CHAPTER II.

Still in the vale the village bells ring round, Still in TYRCONNEL hall the jests resound; For now the caudle-cup is circling there, Now glad at heart the gossips breathe their prayer, And crowding, stop the cradle to admire The babe.

HUMAN LIFE.

The lovely Adelaide Raymond, the heroine of our Tale, was the only child of Raymond Duke of Tyrconnel. An old prophecy or tradition had immemorially prevailed, that what time a raven should build her nest in the ducal coronet which decorated the summit of the loftiest pavilion-tower of the castle, a male heir, upon this event, should then be wanting to the n.o.ble house of Tyrconnel. And this sad occurrence, so deprecated by the dark and credulous terror and tenor of those superst.i.tious times, actually occurred some months previous to Adelaide's birth: a raven had then built her nest within the ducal coronet; and a few posts after brought an account that Lord Richard Raymond, the Duke's only brother, had been killed in a duel at Paris.

From this partial fulfilment of the augury the Duke's dependants were filled with the melancholy forebodings that the d.u.c.h.ess, expiring during the pains of parturition, should give birth either to a still-born, or a female infant.

However the latter supposition proved to be well-founded, as the d.u.c.h.ess was soon safely delivered of a female child, in due and given time, upon the Eve of All-Hallows, the 31st day of October, in the year one thousand six hundred and ---- pending the bodings of the raven, and the vaticinations of the vicinage.

The family of Tyrconnel, through the female line, traced their high descent from a proud and enn.o.bled ancestry, (not less ill.u.s.trious than that of the n.o.ble Duke;) the pedigree was traced from the high chieftain, famed _Nial Necalloch_, (or, Nial of the Nine Hostages,) who in his glorious and chivalrous career had achieved various n.o.ble feats in arms. But not content with these successes at home, he sought for fame in foreign lands, where in the ardent search and attainment of glory, his gallant course of valour run, he closed his brave and honourable life amid the sunny regions of France; where this warlike planet, this Mars of Erin, expired upon the banks of the Loire,[7]

falling like the valiant Richard I. of England, "The lion-hearted," by the arrow of the a.s.sa.s.sin.

[7] Histoire d'Irlande, par L'Abbe Ma-Geoghegan, _tome_ 1.

Indeed the house of Tyrconnel might be truly called _a n.o.ble family_, "for all the daughters were chaste, and all the sons were valiant." PER ACUTA BELLI was the motto which fearlessly they bore, and which, ever unchanged amid the war-trumpet's clang, the burst of battle, and the shouts of victory, or the dismaying groans of defeat, they proudly and n.o.bly maintained; their escutcheon might oft have been encrimsoned by the blood of the bold, but it still defended the heart, and was upheld by the arm of the brave!

The Duke traced his ancient, lordly, and lineal descent from Raymond Count of Toulouse, who was the first zealous champion in serving, and enthusiastically heading, the Christian cause in the holy wars.

Adelaide Raymond, the only child of Raymond Duke of Tyrconnel, was born upon the 31st day of October, _anno salutis_, one thousand six hundred and----upon the Eve of All-Hallows, as we have already noticed. His Royal Highness James Duke of York, (brother and presumptive heir to Charles II.,) and who afterwards succeeded to the throne of the triple realms as James II., upon this happy event was most graciously pleased to signify his royal intention of standing sponsor for Lady Adelaide; which high distinction was gratefully and proudly accepted by the Duke and d.u.c.h.ess of Tyrconnel; and the Lord Glandarrah was chosen as proxy for the royal sponsor.

Adelaide almost immediately after her birth had been privately baptized; but the first day of May, which had now arrived, was the day appointed for the state christening. The d.u.c.h.ess d'Aremberg, an early friend of the d.u.c.h.ess of Tyrconnel, stood G.o.dmother for the Lady Adelaide, and appointed Lady Lucy Raymond, the Duke's youngest sister, as her proxy. Nor did the d.u.c.h.ess d'Aremberg forget to send a baptismal present upon this august occasion, which arrived in due season, in the shape and form of an infant's cap and frock, all beautifully formed of exquisite Brussels lace, and made under the eye and express directions of the ill.u.s.trious G.o.dmother: and to these were added a scarf and sash of rich Mechlin lace. Nor did Her Grace omit also to send, as was then usual, a handsome _honorarium_ to the child's nurse, Mrs. Judith Braingwain, with whom our gentle reader, in due and given time and place, shall become better acquainted in the following pages of this our eventful history.

But with due leave and respect we must now be permitted to say a word or two concerning the ancient and n.o.ble baronial castle, where the high and exalted ceremonial of this day was with such pomp to be celebrated.

The castle of Tyrconnel was situated in the province of Ulster, where its majestic stately ruins still remain magnificent even in decay. It stood upon the verge of a triangular village, to which it gave its own enn.o.bled name, as it was the generic name at that period of the town and the county, which was a district of large extent. Since that time, in these our modern days, the ancient name of Tyrconnel has been changed into Donegal.[8]

[8] This castle now belongs to the Marquis of Conyngham.

The castle is boldly elevated upon the rocky and precipitous margin of the river Eske, which rolls its impetuous torrent into the Atlantic Ocean, from which it is only half-a-mile distant. Mountains surround the castle on every side, except to the west, from which point receding, they open a n.o.ble vista to the sea, and give a solemn and magnificent character to the entire scenery. Here the curving and fantastic outlines of the distant mountains, clad in aerial blue, arise in endless and beautiful variety, glowing or darkening with every varying tint and tone of sun-shine or of shadow, reflecting each rainbow hue of the atmosphere, and then boldly blending sky and mountain into one congregated ma.s.s of undefinable tint; so that the dark blue cloud which rolls above can with difficulty be distinguished from the dark blue mountain that, towering, frowns beneath.

The approach to the majestic steep where this ancient and celebrated fortress stands, is through the well-known pa.s.s of _Barna-More_, or the great gap; which is here formed by the opening arms of the stupendous mountain of Sleavedoon, whose gigantic heights const.i.tute vast continuous barriers to the extent of fourteen miles, girdling within their extended embrace a varied and lonely valley, which expands and smiles beneath.

This ma.s.sive fabric was planned and piled in the twelfth century by the first Earl of Tyrconnel, and was then, and subsequently for a series of years, garrisoned as a fortress. The castle, although by no means deficient in architectural grandeur, yet appears to have been const.i.tuted princ.i.p.ally with a view to strength; and that object unquestionably in those days was fully attained, for it was utterly impregnable to all hostile attacks in that early age. The form of the castle is square, and flanked by frowning turrets of similar conformation; the ground-plan is constructed upon an extended scale, and the design of the building is withal irregular: a large magnificent quadrangular court-yard adorns the interior, which is surrounded by bastions, battlements, and towers.

There is a projecting barbican, whose fragments yet remain still boldly overhanging the river Eske, and which seems to have been intended for the purpose of supplying the castle with water, while it is also supposed to have been occasionally used as a donjon-keep, and which afforded an expeditious mode of despatching the prisoners whom the haughty Lord refused to surrender, or was unwilling to maintain, by plunging them down the vortex of the ceaseless current which rapidly rolls beneath.

When the Duke of Tyrconnel resided here several small pieces of cannon were pointed from the embattled bartizan of the central tower, adding to its ornament as well as to its defence. The grand front of the castle was situated seaward; to the west extended a lofty terrace; the embrasures of the parapet wall which enclosed the terrace were furnished with about a dozen of twelve pounders; while the deep foundations of the bastions were moated by the impetuous waters of the Eske, fiercely rolling onward to the Atlantic Ocean.

This lordly pile was this day (the 1st of May, one thousand six hundred and----) destined to be the scene of uncommon festivity and grandeur; indeed such pomp and magnificence never before were witnessed within the walls of Tyrconnel castle. All the n.o.bility and gentry in the country for many miles round were invited to a.s.sist at the baptismal banquet given for the n.o.ble and lovely infant; and every princely preparation was in readiness duly to celebrate this distinguished day.

The n.o.ble banner, quartered and emblazoned with the ancient bearings of this ill.u.s.trious family, from its gilt flag-staff, which was crowned with the ducal coronet, proudly floated over the high central tower, which latterly had obtained the _agnomen_ of "the raven tower," from a circ.u.mstance which already has been related. The guns on the parapet fired a loud _salvo_ to welcome the happy day; while the ancient harper (old blind Cormac) and the piper were put in immediate requisition, to add the notes of harmony to the loud reports of joy.

The tenantry and peasantry, both male and female, were invited, and gladly came, clad in their holiday suits, to partake of a rural banquet, prepared expressly for the occasion within marquees erected on the lawn.

The costume of the servants of the Duke was truly princely, and all who wore livery appeared richly apparelled in their state attire of green cloth, deeply laced, and embroidered with gold. The old cathedral tower pealed forth many a merry chime, which duly was responded to by the distant tinkling of the surrounding village bells.

While these preparations were advancing, the Duke happened to be walking upon the terrace, and hearing old Cormac touch his harp and prepare to sing, with the intent, no doubt, that his voice and strings might sound in due tone and harmony at the approaching festival; the Duke had the curiosity to step onward to hear the notes of the aged minstrel--for he was both minstrel and harper; and His Grace listened to learn whether old Cormac had composed any rhythm or song for this great and happy occasion. Accordingly with this fixed intent His Grace advanced to the door of the great hall which led out to the terrace, and which happened to be then open; from thence he listened, and heard the following lines sung by Cormac, which the old man accompanied with his harp:--

CORMAC'S SONG.

Loud strike the harp! and raise the song!

To Raymond shall the verse belong!

And hail his n.o.ble, lovely child, The image of her mother mild.

O softly rest, sweet baby there, And as thy morn, thy life be fair!

Long may that smile of angel grace That now illumes thy beauteous face, Attend thee through life's stormy race!

May no mischance destroy thy rest, Be thine the sun-shine of the blest; And when thy earthly course is past, Be thine the joys shall ever last!

Friendship on earth be thine, and love, And thine eternal bliss above!

The Duke felt exceedingly pleased at the attachment and feeling expressed by the old man in his extempore song, although he might not think very highly of the poetical composition. But the words came from the old man's heart, and the strain to which his harp rang forth was an old Irish air, so the Duke was fully satisfied; and having advanced and entered the hall, he approached old Cormac, and in a gracious tone he said to the sightless bard, "Thanks, Cormac, accept my grateful thanks; and moreover, here is largess for the minstrel, and withal it is stamped in gold." So having said, he pa.s.sed a gold _Carolus_ into the minstrel's hand; for which bounty, with tears flowing from his sightless eye-b.a.l.l.s, the grateful old man made a low and respectful obeisance, adding due courtesy.

Here the Duke retired to dress, to receive his company; and meeting with his physician, Sir Patricius Placebo, on his way, he deputed him to do the honours should any of the guests arrive while His Grace was attiring for the banquet.

Sir Patricius Placebo had been created a baronet by king Charles II., in grateful return for active services and personal kindnesses performed in favour of the monarch during his long exile from the throne of his ancestors; and he was, through the favour of His Royal Highness James Duke of York, who afterwards became James II., introduced, with every favourable recommendation, to the Duke of Tyrconnel.

Sir Patricius Placebo now became forth-with family physician to the Duke. He had been baptized plain Patrick, but a.s.sumed that of Patricius; whether it was selected for the euphony of the sound, or the dignity which it implied, or both considerations probably swaying together, the reason of the selection has not been sufficiently defined, nor do our historical annals record the cause. But thus the baronet in sooth was called, and so he wished to be designated.

The attire of Sir Patricius was in due accordance and conformity to the medical costume of the time, which is worthy of being preserved as a historical morceau. His head was enveloped within an enormous bushy peruke, which at this period was confined to the learned professions, or those who affected gravity. This said peruke was _bien poudre_, and upon its summit was perched a small gold-laced hat of triangular shape and form, fastened with gold loops, and a b.u.t.ton at the sinister side of said triangle. His costume was a rich black velvet coat, without a cape, made single-breasted, with long and portentously extended skirts, starched, and stuffed, and stiffened forth, with a magnanimous expenditure of stay-tape and buckram; from out of which sprung, and sparkled forth, the ornamented hilt of a small sword. The sleeves of the coat were large and slashed, each capacious enough to have contained a moderate sized turkey. The waistcoat, formed of the same materials, was likewise in unison with the coat, single-breasted, with long flaps or skirts, which might have given no bad idea of the Roman _sportula_. His cravat was formed of the richest muslin, deeply edged with Mechlin lace, which, after pa.s.sing several times around the neck, meandered through the b.u.t.ton-holes of the waistcoat, so as nearly to reach the extremity of the waist. His small-clothes were made likewise of black velvet, according to the curious, and certainly not very seemly fashion of the times. The hose, or stockings, were of scarlet silk, which were tightly drawn up, and ascended the knees upon the exterior of the small-clothes, and that too to the very utmost of their outstretched extent; at the ankles the hose were adorned with clokes of gold net-work.[9] The shoes were fashioned with broad square toes, made with short quarters and high tops, and were so highly polished that they might well indeed have elicited the admiration, if not the envy, of the fabricator (if then living) of "Warren's jet blacking!"[10] The shoes were fastened by small square gold buckles richly wrought. His solitaire of rich black satin, must not perish in oblivion, along with all the dignified _et ceteras_ of a proud chevalier of that chivalrous day. His ruffles and chitterlin were of rich Poyntz lace; while over and around his shoulders was flung a long Spanish _capa ropa larga_, a large wide cloak or roquelaire of rich Spanish cloth, the inside dyed white, the exterior scarlet; and it is certainly imagined that no one ever yet stood in proximity with the Doctor's red flowing roquelaire without wishing mentally for the approach of a fire-engine!

[9] Silk stockings first became usual in the reign of Elizabeth.

These articles of finery "were curiously knit with open seam down the legge, with quirks and clokes about the ancles, and sometimes (haply) _interlaced with gold or silver threads_, as it is wonderful to behold."--_Beaumont and Fletcher_, vol. v. _Note_, p.

353.

[10] "Shining shoes" are often noticed by Ma.s.singer, Jonson, and other old dramatists.

But we must now complete the portrait of Sir Patricius. He constantly carried an Indian cane, surmounted with a gold head of beautifully perforated filligree-work, the interior of which contained cotton steeped in aromatic vinegar; and it was amusing to behold with what dignified gravity and grimace he ever and anon applied the said cane to the olfactory organ, and with much seeming satisfaction. When this stately toy was relinquished, it gave place to a more magnificent bijou, in the shape of a gold snuff-box: upon the lid was inserted a miniature of Charles II. by the celebrated Samuel Cooper. And let it be remembered that "he was the first who gave the strength and freedom of oil to miniature!" This fine production of original genius was appropriately encircled around with large brilliants. The act of snuff-taking was slowly performed by the grave pressure of the thumb and fore-finger of the right hand, deliberately and ceremoniously performing a curve, or segment of a circle, while with a sly and approving gaze he contentedly ogled a large diamond ring placed on the little finger. When the Baronet spoke it was with a rich and most mellifluous brogue, and to which the tone of consequence did not seem wanting: albeit to those who invited him to a good dinner when the Duke was absent, or who annually vouchsafed to take or order a box of his _Pillulae Vitae_, he was, in sooth, a very pleasant, accommodating, and polite gentleman.

Sir Patricius was standing on the terrace, and leaning thoughtfully upon his cane, when Captain Heaviside rode up to the steps; and alighting from horseback, he ascended the stately terrace. Captain Heaviside was all things to all men--ay, and to all women. He was the _pious aeneas_ in church, conventicle, or chapel; but he was the _dux Troja.n.u.s_ in the grotto or drawing-room.

"Good morrow, Captain."

"Sir Patricius, your most humble servant."

"Would you wish, Captain, to view the demesne?"

"Certainly, Sir Patrick--I mean Sir Patricius. I beg pardon, dear Sir; but will you first allow me to jump out of these leathern turrets? I hate all confounded French fashions."

The Captain retired to the chamber appropriated for him. There freely disengaged from the ponderous enc.u.mbrances which were worn at that era.

After a few moments he rejoined the Baronet in the great hall of the castle. It was not then the fashion, _a la Turke_, to wear mustaches; nor was it considered necessary to announce the approach into the drawing-room or dancing saloon, of the man of war, by the loud clank and clatter of his iron heels, steel chains, and bra.s.s spurs, or the ponderosity of an immense sabre, enclosed in an iron sheath, and "dragging its slow length along." No; Captain Heaviside came in full-dress, according to the studied propriety and etiquette of the age.

The great baronial hall was sumptuously fitted up as an armoury; the walls were adorned with all the ancient arms and weapons which were peculiar to Ireland; it was wainscoted with carved native oak; the ceiling also was of oak, ornamented with carved, ba.s.so-relievos of armorial escutcheons, armour, warlike weapons, coats of arms, crests mottoes, &c. Several horns of the moose-deer, of immense dimensions, surmounted the architraves and door-cases. At either end of the hall were two large fire-places, with gigantic chimney-pieces of Irish marble; the central compartment of each was decorated with armorial sculpture, representing the Irish harp, surmounted by the radiate, or Irish crown, the supporters, two wolf-dogs of the Irish breed, and underneath, in Gaelic, a motto under each device; the interpretation of which, partly in allusion to the Irish wolf-dog, as also to the manly character of the inhabitants of the island, was, "Gentle when soothed, fierce when provoked." Various war-weapons tastefully displayed and arranged, of ancient Irish make and form, glittered upon the walls; viz.