In the meantime some slow but steady operations went on with a perseverance that was highly creditable; and it was now that, having a little agreeable leisure to observe and look about him, he began to examine the extraordinary costumes of the incongruous society in which, to his astonishment, he found himself a party.

We must, however, first account for the oddness and incongruity of the apparent characters which they were forced to assume.
At this period the Catholics of Ireland were indeed frightfully oppressed.

A proclamation had recently been issued by the Government, who dreaded, or pretended to dread, an insurrection--by which document convents and monasteries were suppressed--rewards offered for the detection and apprehension of ecclesiastics, and for the punishment of such humane magistrates as were reluctant to enforce laws so unsparing and oppressive.

Increased rewards were also offered to spies and informers, with whom the country unfortunately abounded.

A general disarming of all Catholics took place; domiciliary visits were made in quest of bishops, priests, and friars, and all the chapels in the country were shut up.