That's their own opinion. 'Corcoran,' says the prowost, 'is the most
larned man in Ireland; an' I'm not ashamed,' says he, 'to acknowledge
that I'd rather decline meeting him upon deep points.' Ginteels, all
your healths--hem! But among ourselves I could bog him in a very short
time; though I'd scorn to deprive the gintleman of his reputaytion or
his place, even if he sent me a challenge of larnin' to-morrow, although
he's too cute to venture on doing that--hem, hem!"

To hear an obscure creature, whose name was but faintly known in the
remote parts even of the parish in which he lived, draw the long-bow
at such a rate, was highly amusing. The credulous character of his
auditory, however, was no slight temptation to him; for he knew that
next to the legends of their saints, or the Gospel itself, his fictions
ranked in authenticity; and he was determined that it should not be his
fault if their opinion of his learning and talents were not raised to
the highest point. The feeling experienced by the poor scholar, when
he awoke the next morning, was one both of satisfaction and sorrow. He
thought once more of his home and kindred, and reflected that it might
be possible he had I seen the last of his beloved relations. His grief,
however, was checked when he remembered the warm and paternal affection
with which he was received on the preceding night by his hospitable
countryman. He offered up his prayers to God; humbly besought his grace
and protection; nor did he forget to implore a blessing upon those who I
had thus soothed his early sorrows, and afforded him, though a stranger
and friendless, I shelter, comfort, and sympathy.

"I hope," thought he, "that I will meet many such, till I overcome my
difficulties, an' find myself able to assist my poor father an' mother!"

And he did meet many such among the humble, and despised, and neglected