* 
382 anecdote, pete 
AN ANECDOTE. 
A Frew years ago, a woman who rented a snug house in 
Dublin, alarmed: the neighbourhood with a strange story 
-of a ghost, drefsed as a female in black robes, that opened 
the curtains of her bed, surrounded by an fllumination like 
lightening, and with a countenance labouring under some 
heavy burden, beckoned the woman to follow her. The 
person haunted, called intwo relationsto sleep with her next 
night ; but they were also equally frightened with groans 
and an uncommon noise, and left the house next day: 
The occupier of the house still persisted. that fhe was 
hot only haunted, but threatened by the ghost; and to 
this fhe made the most solemn oaths, as well as impreca- 
tions, and accordingly took lodgings in a neighbouring 
street. 
The story having gone abroad, hundreds were daily 
drawn by curiosity into the street where the haunted 
house was: and it becoming the subject of conversation 
every where, Mr Nolan, so well known for his poetical 
and political abilities, took up a sporting bet, that he 
wwould suffer himself to be locked up in the house one 
whole night, without the company of any human being. 
About nine o’clock he went, and was fhut up; but for 
the sake of defence against any improper practices, he took 
with him a dog and acaseof loaded pistols, and was not re~ 
leased till six o’clock next morning, when he was found 
by his companions 
The following elegant stanzas will best fhow the situa- 
tion of his mind during the time of his vigils. Suffice it 
to say, he saw no ghost, though he heard a great deal of 
noise ; and loudly threatened to thoot the first one whe 
fast asleep. 
