The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1854-04-14
Killarmey.

| There is not, perhaps, throughout the worldi O
compeer for killarney. A spot where all the am
posing and beautiful charms Of nature are bended'
| where the expansive and chrystal lake, the WOOD.
crowned hill-the cloud.piercing mountain and the
outrageous vale mingle the varied destinations
and imports an inehable pleasure TO the observer.
The deep green Of its verdue,-the transparency
of it's placid and isle. studded lakesihe bold, pre-.
cpious from, Of its hiII-ai form, in combination,
a master piece OF Landscape; exqusiteiy fnS
ished spot, from natures adept hand. 7is& 'e
The echo of its mountains rare attraction to
| the visitor Of Killarney. We have heard OF echoes |;
mere echoes but we have never heard before
of nanimate nature. having, as it were an lnstnc-
tive and predominant genius for music to that ex-
lent that the very hills will, repeat the most dlf'
cult air. taking up bar after bar, and performing
them, with a wonderful accuracy, in their finest
cadences and intonaiions. Yet, such IS Killarney.
Let bugler stand at the base OF Its mounti per-
form an air, and cease. After the lapse oil lew
seconds the listener is startled by hearing the
performance of his instrument repeated, with an
astonishing exactude. The notes clear, agreea-
ble and sonorous. But this is not the performance
OF one mountain alone. II is followed by others,
in the same manner, going q circuit, IN the inter-
or of which is magnificent amphIiheatre. Ire
land is celebrated for her national genius for
song. Why should she not, when even mani
mate nature is vocal with sweet strains oi me-
lody -. F.. 'se2f
The imaginative peasantry, have connected
with these echo mountains, many wild legands.-
But, that which is dearest 10 our hearts-wbich IS
most popular among the peasantry, and which
best accords with our character, is the version
given bv an iIliterate and erratic Irish harper
When the Saxons invaded Ireland, her liberty
wounded, and wept that she should be compel
led to foe
an isle which nature formed SO fair"
After indugug in vain hopes, the goddess saw
that the usurpers were destined 10 triumph, though
never TO conquer. Observing slavery's clouds and
desecration sweeping on, she, with fearful eyes,
spread her Pnons, and prepared TO depart
Slowly and majes'icay she arose into the AIR, and
gazed DER her favore temple, which the despoil-
er was LAYING in ruins. Her bright wings wa
vered she was fascinated with the beauty beneath
her, and descended upon one of KilIarney's oGiest
peaks Here said the goddess, enclosed in this
grand and venerable mountain, loved and valiant
Erin the spiri: of thy freedom shall dwell From
that time down, there she remains prisoner, vet
still free The minstrel also said that, when Ire.
land shall regain her prerogatives-her iDdepen-
dcnce Killarney will lose its echo, for the bird OF
liberty shall then swell her trains, not in noun
tain, but throughout the whole Island. SO 1t it is
not So" the harper would observe, his mind evil
dently absorbed in "reminiscences of by gone days.
" RAISE cairn over your ha r0 s grave--lct me-
sleep unhonored ~ Charles Philips, in his gorgeous
poem, " The Emerald lsle," embodies this imag.
NATIVE idea in a couplet after recording, in the
mosical number and luxuriant diction Of his verse,
the glories OF Killarney -
And oft they say,it is the sight
or thy sad sprIt, Liberty !"
~ Eng. Rep.