His Person And Mode Of Argument
Mr. Butler, in his Historical Memoirs, describes O'Leary's person and
mode of argument thus:--
The appearance of Father O'Leary was simple. In his countenance there
was a mixture of goodness, solemnity, and drollery, which fixed every
eye that beheld it. No one was more generally loved or revered; no one
less assuming or more pleasing in his manner. Seeing his external
simplicity, persons with whom he was arguing were sometimes tempted to
treat him cavalierly; but then the solemnity with which he would mystify
his adversary, and ultimately lead him into the most distressing
absurdity was one of the most delightful scenes that conversation ever
exhibited.