Lord Townsend, when he went over as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, was greatly amused on entering the beautiful bay of Dublin. There are two great and dangerous sand-banks to be encountered on entering the harbour, with a small village close to them on the shore.
“What bank is that?” asked Lord Townsend.
“That’s the North Bull,” said the captain.
“And pray, what’s that other bank?” inquired the Lord Lieutenant.
“That’s the South Bull, my lord,” answered the pilot.
“And what’s the name of that little village?”
“That’s Ring’s-End, your Excellency,” said the mate.
“What!” exclaimed Lord Townsend; “two bulls and one impossibility is quite enough for one harbour! I think, if the parliament is like the port, I shall not find it easy to compose an answer to its address.”
ENTRANCE INTO OFFICE.
The author first placed in office by Lord Westmoreland—Made king’s counsel by Lord Clare—Jealousy of the bar—Description of Kilkenny Castle—Trial of the Earl of Ormonde for outrage at Kilkenny—Acquitted—Author’s conduct—Distinguished and liberal present from the Earl of Ormonde to the author, of a gold box, and his subsequent letter.