,430 An Irish Funeral. 



its construction from ours. The platform had 

 a lofty top covering, supported by four posts 

 at the angles ; the sides were open, and exposed 

 the coffin to view. On passing the hearse we 

 were struck with the sight of a female figure 

 lying on the platform, with her arm thrown 

 over the coffin, and her face covered with a 

 black scarf. We sympathized in the affliction 

 which seemed to be expressed. 



It is a painful spectacle to witness the last 

 solemn rites ; the last expression of regard and 

 respect to those we value, consigned to merce- 

 naries. The heart-felt tear of affection is de- 

 manded to mingle with the dust, as it descends 

 in the grave, of a beloved relation or friend ! 



On reaching the inn we found the hearse 

 was removing the body of a Miss O'Donaghue, 

 to Mucross Abbey, there to repose with her 

 illustrious ancestors. The female mourner was 

 her servant, and the deep affliction in which 

 she appeared on our meeting the funeral, we 

 were told, was entirely assumed, and was mere 

 acting ; for that in passing through the town 

 she had been seated on the coffin, and was said 

 to have been laughing and diverting herself 

 with some of the attendants. Though but a 

 moment before I had felt great commiseration 



