The Queen received her in great state. Grana was arrayed in the costume of her country:—a long Irish mantle covered her head and person; her hair gathered à la Grecque, and fastened with a gold bodkin inlaid with jewels; her bosom was bare; and her dress a yellow silk boddice and petticoat. The court were struck with infinite surprise at her singular appearance. However, Grana succeeded in the object of her visit, and having made her peace with Elizabeth, returned to Ireland.
The castle belonging to Grana in the island of Clare, which boasts a fine harbour and quay, was so much considered by Oliver Cromwell, that he there erected a fort and barrack, in which he maintained a garrison.
Grana endowed a monastery on it, in which she lies interred; her arms and motto, carved on the tomb with those of her husband, are still to be seen. This island still continues an estate in the family who bear the name of O'Malley; and until of late years had been the family burial place.
The celebrity of Grana Uile has been the theme of bards for many years. In the year 1753, during the political contests which occurred in the administration of the Duke of Dorset, a very popular song appeared, to an old Irish air, and the burden of the song was Grana Uile. It is too long for insertion in this work.
CHAPTER VIII.—Vol. i., p. 195.
Pastry Fortifications.
——"I have framed a fortification
Out of rye paste, which is impregnable;[17]
And against that for two long hours together,