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In the time of the Irish chieftains, from the first through the twelfth centuries, poets were revered as highly as the kings themselves. Each king had his own poet. With the arrival of Saint Patrick and his monks in the fifth century, the written word began to complement the oral traditions. Thanks to Patrick's lasting influence, the Irish were one of the few literate people in Europe throughout the dark Ages. Their reverence for the spoken and written word has remained unswerving.

Most of the Irish get their first practice at storytelling, blarney, and other verbal arts in the pubs. These are not just places to raise a glass, but a place to gather with other people, friends , family, even strangers. The verse is as rich and flowing as the Guinness.

As the glasses fill and empty, patrons tell and retell their tales, polishing and refining their noble art. Is it any wonder the Irish have become masters of the gab?

Here are just a few examples of Irish wit and wordplay.

The Scots have their whiskey,
the welsh have their tongue,
but the Irish have Paddy,
who's second to none!

May your neighbors respect you,
Troubles neglect you,
The angels protect you,
And Heaven accept you.

I've drunk to your health in the pubs,
I've drunk to your health in my home,
I've drunk to your health so many times,
That I've almost ruined my own.

Like the warmth of the sun
And the light of the day
May the luck of the Irish
Shin bright on your way