According to some learned opinions

The Irish once were Carthaginians;

But trusting to more late descriptions

I'd rather say they were Egyptians.

My reason's this:—the Priests of Isis,

  When forth they marched in long array,

Employed, 'mong other grave devices,

  A Sacred Ass to lead the way;

And still the antiquarian traces

  'Mong Irish Lords this Pagan plan,

For still in all religious cases

  They put Lord Roden in the van.