will render the coarsest food delicious; and, on the contrary, when the
appetite is glutted with the richest viands, it requires a dish whose
flavor is proportionably high and spicy to touch the jaded palate. It
is so with our moral enjoyments. In Ireland, a very simple accession to
their hopes or comforts produces an extraordinary elevation of mind,
and so completely unlocks the sluices of their feelings, that every
consideration is lost in the elation of the moment. At least it was so
in Denis O'Shaughnessy's family upon this occasion.

No sooner had Father Finnerty received the colt, and pledged himself
that Denny should have the place at Maynooth that was then vacant, than
a tumultuous expression of delight burst from his family and relations,
business was then thrown aside for the day; the house was scoured and
set in order, as if it were for a festival; their best apparel was
put on; every eye was bright, every heart throbbed with a delightful
impulse, whilst kindness and hilarity beamed from their faces. In
a short time they all separated themselves among their neighbors to
communicate the agreeable tidings; and the latter, with an honest
participation in their happiness, instantly laid aside their avocations,
and flocked to Denis O'Shaughnessy's, that they might congratulate him
and his friends upon what was considered the completion of their hopes.
When the day was more advanced, several of Denny's brothers and sisters
returned, and the house was nearly filled with their acquaintances and
relations. Ere one o'clock had passed they wore all assembled, except
old Denis, of whom, no person could give any intelligence. Talk, loud
laughter, pure poteen, and good-humor, all circulated freely? the
friendly neighbor unshaved, and with his Sunday coat thrown hastily over
his work-day apparel, drank to Denny's health, and wished that he might
"bate all Maynewth out of the face; an' sure there's no doubt of
that, any how--doesn't myself remimber him puttin' the explanations to