During the absence of the noble proprietor Tyrconnel Castle had undergone a thorough repair, and many judicious alterations and improvements had taken place in the internal decoration of the castle, as well as in the external adornment of the lawns, parks, and gardens of this princely abode. Pursuant to their determination, their Graces set out accordingly, upon a fine summer morning, on their journey to their ancient castle; and the space of a week having been occupied in travelling, the entire family of the Duke safely arrived at their destination.
Adelaide was peculiarly delighted once more to behold the scenes of her infancy, which to every feeling mind have indelible charms; and the morning after her arrival at Tyrconnel she ascended the ramparts of the castle, to review the surrounding prospect, so dear to her recollection. It was a serene summer morning. Our readers perchance may recollect the scenery which surrounds the castle of Tyrconnel, the lofty mountains of Slieve-Doon, and the great gap or pass to the mountains, called Barna-More, all of which we have endeavoured to describe in the second chapter of this work. Adelaide's mind was fully in unison with the serenity of the morning, and being deeply impressed with the poetic impulse, she produced her tablets, and poured forth her tribute to the Genius Loci, in the following
INVOCATION TO THE RIVER ESKE.
Roll onward, fierce torrent! roll on to the main! What bastion or tow'r may thy billows restrain? Resounds thy hoarse current's loud thundering roar Round cloud-crested Slieve-Doon and wide Barna-More.[19] How oft hath the foe-man deep plunged in thy wave, Thy billows encrimsoned with blood of the brave! These towers shall yet crumble, these rampires shall fall, But thou, rapid Eske, be survivor of all! While down to the confines of uncounted time, Thy waters roll onward in measure sublime!
Swift emblem of LIFE, changing, flowing anew; Still the symbol thou art of eternity too! Unceasing thy current, impetuous thy force, Speeding on, full-tiding thy unaltered course: Still glide, regal stream! let thy bright waters flow, And foam 'gainst these bastions, which frown'd on the foe. Oh, murmuring Eske! from thy deep rocky bed, O'er dream of my childhood sweet charms thou has shed, Whilst gurgling thy waters, to sleep lulled my head! Nor shall mem'ry ever her pencil withdraw From thy waters, bright Eske, and thy heights, proud Tyraugh!
Flow on, rapid Eske! still roll in commotion; Unite thy deep foam with the wave of the ocean!
Time onward rapidly fled on downy pinions, and the birth-day of the Lady Adelaide, which occurred upon the Eve of All-Hallows, was now fast approaching, in celebration of which most magnificent preparations were making, had been made, and were in a progressive state of continuation at this hospitable chateau. The Duke and Duchess seemed fully resolved to spare no expense to testify, if indeed it were at all necessary so to do, their love and attachment to an amiable and affectionate daughter, who was most truly worthy of her parents' love, and of every respect and honour that could be awarded her.
CHAPTER VIII.
Vetus opinio est, jam usque ab heroicis ducta temporibus, Eaque et populi Romani et omnium gentium firmata Consensu, versari quandam inter homines divinationem Quam Græci MANTIKE appellant, Id est, præsensionem, et scientiam rerum futurarum.
Cicero, de Divinatione.