254 
which is capable of appreciating its claims; and it found both 
in your Excellency. You not only received the statements 
which were laid before you on its part with the courtesy be- 
fitting your exalted rank, but you took them up like one who 
felt the real dignity of intellect; you made them your own, 
and gaye them a weight without which they might possibly 
have passed unheeded, and, certainly, would never have at- 
tained the present full success. 
‘‘ For this—which is, in fact, a gift of new life and power 
to the Academy—it it our duty to thank your Excellency, and 
not for this only. 
‘¢We could mention many other instances, though pre- 
sented in a less tangible form, in which the same enlightened 
estimation of our objects has been shown—one, however, ought 
not to be passed by without special acknowledgment: the 
Commission which, we trust, will result in the publication of 
the Brehon Laws—a work of the highest value, from its bear- 
ings on the ancient history and literature of Ireland. 
“In fine, of all who for a long period have filled your Ex- 
cellency’s high office, there is none to whom we are so deeply 
indebted, or whose name will be more closely connected with 
the prosperity and progress of the Royal Irish Academy.” 
ANSWER. 
“ GENTLEMEN,—It was my intention to return a written 
answer to the Address which you have done me the honour to ~ 
present, but having been unable to prepare it, by busimess 
connected with my departure, and by some unexpected inter- 
ruptions this morning, I must beg you to accept the extem- 
poraneous expression of my gratitude for your Address, which 
will always rank high among the agreeable recollections I carry 
away with me from this country. 
‘* The Royal Irish Academy is, to my mind, one of the 
most national Institutions in Ireland. I entertain for many 
