of blundering, which is now associated with the nation and character of their Celtic brethren ? Though it be difficult to give a satisfactory answer to this question, the following remarks may not be altogether inapplicable.

First, the Anglo-Hibernians have much of the enthusiasm and humour of the native Irish, and indeed, it appears to me, that by intermarriages, they are a good deal incorporated with each other, though political and religious causes have increased rather than diminished their original animosity.

Secondly, it is certain, that a people when accused of any error are more likely to fall into that error, than if the case had been otherwise. The Irish as a nation are accused of making bulls; and though a colony of English should settle there in the present day, their descendants would naturally be associated with the Hibernian blunderers, and whether guilty or not, would be charged with the habit or failing of that humorous race. The truth is, all nations commit blunders; the English, the Highland, and the Welsh, though not all to the same extent, and a very little additional incongruity of idea would convert them into bulls. What is it then that produces this incongruity of ideas? I answer,

Thirdly, an excess of fancy and humour. It

is to this last quality, which is possessed to an unequalled degree, that we are indebted for all the amusement which the good-natured Irishman affords. While, therefore, the Highland-man and the Welsh are possessed of the language of Ireland, they generally want that excessive fund of humour which induces the poor Hibernian to indulge in the utmost merriment and hilarity. "By what their good humour is produced, we "know not; but that it exists, we are certain. "In Ireland, the countenance and heart expand "at the approach of wit and humour; the "poorest labourer forgets his poverty and toil "in the pleasure of enjoying a joke. Amongst "all classes of the people, provided no malice "is obviously meant, none is apprehended."*

It cannot be supposed, that I should say any thing of the intrepidity and courage of the Irish. This has never been called in question. At this moment they compose a great proportion of our army and navy; and they justly share the glory that has covered our bold and peerless countrymen.

Such is a general outline of the character of our fellow subjects in the neighbouring isle: a character which though surrounded with some blemishes, will rise into higher beauty and perfection, when its calumniators have no longer *Edgworth, p. 258.

the power to do harm-which, when it is brightened from the dark shades, and has acquired that animating lustre to which nature has destined it, will command a much larger share of love and veneration than it has yet obtained. As it is, to give it all the interest to which it has every claim, another pen than mine must describe it. All at which I aim is only to remove prejudice, to correct misrepresentation, and to direct the public attention to a subject which at any time it may not be unpleasing to study, but the consideration of which at present it may be criminal to neglect.

CHAP. III.

THE CHARACTER OF THE IRISH CONTINUED-RE MARKS ON THE POETRY AND MUSIC OF THE IRISH ON THEIR BARDS, SENACHIES, AND HARPERS.

THE subject of this and the following chapter, I once intended to have treated at much greater length; I shall only at present, however, make such remarks as may seem necessary to illustrate the character and genius of the Irish, and as may tend still more evidently to identify that people with the Highlanders.

To shew from the customs, manners, superstitions, and language, a similarity of origin between these two nations,must at least be amusing. But though this may be a subordinate consideration, it is not my chief object. If it can be shewn that the Highlanders and the Irish are one people; that their ancient manner, their poetry, music, and superstition, are nearly alike, then it may be asked, what are those circumstances which have formed the

character of the one with so much heroic elevation, so amiable, and so useful, while that of the other has been prevented from arriving at the same moral attainment, from rising to the same popularity and distinction. The Irishman, as well as the Highlander, possesses, with some limitations, "the generous and chival"rous spirit, the self-subdued mind, the warm "affection to his family-the fond attachmentto "his clan—the love of story and of song-the "contempt of danger and of luxury-the mystic "superstition equally awful and tender." Some of these qualities, perhaps, he possesses in an inferior degree: still it must be allowed that his mind is equally susceptible, and tender, and generous, and he only requires to be placed in circumstances favourable to moral improvement in order to exhibit the same lovely picture, of simplicity and innocence, of affection and fidelity, that may be seen in the glens and recesses of the north.

Campion, with all the prejudices of an Englishman of the sixteenth century, confirms this view of the Irish character, if, indeed, any confirmation be necessary, on a point so obvious though not generally understood."Thepeople are "thus inclined: religious, frank, amorous, ire"ful, sufferable of pains infinite, very glorious, ' delighted with wars,great alms givers,passing

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