)
The rhythm is perfect, the versification excellent, and my
disinclination to take the parentage is not because of any defect in
them; but it is a matter of fact, there is only one word which I
inserted, and which I claim as my own composition--that word is 'Erin.'
In the original lines the word was 'Scotland;' they are from a poem of
Miss Mitford, called '"Wallace '--a poem not as well known as it ought
to be."
"Mr. Maurice O'Connell--The lines are by Miss Holcroft."
"Mr. O'Connell--My son differs with me as to the authorship, but I
cannot help that; but there is one thing we cannot dispute about, and
that is, the lines are not mine."
Although Mr. Maurice O'Connell undertook to set his father right, he was
equally at fault himself, for the lines are Scott's.
In the Lord of the Isles, canto 4, stanza 30, King Robert says:--
'O Scotland! shall it e'er be mine To wreak thy wrongs in battle line;
To raise my victorhead and see Thy hills, thy dales, thy people
free,--That glance of bliss is all I crave, Betwixt my labours and my
grave." Then down the hill he slowly went, etc.
[106] The author was present at the two days' discussion. As Smith
O'Brien, on leaving, went towards the door, several persons seizing him
by the hands and arms, said to him, in a spirit of earnest, but friendly
appeal--"Sure you are not going away, Sir.
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