The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1888-09-29

carmen INumphale," on the escape OF
the Queen from the ''leadless pistol" Of
Oxford, the insane pot-boy.
In February, 1910, also appeared in
Blackwood the t'song Of q Returned
Exile in which there are many pretty
pictures Of the scenery about the poets
native place. His home affections we're
strong, and he loved to spend his annual
months holidays in Kilworth.
In 1846 Denis Florence Mccarthy pub
]ished his Book of Irish BALLADS Tin
which are included ''The Doom of the
Mirror and ''The Return Of the Exile, >"
by Simmons), and sending copy of the
work to Simmons, the editor received the
following interesting letter iii which we
get glimpse, amongst other matters. OF
the poets political opinions
''Kilworth, Go. Cork. Dec. 10, 1916.
"MY DEAR S1R-The receipt Of your
pretty presentation copy OF the Irish
Ballads was rendered doubly valuable
to me by the inscription of it's editor,
and the more suitable for ranging with
former volume OF the Library sent
me by my dear friend Ferguson. Pray
accept my best thanks for your rernem-
brance Of me. I may guess how my
pitiful illusions got into your collection.
Z suppose through the kindness Of Mr..
Lane. They are unworthy their COM
panions, and now regret have done so
little (or rather nothing at alp in an
Irish spirit, and in the cause Of ireland.
WIRING exclusively for an English cir
culating book, such as Bleckwooa, and
residing always in London, you may
judge how an indolent neglect Of his
own national muse will creep upon q
man. Ferguson, however, knows that I
have long contemplated doing something
upon passage in our miserable story
that long ago struck nue. MS very chival-
rous and stirring.
Regarding O'Connell as T do-as the
Moses of his land-I am, Of course,
identified with his opinion regarding this
Young ireland party. However, J. haye
often confessed that ii you don't crush
ua and the Saxon under Captain Sword,
you undoubtedly will undex Captain
Pen. The writings Of your host are ab-
solutely amazing, and T. know Of no bet-
Ter instance Of one class of them than
yo,,r own preface to the ballads, which
is as truly as it IS exquisitely written-it
is really most beautiful, and I I'M not G.
Aatterer in any way. Your SAlice and
Una I had long by me--having cut it
ont of The Nation, where I first saw it,
thinking it superior to anything that had
appeared in that paper for grace and
tenderness--a newness Of description,
and melodious ingenuity Of rhyme only
to be eq11alled by Mr.. Clarence Mangan's
invention in that way.
"Hoping often to hear Of you, and
some time or other to see you, believe
me, very dear sir, yours most sincerely,
':B. SIMMONS. {"
Simmons, unfortunately. neve2 carried
out the intention he appears to hare en-
tertained Of writing en ambitious poetic
work on some incident in Irish history.
He published a volume of poems in 1S43
The book is, of course, long since out of
print, and in couple Of pieces in some
of the collections Of Irish poetry general
readers have but limited means of
forming ar aoq uaintance with Sinamons
az poet. He never married; he lived
in quiet, unostentatious manner; he
was always in delicate health, and, meet
ing with an accident through the blow
ing up of small pleasure steamer on the
River Thames, his early death was
accelerated. He died in his 46th year
in embarrassed circu Instances, DR.. Mad
den says, though at the time he still re-
tanned bis appointment in the Civil
Service.
This is DR.. r. r. Madden's opinion of
Simmons as a man and as a litterateur-
''Th;s gentleman possessed talents Of
Il higher order than are frequently found
belonging to those who are known only
in literature as contributors to ANNALS.
He was man of considerable talent, re-
fined taste, and cultivated mind; one of
Lady Blessington's contributors, for
some years, to the periodical edited by
her, and the author of several tales and
sketches, and short poetical pieces OF
great deal of merit. Some of his stories
illustrative of Irish character, are ex-
tremely clever and his descriptions
graphic. Mr.. Simmons never pursued
Literature as a career. He held a lucrative
appointment in the Inland Revenue De-
partment in London. In society, his
quiet and reserved manners gave the inn
preston OF q nan fond Of retirement
AZ. p,,k xrhoy, no fo1t Of