Do not smile at me that I boast her off; For thou shalt find she will outstrip all praise, And make it halt behind her. AN APOLOGY, &c. MY DEAR FRIEND, OMITTING all the reasons usually assigned by those who have heretofore attempted to account for the profusion of Irish Absentees found in England, I shall venture upon new ground. altogether; and leaving political argument aside, give the true reason in a few plain words: it arises from the astonishing SUPERIORITY of this country over every other civilized nation upon B the face of the earth. After having said this, I shall commit the task of drawing a comparison between England and Ireland, to some one else, and as much as I can, confine myself to a simple statement of truths in support of my position: on the one hand, avoiding the style of fulsome commendation, and extravagant blandishment with which Mr. Twiss has treated our native land; and on the other, steering clear of any thing like the butcherly severity, and cruel sarcasm of Sir John Carr, when writing on the same subject. I admit-for I am compelled to admitthat Mr. Twiss evinces a noble freedom from prejudice, extreme goodness of heart, and great suavity of character; and the Knight, an abundance of Attic wit, vast novelty of remark, much elegance of manner, and a rare spirit of inquiry. But I must confess that bare |