But might is foiled by right, Says the Dan van vocht, As the darkness by the light, Says the Dan van vocht, My cause was on a rock, 'Twas the law that picked the lock, And I'm free, my bantam cock, Says the Dan van vocht. Oh! confusion to you Dan, Says the T. B. C. You're a divil of a man, Says the T. B. C. And we're in a precious plight By your means this very night, For you've bothered us outright, Says the T. B. C." During the progress of the prosecution against the repealers, Tom Steele, who was one of those indicted, interrupted the proceedings several times, audibly contradicting some expressions of the Attorney-General, and annoying him by exclamations and gestures. Tom prided himself on being considered the _fidus Achates_ of O'Connell, and was never so happy as when closely associated with his political leader. It was said, and I believe it was perfectly true, that Smith succeeded in quieting Tom, by intimating that if he continued to exclaim and gesticulate, his name should be struck out of the indictment, and his chance of participating in the expected martyrdom thereby annihilated. Whilst O'Connell and the other state prisoners were in the Richmond Bridewell, they received a continual supply of the choicest provisions and wine sent as presents by their political adherents. It would be very difficult to particularise any article suited to a luxurious repast, which was not tendered for their enjoyment. I was twice at the prison, on magisterial business, during their detention, and on each occasion I saw materials fit for princely banquets brought for their use. I was rather surprised at one contribution which very soon disappeared. It was half a ton of _ice_, and it did not preserve its consistency, beyond a few hours. I heard from some of the prison officials that O'Connell's meals were generally simple in their material, but that his appetite was healthy and strong. When released from confinement he did not appear to have been weakened by its infliction. It would not be in accordance with the objects of my reminiscences to advocate or condemn the political opinions or proceedings of any portion of the community, unless they involved direct incitements to, or the actual adoption of, open violence. In noticing O'Connell as a remarkable public character, I may express my conviction that he had a decided repugnance, even in the hottest times of political excitement, to the application of actual force. It may be said that he could "speak daggers," but he was disposed to "use none."