Complimentary Dinner ΤΟ THOMAS MOORE, Esq. (Freeman's Journal, Wednesday, June 10th, 1818.) 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, 1818. Written by Mrs. Power, and Spoken by Mr. R. Power. TO CONGRESS now debating monarchs hie, Tho' threat'ning clouds hung o'er our classic Dome, Whose glorious deeds the vanquish'd e'en revere; Who, scorning party praise, and blame withstood, Does Erin want a Bard her name to raise, While MOORE, fresh-crown'd with never-fading bays, Applauding senates hang on PLUNKET's tongue; The Statesman's wisdom, with the Poet's fire. With such rare talents is our Isle still blest, |