Sir, - With regard to the recent correspondence and controversy about Francis Stuart, perhaps this poem, written by Stuart himself says it all. I cut it out and have kept it since it was published in The Irish Times on February 13th, 1988.
I've never struck a bargain in my life,
Trafficking in the hardest currencies
I've mostly came away with tinsel trash
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But once or twice I've gained realities:
The bread, the wine, the love, the loss, the dream,
Though only at the staggering market price.
And finally I prayed, though not as bid
"Lord, make me clean!"
But: "Come and share with me my leper lair.
That's if you dare,
And so he did.
- Yours, etc.
Beach,
Bantry,
Co Cork.