The Irish standard., 1895-02-16

that Moore died Protestant. DR.. Am.
brose then goes on:
Gall that had seen so far seemed to
confirm Mr.. Halls statement or insinua'
tion: and it was still further strength
ened by my visit to the next place, which
was sloperton Cottage:
Aslttle cot, with trees arpw:
And, like its master. very low.
This Is situated shout mile from the
church, and was for many years from
1922 till his death--the residence OF the
poet. It is very pretty two storied
house, set back little from the road.
It has two hall doors, both fronting you
as you enter the gate, the house having
evidently been built at two different
periods. The look from the outside was
very homelike and cheerful.
"It ! had any diffdence on entering
and asking to see the interior it was soon
dispelled by the kind manner in which
tho present occupant, Mrs. Spicer, re-
ceived me. 1t was with thoughts akin
to melancholy that I went from room to
room, led by my kind hostess. Here was
the dining room. I could easily fancy
the poet at the head of his hospitable
table, his conversation overhowing with
wit and humor. Here was his study, in
which he did the principal part OF his
writing, and whence emanated go many
creations of his fertile brain. Now we
are in the bedroom, which he never
quilted during the last two Years OF his
lite, his only nurse and attendant being
his faithful wife. Mrs. Spioer d,d not
know Moore personally; but she told
me that it was commonly said by She old
people in the neighborhood that, even
before the last two years OF his life, he
had become quite childish, frequently
wandering through the fields, losing his
way, and being brought home by some OF
his kind neighbors. As Mrs. Spicer had
not known him personally, ] asked could
she direct me to some one WHO had. She
answered that the one who had known
HIM most intimately was still living
that was the Rev Mr.. Edgell, the rector
of the parish, 'rhe clergyman who had
attended him during his last illness
,,.7s'rhat seemed to settle tina matter as
far as the question Of religion wes coz
cerned, bat was not yet satisfied, and I
resolved to pursue my inquiries to the
end. I thought it best to see the rever-
end gentleman himself, and get the facts
from him, who could speak from his own
knowledge, and not be satisfied with
hearsay. After thanking Mrs. Spicer
very sincerely for her courtesy and kind
ness, I drove to the rectory, and was for
tunate enough to find MIR. Edgell at
home. He proved to be a gentleman OF
the old school, kind and courteous; and,
as I saw he was about to fulfill an en-
gagement, came to the point at once,
and stated the object OF my visit. To my
question as to Moore's change OF faith he
gave most emphatic denial. He said
that he had known Mr.. Moore intimately
for many years. He was nan Of deep
religious convictions, and, said Mr..
Edgell, lived and died Roman Oatho
lic.'
"'Did he attend your church,
''Never. He would sometimes accom-
pany his wife, who was member of my
congregation, to the door, but he never
entered or took part in the services
ITO what I took TO be polite requests
for Moore to enter, he would say to Mr..
Ed1ell that he could worship God in his
own way, in the open air, as we'll as he
could within the walls Of his church.
"'Did you attend him as a clergyman
during his last illness?" / asked.
''No, certainly not, he replied. Il did
not even see him for the last two years Of
his life. I frequently called, however, at
his house to see Mrs. Moore, who, as !
have told you, was member Of my con-
greeation.'
";Did he have priest with him dur
ing his illness?"
'No, for Mrs. Moore would not allow
any one-not even servant-to ees him,
as she did not wish people to see the
condition in which he was"
';Mr. Edgell added, what does honor
TO his love of truth, that he regretted
very much that the report of his change.
of faith was circulated both in the neigh
borhood and abroad; but he, with the
intimate acquaintance which he had en-
joyed for many years with Mr.. Moore,
could state positively that there was not
q shadow of foundation for it, I then
said to Mr.. Edgell that, as a matter of
historical truth, I would feel very much
obliged if he would put the substance of
our conversation into writing, as I might
at some time make use. OF it. To that he
very kindly consented; but, as I knew of
his pending engagement, did not press
him for the writing then, and it was