Cassidy, who was in great spirits to-night, and had drank deeply, demonstrated with the utmost clearness that the fabrication was absurd. By an old law of Queen Elizabeth (the only pleasant law she ever made for Ireland), no bumbailiff or importunate creditor might set his foot within the College-gates. Alma Mater was a sanctuary from which none might be taken an any account without an order from the authorities of Trinity, who were too jealous of their rights ever to grant such order. Moreover, the watch (harmless old women!) were always friends with the gownsmen--ready to lend a staff or lanthorn, or feign sleep or assume deafness, just as the frolicsome young gentlemen should decree. It was quite unlikely that they would witness any threatening demonstration without instantly giving an alarm, and even Sirr would think twice before daring an assault upon the inmates of Trinity without the assistance of the junior dean. Not that the undergraduates were as bold a body now as when they slew my Lord Glandore, or so unanimous either, as none knew better than Lord Clare. Yet they were no cowards, and always ready for a 'blaze.'
The younger Emmett, alarmed at first by Curran's dismal prophecies, was convinced by Cassidy's gibes that his terrors were ill-placed, and set about producing from mysterious lurking-places the elements of a good supper--ham, chickens, bread--furtively glancing in the mirror now and then at the tiny tonsure which marked him for a patriot. The giant arranged knives and forks, and filled the round-bottomed claret decanters, trimming the table with a tasty eye as a patriotic table should be laid. In the centre he placed the constitution--bulwark of the society--throned on a loaf of bread. Close to it the president's badge, whilom Tone's--Tom Emmett's bauble now which consisted of a shamrock in green silk bearing a harp without a crown. Near this the copy of the Scriptures; and by his own place a list of toasts such as should help to pass the time till chapel-hour. When all was ready he called on his companions to fall to; and discussed with the president, while the viands disappeared, the details of his journey to Belfast.
As they talked the claret waned, and the views of the company grew rosier. Thomas agreed that it would be a wise system to spread disaffection among the soldiery. The patriotism of the militia might surely be counted on, he thought. With the yeomanry it might be otherwise, as it was officered by the upper class. Deliberation and prudence must be the watchwords of the giant at Belfast, for months must pass before Tone could hope to accomplish anything; and all were of one mind as to the necessity of French assistance. At the earliest, no French fleet could be expected till the summer of '96, therefore it behoved the leaders of the cause to keep the broth gently simmering till the moment of the crisis--organising battalions, drilling companies during the night, establishing a vast military system which should enable the four provinces to effect a simultaneous rising. That was the important point, spontaneity of movement; and he, Emmett, would make it his business to see that the unity of action should be complete.
The danger was (he impressed on Cassidy) lest the wickedness of England should exasperate the people too soon. A given degree of cruelty will drive the wisest mad. Patience is among the greatest of virtues. Here was another thing, which it was all-important to consider. Terence Crosbie had put his finger on one of their weakest points--their lack of military genius. The best army in Christendom is powerless without a general. What a pity that Tone should be gone away, for the germ was visible in him which would have blossomed forth into glorious fruition under the sun of opportunity!
'Now!' Cassidy cried, after a while, remarking that some of the delegates were beginning to snore, 'fill your glasses, and I'll sing ye the new song which shall sound the knell of the Sassanagh. 'Tis written by Barry, a mere gossoon, who's in Kilmainham at this minute. Bad cess to the ruffians as put him there!' Then, draining off a bumper, he loosened the voluminous folds of his cravat, and commenced in his mellow voice, while those who were sober enough yelled the refrain:
'"What rights the brave? The sword!
What frees the slave? The sword!
What cleaves in twain the despot's chain, and makes his gyves
and dungeons vain? The sword!
Then cease the proud task never! while rests a link to sever.
Guard of the free, well cherish thee, and keep thee bright for ever!"'
So loudly was 'The Sword' trolled forth, that more peaceful neighbours, worn out with study, turned uneasily in bed, cursing the rackety crew ere they slept again; so loudly was the final chorus shrieked, that none heard the tramp of footsteps on the stairs, none heeded the groping of unaccustomed fingers upon the handle, till the door was flung open, displaying a body of men upon the landing whose crossbelts showed white through a disguise. The young men stared bewildered as on some horrid vision, and strove to get up on their feet. Thomas, more sober than the rest, laid his hand upon his pistol, but withdrew it again, seeing how numerous were those who stood without.
'What do you want?' he asked.