ABSTRACT
The heart sometimes swells with a forethought of approaching dissolution; and Glenarvon, as he had cast many a homeward glance upon his own native mountains, knew that he beheld them for the last time. Turning with sadness towards them, ‘Farewell to Ireland,’ he cried; ‘and may better hearts support her rights, and revenge her wrongs! I must away.’ Arrived in England, he travelled in haste; nor paused till he gained the port in which his ship was stationed. He sailed in a fair frigate with a gallant crew, and no spirit amongst them was so light, and no heart appeared more brave. Yet he was ill in health; and some observed that he drank much, and oft, and that he started from his own thoughts; / then laughed and talked with eagerness, as if desirous to forget them. ‘I shall die in this engagement,’ he said, addressing his first lieutenant. ‘Hardhead, I shall die; but I care not. Only this remember – whatever other ships may do, let the Emerald be first and last in action. This is Glenarvon’s command. – Say, shall it be obeyed?’38 – Upon the night39 after Lord Glenarvon had made his escape from Ireland, and the heir of Delaval had been restored to his father, a stranger stood in the outer gates of St. Alvin Priory – It was the maniac La Crusca, denouncing woe, and woe upon Glenarvon. St. Clare marked him as she returned to the Wizzard’s Glen, and, deeply agitated, prepared to meet her followers. It was late when the company were assembled. A flash of agony darted from her eyes, whilst with a forced smile, she informed them that Lord Glenarvon had disgraced himself for ever; and, lastly, had abandoned his country’s cause. / ‘Shame on the dastard!’ exclaimed one. ‘We’ll burn his castle,’ cried another. ‘Let us delay no longer,’ was murmured by all. ‘There are false friends among us. This is the night for action. To-morrow – who can look beyond to-morrow?’ ‘Where is Cormac O’Leary?’ said St. Clare. ‘He has been bribed to forsake us.’ ‘Where is Cobb O’Connor?’ ‘He is appointed to a commission in the militia, but will serve us at the moment.’a ‘Trust not the faithless varlet: they who take bribes deserve no trust.’
