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IRISH SONGS AND LYRICS 193 |
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Each year, when your octaves approach,
In full chapter convened let me find you; And when to the Convent you come,
Leave your favourite temptation behind you. And be not a glass in your Convent,
Unless on a festival found ; And, this rule to enforce, I ordain it
One festival all the year round.
My brethren, be chaste, till you're tempted;
While sober, be grave and discreet; And humble your bodies with fasting,
As oft as you've nothing to eat. Yet, in honour of fasting, one lean face
Among you I'd always require; If the Abbot should please, he may wear it,
If not, let it come to the Prior.
Come, let each take his chalice, my brethren, And with due devotion prepare,
The Convent, as it was called, or place of meeting, was in St. Kevin Street. Dublin, and it was the custom for the members to assemble every Saturday evening during the law term. They had also another meeting-place near Rathfarnham, Cur-ran's country seat, which he appropriately called The Priory, he being elected Prior. The furniture of the festive apartment in Dublin was completely monkish, and at the meetings all the members appeared in the habit of the order, a black tabinet domino. The members of the club were nearly all distinguished men, including Lord Mornington (composer of the celebrated glee "Here in Cool Grot"), the Marquis of Townshend (when Viceroy), Yelverton (afterwards Lord Avonmore), Dr. O'Leary, Grattan, Flood, George Ogle, Judge Johnson, Hussey Burgh, Lord Kilwarden, and the Earl of Arran. It lasted till 1795. See, also, the story with this title by Charles J. Lever. |
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