Well, never mind, Jack; I asked your old tutor, M'Carthy, to dine here to-day; he has come home to the country after having gained a scholarship, I believe they call it, in Trinity College." "I'm glad you did, father," replied John, "and I'm much obliged to you.
Yes, he has gained first place, and I knew he would." "He intends going to the bar, he tells me." "He will be heard from yet, or I renounce all claims to common sense," replied the other.

"There is, unquestionably, a brilliant career before him." "I would rather, in the meantime," observed Mrs.Purcell, "that he had continued steadfast to his religion.

They tell me that he has become a Protestant." "Why, I believe he couldn't gain a scholarship, as you call it, Jack, without becoming a member of the Established Church." "No, sir, he could not." "Well, then," proceeded the proctor, "what great harm?
Why, I believe in my soul, that if it weren't for the bigotry of priests and parsons, who contrive to set the two churches together by the ears, there would be found very little difference between them.

For my part, I believe a good, honest Protestant will go to heaven when a scoundrel Papist won't, and vice versa.

The truth is, begad, that it's six of one and half a dozen of the other; and sorry would I be to let so slight a change as passing from one religion to the other ever be a bar to the advancement or good fortune of any one of my children!" "I would much rather not hear you say so, Mat," replied his wife; "nor do I ever wish my children to gain either wealth or station in the world by the sacrifice of the highest principle that can bind the heart--that of religion." "Pooh, Nancy, you speak like a woman who never looked beyond the range of the kitchen and larder, or thought beyond the humdrum prayers of your Manual.