FATHER TOM AND THE POPE,
As related by Mr. Michael Heffernan, Master of the National
School at Tallymactaggart, in the County Leitrim, to
a friend, during his official visit to Dublin for
the purpose of studying political economy,
in the spring of 1838.
BY SAMUEL FERGUSON.
I.
HOW FATHER TOM WENT TO TAKE POT-LUCK
AT THE VATICAN.
HEN his Riv'rence was in Room, ov coorse the Pope axed him to take pot-look wid him. More be token, it was on a Friday; but, for all that, there was plenty of mate; for the Pope gev himself an absolution from the fast on account of the great company that was in it,—at laste so I'm tould. Howandiver, there's no fast on the dhrink, anyhow,—glory be to God!—and so, as they wor sitting, afther dinner, taking their sup together, says the Pope, says he, "Thomaus," for the Pope, you know, spakes that away, and all as one as ov uz,—"Thomaus a lanna," says he, "I'm tould you welt them English heretics out ov the face."