He had a high reputation at home for speaking, and he had recently learned a spirited poem, familiar, no doubt, to many of my young readers, called "Shamus O'Brien." It is the story of an Irish volunteer, who was arrested for participating in the Irish rebellion of '98, and is by turns spirited and pathetic.

Harry had rehearsed it to himself only the night before, and he had confidence in a strong and retentive memory.
At the President's invitation he rose to his feet, and said, "Mr.
President, I will do as well as I can, but I hope the members of the Society will make allowance for me, as I have had no time for special preparation." All eyes were fixed with interest upon our hero, as he advanced to the platform, and, bowing composedly, commenced his declamation.

It was not long before that interest increased, as Harry proceeded in his recitation.

He lost all diffidence, forgot the audience, and entered thoroughly into the spirit of the piece.

Especially when, in the trial scene, Shamus is called upon to plead guilty or not guilty, Harry surpassed himself, and spoke with a spirit and fire which brought down the house.