| While talking of this portion of the community, I must notice the reputation for female beauty enjoyed by Limerick for at least two centuries, I have no hesitation in saying — important as the topic is — that I think the reputation is justly enjoyed. I saw a much greater number of beautiful faces, in proportion to the size of the town, than is usual; and even in the shops I think the average is very high indeed. On a Sunday Limerick presents a fair spectacle in every sense of the word; and the Catholic churches, not only of Limerick, but of all Ireland, exhibit far more of the devotional picturesque than you find in most countries of the continent. On the continent, generally speaking, there are no galleries. The whole of the worshippers, rich [p. 199] and poor intermingled, are below, in the nave of the church, and are usually seated on rude, rush-bottomed chairs. In Ireland there are galleries, laid out in pews, for the rich, and only the stone floor below for the poor. Among the latter, in most parts of the country, there is a separation of the sexes, the men going to one side, and the women to the other; all kneel, for there are no chairs to sit upon; and the only difference observable among them is, that some spread their handkerchiefs under their knees. Occasionally, however, a votary of a higher class is seen in the same devotional attitude, either engaged in the sacramental ceremonies, or paying her homage to the Virgin. An instance of the latter is annexed, produced by Mr. M'Clise. [Vol. II, p. 198-199] |
