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410 nogion, are almost our Morte d'Arthur. It is more fitting however that in a book of memoirs I should speak of her personal influence, and especially as no witness to it is likely to arise better qualified to speak. If that influence were lacking Ireland would be greatly impoverished, so much has been planned out in the library or among the woods at Coole, for it was there that John Shawe-Taylor found the independence from class and family that made him summon the conference between landlord and tenant that brought land purchase, and it was there that Hugh Lane formed those Irish ambitions that led to his spending many thousands and gathering much ingratitude; and where, but for that conversation at Florimond de Bastero's, had been the genius of Synge?

I have written these words instead of leaving all to posterity, and though my friend's ear seems indifferent to praise or blame, that young men to whom recent events are often more obscure than those long past, may learn what debts they owe and to what creditor.