Peter's with all its mighty but unexpected novelty inherited by her southern neighbor results; and that, by refining the tastes is the bequest of Rome. Spain has the and feelings of the people, even through the same Catholic faith, and a still brighter medium of popular devotion, she inadver- climate, yet neither the taste nor the chatently co-operated with other causes in rais-racter of her inhabitants approach the Galing the public mind above those puerile lic form; and Protestant Prussia is yet far absurdities and tyrannical decrees, by from rivalling practical and commercial which she still intended to govern it, when England in her mighty mechanics, yet in the age of their authority had passed away displays of, or taste for, the Fine Arts, for ever. Yet, in surveying the variety stamp- Berlin is not a whit inferior to Viennaed on the character, as well as on the Vienna, the royal seat of devoutly Catholic tastes of modern nations, we must acknow- Austria. ledge that the causes of its existence, like those of many a more interesting problem, lie yet beyond our search.

We know not if her liability to fogs and inundations from the Northern Ocean has conferred upon Holland the gift of everlastIt cannot be, for example, a few degrees ing neatness and most orderly inclinations. of latitude, or the fact, that the Protestant There are lands over which the wings of the ritual is established in the one kingdom, mist spread no less darkly, to whose inhaand the Catholic faith in the other, that bitants a little of her zeal in this respect produces the difference which all observers might be deemed a valuable addition. In have remarked in the mental tendencies of short, in the consideration of national England and France, that the rational doc- taste, as in the prosecution of every other trines of liberal and enlightened Protestant- subject, cases will be found which cannot ism, compared with the old exacting creed, be made analagous, and effects whose which from its Pontiff to its Confessional, was causes have never been discovered. The one system of spiritual despotism, naturally world has much to learn, not only on this encouraged the freedom of thought, and the but far more important matters, yet whatenergy of action is now, we believe, no lon- ever the approximate, we are certain that ger doubtful; and much of Britain's prac- the ultimate cause arises from that endless tical sense, and consequent prosperity, may and yet harmonious variety which infinite be owing to Luther and Calvin. But we wisdom has inscribed on all the productions cannot affirm that all the love of pomp and of his material and mental universe.

From the Dublin University Magazine.

SLEDY CASTLE, AND ITS TRAGEDY.

In a secluded part of the county of Water- at a short distance from a little-frequented ford (in the parish of Modelligo) stands road leading from Cappoquin to Clonmel, the lonely run of Sledy Castle, which, in an uninteresting landscape, consisting though unnoticed by tourists and sketchers, simply of ground a little undulating and has been celebrated in its day for a tragedy divided into fields, a sprinkling of plantaof real life, marked by the features of ro- tion, a cabin or two, the shallow River mance, and connected with the civil dis- Finisk winding beside the way, and peeps cords of Ireland in the 17th century, and of low hills in the distance. which has given significant names to some The tall, dark, square ruin, with its places in the vicinity. It is a fragment of many gables and high chimneys, less relocal history, hitherto unwritten, and now sembles a castle than a bawn, as we call in fast passing away from the failing memory Ireland a stone dwelling, strongly and deof tradition. But the castle is not favor- fensively built, but not regularly castellatably situated for attracting attention, ed. It is a lone and naked object; there though within a few miles of the town of is no graceful veil of ivy, no umbrageous Cappoquin. It stands on a slight elevation, tree weeping near it, like some only surviv*The English reader is requested to pronounce In Irish, Fionn Uisge, i. e. the fair water; from it Slay-dy. The place is called in Irish Curach-na- Fionn (pronounced Finn), fair, and Uisge (pronounc Sledy, i. e. the Bog of the Quagmires. ed Ish-ga), water.

*

ing friend, that had seen its day of strength, western part of the county Waterford. and mourned its years of decay. The edi- They richly endowed the Augustinian Abfice is in the form of a double cross, the bey, at Abbeyside,* near Dungarvan; eight limbs being all of equal length, and among the ruins of which, under a low wineach finished by a tall, large gable, crown- dow at the east end,† is an ancient tomb, ed by a high chimney; of these gables, inscribed, "Donald M'Grath, 1400." For seven remain perfect-the eighth has fallen. the defence of the abbey, this family built, The castle is placed diagonally on its site; beside it, a lofty square castle, some ruins a circumstance which added considerably of which still remain. Local tradition afto its defensive capabilities. It is of rough firms that the M'Graths also built Fernane stone, plastered over, and every corner is Castle (of which scarce a fragment now faced with cut stone. The walls are very exists), near Sledy; and Castle Clonagh,§ thick, and still partially covered with a Castle Connagh, and Castle Reigh; all steep stone roof. The windows are irregu- near the boundary line between the counlarly placed-rather small, oblong squares, ties of Waterford and Tipperary. divided into panes by slight stone mullions At the close of the 16th, and commenceand transoms. The entrance is completely ment of the 17th century, the most remarkademolished, but its two square flanking ble person of the family was Philip M'Grath, towers, one at each side, still remain; that commonly called in Irish, Philib-na-Tsinda, on the left (as the spectator faces the cas- (pronounced na-Teeda), that is Silken tle) has a parapeted and battlemented plat- Philip," meaning polished, or elegant, form, with a machicollation; the other is which he is said to have been in an emiof inferior size, with the remains of stone nent degree. The country people relate stairs, midway in which is an opening-a that, at this period, one of the family small round arch of cut stone-as if intend- estates comprised seven townlands, within ed for the convenience of looking down a ring fence. Philip had two brothers, of into the hall, to reconnoitre visitors. The whom, one named John, is said to have broken stairs lead to a small, ill-lighted built the old, and now ruined castle of stone room, the "ladye's bower" of the Cloncoscoran,|| near Dungarvan; the other olden times, and thence up to the turret named (I think) Pierce, is stated to have top, where the fair lady might woo the built the old Castle of Kilmanehin, in the summer evening air. barony of Glenheira.

The interior of the castle is a mere shell, and the ground is covered with ruins and M'Grath: I have adopted the latter, as in use in the districts where the family flourished. Dr. Lanigan rubbish, overgrown with nettles and rank says: "Our old writers allowed themselves too weeds; but it is still evident that there great a latitude in spelling proper names, so as often were four stories, with three floors, sup- to excite doubts as to the identity of one and the same person. Hundreds of instances might be adported on plain stone corbels. On the duced."-Ecclesiastical History, Vol. ii. ground-floor may be traced the kitchen, *The remains of this building (the wall, tower, with its ample fire-place, and an arched entrances, and windows) show it to have been of recess beside it; this apartment adjoins the great beauty; the light Gothic tower is sixty feet machicollated flanking tower. high, and the arch that supports it is greatly admirOf other ed for the elegance and skill of its construction. rooms nothing can be distinguished. The The oak timber used in turning the arch is still in whole building is very plain; solidity and good preservation, after a lapse of six centuries, security seem to have been the sole aim of the founder.

though much exposed to the wet.

+ It formerly stood at the north side, near the altar-the usual situation for the tombs of founders of religious edifices.

+ Near Fernane now stands a modern house, called Mountain Castle, in memory of the ancient

stronghold.

The entire was surrounded, according to tradition, by a moat, furnished with a draw-bridge. Of these no vestiges remain, the moat having been long since filled up, to § Castle Clonagh (in the county of Tipperary) facilitate agricultural labors round the spot. is a circular structure, commanding the glen of But it is time to pass from the descrip- Rossmore, through which runs the boundary line of tion of Sledy Castle to its history, and that the counties of Waterford and Tipperary. Castle Connagh stands on a high rock over the river Neir; of its original possessors, the M'Graths. it is square, and is protected on the side next the In very early times, the ancient family of M'Grath held large estates in the

river by two round towers. Castle Connagh and Castle Reigh are in the county Waterford, in the barony of Glenaheira.

This castle is in a very low situation; it has a moderately elevated square tower at one end, and has and much the appearance of a religious structure.

• This name occurs in old records, with various orthographies; I have seen it written Cragh, Creigh, Creagh, M'Cragh, M'Craith, Magrath,

The personal grace and accomplishments was extant for about a century after the of Silken Philip found favor in the eyes of desertion of the castle, but is not now to be a noble maiden,* Mary Power, or Poer, found. Tradition says that the building of daughter of John le Poer, then Baron of Sledy Castle occupied seven years; during Curraghmore. She fell violently in love which period the lady of Philip M'Grath with him, surmounted the opposition of her presented him with four children: the family, and married him; and Philip three elder were daughters, named (in the brought home his bride to the old castle of order of their birth) Margaret, Catherine, Fernane, where he then resided. "Omnia and Mary; the youngest was a son, named vincit amor," says Virgil; but in this in- Donell (Anglice, Daniel). stance love had not subdued all the pride The castle being at length finished, and of this high-born fair: she despised her hus- the lady's pride gratified, she came, with band's dwelling as soon as she saw it, and her husband and children, to take possespositively refused ever to enter it, saying sion, and the now happy couple looked forthat her father's stables would be a more ward to many years of enjoyment. But the befitting residence for a lady. She ordered foundations of the dwelling had been laid dinner to be served on a rocky hillock that in strife, and that of no trivial kind: there overlooks the river Finisk; and when the had been the loosening of the most holy repast was over, she returned to her father's ties, the endangering of the most sacred seat, and there determined to remain till affections; that very home had arisen as a her husband should have built for her such memorial of domestic discord; and when an abode as she could esteem worthy of her the walls were thus founded, it is not wonpresence; and she further required that it derful that blood and rapine subsequently should be erected on her own jointure lands smote them to their destruction. of Curach na Sledy, to secure herself in the Philip M'Grath and his wife, when the use of the intended castle during her life. cause of discontent was removed, lived lovPhilip at first refused to build the desired ingly together, esteemed by their equals, residence; but his wife insisted with such and respected by their inferiors, and for a vehemence, that a serious misunderstanding few short years comfort and happiness took place between them, and the lady vow- seemed to have fixed their abode at Sledy. ed never to be reconciled till she obtained But scarcely had five years elapsed from her wish. The bridegroom seeing his do- the completion of the castle, when Philip mestic comfort at stake for ever, yielded at M'Grath was snatched away, in the prime length, and commenced the work. His of life, from his new-built dwelling, his friends and relatives came forward to his now affectionate wife, and his youthful assistance; and the numerous tenants of his family. family and their connexions not only gave On his death, the heir, his son Donell,* voluntary labor, but also brought such large a child, was removed by his guardians to contributions of every kind, towards defray- Dublin, for his education; but the widow, ing the expenses of the building, that when with her daughters, remained at Sledy. the Castle of Sledy was finished, Philip She was a clever and notable woman; and M'Grath found himself much richer than all things that devolved to her management when he commenced-a circumstance wor- throve so well, that Sledy Castle, forlorn thy to be recorded of an Irish gentleman; as it now looks, was famed for its ample it being proverbial that a diametrically stores of rich plate and fine linen, handopposite result generally attends mansion- some furniture, and well-filled money-chests. building in Ireland. A quantity of fine oak Another sorrow, however, afflicted her not timber was used in the con truction of the long after the loss of her husband. Her castle; but not a vestige of it now remains, son, Donell M'Philip M'Grath (as he is having been all carried away piecemeal by styled in old records), died in his minority, the peasantry, subsequent to its desolation; but I cannot tell in what year, between 1633 and in one of the principal apartments was and 1641. The estate of Sledy, or at placed a handsome marble chimney-piece, least a principal part, seems then to have with the name of the founder, and the date vested in the next male heir, Pierce M'Grath of the completion of the building, "Phi- (probably the brother of Philip); but the lippus M'Grath, 1628." That memorial widow still continued at the castle with her

This lady's sister, Catherine, married John By an inquisition taken at Cappoquin, the 10th Fitzgerald, of Dromana (county Waterford), and of September, 1633, Donell M'Philip M'Grath was was grandmother of the first Earl of Grandison. found to be seized of Sledy, &c., &c.

daughters, who were possessed of very large the matron Chatelaine was absent, a near fortunes. The widow was endowed with relation, in whom she could confide, was many excellent qualities, notwithstanding appointed commandant for the time. To the blemish on the outset of her matrimo- attempt swimming the moat would induce nial career; time, sorrow, and the exercise the double risk of being drowned, or esof a strong understanding had chastened pied and shot by the sentinel; but, even all her feelings, and her merits were univer- were it effected, it would have proved usesally acknowledged. She gave her daugh- less, as the height and narrowness of the ters a good education, according to the castle windows precluded escalade. But fashion of the times, and they grew up to Green was not to be diverted from his womanhood remarkably handsome and at- purpose by difficulties: he knew that the tractive, and had, as may well be supposed, pillage of Sledy would amply repay time. innumerable admirers, not less on account spent and pains lavished, and he determinof their beauty and accomplishments, than ed to await his opportunity. on account of their wealth. Tradition re- At this period he had established his lates that the eldest, Margaret, was of the head quarters at a "Lis"* (a circular flat stately order of beauties, and had inherited green mound, surrounded by an earthen the pride of her mother in her youthful grass grown ditch) on the borders of a days. The youngest, Mary, is said to have stream, and lying four or five miles distant been a mild and winning creature; so kind, from Sledy. Experience had proved to so gentle, so full of feeling, so lovable, that him that he had little chance of succeedshe was commonly called, in Irish, Maire ing in his design upon the widow's strongmilis ni Philib na Tsioda (pronounced hold, without the aid of domestic treachMarya meelish nee Philip na Teeda), i. e., ery. The servants generally were faithful, Silken Philip's sweet Mary. The three being followers or fosterers of the family. sisters were fond of society, embracing every There was, however, amongst them a opportunity the neighborhood afforded of kitchen-maid, on whom he hoped to work enjoying it; and they frequently visited through the means of love and vanityClonmel, which being then, as now, a mili- two dangerous sentiments for a weak fetary station, balls and parties there were male head, and a base female heart. The enlivened by the presence of the officers. scullion was just the fit tool for a villain, The commotions of the seventeenth cen-being the meanest and least-cultivated tury were favorable to the gangs of outlaws person in the household, and the farthest who infested the rural districts, to which they removed from comprehending anything of were a pest and a terror, robbing and mur- loyalty or honor. Green had among his dering by night, and taking shelter by day band a son, who acted as his lieutenantin bogs, or among rocks, or in the moun- a remarkably handsome young man; him tain recesses. The part of the county the outlaw tutored to throw himself in the Waterford of which I write (the parish of way of the kitchen-maid, as she went and Modelligo, in the barony of Decies without returned from mass, and to profess himself Drum) was frequented by a band of rob- her lover. They met thus, young Green bers, whose captain was a desperado, call- and the scullion, on Sundays and holidays; ed in Irish, Uaithne (pronounced Oo-a-nee), and the fine words and fine person of the which being translatable into "Green," pretended suitor gained so much on the I shall term him by that name, for the wretched woman, that she entered into all convenience of such readers as are not his views, and promised to watch the first gifted with the Irish tongue. This man favorable opportunity for his stealing into had long and greedily desired the plunder the castle, and make it known to him by a of Sledy Castle; but all his plans for ef- pre-concerted signal. In consequence of fecting an entrance were defeated by the this agreement, Green, the elder, moved caution of the widow, who, quite alive to his band nearer to Sledy, for their nightthe dangers of the times, kept garrison quarters, establishing them about a mile with an unrelaxing vigilance. The gate from the castle, at a huge rock, called in was always locked, and the keys in the lady's possession; the moat was always full, and the drawbridge never lowered without strict precaution; no ingress or egress permitted to any person whatever after nightfall; and when it happened that

*Properly spelled Lios: these mounds are frequent, and are erroneously called Danish forts; but they were the abodes of the ancient Irish, whose wattled dwelling stood in the centre. The outer ditch served as a fortification, and was often planted with hawthorn trees. "Rath" is another name for these forts.

Irish Carrig na Chodla (pronounced Car- the wrath of heaven, from the offence of rig na Hullah) i. e., Rock of the Sleep, the earth, and from the sight of men. and popularly termed in English, "the When it raineth, it is his pent-houseSleepy Rock," which is a corruption of when it bloweth, it is his tent-when it "the Sleeping Rock"-a name given to freezeth, it is his tabernacle."* Wrapped the place by the peasantry, from the cir- in such serviceable mantles, the banditti cumstances of Green taking his repose at the Sleepy Rock reposed round their there, while his sentinels were on the watch fire, while the wakeful sentinel kept watch for the promised signal from the castle. for the long-expected signal from their The Sleepy Rock is the chief of a group of ally in the castle. stratified conglomerate rocks, laid bare near the summit of a hill called Eagle Hill. These rocks lie on the site of the ancient road between Clonmel and Dungarvan, and present numerous shelves and recesses, shaded by superincumbent masses, and partially clothed with tufts of heath and fern, grass and wild flowers. It is about a mile from Sledy. Upwards of three miles from the rock is a kind of pass, called the Dhu Clee (Dubdh Cloidh) i. e., the Dark Fence, which seems to have been a kind of fortified road between two woods; from thence Green's "Lis" is a mile dis

tant.

Leaving these worthies, we shall return to the fair sisters of Sledy. They had become acquainted at Clonmel with three English officers, whose names and whose rank tradition has not preserved, though one of them is said to have been a member of a noble family. The acquaintance between these officers and the young ladies soon ripened into mutual and warm attachment, which promised to terminate happily in the union of the three couples; for, upon the suitors laying their pretensions before the mother of the fair maidens, they were favorably received, and encouraged to hope for the hands of their ladyeAmong the wild crags of the Sleepy loves. From this we may naturally infer Rock, the outlaws made their midnight lair that those military men were themselves beside their watch-fire. The whole district persons of some consequence and property; was then densely wooded, and frequent- for though daughters might be won by the ed by the wolf and wild cat, the fox, gay trappings, and the masculine beauty badger, hedgehog, and weasel, the eagle, and accomplishments of suitors, whose raven, hawk, and kite, and occasionally" all of wealth was love," parents (espevisited by wild geese and ducks, cranes cially the parents of heiresses) are seldom and sea-gulls. All of these, except the so romantically inclined. wolf and wild cat, are still denizens or visitors of the locality. The night scene at the Sleepy Rock must have been one well suited to a pencil such as Salvator Rosa's: the dark thick woods-the savage cragsthe still more savage figures grouped amongst them, round their fire, with their wild glibs of hair hanging over their faces, their pointed barrad caps, their straight trouse, and rude brogues, and long frieze coats, with skirts divided into four-the pistols and skein (dagger-knife) in the girdle; and over all the ample frieze cloak, of which Spencer speaks so angrily-" The Irish mantle, a fit house for an outlaw, a meet bed for a rebel, an apt cloak for a thief. . The outlaw being, for his many crimes and villanies, banished from the towns and houses of honest men, and wandering in waste places far from danger of law, maketh his mantle his house, and under it covereth himself from

The last presentment for killing a wolf, in the neighboring county, Cork (and the last, I think, in Ireland), was in 1710.

It was now the summer of the year 1641 -a year unhappily memorable for the great rebellion in the month of October. Margaret, the eldest of the sisters, could not have been more than twenty, Catherine eighteen or nineteen, and "Maire milis"

the sweet Mary-about seventeen. The three officers received an invitation from the widow to become her guests at Sledy Castle, and consequently they obtained leave of absence for a few days. It may well be imagined that on the day appointed for their arrival, the happy sisters, "the loving, lovely, and beloved," left from time to time their now desolate bower, and tripped deftly up the stone stairs to the turret top-

Looking afar if yet their lovers' steeds

Kept pace with their expectancy, and flew." BYRON.

At length the expected visitors came in sight, gallantly mounted, and in military apparel, for it is but in modern times that

* See Spencer's "State of Ireland."