LIFE IN IRELAND 289 



years that he has been on half -pay. When he was on 

 full pay, I fought by his side, and once saved his life, 

 and he twice saved mine ; and although the Kilmain- 

 ham Lads call me in ridicule ' The interpreter to a 

 wooden leg on half-pay,' I don't care for that ; I would 

 go to the devil to serve my master. I honour you for 

 the sentiment, said Brian, although it is wrapped up 

 in homely language ; and here is something to drink 

 your master's health when occasion offers. 



May you never be without a Sovereign as long as you 

 live, said the corporal, as he felt the yellow in his palm. 

 Aye, and that Sovereign George the Fourth, replied 

 Brian ; for if he is not a great warrior, he is the greatest 

 gentleman that ever sat on the throne, and a peace- 

 maker, which, corporal, I value more than a war-maker; 

 no disparagement to your trade, which at times and 

 seasons is the staple commodity of this country, and 

 often her salvation. 



But the letter, your Honour — I suppose you can't 

 read it — No, by my faith, so take it, Mr. Interpreter, 

 and let me know its meaning. 



You shall have it, said the corporal, ve?-brate him add 

 liter hate him., as the Latin says in Irish translations. 



' Morning — Breakfast-time. 



' To Brian Boru, Esquire. — My dear fellow, — There 

 is a grand review in the Park to-day ; all the reguhrs 

 in Dublin have a regular turn out, and all the yeomanry 

 are to be suspected by the commander-in-chief at large : 

 there will be some fun, much good science, and a 

 splendid shew : all the fashion will be there. Lady 



T 



