240 LIFE IN IRELAND 



he was born, as to see his master in his own hired 

 house. In truth, he blubbered with joy, and trembled 

 so exceedingly, that he could not take off his master's 

 coat, or hand his foot the boot jack. 



Let in, said Brian, to-night by my own servant, 

 Mooney. Go to bed, I admire your fidelity, and it 

 shall not go unrewarded ; he was not above shaking 

 hands with a faithful friend, though in a humble situa- 

 tion : he had a heart, and a valuable one — it was rich 

 in every good quality, and he knew the value of honest 

 integrity, nor cared whether he found it under the 

 bronze silk of flaming loyalty, or the ragged frize coat 

 of Pat in the Bogs. 



Brian slept very sound, and dreamt of nothing but 

 future happiness and Lady Demiquaver. 



Lady Demiquaver was, as we have before observed, 

 a very pretty woman, past the meridian of life, but still 

 retaining all the fascinations of her youth : she had a 

 playful vivacity about her, and a sort oi je ne sa quois 

 that struck the heart at once with all the force of 

 Cupid's arrows, directed by Venus. 



In truth, since the meeting at Dunleary, when they 

 were seated upon the Hill, and viewed the Bay of 

 Dublin, he had entertained a very sneaking sort of 

 kindness for her Ladyship, and her Ladyship also 

 entertained a very strong /^^//^/z^/// for Brian Boru. 



Brian was a handsome fellow, and had an open way 

 with him no one could resist : for instance, when he 

 talked with Lady Demiquaver, he made no ceremony 

 of laying his hand upon her knee, her shoulder, or any 

 part that was most convenient to give force to the 

 arguments he was pushing forwards. 



