erling worth; a
descendant of the O'Farellans of Tipperary, whose ancestry claimed
precedence of King Bryan Baroch; a specimen of the antique in his
composition, robust, gigantic, and courageous; time and intestine
troubles had impaired the fortunes of his house, but the family
character remained untainted amid the conflicting revolutions that had
convulsed the emerald isle. Enough, however, was left to render the
lieutenant independent of his military expectations: he had joined the
army when young; seen service and the world in many climates; but the
natural uncompromising spirit which distinguished him, partaking perhaps
something too much of the pride of ancestry, had hitherto prevented his
soliciting the promotion he was fairly entitled to. Like a majority of
his countrymen, he was cold and sententious as a Laplander when sober,
and warm and volatile as a Frenchman when in his cups; half a dozen
duels had been the natural consequence of an equal number of intrigues;
but although the scars of honour had seared his manly countenance, his
heart and person were yet devoted to the service of the ladies. Fame had
trumpeted forth his prowess in the wars of ~196~~Venus, until notoriety
had marked him out an object of general remark, and the king's
lieutenant was as proud of the myrtle-wreath as the hero of Waterloo
might be of the laurel crown.

But see, the door opens; how perfumed, what style! Long bows to the
earth. What an exquisite smile! Such a coffee-house visitor banishes
pain: While Optimus rising, cries "Welcome, Joe Hayne! May you never
want cash, boy--here, waiter, a glass; Lieutenant, you'll join us in
toasting a lass. I'll give you an actress--Maria the fair." "I'll drink
her; but, Tom, you have ruined me there. By my hopes! I am blown, cut,
floor'd, and rejected, At the critical moment, sirs, when I expected
To revel in bliss. But, here's white-headed Bob, My prime minister; he
shall unravel the job. And if Jackson determines you've not acted well,
I'll mill you, Tom Optimus, though you're a swell." "Sit down, Joe; be
jolly--'twas Carter alone That has every obstacle in your way thrown.
Nay, never despair, man--you'll yet be her liege; But rally again, boy,
you'll carry the siege." Thus quieted, Joe sat him down to get mellow;
For Joe at the bottom's a hearty good fellow.

"Have you heard the report," said Optimus, "that Harborough is actually
about to follow your example, and marry an actress? ay, and his