Ixxxv 



mily. After much consideration, he felt still disposed to adopt his 

 originally intended profession, and was actually engaged in Dublin 

 (1757), with that object in view. But a young gentleman of large 

 fortune, handsome person, and pleasing manners, like Kirwan, re- 

 ceived such flattering attentions from the Gal way families resident 

 in Dublin, that he could scarcely escape the nets spread for him in 

 all directions. Caught he certainly was ; the young philosopher 

 fell in love ; he preferred the marriage vow to the monastic vow ; 

 and communicated his situation and opinions to his brother An- 

 drew, in a pithy and very candid letter, of which the following is 

 an extract : 



" Dublin, March 8, 1757. 



" My dear Brother, — I received your's two days ago, and 

 was agreeably surprised at your not calling for money as usual, 

 and that immediately, and by return of post. I shall send you 



some, on that account, very soon, if it be possible. Miss C 



is not taller than Miss F , very ugly and very fat. Miss 



H is very disagreeable to me ; and Miss D does not 



know how either to read or write. * * * If you be not averse to 

 it, I like another of £4000, who possesses every amiable qualifi- 

 cation, &c. &c. 



" I am your most affectionate, loving brother, 



" Richard Kirwan." 



To this the following answer was sent by Andrew : 



" London, March 21, 1757. 

 " Dear Brother, — I received your kind favour on the l6th, 

 but could not answer it sooner, as I kept my bed eight days. If you 

 are in love with the lady, my being averse to her is of no conse- 

 quence ; but this I know, that before the honeymoon is out you 

 will repent it. £4000 is nothing to you ; it is soon gone, &c. &c." 



Much good advice followed, which, however, was not taken. 

 Prudent Andrew's counsel came too late, for the deed was alrea- 

 dy done; and there is reason to believe, from a bill afterwards 

 filed in Chancery, that, even when the philosopher asked his bro- 



