LIFE IN IRELAND 287 



no less, — and liad he done more he would not have 

 been blamable, although his prudence did receive a 

 trifling shock from his generosity. 



He also sent Mooney out to purchase several articles 

 of female dress, which we enumerated in a former part 

 of this work, and which he had promised to send Lady 

 Macanalty, for he still had a kind recollection of the 

 happy hours he had spent with her in the hayfields of 

 Gal way. 



To be sure his sentiments were much altered, — more 

 refined, if not less chaste; and in the society of such 

 elegant females as Lady Demiquaver, a revolution had 

 taken place in his feelings for the better, as a man 

 cannot too soon get rid of low ideas. Mooney re- 

 turned, and his master was satisfied with his marketing, 

 which was carefully packed up, and directed to the care 

 of the parish priest, and dispatched by the Limerick 

 coach. Some trifles were added from Mooney to his 

 sweetheart, and Brian felt himself relieved from a 

 painful debt of gratitude : it was only neglect that had 

 occasioned it, and now the evil was repaired manifold. 



The following was Brian Boru's letter to the parish 

 priest : — 



To Mr. John Swyllywhish, P. P. at Borne Town. 

 To be left at Boru Castle. 



'Sir, — I enclose you some drapery for Lady Maca- 

 nalty, as by this time her adorning must be very 

 tra?ispare7if, and you may read all her perfections with- 

 out the help of glasses, which are great dimness of the 

 vision. 



' I also send you some small trifles for Patrick 



