252 LIFE IN IRELAND 



willows, evergreens, roses, lilies ; and in truth nature, 

 to embellish this place, has 



' Rifled all the breathing spring.' 



Parties of every rank and number crowded the walks, 

 and music played on every side. Brian Boru, ever in 

 mirthful mood, proposed a dance, and the marble ring 

 in the centre was chalked down by Mr. Jenkiiis with 

 much taste. The band of the military battalion of Life 

 Levellers from Swords, played in great style ; and Brian 

 led off my Lady Demiquaver to the old national air 

 of ' Terry L O the Grinder.' Sir Shawn picked out a 

 lovely little Shainrock drest Rose from the borders of 

 Downshire, and made an elegant display; never was 

 a happier party — 



What have we with care to do ? ■ 

 Mirth, admit me of thy crew. 



Upon returning to the arbour, Brian made no 

 hesitation in taking his partner upon his knee, and she 

 did not seem in the least offended by the liberty he 

 thus presumed to take. 



Sir Shawn was delighted, and hugged his little 

 Downshire friend with rapture ; but it was not only 

 the rapture of love for her — but rapture arising from 

 the idea that he had gained a main point, by having 

 an object to which Brian could be directed^ and from 

 which he could derive no danger. 



Lady Demiquaver had no mercenary motives in 

 view; she was rich and independent — in truth, she was 

 a Lady Bellasfon, such as Fielding describes in the 

 novel of Tom Jones : her moral virtues were many, 



