"
We now dismiss him, and request our readers, at the same time, not
to suppose that we have held him up as a portrait of Irish agents
in general. On the contrary, we believe that they constitute a most
respectable class of men, who have certainly very difficult duties to
perform. The Irish landlords, we are happy to say, taught by experience,
have, for the most part, both seen and felt the necessity of appointing
gentlemen of property to situations so very important, and which require
so much patience, consideration, and humanity, in those who fill them.
We trust they will persevere in this plan; * but we can assure them,
that all the virtues of the best agent can never compensate, in the
opinion of the people, for neglect in the "Head Landlord." One visit,
or act, even of nominal kindness, for him, will at any time produce more
attachment and gratitude among them, than a whole life spent in good
offices by an agent. Like Sterne's French Beggar, they would prefer a
pinch of snuff from the one, to a guinea from the other. The agent only
renders them a favor, but the Head Landlord does them an honor.
* This tale has been written nearly twelve years, but
the author deeply regrets that the Irish landlords have
disentitled themselves to the favorable notice taken of
them in the text.
Colonel B., immediately after his return home, sent for Mr. O'Brien,
who waited on him with a greater degree of curiosity than perhaps he had
ever felt before.
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