LIFE IN IRELAND 139 



Ward was first introduced into Ireland by a man named 

 Hamilton ; he first appeared as Prime Minister to the 

 Laundry Maid in Mrs. Coertown's Lodge, where men and 

 women are collected like barnacles upon a whale's back. 

 Sir Shawn was first introduced, and made his bow 

 before the great Lord Nor — y, and seven more Lords of 

 a portlier size. He made his obeisances, and introduced 

 his friend Brian Boru, who was graciously received. 



The Audience Chamber is not very long, about a 

 ten yards or so ; here are fixed in silent state the great 

 viceroy, his greater vice-gerents and all the rabble from 

 Dirty Lane, and Three Thirty Sixes, in Cumberland 

 Street. Upon this place stands the Lord Lieutenant 

 and all his courtiers, and before them appeared, to 

 make their bow, Sir Shawn O'Dogherty and Brian 

 Boru. With them there were some others, but of no 

 consequence. The chair of state is one very ancient ; 

 it was made in the time of Edward the Fourth, and 

 has upon its back the emblazoned arms of Great 

 Britain, but these are very different from what they are 

 now; the Rose and the Thistle are closely combined, 

 and some additional illustrations give a most prepon- 

 derous appearance to the Royal Theatre. ' Sir, I am 

 glad to see you and your friend,' said the Lord Luff; 

 'You are welcome, Bedershen,' said Brian Boru. 

 'Thank you,' said Sir Shawn O'Dogherty, and after 

 one minute's bowing and scraping, the Lord Luff called 

 upon the Lord Chamberlain to give him his sword. 

 'I mean to knight you, Mr. Boru.' 'Thanks,' said the 

 humble suppliant, and in a moment he rose a better 

 knight than Sir Shawn, or any other in his country. 

 Irish knights are very peculiar. In England any very 



