The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-03-13
GLENDALOUGH.
Wicklow has been very APPLY termed the

bleak mountains tnere hc
and fertile valleys. luxurianoly "oooeu'
and with the noblest Of magnificent rivers
running through them-formIng' IN their
coprse a series OF cataracts. us natural
qraces are enhanced in value, pec''nse 'ney
ore invariably encountered AFTER 'he eye
and mind have wearied from gazing upon
,,do and uncultivated districts, covered
nth neat. upon the scanty heritage OF
which the small sheep can scarcely ma
pasture. :.ar ohIr
II is 10 this peculiar feature-its richiy
adorned borders and the rugged character
Of its nterior-that Dean swift REFERRED
when he likened the country to irieze
mantle fringed with gold lace"
The City Of Glendalough," name
which signifies 1.-THE glen of the two lakes,
owes it's origin 70 St Kelvin, By whom the
abbey was founded early in the Sixth
century. Here in this solitude the SAINT
laid the foundation OF his monastlc estab-
lishment. 1t grew rapidly, became acrowd-
ed city, a school for learning, a college for
religion, "A receptacle for holy men, sane.
tuary for the oppressed. an asylum for the
poor. hospital for the sck-and here he
lived 10 superintend it for nearly century
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 10 those who, 'in populous city
pent." require occasional intercourse with
nature. either rs n 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
Rallvnacor. twenty-five Irish miles from
Dublin and five from Roundwood, where
car is generally hired by tourists, who usu-
ally return to Roundwood to pass the night,
for visit 10 the lake and ruined city, al
though they may be examined in couple
OF hours, ought to occupy "A day. For those
who are not over particular about creature
comforts, however, there is a tolerable inn
Mt Glendal0ugh.
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 nd.
mirer Of the beauties of nature, in fact, he
was acknowledged by competent critics &c
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 ouI
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.
He intimated that he would be obliged to
postpone his departure until the following
morning, urging me at 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 10 the inn, an unpretentious
hosiery. Still, notwithstanding its home
illness, thought |, provided the larder be
properly supplied, / may enjoy myself as
well as il | engaged rooms ut Gresham's
in O'Connell street
After partaking of "a. 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 10 ill the sketchbook OF
my 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 hearty meal. | also
partOok somewhat freely Of Il bottle Of
wine Adjoining the dining room was my
sleeping apartment.
sat for some time, lost in a 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 sat buried in med-
taton, INDUCING at the same time in the
luxury of a meerschaum. For IA 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 sec a specter, as
imagined, cautiously open the door His
face was coorless as 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. felt over
come with amazement, although he bore
the appearance Of "A 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 next?" | asked myself
My astonishment increased rs | beheld
him draw forth from his breast pocket
bright steel poniard, throwing at the same
time IA sinister glance at me rs he placed
the mnrderous weapon on the table
Presently he produced "a pad, which he
handed TO me, after scribbling thereon the
following laconic announcement:
al am a Spanish noblew