celebrated in the famous Cualgnian war waged between Connaught and Ulster about the beginning of the first century. An old historical vellum manuscript in my possession states that, "The king of Leinster, Fitz-Patrick, being at war with the king of Munster, entered into a treaty with O'More, then settled in the North of Ireland. The latter having come with considerable force to the assistance of his ally, succeeded in defeating the Momonians, and claimed the fulfilment of the conditions entered into with him. This being refused, he seized upon the territory of Leix (Laoighes) a country now comprehending the greater part of the Queen's county, which he parcelled out amongst his followers, the O'Kelly's, O'Lalors, Devoys, or Macaboys, O'Dorans and O'Dowlins, whose descendants remain there to this day. These septs were bound on all occasions to obey O'More, to do him homage, and pay him chiefry." These transactions occurred in the tenth century. Subjoined to this account is the following entry in a modern hand-" Part of this tribute, or chiefry, continued to be paid until the year of our Lord 1753.” One of the noblest characters the world ever produced, Sir Thomas More, chancellor of England in the reign of Henry VIII., is stated to have been descended from the O'More's of Ireland. See his Memoirs by his grandson, Thomas More, London, 1727. Another member of this family, Roger, or Rory O'More, is rendered memorable by the prominent part which he performed in the tragic scenes of 1641. Endowed with talents of the highest order, he was esteemed the glory and protector of the Irish. His praises were sung in their and poems and songs, the national motto generally inscribed on their military ensigns was-" For God and the Virgin and Rory O'More.' "For the Hawk of Erne is near us.” Lough Erne, in the county of Fermanagh, This is one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe. Its waters are discharged into the sea at Ballyshannon, in the county of Dongall. At this place is the celebrated salmon leap, so well known that it needs no description here. PHELIM O'NEILL. Time has not handed down any particulars of the Phelim O'Neill here commemorated, except that he was descended from that powerful family which so long ruled Ireland with sovereign sway. The violent commotions of the seventeenth century, struck to the dust the topmost branch of this great Milesian tree. Well may Ireland exclaim at the present day— "Hei mihi, qualis erat! quantum mutatus ab illo Virgil. Æneid. II. 274. There are, however, many descendants of this celebrated family, though not bearing its ancient dignities, whose patriotic feelings and private virtues would reflect honor on their noble ancestry, even in the proudest days of its splendor. Their names I am prohibited from mentioning, and I regret the circumstance, for the cause of virtue and patriotism is ever promoted by pointing out their followers for imitation. Aithníghtheár Air thortha̸ibh ná g-erárn Aye! by the fruit the goodly tree is known; In form, in hue, in character, the same. The translation of "Phelim O'Neill may remind our musical readers of O'Keefe's "Rose tree in full bearing," in "The Poor Soldier." For the music-combined with Moore's beautiful words beginning, "I'd mourn the hopes that leave me," See Irish Melodies, No. 5, p. 49. 1 PLANXTY PEYTON. Toby Peyton was head of a respectable family of that name, in the county of Leitrim. He appears to have been a favourite with our bard, and, from the description contained in the present song, might be pronounced as possessed of kindred feelings. Carolan celebrated Miss Bridget Peyton, his friend's daughter, in a pretty poem, beginning,— Ta inghín Kérách Ag Tubóid Péáton, do zháid mo ghnéidh A's mo shláinte ukim : Air chásádh A céibhe 's A rose már fhéur ghlas, 30 3-cuirfeadh sí ná céudtha̸ K' n-ukigh. "Who has horsewhip and sword." So MK's cloidheamh no bátá 'n « lámháibh has been translated. A Galway copy of this song reads MK's piostal no báta, &c. "If pistol or cudgel, &c." After consulting some friends experienced in these matters, I am inclined to retain the former reading, as swords, in their opinion, were in use before pistols. This subject brings to mind a singular signpost, which until lately might have been seen suspended over an inn door in that duel-loving county. It contained some ill-spelt notification now forgotten, surmounted by a huge horsewhip, and no less formidable pistol, drawn saltier. On enquiry I found that this curious specimen was "put up " subsequent to Carolan's time, in order to commemorate the well known attack made by Captain O'Kelly, of that county, on the "lying" English traveller, Twiss.-Captain O'Kelly was one of those Irish Catholics, who, in despite of penal laws, spilled their blood against Catholic France and Spain, in defence of their Protestant sovereign George III. But to return to Toby Peyton. It is related that Carolan once praising him in the presence of a priest, the latter, for some reason, expressed his dissent, on which the bard replied, extempore Molánn zách Kén An t-é bhídheús cráibhtheKch, cóir, Agus molann an chléir An t-é bhídheás páirtea̸ch leó ; Dar solus ná gréine is é mo rádh go deoígh, Go molpad gan spéís gán bhréig An t-áth már gheóbhád. The kind good man must all our praise command, To this one rule I'll hold thro' good and ill And as I find them I must praise them still. For the air of our lively Planxty, see Irish Melodies, No. V. p. 18,-"The young May moon." MADAM CROFTON. 'Madam Crofton is said to have been the lady of Sir Edward Crofton of Moate, in the county of Roscommon, baronet. The air of these charming stanzas is sweet and simple. The English reader may recognize in the translation the metre of the well-known "One bottle more;" and our Irish friends will be reminded of their old favorite "Cad é sin do'n t-é sin nách báineann sin dó.”—"What's that to any one whether or no." PEGGY CORCORAN. 1 These elegant stanzas were addressed to the daughter of the "Hero of Limerick," to whom, as we have seen, Carolan's grateful muse had before paid a tribute. The Irish reader will immediately recognize the translation, as adapted to the sweet old air of "Thugámáir féin Án sámhr« linn.”"We have brought the summer with us." "The nobles of Spain have been seen at her side." Multitudes of the exiled victims of the penal laws of Ireland, during the last century, became eminent in arts and arms throughout Europe. Many of them were conspicuous in promoting the honor and prosperity of every country except their own. In France and Spain, particularly, their virtues and valor were repeatedly crowned with the most distinguished marks of honor; and we find the politic rulers of those countries not unfrequently exalting them to the highest ranks of the nobility. Not all those honors, however, could make them forget their native land. Deóráidhthe siorá zán szíth, gan sos, Restless exiles doomed to roam, Meet pity every where; Yet languish for their native home, Tho' death attends them there. |