"You don't say so, Sir?" said Fergus-for so I must call him, for shortness sake. "Has he any chance of the company yet, Sir ?"

First of all, we were dined by the citizens of Cork-and, to do them justice, a harder drinking set of gentlemen no city need boast; then we were feasted by the corporation; then by the sheriff's; then came the mayor solus; then an address, with a cold collation, that left eight of us on the sick list for a fortnight: but the climax of all was a grand entertainment given in the mansion-house, and to which upwards of two thousand were invited. It was a species of fancy ball, beginning by a dejeunè at three o'clock in the afternoon, and ending—I never yet met the man who could tell when it ended; as for myself, my finale partook a little of the adventurous, and I may as well relate it.

After waltzing for about an hour with one of the prettiest girls I ever set eyes upon, and a tender squeeze of the hand as I restored her to a most affable-looking old lady in a blue turban and a red velvet gown, who smiled most benignly on me, and called me “Mcejor," I retired to recruit for a new attack, to a small table, where three of ours were quaffing "pouche a la Romaine," with a crowd of Corkagians about them eagerly inquiring after some heroes of their own city, whose deeds of arins they were surprised did not obtain special mention from "the Duke." I soon ingratiated myself into this well-occupied clique, and dosed them with glory to their hearts' content. I resolved at once to enter into their humour; and as the "ponche" mounted up to my brain I gradually found my acquaintanceship extend to every family and connexion in the country.

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Did ve know Phil. Beamish of the 3-th, Sir?" said a tall, red-faced, redwhiskered, well-looking gentleman, who bore no small resemblance to Fergus O'Connor.

"Phil. Beamish !" said I. Indeed I did, Sir, and do still; and there is not a man in the British army I am prouder of knowing." Here, by the way, I may

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Company!" said I, in astonishment. "He obtained his majority three months since. You cannot possibly have heard from him lately, or you would have known that?"

That's true, Sir. I never heard since he quitted the 3-th to go to Versailles, I think they call it, for his health. But how did he get the step,

Sir ?"

"Why, as to the company, that was remarkable enough!" said I, quaffing off a tumbler of champagne, to assist my invention. "You know it was about four o'clock in the afternoon of the 18th that Napoleon ordered Grouchy to advance with the first and second brigade of the Old Guard and two regiments of chasseurs, and dislodge the position occupied by Picton and the regiments under his command. Well, Sir, on they came, masked by the smoke of a terrific discharge of artillery, stationed on a small eminence to our left, and which did tremendous execution among our poor fellows-on they came, Sir; and as the smoke cleared partially away we got a glimpse of them, and a more dangerous looking set I would not desire to see: grizzlebearded, hard-featured, bronzed fellows, about five-and-thirty or forty years of age; their beauty not a whit improved by the red glare thrown upon their faces and along the whole line by each flash of the long twenty-fours that were playing away to the right. Just at this moment Picton rode down the line with his staff, and stopping within a few paces of me, said, "They're coming up: steady, boys; steady now: we shall have something to do soon.' And then, turning sharply round, he looked in the direction of the French battery, that was thundering away again in full force, “Ah, that must be silenced," said he. "Where's Beamish?"

"Says Picton!" interrupted Fergus, his eyes starting from their sockets, and his mouth growing wider every moment, as he listened with the most intense interest. "Yes," said I, slowly; and then, with all the provoking nonchalance of an Italian improvisatore, who always halts at the most exciting point of his narrative, I begged a listener near me to fill my glass from the iced punch beside him. Not a sound was heard

as I lifted the bumper to my lips; all were breathless in their wound-up anxiety to hear of their countryman who had been selected by Picton-for what, too, they knew not yet. And, indeed, at this instant I did not know myself, and nearly laughed outright, for the two of ours who had remained at the table had so well employed their interval of ease as to become very pleasantly drunk, and were listening to my confounded story with all the gravity and seriousness in the world. Where's Beamish said Picton. Here, Sir,' said Phil. stepping out from the line, and touching his cap to the General, who, taking him apart for a few minutes, spoke to him with great animation. We did not know what he said; but before five minutes were over, there was Phil, with three companies of light-bobs drawn up at our left; their muskets at the charge, they set off at a round trot down the little steep which closed our flank. We had not much time to follow their movements, for our own amusement began soon; but I well remember, after repelling the French attack, and standing in square against two heavy charges of cuirassiers, the first thing I saw where the French battery had stood was Phil. Beamish and about a handful of brave fellows, all that remained from the skirmish. He captured two of the enemy's field-pieces, and was Captain Beamish' on the day after."

"Long life to him," said at least a dozen voices behind and about me, while a general clinking of decanters and smacking of lips betokened that Phil's health with all the honours was being celebrated. For myself, I was really so engrossed by my narrative, and so excited by the "ponche," that I saw or heard very little of what was passing around, and have only a kind of dim recollection of being seized by the hand by "Fergus," who was Beamish's brother, and who, in the fuluess of his heart, would have hugged me to his breast, if I had not opportunely been so overpowered as to fall senseless under the table.

had been put there by another, I know not, but it certainly cut a droll figure. The room we were in was a small one, off the great saloon, and through the half open foiding door I could clearly perceive that the festivities were still continued. The crash of fiddles and French horns, and the tramp of feet, which had lost much of their clasticity since the entertainments began, rang through my ears, mingled with the sounds "down the middle," "hands across," "here's your partner, Captain," What hour of the night or morning it then was, I could not guess; but certainly the vigour of the party seemed little abated, if I might judge from the specimen before me, and the testimony of a short plethoric gentleman, who stood wiping his bald head, after conducting his partner down twenty-eight couple, and who, turning to his friend, said, "Oh, the distance is nothing, but it is the pace that kills."

The first evidence I announced of any return to reason, was a strong anxiety to be at my quarters; but how to get there I knew not. The faint glimmering of sense I possessed told me that "to stand was to fall," and I was ashamed to go all-fours, which prudence suggested.

At this moment I remembered I had brought with me my cane, which, from a perhaps pardonable vanity, I was fond of parading. It was a present from the officers of my regiment-many of them, alas, since dead-and had a most splendid gold head, with a stag at the top, the arms of the regiment. This I would not have lost for any consideration I can mention; and this now was gone! I looked around me on every side; I groped beneath the table; I turned the sleeping sots who lay about in no very gentle fashion: but, alas, it was gone. I sprang to my feet, and only then remembered how unfit I was to follow up the search, as tables, chairs, lights, and people seemed all rocking and waving before me. However, I succeeded in making my way, through one room into another, sometimes guiding my steps along the walls; and once, as I recollect, seeking the diagonal of a room, I bisected a quadrille with such ill-directed speed, as to run foul of a Cork dandy and his partner who were just performing the en avant: but though I saw them lie tumbled in the dust by the shock of my encounter for I had upset them-I still held on the even tenor of my way. In fact, I had feel

ings for but one loss; and, still in pursuit of my cane, I reached the hall door. Now, be it known that the architecture of the Cork Mansion House has but one fault, but that fault is a grand one, and a strong evidence of how unsuited English architects are to provide buildings for a country whose tastes and habits they but imperfectly understand-be it known, then, that the descent from the hall door to the street was by a flight of twelve stone steps. How should I ever get down these was now my difficulty. If Falstaff deplored 'eight yards of uneven ground as being three score and ten miles a foot," with equal truth did I feel that these twelve awful steps were worse to me than would be M'Gillicuddy's Reeks in the day-light, and with a head clear from champagne. While I yet hesitated, the problem resolved itself; for, gazing down upon the bright gravel, brilliantly lighted by the surrounding lamps, I lost my balance, and came tumbling and rolling from top to bottom, where I fell upon a large mass of some soft substance, and to which, in all probability, I owe my life. In a few seconds I recovered my senses, and what was my surprise to find that the downy cushion beneath, snored most audioly!. I moved a little to one side, and then discovered that it in reality was nothing less than an alderman of Cork, who, from his position, I concluded had shared the same fate with myself: there he lay, "like a warrior taking his rest," but not with his martial cloak about him, but a much more comfortable and far more costly robe-a scarlet gown of office, with huge velvet cuffs and a great cape of the same material. True courage consists in presence of mind; and here mine came to my aid at once recollecting the loss I had just sustained, and perceiving that all was still, around me, with that right Peninsular maxim that reprisals are fair in an enemy's camp, I proceeded to strip the slain; and with some little difficulty-partly, indeed, owing to my own unsteadiness on my legs-I succeeded in denuding the worthy alderman, who gave no other sign of life during the operation than an abortive effort to "hip, hip, hurra," in which I left him, having put on the spoil, and set out on my way to barracks with as much dignity of manner as I could assume in honour of my costume. And here I may mention (en parenthese) that a more comfortable morning gown no man ever possessed, and in its wide

luxuriant folds I revel while I write these lines.

When I awoke on the following day I had considerable difficulty in tracing the events of the past evening. The great scarlet cloak, however, unravelled much of the mystery, and gradually the whole of my career became clear before me, with the single exception of the episode of Phil. Beamish, which my memory was subsequently refreshed about—but I anticipate. Only five appeared that day at mess; and Lord! what spectres they were!yellow as guineas: they called for soda water without ceasing, and scarcely spoke a word to each other. It was plain that the corporation of Cork was committing more havoc among us than Corunna or Waterloo, and that if we did not change our quarters, there would be quick promotion in the corps for such as were "seasoned gentlemen." After a day or two we met again together, and then what adventures were told-each man had his own story to narrate; and from the occurrences detailed, one would have supposed years had been passing, instead of the short hours of an evening party. Mine were indeed among the least remarkable; but I confess that the air of vraisemblance produced by my production of the aldermanic gown gave me the palm above all my competitors.

Such was our life in Cork-dining, drinking, dancing, riding steeple chases, pigeon shooting, and tandem driving— filling up any little interval that was found to exist between a late breakfast and the time to dress for dinner; and here I hope I shall not be accused of a tendency to boasting, while I add, that among all ranks and degrees of men and women too, there never was a regiment more highly in estimation than the 4-th. We felt the full value of all the attentions we were receiving ; and we endeavoured, as best we might, to repay them, even in some small degree. We got up Garrison Balls and Garrison Plays, and usually performed once or twice a week during the winter. Here I shone conspicuously. In the morning I was employed painting scenery and arranging the properties; as it grew later, I regulated the lamps, and looked after the foot-lights, mediating occasionally between angry litigants, whose jealousies abound to the full as much in private theatricals, as in the regular corps dramatique. Then I was also leader in the orchestra; and had scarcely given the last scrape in the

overture, before I was obliged to appear to speak the prologue. Such are the cares of greatness: to do myself justice, I did not dislike them; though, to be sure, my taste for the drama did cost me a little dear, as will be seen in the sequel.

We were then in the full career of popularity. Our balls pronounced the very pleasantest; our plays far superior to any regular corps that had ever honoured Cork with their talents; when an event occurred which threw a gloom over all our proceedings, and finally put a stop to every project for amusement, we had so completely given ourselves up to. This was no less than the removal of our LieutenantColonel. After thirty years of active service in the regiment he then commanded, his age and infirmities, increased by some severe wounds, demanded ease and repose; he retired from us, bearing along with him the love and regard of every man in the regiment. To the old officer he was endeared by long companionship, and undeviating friendship; to the young, he was in every respect as a father, assisting by his advice, and guiding by his counsel; while to the men, the best estimate of his worth appeared in the fact, that a corporal punishment was unknown in the corps. Such was the man we lost; and it may well be supposed, that his successor, who, or whatever he might be, came under circumstances of no common difficulty amongst us; but, when I tell, that our new Lieutenant-Colonel was in every respect his opposite, it may be believed how little cordiality he met with.

Lieutenant-Colonel Carden-for so I shall call him, although not his real name had not been a month at quarters, when he proved himself a regular Martinet; everlasting drills, continual reports, fatigue parties, ball practice, and heaven knows what besides, superseded our former morning's occupation; and, at the end of the time I have mentioned, we, who fought our way from Albuera to Waterloo, under some of the severest Generals of division, were pronounced a most disorderly and ill disciplined regiment, by a colonel, who had never seen a shot fired but at a review in Hounslow, or a sham-battle in the Fifteen Acres. The winter was now drawing to a close-already some little touch of spring was appearing, as our last play for the season was announced, every effort to close with some little additional eclat was made;

and each performer in the expected piece was nerving himself for an effort beyond his wont. The colonel had most unequivocally condemned these plays; but that mattered not; they came not within his jurisdiction; and we took no notice of his displeasure, further than sending him tickets, which were as immediately returned as received. From being the chief offender, I had become particularly obnoxious ; and he had upon more than one occasion expressed his desire for an opportunity to visit ine with his vengeance; but being aware of his kind intentions towards me, I took particular care to let no such opportunity occur. On the morning in question, then, I had scarcely left my quarters, when one of my brother officers informed me that the colonel had made a great uproar-that one of the bills of the play had been put up on his door-which, with his avowed dislike to such representations, he considered as intended to insult him he added, too, that the colonel attributed it to me. In this, however, he was wrong—and, to this hour, I never knew who did it. I had little time, and still less inclination, to medi tate upon the colonel's wrath—the theatre bad all my thoughts; and indeed it was a day of no common exertion, for our amusements were to conclude with a grand supper on the stage, to which all the elite of Cork were invited. Wherever I went through the city-and many were my peregrinations -the great placard of the play stared me in the face; and every gate and shattered window in Cork, proclaimed the part of Othello, by Mr. Lorrequer."

:

As evening drew near, my cares and occupations were redoubled. My Iago I had fears for 'tis true he was an admirable Lord Grizzle in Tom Thumb

but then-then I had to paint the whole company, and bear all their abuse besides, for not making some of the most ill-looking wretches, perfect Apollos; but, last of all, I was sent for, at a quarter to seven, to lace Desdemona's stays. Start not, gentle reader-ny fair Desdemona-she "who might lie by an emperor's side, and cominand him tasks" was no other than the senior lieutenant of the regiment, and who was as great a votary of the jolly god as honest Cassio himself. But I must hasten on.-I cannot delay to recount Our successes in detail. Let it suffice to say, that, by universal consent, I was preferred to Kean; and the only fault

the most critical observer could lay to the representation of Desdemona, was a rather unladylike fondness for snuff. But, whatever little demerits our acting might have displayed, were speedily forgotten in a champagne supper. There I took the head of the table; and, in the costume of the noble Moor, toasted, made speeches, returned thanks, and sung songs, till I might have exclaimed with Othello himself, “Chaos was come again ;"-and I believe I owe my ever reaching the barrack that night to the kind offices of Desdemona, who carried me the greater part of the way on her back.

the

The first waking thoughts of the wight who has indulged over-night, are not among the most blissful of existence, and certainly the delight is not increased by the consciousness that you are called on to the discharge of duties which your fevered pulse and throbbing temples had rather have escaped. My sleep was suddenly broken in upon morning after the play, by a "row-dowdow" beat beneath my window. I jumped hastily from my bed, and looked out, and there, to my horror, perceived the regiment under arms. It was one of our confounded colonel's morning drills; and there he stood himself with the poor adjutant, who had been up all night, shivering beside him. Some two or three of the officers had descended; and the drum was now summoning the others, as it beat round the barrack-square. I saw there was not a moment to lose, and proceeded to dress with all despatch; but, to my misery, I discovered every where, nothing but theatrical robes and decorations-there lay a splendid turban, here a pair of buskius-a spangled jacket glittered on one table, and a jewelled scimitar on the other. At last I detected my gimental small-clothes," &c. most ignominiously thrust into a corner, in my ardour for my Moorish robes the preceding evening. I dressed myself with the speed of lightning; but as I proceeded in my occupation-guess my annoyance to find that the toilet table and glass, ay, and even the basinstand, had been removed to the dressing-room of the theatre; and my servant, I suppose, following his master's example, was too tipsy to remember to bring them back; so that I was unable to procure the luxury of cold water-for now not a moment more remained the drum had ceased, and the men had all fallen in. Hastily drawing on my cat, I put on my shake, and buck

"re

ling on my belt as dandy-like as might be, hurried down the stairs to the barrack-yard. By the time I got down, the men were drawn up in line along the square; while the adjutant was proceeding to examine their accoutrements, &c. as he passed down. The colonel and the officers were standing in a group, but not conversing. The anger of the commanding officer appeared still to continue, and there was a dead silence maintained on both sides. To reach the spot where they stood, I had to pass along part of the line. In doing so, how shall I convey my amazement at the faces that met mea general titter ran along the entire rank, which not even their fears for consequences seemed able to repressfor an effort, on the part of many, to stifle the laugh, only euded in a still louder burst of merriment. I looked to the far side of the yard for an explanation, but there was nothing there to account for it. I now crossed over to where the officers were standing, determining in my own mind to investigate the occurrence thoroughly, when free from the presence of the colonel, to whom any representation of ill conduct always brought a punishment far exceeding the merits of the case. Scarcely had I formed this resolve, when I reached the group of officers; but the moment I came near, one general roar of laughter saluted me,-the like of which I never before heard. I looked down at my costume, expecting to discover that, in my hurry to dress, I had put on some of the garments of Othello. No: all was perfectly correct. I waited for a moment, till the first burst of their merriment over, I should obtain a clue to the jest. But there seemed no prospect of this; for as I stood patiently before them, their mirth appeared to increase. Indeed poor G- the senior major, one of the gravest men in Europe, laughed till the tears ran down his cheeks; and such was the effect upon me, that I was induced to laugh too-as men will sometimes, from the infectious nature of that strange emotion. But, no sooner did I do this, than their fun knew no bounds, and some almost screamed aloud, in the excess of their merriment. Just at this instant the colonel, who had been examining some of the men, approached our group, and advancing with an air of evident displeasure, as the shouts of loud laughter continued, came near. turned hastily round, and touching my

I