'VYTLtlAJI AND MAEY.
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guislied, during tlie hundred and five memorable days, by theloudness of its report, and still bears the name of Roaring Meg. ■The cathedral is filled with relies and trophies. In the vestibuleis a huge shell, one of many hundreds of shells which werethrown into the city. Over the altar are still seen the Frenchflagstaves, taken by the garrison in a desperate sally. Thewhite ensigns of the House of Bourbon have long been dust:but their place has been supplied by new banners, the work ofthe fairest hands of Ulster. The anniversary of the day on whichthe gates were closed, and the anniversary of the day on whichthe siege was raised, have been down to our own time celebratedby salutes, processions, banquets, and sermons: Lundy hasbeen executed in effigy; and the sword, said by tradition to bethat of Maumont, has’, on great occasions, been carried intriumph. There is still a Walker Club and a Murray Club. Thehumble tombs of the Protestant captains have been carefullysought out, repaired, and embellished. It is impossible not torespect the sentiment which indicates itself by these tokens. Itis a sentiment which belongs to the higher and purer part ofhuman nature, and which adds not a little to the strength ofstates. A people which takes no pride in the noble achieve-ments of remote ancestors will never achieve any thing worthyto be remembered with pride by remote descendants. Yet it isimpossible for the moralist or the statesman to look with un-mixed complacency on the solemnities with which Londonderrycommemorates her deliverance, and on the honours which shepays to those who saved her. Unhappily the animosities of herbrave champions have descended with their glory. The faults■which are ordinarily found in dominant castes and dominantsects have not seldom shown themselves without disguise at herfestivities; and even with the expressions of pious gratitudewhich have resounded from her pulpits have too often beenmingled words of wrath and defiance.
CHAP.
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1G8U.