wisdom, and it surely cannot be but that a satisfactory solution of such a problem can be peacefully worked out. Still the contingency of a lack of sufficient wisdom to bring about the consultation should be faced; and I have only said that in that deplorable event, a struggle would mean something very different from the silly spectacle of an Irish mob armed with shillelaghs and fowling-pieces and a stray revolver or two, going out to be mown down by a few regiments from Aldershot. I feel certain that the most filibustering among our party will know how to be quiet and patient while the demand for Home Rule is under bona fide treatment; but I feel equally certain that any attempt to force upon Ireland continuance of the present form of connection, so far from maintaining the greatness of the Empire, will eventually knock the whole boiling into smithereens.’
‘Yes,’ said Lesbia; ‘it happens unluckily that the Bungling party have got the reins at this critical time. I try not to be a partisan, but it does seem to me that while there’s something to be said for Toriosity, and something for Radicality, there’s nothing to be said for Whiggery-piggery: it possesses the faults of both, and the virtues of neither.’
The two men laughed.
‘And you call that not being a partisan, Lesbie!’ said her uncle.
At this moment a boatman came up to speak to our two about a row on the lake, which gave a turn to the conversation, and O’Logan nodded au revoir. About another week of bright, warm weather passed pleasantly enough, before they made their way home viâ Dublin and Holyhead.
