J. F. Campbell Collection > Fireside stories of Ireland

146 THE FIRESIDE STORIES OF IRELAND.
The young fellow always spoke civilly and good-naturedly
to her, but after a year or two's acquaintance, Nora saw no
immediate sign of her vow being accomplished. She held
consultations with adepts in fairy and demon lore, and dis-
covered that the liver of a cat thoroughly black, white paws
excepted, was sovereign in the process of procuring a return
of love. Aided by her sister and another woman, researches
were made, the cat discovered, and slain, with accompani-
ments which we do not choose to particularize. The liver
was then carefully taken out, broiled, and reduced to an
impalpable powder.
In a day or two the gallant was passing by Nora's cottage,
and seeing her at the bawn gate he " put the speak" on her.
She, nothing loth, kept up the conversation, and after some
further talk, asked might she take the liberty of requesting
him to come in and take a cup of tea. He did not think
the better of her prudence for making the demand, but felt
he couldn't refuse without incivility. So he was set com-
fortably at table, and Nora soon filled his cup from a black
teapot, which, in addition to some indifferent tea, contained
a pinch of the philtre. The guest began the banquet with
notions and intentions not very complimentary to his en-
tertainer ; but when he took up his hat to walk home, he
was determined on setting her up as the mistress of his
heart and house. It is in the nature of this magic potion,
that if the dose is not repeated at intervals, the effect be-
comes weaker, and at length ceases altogether. Nora, aware
of this, renewed the administration at every visit, till his
infatuation became such that he announced to his family
and relations his immediate marriage with the cabin girl.
Vain M^ere coaxings, threats, reasonings, etc. ; and at last the
eve of the wedding-day arrived. Paying a visit to his
charmer that happy evening, they were enjoying the most
interesting and delightful co^iversation, when the latch was
raised, and a party of seven or eight young fellows, armed
with good hazel rods, entered and began to lay thousands
on his devoted back and shoulders. Nora flung herself be-
tween, and received a few slight blows ; but before they
ceased practising on the amorous youth, every bone in his
body was sore, and he himself unable to use arms or leg^.