at the boldness of my intrusions on your more important avocations, or disgusted at the freedom with which I tell you my sentiments; but I think you would not despise me a bit more on the latter account. With bad paper, pale ink, and an unintelligible scrawl, did I first from Killeigh address your ladyship; and yet you answered me with a long and estimable essay. How can I improve my taste, or embellish my natural parts, in Killeigh; in a sordid village, with not one of any literary intelligence, or even common sense, that I know of, resident in it? Mr. Boyd, I allow, is a man of great genius, admirable learning, and wonderful discernment; but can he alone, who moreover is not very talkative, instil an elegant taste into my obdurate and (by my good friends' permission) diabolical heart? My scheme is, if possible, to gain your ladyship's name to illumine the dedication of my trifles; and if they succeed in Ireland, then to beseech some letters to

London. My intention when there, is to publish weekly a periodical paper entitled "The Inquisitor;' and I am assured that by the means of your ladyship's even nominal patronage, I cannot fail of supporting myself.

the

Now, madam, can you call that ingratitude? can you so name my willingness to pursue happiness? Your ladyship has never seen me but once; you may be imposed on by the suggestions of malice and revenge: I shall very soon be in Dublin, and I will then take the liberty of personally defending myself.

"I am, madam, with sincere gratitude, your ladyship's humble and obedient ser

vant,

"THOMAS DERMODY."

Killeigh, March 14th, 1791."

VOL. I.

R

To Mr. Thomas Dermody, at the Reverend Mr. Boyd's, Killeigh.

"DEAR SIR,

"I RECEIVED your letter some days ago; and should have answered it before, had I not been prevented by being obliged to go to the county of Wicklow on particular business. I am sorry you have not made up your mind for college; and more sorry to think that, from the reasons you have assigned, I fear you never will. We all certainly wished that you should have entered the college, and for this solid reason; that you might have derived from such an education a maintenance independant of that precarious support which is to be derived from the brightest talents.

"However, let your determination be what it may, I don't think that lady Moira will withdraw her patronage as long as you continue deserving of it. The difficulty will be, in knowing how that patronage can be

exerted with effect, as long as you remain without any profession. If you will publish your poems by subscription, I think we shall be able to extend your list of sub scribers; and if any thing sufficient for a London jaunt is made by that means, perhaps we might procure you some recommendation there.

"I am sorry to hear that your health is bad; but as Mr. Boyd has not mentioned it to me, I hope you spoke only from the feelings of a headache with which you were affected when you wrote last. You will write to me whenever you have leisure, and be particular about your health. Let me know when I am to mention the contents of your last letter to lady Moira: her ladyship's generosity, or that of her family, cannot be affected, I think, by your determination, for which you alledge such reasons. Your interest was the object of all our attention; and in whatever way that can be promoted, you may expect such

assistance as is in our power: and nothing can make you forfeit that assistance, but a previous forfeiture of character. You will remember me in the most affectionate manner to Mr. Boyd; and believe me to be, with truth, yours,

"Dublin, March 1791."

"E. BERWICK."

To the Right Honourable the Countess of Moira,

"MADAM,

"I HAVE read your two last letters (the first dated September 20th, the other October the 18th) many times since I had the honour of receiving them; but this morning, in particular, have carefully studied them. I considered it as proper, now at the expiration of my time, to know if the opinions concerning me in the letters were your ladyship's sincere sentiments. Pardon my boldness for presuming to ques