We have wei^ty duties to perform, an' we ought to see
that the practice of self-denial is properly theorised in
our own persons, an' its theory reduced to practicality
by the hardened laity, who would ate and dhrink like
ourselves, an' encroach upon our other privileges widout
remorse, as if they had a right to them. They would
ate like bastes, an' dhrink like fishes, Luther, if we
allowed them,' says he. ' Here's to you ! '

" ' They would, the vulgarians,' says Luther. ' Katty,
more hot wather ; an' Katty, asthore, put down two of
the fattest of them crammed pullets, an' a ham, an'
have them ready for supper, an' fetch another bottle of
Innishowen ; afther which, Katty, we'll give you a
dispensation for absence until supper-time. Well, but,
my worthy,' says Lutiier, ' what's your opinion of
clerical affairs in general .' Don't you think they're in
a bad state ? '

" ' Not at all,' says the other. ' I think they're just
as they ought to be.'

" ' I doubt that,' says Luther. ' The infaripr clargy



356 carleton's traits and stories.
