_Countess of Desmond_ (Vol. ii., pp. 153. 186.).--In reply to K., I have
an impression that Horace Walpole has a kind of dissertation on the _Old
Countess of Desmond_, to whom his attention was directed by her being
said to have danced with Richard III. Having no books at hand, I cannot
speak positively; but if K. turns to Walpole's _Works_, he will see
whether my memory is correct. I myself once looked, many years ago, into
the subject, and satisfied myself that the great age attributed to _any_
Countess of Desmond must be a fable; and that the portrait of her (I
think, at Windsor) was so gross an imposition as to be really that of an
old man. I made a "Note"--indeed many--of the circumstances which led me
to this conclusion; but they are at this moment inaccessible to me. I
venture however, now that the question is revived, to offer these vague
suggestions. By and by, if the subject be not exhausted, I shall
endeavour to find my "Notes," and communicate them to you. I wonder the
{220} absurdity of the kind of death imputed to the imaginary lady did
not reflect back a corresponding incredulity as to the length of her
life.