The Irish Parliament is slipping into disrepute.

It wouldn't surprise me if the astute English bribe them into a union, to the ruin of Irish Independence.

Yet maybe, before that comes, the French will have a try for power here.

And upon my word, if I have to live under foreign rule, I'd as leave have a French whip over me as an English!" He came a step nearer, his voice lowered a little.

"Have you heard the latest news from France?
They're coming with a good-sized fleet down to the south coast.
Have you heard it ?" "Oh, there's plenty one hears one doesn't believe is gospel," answered Dyck, his eyes half closing.