[13] Pat. Rolls, 31 Eliz.
[14] Clanricarde Memoirs, p. 71.
[15] Froude's English in Ireland, vol. i., p. 134.
CHAPTER IV
"Where the tints of the earth and the hues of the sky,
In colour though varied, in beauty may vie,
And the purple of ocean is deepest in dye."
Bride of Abydos.
THE ARAN ISLANDERS.
We have thus far spoken of the scenery of the islands, and of their natural history, of their antiquities, Pagan and Christian, and of their annals; let us now turn to speak of their people and of what others think of them. Doctor Petrie thus, in 1841, writes:
"I had heard so much of the Aran islanders, of their primitive simplicity, and singular hospitality, that I could not help doubting the truth of a picture so pleasing and romantic, and felt anxious to ascertain by personal observation how far it might be real. Collectively, the inhabitants may be said to exhibit the virtues of the Irish character with as little intermixture of vices as the lot of humanity will permit.
A POLITE PEOPLE.