In the great rebellion of 1641, the castle of Leighlin-Bridge was garrisoned for the confederate Catholics, in 1646, with one hundred men, under the command of Colonel Walter Bagnall; it was here also that in 1647 the Marquis of Ormond assembled his forces, to attack the republicans, who had got possession of Dublin; and he rested his forces here in 1649. It was, however, surrendered to the parliamentary forces under Colonel Hewson in the following year, soon after which the main army under Ireton sojourned here for a time, and plundered the surrounding country. Since this period, Leighlin-Bridge has enjoyed the blessings of peace, and has made those advances in prosperity which follow in its train. Its market is on Monday and Saturday amply supplied with corn and butter, &c., and it has four well-attended fairs, on Easter Monday, May 14th, September 25th, and December 27th. Much beautiful scenery and many interesting remains of antiquity exist in its immediate vicinity. P. IRISH MUSIC. The following song on the harp of our country has been sent to us by our friend Samuel Lover, the painter, poet, musician, dramatist, story-writer, and novelist of Ireland, for it is his pride to be in every thing Irish; and for this, no less than for his manly independence of character and sterling qualities of heart, we honour him. It cannot be said of him as of some of our countrymen at the other side of the water, that he is ashamed of us; and we are not, and we feel assured never shall be, ashamed of him. We may remark that these verses owe their origin to an examination of Bunting’s delightful “Ancient Music of Ireland”--a work of which we have already expressed our opinion in our first number--and are adapted to be sung to the first melody in that collection, “Sit down under my protection.” We may also add, that it is the intention of the poet, when he prints the music and words together, to dedicate them to Mr Bunting, as a memorial of his gratitude for the services rendered to Ireland in the preservation of her national music--services which, as the author says, “will make his name be remembered amongst our bards.” SONG. BY SAMUEL LOVER. Oh, give me one strain Of that wild harp again, In melody proudly its own, Sweet harp of the days that are gone! Time’s wide-wasting wing Its cold shadow may fling Where the light of the soul hath no part; The sceptre and sword Both decay with their lord, But the throne of the Bard is the heart! And hearts, while they beat To thy music so sweet, Thy glory shall ever prolong, Land of honour, and beauty, and song! The beauty whose sway Waked the bard’s votive lay, Hath gone to eternity’s shade; While, fresh in its fame, Lives the song to her name, Which the Minstrel immortal hath made!