Paddy And The Parson
In June, 1832, O'Connell addressed a meeting of the Political Union of
the London working classes. In his address, he humorously and
graphically describes the system of passive resistance then adopted
against the payment of Tithes, in the following amusing dialogue between
Paddy and the parson:--
And how does Paddy act? Does he disobey the laws? No. 'Paddy,' says the
parson, 'you owe me Ll 17s. 6d.' 'And
Riverence!' says Pat (laughter). 'Tithes! Paddy.' 'Arrah! thin I suppose
your Riverence gave some value fornint I was born; for divil a bit I
ever seen since (roars of laughter). But your Riverence, I suppose, has
law for it? Bless the law! your honor, and sure an I wouldn't be after
going to disobey it; but plase your Riverence, I have no money' (great
laughter). 'Ah, Pat, but you've a cow there. 'Yes, your Riverence,
that's the cow that gives food to Norry and the fourteen childer.'
'Well, Paddy, then I must distrain that cow.' 'If your honor has law for
it, to be sure you will.' Well, what does Paddy do? He stamps the word
'Tithes' upon her side, and the parson can't find a soul to take the
cow. So he gets a regiment and a half, by way of brokers (much
laughter)--fourteen or fifteen companies, with those amiable young
gentlemen, their officers, at their head, who march seventeen or
eighteen miles across the Bog of Allen to take his cow; they bring the
cow to Carlow; when they get there, they find a great crowd assembled;
the parson rubs his hands with glee. 'Plenty of customers for the cow,'
quoth he to himself. The cow is put up at L2--no bidder; L1--no bidder;
10s--5s.--6d.--1-1/2d. (cheers). Not a soul will bid, and back goes the
cow to Norry and the fourteen childer (continued cheers).
More
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