[1] Collector of county cess.

THE THREE MONKS.

“It was with the good monks of old that sterling hospitality was to be found.”—Hansbrove’s Irish Gazetteer.

Three monks sat by a bogwood fire!

Shaven their crowns, and their garments grey;

Close they sat to that bogwood fire,

Watching the wicket till break of day—

Such was ever the rule at Kilcrea;[2]

For whoever passed, be he baron or squire,

Was free to call at that abbey, and stay,