involve the present clamourers in Ireland. We consider them merely as ignorant and vulgar-minded men, talking of matters which they do not comprehend, labouring for results of which they have scarcely a conception, and seizing the topic, simply for the mean and miserable purposes of professional lucre. The pen of a public writer is degraded by the mention of these obscure brawlers. Public taste is insulted by the mere mention of their vulgarism, their rant, and their reviling; public feeling altogether scorns and repels their naked, low, and contemptible motives. We are satisfied that those men do not desire the overthrow of the Constitution, so long as they can make a shilling more under it, than they could under a mob government. We are satisfied that the bitterest blow to them would be that "emancipation," for which they clamour; and that, if there was a chance of it, they would set all their engines at work to keep up a brawl, out of which they make their criminal profits, and their bastard popularity. It is a burlesque to call those Irish ranters public men.

But there is a deeper source of evil, a direct, bitter, and subtle enmity against the freedom and eminence of England, engendered in Rome, sustained by the money of the national enemy, and administered by the emissaries of Popery among ourselves. The punishment of England for its abjuration of the Papacy, is the undying hope of Popery abroad. This is notorious. The magnitude and glory of the British Empire is a source of jealousy; her Popish population is a source of hope; there is a secret weekly correspondence carried on between the Papists in Ireland and England, and the Papal Court! The Jesuits, a race expelled from human society, scarcely half a century back, for offences against the civil order of all nations, have been revived by the late Pope, and been sent by the present one into England and Ireland! They are engrossing the education of the people in the north and west of England, they are founding seminaries in

Ireland; and with foreign money in their hands, foreign principles in their heads, and the example of that long list of tyrants, idolaters, and persecutors, whose work they do; the first occasion of public calamity will find Popery showing among ourselves what it has been among the French and Spaniards, exclusive, tyrannical, and exterminating.

How near that great and final trial of the spirits may be, is of course beyond human knowledge. But that we shall have another test of our principles, another summons to the manliness and integrity of the national heart, and the holiness and truth of the Christian religion, to be on their guard against most hazardous incursion, we have no doubt. It would be easy to point out the signs by which this formidable menace is given. But it is our more important duty to take care, as far as in us lies, that the evil do not come upon us unawares. tice and clemency to the Roman Catholic, but fidelity to the memory of our ancestors, and honour to our constitution and religion, must be our motto, when the hour of the conflict shall come.

Jus

To preserve and cherish the rights and principles of his people, is the first duty of a sovereign. This, the greatest of our queens did, and for this she deserves all the gratitude of her rescued empire. No sovereign ever had so mighty a responsibility laid upon her. The world was shaken by religious convulsion; and all its elements were leagued against the last spot to which true Christianity had fled as to a house of refuge. Military strength, full of the pride of successful wars, was arrayed against her solitary kingdom. Papal intolerance thundered against her religion. Domestic treason was darkening round her throne; but she was strong in the cause of truth, and God; and if the veil had at that hour been taken from before her eyes, she would have seen, like the servant of Elisha, her kingdom surrounded by more than mortal protection-the "horses and the chariots of fire."

"WELL, next day, just a little before dinner, the signal-man aroused the curiosity of all hands, by announcing that the Admiral's boat had just pushed off, and was making for the fleet. The decks were instantly crowded, and we all watched in silence his barge, as it slowly moved onwards alongside the George, where his flag had been once more that morning hoisted. About an hour after he was on board, she began to telegraph the shore; and immediately afterwards the officers of the fleet were seen hurrying on board the Admiral from all quarters. As all this plainly showed us there was something of importance in the wind, the ship's committee was directly mustered, and they immediately resolved, that, as soon as dinner was over, the signal for all delegates of the fleet should be hoisted at the main. This was accordingly done, and as promptly obeyed.

Now, Adams,' cried Tom Allen, as soon as he was seated, 'we'll shortly see what is the meaning of the very pretty story you made such a riot about yesterday, regarding Pole and his fine promises; for mind me, d'ye see, I still am of opinion it is all a bam. It rather strikes me, mate-and you must excuse me for giving my frank notion of the matter, that their present meeting is merely to see what effect his smooth-tongued palaver has had upon us simple souls; and whether they can't gammon the whole fleet as easily as they did you and old Tomlins.'

"Why, who the devil can doubt it, Tom, but that there's their very intention,' cried Bill Senator, peevishly, 'when they all must have seen, or had it told them, how greedily Jack and his old chum swallowed the bait; and not only did so, but bolted it down, forsooth, with a white flag and a band of music!'

"Ay, there's the nailer,' cried Jack Vassy; the flag and the music played the devil, and certainly carried the joke a little too far. Hang me, if I'd ever believed it of Adams, who, I'm certain, is not so easily gulled on other occasions.'

"Gulled here or gulled there, what are ye making a' this wark about?' cried Jamie Blyth, a countryman of our own; Jock Adams is nae mair than ane o' our number; and, in faith, I think, on that very account, there's very little harm done. Will they gull us a', think ye, lads? for that's the proper question; and until they do that, ye've devilish little to complain o.' For mysell, I'll only say, that I defy the haile tribe o' them to come ower me wi' their flashy ha. vers. Na, na, I want nane o' their nonsense-I want deeds, not wordsand, until they gie me them, to the wuddy wi' their blarney.'

"True, true, my hearty,' cried Senator; you're perfectly correct. The making a goose of Adams affects not our cause in the smallest. But, don't you think now, that it would have been fully as well had he not been so simple as to make such a noise about nothing?'

"Wha the devil doubts that, William?' returned Blyth; but ye suld aye recollect that Jock is only a fallible creature, liable to err-and we are nae mair-ay, if we are as gude. I'm only wanting to say, that I think he has done nae great harm yet-and that I see not a morsel of occasion for a' this tirwurring and flyting at him.'

"During all this time, Ned, I sat silent, and really felt somewhat ashamed. The remarks were so feasible, and so boldly uttered, that I was absolutely staggered as to the truth of my message altogether, and all the more so, as the day was wearing away without a syllable from authority making its appearance. However, determined not to knock under, I still insisted that they all should have patience, and at least wait the issue of the present conference, which I was certain, I said, would produce something.

"Oh, I've not the smallest doubt of that, Jack,' cried Senator, laughing sarcastically; 'belike we shall be served out with another whacking allowance of their flummery."

"Ay ay, as you say, Bill," returned Vassy; "for these chaps are all law

yers, you knows, and are nicely up to the tipping us off their chin-music.' "That's buttering a whiting, you mean, I fancy,' chimed Blyth.

'For my part,' resumed Allen, 'I never did see these wiseheads meet together, yet, but what they were always a-hatching of mischief; and, in faith, I expect little else now, come the squall when it may. But, zounds, what's the use on us sitting stuck up here palavering about what is all in my eye and Betty Martin -Come, my hearts, let us on deck at once, and have a look round us; unless, indeed, our worthy Glynne, there, has got some stuff in his locker, and then, why, I haven't the smallest objections to our diving below.'

"Bah, bah, no such thing, Allen,' cried the President, loudly; indeed, indeed, mates, it must not be. Recollect for a moment what you are waiting here for,—to meet with your officers and commanders; and recollect also the mighty importance of the duty committed to your care-no less than the looking after the interests of thousands, who all have their eyes on you. For God's sake, then, my hearts, think not of grog, I beseech you I can see no harm in your breaking up and going on deck-but I must decidedly insist that you shall neither leave the ship, nor fall to a grog-guzzling.'

"Well, well, Morris,' said Valentine Joyce, gruffly, 'you're our officer at present, you know, and must be obeyed; but for all that, in my way of thinking, I can see little harm in Glynne's sporting us a tot or two of his supernaculum, were it no more than to kill time agreeably. However, hang it, let us be jogging, for my shankpainters are getting as crank and stiff as e'er an old woman's in the kingdom.'

Accordingly the council broke up, and were speedily squandered about the various decks. For my own part I retired to my birth, accompanied by Jamie Blyth, with whom I had a long and a serious talk on the matters then going on; in the course of which I discovered, with exceeding regret, that, countryman of mine though he was, and a shrewd, intelligent fellow to boot, he was a complete unbeliever in the fair promises of Government, notoriously infected with disloyalty, and all them other new-fangled wild principles, and altogether, neck and crop,

a keen fellow for change and innovation.

"I think we had chatted the best part of a couple of bells, and in faith I was beginning to get heartily sick of his nonsense, when all hands were piped suddenly on deck, and, hurrying up, who should I see there but our old skipper standing at the capstan uncovered, with a huge lot of papers before him! Having read over these, which contained a frank agreement to grant all our demands, he proceeded to ask the ship's company assembled round him, whether they were now satisfied, and would return to their duty;—but this was a question which no one thought proper to answer. At last, fearful our silence might be misconstrued, I took speech in hand myself, and plumply and flatly told the old boy, that the conducting and settling of the whole affair had been consigned into the hands of the delegates, and to them he must apply for an answer, adding, that I had no doubt but what they agreed to would amply satisfy the fleet.

"Then why don't you call them together, Adams?' said Captain Lock, peevishly; or must I go and beseech them to give his Majesty's message a hearing? I understand the fellows have had the presumption to disgrace my unfortunate vessel by holding their infernal divan in her. It's not unlikely then but they may be on board even now. Go call them together instantly, I command you.'

"I was here very luckily prevented from replying to this vinegar remark, by the abrupt interference of a bulky booby of a holder, who thundered out, laying hold of the Captain's collar,

I'se ha' thee to understond, Loack, thee hast no cummond here noaw-adees, zo had'st better be zivil!-Zookers, fellows did'st thee zay!-dang it, doesn't knaw we ha' a yeard-rope very much at thee sarvice or would'st prefer a zound ducking

"For shame, Gregory,' cried I, interrupting the rude lout, for shame, and recollect who you are speaking to; for mind me, mate, this gentleman comes not here as your commanding officer, but as an ambassador from the Lords Admirals themselves, as well as the Commons, and Lords, and King of the country. So off hands, if you please, and behave to the gentleman as a gentleman, and as one who

brings offers from those who can give us all we either want or wish for.Captain Lock,' continued I, addressing him, to assemble the delegates is out of my power-that can only be done by orders from the President, who, we all think, has highly honoured the Queen, by selecting her from the rest of the fleet for their place of council and consultation. Belike you may think otherwise?'

"I'll be d―d if I don't, Adams,' cried the indignant officer, interrupting me, highly enraged. What, honoured did you say the old victorious Charlotte honoured by being made the very focus of the sedition, disloyalty, and treason of a mob of outlaws -a pack of low, lousy, ungrateful villains!-mean, unruly scum !-the very dregs of mankind, and sweepings of our jails!-Away with such honour for ever!-Hear me, Adams; go, as I command you, and tell these fellows, you call your'

"Gude forgie us! what the wuddy did I hear?' cried Jamie Blyth, bursting forwards, and rudely interrupting him; outlaws, villains, scum !-ha, ha, ha! the auld fallow's surely demented!-Gae wa'-rin, some o' ye, and bring me the darbies-saul, he'll do himsell a mischief else. Haste ye, lads, and as soon's he's fast on his nether end, I'll hear him preach wi' some degree o' pleasure.'

"I've not the smallest doubt, Davies, but this threat would have been put in instant execution, had I not stuck close by him, and loudly maintained that he was to be looked on in no other light than the ambassador from the Lords of Admiralty.

"The ambassador of the Admiralty d'ye ca' him?' cried Blyth, with a sneer; 'a pretty ambassador he maks atweel, and shows himself weel wordy o' his calling. Foul fa' me, gif the Lord Admirals meant him for an ambassador, they've committed a terrible mistake surely, and sent us an illtongued randy o' a keelman in his place.'

"Peace, fellow!' said the Captain, darting at Blyth a look of the utmost contempt; peace, I say; and recollect to whom you are prating.-D'ye hear me, Adams; once more I command you to go instantly and find out your ringleader-your what-d'ye-callum of the gang I mean. Tell him from me to muster his junto of round

heads directly, and to give me an answer in a moment-I'm out of all patience to be rid of such company.'

6

"Then why don't you leave it?' said Bill Senator, who had now joined the assemblage. I'm sure there's none I knows on more welcome; for, whether we wear round hats or cocked ones, this one thing I can tell you, my old bluff blade, that no commands of yours will be obeyed here to-day, so you may march your pumps as soon as pleases you; and, i'faith, if you take my advice, the sooner you shove your boat off the better.'

"Why, who are you that speaks so boldly?' demanded the astonished Captain.

A fellow-servant of your own,' replied the intrepid Senator, bowing lowly, and one too, in my opinion, of infinite more use-though it doesn't please Master to give me a paltry brass farthing for your score of shiners on pay-day.'

"You are indeed a rare villain !' said the Captain, and no doubt will speedily receive your proper reward.'

"I hope so,' replied Senator, coolly; although, I must say, it is devilish long on the road. However, time, you knows, is an excellent toothdrawer, and will tell you to a nicety whose bottom's blackest; so who knows, old one, how soon I mayn't be exalted-though God forbid it should be in your way.'

"Pshaw!' cried the Captain, turning away in disgust—' Harkye, Adams, see, these are the Admiralty papers, by which you will perceive that all your requests, or commands rather, are most graciously complied with. It's more than I'd have done, that's flatbut as it comes from the hand of his Majesty, I've got nothing to say. Take them in keeping assemble your whatd'ye-call-it-and let the admirals, who wait in the flag for the very purpose, know your answer as soon as possible. I came on board to do all this myself— but I've met with too much insolence to have either the wish, or even the patience, to make my stay an instant longer. See about it instantly, there's a good fellow-I'll give you half an hour to consult one another; but if you can come to a conclusion sooner, you know, so much the better. The Admiral himself wishes, that if you are now satisfied, you will signify as much by hauling down the red, and hoisting a

white flag at the main. If I hear not from you in half an hour, you may likely get another messenger-but not me-for I assure you, I shan't submit to be the sport of every prating scoundrel that chooses to insult me. Let me see now how smartly you'll execute this commission of mine-it won't be against you, my good fellow,' whispered he, as he put the papers into my hands, and walked away.

66 6

Well,' cried Bill Senator, looking after him, as he mounted the companion, if there doesn't go a piece of the haughtiest old junk I ever set eyes on.-I say, Adams, what are you going to make of that there trashy gear he's given you?'

"Carry them down to the President directly,' replied I.

66 6

Why then, I'll save you the trouble, my brave boy, for here I am,' said Jack Morris himself, taking the papers out of my hand. So, what have we got here? (reads.) By the Commissioners for executing the office, -ay, that's the Admiralty's-now for the next-Ah !-Given at our Court of Windsor. By the Royal George, we have it at last!-Success and glory, my boys!-I say, Adams, jump down, my heart, and call Brand, the boat swain's-mate-or, I'll tell you, you can do it yourself, tell him from me to pipe an assembly at Council-Board directly, to muster.'

"I immediately did so the call was given, and the delegates instantly obeyed the welcome summons. They were then formally mustered by the President, when Valentine Joyce, and Patrick Glynne, were found amissing. The strictest search on board having proved fruitless, it was immediately conjectured they had stole away on shore, which it was easy to do in some of the numerous shore boats with which the Queen was that day surrounded.

Now, by my soul, mates, if this isn't too bad,' cried the President, exceedingly chagrined, 'to go and cut at the very moment they're most wanted. Were they here now, the job could be settled in a trice-Ba, ba!-I never saw Joyce otherwise with the sight of a glass of grog in the wind.'

"But, hark ye, Master President, can't we proceed without 'em?' asked

one.

"I should think so,' cried another. 'By the hookey, Mark, there are thirty on us here present, and it's very hard indeed if all these must be forced to

hang in the wind for the wilful absence of two. Besides, Master President, do recollect they may not be very easily found now; or, if they are, 'tis ten to one but they'll be found malty.'

"I care not, my good fellows, were they as malty as grog can make them, were they but here present,' cried Jack Morris; because, you'll recollect, our answer must come from the whole assembled delegates-and i'faith I won't proceed without them.'

"For my part, mateys,' said Blyth, 'I aye like to see things of moment gane about in an orderly, sober, and serious manner; and I'm sure ye've nae reason to think other than that our present meeting is one of the greatest importance, baith to oursells, and a' it concerns. I needna fash hardly to add, that, of course, I entirely agree wi' our President; for our decision must, of an absolute needcessity, be the decision of the whole, and not of a part. I wad therefore motion, that Willie Anderson, canny Willie there, be forthwith sent ashore in search of Valy and Pate, to bring them off by hook or by crook, will he or nill he and that, in the meantime, the rest can gang and play themselves as they were doing afore the word came.'

"I agree heartily with you, my lad,' cried Bill Senator; but, avast, will canny Willie, as you call him, be able to manage the pair of 'em, think you? I would rather you'd give Anderson a pell, and then, why, that would make squares.'

"Oh certainly, if it's to be a will he nill he business, there should be no odds,' cried a number.

Aweel, lads, I dinna ken but what ye're right after a',' cried Blyth, 'it'll save reflections. Let me see-ay

what wad ye say to our auld-farrant friend in the corner there, Dennis Lawley?-Od, I'd think he'd do capital; forbye making a gude joke o' the hunting-match they're gaun after-I mean, sending the Scotch and Irish to catch the English and Welsh.'

Well, what say you, mates,' inquired the President,ar't both willing?'

Lawley gave an inquiring glance at Anderson, who seemed all acquiescence; then, shrugging up his shoulders, with a good-humoured smile, he said, I'll tell you what it is, master officer, and mates of mine, and by the waters of Ireland, I tell you as serious, sober truth-It's a misfarton of