LIFE IN IRELAND 71 



Mountain I 'd have done it, but as to water for floating 

 her in, sure that was none of my business, but rested 

 with God Almighty and yourself to look after.' 



The sloop was converted into a summer-house, so 

 have the Martello Towers : thus the implements of 

 destruction and business are turned into sources of 

 good humour and laziness ; and I don't know but it 

 is better they should. Thanks to the magnanimity of 

 the Holy Alliance and the climate of St. Helena, we 

 have no occasion for Martello Towers, as we have 

 no enemies, and we want no ships, as we have no 

 commerce. 



What with the noise of the artillery, and the howls 

 of rapture from the delighted nobility, gentry, and 

 mobility, the scene was richly imposing. The ladies 

 of the squares and the judies of the cellars vied with 

 each other in stentorian shouts and bodily exertions 

 of applause. Parasols^ cabbage nets, oyster towels, 

 India fans, muslin handkerchiefs, and twisted aprons 

 mingled in the air to give grace to the ceremony. 



' To sing them all requires a thousand tongues, 

 A throat of brass and adamantine lungs.' 



There in beauteous array, with Turkish turbans crowned 

 with Irish Shamrocks, gilt with gold leaf, and festooned 

 Avith diamonds, 



' Grace in their steps, Heaven in their eye, 

 In every gesture dignity and love,' 



there moved the matchless Irish fair, at the sight of 

 whom in bloodless pomp arrayed, 



' Age feels new vigour, youth with eager gaze 

 Enchanted stands, and has not power to praise ' ; 



