'Ar'n't you ashamed on yourself ?' cried out all my brothers and sisters in full chorus, whilst my poor mother put her apron to her eyes and said nothing.

'The devil a bit for myself, but very much ashamed for you all,' replied I, 'to treat me in this manner.

What's the meaning of all this ?' 'Haven't they seized my two cows to pay for your toggery, you spalpeen ?' cried my father.

'Haven't they taken the hay to pay for your shoes and stockings ?' cried Father M'Grath.

'Haven't they taken the pig to pay for that ugly hat of yours ?' cried my eldest sister.