ST. PATRICK'S BIRTHDAY.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 248, 21 March 1888, Page 6

ST. PATRICK'S BIRTHDAY.

Wit and humour are among the most striking aharacteristics of the Irish race, They are found nob only among the higher and educated classes, but also among the poorest and humblest. Here is a gem ■ growing out of the legend of St. Patrick's birth : On the eighth day of March it was, some people say. That Saint Patrick at midnight he first saw (he day ; While others declare 'twas the ninth he was born, And 'twas all a mistake between midnight and morn: For mistakes will occur in a hurry and shock, And some blamed the baby and some blamed the clock : Ti 1 with all their cross-questions sure no one could know If the child was too fast or the clock was too slow. Now the first faction fight in Ould Ireland, they say. Was all on account of St. Patrick's birthday ; Some foufrht for the eight— for the ninth more would die— And who wouldn't see riffht, sure, they blackened his eye. At last both tho factions so positive grew That each kept a birthday— bo Pat then had two; 'Till Father Mulcahy, -who showed them their sins, Said no one could have two birthdays hut twins. | Says he: "Boys, don't be flghtin' for eight or j for nine ; Don't be always dividing but sometimes combine. Combine eight with nine, and seventeen is the mark, So let that be his birthday." " Amen I" says the clerk.