38 WHAT I HAVE SEEN WHILE FISHING 



When we had parted with the interesting old 

 couple all thoughts of the fair were ousted by the 

 magnificent views of the country and ocean that 

 surrounded the spot on which we stood. Below us 

 lay Fintragh Bay, with its flesh-coloured strand ; 

 and away in the very far distance the Sligo coast, 

 having for its background the dark blue outline of 

 Ben Bulbin. Here there is unbounded delight for 

 the eyes, while mouth and nostrils are filled with 

 breezes fresh from Atlantic waves, and over all, a 

 most delightful sense of space and freedom. 



As some of my readers may not as yet have 

 visited Ireland, they may be anxious as to the 

 reception that would be accorded them in the 

 wild highlands. I assure them they may be easy 

 on that score. They will not be long in discovering 

 that their presence is felt by one and all to be a 

 compliment to the town and to the district in which 

 they are staying, and that each and every individual 

 feels a proprietary right in them as his guests, not- 

 withstanding the proud position assumed by their 

 particular host, whosoever he may be. Your person 

 and property will be absolutely secure ; no man will 

 injure either ; neither will he allow annoyance to 

 approach you. Woe to the luckless spalpeen that 

 shall disgrace them by begging of you ! 



" Sir Knight ! I feel not the least alarm, 

 No son of Erin will offer me harm : 

 For, though they love women and golden store, 

 Sir Knight ! they love honour and virtue more." 



