He also indulged occasionally in an ironical and comic sarcasm, which, however, was never directed against his friends; this he reserved for certain individuals whose character entitled them to it at his hands.

He also drew the long-bow, when he wished, with great skill and effect.
Woodward, after having scrutinized his countenance for some time, was about to make some inquiries, as a stranger, concerning his family and the reputation they bore in the neighborhood, when he found himself, considerably to his surprise, placed in the witness-box for a rather brisk fire of cross-examination.
"You are no stranger in this part of the country, I presume" said he, with a view of bringing him out for his own covert and somewhat ungenerous purposes.
"I am no stranger, sure enough, sir," replied the other, "so far as a good slice of the counthry side goes; but if I am not you are, sir, or I'm out in it." "Yes, I am a stranger here." "Never mind, sir, don't let that disthress you; it's a good, man's case, sir.

Did you thravel far, wid submission?
I spake in kindness, sir." "Why, yes, a--a--pretty good distance; but about Mr.Lindsay and--" "Yes, sir; crossed over, sir, I suppose?
I mane from the other side ?" "O! you want to know if I crossed the Channel ?" "Had you a pleasant passage, sir ?" "Yes, tolerable." "Thank God! I hope you'll make a long stay with us, sir, in this part of the counthry.

If you have any business to do with Mr.Lindsay--as of coorse you have--why, I don't think you and he will quarrel; and by the way, sir, I know him and the family well, and if I only got a glimpse, I could throw in a word or two to guide you in dalin' wid him--that is, if I knew the business." "As to that," replied Woodward, "it is not very particular; I am only coming on a pretty long visit to him, and as you say you know the family, I would feel glad to hear what you think of them." "Misther Lindsay, or rather Misther Charles, and you will have a fine time of it, sir.

There's delightful fishin' here, and the best of shootin' and huntin' in harvest and winter--that is, if you stop so long." "What kind of a man is Mr.Lindsay ?" "A fine, clever (*Portly, large, comely) man, sir; six feet in his stockin' soles, and made in proportion." "But I want to know nothing about his figure; is the man reputed good or bad ?" "Why, just good or bad, sir, according as he's treated." "Is he well liked, then?
I trust you understand me now." "By his friends, sir, no man betther--by them that's his enemies, not so well." "You mentioned a son of his, Charles, I think; what kind of a young fellow is he ?" "Very like his father, sir." "I see; well, I thank you, my friend, for the liberality of your information.