The prose and poetry of Ireland. A choice collection of literary gems from the masterpieces of the great Irish writers

Front matter

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THE

RELAND.

Preface

WHY this book ? Briefly, because it is intended to supply a widely-felt want ; because there is no other work of the kind ; because I earnestly hope it will do some good, and will be found of value in thousands of homes in this Republic.

As we gaze at night on the beautiful, star-lit firmament, we are struck with the fact that star differs from star in brightness. And though thousands of stars dazzle the eye with their twinkles, yet astronomers tell us that there are but twenty^two whose brightness and splendor entitle them to be called ^^ stars of the first magnitude." So it is in the world of letters. There are thousands of writers, but the truly great ones are not yery numerous.

In sweeping our somewhat inexperienced telescope over the distant literary sky of Ireland, we fancied that we saw twenty-two shining names, whose superior brightness could not be mistaken- After much thought and careful comparison, we set them down. They are the twenty-two authors whose writings enrich the pages of this volume. Of course, the limited size of the book compelled us to stop somewhere, and the suggestive number just referred to, was, for more than one reason, admirably convenient.

On Ireland and the Irish race, the writings of these illustrious men and women reflect immortal honor. It is my firm conviction that no other nation of ancient or modern times can point to twenty-two such glorious names in the history of its literature.

While the selections are very choice, and are made on the principles of beauty and utility, still I hope I have not failed to present an agreeable variety. Here, side by side, can be found the familiar letter, the learned lecture, the interesting chapter of history, the soul-stirring speech, the charming essay, the fascinating tale, and the matchless poem.

The plan of the volume, which I am free to say was not hastily laid down, forced me to exclude many famous writers whose great merits no one is more ready to recognize than myself.

This is a book for the people, for the family. It is a select little

4 Preface,

library oj Irish literature in one volume. And, if I am not greatly mistaken, it will prove of more than mere passing value, above all, to the Irish and their descendants in the United States. The young will find it rich in mental nourishment, and even the aged and the learned can glean something from its pages. The father who puts this work into the hands of his children — it is not a book merely to look at — and sees that they read it, will do much to develop) a healthy taste for good, sound literature, to enrich and elevate their minds, and to give tbem just conceptions of Irish wit and worth and valor and genius.

I feel that I can confidently commend " The Prose and Poetry of Ireland " to Catholic families as entirely free from anything dangerous to faith and morals.

Regardless of heavy ex23ense, Mr. P. P. Collier, the energetic publisher, is issuing it in a style which, indeed, reflects no small credit on his good taste and enlightened enterprise.

Por kind courtesies, which aided me not a little during the preparation of this volume, I return my warm thanks to Eev. M. J. O'Farrell, the learned and devoted pastor of St. Peter's Church, New York City; John Savage, LL.D., Pordham, 1^. Y. ; Aubrey De Yere, Esq., Curragh Chase, Adare, Ireland ; Sister Mary Prancis Clare, Kenmare Convent, Ireland ; Hon. W. E. Eobinson, Brooklyn, K Y. ; Mr. J. C. Curtin, editor of the New York Tablet ; Rev. Brother Justinian, Director of the Christian Brothers, Brooklyn, N. Y. ; and last, though not least, to my sister. Miss Murray, and to my brotliers, Mr. B. P. Murray and Mr. J. J. Murray.

I cannot better conclude these prefatory remarks than by quoting the words of two of the greatest minds that ever shed a lustre ou the history of the Catholic Church :

^"^The reading of literary masterpieces," writes the great and pious Lacordaire, " not only forms the taste, but it keeps the soul in elevated regions and prevents it from sinking down into vulgarity. "

'' Literature," says the illustrious Pope Leo X., "is the ornament and glory of the Church. I have always remarked that it knits its cultivators more firmly to the dogmas of our faith."

J. O'K. M.

BROOKLYiq-, L. I., April 14, 1877.