136 LIFE IN IRELAND 



The canal basin is near a mile in circumference, more 

 or less. Here the boats all started, four in number. Tl^e 

 men were clad in sky blue scarlet^ and the rowmen in 

 drab coloured red \ they had to row seven times round 

 the SEVEN MILE-STONE, fixed in the middle of the pool, 

 and upon it stood a cow, a real Irish cow, from Liss- 

 munshanagan; this was the prize for the winner. Brian 

 was a good boatsman (you recollect his drowning his 

 tutor in the Shannon), he seized a pair of skulls, and 

 swore to contend for the prize. Sir Shawn had so 

 often row'd from Dublin to Howth and Lamboe, that 

 he was accounted ' prime at the stick,' on the quay — he 

 also stept into a wherry, and the Vice-Regal King gave 

 his assent. 'Twas rum work to see the Baronet and 

 Brian in court dresses, tugging at the oar, and all the 

 assembled quality round in high glee. 



Away they row'd ; the Pats in their places where they 

 had long practised, held a good tug. Sir Shawn was 

 admired for the elegant manner in which he feather'd 

 his oar, but the strength of Brian carried all before 

 him, and he fairly won the cow. 



SONG OF TRIUMPH 



Come down, Mistress Cow, 

 Unto Brian Boru, 



Come down, Mrs. Cow, you 'r his prize : 

 Unto Liss-mun-shanagan 

 You ne'er can go home again, 



For you '11 stay here, if you 'r wise. 



Brian received the cow in his boat, and, as is 

 customary, mounted her back, crowned with Sham- 

 rock, Sir Shawn supported the tail, the minstrels 



