“And as strikingly did they reflect upon the character of all Irishmen who opposed the ministry, and assumed for themselves the position of patriots. Come, sir, no hesitation; answer my question boldly. Is this not true?”
“We certainly did not regard the party you speak of as being true and faithful subjects of the king.”
“You thought them rebels?”
“Perhaps not exactly rebels.”
“You called them rebels; and you yourself prayed that the time was coming when the lamp-iron and the lash should reward their loyalty. Can you deny this?”
“We had a great deal of conversation about politics. We talked in all the freedom of friendly intercourse, and, doubtless, with some of that warmth which accompanies after-dinner discussions. But as to the exact words—”
“It is the exact words I want; it is the exact words I insist upon, sir. They were used by yourself, and drew down rounds of applause. You were eloquent and successful.”
“I am really unable, at this distance of time, to recollect a word or a phrase that might have fallen from me in the heat of the moment.”
“This speech of yours was made about the middle of the evening?”
“I believe it was.”