Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1892-02-04
GLENDALOUGH.

ful and refreshing; among us nlgn 2Du
bleak mountains there are numerous rich
and fertile valleys, luxuriantly wooded,
and with the noblest of magnificent rivers
running through them-forming, in their
course a series of cataracts. Its natural
graces are enhanced in value, because they
are invariably encountered after the eye
and mind have weared from gazing upon
rude and uncultivated districts, covered
with peat, upon the scanty heritage OF
which the small sheep can scarcely find
pasture.
1t is to this peculiar feature-its richly
adorned borders and the rug red character
of its interior-that Dean Swift referred
when he likened the country TO "frieze
mantle fringed with gold lace"
The "City of Glendalough," a name
which signifies "the glen of the two lakes"
owes it's origin to St. Kelvin, by whom the
abbey was founded early in the Sixth
century. Here in this solitude the saint
laid the foundation of his monastic estab-
lishnent. 1t grew rapidly, became a crowd
ed city, a school for learning, a college for
religion, a receptacle for holy men, a sarc-
tuary for the oppressed, an asylum for the
poor. a hospital for the sick--and here he
lived to superintend it for nearly a century,
cradle age Of one hundred and twenty
years.
The vicinity of the county Of Wicklow to
the Irish metropolis is of prodigious adj
vantage to those who, Gin populous city
pent," require occasional intercourse with
nature, either as 81 relaxation or an enjoy
ment. Ard perhaps there are few crowded
capitals in the world so auspiciously situ
ated-so Immediately within reach of such
a concourse of natural beauties.
Glendalough is situated in the barony of
Bellynacor, twenty-five Irish miles from
Dublin and five from Roundwood, where a
car is generally hired by tourists, who usll-
ally return to Roundwood to pass the night,
for a visit to the lake and ruined city, al
though they may be examined in a couple
of hours, ought to occupy day. For those
who are not over particular about creature
comforts, however, there is a tolerable inn
at Glendaloush
One fine July morning some years back,
/ made up my mind to pay a visit to Glen
dalough, and having informed my friend,
Tom Power, of my intention, he agreed to
accompany me. Tom was an ardent adj
mirer of the beauties of nature in fact, he
was acknowledged by competent critics to
be an artist of considerable ability. So, of
course, his Chief motive in going to Wick
low was to fill his portfolio with sketches
of its charming scenery.
Arriving at the railroad station with our
valises packed, we had no sooner purchased
our tickets than one of those unforeseen
circumstances, which occur at least once
in the life Of every human being, compelled
Tom Power to forego his contemplat
trip, at least for that day.
lie intlmated that he would be obliged to
postpone his departure until the following
morning, urging me mt the same time. as he
was aware that / had nothing Of impor-
lance requiring my presence in Dublin. to
undertake the journey alone and to secure
if possible place Of habitation where we
might make ourselves at home during our
brief sojourn. To this proposal acquiesced
without demur and was soon on my way
to Wicklow. On reaching Glendalough,
| was taken to the inn, an unpretentious
hostelry still, Notwithstanding its home
illness, thought I, provided the lardcr be
properly supplied may enjoy myself as
well as if | engaged rooms at Gresham's. |
in O'Conneil street.
After partaking of light luncheon, |
sauntered forth from the inn
The sweetness and the serenity of nature
gradually brought on pleasant fits Of mus
ing After a three hours ramble | had
beauties enough to fill the sketchbook of
ny friend, Tom Power, who | have said
was an enthusiastic lover OF the pictur-
esque.
AS the shadows OF evening began to steal
over the country, concluded it high time
to bid good night to the misty mountains
So closing my portfolio, | betook myself
back to the inn. My ramble during the
day having sharpened my appetite, sat
down and enjoyed a hearty meal. | also
partOok somewhat freely of bottle of
wine. Adjoining the dining room was my
sleeping apartment.
! sat for some time, lost in strange kind
of reverie, when the door opposite to me
and communicating with the bar was
opened by mine host. He informed me
that he was about to retire for the night
wished me pleasant dreams and finally left
me alone after he had finished overhauling
my lamp. Once more l sat buried in medi-
tation, indulging at the same time in the
luxury of a meerschaum. For quarter of
an hour pulled away in perfect silence
My attention was simply occupied with
the curling mists of tobacco smoke that
oppressed the atmosphere Of my chamber
While gazing at the blueish clouds that
were circling toward the ceiling, was
somewhat surprised to see a specter, as /
imagined, cautiously open the door. His
face was colorless III parchment, his hair
and beard black as coal and. his eyes large,
luminous and liquid, He was attired in
black from head to foot His movements
were stealthy
After crossing the Threshold he locked
the door and withdrew the key. l felt over
come with amaSement, although he bore
the appearance Of man of most exalted
station. His next movement was to throw
himself into chair exactly opposite to me
and help himself to glass of wine. was
absolutely astounded still did not inter
rupt the fellow; he seemed to relish the
wine, and continued repeating the offense
until the bottle was more than half empty.
"What will he do nextS" asked myself
My astonishment increased as | beheld
him draw forth from his breast pocket
bright steel poniard, throwing at the same
time a sinister glance at me as he placed
the murderous weapon on the table.
Presently he produced pad, which he
handed to me, after scribblng thereon the
following laconic announcement:
81 am Spanish noble"
Spanish fiddlestick" thought l. "If