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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.

SHAKSPEARE'S TEMPEST

Printed by Gye and Son, Market-Place, Bath.

226.

1813.

.j. 157.

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

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