The Western advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1872-1874, 1874-08-08
IRISH COURTSHIPS AND WE'D.
DINGS.

TIE arrows of Cupid fly thick and fast
in Ireland and the heart of Pat seems to
be especially vulnerable. According to
apopular ballad, an 1rishman
loves @ al AL that is lovely
and it is, therefore, not wonderful that
the love-god persuades so many of the
sons Of the sod'' somewhat too early in
life to find their way to the altar of
Iymen. Many young men in the land
of the shillclah and the shamrock mar
ry before they are out of their teens
and when they are not at all in posi-
tiOn to commence housekeeping.
so you want to be married?" said the
Rev. Mr.. NJ to Peter Kinsella.
Deed and that's just it, your river
cncc."
What age arc you, Pcter?"
"Just eighteen past, sir"
"You'rc too young, Pctcr.''
Sure every day Pm growing older,
your riverencc, and it's never too soon to
do right"
How much are you able to earn?"
Not as much as | would like, sir
only los. wcck-but hope things will
mend"
"Why, man, you couldn't keep house
on los. week"
"Wcll, sir, Kitty is ,oillin' to try"
Further eXpostulation was useless, and
in due time the willing Kitty became
Mrs. Kinsella.
sIn a few years the sweet prattle of
childrcn's voices was heard in Peters
cottage. After the labors of the day, as
he sat before his turffrc with a child on
each knee, and his darling Kitty sewing
by his side, he used to say he was {" as
happy as a king" If those who have the
notion that when Poverty comes in at
the door Love flies out at the window
would pay visit to the sons and daugh.
ters Of toll in Ireland, they would find
how false is the saying Just quoted
True, the toiler is badly paid; but he
has contentment-a priceless boon; and
he generally enjoys good health-another
incstimablc blessing. And yet it would
have been better if Peter had waited a
little longer before he took upon himself
matrimonial responsibilities. The Irish
are, however, a marrying race, and no
matter how poor they may be they like
to have home of their own.
According to custom, Peter mad to give
"house-warming"- is, he had to
treat his relations and neighbors to tea
and whisky punch. The services of
fiddler were secured, and, with
song and dance, the hours glided
swiftly by. Peter sang his favorite
song, Did you ever hear tell of
Kate Kearney?" Mrs. X. was pressed to
sing, but she said she was call through
othcr," and under the circumstances, she
was excused. The nights entertainment
cost something, and Mr.. Kinsella was a
very poor man; but the custom of the
country must be observed.
There is good deal Of what has been
termed "fortune-hunting" in Ireland; of
course there are myriads who
MARY for love
And work for sillcr;"
but there also are a considerable mum.
Der who like to get the "siller" without
working; in other words, they set their
hearts upon marrying a wealthy wife.
They keep this object constantly before
them, and when they hear that a young
lady at Ballymac- murphy will likely
have a large fortune" off they start
with the object of getting introduced to
the favored fair one. Sometimes these
fortune-hunters are greatly disappointed.
One man had prowled through three or
four counties in search of wealthy
wife. He was informed that Widow
MacSweeny's daughter would have
stockingful of sovereigns,'
and he lost no time in becoming
acquainted with sweet Miss Macs. He
was invited to Fairview, and was cor
daily received by the widow, who talke6
about bank books, railway shares anc
stock in such way that he imagined h,
had at last accomplished his object. AL
ready the fortune" seemed in his pos
session. On his second visit he was takel
round the farm, and his attention wa
particularly called to the large numbe
OF COWS and sheep in the meadows. Now
as faithful historian, must record tn
1act That the stock in the field, with tn
exception OF three COWS and two sheer
haa been borrowed from obliging neigf
0ors who were anxious to assist the Wiz