'Have I not! I believe half the parish of St. Peter's might proceed against
me for breach of promise; and if the law allowed me as many wives as
Brigham Young, I'd be still disappointing a large and interesting section
of society in the suburbs.'

'They have made a seizure on the office of the _Pike_, carried off the
press and the whole issue, and are in eager pursuit after Madden, the
editor.'

'What for? What is it all about?'

'A new ballad he has published; but which, for the matter of that, they
were singing at every corner as I came along.'

'Was it good? Did you buy a copy?'

'Buy a copy? I should think not.'

'Couldn't your patriotism stand the test of a penny?'

'It might if I wanted the production, which I certainly did not; besides,
there is a run upon this, and they were selling it at sixpence.'

'Hurrah! There's hope for Ireland after all! Shall I sing it for you, old
fellow? Not that you deserve it. English corruption has damped the little
Irish ardour that old rebellion once kindled in your heart; and if you
could get rid of your brogue, you're ready to be loyal. You shall hear it,
however, all the same.' And taking up a very damaged-looking guitar, he
struck a few bold chords, and began:--