the air of
'Croppies lie Down,' in a style that was perfectly irresistible.

"Thus ended a night in an Orange Lodge, but not so out of it. Those who
had to go any distance, were armed, and the consequence was, that when
they got into the street, they commenced their usual courses: shots were
fired in every direction, offensive songs were sung--any money for the
face of a Papist--to hell with the Pope--Ram down Catholics, and so
on. At length, by degrees these all ceased, the streets gradually grew
quiet, then still, and another night closed upon the habits of a class
of men, who, in the wantonness of their power, scarcely knew what they
did.

"Having witnessed the scene just described--a scene that accounted very
clearly for at least one important phase of Irish life--I deemed it full
time to go to bed, this being the inn in which I stop. I accordingly was
about to ascend the staircase, from the lobby, for we sat in the back
drawing-room, when I thought I heard a voice that was not unfamiliar to
me, giving expression to language--in which I could perceive there was
a very peculiar blending of love and devotion; that is to say, it was
exceedingly difficult, from the admirable tact with which he balanced
the application of the two principles, whether Solomon, for it was he,
loved the physical or the spiritual system of the barmaid, for it was
she, with more earnestness and warmth. The family at this time had all
retired for the night, with the exception of boots, and the barmaid in
question, a well made, pretty Irish girl, with a pair of roguish eyes in
her head, that beamed with fun and good humor. Solomon, instead of going
home, had got into a little retired spot behind the bar, called the
snuggery, and into which, of course, she attended him with a glass of
liquor.

"'Eliza,' said Solomon, 'Eliza, I have often had an intention of asking
you to allow me the privilege and the pleasure, Eliza, of some serious
conversation with you. It is a trying world, a wicked world, and to--to
a girl--so charming a girl as you are, Eliza--'

"'Charming, Mr. M'Slime; well, well!'

"'Charming, certainly, as regards your person, your external
person--your person is indeed very charming, and verily, Eliza, this
brandy and water is truly precious, so beautifully blended, that I
cannot--now, Eliza, will you pardon me a small, but, I trust, not
unedifying joke; yes, you will--I know--I see you will--very well, then,
the little joke is