Complimentary Dinner

ΤΟ

THOMAS MOORE, Esq.

(Freeman's Journal, Wednesday, June 10th, 1818.)

A convivial Meeting was never yet assembled, more animated by enthusiasm, harmony, and good humour, nor one of a graver character ever more dignified, by a chaste and manly tone of patriotic feeling, than that which met at Dinner on Monday last, in compliment to Mr. THOMAS MOORE.

To claim him, as our own, in whom Genius of the very highest order is blended with all that is noble in public, and all that is amiable in private life, is the honorable distinction of our Country; but, that that Country is able to number among her sons so many, who have heads to comprehend, and hearts to feel, and courage to avow their affection for him, is still a prouder boast.

The EARL OF CHARLEMONT was in the Chair. "The Bard of ERIN" sat on the right hand of his Lordship; the venerable father of the Poet was on his left. The Chair of the Vice-President was filled by the VISCOUNT ALLEN.

MORRISON'S Great Room was full on the occasion, for the number of persons present was little short of THREE HUNDRED.

[We are aware that the proceedings of a PUBLIC MEETING, intended as a complimentary tribute to the poetical talents, and personal worth of Mr. MOORE, do not immediately connect themselves with the present collection, but still we venture to believe, that an EXTRACT of what passed, upon the following Toast being announced from the Chair, will not be deemed wholly irrelevant.]

some of the sweetest effusions of his own Poetry. That his talents should have been conspicuous among us as a Dramatic Poet, you can easily understand, but it is curious, and amusing to observe, that he was no less distinguished, for being one of the best Actors of us all.-Laughter and Applause.)

It may be thought presumptuous to speak of an Establishment, the occupations of which appear, perhaps, to those at a distance, to bear too much the character of levity to be a fit subject for any serious notice; but let it be remembered that it is one, which is at least productive of much friendly association, a desirable object to effect in any country, but particularly in one, where hostile feelings too often separate those, whose common interest it is to live in harmony, and happiness with each other; nor let it be forgotten of the KILKENNY THEATRE, that while it contributes to the pleasures of the affluent, it has been able to effect the much nobler purpose of alleviating the misfortunes of the indigent.-(Long and loud cheering.)

But if, my Lord, apology were necessary, for dwelling for a moment, upon such an institution, none I am sure is requisite for speaking, with less reserve, of the estimable, and amiable character, who presides over it, (tumultuous applause) one whose absence from the kingdom at present, we have so much reason to regret; a man-how shall I venture to describe him-who by the possession of every accomplishment, and the practice of every virtue that can adorn, or dignify our nature, is respected, and beloved among every association of Irishmen, of every rank, and condition whatever. I cannot raise him more, my LORD, in the estimation of those, whom I have the honor to address, than by saying, that he is distinguished, in the highest degree, by your Lordship's friendship; but, GENTLEMEN, he must be dear to us ALL, as the devoted, and enthusiastic admirer, the fast and firm friend, of our highly gifted countryman, whose worth and talents we are met to celebrate.

The NOBLE CHAIRMAN then gave,

"RICHARD POWER, Esq. and the KILKENNY THEATRICAL SOCIETY, of which Mr. MOORE is a distinguished Member."

After the general applause with which the toast was received had in some degree subsided, Mr. CORRY, one of the Members of this Society, rose and said :

My Lord CHARLEMONT and Gentlemen, in the name of Mr. RICHARD POWER, and of the Association at KILKENNY, over which he presides, I beg leave to thank you for the honor which you have conferred upon him, and them. It is the pride and boast of the little Stage of KILKENNY, that Mr. MOORE has often enlivened it by his comic talents, and for ever distinguished it, by having recited on its boards,

Thirteenth Season.

1818,

Written by Mrs. Power, and Spoken by Mr. R. Power.

TO CONGRESS now debating monarchs hie,
Resolv'd to settle Europe's destiny;
Whilst equal cares within our bosoms beat-
We, mimic monarchs of the buskin, meet,
Anxious to keep, amidst revolving years,
Our ancient empire o'er your smiles, and tears.

Tho' threat'ning clouds hung o'er our classic Dome,
Hope's cheering influence dissipates the gloom,
Bids us come forth, and lightens half our pain,
With happier omens here we meet again;
Here, on this spot, endear'd by every tie
Of friendship, beauty, kindness, charity:
And proud our boast, if, in our native Isle,
Our humble efforts teach those lips to smile,
Or, from such beauteous eyes, their tears beguile.
Oh, much lov'd Erin! would thy sons, who roam,
Exert their talents, not despise their home;
Then might this Isle, depress'd and sunk in fame,
With other nations proudly rank her name.
Has not their genius shone through foreign climes
In WELLINGTON, the wonder of our times?

Whose glorious deeds the vanquish'd e'en revere;
Transcendent talents mark his bright career!
To him united Europe trusts the sword,
To draw, or sheathe it, as he gives the word.
With pride old LEINSTER sent her warriors forth,
Renown'd in arms, belov'd for private worth.
What name more high than PACK among the brave?
Or PONSONBY, just rescu'd from the grave?
Boast we not GRATTAN'S high unsullied name,
The truest Patriot in the list of Fame?

Who, scorning party praise, and blame withstood,
One glorious object his-his Country's good.

Does Erin want a Bard her name to raise,

While MOORE, fresh-crown'd with never-fading bays,
Unrivall'd, sings his own harmonious lays?
What varied talents to our BAR belong,

Applauding senates hang on PLUNKET's tongue;
And in our BUSHE'S gifted mind conspire

The Statesman's wisdom, with the Poet's fire.
Then fair O'NEIL ranks first on Britain's STAGE,
While EDGEWORTH gives to youth the sense of age,
And all admire O'DONNELL'S Patriot page.

With such rare talents is our Isle still blest,
How many more, alas! have sunk to rest.
For thee, sublimest BURKE, shall memory glow,
For SHERIDAN our tears still fondly flow:
But he shall live while genius holds her seat,
His classic Plays present our proudest treat:
Nor would immortal SHAKESPEARE's self refuse
To share your plaudits with our much lov❜d muse.
Thus while I try to paint my Country's merits,
And shew what native gifts this Isle inherits,
Still every dearer blessing she derives
From her fair maidens, and her peerless wives;
And we, from High authority can boast,
That Erin's Daughters was our Viceroy's toast.
Then let us prize those gifts that we possess,
Nor by contemning, make our little less;
Let each his efforts try-on us depends
That happy task-to please indulgent friends;
Be it our pride to find, where'er we roam,
"Our first, best Country ever is at home.”