Fairhaven herald. [volume] (Fairhaven, Wash.) 1890-????, 1892-04-12
GLENDAL0UGH.

indeed, sublimity-wild grandeur, health
full and refreshing; among its high ana
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. It's natural |
graces are enhanced in value, because they /
are invariably encountered after the eye
and mind have wearied 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 rugged character
of its interior-that Dean Swift referred
when he likened the country to "irleze
mantle fringed with gold lace"
The CITY Of GlendalOugh," name
which signifies 1.-THE glen Of the two lakes"
owes its 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.
lishment. II grew rapidly, became acrowd-
ed city, a school for learning, a college for
religion, a receptacle for holy men, a sane
tuary for the oppressed, an asylum Tor the
poor, hospital for the sick-and here he
~
having completed the uncommon and ven
cradle age Of one hundred and twenty
years
The vicinity Of the county Of Wicklow to
the Irish metropolis is Of prodigiOus al
vantage to those who, in pOpulOus city
pent " require occasional intercourse with
nature either as a relaxation or an enjoy
ment. And perhaps there are few crowded
CAPITALS in the world 50 auspiciously stu
ated-so Immediately within reach Of such
a concourse of natural beauties.
Glendalough is situated in the barOny Of
Ballynacor twenty-five Irish miles from
Dublin and five from RouudwOOd, where
car is generally hired by tourists, who usu-
ally return to RoundwOod 10 pass the night
for a visit TO the lake and ruined city al
though they may be examined in couple
of hours. ought to occupy day. For those
who are not over particular about creature
comforts, however, there is a tOlerable inn
at Glendalough.
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 ad-
nirer 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 contemplated
trip, at least for that day.
t.I . hot ha no Z
postpone his departure until the following
morning, urging me at the same time, as h'
was aware that | had nothing Of impor
lance requiring my presence in Dublin, Z
undertake the Journey alone and to secur
il possible place Of habtation where w
might make ourselves at home during on
brief soiourn. To this proposal acquiescei
without demur, and was soon on my wa
to Wicklow. On reaching Glendalough
was taken to the inn, an unpretentiou
hosiery. Still, notwithstanding its home
illness, thought !, provided the larder b
properly supplied may enjoy myself a
well as if l engaged rooms at Gresham
in O'ConneH street.
After partaking Of a light luncheon,
sauntered forth from the inn.
The sweetness and the serenity OF natur
gradually brought on pleasant fits Of mu
ing. After three hours ramble ! ha
beauties enough to fill the sketchbook {
nv friend. Tom Power, who | have sal
was an enthusiastic lover Of the pictu
esque.
As the shadows Of evening began to ste'
over the country, concluded it high tin
to bid good night TO the misty mountain
So closing nv portfolio, / betOOk myse
back to the inn. My ramble during Il
day having sharpened my appetite, / 81
down and enjoyed hearty meal. | al
partook somewhat freely Of a bottle
wine Adjoining the dining room was VI
sleeping apartment
sat for some time, lost in strange Kin
Of reverio, when the door opposite TO u
and communicating with the bar W
opened by mine host He informed D.
that he was about TO retire for the nigl
wished me pleasant dreams and finally he
me alone after ha had finished Ovcrhauln
my lamp. Once more ! sat buried in me'
tation. indulging at the same time ~ l.
luxury Of a mcerschaun. For quarter
an hour pulled away In perfect silent
Ny attention was simply occupied wi
the curling mi-ts Of tobacco smoke Oh
oppressed the atmosphere Of my chaub
While gazing at the blucish clouds Oil
were circling toward the ceiling, ! "
somewhat surprised 20 see "A specter, a.
IMAGINED, cautiously open iur hooI. 81
face was colorless az parchment his h
and beard black as coal and his eyes lar
luminous and liquid lie was attred
black from head TO foot. His mOveme
were stealthy.
After crossing the Threshold he loci
the door and Withdrew the key felt oy
come with amazement, although he b
the appearance Of a man Of most exal
station. His next movement was to thr
himself into chair exactly opposite TO
and help himself to a glass Of wine. Y
absolutely astounded, still did not int
rupt the fellow: he seemed to relish
wine. and continued repeating the oiie
until the bottle was more than half emp
"What will he do nextY I asked mys
My astonishment increased as l beh