"Hand by the block stood the grim figure of the executioner, his visage being concealed in a tengallon pot with two circular perforated apertures through which his eyes glowered furiously. (U12.612)
"As he awaited the fatal signal he tested the edge of his horrible weapon by honing it upon his brawny forearm" (U12.614)
"or decapitated in rapid succession a flock of sheep which had been provided by the admirers of his fell but necessary office." (U12.616)
"On a handsome mahogany table near him were neatly arranged the quartering knife, the various finely tempered disembowelling appliances (specially supplied by the worldfamous firm of cutlers, Messrs John Round and Sons, Sheffield), a terracotta saucepan for the reception of the duodenum, colon, blind intestine and appendix etc when successfully extracted" (U12.618)
"and two commodious milkjugs destined to receive the most precious blood of the most precious victim. The housesteward of the amalgamated cats' and dogs' home was in attendance to convey these vessels when replenished to that beneficent institution." (U12.623)
"Quite an excellent repast consisting of rashers and eggs, fried steak and onions, done to a nicety, delicious hot breakfast rolls and invigorating tea had been considerately provided by the authorities for the consumption of the central figure of the tragedy who was in capital spirits when prepared for death and evinced the keenest interest in the proceedings from beginning to end but he, with an abnegation rare in these our times, rose nobly to the occasion and expressed the dying wish (immediately acceded to) that the meal should be divided in aliquot parts among the members of the sick and indigent roomkeepers' association as a token of his regard and esteem." (U12.626)
"The nec and non plus ultra of emotion were reached when the blushing bride elect burst her way through the serried ranks of the bystanders and flung herself upon the muscular bosom of him who was about to be launched into eternity for her sake. The hero folded her willowy form in a loving embrace murmuring fondly Sheila, my own. Encouraged by this use of her christian name she kissed passionately all the various suitable areas of his person which the decencies of prison garb permitted her ardour to reach." (U12.635)
"She swore to him as they mingled the salt streams of their tears that she would ever cherish his memory," (U12.642)
"that she would never forget her hero boy who went to his death with a song on his lips as if he were but going to a hurling match in Clonturk park." (U12.644)
Hurling is an outdoor team sport and one of Ireland's native Gaelic Games, promoted by the Gaelic Athletic Association. It is played with a wooden axe-shaped stick called a hurley, and a ball. This photo shows an Irish hurling team in the 1920s (including J.J. Glavin in the middle).
Hurling is an outdoor team sport and one of Ireland's native Gaelic Games, promoted by the Gaelic Athletic Association. It is played with a wooden axe-shaped stick called a hurley, and a ball. This photo shows an Irish hurling team in the 1920s (including J.J. Glavin in the middle).
"She brought back to his recollection the happy days of blissful childhood together on the banks of Anna Liffey when they had indulged in the innocent pastimes of the young and, oblivious of the dreadful present, they both laughed heartily, all the spectators, including the venerable pastor, joining in the general merriment." (U12.646)
"That monster audience simply rocked with delight." (U12.650)
"But anon they were overcome with grief and clasped their hands for the last time. A fresh torrent of tears burst from their lachrymal ducts and the vast concourse of people, touched to the inmost core, broke into heartrending sobs, not the least affected being the aged prebendary himself." (U12.651)
"Big strong men, officers of the peace and genial giants of the royal Irish constabulary, were making frank use of their handkerchiefs and it is safe to say that there was not a dry eye in that record assemblage." (U12.655)
"A most romantic incident occurred when a handsome young Oxford graduate, noted for his chivalry towards the fair sex, stepped forward and, presenting his visiting card, bankbook and genealogical tree," (U12.658)
"solicited the hand of the hapless young lady, requesting her to name the day, and was accepted on the spot. Every lady in the audience was presented with a tasteful souvenir of the occasion in the shape of a skull and crossbones brooch, a timely and generous act which evoked a fresh outburst of emotion:" (U12.661)
"and when the gallant young Oxonian (the bearer, by the way, of one of the most timehonoured names in Albion's history) placed on the finger of his blushing fiancée an expensive engagement ring with emeralds set in the form of a fourleaved shamrock the excitement knew no bounds. Nay, even the stern provostmarshal, lieutenantcolonel Tomkin-Maxwell ffrenchmullan Tomlinson, who presided on the sad occasion," (U12.665)