Lady Gregory's first priority

Augusta Gregory (1852-1932)

Notes

Coole Park, September 11, 1914

With "the horrors of the war" and anxieties about the political situation in Ireland preying on her, Gregory penned this series of resolutions on September 11, 1914. Keeping Coole "healthy & peaceful" for her grandchildren and preserving it for future generations to continue the Gregory heritage is—and remained—her first priority. Her little drawing of a growing tree evokes her long-standing enthusiasm for planting and maintaining Coole's "Seven Woods." Keeping the Abbey Theatre going and holding it to its original purpose come next. Characteristically, keeping her own creative work "up to its highest possibility, as far as will can do it" is subordinated and expressed more as a hope than an expectation. She closes with an aspiration to "keep courage & patience through all."