, ma’am,’ said Leary; ‘and I would not, for what my life is worth, go any where this blessed night but to Spring House. But I’m afraid there’s something bad going forward, or she would not send us there.’ So saying, he drove forward; and as we turned on the road to the right, the moon suddenly withdrew its light, and we saw the apparition no more; but we heard plainly a prolonged clapping of hands, gradually dying away, as if it issued from a person rapidly retreating. We proceeded as quickly as the badness of the roads and the fatigue of the poor animal that drew us would allow, and arrived here about eleven o’clock last night. The scene which awaited us you have learned from my mother’s letter. To explain it fully, I must recount to you some of the transactions which took place here during the last week.

“The Bourkes kept us up so late on Friday night that we didn’t start our journey until much later yesterday, and we ended our day nearly fifteen miles from here. The roads were really muddy from the heavy rains last week, and we were moving so slowly that eventually my mother decided to spend the night at Mr. Bourke's brother's house, which is about a quarter of a mile off the road, and come here for breakfast in the morning. The day had been windy and rainy, with a gloomy sky. The full moon sometimes shone brightly but was often hidden behind thick, dark clouds that rolled quickly by, as if gathering strength for a storm. The wind whipped in our faces, whistling across the low hedges along the narrow road, which was difficult to navigate due to numerous deep puddles, offering no shelter since there were no trees for miles. My mother then asked Leary, who was driving the jaunting-car, how far we were from Mr. Bourke’s. ‘It’s about ten spades to the cross, and then we just need to turn left into the avenue, ma’am.’ ‘Alright, Leary: turn up to Mr. Bourke’s as soon as you reach the cross roads.’ My mother barely finished speaking when a scream erupted from the hedge to our right, sending chills down our spines. It sounded like a woman cry, caught in a sudden, life-threatening situation, expressing her last moments in a long, deep pang of agony. ‘Heaven help us!’ my mother exclaimed. ‘Leary, go over the hedge and save that woman if she’s still alive while we run back to the hut we just passed and alert the nearby village.’ ‘Woman!’ said Leary, whipping the horse harder, his voice shaking—‘that’s no woman: the sooner we move on, ma’am, the better;’ and he kept urging the horse to go faster. We saw nothing. The moon was hidden. It was completely dark, and we expected it to pour at any moment. But just as Leary spoke and got the horse to trot quickly forward, we distinctly heard loud clapping followed by desperate screams that seemed to come from someone running alongside us inside the hedge, trying to keep pace. Still, we saw nothing; until we were about ten yards from the avenue branching off to Mr. Bourke’s on the left, and the road turned towards Spring House on the right, when the moon suddenly came out from behind a cloud. That’s when we saw, as clearly as I see this paper, the figure of a tall, thin woman with an uncovered head and long hair flowing around her shoulders, dressed in what looked like a loose white cloak or a hastily draped sheet. She stood at the corner of the hedge, where our road met the one leading to Spring House, facing us, with her left hand pointing towards this place and her right arm waving rapidly and fiercely, as if trying to beckon us in that direction. The horse stopped, startled by the sudden sight of the figure, which continued to let out the same piercing cries for about half a minute. The figure then jumped onto the road, disappeared from our view for a moment, and the next second was seen standing on a high wall a little up the avenue we intended to take, still pointing towards the road to Spring House but now in a posture of defiance, as if ready to block our way up the avenue. The figure was completely silent now, and its garments, which had previously flapped loosely in the wind, were now tightly wrapped around it. ‘Go on, Leary, to Spring House, for God’s sake,’ my mother said; ‘whatever world it comes from, we won’t anger it any longer.’ ‘It’s the Banshee, ma’am,’ said Leary; ‘and I wouldn’t, for my life, go anywhere but to Spring House tonight. But I fear something bad is happening, or she wouldn’t be sending us there.’ So saying, he drove on; and as we turned onto the road to the right, the moon quickly withdrew its light, and we didn’t see the apparition again; but we distinctly heard loud clapping gradually fade away, as if coming from someone quickly retreating. We proceeded as fast as the poor animal pulling us could manage on the rough roads and arrived here around eleven o’clock last night. You’ve gathered from my mother’s letter what scene awaited us. To explain it fully, I need to recount some of the events that happened here over the last week.”

“You are aware that Jane Osborne was to have been married this day to James Ryan, and that they and their friends have been here for the last week. On Tuesday last, the very day on the morning of which cousin Mac Carthy despatched the letter inviting us here, the whole of the company were walking about the grounds a little before dinner. It seems[97] that an unfortunate creature, who had been seduced by James Ryan, was seen prowling in the neighbourhood in a moody melancholy state for some days previous. He had separated from her for several months, and, they say, had provided for her rather handsomely; but she had been seduced by the promise of his marrying her; and the shame of her unhappy condition, uniting with disappointment and jealousy, had disordered her intellects. During the whole forenoon of this Tuesday, she had been walking in the plantations near Spring House, with her cloak folded tight around her, the hood nearly covering her face; and she had avoided conversing with or even meeting any of the family.

“You know that Jane Osborne was supposed to marry James Ryan today, and that they and their friends have been here all week. Last Tuesday, the very morning when cousin Mac Carthy sent the invitation for us to come here, everyone in the group was walking around the grounds just before dinner. It turns out that an unfortunate woman, who had been involved with James Ryan, had been seen wandering in the area in a gloomy, troubled state for a few days prior. He had left her for several months and, reportedly, had supported her quite generously; however, she had been tempted by the promise of him marrying her. The shame of her situation, combined with disappointment and jealousy, had affected her mental state. Throughout that Tuesday morning, she had been walking in the woods near Spring House, with her cloak pulled tightly around her and her hood nearly covering her face. She had avoided engaging with or even seeing any of the family.”

“Charles Mac Carthy, at the time I mentioned, was walking between James Ryan and another, at a little distance from the rest, on a gravel path, skirting a shrubbery. The whole party were thrown into the utmost consternation by the report of a pistol, fired from a thickly planted part of the shrubbery, which Charles and his companions had just passed. He fell instantly, and it was found that he had been wounded in the leg. One of the party was a medical man; his assistance was immediately given, and, on examining, he declared that the injury was very slight, that no bone was broken, that it was merely a flesh wound, and that it would certainly be well in a few days. ‘We shall know more by Sunday,’ said Charles, as he was carried to his chamber. His wound was immediately dressed, and so slight was the inconvenience which it gave, that several of his friends spent a portion of the evening in his apartment.

“Charles Mac Carthy, at the moment I mentioned, was walking between James Ryan and another person, a little away from the rest, on a gravel path next to some bushes. The whole group was thrown into panic by the sound of a gunshot fired from a densely planted area of the bushes they had just passed. He fell immediately, and it turned out he had been shot in the leg. One of the people in the group was a doctor; he quickly stepped in to help and, after examining the injury, said it was very minor, that no bones were broken, just a flesh wound, and that it would definitely heal in a few days. ‘We’ll know more by Sunday,’ said Charles as he was carried to his room. His wound was treated quickly, and it was so minor that several of his friends spent part of the evening with him in his room.”

“On inquiry, it was found that the unlucky shot was fired by the poor girl I just mentioned. It was also manifest that she had aimed, not at Charles, but at the destroyer of her innocence and happiness, who was walking beside him. After a fruitless search for her through the grounds, she walked into the house of her own accord, laughing, and dancing and singing wildly, and every moment exclaiming that she had at last killed Mr. Ryan. When she heard that it was Charles, and not Mr. Ryan, who was shot, she fell into a violent fit, out of which, after working convulsively for some time, she sprung to the door, escaped from the crowd that pursued her, and could never be taken until[98] last night, when she was brought here, perfectly frantic, a little before our arrival.

“Upon investigation, it was discovered that the unfortunate shot was fired by the girl I just mentioned. It was clear she had aimed not at Charles, but at the one who had destroyed her innocence and happiness, who was walking next to him. After searching for her throughout the grounds in vain, she walked into the house on her own, laughing, dancing, and singing wildly, repeatedly claiming that she had finally killed Mr. Ryan. When she found out that it was Charles, not Mr. Ryan, who had been shot, she went into a violent fit, during which she thrashed around for some time, dashed to the door, evaded the crowd chasing her, and couldn’t be caught until[98] last night when she was brought here, completely frantic, shortly before our arrival.

“Charles’s wound was thought of such little consequence, that the preparations went forward, as usual, for the wedding entertainment on Sunday. But on Friday night he grew restless and feverish, and on Saturday (yesterday) morning felt so ill, that it was deemed necessary to obtain additional medical advice. Two physicians and a surgeon met in consultation about twelve o’clock in the day, and the dreadful intelligence was announced, that unless a change, hardly hoped for, took place before night, death must happen within twenty-four hours after. The wound it seems, had been too tightly bandaged, and otherwise injudiciously treated. The physicians were right in their anticipations. No favourable symptom appeared, and long before we reached Spring House every ray of hope had vanished. The scene we witnessed on our arrival would have wrung the heart of a demon. We heard briefly at the gate that Mr. Charles was upon his death-bed. When we reached the house, the information was confirmed by the servant who opened the door. But just as we entered, we were horrified by the most appalling screams issuing from the staircase. My mother thought she heard the voice of poor Mrs. Mac Carthy, and sprung forward. We followed, and on ascending a few steps of the stairs, we found a young woman, in a state of frantic passion, struggling furiously with two men-servants, whose united strength was hardly sufficient to prevent her rushing up stairs over the body of Mrs. Mac Carthy, who was lying in strong hysterics upon the steps. This, I afterwards discovered, was the unhappy girl I before described, who was attempting to gain access to Charles’s room, to ‘get his forgiveness,’ as she said, ‘before he went away to accuse her for having killed him.’ This wild idea was mingled with another, which seemed to dispute with the former possession of her mind. In one sentence she called on Charles to forgive her, in the next she would denounce James Ryan as the murderer both of Charles and her. At length she was torn away; and the last words I heard her scream were, ‘James Ryan, ’twas you killed him, and not I—’twas you killed him, and not I.’

“Charles’s wound was thought to be insignificant enough that preparations continued as normal for the wedding celebration on Sunday. But on Friday night, he became restless and feverish, and Saturday morning felt so ill that it was deemed necessary to get more medical advice. Two doctors and a surgeon met for consultation around noon, and the awful news was delivered: unless an unlikely change happened by night, he would die within twenty-four hours. It turned out that the wound had been bandaged too tightly and treated poorly. The doctors were right to be concerned. No signs of improvement appeared, and long before we reached Spring House, every glimmer of hope had faded. The scene we encountered upon our arrival would have moved even the most callous person. We heard briefly at the gate that Mr. Charles was on his deathbed. When we got to the house, the servant who opened the door confirmed it. But just as we entered, we were horrified by terrifying screams coming from the staircase. My mother thought she recognized the voice of poor Mrs. Mac Carthy and rushed forward. We followed, and after climbing a few steps, we found a young woman in a state of extreme distress, struggling fiercely with two male servants, who could barely hold her back from rushing upstairs over the body of Mrs. Mac Carthy, who lay on the steps in severe hysterics. This was, as I later learned, the unfortunate girl I had mentioned, trying to get to Charles’s room to ‘ask for his forgiveness,’ as she put it, ‘before he went away to accuse her of killing him.’ This frantic thought was mixed with another that seemed to clash with the first. In one breath, she pleaded for Charles to forgive her, and in the next, she accused James Ryan of being the murderer of both Charles and herself. Eventually, she was pulled away, and the last words I heard her scream were, ‘James Ryan, it was you who killed him, not me—it was you who killed him, not me.’”

“Mrs. Mac Carthy, on recovering, fell into the arms of my mother, whose presence seemed a great relief to her. She wept the first tears, I was told, that she had shed since the fatal accident. She conducted us to Charles’s room, who she said, had desired to see us the moment of our arrival, as he found his end approaching, and wished to devote the last hours of his existence to uninterrupted prayer and meditation. We found him perfectly calm, resigned, and even cheerful. He spoke of the awful event which was at hand with courage and confidence, and treated it as a doom for which he had been preparing ever since his former remarkable illness, and which he never once doubted was truly foretold to him. He bade us farewell with the air of one who was about to travel a short and easy journey; and we left him with impressions which, notwithstanding all their anguish, will, I trust, never entirely forsake us.

“Mrs. Mac Carthy, regaining her composure, fell into my mother's arms, whose presence seemed to comfort her greatly. She cried the first tears, I was told, that she had shed since the tragic accident. She led us to Charles’s room, saying he had wanted to see us right after we arrived, as he felt his end was near and wanted to spend his last hours in uninterrupted prayer and meditation. We found him completely calm, accepting, and even cheerful. He spoke about the terrible event approaching with courage and confidence, treating it as a fate he had been preparing for ever since his previous serious illness, which he believed was truly foretold to him. He said goodbye with the demeanor of someone about to embark on a short and easy journey; and we left him with feelings that, despite all their pain, I hope will never completely leave us.

“Poor Mrs. Mac Carthy——but I am just called away. There seems a slight stir in the family; perhaps——”

“Poor Mrs. Mac Carthy—but I’m being called away. There seems to be a bit of activity in the family; maybe——”

The above letter was never finished. The enclosure to which it more than once alludes, told the sequel briefly, and it is all that I have farther learned of this branch of the Mac Carthy family. Before the sun had gone down upon Charles’s seven-and-twentieth birth-day, his soul had gone to render its last account to its Creator.

The letter above was never completed. The enclosed document it refers to more than once briefly explained what happened next, and that's all I’ve learned about this branch of the Mac Carthy family. Before the sun set on Charles’s 27th birthday, his soul had returned to give its final account to its Creator.

Banshee, correctly written she-fairies or women fairies, credulously supposed, by the common people, to be so affected to certain families, that they are heard to sing mournful lamentations about their houses at night, whenever any of the family labours under a sickness which is to end in death. But no families which are not of an ancient and noble stock are believed to be honoured with this fairy privilege.”—O’Brien’s Irish Dictionary.

“Banshees, also known as she-fairies or women fairies, are widely believed to be connected to certain families. They are said to sing mournful songs around these homes at night whenever a family member is seriously ill and nearing death. However, only families with ancient and noble heritage are thought to receive this fairy privilege.”—O’Brien’s Irish Dictionary.

For accounts of the appearance of the Irish Banshee, see “Personal Sketches, &c. by Sir Jonah Barrington;” Miss Lefanu’s Memoirs of her Grandmother, Mrs. Frances Sheridan (1824,) p. 32; “The Memoirs of Lady Fanshaw” (quoted by Sir Walter Scott in a note on “the Lady of the Lake,”) &c.

For accounts of the Irish Banshee's appearance, check out “Personal Sketches, &c. by Sir Jonah Barrington;” Miss Lefanu’s Memoirs of her Grandmother, Mrs. Frances Sheridan (1824), p. 32; “The Memoirs of Lady Fanshaw” (noted by Sir Walter Scott in a comment on “the Lady of the Lake,”) &c.

Sir Walter Scott terms the belief in the appearance of the Banshee “one of the most beautiful” of the leading superstitions of Europe. In his “Letters on Demonology,” he says that “several families of the Highlands of Scotland anciently laid claim to the distinction of an attendant spirit, who performed the office of the Irish Banshee,” and particularly refers to the supernatural cries and lamentations which foreboded the death of the gallant Mac Lean of Lochbuy.

Sir Walter Scott describes the belief in the Banshee as “one of the most beautiful” of Europe's major superstitions. In his “Letters on Demonology,” he mentions that “several families in the Scottish Highlands claimed the distinction of having an attendant spirit, serving the same role as the Irish Banshee,” and he specifically discusses the supernatural cries and laments that predicted the death of the brave Mac Lean of Lochbuy.

“The Welsh Gwrâch y Rhibyn (or the hag of the Dribble) bears some resemblance to the Irish Banshee, being regarded as an omen of death. She is said to come after dusk and flap her leathern wings against the window where she warns of death, and in a broken, howling tone, to call on the one who is to quit mortality by his or her name several times, as thus, A-a-a-n-ni-i-i-i! Anni.”—MS. Communication from Dr. Owen Pughe. For some farther particulars, see, in “A Relation of Apparitions, &c. by the Rev. Edmund Jones,” his account of the Kyhirraeth, “a doleful foreboding noise before death;” and Howell’s “Cambrian Superstitions,” (Tipton, 1831,) p. 31.

“The Welsh Gwrâch y Rhibyn (or the hag of the Dribble) is somewhat similar to the Irish Banshee, seen as a sign of death. She is said to appear after dark and flap her leathery wings against the window to warn of death, calling out the name of the one who is about to die in a broken, howling voice several times, like this: A-a-a-n-ni-i-i-i! Anni.”—MS. Communication from Dr. Owen Pughe. For more details, see “A Relation of Apparitions, &c. by the Rev. Edmund Jones,” his account of the Kyhirraeth, “a mournful sound before death;” and Howell’s “Cambrian Superstitions,” (Tipton, 1831,) p. 31.

The reader will probably remember the White Lady of the House of Brandenburgh, and the fairy Melusine, who usually prognosticated the recurrence of mortality in some noble family of Poitou. Prince, in his “Worthies of Devon,” records the appearance of a white bird performing the same office for the worshipful lineage of Oxenham.

Readers might remember the White Lady of the House of Brandenburg and the fairy Melusine, who usually foretold the return of death in some noble family from Poitou. Prince, in his “Worthies of Devon,” notes the sighting of a white bird that served the same purpose for the respected lineage of Oxenham.

“In the Tyrol, too, they believe in a spirit which looks in at the window of the house in which a person is to die (Deutsche Sagen, No. 266;) the white woman with a veil over her head (267,) answers to the Banshee; but the tradition of the Klage-weib (mourning woman,) in the Lüneburger Heath (Spiels Archiv. ii. 297,) resembles it still more closely. On stormy nights, when the moon shines faintly through the fleeting clouds, she stalks, of gigantic stature, with death-like aspect, and black hollow eyes, wrapt in grave-clothes which float in the wind, and stretches her immense arm over the solitary hut, uttering lamentable cries in the tempestuous darkness. Beneath the roof over which the Klage-weib has leaned, one of the inmates must die in the course of the month.”—

“In the Tyrol, there’s also a belief in a spirit that looks in through the window of a house where someone is about to die (Deutsche Sagen, No. 266;). The white woman with a veil over her head (267) is similar to the Banshee. However, the tradition of the Klage-weib (mourning woman) in the Lüneburger Heath (Spiels Archiv. ii. 297) is even more alike. On stormy nights, when the moon shines dimly through the shifting clouds, she appears, towering in height, with a deathly look and hollow black eyes, wrapped in grave clothes that flutter in the wind. She stretches her huge arm over the solitary hut, crying out in sorrowful wails through the tempestuous darkness. Within the roof where the Klage-weib has leaned, someone inside is destined to die within the month.”

The Brothers Grimm, and MS. Communication from Dr. William Grimm.

The Brothers Grimm, and MS. Communication from Dr. William Grimm.


LEGENDS OF THE PHOOKA.

LEGENDS OF THE PHOOKA.

“Ne let house-fires, nor lightnings’ helpless harms,
Ne let the Pouke, nor other evil spright,
Ne let mischievous witches with their charms,
Ne let hobgoblins, names whose sense we see not,
Fray us with things that be not.”

“Don’t let house fires or the damage from lightning,
Don’t let the Pouke or any other evil spirit,
Don’t let mischievous witches with their spells,
Don’t let hobgoblins, names that make no sense to us,
"Scare us with things that aren't real."

Spenser.

Spenser.


THE SPIRIT HORSE.
XIV.

The history of Morty Sullivan ought to be a warning to all young men to stay at home, and to live decently and soberly if they can, and not to go roving about the world. Morty, when he had just turned of fourteen, ran away from his father and mother, who were a mighty respectable old couple, and many and many a tear they shed on his account. It is said they both died heart-broken for his loss: all they ever learned about him was that he went on board of a ship bound to America.

The story of Morty Sullivan should serve as a warning to all young men to stay home and live a decent, sober life if possible, rather than wandering the world. Morty, just after turning fourteen, ran away from his parents, who were a very respectable old couple, and they cried many tears over him. It's said they both died heartbroken from his absence; all they ever found out about him was that he boarded a ship headed to America.

Thirty years after the old couple had been laid peacefully[102] in their graves, there came a stranger to Beerhaven inquiring after them—it was their son Morty; and, to speak the truth of him, his heart did seem full of sorrow when he heard that his parents were dead and gone;—but what else could he expect to hear? Repentance generally comes when it is too late.

Thirty years after the old couple had been laid peacefully[102] in their graves, a stranger arrived in Beerhaven asking about them—it was their son Morty. To be honest, he seemed truly sorrowful when he heard that his parents were dead and gone; but what else could he have expected? Regret usually comes when it’s too late.

Morty Sullivan, however, as an atonement for his sins, was recommended to perform a pilgrimage to the blessed chapel of Saint Gobnate, which is in a wild place called Ballyvourney.

Morty Sullivan, however, as a way to make up for his wrongs, was advised to go on a pilgrimage to the holy chapel of Saint Gobnate, located in a remote area called Ballyvourney.

This he readily undertook: and willing to lose no time, commenced his journey the same afternoon. He had not proceeded many miles before the evening came on: there was no moon, and the star-light was obscured by a thick fog, which ascended from the valleys. His way was through a mountainous country, with many cross-paths and by-ways, so that it was difficult for a stranger like Morty to travel without a guide. He was anxious to reach his destination, and exerted himself to do so; but the fog grew thicker and thicker, and at last he became doubtful if the track he was in led to the blessed chapel of Saint Gobnate. But seeing a light which he imagined not to be far off, he went towards it, and when he thought himself close to it, the light suddenly seemed at a great distance, twinkling dimly through the fog. Though Morty felt some surprise at this, he was not disheartened, for he thought that it was a light sent by the holy Saint Gobnate to guide his feet through the mountains to her chapel.

This he quickly took on: and eager to waste no time, he started his journey that same afternoon. He hadn’t gone far before evening fell: there was no moon, and the starlight was blocked by a thick fog rising from the valleys. His route took him through a hilly area with many paths and shortcuts, making it hard for a stranger like Morty to navigate without a guide. He was determined to reach his destination and pushed himself to do so; however, the fog became denser and denser, and eventually he began to doubt whether the path he was on led to the blessed chapel of Saint Gobnate. But when he saw a light that he thought was nearby, he moved toward it, and just when he believed he was close, the light suddenly appeared much farther away, flickering faintly through the fog. Although Morty was a bit surprised by this, he didn’t lose hope, as he believed it was a light sent by the holy Saint Gobnate to guide him through the mountains to her chapel.

And thus did he travel for many a mile, continually, as he believed, approaching the light, which would suddenly start off to a great distance. At length he came so close as to perceive that the light came from a fire: seated beside which he plainly saw an old woman;—then, indeed, his faith was a little shaken, and much did he wonder that both the fire and the old woman should travel before him, so many weary miles, and over such uneven roads.

And so he traveled for many miles, always believing he was getting closer to the light, which would suddenly move far away. Eventually, he got close enough to see that the light came from a fire: beside which he clearly saw an old woman; at that moment, his faith wavered a bit, and he wondered how both the fire and the old woman could travel ahead of him for so many exhausting miles on such rough roads.

“In the holy names of the pious Gobnate, and of her preceptor Saint Abban,” said Morty, “how can that burning fire move on so fast before me, and who can that old woman be sitting beside the moving fire?”

“In the holy names of the pious Gobnate and her teacher Saint Abban,” said Morty, “how can that blazing fire move so quickly in front of me, and who is that old woman sitting beside the moving fire?”

These words had no sooner passed Morty’s lips than he[103] found himself, without taking another step, close to this wonderful fire, beside which the old woman was sitting munching her supper. With every wag of the old woman’s jaw her eyes would roll fiercely upon Morty, as if she was angry at being disturbed; and he saw with more astonishment than ever that her eyes were neither black, nor blue, nor gray, nor hazel, like the human eye, but of a wild red colour, like the eye of a ferret. If before he wondered at the fire, much greater was his wonder at the old woman’s appearance; and stout-hearted as he was, he could not but look upon her with fear—judging, and judging rightly, that it was for no good purpose her supping in so unfrequented a place, and at so late an hour, for it was near midnight. She said not one word, but munched and munched away, while Morty looked at her in silence.—“What’s your name?” at last demanded the old hag, a sulphureous puff coming out of her mouth, her nostrils distending, and her eyes growing redder than ever, when she had finished her question.

These words had barely left Morty’s lips when he[103] suddenly found himself, without taking another step, right next to this amazing fire, beside which the old woman was sitting eating her dinner. With every bite she took, her eyes would glare fiercely at Morty, as if she were annoyed at being interrupted; and he was more shocked than ever to see that her eyes weren’t black, blue, gray, or hazel like a human's, but a wild red color, like a ferret's eye. If he had been astonished by the fire, his wonder at the old woman’s appearance was even greater; and as brave as he was, he couldn’t help but look at her with fear—thinking, and thinking rightly, that she was in no good place at such a late hour, since it was nearly midnight. She didn't say a word, just kept munching away, while Morty stared at her in silence. “What’s your name?” the old hag finally demanded, a sulfurous puff escaping her mouth, her nostrils flaring, and her eyes turning redder than ever after she finished her question.

Plucking up all his courage, “Morty Sullivan,” replied he “at your service;” meaning the latter words only in civility.

Plucking up all his courage, “Morty Sullivan,” he replied, “at your service,” using the last part just as a polite gesture.

Ubbubbo!” said the old woman, “we’ll soon see that;” and the red fire of her eyes turned into a pale green colour. Bold and fearless as Morty was, yet much did he tremble at hearing this dreadful exclamation: he would have fallen down on his knees and prayed to Saint Gobnate, or any other saint, for he was not particular; but he was so petrified with horror, that he could not move in the slightest way, much less go down on his knees.

Ubbubbo!” said the old woman, “we’ll see about that soon;” and the fiery red of her eyes faded to a pale green. Bold and fearless as Morty was, he trembled at hearing this terrifying exclamation: he would have dropped to his knees and prayed to Saint Gobnate, or any other saint, he didn’t really care; but he was so frozen with fear that he couldn’t move at all, let alone kneel down.

“Take hold of my hand, Morty,” said the old woman: “I’ll give you a horse to ride that will soon carry you to your journey’s end.” So saying, she led the way, the fire going before them;—it is beyond mortal knowledge to say how, but on it went, shooting out bright tongues of flame, and flickering fiercely.

“Take my hand, Morty,” said the old woman. “I’ll give you a horse to ride that will quickly take you to your destination.” With that, she led the way, the fire guiding them;—it's impossible to explain how, but it moved on, bursting with bright tongues of flame and flickering intensely.

Presently they came to a natural cavern in the side of the mountain, and the old hag called aloud in a most discordant voice for her horse! In a moment a jet-black steed started from its gloomy stable, the rocky floor whereof rung with a sepulchral echo to the clanging hoofs.

Presently, they arrived at a natural cave on the side of the mountain, and the old hag shouted in a harsh voice for her horse! In a moment, a jet-black steed emerged from its dark stable, the rocky floor ringing with a haunting echo from the clattering hooves.

“Mount, Morty, mount!” cried she, seizing him with supernatural strength, and forcing him upon the back of the horse. Morty finding human power of no avail, muttered, “O that I had spurs!” and tried to grasp the horse’s mane; but he caught at a shadow; it nevertheless bore him up and bounded forward with him, now springing down a fearful precipice, now clearing the rugged bed of a torrent, and rushing like the dark midnight storm through the mountains.

“Get on, Morty, get on!” she shouted, grabbing him with incredible strength and pushing him onto the horse's back. Morty, realizing that human strength wouldn't work, mumbled, “I wish I had some spurs!” and tried to grab the horse's mane; but he caught only air. Still, the horse moved swiftly, leaping down a scary cliff, jumping over the rough riverbed, and racing through the mountains like a fierce midnight storm.

The following morning Morty Sullivan was discovered by some pilgrims (who came that way after taking their rounds at Gougane Barra) lying on the flat of his back, under a steep cliff, down which he had been flung by the Phooka. Morty was severely bruised by the fall, and he is said to have sworn on the spot, by the hand of O’Sullivan (and that is no small oath),[15] never again to take a full quart bottle of whisky with him on a pilgrimage.

The next morning, some pilgrims who were passing through after their rounds at Gougane Barra found Morty Sullivan lying flat on his back under a steep cliff, where he had been thrown by the Phooka. Morty was badly bruised from the fall, and it's said that he swore right there, by the hand of O’Sullivan (and that's a serious oath),[15] never to take a full quart bottle of whisky with him on a pilgrimage again.


DANIEL O’ROURKE.
XV.

People may have heard of the renowned adventures of Daniel O’Rourke, but how few are there who know that the cause of all his perils, above and below, was neither more nor less than his having slept under the walls of the Phooka’s tower! I knew the man well; he lived at the bottom of Hungry Hill, just at the right hand side of the road as you go towards Bantry. An old man was he at the time that he told me the story, with gray hair, and a red nose; and it was on the 25th of June, 1813, that I heard it from his own lips, as he sat smoking his pipe under the old poplar tree, on as fine an evening as ever shone from the sky. I was going to visit the caves in Dursey Island, having spent the morning at Glengariff.

People might have heard about the famous adventures of Daniel O’Rourke, but how many actually know that all his troubles, both above and below, were caused by simply having slept under the walls of the Phooka’s tower? I knew him well; he lived at the bottom of Hungry Hill, just to the right side of the road as you head toward Bantry. He was an old man when he told me the story, with gray hair and a red nose; and it was on June 25, 1813, that I heard it directly from him while he was sitting under the old poplar tree, smoking his pipe on one of the most beautiful evenings you could imagine. I was on my way to visit the caves on Dursey Island after having spent the morning at Glengariff.

“I am often axed to tell it, sir,” said he, “so that this is not the first time. The master’s son, you see, had come from beyond foreign parts in France and Spain, as young gentlemen used to go, before Bonaparte or any such was heard of; and sure enough there was a dinner given to all the people on the ground, gentle and simple, high and low, rich and poor. The ould gentlemen were the gentlemen, after all, saving your honour’s presence. They’d swear at a body a little, to be sure, and may be, give one a cut of a whip now and then, but we were no losers by it in the end;—and they were so easy and civil, and kept such rattling houses, and thousands of welcomes;—and there was no grinding for rent, and few agents; and there was hardly a tenant on the estate that did not taste of his landlord’s bounty often and often in the year;—but now it’s another thing: no matter for that, sir; for I’d better be telling you my story.

“I’m often asked to share it, sir,” he said, “so this isn’t the first time. The master’s son, you see, had returned from abroad in France and Spain, like young gentlemen used to do before Bonaparte or anyone like him was ever mentioned; and sure enough, there was a dinner held for everyone on the land, rich and poor, high and low. The old gentlemen were indeed the gentlemen, if you don’t mind me saying. They’d curse a bit, that’s for sure, and maybe give someone a whip now and then, but we didn’t end up worse off because of it;—they were easygoing and polite, threw great parties, and offered countless welcomes;—there was no harsh rent collection, and very few agents; and hardly a tenant on the estate didn’t enjoy his landlord’s generosity multiple times a year;—but now it’s a different story: never mind that, sir; I’d better share my story with you.

“Well, we had every thing of the best, and plenty of it; and we ate, and we drank, and we danced, and the young master by the same token danced with Peggy Barry, from the Bohereen—a lovely young couple they were, though they are both low enough now. To make a long story short, I got, as a body may say, the same thing as tipsy almost; for I can’t remember ever at all, no ways, how it was I left the place: only I did leave it, that’s certain. Well, I thought, for all that, in myself, I’d just step to[106] Molly Cronohan’s, the fairy woman, to speak a word about the bracket heifer that was bewitched; and so as I was crossing the stepping-stones of the ford of Ballyasheenough, and was looking up at the stars and blessing myself—for why? it was Lady-day—I missed my foot, and souse I fell into the water. ‘Death alive!’ thought I, ‘I’ll be drowned now!’ However, I began swimming, swimming, swimming away for the dear life, till at last I got ashore, somehow or other, but never the one of me can tell how, upon a dissolute island.

“Well, we had everything great and plenty of it; and we ate, and we drank, and we danced, and the young master also danced with Peggy Barry from the Bohereen—a lovely young couple they were, though they're both not doing so well now. To make a long story short, I got, as one might say, pretty tipsy; because I can't remember at all how I left the place: only I definitely did leave, that's for sure. Well, I thought to myself, I’d just stop by[106] Molly Cronohan’s, the fairy woman, to chat about the heifer that was bewitched; and as I was crossing the stepping-stones of the ford of Ballyasheenough, looking up at the stars and blessing myself—why? because it was Lady-day—I lost my footing and splash, I fell into the water. ‘Good lord!’ I thought, ‘I’m going to drown now!’ However, I started swimming, swimming, swimming for dear life, until at last I somehow got ashore, but I can’t tell at all how, on a dissolute island.

“I wandered and wandered about there, without knowing where I wandered, until at last I got into a big bog. The moon was shining as bright as day, or your fair lady’s eyes, sir, (with your pardon for mentioning her,) and I looked east and west, and north and south, and every way, and nothing did I see but bog, bog, bog;—I could never find out how I got into it; and my heart grew cold with fear, for sure and certain I was that it would be my berrin place. So I sat down upon a stone which, as good luck would have it, was close by me, and I began to scratch my head and sing the Ullagone—when all of a sudden the moon grew black, and I looked up, and saw something for all the world as if it was moving down between me and it, and I could not tell what it was. Down it came with a pounce, and looked at me full in the face; and what was it but an eagle? as fine a one as ever flew from the kingdom of Kerry.

“I wandered and wandered around there, without knowing where I was going, until I eventually ended up in a big bog. The moon was shining as brightly as day, or as your beautiful lady's eyes, sir, (forgive me for mentioning her), and I looked east and west, and north and south, and in every direction, and all I could see was bog, bog, bog;—I could never figure out how I got there; and my heart grew cold with fear, because I was sure it would be my berrin place. So I sat down on a stone that, by good luck, was right next to me, and I started to scratch my head and sing the Ullagone—when suddenly the moon darkened, and I looked up and saw something that looked like it was moving down between me and it, and I couldn’t tell what it was. Down it came with a swoop and stared me straight in the face; and what was it but an eagle? as magnificent a one as ever flew from the kingdom of Kerry.

“So he looked at me in the face, and says he to me, ‘Daniel O’Rourke,’ says he, ‘how do you do?’ ‘Very well, I thank you, sir,’ says I: ‘I hope you’re well;’ wondering out of my senses all the time how an eagle came to speak like a Christian. ‘What brings you here, Dan?’ says he. ‘Nothing at all, sir,’ says I: ‘only I wish I was safe home again.’ ‘Is it out of the Island you want to go, Dan?’ says he. ‘’Tis, sir,’ says I: so I up and told him how I had taken a drop too much and fell into the water; how I swam to the Island; and how I got into the bog, and did not know my way out of it. ‘Dan,’ says he, after a minute’s thought, ‘though it is very improper for you to get drunk on Lady-day, yet as you are a decent sober man, who ’tends mass well, and never flings stones at me nor mine, nor cries out after us in the fields—my life for yours,’ says he; ‘so get up on my back, and grip me well for fear you’d fall off, and[107] I’ll fly you out of the bog.’ ‘I am afraid,’ says I, ‘your honour’s making game of me; for who ever heard of riding a horseback on an eagle before?’ ‘’Pon the honour of a gentleman,’ says he, putting his right foot on his breast, ‘I am quite in earnest; and so now either take my offer or starve in the bog—besides, I see that your weight is sinking the stone.’

“So he looked at me in the face and said, ‘Daniel O’Rourke, how do you do?’ ‘Very well, thank you, sir,’ I replied. ‘I hope you’re well,’ I thought to myself, completely baffled by how an eagle could talk like a person. ‘What brings you here, Dan?’ he asked. ‘Nothing at all, sir,’ I said, ‘I just wish I was safely home again.’ ‘Is it out of the Island you want to go, Dan?’ he asked. ‘Yes, sir,’ I replied, and then I explained how I had had a bit too much to drink and fell into the water; how I swam to the Island; and how I ended up in the bog and couldn’t find my way out. ‘Dan,’ he said after a moment’s thought, ‘even though it’s very improper for you to get drunk on Lady’s Day, since you’re a decent, sober man who attends mass well and never throws stones at me or my family, nor calls out after us in the fields—my life for yours,’ he said. ‘So get on my back and hold on tight in case you fall off, and I’ll fly you out of the bog.’ ‘I’m afraid,’ I said, ‘you’re joking with me; who ever heard of riding on the back of an eagle?’ ‘On my honor as a gentleman,’ he said, placing his right foot on his chest, ‘I’m completely serious; so either accept my offer or starve in the bog—besides, I see that your weight is sinking the stone.’”

“It was true enough as he said, for I found the stone every minute going from under me. I had no choice; so thinks I to myself, faint heart never won fair lady, and this is fair persuadance:—‘I thank your honour,’ says I, ‘for the loan of your civility; and I’ll take your kind offer.’ I therefore mounted upon the back of the eagle, and held him tight enough by the throat, and up he flew in the air like a lark. Little I knew the trick he was going to serve me. Up—up—up—I know not how far up he flew.

“It was true what he said, because I felt the ground slipping away beneath me every moment. I had no choice, so I thought to myself, a faint heart never won a fair lady, and this is fair persuasion: ‘Thank you for your kindness,’ I said, ‘I’ll accept your generous offer.’ So, I climbed onto the back of the eagle and held on tightly around his neck, and up he soared into the air like a lark. Little did I know the trick he was planning for me. Up—up—up—I don’t know how far he flew.

“‘Why, then,’ said I to him,—thinking he did not know the right road home—very civilly, because why?—I was in his power entirely;—‘sir,’ says I, ‘please your honour’s glory, and with humble submission to your better judgment, if you’d fly down a bit, you’re now just over my cabin, and I could put down there, and many thanks to your worship.’

“‘Why, then,’ I said to him—thinking he didn’t know the right way home—very politely, because why?—I was completely at his mercy;—‘sir,’ I said, ‘if it pleases your honor and with all due respect to your better judgment, if you could lower yourself a bit, you’re right over my cabin now, and I could land there. Thank you very much, your worship.’”

“‘Arrah, Dan,’ said he, ‘do you think me a fool? Look down in the next field, and don’t you see two men and a gun? By my word it would be no joke to be shot this way, to oblige a drunken blackguard that I picked up off of a cowld stone in a bog.’ ‘Bother you,’ said I to myself, but I did not speak out, for where was the use? Well, sir, up he kept, flying, flying, and I asking him every minute to fly down, and all to no use. ‘Where in the world are you going, sir?’ says I to him. ‘Hold your tongue, Dan,’ says he: ‘mind your own business, and don’t be interfering with the business of other people.’ ‘Faith, this is my business, I think,’ says I. ‘Be quiet, Dan,’ says he: so I said no more.

“‘Arrah, Dan,’ he said, ‘do you think I’m an idiot? Look down in the next field, and don’t you see two men and a gun? Honestly, it wouldn’t be a joke to get shot like this, just to help some drunk idiot I picked up off a cold stone in a bog.’ ‘Ugh,’ I thought to myself, but I didn’t say anything because what was the point? Well, sir, he kept going, flying, flying, and I kept asking him to land, and it was all pointless. ‘Where on earth are you going, sir?’ I asked him. ‘Shut up, Dan,’ he replied: ‘mind your own business and don’t interfere with what other people are doing.’ ‘I think this is my business,’ I said. ‘Be quiet, Dan,’ he told me, so I didn’t say anything more.”

“At last, where should we come to, but to the moon itself. Now you can’t see it from this, but there is, or there was in my time, a reaping-hook sticking out of the side of the moon, this way, (drawing the figure thus on the ground with the end of his stick.)

“At last, where should we end up but on the moon itself. Now, you can’t see it from here, but there is, or at least there was in my time, a reaping hook sticking out of the side of the moon like this, (drawing the figure this way on the ground with the end of his stick.)”

“‘Dan,’ said the eagle, ‘I’m tired with this long fly;[108] I had no notion ’twas so far.’ ‘And my lord, sir,’ said I, ‘who in the world axed you to fly so far—was it I? did not I beg, and pray, and beseech you to stop half an hour ago?’ ‘There’s no use talking, Dan,’ said he; ‘I’m tired bad enough, so you must get off, and sit down on the moon until I rest myself.’ ‘Is it sit down on the moon?’ said I; ‘is it upon that little round thing, then? why, then, sure I’d fall off in a minute, and be kilt and split, and smashed all to bits: you are a vile deceiver,—so you are.’ ‘Not at all, Dan,’ said he: ‘you can catch fast hold of the reaping-hook that’s sticking out of the side of the moon, and ’twill keep you up.’ ‘I won’t, then,’ said I. ‘May be not,’ said he, quite quiet. ‘If you don’t, my man, I shall just give you a shake, and one slap of my wing, and send you down to the ground, where every bone in your body will be smashed as small as a drop of dew on a cabbage-leaf in the morning.’ ‘Why, then, I’m in a fine way,’ said I to myself, ‘ever to have come along with the likes of you;’ and so giving him a hearty curse in Irish, for fear he’d know what I said, I got off his back with a heavy heart, took a hold of the reaping hook, and sat down upon the moon; and a mighty cold seat it was, I can tell you that.

“‘Dan,’ said the eagle, ‘I’m tired from this long flight;[108] I didn’t realize it was so far.’ ‘And my lord, sir,’ I replied, ‘who in the world asked you to fly this far—was it me? Did I not plead and beg you to stop half an hour ago?’ ‘There’s no use in talking, Dan,’ he said; ‘I’m really tired, so you have to get off and sit down on the moon until I rest.’ ‘Sit down on the moon?’ I said; ‘you mean that little round thing? Because if I do, I’d fall off in a minute, get killed, and smashed to bits: you’re a terrible deceiver—you really are.’ ‘Not at all, Dan,’ he replied: ‘you can grab onto the reaping-hook that’s sticking out of the side of the moon, and it will keep you up.’ ‘I won’t do that,’ I said. ‘Maybe not,’ he said calmly. ‘If you don’t, my friend, I’ll just give you a shake and one flap of my wing, and send you down to the ground, where every bone in your body will be smashed to bits, like a drop of dew on a cabbage leaf in the morning.’ ‘Well, I’ve made a big mistake coming along with you,’ I thought to myself; and so, cursing him in Irish so he wouldn’t understand, I got off his back with a heavy heart, grabbed the reaping-hook, and sat down on the moon; and it was a really cold seat, let me tell you.

“When he had me there fairly landed, he turned about on me, and said, ‘Good morning to you, Daniel O’Rourke,’ said he: ‘I think I’ve nicked you fairly now. You robbed my nest last year,’ (’twas true enough for him, but how he found it out is hard to say,) ‘and in return you are freely welcome to cool your heels dangling upon the moon like a cock-throw.’

“When he had me there pretty well stuck, he turned to me and said, ‘Good morning to you, Daniel O’Rourke. I think I’ve got you now. You stole from my nest last year,’ (which was true enough, but it’s hard to say how he found out,) ‘and in return, you’re more than welcome to cool your heels swinging on the moon like a thrown rooster.’”

“‘Is that all, and is this the way you leave me, you brute, you?’ says I. ‘You ugly unnatural baste, and is this the way you serve me at last? Bad luck to yourself, with your hooked nose, and to all your breed, you blackguard.’ ’Twas all to no manner of use: he spread out his great big wings, burst out a laughing, and flew away like lightning. I bawled after him to stop; but I might have called and bawled for ever, without his minding me. Away he went, and I never saw him from that day to this—sorrow fly away with him! You may be sure I was in a disconsolate condition, and kept roaring out for the bare grief, when all at once a door opened right in the middle of the moon, creaking on its hinges as if it had not been opened for a[109] month before. I suppose they never thought of greasing ’em, and out there walks—who do you think but the man in the moon himself? I knew him by his bush.

“‘Is that it? Is this how you leave me, you monster?’ I said. ‘You ugly, unnatural jerk, is this how you treat me in the end? Bad luck to you and your hooked nose, and to all of your kind, you scoundrel.’ It was all pointless: he spread his huge wings, burst out laughing, and flew away like a shot. I yelled after him to stop, but I could have shouted forever without him paying any attention. Off he went, and I never saw him again—may sorrow follow him! You can bet I was in a terrible state, crying out in pure anguish, when suddenly a door opened right in the middle of the moon, creaking on its hinges like it hadn’t been used in a [109] month. I guess they never thought to grease them, and out walked—guess who? The man in the moon himself! I recognized him by his bushy hair.

“‘Good morrow to you, Daniel O’Rourke,’ said he: ‘How do you do?’ ‘Very well, thank your honour,’ said I. ‘I hope your honour’s well.’ ‘What brought you here, Dan?’ said he. So I told him how I was a little overtaken in liquor at the master’s, and how I was cast on a dissolute island, and how I lost my way in the bog, and how the thief of an eagle promised to fly me out of it, and how instead of that he had flew me up to the moon.

“‘Good morning to you, Daniel O'Rourke,’ he said. ‘How are you?’ ‘I’m doing very well, thank you,’ I replied. ‘I hope you’re doing well too.’ ‘What brought you here, Dan?’ he asked. So I explained how I had a bit too much to drink at the master's, and how I ended up on a dissolute island, and how I got lost in the bog, and how that thieving eagle promised to carry me out, and how instead he flew me up to the moon.”

“‘Dan,’ said the man in the moon, taking a pinch of snuff when I was done, ‘you must not stay here.’ ‘Indeed, sir,’ says I, ‘’tis much against my will I’m here at all; but how am I to go back?’ ‘That’s your business,’ said he, ‘Dan: mine is to tell you that here you must not stay; so be off in less than no time.’ ‘I’m doing no harm,’ says I, ‘only holding on hard by the reaping-hook, lest I fall off.’ ‘That’s what you must not do, Dan,’ says he. ‘Pray, sir,’ says I, ‘may I ask how many you are in family, that you would not give a poor traveller lodging: I’m sure ’tis not so often you’re troubled with strangers coming to see you, for ’tis a long way.’ ‘I’m by myself, Dan,’ says he; ‘but you’d better let go the reaping-hook.’ ‘Indeed, and with your leave,’ says I, ‘I’ll not let go the grip, and the more you bids me, the more I won’t let go;—so I will.’ ‘You had better, Dan,’ says he again. ‘Why, then, my little fellow,’ says I, taking the whole weight of him with my eye from head to foot, ‘there are two words to that bargain, and I’ll not budge, but you may if you like.’ ‘We’ll see how that is to be,’ says he; and back he went, giving the door such a great bang after him (for it was plain he was huffed), that I thought the moon and all would fall down with it.

“‘Dan,’ said the man in the moon, taking a pinch of snuff when I was finished, ‘you can’t stay here.’ ‘Honestly, sir,’ I replied, ‘it’s against my will that I’m here at all; but how do I get back?’ ‘That’s your problem,’ he said, ‘Dan: my job is to tell you that you can’t stay here; so get lost in no time.’ ‘I’m not causing any trouble,’ I said, ‘just hanging on tightly to the reaping-hook, so I don’t fall off.’ ‘That’s exactly what you shouldn’t do, Dan,’ he replied. ‘Please, sir,’ I asked, ‘can I know how many of you there are, that you wouldn’t offer a poor traveler a place to stay: I’m sure you don’t get many visitors around here, since it’s such a long way.’ ‘It’s just me, Dan,’ he said; ‘but you should really let go of the reaping-hook.’ ‘Well, with your permission,’ I said, ‘I won’t let go; the more you tell me to, the less I will—so I will.’ ‘You really should, Dan,’ he insisted again. ‘Well then, my little friend,’ I said, eyeing him up and down, ‘there are two sides to this deal, and I won’t move, but you can if you want.’ ‘We’ll see about that,’ he said, and he went back inside, slamming the door so hard that I thought the moon and everything else would come crashing down with it.

“Well, I was preparing myself to try strength with him, when back again he comes, with the kitchen cleaver in his hand, and without saying a word, he gives two bangs to the handle of the reaping-hook that was keeping me up, and whap! it came in two. ‘Good morning to you, Dan,’ says the spiteful little old blackguard, when he saw me cleanly falling down with a bit of the handle in my hand:[110] ‘I thank you for your visit, and fair weather after you, Daniel.’ I had not time to make any answer to him, for I was tumbling over and over, and rolling and rolling at the rate of a fox-hunt. ‘Now help me,’ says I, ‘but this is a pretty pickle for a decent man to be seen in at this time of night; I am now sold fairly.’ The word was not out of my mouth, when whiz! what should fly by close to my ear but a flock of wild geese; all the way from my own bog of Ballyasheenough, else how should they know me? The ould gander, who was their general, turning about his head, cried out to me, ‘Is that you, Dan?’ ‘The same,’ said I, not a bit daunted now at what he said, for I was by this time used to all kinds of bedevilment, and, besides, I knew him of ould. ‘Good morrow to you,’ says he, ‘Daniel O’Rourke: how are you in health this morning?’ ‘Very well, sir,’ says I, ‘I thank you kindly,’ drawing my breath, for I was mightily in want of some. ‘I hope your honour’s the same.’ ‘I think ’tis falling you are, Daniel,’ says he. ‘You may say that, sir,’ says I. ‘And where are you going all the way so fast?’ said the gander. So I told him how I had taken the drop, and how I came on the island, and how I lost my way in the bog, and how the thief of an eagle flew me up to the moon, and how the man in the moon turned me out. ‘Dan,’ said he, ‘I’ll save you: put out your hand and catch me by the leg, and I’ll fly you home.’ ‘Sweet is your hand in a pitcher of honey, my jewel,’ says I, though all the time I thought in myself that I don’t much trust you; but there was no help, so I caught the gander by the leg, and away I and the other geese flew after him as fast as hops.

“Well, I was getting ready to test my strength against him when he came back, kitchen cleaver in hand, and without saying a word, he hit the handle of the reaping hook that was holding me up twice, and whap! it broke in two. ‘Good morning to you, Dan,’ says the spiteful little old jerk when he saw me tumbling down with a piece of the handle in my hand:[110] ‘Thanks for your visit, and safe travels to you, Daniel.’ I didn’t have time to respond because I was rolling around like I was in a fox hunt. ‘Now help me,’ I said, ‘but this is quite a mess for a decent guy to be in at this hour; I'm really in trouble.’ The words were barely out of my mouth when suddenly, whoosh! A flock of wild geese flew right past my ear, all the way from my own bog in Ballyasheenough, how else would they know me? The old gander, who was their leader, turned his head and called out to me, ‘Is that you, Dan?’ ‘Yep,’ I replied, not even fazed by what he said, since I was used to all sorts of craziness by then, and I recognized him from ould times. ‘Good morning to you,’ he said, ‘Daniel O’Rourke: how are you doing this morning?’ ‘Very well, sir,’ I replied, ‘thank you kindly,’ catching my breath because I was really in need of it. ‘I hope you’re well too.’ ‘I think you’re falling, Daniel,’ he said. ‘You could say that, sir,’ I replied. ‘And where are you rushing off to?’ asked the gander. So I explained how I had taken a drink, how I ended up on the island, how I got lost in the bog, how a thieving eagle carried me up to the moon, and how the man in the moon kicked me out. ‘Dan,’ he said, ‘I’ll rescue you: reach out and grab my leg, and I’ll fly you home.’ ‘Your hand is as sweet as honey, my dear,’ I replied, even though I was thinking to myself that I don’t really trust you; but there was no choice, so I grabbed the gander by the leg, and off we went, flying after him as fast as we could.

“We flew, and we flew, and we flew, until we came right over the wide ocean. I knew it well, for I saw Cape Clear to my right hand, sticking up out of the water. ‘Ah! my lord,’ said I to the goose, for I thought it best to keep a civil tongue in my head any way, ‘fly to land if you please.’ ‘It is impossible, you see, Dan,’ said he, ‘for awhile, because you see we are going to Arabia.’ ‘To Arabia!’ said I; ‘that’s surely some place in foreign parts, far away. Oh! Mr. Goose: why then to be sure, I’m a man to be pitied among you.’ ‘Whist, whist, you fool,’ said he, ‘hold your tongue; I tell you Arabia is a very decent sort of place,[111] as like West Carbery as one egg is like another, only there is a little more sand there.’

“We flew, and we flew, and we flew, until we were right over the wide ocean. I recognized it well because I saw Cape Clear to my right, rising up out of the water. ‘Ah! my lord,’ I said to the goose, thinking it was best to keep a polite tone, ‘please fly to land.’ ‘That’s impossible, you see, Dan,’ he replied, ‘for now, because we’re headed to Arabia.’ ‘To Arabia!’ I said; ‘that’s definitely some far-off foreign place. Oh! Mr. Goose: I must be the most pitiful man among you.’ ‘Shh, shh, you fool,’ he said, ‘be quiet; I’m telling you Arabia is a very decent place,[111] much like West Carbery, just with a bit more sand.’”

“Just as we were talking, a ship hove in sight, scudding so beautiful before the wind: ‘Ah! then, sir,’ said I, ‘will you drop me on the ship, if you please?’ ‘We are not fair over it,’ said he. ‘We are,’ said I. ‘We are not,’ said he: ‘If I dropped you now you would go splash into the sea.’ ‘I would not,’ says I: ‘I know better than that, for it’s just clean under us, so let me drop now at once.’

“While we were talking, a ship appeared on the horizon, gracefully gliding with the wind. ‘Oh! Then, sir,’ I said, ‘could you drop me off on the ship, please?’ ‘We’re not positioned for that,’ he replied. ‘We are,’ I insisted. ‘We’re not,’ he countered: ‘If I dropped you now, you’d go splashing into the sea.’ ‘I wouldn’t,’ I said: ‘I know better than that because it’s clear right under us, so let me drop now.’”

“‘If you must, you must,’ said he. ‘There, take your own way;’ and he opened his claw, and indeed he was right—sure enough I came down plump into the very bottom of the salt sea! Down to the very bottom I went, and I gave myself up then for ever, when a whale walked up to me, scratching himself after his night’s sleep, and looked me full in the face, and never the word did he say, but lifting up his tail, he splashed me all over again with the cold salt water, till there wasn’t a dry stitch upon my whole carcass; and I heard somebody saying—’twas a voice I knew too—‘Get up, you drunken brute, off of that;’ and with that I woke up, and there was Judy with a tub full of water, which she was splashing all over me;—for, rest her soul! though she was a good wife, she never could bear to see me in drink, and had a bitter hand of her own.

“‘If you have to, you have to,’ he said. ‘Go ahead, do it your way;’ and he opened his claw, and he was right—sure enough, I landed right at the bottom of the salty sea! Down to the very bottom I went, and I thought it was over for me when a whale swam up to me, scratching itself after its night’s rest, and looked me straight in the face. It didn’t say a word, but lifted its tail and splashed me all over again with the cold salt water, leaving not a dry stitch on my entire body; and I heard someone say—a voice I recognized too—‘Get up, you drunken idiot, get off of that;’ and with that, I woke up to find Judy with a tub full of water, splashing it all over me;—for, bless her soul! even though she was a good wife, she could never stand to see me drunk, and she had a rough hand of her own.

“‘Get up,’ said she again: ‘and of all places in the parish, would no place sarve your turn to lie down upon but under the ould walls of Carrigaphooka? an uneasy resting I am sure you had of it.’ And sure enough I had; for I was fairly bothered out of my senses with eagles, and men of the moon, and flying ganders, and whales, driving me through bogs, and up to the moon, and down to the bottom of the green ocean. If I was in drink ten times over, long would it be before I’d lie down on the same spot again; I know that.”

“‘Get up,’ she said again. ‘And of all the places in the parish, why would you choose to lie down under the old walls of Carrigaphooka? I’m sure you didn’t rest comfortably there.’ And I certainly didn’t; I was completely disturbed by eagles, men from the moon, flying geese, and whales, pushing me through swamps, up to the moon, and down to the bottom of the green ocean. Even if I were drunk ten times over, it would be a long time before I’d lie down in that same spot again; I know that.”


THE CROOKENED BACK.
XVI.

Peggy Barrett was once tall, well shaped, and comely. She was in her youth remarkable for two qualities, not often found together, of being the most thrifty housewife, and the best dancer in her native village of Ballyhooley. But she is now upwards of sixty years old; and during the last ten years of her life, she has never been able to stand upright. Her back is bent nearly to a level; yet she has the freest use of all her limbs that can be enjoyed in such a posture; her health is good, and her mind vigorous; and, in the family of her eldest son, with whom she has lived since the death of her husband, she performs all the domestic services which her age, and the infirmity just mentioned, allow. She washes the potatoes, makes the fire, sweeps the house (labours in which she good-humouredly says “she finds her crooked back mighty convenient”), plays with the children, and tells stories to the family and their neighbouring friends, who often collect round her son’s fire-side to hear them during the long winter evenings. Her powers of conversation are highly extolled, both for humour and in narration; and anecdotes of droll, awkward incidents, connected with the posture in which she has been so long fixed, as well as the history of the occurrence to which she owes that misfortune, are favourite topics of her discourse. Among other matters, she is fond of relating how, on a certain day at the close of a bad harvest, when several tenants of the estate on which she lived concerted in a field a petition for an abatement of rent, they placed the paper on which they wrote upon her back, which was found no very inconvenient substitute for a table.

Peggy Barrett was once tall, well-shaped, and attractive. In her youth, she was known for two qualities that don't often go together: being the thriftiest housewife and the best dancer in her hometown of Ballyhooley. But she is now over sixty years old, and for the past ten years, she hasn’t been able to stand upright. Her back is bent nearly flat; however, she has full use of all her limbs in this position. Her health is good, and her mind is sharp. Living with her eldest son since her husband passed away, she handles all the household tasks that her age and her condition allow. She washes the potatoes, makes the fire, sweeps the house (she cheerfully says her crooked back is "mighty convenient" for this), plays with the kids, and shares stories with her family and their friends who often gather around her son’s fireplace to listen during the long winter evenings. Her conversational skills are highly praised for both humor and storytelling, and she loves sharing funny and awkward anecdotes related to her long-standing posture, as well as the backstory of how she came to have this condition. Among other stories, she enjoys telling how, on a certain day after a poor harvest, several tenants from the estate where she lived got together in a field to draft a petition for reduced rent, and they used her back as a table to write on, which turned out to be quite a convenient option.

Peggy, like all experienced story-tellers, suited her tales, both in length and subject, to the audience and the occasion. She knew that, in broad daylight, when the sun shines brightly, and the trees are budding, and the birds singing[113] around us, when men and women, like ourselves, are moving and speaking, employed variously in business or amusement; she knew, in short (though certainly without knowing or much caring wherefore), that when we are engaged about the realities of life and nature, we want that spirit of credulity, without which tales of the deepest interest will lose their power. At such times Peggy was brief, very particular as to facts, and never dealt in the marvellous. But round the blazing hearth of a Christmas evening, when infidelity is banished from all companies, at least in low and simple life, as a quality, to say the least of it, out of season; when the winds of “dark December” whistled bleakly round the walls, and almost through the doors of the little mansion, reminding its inmates, that as the world is vexed by elements superior to human power, so it may be visited by beings of a superior nature:—at such times would Peggy Barrett give full scope to her memory, or her imagination, or both; and upon one of these occasions, she gave the following circumstantial account of the “crookening of her back.”

Peggy, like all skilled storytellers, tailored her stories, both in length and themes, to fit the audience and the occasion. She understood that in bright daylight, when the sun is shining, the trees are budding, and the birds are singing[113] around us, and when people like us are moving about and chatting, busy with work or play; she knew, in short (though certainly without having a deep understanding of why), that when we're focused on the realities of life and nature, we need a bit of belief in the extraordinary, or else even the most captivating stories lose their impact. During such times, Peggy kept her stories short, detailed, and never ventured into the fantastical. But around the warm fire on a Christmas evening, when skepticism is pushed aside, at least in simple gatherings—especially when the harsh winds of “dark December” howl around the walls and almost through the doors of the cozy home, reminding everyone that the world can be affected by forces beyond human control, as well as by beings of a different nature—at those times, Peggy Barrett would unleash her memory, her imagination, or both; and on one of these occasions, she gave a detailed account of how her back became “crooked.”

“It was, of all days in the year, the day before May-day, that I went out to the garden to weed the potatoes. I would not have gone out that day, but I was dull in myself, and sorrowful, and wanted to be alone; all the boys and girls were laughing and joking in the house, making goaling-balls and dressing out ribands for the mummers next day. I couldn’t bear it. ’Twas only at the Easter that was then past (and that’s ten years last Easter—I won’t forget the time,) that I buried my poor man; and I thought how gay and joyful I was, many a long year before that, at the May-eve before our wedding, when with Robin by my side, I sat cutting and sewing the ribands for the goaling-ball I was to give the boys on the next day, proud to be preferred above all the other girls of the banks of the Blackwater, by the handsomest boy and the best hurler in the village; so I left the house and went to the garden. I staid there all the day, and didn’t come home to dinner. I don’t know how it was, but somehow I continued on, weeding, and thinking sorrowfully enough, and singing over some of the old songs that I sung many and many a time in the days that are gone, and for them that never[114] will come back to me to hear them. The truth is, I hated to go and sit silent and mournful among the people in the house, that were merry and young, and had the best of their days before them. ’Twas late before I thought of returning home, and I did not leave the garden till some time after sunset. The moon was up; but though there wasn’t a cloud to be seen, and though a star was winking here and there in the sky, the day wasn’t long enough gone to have it clear moonlight; still it shone enough to make every thing on one side of the heavens look pale and silvery-like; and the thin white mist was just beginning to creep along the fields. On the other side, near where the sun was set, there was more of daylight, and the sky looked angry, red, and fiery through the trees, like as if it was lighted up by a great town burning below. Every thing was as silent as a churchyard, only now and then one could hear far off a dog barking, or a cow lowing after being milked. There wasn’t a creature to be seen on the road or in the fields. I wondered at this first, but then I remembered it was May-eve, and that many a thing, both good and bad, would be wandering about that night, and that I ought to shun danger as well as others. So I walked on as quick as I could, and soon came to the end of the demesne wall, where the trees rise high and thick at each side of the road, and almost meet at the top. My heart misgave me when I got under the shade. There was so much light let down from the opening above, that I could see about a stone-throw before me. All of a sudden I heard a rustling among the branches, on the right side of the road, and saw something like a small black goat, only with long wide horns turned out instead of being bent backwards, standing upon its hind legs upon the top of the wall, and looking down on me. My breath was stopped, and I couldn’t move for near a minute. I couldn’t help, somehow, keeping my eyes fixed on it; and it never stirred, but kept looking in the same fixed way down at me. At last I made a rush, and went on; but I didn’t go ten steps, when I saw the very same sight, on the wall to the left of me, standing in exactly the same manner, but three or four times as high, and almost as tall as the tallest man. The horns looked frightful; it gazed upon me as before; my legs[115] shook, and my teeth chattered, and I thought I would drop down dead every moment. At last I felt as if I was obliged to go on—and on I went; but it was without feeling how I moved, or whether my legs carried me. Just as I passed the spot where this frightful thing was standing, I heard a noise as if something sprung from the wall, and felt like as if a heavy animal plumped down upon me, and held with the fore feet clinging to my shoulder, and the hind ones fixed in my gown, that was folded and pinned up behind me. ’Tis the wonder of my life ever since how I bore the shock; but so it was, I neither fell, nor even staggered with the weight, but walked on as if I had the strength of ten men, though I felt as if I couldn’t help moving, and couldn’t stand still if I wished it. Though I gasped with fear, I knew as well as I do now what I was doing. I tried to cry out, but couldn’t; I tried to run, but wasn’t able; I tried to look back, but my head and neck were as if they were screwed in a vice. I could barely roll my eyes on each side, and then I could see, as clearly and plainly as if it was in the broad light of the blessed sun, a black and cloven foot planted upon each of my shoulders. I heard a low breathing in my ear; I felt at every step I took, my leg strike back against the feet of the creature that was on my back. Still I could do nothing but walk straight on. At last I came within sight of the house, and a welcome sight it was to me, for I thought I would be released when I reached it. I soon came close to the door, but it was shut; I looked at the little window, but it was shut too, for they were more cautious about May-eve than I was; I saw the light inside, through the chinks of the door; I heard ’em talking and laughing within; I felt myself at three yards’ distance from them that would die to save me;—and may the Lord save me from ever again feeling what I did that night, when I found myself held by what couldn’t be good nor friendly, but without the power to help myself, or to call my friends, or to put out my hand to knock, or even to lift my leg to strike the door, and let them know that I was outside it! ’Twas as if my hands grew to my sides, and my feet were glued to the ground, or had the weight of a rock fixed to them. At last I thought of blessing myself; and my right hand, that would do nothing else,[116] did that for me. Still the weight remained on my back, and all was as before. I blessed myself again: ’twas still all the same. I then gave myself up for lost: but I blessed myself a third time, and my hand no sooner finished the sign, than all at once I felt the burden spring off of my back; the door flew open as if a clap of thunder burst it, and I was pitched forward on my forehead, in upon the middle of the floor. When I got up my back was crookened, and I never stood straight from that night to this blessed hour.”

“It was, of all days in the year, the day before May Day, that I went out to the garden to weed the potatoes. I wouldn't have gone out that day, but I was feeling down and sorrowful, and wanted to be alone; all the boys and girls were laughing and joking in the house, making goal balls and decorating ribbons for the mummers the next day. I couldn't stand it. It was only at Easter, which was ten years ago (I won't forget that time), that I buried my poor husband; and I thought about how happy and joyful I was many years before that, on the May eve before our wedding, when with Robin by my side, I sat cutting and sewing ribbons for the goal ball I was going to give the boys the next day, proud to be chosen over all the other girls on the banks of the Blackwater, by the handsomest boy and best hurler in the village; so I left the house and went to the garden. I stayed there all day and didn't come home for dinner. I don't know how it happened, but somehow I kept going, weeding, and thinking sadly, and singing some of the old songs that I sang many times in the days that are gone, and for those that never[114] will come back to hear them. The truth is, I hated to sit quietly and mourn among the people in the house, who were merry and young, with the best years of their lives ahead of them. It was late before I thought about going home, and I didn’t leave the garden until some time after sunset. The moon was up; but even though there wasn’t a cloud in sight, and even though a star was twinkling here and there in the sky, it wasn’t quite dark enough to have clear moonlight; still, it shone enough to make everything on one side of the sky look pale and silvery; and the thin white mist was just beginning to creep along the fields. On the other side, near where the sun had set, there was still some daylight, and the sky looked angry, red, and fiery through the trees, as if it were lit up by a great town burning below. Everything was as silent as a graveyard, only now and then you could hear a dog barking far off, or a cow lowing after being milked. There wasn’t a soul to be seen on the road or in the fields. I wondered at this at first, but then I remembered it was May eve, and that many things, both good and bad, would be wandering about that night, and that I should avoid danger like everyone else. So I walked on as fast as I could and soon reached the end of the estate wall, where the trees rose high and thick on each side of the road and almost met at the top. My heart sank when I got under the shade. There was so much light coming down from the opening above that I could see about a stone's throw ahead of me. Suddenly I heard a rustling among the branches on the right side of the road, and saw something like a small black goat, but with long wide horns turned outward instead of being bent backward, standing on its hind legs on top of the wall, looking down at me. My breath caught, and I couldn’t move for almost a minute. I couldn’t help, somehow, keeping my eyes fixed on it; it never stirred, just kept looking down at me in the same way. Finally, I made a rush and continued on; but I hadn’t gone ten steps when I saw the same sight on the wall to my left, standing in exactly the same way, but three or four times as high, and almost as tall as the tallest man. The horns looked terrifying; it stared at me like before; my legs[115] shook, and my teeth chattered, and I thought I would drop dead at any moment. Eventually, I felt as if I had no choice but to keep going—and I did; but I wasn't aware how I was moving or whether my legs were carrying me. Just as I passed the spot where the frightening creature was standing, I heard a noise as if something jumped from the wall, and it felt like a heavy animal landed on me, clinging with its front paws to my shoulder, and its back ones holding onto my gown, which was folded and pinned up behind me. It’s a wonder I ever thought I could bear the shock; but so it was, I neither fell nor staggered under the weight, but walked on as if I had the strength of ten men, though I felt I couldn’t help moving, and couldn’t stand still even if I wanted to. Though I gasped with fear, I knew as well as I do now what I was doing. I tried to cry out, but couldn’t; I tried to run, but wasn’t able; I tried to look back, but my head and neck felt as if they were in a vice. I could barely roll my eyes from side to side, and then I could see, as clearly and plainly as if it was in the bright light of the blessed sun, a black and cloven foot planted on each of my shoulders. I heard a low breathing in my ear; I felt with every step I took, my leg hit back against the feet of the creature that was on my back. Still, I could do nothing but walk straight on. Finally, I came within sight of the house, and what a welcome sight it was to me, for I thought I would be free when I reached it. I soon got close to the door, but it was shut; I looked at the little window, but it was closed too, for they were more cautious about May eve than I was; I saw the light inside through the cracks of the door; I heard them talking and laughing inside; I felt I was three yards away from those who would die to save me;—and may the Lord save me from ever again feeling what I felt that night, when I found myself held by something that couldn't possibly be good or friendly, but without the power to help myself, or to call my friends, or to lift my hand to knock, or even to lift my leg to strike the door and let them know I was outside! It was as if my hands fused to my sides, and my feet were glued to the ground, or had the weight of a rock fixed to them. Finally, I thought to bless myself; and my right hand, which could do nothing else,[116] did that for me. Still, the weight remained on my back, and everything was as before. I blessed myself again: it was still the same. I then gave myself up for lost; but I blessed myself a third time, and no sooner had my hand finished the sign than suddenly I felt the burden lift off my back; the door flew open as if a clap of thunder had burst it, and I was thrown forward onto my forehead, right in the middle of the floor. When I got up, my back was bent, and I never stood straight from that night to this blessed hour.”

There was a pause when Peggy Barrett finished. Those who heard the story before had listened with a look of half-satisfied interest, blended, however, with an expression of that serious and solemn feeling, which always attends a tale of supernatural wonders, how often soever told. They moved upon their seats out of the posture in which they had remained fixed during the narrative, and sat in an attitude which denoted that their curiosity as to the cause of this strange occurrence had been long since allayed. Those to whom it was before unknown still retained their look and posture of strained attention, and anxious but solemn expectation. A grandson of Peggy’s, about nine years old (not the child of the son with whom she lived,) had never before heard the story. As it grew in interest, he was observed to cling closer and closer to the old woman’s side; and at the close he was gazing steadfastly at her, with his body bent back across her knees, and his face turned up to hers, with a look, through which a disposition to weep seemed contending with curiosity. After a moment’s pause, he could no longer restrain his impatience, and catching her gray locks in one hand, while a tear of dread and wonder was just dropping from his eye-lash, he cried, “Granny, what was it?”

There was a pause when Peggy Barrett finished. Those who had heard the story before listened with a look of partly satisfied interest, mixed with a serious and solemn feeling that always comes with tales of supernatural wonders, no matter how often they are told. They shifted in their seats from the posture they had maintained during the narrative and sat in a way that showed their curiosity about the cause of this strange occurrence had long been satisfied. Those who had never heard it before still had the look and posture of intense attention, filled with anxious but serious expectation. A grandson of Peggy’s, about nine years old (not the son of the child she lived with), had never heard the story before. As the tension grew, he clung closer and closer to the old woman’s side; by the end, he was gazing intently at her, with his body bent back across her knees and his face turned up to hers, showing a mix of tears and curiosity. After a moment, he could no longer hold back his impatience, and grabbing her gray hair with one hand, while a tear of fear and wonder was just about to drop from his eyelash, he exclaimed, “Granny, what was it?”

The old woman smiled first at the elder part of her audience, and then at her grandson, and patting him on the forehead, she said, “It was the Phooka.”

The old woman smiled first at the older part of her audience, then at her grandson, and, patting him on the forehead, she said, “It was the Phooka.”

The Pouke or Phooka, as the word is pronounced, means, in plain terms, the Evil One. “Playing the puck,” a common Anglo-Irish phrase, is equivalent to “playing the devil.” Much learning has been displayed in tracing this word through various languages, vide Quarterly Review [vol. xxii. &c.] The commentators on Shakspeare derive the beautiful and frolicksome Puck of the Midsummer Night’s Dream from the mischievous Pouke.—Vide Drayton’s Nymphidia.

The Pouke or Phooka, as it’s pronounced, simply means the Evil One. “Playing the puck,” a common Anglo-Irish phrase, is the same as “playing the devil.” There has been extensive research tracing this word through different languages; see Quarterly Review [vol. xxii. &c.]. Commentators on Shakespeare link the charming and playful Puck from A Midsummer Night’s Dream to the mischievous Pouke.—See Drayton’s Nymphidia.

“This Puck seems but a dreaming dolt,
Still walking like a ragged colt,” &c.

In Golding’s translation of Ovid’s Metamorphoses (1587) we find,

In Golding’s translation of Ovid’s Metamorphoses (1587), we find,

“—— and the countrie where Chgmæra, that same Pooke,
Hath goatish bodie,” &c.

The Irish Phooka, in its nature, perfectly resembles the Mahr; and we have only to observe, that there is a particular German tradition of a spirit, which sits among reeds and alder bushes; and which, like the Phooka, leaps upon the back of those who pass by in the night, and does not leave them till they faint and fall to the earth.

The Irish Phooka is very similar to the Mahr; we just need to note that there's a specific German tradition about a spirit that sits among reeds and alder bushes. Like the Phooka, this spirit jumps on the backs of people passing by at night and doesn’t let go until they faint and fall to the ground.

The Brothers Grimm.

The Brothers Grimm.


THIERNA NA OGE.

THIERNA NA OGE.

“On Lough-Neagh’s bank, as the fisherman strays,
When the clear cold eve’s declining,
He sees the round towers of other days
In the wave beneath him shining.”

“On Lough Neagh's shore, as the fisherman wanders,
When the clear, chilly evening is fading,
He sees the rounded towers from the past
Shining in the waves below him.”

Moore.

Moore.


FIOR USGA.
XVII.

A little way beyond the Gallows Green of Cork, and just outside the town, there is a great lough of water, where people in the winter go and skate for the sake of diversion; but the sport above the water is nothing to what is under it, for at the very bottom of this lough there are buildings and gardens, far more beautiful than any now to be seen, and how they came there was in this manner.

A bit beyond the Gallows Green in Cork, right outside town, there's a big lake where people go skating in the winter for fun. But the activities on the surface are nothing compared to what's beneath it, because at the very bottom of this lake, there are buildings and gardens that are much more beautiful than anything you can see today, and here's how they ended up there.

Long before Saxon foot pressed Irish ground, there was a great king called Core, whose palace stood where the lough now is, in a round green valley, that was just a mile about. In the middle of the court-yard was a spring of fair water, so pure, and so clear, that it was the wonder of all the world. Much did the king rejoice at having so[120] great a curiosity within his palace; but as people came in crowds from far and near to draw the precious water of this spring, he was sorely afraid that in time it might become dry; so he caused a high wall to be built up round it, and would allow nobody to have the water, which was a very great loss to the poor people living about the palace. Whenever he wanted any for himself, he would send his daughter to get it, not liking to trust his servants with the key of the well-door, fearing that they might give some away.

Long before Saxon feet touched Irish soil, there was a great king named Core, whose palace stood where the lake is now, in a round green valley that measured just a mile around. In the center of the courtyard was a spring of beautiful water, so pure and clear that it amazed everyone. The king was very pleased to have such an incredible feature in his palace; but as people came from far and wide to draw the precious water, he became worried that it might eventually dry up. So, he ordered a tall wall to be built around it and wouldn’t let anyone take the water, which was a huge loss for the poor people living nearby. Whenever he wanted some for himself, he would send his daughter to fetch it, not wanting to trust his servants with the key to the well, fearing they might give some away.

One night the king gave a grand entertainment, and there were many great princes present, and lords and nobles without end; and there were wonderful doings throughout the palace: there were bonfires, whose blaze reached up to the very sky; and dancing was there, to such sweet music, that it ought to have waked up the dead out of their graves; and feasting was there in the greatest of plenty for all who came; nor was any one turned away from the palace gates—but “you’re welcome—you’re welcome, heartily,” was the porter’s salute for all.

One night, the king hosted a huge celebration, attended by many powerful princes, endless lords, and nobles. The palace was alive with amazing activities: there were bonfires that blazed up to the sky; music so sweet that it could have stirred the dead from their graves; and there was plenty of food for everyone who arrived. No one was turned away at the palace gates—everyone was greeted with, “You’re welcome—you’re welcome, whole-heartedly,” from the doorman.

Now it happened at this grand entertainment there was one young prince above all the rest mighty comely to behold, and as tall and as straight as ever eye would wish to look on. Right merrily did he dance that night with the old king’s daughter, wheeling here, and wheeling there, as light as a feather, and footing it away to the admiration of every one. The musicians played the better for seeing their dancing; and they danced as if their lives depended upon it. After all this dancing came the supper; and the young prince was seated at table by the side of his beautiful partner, who smiled upon him as often as he spoke to her; and that was by no means so often as he wished, for he had constantly to turn to the company and thank them for the many compliments passed upon his fair partner and himself.

Now, at this grand event, there was one young prince who stood out from the rest, incredibly handsome and as tall and straight as anyone could wish for. He danced joyfully that night with the old king’s daughter, twirling this way and that, as light as a feather, impressing everyone around. The musicians played even better as they watched them dance; they danced as if their lives depended on it. After all the dancing, supper was served, and the young prince sat at the table next to his beautiful partner, who smiled at him every time he spoke to her. However, he didn't get to speak to her as often as he wanted, as he had to keep turning to the guests to thank them for the many compliments given about his lovely partner and himself.

In the midst of this banquet, one of the great lords said to King Core, “May it please your majesty, here is every thing in abundance that heart can wish for, both to eat and drink, except water.”

In the middle of this banquet, one of the great lords said to King Core, “If it pleases you, your majesty, everything your heart could desire is here in abundance, both to eat and drink, except for water.”

“Water!” said the king, mightily pleased at some one calling for that of which purposely there was a want:[121] “water shall you have, my lord, speedily, and that of such a delicious kind, that I challenge all the world to equal it. Daughter,” said he, “go fetch some in the golden vessel which I caused to be made for the purpose.”

“Water!” said the king, very pleased that someone was asking for something he purposely wanted to provide: [121] “You shall have water, my lord, quickly, and it will be so delicious that I dare anyone to match it. Daughter,” he said, “go get some in the golden vessel I had made for this purpose.”

The king’s daughter, who was called Fior Usga, (which signifies, in English, Spring Water,) did not much like to be told to perform so menial a service before so many people, and though she did not venture to refuse the commands of her father, yet hesitated to obey him, and looked down upon the ground. The king, who loved his daughter very much, seeing this, was sorry for what he had desired her to do, but having said the word, he was never known to recall it; he therefore thought of a way to make his daughter go speedily and fetch the water, and it was by proposing that the young prince her partner should go along with her. Accordingly, with a loud voice, he said, “Daughter, I wonder not at your fearing to go alone so late at night; but I doubt not the young prince at your side will go with you.” The prince was not displeased at hearing this; and taking the golden vessel in one hand, with the other led the king’s daughter out of the hall so gracefully that all present gazed after them with delight.

The king’s daughter, named Fior Usga (which means Spring Water in English), didn’t like being told to do such a lowly task in front of so many people. Even though she didn’t dare to refuse her father’s commands, she hesitated to obey him and looked down at the ground. The king, who loved his daughter dearly, felt sorry for asking her to do it. However, once he said it, he never took it back. So, he thought of a way to make his daughter go fetch the water quickly by suggesting that the young prince, her partner, should go with her. He then called out, “Daughter, I understand why you’d be afraid to go alone so late at night, but I have no doubt the young prince by your side will accompany you.” The prince was pleased to hear this and, taking the golden vessel in one hand, gracefully led the king’s daughter out of the hall, making everyone present gaze after them with delight.

When they came to the spring of water, in the court-yard of the palace, the fair Usga unlocked the door with the greatest care, and stooping down with the golden vessel to take some of the water out of the well, found the vessel so heavy that she lost her balance and fell in. The young prince tried in vain to save her, for the water rose and rose so fast, that the entire court-yard was speedily covered with it, and he hastened back almost in a state of distraction to the king.

When they reached the spring in the palace courtyard, the beautiful Usga carefully unlocked the door. Leaning down with the golden vessel to fetch some water from the well, she found the vessel so heavy that she lost her balance and fell in. The young prince tried desperately to save her, but the water kept rising quickly, soon covering the entire courtyard. He rushed back to the king in a near-panic.

The door of the well being left open, the water, which had been so long confined, rejoiced at obtaining its liberty, rushed forth incessantly, every moment rising higher and higher, and was in the hall of the entertainment sooner than the young prince himself, so that when he attempted to speak to the king he was up to his neck in water. At length the water rose to such a height, that it filled the entire of the green valley in which the king’s palace stood, and so the present lough of Cork was formed.

The door of the well was left open, and the water, which had been trapped for so long, celebrated its freedom by rushing out continuously, rising higher and higher every moment. It reached the hall of the celebration before the young prince did, so when he tried to speak to the king, he found himself neck-deep in water. Eventually, the water rose so high that it filled the entire green valley where the king’s palace was located, creating what is now known as the lough of Cork.

Yet the king and his guests were not drowned, as would[122] now happen, if such an awful inundation were to take place; neither was his daughter, the fair Usga, who returned to the banquet-hall the very next night after this dreadful event; and every night since the same entertainment and dancing goes on in the palace at the bottom of the lough, and will last until some one has the luck to bring up out of it the golden vessel which was the cause of all this mischief.

Yet the king and his guests didn’t drown, as would[122] now happen if such a terrible flood occurred; neither did his daughter, the lovely Usga, who returned to the banquet hall the very next night after this horrific event; and every night since, the same festivities and dancing continue in the palace at the bottom of the lake, and will do so until someone is fortunate enough to bring up the golden vessel that caused all this trouble.

Nobody can doubt that it was a judgment upon the king for his shutting up the well in the court-yard from the poor people: and if there are any who do not credit my story, they may go and see the lough of Cork, for there it is to be seen to this day; the road to Kinsale passes at one side of it; and when its waters are low and clear, the tops of towers and stately buildings may be plainly viewed in the bottom by those who have good eyesight, without the help of spectacles.

Nobody can deny that it was a punishment for the king for blocking access to the well in the courtyard for the poor people. And if there are those who don’t believe my story, they can go and see the lake of Cork, because it’s still visible today. The road to Kinsale runs alongside it, and when the water is low and clear, the tops of towers and grand buildings can be clearly seen at the bottom by anyone with good eyesight, no glasses needed.


CORMAC AND MARY.
XVIII.

"She's not dead—she doesn't have a grave—
She lives under the water of Lough Corrib;[16]
And in the whisper of each wave
"I think I can hear the songs I taught her."
So many evenings on the shore Sat Cormac shouting wildly and quietly; [123]Still idly mumbling over and over, "She lives, held back by unholy spells.
"Death does not take her, too beautiful for this world,
Her spirit lives—heavenly being; Nor will it experience a second birth. When forgiven sinners are redeemed!
"This rock is cold—the wind blows chilly,
And mists cover the dark waters; But oh! her soul is even colder—
"To lose her God— to leave her lover!"
The lake was completely still,
Yet one white wave came softly curling, And as it reached the shore, it rose. Dim figures—colorful banners unfurling.
They move forward, a light-hearted crowd:
A beam of moonlight shone through each thin shape;
While bearing a spear and wearing a helmet, in a grand display, Appear in liquid waves.
Bright barbed horses prancing around Their unmarked path with playful antics; And cloud curtains hang overhead,
Decorated with rainbow-colored vapors.
And when a breeze would blow
That drapery of Heaven’s own wrapping,
Light prism wings Just moved and shined to the breathing.
The choral song was not lacking, Swelling in bright, sweet sounds; To the sound of this subtle crowd Moving forward with playful grace and speed.
With the sound of music, everyone came and went. Upon Cormac’s doubtful vision; Now rising in wild joy,
Now quietly fading in mockery.[124]
"Christ, save her soul," he shouted boldly; And when that cherished name was mentioned,
Intense shouts and wicked screams answered back,
And then everything disappeared—the spell was lifted.
And now on Corrib's quiet shore,
Released by his word from the power of faerie,
To life, to love, revived once again,
Young Cormac is happy to have Mary back.

THE LEGEND OF LOUGH GUR.
XIX.

Larry Cotter had a farm on one side of Lough Gur,[17] and was thriving in it, for he was an industrious proper sort of man, who would have lived quietly and soberly to the end of his days, but for the misfortune that came upon him, and you shall hear how that was. He had as nice a bit of meadow-land, down by the water-side, as ever a man would wish for; but its growth was spoiled entirely on him, and no one could tell how.

Larry Cotter had a farm on one side of Lough Gur,[17] and he was doing really well there because he was a hardworking, decent guy who would have lived quietly and responsibly for the rest of his life, if it weren't for the bad luck that hit him, and you’ll find out what that was. He had a lovely piece of meadowland by the water that anyone would envy; but it was completely ruined for him, and no one could figure out why.

One year after the other it was all ruined just in the same way: the bounds were well made up, and not a stone of [125]them was disturbed; neither could his neighbours’ cattle have been guilty of the trespass, for they were spancelled;[18] but however it was done, the grass of the meadow was destroyed, which was a great loss to Larry.

One year after another, everything was ruined in the same way: the boundaries were well established, and not a single stone of [125]them was moved; his neighbors' cattle couldn't have been responsible for the damage since they were restrained;[18] but however it happened, the grass in the meadow was ruined, which was a significant loss for Larry.

“What in the wide world will I do?” said Larry Cotter to his neighbour, Tom Welsh, who was a very decent sort of man himself: “that bit of meadow-land, which I am paying the great rent for, is doing nothing at all to make it for me; and the times are bitter bad, without the help of that to make them worse.”

“What am I going to do?” said Larry Cotter to his neighbor, Tom Welsh, who was a really decent guy himself. “That piece of meadowland I'm paying a ton for isn't doing anything for me at all, and these times are really tough without that making things worse.”

“’Tis true for you, Larry,” replied Welsh: “the times are bitter bad—no doubt of that; but may be if you were to watch by night, you might make out all about it: sure there’s Mick and Terry, my two boys, will watch with you; for ’tis a thousand pities any honest man like you should be ruined in such a scheming way.”

“It's true for you, Larry,” replied Welsh: “the times are really tough—no doubt about it; but maybe if you were to keep watch at night, you could figure everything out: my two boys, Mick and Terry, will keep watch with you; it's such a shame for an honest man like you to be taken down in such a sneaky way.”

Accordingly, the following night, Larry Cotter, with Welsh’s two sons, took their station in a corner of the meadow. It was just at the full of the moon, which was shining beautifully down upon the lake, that was as calm all over as the sky itself; not a cloud was there to be seen any where, nor a sound to be heard, but the cry of the corn-creaks answering one another across the water.

Accordingly, the next night, Larry Cotter, along with Welsh’s two sons, took their place in a corner of the meadow. It was right at the full moon, which was shining beautifully down on the lake, perfectly calm like the sky itself; there wasn’t a cloud in sight, nor a sound to be heard, except for the calls of the corn-crakes echoing to each other across the water.

“Boys! boys!” said Larry, “look there! look there! but for your lives don’t make a bit of noise, nor stir a step till I say the word.”

“Hey guys! Look over there! But for your lives, don’t make a sound or take a step until I give the signal.”

They looked, and saw a great fat cow, followed by seven milk-white heifers, moving on the smooth surface of the lake towards the meadow.

They looked and saw a big fat cow followed by seven pure white calves gliding over the calm surface of the lake toward the meadow.

“’Tis not Tim Dwyer the piper’s cow, any way, that danced all the flesh off her bones,” whispered Mick to his brother.

“It's not Tim Dwyer the piper's cow, anyway, that danced all the flesh off her bones,” whispered Mick to his brother.

“Now boys!” said Larry Cotter, when he saw the fine cow and her seven white heifers fairly in the meadow, “get between them and the lake if you can, and, no matter who they belong to, we’ll just put them into the pound.”

“Now boys!” said Larry Cotter, when he saw the nice cow and her seven white heifers out in the meadow, “get between them and the lake if you can, and, no matter who owns them, we’ll just round them up and take them to the pound.”

But the cow must have overheard Larry speaking, for down she went in a great hurry to the shore of the lake, and into it with her, before all their eyes: away made the seven heifers after her, but the boys got down to the bank [126]before them, and work enough they had to drive them up from the lake to Larry Cotter.

But the cow must have heard Larry talking, because she rushed down to the lake's shore and jumped in right in front of everyone. The seven heifers chased after her, but the boys got to the bank [126] before them, and they had quite a job on their hands driving them up from the lake to Larry Cotter.

Larry drove the seven heifers, and beautiful beasts they were, to the pound: but after he had them there for three days, and could hear of no owner, he took them out, and put them up in a field of his own. There he kept them, and they were thriving mighty well with him, until one night the gate of the field was left open, and in the morning the seven heifers were gone. Larry could not get any account of them after; and, beyond all doubt, it was back into the lake they went. Wherever they came from, or to whatever world they belonged, Larry Cotter never had a crop of grass off the meadow through their means. So he took to drink, fairly out of the grief; and it was the drink that killed him, they say.

Larry drove the seven heifers, which were beautiful animals, to the pound. But after he had them there for three days and couldn't find their owner, he took them out and put them in one of his own fields. He kept them there, and they were doing really well until one night the gate of the field was left open, and by morning, the seven heifers were gone. Larry couldn't find any trace of them after that, and it’s believed they went back into the lake. No matter where they came from or what world they belonged to, Larry Cotter never got any grass from that meadow because of them. So, he turned to drinking, overwhelmed by grief; and they say it was the drink that killed him.


THE ENCHANTED LAKE.
XX.

In the west of Ireland there was a lake, and no doubt it is there still, in which many young men had been at various times drowned. What made the circumstance remarkable was, that the bodies of the drowned persons were never found. People naturally wondered at this: and at length the lake came to have a bad repute. Many dreadful stories were told about that lake; some would affirm, that on a dark night its waters appeared like fire—others would speak of horrid forms which were seen to glide over it; and every one agreed that a strange sulphureous smell issued from out of it.

In the west of Ireland, there was a lake, and no doubt it’s still there, where many young men had drowned over the years. What made this situation unusual was that the bodies of the drowned were never found. People understandably speculated about this, and eventually, the lake gained a bad reputation. Many terrifying stories were circulated about that lake; some claimed that on dark nights its waters looked like fire—others spoke of horrifying shapes gliding over it; and everyone agreed that a strange sulfurous smell came from it.

There lived, not far distant from this lake a young farmer, named Roderick Keating, who was about to be married to one of the prettiest girls in that part of the country. On his return from Limerick, where he had been to purchase the wedding-ring, he came up with two or three of his acquaintance, who were standing on the shore, and they began to joke with him about Peggy Honan. One said that young Delaney, his rival, had in his absence contrived to win the affection of his mistress:—but Roderick’s confidence in his intended bride was too great to be disturbed at this tale, and putting his hand in his pocket, he produced and held up with a significant look the wedding-ring. As he was turning it between his fore-finger and thumb, in token of triumph, somehow or other the ring fell from his hand, and rolled into the lake: Roderick looked after it with the greatest sorrow; it was not so much for its value, though it had cost him half-a-guinea, as for the ill-luck of the thing; and the water was so deep, that there was little chance of recovering it. His companions laughed at him, and he in vain endeavoured to tempt any of them by the offer of a handsome reward to dive after the ring: they were all as little inclined to venture as Roderick Keating himself; for the tales which they had heard when children were strongly impressed on their memories, and a superstitious dread filled the mind of each.

There lived, not far from this lake, a young farmer named Roderick Keating, who was about to marry one of the prettiest girls in the area. On his way back from Limerick, where he had gone to buy the wedding ring, he ran into a few acquaintances who were standing by the shore. They started teasing him about Peggy Honan. One of them said that young Delaney, his rival, had managed to win Peggy’s affection while Roderick was away. But Roderick's trust in his fiancée was too strong to be shaken by this story, and he reached into his pocket to pull out and proudly display the wedding ring. As he was spinning it between his fingers in a gesture of triumph, the ring somehow slipped from his hand and fell into the lake. Roderick watched it sink with great sorrow; it wasn’t so much its cost, which was half a guinea, but the bad luck it represented that upset him. The water was so deep that there was little hope of retrieving it. His friends laughed at him, and he unsuccessfully tried to entice them to dive for the ring by offering a handsome reward. They were just as reluctant to take the risk as Roderick was; the stories they had heard as children were still vivid in their memories, and a sense of superstitious dread filled each of their minds.

“Must I then go back to Limerick to buy another ring?” exclaimed the young farmer. “Will not ten times what the ring cost tempt any one of you to venture after it?”

“Do I really have to go back to Limerick to buy another ring?” the young farmer exclaimed. “Isn’t there anyone among you who would take the risk for ten times what the ring cost?”

There was within hearing a man who was considered to be a poor, crazy, half-witted fellow, but he was as harmless as a child, and used to go wandering up and down through the country from one place to another. When he heard of so great a reward, Paddeen, for that was his name, spoke out, and said, that if Roderick Keating would give him encouragement equal to what he had offered to others, he was ready to venture after the ring into the lake; and Paddeen, all the while he spoke, looked as covetous after the sport as the money.

There was a man nearby who was seen as a poor, crazy, half-witted guy, but he was as harmless as a child and would wander around the countryside from place to place. When he heard about such a big reward, Paddeen—his name—spoke up and said that if Roderick Keating would give him the same encouragement he’d offered to others, he was ready to dive into the lake after the ring. All the while he spoke, Paddeen looked just as eager for the adventure as he did for the money.

“I’ll take you at your word,” said Keating. So Paddeen pulled off his coat, and without a single syllable more, down he plunged, head foremost, into the lake: what depth he went to, no one can tell exactly; but he was going,[128] going, going down through the water, until the water parted from him, and he came upon the dry land; the sky, and the light, and every thing, was there just as it is here; and he saw fine pleasure-grounds, with an elegant avenue through them, and a grand house, with a power of steps going up to the door. When he had recovered from his wonder at finding the land so dry and comfortable under the water, he looked about him, and what should he see but all the young men that were drowned working away in the pleasure-grounds as if nothing had ever happened to them! Some of them were mowing down the grass, and more were settling out the gravel walks, and doing all manner of nice work, as neat and as clever as if they had never been drowned; and they were singing away with high glee:—

“I’ll take you at your word,” said Keating. So Paddeen took off his coat, and without saying another word, he dove in headfirst into the lake. How deep he went, no one can say for sure; but he was going, [128] going, going down through the water, until it finally released him, and he emerged onto dry land; the sky, the light, everything was just as it is here; and he saw beautiful gardens, with a stylish path running through them, and a grand house, with many steps leading up to the door. After he got over his surprise at finding the land so dry and comfortable after being underwater, he looked around, and what did he see but all the young men who had drowned working in the gardens as if nothing had ever happened to them! Some were mowing the grass, others were laying out the gravel paths, and doing all sorts of lovely work, neat and skillful as if they had never drowned; and they were singing cheerfully:—

“She is as fair as Cappoquin;
Do you have the courage to support her in winning? And her wealth greatly surpasses Cullen's Bog and Silvermines. She exceeds everything the heart could desire;
Not fighting like the Foherish,
But as the brightly flowing Lee, "She is graceful, gentle, and pure!"

Well, Paddeen could not but look at the young men, for he knew some of them before they were lost in the lake; but he said nothing, though he thought a great deal more for all that, like an oyster:—no, not the wind of a word passed his lips; so on he went towards the big house, bold enough, as if he had seen nothing to speak of; yet all the time mightily wishing to know who the young woman could be that the young men were singing the song about.

Well, Paddeen couldn't help but look at the young men because he recognized some of them from before they disappeared in the lake; but he said nothing, even though he was thinking a lot, like an oyster:—no word escaped his lips; so he continued toward the big house, looking confident, as if he hadn't seen anything worth mentioning; yet all the while he desperately wanted to know who the young woman was that the young men were singing about.

When he had nearly reached the door of the great house, out walks from the kitchen a powerful fat woman, moving along like a beer-barrel on two legs, with teeth as big as horses’ teeth, and up she made towards him.

When he was almost at the door of the big house, a strong, heavyset woman walked out of the kitchen, moving like a beer barrel on two legs, with teeth as large as horses' teeth, and she headed towards him.

“Good morrow, Paddeen,” said she.

"Good morning, Paddeen," she said.

“Good morrow, Ma’am,” said he.

“Good morning, Ma’am,” said he.

“What brought you here?” said she.

“What brought you here?” she asked.

“’Tis after Rory Keating’s gold ring,” said he, “I’m come.”

“I’ve come for Rory Keating’s gold ring,” he said.

“Here it is for you,” said Paddeen’s fat friend, with a smile on her face that moved like boiling stirabout [gruel.]

“Here it is for you,” said Paddeen’s heavyset friend, with a smile on her face that resembled bubbling porridge.

“Thank you, Ma’am,” replied Paddeen, taking it from[129] her:—“I need not say the Lord increase you, for you’re fat enough already. Will you tell me, if you please, am I to go back the same way I came?”

“Thank you, Ma’am,” Paddeen said, taking it from[129] her. “I won’t need to say ‘God bless you,’ since you’re already pretty well off. Can you please tell me if I should go back the same way I came?”

“Then you did not come to marry me?” cried the corpulent woman in a desperate fury.

“Then you’re not here to marry me?” shouted the overweight woman in a fit of rage.

“Just wait till I come back again, my darling,” said Paddeen: “I’m to be paid for my message, and I must return with the answer, or else they’ll wonder what has become of me.”

“Just wait until I come back again, my darling,” said Paddeen. “I’m supposed to be paid for my message, and I have to return with the answer, or else they’ll start to worry about what happened to me.”

“Never mind the money,” said the fat woman: “if you marry me, you shall live for ever and a day in that house, and want for nothing.”

“Forget about the money,” said the overweight woman. “If you marry me, you’ll live in that house forever and never want for anything.”

Paddeen saw clearly that, having got possession of the ring, the fat woman had no power to detain him; so without minding any thing she said, he kept moving and moving down the avenue, quite quietly, and looking about him; for, to tell the truth, he had no particular inclination to marry a fat fairy. When he came to the gate, without ever saying good by, out he bolted, and he found the water coming all about him again. Up he plunged through it, and wonder enough there was, when Paddeen was seen swimming away at the opposite side of the lake; but he soon made the shore, and told Roderick Keating, and the other boys that were standing there looking out for him, all that had happened. Roderick paid him the five guineas for the ring on the spot; and Paddeen thought himself so rich with such a sum of money in his pocket, that he did not go back to marry the fat lady with the fine house at the bottom of the lake, knowing she had plenty of young men to choose a husband from, if she pleased to be married.

Paddeen realized that with the ring in her possession, the fat woman had no way to hold him back; so he ignored everything she said and kept walking down the avenue, staying calm and looking around. To be honest, he really had no desire to marry a fat fairy. When he reached the gate, without even saying goodbye, he rushed out and found the water surrounding him again. He dove through it and it was quite a sight when Paddeen was spotted swimming to the other side of the lake; but he quickly reached the shore and told Roderick Keating and the other guys who were waiting for him everything that had happened. Roderick handed him the five guineas for the ring right away, and Paddeen felt so wealthy with that amount of money in his pocket that he didn't return to marry the fat lady with the nice house at the bottom of the lake, knowing she had plenty of young men to choose from if she wanted to get married.


THE LEGEND OF O’DONOGHUE.
XXI.

In an age so distant that the precise period is unknown, a chieftain named O’Donoghue ruled over the country which surrounds the romantic Lough Lean, now called the lake of Killarney. Wisdom, beneficence, and justice, distinguished his reign, and the prosperity and happiness of his subjects were their natural results. He is said to have been as renowned for his warlike exploits as for his pacific virtues; and as a proof that his domestic administration was not the less rigorous because it was mild, a rocky island is pointed out to strangers, called “O’Donoghue’s Prison,” in which this prince once confined his own son for some act of disorder and disobedience.

In a time so far in the past that no one knows exactly when it was, a chieftain named O’Donoghue ruled the land around the picturesque Lough Lean, now known as Killarney Lake. His reign was marked by wisdom, kindness, and fairness, leading to the prosperity and happiness of his people. He was famous not only for his fierce battles but also for his peaceful qualities. To show that his governance was firm even while being gentle, there's a rocky island that locals call “O’Donoghue’s Prison,” where this chieftain once imprisoned his own son for misbehavior and disobedience.

His end—for it cannot correctly be called his death—was singular and mysterious. At one of those splendid feasts for which his court was celebrated, surrounded by the most distinguished of his subjects, he was engaged in a prophetic relation of the events which were to happen in ages yet to come. His auditors listened, now wrapt in wonder, now fired with indignation, burning with shame, or melted into sorrow, as he faithfully detailed the heroism, the injuries, the crimes, and the miseries of their descendants. In the midst of his predictions he rose slowly from his seat, advanced with a solemn, measured, and majestic tread to the shore of the lake, and walked forward composedly upon its unyielding surface. When he had nearly reached the centre, he paused for a moment, then turning slowly round, looked towards his friends, and waving his arms to them with the cheerful air of one taking a short farewell, disappeared from their view.

His end—though it can’t really be called his death—was unusual and mysterious. At one of those magnificent feasts for which his court was famous, surrounded by the most distinguished of his subjects, he was sharing a prophetic account of events yet to unfold in the ages to come. His listeners were captivated, sometimes filled with wonder, other times ignited with anger, burning with shame, or moved to tears as he vividly narrated the heroism, the suffering, the wrongs, and the hardships of their descendants. In the midst of his predictions, he slowly rose from his seat and walked with a solemn, measured, and majestic stride to the edge of the lake, then stepped confidently onto its solid surface. When he had nearly reached the center, he paused for a moment, then turned slowly to look at his friends and, waving his arms with the cheerful demeanor of someone saying a brief goodbye, vanished from their sight.

The memory of the good O’Donoghue has been cherished by successive generations with affectionate reverence: and it is believed that at sunrise, on every May-dew morning, the anniversary of his departure, he revisits his ancient domains: a favoured few only are in general permitted to[131] see him, and this distinction is always an omen of good fortune to the beholders: when it is granted to many, it is a sure token of an abundant harvest,—a blessing, the want of which during this prince’s reign was never felt by his people.

The memory of the good O’Donoghue has been lovingly honored by generations since, and people believe that at sunrise on every dew-filled morning in May, the anniversary of his passing, he returns to his old lands. Only a select few are usually allowed to[131] see him, and this privilege is always a sign of good luck for those who witness it. When many are granted this vision, it’s a sure sign of a bountiful harvest—something his people never lacked during this prince’s reign.

Some years have elapsed since the last appearance of O’Donoghue. The April of that year had been remarkably wild and stormy; but on May morning the fury of the elements had altogether subsided. The air was hushed and still; and the sky, which was reflected in the serene lake, resembled a beautiful but deceitful countenance, whose smiles, after the most tempestuous emotions, tempt the stranger to believe that it belongs to a soul which no passion has ever ruffled.

Some years have passed since O’Donoghue was last seen. That April had been extremely wild and stormy, but by May morning, the chaos had calmed completely. The air was quiet and still, and the sky, mirrored in the calm lake, looked like a beautiful but misleading face, whose smiles, after the most turbulent feelings, lure the outsider into thinking it belongs to a soul that has never been disturbed by any passion.

The first beams of the rising sun were just gilding the lofty summit of Glenaa, when the waters near the eastern shores of the lake became suddenly and violently agitated, though all the rest of its surface lay smooth and still as a tomb of polished marble; the next moment a foaming wave darted forward, and, like a proud high-crested war-horse, exulting in his strength, rushed across the lake towards Toomies mountain. Behind this wave appeared a stately warrior fully armed, mounted upon a milk-white steed; his snowy plume waved gracefully from a helmet of polished steel, and at his back fluttered a light blue scarf. The horse, apparently exulting in his noble burden, sprang after the wave along the water, which bore him up like firm earth, while showers of spray that glittered brightly in the morning sun were dashed up at every bound.

The first rays of the rising sun were just lighting up the high peak of Glenaa when the waters near the eastern shores of the lake suddenly became wild and turbulent, though the rest of the surface remained smooth and still like a polished marble tomb. In the next moment, a foaming wave surged forward, and, like a proud, high-spirited warhorse reveling in its strength, raced across the lake towards Toomies mountain. Behind this wave appeared a tall warrior, fully armed, riding a pure white steed; his snowy plume waved elegantly from a polished steel helmet, and a light blue scarf fluttered at his back. The horse, seemingly reveling in its impressive rider, leaped after the wave across the water, which supported him like solid ground, while sprays of water that sparkled brightly in the morning sun were thrown up with every leap.

The warrior was O’Donoghue; he was followed by numberless youths and maidens who moved lightly and unconstrained over the watery plain, as the moonlight fairies glide through the fields of air: they were linked together by garlands of delicious spring flowers, and they timed their movements to strains of enchanting melody. When O’Donoghue had nearly reached the western side of the lake, he suddenly turned his steed, and directed his course along the wood-fringed shore of Glenaa, preceded by the huge wave that curled and foamed up as high as the horse’s neck, whose fiery nostrils snorted above it. The long train of attendants followed with playful deviations the track of[132] their leader, and moved on with unabated fleetness to their celestial music, till gradually, as they entered the narrow strait between Glenaa and Dinis, they became involved in the mists which still partially floated over the lakes, and faded from the view of the wondering beholders: but the sound of their music still fell upon the ear, and echo, catching up the harmonious strains, fondly repeated and prolonged them in soft and softer tones, till the last faint repetition died away, and the hearers awoke as from a dream of bliss.

The warrior was O’Donoghue; he was followed by countless young men and women who moved gracefully and freely across the watery plain, like moonlight fairies dancing through the fields of air: they were connected by garlands of beautiful spring flowers, and they synced their movements to the enchanting melodies. When O’Donoghue was almost at the western side of the lake, he suddenly turned his horse and steered along the wood-lined shore of Glenaa, preceded by the massive wave that curled and foamed up as high as the horse’s neck, its fiery nostrils snorting above it. The long line of followers playfully varied their path as they followed their leader, moving swiftly to their celestial music until, as they entered the narrow strait between Glenaa and Dinis, they became shrouded in the mists that still hung over the lakes, gradually disappearing from the view of the amazed spectators: but the sound of their music lingered in the air, and echo, picking up the harmonious notes, lovingly repeated and stretched them in softer and softer tones, until the last faint echo faded away, and the listeners awoke as if from a blissful dream.

Thierna na Oge, or the Land of Youth, is the name given to
the previous section, based on the belief that those who live in areas
The magic beneath the water is not impacted by the
time flows.

LEGENDS OF THE MERROW.

Merrow Legends.

——“The mysterious depths
And wild and wondrous forms of ocean old.”

The unknown depths
And the wild and amazing shapes of the ancient ocean.”

Mattima’s Conchologist.

Mattima’s Conchologist.


THE LADY OF GOLLERUS.
XXII.

On the shore of Smerwick harbour, one fine summer’s morning, just at day-break, stood Dick Fitzgerald “shoghing the dudeen,” which may be translated, smoking his pipe. The sun was gradually rising behind the lofty Brandon, the dark sea was getting green in the light, and the mists, clearing away out of the valleys, went rolling and curling like the smoke from the corner of Dick’s mouth.

On the shore of Smerwick harbor, one beautiful summer morning, just at dawn, stood Dick Fitzgerald "shoghing the dudeen," which means smoking his pipe. The sun was slowly rising behind the tall Brandon, the dark sea was turning green in the light, and the mist was clearing out of the valleys, rolling and curling like the smoke from the corner of Dick's mouth.

“’Tis just the pattern of a pretty morning,” said Dick, taking the pipe from between his lips, and looking towards the distant ocean, which lay as still and tranquil as a tomb of polished marble. “Well, to be sure,” continued he, after a pause, “’tis mighty lonesome to be talking to one’s self by way of company, and not to have another soul to[134] answer one—nothing but the child of one’s own voice, the echo! I know this, that if I had the luck, or may be the misfortune,” said Dick with a melancholy smile, “to have the woman, it would not be this way with me!—and what in the wide world is a man without a wife? He’s no more surely than a bottle without a drop of drink in it, or dancing without music, or the left leg of a scissors, or a fishing line without a hook, or any other matter that is no ways complete—Is it not so?” said Dick Fitzgerald, casting his eyes towards a rock upon the strand, which though it could not speak, stood up as firm and looked as bold as ever Kerry witness did.

“It’s just the pattern of a pretty morning,” said Dick, taking the pipe from his lips and looking toward the distant ocean, which lay as still and calm as a tomb of polished marble. “Well, I’ll be,” he continued after a pause, “it’s really lonely talking to oneself for company, and having no one else to [134] respond—just the sound of my own voice, the echo! I know this: if I had the luck, or maybe the misfortune,” said Dick with a sad smile, “to have a woman, it wouldn’t be like this for me!—and what in the world is a man without a wife? He’s no better than a bottle without a drop to drink, or dancing without music, or the left leg of a pair of scissors, or a fishing line without a hook, or anything else that’s incomplete—Isn’t that right?” said Dick Fitzgerald, casting his eyes toward a rock on the shore, which, though it couldn’t speak, stood firm and looked as bold as any Kerry witness ever did.

But what was his astonishment at beholding, just at the foot of that rock a beautiful young creature combing her hair, which was of a sea-green colour; and now the salt water shining on it, appeared in the morning light, like melted butter upon cabbage.

But he was astonished to see, right at the base of that rock, a beautiful young woman combing her hair, which was a sea-green color; and now the salt water glimmering on it looked in the morning light like melted butter on cabbage.

Dick guessed at once that she was a Merrow, although he had never seen one before, for he spied the cohuleen driuth, or little enchanted cap, which the sea people use for diving down into the ocean, lying upon the strand, near her; and he had heard that if once he could possess himself of the cap, she would lose the power of going away into the water: so he seized it with all speed, and she, hearing the noise, turned her head about as natural as any Christian.

Dick instantly realized she was a Merrow, even though he had never seen one before, because he spotted the cohuleen driuth, or little enchanted cap, that the sea people use to dive into the ocean, lying on the beach near her. He had heard that if he managed to take the cap, she would lose her ability to go back into the water. So, he quickly grabbed it, and she, hearing the commotion, turned her head around just like any regular person.

When the Merrow saw that her little diving-cap was gone, the salt tears—doubly salt, no doubt, from her—came trickling down her cheeks, and she began a low mournful cry with just the tender voice of a new-born infant. Dick, although he knew well enough what she was crying for, determined to keep the cohuleen driuth, let her cry never so much, to see what luck would come out of it. Yet he could not help pitying her, and when the dumb thing looked up in his face, and her cheeks all moist with tears, ’twas enough to make any one feel let alone Dick, who had ever and always, like most of his countrymen, a mighty tender heart of his own.

When the Merrow realized that her little diving cap was missing, salty tears—doubly salty, no doubt, because of her—started streaming down her cheeks, and she let out a soft, mournful cry that sounded just like the gentle voice of a newborn baby. Dick, even though he knew perfectly well what she was crying about, decided to hold on to the cohuleen driuth, no matter how much she cried, to see what might come of it. Still, he couldn’t help feeling sorry for her, and when she looked up at him with her tear-streaked face, it was enough to touch anyone, especially Dick, who, like most of his countrymen, had a very tender heart.

“Don’t cry, my darling,” said Dick Fitzgerald; but the Merrow, like any bold child, only cried the more for that.

“Don’t cry, my darling,” said Dick Fitzgerald; but the Merrow, like any bold child, just cried even more for that.

Dick sat himself down by her side, and took hold of her[135] hand, by way of comforting her. ’Twas in no particular an ugly hand, only there was a small web between the fingers, as there is in a duck’s foot; but ’twas as thin and as white as the skin between egg and shell.

Dick sat down next to her and took her[135] hand to comfort her. It wasn’t an especially ugly hand; there was just a small web between the fingers, like a duck’s foot. But it was as thin and as white as the skin between an egg and its shell.

“What’s your name, my darling?” says Dick, thinking to make her conversant with him; but he got no answer; and he was certain sure now, either that she could not speak, or did not understand him: he therefore squeezed her hand in his, as the only way he had of talking to her. It’s the universal language; and there’s not a woman in the world, be she fish or lady, that does not understand it.

“What’s your name, my dear?” says Dick, hoping to start a conversation with her; but he got no reply, and he was now pretty sure that either she couldn’t speak or didn’t understand him. So he just squeezed her hand in his, as that was the only way he knew how to communicate with her. It’s the universal language; and there’s not a woman in the world, whether she’s a fish or a lady, who doesn’t understand it.

The Merrow did not seem much displeased at this mode of conversation; and, making an end of her whining all at once—“Man,” says she, looking up in Dick Fitzgerald’s face, “Man, will you eat me?”

The Merrow didn't seem too bothered by this way of talking; and, stopping her whining suddenly—“Man,” she says, looking up at Dick Fitzgerald’s face, “Man, will you eat me?”

“By all the red petticoats and check aprons between Dingle and Tralee,” cried Dick, jumping up in amazement, “I’d as soon eat myself, my jewel! Is it I eat you, my pet?—Now ’twas some ugly ill-looking thief of a fish put that notion into your own pretty head, with the nice green hair down upon it, that is so cleanly combed out this morning!”

“By all the red skirts and checkered aprons between Dingle and Tralee,” shouted Dick, jumping up in shock, “I’d rather eat myself, my darling! Am I going to eat you, my sweet?—It must have been some nasty, ugly thief of a fish that put that idea in your pretty little head, with that nice green hair you’ve got, all neatly combed out this morning!”

“Man,” said the Merrow, “what will you do with me, if you won’t eat me?”

“Man,” said the Merrow, “what are you going to do with me if you’re not going to eat me?”

Dick’s thoughts were running on a wife: he saw, at the first glimpse, that she was handsome; but since she spoke, and spoke too like any real woman, he was fairly in love with her. ’Twas the neat way she called him man, that settled the matter entirely.

Dick was thinking about a wife: at first glance, he noticed that she was attractive; but once she spoke, and spoke just like any real woman, he was completely in love with her. It was the way she called him "man" that sealed the deal.

“Fish,” says Dick, trying to speak to her after her own short fashion; “fish,” says he, “here’s my word, fresh and fasting, for you this blessed morning, that I’ll make you mistress Fitzgerald before all the world, and that’s what I’ll do.”

“Fish,” says Dick, trying to talk to her in her own brief way; “fish,” he says, “here’s my promise, fresh and true, for you this wonderful morning, that I’ll make you Mistress Fitzgerald before everyone, and that’s what I’ll do.”

“Never say the word twice,” says she; “I’m ready and willing to be yours, mister Fitzgerald; but stop, if you please, ’till I twist up my hair.”

“Never say it twice,” she says; “I’m ready and willing to be yours, Mr. Fitzgerald; but please stop until I fix my hair.”

It was some time before she had settled it entirely to her liking; for she guessed, I suppose, that she was going among strangers, where she would be looked at. When that was done, the Merrow put the comb in her pocket,[136] and then bent down her head and whispered some words to the water that was close to the foot of the rock.

It took her a while to get everything arranged just the way she wanted; she probably realized she was going to be around strangers who would be watching her. Once she finished, the Merrow put the comb in her pocket,[136] and then leaned down, whispering some words to the water near the bottom of the rock.

Dick saw the murmur of the words upon the top of the sea, going out towards the wide ocean, just like a breath of wind rippling along, and says he in the greatest wonder; “Is it speaking you are, my darling, to the salt water?”

Dick saw the soft sounds of the words on the surface of the sea, drifting out toward the vast ocean, like a gentle breeze stirring along, and he says in amazement, “Are you talking to the salt water, my darling?”

“It’s nothing else,” says she quite carelessly, “I’m just sending word home to my father, not to be waiting breakfast for me; just to keep him from being uneasy in his mind.”

“It’s nothing else,” she says casually, “I’m just letting my dad know not to wait for me for breakfast; I just want to make sure he doesn’t worry.”

“And who’s your father, my duck?” says Dick.

“And who’s your dad, my dear?” says Dick.

“What!” said the Merrow, “did you never hear of my father? he’s the king of the waves, to be sure!”

“What!” said the Merrow, “haven’t you ever heard of my father? He’s definitely the king of the waves!”

“And yourself, then, is a real king’s daughter?” said Dick, opening his two eyes to take a full and true survey of his wife that was to be.

“And you’re really a king’s daughter?” said Dick, widening his eyes to take a good look at his future wife.

“Oh, I’m nothing else but a made man with you, and a king your father;—to be sure he has all the money that’s down in the bottom of the sea!”

“Oh, I’m nothing but a made man with you, and your father is a king;—of course, he has all the money that’s at the bottom of the sea!”

“Money,” repeated the Merrow, “what’s money?”

“Money,” repeated the Merrow, “what's money?”

“’Tis no bad thing to have when one wants it,” replied Dick; “and may be now the fishes have the understanding to bring up whatever you bid them?”

“It’s not a bad thing to have when you need it,” replied Dick; “and maybe now the fish have the sense to bring up whatever you ask them to?”

“Oh! yes,” said the Merrow, “they bring me what I want.”

“Oh! yes,” said the Merrow, “they bring me what I need.”

“To speak the truth, then,” said Dick, “’tis a straw bed I have at home before you, and that, I’m thinking, is no ways fitting for a king’s daughter: so, if ’twould not be displeasing to you, just to mention, a nice feather-bed, with a pair of new blankets—but what am I talking about? may be you have not such things as beds down under the water?”

“To be honest,” said Dick, “I have a straw bed at home, and I don’t think that’s suitable for a king’s daughter. So, if it wouldn’t bother you, I was just thinking about a nice feather bed with a couple of new blankets—but what am I saying? Maybe you don’t have things like beds down under the water?”

“By all means,” said she, “Mr. Fitzgerald—plenty of beds at your service. I’ve fourteen oyster-beds of my own, not to mention one just planting for the rearing of young ones.”

“Of course,” she said, “Mr. Fitzgerald—plenty of beds available for you. I have fourteen oyster beds of my own, not to mention one that’s just being planted for raising young ones.”

“You have?” says Dick, scratching his head and looking a little puzzled. “’Tis a feather-bed I was speaking of—but clearly, yours is the very cut of a decent plan, to have bed and supper so handy to each other, that a person when they’d have the one, need never ask for the other.”

“You have?” Dick says, scratching his head and looking a bit confused. “I was talking about a feather bed—but clearly, yours is a smart idea, having the bed and dinner so close together that when someone wants one, they don’t even have to ask for the other.”

However, bed or no bed, money or no money, Dick[137] Fitzgerald determined to marry the Merrow, and the Merrow had given her consent. Away they went, therefore, across the strand, from Gollerus to Ballinrunnig, where Father Fitzgibbon happened to be that morning.

However, whether he had a bed or not, and regardless of his financial situation, Dick[137] Fitzgerald was set on marrying the Merrow, and she had agreed. So, they crossed the strand from Gollerus to Ballinrunnig, where Father Fitzgibbon happened to be that morning.

“There are two words to this bargain, Dick Fitzgerald,” said his Reverence, looking mighty glum. “And is it a fishy woman you’d marry?—the Lord preserve us!—Send the scaly creature home to her own people, that’s my advice to you, wherever she came from.”

“There are two parts to this deal, Dick Fitzgerald,” said his Reverence, looking very unhappy. “Are you really going to marry a fishy woman?—God help us!—Send that scaled creature back to her own people, that’s my advice to you, wherever she’s from.”

Dick had the cohuleen driuth in his hand, and was about to give it back to the Merrow, who looked covetously at it, but he thought for a moment, and then, says he—

Dick had the cohuleen driuth in his hand and was about to hand it back to the Merrow, who looked at it with desire, but he paused for a moment, and then said—

“Please your Reverence she’s a king’s daughter.”

“Please, Your Reverence, she’s a king’s daughter.”

“If she was the daughter of fifty kings,” said Father Fitzgibbon, “I tell you, you can’t marry her, she being a fish.”

“If she was the daughter of fifty kings,” said Father Fitzgibbon, “I’m telling you, you can’t marry her; she’s a fish.”

“Please your Reverence,” said Dick again, in an under tone, “she is as mild and as beautiful as the moon.”

“Please, your Reverence,” Dick said again in a low voice, “she is as gentle and as beautiful as the moon.”

“If she was as mild and as beautiful as the sun, moon, and stars, all put together, I tell you, Dick Fitzgerald,” said the Priest stamping his right foot, “you can’t marry her, she being a fish!”

“If she was as gentle and as beautiful as the sun, moon, and stars combined, I tell you, Dick Fitzgerald,” said the Priest, stamping his right foot, “you can’t marry her, because she’s a fish!”

“But she has all the gold that’s down in the sea only for the asking, and I’m a made man if I marry her; and,” said Dick, looking up slily, “I can make it worth any one’s while to do the job.”

“But she has all the gold that's at the bottom of the sea just for the asking, and I’ll be set for life if I marry her; and,” said Dick, glancing up slyly, “I can make it worth anyone’s while to take care of it.”

“Oh! that alters the case entirely,” replied the Priest; “why there’s some reason now in what you say: why didn’t you tell me this before?—marry her by all means if she was ten times a fish. Money, you know, is not to be refused in these bad times, and I may as well have the hansel of it as another, that may be would not take half the pains in counselling you as I have done.”

“Oh! that changes everything,” replied the Priest; “now there’s some sense in what you’re saying: why didn’t you mention this sooner?—go ahead and marry her if she were ten times a fish. You know, money is hard to turn down in these tough times, and I might as well benefit from it as anyone else who probably wouldn’t put in half the effort to help you as I have.”

So Father Fitzgibbon married Dick Fitzgerald to the Merrow, and like any loving couple, they returned to Gollerus well pleased with each other. Every thing prospered with Dick—he was at the sunny side of the world; the Merrow made the best of wives, and they lived together in the greatest contentment.

So Father Fitzgibbon married Dick Fitzgerald to the Merrow, and like any loving couple, they returned to Gollerus feeling very happy with each other. Everything went well for Dick—he was in a great place in life; the Merrow was an amazing wife, and they lived together in complete happiness.

It was wonderful to see, considering where she had been brought up, how she would busy herself about the house,[138] and how well she nursed the children; for, at the end of three years, there were as many young Fitzgeralds—two boys and a girl.

It was amazing to see, given her upbringing, how she kept herself occupied around the house,[138] and how well she took care of the children; after three years, there were as many young Fitzgeralds—two boys and a girl.

In short, Dick was a happy man, and so he might have continued to the end of his days, if he had only the sense to take proper care of what he had got; many another man, however, beside Dick, has not had wit enough to do that.

In short, Dick was a happy man, and he could have stayed that way for the rest of his life if he had just been smart enough to take good care of what he had; many other men, like Dick, haven't been wise enough to do that.

One day when Dick was obliged to go to Tralee, he left his wife, minding the children at home after him, and thinking she had plenty to do without disturbing his fishing tackle.

One day when Dick had to go to Tralee, he left his wife taking care of the kids at home, believing she had enough to do without messing with his fishing gear.

Dick was no sooner gone than Mrs. Fitzgerald set about cleaning up the house, and chancing to pull down a fishing-net, what should she find behind it in a hole in the wall but her own cohuleen driuth.

Dick had barely left when Mrs. Fitzgerald started tidying up the house, and while pulling down a fishing net, she discovered her own cohuleen driuth hidden in a hole in the wall.

She took it out and looked at it, and then she thought of her father the king, and her mother the queen, and her brothers and sisters, and she felt a longing to go back to them.

She took it out and examined it, then thought about her father, the king, her mother, the queen, and her siblings, and she felt a deep desire to return to them.

She sat down on a little stool and thought over the happy days she had spent under the sea; then she looked at her children, and thought on the love and affection of poor Dick, and how it would break his heart to lose her. “But,” says she, “he won’t lose me entirely, for I’ll come back to him again; and who can blame me for going to see my father and my mother, after being so long away from them.”

She sat down on a small stool and reflected on the happy days she had spent under the sea; then she looked at her children and thought about the love and affection of poor Dick, and how it would crush him to lose her. “But,” she said, “he won’t completely lose me, because I’ll return to him; and who can blame me for wanting to see my parents after being away from them for so long?”

She got up and went towards the door, but came back again to look once more at the child that was sleeping in the cradle. She kissed it gently, and as she kissed it, a tear trembled for an instant in her eye and then fell on its rosy cheek. She wiped away the tear, and turning to the eldest little girl, told her to take good care of her brothers, and to be a good child herself, until she came back. The Merrow then went down to the strand.—The sea was lying calm and smooth, just heaving and glittering in the sun, and she thought she heard a faint sweet singing, inviting her to come down. All her old ideas and feelings came flooding over her mind, Dick and her children were at the instant forgotten, and placing the cohuleen driuth on her head, she plunged in.

She got up and walked toward the door but stopped to take one last look at the child sleeping in the cradle. She kissed it gently, and as she did, a tear briefly shimmered in her eye before falling onto its rosy cheek. She wiped away the tear and turned to the oldest little girl, telling her to take good care of her brothers and to be a good girl herself until she returned. The Merrow then headed down to the beach. The sea was calm and smooth, just gently rolling and sparkling in the sun, and she thought she heard a faint, sweet singing inviting her closer. All her old thoughts and feelings flooded back, and in that moment, Dick and her children were forgotten as she placed the cohuleen driuth on her head and dove in.

Dick came home in the evening, and missing his wife, he asked Kathelin, his little girl, what had become of her[139] mother, but she could not tell him. He then inquired of the neighbours, and he learned that she was seen going towards the strand with a strange looking thing like a cocked hat in her hand. He returned to his cabin to search for the cohuleen driuth. It was gone and the truth now flashed upon him.

Dick came home in the evening and, missing his wife, asked his little girl Kathelin where her mother was, but she couldn’t tell him. He then asked the neighbors and found out that she had been seen heading towards the beach with something that looked like a cocked hat in her hand. He went back to his cabin to look for the cohuleen driuth. It was gone, and the truth hit him.

Year after year did Dick Fitzgerald wait, expecting the return of his wife, but he never saw her more. Dick never married again, always thinking that the Merrow would sooner or later return to him, and nothing could ever persuade him but that her father the king kept her below by main force; “For,” says Dick, “she surely would not of herself give up her husband and her children.”

Year after year, Dick Fitzgerald waited, hoping his wife would come back, but he never saw her again. Dick never remarried, always believing that the Merrow would eventually return to him, and nothing could convince him otherwise, except that her father the king was keeping her away by force; “Because,” says Dick, “there’s no way she would willingly give up her husband and her children.”

While she was with him, she was so good a wife in every respect, that to this day she is spoken of in the tradition of the country as the pattern for one, under the name of the Lady of Gollerus.

While she was with him, she was such a great wife in every way that to this day she is remembered in the country's tradition as the ideal example, known as the Lady of Gollerus.


FLORY CANTILLON’S FUNERAL.
XXIII.

The ancient burial-place of the Cantillon family was on an island in Ballyheigh Bay. This island was situated at no great distance from the shore, and at a remote period was overflowed in one of the encroachments which the Atlantic has made on that part of the coast of Kerry. The fishermen declare they have often seen the ruined walls of an old chapel beneath them in the water, as they sailed over the clear green sea, of a sunny afternoon.[19] However [140]this may be, it is well known that the Cantillons were, like most other Irish families, strongly attached to their ancient burial-place; and this attachment led to the custom, when any of the family died, of carrying the corpse to the seaside, where the coffin was left on the shore within reach of the tide. In the morning it had disappeared, being, as was traditionally believed, conveyed away by the ancestors of the deceased to their family tomb.

The old burial site of the Cantillon family was on an island in Ballyheigh Bay. This island was not far from the shore and, a long time ago, got submerged during one of the Atlantic's advances on that part of the Kerry coast. Fishermen say they have often seen the crumbling walls of an old chapel underwater as they sailed over the clear green sea on a sunny afternoon.[19] However [140] that may be, it is well known that the Cantillons, like many other Irish families, were very attached to their ancient burial site; this connection led to the custom of taking the deceased to the seaside when a family member passed away, leaving the coffin on the shore within reach of the tide. By morning, it had vanished, as was traditionally believed, taken away by the ancestors of the deceased to their family tomb.

Connor Crowe, a county Clare man, was related to the Cantillons by marriage. “Connor Mac in Cruagh, of the seven quarters of Breintragh,” as he was commonly called, and a proud man he was of the name. Connor, be it known, would drink a quart of salt water, for its medicinal virtues, before breakfast; and for the same reason, I suppose, double that quantity of raw whisky between breakfast and night, which last he did with as little inconvenience to himself as any man in the barony of Moyferta; and were I to add Clanderalaw and Ibrickan, I don’t think I should say wrong.

Connor Crowe, a man from County Clare, was related to the Cantillons by marriage. He was commonly known as "Connor Mac in Cruagh, of the seven quarters of Breintragh," and he took great pride in that name. It’s known that Connor would drink a quart of salt water for its health benefits before breakfast; and, for the same reason, he would down twice that amount of raw whiskey between breakfast and night, doing so with as little trouble to himself as any man in the barony of Moyferta. If I were to include Clanderalaw and Ibrickan, I don’t think I’d be mistaken.

On the death of Florence Cantillon, Connor Crowe was determined to satisfy himself about the truth of this story of the old church under the sea: so when he heard the news of the old fellow’s death, away with him to Ardfert, where Flory was laid out in high style, and a beautiful corpse he made.

On the death of Florence Cantillon, Connor Crowe was set on finding out the truth about the story of the old church under the sea. So, when he heard the news of the old man's death, he went straight to Ardfert, where Flory was laid out elegantly, and he looked like a beautiful corpse.

Flory had been as jolly and as rollocking a boy in his day as ever was stretched, and his wake was in every respect worthy of him. There was all kind of entertainment and all sort of diversion at it, and no less than three girls got husbands there—more luck to them. Every thing was as it should be: all that side of the country, from Dingle to Tarbet, was at the funeral. The Keen was sung long and bitterly; and, according to the family custom, the coffin was carried to Ballyheigh strand, where it was laid upon the shore with a prayer for the repose of the dead.

Flory had been a cheerful and fun-loving boy in his time, just as anyone could remember, and his wake was truly fitting for him. There was all kinds of entertainment and plenty of distractions, and no less than three girls found husbands there—good for them. Everything went as it should: people from all around, from Dingle to Tarbet, came to the funeral. The Keen was sung long and mournfully; and, following family tradition, the coffin was taken to Ballyheigh strand, where it was placed on the shore with a prayer for the soul of the deceased.

The mourners departed, one group after another, and at last Connor Crowe was left alone: he then pulled out his whisky bottle, his drop of comfort as he called it, which he required, being in grief; and down he sat upon a big stone that was sheltered by a projecting rock, and partly concealed from view, to await with patience the appearance of the ghostly undertakers.

The mourners left, one group after another, until finally Connor Crowe was by himself. He pulled out his whisky bottle, which he called his little comfort, something he needed during his grief. He sat down on a large stone that was sheltered by an overhanging rock and partly hidden from sight, waiting patiently for the ghostly undertakers to show up.

The evening came on mild and beautiful; he whistled an old air which he had heard in his childhood, hoping to keep idle fears out of his head; but the wild strain of that melody brought a thousand recollections with it, which only made the twilight appear more pensive.

The evening arrived, warm and lovely; he whistled an old tune he had heard in his childhood, trying to push away idle fears; but the wild notes of that melody brought back a flood of memories, which only made the twilight seem more reflective.

“If ’twas near the gloomy tower of Dunmore, in my own sweet county, I was,” said Connor Crowe, with a sigh, “one might well believe that the prisoners, who were murdered long ago, there in the vaults under the castle, would be the hands to carry off the coffin out of envy, for never a one of them was buried decently, nor had as much as a coffin amongst them all. ’Tis often, sure enough, I have heard lamentations and great mourning coming from the vaults of Dunmore Castle; but,” continued he, after fondly pressing his lips to the mouth of his companion and silent comforter, the whisky bottle, “didn’t I know all the time well enough, ’twas the dismal sounding waves working through the cliffs and hollows of the rocks, and fretting themselves to foam. Oh then, Dunmore Castle, it is you that are the gloomy-looking tower on a gloomy day, with the gloomy hills behind you; when one has gloomy thoughts on their heart, and sees you like a ghost rising out of the smoke made by the kelp-burners on the strand, there is, the Lord save us! as fearful a look about you as about the Blue Man’s Lake at midnight. Well then, any how,” said Connor, after a pause, “is it not a blessed night, though surely the moon looks mighty pale in the face? St. Senan himself between us and all kinds of harm!”

“If it was near the gloomy tower of Dunmore, in my own sweet county, I was,” said Connor Crowe, with a sigh, “one might well believe that the prisoners, who were murdered long ago, down in the vaults under the castle, would be the ones to carry off the coffin out of envy, since not a single one of them was buried decently, nor had even a coffin among them all. It’s often, for sure, that I have heard cries and deep mourning coming from the vaults of Dunmore Castle; but,” he continued, after fondly pressing his lips to the mouth of his companion and silent comforter, the whiskey bottle, “didn’t I know the whole time well enough, it was the dismal sounding waves working through the cliffs and hollows of the rocks, and churning themselves to foam. Oh then, Dunmore Castle, you are the gloomy-looking tower on a dreary day, with the gloomy hills behind you; when someone has heavy thoughts in their heart, and sees you like a ghost rising out of the smoke made by the kelp-burners on the shore, there is, the Lord save us! as frightful a look about you as about the Blue Man’s Lake at midnight. Well then, anyway,” said Connor, after a pause, “isn’t it a blessed night, though surely the moon looks mighty pale? St. Senan himself between us and all kinds of harm!”

It was, in truth a lovely moonlight night; nothing was to be seen around but the dark rocks, and the white pebbly beach, upon which the sea broke with a hoarse and melancholy murmur. Connor, notwithstanding his frequent draughts, felt rather queerish, and almost began to repent his curiosity. It was certainly a solemn sight to behold the black coffin resting upon the white strand. His imagination gradually converted the deep moaning of old ocean into a mournful wail for the dead, and from the shadowy recesses of the rocks he imaged forth strange and visionary forms.

It was, in fact, a beautiful moonlit night; all that could be seen around were the dark rocks and the white pebbled beach, where the sea crashed with a rough and sad murmur. Connor, despite his frequent drinks, felt a bit off and almost started to regret his curiosity. It was certainly a solemn sight to see the black coffin resting on the white sand. His imagination slowly turned the deep moaning of the ocean into a sorrowful wail for the dead, and from the shadowy spaces of the rocks, he envisioned strange and ghostly shapes.

As the night advanced, Connor became weary of watching; he caught himself more than once in the fact of nodding,[142] when suddenly giving his head a shake, he would look towards the black coffin. But the narrow house of death remained unmoved before him.

As the night went on, Connor grew tired of watching; he found himself nodding off more than once,[142] and each time he shook his head to stay awake, he'd glance at the dark coffin. But the small house of death stayed still in front of him.

It was long past midnight, and the moon was sinking into the sea, when he heard the sound of many voices, which gradually became stronger, above the heavy and monotonous roll of the sea: he listened, and presently could distinguish a Keen, of exquisite sweetness, the notes of which rose and fell with the heaving of the waves, whose deep murmur mingled with and supported the strain!

It was well past midnight, and the moon was dipping into the sea when he heard the sound of many voices, which gradually grew louder over the heavy, steady roll of the waves: he listened, and soon could make out a tune, incredibly sweet, the notes of which rose and fell with the movement of the waves, whose deep murmur blended with and supported the melody!

The Keen grew louder and louder, and seemed to approach the beach, and then fell into a low plaintive wail. As it ended, Connor beheld a number of strange, and in the dim light, mysterious-looking figures, emerge from the sea, and surround the coffin, which they prepared to launch into the water.

The Keen got louder and louder, seeming to come closer to the beach, and then turned into a soft, mournful wail. As it faded, Connor saw several strange, mysterious figures appear from the sea and gather around the coffin, getting ready to send it out into the water.

“This comes of marrying with the creatures of earth,” said one of the figures, in a clear, yet hollow tone.

“This is what happens when you marry earthlings,” said one of the figures, in a clear but empty tone.

“True,” replied another, with a voice still more fearful, “our king would never have commanded his gnawing white-toothed waves to devour the rocky roots of the island cemetery, had not his daughter, Durfulla, been buried there by her mortal husband!”

“True,” replied another, in an even more fearful voice, “our king would never have commanded his gnawing white-toothed waves to devour the rocky roots of the island cemetery if his daughter, Durfulla, hadn’t been buried there by her mortal husband!”

“But the time will come,” said a third, bending over the coffin,

“But the time will come,” said a third person, leaning over the coffin,

"When a human eye catches a glimpse of our work,
"And mortal ears—our funeral song will listen.”

“Then,” said a fourth, “our burial of the Cantillons is at an end for ever!”

“Then,” said a fourth, “our burying of the Cantillons is finally over!”

As this was spoken the coffin was borne from the beach by a retiring wave, and the company of sea people prepared to follow it; but at the moment one chanced to discover Connor Crowe, as fixed with wonder and as motionless with fear as the stone on which he sat.

As this was said, a wave pulled the coffin away from the beach, and the group of sea people got ready to follow it. But just then, someone spotted Connor Crowe, who was as stunned with amazement and as frozen with fear as the stone he was sitting on.

“The time is come,” cried the unearthly being, “the time is come: a human eye looks on the forms of ocean, a human ear has heard their voices; farewell to the Cantillons; the sons of the sea are no longer doomed to bury the dust of the earth!”

"The time has come," exclaimed the otherworldly being, "the time has come: a human eye gazes upon the shapes of the ocean, a human ear has heard their voices; goodbye to the Cantillons; the sons of the sea are no longer destined to bury the dust of the earth!"

One after the other turned slowly round, and regarded[143] Connor Crowe, who still remained as if bound by a spell. Again arose their funeral song; and on the next wave they followed the coffin. The sound of the lamentation died away, and at length nothing was heard but the rush of waters. The coffin and the train of sea people sank over the old churchyard, and never, since the funeral of old Flory Cantillon, have any of the family been carried to the strand of Ballyheigh, for conveyance to their rightful burial-place, beneath the waves of the Atlantic.

One by one, they slowly turned and looked at[143] Connor Crowe, who still stood there as if under a spell. Their funeral song started up again, and on the next wave, they followed the coffin. The sound of their mourning faded away, and soon all that could be heard was the rush of the water. The coffin and the group of sea people sank over the old churchyard, and since the funeral of old Flory Cantillon, none of the family have been taken to the shores of Ballyheigh for their final rest beneath the waves of the Atlantic.


THE LORD OF DUNKERRON.
XXIV.

The lord of Dunkerron __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__—O’Sullivan More,
Why is he searching the rocky shore at midnight? His boat is anchored and his dogs are asleep; There are no enemies out in the land or the sea.
Yet every night, the lord of Dunkerron is known On the rugged shore to observe and roam alone; For a beautiful spirit of the ocean, it's said,
The lord of Dunkerron would go to his bed. [144]
When the moonlight made the waters calm and still, That beautiful spirit of the ocean emerged; Her shiny hair floated and fell. Over her chest, that rose and fell like waves.
He had loved her for a very long time—long and unsuccessfully tried. To tempt the shy ocean maiden out of her home; He had wandered and watched by the tide for a long time, To claim the true spirit of O’Sullivan’s bride!
The young woman looked at the being of the earth,
Whose voice in her heart sparked a feeling; Then smiled; feeling shy like a young woman would. Looking down, she gently sank to her home in the sea.
Though that smile is gentle, like the moonlight above,
O’Sullivan felt it was the beginning of love,
And hope piled on hope, filling his mind,
Like the swirl of circles her wake created.
The lord of Dunkerron dove into the waves, And searched through the tumultuous flow of water, their caves; The darkness of its depth sprinkled with gems,
Had the sparkle of midnight when illuminated by stars.
Who can describe or imagine the treasures that lie dormant,
Buried in the amazing depths of the ocean? The pearls and gems, treated like they’re worthless, discarded. To lie among the seaweed, hidden and unnoticed.
Down, down went the maid—still the chieftain chased her; Who takes to the skies must be pursued before she can be courted.
Unaffected by riches, unfazed by fears,
At last, he has held the young woman in his arms!
They emerged from the depths along a gently expanding beach,
Where beauty and greenery spread across the land.
It was an enchanting island! and the breeze gently A soft musical whisper gently passed through the trees. [145]
The mist-covered veil of that newly formed island,
Gently disappeared from an enchanting heap,
A crystal palace, shining brightly with its gleam Had the colors of the rainbow—red, yellow, and green.
And grottos, amazing in color and shape,
Were there, tossed about—the chaotic play of the storm;
Yet everything was so clear, so beautiful, and peaceful, It felt like a place filled with sunshine and soothing warmth.
"Here, we will live in a dream of joy,
Where the beauties of land and sea come together!
Yet, beloved child of the earth! I must leave you now; There are laws that even spirits must follow!
"I must visit the leader of my people again,
His approval to achieve before I meet your embrace.
In a moment, I will dive into the chambers below:
"There's only one thing that can stop me—just one—it's death!"
They said goodbye with sadness, making sincere and affectionate promises; The language of promise offered nothing more. His soul is all aflame with anxiety burns:
The moment has passed—but no girl comes back.
What sounds from the depths reach his terrified ear—
What tones of anger and sadness does he hear? What does he see? What change has occurred in the flood—
What colors its green with a streak of blood?
Can he question what the rush of warm blood would reveal? That she tried to get her monarch's approval without success!
To see everything around him, in white foam and froth,
The ocean waves surge angrily!
The crystal palace has melted into the air,
And the rainbow's colors are gone now; The caves filled with vapor and clouds are covered, The sunlight is darkness—the sight is gone!
[146]
The call of his serfs for their leader was loud and clear; They looked for him with cries of sorrow and sadness:
He listened, and he fought—a wave crashing onto the shore,
Tired and feeling weak, bears O’Sullivan More!

THE WONDERFUL TUNE.
XXV.

Maurice Connor was the king, and that’s no small word, of all the pipers in Munster. He could play jig and planxty without end, and Ollistrum’s March, and the Eagle’s Whistle, and the Hen’s Concert, and odd tunes of every sort and kind. But he knew one, far more surprising than the rest, which had in it the power to set every thing dead or alive dancing.

Maurice Connor was the king, and that’s no small title, of all the pipers in Munster. He could play jig and planxty endlessly, along with Ollistrum’s March, the Eagle’s Whistle, the Hen’s Concert, and all kinds of other tunes. But he knew one that was far more surprising than the rest, which had the power to make everything, alive or not, start dancing.

In what way he learned it is beyond my knowledge, for he was mighty cautious about telling how he came by so wonderful a tune. At the very first note of that tune, the brogues began shaking upon the feet of all who heard it—old or young it mattered not—just as if their brogues had the ague; then the feet began going—going—going from under them, and at last up and away with them, dancing like mad!—whisking here, there, and every where, like a straw in a storm—there was no halting while the music lasted!

I have no idea how he learned it because he was really careful about revealing the source of such an amazing tune. From the very first note, the shoes started shaking on the feet of everyone who heard it—young or old, it didn't matter—like they had the chills; then the feet started moving—moving—moving right out from under them, and before long, they were up and dancing like crazy!—whirling around in every direction, like a piece of straw in a storm—there was no stopping while the music played!

Not a fair, nor a wedding, nor a patron in the seven parishes round, was counted worth the speaking of without “blind Maurice and his pipes.” His mother, poor woman, used to lead him about from one place to another, just like a dog.

Not a fair, wedding, or patron in the seven parishes around was considered noteworthy without “blind Maurice and his pipes.” His mother, poor thing, would lead him around from one place to another, just like a dog.

Down through Iveragh—a place that ought to be proud[147] of itself, for ’tis Daniel O’Connell’s country—Maurice Connor and his mother were taking their rounds. Beyond all other places Iveragh is the place for stormy coast and steep mountains: as proper a spot it is as any in Ireland to get yourself drowned, or your neck broken on the land, should you prefer that. But, notwithstanding, in Ballinskellig bay there is a neat bit of ground, well fitted for diversion, and down from it towards the water, is a clean smooth piece of strand—the dead image of a calm summer’s sea on a moonlight night, with just the curl of the small waves upon it.

Down through Iveragh—a place that should take pride[147] in itself, because it’s Daniel O’Connell’s homeland—Maurice Connor and his mother were making their way around. More than anywhere else, Iveragh is known for its stormy coast and steep mountains: it’s a perfect spot in Ireland to get yourself drowned or break your neck on the land, if that’s what you prefer. Still, in Ballinskellig Bay, there’s a nice little area, perfect for fun, and down from it towards the water, there’s a clean, smooth stretch of beach—the exact image of a calm summer sea on a moonlit night, with just a gentle curl of small waves on it.

Here it was that Maurice’s music had brought from all parts a great gathering of the young men and the young women—O the darlints!—for ’twas not every day the strand of Trafraska was stirred up by the voice of a bagpipe. The dance began; and as pretty a rinkafadda it was as ever was danced. “Brave music,” said every body, “and well done,” when Maurice stopped.

Here, Maurice’s music had drawn a large crowd of young men and women from all around—Oh, the sweethearts!—because it wasn’t every day that the beach at Trafraska was enlivened by the sound of a bagpipe. The dance started, and it was as beautiful a rinkafadda as ever danced. “Great music,” everyone said, “and well done,” when Maurice finished.

“More power to your elbow, Maurice, and a fair wind in the bellows,” cried Paddy Dorman, a hump-backed dancing-master, who was there to keep order. “’Tis a pity,” said he, “if we’d let the piper run dry after such music; ’twould be a disgrace to Iveragh, that didn’t come on it since the week of the three Sundays.” So, as well became him, for he was always a decent man, says he: “Did you drink, piper?”

“More power to you, Maurice, and may the wind fill your sails,” shouted Paddy Dorman, a hunchbacked dance instructor who was there to maintain the order. “It’s a shame,” he said, “if we let the piper go without a drink after playing such great music; it would be a disgrace to Iveragh, which hasn't had a good one since the week with three Sundays.” So, as was typical of him, since he was always a decent guy, he asked: “Did you drink, piper?”

“I will, sir,” says Maurice, answering the question on the safe side, for you never yet knew piper or schoolmaster who refused his drink.

“I will, sir,” says Maurice, answering the question carefully, since you’ve never met a piper or a schoolmaster who refused a drink.

“What will you drink, Maurice?” says Paddy.

“What do you want to drink, Maurice?” says Paddy.

“I’m no ways particular,” says Maurice; “I drink any thing, and give God thanks, barring raw water; but if ’tis all the same to you, mister Dorman, may be you wouldn’t lend me the loan of a glass of whiskey.”

“I’m not picky,” says Maurice; “I’ll drink anything and thank God for it, except for raw water; but if it’s okay with you, mister Dorman, could you lend me a glass of whiskey?”

“I’ve no glass, Maurice,” said Paddy; “I’ve only the bottle.”

“I don’t have a glass, Maurice,” said Paddy; “I’ve just got the bottle.”

“Let that be no hindrance,” answered Maurice; “my mouth just holds a glass to the drop; often I’ve tried it, sure.”

“Don’t let that stop you,” replied Maurice; “I just sip from the glass; I’ve tried it many times, for sure.”

So Paddy Dorman trusted him with the bottle—more fool was he; and, to his cost, he found that though Maurice’s[148] mouth might not hold more than the glass at one time, yet, owing to the hole in his throat, it took many a filling.

So Paddy Dorman trusted him with the bottle—what a mistake that was; and, unfortunately for him, he discovered that even though Maurice’s[148] mouth might only hold as much as the glass at once, because of the hole in his throat, it required many refills.

“That was no bad whisky neither,” says Maurice, handing back the empty bottle.

"That was some good whisky," says Maurice, handing back the empty bottle.

“By the holy frost, then!” says Paddy, “’tis but cowld comfort there’s in that bottle now; and ’tis your word we must take for the strength of the whisky, for you’ve left us no sample to judge by:” and to be sure Maurice had not.

“By the holy frost, then!” says Paddy, “it’s only cold comfort there is in that bottle now; and it’s your word we have to rely on for how strong the whisky is, since you didn’t leave us any sample to judge by:” and indeed Maurice had not.

Now I need not tell any gentleman or lady with common understanding, that if he or she was to drink an honest bottle of whiskey at one pull, it is not at all the same thing as drinking a bottle of water; and in the whole course of my life, I never knew more than five men who could do so without being overtaken by the liquor. Of these Maurice Connor was not one, though he had a stiff head enough of his own—he was fairly tipsy. Don’t think I blame him for it; ’tis often a good man’s case; but true is the word that says, “when liquor’s in, sense is out;” and puff, at a breath, before you could say “Lord save us!” out he blasted his wonderful tune.

Now I don’t need to explain to any guy or gal with common sense that drinking a full bottle of whiskey in one go is completely different from chugging a bottle of water. In all my life, I’ve only known about five men who could pull it off without getting drunk. Maurice Connor wasn’t one of them, even though he had a pretty strong tolerance—he was quite tipsy. I don’t blame him for it; it can happen to good people. But the saying is true: “when liquor’s in, sense is out,” and boom, in a flash, before you could say “Lord save us!” out came his amazing tune.

’Twas really then beyond all belief or telling the dancing Maurice himself could not keep quiet; staggering now on one leg, now on the other, and rolling about like a ship in a cross sea, trying to humour the tune. There was his mother too, moving her old bones as light as the youngest girl of them all; but her dancing, no, nor the dancing of all the rest, is not worthy the speaking about to the work that was going on down on the strand. Every inch of it covered with all manner of fish jumping and plunging about to the music, and every moment more and more would tumble in out of the water, charmed by the wonderful tune. Crabs of monstrous size spun round and round on one claw with the nimbleness of a dancing-master, and twirled and tossed their other claws about like limbs that did not belong to them. It was a sight surprising to behold. But perhaps you may have heard of father Florence Conry, a Franciscan Friar, and a great Irish poet; bolg an dana, as they used to call him—a wallet of poems. If you have not he was as pleasant a man as one would wish to[149] drink with of a hot summer’s day; and he has rhymed out all about the dancing fishes so neatly, that it would be a thousand pities not to give you his verses; so here’s my hand at an upset of them into English:

It was truly unbelievable, even the dancing Maurice couldn’t stay still; he was staggering on one leg, then the other, rolling around like a ship caught in a storm, trying to keep up with the tune. His mother was there too, moving her old bones as lightly as the youngest girl; but her dancing, nor the dancing of anyone else, couldn’t compare to what was happening down on the beach. Every inch was filled with all kinds of fish jumping and splashing to the music, and every second more and more would tumble in from the water, enchanted by the amazing tune. Huge crabs spun around on one claw like expert dancers, twirling and waving their other claws as if they weren’t even theirs. It was a surprising sight to see. But maybe you’ve heard of Father Florence Conry, a Franciscan Friar and a celebrated Irish poet; bolg an dana, as they used to call him—a bag of poems. If you haven’t, he was as enjoyable a person as you could hope to drink with on a hot summer day; and he wrote all about the dancing fish so beautifully, it would be such a shame not to share his verses with you; so here’s my attempt to translate some of them into English:

The large seals in motion, Like ocean waves,
Or gouty feet dancing,
Came leading the gay fish,
Crabs, lobsters, and crayfish,
Set on dancing.
The sweet sounds they followed, The gasping cod swallowed; It was truly wonderful! And turbot and flounder, 'Among rounder fish,
Just danced around happily.
John-dories swam by; Dull hake, by their skipping To search it seemed given; Bright mackerel jumped, Like tiny rainbows flying Their flight to heaven.
The whiting and haddock Left saltwater paddock,
This dance will be included in:
Where to skate with flat faces Outperformed some strange places; But soles held their ground.
Sprats and herring in power Of silver showers All numbers outnumbered; And great story so long Were there in such abundance,
The shore was cluttered.
The scallop and oyster
Their two shells did boast, Like matching castanets; While limpets moved visibly,
And rocks almost We were splitting with laughter. [150]

Never was such an ullabulloo in this world, before or since; ’twas as if heaven and earth were coming together; and all out of Maurice Connor’s wonderful tune!

Never was there such a commotion in this world, before or since; it was as if heaven and earth were colliding; and all because of Maurice Connor’s amazing tune!

In the height of all these doings, what should there be dancing among the outlandish set of fishes but a beautiful young woman—as beautiful as the dawn of day! She had a cocked hat upon her head; from under it her long green hair—just the colour of the sea—fell down behind, without hindrance to her dancing. Her teeth were like rows of pearl; her lips for all the world looked like red coral; and she had an elegant gown, as white as the foam of the wave, with little rows of purple and red sea-weeds settled out upon it; for you never yet saw a lady, under the water or over the water, who had not a good notion of dressing herself out.

In the midst of all this chaos, what would you see dancing among the strange group of fish but a stunning young woman—beautiful like the break of dawn! She wore a cocked hat on her head; from underneath it, her long green hair—just like the color of the sea—flowed down her back, not interfering with her dancing. Her teeth sparkled like rows of pearls; her lips looked just like red coral; and she wore a lovely gown, as white as the foam on the waves, decorated with little rows of purple and red seaweed; because you've never seen a lady, whether underwater or above, who didn't have a good sense of style.

Up she danced at last to Maurice, who was flinging his feet from under him as fast as hops—for nothing in this world could keep still while that tune of his was going on—and says she to him, chaunting it out with a voice as sweet as honey—

Up she finally danced over to Maurice, who was kicking his feet out from under him as fast as he could—nothing in this world could stay still while that tune of his was playing—and she said to him, singing it out with a voice as sweet as honey—

"I’m a woman of honor" Who lives in the sea; Come down, Maurice Connor, And marry me.
"Silver plates and gold dishes" You will have, and will be The king of fish,
"When you’re married to me."

Drink was strong in Maurice’s head, and out he chaunted in return for her great civility. It is not every lady, may be, that would be after making such an offer to a blind piper; therefore ’twas only right in him to give her as good as she gave herself—so says Maurice,

Drink was strong in Maurice’s head, and he sung back in response to her kindness. Not every lady would think to make such an offer to a blind piper; so it was only fair for him to give her a response as good as her own—so says Maurice.

“Thank you, ma'am:
From a gold dish or plate,
If I were a king, and I had them, I could have a fancy dinner. [151]
“With your own dad’s daughter
I’d definitely agree; But to drink the saltwater
“Wouldn't do that with me!”

The lady looked at him quite amazed, and swinging her head from side to side like a great scholar, “Well,” says she, “Maurice, if you’re not a poet, where is poetry to be found?”

The lady looked at him in astonishment, swinging her head from side to side like a great scholar. “Well,” she said, “Maurice, if you’re not a poet, where can poetry be found?”

In this way they kept on at it, framing high compliments; one answering the other, and their feet going with the music as fast as their tongues. All the fish kept dancing too: Maurice heard the clatter, and was afraid to stop playing lest it might be displeasing to the fish, and not knowing what so many of them may take it into their heads to do to him if they got vexed.

They kept at it, giving each other high praises; one responding to the other, and their feet moving with the music as quickly as their words. All the fish danced along too: Maurice heard the noise and was scared to stop playing, worried it might upset the fish, and he had no idea what all those fish might decide to do to him if they got angry.

Well, the lady with the green hair kept on coaxing of Maurice with soft speeches, till at last she overpersuaded him to promise to marry her, and be king over the fishes, great and small. Maurice was well fitted to be their king, if they wanted one that could make them dance; and he surely would drink, barring the salt water, with any fish of them all.

Well, the lady with the green hair kept sweet-talking Maurice until she finally convinced him to promise to marry her and become the king of the fish, big and small. Maurice was definitely suited to be their king if they wanted someone who could make them dance; and he would certainly drink, except for the salt water, with any of them.

When Maurice’s mother saw him, with that unnatural thing in the form of a green-haired lady as his guide, and he and she dancing down together so lovingly to the water’s edge through the thick of the fishes, she called out after him to stop and come back. “Oh then,” says she, “as if I was not widow enough before, there he is going away from me to be married to that scaly woman. And who knows but ’tis grandmother I may be to a hake or a cod—Lord help and pity me, but ’tis a mighty unnatural thing!—and may be ’tis boiling and eating my own grandchild I’ll be, with a bit of salt butter, and I not knowing it!—Oh Maurice, Maurice, if there’s any love or nature left in you, come back to your own ould mother, who reared you like a decent Christian!”

When Maurice’s mom saw him with that strange green-haired lady as his guide, dancing together so sweetly to the water’s edge among the fish, she shouted for him to stop and come back. “Oh then,” she said, “as if I wasn’t already lonely enough, now he’s leaving me to marry that fishy woman. Who knows, I might end up being a grandmother to a hake or a cod—Lord help me, that’s just wrong!—and maybe I’ll end up boiling and eating my own grandkid with a little bit of butter, and I wouldn’t even know it!—Oh Maurice, Maurice, if there’s any love or kindness left in you, come back to your old mother who raised you like a decent person!”

Then the poor woman began to cry and ullagoane so finely that it would do any one good to hear her.

Then the poor woman began to cry and lament so beautifully that it would warm anyone's heart to hear her.

Maurice was not long getting to the rim of the water; there he kept playing and dancing on as if nothing was the matter, and a great thundering wave coming in towards him[152] ready to swallow him up alive; but as he could not see it, he did not fear it. His mother it was who saw it plainly through the big tears that were rolling down her cheeks; and though she saw it, and her heart was aching as much as ever mother’s heart ached for a son, she kept dancing, dancing, all the time for the bare life of her. Certain it was she could not help it, for Maurice never stopped playing that wonderful tune of his.

Maurice quickly made his way to the edge of the water; there he kept playing and dancing as if nothing was wrong, while a huge crashing wave approached him, ready to sweep him away. But since he couldn’t see it, he didn’t fear it. His mother was the one who clearly saw it through the big tears rolling down her cheeks; and even though she noticed it, and her heart ached as much as any mother’s heart aches for her son, she kept dancing, dancing, for her very life. It was clear she couldn’t help it, because Maurice never stopped playing that wonderful tune of his.

He only turned the bothered ear to the sound of his mother’s voice, fearing it might put him out in his steps, and all the answer he made back was—

He only paid attention to his mother’s voice, worried it might throw him off, and all he replied was—

“Whisht with you, mother—sure I’m going to be king over the fishes down in the sea, and for a token of luck, and a sign that I am alive and well, I’ll send you in, every twelvemonth on this day, a piece of burned wood to Trafraska.” Maurice had not the power to say a word more, for the strange lady with the green hair, seeing the wave just upon them, covered him up with herself in a thing like a cloak with a big hood to it, and the wave curling over twice as high as their heads, burst upon the strand, with a rush and a roar that might be heard as far as Cape Clear.

“Quiet down, Mom—I’m going to be the king of the fish in the sea, and as a sign of good luck and to show you that I’m alive and well, I’ll send you a piece of burned wood to Trafraska every year on this day.” Maurice couldn’t say another word because the strange lady with the green hair, seeing the wave about to hit them, wrapped him in a cloak with a big hood, and the wave, towering over them, crashed onto the shore with a rush and a roar that could be heard all the way to Cape Clear.

That day twelvemonth the piece of burned wood came ashore in Trafraska. It was a queer thing for Maurice to think of sending all the way from the bottom of the sea. A gown or a pair of shoes would have been something like a present for his poor mother; but he had said it, and he kept his word. The bit of burned wood regularly came ashore on the appointed day for as good, ay, and better than a hundred years. The day is now forgotten, and may be that is the reason why people say how Maurice Connor has stopped sending the luck-token to his mother. Poor woman, she did not live to get as much as one of them; for what through the loss of Maurice, and the fear of eating her own grandchildren, she died in three weeks after the dance—some say it was the fatigue that killed her, but whichever it was, Mrs. Connor was decently buried with her own people.

That day a year ago, the burned piece of wood washed up on the shore in Trafraska. It was strange for Maurice to think of sending something from the bottom of the sea. A dress or a pair of shoes would have been more appropriate as a gift for his poor mother; but he had said he would do it, and he kept his promise. The burned wood regularly arrived on the designated day for as long as, and even longer than, a hundred years. The day is now forgotten, which might be why people say Maurice Connor has stopped sending the luck-token to his mother. Poor woman, she didn’t live to receive even one of them; after losing Maurice and fearing for her own grandchildren, she passed away three weeks after the dance—some say it was the exhaustion that killed her, but whatever the cause, Mrs. Connor was properly buried among her own family.

Seafaring men have often heard off the coast of Kerry, on a still night, the sound of music coming up from the water; and some, who have had good ears, could plainly[153] distinguish Maurice Connor’s voice singing these words to his pipes:—

Seafaring men have often heard off the coast of Kerry, on a calm night, the sound of music coming up from the water; and some, who have had good ears, could clearly[153] distinguish Maurice Connor’s voice singing these words to his pipes:—

Beautiful shore, with your wide beach,
Your clear water and sparkling sand; I would never have left you. But for the sake of my beautiful lady.[21]

The Irish Merrow answers exactly to the English Mermaid. It is also used to express a sea-monster, like the Armorick and Cornish Morhuch, to which it evidently bears analogy.

The Irish Merrow is the same as the English Mermaid. It’s also used to describe a sea monster, similar to the Armorick and Cornish Morhuch, which it obviously resembles.

The romantic historians of Ireland describe the Suire as playing round the ships of the Milesians when on their passage to that Island.

The romantic historians of Ireland talk about the Suire swirling around the ships of the Milesians as they made their way to that island.


THE DULLAHAN.

The Dullahan.

“Then wonder not at headless folk,
Since every day you greet ’em;
Nor treat old stories as a joke,
When fools you daily meet ’em.”

“Then don’t be surprised at headless people,
Since you see them every day,
Don’t dismiss old tales as a joke,
When you encounter fools daily.

The Legendary.

The Legend.

“Says the friar, ’tis strange headless horses should trot.”

“Says the friar, it’s weird that headless horses would trot.”

Old Song.

Classic Track.


THE GOOD WOMAN.
XXVI.

In a pleasant and not unpicturesque valley of the White Knight’s country, at the foot of the Galtee mountains, lived Larry Dodd and his wife Nancy. They rented a cabin and a few acres of land, which they cultivated with great care, and its crops rewarded their industry. They were independent and respected by their neighbours; they loved each other in a marriageable sort of way, and few couples had altogether more the appearance of comfort about them.

In a charming and somewhat scenic valley of the White Knight’s country, at the base of the Galtee mountains, lived Larry Dodd and his wife Nancy. They rented a cabin and a few acres of land, which they tended to diligently, and their crops reflected their hard work. They were self-sufficient and well-regarded by their neighbors; they had a loving relationship typical of a married couple, and few pairs looked more comfortable together.

Larry was a hard working, and, occasionally, a hard[156] drinking, Dutch-built, little man, with a fiddle head and a round stern; a steady-going straight-forward fellow, barring when he carried too much whisky, which, it must be confessed, might occasionally prevent his walking the chalked line with perfect philomathical accuracy. He had a moist, ruddy countenance, rather inclined to an expression of gravity, and particularly so in the morning; but, taken all together he was generally looked upon as a marvellously proper person, notwithstanding he had, every day in the year, a sort of unholy dew upon his face, even in the coldest weather, which gave rise to a supposition (amongst censorious persons, of course,) that Larry was apt to indulge in strong and frequent potations. However, all men of talents have their faults,—indeed, who is without them?—and as Larry, setting aside his domestic virtues and skill in farming, was decidedly the most distinguished breaker of horses for forty miles round, he must be in some degree excused, considering the inducements of “the stirrup cup,” and the fox-hunting society in which he mixed, if he had also been the greatest drunkard in the county: but, in truth, this was not the case.

Larry was a hardworking, and sometimes hard-drinking, Dutch-built little guy with a fiddly head and a round bottom. He was a straightforward, steady fellow, except when he had too much whiskey, which, to be fair, could occasionally throw him off his game. He had a wet, red face, often looking serious, especially in the morning. But overall, people generally considered him a remarkably decent guy, even though he had what some might call an “unholy dew” on his face every day of the year, even in the coldest weather. This led some judgmental folks to think Larry had a habit of drinking heavily. However, everyone has their flaws—who doesn't?—and since Larry, apart from his home life and farming skills, was undoubtedly the best horse breaker for forty miles, he could be somewhat excused for his fondness for “the stirrup cup” and the fox-hunting crowd he hung out with, even if he’d also been the biggest drunk in the county. But really, that wasn’t the case.

Larry was a man of mixed habits, as well in his mode of life and his drink, as in his costume. His dress accorded well with his character—a sort of half-and-half between farmer and horse-jockey. He wore a blue coat of coarse cloth, with short skirts, and a stand-up collar; his waistcoat was red, and his lower habiliments were made of leather, which in course of time had shrunk so much, that they fitted like a second skin; and long use had absorbed their moisture to such a degree, that they made a strange sort of crackling noise as he walked along. A hat covered with oil-skin; a cutting-whip, all worn and jagged at the end; a pair of second-hand, or, to speak more correctly second-footed, greasy top boots, that seemed never to have imbibed a refreshing draught of Warren’s blacking of matchless lustre!—and one spur without a rowel, completed the every-day dress of Larry Dodd.

Larry was a guy with mixed habits, both in his lifestyle and his drink choices, as well as in his style of dress. His outfit fit his personality—kind of a blend between a farmer and a horse jockey. He wore a blue coat made of rough fabric, with short tails and a stand-up collar; his vest was red, and his pants were leather, which had shrunk over time so much that they fit like a second skin. After long use, they had lost so much moisture that they made a strange crackling sound as he walked. He wore a hat covered in oilskin, carried a jagged cutting whip, and sported a pair of second-hand—more accurately, second-footed—greasy top boots that clearly had never seen a good polish. Oh, and he had one spur without a rowel, which rounded out Larry Dodd's everyday look.

Thus equipped was Larry returning from Cashel, mounted on a rough-coated and wall-eyed nag, though, notwithstanding these and a few other trifling blemishes, a well-built animal; having just purchased the said nag, with a[157] fancy that he could make his own money again of his bargain, and, may be, turn an odd penny more by it at the ensuing Kildorrery fair. Well pleased with himself, he trotted fair and easy along the road in the delicious and lingering twilight of a lovely June evening, thinking of nothing at all, only whistling, and wondering would horses always be so low. “If they go at this rate,” said he to himself, “for half nothing, and that paid in butter buyer’s notes, who would be the fool to walk?” This very thought, indeed, was passing in his mind, when his attention was roused by a woman pacing quickly by the side of his horse and hurrying on as if endeavouring to reach her destination before the night closed in. Her figure, considering the long strides she took, appeared to be under the common size—rather of the dumpy order; but farther, as to whether the damsel was young or old, fair or brown, pretty or ugly, Larry could form no precise notion, from her wearing a large cloak (the usual garb of the female Irish peasant,) the hood of which was turned up, and completely concealed every feature.

Larry was riding back from Cashel on a rough-looking, wall-eyed horse. Despite these minor flaws, it was a well-built animal. He had just bought it, thinking he could make his money back from the deal, and maybe even earn a little extra at the upcoming Kildorrery fair. Happy with himself, he trotted along the road in the beautiful twilight of a lovely June evening, lost in thought, whistling, and wondering if horses would always be this cheap. “If they’re going for such little money,” he thought, “especially when it’s paid in butter buyer's notes, who would walk?” This thought was on his mind when he noticed a woman walking quickly alongside his horse, hurrying as if trying to reach her destination before night fell. Given her long strides, she seemed to be shorter than average—on the dumpy side. However, Larry couldn't tell if she was young or old, fair or dark, pretty or ugly, because she was wearing a large cloak (the typical attire of Irish peasant women) with the hood pulled up, completely hiding her features.

Enveloped in this mass of dark and concealing drapery, the strange woman, without much exertion, contrived to keep up with Larry Dodd’s steed for some time, when his master very civilly offered her a lift behind him, as far as he was going her way. “Civility begets civility,” they say; however he received no answer; and thinking that the lady’s silence proceeded only from bashfulness, like a man of true gallantry, not a word more said Larry until he pulled up by the side of a gap, and then says he, “Ma colleen beg,[22] just jump up behind me, without a word more, though never a one have you spoke, and I’ll take you safe and sound through the lonesome bit of road that is before us.”

Enveloped in this mass of dark and concealing fabric, the strange woman easily kept pace with Larry Dodd's horse for a while, when he politely offered her a ride behind him, as far as he was heading in her direction. "Civility begets civility," they say; however, she didn't respond. Thinking her silence was just shyness, Larry, being a true gentleman, didn't say another word until he stopped beside a gap and then said, "Ma colleen beg,[22] just hop up behind me, without saying another word, even though you haven't spoken at all, and I’ll safely take you through the lonely stretch of road ahead."

She jumped at the offer, sure enough, and up with her on the back of the horse as light as a feather. In an instant there she was seated up behind Larry, with her hand and arm buckled round his waist holding on.

She eagerly accepted the offer and hopped on the back of the horse as light as a feather. In an instant, she was sitting behind Larry, her hand and arm wrapped around his waist, holding on tight.

“I hope you’re comfortable there, my dear,” said Larry, in his own good-humoured way; but there was no answer; [158]and on they went—trot, trot, trot—along the road; and all was so still and so quiet, that you might have heard the sound of the hoofs on the limestone a mile off; for that matter there was nothing else to hear except the moaning of a distant stream, that kept up a continued cronane,[23] like a nurse hushoing. Larry, who had a keen ear, did not, however, require so profound a silence to detect the click of one of the shoes. “’Tis only loose the shoe is,” said he to his companion, as they were just entering on the lonesome bit of road of which he had before spoken. Some old trees, with huge trunks, all covered, and irregular branches festooned with ivy, grew over a dark pool of water, which had been formed as a drinking-place for cattle; and in the distance was seen the majestic head of Gaultee-more. Here the horse, as if in grateful recognition, made a dead halt; and Larry, not knowing what vicious tricks his new purchase might have, and unwilling that through any odd chance the young woman should get spilt in the water, dismounted, thinking to lead the horse quietly by the pool.

“I hope you’re comfortable there, my dear,” Larry said, in his usual friendly way; but there was no response; [158]and off they went—trot, trot, trot—down the road; everything was so still and quiet that you could have heard the sound of the hooves on the limestone from a mile away. In fact, there was nothing else to hear except the distant moaning of a stream, which kept up a continuous cronane,[23] like a nurse hushoing. Larry, who had a sharp ear, didn’t need such deep silence to catch the sound of a loose shoe. “It’s just a loose shoe,” he said to his companion as they were about to enter the lonely stretch of road he had mentioned earlier. Some old trees with thick trunks, all covered in ivy and with gnarled branches, hung over a dark pool of water that had formed as a drinking spot for cattle; in the distance, the magnificent peak of Gaultee-more was visible. Here, the horse suddenly stopped, as if in grateful acknowledgment, and Larry, unsure of what unpredictable habits his new horse might have and wanting to make sure the young woman wouldn’t fall into the water, got down, planning to lead the horse carefully by the pool.

“By the piper’s luck, that always found what he wanted,” said Larry, recollecting himself, “I’ve a nail in my pocket: ’tis not the first time I’ve put on a shoe, and may be it won’t be the last; for here is no want of paving-stones to make hammers in plenty.”

“Thanks to the piper’s luck, which always got him what he wanted,” said Larry, getting himself together, “I’ve got a nail in my pocket: it’s not the first time I’ve put on a shoe, and it probably won’t be the last; because there’s no shortage of paving stones to make plenty of hammers.”

No sooner was Larry off, than off with a spring came the young woman just at his side. Her feet touched the ground without making the least noise in life, and away she bounded like an ill-mannered wench, as she was, without saying, “by your leave,” or no matter what else. She seemed to glide rather than run, not along the road, but across a field, up towards the old ivy-covered walls of Kilnaslattery church—and a pretty church it was.

No sooner had Larry left than a young woman sprang up right next to him. Her feet hit the ground without making any noise at all, and she took off like a rude girl, without saying “excuse me” or anything like that. She appeared to glide instead of run, not along the road, but across a field, heading toward the old ivy-covered walls of Kilnaslattery church—and it was a lovely church.

“Not so fast, if you please, young woman—not so fast,” cried Larry, calling after her: but away she ran, and Larry followed, his leathern garment, already described, crack, crick, crackling at every step he took. “Where’s my wages?” said Larry: “Thorum pog, ma colleen oge,[24]—sure [159]I’ve earned a kiss from your pair of pretty lips—and I’ll have it too!” But she went on faster and faster, regardless of these and other flattering speeches from her pursuer; at last she came to the churchyard wall, and then over with her in an instant.

“Not so fast, if you don’t mind, young lady—not so fast,” yelled Larry, chasing after her. But she ran off, and Larry followed, his leather outfit, as previously mentioned, creaking at every step he took. “Where’s my pay?” Larry called out. “Thorum pog, ma colleen oge,[24]—I’ve definitely earned a kiss from those pretty lips of yours—and I’m going to get it!” But she kept going faster and faster, ignoring his compliments and other sweet remarks. Finally, she reached the churchyard wall and jumped over it in an instant.

“Well, she’s a mighty smart creature any how. To be sure, how neat she steps upon her pasterns! Did any one ever see the like of that before;—but I’ll not be balked by any woman that ever wore a head, or any ditch either,” exclaimed Larry, as with a desperate bound he vaulted, scrambled, and tumbled over the wall into the churchyard. Up he got from the elastic sod of a newly-made grave in which Tade Leary that morning was buried—rest his soul!—and on went Larry, stumbling over headstones, and foot-stones, over old graves and new graves, pieces of coffins, and the skulls and bones of dead men—the Lord save us!—that were scattered about there as plenty as paving-stones; floundering amidst great overgrown dock-leaves and brambles that, with their long prickly arms, tangled round his limbs, and held him back with a fearful grasp. Mean time the merry wench in the cloak moved through all these obstructions as evenly and as gaily as if the churchyard, crowded up as it was with graves and grave-stones (for people came to be buried there from far and near,) had been the floor of a dancing-room. Round and round the walls of the old church she went. “I’ll just wait,” said Larry, seeing this, and thinking it all nothing but a trick to frighten him; “when she comes round again, if I don’t take the kiss, I won’t, that’s all,—and here she is!” Larry Dodd sprang forward with open arms, and clasped in them—a woman, it is true—but a woman without any lips to kiss, by reason of her having no head.

“Well, she’s a really smart creature, anyway. For sure, look how gracefully she steps! Has anyone ever seen anything like that before?—but I won’t be stopped by any woman who ever had a head, or by any ditch either,” Larry exclaimed as he made a desperate leap, vaulting, scrambling, and tumbling over the wall into the graveyard. He got up from the soft earth of a newly-dug grave where Tade Leary was buried that morning—may he rest in peace!—and off Larry went, stumbling over gravestones, footstones, old graves and new graves, pieces of coffins, and the skulls and bones of the dead—Lord save us!—that were scattered around like paving stones; floundering through tall overgrown dock leaves and brambles that, with their long prickly arms, tangled around his limbs and held him back with a tight grip. Meanwhile, the cheerful girl in the cloak moved through all these obstacles as smoothly and joyfully as if the graveyard, crowded with graves and headstones (because people came from far and wide to be buried there), were the floor of a dance hall. She went round and round the walls of the old church. “I’ll just wait,” said Larry, seeing this and thinking it was just a trick to scare him; “when she comes back around, if I don’t take the kiss, I won’t—that’s it, and here she is!” Larry Dodd leaped forward with open arms and embraced—a woman, it’s true—but a woman without any lips to kiss because she had no head.

“Murder!” cried he. “Well, that accounts for her not speaking.” Having uttered these words, Larry himself became dumb with fear and astonishment; his blood seemed turned to ice, and a dizziness came over him; and, staggering like a drunken man, he rolled against the broken window of the ruin, horrified at the conviction that he had actually held a Dullahan in his embrace!

“Murder!” he shouted. “That explains why she’s not talking.” After saying this, Larry went silent from fear and shock; his blood felt like ice, and he suddenly felt lightheaded. Stumbling like a drunk, he bumped into the shattered window of the ruin, horrified by the realization that he had actually held a Dullahan in his arms!

When he recovered to something like a feeling of consciousness,[160] he slowly opened his eyes, and then, indeed, a scene of wonder burst upon him. In the midst of the ruin stood an old wheel of torture, ornamented with heads, like Cork gaol, when the heads of Murty Sullivan and other gentlemen were stuck upon it. This was plainly visible in the strange light which spread itself around. It was fearful to behold, but Larry could not choose but look, for his limbs were powerless through the wonder and the fear. Useless as it was, he would have called for help, but his tongue cleaved to the roof of his mouth, and not one word could he say. In short, there was Larry, gazing through a shattered window of the old church, with eyes bleared and almost starting from their sockets; his breast resting on the thickness of the wall, over which, on one side, his head and outstretched neck projected, and on the other, although one toe touched the ground, it derived no support from thence: terror, as it were, kept him balanced. Strange noises assailed his ears, until at last they tingled painfully to the sharp clatter of little bells, which kept up a continued ding—ding—ding—ding: marrowless bones rattled and clanked, and the deep and solemn sound of a great bell came booming on the night wind.

When he regained something like consciousness,[160] he slowly opened his eyes, and then, indeed, an astonishing scene unfolded before him. In the middle of the devastation stood an old torture wheel, adorned with heads, reminiscent of Cork jail when the heads of Murty Sullivan and other men were displayed on it. This was clearly visible in the strange light that spread around. It was terrifying to look at, but Larry couldn’t help but stare, as his limbs felt powerless from both wonder and fear. Even though it was pointless, he wanted to call for help, but his tongue felt stuck to the roof of his mouth, and he couldn’t utter a word. In short, there was Larry, gazing through the shattered window of the old church, with eyes bleary and nearly popping from their sockets; his chest resting against the thick wall, with his head and outstretched neck jutting out on one side, while on the other, despite one toe touching the ground, he found no support from it: terror seemed to keep him suspended. Strange noises assaulted his ears until they finally tingled painfully from the sharp ringing of little bells, which kept up a steady ding—ding—ding—ding: lifeless bones rattled and clanked, and the deep, solemn sound of a large bell boomed on the night wind.

It was a ghost ring That bell when it rang—
Swing-swang!
And the chain squeaked, And the pulley squeaked,
Swing-swang!
And with every roll Of the heavy death toll Ding-dong! The empty vault echoed As the clapper went off,
Ding-dong!

It was strange music to dance by; nevertheless, moving to it, round and round the wheel set with skulls, were well-dressed ladies and gentlemen, and soldiers and sailors, and priests and publicans, and jockeys and jennys, but all without their heads. Some poor skeletons, whose bleached bones were ill covered by moth-eaten palls, and who were[161] not admitted into the ring, amused themselves by bowling their brainless noddles at one another, which seemed to enjoy the sport beyond measure.

It was unusual music to dance to; still, moving to it, around the wheel adorned with skulls, were stylish ladies and gentlemen, soldiers and sailors, priests and bartenders, and jockeys and maids, all without their heads. Some unfortunate skeletons, whose pale bones were poorly covered by tattered shrouds, and who were[161] not allowed in the ring, entertained themselves by rolling their headless skulls at one another, which appeared to enjoy the game immensely.

Larry did not know what to think; his brains were all in a mist; and losing the balance which he had so long maintained, he fell head foremost into the midst of the company of Dullahans.

Larry didn't know what to think; his mind was all foggy; and after losing the balance he had maintained for so long, he fell headfirst into the crowd of Dullahans.

“I’m done for and lost for ever,” roared Larry, with his heels turned towards the stars, and souse down he came.

“I’m finished and lost for good,” yelled Larry, with his feet pointing to the sky, and down he fell.

“Welcome, Larry Dodd, welcome,” cried every head, bobbing up and down in the air. “A drink for Larry Dodd,” shouted they, as with one voice, that quavered like a shake on the bagpipes. No sooner said than done, for a player at heads, catching his own as it was bowled at him, for fear of its going astray, jumped up, put the head, without a word, under his left arm, and, with the right stretched out, presented a brimming cup to Larry, who, to show his manners, drank it off like a man.

“Welcome, Larry Dodd, welcome,” everyone shouted, their heads bobbing up and down in the air. “A drink for Larry Dodd,” they yelled in unison, their voices trembling like a note on the bagpipes. No sooner said than done, as a player at the heads, catching his own as it rolled toward him to avoid losing it, jumped up, tucked the head under his left arm without a word, and with his right hand, offered a full cup to Larry, who, wanting to be polite, gulped it down like a champ.

“’Tis capital stuff,” he would have said, which surely it was, but he got no farther than cap, when decapitated was he, and his head began dancing over his shoulders like those of the rest of the party. Larry, however, was not the first man who lost his head through the temptation of looking at the bottom of a brimming cup. Nothing more did he remember clearly,—for it seems body and head being parted is not very favourable to thought—but a great hurry scurry with the noise of carriages and the cracking of whips.

“It's great stuff,” he would have said, which it definitely was, but he got no further than "cap" when his head was chopped off, and it started bouncing over his shoulders like the heads of the rest of the group. However, Larry wasn't the first guy to lose his head because he couldn't resist looking at the bottom of a filled cup. He couldn't remember much clearly after that—because it seems that when body and head are separated, it's not very good for thinking—but he recalled a lot of chaos with the sounds of carriages and the cracking of whips.

When his senses returned, his first act was to put up his hand to where his head formerly grew, and to his great joy there he found it still. He then shook it gently, but his head remained firm enough, and somewhat assured at this, he proceeded to open his eyes and look around him. It was broad daylight, and in the old church of Kilnaslattery he found himself lying, with that head, the loss of which he had anticipated, quietly resting, poor youth, “upon the lap of earth.” Could it have been an ugly dream? “Oh no,” said Larry, “a dream could never have brought me here, stretched on the flat of my back, with that death’s head and cross marrow bones forenenting me[162] on the fine old tombstone there that was faced by Pat Kearney[25] of Kilcrea—but where is the horse?” He got up slowly, every joint aching with pain from the bruises he had received, and went to the pool of water, but no horse was there. “’Tis home I must go,” said Larry, with a rueful countenance; “but how will I face Nancy?—what will I tell her about the horse, and the seven I. O. U.’s that he cost me?—’Tis them Dullahans that have made their own of him from me—the horse-stealing robbers of the world, that have no fear of the gallows!—but what’s gone is gone, that’s a clear case!”—so saying, he turned his steps homewards, and arrived at his cabin about noon without encountering any farther adventures. There he found Nancy, who, as he expected, looked as black as a thundercloud at him for being out all night. She listened to the marvellous relation which he gave with exclamations of astonishment, and, when he had concluded, of grief, at the loss of the horse that he had paid for like an honest man with seven I. O. U.’s, three of which she knew to be as good as gold.

When he came to, the first thing he did was reach up to where his head used to be, and to his relief, he found it still there. He gently shook it, and it felt secure enough. Feeling a bit reassured, he opened his eyes and looked around. It was broad daylight, and he realized he was lying in the old church of Kilnaslattery, with his head, the one he thought he’d lost, resting peacefully, poor guy, "upon the lap of earth." Could it have been a bad dream? “Oh no,” said Larry, “a dream couldn't have brought me here, flat on my back, with that skull and crossbones in front of me[162] on the fine old tombstone over there that was faced by Pat Kearney[25] of Kilcrea—but where is the horse?” He slowly got up, every joint aching from the bruises he had, and went over to the water pool, but there was no horse in sight. “I have to go home,” said Larry, his face showing his sadness; “but how will I face Nancy?—what will I tell her about the horse and the seven I.O.U.s he cost me?—It’s those Dullahans that have taken him from me—the horse-stealing robbers of the world, who fear nothing!—but what’s lost is lost, that’s for sure!”—saying this, he headed home and arrived at his cabin around noon without any more adventures. There he found Nancy, who, as he expected, looked as angry as a storm cloud at him for being out all night. She listened to his incredible story with exclamations of surprise, and when he finished, she was upset about the horse he had honestly paid for with seven I.O.U.s, three of which she knew were practically as good as cash.

“But what took you up to the old church at all, out of the road, and at that time of the night, Larry?” inquired his wife.

“But what made you go to the old church at all, off the road, and at that time of night, Larry?” his wife asked.

Larry looked like a criminal for whom there was no reprieve; he scratched his head for an excuse, but not one could he muster up, so he knew not what to say.

Larry looked like a criminal with no chance of escaping his fate; he scratched his head trying to come up with an excuse, but he couldn’t think of anything, so he didn’t know what to say.

“Oh! Larry, Larry,” muttered Nancy, after waiting some time for his answer, her jealous fears during the pause rising like barm; “’tis the very same way with you as with any other man—you are all alike for that matter—I’ve no pity for you—but, confess the truth.”

“Oh! Larry, Larry,” Nancy murmured, after waiting a while for his response, her jealous fears during the silence bubbling up; “it’s the same with you as with any other guy—you’re all the same in that regard—I have no sympathy for you—but just admit the truth.”

Larry shuddered at the tempest which he perceived was about to break upon his devoted head.

Larry shuddered at the storm he sensed was about to crash down on him.

“Nancy,” said he, “I do confess:—it was a young woman without any head that——”

“Nancy,” he said, “I have to admit: it was a young woman without a head that——”

His wife heard no more. “A woman I knew it was,” cried she; “but a woman without a head, Larry!—well, it is long before Nancy Gollagher ever thought it would come to that with her!—that she would be left dissolute and alone here by her baste of a husband, for a woman [163]without a head!—O father, father! and O mother, mother! it is well you are low to-day!—that you don’t see this affliction and disgrace to your daughter that you reared decent and tender.

His wife heard no more. “I knew it was a woman,” she cried; “but a woman without a head, Larry!—well, it’s a long time coming for Nancy Gollagher to think it would end up like this!—that she would be left lost and alone here by her useless husband, for a woman [163]without a head!—Oh father, father! and oh mother, mother! it’s a good thing you’re not around today!—that you don’t have to see this shame and disgrace that has befallen your daughter whom you raised to be decent and kind."

“O Larry, you villain, you’ll be the death of your lawful wife going after such O—O—O—”

“O Larry, you scoundrel, you’re going to be the death of your rightful wife chasing after such O—O—O—”

“Well,” says Larry, putting his hands in his coat-pockets, “least said is soonest mended. Of the young woman I know no more than I do of Moll Flanders: but this I know, that a woman without a head may well be called a Good Woman, because she has no tongue!”

“Well,” says Larry, putting his hands in his coat pockets, “the less said, the better. I know as little about the young woman as I do about Moll Flanders: but I do know this, that a woman without a brain can easily be considered a Good Woman, because she doesn't talk!”

How this remark operated on the matrimonial dispute history does not inform us. It is, however, reported that the lady had the last word.

How this remark affected the history of the marital dispute is unclear. However, it is said that the woman had the final say.


HANLON’S MILL.
XXVII.

One fine summer’s evening Michael Noonan went over to Jack Brien’s, the shoemaker, at Ballyduff, for the pair of brogues which Jack was mending for him. It was a pretty walk the way he took, but very lonesome; all along by the river-side, down under the oak-wood, till he came to Hanlon’s mill, that used to be, but that had gone to ruin many a long year ago.

One beautiful summer evening, Michael Noonan headed over to Jack Brien’s, the shoemaker, in Ballyduff to pick up the pair of brogues that Jack was repairing for him. The route he chose was lovely but quite lonely; he walked along the riverbank, through the oak woods, until he reached what used to be Hanlon’s mill, which had fallen into disrepair many years ago.

Melancholy enough the walls of that same mill looked; the great old wheel, black with age, all covered over with moss and ferns, and the bushes all hanging down about it. There it stood silent and motionless; and a sad contrast it was to its former busy clack, with the stream which once gave it use rippling idly along.

The walls of that same mill looked pretty gloomy. The big old wheel, dark with age and covered in moss and ferns, was surrounded by drooping bushes. There it stood, still and silent; a bittersweet reminder of its once-busy clattering, with the stream that used to keep it going now flowing lazily by.

Old Hanlon was a man that had great knowledge of all sorts; there was not an herb that grew in the field but he could tell the name of it and its use, out of a big book he had written, every word of it in the real Irish karacter. He kept a school once, and could teach the Latin; that surely is a blessed tongue all over the wide world; and I hear tell[164] as how “the great Burke” went to school to him. Master Edmund lived up at the old house there, which was then in the family, and it was the Nagles that got it afterwards, but they sold it.

Old Hanlon was a man who had a wealth of knowledge about all kinds of things; there wasn’t a plant that grew in the field that he couldn’t identify and explain its use from a big book he had written, every word in real Irish karacter. He used to run a school and could teach Latin, which is definitely a revered language worldwide; I’ve heard[164] that “the great Burke” was his student. Master Edmund lived in the old house there, which was then still in the family, and it was the Nagles who got it afterward, but they sold it.

But it was Michael Noonan’s walk I was about speaking of. It was fairly between lights, the day was clean gone, and the moon was not yet up, when Mick was walking smartly across the Inch. Well, he heard, coming down out of the wood, such blowing of horns and hallooing, and the cry of all the hounds in the world, and he thought they were coming after him; and the galloping of the horses, and the voice of the whipper-in, and he shouting out, just like the fine old song,

But I was actually talking about Michael Noonan’s walk. It was pretty much twilight, the day had just ended, and the moon wasn't up yet, when Mick was briskly walking across the Inch. He heard, coming down from the woods, a lot of horn blowing and shouting, and the sound of all the hounds in the world, and he thought they were after him; along with the galloping of the horses, and the voice of the whipper-in shouting out, just like the great old song.

“Hey Piper, Lilly, and Finder;”

and the echo over from the gray rock across the river giving back every word as plainly as it was spoken. But nothing could Mick see, and the shouting and hallooing following him every step of the way till he got up to Jack Brien’s door; and he was certain, too, he heard the clack of old Hanlon’s mill going, through all the clatter. To be sure, he ran as fast as fear and his legs could carry him, and never once looked behind him, well knowing that the Duhallow hounds were out in quite another quarter that day, and that nothing good could come out of the noise of Hanlon’s mill.

and the echo from the gray rock across the river repeated every word as clearly as it was spoken. But Mick couldn’t see anything, with the shouting and calling following him every step of the way until he reached Jack Brien’s door; and he was sure he heard the rumble of old Hanlon’s mill above all the noise. Of course, he ran as fast as fear and his legs would let him, never once looking back, knowing well that the Duhallow hounds were out in a completely different area that day, and nothing good could come from the sound of Hanlon’s mill.

Well, Michael Noonan got his brogues, and well heeled they were, and well pleased was he with them; when who should be seated at Jack Brien’s before him, but a gossip of his, one Darby Haynes, a mighty decent man, that had a horse and car of his own, and that used to be travelling with it, taking loads like the royal mail coach between Cork and Limerick; and when he was at home, Darby was a near neighbour of Michael Noonan’s.

Well, Michael Noonan got his shoes, and they were quite stylish, and he was very pleased with them; when who should be sitting at Jack Brien’s in front of him, but a friend of his, a guy named Darby Haynes, a really decent man who had his own horse and cart, and who used to travel with it, carrying loads like the royal mail coach between Cork and Limerick; and when he was at home, Darby lived close to Michael Noonan.

“Is it home you’re going with the brogues this blessed night?” said Darby to him.

“Are you heading home in those brogues tonight?” Darby asked him.

“Where else would it be?” replied Mick: “but, by my word, ’tis not across the Inch back again I’m going, after all I heard coming here; ’tis to no good that old Hanlon’s mill is busy again.”

“Where else could it be?” Mick replied. “But honestly, I’m definitely not going back across the Inch after everything I heard coming here; old Hanlon’s mill being busy again isn’t a good sign.”

“True, for you,” said Darby; “and may be you’d take[165] the horse and car home for me, Mick, by way of company, as ’tis along the road you go. I’m waiting here to see a sister’s son of mine that I expect from Kilcoleman.” “That same I’ll do,” answered Mick, “with a thousand welcomes.” So Mick drove the car fair and easy, knowing that the poor beast had come off a long journey; and Mick—God reward him for it—was always tender-hearted and good to the dumb creatures.

“That's true for you,” said Darby; “maybe you could take[165] the horse and cart home for me, Mick, since you're heading that way. I’m waiting here to see my nephew who’s coming from Kilcoleman.” “I’ll gladly do that,” replied Mick, “with a warm welcome.” So Mick drove the cart gently, knowing the poor animal had just come off a long journey; and Mick—bless him for it—was always kind-hearted and good to the helpless creatures.

The night was a beautiful one; the moon was better than a quarter old; and Mick, looking up at her, could not help bestowing a blessing on her beautiful face, shining down so sweetly upon the gentle Awbeg. He had now got out of the open road, and had come to where the trees grew on each side of it: he proceeded for some space in the chequered light which the moon gave through them. At one time, when a big old tree got between him and the moon, it was so dark, that he could hardly see the horse’s head; then, as he passed on, the moonbeams would stream through the open boughs and variegate the road with light and shade. Mick was lying down in the car at his ease, having got clear of the plantation, and was watching the bright piece of a moon in a little pool at the road-side, when he saw it disappear all of a sudden as if a great cloud came over the sky. He turned round on his elbow to see if it was so; but how was Mick astonished at finding, close alongside of the car, a great high black coach drawn by six black horses, with long black tails reaching almost down to the ground, and a coachman dressed all in black sitting up on the box. But what surprised Mick the most was, that he could see no sign of a head either upon coachman or horses. It swept rapidly by him, and he could perceive the horses raising their feet as if they were in a fine slinging trot, the coachman touching them up with his long whip, and the wheels spinning round like hoddy-doddies; still he could hear no noise, only the regular step of his gossip Darby’s horse, and the squeaking of the gudgeons of the car, that were as good as lost entirely for want of a little grease.

The night was beautiful; the moon was just past a quarter full. Mick, looking up at her, couldn’t help but bless her lovely face shining down so sweetly on the gentle Awbeg. He had left the main road and had come to where trees lined each side of it. He moved forward in the dappled light cast by the moon filtering through the branches. At one point, when a large old tree blocked his view of the moon, it got so dark that he could barely see the horse’s head; then, as he continued on, the moonlight would burst through the gaps in the branches, mixing light and shade on the road. Mick was lying comfortably in the cart, having cleared the trees, and was watching the bright reflection of the moon in a little puddle by the roadside when he suddenly saw it vanish as if a huge cloud had passed over the sky. He turned on his elbow to check, but Mick was shocked to find a tall black coach with six black horses right next to the cart, their long black tails nearly touching the ground, and a coachman dressed all in black sitting on the box. What surprised Mick the most was that he couldn’t see any heads on either the coachman or the horses. The coach rushed by him, and he could see the horses lifting their feet as if they were in an elegant trot, the coachman urging them on with his long whip, and the wheels spinning like crazy; yet, he heard no sound, just the steady steps of Darby’s horse and the squeaking of the cart's axles, which were almost entirely silent due to lack of grease.

Poor Mick’s heart almost died within him, but he said nothing, only looked on; and the black coach swept away[166] and was soon lost among some distant trees. Mick saw nothing more of it, or, indeed, of any thing else. He got home just as the moon was going down behind Mount Hillery—took the tackling off the horse, turned the beast out in the field for the night, and got to his bed.

Poor Mick's heart nearly stopped, but he said nothing and just watched as the black coach drove away[166] and soon disappeared among some distant trees. Mick didn't see it again, or anything else for that matter. He got home just as the moon was setting behind Mount Hillery—removed the harness from the horse, let the animal into the field for the night, and went to bed.

Next morning, early, he was standing at the road-side, thinking of all that had happened the night before, when he saw Dan Madden, that was Mr. Wrixon’s huntsman, coming on the master’s best horse down the hill, as hard as ever he went at the tail of the hounds. Mick’s mind instantly misgave him that all was not right, so he stood out in the very middle of the road, and caught hold of Dan’s bridle when he came up.

Next morning, early, he was standing by the road, reflecting on everything that had happened the night before, when he saw Dan Madden, Mr. Wrixon’s huntsman, riding down the hill on the master’s best horse, pushing as fast as he could to keep up with the hounds. Mick immediately felt that something was off, so he stepped into the middle of the road and grabbed Dan’s reins as he approached.

“Mick, dear—for the love of heaven! don’t stop me,” cried Dan.

“Mick, please—for heaven's sake! don’t hold me back,” cried Dan.

“Why, what’s the hurry?” said Mick.

“Why the hurry?” said Mick.

“Oh, the master!—he’s off,—he’s off—he’ll never cross a horse again till the day of judgment!”

“Oh, the master!—he’s gone,—he's gone—he’ll never ride a horse again till the day of judgment!”

“Why, what would ail his honour?” said Mick; “sure it is no later than yesterday morning that I was talking to him, and he stout and hearty; and says he to me, Mick, says he—”

“Why, what’s wrong with his honor?” said Mick; “it was just yesterday morning that I was talking to him, and he looked strong and healthy; and he said to me, Mick, he said—”

“Stout and hearty was he?” answered Madden; “and was he not out with me in the kennel last night, when I was feeding the dogs; and didn’t he come out to the stable, and give a ball to Peg Pullaway with his own hand, and tell me he’d ride the old General to-day; and sure,” said Dan, wiping his eyes with the sleeve of his coat, “who’d have thought that the first thing I’d see this morning was the mistress standing at my bed-side, and bidding me get up and ride off like fire for Doctor Galway; for the master had got a fit, and”—poor Dan’s grief choked his voice—“oh, Mick! if you have a heart in you, run over yourself, or send the gossoon for Kate Finnigan, the midwife; she’s a cruel skilful woman, and may be she might save the master, till I get the doctor.”

“Was he not strong and healthy?” Madden replied. “Wasn’t he out with me in the kennel last night when I was feeding the dogs? Didn’t he come out to the stable, give a ball to Peg Pullaway himself, and tell me he’d ride the old General today? And sure,” Dan said, wiping his eyes with his coat sleeve, “who would’ve thought that the first thing I’d see this morning was the mistress standing by my bedside, telling me to get up and hurry off for Doctor Galway because the master had a fit, and”—poor Dan’s grief choked his voice—“oh, Mick! If you have any compassion, run over there yourself, or send the kid for Kate Finnigan, the midwife; she’s incredibly skilled, and maybe she could save the master until I can get the doctor.”

Dan struck his spurs into the hunter, and Michael Noonan flung off his newly-mended brogues, and cut across the fields to Kate Finnigan’s; but neither the doctor nor Katty was of any avail, and the next night’s moon[167] saw Ballygibblin—and more’s the pity—a house of mourning.

Dan urged his horse forward, and Michael Noonan took off his freshly repaired shoes and ran across the fields to Kate Finnigan’s; but neither the doctor nor Katty could help, and the following night’s moon[167] witnessed Ballygibblin—a house in mourning, unfortunately.


THE DEATH COACH.
XXVIII.

It's midnight!—so gloomy and dark! By Jupiter, there isn't a star!—
It's terrifying!—it's awful!—and listen!
What sound is that coming from a distance?
Still rolling and rumbling, that sound Makes closer and closer approach;
Am I shaking, or is it the ground?—
Lord save us! What is that? A carriage!
A coach!—but this coach has no head;
And the horses are headless like that:
The same can be said about the driver, And the passengers inside who are seated.
Check out the wheels! Look how they zoom over the stones!
And spin, as the whip cracks: Their spokes are made from the thigh bones of dead men,
And the pole is the backbone!
The hammer cloth, shabby display,
Is a shroud quite dampened by moisture;
[168]
And to illuminate this unusual coach on its journey, Two hollow skulls are hanging up as lamps!
From the darkness of Rathcooney churchyard,
They run down the hill of Glanmire;
Pass Lota at a full gallop as fast as you can. As if horses would never get tired!
It's fun to be around people who are so clueless. To speed down the road like this; Since their horses can’t run fast, Nor coachman be drunk from beer.
Tivoli lane is extremely steep,
But going uphill for them is like going downhill; Neither can the charms of Woodhill keep you here. These Dullahans hurrying to town.
Could they feel the way I’ve felt—in a song—
A curse that prevented them from leaving; They had a lingering visit, And after they lose their heads, they lose their hearts!
No worries!—it's past midnight;
They rush through the streets like the wind,
And, heading towards Blackrock,
Cork city is quickly left behind.
Should they rush ahead recklessly, To dinner instead of to bed,
The landlord is definitely going to be wrong,
If he charges it per person!
But my host might think they are too poor. To increase his wealth; So far, everyone who has come to his door, Had at least one crown each.
They have rolled up Deadwoman's Hill; Boreenmannah is pretty much invisible;
They reach Ballintemple, and look! They stop and get out at the churchyard. [169]
"Who's there?" a voice called out from the ground, "We have no space because the place is really full." “O! a room needs to be found quickly,
For we are from the parish of Skull.
“Though Murphys and Crowleys show up
On headstones of deep lettering; Though Scannels and Murleys are located here,
Fitzgeralds and Toonies next to;
"Yet here we lay down for the night,
Tomorrow we set off with the wind; Since we have no heads of our own,
We are looking for the Old Head of Kinsale."

THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN.
XXIX.

“God speed you, and a safe journey this night to you, Charley,” ejaculated the master of the little sheebeen house at Ballyhooley after his old friend and good customer, Charley Culnane, who at length had turned his face homewards, with the prospect of as dreary a ride and as dark a night as ever fell upon the Blackwater, along the banks of which he was about to journey.

“Godspeed, and have a safe trip tonight, Charley,” shouted the owner of the small shebeen in Ballyhooley after his old friend and loyal customer, Charley Culnane, who had finally headed home, facing what promised to be a bleak ride and a dark night like no other along the Blackwater, beside which he was about to travel.

Charley Culnane knew the country well, and, moreover, was as bold a rider as any Mallow-boy that ever rattled a four-year-old upon Drumrue race-course. He had gone to Fermoy in the morning, as well for the purpose of purchasing[170] some ingredients required for the Christmas dinner by his wife, as to gratify his own vanity by having new reins fitted to his snaffle, in which he intended showing off the old mare at the approaching St. Stephen’s day hunt.

Charley Culnane knew the area well and was just as bold a rider as any guy from Mallow who ever raced a four-year-old at Drumrue racecourse. He had gone to Fermoy in the morning to buy some ingredients for the Christmas dinner his wife needed and to satisfy his own vanity by getting new reins for his snaffle, which he planned to show off with the old mare at the upcoming St. Stephen’s Day hunt.

Charley did not get out of Fermoy until late; for although he was not one of your “nasty particular sort of fellows” in any thing that related to the common occurrences of life, yet in all the appointments connected with hunting, riding, leaping, in short, in whatever was connected with the old mare, “Charley,” the saddlers said, “was the devil to plase.” An illustration of this fastidiousness was afforded by his going such a distance for his snaffle bridle. Mallow was full twelve miles nearer “Charley’s farm” (which lay just three quarters of a mile below Carrick) than Fermoy; but Charley had quarrelled with all the Mallow saddlers, from hard-working and hard-drinking Tim Clancey, up to Mr. Ryan, who wrote himself “Saddler to the Duhallow Hunt;” and no one could content him in all particulars but honest Michael Twomey of Fermoy, who used to assert—and who will doubt it—that he could stitch a saddle better than the lord-lieutenant, although they made him all as one as king over Ireland.

Charley didn’t leave Fermoy until late. While he wasn’t one of those “fussy types” when it came to the usual everyday stuff, he was extremely particular about everything related to hunting, riding, jumping — in short, anything that involved the old mare. The saddlers would say that “Charley was impossible.” A perfect example of his pickiness was that he went all the way to get his snaffle bridle. Mallow was a good twelve miles closer to “Charley’s farm” (which was just three-quarters of a mile below Carrick) than Fermoy. But Charley had fallen out with all the Mallow saddlers, from the hard-working, hard-drinking Tim Clancey to Mr. Ryan, who called himself “Saddler to the Duhallow Hunt.” No one could meet his standards except honest Michael Twomey from Fermoy, who claimed — and who would doubt it — that he could stitch a saddle better than the lord-lieutenant, even if that made him feel like a king over Ireland.

This delay in the arrangement of the snaffle bridle did not allow Charley Culnane to pay so long a visit as he had at first intended to his old friend and gossip, Con Buckley, of the “Harp of Erin.” Con, however, knew the value of time, and insisted upon Charley making good use of what he had to spare. “I won’t bother you waiting for water, Charley, because I think you’ll have enough of that same before you get home; so drink off your liquor, man. It’s as good parliament as ever a gentleman tasted, ay, and holy church too, for it will bear ‘x waters,’ and carry the bead after that, may be.”

This delay in getting the snaffle bridle ready meant that Charley Culnane couldn't stay as long as he had planned with his old friend and chat buddy, Con Buckley, of the “Harp of Erin.” Con, however, understood the value of time and urged Charley to make the most of what little he had left. “I won’t keep you waiting for water, Charley, because I figure you’ll have enough of that before you get home; so finish your drink, man. It’s as good liquor as any gentleman has ever tasted, and holy church too, because it can take ‘x waters’ and still hold its own after that, maybe.”

Charley, it must be confessed, nothing loath, drank success to Con, and success to the jolly “Harp of Erin,” with its head of beauty and its strings of the hair of gold, and to their better acquaintance, and so on, from the bottom of his soul, until the bottom of the bottle reminded him that Carrick was at the bottom of the hill on the other[171] side of Castletown Roche, and that he had got no farther on his journey than his gossip’s at Ballyhooley, close to the big gate of Convamore. Catching hold of his oil-skin hat, therefore, whilst Con Buckley went to the cupboard for another bottle of the “real stuff,” he regularly, as it is termed, bolted from his friend’s hospitality, darted to the stable, tightened his girths, and put the old mare into a canter towards home.

Charley, it must be said, happily raised a glass to Con, celebrating success and the cheerful “Harp of Erin,” with its beautiful head and golden strings, and to getting to know each other better, until he realized the bottle was nearly empty. This reminded him that Carrick was at the bottom of the hill on the other side of Castletown Roche, and he hadn't traveled any farther than his friend's place in Ballyhooley, right by the big gate of Convamore. Grabbing his oilskin hat, while Con Buckley went to get another bottle of the good stuff, he quickly bolted from his friend's hospitality, rushed to the stable, tightened his girths, and set the old mare into a canter towards home.

The road from Ballyhooley to Carrick follows pretty nearly the course of the Blackwater, occasionally diverging from the river and passing through rather wild scenery, when contrasted with the beautiful seats that adorn its banks. Charley cantered gaily, regardless of the rain, which, as his friend Con had anticipated, fell in torrents: the good woman’s currants and raisins were carefully packed between the folds of his yeomanry cloak, which Charley, who was proud of showing that he belonged to the “Royal Mallow Light Horse Volunteers,” always strapped to the saddle before him, and took care never to destroy the military effect of by putting it on.—Away he went singing like a thrush—

The road from Ballyhooley to Carrick pretty much follows the Blackwater River, sometimes veering away and going through some rugged scenery, especially when compared to the lovely homes lining its banks. Charley rode happily, undeterred by the rain, which, as his friend Con had predicted, came pouring down: the good woman’s currants and raisins were safely tucked away in his yeomanry cloak, which Charley, proud to show off that he was part of the “Royal Mallow Light Horse Volunteers,” always strapped to the saddle in front of him, taking care not to ruin the military look by actually wearing it. Away he went singing like a thrush—

"Playing sports, socializing, dancing, drinking," Breaking windows—(hiccup!)—sinking,
Always raking—never thinking,
Live the rakes of Mallow.
“Spending faster than it's coming,
Beating—(hiccup, hic,) and duns,
Duhallow’s genuine sons,
Live the rakes of Mallow.

Notwithstanding that the visit to the jolly “Harp of Erin” had a little increased the natural complacency of his mind, the drenching of the new snaffle reins began to disturb him; and then followed a train of more anxious thoughts than even were occasioned by the dreaded defeat of the pride of his long-anticipated turn out on St. Stephen’s day. In an hour of good fellowship, when his heart was warm, and his head not over cool, Charley had backed the old mare against Mr. Jephson’s bay filly Desdemona for a neat hundred, and he now felt sore misgivings[172] as to the prudence of the match. In a less gay tone he continued—

Despite the fact that his visit to the cheerful “Harp of Erin” had slightly boosted his natural satisfaction, the soaking of the new snaffle reins started to trouble him. This was soon followed by a wave of even more anxious thoughts than those caused by the dreaded loss of the pride of his long-anticipated turn out on St. Stephen’s Day. In a moment of good spirits, when his heart was warm and his head wasn’t too clear, Charley had put a hundred down, backing the old mare against Mr. Jephson’s bay filly Desdemona, and now he felt serious doubts[172] about the wisdom of the bet. In a less cheerful tone, he continued—

"Living short, but happy lives,
Going where the devil leads,
Keeping——”

“Keeping” he muttered, as the old mare had reduced her canter to a trot at the bottom of Kilcummer Hill. Charley’s eye fell on the old walls that belonged, in former times, to the Templars: but the silent gloom of the ruin was broken only by the heavy rain which splashed and pattered on the grave-stones. He then looked up at the sky, to see if there was, among the clouds, any hopes for mercy on his new snaffle reins; and no sooner were his eyes lowered, than his attention was arrested by an object so extraordinary as almost led him to doubt the evidence of his senses. The head, apparently, of a white horse, with short cropped ears, large open nostrils and immense eyes, seemed rapidly to follow him. No connexion with body, legs, or rider, could possibly be traced—the head advanced—Charley’s old mare, too, was moved at this unnatural sight, and snorting violently, increased her trot up the hill. The head moved forward, and passed on: Charley, pursuing it with astonished gaze, and wondering by what means, and for what purpose, this detached head thus proceeded through the air, did not perceive the corresponding body until he was suddenly startled by finding it close at his side. Charley turned to examine what was thus so sociably jogging on with him, when a most unexampled apparition presented itself to his view. A figure, whose height (judging as well as the obscurity of the night would permit him) he computed to be at least eight feet, was seated on the body and legs of a white horse full eighteen hands and a half high. In this measurement Charley could not be mistaken, for his own mare was exactly fifteen hands, and the body that thus jogged alongside he could at once determine, from his practice in horseflesh, was at least three hands and a half higher.

“Keeping,” he muttered, as the old mare had slowed her canter to a trot at the bottom of Kilcummer Hill. Charley’s gaze fell on the old walls that once belonged to the Templars: but the quiet gloom of the ruins was pierced only by the heavy rain splashing and pattering on the gravestones. He then looked up at the sky, hoping to find some mercy among the clouds for his new snaffle reins; and no sooner had he lowered his eyes than something so strange caught his attention that he almost doubted his own senses. The head of what appeared to be a white horse, with short cropped ears, large open nostrils, and huge eyes, seemed to follow him rapidly. There was no connection to a body, legs, or rider—just the head advancing. Charley’s old mare was also disturbed by this unnatural sight and, snorting violently, quickened her trot up the hill. The head moved forward and passed on: Charley, staring in astonishment and wondering how and why this detached head was moving through the air, didn’t notice the corresponding body until he was suddenly startled to find it right next to him. Charley turned to see what was keeping pace with him, and a most extraordinary sight came into view. A figure, which he estimated to be at least eight feet tall, was seated on the body and legs of a white horse standing a considerable eighteen hands and a half high. He could not be mistaken in this measurement, as his own mare was exactly fifteen hands, and the body that jogged alongside him was clearly at least three and a half hands taller.

After the first feeling of astonishment, which found vent in the exclamation “I’m sold now for ever!” was[173] over, the attention of Charley, being a keen sportsman, was naturally directed to this extraordinary body; and having examined it with the eye of a connoisseur, he proceeded to reconnoitre the figure so unusually mounted, who had hitherto remained perfectly mute. Wishing to see whether his companion’s silence proceeded from bad temper, want of conversational powers, or from a distaste to water, and the fear that the opening of his mouth might subject him to have it filled by the rain, which was then drifting in violent gusts against them, Charley endeavoured to catch a sight of his companion’s face, in order to form an opinion on that point. But his vision failed in carrying him farther than the top of the collar of the figure’s coat, which was a scarlet single-breasted hunting frock, having a waist of a very old-fashioned cut reaching to the saddle, with two huge shining buttons at about a yard distance behind. “I ought to see farther than this, too,” thought Charley, “although he is mounted on his high horse, like my cousin Darby, who was made barony constable last week, unless ’tis Con’s whiskey that has blinded me entirely.” However, see farther he could not, and after straining his eyes for a considerable time to no purpose, he exclaimed, with pure vexation, “By the big bridge of Mallow, it is no head at all he has!”

After the initial shock, which led him to exclaim, “I’m sold now forever!” was[173] over, Charley, being an enthusiastic sportsman, naturally focused on this unusual figure. After examining it like a connoisseur, he began to check out the person mounted so unusually, who had remained completely silent until now. Wanting to know if his companion's silence was due to a bad mood, lack of conversational skills, or simply a dislike of water—fearing that speaking might get his mouth filled with the rain driving against them—Charley tried to catch a glimpse of his companion's face to form an opinion on the matter. But he could only see as far as the top of the collar of the figure’s coat, which was a scarlet single-breasted hunting frock, cut in a very old-fashioned way that reached down to the saddle, with two large shiny buttons positioned about a yard apart. “I should be able to see more than this,” Charley thought, “even though he’s on his high horse, like my cousin Darby, who became barony constable last week, unless Con’s whiskey has completely blurred my vision.” However, he couldn't see any further, and after straining his eyes for quite a while to no avail, he exclaimed in frustration, “By the big bridge of Mallow, he has no head at all!”

“Look again, Charley Culnane,” said a hoarse voice, that seemed to proceed from under the right arm of the figure.

“Look again, Charley Culnane,” said a raspy voice that seemed to come from under the right arm of the figure.

Charley did look again, and now in the proper place, for he clearly saw, under the aforesaid right arm, that head from which the voice had proceeded, and such a head no mortal ever saw before. It looked like a large cream cheese hung round with black puddings; no speck of colour enlivened the ashy paleness of the depressed features; the skin lay stretched over the unearthly surface, almost like the parchment head of a drum. Two fiery eyes of prodigious circumference, with a strange and irregular motion, flashed like meteors upon Charley, and to complete all, a mouth reached from either extremity of two ears, which peeped forth from under a profusion of matted locks of lustreless blackness. This head, which the figure had evidently[174] hitherto concealed from Charley’s eyes, now burst upon his view in all its hideousness. Charley, although a lad of proverbial courage in the county of Cork, yet could not but feel his nerves a little shaken by this unexpected visit from the headless horseman, whom he considered his fellow-traveller must be. The cropped-eared head of the gigantic horse moved steadily forward, always keeping from six to eight yards in advance. The horseman, unaided by whip or spur, and disdaining the use of stirrups, which dangled uselessly from the saddle, followed at a trot by Charley’s side, his hideous head now lost behind the lappet of his coat, now starting forth in all its horror, as the motion of the horse caused his arm to move to and fro. The ground shook under the weight of its supernatural burden, and the water in the pools became agitated into waves as he trotted by them.

Charley looked again, now in the right spot, and clearly saw, under the mentioned right arm, the head from which the voice had come, and it was a head unlike any that had ever existed. It resembled a large cream cheese surrounded by black puddings; not a hint of color brightened the ashy paleness of the sunken features; the skin stretched over the otherworldly surface, almost like the drumhead of a drum. Two enormous, fiery eyes moved strangely and irregularly, flashing at Charley like meteors, and to top it all off, a mouth stretched from ear to ear, which peeked out from beneath matted locks of dull black hair. This head, which the figure had clearly[174] hidden from Charley’s sight, now revealed itself in all its grotesqueness. Charley, though known for his bravery in County Cork, couldn't help but feel his nerves a bit rattled by this sudden appearance of the headless horseman, who he believed must be his fellow traveler. The cropped-eared head of the colossal horse moved steadily ahead, always staying six to eight yards in front. The horseman, without using a whip or spur, and ignoring the stirrups that hung uselessly from the saddle, trotted alongside Charley, his grotesque head occasionally disappearing behind the flap of his coat, then reappearing in all its terror as the horse's motion caused his arm to swing back and forth. The ground trembled beneath its supernatural weight, and the water in the puddles churned into waves as he trotted past them.

On they went—heads without bodies, and bodies without heads.—The deadly silence of night was broken only by the fearful clattering of hoofs, and the distant sound of thunder, which rumbled above the mystic hill of Cecaune a Mona Finnea. Charley, who was naturally a merry-hearted, and rather a talkative fellow, had hitherto felt tongue-tied by apprehension, but finding his companion showed no evil disposition towards him, and having become somewhat more reconciled to the Patagonian dimensions of the horseman and his headless steed, plucked up all his courage, and thus addressed the stranger:—

On they went—heads without bodies, and bodies without heads. The deadly silence of night was broken only by the fearful clattering of hooves and the distant sound of thunder rumbling above the mystic hill of Cecaune a Mona Finnea. Charley, who was naturally cheerful and somewhat chatty, had felt too anxious to speak until now, but seeing that his companion had no ill intentions toward him and becoming a bit more comfortable with the towering size of the horseman and his headless horse, gathered his courage and addressed the stranger:—

“Why, then, your honour rides mighty well without the stirrups!”

“Why, then, your honor rides pretty well without the stirrups!”

“Humph,” growled the head from under the horseman’s right arm.

“Humph,” grumbled the head from under the horseman’s right arm.

“’Tis not an over civil answer,” thought Charley; “but no matter, he was taught in one of them riding-houses, may be, and thinks nothing at all about bumping his leather breeches at the rate of ten miles an hour. I’ll try him on the other track. Ahem!” said Charley, clearing his throat, and feeling at the same time rather daunted at this second attempt to establish a conversation. “Ahem! that’s a mighty neat coat of your honour’s, although ’tis a little too long in the waist for the present cut.”

“It's not a very polite response,” Charley thought; “but it doesn’t matter, he probably learned that in one of those riding schools, and thinks nothing of bouncing around in his leather pants at ten miles an hour. I’ll try a different approach. Ahem!” said Charley, clearing his throat, feeling a bit nervous about this second attempt to start a conversation. “Ahem! that's a really nice coat you have, although it is a bit too long in the waist for the current style.”

“Humph,” growled again the head.

“Humph,” growled the head again.

This second humph was a terrible thump in the face to poor Charley, who was fairly bothered to know what subject he could start that would prove more agreeable. “’Tis a sensible head,” thought Charley, “although an ugly one, for ’tis plain enough the man does not like flattery.” A third attempt, however, Charley was determined to make, and having failed in his observations as to the riding and coat of his fellow-traveller, thought he would just drop a trifling allusion to the wonderful headless horse, that was jogging on so sociably beside his old mare; and as Charley was considered about Carrick to be very knowing in horses, besides, being a full private in the Royal Mallow Light Horse Volunteers, which were every one of them mounted like real Hessians, he felt rather sanguine as to the result of his third attempt.

This second humph was a huge blow to poor Charley, who was really frustrated trying to figure out a topic that would be more pleasant. “He’s got a sensible head,” Charley thought, “even if it’s not attractive, since it’s clear the guy isn’t into flattery.” Still determined to try again, Charley considered his surroundings and decided he would casually mention the amazing headless horse that was trotting along next to his old mare. Since Charley was pretty well-known around Carrick for his horse knowledge and was a full private in the Royal Mallow Light Horse Volunteers, who all rode like real professionals, he felt pretty confident about the outcome of his third attempt.

“To be sure, that’s a brave horse your honour rides,” recommenced the persevering Charley.

“To be sure, that’s a brave horse you’re riding, your honor,” Charley continued, not giving up.

“You may say that, with your own ugly mouth,” growled the head.

“You can say that with your own ugly mouth,” growled the head.

Charley, though not much flattered by the compliment, nevertheless chuckled at his success in obtaining an answer, and thus continued:—

Charley, not really feeling flattered by the compliment, still found it amusing that he got a response, and continued:—

“May be your honour wouldn’t be after riding him across the country?”

“Maybe your honor wouldn’t be after riding him across the country?”

“Will you try me, Charley?” said the head, with an inexpressible look of ghastly delight.

“Will you give me a shot, Charley?” said the head, with an indescribable look of eerie pleasure.

“Faith, and that’s what I’d do,” responded Charley, “only I’m afraid, the night being so dark, of laming the old mare, and I’ve every halfpenny of a hundred pounds on her heels.”

“Honestly, that’s what I’d do,” Charley replied, “but I’m worried, since it’s so dark out, about hurting the old mare, and I’ve every last penny of a hundred pounds riding on her.”

This was true enough; Charley’s courage was nothing dashed at the headless horseman’s proposal; and there never was a steeple-chase, nor a fox-chase, riding or leaping in the country, that Charley Culnane was not at it, and foremost in it.

This was definitely true; Charley’s bravery wasn’t even fazed by the headless horseman’s offer; and there was never a steeplechase or a fox hunt, riding or jumping in the countryside, that Charley Culnane wasn’t part of, and leading the way.

“Will you take my word,” said the man who carried his head so snugly under his right arm, “for the safety of your mare?”

“Will you trust me,” said the man who was carrying his head comfortably under his right arm, “with the safety of your mare?”

“Done,” said Charley; and away they started, helter[176] skelter, over every thing, ditch and wall, pop, pop, the old mare never went in such style, even in broad daylight: and Charley had just the start of his companion, when the hoarse voice called out, “Charley Culnane, Charley, man, stop for your life, stop!”

“Done,” said Charley; and off they went, racing over everything, ditch and wall, pop, pop, the old mare had never gone like this, even in broad daylight: and Charley had just gotten a lead on his companion when a hoarse voice shouted, “Charley Culnane, Charley, stop for your life, stop!”

Charley pulled up hard. “Ay,” said he, “you may beat me by the head, because it always goes so much before you; but if the bet was neck-and-neck, and that’s the go between the old mare and Desdemona, I’d win it hollow!”

Charley stopped abruptly. “Yeah,” he said, “you might get me on the head, since you always have a head start; but if it were a close race, like between the old mare and Desdemona, I’d win easily!”

It appeared as if the stranger was well aware of what was passing in Charley’s mind, for he suddenly broke out quite loquacious.

It seemed like the stranger knew exactly what Charley was thinking, because he suddenly became very talkative.

“Charley Culnane,” says he, “you have a stout soul in you, and are every inch of you a good rider. I’ve tried you, and I ought to know; and that’s the sort of man for my money. A hundred years it is since my horse and I broke our necks at the bottom of Kilcummer hill, and ever since I have been trying to get a man that dared to ride with me, and never found one before. Keep, as you have always done, at the tail of the hounds, never balk a ditch, nor turn away from a stone wall, and the headless horseman will never desert you nor the old mare.”

“Charley Culnane,” he says, “you’ve got a strong spirit, and you’re a great rider. I’ve tested you, and I should know; that’s the kind of person I appreciate. It’s been a hundred years since my horse and I broke our necks at the bottom of Kilcummer Hill, and ever since, I’ve been looking for someone brave enough to ride with me, but I’ve never found anyone until now. Keep following the hounds as you always do, never shy away from a ditch, and don’t turn back from a stone wall, and the headless horseman will always have your back, along with the old mare.”

Charley, in amazement, looked towards the stranger’s right arm, for the purpose of seeing in his face whether or not he was in earnest, but behold! the head was snugly lodged in the huge pocket of the horseman’s scarlet hunting-coat. The horse’s head had ascended perpendicularly above them, and his extraordinary companion, rising quickly after his avant-coureur, vanished from the astonished gaze of Charley Culnane.

Charley, amazed, looked at the stranger's right arm to see if he was serious, but to his surprise, the man's head was comfortably tucked into the large pocket of the horseman’s red hunting coat. The horse's head had lifted straight up above them, and his unusual companion quickly followed his lead, disappearing from the astonished sight of Charley Culnane.

Charley, as may be supposed, was lost in wonder, delight, and perplexity; the pelting rain, the wife’s pudding, the new snaffle—even the match against squire Jephson—all were forgotten; nothing could he think of, nothing could he talk of, but the headless horseman. He told it, directly that he got home, to Judy; he told it the following morning to all the neighbours; and he told it to the hunt on St. Stephen’s day: but what provoked him after all the pains he took in describing the head, the horse, and the man, was that one and all attributed the creation of the[177] headless horseman to his friend Con Buckley’s “X water parliament.” This, however, should be told, that Charley’s old mare beat Mr. Jephson’s bay filly, Desdemona, by Diamond, and Charley pocketed his cool hundred; and if he didn’t win by means of the headless horseman, I am sure I don’t know any other reason for his doing so.

Charley, as you might imagine, was filled with wonder, joy, and confusion; the pouring rain, his wife’s pudding, the new bit— even the race against Squire Jephson—were all forgotten. He could think of nothing else and talked about nothing but the headless horseman. He told Judy about it as soon as he got home, shared it with all the neighbors the next morning, and mentioned it to the hunt on St. Stephen’s Day. What frustrated him, despite all the effort he put into describing the head, the horse, and the man, was that everyone credited the creation of the[177] headless horseman to his friend Con Buckley’s “X water parliament.” However, it should be noted that Charley’s old mare beat Mr. Jephson’s bay filly, Desdemona, by Diamond, and Charley made a cool hundred; and if he didn’t win because of the headless horseman, I honestly can’t think of any other reason for his success.

Dullahan or Dulachan signifies a dark sullen person. The word Durrachan or Dullahan, by which in some places the goblin is known, has the same signification. It comes from Dorr or Durr, anger, or Durrach, malicious, fierce, &c.—MS. communication from the late Mr. Edward O’Reilly.

Dullahan or Dulachan refers to a gloomy, moody person. The term Durrachan or Dullahan, which is how this goblin is known in some areas, has the same meaning. It comes from Dorr or Durr, meaning anger, or Durrach, meaning malicious, fierce, etc.—MS. communication from the late Mr. Edward O’Reilly.

The correctness of this last etymology may be questioned, as black is evidently a component part of the word.

The accuracy of this last origin might be debated since black is clearly a key part of the word.

The Death Coach, or Headless Coach and Horses, is called in Ireland “Coach a bower;” and its appearance is generally regarded as a sign of death, or an omen of some misfortune.

The Death Coach, or Headless Coach and Horses, is known in Ireland as “Coach a bower,” and seeing it is usually interpreted as a sign of death or a warning of bad luck.

The belief in the appearance of headless people and horses appears to be, like most popular superstitions, widely extended.

The belief in headless people and horses seems to be, like many common superstitions, widely spread.

In England, see the Spectator (No. 110) for mention of a spirit that had appeared in the shape of a black horse without a head.

In England, check out the Spectator (No. 110) for a mention of a ghost that appeared as a headless black horse.

In Wales, the apparition of “Fenyw heb un pen,” the headless woman, and “Ceffyl heb un pen,” the headless horse, are generally accredited.—MS. communication from Miss Williams.

In Wales, the sightings of “Fenyw heb un pen,” the headless woman, and “Ceffyl heb un pen,” the headless horse, are commonly recognized.—MS. communication from Miss Williams.

“The Irish Dullahan puts me in mind of a spectre at Drumlanrig Castle, of no less a person than the Duchess of Queensberry,—‘Fair Kitty, blooming, young, and gay,’—who, instead of setting fire to the world in mamma’s chariot, amuses herself with wheeling her own head in a wheel-barrow through the great gallery.”—MS. communication from Sir Walter Scott.

“The Irish Dullahan reminds me of a ghost at Drumlanrig Castle, specifically the Duchess of Queensberry—‘Fair Kitty, blooming, young, and cheerful’—who, instead of setting the world on fire in her mother’s carriage, entertains herself by rolling her own head in a wheelbarrow through the grand gallery.”—MS. communication from Sir Walter Scott.

In Scotland, so recently as January, 1826, that veritable paper, the Glasgow Chronicle, records, upon the occasion of some silk-weavers being out of employment at Paisley, that “Visions have been seen of carts, caravans, and coaches, going up Gleniffer braes without horses, with horses without heads,” &c.

In Scotland, as recently as January 1826, the genuine paper, the Glasgow Chronicle, reports that during a time when some silk weavers were out of work in Paisley, “People have seen visions of carts, caravans, and coaches going up Gleniffer braes without horses, and horses without heads,” etc.

Cervantes mentions tales of the “Caballo sin cabeça among the cuentos de viejas con que se entretienen al fuego las dilatadas noches del invierno,” &c.

Cervantes mentions stories of the “Horse without a Head among the old wives' tales that keep them entertained by the fire during the long winter nights,” &c.

“The people of Basse Brétagne believe, that when the death of any person is at hand, a hearse drawn by skeletons (which they call carriquet au nankon,) and covered with a white sheet, passes by the house where the sick person lies, and the creaking of the wheels may be plainly heard.”—Journal des Sciences, 1826, communicated by Dr. William Grimm.

“The people of Basse Brétagne believe that when someone is about to die, a hearse pulled by skeletons (which they call carriquet au nankon) and covered with a white sheet passes by the house where the sick person is lying, and the creaking of the wheels can be clearly heard.” —Journal des Sciences, 1826, communicated by Dr. William Grimm.

See also Thiele’s Danske Folkesagn, vol. iv. p. 66, &c.

See also Thiele’s Danske Folkesagn, vol. iv. p. 66, &c.


THE FIR DARRIG.

THE FUR DARRIG.

Whenever I meet such wanderers,
As they head home from their night activities, With a fake voice I greet,
And invite them to roam with me. Through woods and lakes,
Through swamps, through thickets; Otherwise, unseen, I will go with them,
All in the nick of time, To play a prank, And enjoy it, with ho, ho, ho!
Classic Track.

DIARMID BAWN, THE PIPER
XXX.

One stormy night Patrick Burke was seated in the chimney corner smoking his pipe quite contentedly after his hard day’s work; his two little boys were roasting potatoes in the ashes, while his rosy daughter held a splinter[26] [180]to her mother, who, seated on a siesteen,[27] was mending a rent in Patrick’s old coat; and Judy, the maid, was singing merrily to the sound of her wheel, that kept up a beautiful humming noise, just like the sweet drone of a bagpipe. Indeed they all seemed quite contented and happy; for the storm howled without, and they were warm and snug within, by the side of a blazing turf fire. “I was just thinking,” said Patrick, taking the dudeen from his mouth and giving it a rap on his thumb-nail to shake out the ashes—“I was just thinking how thankful we ought to be to have a snug bit of a cabin this pelting night over our heads, for in all my born days I never heard the like of it.”

One stormy night, Patrick Burke was sitting in the corner by the fireplace, happily smoking his pipe after a long day’s work. His two little boys were roasting potatoes in the ashes while his rosy daughter was passing a splinter[26] [180] to her mother, who was sitting on a stool,[27] mending a tear in Patrick’s old coat. Judy, the maid, was singing cheerfully while she worked at her spinning wheel, which made a lovely humming sound, much like the sweet drone of a bagpipe. They all seemed quite content and happy; the storm was raging outside, but they were warm and cozy inside, next to a blazing turf fire. “I was just thinking,” Patrick said, taking the pipe out of his mouth and tapping it against his thumb-nail to shake out the ashes, “I was just thinking about how grateful we should be to have a cozy little cabin over our heads on this stormy night, because I’ve never heard anything quite like it in all my life.”

“And that’s no lie for you, Pat,” said his wife; “but, whisht! what noise is that I hard?” and she dropped her work upon her knees, and looked fearfully towards the door. “The Vargin herself defend us all!” cried Judy, at the same time rapidly making a pious sign on her forehead, “if ’tis not the banshee!”

“And that’s no lie for you, Pat,” said his wife; “but, shh! what noise is that I hear?” and she dropped her work onto her knees and looked fearfully towards the door. “The Virgin herself help us all!” cried Judy, quickly making a pious sign on her forehead, “if it’s not the banshee!”

“Hold your tongue, you fool,” said Patrick, “it’s only the old gate swinging in the wind;” and he had scarcely spoken, when the door was assailed by a violent knocking. Molly began to mumble her prayers, and Judy proceeded to mutter over the muster-roll of saints; the youngsters scampered off to hide themselves behind the settle-bed; the storm howled louder and more fiercely than ever, and the rapping was renewed with redoubled violence.

“Quiet down, you idiot,” said Patrick, “it’s just the old gate swinging in the wind;” and he had barely finished speaking when there was a loud knock on the door. Molly started to mumble her prayers, and Judy began to run through a list of saints; the kids rushed off to hide behind the settle-bed; the storm howled louder and more violently than ever, and the knocking intensified with even greater force.

“Whisht, whisht!” said Patrick—“what a noise ye’re all making about nothing at all. Judy a-roon, can’t you go and see who’s at the door?” for, notwithstanding his assumed bravery, Pat Burke preferred that the maid should open the door.

“Shh, shh!” said Patrick—“what a fuss you’re all making about nothing. Judy, dear, can’t you go check who’s at the door?” For, despite his pretend courage, Pat Burke would rather have the maid open the door.

“Why, then, is it me you’re speaking to?” said Judy in the tone of astonishment; “and is it cracked mad you are, Mister Burke; or is it, may be, that you want me to be rund away with, and made a horse of, like my grandfather was?—the sorrow a step will I stir to open the door, if you were as great a man again as you are, Pat Burke.”

“Why, then, are you talking to me?” Judy said, sounding surprised. “Are you out of your mind, Mister Burke? Or maybe you want me to run away with you and be taken for a fool, like my grandfather was?—I won’t lift a finger to open the door, even if you were as important as you think you are, Pat Burke.”

“Bother you, then! and hold your tongue, and I’ll go myself.” So saying, up got Patrick, and made the best of [181]his way to the door. “Who’s there?” said he, and his voice trembled mightily all the while. “In the name of Saint Patrick, who’s there?” “’Tis I, Pat,” answered a voice which he immediately knew to be the young squire’s. In a moment the door was opened, and in walked a young man, with a gun in his hand, and a brace of dogs at his heels. “Your honour’s honour is quite welcome, entirely,” said Patrick; who was a very civil sort of a fellow, especially to his betters. “Your honour’s honour is quite welcome; and if ye’ll be so condescending as to demean yourself by taking off your wet jacket, Molly can give ye a bran new blanket, and ye can sit forenent the fire while the clothes are drying.” “Thank you, Pat,” said the squire, as he wrapt himself, like Mr. Weld, in the proffered blanket.[28]

“Fine, then! Keep quiet, and I’ll go myself.” With that, Patrick got up and made his way to the door. “Who’s there?” he asked, his voice shaking a lot. “In the name of Saint Patrick, who’s there?” “It’s me, Pat,” came a voice he instantly recognized as the young squire’s. Moments later, the door opened, and in walked a young man with a gun in his hand and a couple of dogs following him. “Your honor is very welcome,” said Patrick, who was quite polite, especially to those of higher rank. “You’re very welcome; and if you’d be so kind as to take off your wet jacket, Molly can give you a brand new blanket, and you can sit by the fire while your clothes dry.” “Thank you, Pat,” replied the squire as he wrapped himself, like Mr. Weld, in the offered blanket.[28]

“But what made you keep me so long at the door?”

“But what made you keep me waiting at the door for so long?”

“Why then, your honour, ’twas all along of Judy, there, being so much afraid of the good people; and a good right she has, after what happened to her grandfather—the Lord rest his soul!”

“Why then, your honor, it was all because of Judy, there, being so scared of the good folks; and she has every right to be, after what happened to her grandfather—the Lord rest his soul!”

“And what was that, Pat?” said the squire.

“And what was that, Pat?” said the squire.

“Why, then, your honour must know that Judy had a grandfather; and he was ould Diarmid Bawn, the piper, as personable a looking man as any in the five parishes he was; and he could play the pipes so sweetly, and make them spake to such perfection, that it did one’s heart good to hear him. We never had any one, for that matter, in this side of the country like him, before or since, except James Gandsey, that is own piper to Lord Headley—his honour’s lordship is the real good gentleman—and ’tis Mr. Gandsey’s music that is the pride of Killarney lakes. Well, as I was saying, Diarmid was Judy’s grandfather, and he rented a small mountainy farm; and he was walking about the fields one moonlight night, quite melancholy-like in himself for want of the tobaccy; because why, the river was flooded, and he could not get across to buy any, and Diarmid would rather go to bed without his supper than a whiff of the dudeen. Well, your honour, just as he came to the old fort in the far field, what should he see?[182]—but a large army of the good people, ’coutered for all the world just like the dragoons! ‘Are ye all ready?’ said a little fellow at their head dressed out like a general. ‘No,’ said a little curmudgeon of a chap all dressed in red, from the crown of his cocked hat to the sole of his boot. ‘No, general,’ said he: ‘if you don’t get the Fir darrig a horse he must stay behind, and ye’ll lose the battle.’”

“Why, then, your honor should know that Judy had a grandfather; he was old Diarmid Bawn, the piper, as good-looking a man as anyone in the five parishes. He could play the pipes so sweetly and make them speak to such perfection that it warmed your heart to hear him. We never had anyone like him in this side of the country before or since, except for James Gandsey, who is the piper for Lord Headley—his lordship is a truly good gentleman—and it’s Mr. Gandsey’s music that makes Killarney Lakes proud. Well, as I was saying, Diarmid was Judy’s grandfather, and he rented a small mountain farm; one moonlit night, he was walking around the fields, feeling quite melancholic because he was out of tobacco. The river was flooded, so he couldn’t get across to buy any, and Diarmid would rather go to bed without dinner than miss a puff of his pipe. Well, your honor, just as he got to the old fort in the far field, what should he see?—but a large army of fairies, all decked out like dragoons! ‘Are you all ready?’ said a little guy at their head dressed like a general. ‘No,’ replied a grumpy little fellow dressed in red, from his cocked hat down to his boots. ‘No, general,’ he said: ‘if you don’t get the Fir darrig a horse, he has to stay behind, and you’ll lose the battle.’”

“‘There’s Diarmid Bawn,’ said the general, pointing to Judy’s grandfather, your honour, ‘make a horse of him.’

“‘There's Diarmid Bawn,’ said the general, pointing to Judy’s grandfather, your honor, ‘turn him into a horse.’”

“So with that master Fir darrig comes up to Diarmid, who, you may be sure, was in a mighty great fright; but he determined, seeing there was no help for him, to put a bold face on the matter; and so he began to cross himself, and to say some blessed words, that nothing bad could stand before.

“So with that master Fir darrig comes up to Diarmid, who, you may be sure, was in a mighty great fright; but he determined, seeing there was no help for him, to put a bold face on the matter; and so he began to cross himself, and to say some blessed words, that nothing bad could stand before.

“‘Is that what you’d be after, you spalpeen?’ said the little red imp, at the same time grinning a horrible grin; ‘I’m not the man to care a straw for either your words or your crossings.’ So, without more to do, he gives poor Diarmid a rap with the flat side of his sword, and in a moment he was changed into a horse, with little Fir darrig stuck fast on his back.

“‘Is that what you want, you rascal?’ said the little red imp, grinning an awful grin; ‘I’m not someone who would care at all for your words or your tricks.’ So, without any further ado, he whacked poor Diarmid with the flat side of his sword, and in an instant he turned into a horse, with little Fir darrig firmly on his back.”

“Away they all flew over the wide ocean, like so many wild geese, screaming and chattering all the time, till they came to Jamaica; and there they had a murdering fight with the good people of that country. Well, it was all very well with them, and they stuck to it manfully, and fought it out fairly, till one of the Jamaica men made a cut with his sword under Diarmid’s left eye. And then, sir, you see, poor Diarmid lost his temper entirely, and he dashed into the very middle of them, with Fir darrig mounted upon his back, and he threw out his heels, and whisked his tail about, and wheeled and turned round and round at such a rate, that he soon made a fair clearance of them, horse, foot, and dragoons. At last Diarmid’s faction got the better, all through his means; and then they had such feasting and rejoicing, and gave Diarmid, who was the finest horse amongst them all, the best of every thing.

“Away they all flew over the vast ocean, like a flock of wild geese, screaming and chattering the whole time, until they reached Jamaica; and there they had a brutal fight with the locals. Well, they handled it well, standing strong and fighting it out fairly, until one of the Jamaican men made a cut with his sword under Diarmid’s left eye. And then, you see, poor Diarmid completely lost his temper, charging right into the thick of them with Fir darrig on his back. He kicked out his heels, swished his tail, and turned in circles so fast that he quickly cleared them out, horse, foot, and dragoons. Eventually, Diarmid’s side came out on top, all thanks to him; and then they celebrated with a massive feast and gave Diarmid, who was the best horse among them all, the finest of everything.”

“‘Let every man take a hand of tobaccy for Diarmid Bawn,’ said the general; and so they did; and away they[183] flew, for ’twas getting near morning, to the old fort back again, and there they vanished like the mist from the mountain.

“‘Let everyone grab a bit of tobacco for Diarmid Bawn,’ said the general; and they did; and away they[183] flew, as it was getting close to morning, back to the old fort, and there they disappeared like the mist from the mountain.”

“When Diarmid looked about, the sun was rising, and he thought it was all a dream, till he saw a big rick of tobaccy in the old fort, and felt the blood running from his left eye: for sure enough he was wounded in the battle, and would have been kilt entirely, if it wasn’t for a gospel composed by father Murphy that hung about his neck ever since he had the scarlet fever; and for certain, it was enough to have given him another scarlet fever to have had the little red man all night on his back, whip and spur for the bare life. However, there was the tobaccy heaped up in a great heap by his side; and he heard a voice, although he could see no one, telling him, ‘That ’twas all his own, for his good behaviour in the battle; and that whenever Fir darrig would want a horse again he’d know where to find a clever beast, as he never rode a better than Diarmid Bawn.’ That’s what he said, sir.”

“When Diarmid looked around, the sun was rising, and he thought it was all a dream, until he saw a big pile of tobaccy in the old fort and felt the blood running from his left eye. For sure, he was wounded in the battle and would have been kilt completely if it weren't for a gospel composed by Father Murphy that had been hanging around his neck ever since he had scarlet fever. And it definitely would have been enough to give him another case of scarlet fever to have that little red man on his back all night, whip and spurs for his life. However, there was the tobaccy stacked up right beside him, and he heard a voice, even though he couldn't see anyone, telling him, ‘That it was all his own, for his good behavior in the battle; and that whenever Fir darrig wanted a horse again, he’d know where to find a good one, as he never rode a better than Diarmid Bawn.’ That’s what he said, sir.”

“Thank you, Pat,” said the squire; “it certainly is a wonderful story, and I am not surprised at Judy’s alarm. But now, as the storm is over, and the moon shining brightly, I’ll make the best of my way home.” So saying, he disrobed himself of the blanket, put on his coat, and whistling his dogs, set off across the mountain; while Patrick stood at the door, bawling after him, “May God and the blessed Virgin preserve your honour, and keep ye from the good people; for ’twas of a moonlight night like this that Diarmid Bawn was made a horse of, for the Fir darrig to ride.”

“Thanks, Pat,” said the squire; “this really is an amazing story, and I totally get why Judy was worried. But now that the storm has passed and the moon is shining bright, I’m going to head home.” With that, he took off the blanket, put on his coat, and whistled for his dogs before heading across the mountain; while Patrick stood at the door, shouting after him, “May God and the blessed Virgin protect you, and keep you safe from the good people; because it was on a night like this that Diarmid Bawn was turned into a horse for the Fir darrig to ride.”


TEIGUE OF THE LEE.
XXXI.

“I can’t stop in the house—I won’t stop in it for all the money that is buried in the old castle of Carrigrohan. If ever there was such a thing in the world!—to be abused to my face night and day, and nobody to the fore doing it! and then, if I’m angry, to be laughed at with a great roaring ho, ho, ho! I won’t stay in the house after to-night, if there was not another place in the country to put my head under.” This angry soliloquy was pronounced in the hall of the old manor-house of Carrigrohan by John Sheehan. John was a new servant: he had been only three days in the house, which had the character of being haunted, and in that short space of time he had been abused and laughed at by a voice which sounded as if a man spoke with his head in a cask; nor could he discover who was the speaker, or from whence the voice came. “I’ll not stop here,” said John; “and that ends the matter.”

“I can’t stay in this house—I wouldn’t stay for all the money buried in the old castle of Carrigrohan. If such a thing exists in the world!—being insulted to my face day and night, and no one doing anything about it! And then, when I get angry, everyone just laughs at me with a loud ho, ho, ho! I’m leaving after tonight, even if there isn’t another place in the country to lay my head.” This angry monologue was declared in the hall of the old manor house of Carrigrohan by John Sheehan. John was a new servant: he had only been in the house for three days, which was known to be haunted, and in that short time, he had been insulted and laughed at by a voice that sounded like a man speaking with his head in a barrel; he couldn’t figure out who the speaker was or where the voice was coming from. “I’m not staying here,” John said; “and that settles it.”

“Ho, ho, ho! be quiet, John Sheehan, or else worse will happen to you.”

“Hey, hey, hey! Be quiet, John Sheehan, or something worse will happen to you.”

John instantly ran to the hall window, as the words were evidently spoken by a person immediately outside, but no one was visible. He had scarcely placed his face at the pane of glass, when he heard another loud “Ho, ho, ho!” as if behind him in the hall; as quick as lightning he turned his head, but no living thing was to be seen.

John quickly ran to the hall window, as the words were clearly spoken by someone just outside, but no one was in sight. He had barely pressed his face against the glass when he heard another loud "Ho, ho, ho!" as if it were coming from behind him in the hall; he turned his head as fast as lightning, but there was nothing around.

“Ho, ho, ho, John!” shouted a voice that appeared to come from the lawn before the house; “do you think you’ll see Teigue?—oh, never! as long as you live! so leave alone looking after him, and mind your business; there’s plenty of company to dinner from Cork to be here to-day, and ’tis time you had the cloth laid.”

“Hey, hey, hey, John!” shouted a voice that seemed to come from the lawn in front of the house; “do you really think you’ll see Teigue?—oh, not a chance! not as long as you live! So stop worrying about him and focus on your own matters; there are plenty of guests from Cork coming for dinner today, and it’s time for you to set the table.”

“Lord bless us! there’s more of it!—I’ll never stay another day here,” repeated John.

“Lord help us! There’s more of it!—I won’t stay another day here,” John repeated.

“Hold your tongue, and stay where you are quietly,[185] and play no tricks on Mr. Pratt, as you did on Mr. Jervois about the spoons.”

“Keep quiet and stay right there,[185] and don’t pull any stunts on Mr. Pratt like you did with Mr. Jervois about the spoons.”

John Sheehan was confounded by this address from his invisible persecutor, but nevertheless he mustered courage enough to say—“Who are you?—come here, and let me see you, if you are a man;” but he received in reply only a laugh of unearthly derision, which was followed by a “Good-bye—I’ll watch you at dinner, John!”

John Sheehan was baffled by this message from his unseen tormentor, but he gathered enough courage to say, “Who are you? Come here and let me see you, if you're a man.” However, all he got in response was a laugh filled with eerie mockery, followed by, “Goodbye—I’ll watch you at dinner, John!”

“Lord between us and harm! this beats all!—I’ll watch you at dinner!—may be you will;—’tis the broad daylight, so ’tis no ghost; but this is a terrible place, and this is the last day I’ll stay in it. How does he know about the spoons?—if he tells it, I’m a ruined man!—there was no living soul could tell it to him but Tim Barrett, and he’s far enough off in the wilds of Botany Bay now, so how could he know it—I can’t tell for the world! But what’s that I see there at the corner of the wall?—’tis not a man!—oh, what a fool I am! ’tis only the old stump of a tree!—But this is a shocking place—I’ll never stop in it, for I’ll leave the house to-morrow; the very look of it is enough to frighten any one.”

“God protect us from harm! This is unbelievable! I’ll keep an eye on you at dinner!—maybe you will;—it's broad daylight, so it’s not a ghost; but this place is terrifying, and this is the last day I’m staying here. How does he know about the spoons?—if he spills it, I’m done for!—there wasn’t a living soul who could have told him but Tim Barrett, and he’s far away in the wilds of Botany Bay now, so how could he know—I can’t figure it out! But what’s that I see over there by the wall?—it’s not a man!—oh, what an idiot I am! it’s just the old stump of a tree!—But this is an awful place—I’m never sticking around; I’m leaving the house tomorrow; just the sight of it is enough to scare anyone.”

The mansion had certainly an air of desolation; it was situated in a lawn, which had nothing to break its uniform level, safe a few tufts of narcissuses and a couple of old trees coeval with the building. The house stood at a short distance from the road; it was upwards of a century old, and Time was doing his work upon it; its walls were weather-stained in all colours, its roof showed various white patches, it had no look of comfort; all was dim and dingy without, and within there was an air of gloom, of departed and departing greatness, which harmonized well with the exterior. It required all the exuberance of youth and of gaiety to remove the impression, almost amounting to awe, with which you trod the huge square hall, paced along the gallery which surrounded the hall, or explored the long rambling passages below stairs. The ball-room, as the large drawing-room was called, and several other apartments, were in a state of decay: the walls were stained with damp; and I remember well the sensation of awe which I felt creeping over me when, boy as I was, and full of boyish life, and wild and ardent spirits, I descended to[186] the vaults; all without and within me became chilled beneath their dampness and gloom—their extent, too, terrified me; nor could the merriment of my two schoolfellows, whose father, a respectable clergyman, rented the dwelling for a time, dispel the feelings of a romantic imagination, until I once again ascended to the upper regions.

The mansion definitely had a feel of abandonment; it was located in a yard that had nothing to interrupt its flatness, except for a few clumps of daffodils and a couple of old trees that were as old as the house itself. The house was set back a short distance from the road; it was over a century old, and time had taken its toll on it; its walls were weathered in various colors, its roof had several white patches, and it didn’t exude any warmth; everything outside was dull and dreary, and inside there was a sense of gloom and faded grandeur that matched the exterior perfectly. It took all the energy of youth and joy to shake off the almost reverential feeling you got as you walked through the large square hall, strolled along the gallery surrounding the hall, or explored the long, winding passages below. The ballroom, as the big drawing-room was called, along with several other rooms, was falling into disrepair: the walls were damp; and I vividly remember the feeling of awe creeping over me when, as a boy full of life and adventurous spirit, I went down to[186] the vaults; everything around and within me turned cold from their dampness and gloom—their vastness also frightened me; and no amount of laughter from my two schoolmates, whose father, a respectable clergyman, rented the house for a while, could shake off the feelings of my romantic imagination until I made my way back upstairs.

John had pretty well recovered himself as the dinner-hour approached, and the several guests arrived. They were all seated at table, and had begun to enjoy the excellent repast, when a voice was heard from the lawn:—

John had more or less pulled himself together as dinner time approached, and the guests started to arrive. They all sat down at the table and began to enjoy the delicious meal when a voice was heard from the lawn:—

“Ho, ho, ho, Mr. Pratt, won’t you give poor Teigue some dinner? ho, ho, a fine company you have there, and plenty of every thing that’s good; sure you won’t forget poor Teigue?”

“Hey, Mr. Pratt, could you please give poor Teigue some dinner? Ha, ha, you have a pretty nice gathering there and plenty of good food; I’m sure you won't forget about poor Teigue?”

John dropped the glass he had in his hand.

John dropped the glass he was holding.

“Who is that?” said Mr. Pratt’s brother, an officer of the artillery.

“Who is that?” said Mr. Pratt’s brother, an artillery officer.

“That is Teigue,” said Mr. Pratt, laughing, “whom you must often have heard me mention.”

"That's Teigue," Mr. Pratt said with a laugh, "the one you've probably heard me talk about often."

“And pray, Mr. Pratt,” inquired another gentleman, “who is Teigue?”

“And please, Mr. Pratt,” asked another man, “who is Teigue?”

“That,” he replied, “is more than I can tell. No one has ever been able to catch even a glimpse of him. I have been on the watch for a whole evening with three of my sons, yet, although his voice sometimes sounded almost in my ear, I could not see him. I fancied, indeed, that I saw a man in a white frieze jacket pass into the door from the garden to the lawn, but it could be only fancy, for I found the door locked, while the fellow whoever he is, was laughing at our trouble. He visits us occasionally, and sometimes a long interval passes between his visits, as in the present case; it is now nearly two years since we heard that hollow voice outside the window. He has never done any injury that we know of, and once when he broke a plate, he brought one back exactly like it.”

“That,” he replied, “is more than I can explain. No one has ever been able to catch even a glimpse of him. I’ve been on the lookout for an entire evening with three of my sons, yet, even though his voice sometimes sounded almost at my ear, I couldn’t see him. I thought I saw a man in a white frieze jacket go through the door from the garden to the lawn, but it must have just been my imagination, because I found the door locked, while whoever he is laughed at our predicament. He comes to visit us sometimes, and there can be long gaps between his visits, just like now; it’s been nearly two years since we last heard that hollow voice outside the window. He has never caused any harm that we know of, and once, when he broke a plate, he replaced it with one exactly like it.”

“It is very extraordinary,” said several of the company.

“It’s quite remarkable,” said several people in the group.

“But,” remarked a gentleman to young Mr. Pratt, “your father said he broke a plate; how did he get it without your seeing him?”

“But,” said a gentleman to young Mr. Pratt, “your father mentioned he broke a plate; how did he manage to do that without you noticing?”

“When he asks for some dinner, we put it outside the window and go away; whilst we watch he will not take it, but no sooner have we withdrawn, than it is gone.”

“When he asks for dinner, we set it outside the window and step away; while we watch, he won’t take it, but as soon as we’ve left, it’s gone.”

“How does he know that you are watching?”

“How does he know you’re watching?”

“That’s more than I can tell, but he either knows or suspects. One day my brothers Robert and James with myself were in our back parlour, which has a window into the garden, when he came outside and said, ‘Ho, ho, ho! master James, and Robert, and Henry, give poor Teigue a glass of whisky.’ James went out of the room, filled a glass with whisky, vinegar, and salt, and brought it to him. ‘Here Teigue,’ said he, ‘come for it now.’ ‘Well, put it down, then, on the step outside the window.’ This was done, and we stood looking at it. ‘There, now, go away,’ he shouted. We retired, but still watched it. ‘Ho, ho! you are watching Teigue; go out of the room, now, or I won’t take it.’ We went outside the door and returned; the glass was gone, and a moment after we heard him roaring and cursing frightfully. He took away the glass, but the next day the glass was on the stone step under the window, and there were crumbs of bread in the inside, as if he had put it in his pocket; from that time he was not heard till to-day.”

“That’s more than I can say, but he either knows or suspects. One day, my brothers Robert and James and I were in our back parlour, which has a window into the garden, when he came outside and said, ‘Ho, ho, ho! Master James, Robert, and Henry, give poor Teigue a glass of whisky.’ James went out of the room, filled a glass with whisky, vinegar, and salt, and brought it to him. ‘Here, Teigue,’ he said, ‘come get it now.’ ‘Well, put it down on the step outside the window, then.’ This was done, and we stood watching it. ‘There, now, go away,’ he shouted. We stepped back, but still kept an eye on it. ‘Ho, ho! You’re watching Teigue; get out of the room now, or I won’t take it.’ We went outside the door and came back; the glass was gone, and a moment later, we heard him roaring and cursing loudly. He took the glass, but the next day it was back on the stone step under the window, and there were crumbs of bread inside, as if he had taken it in his pocket; from that point on, we didn’t hear from him until today.”

“Oh,” said the colonel, “I’ll get a sight of him; you are not used to these things; an old soldier has the best chance; and as I shall finish my dinner with this wing, I’ll be ready for him when he speaks next.—Mr. Bell, will you take a glass of wine with me?”

“Oh,” said the colonel, “I’ll catch a glimpse of him; you’re not used to these things; an old soldier has the best chance. Since I’ll finish my dinner with this wing, I’ll be ready for him the next time he speaks.—Mr. Bell, would you like to have a glass of wine with me?”

“Ho, ho! Mr. Bell,” shouted Teigue. “Ho, ho! Mr. Bell, you were a quaker long ago. Ho, ho! Mr. Bell, you’re a pretty boy;—a pretty quaker you were; and now you’re no quaker, nor any thing else:—ho, ho! Mr. Bell. And there’s Mr. Parkes: to be sure, Mr. Parkes looks mighty fine to-day, with his powdered head, and his grand silk stockings, and his bran new rakish-red waistcoat.—And there’s Mr. Cole,—did you ever see such a fellow? a pretty company you’ve brought together, Mr. Pratt: kiln-dried quakers, butter-buying buckeens from Mallow-lane, and a drinking exciseman from the Coal-quay, to meet the great thundering artillery-general that is come out of the Indies, and is the biggest dust of them all.”

“Hey, hey! Mr. Bell,” shouted Teigue. “Hey, hey! Mr. Bell, you used to be a Quaker. Hey, hey! Mr. Bell, you’re a good-looking guy;—you were quite the pretty Quaker; and now you’re neither a Quaker nor anything else:—hey, hey! Mr. Bell. And there’s Mr. Parkes: for sure, Mr. Parkes looks really sharp today, with his powdered hair, his fancy silk stockings, and his brand new flashy red waistcoat.—And there’s Mr. Cole,—have you ever seen such a character? what a group you’ve gathered, Mr. Pratt: kiln-dried Quakers, butter-buying guys from Mallow Lane, and a drinking customs officer from the Coal Quay, to meet the big booming artillery general who’s back from the Indies and is the biggest show of them all.”

“You scoundrel!” exclaimed the colonel: “I’ll make you show yourself;” and snatching up his sword from a corner of the room, he sprang out of the window upon the[188] lawn. In a moment a shout of laughter, so hollow, so unlike any human sound, made him stop, as well as Mr. Bell, who with a huge oak stick was close at the colonel’s heels; others of the party followed on the lawn, and the remainder rose and went to the windows. “Come on, colonel,” said Mr. Bell; “let us catch this impudent rascal.”

“You scoundrel!” the colonel shouted. “I’ll make you show yourself!” Grabbing his sword from the corner of the room, he jumped out of the window onto the[188] lawn. Immediately, a loud, hollow laugh—something so unnatural it didn’t sound human—made him stop, along with Mr. Bell, who was nearby with a big oak stick. Some others from the group followed onto the lawn, while the rest went to the windows. “Come on, colonel,” Mr. Bell said. “Let’s catch this cheeky rascal.”

“Ho, ho! Mr. Bell, here I am—here’s Teigue—why don’t you catch him?—Ho, ho! Colonel Pratt, what a pretty soldier you are to draw your sword upon poor Teigue, that never did any body harm.”

“Hey, hey! Mr. Bell, here I am—here’s Teigue—why don’t you catch him?—Hey, hey! Colonel Pratt, what a fine soldier you are to pull your sword on poor Teigue, who never harmed anyone.”

“Let us see your face, you scoundrel,” said the colonel.

“Let us see your face, you rogue,” said the colonel.

“Ho, ho, ho!—look at me—look at me: do you see the wind, colonel Pratt?—you’ll see Teigue as soon; so go in and finish your dinner.”

“Ho, ho, ho!—look at me—look at me: do you see the wind, Colonel Pratt?—you’ll see Teigue just as soon; so go ahead and finish your dinner.”

“If you’re upon the earth I’ll find you, you villain!” said the colonel, whilst the same unearthly shout of derision seemed to come from behind an angle of the building. “He’s round that corner,” said Mr. Bell—“run, run.”

“If you’re on this earth, I’ll find you, you villain!” shouted the colonel, as the same eerie shout of mockery seemed to come from around the corner of the building. “He’s around that corner,” said Mr. Bell—“run, run.”

They followed the sound, which was continued at intervals along the garden wall, but could discover no human being; at last both stopped to draw breath, and in an instant, almost at their ears, sounded the shout.

They followed the sound, which continued at intervals along the garden wall, but couldn't find anyone; finally, both paused to catch their breath, and in an instant, almost right next to them, they heard the shout.

“Ho, ho, ho! colonel Pratt, do you see Teigue now?—do you hear him?—Ho, ho, ho! you’re a fine colonel to follow the wind.”

“Ho, ho, ho! Colonel Pratt, can you see Teigue now?—do you hear him?—Ho, ho, ho! You're a great colonel to follow the wind.”

“Not that way, Mr. Bell—not that way; come here,” said the colonel.

“Not that way, Mr. Bell—not that way; come here,” said the colonel.

“Ho, ho, ho! what a fool you are; do you think Teigue is going to show himself to you in the field, there? But colonel, follow me if you can:—you a soldier!—ho, ho, ho!” The colonel was enraged—he followed the voice over hedge and ditch, alternately laughed at and taunted by the unseen object of his pursuit—(Mr. Bell, who was heavy, was soon thrown out,) until at length, after being led a weary chase, he found himself at the top of the cliff, over that part of the river Lee, which from its great depth, and the blackness of its water, has received the name of Hell-hole. Here, on the edge of the cliff, stood the colonel out of breath, and mopping his forehead with his handkerchief, while the voice, which seemed close at his feet, exclaimed—“Now, colonel Pratt—now, if you’re a soldier, here’s a leap[189] for you;—now look at Teigue—why don’t you look at him?—Ho, ho, ho! Come along: you’re warm, I’m sure, colonel Pratt, so come in and cool yourself; Teigue is going to have a swim!” The voice seemed as descending amongst the trailing ivy and brushwood which clothes this picturesque cliff nearly from top to bottom, yet it was impossible that any human being could have found footing. “Now, colonel, have you courage to take the leap?—Ho, ho, ho! what a pretty soldier you are. Good-bye—I’ll see you again in ten minutes above, at the house—look at your watch, colonel:—there’s a dive for you!” and a heavy plunge into the water was heard. The colonel stood still, but no sound followed, and he walked slowly back to the house, not quite half a mile from the Crag.

“Ho, ho, ho! What a fool you are; do you think Teigue is going to show himself to you out there in the field? But Colonel, follow me if you can: you a soldier! Ho, ho, ho!” The colonel was furious—he chased the voice over hedges and ditches, alternately laughed at and teased by the unseen source of his pursuit—(Mr. Bell, who was heavy, was soon left behind)—until finally, after a tiring chase, he found himself on top of the cliff overlooking that part of the River Lee, which, due to its great depth and dark waters, is known as Hell-hole. Here, at the edge of the cliff, stood the colonel, out of breath and wiping his forehead with his handkerchief, while the voice, which seemed to be right at his feet, exclaimed, “Now, Colonel Pratt—if you’re a soldier, here’s a leap[189] for you; now look at Teigue—why don’t you look at him? Ho, ho, ho! Come on: you’re warm, I’m sure, Colonel Pratt, so come in and cool yourself; Teigue is going for a swim!” The voice seemed to be coming from the ivy and brushwood that covers this picturesque cliff nearly from top to bottom, yet it was impossible for any human to have found a foothold. “Now, Colonel, do you have the courage to take the leap? Ho, ho, ho! What a fine soldier you are. Goodbye—I’ll see you again in ten minutes up at the house—check your watch, Colonel: there’s a dive for you!” and a heavy splash into the water was heard. The colonel stood still, but no sound followed, and he slowly walked back to the house, which was not quite half a mile from the Crag.

“Well, did you see Teigue?” said his brother, whilst his nephews, scarcely able to smother their laughter, stood by.—“Give me some wine,” said the colonel. “I never was led such a dance in my life: the fellow carried me all round and round, till he brought me to the edge of the cliff, and then down he went into Hell-hole, telling me he’d be here in ten minutes: ’tis more than that now, but he’s not come.”

“Well, did you see Teigue?” said his brother, while his nephews, barely able to hold back their laughter, stood by. “Give me some wine,” said the colonel. “I’ve never had such a wild time in my life: the guy took me all over the place, until he brought me to the edge of the cliff, and then he went down into Hell-hole, saying he’d be here in ten minutes. It’s been longer than that now, and he still hasn’t shown up.”

“Ho, ho, ho! colonel, isn’t he here?—Teigue never told a lie in his life: but, Mr. Pratt, give me a drink and my dinner, and then good night to you all, for I’m tired; and that’s the colonel’s doing.” A plate of food was ordered: it was placed by John, with fear and trembling, on the lawn under the window. Every one kept on the watch, and the plate remained undisturbed for some time.

“Ho, ho, ho! Colonel, isn’t he here? Teigue never lied in his life. But, Mr. Pratt, give me a drink and my dinner, and then goodnight to all of you, because I’m tired, and that’s the colonel’s fault.” A plate of food was ordered; it was set down by John, shaking with nerves, on the lawn under the window. Everyone stayed alert, and the plate stayed untouched for a while.

“Ah! Mr. Pratt, will you starve poor Teigue? Make every one go away from the windows, and master Henry out of the tree, and master Richard off the garden-wall.”

“Ah! Mr. Pratt, are you going to let poor Teigue starve? Make everyone move away from the windows, and get master Henry out of the tree, and master Richard down from the garden wall.”

The eyes of the company were turned to the tree and the garden-wall; the two boys’ attention was occupied in getting down: the visiters were looking at them; and “Ho, ho, ho!—good luck to you, Mr. Pratt!—’tis a good dinner, and there’s the plate, ladies and gentlemen—good-bye to you, colonel—good-bye, Mr. Bell!—good-bye to you all!”—brought their attention back, when they saw the empty plate lying on the grass; and Teigue’s voice was heard no[190] more for that evening. Many visits were afterwards paid by Teigue; but never was he seen, nor was any discovery ever made of his person or character.

The company’s eyes were focused on the tree and the garden wall; the two boys were busy trying to get down. The guests were watching them, and “Ho, ho, ho!—good luck to you, Mr. Pratt!—it’s a great dinner, and there’s the plate, ladies and gentlemen—goodbye to you, colonel—goodbye, Mr. Bell!—goodbye to you all!”—brought their attention back when they noticed the empty plate resting on the grass; and Teigue’s voice was not heard anymore that evening. Teigue visited many times afterward; however, he was never seen again, nor was anything discovered about his identity or character.


NED SHEEHY’S EXCUSE.
XXXII.

Ned Sheehy was servant-man to Richard Gumbleton, Esquire, of Mountbally, Gumbletonmore, in the north of the county of Cork; and a better servant than Ned was not to be found in that honest county, from Cape Clear to the Kilworth Mountains; for nobody—no, not his worst enemy—could say a word against him, only that he was rather given to drinking, idling, lying, and loitering, especially the last; for send Ned of a five-minute message at nine o’clock in the morning, and you were a lucky man if you saw him before dinner. If there happened to be a public-house in the way, or even a little out of it, Ned was sure to mark it as dead as a pointer; and, knowing every body, and every body liking him, it is not to be wondered at he had so much to say and to hear, that the time slipped away as if the sun somehow or other had knocked two hours into one.

Ned Sheehy was a servant to Richard Gumbleton, Esq., of Mountbally, Gumbletonmore, in the northern part of County Cork; and you wouldn’t find a better servant than Ned in that honest county, from Cape Clear to the Kilworth Mountains. Nobody—not even his worst enemy—could say anything bad about him, except that he tended to drink, procrastinate, lie, and linger, especially the last one; if you sent Ned on a five-minute errand at nine in the morning, you’d be lucky to see him before lunch. If there was a pub on the way, or even slightly off it, Ned would spot it like a hawk; and since he knew everyone, and everyone liked him, it’s no surprise that he had so much to talk about and hear that time flew by as if somehow the sun had merged two hours into one.

But when he came home, he never was short of an excuse: he had, for that matter, five hundred ready upon the tip of his tongue; so much so, that I doubt if even the very[191] reverend doctor Swift, for many years Dean of St. Patrick’s, in Dublin, could match him in that particular, though his reverence had a pretty way of his own of writing things which brought him into very decent company. In fact, Ned would fret a saint, but then he was so good-humoured a fellow, and really so handy about a house,—for, as he said himself, he was as good as a lady’s maid,—that his master could not find it in his heart to part with him.

But when he got home, he always had an excuse ready: he had, in fact, five hundred at the tip of his tongue; so much so that I doubt even the very [191] reverend doctor Swift, who was Dean of St. Patrick’s in Dublin for many years, could keep up with him in that regard, even though his reverence had a pretty way of writing that got him into respectable company. In fact, Ned could annoy a saint, but he was such a good-natured guy and really helpful around the house—because, as he said himself, he was as good as a lady’s maid—that his master couldn't bring himself to let him go.

In your grand houses—not that I am saying that Richard Gumbleton, esquire of Mountbally, Gumbletonmore, did not keep a good house, but a plain country gentleman, although he is second-cousin to the last high-sheriff of the county, cannot have all the army of servants that the lord-lieutenant has in the castle of Dublin—I say, in your grand houses, you can have a servant for every kind of thing, but in Mountbally, Gumbletonmore, Ned was expected to please master and mistress; or, as counsellor Curran said,—by the same token the counsellor was a little dark man—one day that he dined there, on his way to the Clonmel assizes—Ned was minister for the home and foreign departments.

In your grand houses—not that I'm saying Richard Gumbleton, the gentleman from Mountbally, Gumbletonmore, didn’t run a decent place, but a simple country gentleman, even if he is a second cousin to the last high sheriff of the county, can’t have all the staff that the lord lieutenant has at the castle in Dublin—I mean, in your fancy homes, you can have a servant for every little task, but in Mountbally, Gumbletonmore, Ned was expected to serve both master and mistress; or, as Counselor Curran said—by the way, the counselor was a short, dark man—one day while dining there on his way to the Clonmel assizes—Ned had to handle both home and foreign affairs.

But to make a long story short, Ned Sheehy was a good butler, and a right good one too, and as for a groom, let him alone with a horse: he could dress it, or ride it, or shoe it, or physic it, or do any thing with it but make it speak—he was a second whisperer!—there was not his match in the barony, or the next one neither. A pack of hounds he could manage well, ay, and ride after them with the boldest man in the land. It was Ned who leaped the old bounds’ ditch at the turn of the boreen of the lands of Reenascreena, after the English captain pulled up on looking at it, and cried out it was “No go.” Ned rode that day Brian Boro, Mr. Gumbleton’s famous chestnut, and people call it Ned Sheehy’s Leap to this hour.

But to cut to the chase, Ned Sheehy was an excellent butler, and a really great one at that. When it came to handling a horse, he could groom it, ride it, shoe it, give it medicine, or do anything with it except make it talk—he was a natural!—there was no one like him in the barony or the next one over. He could easily handle a pack of hounds and ride after them alongside the boldest man in the land. It was Ned who jumped over the old bounds’ ditch at the turn of the boreen on the lands of Reenascreena, after the English captain hesitated and declared it was "No go." On that day, Ned rode Brian Boro, Mr. Gumbleton’s famous chestnut, and people still refer to it as Ned Sheehy’s Leap today.

So, you see, it was hard to do without him: however, many a scolding he got; and although his master often said of an evening, “I’ll turn off Ned,” he always forgot to do so in the morning. These threats mended Ned not a bit; indeed, he was mending the other way, like bad fish in hot weather.

So, you see, it was tough to manage without him: he got a lot of scolding; and even though his boss often said in the evening, “I’ll let Ned go,” he always forgot to do it in the morning. These threats didn’t improve Ned at all; in fact, he was getting worse, like fish going bad in the heat.

One cold winter’s day, about three o’clock in the afternoon, Mr. Gumbleton said to him,

One chilly winter afternoon, around three o’clock, Mr. Gumbleton said to him,

“Ned,” said he, “go take Modderaroo down to black Falvey, the horse-doctor, and bid him look at her knees; for Doctor Jenkinson, who rode her home last night, has hurt her somehow. I suppose he thought a parson’s horse ought to go upon its knees; but, indeed, it was I was the fool to give her to him at all, for he sits twenty stone if he sits a pound, and knows no more of riding, particularly after his third bottle, than I do of preaching. Now mind and be back in an hour at farthest, for I want to have the plate cleaned up properly for dinner, as Sir Augustus O’Toole, you know, is to dine here to-day.—Don’t loiter, for your life.”

“Ned,” he said, “take Modderaroo down to Black Falvey, the horse doctor, and ask him to check her knees; Doctor Jenkinson, who rode her home last night, must have hurt her somehow. I guess he thought a parson's horse should kneel, but really, I was the idiot for letting him ride her at all, because he weighs twenty stone if he weighs a pound and knows as much about riding, especially after his third drink, as I do about preaching. Be back in an hour at the latest, because I need to get the silverware cleaned up properly for dinner, since Sir Augustus O’Toole is coming here today. —Don’t waste time, for your life.”

“Is it I, sir?” says Ned. “Well, that beats any thing; as if I’d stop out a minute!” So, mounting Modderaroo, off he set.

“Is it me, sir?” says Ned. “Well, that takes the cake; as if I’d stay out for even a minute!” So, getting on Modderaroo, off he went.

Four, five, six o’clock came, and so did Sir Augustus and lady O’Toole, and the four misses O’Toole, and Mr. O’Toole, and Mr. Edward O’Toole, and Mr. James O’Toole, which were all the young O’Tooles that were at home, but no Ned Sheehy appeared to clean the plate, or to lay the table-cloth, or even to put dinner on. It is needless to say how Mr. and Mrs. Dick Gumbleton fretted and fumed; but it was all to no use. They did their best, however, only it was a disgrace to see long Jem the stableboy, and Bill the gossoon that used to go of errands, waiting, without any body to direct them, when there was a real baronet and his lady at table; for Sir Augustus was none of your knights. But a good bottle of claret makes up for much, and it was not one only they had that night. However, it is not to be concealed that Mr. Dick Gumbleton went to bed very cross, and he awoke still crosser.

Four, five, six o’clock rolled around, and so did Sir Augustus and Lady O’Toole, along with the four O’Toole sisters, Mr. O’Toole, Mr. Edward O’Toole, and Mr. James O’Toole, who were all the young O’Tooles at home. But no Ned Sheehy showed up to clean the plates, lay the tablecloth, or even serve dinner. It goes without saying that Mr. and Mrs. Dick Gumbleton were anxious and stressed, but it was all in vain. They tried their best, but it was a shame to see tall Jem the stableboy and Bill the errand boy waiting around without anyone to direct them while a real baronet and his lady were at the table, since Sir Augustus wasn’t just any knight. However, a good bottle of claret makes up for a lot, and they had more than one that night. Still, it must be said that Mr. Dick Gumbleton went to bed quite grumpy, and he woke up even grumpier.

He heard that Ned had not made his appearance for the whole night; so he dressed himself in a great fret, and, taking his horsewhip in his hand, he said,

He heard that Ned hadn’t shown up all night, so he got really worked up, grabbed his horsewhip, and said,

“There is no farther use in tolerating this scoundrel; I’ll go look for him, and if I find him, I’ll cut the soul out of his vagabond body! so I will.”

“There’s no point in putting up with this scoundrel anymore; I’m going to find him, and if I do, I’ll take the soul out of his worthless body! I really will.”

“Don’t say so, Dick, dear,” said Mrs. Gumbleton (for she was always a mild woman, being daughter of fighting[193] Tom Crofts, who shot a couple of gentlemen, friends of his, in the cool of the evening, after the Mallow races, one after the other,) “don’t swear, Dick, dear,” said she; “but do, my dear, oblige me by cutting the flesh off his bones, for he richly deserves it. I was quite ashamed of Lady O’Toole, yesterday, I was, ’pon honour.”

“Don’t say that, Dick, dear,” said Mrs. Gumbleton (she was always a gentle woman, being the daughter of fighting[193] Tom Crofts, who shot a couple of his friends one after the other in the cool of the evening after the Mallow races), “don’t swear, Dick, dear,” she said; “but please, my dear, do me a favor and cut the flesh off his bones, because he really deserves it. I was completely embarrassed by Lady O’Toole yesterday, I truly was.”

Out sallied Mr. Gumbleton; and he had not far to walk, for, not more than two hundred yards from the house, he found Ned lying fast asleep under a ditch (a hedge,) and Modderaroo standing by him, poor beast, shaking every limb. The loud snoring of Ned, who was lying with his head upon a stone as easy and as comfortable as if it had been a bed of down or a hop-bag, drew him to the spot, and Mr. Gumbleton at once perceived, from the disarray of Ned’s face and person, that he had been engaged in some perilous adventure during the night. Ned appeared not to have descended in the most regular manner; for one of his shoes remained sticking in the stirrup, and his hat, having rolled down a little slope, was imbedded in green mud. Mr. Gumbleton, however, did not give himself much trouble to make a curious survey, but with a vigorous application of his thong, soon banished sleep from the eyes of Ned Sheehy.

Out came Mr. Gumbleton, and he didn’t have to walk far, because just two hundred yards from the house, he found Ned fast asleep under a ditch (a hedge), with Modderaroo standing beside him, shaking all over. The loud snoring of Ned, who was resting his head on a stone as comfortably as if it were a soft bed or a sack of hops, drew him to the scene. Mr. Gumbleton immediately noticed from the messy state of Ned’s face and clothes that he had been involved in some risky escapade during the night. It seemed that Ned hadn’t dismounted properly, as one of his shoes was still stuck in the stirrup, and his hat had rolled down a little slope, getting stuck in green mud. However, Mr. Gumbleton didn’t take the time to investigate carefully; instead, he gave Ned Sheehy a good whack with his thong, quickly waking him up.

“Ned!” thundered his master in great indignation,—and on this occasion it was not a word and blow, for with that one word came half a dozen: “Get up, you scoundrel,” said he.

“Ned!” shouted his master, really upset—and this time it wasn’t just a word and a hit, because with that one word came half a dozen: “Get up, you good-for-nothing,” he said.

Ned roared lustily, and no wonder, for his master’s hand was not one of the lightest; and he cried out, between sleeping and waking—“O, sir!—don’t be angry, sir!—don’t be angry, and I’ll roast you easier—easy as a lamb!”

Ned shouted loudly, and it’s no surprise, since his master’s hand was heavy; and he called out, half asleep—“Oh, sir!—please don't be angry, sir!—if you’re not angry, I’ll make it easy for you—just as easy as pie!”

“Roast me easier, you vagabond!” said Mr. Gumbleton; “what do you mean?—I’ll roast you, my lad. Where were you all night?—Modderaroo will never get over it.—Pack out of my service, you worthless villain, this moment; and, indeed, you may be thankful that I don’t get you transported.”

“Roast me easier, you wanderer!” said Mr. Gumbleton; “what are you talking about?—I’ll roast you, kid. Where were you all night?—Modderaroo will never let that go.—Get out of my service, you good-for-nothing scoundrel, right now; and honestly, you should be grateful I don’t have you shipped off.”

“Thank God, master dear,” said Ned, who was now perfectly awakened—“it’s yourself, any how. There never was a gentleman in the whole country ever did so good a[194] turn to a poor man as your honour has been after doing to me: the Lord reward you for that same. Oh! but strike me again, and let me feel that it is yourself, master dear;—may whisky be my poison—”

“Thank God, master dear,” said Ned, now fully awake, “it’s really you, after all. There’s never been a gentleman in the whole country who has done as much for a poor man as you have done for me: may the Lord reward you for that. Oh! but hit me again, and let me feel it’s really you, master dear;—may whisky be my poison—”

“It will be your poison, you good-for-nothing scoundrel,” said Mr. Gumbleton.

“It'll be your poison, you worthless scoundrel,” said Mr. Gumbleton.

“Well, then, may whiskey be my poison,” said Ned, “if ’twas not I was—in the blackest of misfortunes, and they were before me, whichever way I turned ’twas no matter. Your honour sent me last night, sure enough, with Modderaroo to mister Falvey’s—I don’t deny it—why should I? for reason enough I have to remember what happened.”

“Well, then, let whiskey be my poison,” said Ned, “if it wasn’t me who was—in the worst of misfortunes, and they were in front of me, no matter which way I turned. Your honor sent me last night, that’s for sure, with Modderaroo to Mr. Falvey’s—I won’t deny it—why should I? I have plenty of reason to remember what happened.”

“Ned, my man,” said Mr. Gumbleton, “I’ll listen to none of your excuses: just take the mare into the stable and yourself off, for I vow—”

“Ned, my man,” said Mr. Gumbleton, “I won’t listen to any of your excuses: just take the mare into the stable and get out of here, because I swear—”

“Begging your honour’s pardon,” said Ned, earnestly, “for interrupting your honour; but, master, master! make no vows—they are bad things: I never made but one in all my life, which was, to drink nothing at all for a year and a day, and ’tis myself repinted of it for the clean twelvemonth after. But if your honour would only listen to reason: I’ll just take in the poor baste, and if your honour don’t pardon me this one time may I never see another day’s luck or grace.”

“Excuse me for interrupting you,” Ned said earnestly, “but, sir, sir! Please don’t make any promises—they're not good things: I’ve only made one in my whole life, which was to not drink anything at all for a year and a day, and I regretted it for the entire year that followed. But if you would just hear me out: I’ll take in the poor beast, and if you don’t forgive me this one time, may I never see another day of luck or grace.”

“I know you, Ned,” said Mr. Gumbleton. “Whatever your luck has been, you never had any grace to lose: but I don’t intend discussing the matter with you. Take in the mare, sir.”

“I know you, Ned,” said Mr. Gumbleton. “No matter what your luck has been, you never had any charm to lose: but I don’t plan to talk about it with you. Bring in the mare, please.”

Ned obeyed, and his master saw him to the stables. Here he reiterated his commands to quit, and Ned Sheehy’s excuse for himself began. That it was heard uninterruptedly is more than I can affirm; but as interruptions, like explanations, spoil a story, we must let Ned tell it his own way.

Ned did what he was told, and his master escorted him to the stables. There, he repeated his orders to leave, and Ned Sheehy started making excuses for himself. I can't say for sure if it was heard without interruptions, but since interruptions, like explanations, ruin a story, we'll let Ned share it in his own way.

“No wonder your honour,” said he, “should be a bit angry—grand company coming to the house and all, and no regular serving-man to wait, only long Jem; so I don’t blame your honour the least for being fretted like; but when all’s heard, you will see that no poor man is more to be pitied for last night than myself. Fin Mac Coul[195] never went through more in his born days than I did, though he was a great joint (giant,) and I only a man.

“No wonder you’re a bit angry, my lord,” he said, “with all these important guests at the house and no proper servant to attend to them, just long Jem; so I completely understand why you’re feeling frustrated. But when everything is said and done, you’ll see that no one deserves more sympathy for last night than I do. Fin Mac Coul[195] never experienced more in his entire life than I did, even though he was a huge giant, and I’m just a regular man.”

“I had not rode half a mile from the house, when it came on, as your honour must have perceived clearly, mighty dark all of a sudden, for all the world as if the sun had tumbled down plump out of the fine clear blue sky. It was not so late, being only four o’clock at the most, but it was as black as your honour’s hat. Well, I didn’t care much, seeing I knew the road as well as I knew the way to my mouth, whether I saw it or not, and I put the mare into a smart canter; but just as I turned down by the corner of Terence Leahy’s field—sure your honour ought to know the place well—just at the very spot the fox was killed when your honour came in first out of a whole field of a hundred and fifty gentlemen, and may be more, all of them brave riders.”

“I had barely ridden half a mile from the house when, as you must have noticed, it suddenly got really dark, as if the sun had just dropped straight out of the clear blue sky. It wasn’t too late, only about four o’clock at most, but it was as dark as your hat. Well, I didn’t worry too much since I knew the road as well as I knew my way to my mouth, whether I could see it or not, so I spurred the mare into a brisk canter. But just as I turned down by the corner of Terence Leahy’s field—surely you know that spot well—right at the exact place where the fox was killed when you first came out of a whole field of a hundred and fifty gentlemen, or maybe even more, all of them great riders.”

(Mr. Gumbleton smiled.)

(Mr. Gumbleton smiled.)

“Just then, there, I heard the low cry of the good people wafting upon the wind. ‘How early you are at your work, my little fellows!’ says I to myself; and, dark as it was, having no wish for such company, I thought it best to get out of their way; so I turned the horse a little up to the left, thinking to get down by the boreen, that is that way, and so round to Falvey’s; but there I heard the voice plainer and plainer close behind, and I could hear these words:—

“Just then, I heard the low cries of the good people drifting on the wind. ‘You’re up early at your work, my little friends!’ I thought to myself; and, despite how dark it was, I didn't want to be around them, so I figured it was best to steer clear. I turned the horse a bit to the left, planning to go down the narrow path over there, and then around to Falvey’s; but I heard the voices clearer and clearer right behind me, and I could make out these words:—

‘Ned! Ned!
By my red cap! You're just as good, Ned, As a man who is dead.

‘A clean pair of spurs is all that’s for it now,’ said I; so off I set, as hard as I could lick, and in my hurry knew no more where I was going than I do the road to the hill of Tarah. Away I galloped on for some time, until I came to the noise of a stream, roaring away by itself in the darkness. ‘What river is this?’ said I to myself—for there was nobody else to ask—‘I thought,’ says I, ‘I knew every inch of ground, and of water too, within twenty miles, and never the river surely is there in this direction.’ So I stopped to look about; but I might have[196] spared myself that trouble, for I could not see as much as my hand. I didn’t know what to do; but I thought in myself, it’s a queer river, surely, if somebody does not live near it; and I shouted out as loud as I could, Murder! murder!—fire!—robbery!—any thing that would be natural in such a place—but not a sound did I hear except my own voice echoed back to me, like a hundred packs of hounds in full cry above and below, right and left. This didn’t do at all; so I dismounted, and guided myself along the stream, directed by the noise of the water, as cautious as if I was treading upon eggs, holding poor Modderaroo by the bridle, who shook, the poor brute, all over in a tremble, like my old grandmother, rest her soul any how! in the ague. Well, sir, the heart was sinking in me, and I was giving myself up, when, as good luck would have it, I saw a light. ‘May be,’ said I, ‘my good fellow, you are only a jacky lantern, and want to bog me and Modderaroo.’ But I looked at the light hard, and I thought it was too study (steady) for a jacky lantern. ‘I’ll try you,’ says I—‘so here goes; and, walking as quick as a thief, I came towards it, being very near plumping into the river once or twice, and being stuck up to my middle, as your honour may perceive cleanly the marks of, two or three times in the slob.[29] At last I made the light out, and it coming from a bit of a house by the road-side; so I went to the door and gave three kicks at it, as strong as I could.

“A clean pair of spurs is all I need now,” I said, so off I went as fast as I could, and in my rush, I didn’t even know where I was headed, any more than I know the way to the hill of Tarah. I rode hard for a while until I reached the sound of a stream, roaring away in the darkness. “What river is this?” I asked myself—there was no one else to ask—“I thought,” I said, “I knew every inch of land and water within twenty miles, and I’m sure this river isn’t in this direction.” So I stopped to look around; but I might as well have saved myself the trouble because I could see nothing, not even my hand. I didn’t know what to do; but I figured it was a strange river if there wasn’t someone living nearby, so I yelled as loud as I could, “Murder! Murder! Fire! Robbery!”—anything that would make sense in a place like this—but I didn’t hear a sound except my own voice echoing back at me, like a hundred packs of hounds barking all around. This wasn’t helpful at all; so I got off my horse and followed the stream, guided by the sound of the water, as careful as if I were walking on eggs, holding poor Modderaroo by the bridle, who was shaking all over like my old grandmother, bless her soul, when she had the ague. Well, my heart was sinking, and I was about to give up when, luckily, I saw a light. “Maybe,” I thought, “you’re just a jack-o’-lantern trying to lead me and Modderaroo into a bog.” But I looked closely at the light, and it seemed too steady for a jack-o’-lantern. “I’ll check it out,” I said—“here goes”; and, walking as quickly as a thief, I headed toward it, nearly falling into the river a couple of times, and getting stuck up to my waist, as you can clearly see from the marks, in the mud. Finally, I figured out the light was coming from a small house by the roadside; so I went to the door and gave it three strong kicks.

“‘Open the door for Ned Sheehy,’ said a voice inside. Now, besides that I could not, for the life of me, make out how any one inside should know me before I spoke a word at all, I did not like the sound of that voice, ’twas so hoarse and so hollow, just like a dead man’s!—so I said nothing immediately. The same voice spoke again, and said, ‘Why don’t you open the door to Ned Sheehy?’ ‘How pat my name is to you,’ said I, without speaking out, ‘on tip of your tongue, like butter;’ and I was between two minds about staying or going, when what should the door do but open, and out came a man holding a candle in his hand, and he had upon him a face as white as a sheet.

“‘Open the door for Ned Sheehy,’ said a voice from inside. Now, besides the fact that I couldn’t, for the life of me, understand how anyone inside would know my name before I even said anything, I didn’t like the sound of that voice; it was so hoarse and hollow, just like a dead person’s!—so I didn’t reply right away. The same voice spoke again and said, ‘Why don’t you open the door to Ned Sheehy?’ ‘How well my name rolls off your tongue,’ I thought silently, ‘like butter;’ and I was torn between staying or leaving, when the door suddenly opened, and out came a man holding a candle, his face as white as a sheet.

“‘Why, then, Ned Sheehy,’ says he, ‘how grand you’re grown, that you won’t come in and see a friend, as you’re passing by?’

“‘Why, then, Ned Sheehy,’ he says, ‘how great you’ve become, that you won’t come in and see a friend while you’re passing by?’”

“‘Pray, sir,’ says I, looking at him—though that face of his was enough to dumbfounder any honest man like myself—‘Pray, sir,’ says I, ‘may I make so bold as to ask if you are not Jack Myers that was drowned seven years ago, next Martinmas, in the ford of Ah-na-fourish?’

“‘Please, sir,’ I said, looking at him—though that face of his could leave any honest man like me speechless—‘Please, sir,’ I said, ‘may I be so bold as to ask if you’re not Jack Myers who drowned seven years ago, next Martinmas, in the ford of Ah-na-fourish?’”

“‘Suppose I was,’ says he: ‘has not a man a right to be drowned in the ford facing his own cabin-door any day of the week that he likes, from Sunday morning to Saturday night?’

“‘Suppose I was,’ he says: ‘doesn’t a man have the right to drown himself in the ford in front of his own cabin any day of the week he wants, from Sunday morning to Saturday night?’”

“‘I’m not denying that same, Mr. Myers, sir,’ says I, ‘if ’tis yourself is to the fore speaking to me.’

“I'm not denying that, Mr. Myers," I said, "if it's really you who's speaking to me."

“‘Well,’ says he, ‘no more words about that matter now: sure you and I, Ned, were friends of old; come in, and take a glass; and here’s a good fire before you, and nobody shall hurt or harm you, and I to the fore, and myself able to do it.’

“‘Well,’ he says, ‘let’s not talk about that anymore: you and I, Ned, have been friends for a long time; come in, have a drink; there’s a nice fire right in front of you, and no one will hurt you, with me here, and I can make sure of it.’”

“Now, your honour, though ’twas much to drink with a man that was drowned seven years before, in the ford of Ah-na-fourish, facing his own door, yet the glass was hard to be withstood—to say nothing of the fire that was blazing within—for the night was mortal cold. So tying Modderaroo to the hasp of the door—if I don’t love the creature as I love my own life—I went in with Jack Myers.

“Now, your honor, even though it was quite a thing to drink with a man who had drowned seven years earlier in the ford of Ah-na-fourish, right in front of his own door, the drink was difficult to resist—not to mention the fire that was blazing inside—because it was freezing cold that night. So, tying Modderaroo to the door latch—if I don’t love that creature as much as my own life—I went in with Jack Myers.

“Civil enough he was—I’ll never say otherwise to my dying hour—for he handed me a stool by the fire, and bid me sit down and make myself comfortable. But his face, as I said before, was as white as the snow on the hills, and his two eyes fell dead on me, like the eyes of a cod without any life in them. Just as I was going to put the glass to my lips, a voice—’twas the same that I heard bidding the door be opened—spoke out of a cupboard that was convenient to the left-hand side of the chimney, and said, ‘Have you any news for me, Ned Sheehy?’

“Civil enough he was—I’ll never deny that for as long as I live—because he offered me a stool by the fire and told me to sit down and get comfortable. But his face, as I mentioned before, was as white as the snow on the hills, and his two eyes stared blankly at me, like the lifeless eyes of a fish. Just as I was about to lift the glass to my lips, a voice—the same one that I heard telling someone to open the door—came from a cupboard on the left side of the chimney and asked, ‘Do you have any news for me, Ned Sheehy?’”

“‘The never a word, sir,’ says I, making answer before I tasted the whisky, all out of civility; and, to speak the truth, never the least could I remember at that moment of what had happened to me, or how I got there; for I was quite bothered with the fright.

“‘Not a word, sir,’ I replied, answering before I even tasted the whisky, purely out of politeness; and honestly, I couldn’t remember at that moment what had happened to me or how I ended up there; I was still pretty shaken up from the fright."

“‘Have you no news,’ says the voice, ‘Ned, to tell me, from Mountbally Gumbletonmore; or from the Mill; or about Moll Trantum that was married last week to Bryan Oge, and you at the wedding?’

“‘Do you have any news,’ says the voice, ‘Ned, to share with me, from Mountbally Gumbletonmore; or from the Mill; or about Moll Trantum who got married last week to Bryan Oge, and you at the wedding?’”

“‘No, sir,’ says I, ‘never the word.’

“‘No, sir,’ I said, ‘not a word.’”

“‘What brought you in here, Ned, then?’ says the voice. I could say nothing; for, whatever other people might do, I never could frame an excuse; and I was loath to say it was on account of the glass and the fire, for that would be to speak the truth.

“‘What brought you in here, Ned, then?’ says the voice. I couldn’t say anything; because, no matter what others might do, I could never come up with an excuse; and I was reluctant to say it was because of the glass and the fire, because that would be telling the truth.

“‘Turn the scoundrel out,’ says the voice; and at the sound of it, who would I see but Jack Myers making over to me with a lump of a stick in his hand, and it clenched on the stick so wicked. For certain, I did not stop to feel the weight of the blow; so, dropping the glass, and it full of the stuff too, I bolted out of the door, and never rested from running away, for as good, I believe, as twenty miles, till I found myself in a big wood.

“‘Get that scoundrel out of here,’ says the voice; and when I heard it, who do I see but Jack Myers making his way over to me with a heavy stick in his hand, and it was clutched tightly like a weapon. For sure, I didn’t stop to feel the force of the hit; so, dropping the glass, which was full of the stuff too, I dashed out of the door and didn’t stop running until I must have covered about twenty miles, until I ended up in a large woods.

“‘The Lord preserve me! what will become of me now!’ says I. ‘Oh, Ned Sheehy!’ says I, speaking to myself, ‘my man, you’re in a pretty hobble; and to leave poor Modderaroo after you!’ But the words were not well out of my mouth, when I heard the dismallest ullagoane in the world, enough to break any one’s heart that was not broke before, with the grief entirely; and it was not long till I could plainly see four men coming towards me, with a great black coffin on their shoulders. ‘I’d better get up in a tree,’ says I, ‘for they say ’tis not lucky to meet a corpse: I’m in the way of misfortune to-night, if ever man was.’

“‘Oh my God, what’s going to happen to me now!’ I said. ‘Oh, Ned Sheehy!’ I thought to myself, ‘you’re really in a tough spot; and to leave poor Modderaroo behind!’ But barely had the words left my mouth when I heard the saddest wail in the world, enough to break anyone’s heart who wasn’t already heartbroken, filled with grief; and it wasn’t long before I could clearly see four men walking toward me, carrying a large black coffin on their shoulders. ‘I’d better climb a tree,’ I said, ‘because they say it’s bad luck to meet a corpse: I must be in for a rough night, more than ever before.’

“I could not help wondering how a berrin (funeral) should come there in the lone wood at that time of night, seeing it could not be far from the dead hour. But it was little good for me thinking, for they soon came under the very tree I was roosting in, and down they put the coffin, and began to make a fine fire under me. I’ll be smothered alive now, thinks I, and that will be the end of me; but I was afraid to stir for the life, or to speak out to bid them just make their fire under some other tree, if it would be all the same thing to them. Presently they opened the[199] coffin, and out they dragged as fine-looking a man as you’d meet with in a day’s walk.

“I couldn't help but wonder how a berrin (funeral) ended up in that lonely woods at that time of night, especially since it was close to the dead hour. But it didn't do me much good to think, because they soon came right under the tree I was perched in, set down the coffin, and started a fire underneath me. I thought, I'm going to be smothered alive now, and that will be the end of me; but I was too scared to move or to ask them to just make their fire somewhere else, if it wouldn’t matter to them. Before long, they opened the [199] coffin, and out they pulled the most striking man you’d meet in a whole day’s walk.

“‘Where’s the spit?’ says one.

“‘Where’s the saliva?’ says one.

“‘Here ’tis,’ says another, handing it over; and for certain they spitted him, and began to turn him before the fire.

“‘Here it is,’ says another, handing it over; and for sure they skewered him and started to roast him over the fire.”

“If they are not going to eat him, thinks I, like the Hannibals father Quinlan told us about in his sarmint last Sunday.

“If they’re not going to eat him, I think, like the Hannibals Father Quinlan told us about in his sarmint last Sunday.

“‘Who’ll turn the spit while we go for the other ingredients?’ says one of them that brought the coffin, and a big ugly-looking blackguard he was.

“‘Who’s going to turn the spit while we get the other ingredients?’ says one of the guys who brought the coffin, and he was a big, ugly-looking thug.”

“‘Who’d turn the spit but Ned Sheehy?’ says another.

“‘Who would turn the spit except for Ned Sheehy?’ says another.”

“Burn you! thinks I, how should you know that I was here so handy to you up in the tree?

“Damn you! I think, how could you possibly know that I was up in this tree right next to you?

“‘Come down, Ned Sheehy, and turn the spit,’ says he.

“‘Come down, Ned Sheehy, and turn the spit,’ he says.”

“‘I’m not here at all, sir,’ says I, putting my hand over my face that he might not see me.

“‘I’m not here at all, sir,’ I said, covering my face with my hand so he wouldn’t see me.

“‘That won’t do for you, my man,’ says he; ‘you’d better come down, or may be I’d make you.’

“‘That won't work for you, my friend,’ he says; ‘you’d better come down, or I might make you.’”

“‘I’m coming, sir,’ says I; for ’tis always right to make a virtue of necessity. So down I came, and there they left me turning the spit in the middle of the wide wood.

“‘I’m coming, sir,’ I said; because it’s always good to make the best of a situation. So I came down, and there they left me turning the spit in the middle of the big woods.

“‘Don’t scorch me, Ned Sheehy, you vagabond,’ says the man on the spit.

“‘Don’t burn me, Ned Sheehy, you wanderer,’ says the man on the spit.

“‘And my lord, sir, and ar’n’t you dead, sir,’ says I, ‘and your honour taken out of the coffin and all?’

“‘And my lord, sir, aren’t you dead, sir,’ I said, ‘and your honor taken out of the coffin and all?’”

“‘I ar’n’t,’ says he.

"I'm not," he says.

“‘But surely you are, sir,’ says I, ‘for ’tis to no use now for me denying that I saw your honour, and I up in the tree.’

“‘But you are, sir,’ I said, ‘because it’s no use denying that I saw you up in the tree.’”

“‘I ar’n’t,’ says he again, speaking quite short and snappish.

“‘I’m not,’ he says again, speaking very curtly and irritably.

“So I said no more, until presently he called out to me to turn him easy, or that may be ’twould be the worse turn for myself.

“So I said no more, until he called out to me to turn him gently, or it might end badly for me.”

“‘Will that do, sir?’ says I, turning him as easy as I could.

“‘Is that good enough for you, sir?’ I asked, trying to turn him as gently as I could.”

“‘That’s too easy,’ says he: so I turned him faster.

“‘That’s too easy,’ he says: so I turned him faster.”

“‘That’s too fast,’ says he; so finding that, turn him which way I would, I could not please him, I got into a[200] bit of a fret at last, and desired him to turn himself, for a grumbling spalpeen as he was, if he liked it better.

“‘That’s too fast,’ he says; so finding that no matter which way I turned him, I couldn’t please him, I got a bit frustrated at last and asked him to turn himself, for a grumbling jerk as he was, if he preferred it that way.”

“Away I ran, and away he came hopping, spit and all, after me, and he but half-roasted. ‘Murder!’ says I, shouting out; ‘I’m done for at long last—now or never!’—when all of a sudden, and ’twas really wonderful, not knowing where I was rightly, I found myself at the door of the very little cabin by the road-side that I had bolted out of from Jack Myers; and there was Modderaroo standing hard by.

“Away I ran, and away he came hopping, spitting and all, after me, barely cooked. ‘Murder!’ I yelled; ‘I’m finished for good—now or never!’—when suddenly, and it was really amazing, not knowing exactly where I was, I found myself at the door of the tiny cabin by the roadside that I had rushed out of from Jack Myers; and there was Modderaroo standing nearby.

“‘Open the door for Ned Sheehy,’ says the voice,—for ’twas shut against me,—and the door flew open in an instant. In I ran without stop or stay, thinking it better to be beat by Jack Myers, he being an old friend of mine, than to be spitted like a Michaelmas goose by a man that I knew nothing about, either of him or his family, one or the other.

“‘Open the door for Ned Sheehy,’ says the voice,—because it was closed to me,—and the door swung open right away. I rushed in without pausing, thinking it would be better to take a beating from Jack Myers, since he was an old friend, than to be skewered like a Christmas goose by a guy I didn’t know anything about, not him or his family, either one.”

“‘Have you any news for me?’ says the voice, putting just the same question to me that it did before.

“‘Do you have any news for me?’ says the voice, asking me the exact same question it did before.”

“‘Yes, sir,’ says I, ‘and plenty.’ So I mentioned all that had happened to me in the big wood, and how I got up in the tree, and how I was made come down again, and put to turning the spit, roasting the gentleman, and how I could not please him, turn him fast or easy, although I tried my best, and how he ran after me at last, spit and all.

"‘Yes, sir,’ I said, ‘and a lot more.’ So I shared everything that happened to me in the big woods, how I climbed up the tree, how I was forced to come down, and how I ended up turning the spit to roast the gentleman. I explained how I couldn’t seem to get it right, either turning it too fast or too slow, no matter how hard I tried, and how in the end, he chased after me with the spit and everything."

“‘If you had told me this before, you would not have been turned out in the cold,’ said the voice.

“‘If you had told me this earlier, you wouldn’t have been left out in the cold,’ said the voice.”

“‘And how could I tell it to you, sir,’ says I, ‘before it happened?’

“‘And how could I tell you that, sir,’ I said, ‘before it happened?’”

“‘No matter,’ says he, ‘you may sleep now till morning on that bundle of hay in the corner there, and only I was your friend, you’d have been kilt entirely.’ So down I lay, but I was dreaming, dreaming all the rest of the night; and when you, master dear, woke me with that blessed blow, I thought ’twas the man on the spit had hold of me, and could hardly believe my eyes, when I found myself in your honour’s presence, and poor Modderaroo safe and sound by my side; but how I came there is more than I can say, if ’twas not Jack Myers, although he did make the offer to strike me, or some one among the good people that befriended me.”

“‘No matter,’ he says, ‘you can sleep now until morning on that pile of hay in the corner, and if I weren't your friend, you’d have been totally dead.’ So I lay down, but I was dreaming, dreaming all night long; and when you, dear master, woke me with that lovely blow, I thought it was the man on the spit grabbing me, and I could hardly believe my eyes when I found myself in your presence, with poor Modderaroo safe and sound by my side; but how I got there is beyond me, if it wasn't Jack Myers, even though he did offer to hit me, or someone among the good people who helped me.”

“It is all a drunken dream, you scoundrel,” said Mr. Gumbleton; “have I not had fifty such excuses from you?”

“It’s all a drunken dream, you scoundrel,” said Mr. Gumbleton; “haven’t I had fifty excuses like that from you?”

“But never one, your honour, that really happened before,” said Ned, with unblushing front. “Howsomever, since your honour fancies ’tis drinking I was, I’d rather never drink again to the world’s end, than lose so good a master as yourself, and if I’m forgiven this once, and get another trial——”

“But never one, your honor, that really happened before,” said Ned, unashamed. “However, since you think I was drinking, I’d rather never drink again for the rest of my life than lose such a good master as you. If I’m forgiven this once and get another chance—”

“Well,” said Mr. Gumbleton, “you may, for this once, go into Mountbally Gumbletonmore again; let me see that you keep your promise as to not drinking, or mind the consequences; and, above all, let me hear no more of the good people, for I don’t believe a single word about them, whatever I may do of bad ones.”

“Well,” said Mr. Gumbleton, “you can, just this once, go back into Mountbally Gumbletonmore; just make sure you stick to your promise about not drinking, or face the consequences; and, above all, don’t let me hear any more about those good people, because I don’t believe a single word about them, no matter what I think of the bad ones.”

So saying, Mr. Gumbleton turned on his heel, and Ned’s countenance relaxed into its usual expression.

So saying, Mr. Gumbleton turned on his heel, and Ned’s face softened into its usual expression.

“Now I would not be after saying about the good people what the master said last,” exclaimed Peggy, the maid, who was within hearing, and who, by the way, had an eye after Ned: “I would not be after saying such a thing; the good people, may be, will make him feel the differ (difference) to his cost.”

“Now I wouldn’t say what the master said about the good people,” exclaimed Peggy, the maid, who was nearby and, by the way, had her eye on Ned. “I wouldn’t say something like that; the good people might make him feel the differ (difference) in a way he’ll regret.”

Nor was Peggy wrong; for whether Ned Sheehy dreamt of the Fir Darrig or not, within a fortnight after, two of Mr. Gumbleton’s cows, the best milkers in the parish, ran dry, and before the week was out, Modderaroo was lying dead in the stone quarry.

Nor was Peggy wrong; because whether Ned Sheehy dreamed of the Fir Darrig or not, within two weeks after, two of Mr. Gumbleton’s cows, the best milkers in the parish, went dry, and before the week was over, Modderaroo was lying dead in the stone quarry.


THE LUCKY GUEST.
XXXIII.

The kitchen of some country houses in Ireland presents in no ways a bad modern translation of the ancient feudal hall. Traces of clanship still linger round its hearth in the numerous dependants on “the master’s” bounty. Nurses, foster-brothers, and other hangers-on, are there as matter of right, while the strolling piper, full of mirth and music, the benighted traveller, even the passing beggar, are received with a hearty welcome, and each contributes[202] planxty, song, or superstitious tale, towards the evening’s amusement.

The kitchen of some country houses in Ireland is not a bad modern take on the old feudal hall. The sense of community still exists around its hearth with many people depending on “the master’s” generosity. Nurses, foster siblings, and other hangers-on have a rightful place there, while the cheerful piper, the weary traveler, and even the occasional beggar are all given a warm welcome, each adding a tune, song, or superstitious story to the evening's entertainment.

An assembly, such as has been described, had collected round the kitchen fire of Ballyrahenhouse, at the foot of the Galtee mountains, when, as is ever the case, one tale of wonder called forth another; and with the advance of the evening each succeeding story was received with deep and deeper attention. The history of Cough na Looba’s dance with the black friar at Rahill, and the fearful tradition of Coum an ‘ir morriv (the dead man’s hollow,) were listened to in breathless silence. A pause followed the last relation, and all eyes rested on the narrator, an old nurse who occupied the post of honour, that next the fire-side. She was seated in that peculiar position which the Irish name “currigguib,” a position generally assumed by a veteran and determined story-teller. Her haunches resting upon the ground, and her feet bundled under the body; her arms folded across and supported by her knees, and the outstretched chin of her hooded head pressing on the upper arm; which compact arrangement nearly reduced the whole figure into a perfect triangle.

A group had gathered around the kitchen fire at Ballyrahenhouse, at the base of the Galtee mountains, and as it often happens, one amazing story led to another. As the evening went on, each new tale captured everyone’s full attention. The story of Cough na Looba’s dance with the black friar at Rahill and the chilling legend of Coum an ‘ir morriv (the dead man’s hollow) were listened to in complete silence. After the last story, there was a pause, and all eyes turned to the storyteller, an old nurse who had the honored spot next to the fire. She was sitting in that unique position the Irish call “currigguib,” a stance typically taken by a seasoned and determined storyteller. With her hips resting on the ground and her feet tucked under her body, her arms crossed and resting on her knees, and her chin resting on her upper arm, her compact arrangement made her figure almost form a perfect triangle.

Unmoved by the general gaze, Bridget Doyle made no change of attitude, while she gravely asserted the truth of the marvellous tale concerning the Dead Man’s Hollow; her strongly marked countenance at the time receiving what painters term a fine chiaro-obscuro effect from the fire-light.

Unbothered by the attention around her, Bridget Doyle didn’t change her demeanor as she seriously confirmed the incredible story about Dead Man’s Hollow. Her distinct facial features displayed what painters call a beautiful contrast of light and shadow from the firelight.

“I have told you,” she said, “what happened to my own people, the Butlers and the Doyles, in the old times; but here is little Ellen Connell from the county Cork, who can speak to what happened under her own father and mother’s roof.”

“I've shared with you,” she said, “what happened to my own people, the Butlers and the Doyles, in the past; but here is little Ellen Connell from County Cork, who can tell you what happened under her own parents' roof.”

Ellen, a young and blooming girl of about sixteen, was employed in the dairy at Ballyrahen. She was the picture of health and rustic beauty; and at this hint from nurse Doyle, a deep blush mantled over her countenance; yet, although “unaccustomed to public speaking,” she, without farther hesitation or excuse, proceeded as follows:—

Ellen, a vibrant girl of around sixteen, worked in the dairy at Ballyrahen. She was the epitome of health and natural beauty; and at this suggestion from Nurse Doyle, a deep blush spread across her face; yet, although she was "not used to public speaking," she, without any further hesitation or excuse, went on to say the following:—

“It was one May-eve, about thirteen years ago, and that is, as every body knows, the airiest day in all the twelve months. It is the day above all other days,” said Ellen,[203] with her large dark eyes cast down on the ground, and drawing a deep sigh, “when the young boys and the young girls go looking after the Drutheen, to learn from it rightly the name of their sweethearts.

“It was one May Eve, about thirteen years ago, and everyone knows that’s the most whimsical day of the year. It’s the day above all other days,” said Ellen, [203] her large dark eyes downcast as she let out a deep sigh, “when the young boys and girls search for the Drutheen to find out the names of their sweethearts.”

“My father, and my mother, and my two brothers, with two or three of the neighbours, were sitting round the turf fire, and were talking of one thing or another. My mother was hushoing my little sister, striving to quieten her, for she was cutting her teeth at the time, and was mighty uneasy through the means of them. The day, which was threatening all along, now that it was coming on to dusk, began to rain, and the rain increased and fell fast and faster, as if it was pouring through a sieve out of the wide heavens; and when the rain stopped for a bit there was a wind which kept up such a whistling and racket, that you would have thought the sky and the earth were coming together. It blew and it blew, as if it had a mind to blow the roof off the cabin, and that would not have been very hard for it to do, as the thatch was quite loose in two or three places. Then the rain began again, and you could hear it spitting and hissing in the fire, as it came down through the big chimbley.

"My father, my mother, and my two brothers, along with a couple of neighbors, were sitting around the turf fire, talking about various things. My mother was trying to calm my little sister, who was teething and very uncomfortable because of it. The day had been threatening, and as it got darker, it started to rain. The rain picked up, pouring down faster and faster, as if it were coming through a sieve from the wide sky. When the rain paused for a moment, a wind picked up that whistled and howled so loudly you would think the sky and the earth were about to collide. It blew and blew, as if it wanted to blow the roof off the cabin, which wouldn't have been too difficult since the thatch was loose in a couple of spots. Then the rain started again, and you could hear it spitting and hissing in the fire as it came down through the big chimbley.

“‘God bless us,’ says my mother, ‘but ’tis a dreadful night to be at sea,’ says she, ‘and God be praised that we have a roof, bad as it is, to shelter us.’

“‘God bless us,’ says my mother, ‘but it’s a terrible night to be out at sea,’ she says, ‘and thank God we have a roof over our heads, even if it’s not great, to keep us safe.’”

“I don’t, to be sure, recollect all this, mistress Doyle, but only as my brothers told it to me, and other people, and often have I heard it; for I was so little then, that they say I could just go under the table without tipping my head. Any way, it was in the very height of the pelting and whistling that we heard something speak outside the door. My father and all of us listened, but there was no more noise at that time. We waited a little longer, and then we plainly heard a sound like an old man’s voice, asking to be let in, but mighty feeble and weak. Tim bounced up, without a word, to ask us whether we’d like to let the old man, or whoever he was, in—having always a heart as soft as a mealy potato before the voice of sorrow. When Tim pulled back the bolt that did the door, in marched a little bit of a shrivelled, weather-beaten creature, about two feet and a half high.

“I don’t really remember all of this, Mistress Doyle, but only as my brothers told it to me, and others too. I’ve heard it so many times; I was so little back then that they say I could crawl under the table without bumping my head. Anyway, right in the middle of the pouring and howling, we heard something speak outside the door. My father and all of us listened closely, but there was no more noise at that moment. We waited a bit longer, and then we clearly heard a sound like an old man’s voice, asking to be let in, but it was very weak and frail. Tim suddenly jumped up, without saying a word, to ask us if we wanted to let the old man, or whoever he was, in—always having a heart as soft as a mashed potato in the presence of sorrow. When Tim pulled back the bolt on the door, in walked a tiny, shriveled, weather-beaten figure, about two and a half feet tall.

“We were all watching to see who’d come in, for there[204] was a wall between us and the door; but when the sound of the undoing of the bolt stopped, we heard Tim give a sort of a screech, and instantly he bolted in to us. He had hardly time to say a word, or we either, when the little gentleman shuffled in after him, without a God save all here, or by your leave, or any other sort of thing that any decent body might say. We all, of one accord, scrambled over to the farthest end of the room, where we were, old and young, every one trying who’d get nearest the wall, and farthest from him. All the eyes of our body were stuck upon him, but he didn’t mind us no more than that frying-pan there does now. He walked over to the fire, and squatting himself down like a frog, took the pipe that my father dropped from his mouth in the hurry, put it into his own, and then began to smoke so hearty, that he soon filled the room of it.

“We were all watching to see who’d come in, since there[204] was a wall between us and the door; but when the sound of the bolt being undone stopped, we heard Tim let out a sort of screech, and he rushed in to us. He barely had time to say a word, or we did either, when the little man shuffled in after him, without a "God save all here," or "by your leave," or any other polite greeting a decent person might say. We all, in unison, scrambled to the farthest end of the room, where we were, old and young, each trying to get as close to the wall and as far from him as possible. All our eyes were fixed on him, but he didn’t pay us any more attention than that frying pan there does now. He walked over to the fire, squatted down like a frog, picked up the pipe that my father had dropped in the rush, put it in his own mouth, and then started to smoke so heartily that soon the room was filled with smoke.

“We had plenty of time to observe him, and my brothers say that he wore a sugar-loaf hat that was as red as blood: he had a face as yellow as a kite’s claw, and as long as to-day and to-morrow put together, with a mouth all screwed and puckered up like a washerwoman’s hand, little blue eyes, and rather a highish nose; his hair was quite gray and lengthy, appearing under his hat, and flowing over the cape of a long scarlet coat, which almost trailed the ground behind him, and the ends of which he took up and planked on his knees to dry, as he sat facing the fire. He had smart corduroy breeches, and woollen stockings drawn up over the knees, so as to hide the kneebuckles, if he had the pride to have them; but, at any rate, if he hadn’t them in his knees he had buckles in his shoes, out before his spindle legs. When we came to ourselves a little we thought to escape from the room, but no one would go first, nor no one would stay last; so we huddled ourselves together and made a dart out of the room. My little gentleman never minded any thing of the scrambling, nor hardly stirred himself, sitting quite at his ease before the fire. The neighbours, the very instant minute they got to the door, although it still continued pelting rain, cut gutter as if Oliver Cromwell himself was at their heels; and no blame to them for that, any how. It was my father, and my mother, and my brothers, and myself, a little hop-of-my-thumb midge as I was then, that were left to[205] see what would come out of this strange visit; so we all went quietly to the labbig,[30] scarcely daring to throw an eye at him as we passed the door. Never the wink of sleep could they sleep that live-long night, though, to be sure, I slept like a top, not knowing better, while they were talking and thinking of the little man.

“We had plenty of time to watch him, and my brothers say he wore a sugarloaf hat as red as blood: his face was as yellow as a kite’s claw and as long as today and tomorrow put together, with a mouth all scrunched up like a washerwoman’s hand, little blue eyes, and a rather prominent nose; his hair was quite gray and long, peeking out from under his hat and flowing over the cape of a long scarlet coat that almost dragged on the ground behind him. He would lift the ends and lay them on his knees to dry as he sat facing the fire. He had smart corduroy trousers and woolen stockings pulled up over his knees to hide the kneecaps, if he was proud enough to have them; but, at least, if he didn’t have kneecaps, he had buckles on his shoes, out in front of his skinny legs. When we came to our senses a little, we thought to escape from the room, but no one wanted to go first, nor did anyone want to stay last; so we huddled together and dashed out of the room. My little friend didn’t care about the hustle and bustle and hardly moved, sitting comfortably by the fire. The neighbors, the very moment they got to the door, even though it was still pouring rain, bolted out as if Oliver Cromwell himself was chasing them; and honestly, who could blame them for that? It was my father, my mother, my brothers, and me, a tiny little guy as I was then, who were left to[205] see what would come of this strange visit; so we all quietly went to the labbig,[30] hardly daring to glance at him as we passed the door. Not a wink of sleep could they get that whole night, though I slept like a log, not knowing any better, while they worried and thought about the little man.

“When they got up in the morning, every thing was as quiet and as tidy about the place as if nothing had happened, for all that the chairs and stools were tumbled here there, and every where, when we saw the lad enter. Now, indeed, I forget whether he came next night or not, but any way, that was the first time we ever laid eye upon him. This I know for certain, that, about a month after that he came regularly every night, and used to give us a signal to be on the move, for ’twas plain he did not like to be observed. This sign was always made about eleven o’clock; and then, if we’d look towards the door, there was a little hairy arm thrust in through the key-hole, which would not have been big enough, only there was a fresh hole made near the first one, and the bit of stick between them had been broken away, and so ’twas just fitting for the little arm.

“When they woke up in the morning, everything was as quiet and neat around the place as if nothing had happened, even though the chairs and stools were scattered everywhere when we saw the boy come in. Now, I can’t remember whether he came the next night or not, but that was definitely the first time we ever saw him. I know for sure that about a month after that, he started coming by every night and would signal us to get moving because he clearly didn’t want to be seen. This signal always happened around eleven o’clock; and then, if we looked towards the door, we’d see a little hairy arm poking through the keyhole, which wouldn’t have fit if a new hole hadn't been made next to the first one, and the little piece of wood between them had broken away, making it just right for the little arm.”

“The Fir Darrig continued his visits, never missing a night, as long as we attended to the signal; smoking always out of the pipe he made his own of, and warming himself till day dawned before the fire, and then going no one living knows where: but there was not the least mark of him to be found in the morning; and ’tis as true, nurse Doyle, and honest people, as you are all here sitting before me and by the side of me, that the family continued thriving, and my father and brothers rising in the world while ever he came to us. When we observed this, we used always look for the very moment to see when the arm would come, and then we’d instantly fly off with ourselves to our rest. But before we found the luck, we used sometimes sit still and not mind the arm, especially when a neighbour would be with my father, or that two or three or four of them would have a drop among them, and then they did not care for all the arms, hairy or not, that ever were seen. No one, however, dared to speak to it or of [206]it insolently, except, indeed, one night that Davy Kennane—but he was drunk—walked over and hit it a rap on the back of the wrist: the hand was snatched off like lightning; but every one knows that Davy did not live a month after this happened, though he was only about ten days sick. The like of such tricks are ticklish things to do.

“The Fir Darrig kept coming by every night as long as we paid attention to the signal. He always smoked from the pipe he made himself and warmed himself by the fire until dawn, then disappeared without a trace. But it’s true, nurse Doyle, and you honest folks sitting here beside me, that our family continued to thrive, and my father and brothers advanced in life while he visited us. When we noticed this, we would always wait for the moment we’d see the arm appear, and then we’d quickly head off to bed. Before we figured out how to find our luck, there were times we’d sit still and ignore the arm, especially when a neighbor was over with my father, or when a few of them had a drink together. In those times, they didn’t care about any arms, hairy or otherwise, that had ever been seen. However, no one dared to talk to it or insult it, except for one night when Davy Kennane—though he was drunk—stumbled over and slapped it on the wrist. The hand disappeared in an instant, but everyone knows Davy didn’t last a month after that, even though he was only sick for about ten days. Pulling stunts like that is risky business.”

“As sure as the red man would put in his arm for a sign through the hole in the door, and that we did not go and open it to him, so sure, some mishap befell the cattle: the cows were elf-stoned, or overlooked, or something or another went wrong with them. One night my brother Dan refused to go at the signal, and the next day, as he was cutting turf in Crogh-na-drimina bog, within a mile and a half of the house, a stone was thrown at him which broke fairly, with the force, into two halves. Now, if that had happened to hit him he’d be at this hour as dead as my great great grandfather. It came whack slap against the spade he had in his hand, and split at once in two pieces. He took them up and fitted them together, and they made a perfect heart. Some way or the other he lost it since, but he still has the one which was shot at the spotted milch cow, before the little man came near us. Many and many a time I saw that same; ’tis just the shape of the ace of hearts on the cards, only it is of a dark red colour, and polished up like the grate that is in the grand parlour within. When this did not kill the cow on the spot, she swelled up; but if you took and put the elf-stone under her udder, and milked her upon it to the last stroking, and then made her drink the milk, it would cure her, and she would thrive with you ever after.

“As surely as the Native American would reach through the hole in the door for a sign, and we didn’t open it to him, something unfortunate happened to the cattle: the cows were enchanted, or cursed, or something went wrong with them. One night my brother Dan wouldn’t respond to the signal, and the next day, while he was cutting turf in Crogh-na-drimina bog, just a mile and a half from the house, a stone was thrown at him that broke cleanly into two halves upon impact. If that had hit him, he would be as dead as my great-great-grandfather by now. It hit the spade he was holding and split right in half. He picked up the pieces and fit them together, forming a perfect heart. Somehow he lost it later, but he still has the one that was thrown at the spotted milch cow before the little man came near us. I’ve seen that one many times; it’s shaped just like the ace of hearts on a deck of cards, only it’s a dark red color and polished like the grate in the grand parlor. When this didn’t kill the cow right away, she swelled up; but if you put the elf-stone under her udder, milked her onto it until the last drop, and then made her drink the milk, it would cure her, and she would thrive afterwards.”

“But, as I said, we were getting on well enough as long as we minded the door and watched for the hairy arm, which we did sharp enough when we found it was bringing luck to us, and we were now as glad to see the little red gentleman, and as ready to open the door to him, as we used to dread his coming at first and be frightened of him. But at long last we throve so well that the landlord—God forgive him—took notice of us, and envied us, and asked my father how he came by the penny he had, and wanted him to take more ground at a rack-rent that was more than any Christian ought to pay to another, seeing there was no making it. When my father—and small blame to[207] him for that—refused to lease the ground, he turned us off the bit of land we had, and out of the house and all, and left us in a wide and wicked world, where my father, for he was a soft innocent man, was not up to the roguery and trickery that was practised upon him. He was taken this way by one and that way by another, and he treating them that were working his downfall. And he used to take bite and sup with them, and they with him, free enough as long as the money lasted; but when that was gone, and he had not as much ground, that he could call his own, as would sod a lark, they soon shabbed him off. The landlord died not long after; and he now knows whether he acted right or wrong in taking the house from over our heads.

“But, as I said, we were doing well enough as long as we kept an eye on the door and looked out for the hairy arm, which we did pretty quickly once we realized it was bringing us luck. We were just as happy to see the little red gentleman now and just as ready to open the door for him as we had once dreaded his arrival and been scared of him. Eventually, we got along so well that the landlord—God forgive him—noticed us, envied us, and asked my father where he got the penny he had. He wanted my father to take more land at a rent that was more than any decent person should pay, especially since it was impossible to manage. When my father—who can hardly be blamed for this—refused to lease the land, the landlord kicked us off the little piece of land we had, out of the house, and left us in a cruel and wicked world where my father, being a gentle and naive man, didn't know how to deal with the deceit and trickery directed at him. He was manipulated this way by one person and that way by another, while he unwittingly helped bring about his own downfall. He used to share meals with them, just as they did with him, as long as the money lasted; but when that ran out and he had less land than could even support a lark, they quickly turned on him. The landlord died not long after, and now he knows whether he acted rightly or wrongly in taking the house from us.”

“It is a bad thing for the heart to be cast down, so we took another cabin, and looked out with great desire for the Fir Darrig to come to us. But ten o’clock came and no arm, although we cut a hole in the door just the moral (model) of the other. Eleven o’clock!—twelve o’clock!—no, not a sign of him: and every night we watched, but all would not do. We then travelled to the other house, and we rooted up the hearth, for the landlord asked so great a rent for it from the poor people that no one could take it; and we carried away the very door off the hinges, and we brought every thing with us that we thought the little man was in any respect partial to, but he did not come, and we never saw him again.

“It’s not good for the heart to feel down, so we took another cabin and eagerly waited for the Fir Darrig to come to us. But ten o'clock came and there was no sign of him, even though we cut a hole in the door just like the other one. Eleven o'clock!—twelve o'clock!—still no sign of him: and every night we kept watching, but nothing worked. We then moved to the other house, and we dug up the hearth because the landlord was asking such a high rent from the poor people that no one could afford it; we even took the door off its hinges and brought everything we thought the little man would like, but he never showed up, and we never saw him again.”

“My father and my mother, and my young sister, are since dead, and my two brothers, who could tell all about this better than myself, are both of them gone out with Ingram in his last voyage to the Cape of Good Hope, leaving me behind without kith or kin.”

“My dad and my mom, along with my little sister, have all passed away, and my two brothers, who could explain this better than I can, have both gone out with Ingram on his last trip to the Cape of Good Hope, leaving me behind without any family.”

Here young Ellen’s voice became choked with sorrow, and bursting into tears, she hid her face in her apron.

Here young Ellen’s voice became choked with sadness, and breaking down in tears, she buried her face in her apron.

Fir Darrig means the red man, and is a member of the fairy community of Ireland, who bears a strong resemblance to the Shakspearian Puck, or Robin Goodfellow. Like that merry goblin his delight is in mischief and mockery; and this Irish spirit is doubtless the same as the Scottish Red Cap; which a writer in the Quarterly Review (No. XLIV. p. 358,) tracing national analogies, asserts, is the Robin Hood of England, and the Saxon spirit Hudkin or Hodekin, so called from the hoodakin or little hood wherein he appeared, a spirit similar to the Spanish Duende. The Fir Darrig has also some traits of resemblance in common with the Scotch Brownie, the German Kobold (particularly the celebrated one, Hinzelman,) the English Hobgoblin (Milton’s “Lubber Fiend”) and the Follet of Gervase of Tilbury, who says of the Folletos, “Verba utique humano more audiunter et effigies non comparent. De istis pleraque miracula memini me in vita abbreviata et miraculis beatissimi Antonii reperisse.”—Otia Imperialia.

Fir Darrig means the red man, and he is part of Ireland's fairy community, resembling Shakespeare's Puck or Robin Goodfellow. Like that playful goblin, he enjoys mischief and mockery; this Irish spirit is likely the same as the Scottish Red Cap. A writer in the Quarterly Review (No. XLIV. p. 358) draws comparisons between cultures, declaring him the Robin Hood of England and linking him to the Saxon spirit Hudkin or Hodekin, named after the little hood he wore, which is similar to the Spanish Duende. The Fir Darrig also has similarities with the Scotch Brownie, the German Kobold (especially the well-known Hinzelman), the English Hobgoblin (Milton’s “Lubber Fiend”), and the Follet from Gervase of Tilbury, who notes about the Folletos, “They certainly speak in a human manner, but their appearance is not shown. I remember many miracles attributed to them in the abbreviated life and miracles of the most blessed Anthony.”—Otia Imperialia.

The red dress and strange flexibility of voice possessed by the Fir Darrig form his peculiar characteristics; the latter, according to Irish tale-tellers, is like the sound of the waves; and again it is compared to the music of angels; the warbling of birds, &c.; and the usual address to this fairy is, Do not mock us. His entire dress, when he is seen, is invariably described as crimson: whereas, Irish fairies generally appear in a black hat, a green suit, white stockings, and red shoes.

The red dress and unique voice flexibility of the Fir Darrig are his distinctive traits; Irish storytellers say his voice resembles the sound of waves, and it is also compared to angelic music and the singing of birds. The typical greeting to this fairy is, "Do not mock us." When he is seen, his outfit is always described as crimson, while most Irish fairies typically wear a black hat, a green suit, white stockings, and red shoes.


TREASURE LEGENDS.

TREASURE MYTHS.

“Bell, book, and candle, shall not drive me back
When gold and silver becks me to come on.”

“Bell, book, and candle won’t send me away
When gold and silver are calling me to move forward.”

King John.

King John.

“This is fairy gold, boy, and ’twill prove so.”

“This is fairy gold, kid, and it will prove to be so.”

Winter’s Tale.

Winter's Tale.


DREAMING TIM JARVIS.
XXXIV.

Timothy Jarvis was a decent, honest, quiet, hard-working man, as every body knows that knows Balledehob.

Timothy Jarvis was a decent, honest, quiet, hard-working man, as everyone knows who knows Balledehob.

Now Balledehob is a small place, about forty miles west of Cork. It is situated on the summit of a hill, and yet it is in a deep valley; for on all sides there are lofty mountains that rise one above another in barren grandeur, and seem to look down with scorn upon the little busy village which they surround with their idle and unproductive magnificence. Man and beast have alike deserted them to the dominion of the eagle, who soars majestically over them. On the highest of those mountains there is a small, and as is commonly believed, unfathomable lake, the only[210] inhabitant of which is a huge serpent, who has been sometimes seen to stretch its enormous head above the waters, and frequently is heard to utter a noise which shakes the very rocks to their foundation.

Now Balledehob is a small place, about forty miles west of Cork. It’s located on top of a hill, yet it’s in a deep valley; because, on all sides, there are tall mountains that rise one after another in bare grandeur, looking down with disdain on the little busy village they surround with their idle and unproductive magnificence. Both man and beast have abandoned them to the eagle's domain, which soars majestically above. On the highest of those mountains, there’s a small, believed to be bottomless lake, the only[210] inhabitant of which is a huge serpent, sometimes seen stretching its enormous head above the waters and often heard making a noise that shakes the very rocks to their foundation.

But, as I was saying, every body knew Tim Jarvis to be a decent, honest, quiet, hard-working man, who was thriving enough to be able to give his daughter Nelly a fortune of ten pounds; and Tim himself would have been snug enough besides, but that he loved the drop sometimes. However, he was seldom backward on rent-day. His ground was never distrained but twice, and both times through a small bit of a mistake; and his landlord had never but once to say to him—“Tim Jarvis, you’re all behind, Tim, like the cow’s tail.” Now it so happened that, being heavy in himself, through the drink, Tim took to sleeping, and the sleep set Tim dreaming, and he dreamed all night, and night after night, about crocks full of gold and other precious stones; so much so, that Norah Jarvis his wife could get no good of him by day, and have little comfort with him by night. The gray dawn of the morning would see Tim digging away in a bog-hole, may be, or rooting under some old stone walls like a pig. At last he dreamt that he found a mighty great crock of gold and silver—and where do you think? Every step of the way upon London-bridge, itself! Twice Tim dreamt it, and three times Tim dreamt the same thing; and at last he made up his mind to transport himself, and go over to London, in Pat Mahoney’s coaster—and so he did!

But, as I was saying, everyone knew Tim Jarvis to be a decent, honest, quiet, hardworking guy who had done well enough to give his daughter Nelly a fortune of ten pounds. Tim himself would have been comfortable too, but he had a bit of a drinking problem. However, he was rarely late on rent day. His land was only taken away twice, both times due to a small mistake; and his landlord only had to say to him once, “Tim Jarvis, you’re behind on your payments, Tim, like a cow’s tail.” Now, it so happened that, being weighed down by drink, Tim started sleeping a lot, and his sleep led to wild dreams about pots full of gold and other precious stones. So much so that his wife, Norah Jarvis, couldn’t get much out of him during the day and found little comfort at night. The gray dawn would find Tim digging in a bog, or rooting around under some old stone walls like a pig. Eventually, he dreamed that he discovered a massive pot of gold and silver—can you believe it? On London Bridge itself! Tim dreamt it twice, then three times, and finally decided to go to London, traveling in Pat Mahoney’s coaster—and that’s exactly what he did!

Well, he got there, and found the bridge without much difficulty. Every day he walked up and down looking for the crock of gold, but never the find did he find it. One day, however, as he was looking over the bridge into the water, a man, or something like a man, with great black whiskers, like a Hessian, and a black cloak that reached down to the ground, taps him on the shoulder, and says he—“Tim Jarvis, do you see me?”

Well, he arrived there and found the bridge without much trouble. Every day he walked up and down searching for the pot of gold, but he never found it. One day, though, while he was looking over the bridge into the water, a man—or something resembling a man—with big black whiskers, like a Hessian, and a black cloak that reached down to the ground, tapped him on the shoulder and said, “Tim Jarvis, do you see me?”

“Surely I do, sir,” said Tim; wondering that any body should know him in that strange place.

“Of course I do, sir,” said Tim, surprised that anyone would recognize him in such an unfamiliar place.

“Tim,” says he, “what is it brings you here in foreign parts, so far away from your own cabin by the mine of gray copper at Balledehob?”

“Tim,” he says, “what brings you here in these foreign lands, so far away from your own place by the gray copper mine at Balledehob?”

“Please your honour,” says Tim, “I’m come to seek my fortune.”

“Please, Your Honor,” says Tim, “I’ve come to seek my fortune.”

“You’re a fool for your pains, Tim, if that’s all,” remarked the stranger in the black cloak; “this is a big place to seek one’s fortune in, to be sure, but it’s not so easy to find it.”

“You’re wasting your time, Tim, if that’s all there is,” said the stranger in the black cloak. “This is a big place to look for your fortune, for sure, but it’s not easy to find it.”

Now Tim, after debating a long time with himself, and considering, in the first place, that it might be the stranger who was to find the crock of gold for him; and in the next, that the stranger might direct him where to find it, came to the resolution of telling him all.

Now Tim, after thinking it over for a long time and considering, first, that the stranger might be the one to find the pot of gold for him; and second, that the stranger might point him in the right direction to find it, decided to tell him everything.

“There’s many a one like me comes here seeking their fortunes,” said Tim.

"Lots of people like me come here looking for their fortunes," said Tim.

“True,” said the stranger.

"True," the stranger said.

“But,” continued Tim, looking up, “the body and bones of the cause for myself leaving the woman, and Nelly, and the boys, and travelling so far, is to look for a crock of gold that I’m told is lying somewhere hereabouts.”

“But,” continued Tim, looking up, “the reason I left the woman, Nelly, and the boys to travel so far is to search for a pot of gold that I’ve heard is hidden around here somewhere.”

“And who told you that, Tim?”

“And who told you that, Tim?”

“Why then, sir, that’s what I can’t tell myself rightly—only I dreamt it.”

“Why, then, sir, that’s something I can’t really explain—only that I dreamed it.”

“Ho, ho! is that all, Tim!” said the stranger, laughing; “I had a dream myself; and I dreamed that I found a crock of gold, in the Fort field, on Jerry Driscoll’s ground at Balledehob; and by the same token, the pit where it lay was close to a large furze bush, all full of yellow blossom.”

“Ho, ho! Is that all, Tim!” said the stranger, laughing; “I had a dream too; I dreamed that I found a pot of gold in the Fort field, on Jerry Driscoll’s land at Balledehob; and by the same token, the spot where it was buried was near a big furze bush, all covered in yellow flowers.”

Tim knew Jerry Driscoll’s ground well; and, moreover, he knew the Fort field as well as he knew his own potato garden; he was certain, too, of the very furze bush at the north end of it—so, swearing a bitter big oath, says he—

Tim knew Jerry Driscoll's land well; and, in addition, he was as familiar with the Fort field as he was with his own vegetable garden; he was also sure of the specific furze bush at the north end of it—so, swearing a strong curse, he says—

“By all the crosses in a yard of check, I always thought there was money in that same field!”

“By all the crosses in a checkered yard, I always thought there was money in that same field!”

The moment he rapped out the oath, the stranger disappeared, and Tim Jarvis, wondering at all that had happened to him, made the best of his way back to Ireland. Norah, as may well be supposed, had no very warm welcome for her runaway husband—the dreaming blackguard, as she called him—and so soon as she set eyes upon him, all the blood of her body in one minute was into her knuckles to be at him; but Tim, after his long journey, looked so cheerful and so happy-like, that she could not[212] find it in her heart to give him the first blow! He managed to pacify his wife by two or three broad hints about a new cloak and a pair of shoes, that, to speak honestly, were much wanting for her to go to chapel in; and decent clothes for Nelly to go to the patron with her sweetheart, and brogues for the boys, and some corduroy for himself. “It wasn’t for nothing,” says Tim, “I went to foreign parts all the ways; and you’ll see what’ll come out of it—mind my words.”

The moment he swore the oath, the stranger vanished, and Tim Jarvis, puzzled by everything that had happened, made his way back to Ireland. Norah, as you can imagine, didn’t give her runaway husband a very warm welcome—calling him the dreaming fool—and as soon as she saw him, she was ready to hit him. But Tim, after his long journey, looked so cheerful and happy that she couldn’t bring herself to throw the first punch! He managed to calm his wife down with a few hints about a new cloak and a pair of shoes, which she definitely needed for going to chapel; decent clothes for Nelly so she could go to the patron with her boyfriend, and new shoes for the boys, as well as some corduroy for himself. “I didn’t go to foreign lands for nothing,” says Tim, “and you’ll see what comes of it—mark my words.”

A few days afterwards Tim sold his cabin and his garden, and bought the Fort-field of Jerry Driscoll, that had nothing in it, but was full of thistles, and old stones, and blackberry bushes; and all the neighbours—as well they might—thought he was cracked!

A few days later, Tim sold his cabin and garden and bought Jerry Driscoll's Fort-field, which was empty but overgrown with thistles, old stones, and blackberry bushes; and all the neighbors—as you might expect—thought he was crazy!

The first night that Tim could summon courage to begin his work, he walked off to the field with his spade upon his shoulder; and away he dug all night by the side of the furze bush, till he came to a big stone. He struck his spade against it, and he heard a hollow sound; but as the morning had begun to dawn, and the neighbours would be going out to their work, Tim, not wishing to have the thing talked about, went home to the little hovel, where Norah and the children were huddled together under a heap of straw; for he had sold every thing he had in the world to purchase Driscoll’s field, though it was said to be “the back-bone of the world, picked by the devil.”

The first night that Tim found the courage to start his work, he walked to the field with his spade on his shoulder. He dug all night by the furze bush until he hit a big stone. He struck his spade against it and heard a hollow sound. As morning began to break and the neighbors would be heading out to work, Tim, not wanting to draw attention to it, went home to the little hovel where Norah and the kids were huddled together under a pile of straw. He had sold everything he owned to buy Driscoll’s field, even though people said it was “the backbone of the world, picked by the devil.”

It is impossible to describe the epithets and reproaches bestowed by the poor woman on her unlucky husband for bringing her into such a way. Epithets and reproaches, which Tim had but one mode of answering, as thus:—“Norah, did you see e’er a cow you’d like?”—or, “Norah, dear, hasn’t Poll Deasy a feather-bed to sell?”—or, “Norah honey, wouldn’t you like your silver buckles as big as Mrs. Doyle’s?”

It’s impossible to describe the insults and complaints the poor woman directed at her unfortunate husband for causing her to be in such a situation. Insults and complaints that Tim could only respond to in one way, like this: “Norah, did you see any cow you’d like?”—or, “Norah, dear, doesn’t Poll Deasy have a feather bed for sale?”—or, “Norah honey, wouldn’t you want your silver buckles to be as big as Mrs. Doyle’s?”

As soon as night came Tim stood beside the furze bush, spade in hand. The moment he jumped down into the pit he heard a strange rumbling noise under him, and so, putting his ear against the great stone, he listened, and overheard a discourse that made the hair on his head stand up like bulrushes, and every limb tremble.

As soon as night fell, Tim stood next to the furze bush, spade in hand. The moment he jumped into the pit, he heard a strange rumbling noise beneath him, so he pressed his ear against the large stone and listened. What he overheard made his hair stand on end and every limb shake.

“How shall we bother Tim?” said one voice.

“How should we annoy Tim?” said one voice.

“Take him to the mountain, to be sure, and make him a toothful for the ould sarpint; ’tis long since he has had a good meal,” said another voice.

“Take him to the mountain, for sure, and make him a tasty treat for the old serpent; it’s been a while since he’s had a good meal,” said another voice.

Tim shook like a potato-blossom in a storm.

Tim shook like a flower in a storm.

“No,” said a third voice; “plunge him in the bog, neck and heels.”

“No,” said a third voice; “dunk him in the bog, headfirst.”

Tim was a dead man, barring the breath.[31]

Tim was a dead man, except for his breath.[31]

“Stop!” said a fourth; but Tim heard no more, for Tim was dead entirely. In about an hour, however, the life came back into him, and he crept home to Norah.

“Stop!” shouted a fourth person; but Tim heard nothing more, because Tim was completely dead. After about an hour, though, he regained his life and crawled back home to Norah.

When the next night arrived, the hopes of the crock of gold got the better of his fears, and taking care to arm himself with a bottle of potheen, away he went to the field. Jumping into the pit, he took a little sup from the bottle to keep his heart up—he then took a big one—and then, with desperate wrench, he wrenched up the stone. All at once, up rushed a blast of wind, wild and fierce, and down fell Tim—down, down and down he went—until he thumped upon what seemed to be, for all the world, like a floor of sharp pins, which made him bellow out in earnest. Then he heard a whisk and a hurra, and instantly voices beyond number cried out—

When the next night came, the promise of the pot of gold overwhelmed his fears, so he made sure to bring a bottle of poteen and headed out to the field. He jumped into the pit, took a sip from the bottle to boost his courage—then he took a bigger gulp—and with a determined effort, he pulled up the stone. Suddenly, a fierce gust of wind burst forth, and Tim fell—down, down, and down he went—until he landed on what felt like a floor covered in sharp pins, making him scream out in pain. Then he heard a rush and a cheer, and instantly countless voices shouted out—

"Welcome, Tim Jarvis, dear!" "Welcome, down here!"

Though Tim’s teeth chattered like magpies with the fright, he continued to make answer—“I’m he-he-har-ti-ly ob-ob-liged to-to you all, gen-gen-tlemen, fo-for your civility to-to a poor stranger like myself.” But though he had heard all the voices about him, he could see nothing, the place was so dark and so lonesome in itself for want of the light. Then something pulled Tim by the hair of his head, and dragged him, he did not know how far, but he knew he was going faster than the wind, for he heard it behind him, trying to keep up with him and it could not. On, on, on, he went, till all at once, and suddenly, he was stopped, and somebody came up to him, and said, “Well, Tim Jarvis, and how do you like your ride?”

Though Tim's teeth chattered with fear, he continued to respond, “I’m really grateful to all of you, gentlemen, for your kindness to a poor stranger like me.” But even though he could hear all the voices around him, he couldn't see anything; the place was too dark and lonely without any light. Then something grabbed Tim by the hair and pulled him, dragging him he didn’t know how far, but he felt like he was moving faster than the wind, as he could hear it behind him, trying to catch up and failing. On, on, on he went, until suddenly, he was stopped, and someone came up to him and said, “Well, Tim Jarvis, how do you like your ride?”

“Mighty well! I thank your honour,” said Tim; “and ’twas a good beast I rode, surely!”

“Mighty well! Thank you, sir,” said Tim; “and it was a good horse I rode, for sure!”

There was a great laugh at Tim’s answer; and then there was a whispering, and a great cugger mugger, and coshering; and at last, a pretty little bit of a voice said, “Shut your eyes, and you’ll see, Tim.”

There was a big laugh at Tim's answer; then there was some whispering, a lot of chatting, and joking around; and finally, a sweet little voice said, “Close your eyes, and you’ll see, Tim.”

“By my word, then,” said Tim, “that is the queer way of seeing; but I’m not the man to gainsay you, so I’ll do as you bid me, any how.” Presently he felt a small warm hand rubbed over his eyes with an ointment, and in the next minute he saw himself in the middle of thousands of little men and women, not half so high as his brogue, that were pelting one another with golden guineas and lily white thirteens[32], as if they were so much dirt. The finest dressed and the biggest of them all went up to Tim, and says he, “Tim Jarvis, because you are a decent, honest, quiet, civil, well-spoken man,” says he, “and know how to behave yourself in strange company, we’ve altered our minds about you, and will find a neighbour of yours that will do just as well to give to the old serpent.”

“By my word, then,” said Tim, “that’s a strange way of seeing things; but I’m not one to argue with you, so I’ll do as you ask, anyway.” Soon he felt a small warm hand rubbing an ointment over his eyes, and in the next moment, he found himself surrounded by thousands of tiny men and women, not even half as tall as his shoes, who were throwing golden guineas and pristine thirteens[32], as if they were nothing but dirt. The best-dressed and tallest of them all approached Tim and said, “Tim Jarvis, since you are a decent, honest, polite, and well-spoken man,” he continued, “and know how to conduct yourself in unfamiliar company, we’ve changed our minds about you and will find one of your neighbors who will do just as well to offer to the old serpent.”

“Oh, then, long life to you, sir!” said Tim, “and there’s no doubt of that.”

“Oh, well then, here’s to your long life, sir!” Tim said, “and there’s no doubt about that.”

“But what will you say, Tim,” inquired the little fellow, “if we fill your pockets with these yellow boys? What will you say, Tim, and what will you do with them?”

“But what will you say, Tim,” asked the little guy, “if we fill your pockets with these gold coins? What will you say, Tim, and what will you do with them?”

“Your honour’s honour, and your honour’s glory,” answered Tim, “I’ll not be able to say my prayers for one month with thanking you—and indeed I’ve enough to do with them. I’d make a grand lady, you see, at once of Norah—she has been a good wife to me. We’ll have a nice bit of pork for dinner; and, may be, I’d have a glass, or may be two glasses; or sometimes, if ’twas with a friend, or acquaintance, or gossip, you know, three glasses every day; and I’d build a new cabin; and I’d have a fresh egg every morning, myself, for my breakfast; and I’d snap my fingers at the ‘squire, and beat his hounds, if they’d come coursing through my fields; and I’d have a new plough; and Norah, your honour, would have a new cloak, and the boys would have shoes and stockings as well as Biddy [215]Leary’s brats—that’s my sister that was—and Nelly would marry Bill Long of Affadown; and, your honour, I’d have some corduroy for myself to make breeches, and a cow, and a beautiful coat with shining buttons, and a horse to ride, or may be two. I’d have every thing,” said Tim, “in life, good or bad, that is to be got for love or money—hurra-whoop!—and that’s what I’d do.”

“Your honor’s honor and your honor’s glory,” Tim replied, “I won’t be able to say my prayers for a month without thanking you—and honestly, I have enough to handle with them. I’d instantly make a grand lady out of Norah—she’s been a good wife to me. We’ll have a nice piece of pork for dinner; and maybe I’d have a glass, or maybe two glasses; or sometimes, if it were with a friend, or an acquaintance, or a neighbor, you know, three glasses every day; and I’d build a new cabin; and I’d have a fresh egg every morning for breakfast; and I’d snap my fingers at the ‘squire and chase his hounds if they came running through my fields; and I’d get a new plow; and Norah, your honor, would get a new cloak, and the boys would have shoes and stockings just like Biddy Leary’s kids—that's my sister who passed—and Nelly would marry Bill Long from Affadown; and, your honor, I’d get some corduroy for myself to make breeches, and a cow, and a beautiful coat with shiny buttons, and a horse to ride, or maybe two. I’d have everything,” Tim said, “in life, good or bad, that can be had for love or money—hurra-whoop!—and that’s what I’d do.”

“Take care, Tim,” said the little fellow, “your money would not go faster than it came, with your hurra-whoop.”

“Take care, Tim,” said the little guy, “your money won’t come in any faster than it goes out with your wild spending.”

But Tim heeded not this speech: heaps of gold were around him, and he filled and filled away as hard as he could, his coat and his waistcoat and his breeches pockets; and he thought himself very clever, moreover, because he stuffed some of the guineas into his brogues. When the little people perceived this, they cried out—“Go home, Tim Jarvis, go home, and think yourself a lucky man.”

But Tim ignored this talk: piles of gold surrounded him, and he kept filling his coat, waistcoat, and pants pockets as fast as he could; he considered himself pretty smart, too, because he stuffed some of the guineas into his shoes. When the little people saw this, they shouted, “Go home, Tim Jarvis, go home, and consider yourself a lucky man.”

“I hope, gentlemen,” said he, “we won’t part for good and all; but may be ye’ll ask me to see you again, and to give you a fair and square account of what I’ve done with your money.”

“I hope, gentlemen,” he said, “we won’t say goodbye for good; but maybe you’ll want me to visit you again and give you a straight and honest account of what I’ve done with your money.”

To this there was no answer, only another shout—“Go home, Tim Jarvis—go home—fair play is a jewel; but shut your eyes, or ye’ll never see the light of day again.”

To this, there was no response, just another shout—“Go home, Tim Jarvis—go home—fair play is precious; but close your eyes, or you’ll never see the light of day again.”

Tim shut his eyes, knowing now that was the way to see clearly; and away he was whisked as before—away, away he went till he again stopped all of a sudden.

Tim closed his eyes, realizing that this was the way to see clearly; and just like before, he was whisked away—away, away he went until he suddenly stopped again.

He rubbed his eyes with his two thumbs—and where was he? Where, but in the very pit in the field that was Jer Driscoll’s, and his wife Norah above with a big stick ready to beat “her dreaming blackguard.” Tim roared out to the woman to leave the life in him, and put his hands in his pockets to show her the gold; but he pulled out nothing only a handful of small stones mixed with yellow furze blossoms. The bush was under him, and the great flag-stone that he had wrenched up, as he thought, was lying, as if it was never stirred, by his side: the whisky bottle was drained to the last drop; and the pit was just as his spade had made it.

He rubbed his eyes with his thumbs—and where was he? Where, but in the very pit in the field that belonged to Jer Driscoll, and his wife Norah above with a big stick ready to smack “her dreaming fool.” Tim shouted up to her to let him live, and put his hands in his pockets to show her the gold; but he pulled out nothing but a handful of small stones mixed with yellow furze flowers. The bush was beneath him, and the big flagstone that he thought he had pulled up was lying right beside him as if it had never been moved: the whisky bottle was empty; and the pit was exactly how his spade had left it.

Tim Jarvis, vexed, disappointed, and almost heart-broken, followed his wife home: and, strange to say, from that night he left off drinking, and dreaming, and delving[216] in bog holes, and rooting in old caves. He took again to his hard-working habits, and was soon able to buy back his little cabin and former potato garden, and to get all the enjoyment he anticipated from the fairy gold.

Tim Jarvis, upset, let down, and nearly heartbroken, followed his wife home. Oddly enough, from that night on, he stopped drinking, daydreaming, digging in bogs, and searching in old caves. He returned to his hard-working ways and was soon able to buy back his little cabin and old potato garden, finding all the joy he expected from the fairy gold.[216]

Give Tim one, or at most two glasses of whisky punch (and neither friend, acquaintance, nor gossip can make him take more,) and he will relate the story to you much better than you have it here. Indeed, it is worth going to Balledehob to hear him tell it. He always pledges himself to the truth of every word with his fore-fingers crossed; and when he comes to speak of the loss of his guineas, he never fails to console himself by adding—“If they stayed with me I wouldn’t have luck with them, sir; and father O’Shea told me ’twas as well for me they were changed, for if they hadn’t, they’d have burned holes in my pocket, and got out that way.”

Give Tim one or two glasses of whisky punch (and neither friends, acquaintances, nor gossip can make him drink more), and he’ll tell you the story way better than you have it here. Honestly, it’s worth going to Balledehob just to hear him tell it. He always swears every word is true with his fingers crossed; and when he talks about losing his guineas, he never fails to reassure himself by adding, “If they had stayed with me, I wouldn’t have had any luck with them, sir; and Father O'Shea told me it was for the best that they were changed, because if they hadn’t been, they would have burned holes in my pocket and gotten out that way.”

I shall never forget his solemn countenance, and the deep tones of his warning voice, when he concluded his tale, by telling me, that the next day after his ride with the fairies, Mick Dowling was missing, and he believed him to be given to the sarpint in his place, as he had never been heard of since. “The blessing of the saints be between all good men and harm,” was the concluding sentence of Tim Jarvis’s narrative, as he flung the remaining drops from his glass upon the green sward.

I will never forget his serious expression and the deep tones of his warning voice when he wrapped up his story by telling me that the day after his ride with the fairies, Mick Dowling went missing, and he thought he was taken by the sarpint, as no one had heard from him since. “May the blessings of the saints be with all good men and keep them safe from harm,” was the last thing Tim Jarvis said as he splashed the remaining drops from his glass onto the green grass.


RENT-DAY.
XXXV.

“Oh ullagone, ullagone! this is a wide world, but what will we do in it, or where will we go?” muttered Bill Doody, as he sat on a rock by the Lake of Killarney. “What will we do? to-morrow’s rent-day, and Tim the Driver swears if we don’t pay up our rent, he’ll cant every ha’perth we have; and then, sure enough, there’s Judy and myself, and the poor little grawls,[33] will be turned out to starve on the high road, for the never a halfpenny of rent have I!—Oh hone, that ever I should live to see this day!”

“Oh my gosh, oh my gosh! This is a big world, but what are we supposed to do in it, or where will we go?” muttered Bill Doody as he sat on a rock by the Lake of Killarney. “What are we going to do? Tomorrow is rent day, and Tim the Driver is swearing that if we don’t pay our rent, he’ll take everything we have; and then, sure enough, there’s Judy and me, and the poor little kids will be thrown out to starve on the road, because I don’t have a single penny for rent!—Oh, why did I ever have to see this day!”

Thus did Bill Doody bemoan his hard fate, pouring his sorrows to the reckless waves of the most beautiful of lakes, which seemed to mock his misery as they rejoiced beneath the cloudless sky of a May morning. That lake, glittering in sunshine, sprinkled with fairy isles of rock and verdure, and bounded by giant hills of ever-varying hues, might, with its magic beauty, charm all sadness but despair; for alas,

Thus did Bill Doody lament his tough luck, pouring out his sorrows to the wild waves of the most beautiful lake, which seemed to mock his misery as they danced under the clear sky of a May morning. That lake, sparkling in the sunshine, dotted with magical islands of rock and greenery, and framed by towering hills of changing colors, might, with its enchanting beauty, lift all sadness except despair; for alas,

“How unpleasant the scene that offers rest,
"And a heart that can't find peace, agree!"

Yet Bill Doody was not so desolate as he supposed; there was one listening to him he little thought of, and help was at hand from a quarter he could not have expected.

Yet Bill Doody wasn’t as hopeless as he thought; there was someone listening to him that he didn’t even consider, and help was coming from a place he never would have expected.

“What’s the matter with you, my poor man?” said a tall portly-looking gentleman, at the same time stepping out of a furze-brake. Now Bill was seated on a rock that commanded the view of a large field. Nothing in the field could be concealed from him, except this furze-brake, which grew in a hollow near the margin of the lake. He was, therefore, not a little surprised at the gentleman’s sudden [218]appearance, and began to question whether the personage before him belonged to this world or not. He, however, soon mustered courage sufficient to tell him how his crops had failed, how some bad member had charmed away his butter, and how Tim the Driver threatened to turn him out of the farm if he didn’t pay up every penny of the rent by twelve o’clock next day.

“What’s wrong, my poor man?” asked a tall, plump gentleman as he stepped out of a patch of gorse. Bill was sitting on a rock that overlooked a large field. He could see everything in the field except for the gorse, which grew in a dip near the edge of the lake. So, he was quite surprised by the gentleman’s sudden appearance and started to wonder if the person in front of him was real or not. However, he quickly gathered enough courage to explain how his crops had failed, how someone had magically taken his butter, and how Tim the Driver threatened to kick him off the farm if he didn’t pay every cent of the rent by noon the next day.

“A sad story indeed,” said the stranger; “but surely, if you represented the case to your landlord’s agent, he won’t have the heart to turn you out.”

“A sad story for sure,” said the stranger; “but come on, if you explain the situation to your landlord’s agent, he won’t have the heart to kick you out.”

“Heart, your honour! where would an agent get a heart!” exclaimed Bill. “I see your honour does not know him: besides, he has an eye on the farm this long time for a fosterer of his own; so I expect no mercy at all at all, only to be turned out.”

“Heart, your honor! Where would an agent even get a heart!” Bill exclaimed. “I see you don’t know him: besides, he’s had his sights on the farm for a while now as a host for his own, so I expect no mercy at all, just to be thrown out.”

“Take this, my poor fellow, take this,” said the stranger, pouring a purse-full of gold into Bill’s old hat, which in his grief he had flung on the ground. “Pay the fellow your rent, but I’ll take care it shall do him no good. I remember the time when things went otherwise in this country, when I would have hung up such a fellow in the twinkling of an eye!”

“Here, take this, my poor friend,” said the stranger, emptying a bag full of gold into Bill’s old hat, which he had thrown to the ground in his grief. “Use this to pay your rent, but I’ll make sure it won’t benefit him. I remember when things were different in this country, when I would have hanged such a scoundrel in an instant!”

These words were lost upon Bill, who was insensible to every thing but the sight of the gold, and before he could unfix his gaze, and lift up his head to pour out his hundred thousand blessings, the stranger was gone. The bewildered peasant looked around in search of his benefactor, and at last he thought he saw him riding on a white horse a long way off on the lake.

These words went right over Bill's head, as he was only focused on the sight of the gold. Before he could pull his gaze away and lift his head to express his endless thanks, the stranger had disappeared. The confused peasant glanced around looking for his benefactor, and finally, he thought he spotted him riding a white horse far off on the lake.

“O’Donoghue, O’Donoghue!” shouted Bill; “the good, the blessed O’Donoghue!” and he ran capering like a madman to show Judy the gold, and to rejoice her heart with the prospect of wealth and happiness.

“O’Donoghue, O’Donoghue!” shouted Bill; “the good, the blessed O’Donoghue!” and he ran around like a madman to show Judy the gold and to make her heart happy with the promise of wealth and happiness.

The next day Bill proceeded to the agent’s; not sneakingly, with his hat in his hand, his eyes fixed on the ground, and his knees bending under him; but bold and upright, like a man conscious of his independence.

The next day Bill went to the agent’s; not sneaking around with his hat in his hand, his eyes on the ground, and his knees bent under him; but confidently and upright, like a man aware of his independence.

“Why don’t you take off your hat, fellow; don’t you know you are speaking to a magistrate?” said the agent.

“Why don’t you take off your hat, man; don’t you know you’re talking to a magistrate?” said the agent.

“I know I’m not speaking to the king, sir,” said Bill;[219] “and I never takes off my hat but to them I can respect and love. The Eye that sees all knows I’ve no right either to respect or love an agent!”

“I know I’m not talking to the king, sir,” said Bill;[219] “and I only take off my hat for those I truly respect and love. The Eye that sees all knows I have no reason to respect or love an agent!”

“You scoundrel!” retorted the man in office, biting his lips with rage at such an unusual and unexpected opposition, “I’ll teach you how to be insolent again—I have the power, remember.”

“You scoundrel!” the man in office shot back, biting his lips in anger at such an unusual and unexpected challenge. “I’ll show you how to be insolent again—I have the power, remember.”

“To the cost of the country, I know you have,” said Bill, who still remained with his head as firmly covered as if he was the lord Kingsale himself.

“To the cost of the country, I know you have,” said Bill, who still kept his head covered as firmly as if he were Lord Kingsale himself.

“But come,” said the magistrate; “have you got the money for me?—this is rent-day. If there’s one penny of it wanting, or the running gale that’s due, prepare to turn out before night, for you shall not remain another hour in possession.”

“But come,” said the magistrate; “do you have the money for me?—it's rent day. If you're missing even a penny of it, or the overdue rent, be ready to move out before nightfall, because you won't stay another hour here.”

“There is your rent,” said Bill, with an unmoved expression of tone and countenance; “you’d better count it, and give me a receipt in full for the running gale and all.”

“There’s your rent,” Bill said, with a flat tone and expression; “you should count it and give me a receipt for everything.”

The agent gave a look of amazement at the gold; for it was gold—real guineas! and not bits of dirty ragged small notes, that are only fit to light one’s pipe with. However willing the agent may have been to ruin, as he thought, the unfortunate tenant, he took up the gold, and handed the receipt to Bill, who strutted off with it as proud as a cat of her whiskers.

The agent looked amazed at the gold; it was actual gold—real guineas! Not just some crumpled, dirty notes that are only good for lighting a pipe. Even though the agent might have been eager to ruin, as he believed, the unfortunate tenant, he accepted the gold and handed the receipt to Bill, who walked away with it as proud as a cat with its whiskers.

The agent going to his desk shortly after, was confounded at beholding a heap of gingerbread cakes instead of the money he had deposited there. He raved and swore, but all to no purpose; the gold had become gingerbread cakes, just marked like the guineas, with the king’s head, and Bill had the receipt in his pocket; so he saw there was no use in saying any thing about the affair, as he would only get laughed at for his pains.

The agent went to his desk a little later and was shocked to find a pile of gingerbread cakes instead of the money he had deposited there. He ranted and cursed, but it was all useless; the gold had turned into gingerbread cakes, exactly resembling the guineas, with the king’s head on them, and Bill had the receipt in his pocket. So he realized there was no point in bringing it up, as he would only be laughed at for his trouble.

From that hour Bill Doody grew rich; all his undertakings prospered; and he often blesses the day that he met with O’Donoghue, the great prince that lives down under the lake of Killarney.

From that moment on, Bill Doody became wealthy; everything he did was successful; and he frequently thanks the day he met O'Donoghue, the great prince who lives beneath Killarney Lake.

Like the butterfly, the spirit of O’Donoghue closely hovers over the perfume of the hills and flowers it loves; while, as the reflection of a star in the waters of a pure lake, to[220] those who look not above, that glorious spirit is believed to dwell beneath.

Like a butterfly, O’Donoghue's spirit gently lingers over the scent of the hills and flowers it adores; just as the reflection of a star in a clear lake, to[220] those who don’t look up, that beautiful spirit is thought to reside below.


LINN-NA-PAYSHTHA.
XXXVI.

Travellers go to Leinster to see Dublin and the Dargle; to Ulster, to see the Giant’s Causeway, and, perhaps, to do penance at Lough Dearg; to Munster, to see Killarney, the beautiful city of Cork, and half a dozen other fine things; but who ever thinks of the fourth province?—who ever thinks of going—

Travellers head to Leinster to check out Dublin and the Dargle; to Ulster, to see the Giant’s Causeway and maybe do penance at Lough Dearg; to Munster, to explore Killarney, the lovely city of Cork, and about six other great sights; but who ever considers the fourth province?—who ever thinks of going—

—“westward, where Dick Martin was in charge
The homeless wilds of Cunnemara?”

The Ulster-man’s ancient denunciation “to hell or to Connaught,” has possibly led to the supposition that this is a sort of infernal place above ground—a kind of terrestrial Pandemonium—in short, that Connaught is little better than hell, or hell little worse than Connaught; but let any one only go there for a month, and, as the natives say, “I’ll warrant he’ll soon see the differ, and learn to understand that it is mighty like the rest o’ green Erin, only something poorer;” and yet it might be thought that in this particular “worse would be needless;” but so it is.

The old saying from the people of Ulster, “to hell or to Connaught,” might have made some think of it as a sort of awful place on earth—a type of earthly hell. In other words, people might believe that Connaught is not much better than hell, or hell isn’t much worse than Connaught. However, if anyone were to spend a month there, as the locals say, “I bet they’d quickly see the difference and realize that it’s really just like the rest of green Ireland, only a bit poorer.” Still, it might seem that there’s no need to say it’s worse, but that’s how it is.

“My gracious me,” said the landlady of the Inn at Sligo, “I wonder a gentleman of your teeste and curosity would think of leaving Ireland without making a tower (tour) of[221] Connaught, if it was nothing more than spending a day at Hazlewood, and up the lake, and on to the ould abbey at Friarstown, and the castle at Dromahair.”

“My goodness,” said the landlady of the Inn at Sligo, “I can't believe a gentleman of your taste and curiosity would think of leaving Ireland without taking a tour of[221] Connaught, even if it was just spending a day at Hazlewood, exploring the lake, and visiting the old abbey at Friarstown, and the castle at Dromahair.”

Polly M’Bride, my kind hostess, might not in this remonstrance have been altogether disinterested; but her advice prevailed, and the dawn of the following morning found me in a boat on the unruffled surface of Lough Gill. Arrived at the head of that splendid sheet of water, covered with rich and wooded islands with their ruined buildings, and bounded by towering mountains, noble plantations, grassy slopes, and precipitous rocks, which give beauty, and, in some places, sublimity to its shores, I proceeded at once up the wide river which forms its principal tributary. The “old abbey” is chiefly remarkable for having been built at a period nearer to the Reformation than any other ecclesiastical edifice of the same class. Full within view of it, and at the distance of half a mile, stands the shattered remnant of Breffni’s princely hall. I strode forward with the enthusiasm of an antiquary, and the high-beating heart of a patriotic Irishman. I felt myself on classic ground, immortalized by the lays of Swift and of Moore. I pushed my way into the hallowed precincts of the grand and venerable edifice. I entered its chambers, and, oh my countrymen, I found them converted into the domicile of pigs, cows, and poultry! But the exterior of “O’Rourke’s old hall,” gray, frowning, and ivy-covered, is well enough; it stands on a beetling precipice, round which a noble river wheels its course. The opposite bank is a very steep ascent, thickly wooded, and rising to a height of at least seventy feet; and, for a quarter of a mile, this beautiful copse follows the course of the river.

Polly M’Bride, my generous hostess, might not have been completely unbiased in her suggestion; however, her advice won me over, and by dawn the next morning, I found myself in a boat on the calm surface of Lough Gill. Once I reached the head of that stunning body of water, dotted with lush, wooded islands featuring their ruined buildings and surrounded by towering mountains, beautiful plantations, grassy slopes, and steep rocks that add charm and, in some areas, grandeur to its shores, I immediately made my way up the wide river that feeds it. The "old abbey" is mainly noteworthy for being built closer to the Reformation than any other church of its kind. In full view and just half a mile away stands the crumbling remains of Breffni’s princely hall. I moved forward with the excitement of a historian and the passionate heart of a proud Irishman. I felt like I was on historic ground, celebrated in the poems of Swift and Moore. I made my way into the revered spaces of the grand and ancient building. I entered its rooms, and, oh my countrymen, I found them transformed into a home for pigs, cows, and chickens! But the outside of “O’Rourke’s old hall,” gray, towering, and covered in ivy, looks quite impressive; it sits on a steep cliff, around which a beautiful river flows. The opposite bank rises sharply, heavily wooded, reaching a height of at least seventy feet; and for a quarter of a mile, this lovely grove follows the river's path.

The first individual I encountered was an old cowherd; nor was I unfortunate in my cicerone, for he assured me there were plenty of old stories about strange things that used to be in the place; “but,” continued he, “for my own share, I never met any thing worse nor myself. If it bees ould stories that your honour’s after, the story about Linnna-Payshtha and Poul-maw-Gullyawn is the only thing about this place that’s worth one jack-straw. Does your honour see that great big black hole in the river yonder below?” He pointed my attention to a part of the river[222] about fifty yards from the old hall, where a long island occupied the centre of the wide current, the water at one side running shallow, and at the other assuming every appearance of unfathomable depth. The spacious pool, dark and still, wore a death-like quietude of surface. It looked as if the speckled trout would shun its murky precincts—as if even the daring pike would shrink from so gloomy a dwelling-place. “That’s Linn-na-Payshtha, sir,” resumed my guide, “and Poul-maw-Gullyawn is just the very moral of it, only that it’s round, and not in a river, but standing out in the middle of a green field, about a short quarter of a mile from this. Well, ’tis as good as fourscore years—I often hard my father, God be merciful to him! tell the story—since Manus O’Rourke, a great buckeen, a cockfighting, drinking blackguard that was long ago, went to sleep one night, and had a dream about Linn-na-Payshtha. This Manus, the dirty spalpeen, there was no ho with him; he thought to ride rough-shod over his betters through the whole country, though he was not one of the real stock of the O’Rourkes. Well, this fellow had a dream that if he dived in Linn-na-Payshtha at twelve o’clock of a Hollow-eve night, he’d find more gold than would make a man of him and his wife, while grass grew or water ran. The next night he had the same dream, and sure enough, if he had it the second night, it came to him the third in the same form. Manus, well becomes him, never told mankind or womankind, but swore to himself, by all the books that were ever shut or open, that, any how, he would go to the bottom of the big hole. What did he care for the Payshtha-more that was lying there to keep guard on the gold and silver of the old ancient family that was buried there in the wars, packed up in the brewing-pan? Sure he was as good an O’Rourke as the best of them, taking care to forget that his grandmother’s father was a cow-boy to the earl O’Donnel. At long last Hollow-eve comes, and sly and silent master Manus creeps to bed early, and just at midnight steals down to the river-side. When he came to the bank his mind misgave him, and he wheeled up to Frank M’Clure’s—the old Frank that was then at that time—and got a bottle of whisky, and took it with him, and ’tis unknown how much of it he drank. He walked across to[223] the island, and down he went gallantly to the bottom like a stone. Sure enough the Payshtha was there afore him, lying like a great big conger eel, seven yards long, and as thick as a bull in the body, with a mane upon his neck like a horse. The Payshtha-more reared himself up; and, looking at the poor man as if he’d eat him, says he, in good English,

The first person I met was an old cowherd, and I wasn’t unlucky in my guide, as he told me there were plenty of old stories about strange things that used to happen in this place. “But,” he added, “for my part, I’ve never seen anything worse than myself. If it’s old stories you’re after, the tale about Linnna-Payshtha and Poul-maw-Gullyawn is the only thing worth mentioning around here. Do you see that big black hole in the river over there?” He pointed out a spot in the river[222] about fifty yards from the old hall, where a long island occupied the center of the wide flow, with the water on one side running shallow, while the other side appeared to be unfathomably deep. The wide pool, dark and still, had a deathly quiet surface. It seemed like the speckled trout would avoid its murky waters—like even the brave pike would shy away from such a gloomy place. “That’s Linn-na-Payshtha, sir,” my guide continued, “and Poul-maw-Gullyawn is its exact equivalent, except it’s round, and not in a river, but standing in the middle of a green field, about a quarter of a mile from here. Well, it’s been about eighty years—I often heard my father, God rest his soul, tell the story—since Manus O’Rourke, a big shot and a cockfighting, drinking scoundrel from long ago, went to sleep one night and had a dream about Linn-na-Payshtha. This Manus, the dirty rascal, had no one to match him; he thought he could walk all over everyone in the country, even though he wasn’t a true O’Rourke. Anyway, he dreamed that if he dived into Linn-na-Payshtha at midnight on Hollow-eve, he’d find more gold than he could ever use, enough for him and his wife, as long as grass grew or water ran. The next night he had the same dream, and sure enough, the same thing happened the third night. Manus, being who he was, never mentioned it to anyone, but swore to himself, by all the books that ever existed, that he would dive to the bottom of the big hole. What did he care for the Payshtha-more lying there watching over the gold and silver of the old family that got buried there during the wars, packed in the brewing pot? He thought he was just as much an O’Rourke as the best of them, conveniently forgetting that his grandmother’s father was a cowherd for the Earl of O'Donnell. Finally, Hollow-eve arrived, and sneaky old Manus crept to bed early, and just at midnight, he snuck down to the riverbank. When he got to the bank, doubt began to creep in, so he went up to Frank M’Clure’s—the old Frank who was around at that time—and got a bottle of whiskey, which he took with him, and who knows how much of it he drank. He walked across to[223] the island, and down he went, diving like a stone. Sure enough, the Payshtha was there in front of him, lying like a giant conger eel, seven yards long, thick as a bull, with a mane on its neck like a horse. The Payshtha-more rose up, and looking at the poor man as if he was going to eat him, said in good English,

“‘Arrah, then, Manus,’ says he, ‘what brought you here? It would have been better for you to have blown your brains out at once with a pistol, and have made a quiet end of yourself, than to have come down here for me to deal with you.’

“‘Well, Manus,’ he says, ‘what are you doing here? It would have been better for you to just shoot yourself and end it quietly than to come down here and make me deal with you.’”

“‘Oh, plase your honour,’ says Manus, ‘I beg my life:’ and there he stood shaking like a dog in a wet sack.

“‘Oh, please, your honor,’ says Manus, ‘I beg for my life:’ and there he stood shaking like a dog in a wet sack.”

“‘Well, as you have some blood of the O’Rourkes in you, I forgive you this once; but, by this and by that, if ever I see you, or any one belonging to you, coming about this place again, I’ll hang a quarter of you on every tree in the wood.’

“‘Well, since you have some O’Rourke blood in you, I’ll let it slide this time; but I swear, if I ever see you or anyone related to you around here again, I’ll hang a quarter of you on every tree in the woods.’”

“‘Go home,’ says the Payshtha—‘go home, Manus,’ says he; ‘and if you can’t make better use of your time, get drunk; but don’t come here, bothering me. Yet, stop! since you are here, and have ventured to come, I’ll show you something that you’ll remember till you go to your grave, and ever after, while you live.’

“‘Go home,’ says the Payshtha—‘go home, Manus,’ he says; ‘and if you can’t find a better way to spend your time, get drunk; but don’t come here bothering me. But wait! since you’re here and have taken the risk to come, I’ll show you something that you’ll remember till the day you die, and even after, as long as you live.’”

“With that, my dear, he opens an iron door in the bed of the river, and never the drop of water ran into it; and there Manus sees a long dry cave, or under-ground cellar like, and the Payshtha drags him in, and shuts the door. It wasn’t long before the baste began to get smaller, and smaller, and smaller; and at last he grew as little as a taughn of twelve years old; and there he was a brownish little man, about four feet high.

“With that, my dear, he opens an iron door in the riverbed, and not a drop of water flowed into it; and there Manus sees a long, dry cave, or an underground cellar, and the Payshtha pulls him in and shuts the door. It wasn’t long before the beast started to shrink, getting smaller and smaller, until he eventually became as small as a twelve-year-old boy; and there he was, a brownish little man, about four feet tall.”

“‘Plase your honour,’ says Manus, ‘if I might make so bold, may be you are one of the good people?’

“‘Please, Your Honor,’ says Manus, ‘if I could be so bold, maybe you are one of the good people?’”

“‘May be I am, and may be I am not; but, any how, all you have to understand is this, that I’m bound to look after the Thiernas[34] of Breffni, and take care of them through every generation; and that my present business is to watch [224]this cave, and what’s in it, till the old stock is reigning over this country once more.’

“‘Maybe I am, and maybe I’m not; but anyway, all you need to understand is that I’m obligated to take care of the Thiernas[34] of Breffni and look out for them through every generation; and my current mission is to keep an eye on [224]this cave and what’s in it until the old family is back in power in this country.’”

“‘May be you are a sort of a banshee?’

“‘Maybe you’re kind of a banshee?’”

“‘I am not, you fool,’ said the little man. ‘The banshee is a woman. My business is to live in the form you first saw me, in guarding this spot. And now hold your tongue, and look about you.’

“‘I’m not, you idiot,’ said the little man. ‘The banshee is a woman. My job is to stay in the form you first saw me, watching over this place. Now keep quiet and take a look around.’”

“Manus rubbed his eyes and looked right and left, before and behind; and there were the vessels of gold and the vessels of silver, the dishes, and the plates, and the cups, and the punch-bowls, and the tankards: there was the golden mether, too, that every Thierna at his wedding used to drink out of to the kerne in real usquebaugh. There was all the money that ever was saved in the family since they got a grant of this manor, in the days of the Firbolgs, down to the time of their outer ruination. He then brought Manus on with him to where there was arms for three hundred men; and the sword set with diamonds, and the golden helmet of the O’Rourke; and he showed him the staff made out of an elephant’s tooth, and set with rubies and gold, that the Thierna used to hold while he sat in his great hall, giving justice and the laws of the Brehons to all his clan. The first room in the cave, ye see, had the money and the plate, the second room had the arms, and the third had the books, papers, parchments, title-deeds, wills, and every thing else of the sort belonging to the family.

Manus rubbed his eyes and looked around him; there were golden and silver vessels, dishes, plates, cups, punch bowls, and tankards. There was also the golden mether that every Thierna used to drink from at his wedding to the kerne in genuine usquebaugh. All the money the family had saved since they got a grant for this manor during the days of the Firbolgs, up until their complete downfall, was there too. He then led Manus to where there were weapons for three hundred men; a sword adorned with diamonds and the golden helmet of the O’Rourke was there. He showed him the staff made from an elephant’s tooth, decorated with rubies and gold, that the Thierna used to hold while sitting in his great hall, administering justice and the laws of the Brehons to his clan. The first room in the cave had the money and silver, the second room had the weapons, and the third had the books, papers, parchments, title deeds, wills, and everything else like that belonging to the family.

“‘And now, Manus,’ says the little man, ‘ye seen the whole o’ this, and go your ways; but never come to this place any more, or allow any one else. I must keep watch and ward till the Sassanach is druv out of Ireland, and the Thiernas o’ Breffni in their glory again.’ The little man then stopped for awhile and looked up in Manus’s face, and says to him in a great passion, ‘Arrah! bad luck to ye, Manus, why don’t ye go about your business?’

“‘And now, Manus,’ says the little man, ‘you've seen all of this, now go on your way; but never come back here again, and don’t let anyone else either. I have to keep watch until the English are driven out of Ireland, and the Thiernas of Breffni are in their glory again.’ The little man then paused for a moment and looked up at Manus's face, and in a fit of anger, he said, ‘Ah! bad luck to you, Manus, why don’t you just mind your own business?’”

“‘How can I?—sure you must show me the way out,’ says Manus, making answer. The little man then pointed forward with his finger.

“‘How can I?—you definitely need to show me the way out,’ says Manus in reply. The little man then pointed forward with his finger.”

“‘Can’t we go out the way we came?’ says Manus.

“‘Can't we go out the way we came in?’ says Manus.”

“‘No, you must go out at the other end—that’s the rule o’ this place. Ye came in at Linn-na-Payshtha, and[225] you must go out at Poul-maw-Gullyawn: ye came down like a stone to the bottom of one hole, and ye must spring up like a cork to the top of the other.’ With that the little man gave him one hoise, and all that Manus remembers was the roar of the water in his ears; and sure enough he was found the next morning, high and dry, fast asleep with the empty bottle beside him, but far enough from the place he thought he landed, for it was just below yonder on the island that his wife found him. My father, God be merciful to him! heard Manus swear to every word of the story.”

“‘No, you have to go out the other end—that's the rule around here. You came in at Linn-na-Payshtha, and[225] you have to go out at Poul-maw-Gullyawn: you came down like a stone to the bottom of one hole, and you have to spring up like a cork to the top of the other.’ With that, the little man gave him one hoise, and all that Manus remembers is the roar of the water in his ears; and sure enough, he was found the next morning, high and dry, fast asleep with the empty bottle beside him, but far enough from where he thought he landed, because it was just below yonder on the island that his wife found him. My father, God be merciful to him! heard Manus swear to every word of the story.”

As there are few things which excite human desire throughout all nations more than wealth, the legends concerning the concealment, discovery and circulation of money, are, as may be expected, widely extended; yet in all the circumstances, which admit of so much fanciful embellishment, there every where exists a striking similarity.

Since few things spark human desire more than wealth, stories about hiding, finding, and sharing money are, unsurprisingly, widespread; yet in all these situations that allow for such imaginative twists, there's always a noticeable similarity.

Like the golden apples of the Hesperides, treasure is guarded by a dragon or serpent. Vide Creuzer, Religions de l’Antiquite, traduction de Guigniaut, i. 248. Paris, 1825. Stories of its discovery in consequence of dreams or spiritual agency are so numerous, that, if collected, they would fill many volumes, yet they vary little in detail beyond the actors and locality. Vide Grimm’s Deutsche Sagen, i. 290. Thiele’s Danske Folkesagn, i. 112, ii. 24. Kirke’s Secret Commonwealth, p. 12, &c.

Just like the golden apples of the Hesperides, treasure is guarded by a dragon or serpent. See Creuzer, Religions de l’Antiquite, translated by Guigniaut, i. 248. Paris, 1825. There are numerous tales about discovering treasure through dreams or spiritual guidance that, if collected, could fill several volumes, yet they are mostly similar in detail apart from the characters and settings. See Grimm’s Deutsche Sagen, i. 290. Thiele’s Danske Folkesagn, i. 112, ii. 24. Kirke’s Secret Commonwealth, p. 12, etc.

The circulation of money bestowed by the fairies or supernatural personages, like that of counterfeit coin, is seldom extensive. See story, in the Arabian Nights, of the old rogue whose fine-looking money turned to leaves. When Waldemar, Holgar, and Grœn Jette in Danish tradition, bestow money upon the boors whom they meet, their gift sometimes turns to fire, sometimes to pebbles, and sometimes is so hot, that the receiver drops it from his hand, when the gold, or what appeared to be so, sinks into the ground.

The flow of money granted by fairies or supernatural beings, much like fake coins, is rarely common. Look at the story in the Arabian Nights about the old trickster whose beautiful coins turned into leaves. When Waldemar, Holgar, and Gr œn Jette in Danish folklore give money to the peasants they meet, their gift sometimes turns into fire, sometimes into pebbles, and sometimes is so hot that the recipient drops it, causing the gold, or what appeared to be gold, to sink into the ground.

In poor Ireland, the wretched peasant contents himself by soliloquizing—“Money is the devil, they say; and God is good that He keeps it from us.”

In impoverished Ireland, the wretched peasant talks to himself—“They say money is the devil; and it’s good that God keeps it away from us.”


ROCKS AND STONES.

Rocks and stones.

“Forms in silence frown’d,
Shapeless and nameless; and to mine eye
Sometimes they rolled off cloudily,
Wedding themselves with gloom—or grew
Gigantic to my troubled view,
And seem’d to gather round me.”

“Shapes silently scowled,
Formless and without names; and to my eyes
At times they drifted away like clouds,
Merging with the darkness—or grew
Enormous to my anxious gaze,
And seemed to close in around me.”

Banim’s Celt’s Paradise.

Banim’s *Celt’s Paradise*.


THE LEGEND OF CAIRN THIERNA.
XXXVII.

From the town of Fermoy, famous for the excellence of its bottled ale, you may plainly see the mountain of Cairn Thierna. It is crowned with a great heap of stones, which, as the country people remark, never came there without “a crooked thought and a cross job.” Strange it is, that any work of the good old times should be considered one of labour; for round towers then sprung up like mushrooms in one night, and people played marbles with pieces of rock, that can now no more be moved than the hills themselves.

From the town of Fermoy, known for its amazing bottled ale, you can clearly see the mountain of Cairn Thierna. It's topped with a large pile of stones, which, as the locals say, never got there without “a crooked thought and a cross job.” It's strange that any work from the good old days is seen as labor; back then, round towers just popped up like mushrooms overnight, and people played marbles with rocks that can't be moved now, any more than the hills themselves.

This great pile on the top of Cairn Thierna was caused by the words of an old woman, whose bed still remains—Labacally, the hag’s bed—not far from the village of Glanworth. She was certainly far wiser than any woman, either old or young, of my immediate acquaintance. Jove defend me, however, from making an envious comparison between ladies; but facts are stubborn things, and the legend will prove my assertion.

This large mound at the top of Cairn Thierna was created by the words of an old woman, whose bed still exists—Labacally, the old woman's bed—not far from the village of Glanworth. She was definitely much wiser than any woman, young or old, that I know. But please, protect me from making a jealous comparison between women; still, facts are facts, and the legend will back me up.

O’Keefe was lord of Fermoy before the Roches came into that part of the country; and he had an only son—never was there seen a finer child; his young face filled with innocent joy was enough to make any heart glad, yet his father looked on his smiles with sorrow, for an old hag had foretold that this boy should be drowned before he grew up to manhood.

O’Keefe was the ruler of Fermoy before the Roches arrived in that area; he had an only son—there had never been a more beautiful child; his youthful face, filled with innocent joy, was enough to bring happiness to anyone's heart. Yet, his father viewed his smiles with sadness, for an old witch had predicted that this boy would drown before reaching adulthood.

Now, although the prophecies of Pastorini were a failure, it is no reason why prophecies should altogether be despised. The art in modern times may be lost, as well as that of making beer out of the mountain heath, which the Danes did to great perfection. But I take it, the malt of Tom Walker is no bad substitute for the one; and if evil prophecies were to come to pass, like the old woman’s, in my opinion we are far more comfortable without such knowledge.

Now, even though Pastorini's prophecies didn't pan out, that doesn’t mean we should completely dismiss all prophecies. The skill may have faded in modern times, just like the ability to brew beer from the mountain heather, which the Danes used to do really well. But I think Tom Walker's malt isn't a bad substitute for that; and if bad prophecies were to come true, like the old woman’s, I believe we are much better off without that kind of knowledge.

"Baby heir of proud Fermoy,
Fear not, fields of slaughter; Storms and fires don’t frighten you, my boy,
But avoid the deadly water.

These were the warning words which caused the chief of Fermoy so much unhappiness. His infant son was carefully prevented all approach to the river, and anxious watch was kept over every playful movement. The child grew up in strength and in beauty, and every day became more dear to his father, who, hoping to avert the doom, which, however, was inevitable, prepared to build a castle far removed from the dreaded element.

These were the warning words that caused the chief of Fermoy so much misery. His young son was carefully kept away from the river, and someone was always watching him during his playful moments. The child grew up strong and beautiful, and with each passing day, he became more precious to his father, who, hoping to avoid the fate that was, however, unavoidable, planned to build a castle far away from the feared water.

The top of Cairn Thierna was the place chosen; and the lord’s vassals were assembled, and employed in collecting materials for the purpose. Hither came the fated boy; with delight he viewed the laborious work of raising[228] mighty stones from the base to the summit of the mountain, until the vast heap which now forms its rugged crest was accumulated. The workmen were about to commence the building, and the boy, who was considered in safety when on the mountain, was allowed to rove about at will. In his case how true are the words of the great dramatist:

The top of Cairn Thierna was the chosen location, and the lord’s vassals gathered there, busy collecting materials for the task. The destined boy arrived, joyfully watching the hard work of moving[228] huge stones from the base to the peak of the mountain, until the large pile that now forms its rough summit was created. The workers were getting ready to start the building, and the boy, who was considered safe while on the mountain, was free to wander around as he pleased. In his case, how true are the words of the great playwright:

“Just put a little water in a spoon,
And it will be, like all the ocean,
"Enough to stifle such a being."

A vessel which contained a small supply of water, brought there for the use of the workmen, attracted the attention of the child. He saw, with wonder, the glitter of the sunbeams within it; he approached more near to gaze, when a form resembling his own arose before him. He gave a cry of joy and astonishment and drew back; the image drew back also, and vanished. Again he approached; again the form appeared, expressing in every feature delight corresponding with his own. Eager to welcome the young stranger, he bent over the vessel to press his lips; and, losing his balance, the fatal prophecy was accomplished.

A container with a small amount of water, brought there for the workers, caught the child's eye. He marveled at the way the sunlight glittered in it; he moved in closer to look, when a figure that looked like him appeared before him. He let out a cry of joy and surprise and pulled back; the image pulled back too and disappeared. He approached again; once more, the figure appeared, its features showing delight that matched his own. Excited to greet the young stranger, he leaned over the container to kiss it; and, losing his balance, the tragic fate was fulfilled.

The father in despair abandoned the commenced building; and the materials remain a proof of the folly of attempting to avert the course of fate.

The father, filled with despair, abandoned the building that had begun; and the materials stand as evidence of the foolishness of trying to change one's fate.


THE ROCK OF THE CANDLE.
XXXVIII.

A few miles west of Limerick stands the once formidable castle of Carrigogunnel. Its riven tower and broken archway remain in mournful evidence of the sieges sustained by that city. Time, however, the great soother of all things, has destroyed the painful effect which the view of recent violence produces on the mind. The ivy creeps around the riven tower, concealing its injuries, and upholding it by a tough swathing of stalks. The archway is again united by the long-armed brier which grows across the rent, and the shattered buttresses are decorated with wild flowers, which gaily spring from their crevices and broken places.

A few miles west of Limerick stands the once-impressive castle of Carrigogunnel. Its shattered tower and broken archway serve as sad reminders of the attacks that city endured. However, time, the great healer of all wounds, has softened the harsh impact that the sight of past violence has on the mind. Ivy wraps around the broken tower, hiding its scars and supporting it with a strong network of stems. The archway is once again connected by the long-reaching briar that grows across the split, and the crumbled buttresses are adorned with wildflowers that cheerfully bloom from their cracks and broken spots.

Boldly situated on a rock, the ruined walls of Carrigogunnel now form only a romantic feature in the peaceful landscape. Beneath them, on one side, lies the flat marshy ground called Corcass land, which borders the noble river Shannon; on the other side is seen the neat parish church of Kilkeedy, with its glebe-house and surrounding improvements; and at a short distance appear the irregular mud cabins of the little village of Ballybrown, with the venerable trees of Tervoo.

Boldly perched on a rock, the crumbling walls of Carrigogunnel now serve as a charming backdrop in the serene landscape. Below them, on one side, is the flat, marshy area known as Corcass land, which runs alongside the majestic River Shannon; on the other side, the tidy parish church of Kilkeedy can be seen, along with its glebe house and neighboring enhancements; not far away, the uneven mud huts of the small village of Ballybrown and the ancient trees of Tervoo come into view.

On the rock of Carrigogunnel, before the castle was built, or Brian Boro born to build it, dwelt a hag named Grana, who made desolate the surrounding country. She was gigantic in size, and frightful in appearance. Her eyebrows grew into each other with a grim curve, and beneath their matted bristles, deeply sunk in her head, two small gray eyes darted forth baneful looks of evil. From her deeply-wrinkled forehead issued forth a hooked beak, dividing two shrivelled cheeks. Her skinny lips curled with a cruel and malignant expression, and her prominent chin was studded with bunches of grisly hair.

On the rock of Carrigogunnel, before the castle was built or Brian Boro was born to build it, there lived a hag named Grana, who laid waste to the surrounding land. She was enormous in size and terrifying in appearance. Her eyebrows met in a grim arch, and beneath the tangled bristles, two small gray eyes glinted with malicious intent. From her deeply-wrinkled forehead jutted a hooked nose, separating two shriveled cheeks. Her bony lips twisted into a cruel and malevolent grin, and her jutting chin was peppered with clumps of coarse hair.

Death was her sport. Like the angler with his rod, the hag Grana would toil, and watch, nor think it labour, so[230] that the death of a victim rewarded her vigils. Every evening did she light an enchanted candle upon the rock, and whoever looked upon it died before the next morning’s sun arose. Numberless were the victims over whom Grana rejoiced; one after the other had seen the light, and their death was the consequence. Hence came the country round to be desolate, and Carrigogunnel, the Rock of the Candle, by its dreaded name.

Death was her game. Like a fisherman with his rod, the witch Grana would work hard, watch, and not consider it a burden, as[230] the death of a victim rewarded her efforts. Every evening, she would light an enchanted candle on the rock, and anyone who looked at it would die before the sun rose the next morning. Countless were the victims over whom Grana celebrated; one after another had seen the light, and their deaths were inevitable. As a result, the surrounding countryside became desolate, and Carrigogunnel, the Rock of the Candle, earned its dreaded name.

These were fearful times to live in. But the Finnii of Erin were the avengers of the oppressed. Their fame had gone forth to distant shores, and their deeds were sung by a hundred bards. To them the name of danger was an invitation to a rich banquet. The web of enchantment stopped their course as little as the swords of an enemy. Many a mother of a son—many a wife of a husband—many a sister of a brother, had the valour of the Finnian heroes bereft. Dismembered limbs quivered, and heads bounded on the ground before their progress in battle. They rushed forward with the strength of the furious wind, tearing up the trees of the forest by their roots. Loud was their warcry as the thunder, raging was their impetuosity above that of common men, and fierce was their anger as the stormy waves of the ocean!

These were terrifying times to live in. But the Finnii of Erin were the avengers of the oppressed. Their fame had spread to distant shores, and their deeds were celebrated by countless bards. For them, the name of danger was an invitation to a grand feast. The web of enchantment hindered them as little as the swords of an enemy. Many a mother lost her son, many a wife her husband, many a sister her brother, all due to the bravery of the Finnian heroes. Dismembered limbs trembled, and heads rolled on the ground as they charged into battle. They surged forward with the strength of a raging wind, uprooting the trees of the forest. Their war cry was as loud as thunder, their ferocity unmatched by ordinary men, and their fury as fierce as the stormy waves of the ocean!

It was the mighty Finn himself who lifted up his voice, and commanded the fatal candle of the hag Grana to be extinguished. “Thine, Regan, be the task,” he said, and to him he gave a cap thrice charmed by the magician Luno of Lochlin.

It was the powerful Finn himself who raised his voice and ordered the deadly candle of the witch Grana to be put out. “This task is yours, Regan,” he said, and he handed him a cap three times enchanted by the wizard Luno of Lochlin.

With the star of the same evening the candle of death burned on the rock, and Regan stood beneath it. Had he beheld the slightest glimmer of its blaze, he, too, would have perished, and the hag Grana, with the morning’s dawn, rejoiced over his corse. When Regan looked towards the light, the charmed cap fell over his eyes and prevented his seeing. The rock was steep, but he climbed up its craggy side with such caution and dexterity, that, before the hag was aware, the warrior, with averted head, had seized the candle, and flung it with prodigious force into the river Shannon; the hissing waters of which quenched its light for ever!

With the star of the same evening, the candle of death burned on the rock, and Regan stood beneath it. If he had seen even the slightest glimmer of its flame, he would have perished too, and the hag Grana would have rejoiced over his corpse with the morning’s dawn. When Regan looked toward the light, the enchanted cap fell over his eyes and blinded him. The rock was steep, but he climbed its craggy side with such care and skill that, before the hag noticed, the warrior, with his head turned away, seized the candle and hurled it with tremendous force into the River Shannon; the hissing waters extinguished its light forever!

Then flew the charmed cap from the eyes of Regan, and he beheld the enraged hag, with outstretched arms, prepared to seize and whirl him after her candle. Regan instantly bounded westward from the rock just two miles, with a wild and wondrous spring. Grana looked for a moment at the leap, and then tearing up a huge fragment of the rock, flung it after Regan with such tremendous force, that her crooked hands trembled and her broad chest heaved with heavy puffs, like a smith’s labouring bellows, from the exertion.

Then the enchanted cap flew off Regan's eyes, and he saw the furious witch with her arms outstretched, ready to grab him and drag him after her candle. Without hesitation, Regan leaped westward from the rock, covering two miles in a wild and incredible jump. Grana glanced at the leap for a moment, then ripped off a huge chunk of the rock and hurled it after Regan with such immense strength that her twisted hands shook and her broad chest heaved like a blacksmith’s bellows from the effort.

The ponderous stone fell harmless to the ground, for the leap of Regan far exceeded the strength of the furious hag. In triumph he returned to Fin;

The heavy stone dropped harmlessly to the ground, as Regan’s leap was far beyond the strength of the enraged witch. In victory, he went back to Fin;

"The brave, celebrated, and knowledgeable hero;
"White-toothed, graceful, generous, and lively."

The hag Grana was never heard of more; but the stone remains, and deeply imprinted in it, is still to be seen the mark of the hag’s fingers. That stone is far taller than the tallest man, and the power of forty men would fail to move it from the spot where it fell.

The witch Grana was never heard from again; but the stone is still there, and you can still see the imprint of the witch’s fingers on it. That stone is much taller than the tallest person, and even the strength of forty men wouldn’t be enough to move it from where it landed.

The grass may wither around it, the spade and plough destroy dull heaps of earth, the walls of castles fall and perish, but the fame of the Finnii of Erin endures with the rocks themselves, and Clough-a-Regaun is a monument fitting to preserve the memory of the deed!

The grass might fade away around it, the spade and plow turn dull piles of dirt into ruins, the walls of castles collapse and decay, but the legacy of the Finnii of Erin lasts alongside the very rocks, and Clough-a-Regaun is a fitting tribute to keep the memory of the act alive!


CLOUGH NA CUDDY.
XXXIX.

Above all the islands in the lakes of Killarney give me Innisfallen—“sweet Innisfallen,” as the melodious Moore calls it. It is, in truth, a fairy isle, although I have no fairy story to tell you about it; and if I had, these are such unbelieving times, and people of late have grown so skeptical, that they only smile at my stories, and doubt them.

Above all the islands in the lakes of Killarney, I love Innisfallen—“sweet Innisfallen,” as the beautiful Moore calls it. It really is a fairy island, although I don't have a fairy tale to share about it; and even if I did, these days, people are so skeptical and disbelieving that they just smile at my stories and doubt them.

However, none will doubt that a monastery once stood upon Innisfallen island, for its ruins may still be seen; neither, that within its walls dwelt certain pious and learned persons called Monks. A very pleasant set of fellows they were, I make not the smallest doubt; and I am sure of this, that they had a very pleasant spot to enjoy themselves in after dinner—the proper time, believe me, and I am no bad judge of such matters, for the enjoyment of a fine prospect.

However, no one can deny that a monastery once existed on Innisfallen Island, as its ruins can still be seen; nor can they doubt that within its walls lived some pious and educated individuals known as monks. They were a delightful group, I'm sure of it; and I know for certain that they had a lovely place to relax after dinner—the right time, trust me, and I have a good eye for these things, to enjoy a beautiful view.

Out of all the monks you could not pick a better fellow nor a merrier soul than Father Cuddy; he sung a good song, he told a good story, and had a jolly, comfortable-looking paunch of his own, that was a credit to any refectory table. He was distinguished above all the rest by the name of “the fat father.” Now there are many that will take huff at a name; but Father Cuddy had no nonsense of that kind about him; he laughed at it—and well able he was to laugh, for his mouth nearly reached from one ear to the other: his might, in truth, be called an open countenance. As his paunch was no disgrace to his food, neither was his nose to his drink. ’Tis a doubt to me if there were not more carbuncles upon it than ever were seen at the bottom of the lake, which is said to be full of them. His eyes had a right merry twinkle in them, like moonshine dancing on the water; and his cheeks had the roundness and crimson glow of ripe arbutus berries.

Out of all the monks, you couldn't find a better guy or a happier soul than Father Cuddy; he sang a great song, told a great story, and had a jolly, comfortable-looking belly that would do any refectory table proud. He was known above all the others as "the fat father." Now, some people might get upset about a nickname, but Father Cuddy didn't care about that kind of nonsense; he laughed it off—and he was more than capable of laughing, since his smile almost reached from one ear to the other: you could really say he had an open face. Just like his belly was a badge of honor for his food, his nose was for his drink. I even wonder if he had more blemishes on it than ever were spotted at the bottom of the lake, which is said to be full of them. His eyes had a true, merry sparkle in them, like moonlight dancing on the water; and his cheeks had the roundness and bright color of ripe arbutus berries.

"He ate, drank, prayed, and slept. So what?" He ate, drank, prayed, and slept again!
[233]

Such was the tenor of his simple life: but when he prayed a certain drowsiness would come upon him, which, it must be confessed, never occurred when a well-filled “blackjack” stood before him. Hence his prayers were short and his draughts were long. The world loved him, and he saw no good reason why he should not in return love its venison and usquebaugh. But, as times went, he must have been a pious man, or else what befell him never would have happened.

Such was the nature of his simple life: but when he prayed, a certain drowsiness would come over him, which, it must be admitted, never happened when a full “blackjack” was in front of him. So, his prayers were brief and his drinks were long. The world adored him, and he saw no good reason not to love its venison and whiskey in return. But, in those times, he must have been a devout man, or else what happened to him never would have occurred.

Spiritual affairs—for it was respecting the importation of a tun of wine into the island monastery—demanded the presence of one of the brotherhood of Innisfallen at the abbey of Irelagh, now called Mucruss. The superintendence of this important matter was committed to Father Cuddy, who felt too deeply interested in the future welfare of any community of which he was a member, to neglect or delay such mission. With the morning’s light he was seen guiding his shallop across the crimson waters of the lake towards the peninsula of Mucruss; and having moored his little bark in safety beneath the shelter of a wave-worn rock, he advanced with becoming dignity towards the abbey.

Spiritual matters—specifically regarding the importation of a cask of wine into the island monastery—required the presence of one of the Innisfallen brothers at the abbey of Irelagh, now known as Mucruss. Father Cuddy was given oversight of this important issue, as he was genuinely invested in the future well-being of any community he was part of, making it impossible for him to neglect or postpone such a mission. With the morning light, he was seen guiding his small boat across the crimson waters of the lake towards the Mucruss peninsula; after safely mooring his little vessel beneath the shelter of a weathered rock, he approached the abbey with the dignity befitting the occasion.

The stillness of the bright and balmy hour was broken by the heavy footsteps of the zealous father. At the sound the startled deer, shaking the dew from their sides, sprung up from their lair, and as they bounded off—“Hah!” exclaimed Cuddy, “what a noble haunch goes there!—how delicious it would look smoking upon a goodly platter!”

The peacefulness of the bright and warm hour was interrupted by the loud footsteps of the eager father. At the sound, the startled deer, shaking the dew off their sides, jumped up from their resting place, and as they raced away—“Wow!” exclaimed Cuddy, “what a magnificent piece of meat we have there!—how delicious it would look steaming on a nice platter!”

As he proceeded, the mountain-bee hummed his tune of gladness around the holy man, save when he buried in the foxglove bell, or revelling upon a fragrant bunch of thyme; and even then the little voice murmured out happiness in low and broken tones of voluptuous delight. Father Cuddy derived no small comfort from the sound, for it presaged a good metheglin season, and metheglin he regarded, if well manufactured, to be no bad liquor, particularly when there was no stint of usquebaugh in the brewing.

As he went along, the mountain bee buzzed happily around the holy man, except when it hid inside the foxglove bell or feasted on a fragrant bunch of thyme; even then, its tiny voice softly expressed joy in low, broken tones of pure delight. Father Cuddy found great comfort in the sound, as it signaled a promising metheglin season, and he considered metheglin, if made well, to be a decent drink, especially when there was plenty of usquebaugh in the mix.

Arrived within the abbey garth, he was received with due respect by the brethren of Irelagh, and arrangements for the embarkation of the wine were completed to his entire[234] satisfaction. “Welcome, Father Cuddy,” said the prior: “grace be on you.”

Arriving at the abbey grounds, he was greeted with the proper respect by the brothers of Irelagh, and the plans for loading the wine were finalized to his complete[234] satisfaction. “Welcome, Father Cuddy,” said the prior: “may grace be with you.”

“Grace before meat, then,” said Cuddy, “for a long walk always makes me hungry, and I am certain I have not walked less than half a mile this morning, to say nothing of crossing the water.”

“Let’s say grace before our meal, then,” said Cuddy, “because a long walk always makes me hungry, and I’m sure I’ve walked at least half a mile this morning, not to mention crossing the water.”

A pasty of choice flavour felt the truth of this assertion, as regarded Father Cuddy’s appetite. After such consoling repast, it would have been a reflection on monastic hospitality to depart without partaking of the grace-cup; moreover, Father Cuddy had a particular respect for the antiquity of that custom. He liked the taste of the grace-cup well:—he tried another,—it was no less excellent; and when he had swallowed the third he found his heart expand, and put forth its fibres, willing to embrace all mankind. Surely, then, there is Christian love and charity in wine!

A delicious pastry really proved the truth of this statement when it came to Father Cuddy’s appetite. After such a comforting meal, it would have been rude to leave without enjoying the grace-cup; besides, Father Cuddy held a special appreciation for the tradition. He enjoyed the taste of the grace-cup: he tried another, and it was just as wonderful; by the time he finished the third, he felt his heart opening up, eager to embrace everyone. Surely, there is Christian love and charity in wine!

I said he sung a good song. Now though psalms are good songs, and in accordance with his vocation, I did not mean to imply that he was a mere psalm-singer. It was well known to the brethren, that wherever Father Cuddy was, mirth and melody were with him; mirth in his eye and melody on his tongue; and these, from experience, are equally well known to be thirsty commodities; but he took good care never to let them run dry. To please the brotherhood, whose excellent wine pleased him, he sung, and as “in vino veritas” his song will well become this veritable history.

I said he sang a good song. Now, while psalms are good songs, and in line with his profession, I didn’t mean to suggest that he was just a psalm-singer. It was well known among the brethren that wherever Father Cuddy was, joy and music followed him; joy in his eye and music on his lips; and these, from experience, are definitely known to be scarce resources; but he made sure to never let them run dry. To please the brotherhood, whose fine wine he enjoyed, he sang, and as “in vino veritas” his song will fit perfectly into this true story.

CANTAT MONACHUS.
I. This was in my wishes, And it will suffice for all While I carry the bag Breakfast would be great everywhere!
And if small In arvis Nullam Invenero pullam,
Egg will gently provide fresh Beautiful girl.
You won't give a dead man a chance Floral valley of them,
Decus of the girls, Candida Marguerita!
[235]
THE FRIAR'S SONG.
I.
I can never fulfill my vows,
Until I've had breakfast, one way or another; And I openly protest,
That I can never rest 'Til I borrow or beg An egg, Unless I can get to the old hen, its mother. But Maggy, my dear, While you're here,
I’m not afraid
To want freshly laid eggs; For och! you're a gem
Of a girl, And you’re referred to as such in Latin most accurately.
II.
My joyful dining time Dilectat bene,
And things without a doubt are great Breakfast is the best: Believe me, In this house,
I’m really happy,
I hear the rooster crow, In your lap Seeing both sides. Oh, you always treat me this way!
Made from barley bread,
And take milk,
Candida Margarita!
III.
There’s definitely something on my mind that’s still bothering me. After dinner,
I have to admit that I don't feel any thinner at all. After dinner: But as soon as I hear the rooster crow In the morning, I definitely know those eggs you’re bringing, By that alert,
While your buttermilk keeps me afloat
Down my throat Those delicious cakes made from oats.
I don’t envy an earl, Sweet girl, Oh, you are a beautiful pearl.
[236]

Such was his song. Father Cuddy smacked his lips at the recollection of Margery’s delicious fried eggs, which always imparted a peculiar relish to his liquor. The very idea provoked Cuddy to raise the cup to his mouth, and with one hearty pull thereat he finished its contents.

Such was his song. Father Cuddy smacked his lips at the memory of Margery’s tasty fried eggs, which always added a unique flavor to his drink. The thought made Cuddy lift the cup to his lips, and with one big gulp, he finished it off.

This is, and ever was a censorious world, often construing what is only a fair allowance into an excess: but I scorn to reckon up any man’s drink, like an unrelenting host; therefore, I cannot tell how many brimming draughts of wine, bedecked with the venerable Bead, Father Cuddy emptied into his “soul-case,” so he figuratively termed the body.

This has always been a critical world, often interpreting what is just a reasonable amount as too much. But I refuse to count anyone’s drinks like a strict host; therefore, I can’t say how many full glasses of wine, adorned with the venerable Bead, Father Cuddy poured into his “soul-case,” as he figuratively called the body.

His respect for the goodly company of the monks of Irelagh detained him until their adjournment to vespers, when he set forward on his return to Innisfallen. Whether his mind was occupied in philosophic contemplation or wrapped in pious musings, I cannot declare, but the honest father wandered on in a different direction from that in which his shallop lay. Far be it from me to insinuate that the good liquor, which he had so commended caused him to forget his road, or that his track was irregular and unsteady. Oh no!—he carried his drink bravely, as became a decent man and a good Christian; yet somehow, he thought he could distinguish two moons. “Bless my eyes,” said Father Cuddy, “every thing is changing now-a-days!—the very stars are not in the same places they used to be; I think Camceachta (the Plough) is driving on at a rate I never saw it before to-night; but I suppose the driver is drunk, for there are blackguards every where.”

His respect for the good company of the monks of Irelagh kept him until they wrapped up for vespers, after which he headed back to Innisfallen. Whether he was deep in philosophical thoughts or lost in religious reflections, I can’t say, but the honest father wandered off in a different direction from where his boat was. I wouldn’t suggest that the good drink he praised made him lose his way, or that his path was uneven and shaky. Oh no!—he handled his drink like a decent man and a good Christian; yet somehow, he thought he could see two moons. “Goodness,” said Father Cuddy, “everything is changing these days!—even the stars aren’t in the same places they used to be; I think Camceachta (the Plough) is moving faster than I’ve ever seen it tonight; but I guess the driver is drunk, because there are troublemakers everywhere.”

Cuddy had scarcely uttered these words, when he saw, or fancied he saw, the form of a young woman, who, holding up a bottle, beckoned him towards her. The night was extremely beautiful, and the white dress of the girl floated gracefully in the moonlight, as with gay step she tripped on before the worthy father, archly looking back upon him over her shoulder.

Cuddy had barely finished saying this when he saw, or thought he saw, the figure of a young woman who, holding up a bottle, signaled for him to come closer. The night was incredibly beautiful, and the girl’s white dress billowed gracefully in the moonlight as she danced ahead of the worthy father, playfully glancing back at him over her shoulder.

“Ah, Margery, merry Margery!” cried Cuddy, “you tempting little rogue!

“Ah, Margery, cheerful Margery!” shouted Cuddy, “you little tease!”

‘Flower of the valleys,
The pride of girls, Candida Margarita. [237]

“I see you, I see you and the bottle! let me but catch you, Candida Margarita!” and on he followed, panting and smiling, after this alluring apparition.

“I see you, I see you and the bottle! Just let me catch you, Candida Margarita!” he called out, panting and smiling as he chased after this tempting figure.

At length his feet grew weary, and his breath failed, which obliged him to give up the chase; yet such was his piety, that unwilling to rest in any attitude but that of prayer, down dropped Father Cuddy on his knees. Sleep, as usual, stole upon his devotions; and the morning was far advanced, when he awoke from dreams, in which tables groaned beneath their load of viands, and wine poured itself free and sparkling as the mountain spring.

At last, his feet became tired, and he ran out of breath, which forced him to stop chasing. However, his devotion was so strong that he couldn't rest in any position except for prayer, so Father Cuddy dropped to his knees. As usual, sleep took over his prayers, and he slept for a while, only to wake up from dreams where tables were overflowing with food, and wine flowed freely and sparkling like a mountain spring.

Rubbing his eyes, he looked about him, and the more he looked the more he wondered at the alteration which appeared in the face of the country. “Bless my soul and body!” said the good father, “I saw the stars changing last night, but here is a change!” Doubting his senses, he looked again. The hills bore the same majestic outline as on the preceding day, and the lake spread itself beneath his view in the same tranquil beauty, and studded with the same number of islands; but every smaller feature in the landscape was strangely altered. What had been naked rocks were now clothed with holly and arbutus. Whole woods had disappeared, and waste places had become cultivated fields; and, to complete the work of enchantment, the very season itself seemed changed. In the rosy dawn of a summer’s morning he had left the monastery of Innisfallen, and he now felt in every sight and sound the dreariness of winter. The hard ground was covered with withered leaves; icicles depended from leafless branches; he heard the sweet low note of the robin, who familiarly approached him; and he felt his fingers numbed from the nipping frost. Father Cuddy found it rather difficult to account for such sudden transformations, and to convince himself it was not the illusion of a dream, he was about to rise, when lo! he discovered that both his knees were buried at least six inches in the solid stone; for, notwithstanding all these changes, he had never altered his devout position.

Rubbing his eyes, he looked around and the more he looked, the more he was amazed by the changes in the landscape. “Goodness!” exclaimed the good father, “I saw the stars shifting last night, but this is a change!” Doubting his senses, he looked again. The hills still had the same majestic outline as the day before, and the lake lay below him in the same peaceful beauty, dotted with the same number of islands. However, every smaller detail in the landscape was strikingly different. What had been bare rocks were now covered with holly and arbutus. Entire woods had vanished, and barren areas had turned into cultivated fields; and, to top it off, even the season itself seemed altered. In the rosy dawn of a summer morning, he had left the monastery of Innisfallen, and now he felt the bleakness of winter in every sight and sound. The hard ground was blanketed with dried leaves; icicles hung from leafless branches; he heard the sweet, soft call of the robin, which approached him boldly; and he felt his fingers numbed by the biting cold. Father Cuddy found it hard to explain such sudden changes, and to convince himself it wasn't just a dream, he was about to rise when he realized that both his knees were sunk at least six inches into the solid stone; for despite all these changes, he had remained in his devout position.

Cuddy was now wide awake, and felt, when he got up, his joints sadly cramped, which it was only natural they should be, considering the hard texture of the stone, and[238] the depth his knees had sunk into it. But the great difficulty was to explain how, in one night, summer had become winter, whole woods had been cut down, and well-grown trees had sprouted up. The miracle, nothing else could he conclude it to be, urged him to hasten his return to Innisfallen, where he might learn some explanation of these marvellous events.

Cuddy was now wide awake and felt, as he got up, that his joints were painfully cramped, which was only to be expected, given the hard surface of the stone and[238] how deep his knees had sunk into it. But the real challenge was to understand how, in just one night, summer had turned into winter, entire forests had been cleared, and fully grown trees had suddenly appeared. This miracle, he could conclude it was nothing else, pushed him to hurry back to Innisfallen, where he hoped to find an explanation for these incredible events.

Seeing a boat moored within reach of the shore, he delayed not, in the midst of such wonders, to seek his own bark, but, seizing the oars, pulled stoutly towards the island; and here new wonders awaited him.

Seeing a boat anchored close to the shore, he didn't waste any time, amid such marvels, looking for his own vessel. Instead, he grabbed the oars and rowed vigorously toward the island; and there, new wonders awaited him.

Father Cuddy waddled, as fast as cramped limbs could carry his rotund corporation, to the gate of the monastery, where he loudly demanded admittance.

Father Cuddy waddled as quickly as his short legs could manage his round body to the gate of the monastery, where he loudly asked to be let in.

“Holloa! whence come you, master monk, and what’s your business?” demanded a stranger who occupied the porter’s place.

“Holloa! Where are you coming from, master monk, and what brings you here?” asked a stranger who was standing at the porter’s place.

“Business!—my business!” repeated the confounded Cuddy,—“why, do you not know me? Has the wine arrived safely?”

“Business!—my business!” repeated the confused Cuddy, “why don’t you know me? Has the wine arrived safely?”

“Hence, fellow!” said the porter’s representative, in a surly tone; “nor think to impose on me with your monkish tales.”

“Now, listen here!” said the porter’s representative, in a grumpy tone; “don’t try to fool me with your monk stories.”

“Fellow!” exclaimed the father: “mercy upon us, that I should be so spoken to at the gate of my own house!—Scoundrel!” cried Cuddy, raising his voice, “do you not see my garb—my holy garb?”

“Fellow!” the father exclaimed. “Have mercy on us, that I should be spoken to like this at the gate of my own house!—Scoundrel!” Cuddy shouted, raising his voice. “Do you not see my attire—my holy attire?”

“Ay, fellow,” replied he of the keys—“the garb of laziness and filthy debauchery, which has been expelled from out these walls. Know you not, idle knave, of the suppression of this nest of superstition, and that the abbey lands and possessions were granted in August last to Master Robert Collam, by our Lady Elizabeth, sovereign queen of England, and paragon of all beauty—whom God preserve!”

“Aye, friend,” replied the keeper of the keys, “the attire of laziness and disgusting debauchery has been banished from these walls. Don’t you know, lazy fool, about the shutdown of this hub of superstition, and that the abbey's lands and possessions were granted last August to Master Robert Collam by our Lady Elizabeth, the sovereign queen of England and the epitome of beauty—may God preserve her!”

“Queen of England!” said Cuddy; “there never was a sovereign queen of England—this is but a piece with the rest. I saw how it was going with the stars last night—the world’s turned upside down. But surely this is Innisfallen island, and I am the Father Cuddy who yesterday[239] morning went over to the abbey of Irelagh, respecting the tun of wine. Do you not know me now?”

“Queen of England!” said Cuddy; “there’s never been a reigning queen of England—this is just like everything else. I saw how things were with the stars last night—the world’s gone upside down. But surely this is Innisfallen Island, and I’m Father Cuddy who yesterday[239] morning went over to the abbey of Irelagh regarding the barrel of wine. Don’t you recognize me now?”

“Know you!—how should I know you?” said the keeper of the abbey. “Yet, true it is, that I have heard my grandmother, whose mother remembered the man, often speak of the fat Father Cuddy of Innisfallen, who made a profane and godless ballad in praise of fresh eggs, of which he and his vile crew knew more than they did of the word of God; and who, being drunk, it is said, tumbled into the lake one night, and was drowned; but that must have been a hundred, ay, more than a hundred years since.”

“Who are you?—How should I know you?” said the keeper of the abbey. “Still, it's true that I’ve heard my grandmother, whose mother remembered the man, often talk about the chubby Father Cuddy of Innisfallen, who made a disrespectful and irreverent song praising fresh eggs, which he and his shady crew knew more about than they did the word of God; and it’s said that one night, when he was drunk, he fell into the lake and drowned; but that must have been a hundred, yeah, more than a hundred years ago.”

“’Twas I who composed that song in praise of Margery’s fresh eggs, which is no profane and godless ballad—no other Father Cuddy than myself ever belonged to Innisfallen,” earnestly exclaimed the holy man. “A hundred years!—what was your great-grandmother’s name?”

“It's me who wrote that song celebrating Margery’s fresh eggs, which is not a dirty or irreverent ballad—no other Father Cuddy but myself has ever belonged to Innisfallen,” the holy man said earnestly. “A hundred years!—what was your great-grandmother’s name?”

“She was a Mahony of Dunlow—Margaret ni Mahony; and my grandmother—”

“She was a Mahony of Dunlow—Margaret ni Mahony; and my grandmother—”

“What! merry Margery of Dunlow your great-grandmother!” shouted Cuddy. “St. Brandon help me!—the wicked wench, with that tempting bottle!—why, ’twas only last night—a hundred years!—your great-grandmother, said you?—There has, indeed, been a strange torpor over me; I must have slept all this time!”

“What! Merry Margery of Dunlow, your great-grandmother!” shouted Cuddy. “St. Brandon help me!—that wicked girl, with that tempting bottle!—why, it was only last night—a hundred years!—your great-grandmother, you said?—There has certainly been a strange numbness over me; I must have been asleep all this time!”

That Father Cuddy had done so, I think is sufficiently proved by the changes which occurred during his nap. A reformation, and a serious one it was for him, had taken place. Pretty Margery’s fresh eggs were no longer to be had in Innisfallen; and with a heart as heavy as his footsteps, the worthy man directed his course towards Dingle, where he embarked in a vessel on the point of sailing for Malaga. The rich wine of that place had of old impressed him with a high respect for its monastic establishments, in one of which he quietly wore out the remainder of his days.

That Father Cuddy had done so, I think is clearly shown by the changes that happened during his nap. A significant reformation had taken place for him. Pretty Margery’s fresh eggs were no longer available in Innisfallen; and with a heart as heavy as his footsteps, the kind man headed towards Dingle, where he boarded a ship that was about to sail for Malaga. The fine wine from that region had long given him a high regard for its monasteries, in one of which he peacefully spent the rest of his days.

The stone impressed with the mark of Father Cuddy’s knees may be seen to this day. Should any incredulous persons doubt my story, I request them to go to Killarney, where Clough na Cuddy—so is the stone called—remains in Lord Kenmare’s park, an indisputable evidence of the[240] fact. Spillane, the bugle-man, will be able to point it out to them, as he did so to me; and here is my sketch by which they may identify it.

The stone marked by Father Cuddy’s knees can still be seen today. If any skeptics doubt my story, I invite them to visit Killarney, where Clough na Cuddy—the name of the stone—still stands in Lord Kenmare’s park, serving as undeniable proof of the[240] fact. Spillane, the bugle player, can point it out to them, just like he did for me; and here’s my sketch to help them identify it.


THE GIANT’S STAIRS.
40.

On the road between Passage and Cork there is an old mansion called Ronayne’s Court. It may be easily known from the stack of chimneys and the gable ends, which are to be seen, look at it which way you will. Here it was that Maurice Ronayne and his wife Margaret Gould kept house, as may be learned to this day from the great old chimney-piece, on which is carved their arms. They were a mighty worthy couple, and had but one son, who was called Philip, after no less a person than the king of Spain.

On the road between Passage and Cork, there’s an old mansion called Ronayne’s Court. It’s easy to identify by the stack of chimneys and the gable ends, visible from any angle. This is where Maurice Ronayne and his wife Margaret Gould lived, as you can still see today on the grand old chimney-piece, which bears their family crest. They were a truly respectable couple and had only one son, named Philip, after none other than the king of Spain.

Immediately on his smelling the cold air of this world the child sneezed; and it was naturally taken to be a good sign of having a clear head; but the subsequent rapidity of his learning was truly amazing; for on the very first day a primer was put into his hand, he tore out the A, B, C page and destroyed it, as a thing quite beneath his notice. No wonder then that both father and mother were proud of their heir, who gave such indisputable proofs of genius, or, as they call it in that part of the world, “genus.”

As soon as the child felt the cold air of this world, he sneezed; and it was naturally seen as a good sign of having a clear mind. However, his rapid learning was truly astonishing; for on the very first day a primer was placed in his hands, he ripped out the A, B, C page and destroyed it, regarding it as something unworthy of his attention. It's no wonder that both his father and mother were proud of their son, who provided such undeniable evidence of genius, or as they call it in that part of the world, “genus.”

One morning, however, Master Phil, who was then just seven years old, was missing, and no one could tell what[241] had become of him: servants were sent in all directions to seek him, on horseback and on foot; but they returned without any tidings of the boy, whose disappearance altogether was most unaccountable. A large reward was offered, but it produced them no intelligence, and years rolled away without Mr. and Mrs. Ronayne having obtained any satisfactory account of the fate of their lost child.

One morning, however, seven-year-old Master Phil was missing, and no one knew what[241] had happened to him. Servants were sent out in every direction to look for him, both on horseback and on foot, but they returned without any news about the boy, whose disappearance was completely mysterious. A large reward was offered, but it brought no information, and years passed without Mr. and Mrs. Ronayne ever finding out what happened to their lost child.

There lived, at this time, near Carigaline, one Robert Kelly, a blacksmith by trade. He was what is termed a handy man, and his abilities were held in much estimation by the lads and the lasses of the neighbourhood: for, independent of shoeing horses which he did to great perfection, and making plough-irons, he interpreted dreams for the young women, sung Arthur O’Bradley at their weddings, and was so good-natured a fellow at a christening, that he was gossip to half the country round.

At this time, near Carigaline, there was a man named Robert Kelly, who worked as a blacksmith. He was what you'd call a jack-of-all-trades, and the local kids really appreciated his skills. In addition to perfectly shoeing horses and making ploughshares, he interpreted dreams for the young women, sang Arthur O’Bradley at their weddings, and was such a good-natured guy at christenings that he was the gossip of half the countryside.

Now it happened that Robin had a dream himself, and young Philip Ronayne appeared to him in it at the dead hour of the night. Robin thought he saw the boy mounted upon a beautiful white horse, and that he told him how he was made a page to the giant Mahon Mac Mahon, who had carried him off, and who held his court in the hard heart of the rock. “The seven years—my time of service,—are clean out, Robin,” said he, “and if you release me this night, I will be the making of you for ever after.”

Now it happened that Robin had a dream himself, and young Philip Ronayne appeared to him in it at the dead hour of the night. Robin thought he saw the boy riding a beautiful white horse, and he told him how he had become a page to the giant Mahon Mac Mahon, who had taken him away and held court in the hard heart of the rock. “My seven years of service are up, Robin,” he said, “and if you set me free tonight, I will make sure you’re taken care of for life.”

“And how will I know,” said Robin—cunning enough, even in his sleep—“but this is all a dream?”

“And how will I know,” said Robin—smart enough, even in his sleep—“that this isn't just a dream?”

“Take that,” said the boy, “for a token”—and at the word the white horse struck out with one of his hind legs, and gave poor Robin such a kick in the forehead, that thinking he was a dead man, he roared as loud as he could after his brains, and woke up calling a thousand murders. He found himself in bed, but he had the mark of the blow, the regular print of a horse-shoe upon his forehead as red as blood; and Robin Kelly, who never before found himself puzzled at the dream of any other person, did not know what to think of his own.

“Take that,” the boy said, “as a token”—and with that, the white horse kicked out with one of its hind legs and hit poor Robin right in the forehead. Thinking he was dead, he screamed as loud as he could, waking up shouting about a thousand murders. He found himself in bed, but there was a mark from the blow, the clear imprint of a horse shoe on his forehead, bright red like blood; and Robin Kelly, who had never been confused by anyone else's dreams before, didn't know what to make of his own.

Robin was well acquainted with the Giant’s Stairs, as, indeed, who is not that knows the harbour? They consist of great masses of rock, which, piled one above another, rise like a flight of steps, from very deep water, against the[242] bold cliff of Carrigmahon. Nor are they badly suited for stairs to those who have legs of sufficient length to stride over a moderate-sized house, or to enable them to clear the space of a mile in a hop, step, and jump. Both these feats the giant Mac Mahon was said to have performed in the days of Finnian glory; and the common tradition of the country placed his dwelling within the cliff up whose side the stairs led.

Robin was very familiar with the Giant’s Stairs, as, really, who isn’t that knows the harbor? They are large rocks stacked on top of each other, rising like a set of steps from the deep water against the[242] steep cliff of Carrigmahon. They're not a bad set of stairs for someone with long enough legs to stride over a moderate-sized house or to hop a mile in a single jump. Both of these tricks were said to have been performed by the giant Mac Mahon during the days of Finnian glory; and local tradition held that his home was in the cliff up which the stairs led.

Such was the impression which the dream made on Robin, that he determined to put its truth to the test. It occurred to him, however, before setting out on this adventure, that a plough-iron may be no bad companion, as, from experience, he knew it was an excellent knock-down argument, having, on more occasions than one, settled a little disagreement very quietly: so, putting one on his shoulder, off he marched in the cool of the evening through Glaun a Thowk (the Hawk’s Glen) to Monkstown. Here an old gossip of his (Tom Clancey by name) lived, who, on hearing Robin’s dream, promised him the use of his skiff, and moreover offered to assist in rowing it to the Giant’s Stairs.

The dream left such an impression on Robin that he decided to test its truth. However, before he set off on this adventure, he thought that a plow iron might be a good companion, as he knew from experience that it was an effective tool for settling disputes quietly. So, he put one on his shoulder and marched off in the cool evening through Glaun a Thowk (the Hawk’s Glen) to Monkstown. There, an old friend of his, named Tom Clancey, lived, and upon hearing about Robin’s dream, he offered the use of his skiff and even volunteered to help row it to the Giant’s Stairs.

After a supper which was of the best, they embarked. It was a beautiful still night, and the little boat glided swiftly along. The regular dip of the oars, the distant song of the sailor, and sometimes the voice of a belated traveller at the ferry of Carrigaloe, alone broke the quietness of the land and sea and sky. The tide was in their favour, and in a few minutes Robin and his gossip rested on their oars in the dark shadow of the Giant’s Stairs. Robin looked anxiously for the entrance to the Giant’s Palace, which, it was said, may be found by any one seeking it at midnight; but no such entrance could he see. His impatience had hurried him there before that time, and after waiting a considerable space in a state of suspense not to be described, Robin, with pure vexation, could not help exclaiming to his companion, “’Tis a pair of fools we are, Tom Clancey, for coming here at all on the strength of a dream.”

After a great dinner, they set off. It was a beautiful, calm night, and the small boat moved quickly through the water. The steady splash of the oars, the distant song of a sailor, and sometimes the voice of a late traveler at the Carrigaloe ferry were the only sounds breaking the quiet of the land, sea, and sky. The tide was in their favor, and within a few minutes, Robin and his friend rested on their oars in the dark shadow of the Giant’s Stairs. Robin looked anxiously for the entrance to the Giant’s Palace, which was said to be found by anyone searching for it at midnight, but he could see no such entrance. His impatience had brought him there too early, and after waiting for a while in indescribable suspense, Robin, overwhelmed with frustration, exclaimed to his companion, “We’re a couple of fools, Tom Clancey, for coming here at all based on a dream.”

“And whose doing is it,” said Tom, “but your own?”

“And whose fault is it,” said Tom, “but your own?”

At the moment he spoke they perceived a faint glimmering light to proceed from the cliff, which gradually increased until a porch big enough for a king’s palace unfolded[243] itself almost on a level with the water. They pulled the skiff directly towards the opening, and Robin Kelly, seizing his plough-iron, boldly entered with a strong hand and a stout heart. Wild and strange was that entrance; the whole of which appeared formed of grim and grotesque faces, blending so strangely each with the other that it was impossible to define any: the chin of one formed the nose of another: what appeared to be a fixed and stern eye, if dwelt upon, changed to a gaping mouth; and the lines of the lofty forehead grew into a majestic and flowing beard. The more Robin allowed himself to contemplate the forms around him, the more terrific they became; and the stony expression of this crowd of faces assumed a savage ferocity as his imagination converted feature after feature into a different shape and character. Losing the twilight in which these indefinite forms were visible, he advanced through a dark and devious passage, whilst a deep and rumbling noise sounded as if the rock was about to close upon him and swallow him up alive for ever. Now, indeed, poor Robin felt afraid.

At the moment he spoke, they noticed a faint glowing light coming from the cliff, which gradually brightened until a porch large enough for a king's palace appeared almost at water level.[243] They steered the skiff directly towards the opening, and Robin Kelly, grabbing his plough-iron, confidently entered with determination. The entrance was wild and strange; it was made up of grim and bizarre faces, blending together so oddly that it was impossible to distinguish them: one person's chin formed the nose of another; what looked like a fixed, stern eye, if looked at closely, turned into a gaping mouth; and the lines of the tall forehead morphed into a majestic, flowing beard. The more Robin looked at the shapes around him, the more terrifying they became; the stony expressions of this crowd of faces took on a savage fierceness as his imagination transformed each feature into a different shape and character. Losing the twilight in which these indistinct forms were visible, he ventured through a dark and winding passage while a deep, rumbling noise echoed as if the rock was about to close in on him and swallow him alive forever. Now, indeed, poor Robin felt afraid.

“Robin, Robin,” said he, “if you were a fool for coming here, what in the name of fortune are you now?” But, as before, he had scarcely spoken, when he saw a small light twinkling through the darkness of the distance, like a star in the midnight sky. To retreat was out of the question; for so many turnings and windings were in the passage, that he considered he had but little chance of making his way back. He therefore proceeded towards the bit of light, and came at last into a spacious chamber, from the roof of which hung the solitary lamp that had guided him. Emerging from such profound gloom, the single lamp afforded Robin abundant light to discover several gigantic figures seated round a massive stone table as if in serious deliberation, but no word disturbed the breathless silence which prevailed. At the head of this table sat Mahon Mac Mahon himself, whose majestic beard had taken root, and in the course of ages grown into the stone slab. He was the first who perceived Robin; and instantly starting up, drew his long beard from out the huge lump of rock in such haste and with so sudden a jerk, that it was shattered into a thousand pieces.

“Robin, Robin,” he said, “if you were foolish for coming here, what in the world are you now?” But, just like before, he had barely spoken when he noticed a small light flickering through the darkness in the distance, like a star in the midnight sky. Turning back wasn’t an option; there were so many twists and turns in the passage that he figured he had little chance of finding his way back. So, he moved towards the light and eventually entered a large chamber, from the ceiling of which hung the solitary lamp that had guided him. Coming out of such deep darkness, the single lamp gave Robin plenty of light to see several giant figures sitting around a massive stone table as if deep in thought, but not a word broke the heavy silence that filled the room. At the head of this table sat Mahon Mac Mahon himself, whose majestic beard had taken root and, over ages, had grown into the stone slab. He was the first to notice Robin; and as soon as he did, he jumped up and yanked his long beard from the huge lump of rock with such speed and force that it shattered into a thousand pieces.

“What seek you?” he demanded in a voice of thunder.

“What are you looking for?” he asked in a booming voice.

“I come,” answered Robin, with as much boldness as he could put on—for his heart was almost fainting within him—“I come,” said he, “to claim Philip Ronayne, whose time of service is out this night.”

“I’m here,” replied Robin, trying to sound as confident as possible—though he felt like his heart was about to give out—“I’m here,” he said, “to claim Philip Ronayne, whose service ends tonight.”

“And who sent you here?” said the giant.

“And who sent you here?” asked the giant.

“’Twas of my own accord I came,” said Robin.

“I came of my own choice,” said Robin.

“Then you must single him out from among my pages,” said the giant; “and if you fix on the wrong one your life is the forfeit. Follow me.” He led Robin into a hall of vast extent and filled with lights; along either side of which were rows of beautiful children all apparently seven years old, and none beyond that age, dressed in green, and every one exactly dressed alike.

“Then you need to choose him from my pages,” said the giant; “and if you pick the wrong one, your life is at stake. Come with me.” He guided Robin into a large hall filled with lights; on either side were rows of beautiful children who all looked about seven years old, and none older, dressed in green, and each one dressed exactly the same.

“Here,” said Mahon, “you are free to take Philip Ronayne, if you will; but, remember, I give but one choice.”

“Here,” Mahon said, “you are free to choose Philip Ronayne, if you want; but remember, I only offer one choice.”

Robin was sadly perplexed; for there were hundreds upon hundreds of children; and he had no very clear recollection of the boy he sought. But he walked along the hall, by the side of Mahon, as if nothing was the matter, although his great iron dress clanked fearfully at every step, sounding louder than Robin’s own sledge battering on his anvil.

Robin was sadly confused; there were hundreds of kids around, and he couldn't clearly remember the boy he was looking for. But he walked down the hallway next to Mahon as if everything was fine, even though his heavy iron outfit clanged loudly with every step, making more noise than Robin's own hammer hitting the anvil.

They had nearly reached the end of the hall without speaking, when Robin, seeing that the only means he had was to make friends with the giant, determined to try what effect a few soft words might have upon him.

They had almost reached the end of the hallway without saying a word when Robin, realizing that his only option was to befriend the giant, decided to see what a few kind words could do.

“’Tis a fine wholesome appearance the poor children carry,” remarked Robin, “although they have been here so long shut out from the fresh air and the blessed light of heaven. ’Tis tenderly your honour must have reared them!”

“It’s a beautiful, healthy look the poor kids have,” Robin said, “even though they’ve been stuck here for so long, away from fresh air and the lovely light of day. You must have taken great care to raise them!”

“Ay,” said the giant, “that is true for you; so give me your hand; for you are, I believe, a very honest fellow for a blacksmith.”

“Ay,” said the giant, “that’s true for you; so give me your hand; because I believe you’re a very honest guy for a blacksmith.”

Robin at the first look did not much like the huge size of the hand, and therefore presented his plough-iron, which the giant seizing, twisted in his grasp round and round again as if it had been a potato-stalk; on seeing this all the children set up a shout of laughter. In the midst of their mirth Robin thought he heard his name called; and,[245] all ear and eye, he put his hand on the boy who he fancied had spoken, crying out at the same time, “Let me live or die for it, but this is young Phil Ronayne.”

Robin didn't like the giant's huge hand at first, so he showed the giant his plough-iron. The giant grabbed it and twisted it around in his hand like it was just a potato stalk. Seeing this made all the kids burst into laughter. In the middle of their giggles, Robin thought he heard someone call his name. With all his attention focused, he touched the boy he thought had spoken and shouted, “Let me live or die for it, but this is young Phil Ronayne.”

“It is Philip Ronayne—happy Philip Ronayne,” said his young companions; and in an instant the hall became dark. Crashing noises were heard, and all was in strange confusion: but Robin held fast his prize, and found himself lying in the gray dawn of the morning at the head of the Giant’s Stairs, with the boy clasped in his arms.

“It’s Philip Ronayne—happy Philip Ronayne,” said his young friends; and in an instant, the hall went dark. There were loud crashing sounds, and everything was in chaos: but Robin held tightly to his prize and found himself lying in the gray light of dawn at the top of the Giant’s Stairs, with the boy wrapped in his arms.

Robin had plenty of gossips to spread the story of his wonderful adventure—Passage, Monkstown, Ringaskiddy, Seamount, Carrigaline—the whole barony of Kerricurrihy rung with it.

Robin had plenty of friends to share the story of his amazing adventure—Passage, Monkstown, Ringaskiddy, Seamount, Carrigaline—the whole area of Kerricurrihy buzzed with it.

“Are you quite sure, Robin, it is young Phil Ronayne, you have brought back with you?” was the regular question; for although the boy had been seven years away, his appearance now was just the same as on the day he was missed. He had neither grown taller nor older in look, and he spoke of things which had happened before he was carried off as one awakened from sleep, or as if they had occurred yesterday.

“Are you really sure, Robin, that you’ve brought back young Phil Ronayne?” was the usual question; even though the boy had been gone for seven years, he looked exactly the same as the day he went missing. He hadn't grown taller or appeared older, and he talked about events that happened before he was taken as if he had just woken up from a dream, or as if they had happened yesterday.

“Am I sure? Well, that’s a queer question,” was Robin’s reply; “seeing the boy has the blue eyes of the mother, with the foxy hair of the father, to say nothing of the purly wart on the right side of his little nose.”

“Am I sure? Well, that’s an odd question,” Robin replied; “considering the boy has his mother’s blue eyes, his father’s reddish hair, not to mention the purly wart on the right side of his little nose.”

However Robin Kelly may have been questioned, the worthy couple of Ronayne’s court doubted not that he was the deliverer of their child from the power of the giant Mac Mahon; and the reward they bestowed upon him equalled their gratitude.

However Robin Kelly may have been questioned, the deserving couple of Ronayne’s court had no doubts that he was the one who saved their child from the grasp of the giant Mac Mahon; and the reward they gave him matched their gratitude.

Philip Ronayne lived to be an old man; and he was remarkable to the day of his death for his skill in working brass and iron, which it was believed he had learned during his seven years’ apprenticeship to the giant Mahon Mac Mahon.

Philip Ronayne lived to be an old man, and he remained noteworthy until the day he died for his talent in working with brass and iron, which many believed he had learned during his seven years of apprenticeship with the giant Mahon Mac Mahon.


And now, goodbye! The fairy dream is over;
The stories I loved to hear as a child, Like happy dreams fade and vanish.
Momonia's peasant no longer tells such stories!
Gone are MERMAIDS from the shore of the sea; Check'd is the Headless Horseman's strange career; Fir Darrig’s voice no longer taunts the ear,
Nor do ROCKS still hold the amazing imprints they once did!
This is “the march of mind.” But did the fairies (Creatures of fancy—the delicate threads of desire) In Ireland, work brings so much sadness and hardship. As the more turbulent attitudes of our times? Oh beloved land! I don't raise an angry voice: My ongoing prayer—“may peace still be with you!”

APPENDIX.

LETTER FROM SIR WALTER SCOTT TO THE AUTHOR OF THE IRISH FAIRY LEGENDS.

LETTER FROM SIR WALTER SCOTT TO THE AUTHOR OF THE IRISH FAIRY LEGENDS.

Sir,

Sir,

I have been obliged by the courtesy which sent me your very interesting work on Irish superstitions, and no less by the amusement which it has afforded me, both from the interest of the stories, and the lively manner in which they are told. You are to consider this, Sir, as a high compliment from one, who holds him on the subject of elves, ghosts, visions, &c. nearly as strong as William Churne of Staffordshire—

I feel grateful for the kindness that led you to send me your fascinating work on Irish superstitions, and I’ve also enjoyed it a great deal, both because of the intriguing stories and the engaging way you tell them. You should take this, Sir, as a great compliment from someone who is as passionate about the topic of elves, ghosts, visions, etc., as William Churne of Staffordshire—

"Who can boost your mood every year
"With stories both old and new."

The extreme similarity of your fictions to ours in Scotland, is very striking. The Cluricaune (which is an admirable subject for a pantomime) is not known here. I suppose the Scottish cheer was not sufficient to tempt to the hearth either him, or that singular demon called by Heywood the Buttery Spirit, which diminished the profits of an unjust landlord by eating up all that he cribbed for his guests.

The striking similarity between your stories and ours in Scotland is quite remarkable. The Cluricaune (which would make a fantastic subject for a pantomime) isn’t known here. I guess the Scottish hospitality wasn’t enough to attract him, or that unique spirit referred to by Heywood as the Buttery Spirit, which cut into the profits of a greedy landlord by consuming everything he stole for his guests.

The beautiful superstition of the banshee seems in a great measure peculiar to Ireland, though in some Highland families there is such a spectre, particularly in that of Mac Lean of Lochbuy; but I think I could match all your other tales with something similar.

The fascinating superstition of the banshee appears to be largely unique to Ireland, although there are some Highland families that have a similar spirit, especially the Mac Lean family of Lochbuy; but I believe I could counter all your other stories with something comparable.

I can assure you, however, that the progress of philosophy has not even yet entirely “pulled the old woman out of our hearts,” as Addison expresses it. Witches are still held in reasonable detestation, although we no longer burn or even score above the breath. As for the water bull, they live who will take their oaths to having seen him emerge from a small lake on the boundary of my property here, scarce large enough to have held him, I should think. Some[250] traits in his description seem to answer the hippopotamus, and these are always mentioned both in highland and lowland story: strange if we could conceive there existed, under a tradition so universal, some shadowy reference to those fossil bones of animals which are so often found in the lakes and bogs.

I can assure you, however, that the progress of philosophy has not yet completely “pulled the old woman out of our hearts,” as Addison puts it. Witches are still seen with a reasonable disdain, even though we no longer burn them or even score above the breath. As for the water bull, there are people who will swear they’ve seen him come out of a small lake on the boundary of my property here, which I think isn’t even large enough to hold him. Some[250] features in his description seem to match that of a hippopotamus, and these are always mentioned in stories from both the highlands and lowlands: it’s strange to think that under such a widespread tradition, there could be some vague reference to those fossil bones of animals that are often found in the lakes and bogs.

But to leave antediluvian stories for the freshest news from fairy land, I cannot resist the temptation to send you an account of King Oberon’s court, which was verified before me as a magistrate, with all the solemnities of a court of justice, within this fortnight past. A young shepherd, a lad of about eighteen years of age, well brought up, and of good capacity, and, that I may be perfectly accurate, in the service of a friend, a most respectable farmer, at Oakwood, on the estate of Hugh Scott, Esq., of Harden, made oath and said, that going to look after some sheep which his master had directed to be put upon turnips, and passing in the gray of the morning a small copse-wood adjacent to the river Etterick, he was surprised at the sight of four or five little personages, about two feet or thirty inches in height, who were seated under the trees, apparently in deep conversation. At this singular appearance he paused till he had refreshed his noble courage with a prayer and a few recollections of last Sunday’s sermon, and then advanced to the little party. But observing that, instead of disappearing, they seemed to become yet more magnificently distinct than before, and now doubting nothing, from their foreign dresses and splendid decorations, that they were the choice ornaments of the fairy court, he fairly turned tail and went “to raise the water,” as if the South’ron had made a raid. Others came to the rescue, and yet the fairy cortege awaited their arrival in still and silent dignity. I wish I could stop here, for the devil take all explanations, they stop duels and destroy the credit of apparitions, neither allow ghosts to be made in an honourable way, or to be believed in (poor souls!) when they revisit the glimpses of the moon.

But to leave old stories behind for the latest news from fairyland, I can't resist telling you about King Oberon’s court, which I had confirmed as a magistrate, with all the formalities of a court of law, just within the last two weeks. A young shepherd, a boy of about eighteen, well-raised and quite intelligent, who, to be completely accurate, was working for a reputable farmer at Oakwood on the estate of Hugh Scott, Esq., of Harden, made an oath and reported that while he was going to check on some sheep his master had instructed to be put on turnips, he passed by a small piece of woods next to the river Etterick in the early morning and was astonished to see four or five small figures, about two feet tall, sitting under the trees, clearly deep in conversation. At this surprising sight, he paused to gather his courage with a prayer and some thoughts from last Sunday’s sermon, and then approached the little group. But noticing that instead of vanishing, they appeared even more clearly than before, and now with no doubt, given their unusual outfits and extravagant decorations, that they were the splendid members of the fairy court, he quickly turned around and ran off “to raise the alarm,” as if a Southern raider had appeared. Others came to help, yet the fairy cortege waited for them in quiet and dignified silence. I wish I could leave it at that because explanations just complicate things, they ruin duels and tarnish the credibility of ghosts, and don’t allow spirits to make their appearances in a respectable way or to be truly believed in (poor things!) when they return to the light of the moon.

I must however explain, like other honourable gentlemen, elsewhere. You must know, that, like our neighbours, we have a school of arts for our mechanics at G——, a small manufacturing town in this country, and that the tree of knowledge there as elsewhere produces its usual crop of good and evil. The day before this avatar of Oberon was a fair day at Selkirk, and amongst other popular divertisements, was one which, in former days, I would have called a puppet-show, and its master a puppet-showman. He has put me right, however, by informing me, that he writes himself artist from Vauxhall, and that he exhibits fantoccini; call them what you will, it seems they gave great delight to the unwashed artificers of G——. Formerly they would have been contented to wonder and applaud, but not so were they satisfied in our modern days of investigation, for they broke into Punch’s sanctuary forcibly, after he had been laid aside for the evening, made violent seizure of his person, and carried off him, his spouse, and heaven knows what captives besides, in their plaid nooks, to be examined at leisure. All[251] this they literally did (forcing a door to accomplish their purpose) in the spirit of science alone, or but slightly stimulated by that of malt whisky, with which last we have been of late deluged. Cool reflection came as they retreated by the banks of the Etterick; they made the discovery that they could no more make Punch move than Lord —— could make him speak; and recollecting, I believe, that there was such a person as the Sheriff in the world, they abandoned their prisoners, in hopes, as they pretended, that they would be found and restored in safety to their proper owner.

I must clarify, like other respectable gentlemen, elsewhere. You should know that, like our neighbors, we have a school of arts for our craftsmen in G——, a small manufacturing town in this country, and that the pursuit of knowledge there, like everywhere else, brings its usual mix of good and bad. The day before this incarnation of Oberon was a nice day in Selkirk, and among other popular entertainments was one that, back in the day, I would have called a puppet show, and its leader a puppet showman. He has corrected me, though, by stating that he considers himself an artist from Vauxhall, and that he presents fantoccini; call them whatever you like, it seems they brought great joy to the unrefined workers of G——. In the past, they would have simply marveled and applauded, but in our modern age of inquiry, they were not satisfied with that. They forcefully broke into Punch’s sanctuary after he had been put away for the night, seized him and his spouse, and who knows what other captives, in their plaid corners, to be examined later. All[251] this they literally did (forcing a door to achieve their goal) with pure scientific curiosity, or maybe a bit motivated by the malt whisky we’ve been flooded with lately. As they retreated by the banks of the Etterick, reality hit them; they realized they couldn’t make Punch move any more than Lord —— could make him talk; and remembering, I think, that there was someone called the Sheriff in the world, they left their captives behind, hoping, as they claimed, that they would be found and returned safely to their rightful owner.

It is only necessary to add that the artist had his losses made good by a subscription, and the scientific inquirers escaped with a small fine, as a warning not to indulge such an irregular spirit of research in future.

It’s worth noting that the artist’s losses were compensated through a subscription, and the researchers faced a small fine as a warning not to engage in such irregular research practices again.

As this somewhat tedious story contains the very last news from fairy land, I hope you will give it acceptance, and beg you to believe me very much

As this somewhat tedious story contains the very last news from fairyland, I hope you will accept it, and I urge you to believe me very much.

Your obliged and thankful servant,

Your grateful and loyal servant,

Walter Scott.

Walter Scott.

27th April, 1825.
Abbotsford, Melrose.

April 27, 1825.
Abbotsford, Melrose.

THE END.

THE END.


Footnotes

References

[1] Knocksheogowna signifies “The Hill of the Fairy Calf.

[1] Knocksheogowna means “The Hill of the Fairy Calf.

[2] “Called by the people of the country ‘Knock Dhoinn Firinne,’ the mountain of Donn of Truth. This mountain is very high, and may be seen for several miles round; and when people are desirous to know whether or not any day will rain, they look at the top of Knock Firinne, and if they see a vapour or mist there, they immediately conclude that rain will soon follow, believing that Donn (the lord or chief) of that mountain and his aërial assistants are collecting the clouds, and that he holds them there for some short time, to warn the people of the approaching rain. As the appearance of mist on that mountain in the morning is considered an infallible sign that that day will be rainy, Donn is called ‘Donn Firinne,’ Donn of Truth.”—Mr. Edward O’Reilly.

[2] “Known by the locals as ‘Knock Dhoinn Firinne,’ the mountain of Donn of Truth. This mountain is very tall and can be seen from several miles away; when people want to know if it will rain on a given day, they look at the top of Knock Firinne. If they see any vapor or mist there, they immediately assume that rain is coming, believing that Donn (the lord or chief) of that mountain and his aerial helpers are gathering the clouds and holding them there for a brief moment to warn people of the impending rain. Since the sight of mist on that mountain in the morning is viewed as a guaranteed sign of rain for the day, Donn is called ‘Donn Firinne,’ Donn of Truth.”—Mr. Edward O'Reilly.

[3] Literally, the great herb—Digitalis purpurea.

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Literally, the great herb—foxglove.

[4] Correctly written, Dia Luain, Dia Mairt, agus Dia Ceadaoine, i. e. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

[4] Correctly written, Dia Luain, Dia Mairt, and Dia Ceadaoine, meaning Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

[5] And Wednesday and Thursday.

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ and Wed and Thurs.

[6] Act ii. sc. 1.

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Act 2, Scene 1.

[7] Book i. canto 10.

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Book 1, Canto 10.

[8] The term “fairy struck” is applied to paralytic affections, which are supposed to proceed from a blow given by the invisible hand of an offended fairy; this belief, of course, creates fairy doctors, who by means of charms and mysterious journeys profess to cure the afflicted. It is only fair to add, that the term has also a convivial acceptation, the fairies being not unfrequently made to bear the blame of the effects arising from too copious a sacrifice to Bacchus.

[8] The term “fairy struck” refers to paralysis that people believe results from a blow from the invisible hand of an offended fairy. This belief, of course, leads to the rise of fairy doctors, who claim to cure those affected through charms and mysterious journeys. It's also worth mentioning that the term has a social meaning, as fairies are often blamed for the consequences of excessive drinking in tribute to Bacchus.

The importance attached to the manner and place of burial by the peasantry is almost incredible; it is always a matter of consideration and often of dispute whether the deceased shall be buried with his or her “own people.”

The importance that the peasantry places on the way and location of burial is almost unbelievable; it is always a topic of consideration and often a source of conflict whether the deceased should be buried with their "own people."

[9] A peculiar class of beggars resembling the Gaberlunzie man of Scotland.

[9] A strange type of beggars similar to the Gaberlunzie man from Scotland.

[10] Inch—low meadow ground near a river.

[10] Inch—flat land close to a river.

[11] A ford of the river Funcheon (the Fanchin of Spenser,) on the road leading from Fermoy to Araglin.

[11] A shallow crossing of the river Funcheon (the Fanchin of Spenser), on the road from Fermoy to Araglin.

[12] i. e. “In the time of a crack of a whip,” he took off his shoes and stockings.

[12] i. e. “At the snap of a whip,” he took off his shoes and socks.

[13] About two hundred yards off the Dublin mail-coach road, nearly mid-way between Kilworth and Fermoy.

[13] About two hundred yards off the Dublin mail-coach road, almost halfway between Kilworth and Fermoy.

[14] “Kilmallock seemed to me like the court of the Queen of Silence.”—O’Keefe’s Recollections.

[14] “Kilmallock felt like the palace of the Queen of Silence.” —O’Keefe’s Recollections.

“Nulla manus,
Tam liberalis And general And universal Quam Sullivanis.”

[16] In the county of Galway.

In County Galway.

[17] In the county of Limerick.

In County Limerick.

[18] Spancelled—fettered.

Spancelled—tied up.

[19] “The neighbouring inhabitants,” says Dr. Smith, in his History of Kerry, speaking of Ballyheigh, “show some rocks visible in this bay only at low tides, which, they say, are the remains of an island, that was formerly the burial-place of the family of Cantillon, the ancient proprietors of Ballyheigh.” p. 210.

[19] “The local people,” Dr. Smith notes in his History of Kerry while discussing Ballyheigh, “point out some rocks that are only visible in this bay at low tide, which they believe are the remnants of an island that used to be the burial site for the Cantillon family, the original owners of Ballyheigh.” p. 210.

[20] The remains of Dunkerron Caslle are distant about a mile from the village of Kenmare, in the county of Kerry. It is recorded to have been built in 1596, by Owen O’Sullivan More.—[More, is merely an epithet signifying the Great.]

[20] The ruins of Dunkerron Castle are located about a mile away from the village of Kenmare, in County Kerry. It is said to have been built in 1596 by Owen O’Sullivan More.—[More is simply a title meaning the Great.]

[21] This is almost a literal translation of a Rann in the well-known song of Deardra.

[21] This is nearly a direct translation of a Rann from the famous song of Deardra.

[22] My little girl.

My daughter.

[23] A monotonous song; a drowsy humming noise.

[23] A boring song; a sleepy humming sound.

[24] Give me a kiss, my young girl.

[24] Give me a kiss, my young girl.

[25] Faced, so written by the Chantrey of Kilcrea, for “fecit.”

[25] Confronted, as noted by the Chantrey of Kilcrea, for “made it.”

[26] A splinter, or slip of bog-deal, which, being dipped in tallow, is used as a candle.

[26] A small piece of bog wood that’s dipped in tallow and used as a candle.

[27] Siesteen is a low block-like seat, made of straw bands firmly sewed or bound together.

[27] A Siesteen is a simple block-like seat made from tightly sewn straw strips.

[28] See Weld’s Killarney, 8vo ed. p. 228.

[28] See Weld’s Killarney, 8vo ed. p. 228.

[29] Or slaib; mire on the sea strand or river’s bank.—O’Brien.

[29] Or slaib; muddy ground by the seashore or riverbank.—O'Brien.

[30] Labbig—bed, from Leaba.—Vide O’Brien and O’Reilly.

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Labbig—bed, from Leaba.—See O’Brien and O’Reilly.

"I don't die, and I didn't stay alive:
Think for yourself now, if you have a natural talent. "That I became devoid of one and the other." Dante, Inferno, canto 34.

[32] An English shilling was thirteen pence, Irish currency.

[32] An English shilling was worth thirteen pence in Irish money.

[33] Children.

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Kids.

[34] Tighearna—a lord. Vide O’Brien.

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Tighearna—a lord. See O’Brien.


Download ePUB

If you like this ebook, consider a donation!