With respect to what we call specifically—the word or parolle—that was given out by the general at pleasure, and was alway of some cheering and auspicious import—as that of Cæsar, which he made use of in his African campaign, Felicitas! that of Brutus, Libertas! that of Augustus, Apollo! whilst Cyrus gave out with the signal for battle—Jupiter socius, dux, servator! Jupiter, our comrade, our leader, our preserver!
CHAPTER III.
Mr. De Lancaster relates some curious Properties peculiar to certain Islands.
Mr. De Lancaster had brought his dissertation to a conclusion, when Philip entered the room: he had been told by David Williams what effect his experiment had produced, and as it had brought Mrs. De Lancaster out of her chamber, he had begun to apprehend greater consequences from its operation, than he was either prepared to encounter, or disposed to wish, till upon meeting Mr. Llewellyn he was informed by that sagacious gentleman, that the surprise, into which his patient had been thrown by the unexpected serenade of David’s harp had proved extremely prejudicial to her health, and that he thought it of the last consequence to her life, never to expose her to such dangerous experiments again—I cannot for my soul conceive, said that learned sage, what expectations you could form from such a ridiculous chimæra, but to hurry her into fits, which you have done, and to drive her out of her senses which very possibly you may do. If I am thus to be interrupted in the management of her case, how am I to be answerable for her life?
Thus rebuffed by the anti-musical doctor, Philip sought refuge in the society of the company below stairs from the persecution of those above. He sate silent and dull, but as this was nothing extraordinary on his part, nobody concerned themselves about him.
Mr. De Lancaster asked Captain Wilson in what province of Ireland his regiment was quartered, and upon being answered that it was in Munster, he gravely observed, that he would then be upon the spot, where, if so disposed, he might enquire into the truth of the extraordinary properties recorded by Giraldus Cambrensis of a certain island in the aforesaid province which, if related by any other than a historian of his established character for veracity and research, might have staggered all credulity.
Upon Henry’s desiring to be informed what those properties were—he replied, I premised that they were extraordinary, and I own to you they require confirmation, for Giraldus deliberately tells us, that there is an island in that province, known in his time, and in fact from the time of Saint Patrick, into which no woman, nor any female creature living, could enter.
Well done, Giraldus! cried the colonel, that is an interesting discovery for married men.
A blessed one—said Philip in an under voice.
I hardly think I shall be able to find it, said the captain, and if I do, I don’t believe I shall chuse it for my head quarters.
It is fitter for a hermitage or a monkish convent, Edward observed.