[30] Fraser’s Magazine, November 1, 1833.
[31] The characteristic architectural peculiarities belonging to each of the towers was the omission required to be supplied, and for this alone three months were extended. During that time I wrote my entire Essay, and of course did not omit this requisite. But as these could give no interest to the general reader, I have omitted them in the present enlarged form. If called for, however, I shall cheerfully supply them, as an Appendix to another work which may soon appear.
[32] Dublin Penny Journal, July 7, 1832.
[33] “Kilmallock has been a place of some distinction from a very remote period, and, like most of our ancient towns, is of ecclesiastical origin, a monastery having been founded here by St. Maloch in the sixth century, of which the original Round Tower still remains.”—Dublin Penny Journal, vol. i. p. 65.
“These (the Ruins of Swords) consist of a fine and lofty Round Tower, coeval with the foundation of the original monastery.”—Ibid. vol. i. p. 177.
[34] If this appear over-sanguine, I trust it will be attributed to its only cause—a strong sense of injustice expressed in the moment of warmth, and without ever expecting that this expression should see the light.
[35] That this was not gratuitous I pledge myself to prove, even from circumstances that have already transpired.
[36] It is true Mr. Higgins has told me this, and I listened with polite silence to what I had read “in print” a thousand times before. But our chronicles call the name Macha, and I abide by them. Enough, however, has occurred between the date of this letter and the present to quiet the most ardent disposition as to the pursuit of earthly éclat. Its author is no more! He has reached that “bourne whence no traveller returns.” And the warning, I confess, is to myself not a little pointed, from the unremitting perseverance with which this inquiry has been prosecuted and the vexatious opposition with which its truths have been met.
[37] I wish the reader to keep this in mind; its effects will be manifested by and by.
[38] φωνη εν τη ερημω.