Parker of the Nore had the same habit. When he was searched, an elaborate diary of the proceedings which had taken place on shipboard was found. Parker's wife testified to the fact that he was rhapsodical and eccentric, but the plea failed to save his life. Orde, in announcing the arrival of Parker of '84, speaks of his 'rhapsodies,' and avows a misgiving that he might not act discreetly. The written defence of Parker of the Nore was highly rhapsodical, and the reverse of discreet. But he had abundant talent. Parker of '84 is described as an accomplished orator, and a good hand at sedition. So was Richard Parker. The former was an expert in dissimulation. The same character is given of Richard Parker by Rose. It may be also noteworthy that Orde's agent hailed from London. Mr. Froude assumes that Parker was an Irishman; the name is certainly English. The 'Courier' of October 14, 1797, records some conversations with Richard Parker which afford a sample of the rhapsodical eloquence which had so often entranced his audience. An officer on board the ship that held him prisoner expressed impatience at not getting ahead, as the winds were contrary. 'What!' said Parker, 'are you not satisfied with having an admiral of the British fleet in chains, but you must also usurp the command of the elements? Or, because you have the honour to be my executioner, are you likewise as mad as the Persian tyrant who ordered his minions to lash the waves?' Much more of his talk is given. The 'Courier' states that 'from peculiar energy of intellect, his diction, even in common conversation, was bold and original.' FOOTNOTES: [603] The Viceroy of Ireland. [604] _Memoirs of the Courts and Cabinets of George III., from Original Family Documents_, by the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, 1853. [605] _Ibid._ [606] Dr. England, the first biographer of O'Leary, mentions that his pension had been charged on the _Irish_ Establishment. [607] _Narrative of the Misunderstanding between Rev. A. O'Leary and Rev. Mr. Hussey_, p. 11. (Dublin, 1791.) [608] _Life of O'Leary_, by Rev. T. England, p. 190. [609] The good Priest does not quite deny the statement though seeming to do so. [610] With Lord Moira, too--a great Whig power in those days--O'Leary was specially intimate; and it was this peer who erected in St. Pancras the monument to his 'virtues and talents,' for which the _Tablet_ newspaper, fifty years later, opened a subscription list to restore,--in such enduring honour was the memory of this marvellous friar held. [611] England's _Life of O'Leary_, p. 289. (London, 1822.) [612] See _ante_, p. 214. [613] _Life of the Rev. A. O'Leary_, by the Rev. M. B. Buckley, pp. 304-5. [614] Vide _ante_, p. 213. [615] See Alison's _History of Europe_, ii. 30, 203, 425. [616] See p. 218, _ante_. [617] Buckley's _O'Leary_, p. 306. [618] Cumberland's _Memoirs_, ii. 62-5. (London, 1807.) Dr. Hussey had died four years previous to their publication. [619] _Ibid._