"Hark! what voices are those?" Murphy cried, as he rose And went to look out at the door. But soon entered again, And admitted a train Of monks, about twenty or more. All in darkness arrayed, With their heads in a shade, Although each one a flaming torch bore. At the head of the band Marched the Abbot so grand, Whom the beaux lowly bend soon before. For him ev'ry one knows As his very best clothes, And his mitre so gorgeous he wore. Which seemed covered with gold, Then made sticky and rolled Among jewels to spangle it o'er; And which glittered so bright As they shot back the light, That most folks the real gems took them for. Now young Patrick had noticed this monkish array, As amid the dark forest it wended its way; But as no one would answer the first time he spoke, He considered that p'rhaps it might be a good joke If the crew on the party came unawares in As they're dancing, or drinking: things deemed a great sin By the Abbot, he knows--who had vexed been right sore When he stumbled on much the same party before. And truly it did cause a little confusion, For the liquors just mixed in the greatest profusion Filled the air with a grateful perfume. But as for the present they're too hot for drinking, The ladies were sniffing the odour, and thinking, When he first had stept into the room; Though some rather too bold were near choked, by the bye, And got burnt in their fright, till a tear leaves each eye, Which their temper does rather consume. But how sudden the spirits have vanished from sight! Far more rapid, I'm certain, than conjuring quite. For the Abbot, in spite of the scent, is believing That his nose plays him false, and has been him deceiving. Not the shade of a cork can he anywhere see, Though the kettle is boiling--it may be for tea. But I often have seen the same trick played before When I was but a young one, about half a score, As my ma has been mending some portion of dress, (What the garment might be I will leave you to guess). If a loud double-knock has been heard at the door, Quick as thought the said garment has rolled to the floor; And been under the sofa kicked out of the way, Till the visit has ended the guest came to pay.