226 Dancing Party in the Road. 



deep and painful interest. I did not suspect 

 the Irish funeral ceremony could have been 

 rendered so truly impressive and affecting. 



1 low variously chequered are the scenes of 

 life! We had scarcely recovered from the 

 melancholy sensations the last spectacle had 

 produced, when we became arrested by a large 

 party, assembled at the entrance of a village, 

 and engaged in dancing reels in the road. 

 Their performance, which by no means dis- 

 graced them as dancers, exhibited so much life 

 and spirit, that we became interested specta- 

 tors of their rural festivity. Such was the 

 buoyancy of youth, animated by the presence 

 of beauty, that the discordant notes of a mise- 

 rable fiddle called forth a joy and light- 

 heartedness truly enviable. 



We obtained an extensive view of Lough Rea, 

 with its numerous islands. Its margin is flat ; 

 and the Shannon, which passes through it, may 

 be considered as forming the lake. 



Athlone is a considerable town, and rendered 

 important as commanding the passage of the 

 Shannon. The surrounding country is still flat, 

 and has few beauties to recommend it. Athlone 

 is the station of a large military force and a 



