This ebook, based on a book first published in 1825, was created in honour of Distributed Proofreaders’ 25th Anniversary.

ABSENTEEISM.

WORKS BY THE SAME AUTHOR.

Lately Published,

THE LIFE and TIMES of SALVATOR ROSA. In 2 vols. 8vo. with a fine Portrait of Salvator, from the Original Painting by himself, in the possession of Earl Grosvenor, price 28s. bds.

“Lady Morgan has produced two of the most amusing octavos we have met with, even in this biographical age.”--EDINBURGH MAG.

ITALY. By LADY MORGAN. Being the Substance of a JOURNAL of HER RESIDENCE in that Country; exhibiting a View of the present State of SOCIETY and MANNERS, ARTS, LITERATURE, and Literary Institutions, interspersed with numerous Anecdotes of the most eminent Literary and Political Characters, &c. The Third Edition, revised, in 3 vols. 8vo. price 36s.

“Lady Morgan’s fearless and excellent work upon Italy.”--LORD BYRON.

“Lady Morgan has given us more information on the actual state of society in Italy at the present moment, than can be found in any of the numerous publications which have made their appearance since the peace.”--NEW MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

“This is not merely a work of opinions expressed in the ornamental style of the writer. It is a substantial account of Italy, and may be consulted for its facts by the historian, the traveller, and the topographer.”--MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

ABSENTEEISM.

BY

LADY MORGAN.

“Les absens ont toujours tort.”

“You heare of a case as it were in a dreame, and feell not the smart that vexeth us.”--_Speech of the Earl of Kildare to Cardinal Wolsey._

LONDON: HENRY COLBURN, NEW BURLINGTON STREET. 1825.

LONDON: IBOTSON AND PALMER, PRINTERS, SAVOY STREET, STRAND.

TO

CHARLES BROWNLOW, ESQ. M. P.

Dear Sir,

Your recent speech on the Catholic question, has been hailed as an event favourable to the best interests of Ireland by all who in sympathising with her sufferings, have sought for, and ascertained their master cause.

All Irishmen are brave! it is scarce a national boast to say so! for the courage of nerve and sinew is, after all, a quality of pretty general distribution, “from Indus to the Pole.” Man is every where a pugnacious animal; and _les heros de circonstance_--prompt to fight “for any God or King”--are always to be had for hire, be the _cavalier pagante_ who he may. But there is a quality of courage, which has been found rare in all ages and in all regions, the peculiar endowment of high, free, and above all, of _honest minds_. This is the courage that sets at nought

“The world’s dread sneer, Which scarce the stern philosopher can scorn,”

which boldly opposes a startling truth to a received opinion, which frankly recants the cherished error of early associations, and avows the change operated by arduous inquiry and clear conviction, at the expense of all worldly interests, and the sacrifice of all private feelings. Such, Sir, is the courage which you have displayed upon a subject of vital importance to Ireland. As an Irishwoman, I beg to offer my mite of gratitude for the benefit conferred upon our common country--convinced that whenever the spirit of those sentiments which you have avowed shall govern the councils of the nation, Absenteeism will cease to be a national malady.

I have the honor to be,

With every sentiment of respect,

Your obedient Servant,

SYDNEY MORGAN.

London, June 4th, 1825.