Page:Biographia Hibernica volume 2.djvu/130

 126 - FITZGERALD. z king, who was remarkably handsome. This circumstance is quoted by Mr. Walpole, in his “Historie Doubts,” as proof among many others, that Richard was not the de formed figure which the Lancastrian historians have described him. The beauty, but more the vivacity of Lady Desmond, rendered her an object of general admira tion at a period of life when a l l other women are con sidered unfit for society; and historians very confidently assert, that she had passed her hundredth year before she could refrain from dancing and mixing i n the gayest circles. She then thought proper t o assume the matronly character, and enlivened b y her wit and cheerful conver sation, the assemblies o f her friends. She resided a t Inchiquin, i n Munster, and held her jointure from many Earls o f Desmond, until the family being b y a n attainder deprived o f the estate, she was reduced t o poverty:-but feeling few o f the infirmities o f age, although then one hundred and forty, she crossed the Channel t o Bristol, and travelling up t o London, laid her case before the king (James the First), and solicited relief, which she obtained. Sir Walter Raleigh, who was well acquainted with this wonderful lady, mentions her i n his “History o f the World,” a s a prodigy; adding, “that a l l the noblemen and gentry o f Munster could witness t o the truth of what he relates of her.” Lord Bacon informs us, that she had three times a set o f new teeth; but whe ther she was furnished with them b y nature, o r was obliged t o have recourse t o the skill o f adentist, this noble author has not declared. GERALD FITZGERALD, The eighth Earl o f Kildare, was one o f the most success ful warriors o f ancient time. He was constituted, the year h e succeeded his father, lord deputy t o Richard Duke o f York; a s h e was again o n the 12th August, 1450, for four years, from the 5th o f May following, b y the duke's war rant, under the king's privy seal; and King Edward IV.