vulsive energy, and a force that might have been felt "through bars of iron or triple steel." It was evident that he was keenly alive to the danger of his position, and that, despite of the nerve and hardihood which enabled him to wear a bold front, fear sat cold at his heart. The evidence for the prosecution having been gone through, the prisoners' counsel made an able and eloquent speech in their behalf. He threw doubts upon the honesty of some witnesses, and the correctness of others. He entreated the jury to give the prisoners the benefit of any doubts they might entertain, and made a moving appeal to their compassionate feelings on behalf of the grey hairs of the eldest, and the youth of the youngest; he even spoke of "manhood's prime," and hinted at the valuable services that might be rendered to the state by one of such stalwart mould and gallant bearing-the evidence against the second prisoner had been of the most conclusive nature, and went to show aggravated guilt -but he sat down without calling a single witness in support of his clients. The learned judge summed up with perfect calmness and lucidity, and with strict impartiality. He explained the law to the jury, and pointed out to them every tittle of evidence that was of a nature in the least to favour the prisoners; but it was evident that they had nothing to hope from his view of their case. The jury retired for forty minutes—it seemed to have been the general opinion in court that they would have delivered their verdict without quitting the jury-box, so clearly had the guilt of all three culprits been brought home to them, so evident was the opinion entertained by the venerable judge of the merits of the case—and then re-entered the court, and pronounced a verdict of guilty against the two elder prisoners, but acquitted the younger one. A hum of surprise, if not disapproval, was heard throughout the court at this strange finding; for it was clear to all beyond the magic influence of the jury-box, that no case whatever had been made out to warrant such a decision respecting the young man. But juries-Irish juries more especially—are not infallible. It should appear that his youth, or coward-fear, or the eloquence of his defender, had blinded their judgment. To no one in court did his acquittal seem to give more astonishment than to the young man himself. The delivery of the verdict had aroused him from the state bordering upon lethargy in which he had long been. His powers of compre hension seemed to return to him for a moment; he heard, and understood fully, the altered circumstances in which he was placed, the fact that his life was spared as by a miracle, then his poor remains of fortitude gave way, and he fell heavily to the ground, in a deep swoon. - Water was dashed over him, and a lady—for there were ladies in court-passed her smellingbottle to him; and he was soon restored to his senses, and placed, by the judge's direction, in front of the dock. The venerable man now addressed to him a short but impressive speech, pointing out how his life had been restored to him, as it were, on the very brink of the grave, by the merciful interposition of Providence- he did not say by the stupidity and weakness of the jury; but I could not but fancy the charge was meant as much for a reprimand to them, by a sort of side wind, as for the edification of the young man at the bar—and concluded his address in the words of our Lord, "Go, and sin no more." The speech was a very admirable one, and might have its effect upon many present; but I question if the person to whom it was particularly addressed was capable of understanding it. His mind had been so shattered by the proceedings of the day, that he was unable apparently to comprehend anything beyond the fact of his unexpected respite from the grave. The young man was now removed from the dock, and given over to his friends; and the two convicted felons were called on to say if they had anything to urge why sentence of death should not be passed upon them. The elder merely requested that his body might be given to his friends, -a poor favour, which the law, however, forbade the judge to grant him. The younger man said not a word. The judge now placed on his head the black cap,-emblem of the doom to be pronounced,and passed sentence on them in the usual form, and without holding out a hope of mercy in this world; though he besought them most earnestly to use the short time that would be allowed to them, to endeavour to make their peace with heaven, to prepare for eternity. I watched both prisoners closely during this appalling scene. The old man only betrayed his emotion by the nervous quivering of his upper lip, and tremulous motion of his hands. He was deadly pale, but stood firmly, eyed the judge steadily, and uttered no sound. The younger man still continued to master his feelings in a great degree; but the wild, haggard expression of his eyes, the deep flush that suffused his cheeks, and the drops of perspiration that stood upon his forehead, betrayed too plainly his inward agony. They were removed from the bar. On earth there was no more "fearful looking for judgment" for them. The sentence of "fiery indignation" had gone forth. I looked around me at the mixed crowd who had witnessed their condemnation, and who were now, with bated breath and saddened visage, preparing to quit the court. There was not a man there who did not betray signs of awe and fear in his countenance, however some might endeavour to disguise their real feelings under the garb of levity. I withdrew from the court. I took my way slowly homewards, pondering on the melancholy and solemn scene I had witnessed. I thought how a few words from the lips of an aged man, mortal like myself, had struck a chill and dismay into every breast. I reflected how the sentence passed upon the criminals, so far as their mortal nature was concerned, and man had power over them, would at most inflict a brief terror, and then a momentary pang. And I asked myself the |