only in degree, but in mode of operation, in different districts, and among different clases. On the whole, the inveterate habit into which character-drawers have fallen, of holding up the unvarying picture of a blundering clown, as a representation of so diversified a people as the Irish, is as absurd as it would be to exhibit an oyster as a specimen of all the fishes in the sea, or, to quote the story of Cock Robin as a sample of English literature.

The reader of the following history is therefore requested not to peruse it with the expectation of being diverted by the blundering of bull-makers, or the clownishness of bog-trotters. To no such characters will he be introduced; for the simple reason, that none such are indigenous to the country that witnessed the exploits of the Hearts of Steel. It is not, however, denied that some such characters may be found in certain districts of Ireland, nor that in former times, they may have been numerous enough to have formed a prominent feature in the character of the country; although at present this last circumstance is certainly not the case.

An opportunity of introducing these blunders, or, if connoisseurs will have them considered such, these patent Irishmen,

in their proper era, will be afforded by some of the subséquent of these histories. Perhaps a sample of them may be served up in the very next that shall be brought forward; but of this it is not considered proper to make any positive promise, it being thought desirable, in all such matters, to avoid coming under any necessary restraint. To show, however, that this caution proceeds from no affectation of reserve towards the public, it is frankly stated that the next work will relate to that critical period of Irish history, when the longvacillating views and wavering fortunes of millions were finally settled by the decisive battle of the Boyne. The celebrated "ENNISKILLENERS," whose achievements had such influence on the results of those important times, will, it is believed, give name to the work.

London, July 15, 1825.

THE HEARTS OF STEEL.

CHAPTER I.

Think of a people, ancient and renown'd,
Driven from their homes, where long their fathers dwelt,
To range the world in want and desolation,

Ah! think what wrath against their haughty spoilers
Must sting their breasts and sink into their natures
So very deep, that son succeeding son

Will long retain the fierce and vengeful feeling.

IRISH SOOTHSAYER.

WHETHER the Englishmen who lived a hundred and fifty years ago, were as fond of wealth as their descendants of the present day, is a question worthy the attention of a debating club, or an historical society;-nay, the learned labours of professed philosophers have been often expended on the investigation of subjects of less consequence. The humble writer of the following narrative does not pretend to qualifications sufficient to decide a matter of such importance; but he will VOL. I.

A