Tvvo histories of Ireland. The one written by Edmund Campion, the other by Meredith Hanmer Dr of Divinity

THE SECOND BOOKE OF CAMPION'S HISTORY OF IRELAND. (Book 2)

CAP. I. The conquest of Ireland by Henry the second, King of England, commonly called Henry Fitz Empresse.

DErmot Mac Murrough,* 1.1 King of Lein∣ster, halt and leacherous,* 1.2 vowed dis∣honestly to serve his lust on the beau∣tifull Queene of Meath, and in the absence of her husband, allured the woman so farre, that she condiscen∣ded to be stolne away. This disho∣nourable wrong to avenge, O-Rorick the King her husband, besought assi∣stance of Rodericke Oconor, King of Connaght, at that season the generall Monarch of all Ireland. The subjects of Leinster detesting the quarrell, and long ere this time hating their Prince, left him desolate in his greatest neede, so as with much difficulty he caught his boate, and fled over for succour to Henry the 2. King of England, then warring upon the French∣men, within his Dukedome of Aquitaine. Somewhat before this season sate in the See of Rome,* 1.3 Adrianus 4. an English man borne, who having in his youth taken a painefull pil∣grimage into Norway, and reduced the whole Iland unto

Christianity, learned distinctly the state of Ireland, and how their countrymen which dayly repaired thither,* 1.4 being them∣selves the most part infidels, meeting with a people there, wilde and furious, were like very shortly (but if God found remedy) to deface religion: for though Christ were beleeved and taught, yet the multitude eft soone, grew to a shamelesse kinde of liberty, making no more of necessary points of Do∣ctrine, then served their loose humour. Besides these occasi∣ons Henry the 2. builded upon the Popes favour, his borne subject, had sent Ambassadours to Rome, in the first yeare of his raigne, asking leaue to attempt the conquest of Ireland. Adrian trusting and requiring a diligent reformation of the premisses, graunted his Bull, which Alexander his Successour confirmed, and ratified upon the same conditions. Now when Dermot was come in the very necke of these consulta∣tions, and put up his complaint, wherein he preferred the in∣terest of his Crowne, and craved a restitution of some peece of his lands, the matter did seeme not all untowardly broa∣ched, Henry having his hands full with the French, because Mac Murrough urged all possible haste, could not personaly in∣tend that offer, but sent him honourably garded into Eng∣land, with letters patents bearing this Tenour.

HENRY the second, King of England, Duke of Nor∣mandy and Aquitaine,* 1.5 Earle of Angiow. To all our true sub∣jects, English, Normans, Welchmen, Scotts, and to all nations within our Dominions whatsoever. Greeting. Witt yee that the Bearer hereof, Dermot Mac Murrough King of Leinster, we have received into the soveraigne protection of our Grace and bounty, wherefore who so of you all our loving subjects will extend towards him, your ayde for his restoring, as to our trusty and welbeloved, know yee that he is thereto au∣thorized by these presents, and shall deserve at our hands high favour in so doing.

With these letters and many gay additions of his owne, he arrived at Bristow, where he fell at conference with Richard Strongbow,* 1.6 Earle of Pembroke, with whom he covenanted, the delivery of his onely daughter and heire unto marriage,

and so the remainder of his Kingdome: If the said Earle would recover him his home. That day were planted in Wales two gentlemen, Robert Fitz Stephens, and Maurice Fitz Gerald, brethren of a Mother, allyed to Rice ap Griffin,* 1.7 then Prince of Wales, whose Grand-father was surnamed Rice the great. Fitz Stephens had beene high Constable there under the King, and for executing rigour upon the Princes servants, was with him detained prisoner three yeares, ne would in any wise pay ransome or accept the liberty promised him, but if the conditions were loyall to the Crowne, and to his person no dis-worship. Lastly by the mediation of David Bishop of S. Davids, the third brother; and of Fitz Gerald, and at the instance of Mac Murrough whom the Prince entertai∣ned in that distresse, Fitz Stephens was conditionaly delive∣red, that he and his brother Maurice, should the next spring, while Strongbow provided his army, assist the Irish out-cast, who in consideration thereof assured them an estate for ever in the towne of Weixford, and two Cantreds adjoyning.

Thus much firmely concluded on all sides, the King stale secretly home, and wintered closely among the Cleargie of Fernes.

According to covenant came Fitz Stephens, with 30. Knights of his blood, 60. Squiers, & 300. footemen Archers, to whom at his landing, Dermot sent in aid his base sonne Duvelnaldus, and five hundred speares. The towne and sub∣urbes of Weixford marched forth against him: But when they saw Souldiours in array, diversly dighted and weapo∣ned, furnished with artillery, barbed horses and harnesse, they retyred to their walles and strengthned them, burning the villages thereabouts, and all the provision they could not car∣ry. The assault lasted 3. dayes, in the 4. certaine Bishops re∣sciant there, tooke up the variance, pacified the Townesmen to their King, and procured the rendring of the Towne. Der∣mot having tryed the valiantnes of the Welchmen, immeadi∣ately kept his touch, and gave possession of Weixford with the appurtenances aforesaid, to Fitz Stephens and his brother. After successe of these matters, they leavyed to the number

of 3000. Souldiours, and devised to vexe the Lords of Vpper Ossory, who had beene to the King of all other most cruell and injurious. Them they compelled to deliver Trewage and sweare fealty.

Rodericke the monarch appalled at these newes, reared up all the Kings, in defence of the land, verily supposing that all would to wrecke, were it not prevented. And first they dire∣cted courteous messages and gifts to Fitz Stephens, moving him to depart the land quietly, and not to molest them with∣out cause. To whom he answered, that much he wondred at the folly of those Princes, who to satisfie their choller had opened such a gappe to their owne prejudice, as though the subjects whom they had schooled, to breake allyance to∣wards the King of Leinster, would not be as ready by this example to learne to withstand the King of Connaght, for his owne part, though hee might with better reason invade strangers, then they could expell their neighbours and their peere, yet would they suffer the King to reenter his right, they should not finde him stiffe, nor untractable, otherwise they should well feele that the Bryttons wanted neither abilitie, nor truth, to maintaine their word.

Rodericke perceived it was no boote to spurne, and there∣fore bethought himselfe of composition upon agreement, they resolved thus.

* 1.8Inprimis, that Mac Murrough swearing afresh his obedience to the Monarch, should quietly, repossesse the parts of Lein∣ster, which Rodericke with-held by suspensation.

Secondly, that for ensurance thereof, he should pledge his dearest base sonne Cnothurn, to whom Rodericke promised his daughter, if this peace were found effectuall.

Thirdly, that being rested in his kingdome, he should dis∣charge the Welch army, nor should henceforwards call them over in defence.

About this time, Donatus the good King of Ergall, foun∣ded the Abbey of Mellyfont, which is the eldest that I finde recorded since the Danes arrivall, except S. Mary Abbey, be∣sides Divelin, erected in an. 948.

The meane while was landed at Weixford, Maurice Fitz Gerald with his provision, ten Knights, thirty Squiers, and an hundred Bowmen, hereupon Dermot and the two Bre∣thren, set their force against Divelin, which being the cheife Citty of his Realme, refused to yeeld, when Divelin and the country about it vvas recover'd, there befell hostility between Rodericke, and Duvenaldus Prince of Limericke, vvhom Der∣mot his father holpe in field, foyled the enemy, and then vvith∣drevv his obedience from the Monarch. Shamefull was Ro∣derickes flight, and Dermot insinuated into the favour of his people, began to recount the confederates of his first misfor∣tune, and consulted with the two Captaines for the invasion of Connaght, finding them prest, he wrote over to the Earle Strongbow, renewed their covenants, prayed his helpe. Richard Earle Strongbow (whose auncestors came in vvith the Con∣quest, but commonly of the King and his successors dis∣favoured) having read the letters, he passed to King Henry, be∣sought him either to answere him his rightfull heritage, vvhich other men occupied, or to licence him else vvhere in uncouth lands, to seeke his fortune. The King halfe in derisi∣on bad him on in the name of God, even as farre as his feete could beare him. The Earle dissembling to perceive the hol∣lovvnes of the king, furnished his Cousin Reymond le Grose,* 1.9 Nephevv to the brethren aforesaid, vvith ten Knights, and 70. Bovvmen, himselfe ensued vvith about 200. Knights, and 1000. lusty Welchmen, tryed Souldiours, shortly they vvanne the Citty of Waterford, and then immediately Mac Murrough accomplished his convention, gave to the Earle in marriage his daughter Eve, with the succession of his Kingdome. When Waterford was gotten, and Leinster pacified, and the Princes of Ossory tamed, and a chosen band ever in garrison, Mac Murrough became so terrible, that none durst encounter him. The Cleargy assembled themselves at Ardmagh, and with one accord did protest that for all their sinnes, and especially for the Turkish kinde of Tyrany which they used in buying and selling, and with vile slaveries oppressing the bodies of the English, (whom their pyrats tooke) their land was like

to be translated to that nation, whose captives they handled so cruelly. To appease in part, the indignation of God, they decreed, that all English, wheresoever in hold within the realme, should forthwith be loosed, Further, if it pleased God to scourge them, it should be meekely suffered, as farre beneath the debt of their deserts. King Henry, though he was well apayed that the Earle should be from him, yet he liked no deale, his growing in Ireland to such power, as percase in time to come, with his faction in Wales, then living under a Prince of their owne, he might be able to face the Crowne of England. An edict was therefore drawne, whereby all subjects were charged upon their perill, to reverte into Eng∣land by a day, and a caveat annexed, that upon paine of death, none should presume to passe over without a nevv warrant, nor ship over any wares, money, munition, or victuals into Ireland.

* 1.10Thus had the Irish a breathing space, and would perhaps have picked greater benefits thereby,* 1.11 had not the Normans beene in their top immediately after. Great force they laide to Divelin, but vvere valiantly repelled, and their Captaine Hasculphus taken prisoner,* 1.12 who being calmely intreated, be∣gan to overview himselfe, and to imagine that the Citizens durst not use him extreamely, & once in open audience brake forth his unseasonable courage, in these wordes. Take this (quoth he) but for hansell, the game is to come: which heard they delayed him no longer, but pusht him downe on a blocke, and swapped off his head.

Strongbow perceiving the Kings jealously not yet allayed, having wel-nigh spent his army in defence of diverse good townes,* 1.13 impugned by Rodericke and the Irish, left sufficient warde till his returne: and met the King at Gloucester. To whom he writeth, declaring the envy that lurked in his pre∣ferment, yeelded the tittle of all his winnings, craved good countenance with his grace, contented himselfe with any portion whatsoever his Majesty should relinquish: a finall quietnesse was driven betweene them, Dublin with th'ap∣purtenances, and all port townes of Leinster, & all fortresses

reserved to the King. The Earle should enjoy with good leave whatsoever he had gotten beside. This yeare dyed Mac Murrow, and the Abbey de Castro Dei was foun∣ded.

Soone after the King with five hundred Knights with ar∣chers and horsemen many more tooke shore at Waterford,* 1.14 * 1.15 and was such a terrour to the Irish, that incontinently all Mounster submitted themselves to his peace. There the men of Wexford to feede the surmises of Henry conceived against the gentlemen, betrayed their Lord Fitz Stephens, and him de∣livered to the King. The King to gratifie them, for a while tremely chained and hampered the prisoner, quarrelling with him, notwithstanding the inhibition he had pro∣ceeded in atchieving the conquest of Ireland, but shortly hee enlarged him, and ratified the grants of Wexford above-men∣tioned.

These Princes of the South sware fidelity and tribute to Henry. Dermot Car••ye King of Corke, Donald Obrene king of Limericke, Donald and Omalaghlien, puissant Lords of Ossory, and in briefe, all the states of Mounster, from thence hee journeyed to Dublin, where in like manner all the Captaines of Leinster, and Ororicke king of Meth, and Rodericke Oconor, king of Connaght, and of all Ireland for himselfe, and the whole Iland, humbly recognized his soveraignety: finally, no man there was of name in the land (except them of Vlster) but they to him bowed and sware obeysance. All which he feasted royally with a din∣ner of Cranes flesh, a fowle till then utterly abhorred of the Irish.

Merlin had prophesied, that five should meete, and the sixt should scourge them.* 1.16 This sixt they now construed to be Henry, in whom the five pettie Kingdomes were united. Of the same conquest prophesied their foure notable Saints, Patricke, Brachon, Colme,* 1.17 and Mo∣ling.

The King not unmindfull of his charge, enjoyned by the Popes Adrian and Alexander, entred into a refor∣mation

of the Church: and mooved the famous Bishop of Lismore,* 1.18 Saint Christian, their Legate, to call a Sy∣node at Cashell, wherein they defined Eight Articles.

1. First, that their people should abandon unlawfull con∣tracts of their cousins and allyes, and observe the Canons of Matrimonie.

2. That their Infants should be primestened of the Priests hand at the Church dore, and then baptized in the font of their mother Church.

3. That all faithfull duely pay their Tithes.

4. That holy Church be for ever quit of those cursed ex∣actions of diet and harborow whereunto they had beene ac∣customably strayned foure seasons in the yeare, and else a∣gainst right.

5. That the fine levyed for manslaughter, be not borne by the Clearkes, and kinsmen to the malefactour, but if he were accessary or faulty to the deed doing.

6. That the sicke doe his Testament to be made or read in the presence of credible persons.

7. That the funerals of the dead be devoutly and solemn∣ly kept.

8. That forasmuch as GOD hath universally delive∣red them into the government of the English, they should in all points, rights, and ceremonies, accord with the Church of England.

To these things Gelasius Primate of Ardmagh, because he was old and impotent, gave his consent at Divelin in the pre∣sence of the King, he died two yeares after, so aged, that his sustenance was the milke of a white Cow, which he carried with him wheresoever he travelled. This yeere the Abbey de fonte vivo was founded.

While all went well in Ireland, newes came that Henry the sonne (whom his father had for good purpose crowned King of England) was misledde to intrude upon the actuall possession of the Crowne in his fathers life-time, which stirre to appease, the King left the custody of Ireland with Hugh de Lacy, to whom he gave Meth in fee, with Fitz

Stephens, Fitz Gerald, and Philip de Bruise, and diverse others,* 1.19 and sayled into England.

In absence of King Henry, Ororick King of Meth, surna∣med Monoculus, required conference and parley with Hugh de Lacy, in which communication the King had trayterously murdered Lacy, had not Fitz Gerald rescued him. Then stept out an ambushment of the Irish, but Griffin a Gentleman of the bloud royall in Wales, flighted the Kyrneghes,* 1.20 and slevv O∣rorick.

The English perceived such practices daylie sought and attempted, tooke from the Irish as farre as they durst, all trust of government, fenced themselves vvith garrisons, made Captaines, Keepers and Constables, vvheresoever they vvanne the better. But King Henry vvas so affrighted vvith his sonnes rebellion, and grevv into such envye both at home and abroad for the death of Thomas late Archbishop of Canterbury, that he had no vvill to mind his proceedings in Ireland. Ever his jealousie increased tovvardes the Earle Strongbow, vvhom he supposed easie to bee carryed avvay vvith any light occasion of tumult.* 1.21 The Earle vvas a man of great birth, but not of great port until this good marriage be∣fell him, & knovving himselfe neither to be brooked in sight, nor trusted out of sight, kept still one certaine rate in all his doings, bare but lovve saile, fed no quarrells, shunned all su∣spicious conference.

While they stood thus in a mammaring, and Letters ctme daylie over, hovv faintly the States and Princes of Ireland performed obedience; for except in Leinster, all other parts retayned still their auncient kinde of govern∣ment, and did onely acknovvledge Tribute. It vvas thought expedient by Henryes Counsellours, to discharge his minde of that care, and seeing there vvas trouble on all sides, and all could not bee intended one vvay, they determined to venture the custody of Ireland to Strong∣bow, being likely for his ovvne vvealth and assurance, to procure all possible meanes of bridling and annoying the Irish.

No sooner vvas the Earle landed with his Commission Lord Warden of Ireland,* 1.22 but Donald King of Limericke met him at the vantage, and coursed him within the walls of Waterford, whereof hearing the residue their mates were a∣nimated, so that up they start in every corner, tagge and ragge to expell the English.

It went hardly, then the Earle remembred himselfe of his cousin Lord Reymond, left behinde him in Wales a suitor to Basil his sister, whose marriage nothing stopped but the Earles consent. Now therefore hee writeth lovingly to the Wooer, and upon condition that hee came speedily to succour him, hee yeelded the Lady and all else at plea∣sure. Reymond in his first entry brake into Divelin, mar∣ryed his Wife in compleate Armour, and the very next daye sprang foorth, whipped the Rebells, quieted Leinster.

* 1.23Also the Cleargy having lately perused the Popes Bull, wherein hee entitleth Henry Lord of Ireland, and under straight paynes commaundeth alleagiance unto him, busi∣ly repressed the fury of their Countreymen. And forso∣much as immediatly after Christianity planted there, the whole Iland had with one consent given themselves not on∣ly into the spirituall, but also into the temporall jurisdiction of the See of Rome, which temporall right the two Bishops Adrian and Alexander had freely derived into King Henry, as by their publique instruments read in their counsell at Cashell appeareth, they denounced curse and excommunica∣tion to any that would maliciously gainsay or frustrate the same.

When these b••oyles were rocked asleepe and husht for a time, the familiars of Strongbow greatly fore-thought them of the credit and rule committed to Reymond, whom in con∣clusion they procured home againe vvhen he had served their turne at neede. The meane vvhile dyed Strongbow, as some say, betrayed and vvounded, he lyeth buryed in the Body of Christ Church in Divelin,* 1.24 leaving behinde him one onely daughter Isabel, marryed after 14. yeares to VVilliam Earle

marshall. Closely they concealed Strongbowes death, untill they had compassed from the King another Governour af∣ter their owne tooth. For ever they dreaded, that Reymond being in the Princes eye, and friended in the Court, would catch his oportunity, and wynde himselfe (might he get an inkling in time of the Earles death) into the succession of his office, which even then waxed sweet and savoury. Coodgel∣lors of this drift, stopped messengers, intercepted letters, hasted on their own course. Basil the wife of Reymond,* 1.25 more dutiful to her husband, then naturall to her brother, continued still in Ireland sicke, but having privy knowledge of those newes, ere the breath was quite out of the Earles body, payned her selfe to disturbe this whole array. And whereas shee knew well her letters should bee searched, and her owne servants stayed, shee let it be delivered at all a very venture to one of the maryners, and therein draweth a long processe of her af∣fayres and houshold, but in the middle shuffles in a few lines of her meaning, under these tearmes: To all my affli∣ctions is added now lately the tooth-ake, so that except that one master-tooth had fallen (which I send you for a to∣ken) I weene I were better out of my life. Now was the tooth tipped with golde, and burnished feately like a pre∣sent, which Reymond wist well to bee none of hers, and therefore quickly smelled the construction, lingred not for Letters Pattents, but stept over presently,* 1.26 and made his packe, and was elected by the Kings Agents there, Lord Protectour of Ireland, till the Kings pleasure were further knowne: During his authority flourished the Ge∣raldines, but shortly after they quayled againe, under the government of VVilliam Fitz Aldelin, with him was joy∣ned in commission the valiant Knight Iohn de Courcy, conque∣rour, and Earle of Vlster,* 1.27 which hitherto the King had not obtained.

That yeare was founded the Abbey of Crockesden,* 1.28 by Bertramus de Verdon.

To establish the conquest of Vlster, and other victo∣ries of the parts of Ireland before enjoyed,* 1.29 Alexander

the third sent his Cardinall Vivianus, vvho declareth the Title that Henry held of the Pope, the reservation of the Peter-pence, the indignation of GOD and holy Church a∣gainst the rebells, who beeing themselves contemners and breakers of Canons Ecclesiasticall, yet for maintenance of their unruly stomackes, had found the meanes to make Churches their barnes, bestowing therein both corne and pulse, that the victuallers and purveyors of the Princes campe should not dare to require the sale thereof for pe∣rill of sacriledge. Therefore hee licenseth Officers in this behalfe soberly and discreetely to convent such per∣sons, as made the Church a Sanctuary for their Corne, and in neede to take thereof at reasonable prices.

Little good did Fitz Aldelin, and lesse vvas like to doe, because hee delighted to crosse his Peeres, and vvas of them stopped in his course of government.

Hugh de Lacye vvas made Protector generall over the Land.* 1.30 But Miles Cogan, Philip de Bruise, Fitz Stephens, Power, and diverse other more preferred to severall coun∣treyes under him.

This Lacye builded a sort of castles and forts through∣out all Leinster and Meth, and the next sixe yeares con∣tinually devout gentlemen erected sundry Abbeyes, as the Abbey of Roseglasse,* 1.31 * 1.32 of Donbrothy by Hervy a Welch∣man, one of the speciall conquerours of Ireland, vvho himself after that,* 1.33 entred into religion in Trinity Priory at Canter∣bury,* 1.34 The Abbeyes of Geripont, and Choro Benedicti, the Abbey de lege Dei, vvith repayring of many Chappels, Chauncells,* 1.35 Bell-houses, High-vvayes, and Bridges. Then dyed Saint Laurence Archbishop of Divelin, to vvhom succeeded Iohn Comyn an Englishman, brought up in the Abbey of Evesham,* 1.36 Founder of Saint Patrickes in Di∣velin, vvhich vvas before that time a Parish Church, & novv by the said Archbishop endovved vvith Prebends, Viccars, Clearkes, Chorists, and many notable possessions for their maintenance, vvhereout from time to time have proceeded Clergy-men of greatest learning & reputation in the Diocese.

Divers contentions were raised betwixt Christs Church and it, for antiquity, wherein they of S. Patrickes, are (no doubt) inferiour, as shall appeare.* 1.37 They are both written Cathedrall Churches, and both are the Bishops Chapiter, in vvhose ele∣ction they both ought to convent within the Church of the blessed Trinity, called Christs Church, which in all records hath the preheminency of place. The party that disturbeth this order of election, forfeiteth by deede to th'Archbishop of Divelin, 200. pounds.* 1.38 This foundation was much enriched by King Iohn.

The same yeare died the yong King Henry, reconciled to his father, but preparing warre against his brother Richard Duke of Aquitain: soon after also deceased Ieffry his other son, Duke of Brittaine. Thus were left Richard, his inheritour, and Iohn afterwards Earle of Glocester, heretofore surnamed without land, to whom the father conveyed all his interest and Lord∣ship of Ireland, sent him thither honourably accompanied, being then but twelue yeares old, and with him in speciall trust, Giraldus Cambrensis Clerke,* 1.39 a diligent searcher of the an∣tiquities of Ireland, surely well learned, and in those dayes counted Eloquent.

About the young Earle were servants and counsellours,* 1.40 three sorts, first Normans, great quaffers, lourdens, proud, belly swaines, fed with extortion and bribery; to whom hee most relyed: secondly, the English brought with him, meetly bold: Thirdly, the English found in the land, whom being best worthy and most forward in all good services, hee least regarded, hereof sprang parties and disdaine, and to the knights that hardiest were and readiest of courage no small discomfort, to the enemies a spurre.

With the brute of his arrivall at Waterford, the Kings of Thomond, Desmond and Connaght, put themselves in the bravest manner they could, to meete him and to submit their countries to his Grace, before them came the Irish Franklyns with rich presents, (and as they are very kind hearted where they list to shew obedience,) made unto the Childe, their Lord, the most joy and gladnesse that might be, and though

rudely, yet lovingly, and after the custome of their country, offred to kisse him, with such familiarity as they used towards their Princes at home. Two of the Guard, Normans, pick-thankes, shooke and tare the Clownes by the glibs & beards unmannerly, and churlishly thrust them out of the presence, whom they should have instructed curteously, & born with. The Irish thus rejected, went against the fore-named Kings, opened the rebukes and villanyes done to them, for their meekenes, that their Lord whom they thought to honour, was but a Boy, peevish and insolent, governed by a sort of flatterers, younglings and prowlers: That sithence to them that buxome were and tractable, such despite and dishonour (that terme they have borrowed of the Spaniards) was prof∣fered so soone, little good should the states of Ireland looke for in continuance, when the English had once yoked and penned them in their clouches.

This report lightly alienated the mindes of those Princes, not yet very resolute, and turned them home with great oathes and leagues, entred among themselves, caused also the mightiest Captaines elsewhere to sticke together, while their lives lasted, and for no manner earthly thing to slacke the de∣fence of their auncient liberties.

Immediately walked abroad mutinyes of broyle & com∣motion, so that the young Earle and his army, were content to commit the tryall thereof, to Lacy, Bruise, Courcy, Fitz Ge∣rald, and the rest, himselfe departing away the same yeare he came, and leaving the Realme a great deale worse bestedde then he found it.

From the Conquest hitherto Giraldus Cambrensis, and from hence to the yeare 1370. I am specially holpen by certaine briefe extracts, whose author is namelesse, and therefore I quote him by the name of Philip Flatsbury who wrote them,* 1.41 and enriched them with collections of his owne, for Ge∣rald the father of the Earle of Kildare then being. An. 1517.

Lacy the rather for these whisperings, did erect and edifie a number of Castles, well and substantially, provided in con∣venient places, one at Derwath, vvhere diverse Irish prayed to

be set on worke, for hyre. Sundry times came Lacy to quic∣ken his labourers, full glad to see them fall in ure with any such exercise, wherein, might they once be grounded & taste the svvetenesse of a true mans life, he thought it no small to∣ken of reformation to be hoped, for which cause he visited them often, and merrily would command his Gentlemen to give the labourers example in taking paines, to take their in∣struments in hand, and to worke a season, the poore soules looking on and resting. But this game ended Tragically, while each man was busie to try his cunning: some lading, some plaistering, some heaving, some carving; the Generall also himselfe, digging with a pykeaxe, a desperate villaine of them, he whose toole the Generall used, espying both his hands occupied and his body, with all force inclining to the blow, watched his stoope, and clove his head with an axe,* 1.42 little esteeming the torments that ensued.* 1.43 This Lacy was con∣querour of Meth, his body the two Archbishops, Iohn of Di∣velin and Mathew of Cashell,* 1.44 buryed in the monastery of of Becktye, his head in S. Thomas abbey at Divelin. The next yeare, was builded the abbey of Ines in Vlster,* 1.45 and soone after, the abbeyes of Iugo Dei, and of Comer,* 1.46 and then the abbey of Knockmoy, or de Colle victoriae, by Cathel Cron∣derg King of Connaght.

CAP. II. The Titles of the Crowne of England to every part of Ireland, and to the whole diverse wayes.

I Will begin with the pedigree of VVilliam Earle marshall, for thereupon depend many recordes in Ireland, and the Queenes right to Leinster. VValter Fitz Richard, who came from Norman∣dy, with VVilliam Conquerour, died Lord Strongbow of Strigule alias Chepstow without issue, to whom succeeded his sisters sonne Gilbert, who was created the first Earle of

Pembroke, & had issue Richard the inheritour of Leinster, by a covenant & marriage of Eva the sole daughter of Mac Mur∣rough King of Leinster. This Richard conveyed to Henry the second all his title, and held of him the Lordship of Leinster in foure counties, Weixford, Catherlagh, Ossory, and Kildare. Richard left issue, a daughter Isabel, married to VVilliam Earle marshall of England, now Earle of Pembroke, Lord Strong∣bow, and Lord of Leinster. VVilliam had issue five sonnes, who died without issue, when every of them, except the youngest, had successively possessed their fathers lands, and five daughters, Maude, ••oane, Isabel, Sibil, and Eve, among whom the patrimony was parted in an. 31. H. 3. Of these daughters bestowed in marriage, are descended many noble houses, as the Mortimers, Bruises, Clares, &c. borne subjects to the Crowne of England, paying ever to the King his dutyes reserved.

* 1.47Hugh de Lacy Conquerour of Meth, had issue VValter de Lacy, who held the same of King Iohn, paying a fine of foure thousand marks sterling, and hence beganne all the severall claimes there at this day, with allegiance sworne and done by their auncestours.

* 1.48At the very first arrivall of Henry the second, the Princes of Mounster came universally, and did homage voluntarily, and acknowledged to him and his heires, duties and payes for ever.

* 1.49Iohn de Courcy Conquerour and Earle of Vlster, dyed with∣out issue, King Iohn Lord of Ireland, gave the Earledome to Hugh de Lacy, who had issue, VValter and Hugh, dead with∣out issue,* 1.50 and one daughter married to Reymond Burke Con∣querour and Lord of Connaght.

Connaght descended to diverse heires, owing service to the Prince, but Vlster is returned by devolution to the speci∣all inheritance and revenues of the Crowne of England, in this manner The said De Burgo, had issue Richard, who had issue Iohn, who had issue VVilliam, who was slaine without issue, and a Daughter Elizabeth intytled to thirty thousand marks yearely, by the Earledome of Vlster, whom Edward

the 3. gave in marriage to Leonel his second sonne, Duke of Clarence, who had issue a daughter Philippe, marryed to Ed∣mund Mortymer, who had issue Edmund, Anne, Elinor. Edmund and Elinor died without issue, Anne was married to Richard, Earle of Cambridge, sonne to Edmund of Laugley Duke of Yorke, fift sonne to Edward the third, which said Richard had issue Richard Plantagenet, father to Edward the fourth, father to Elizabeth wife to Henry the seventh, and mother to Henry the eight, father to Mary, Edward the sixt, and Elizabeth.

Severall claimes to the Land of Ireland.

• ...

  1. First that the Irish (for of the rest there is no question) were subjects to the the Crowne of Brittaine, before they set foote in Ireland. Thus it appeareth. They dwelt on that side of Spaine, whereof Bayon was then cheife imperiall Ci∣tie, and the same then in possession and obedience to Gurgun∣tius 376. yeares ere Christ was borne, as it was to his succes∣sours many a day after, namely to Henry, the which as I finde noted in certaine precepts of governement, dedicated by Iames Young, to Iames Butler Earle of Ormond, then Lieutenant of Ireland. an. 1416.

  From this coast and Citty, now part of Gascoigne came the fleete of those Iberians, who in 60. ships met Gurguntius on the sea, returning from the conquest of Denmarke, to whom they yeelded oath and service, sued for dwelling, were by him conducted and planted in Ireland, and became his leige people.

• 2. Mac Gil-murrow King of Ireland, with all his petty Princes, Lordes, and Captaines, summoned to King Arthurs court held in Carlion, an. 519. did accordingly their homage, and attended all the while his great feast and assembly lasted.
• 3. The Monarch of Ireland and all other, both reges and reguli for them and for theirs for ever, betooke themselves to Henry the second in an. Dom. 1172. namely those of the south, whiles he lay at Waterford, Dermot King of Corke, which is the nation of Mac Cartyes, at Cashell, Donald King of Lim∣ricke,

• which is the nation of the Obrenes, Donald King of Ossory, Mac Shaghlen King of Ophaly, at Divelin did the like, Okeruell King of Vriell, Ororicke king of Meth, Rodericke King of all Ireland, and of Connaght. This did they with consents and shoutes of their people: and king Henry returned with∣out any Battle given. Onely Vlster remained which Iohn de Courcy soone after conquered, and Oneale Captaine of all the Irish there, came to Dublin to Richard the 2. in an. 1399. And freely bound himselfe by oath and great summes of money, to be true to the crowne of England.
• 4. The same time Obrene of Thomond, Oconor of Con∣naght, Arthur Mac Murrow of Leinster, and all the Irish Lords which had beene somewhat disordered, renewed their obe∣dience.
• 5. When Ireland first received Christendome they gave themselves into the jurisdiction both spirituall & temporall, of the See of Rome. The temporall Lordship, Pope Adrian conferred upon Henry the second, and hee gave the same to Iohn his younger sonne, afterwards King of England, and so it returned home to the Crowne.
• 6. Alexander the 3. confirmed the gift of Adrian as in both their Charters is expressed at large.
• 7. Vivian the legate on the Popes behalfe doth accurse and excommunicate all those that flitte from the obeysance of the Kings of England.
• 8. The cleargy twice assembled, once at Cashell, secondly at Ardmagh, plainely determined the conquest to be lawfull, and threatned all people, under paine of Gods, and holy Churches indignation, to accept the English kings for their Lords, from time to time.
• 9. It would aske a volume to recite the names of such Irish Princes, who since the conquest have continually upon occa∣sions, revolts or petitions, sworne truth and faith to the kings of England, from time to time, received honours, wages, fees, pardons, and petitions. And thus I thinke no reasonable man will doubt of a right so old, so continued, so ratified, so many wayes confessed.

CAP. III. Richard the first, and King Iohn.

BY occasion of Lacyes mishap, Iohn Courcye,* 1.51 and Hugh de Lacye the younger, with all their assi∣stants, did streight execution upon the Rebells, and preventing every mischiefe ere it fell, stayed the Realme from uproares. Thus they continued lovingly, and lived in wealth and honour all the dayes of Richard the first, untill the first yeare of King Iohns raigne.

Henry the second had issue male, VVilliam, Henry, Richard,* 1.52 Ieffrey, and Iohn. VVilliam, Henry, and Richard dyed without issue. Ieffrey Earle of Brittaine dyed before his father, and left issue two daughters, and an after-borne son called Arthur,* 1.53 whose title to the Crowne, as being the undoubted lyne of the elder brother, Philip King of France, and certaine Lords of England and Ireland stoutly justified: Him had King Iohn taken prisoner in Normandy, and dispatched, if the same be true, with his owne hands at Roane. Of this barbarous cruel∣ty all mens eares were full, and Courcye either of zeale or par∣tiality, spake bloudy words against it, which meane his un∣dermyners caught, and did not onely heave him out of cre∣dite, but also got commission to attach his body, and to send him into England.

The Earle mistrusted his part, and kept aloofe,* 1.54 till Hugh de Lacye Lord Iustice, vvas faine to levye men in armes, and to invade Vlster. Thence hee vvas often put to flight,* 1.55 vvhereupon hee proclaymed Courcye Tray∣tour, and hyred sundry gentlemen vvith revvards, to bring him in quicke or dead, so long hee vvooed the matter, that Courcyes ovvne Captaines vvere inveygled to betray their Lord. Therefore upon good Friday, vvhen the Earle did off his armour, and in secret meditations visi∣ted religious places bare-footed, they layde for him, tooke

him as a rebell,* 1.56 and shipped him into England the next way, where he was adjudged to perpetuall prison: Sentleger ad∣deth in his collections that Lacy payd the Traytors their mo∣ney, and then immediatly hanged them.

This Courcye translated the Church and Prebendaryes of the Trinity in Downe, to an Abbey of black Monks brought thither from Chester, and the same did hallow to S. Patricke, for which alteration of the name of God to his servant, hee deemed himselfe justly punished.

Not long after (as say the Irish) certaine French knights came to King Iohns Court, and one of them asked the com∣bat for tryal of the Dutchy of Normandy. It was not thought expedient to jeopard the title upon one mans lucke, yet the challenge they determined to answere: some friend put them in minde of the Earle imprisoned, a Warriour of noble courage, and in pitch of body like a gyant. King Iohn demaunded Courcye whether hee would bee content to fight in his quarrell: Not for thee (said the Earle) whose person I esteeme not worthy the adventure of my bloud, but for the Crowne and dignity of the Realme, wherein many a good man liveth against thy will. The words were haply ta∣ken without dudgen, as proceeding from stomack, and from one counted more plaine then wise.

Courcye therefore being cherished to the field, and refresh∣ed with dyet, fed so wonderfully after his hard keeping, that the French Challenger tooke him for a monster, and privily stale into Spaine. Then was the Earle inlarged, and crossed the seas tovvardes Ireland, fifteene times, evermore beaten back to the shoare, vvent thence into France to change the coast, and there dyed: after vvhose decease vvithout heires of his body, the Earledome of Vlster vvas en∣tirely bestovved upon Hugh de Lacye for his good ser∣vice.* 1.57

In Ireland remained one of the Courcyes, Lord of Rathen∣ny and Kilbarrock, vvhom as a spye of all their practises, and an informer thereof to the King, VValter and Hugh the sonnes of Hugh had slaine, and great seditions raysed,

bearing themselves after the decease of their father for Governours out of checke.* 1.58 To settle the Realme of Ire∣land, King Iohn brought thither a maine Armye, ba∣nished the Lacyes, subdued the remanents, tooke pled∣ges, punished malefactours, established the execution of English Lawes, coyned money of like value currant ster∣ling in both Realmes. The two Lacyes repentant of their fol∣lyes and tyrannies, fled into France, dispoyled of sumptu∣ous apparell, and unknowne, meekely they served in Saint Taurines Abbey, as gardners, untill the Abbot by their countenance and behaviour, beganne to smell their estates, and pressed them so farre, that they detected their offen∣ces, and the due desert of much harder chastisement, eft∣soone beseeching the Abbot to keepe their counsells, who commending their humilities, yet advising them to laye holde upon their Princes favour, if it might be had, labou∣red the King his familiar and godsip earnestly for their pardons and obtained it.

Each of them were fined, VValter at 4000. and Hugh at 2500. markes, and restored him to the Lordship of Meth, this to the Earledome of Vlster: King Iohn made his Vice-ge∣rent, and returned home, subdued the Welchmen, met with Pandulphus the Legate of Innocentius the third, who came to release him of the sentence wherein he stood excommunicate for his spoyle and extortion of Church goods, to whom be∣ing the Popes Atturney, hee made a personall surrender of both his Realmes in way of submission, and after his assoyle∣ment, received them againe: some adde that he gave away his Kingdome to the See of Rome, for him and his successours, recognizing, to holde the same of the Popes in fee,* 1.59 paying yearely therefore one thousand markes, and in them three hundred for Ireland. Blundus sayth, Centum pro utro{que} auri mar∣chas. Sir Thomas Moore, a man in that calling & office likely to sound the matter to the depth, writeth precisely, that neither any such writing the Pope can shew, nor were it effectuall if he could. How farre foorth,* 1.60 and with what limitation a Prince may or may not addict his Realme feodary

to another, Iohn Maior a Scottish Chronicler, and a Sorbo∣nist, not unlearned, partly scanneth, who thinketh 300. marks for Ireland a very hard pennyworth. The instrument which our English Chronicle rehearseth,* 1.61 might haply be motioned and drawne, and then dye unratified, although the copy of that record continue: But certaine it is, that his successours ne∣ver payde it, and thereto assenteth Iohn Bale in his Apology a∣gainst vowes.

To Iohn Comin Founder of S. Patrickes Church, succeeded Henry Lounders in the Archbishops See of Divelin,* 1.62 who builded the kings Castle there, being Lord Chiefe Iustice of Ireland, him they nicknamed (as the Irish doe commonly give additions to their Governours in respect of some fact or qualitie) Scorch villaine,* 1.63 and Burnebill, because hee requi∣red to peruse the writings of his Tenants, colourably preten∣ding to learne the kinde of each mans severall tenure, and burned the same before their faces, causing them either to re∣new their estates, or to holde at will. In the fourth yeare of King Iohns raigne, was founded the Abbey of Dowske, in the sixt, the Abbey of Wethny in the Countie of Limericke, by Theobald le Butler, Lord of the Carricke, and in the twelfth, Richard Tute builded the Monastery of Gra∣nard.

CAP. IIII. Henry the third, and Edward the first.

* 1.64AFter the death of Lownders, Henry the third (infor∣med of the Truth and good service done by the Ge∣raldines ever since their first arryvall in the Coun∣trey) made Morrice Fitz Gerald the sonne of Morrice aforesaid Lord Iustice.* 1.65

To him sent Edward the Prince, surnamed Longshanke, for assistance and power of men against the Welch Re∣bells, who leaving Warders in the Castle of Sligaghe, by him lately founded, together with Phelim Oconnor,

and a lusty band of souldiours met the king at Chepstovv, returned victoriously, and by this meanes increased favour, & streightway they tvvo joyning vvith Cormack mac Dermot, Mac Rory, made a noble hosting upon Odonill the Irish ene∣my that invaded and grieved the Kings subjects of Vlster, when Lacy was once dead.

Odonill being vanquished, the Lord Iustice forced pledges and Trowages of Oneale, to keepe the Kings peace, and diverse other exploytes did hee during his time of government, which in particular rehearseth Flatsbury in his notes collected for Gerald Fitz Gerald, Earle of Kildare, Anno 1517.

To him succeeded in office Sir Iohn Fitz Geffrey knight,* 1.66 Geffrey Allan de la Zowche, whom Earle Warren slevv, to Zowch, Stephen de longa spata, who slevv Oneale in the streets of Down, and there dyed. Him followed William Den, in whose time Mac Cartye played the devill in Desmond, and to Den, Richard Capell, who envyed the Geraldines, and was of them taken prisoner, together with Theobald le Butler, and Miles Co∣gan. The king tooke up the variance, and discharged Den, preferring David Barrye to his roome,* 1.67 who ta∣med the insolencie of Morrice Fitz Morrice, cousin ger∣mane to Fitz G••rald: upon Barrye came Vfford, upon Vfford, Iames Audeley, who dyed of a fall from his horse in Thomond: and then for the time Fitz Mor∣rice governed, till the king sent over Sir Ieffrey de Ge∣nevill, newly returned in pilgrimage from the Holy Se∣pulture: Him called home againe Edward the first, in the fourth yeare of his raigne, and sent in his stead Ro∣bert Vfford the second time, who made his Vice-ge∣rent, Fryar Fulborne, Bishop of Waterford, and resumed his charge at his next arryvall into Ireland.

At this time the citty of Divelin was miserably wa∣sted with fire,* 1.68 * 1.69 and the Bell-house of Christs Church utterly defaced, which the citizens before they repayred their private harmes jointly came to succor, & collections made to redresse the ruines of that ancient building first begun by the Danes,* 1.70

as I finde in a monument of that foundation, continued by Sitricus; Prince of Divelin, at the motion of Donate, then Bi∣shop, & dedicated to the Blessed Trinity, finished by Richard Earle Strangbow, Fitz Stephens, and S. Laurence the Archbi∣shop,* 1.71 and his foure successors, Iohn of Evesham, Henry Scorch∣bill, Lord Iustice, & Lucas, and lastly by Iohn de S. Paul, which worke at the decay by fire, and since, many devout citizens of Divelin have beautified.

The same Strongbowes Tombe spoyled by fall of the roofe, Sir Henry Sidney Lord Deputy, restoreth at this present, who hath also given a sightly countenance to the Quire, by doing cost upon the Earle of Kildares Chappell,* 1.72 over against the which he hath left a monument of Captain Randolfe, late Co∣lonell of Vlster, Valiantly dead in that service, Iohn Samford Archbishop of Divelin Lord Iustice, VVilliam Vescy Lord Iu∣stice, who pursued Omalaghli••n king of Meth, that soone after was slaine.

* 1.73The Souldan of Babylon determined to vexe the Christians cities of the East▪ Tripolis, Tyrus, Berinthus, Sidon, Ptolemais, now parts of Turky, vvhom to redeeme, & vvith their helpes to get againe the Holy Land, Edward the first had foure yeeres past obtained by licence of Mar••in the fourth, and by confir∣mation o•• Honorius his successor,* 1.74 the vvhole tenth of all eccle∣siastical revenues in Ireland for 7. yeares, vvhereafter follovved a fifteene of the Temporalty: And the same yeere Iohn Baliol Earle of Galvvay, founded Baliol Colledge in Oxford, made his homage to King Edward for his Kingdome of Scotland, and to the Lord Iustice for his Earledome of Ireland.

* 1.75Vescey vvas a sterne man, and full of courage, but rashe and impudent of his tongue: he convented before him, Iohn Earle of Kildare, & charged him vvith riots & vagaryes un∣seasonable, for that he ranged vvith his men abroad, & prey∣ed upon privat enemies inordinatly, for malice & grudge, not for advancement of the publique vveale: vvhom the Earle as impatient as the other,* 1.76 ansvvered thus: By your honour and mine, my Lord, & by king Edwards hand, you vvould if you durst, appeach me in plaine tearmes of ••elony: for vvhereas

I have the title, and you the fleece of Kildare, I wot well how great an eye sore I am in your sight, who if I could bee han∣somely trussed up for a fellon, then might my young Master your sonne, become a Gentleman: Iustice, Gentleman (quoth he) thou proud Earle, the Vescyes were gentlemen, before Kil∣dare was an Earledome, and before the Welch bankrupt thy Cousin feathered his Nest in Leinster. But seeing thou darest me, I will surely breake thy heart, and with that word he cal∣led the Earle a notorious theefe & murderer. Then followed clattering of swords by Souldiours on both parties, untill ei∣ther side appeased his owne, and the Lord Iustice leaving his Lieutenant VVilliam Hay, sped over to the King, whom im∣mediately followed the Earle, & as fast as Vescey charged Kil∣dare with fellony, no lesse did Kildare appeach the Iustice of high treason, and in tryall thereof he asked the Combate. But when the listes royall were provided, Vescey was slipt away into France, and so disherited of all his lands in the county of Kildare, which were bestowed upon the Earle of Kildare and his heires for ever.

The Earle waxed insolent upon this successe, and squa∣red with diverse Nobles English and Irish of the Land, hee took prisoner, Richard Earle of Vlster, and him detained un∣till the Parliament then assembled at Kilkenny, commanded his delivery, and for that unrulinesse, disseised the Geraldines of the Castle of Sligagh, and of all his lands in Connaght.

VVilliam Dodding••ale Lord Iustice.* 1.77 This yere for the defence of Wales, and commodity of Passengers, to and from Ireland, the King did coast upon the Isle of Anglisey, called the mo∣ther of Wales, and builded there the castle de bello marisco, or Bewmarishe. Thomas Fitz Morice Lord Iustice.

Iohn VVogan Lord Iustice pacified the former strife,* 1.78 * 1.79 be∣tweene Vlster and Kildare, and all the Geraldines, with their associats, together with Theobald Lord Butler, gathered strength of men, and met the kings army before Edinburgh, wan the Citty, slew 25. thousand Scots, hampred Iohn Baliol king of the Scots, in such sort,* 1.80 that glad and faine was he to renew his homage.

CAP. V. Edward the second.

* 1.81THomas Fitz Morice Lord Iustice.

I will begin this Chapter with the modestie of a good Clerke, Richard Havering who five yeares by dispensation had received the fruites and revenues of the Bishopricke of Divelin, and long might have done, had he beene so disposed. But now feeling in sleep a waight upon his stomacke, heavyer to his weening then any masse of mettall, whereof to be released he vowed in his dreame, all that ever he could make in this world: Suddainely the next morne, resigned the custodium of the Bishopricke, and contented himselfe with other ecclesiasticall cures inci∣dent to his vocation.* 1.82 The same yeare was the bane of the Templers in Ireland, to whom succeeded the Knights of the Rhodes. This profession began at Ierusalem, by certaine Gentlemen that kept their abode next to the Temple there, who till the Councell of Creetz increased not above the number of nine.* 1.83 But thenceforth in little more then fiftie yeares, being enriched by contribution of all Christian Re∣almes, every where their houses were erected and endowed bountifully: they grew to 300. Knights of the order and into inferiour brethren innumerable. But with ease and wealth they declined now to such intollerable deformities of life and other superstitious errors,* 1.84 nothing lesse regarding then the purpose of this their foundation, that the generall Councell assembled at Vienna,* 1.85 disanulled the same for ever. And there∣upon as in other countries so in Ireland, they confessed the publicke fame of their enormities, and themselves culpable, their persons they yeelded to perpetuall pennance, their lands were given (though with some difficulty) to the Knights of S. Iohns hospitall at Ierusalem, who since then for recovering the Iland of Rhodes from the Saracens,* 1.86 became famous, and multiplied much more honourably then did the Templers.

Of this latter foundation was the priory of S. Iohns at Kilmay∣nam besides Divelin.* 1.87

Iohn Decer Major of Divelin builded the high Pype there,* 1.88 and the Bridge over the Liffy, toward S. Wolstans, and a cha∣pell of our Lady at the Fryar minors, where he lyeth buried, repaired the Church of the Fryars preachers, and every friday tabled the Fryars at his owne costs.

In absence of VVogan, S^r VVilliam Burcke was Lord War∣den of Ireland, to whom King Edward recōmended Pierce of Gavestone the disquieter of all the nobility in England,* 1.89 a com∣panion to the King in vice, bolstered up by the King so pe∣remptorily against the will of his Councell, that whereas the said Pierce was by them exiled, Edward sent him now into Ireland with much honour and many Iewels, assigning him the commodities royall of that Realme, which bred some bickering betweene the Earle of Vlster Sir Richard Burke, and Gavestone, who notwithstanding bought the hearts of the Souldiours with his liberality, subdued Obrene, edified sundry Castles, cawswayes, and bridges, but within three yeares he retyred from Flaunders, into England, where the nobles besieged him at Scarborough and smit off his head.

Iohn VVogan Lord Iustice, summoned a Parliament at Kil∣kenny, where wholesome lawes were ordained,* 1.90 but never executed: There fell the Bishops in argument about their Iu∣risdictions and in especiall the Archbishop of Divelin forbad the Primate of Ardmagh to lift up his crosyer within the pro∣vince of Leinster. In ratifying of which priviledge I have seene the coppy of Pope Honorius Bull exemplified among the re∣cordes of S. Patricks Church, shortly after Rowland Ioyce, then Primate, stale by night in his pontificals from Howth to the priory of Gracedieu, where the Archbishops servants met him, and violently chased him out of all the diocesse. This Archbishop was named Iohn Aleeke, after whose death were elected in scisme & division of sides, two successours, Thorne∣burgh Lord Chancellor, and Bignore Treasurer of Ireland. The Chancellor to strengthen his election, hastily went to sea, and perished by shipwracke, the other submitting his

cause to the processe of law tarryed at home, and sped.

Theobald de Verdon Lord Iustice. Sixe thousand Scots fighting men, under the conduct of Edward Bruise brother to Robert King of Scotland,* 1.91 also the Earle Murray, Iohn Menteith, Iohn Steward, and others landed in the north of Ireland, ioyned with the Irish, and conquered Vlster, gave the Englishmen three notable overthrowes, crowned the said Bruise King of Ireland, burned Churches and Abbeyes, with all the people found therein, men, women, and children. Then was Sir Edmund Butler chosen Lord Iustice,* 1.92 who combined the Earle of Vlster, and the Geraldines in friendship, himselfe with Sir Iohn Mandevill, and preserved the rest of the Realme.

In the necke of these troubles, arose foure Princes of Con∣naght, to impaire and scatter the English force. But then the Burckes and the Berninghams discomfited and slew the num∣ber of eleaven thousand besides Athenry. To Sir Richard Berningham belonged a lusty young swayne,* 1.93 Iohn Hussee, whom his Lord commanded to take a view of the dead car∣casses about the walles, and bring him word whether Okelly his mortall foe were slaine among them. Hussee passed forth with one man to turne up and peruse the bodies. All this marked Okelly, who lurking in a bush thereby, being of old time well acquainted with the valiantnes & truth of Hussee, sore longed to traine him from his Captaine, and presuming now upon this opportunity,* 1.94 disclosed himself & said▪

Hussee, thou seest I am at all points armed, and have my Esquire, a manly man, besides me, thou art thin and thy page a young∣ling so that if I loved not thee for thine owne sake, I might betray thee for thy Masters. But come and serve me at my request, & I promise thee by S. Patrickes staffe, to make thee a Lord in Connaght, of more ground, then thy Master hath in Ireland.

When these wordes waighed him nothing, his owne man (a stout lubber) began to reprove him, for not relenting to so rich a proffer, assured him with an oath, whereupon hee proffered to gage his soule for perfor∣mance. Now had Hussee three enemies, and first he tur∣ned to his owne knave, and him he slew, next hee raught to

Okellyes Squire a great rappe under the pit of his eare, which overthrew him▪ Thirdly he bestirred himselfe so nimbly that ere any helpe could be hoped for, he had also slaine Okelly, and perceiving breath in the Squire, he drawed him up againe, & forced him, upon a truncheon to beare his Lords head into the high towne, which presented to Bermingham, and the cir∣cumstances declared, he dubbed Hussee Knight and him ad∣vaunced to many preferments, whose family became after∣wards Barons of Galtrime. While the Scots were thus mat∣ched, Robert de Bruise King of Scots, tooke shore at Cragser∣gus, to assist his brother, whose Souldiours committed sacri∣ledge and impiety, against Monasteries, Tombes, Altars, Vir∣gins, robbed Churches of all their plate and ornaments. They of Vlster, sent to the Lord Iustice pittifull supplication, for aide in this misery, who delivered them the Kings power and standerd, wherewith under pretence to expell the Scots, they raunged through the country with more grievance and vexa∣tion to the subjects, then did the strangers. Le Bruise procee∣ded and spoyled Cashell, and wheresoever he lighted upon the Butlers lands, those hee burned and destroyed unmerci∣fully. By this time had the Lord Iustice,* 1.95 and Thomas Fitz Iohn Earle of Kildare, Richard de Clare, and Arnold de Powere,* 1.96 Baron of Donoile, furnished and armed thirty thousand men ready to set forward. Then came newes that VVilliam de Burgo the Earles brother was taken by the Scots, whereof the Irish of Vlster imboldened with the presence of the Sco∣tish Army, and with the late discomfiture which Earle Ri∣chard Burcke sustained at Coynes, denyed their alleagiance openly, and conspired in the behalfe of Edward le Bruise, whom they proclaimed King. The Lord Iustice had assem∣bled such force against them, under the leading of the Geral∣dines and Poweres, that each of them was thought sufficient, by himselfe to winne the field. But suddainely the two Cap∣taines, and their adherents squared, so as no good conclusion might be inferred: Roger Mortimer, trusting by their discenti∣on to imbeazell a victory,* 1.97 culled out fifteene thousand Soul∣diours, and met the Scots at Kenles, where he was shamefully

foyled, his men (as folke supposed) willfully forsaking him, and bearing false hearts. Vp start the Irish of Mounster at these newes, the Ocooles, Obrines, and Omores, and wasted with fire and sword from Arkloe to Leix; with them coped the Lord Iustice and made a great slaughter, fourescore of their heads were set upon Divelin Castle.

* 1.98The meane while Edward Bruise raigned in Vlster, held his courts, pronounced his enemies traytors, abandoned the English blood, exhorted the Irish of Leinster to doe the like, whereupon Donald the sonne of Arthur Mac Morrow,* 1.99 a slip of the royall family, displayed his banner within two miles of Divelin, but him Traherone tooke prisoner, sent him to the castle of Dublin, whence he escaped, slyding downe from the Turret, by a cord that one Adam Maugle brought him. The said Maugle was drawne and hanged.

* 1.100Roger Mortimer Lord Iustice pacified the displeasure, be∣tweene Richard Earle of Vlster, and the Nobles that had put the said Earle under surety, misdeeming him of certaine riots cōmitted against the kings subjects, wherby the Scots caught strength and courage, whose ravening, caused such horrible scarcity in Vlster, that the Souldiours which in the yeare be∣fore abused the Kings authority, to purvey themselves of wanton fare, surfeited with flesh and aquavitae all the Lent long, prolled and pilled insatiably without neede, and with∣out regard of poore people, whose onely provision they de∣voured:* 1.101 Those (I say) now living in slavery under Le Bruise, starved for hunger, when they had first experienced many la∣mentable shifts, as in scratching the dead bodyes out of their graves, in whose skulls they boyled the same flesh, and fed thereof. Mortymer went over to the King indebted to the Ci∣tizens of Divelin for his viands, a thousand poundes, where∣of he payde not one smulkin, and many a bitter curse carried with him to the sea.

* 1.102VVilliam Archbishop of Cashell Lord Chancellor was left Lord Warden of Ireland, in whose time Bermingham afore∣said being generall of the field, and under him Captains, Tute, Verdon, Tripton, Sutton, Cusacke and Manpas, led forth the Kings

power against Edward Bruise, pitching by Dundalke, the Pri∣mate of Ardmagh personally accompanying our souldiours, blessing their enterprise, and assoyling them all, ere ever they began to encounter.* 1.103 In this conflict the Scots were vanquish∣ed full & whole, 2000. slaine, & Manpas that pressed into the throng to meet with Bruise, was found in the search, dead, co∣vering the dead body of Bruise. Thus dissolved the Scottish Kingdome in Ireland, and Bermingham sending his head to the King, received in recompence the Earledome of Lowth, and to his heires for ever the Barony of Ardee, and Athenry.

Alexander Bigmore, Archbishop of Divelin,* 1.104 sued to Pope Iohn the 21. (so I reckon, omitting the scismaticke and dame Ioane) for priviledge of an Vniversitie to bee ordained in Di∣velin, which tooke effect,* 1.105 and the first three Doctors of Divi∣nity the said Bishop did create, VVilliam Hardit a Fryar prea∣cher, Henry Coggy a Fryar minor, Fryar Edmund Kermerdin, & one Doctor of the Canon law, VVilliam Rodiard Deane of S. Patricks, Chancellour of the said Vniversity, who kept their termes & commencements solemnely, neither was the same ever disfranchised, but onely through variety of time discon∣tinued, and now since the subversion of monasteries, utterly extinct, vvherin the Divines vvere cherished, and open exer∣cise maintained. A motion vvas made in this last Parliament to erect it againe, contributions layde together, Sir Henry Sid∣ney then Lord Deputy, proffered 20. pound lands, & one hun∣dred pounds in money, others follovved after their abilities & devotions, the name devised Master Acworth, Plantolinum of Plantagenet and Bullyne. But vvhile they disputed of a conve∣nient place for it, and of other circumstances, they let fall the principall.

Thomas Fitz Iohn, Earle of Kildare, Lord Iustice, to vvhom succeeded Bermingham Earle of Lourh,* 1.106 and to him Sir Iohn Darcy. At this time lived in the Diocesse of Ossorye, the Lady Alice Kettle, vvhom the Bishop ascited to purge the fame of inchaunting and Witch-craft objected to her, and to Petronilla, and Basill her complices.* 1.107 They charged her mightily to have carnall conference vvith a

spirit called Robin Artison, to whom shee sacrifized in the high way nine redde Cockes, and nine Peacockes eyes, shee swept the streetes of Kilkenny betweene compleere and twilight, raking all the filth towards the doores of her sonne VVilliam Outlawe, murmuring these wordes, To the house of VVilliam my sonne, hye all the wealth of Kilkenny towne. At the first conviction they abjured and accepted pennance, but were very shortly found in relapse, and then Petronilla was burned at Kilkenny, the other twayne could not be had: shee at the houre of her death, accused the said VVilliam as privy to their sorceryes, whom the Bishop helde in durance nine weekes, forbidding his keepers to eate or drink with him, or to speake with him more then once in the day, by pro∣curement of Arnold le Power, then Senischall of Kilkenny hee was delivered, & corrupted the Senischall to vexe the Bishop, which he did, thrusting him into prison for three moneths. In ryfling the closet of Alice, they found a wafer of Sacra∣mentall bread, having the devils name stamped thereon, in stead of IESUS, and a pype of oyntment, wherewith shee greased a staffe, whereon shee ambled through thicke and thinne, when and how shee listed. This businesse trou∣bled all the Cleargy of Ireland, the rather for that the Lady was supported by Noble men: and lastly, convey∣ed into England, since which time no man wotteth what became of her.

CAP. VI. Edward the third, and Richard the second.

* 1.108SCarcely vvas this businesse ended, but another devill possessed another franticke gentleman of the nation of the O-tooles in Leinster, named Adam Duffe,* 1.109 vvho denyed obstinately the In∣carnation of Christ, the Trinity of persons in unity of the God-head, the resurrection of the flesh. Hee called the Holy Scripture, a fable; the blessed Virgin, a vvhore; the See Apostolick, erroneous; for vvhich assertions

he was burned in Hogging greene besides Divelin.

Roger Outlaw, Prior of S Iohns of Ierusalem at Kilmainam,* 1.110 became Lord Iustice. Great variance arising betvveene the Ge∣raldines, Butlers, and Berminghams on the one side, and the Powers and Burkes on the other side, for tearming the Earle of Kildare a Rymer. The Lord Iustice summoned a Parlia∣ment to accord them, wherein he himselfe was faine to cleare the slaunder of heresie fathered upon him by Richard Ledred, Bishop of Ossory. The Bishoppe had given a declaration a∣gainst Arnold le Power, convented and convict in his consisto∣ry of certaine hereticall opinions; but because the beginning of Powers accusations concerned the Iustices kinsman, and the Bishop was mistrusted to prosecute his owne wrong, and the person of the man, rather then the fault, a day was limited for the justifying of the bill, the party being apprehended and re∣spited thereunto. This dealing, the Bishop (who durst not stirre out of Kilkenny, to prosecute his accusation) reputed partiall; and when by meanes thereof the matter hanged in suspence, hee infamed the said Prior, as an abbettour and fa∣vourer of Arnolds heresie. The Prior submitted himselfe to the tryall, and three severall Proclamations were cryed in Court, that any man might lawfully come in and indict,* 1.111 ac∣cuse or say evidence against the Iustice: none came: then pas∣sed the Councell a decree, commanding to appeare at Dive∣lin, all Bishops, Abbots, Pryors, the Majors of Divelin, Corke, Limericke, Waterford, Droghedah, the Sheriffes, Knights, and Senischalls of every shire. Out of them all they sorted sixe Inquisitours, which in secrecie examined the Bi∣shoppes and persons aforesaid one by one, who with universall consent deposed for the Pryor, that to their judge∣ments hee was a zealous and faithfull childe of the Ca∣tholique Church. The meane while deceased le Power priso∣ner in the Castle, and because he stood unpurged, long he laye unburyed.

Sir Iohn Darcye Lord Iustice.

The Irish of Leinster made insurrections,* 1.112 so did Magoghi∣gan in Meth, and Obrien in Mounster, whom VVilliam Earle

of Vlster, and Iames of Ormond vanquished. In which sturre, VVilliam Bermingham, a warriour incomparable, was found halting, and was condemned to dye by Roger Outlawe, Pryor of Kilmainam,* 1.113 then Lieutenant to the Lord Iu∣stice, and so hanged was hee, a Knight among thousands odde and singular. So outragious were the Leinster Irish that in one Church they burned 80. innocent soules, asking no more but the life of their Priest then at Masse, whom they notwithstanding sticked with their savelins, spurned the blessed Sacrament, and wasted all with fire, neither for∣ced they the Popes interdiction, nor any censures ecclesia∣sticall denounced against them: But maliciously persevered in that fury, till the Citizens of Weixford tamed them, slevv foure hundred in one skirmish, the rest flying, vvere all dren∣ched in the vvater of Slane.

* 1.114Thomas Burgh Treasurer and Lieutenant of Ireland, vvhile Darcy Lord Iustice pursued the murtherers of VVilliam Bourk Earle of Vlster, a young gentleman of tvventy yeares olde, vvhom the seditions of Maundevill murdered besides Crag∣fergus. And vvhen hee had scourged those Traytours, he en∣tred Scotland vvith an army and might have possessed the Ilands besides, had they bene vvorth the keeping, into vvhich Ilands besides him and Sussex the late Lieutenant of Ireland no Governour ever yet adventured.* 1.115

* 1.116Sir Iohn Carleton Lord Iustice, vvith vvhom came his brother Thomas Bishop of Hereford, Lord Chauncellor, and Iohn Rice Treasurer, and tvvo hundred Welchmen souldiours. The Bi∣shop became Lord Iustice,* 1.117 in vvhose time all the Irish of Ire∣land vvere at defiance vvith the English, but vvere shortly calmed by the Earles of Kildare and Desmond.

Sir Iohn Darcy by the Kings Letters Patents Lord Iustice of Ireland during life, in the fourteenth yeare of Edward the third, vvhich king abused by some corrupt informers, called in under his signet royall,* 1.118 fraunchises, and liberties, and graunts vvhatsoever his predecessours had ratified to the Realme of Ireland, and to every person thereof. This revoca∣tion vvas taken very displeasantly.

The English of birth,* 1.119 and the English of bloud falling to vvords, and divided in factions about it. The Irish laye wayting for the contention, so as the Realme was even upon point to give over all and rebell. For remedy the Iustice began a Parliament at Divelin, whereto the nobles refused to make apparance, & assembled themselves quietly without distur∣bance at Kilkenny, where they with the Commons agreed u∣pon certaine questions to be demaunded of the King by way of supplication, by which questions they partly signified their griefes: Those in effect were,

1. How a Realme of warre might be governed by one, both unskilfull and unable in all warlike service.

2. How an officer under the king that entred very poore, might in one yeare grow to more excessive wealth, then men of great patrimony in many yeares.

3. How it happened seeing they all were called Lords of their owne, that the Lord of them all was not a penny the ri∣cher for them.

The Prince of this repining was Morice Earle of Desmond, whom Vfford the now Lord Iustice in paine of forfeiture of all his lands commaunded to the Parliament at Dublin,* 1.120 and there put him under arrest, delivered him by main prise of the tvvo Earles Vlster & Ormond, & of 28. knights & squiers: All vvhich, except the Earles & tvvo knights, lost their inheritāce by rigour of the said Vfford, because Desmond had escaped.

Therefore at the decease of the Lord Iustice, vvhich ensu∣ed the next yeare, Bonfires and gavvdes vvere solemnized in all the Land: his Lady vvas a miserable sott, and led him to extortion and bribery, much he clipped the prerogatives of the Church, and vvas so hated, that even in the sight of the country, he vvas robbed vvithout rescue, by MacCarty, not∣vvithstanding he gathered povver, and dispersed the rebelli∣ons of Vlster.

Robert Darcy Lord Iustice, chosen by the Councell,* 1.121 untill the Kings charter came to Sir Iohn Fitz Morrice, vvho inlar∣ged Fitz Thomas Earle of Kildare, left in holde by Vfford, Fitz Morrice vvas deposed, and Sir VValter Bermingham

elected, who procured safe conduct for Desmond to pleade his right before the King, where he was liberally intreated & allowed towards his expences there twenty shillings a day at the Princes charge, in consideration of which curtesie to his kinsman, the Earle of Kildare, accompanyed with diverse Lords, Knights, and chosen horsemen, served the King at Cal∣lice, a towne thought impregnable, and returned after the winning thereof in great pompe and jollity.

Iohn Archer of Kilmainam, Lieutenant to the Lord Iustice, to whom succeeded Baron Carew,* 1.122 * 1.123 after Carew followed Sir Thomas Rokesby knight.

* 1.124This yeare dyed Kemvricke Shereman, sometimes Major of Divelin,* 1.125 a Benefactour to every Church and religious house twenty miles round about the citty: his legacies to poore and others, besides the liberality shewed in his life time, a∣mounted to 3000. marks: with such plenty were our fathers blessed, that cheerefully gave of their true winnings to need∣full purposes, whereas our time that gaineth excessively, and whineth at every farthing to be spent on the poore, is yet op∣pressed vvith scarcity and beggery.

* 1.126The same time dvvelled in Vlster Sir Robert Savage, a vvealthie Knight, vvho the rather to preserve his ovvne, beganne to vvall & fortifie his Mannour houses, vvith castles and pyles against the Irish enemy, exhorting his heire Sir Henry Savage, to intend that Worke so beneficiall for himselfe and his posterity. Father (quoth he) I remem∣ber the Proverbe, better a Castle of bones, then of stones, vvhere strength and courage of valiant men are to helpe us. Never vvill I, by the grace of God, cumber my selfe vvith dead vvalls, my fort shall be vvheresoever young blouds be stirring, and vvhere I finde roome to fight. The father in a fume let lye the building, and forsvvore it. But yet the vvant thereof, and such like, hath beene the decaye asvvell of the Savages, as of all the Englishe Gentlemen in Vlster, as the lacke of vvalled townes is also the principall occasion of the rudenesse and wilde∣nesse in other partes of Ireland. This Savage having pre∣pared

an army against the Irish, allowed to every Souldiour before he buckled with the enemy, a mighty draught of A∣quavitae, Wine, or old Ale, and killed in provision for their re∣turne, beeffes, venison, and foule great plenty, which diverse of his Captains misliked, & considering the successe of warre to be uncertaine, esteemed it better pollicy to poyson the cates or to doe them away, then to cherish a sort of Catives with princely foode: If ought should happen to themselves in this adventure of so few, against so many. Hereat smyled the Gentleman and said: Tush yee are too full of envy, this world is but an Inne whereunto you have no speciall inte∣rest, but are onely tennants at the will of the Lord. If it please him to commaund us from it, as it were from our lodging, & to set other good fellowes in our roomes, what hurt shall it be for us to leave them some meate for their suppers, let them hardly winne it, and weare it, If they enter our dwel∣lings, good manners would no lesse but to welcome them, with such fare as the country breedeth, and with all my heart much good may it doe them: Notwithstanding I presume so farre upon your noble courage, that verily my minde giveth me, that wee shall returne at night, and banquet our selves with our owne store, and so they did, having slaine 3000. Irishmen.

Morrice Fitz Thomas Earle of Desmond,* 1.127 Lord Iustice du∣ring life, whom followed Sir Thomas Rokesbye a knight, sin∣cere and upright of conscience, who being controlled for suf∣fering himselfe to be served in wooden Cuppes; Answered, these homely Cuppes and dishes pay truely for that they con∣taine, I had rather drinke out of wood, and pay gold and sil∣ver, then drinke out of gold, and make wooden payment.

Almericus de Sancto Amando, Iames Butler Earle of Ormond,* 1.128 and Morrice Fitz Thomas Earle of Kildare,* 1.129 Iustices of Ireland by turnes. To this last, the Kings letters appointed in yearely fee, for his office 500. pounds,* 1.130 with promise that the said go∣vernour should finde twenty great horse to the field, and should bee the tvventieth man in going out against the ene∣my, vvhich allovvance and conditions at these dayes, I thinke vvere ordinary.

* 1.131Leonell the third sonne of Edward the third Duke of Cla∣rence,* 1.132 and in the right of his wife, Earle of Vlster, Lord Lieute∣nant of Ireland. He published an inhibition, to all of Irish birth, that none of them should approach his army, nor be imployed in service of the warres. Obrene he vanquished sud∣dainely, but no man wist how, an hundred of his principall Souldiours in garrison were missed, whose dispatch, that se∣ditious decree was thought to have procured, wherefore hee advised himselfe and united the people, shewing alike father∣ly care towards them all, and ever after prospered, Knights he created these Gentlemen, the worthiest then in Chivalry, and at this day continuing in great worship, Preston, now the house of Gormanstowne, Holywood, Talbot, Cusacke, Delahide, Patricke, Robert and Iohn de Fraxinis. The exchequer he re∣moved to Catherlagh, and bestowed in furnishing that towne 500. pounds.

Gerald Fitz Morice Earle of Desmond, Lord Iustice, untill the comming of VVilliam de VVindsore,* 1.133 Lieutenant to the King, then in the last yeare of Edward the third ruling the re∣alme, under the name of Lord Governour, and keeper of Ire∣land.

¶ At the yeare 1370. all the Notes written by Flatsbury doe end, and from hence to this day, nothing is extant orderly gathered, the rest I have collected out of sundry monuments, authorityes, and pamphlets.

During the raigne of Richard the second, Lieutenants and Iustices of Ireland,* 1.134 are specially recorded, the two Mortimers, Edmund and Roger Earles of March, Phillip Courtney the kings cousin, Iames Earle of Ormond, and Robert Vere Earle of Ox∣ford, Marquesse of Divelin, and Lord Chamberlaine, who was created Duke of Ireland by Parliament, and was credi∣ted with the whole Dominion of the Realme by graunt for tearme of life,* 1.135 nothing paying therefore, passing all writs, all offices, as Chancellor, Treasurer, Chiefe Iustice, Admirall, his owne Lieutenant, and other inferiour charges under his own Teste.

* 1.136The meane while King Richard afflicted impatiently

with the decease of Queene Anne his wife, nor able without many teares to behold his pallaces, and chambers of Estate, which represented unto him the solace past, and doubled his sorrow, sought some occasion of businesse and visited Ire∣land, where diverse Lords and Princes of Vlster renewed their homage, and he placing Roger Mortimer his Lieutenant, returned quietly, but within foure yeares after, informed of the trayterous death of Mortimer, whom he loved entire∣ly, and being wonderfull eager in hastening the revenge thereof upon the Irish, he journeyed thither the second time, levied infinite subsidies of money, by penall exactions, and with his absence as also with those injuries,* 1.137 fed the hatred and opportunity of conspiratours at home, for Henry Duke of Lancaster, intercepted the Kingdome, whose sonne with the Duke of Glocesters sonne, King Richard shut up in the Castle of Trim, and then shipped course into England, tooke land at Milford Haven, found his defence so weake and un∣sure, that to avoide further inconvenience and perill of him∣selfe and his friends, he condiscended to resigne the Crowne.

CAP. VII. The house of Lancaster, Henry the fourth, Henry the fift, Henry the sixt.

ALexander Bishop of Meth, Lieutenant of Ireland, under Thomas Lancaster the Kings brother,* 1.138 * 1.139 so was also the worshipfull Knight Sir Stephen Scroope, whom for his violence and extortion be∣fore used, in the same office under King Richard, the common voyce and out-cry of poore people damned.* 1.140 This report hea∣ring the Lady his wife, she would in no wise assent to live in his company there, but if he sware a solemne oath on the Bible, that wittingly he should wrong no Christian creature in the land, that duely and truely he should see payment made for all expences, and hereof, she said, she had made a vow to Christ so deliberately, that unlesse it were on his part firmely

promised, she could not without perill of her soule goe with him: her husband assented, and accomplished her boone effe∣ctually, recovered a good opinion, schooled his Caters, enrich∣ed the country, continued a plentifull house, remissions of great fines, remedyes for persons endamaged to the Prince, pardons of lands and lives he granted so charitably and dis∣creetely, that his name was never uttered among them, with∣out many blessings and prayers, and so cheerefully they ser∣ved him against the Irish, that in one day he spoyled Arthur Mac Murrough, brent his country, restored O-Carrol to the towne of Callane, with-held by VValter Burke, slew a mul∣titude of Kerneghes, and quieted Leinster. Not long before, the Major of Divelin Iohn Drake,* 1.141 with his band out of the Citty, had slaine of the same Irish Outlawes 400.

In this Kings raigne the inhabitants of the county & towne of Corke,* 1.142 being tyred with perpetuall oppressions of their Irish borderers, complained themselves in a generall writing, directed to the Lord of Rutheland and Corke, the Kings De∣puty, and to the Councell of the Realme, then assembled at Divelin, which Letter because it openeth the decay of those partes, and the state of the Realme in times past, I have thought good to enter here as it was delivered me, by Francis Agard Esquire, one of her Majesties privy Councell in Ire∣land.

* 1.143It may please your wisedomes, to have pittie of us the Kings poore subjects, within the county of Corke, or else we be cast away for ever, for where there was in this countie these Lords by name, besides Knights, Esquiers, Gentlemen, and Yeoman, to a great number, that might dispend yearelie 800. pounds, 600. pounds, 400. pounds, 200. pounds, 100. pounds, 100. markes, 20. pounds, 20. markes, 10. pounds, some more, some lesse, to a great number, besides these Lords fol∣lowing.

First the Lord Marquesse Caro his yearely revenues was, besides Dorzey Hauen and other Creekes, 2200. pounds sterling.

The Lord Barnevale of Bearehaven, his yearely revenues

was, beside Bearehaven and other Creekes, 1600. pounds sterling.

The Lord Vggan of the great Castle, his yearely revenues was, besides havens and creekes, 1300. pounds sterling.

The Lord Balram of Emforte, his yearely revenues was, besides havens and creekes, 1300. pounds sterling.

The Lord Courcy of Kilbretton his yearely revenues, be∣sides havens and creekes, 1500. pounds sterling.

The Lord Mandevil of Barrenstelly his yearely revenues, besides havens and creekes, 1200. pounds sterling.

The Lord Arundell of the strand his yearely revenues, be∣sides havens and creekes, 1500. pounds sterling.

The Lord Baron of the Guard his yearely revenues, be∣sides havens and creekes, 1100. pounds sterling.

The Lord Sleynie of Baltimore his yearely revenue, be∣sides havens and creekes, 800 pounds sterling.

The Lord Roche of Poole-castle his yearely revenue, be∣sides havens and creekes, 1000. pounds sterling.

The Kings Majesty hath the Lands of the late young Bar∣ry by forfeiture, the yearely revenue whereof, besides two ri∣vers and creekes, and all other casualties is, 1800. pounds sterling.

And at the end of this Parliament Your Lordship with the Kings most noble Councell may come to Corke, and call before you all these Lords and other Irish men, and binde them in paine of losse of life, lands and goods, that never any of them doe make warre upon another, without licence or cōmandement of you my Lord Deputy, & the Kings Coun∣cell, for the utter destruction of these parts, is that onely cause, and once all the Irish men, and the Kings enemies were dri∣ven into a great valley, called Glanehought, betwixt two great mountaines, called Maccorte or the leprous Iland, and their they lived long and many yeares, with their white meat till at the last these English Lords fell at variance among themselves, and then the weakest part tooke certaine Irish men to take his part, and so vanquished his enemy, and thus fell the English Lords at variance among themselves, till the

Irish men were stronger then they, and drave them away and now have the whole country under them, but that the Lord Roche, the Lord Courcy, and the Lord Barry onely re∣maine, with the least part of their auncestors possessions, and young Barry is there upon the Kings portion, paying his Grace never a penny Rent. Wherefore we the Kings poore subjects, of the Citty of Corke, Kinsale, and Yowghall, desire your Lordship to send hither two good Iustices, to see this matter ordered, and some English Captaines, with twenty English men that may be Captaines over us all, and we will rise with them to redresse these enormities, all at our owne costs. And if you doe not, we be all cast away, and then fare∣well Mounster for ever. And if you will not come nor send, we will send over to our Liege Lord, the King, and com∣plaine on you all. Thus farre the letter.

And at this day the Citty of Corke is so encumbred with unquiet neighbours of great power, that they are forced to watch their gates continually, to keepe them shut at service times, at meales, from sunne set, to sunne arising; nor suffer any stranger to enter there with his weapon, but to leave the same at a lodge appointed. They walke out for recreation at seasons, with strength of men furnished, they match in wed∣locke among themselves, so that welnigh the whole citty is allyed together. It is to be hoped that the late sent over Lord President of Mounster, Sir Iohn Parrot, who hath chosen the same place to abide in, as having greatest neede of a Gover∣nour resident, would ease the inhabitants of this feare, and scourge the Irish Outlawes that annoy the whole region of Mounster.

* 1.144Henry the 4. in the 10. yeare of his raigne, gave the Sword to the Citty of Divelin, which Citty was first governed, as appeareth by their auncient seale,* 1.145 called, Signum propositurae, by a Provost, and in the 14. yeare of H. the 3. by a Major, & two Bayliffes, which Bayliffes were changed into Sheriffes, by Charter of Edward the 6. an. 1547. This Majorality both for state and charge of that office, and for the bountifull hospita∣lity exceedeth any Citty in England, except London.

While Henry the 5. reigned,* 1.146 I finde lieutenants and deputyes of Ireland specially remembred, Iohn Talbott of Hollamshire Lord of Furnyvall. Thomas de Lancaster, Senischa of Eng∣land, and Stephen le Scroope his Deputy, Iohn Duke of Bedford then also Lord Keeper of England, and the noble Earle of Ormond.

Sir Iames Butler,* 1.147 whose grandsire was Iames surnamed the chast,* 1.148 for that of all vices hee most abhorred the sinne of the flesh, and in subduing of the same gave notable example. In the red Moore of Athye (the sun almost lodged in the West, and miraculously standing still in his epicycle the space of three houres till the feat was accomplished,* 1.149 and no pit in that bogge annoying either horse or man on his part) he vanqui∣shed Omore and his terrible Army with a few of his owne, and with the like number Arthur Mac Murrough, at whose might and puissance, all Leinster trembled.* 1.150 To the imitati∣on of this mans worthinesse, the compiler of certaine pre∣cepts touching the rule of a Common-wealth, exciteth his Lord the said Earle in diverse places of that Worke incident∣ly, eftsoones putting him in minde that the Irish beene false by kinde, that it were expedient, and a worke of Charity to execute upon them (willfull and malicious transgres∣sours) the Kings Lawes somewhat sharpely,* 1.151 That O∣dempsye being winked at a while, abused that small time of sufferance, to the injury of the Earle of Kildare, in∣truding unjustly upon the Castle of Ley, from whence the said Deputy had justly expelled him, and put the Earle in possession thereof,* 1.152 that notvvithstanding their oathes and pledges, yet they are no longer true then they feele themselves the vveaker.

This Deputye tamed the Obriens, the Burckes,* 1.153 Mac-banons, Ogaghnraghte, Manus Mac Mahowne, all the Captaines of Thomond, and all this in three moneths. The Cleargye of Divelin tvvice every vveeke in so∣lemne procession praying for his good successe against these disordered persons, vvhich novv in every quar∣ter of Ireland, had degenerated to their olde trade

of life, and repyned at the English.

* 1.154Lieutenants to Henry the sixt over the Realme of Ireland were Edmund Earle of Marche, and Iames Earle of Ormond his Deputy,* 1.155 Iohn Sutton Knight, Lord Dudley, and Sir Thomas Strange, his Deputy Sir Thomas Standley, and Sir Christopher Plonket his Deputy Lyon Lord Welles, and the Earle of Or∣mond his Deputy, Iames Earle of Ormond, the Kings Lieute∣nant by himselfe,* 1.156 Iohn Earle of Shrewesbury, and the Archbi∣shop of Divelin, Lord Iustice in his absence.

Richard Plantaginet, Duke of Yorke, father of Edward the fourth,* 1.157 and Earle of Vlster, had the office of Lieutenant by let∣ters Patents,* 1.158 during the space of ten yeares, who deputed un∣der him at severall times, the Baron of Delvin, Roland Fitz Eustace knight, Iames Earle of Ormond, and Thomas Fitz Mor∣rice Earle of Kildare. To this Richard then resciant in Dive∣lin, was borne within the castle there, his second son George, Duke of Clarence, afterwards drowned in a butt of Malm∣sey:* 1.159 his god fathers at the font were the Earles of Ormond and Desmond.

Whether the commotion of Iacke Cade an Irish-man borne, naming himselfe Mortimer, and so clayming cousinage to diverse noble houses,* 1.160 * 1.161 proceeded from this crew, it is uncer∣taine: surely the Duke was thereof vehemently mistrusted, & immediatly began his tumults, which because our English histories discourse at large, I omit as impertinent.

Those broyles being couched for a time, Richard held him∣selfe in Ireland, being lately by Parliament ordained Prote∣ctor of the Realme of England, leaving his agent in the Court his brother the Earle of Salisbury Lord Chauncellour, to whom he declared by letters, the trouble then toward in Ire∣land,* 1.162 which letter exemplified by Sir Henry Sidney, Lord De∣puty, a great searcher and preserver of Antiquities, as it came to my hands, I thinke it convenient here to set downe.

To the right worshipfull and with all my heart entirely beloved brother, the Earle of Shrewesbury.

RIght worshipfull and with all my heart entirely beloved Brother, I commend mee unto you as heartily as I can.* 2.1 And like it you to wit, that sith I wrote last unto the King our soveraigne Lord his Highnes, the Irish enemy, that is to say, Magoghigan, and with him three or foure Irish Cap∣taines, associate with a great fellowship of English rebells, notwithstanding, that they were within the King our Sove∣raigne Lord his power, of great malice, and against all truth, have maligned against their legiance, and vengeably have brent a great towne of mine inheritance, in Meth, called Ra∣more, and other villages thereabouts, and murdered and brent both men, women and children, without mercy. The which enemies be yet assembled in woods and forts, way∣ting to doe the hurt and grievance to the Kings subjects that they can thinke or imagine, for which cause I write at this time unto the Kings Highnes, and beseech his good grace for to hasten my payment for this land, according to his letters of vvarrant, novv late directed unto the Treasurer of England, to the intent I may vvage men in sufficient number, for to resist the malice of the same enemyes, and punish them in such vvyse, that other vvhich vvould doe the same, for lacke of resistance in time, may take ex∣ample; for doubtlesse, but if my payment bee had in all haste, for to have men of vvarre in defence and safe∣guard of this Land, my povver cannot stretch to keepe it in the Kings obeysance. And very necessity vvill com∣pell mee to come into England to live there, upon my poore livelode, for I had lever bee dead, then any in∣convenience should fall thereunto in my default; for it shall never bee chronicled, nor remaine in scripture, by the grace of God, that Ireland vvas lost by my negli∣gence. And therefore I beseech you right vvorshipfull

brother, that you will hold to your hands instantly, that my payment may bee had at this time, in eschuing all inconveni∣ences, for I have example in other places, more pitty it is for to dread shame, and for to acquite my truth unto the Kings Highnes, as my dutie is. And this I pray and exhort you good brother, to shew unto his good grace, and that you will be so good, that this language may be enacted at this present Par∣liament for my excuse in time to come, and that you will bee good to my servant Roger Roe the bearer hereof, and to mine other servants in such things as they shall pursue unto the kings Highnes: And to give full faith and credence unto the report of the said Roger, touching the said maters Right wor∣shipfull, and with all my heart entirely beloved brother, our blessed Lord God preserve and keepe you in all honour, pro∣sperous estate and felicity, and graunt you right good life and long. Written at Divelin the 15. of Iune.

Your faithfull true brother, Richard Yorke.

Of such power was Magoghigan in those dayes, who as he wan and kept it by the sword, so now he liveth but a meane Captaine, yeelding his winnings to the stronger. This is the misery of lawlesse people, resembling the wydenesse of the rude vvorld, vvherein every man vvas richer or poorer then other, as he vvas in might and violence more or lesse en∣abled.

Heere beganne factions of the nobility in Ireland, favou∣ring diverse sides that strived for the Crovvne of England, for Richard in those tenne yeares of government, excee∣dingly tyed unto him the hearts of the noblemen and gentle∣men in this land, vvhereof diverse vvere scattered and slaine vvith him at Waterford, as the contrary part vvas also the next yeare by Edward Earle of Marche,* 2.2 the Dukes brother, at Mortimers crosse in Wales, in vvhich meane time the Irish vvaxed hardye, and usurped the English Countreyes in∣sufficiently defended,* 2.3 as they had done by like oportunity

in the latter end of Richard the second. These two seasons did set them so a-floate, that henceforwards they could never be cast out from their forcible possessions, holding by plaine wrong all Vlster, and by certaine Irish Tenures, no little por∣tions of Mounster and Connaght, left in Meth and Leinster, where the civill subjects of English bloud did ever most pre∣vaile.

CAP. VIII. Edward the fourth, and Edward his sonne. Richard the third, & Henry the seventh.* 2.4

THomas Fitz Morice Earle of Kildare,* 2.5 Lord Iustice untill the third yeare of Edward the fourth, since which time the Duke of Clarence aforesaid,* 2.6 bro∣ther to the King, had the office of Lieutenant, while he lived, and made his Deputies in sundry courses, Tho∣mas Earle of Desmond, Iohn Tiptoft,* 2.7 Earle of Worcester the Kings cozen, Thomas Earle of Kildare, Henry Lord Graye. Great was the credit of the Geraldines, ever when the house of Yorke prospered, and likewise the Butlers thryved under the bloud of Lancaster, for which cause the Earle of Desmond remained many yeares Deputy to George Duke of Clarence his god-brother, but when he had spoken certaine disdainfull words against the late marryage of King Edward with the Lady Elizabeth Gray, the said Lady being now Queene, caused his trade of life, (after the Irish manner, contrary to sundry old statutes enacted in that behalfe) to be sifted & ex∣amined by Iohn Earle of Worcester his successour. Of which treasons he was attaint and condemned, and for the same be∣headed at Droghedah.* 2.8 Iames the father of this Thomas of Desmond, being suffered and not controuled,* 2.9 during the government of Richard Duke of Yorke his godsip: and of Thomas Earle of Kildare his kinsman put upon the Kings subjects within the Countyes of Waterford, Corke, Kerry,

and Limericke the Irish impositions of Coyne and Lyverie, Cartings, carriages, loadings, cosherings, bonnaght, and such like, which customes are the very nurse and teat of all Irish enormities, and extort from the poore tennants everlasting Sesse, allowance of meate and money, their bodies and goods in service, so that their horses and their Galloglashes lye still upon the Farmers, eate them out, begger the Coun∣trey, foster a sort of idle vagabonds, ready to rebell if their Lord commaund them, ever nusseled in stealth and robbe∣ryes. These evill presidents given by the Father, the sonne did exercise being Lord Deputy, to whome the refor∣mation of that disorder especially belonged, notwithstan∣ding the same fault being winked at in others, and with such rigour avenged in him, it was manifestly taken for a quarrell sought and picked.

* 2.10Two yeares after, the said Earle of Worcester lost his head, while Henry the 6. taken out of the towre, was set up againe, and King Edward proclaymed Vsurper, and then was Kildare enlarged, whom being likewise at∣tainte, they thought also to have ridde, and shortly both the Earles of Kildare and Desmond were restored to their bloud by Parliament.

* 2.11Sir Rowland Eustace, Knight, sometimes Treasurer, and Lord Chauncellour,* 2.12 and lastly, Lord Deputye of Ireland, founded Saint Frauncis Abbey besides Kilkullen bridge.

* 2.13Edward, a yeare before his death, honoured his yonger son Richard the infant, Duke of Yorke, with the title of Lieutenant over this Land. But his unnaturall Vnkle Richard the Third,* 2.14 when hee had murdered the childe, and the elder brother called Edward the 5. He then preferred to that Office his ovvne sonne Edward, vvhose Deputy was Gerald Earle of Kildare, and bare that office a vvhile in Henry the 7. his dayes. To whom came the vvylie Priest,* 2.15 Sir Richard Symonds, & pre∣sented a lad his scholler, named Lambert, vvhom he fained to be the son of George Duke of Clarence, lately escaped the tovvre of Londō. And the child could his pedegree so readily,

and had learned of the Priest such princely behaviour, that he lightly moved the said Earle, and many Nobles of Ireland tendering the Seed Royall of Richard Plantagenet, and George his sonne, as also maligning the advancement of the house of Lancaster, in Henry the seventh, either to thinke or make the world weene, they thought verily this childe to bee Edward Earle of Warwicke, the Duke of Clarences lawfull Sonne.

And although King Henry more then halfe marred their sport, in shewing the right Earle through all the streetes of London, yet the Lady Margaret Dutchesse of Burgoine, sister to Edward the fourth, Iohn de la Poole her Nephew, the Lord Lovel, Sir Thomas Broughton Knight, and diverse other Cap∣taines of this conspiracy devised to abuse the colour of this young Earles name, for preferring their purpose, which if it came to good, they agreed to depose Lambert, and to erect the very Earle indeed now prisoner in the towre, for whose quar∣rell had they pretended to fight, they deemed it likely hee should have beene made away: Wherefore it was blazed in Ireland, that the King to mocke his subjects, had schooled a Boy to take upon him the Earle of Warwickes name, and had shewed him about London to blinde the eyes of simple folkes, and to defeate the lawfull Inheritour of the good Duke of Clarence, their countryman and Protectour during his life, to whose linage they also derived a title of the Crowne. In all haste they assembled at Divelin, and there in Christ-Church they Crowned this Idoll, honouring him with titles imperiall, feasting and triumphing, rearing migh∣ty shoutes and cryes, carrying him from thence, to the Kings Castle upon tall mens shoulders, that he might be seene and noted, as he was surely an honourable Boy to looke upon. Thereupon ensued the Battle of Stoke, wherein Lambert and his Master were taken, but never executed, the Earle of Lin∣colne, the Lord Lovel, Martine Swarte, the Almaigne Captaine, and Morice Fitz Thomas Captaine of the Irish, were slaine, and all their power discomfited.

Iasper Duke of Bedford and Earle of Penbroke,* 2.16 Lieute∣nant, and VValter Archbishop of Divelin his Deputy. In this

time befell another like illusion of Ireland, procured from the Dutchesse aforesaid, and certaine Nobles of England, whereby was exalted as rightfull King of England, and un∣doubted Earle of Vlster, the counterfeit Richard Duke of Yorke preserved from King Richards cruelty, as his adhe∣rents faced the matter downe, and with this maygame lord, named indeede Peter (in scorne Perkin) VVarbecke, flattered themselves many yeares.

Then was Sir Edward Poynings Knight, sent over Lord Deputy,* 2.17 with commission to apprehend his principall part∣ners in Ireland, amongst whom was named Gerald Fitz Ge∣rald Earle of Kildare, whose purgation the King (notwith∣standing diverse avouching the contrary) did accept. After much adoe Perkin taken, confessed under his owne hand∣writing the course of all his proceedings, whereof so much as concerneth Ireland,* 2.18 I have heere borrowed out of Halles Chronicles.

* 2.19I being borne in Flaunders, in the towne of Turney, put my selfe in service with a Britton, called Pregent Meno, the which brought me with him into Ireland, and when wee were there arrived in the towne of Corke, they of the towne (because I was arrayed with some cloathes of silke of my said Masters) threeped upon me, that I should be the Duke of Clarences sonne, that was before time at Divelin, and foras∣much as I denyed it, there was brought unto me the Holy Evangelists and the Crosse, by the Major of the towne, cal∣led Iohn Lewellin, and there I tooke my oath that I was not the said Dukes sonne, nor none of his blood. After this came to me an English man whose name was Stephen Poytowe, vvith one Iohn VValter, and svvare to me, that they knevv well that I vvas King Richards Bastard sonne, to whom I an∣swered vvith like oathes that I vvas not. And then they ad∣vised me not to be affraide, but that I should take it upon me boldly: And if I vvould so doe, they vvould assist me with all their povver, against the King of England, and not onely they, but they vvere assured that the Earles of Desmond and Kil∣dare, should doe the same, for they passed not vvhat part they

tooke, so they might be avenged upon the King of England. And so against my will they made me to learne English, and taught me what I should doe and say: and after this, they cal∣led me Richard Duke of Yorke, second sonne to Edward the fourth, because King Richards Bastard sonne was in the hands of the King of England: And upon this, the said Iohn VValter, and Stephen Poytowe, Iohn Tyler, Hubbert Burgh, with many others, as the foresaid Earles, entred into this false quar∣rell, and within short time after the French King sent ambas∣sadours into Ireland, whose names were Lyot, Lucas, and Ste∣phen Frayn, and thence I went into Fraunce, and from thence into Flanders, and from Flanders againe into Ireland, and from Ireland into Scotland, and so into England.

Thus was Perkins bragge twighted,* 2.20 from a milpost to a pudding pricke, and hanged was he the next yeare after.

Then in the yeare 1501. King Henry made Lieutenant of Ireland, his second sonne Henry as then Duke of Yorke,* 2.21 who afterwards raigned. To him was appointed Deputy,* 2.22 the a∣foresaid Gerald Earle of Kildare,* 2.23 who accompanied with Iohn Blacke Major of Divelin, warred upon VVilliam de Bur∣go, O-Brien, and Mac Nemarra, Occarrol, and the greatest power of Irish men, that had beene seene together since the conquest, under the hill of Knoctoe, in English the hill of Axes, sixe miles from Galway, and two miles from Ballinclare, de Bur∣goes mannor towne. Mac VVilliam and his Complices were there taken, his Souldiours that escaped the sword were pur∣sued, flying five miles, great slaughter done, and many Cap∣taines gotten, not one English man killed. The Earle at his returne was created knight of the Noble Order, and flouri∣shed all his life long, of whom I shall bee occasioned to say somewhat in the next Chapter.

CAP. IX. Henry the eight.

* 2.24GErald Fitz Gerald Earle of Kildare a mighty made man, full of honour and courage, who had beene Lord Deputy and Lord Iustice of Ireland thirtie foure yeares, deceased the third of September, and lyeth buri∣ed in Christs Church in Divelin. Betweene him and Iames Butler Earle of Ormond, their owne jealousies fed with en∣vy and ambition, kindled with certaine lewd factions, abbet∣tors of either side: ever since the ninth yeare of Henry the se∣venth, when Iames of Ormond with a great army of Irish men, camping in S. Thomas Court at Divelin, seemed to face the countenance and power of the Deputy:* 2.25 these occasions I say fostered a mallice betwixt them and their posterityes, many yeares after incurable, causes of much ruffle and un∣quietnes in the Realme, untill the confusion of the one house, and nonage of the other, discontinued their quarrels, which except their Inheritours have the grace to put up, and to love unfainedly, as Gerald and Thomas doe now, may hap to turne their countryes to little good, and themselves to lesse.

Ormond was nothing inferiour to the other in stomacke, and in reach of pollicy farre beyond him; Kildare was in go∣vernement a milde man, to his enemies intractable, to the Irish such a scourge, that rather for despite of him then for fa∣vour of any part, they relyed upon the Butlers, came in under his protection, served at his call, performed by starts, as their manner is, the duty of good subjects.

Ormond was secret and drifty, of much moderation in speech, dangerous of every little wrinkle that touched his re∣putation. Kildare was open and passionable, in his moode desperate, both of word and deede, of the English welbelo∣ved, a good lusticier, a warriour incomparable, towards the Nobles that he favoured not somewhat headlong and unru∣lie, being charged before Henry the seventh, for burning the

Church at Cashell, and many witnesses prepared to avouch against him, the truth of that article, he suddainely confessed the fact, to the great wondering and detestation of the Coun∣cell, when it was looked how he would justifie the matter, By Iesus (quoth he) I would never have done it, had it not beene told me that the Archbishop was within. And be∣cause the Archbishop was one of his busiest accusers there present, merrily laught the King at the plainenesse of the man, to see him alleadge that intent for excuse, which most of all did aggravate his fault. The last article against him they con∣ceived in these tearmes, finally all Ireland cannot rule this Earle: No (quoth the King) then in good faith shall this Earle rule all Ireland. Thus was the accusation turned to a jest, the Earle returned Lord Deputy, shortly after created Knight of the Garter and so died. Marvell not if this successe were a corrosive to the adverse party, which the longer it held aloofe and bit the bridle, the more eagerly it followed his course, ha∣ving once the sway and roome at will, as you may perceive hereafter.

Gerald Fitz Gerald sonne of the aforesaid Earle of Kildare,* 2.26 and Lord Deputy, who chased the nation of the Tooles, bat∣tered Ocarrols Castles, awed all the Irish of the land more & more. A Gentleman valiant and well spoken, yet in his lat∣ter time overtaken with vehement suspition of sundry Trea∣sons. He of good meaning to unite the families, matched his Sister Margaret Fitz Gerald, with Pierce Butler Earle of Osso∣ry, whom he also holpe to recover the Earledome of Or∣mond, whereinto after the decease of Iames, a Bastard brother had intruded.

Seven yeares together Kildare kept in credit and authori∣ty, notwithstanding the pushes given against him by secret heavers, enviers of his fortune, and nourishers of the old grudge, who fett him up to the Court of England by com∣mission, and caused him there to be opposed with diverse in∣terrogatories, touching the Earle of Desmond his Cousin, a notorious traytor, as they said. He left in his roome Morice Fitz Thomas Lord Iustice. After whom came over Lord

Lieutenant,* 2.27 Thomas Howard Earle of Surrey, Grandfather to this Duke of Norfolke, accompanied with 200. of the Kings guarde. While he sate at Dinner in the Castle of Divelin, hee heard newes that Oneale with a mighty army was even in the mouth of the borders, ready to invade: Immediately men were levyed by the Major, and the next morrow joyning them to his band, the Lieutenant marched as farre as the wa∣ter of Slane, where having intelligence of Oneales recoyle, hee dismissed the footemen, and pursued Omore with his horse∣men, which Omore was said to lurke within certaine miles. That espied a Gunner of Omore, and watching by a wood side discharged his peece at the very face of the Deputy, strake the visard of his helmet, and pierced no further (as God would.) This did he in manner recklesse what became of himselfe, so he might amaze them for a time, breake the swiftnesse of their following, and advantage the flight of his Captaine, which thing he wanne with the price of his owne blood, for the Souldiours would no further, till they had searched all the corners of that wood, verily suspecting some ambush thereabout, and in severall knots ferretted out this Gunner, whom Fitz VVilliams and Bedlowe of the Roche were faine to mangle and hewe in peeces; because the wretch would never yeeld.

* 2.28In the meane while defiance proclaimed with Fraunce & Scotland both at once, moved the King to returne Surrey out of Ireland, that he might employ him in those services, his prowesse, integrity, good nature and course of governement, the country much commendeth, and honoureth the name and family to this day.

Pierce Butler Earle of Ossory Lord Deputy, Kildare atten∣ding the Kings pleasure for his dispatch, recovered favour at the instance of the Duke of Suffolke whose daughter,* 2.29 Dame Elizabeth Graye he espoused royally, and so departed home. Now there was a great partaker of all the Deputies Coun∣cell, one Robert Talbot of Belgard whom the Geraldines hated deadly, him they surmized to keepe a Kalender of all their doings and to stirre the coales that incensed brother against

brother. In which fury, Iames Fitz Gerald meeting the said Gentleman besides Ballimore, slew him even there;* 2.30 jour∣neying to keepe his Christmasse with the Deputy. With this despitefull murder both sides brake out into open rage, and especially the Countesse of Ossory, Kildares sister, a rare woman, and able for wisedome to rule a Realme, had not her stomacke over-rul'd her selfe. Heere beganne intimation of new Treasons passing to and fro, with complaints and replyes. But Suffolke had wrought the canvas so fast in his sonne in lawes behalfe, that hee was suffered to rest at home, and onely Commissioners directed thither with Authority to examine the roote of their griefes, where∣in if they found Kildare but even tollerably purged, their instructions was to depose the plaintiffe, and to sweare the other Lord Deputy. The Commissioners were, Sir Raphe Egerton, a Cheshire Knight, Anthony Fitzherbert, second Iustice of the Common-pleas, and Iames Denton, Deane of Lichfield, who huddeled up those accusations as they thought good, and suddenly tooke the sword from the Earle of Ossory, sware the Geraldine Lord Deputy, before whom Con Oneale bare the sword that day. Concerning the murtherer whom they might have hanged, they brought him prisoner into England, presented him to Cardinall VVolsey, who vvas said to hate Kildares bloud: And the Cardinall intending his execution vvith more dishonour to the name, caused him to be ledde about London streetes manacled and haltered, vvhich asked so long time, that the Deane of Lichfield stepped to the King, and got the Gentle∣man his pardon.

This untimely shift inflamed the Cardinall, and ripened the malice hitherto not so ranke, and therefore hereafter Osso∣ry brought evident proofes of the Deputies disorder, that hee vvilfully vvinked at the Earle of Desmond, vvhom hee should have attached by the Kings letters, that he curryed acquaintance and friendship vvith meere Irish enemyes, that he had armed them against him being the Kings Deputy, that he hanged and hevved rashly good subiects, vvhom hee

mistrusted to leave to the Butlers friendship. Yet againe therefore was Kildare commaunded to appeare, which he did, leaving in his roome Fitz Gerald of Leixlip, whom they shortly deprived,* 2.31 and chose the Baron of Delvin, whom O-Connor tooke prisoner, and there the Earle of Osso∣ry to shew his ability of service, brought to Divelin an army of Irish-men, having Captaines over them Oconnor, Omore and O-Carroll, and at S. Mary Abbey, was chosen Deputie by the Kings Councell.

In which office (being himselfe, save onely in feates of Armes, a simple gentleman) he bare out his honour, and the charge of governement, very worthily, through the singular wisedome of his Countesse,* 2.32 a Lady of such port, that all E∣states of the Realme couched unto her, so politique, that no∣thing was thought substantially debated without her advice, manlike and tall of stature, very rich and bountifull, a bitter enemy, the onely meane at those dayes whereby her Hus∣bands Countrey was reclaymed from the sluttish and un∣cleane Irish custome to the English habite, bedding, house∣keeping, and civility.

But to those vertues vvas yoked such a selfe-liking, and such a Majesty above the tenure of a subiect, that for en∣surance thereof shee sticked not to abuse her husbands honour against her brothers follye. Notvvithstanding I learne not that shee practised his undoing, (vvhich ensued, and vvas to her undoubtedly, great heavinesse, as upon vvhom both the blemish thereof, and the sustenance of that vvhole family depended after,) but that shee by indirect meanes vvrought her Brother out of credite to advance her husband, the common voyce, and the thing it selfe speak∣eth.

All this vvhile abode the Earle of Kildare at the Court, and vvith much adoe found shift to bee called before the Lords, to ansvvere solemnely. They sate upon him diversely affectioned, and especially the Cardinall, Lord Chauncellour, disliked his cause, comforted his accusers, and enforced the Articles obiected, and vvhat else soever

could be gathered thereof in these words.

I wot well, my Lord,* 2.33 that I am not the meetest man at this Board to charge you with these treasons, because it hath plea∣sed some of your pew-fellowes to report, that I am a profes∣sed enemie to all Nobilitie, and namely to the Geraldines, but seeing every curst boy can say asmuch when he is controlled, and seeing these points are so vveightie, that they should not be dissembled of us, and so apparant, that they cannot be de∣nyed of you. I must have leave, notwithstanding your stale slaunder, to be the mouth of these honorable persons at this time, and to trumpe your Treasons in your way, howsoever you take me.

First, you remember how the lewde Earle your kinsman,* 2.34 who passeth not whom he serve, might he change his Master, sent his confederates with letters of credence to Frauncis the French King, and having but cold comfort there, to Charles the Emperour, proffering the helpe of Mounster and Con∣naght towards the conquest of Ireland, if either of them vvould helpe to vvinne it from our King. Hovv many letters? vvhat precepts? vvhat messages? vvhat threats have been sent you to apprehend him? and yet not done: vvhy so? forsooth I could not catch him: Nay nay, Earle, forsooth you vvould not nighly vvatch him. If he be justly suspected, vvhy are you partiall in so great a charge? If not, vvhy are you fearefull to have him tryed? Yea Sir, it vvil be svvorne & deposed to your face, that for feare of meeting him, you have vvinked, vvilfully shunned his sight, altered your course, vvarned his friends, stopped both eyes and eares against his detectors, and vvhen∣soever you tooke upon you to hunt him out, then vvas hee sure before-hand to bee out of your vvalke: surely this juggling and false-play, little became either an honest man, called to such honour, or a Nobleman put in such trust. Had you lost but a Covv, or a Garron of your ovvne, tvvo hundred Kyrneghes vvould have come at your vvhistle, to rescue the prey from the utter∣most edge of Vlster: All the Irish in Ireland must have given you the vvay. But in pursuing so vveightie

a mater as this, mercifull God, hovv nice, how dangerous, how wayward have you bin? One while he is from home, another while he keepeth home, sometimes fled, sometimes in the borders where you dare not venture: I wish, my Lord, there be shrewde bugges in the borders for the Earle of Kildare to feare: The Earle, nay, the King of Kildare, for when you are disposed, you reigne more like then rule in the Land: where you are malicious, the truest subjects stand for Irish enemies; where you are pleased, the Irish enemie stands for a dutifull subject: hearts and hands, lives and lands are all at your curte∣sie, who fawneth not thereon, hee cannot rest within your smell, and your smell is so ranke, that you tracke them out at pleasure.

Whilest the Cardinall was speaking, the Earle chafed and changed colour, & sundry proffers made to answer every sen∣tence as it came, at last he broke out, and interrupted him thus.

My Lord Chauncellour, I beseech you pardon me, I am short witted, and you I perceive intend a long tale. If you pro∣ceede in this order, halfe my purgation wilbe lost for lacke of carryage: I have no schoole trickes, nor art of memory, except you heare me while I remember your words, your second processe vvill hammer out the former.

The Lords associate, vvho for the most part tenderly lo∣ved him, and knevv the Cardinals manner of termes so loth∣some, as vvhervvith they vvere tyred many yeares agoe, hum∣bly besought his grace to charge him directly vvith particu∣lars, and to dvvell in some one matter, till it vvere examined through. That granted.

* 2.35It is good reason (quoth the Earle) that your Grace beare the mouth of this chamber. But my Lord, those mouthes that put this tale into your mouth, are very vvide mouths, such in∣deed as have gaped long for my vvreck, & novv at length for vvant of better stuff, are fain to fill their mouths vvith smoak. What my cousin Desmond hath compassed, as I knovv not, so I beshrevv his naked heart for holding out so long. If hee can bee taken by my agents that presently wayte for him,

then have my adversaryes betrayed their malice, and this heape of haynous wordes shall resemble a man of strawe, that seemeth at a blush to carry some proportion, but when it is felt and poysed, discovereth a vanity, serving onely to fray crowes, and I trust your Honours will see the proofe hereof and mine innocencie testified in this behalfe by the thing it selfe within these few dayes. But goe to, sup∣pose hee never bee had, what is Kildare to blame for it, more then my good brother of Ossory, who not∣withstanding his high promises, having also the Kings power, is glad to take egges for his money, and bring him in at leysure. Cannot the Earle of Desmond shift, but I must be of counsell? cannot hee bee hid, except I winke? If hee bee close, am I his mate? If he be frien∣ded, am I a Traytour? This is a doughty kinde of accu∣sation, which they urge against mee, vvherein they are stabled and myred at my first denyall; You vvould not see him, say they, vvho made them so familiar vvith mine eye-sight? or vvhen vvas the Earle vvithin my E∣quinas? or vvho stood by vvhen I let him slip, or vvhere are the tokens of my vvilfull hood-vvinking? Oh, but you sent him vvord to bevvare of you; Who vvas the messenger? vvhere are the letters? convince my negative: See hovv loosely this idle reason hangeth, Desmond is not ta∣ken, vvell, vvee are in fault: vvhy? because you are: vvho proves it? no body. What conjectures? so it seemeth. To vvhom? to your enemies vvho tolde it them? What other ground? none. Will they svveare it? they vvill svveare it. My Lords, then belike they knovv it, if they knovv it, either they have my hand to shevv, or can bring forth the messen∣ger, or vvere present at a conference, or privy to Desmond, or some body bevvrayed it to them, or themselves vvere my carryers or vice-gerents therein, vvhich of these parts vvill they choose, I knovv them too vvell to reckon my selfe con∣vict by their bare vvords or headlesse heare-sayes, or franticke oathes, my letter vvere soone read, vvere any such vvryting extant, my servaunts and friends are ready to bee sifted.

Of my cousin Desmond they may lye lewdly, since no man can heere well tell the contrary. Touching my selfe, I never noted in them either so much wit, or so much faith, that I could have gaged upon their silence the life of a good hound, much lesse mine owne, I doubt not may it please your Ho∣nours to oppose them, how they came to knowledge of these matters which they are so ready to depose, but you shall finde their tongues chayned to another mans trencher, and as it were, Knights of the Post, suborned to say, sweare and stare the uttermost they can, as those that passe not what they say, nor with what face they say it, so they say no truth. But of a∣nother thing it grieveth me, that your good grace, whom I take to bee wise and sharpe, and who of your owne blessed disposition wish me well, should bee so farre gone in credi∣ting those corrupt informers, that abuse the ignorance of their state and countrey to my perill. Little knovv you my Lord, hovv necessary it is not onely for the governour, but also for every Nobleman in Ireland, to hamper his vincible neighbors at discretion, vvherein if they vvayted for processe of Law, and had not these lives and lands you speake of vvithin their reach, they might hap to loose their ovvne lives and lands vvithout Lavv. You heare of a case as it vvere in a dreame, and feele not the smart that vexeth us. In England there is not a meane subject that dare extend his hand to fillip a Peere of the Realme. In Ireland, except the Lord have cunning to his strength, and strength to save his ovvne, and suf∣ficient authoritie to racke theeves and varletts vvhen they stirre, hee shall finde them svvarme so fast, that it vvill bee too late to call for Iustice. If you vvill have our service take effect, you must not tye us alvvayes to the Iudiciall proceedings, vvherevvith your Realme, thanked bee God, is inured.

As touching my Kingdome (my Lord) I vvould you and I had exchanged Kingdomes but for one moneth, I vvould trust to gather up more crummes in that space, then tvvice the revenues of my poore Earledome; but you are vvell and vvarme, and so hold you, and upbraide not me

with such an odious storme. I sleepe on a cabbin, when you lye soft in your bed of downe, I serve under the cope of hea∣ven, when you are served under a Canopy, I drinke water out of a skull, when you drinke wine out of golden Cuppes▪ my courser is trained to the field, when your Iennet is taught to amble, when you are begraced and belorded, and crowched and kneeled unto, then I finde small grace with our Irish borderers, except I cut them off by the knees.

At these girds the Councell would have smiled if they durst, but each man bitt his lippe, and held his countenance, for howsoever some of them inclined to the Butler, they all ha∣ted the Cardinall: A man undoubtedly borne to honour,* 2.36 I thinke some Princes Bastard, no Butchers sonne, exceeding wise, faire spoken, high minded, full of revenge, vicious of his body, lofty to his enemies, were they never so bigge, to those that accepted and sought his friendship wonderfull courte∣ous, a ripe Schooleman, thrall to affections, brought a bed with flattery, insatiable to get, & more princelike in bestow∣ing: as appeareth by his two Colledges at Ipswich, and at Oxenford, th'one suppressed with his fall, th'other unfini∣shed and yet as it lieth an house of Students (considering all appurtenances) incomparable, through Christendome, whereof Henry the eight is now called Founder, because hee let it stand. He held and enjoyed at once the Bishopricks of Yorke, Durham, and Winchester, the dignities of Lord Car∣dinall, Legate, and Chancellour: The Abbey of S. Albans, di∣verse Prioryes, sundry fat Benefices in Commendam: A great preferrer of his servants, advauncer of learning, stoute in every quarrell, never happy till his overthrow. Therein he shewed such moderation, and ended so patiently, that the houre of his death did him more honour then all the pompe of life passed.

The Cardinall perceived that Kildare was no Babe, and rose in a fume from the Councell table, committed the Earle, deferred the matter till more direct probations came out of Ireland.

After many meetinges and objections wittily refelled,

they pressed him sore with a trayterous errant, sent by his daughter the Lady of Slane, to all his brethren, to Oneale, Ocon∣nor, and their adherents, wherein he exhorted them to warre upon the Earle of Ossory then Deputy, which they accompli∣shed, making a wretched conspiracy against the English of Ireland, and many a bloody skirmish.

Of this Treason he was found guilty, and reprived in the Towre a long time, the Gentleman betooke himselfe to God and the King, was heartily loved of the Lieutenant, pit∣tied in all the Court, and standing in so hard a case altered l••••∣tle his accustomed hue, comforted other Noblemen, prisoners with him, dissembling his owne sorrow. One night when the Lieutenant and he, for disport were playing at slide-groat, suddainely commeth from the Cardinall a mandat to execute Kildare on the morrow. The Earle marking the Lieutenants deepe sigh, in reading the bill; By Saint Bride, quoth he, there is some mad game in that scrolle, but fall how it will, this throw is for a huddle; when the worst was told him, now I pray thee, quoth he, doe no more but learne assuredly from the Kings owne mouth, whether his Grace be witting there∣to or not. Sore doubted the Lieutenant to displease the Car∣dinall, yet of very pure devotion to his friend, he posteth to the King at midnight, and said his errant, (for all houres of the day or night, the Lieutenant hath accesse to the Prince upon occasions.) King Henry controwling the sawcynesse of the Priest, those were his tearmes, gave him his Signet in to∣ken of countermand, which when the Cardinall had seene, he begun to breake into unseasonable words with the Lieu∣tenant, which he was loath to heare, and so he left him fret∣ting:* 2.37 Thus broke up the storme for a time, and the next yeare VVolsey was cast out of favour, & within few yeares Sir VVil∣liam Skevington sent over Deputy, who brought vvith him the Earle pardoned, and rid from all his troubles. Who vvould not thinke but these lessons should have schooled so vvise a man, and vvarned him rather by experience of adversities past, to cure old sores, then for joy of this present fortune, to minde seditious drifts to come. The second yeare of Ske∣vingtons

governement, there chaunced an uproare among the Merchants and their Apprentices, in Divelin, which hard and scant the Deputy and Major both, could appease. Then was also great stirre about the Kings divorce,* 2.38 who hearing the frowardnes of Ireland under Skevington, and thinking it ex∣pedient in so fickle a world to have a sure poste there, made Kildare his Deputy,* 2.39 the Primate of Ardmagh Lord Chancel∣lor, and Sir Iames Butler Lord Treasurer. But Kildare revi∣ving the old quarrels, fell to prosecute the Earle of Ossory, ex∣cited Oneale to invade his country, his Bro••her Iohn Fitz Ge∣rald to spoyle the country of Vriell and Kilkenny, being him∣selfe at the doing of part, namely in robbing the towne, and killing the Kings subjects.* 2.40 The next yeare going against O-Carrol he was pittifull hurt with a Gun in the thigh, so that he never after enjoyed his limmes, nor delivered his wordes in good plight, otherwise like enough to have beene longer forborne, in consideration of his many noble qualities, great good service, and the state of those times. Straight wayes complaints were addressed to the King of these enormities, & that in the most haynous manner could be devised, where∣upon he was againe commaunded by sharpe letters to repaire into Englād, & to leave such a substitute,* 2.41 for whose govermēt he would undertake at his perill to answere: He left his heire the Lord Thomas Fitz Gerald, and ere he went, furnished his owne pyles, forts, and castles, with the Kings artillery & mu∣nition, taken forth of Divelin. Being examined before the Councell, he staggered in his answere, either for conscience of the fact, or for the infirmity of his late ma••me: Wherefore a false muttering flew abroad that his execution was intended. That rumour helped forward Skevingtons friends and ser∣vants, who sticked not to write into Ireland secret letters, that the Earle their Masters enemy (so they tooke him, because he got the governement over his head,) was cut shorter, and now they trusted to see their Master againe in his Lordship, whereafter they sore longed as crowes doe for carryon. Such a letter came to the hands of a simple Priest, no perfect En∣glish man, who for haste hurled it among other papers in

the Chimneyes end of his chamber, meaning to peruse it bet∣ter at more leisure: The same very night a Gentleman retai∣ning to Lord Thomas (then Lord Deputy under his father) tooke up his lodging, with the Priest, and raught in the mor∣ning for some paper to drawe on his straite hosen, and as the devill would he hit upon the letter, bare it away in the heele of his his hose, no earthly thing misdeeming, at night againe he found the paper unfretted, and musing thereof began to pore on the writing, which notified the Earles death. To horsbacke got he in all haste, and spreading about the coun∣try these unthrifty tydings, Lord Thomas the Deputy rash and youthfull, immediately confedered himselfe with Oneale, and O-Connor, with his Vnkles and Fathers friends, namely, Iohn, Oliver, Edward Fitz Gerald, Iames and Iohn Delahide, VVelch parson of Loughseudy, Burnel of Balgriffen, Rorcks a pirat of the seas, Bath of Dullardston, Feild of Buske, with others, and their adherents guarded, he rideth on S. Barnabyes day to S. Mary Abbey where the Councell sate, and when they looked he should take his place, and rose to give it him, hee charged them to sit still, and stood before them and then spake.

* 2.42Howsoever injuriously we be handled and forced to de∣fend our selves in armes, when neither our service nor our good meaning towards our Princes crowne availeth, yet say not hereafter but in this open hostility, which wee professe heere and proclaime, we have shewed our selves no villaines nor churles, but warriours and Gentlemen. This Sword of estate is yours and not mine, I received it with an oath, and have used it to your benefit, I should offend mine honour, if I turned the same to your annoyance, now have I neede of mine owne sword, which I dare trust, as for this common sword, it flattereth me with a golden scabberd, but hath in it a pestilent edge, already bathed in the Geraldines blood, and whetted it selfe in hope of a destruction: save your selves from us, as from your open enemies. I am none of Henryes Deputy, I am his foe, I have more minde to conquere, then to governe, to meete him in the field, then to serve him in office, If all the hearts of England and Ireland that have cause thereto, vvould

joyne in this quarrell (as I trust they will) then should he be a by-word (as I trust he shall) for his heresie, lechery, and ty∣ranny, wherein the age to come may skore him among the auncient Princes, of most abhominable and hatefull memo∣rie. With that he rendred up the sword, and flang away like a Bedlam, adding to his shamefull Oration many other slande∣rous and foule termes, which for regard of the Kings posteri∣tie, I have no minde to utter.

They concluded, first to murther all of the English birth in Ireland, and sent an ambassador to Paulus the 3, called Mac Granell, archdeacon of Kelles, and rejected thence to Charles the fift, whose Aunt Queene Katherine the King had lately cast off, with much indignation of all the Spaniards, him hee thought eith to be kindled, and craved assistance to conquer the land, which he promised to hold under him, & his heires for ever. The meane while he forced an oath upon Gentle∣men of every shire to ayde him, camped within the pale, rea∣red a great army of English, Irish, and Scots, invaded the Earle of Ossory, and Iames his sonne Lord Butler, who having in∣telligence thereof, prevented his fury and kept those parts in order.

When the Butlers had stopped his rage in Mounster, he fell to parlyes and treatyes with them, sent them diverse messen∣gers and letters, whereby he covenanted to devide with them halfe the Kingdome, would they assist his enterprise, Iames Lord Treasurer, in whom for their youth and acquaintance he most affied, and often accumbred with such temptations, finally returned his brokers with letters.

Taking pen in hand to write you my resolute answere,* 2.43 I muse in the very first line, by what name to call you, my Lord, or my Cousin, seeing your notorious treason hath di∣stayned your honour, and your desperate lewdnes shamed your kindred, your are so liberall in parting stakes with mee, that a man would weene you had no right to the game, so importunate in craving my company, as if you would per∣swade me to hang with you for good fellowship. And thinke you that Iames is so mad to gape for gudgens, or so un∣gratious

to sell his truth for a peece of Ireland, were it so, (as it cannot be) that the Chickens you reckon were both hatch∣ed and feathered, yet be thou sure I had rather in this quarrell die thine enemy, then live thy partner: for the kindnes you proffer mee, and good love in the end of your letter, the best way I can I purpose to requite, that is, in advising you though you have fetched your feaze, yet to looke well ere you leape over. Ignorance and error, and a certaine opinion of duty hath carried you unawares to this folly, not yet so ranke, but it may be cured. The King is a vessell of bounty and mercy, your words against his Majesty shall not bee counted malicious, but rather balked out for heat and impotency, except your selfe by heaping offences, discover a mischievous and willfull meaning. Farewell.

Nettled with this round answere, forth he passed to in∣crease his power, offered violence to very few, except that one despitous murther at Tartaine, the twenty five of Iuly, where in a morning earely he caused to be brought before him, the honourable Prelate Doctour Allen, Archbishop of Divelin, and Lord Chancellor, who being a reverent perso∣nage, feeble for age and sicknesse, kneeling at his feete in his shirte and mantle, bequeathing his soule to God, his body to the Traytors mercy, the wretched young man commaunded there to be brained like an oxe.* 2.44 The place is ever since hedged in, overgrowne and unfrequented, in detestation of the fact. The people have observed that all the accessaries thereof, be∣ing after pardoned for rebellion, ended miserably. Allen had beene in service with Cardinall VVolsey, of deepe judgement; in the Cannon law, the onely match of Stephen Gardener an∣other of VVolseyes Chaplaines, for avoyding of which emu∣lation he was preferred in Ireland, rough and rigorous in Iu∣stice, hated of the Geraldines for his Masters sake, & his owne, as he that crossed them diverse times, and much troubled both the father and sonne in their governements, nor unlike to have promoted their accusations.

All this while the Kings army was looked for, and no suc∣cour came to the rebels, which greatly quayled them, being of

themselves, though stored with souldiours, yet unfurni∣shed with any sufficient munition to stand in a maine battell. Moreover the number of wise Gentlemen did not greatly in∣cline to his purpose. And therefore when he besieged the Ci∣ty of Divelin, the most part of those arrowes which were shot over the walles, were unheaded, and little or nothing af∣frayed them. That espied the citizens, and gathering the faint∣nes of his souldiours thereby, blazed abroad upon the walles triumphant newes, that the Kings Army was arryved, and as it had beene so indeed, suddenly rushed out of their gates up∣pon the Rebels, who at the first sight of armed men, weening no lesse but the truth was so, otherwise assured that the Citty would never dare to incounter them, gave ground, forsooke their Captaines, dispersed and scattered into diverse corners, and never after met together.

A little before this time dyed the Earle of Kildare in the towre of London for thought and paine.* 2.45 Sir VVilliam Ske∣vington (whom the Irish men call the gunner, because hee was preferred from that office of the Kings Master-gunner to governe them, and that they can full evill brooke to be ruled of any that is but meanely borne) brought over an Army, and with him Leonard Gray, a younger sonne to the Mar∣quesse Dorset, Lord Marshall. To whom Fitz Gerald yeel∣ded, and vvas sent into England, vvhere hee vvith his Vncles, and other principalls of the conspiracy, vvere aftervvards dravvne, hanged and quartered at Tiburne. Soone after vvas the house of the Geraldines attaynted by Parliament, and all of the name busily trayned out for feare of nevv commotions. But Thomas Leurus,* 2.46 late Bishop of Kil∣dare, schoole-master to a younger brother, Gerald Fitz Gerald, the Earle that novv liveth, secretly stale avvay vvith the childe, first into Scotland, then into France, and misdoubting the French, into Italy, vvhere Cardinall Pole his neere kinsman preserved him, till the raigne of Edward the sixt, vvith vvhom hee entred into high fa∣vour, and obtayned of him his olde Inheritance of Mei∣nothe.

Lastly, by meanes of the said Cardinall, and Sir Anthony Browne, Lord Mountague, whose sister hee marryed (a wo∣man worthy of such a brother) Queene Mary (Founder and restorer of many Noble houses) repealed his attainder, and set him in his fathers Earledome, wherein since that time he hath shewed himselfe sundry wayes officious and service∣able towards his Common-wealth, and the Crowne of Eng∣land, beside other good qualities of honour and curtesie, they repute him heere for the best horseman in these parts of Chri∣stendome. With this escape of yong Fitz Gerald, the Lord Leo∣nard Gray his Vncle on the mothers side was held suspect, & the same was one speciall article urged against him when hee lost his head,* 2.47 Anno 1542.

* 2.48Sir VVilliam Skevington, a vvorthy Governour, and among all vertues very just of his vvord, deceased Lord Deputy at Kilmaynam,* 2.49 & the Lord Leonard Gray succeeded him. Oneale and Odonill colourably required a parley vvith the Deputy, but in the vvay as they rode, they burned the Navan, and the tovvne of Ardee. Wherefore the Deputy vvith the helpe of the Maior of Divelin Iames Fitz Symonds, and the Maior of Droghedagh, and the English pale met them, flighted them, slevv 400. of their trayne, and there the Maior of Divelin for notable service in that journey,* 2.50 vvas knighted.

Sir Anthony Seintleger Knight of the Garter, Lord Deputy. He summoned a Parliament, vvherein the Geraldines vvere attainted,* 2.51 Abbeyes suppressed, the King named supreme head and King of Ireland, because he recognized no longer to hold it of the Pope. At this Parliament appeared Irish Lords Mac Gilpatricke, Lord Barry, Mac Cartimore, O-Brene, and diverse more, vvhom follovved Con Oneale, submitting himselfe to the Kings Deputy, and after to the King himselfe, vvho retur∣ned him richly plated,* 2.52 created him Earle of Tyrone, his base sonne Matthew Oneale Baron of Donganon. As for Shane O∣neale the onely sonne of his body mulier begotten, hee vvas then little esteemed and of no proofe. The same time Iames Earle of Desmond came to the King, and vvas of him both Princely entertained and revvarded.

CAP. X. Edward the 6. Mary, and Elizabeth.

BEfore the decease of Henry the 8. Seintleger was twice in England, leaving at both times Sir VVilliam Brabason Lord Iustice. In his se∣cond returne An. 1546. Sir Edward Belling∣ham, Captaine generall, landed at Waterford, and skowred the coast, where Omore and Ocomore used to prey.

This yeare the city of Divelin obtained a Charter for two Sheriffes in stead of Bayliffes.* 2.53

The Geraldines Out-lawes were taken and executed, Bellingham appointed Lord Deputye, erected a Mint within the Castle of Divelin, which quickely wearyed them for want of fuell. Andrew Brereton with 300. horse∣men, and 40. footemen, inhabited the North as farre as Lecale, where hee with 35. horsemen gave the charge upon 240. Scotts, that from the out Islandes came to succour the Irish, and wasted the Countrey. In one yeare hee cleered those quarters, that the Kings subiects might passe in peace.

Sir Frauncis Bryan the Kings Mynion was left Lord Iustice, vvhile Bellingham repayred into England, vvhere he dyed a man made up by service in the vvarres, by continuall toyle therein diseased and feebled,* 2.54 but of courage a lyon to his dying day, true as steele, as farre from flattery as from hearing flatterers, an exceeding fervent Protestant, very zealous and carefull in tendring the vvealth of Ireland, vvherein the coun∣trey giveth him the praise over all his predecessours and suc∣cessours vvithin memory, he spent his vvhole allovvance in hospitality, calling the same, his deare Masters meate, none of his ovvne cost. Letters commendatory offered him by the Councell, vvhen Brian had vvrought his trouble before the

nobility of England hee rejected as vaine and superfluous, professing, that if of his owne innocencie he could not up∣hold him, hee would never seeke other shift, then Credo resurrectionem mortuorum, for (quoth he) well they may kill mee, but they shall never conquer mee. Sowre he was, and thundering in words, indeed very temperate, applyed him∣selfe altogether to severity, Lordlinesse, and terrour, Brian dy∣ed within sixe weekes, and Brabason became Lord Iustice, till Saintleger the fourth time was sent over Deputye. To him crept Mac Cartye, that had lately roved and de∣nyed his obedience, with an halter about his necke, and got his pardon.

Vpon Saintleger came Sir Iames Croftes, of whose bounty and honourable dealing towards them, they yeeld at this day a generall good report. Crofts tarryed in office two yeares, and left Sir Thomas Cusack (who dyed five houres before the writing heereof, and Gerald Ailmer, while they both were coursing Oneale from Dundalke.

* 2.55Queene Mary established in her Crowne, committed her government once more to Saintleger, whom sundry Noble∣men pelted and lifted at, till they shouldered him quite out of all credite.* 2.56 He to be counted forward and plyable to the taste of King Edward the sixt his raigne,* 2.57 rymed against the Reall Presence for his pastime, and let the papers fall where Cour∣tiers might light thereon, vvho greatly magnified the pith and conveyance of that noble sonnet But the originall of his own hand-vvriting, had the same firmely (though contrary to his ovvne Iudgement) vvandering in so many hands, that his ad∣versary caught it, and tripped it in his vvay: the spot vvhereof he could never vvipe out. Thus vvas he removed, a discreete Gentleman, very studious of the State of Ireland, enriched, stout enough, vvithout gall.

While the Deputy staggered uncertaine of continuance, the Tooles, and the Cavenaghes vvaxed cockish in the Coun∣tie of Divelin, rangeing in flockes of seven or eight score, on vvhom set forth the Marshall and the Sheriffes of Divelin, Buckley and Gygen, vvith the citties helpe, and over-layde

them in sudden skirmishes, of which, threescore were execu∣ted for example.

Thomas Earle of Sussex, Lord Deputy,* 2.58 with whom came his Brother in law Sir Henry Sidney, Treasurer. This Deputy,* 2.59 to the inestimable benefite of the Realme, brought under obedience the disordered countreyes of Leix, Slew∣marge, Ofalie, Irrye, and Glinmalire, then late possessed by the Oconnore, Omores, Odempsyes, and other Irish rebels. Hee molested Iames Mac Conell the Scottish Islander, that in those dayes joyned with the Irish, and disquieted Vlster. In which voyage Divelin assisted the Governour with a faire compa∣ny, conducted by Iohn Vsher, Sheriffe, and Patrick Buckley. He held a Parliament, wherein it was made high Treason to re∣taine Scots for souldiours, and fellony to contract with them matrimony.* 2.60 At his returne from England (in which time Sir Henry Sidney vvas Lord Iustice) hee pursued the Scots to their Ilands, and there entred, did them much skathe, vvanne himselfe full great commendation of hardinesse, sayled backe vvith the glory of that adventure, vvherein (I trovv) tvvo more of his matches are not remembred, nor read. With the nevves of Maryes death, hee crossed the seas againe into England, leaving Sir Henry Sidney, Lord Iustice, and yet againe the next yeare leaving Sir VVilliam Fitzwilliams Lord Iustice, then returned he Lord Lieutenant of Ireland,* 2.61 by Proclamation reformed and aba∣ted their base Coyne, being as yet perfect in all the pro∣portions, measures, allayes and values thereof, as by min∣tanor, tooke vvith him souldiours out of Divelin, victu∣alled for sixe vveekes at that citties charge,* 2.62 under the leading of Petaboghe Sheriffe, and joyning him to his povver, vvent upon Shane Oneale, the Irish enemy of greatest force then living. Thereupon Shane hyed him into England, the Lieutenant after him, Fitz VVilliams Lord Iustice, till Sus∣sex sped his businesse, and came backe the next and last time of his departure.* 2.63 Sir Nicholas Arnold directed thither vvith Commission, tarryed behinde him Lord Iustice, and too short a vvhile as the country speaketh, vvho testifieth his

upright and reasonable provision of household cates, the ab∣uses whereof with sesse and souldiours, doe so impove∣rish and alienate the needie Farmors from us, that they say they might as easily beare the Irish oppressions of Conies & Cuddies, from which we pretend to deliver them.

Arnold for his better successe in government, linked him∣selfe entirely with Gerald Earle of Kildare, who likewise en∣deavoured to support the same with all diligence, being au∣thorized to straine the rebells at his discretion, wherefore hee disposed himselfe to serve, and presented the Gover∣nour many times with a number of principall Out-lawes heades.

* 2.64In the meane while Sussex became Lord President of the North of England, a spare man of body, but sound & health∣full, brought up with Stephen Gardiner, passing valiant, a deep reacher, very zealous in friendship, quicke in resolution of ex∣tremities in the field, wonderfull patient, able to tyre ten soul∣diours, learned and languaged, ever doing with his penne, of utterance sharpe and sententious, wary, busie, painefull, and speedie, meeter to rule, then to be over-ruled.

Sir Henry Sidney, Knight of the Garter, Lord Presi∣dent of Wales, and Lord Deputie of Ireland. Hee found the Realme distempered vvith Oneales rebellion, and the same did extinguish, vvhereof before I speake, I must looke backe a little into certaine yeares past, and lay together the circumstance of this lamentable tumult.

Of all the Irish Princes, though none vvas then comparable to Oneale for antiquity and noblenesse of bloud, yet had the same endured sundry varieties and vexations, untill the divi∣on began in England of the tvvo royall families, Yorke and Lancaster, at vvhich time the English Lords of Ireland, either for zeale, or for kinred and affection transporting their force thither to vphold a side, the meere Irish vvaxed insolent, and chiefly Oneale incroched upon the full possession of Vlster,* 2.65 a∣biding so uncontrolled, till Shane Oneale fearing the puissance of Henry 8. exhibited to him a voluntary submissiō, surrendred all titles of honour, received at his hands the Earledome of

Ter-owen, commonly called Tirone, to be held of the King of English forme and tenure: Armes he gave the bloody hand a terrible cognizance. This Oneale had two sonnes, Matthew a bastard, and Shane legitimate, but because Matthew was a lusty horseman, welbeloved, and a tryed Souldiour, Shane but a Boy, and not of much hope, the father obtained the Barony of Donganon, and the remainder of his Earledome to Mat∣thew. When Shane and his foster brethren grew to yeares, they considered of the injury and tyranny, done by policie of the base Oneale, with rearing hue and cry at the side of a Castle where he lay that night, when the Gentleman ran suddainely forth to answere the cry, as the custome is, they betrayed and murdered him. The father not utterly discontent with his dispatch, when he saw the proofe of his lawfull sonne and heire, thenceforward fancied Shane Oneale, put him in trust with all, himselfe being but a Cripple, notwithstanding that Matthew left issue male which liveth, to whom the inheri∣tance appertained, yet after his fathers decease, Shane was re∣puted for the rightfull Oneale, tooke it, kept it, challenged su∣periority over the Irish Lords of Vlster, warred also upon the English part, subdued Oreyly, imprisoned Odonil, his wife, and his sonne, enriched himselfe with all Odonils forts, castles, and plate, by way of ransome, detained pledges of obedience, the wife (whom he carnally abused) and the Childe, fortified a strong Iland in Tyrone, which he named spitefully, Foogh-ni-Gall, that is, the hate of English men, whom he so detested, that he hanged a Souldiour for eating English bisket, another by the feete mistrusted for a spy, another Captaine of the Gal∣loglaghes he slew with torture. After this usurpation and ty∣ranny, hee was yet perswaded by Melchior Husse sent unto him from Gerald Earle of Kildare, to reconcile himselfe to good order, and to remember the honourable estate where∣in King Henry placed his father, which monition he accep∣ted, besought his protection, and made a voyage into Eng∣land, where the Courtiers noteing his haughtines and barba∣rity devised his stile thus. Oneale the great, Cousin to S. Pa∣tricke, friend to the Queene of England, enemy to all the

world besides. Thence he sped home againe, gratiously dealt with, used Civility, expelled the Scots out of all Vlster, where they intended a conquest, wounded and tooke prisoner, Cap∣taine Iames Mac Conill their Chieftaine, whereof the said Iames deceased: ordered the North so properly, that if any subject could approve the losse of money or goods within his pre∣cinct, he would assuredly either force the robber to restituti∣on, or of his owne cost redeeme the harme to the loosers con∣tentation. Sitting at meate, before he put one morsell into his mouth, he used to slice a portion above the dayly almes, and send it namely to some begger at his gate, saying, it was meete to serve Christ first: But the Lords of Vlster, and elsewhere, whom he yoked and spoiled at pleasure, abhorring his pride and extortion, craved assistance of the Deputy, for redresse thereof: Oneale advertised, increaseth his rage, disturbeth and driveth out Mac Gwire, the plantiffe, burneth the Metropoli∣tane Church of Ardmagh, because no English army might lodge therein, for which sacriledge the Primate accursed him, besiegeth Dundalke, practiseth to call strangers into the land for ayde, as appeareth by those letters which Sir Henry Sidney Lord Deputy intercepted, occupieth all the North of Ireland, being 100. myles broad, 120. long. Then addressed he plau∣sible letters to the Potentates of Mounster, exhorting them to rebell, that the force of England at once might bee dismem∣bred. This message the Deputy prevented, stayed the country, abridged him of that hope, and then proclaimed him Tray∣tor. An Irish Iester standing by, and hearing Oneale denoun∣ced with addition of a new name, traytor: Except (quoth he) traytor be a more honourable title then Oneale, he shall never take it upon him, by my consent.

While the Deputy was absent in England, the towne of Droghedagh was in hazard to be taken by the Rebels, which to preserve,* 2.66 at the motion of the Lady Sidney, then abiding in Droghedagh, came Master Sarsfield then Major of Divelin, with a chosen band of goodly young men Citizens, and brake the rage of the enemies. The Deputy returning made him Knight, and finding it now high time utterly to weede

and roote out the Traytor, he furnished a substantiall army, and with the readines thereof hartened the Irish, whom O∣neale had impoverished, cut off his adherents, and all accesse of succour, chased him and his into corners, spent him, cast him into such despaire, that he consulted with his Secretary Neale Mac Connor,* 2.67 to present himselfe unknowne and dis∣guised to the Deputy, with an halter about his necke, begging his pardon. Ere you doe so (quoth his Clarke) let us prove an extreame shift, and there he perswaded him to joyne with the Scots, whom he had lately banished: of whom, should he be refused or finde inconvenience, at any time, submission to the Deputy might then be used, when all faileth. Shane knew himselfe odious to the Scots, especially to them whom he thought to lincke with the brother and kindred of Iames Mac Conill,* 2.68 yet in those hard oddes hee devised rather to assay their friendship, then to grate upon mercy, which so oft and so intollerably he had abused.

Mac Conill whom Shane overthrew left two brethren, and a Sister, whereof one Suarly Torwy remained with Oneale, en∣tertayned after his brothers death. The other was Alexander Oge, who with 600. Scots incamped now in Clanebov. The woman was Agnes Ilye, whose husband Shane slew in the said discomfiture, Agnes had a sonne Mac Gillye Aspucke, who betrayed Oneale to avenge his Fathers and Vncles quarrell. At the first meeting, (for thither he came accompanied with Torwy and his Secretary, and 50. horsemen) the Captaines made him great cheere, and fell to quaffing, but Aspucke min∣ding to enter into his purpose, there openly challenged his Secretary, as the Author of a dishonourable report, that Mac Conils wife did offer to forsake her country and friends, and to marry with Shane Oneale her husbands destruction; Mary (quoth the Secretary) if thine Aunt were Queen of Scotland, it might beseeme her full well, to seeke such a marriage. To this brawle Oneale gave eare, upheld his man, advaunced his owne degree: The comparison bred a fray betweene their Souldiours; Out sprang Aspucke, and beat Oneales man, and then suddainely brought his band upon them in the tent,

where the Souldiours with their slaughter-knives, killed the Secretary and Shane Oneale,* 2.69 mangled him cruelly, lapped him in an old Irish shirte, and tumbled him into a pit, within an old Chappell hard by whose head foure dayes after, Captaine Pierce cut off and met therewith the Deputy, who sent it be∣fore him staked on a pole, to the Castle of Divelin, where it now standeth. It is thought that Tirlagh who now usurpeth the name of Oneale, practised this devise with Agnes, Alexan∣der, and Torwy, when he perceived Shane discouraged, and not able to hold out.

Thus the wretched man ended, who might have lived like a Prince, had he not quenched the sparkes of grace that appeared in him, with arrogancy and contempt against his Prince.

* 2.70The next Tumult in Ireland proceeded of the folly, especi∣ally of Sir Edmund Butler, Pierce and Edward his Brethren, who being unable in law, to maintaine his title to certaine landes, whereof he held possession, whereunto Sir Peter Ca∣rew laide very direct and manifest claime, (for Carew is an an∣cient Barons house in Ireland) confedered with Iames Fitz Morice of the south, and others, began commotion, more dan∣gerous to the Realme then the late stirre of Oneale, such was their opportunity of place, the rebels so friended, their num∣ber so furnished, that the Deputy passing forth against them in haste, requisite with such shift as the suddaine mischiefe asked, was thought to have put his person in great adven∣ture, but in conclusion he wanne by that journey, great mar∣tiall honour, started them from hole to hole, and ransackt e∣very veine of the land, so as the Butlers craving protection, shortly recoyled, and stand now at the Queenes mercy. To appease the country, & reforme the lewdnes of his Brethren, Thomas Earle of Ormond came from the Court of England home, and in quieting the said broyles, shewed also for his part, a right good peece of service, worthy to be remembred. After this ensued a Parliament, the particulars whereof, are expressed in the acts lately drawne, to be published in Print, somewhat before the last session, a seditious libell intituled,

Tom Troth, (let fall in the streetes of Divelin) nipped by name diverse honourable and worshipfull of the Realme, & certaine officers of the Deputyes houshold, for greeving the land with impositions of Cesse, whereupon followed a pro∣clamation, bearing date the twenty eight of Ianuary, which if it may bee executed in all points, would cut off many such murmures, and leave a blessed memory of the Governour that devised it.* 2.71 The day of prorogation when the Knights and Burgesses of the Cominalty resorted to the Lordes of the upper house, much good matter was there uttered betweene the Deputy and the Speaker, whereof comming home to my lodging I tooke notes, and here I will deliver them, as neere as I can call them to minde, in the same words and sentences, that I heard them. First the Speaker Iames Stanihurst an Es∣quire of worship, Recorder of Divelin, and for the Citty Bur∣gesse at that present, began thus.

Rather of custome and dutyfull humility,* 2.72 then for doubt of your honourable disposition, (so well knowne to us all, and to every of us in private, that it little needeth my praise) we are to request your Lordship in the behalfe of our selves, and our countryes, whom we represent in this Parliament, to accept our service and endeavour in driving these conclusi∣ons, where by to the uttermost of our skill we have intended without injury, the Crowne to enrich, treasons to chastise, to better the state, traffique to further, learning to cherish, and in briefe, to maintaine with our best advice those benefits, which the Prince hath inferred upon this Realme by you, and you with your sword and wisedome have performed. An ordinary suite it is, in the end of such assemblies to crave exe∣cutions of law, for it sufficeth not, to keepe a statute tanquam inclusum in tabulis, as a thing shut up in parchment rolles, but law must speake and walke abroad, to the comfort and be∣hoofe of good subjects: Otherwise, vve shall resemble the folly of him, that once in every houre saluted his gold, never using it, but onely bad it lye still and couch. Of the necessity thereof, I cannot say so much as your Lordship conceiveth,

and I desire not to discourse a matter generally felt and con∣fessed. In particular the zeale which I have to the reformati∣on of this Realme, and to breede in the rudest of our people, resolute English hearts, moveth me to pray your Lordships helping hand for the practise, namely of one statute which is for the erecting of Grammer Schooles, within every diocesse, the stipends to be levied in such proportion, as in the late act hath beene devised, whereunto the royall assent is already granted, and yet the point in no forwardnes, nor in none is like to be, except by some good meanes, the onset be given & freshly followed, surely might one generation sippe a little of this liquor, and so bee induced to long for more, both our country men that live obeysant, would ensue with a courage the fruites of peace, whereby good learning is supported, and our unquiet neighbours would finde such sweetenesse in the taste thereof, as it should bee a ready way to reclaime them. In mine experience, who have not yet seene much more then forty yeares, I am able to say that our Realme is at this day an halfe deale more civill then it was, since noble men and wor∣shipfull, with others of ability, have used to send their sonnes into England to the Law, to Vniversities, or to Schooles. Now when the same Schooles shall bee brought home to their doores, that all that will may repaire unto them, I doubt not, considering the numbers brought up beyond the Seas, and the good already done in those few places, where lear∣ning is professed, but this addition discreetly made, will fo∣ster a young frye, likely to prove good members of this com∣mon wealth, and desirous to traine their children the same way. Neither were it a small helpe to the assurance of the Crowne of England, when Babes from their Craddles should be inured under learned Schoole-masters, with a pure English tongue, habite, fashion, discipline; and in time utterly forget the affinity of their unbroken borderers, who possibly might be wonne by this example, or at the least wise loose the opportunity, which novv they have, to infect others▪ And seeing our hap is not yet, to plant an Vniversity here at home, which attempt can never bee remembred without many

thankes to your good Lordship for your bountifull offer, me seemeth it is the more expedient to enter so farre forth as our commission reacheth, and to hope for the rest: I have said e∣nough, especially to a learned governour, to whom an inck∣ling were sufficient in such a plausible and needfull motion. It resteth that wee pray your Lordship to folde up whatsoe∣ver squarings or diversities of Iudgements, wise men have heere uttered in our often meetings, and by the sequele of all our doings to measure the good meaning of every severall person.

When the Speaker had done, the Deputy having a rich and plentifull kinde of utterance, meere naturall, but not without judgement, answered at length, as he that knew no end of his good, the points whereof, as I can remember, were these.

In good faith, M. Speaker, I cannot lesse doe, but recorde and testifie the readines, travaile and good service of you all,* 2.73 and namely of your selfe, who in the whole course of this Parliament, & now lastly in this charitable request for tray∣ning your youth, have confirmed the opinion which my selfe and the generall voyce long since retained of your rare ver∣tues, devotion, wisedome, learning, and modestie, so as the case cannot be misdoubted that is preferred by such a Pro∣ctor, the substance whereof toucheth you my Lords spirituall and temporall, & you the knights and worshipfull of every Shire, to you belongeth the quickening of this godly statute, which heere againe I recommend unto you, & will not let to enquire after your diligence therein from time to time, & the most effectuall order that may be for this purpose, shall assu∣redly be taken in place convenient. Shew your selves forvvard and franke in advancing the honour, wealth, ease and credit of your countryes, envy not to your posterity the same path that your selves have troden, and namely you that flourish at this day in the light & eye of your cōmon-wealth. Had your opi∣nions matched with mine, concerning the Vniversity which M. Speaker remembreth, no doubt the name and reputation thereof would have bin a spurre to these erections, as nurses

for babes to suck in, till they might repaire thither to be wai∣ned: But I trust your consents therein are only suspended for a time, and that so much good labour shall not be utterly lost and frustrate: What though certaine imperfections cannot as yet be salved? What though the summe arise not to make a muster of Colledges at the first day? What though the place be not also commodious? What though other circumstances inferre a feeble and rawe foundation? These are indeede ob∣jections of the multitude, whose backewardnesse bree∣deth an unnecessary stoppe in this our purpose. But your wisedomes can easily consider that time must ripen a weake beginning, that other Vniversities began with lesse, that all experience telleth us so, shall wee be so curi∣ous or so testy that nothing will please us, but all in all, all absolute, all excellent, all furnished, all beautified, all forti∣fied in the prime and infancie thereof. I remember a tale of Apuleius asse, who being indifferently placed betweene two bottles of haye, because he could not reach them both at once, forbare them both. Let us not so doe, but content our selves by little and little to bee fedde as the case requireth. The rest of your Bills debated and passed by your wise∣domes in this Parliament, I must confesse, they are as you say, beneficiall to the Queene my Mistris, and to her Crowne, but how? Verily as the Husband-man soweth his seede, and reapeth much more then he layde downe, so whatsoever this benefite amounteth unto, it returneth to your selves in a circle, heere it groweth, heere it is eaten, heere it multiplyeth, heere it is spent, they have their due, the Prince is bettered, you are qui∣eted, Iustice executed, malefactours terrifyed. Were they never so deare collopps of your owne flesh and bloud, I see not how you could either have coloured their offence, or qualifyed their punishment, the one so no∣torious, that it cannot be dissembled, the other so ordinary, that course of law prescribeth it. Therefore as you have well done, so you have done but your duties, allowed an inch to receive an ell, abridged your owne foes, avenged your own

Injuryes, condemned your owne oppressors. And yet this du∣ty being on your parts, so cheerefully and painfully, so loving∣ly and advisedly performed, deserveth great thankes, and shall finde it too, If I bee the man, either in office able to consider you, or out of office in place to friend you. I am to depart in∣to England shortly, lay your heads together, and article the points, whereby this Realme may be furthered, use mee ei∣ther as a mouth to speake for you, or an eye to direct you, or as a hand to under-prop you, aut consilio, aut auxilio. Besides, the generall care vvhich I ought to have for you all, as your governour, and yoked together under one obedience, English blouds, and English hearts, I am linked to you as to my conti∣nuall acquaintance these many yeares, hither I came in my spring, heere I have spent my summer, I returne in the fall of the leafe, now is the time, intimate your defects in demaunds, or what else soever may content you, and see whether I will tender your common-wealth. I meane not the pretended common-wealth, seditiously promoted in Tom Loodles ryme, but some good and substantiall matter worth the hearing, which upright and equall men will indeede e∣steeme. As for his complaint of Cesse and Imposition, it savoureth either hatefull malice, or childish folly, malice if he would decay the garrison that preserveth the Realme, folly if he thinke the Realme can be preserved vvithout a gar∣rison, vvherin I will shew you my fancie by the vvay, perhaps out of all order, but I pray beare vvith mee, I take matters as they come next to hand, I can not skill of vvritten tales. Many a good-fellovv talkes of Robin Hoode, that never drevv in his Bovv, and many an idle head is full of Proclamations, and conceiveth certaine farre fetches, able in his vveening to vvield a Realme. But let me see vvhich of them all can justi∣fie, that Ireland may spare the Army they kicke so much a∣gainst. Are your enemyes more tractable then they have beene? Are they fevver? Are you by your selves of force to match them? If you bee, then vvere England starke madde, to disburse tvventie or thirtie thousand pounds a yeare, for none other purpose but to vexe and grieve you:

that were like the husband who gelded himselfe to anger his wife. You must not thinke wee love you so evill, nay rather thinke truely wee tender your quietnesse and preser∣vation, as a nation derived from our auncestours, ingraffed and incorporate into one body with us, disturbed with a sort of barbarous people, odious to God and man, that lappe your bloud as greedily as ours. The abuse of souldiours, their horse, boyes, and harlots, the Legerdemaine of Cap∣taines, chequerelles, the purloyning of Cessors & Constables, the number of freedomes holding onely by concordatum, the annoyance and hurt which the poore farmer endureth, as I know them to be intollerable, so I know them to be redres∣sed with the first detection, whose complaint hath not been heard? whose enormity vvinked at? what can you aske more? would you have souldiours nothing insolent, nothing sensu∣all, nothing greedy, no quarrellers? so wish I, but scarce hope for it, vvould you hazard a misery certaine, extreame, and in∣curable, to avoyde a trouble casuall, transitory, and remedi∣lesse? so vvould not I, if you can prove a garrison needlesse, I undertake to ease you thereof, If you neede it, they must bee fedde, finde another vvay then this, to provide for them vi∣ctuall, that carryeth asmuch readinesse to service, and more contentation to your selves, and I assure you mine assistance to set it forvvard. But the Brokers of this libell are vvont to reason, Why should not vvee live vvithout an Army as vvell as in England? Why cannot our Noble-men of might in every border, our tenants and servaunts vvith∣stand the Irish next them, as vvell as the Northerne Lordes and Inhabitants of Riddesdale and Tiddesdale, and those about the Scottish banke resist the Scotts, fa∣cing and pilfering as fast as our enemyes. Very good, vvhat saye they then to Fraunce, vvhich is no vvor∣ser governed then England, and hath an Armye. Ita∣ly notvvithstanding as vvell ordered as Fraunce vvith∣out an Army? Spaine asvvell as either of them both, and continually keepes an Armye? I tell you, these are daungerous and hollovve kindes of Arguments,

which are deduced ab exemplo, by example of other Realmes. Many subtile diversities, many varieties of circumstance, many exceptions alter the case, and make it utterly desperate. Touching Scotland it is well knowne, they were never the men whom England neede to feare: They are but a corner cut out, and easily tamed when they waxe outragious. Your foes lie in the bosome of your Countryes; more in number, richer of ground, desperate theeves, ever at an inch, unpossible to be severed from you without any fence, beside your owne valiantnes, and the helpe of our Souldiours. England is quiet within it selfe, thoroughly peopled on that side of Scotland, which most requireth it, guarded with an army, otherwise the Lords and Gentlemen, and lusty Yeoman, that dwell on a row are ready to maister their private vagaries. From all forraine invasions walled with the wide Ocean. Were there such a Sea betwixt you and the Irish, or were they shut up in an odde end of the land, or had they no such opportunityes of bogges and woods as they have, or were they Lords of the lesser part of Ireland, or were they severed into handfuls, not able to annoy whole towneships and Baronies as they doe, the comparison were somewhat like, but alacke it fareth not so with you, you are beset round, your townes be feeble, the land empty, the commons bare, every county by it selfe cannot save it selfe. Take away the terrour and feare of our Bande, which increaseth your strength, many an Irish Lord would be set agog that novv is full lovvly, and holdeth in his hornes, and the open enemy vvould scovvre your quarters that novv dares not venture lest he pay for his passage. Consi∣der me the effect of an Army vvrought in these fevv yeares, for doubt vvhereof you are nothing so oft nor so lamentably pelted at, as your auncestors vvere, vvhich of them durst be stored vvith coyne, knovving the rebells teeth vvatered there∣at, and himselfe not able to hold him out? vvhich of them had leisure to build, to lye soft and vvarme, to take his ease in his ovvne home? vvhich of them vvere plated, or jevvelled, or attyred themselves, their vivves and children sumptuously, after their calling as you doe now? If your bagges bee full

vvhere theirs were lancke, if you dwell neatly where they dwelled homely, if you sleep on featherbeds where they slept on couches, if you be sumptuous where they vvere skant, you have the more cause to honour that Scepter, that so directeth you, and to love the warrant that procureth you this quietnes, the mother of all your wealth and prosperity.

Therefore to conclude where I began, weigh well the sicke and wounded parts of your common wealth, cure the roote, regard the foundation, the principall pillars, the sum∣mer posts, the stone walles, as for the roofe and the tyles, if yee repaire them onely, and suffer the ground worke to perish, a tempest of weather, a flovve will shake your building. Of some such good and substantiall reformation I would ad∣vise you friendly to consult, and you shall finde me as willing to preferre the generall welfare of you all, as I have beene de∣sirous to benefit every singular person of you, that hath in any lawfull suite attempted me.

¶ These last words gave Sidney to the Realme, as it were for a farewell, and thenceforvvards looked for Sir VVilliam Fitz VVilliams his brother in law, a politicke and stout gentleman, now Lord Iustice, and for Sir Iohn Perrot Lord president of Mounster, to be settled there, before his departure. He was ho∣nored at the point of his going, with such recourse, pompe, musicke, shewes & enterludes, as no man remēbreth the like. He tooke ship towards England at the key of Divelin, in Lent follovving,* 2.74 accōpanied to sea with the Estates & Worshipfull of Ireland, vvith innumerable harty prayers, & vvith that vvish of his returne, vvhereof but fevv Governours in these last 60. yeares, have held possession. The man vvas surely much loved of them, from his first office of Treasurer in the 2. yeare of Queen Mary, stately vvithout disdaine, familiar vvithout con∣tempt, very continent & chast of body, no more then enough liberall, learned in many languages, & a great lover of learning perfect in blazoning of armes, skilfull of antiquities, of vvit fresh and lively, in consultations very Temperate, in utterance happy, vvhich his experience and vvisedome hath made arti∣ficiall, a preferrer of many, a father to his servants, both in warre and peace of commendable courage.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  1167.
• * 1.2

  This Chapter concludeth the 1. and 2. booke Cambrens de conquest Hi∣berniae: delive∣red unto me by Francis Ag••rd.
• * 1.3

  Polichron. Plat. in Ad••. 4. Io. Stell. in Chr▪
• * 1.4

  Iohn Stow.
• * 1.5

  The Kings letter.
• * 1.6

  Lo. Strongbow al. Chepstowe.
• * 1.7

  Fitz Stephens. Fitz Gerald.
• * 1.8

  Conditions of peace.
• * 1.9

  Reymond le Grose.
• * 1.10

  11••0.
• * 1.11

  Divelin assaul∣ted 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Normans.
• * 1.12

  Hasculphus the Norman.
• * 1.13

  1171.
• * 1.14

  1172.
• * 1.15

  Regni sui 17. Aetatis 41.
• * 1.16

  Merlines Pro∣phecy.
• * 1.17

  Irish Prophets. Fab. part 7. c. 237.
• * 1.18

  Pol Virg lib. 13 Angl. Hist. Synode of Ca∣shell-
• * 1.19

  King Henry returneth into England.
• * 1.20

  Ororick with one eye.
• * 1.21

  Earle Strong∣bow.
• * 1.22

  Strongbow Lord Warden of Ireland.
• * 1.23

  Pol. Virg. lib. 13 Angl. Hist.
• * 1.24

  1175. Flatsbury.
• * 1.25

  Basil the wife of Reymond le Grose.
• * 1.26

  Reymond Lord Protectour of Ireland.
• * 1.27

  Vlster conque∣red.
• * 1.28

  1176.
• * 1.29

  1177.
• * 1.30

  Hugh Lacye Protectour.
• * 1.31

  Flat••bury.
• * 1.32

  1178.
• * 1.33

  1179.
• * 1.34

  1180.
• * 1.35

  1182.
• * 1.36

  S. Patrickes Church in Di∣velin founded.
• * 1.37

  Infra cap. 4••
• * 1.38

  S. Patrickes booke of re∣cordes.
• * 1.39

  Girald. Camb.
• * 1.40

  Ioh. Lord of Ireland.
• * 1.41

  In these notes I used the con∣ference of 3. coppies, much different, sent me, the one by my Lord of Trimlestone, another from M Agard, the third from M. Stanyhurst.
• * 1.42

  Lacy murde∣red.
• * 1.43

  1189.
• * 1.44

  Monast. de be∣atitudine.
• * 1.45

  1187.
• * 1.46

  1198. 1199. 1••••••▪
• * 1.47

  Title to Meth.
• * 1.48

  Title to Moun∣ster.
• * 1.49

  Title to Vlster, & Connaght.
• * 1.50

  Burke Earle of Vlster and Connaght.
• * 1.51

  11••9.
• * 1.52

  1199·
• * 1.53

  S••ow▪ Gra••ton. Arth••rus. P••sthumas.
• * 1.54

  120••.
• * 1.55

  Iohn Courcye.
• * 1.56

  1••04.
• * 1.57

  Hugh de Lacy Earle of Vlster.
• * 1.58

  King Iohn en∣treth Ireland the second time. Anno 1210. Stow.
• * 1.59

  Polid. lib. 15.
• * 1.60

  In the suppli∣cation of soule▪
• * 1.61

  Fabian.
• * 1.62

  1212.
• * 1.63

  Henry Scorch∣bill Lord Iu∣stice.
• * 1.64

  ••228.
• * 1.65

  Morice Fitz Gerald, Lord Iustice.
• * 1.66

  124••. 1259· 1260. 1261.
• * 1.67

  1267· 126••. 1270.
• * 1.68

  1280.
• * 1.69

  Divelin fired.
• * 1.70

  Records of Christ Church.
• * 1.71

  It was first a Priory and Ca∣nons, now Deane and Chapiter▪
• * 1.72

  Cap. Randolfe,
• * 1.73

  ••••87.
• * 1.74

  Blundus lib. ••.
• * 1.75

  1281.
• * 1.76

  1294.
• * 1.77

  1294.
• * 1.78

  Bewmarishe.
• * 1.79

  12••6.
• * 1.80

  1299▪
• * 1.81

  1307.
• * 1.82

  Templers. 1.
• * 1.83

  Ty••. l. 12. c. 7.
• * 1.84

  Ga••uin hist. Gal. l. 7.
• * 1.85

  Tom. 3 Con••.
• * 1.86

  Plat. in Clem. 5 chargeth them with treason against the Christians.
• * 1.87

  1309.
• * 1.88

  Iohn Decer.
• * 1.89

  Pierce of Ga∣vestone. S••ow.
• * 1.90

  1311.
• * 1.91

  1313. 1314.
• * 1.92

  1315.
• * 1.93

  Iohn Hussee.
• * 1.94

  The wordes of Okelly.
• * 1.95

  1317.
• * 1.96

  This is of some called the first Earle of Kil∣dare·
• * 1.97

  Mortimer·
• * 1.98

  Edward Bruise raigneth in Vlster.
• * 1.99

  Donald sonne of Arthur Mac Murrowe.
• * 1.100

  1317.
• * 1.101

  Famine hor∣rible.
• * 1.102

  1318.
• * 1.103

  The Scots van∣quished.
• * 1.104

  An. 1320.
• * 1.105

  Vniversity at Dublin.
• * 1.106

  1321.
• * 1.107

  Alice Kettle a Sorceresse.
• * 1.108

  13••7.
• * 1.109

  Adam Duffe·
• * 1.110

  1••2••.
• * 1.111

  The Lord Iu∣stice cleared of a slander·
• * 1.112

  1229.
• * 1.113

  Bermingham hanged.
• * 1.114

  1335·
• * 1.115

  Darcye and Sussex.
• * 1.116

  1337.
• * 1.117

  1338.
• * 1.118

  1340.
• * 1.119

  The first no∣table dissenti∣on of the En∣glish in Ire∣land.
• * 1.120

  1345.
• * 1.121

  1346.
• * 1.122

  1348.
• * 1.123

  Bar. Carew.
• * 1.124

  1350.
• * 1.125

  Sherman Ma∣jor of Divelin.
• * 1.126

  Sir Robert Sa∣vage.
• * 1.127

  1356.
• * 1.128

  1357.
• * 1.129

  1359.
• * 1.130

  1360.
• * 1.131

  1361.
• * 1.132

  Leonell Duke of Clarence.
• * 1.133

  1367. 1369. 1377.
• * 1.134

  Recordes of th'exchequer fought up by M. Iohn Tho∣mas remem∣brancer. Iohn Stow. Records of excheq. an. 9. Rich. 2.
• * 1.135

  1385.
• * 1.136

  1394.
• * 1.137

  1399▪
• * 1.138

  1329.
• * 1.139

  Recordes of Exch.
• * 1.140

  Iames Young in precepts of governement to the Earle of Ormond cap. 5
• * 1.141

  1402.
• * 1.142

  Records of Ch••ist-Church in Divelin.
• * 1.143

  A letter from Corke coppied out of an old Record bea∣ring no date.
• * 1.144

  An. 1408.
• * 1.145

  Register of Majors.
• * 1.146

  Recordes of Exch.
• * 1.147

  1421.
• * 1.148

  The chaste Earle of Or∣mond.
• * 1.149

  Iames Yong.
• * 1.150

  In the transla∣tion of Cam∣brensis. c. ••7.
• * 1.151

  Prec of govern¦ment. c 27.
• * 1.152

  ca. 2••.
• * 1.153

  ca. 41.
• * 1.154

  Lieutenants & their deputyes▪ Records of ex••h••quer.
• * 1.155

  An. 7. An. 1••.
• * 1.156

  An. 20. An. 22. An. 26.
• * 1.157

  An. 27▪
• * 1.158

  Richard Duke of Yorke.
• * 1.159

  Records of Christ-church.
• * 1.160

  1450.
• * 1.161

  Io. Ma. l. 6▪ c. 16
• * 1.162

  1458.
• * 2.1

  The Letter.
• * 2.2

  1459.
• * 2.3

  1460.
• * 2.4

  Ann Reg 1.
• * 2.5

  Ann. D. 1460.
• * 2.6

  Duke of Cla∣rence Lieute∣nant, and his Deputies. 4·
• * 2.7

  An. Reg. ••. An. Reg. 7. An. 10. An. 18.
• * 2.8

  1467.
• * 2.9

  Patrick Sein••∣leger in his col∣lections.
• * 2.10

  1469.
• * 2.11

  1470.
• * 2.12

  Flatsbury.
• * 2.13

  1481.
• * 2.14

  Edw. 5. Rich 3.
• * 2.15

  Henr. 7.
• * 2.16

  1490.
• * 2.17

  1494.
• * 2.18

  an. Hen. 7.14.
• * 2.19

  Perkins confes∣sion.
• * 2.20

  1499.
• * 2.21

  1501.
• * 2.22

  Recordes of Christ-Church
• * 2.23

  1504.
• * 2.24

  1513. From hence∣forward I hav•• followed the relation of the wi••est and most ind••ffe¦rent persons that I could acquaint my selfe withall in Ireland.
• * 2.25

  Register of Majors.
• * 2.26

  1516. Gerald Earle of Kildare.
• * 2.27

  1521.
• * 2.28

  1523.
• * 2.29

  15••4.
• * 2.30

  Talbot of Bel∣gard slaine.
• * 2.31

  1527
• * 2.32

  The Countesse of Ossory.
• * 2.33

  The Cardinals accusation a¦gainst the Earle of Kildare.
• * 2.34

  Treasons layde to the Earle.
• * 2.35

  Kildares reply to the Cardi∣nals oration.
• * 2.36

  Cardinall Woolsey.
• * 2.37

  1528. 15••0.
• * 2.38

  1532.
• * 2.39

  1533
• * 2.40

  1534.
• * 2.41

  1535.
• * 2.42

  The words of Lord Thomas.
• * 2.43

  The letter of Iames Lord Butler, and Lo. Treasurer: to Lord Thomas·
• * 2.44

  Doctour Allen Archbishop of Divelin and L. Chancellor murdered.
• * 2.45

  Iohn Stow.
• * 2.46

  Yong Fitz Ge∣rald preserved.
• * 2.47

  1542.
• * 2.48

  Hall. An. H 8. 32. & 34.
• * 2.49

  1537.
• * 2.50

  Sir ••ames Fitz-Simons Maior of Divelin.
• * 2.51

  1542.
• * 2.52

  Con Oneale Earle of Ty∣rone.
• * 2.53

  154••.
• * 2.54

  Sir Edward Bellingham.
• * 2.55

  Queene Mary.
• * 2.56

  1553.
• * 2.57

  Sir Anthony Seintleger.
• * 2.58

  1554.
• * 2.59

  Earle of Sussex.
• * 2.60

  1557.
• * 2.61

  Queene Eliza∣beth.
• * 2.62

  1560.
• * 2.63

  Sir Nic. Arnold
• * 2.64

  The Earle of Sussex.
• * 2.65

  Oneales rebel∣lion.
• * 2.66

  1566.
• * 2.67

  Oneale van∣quished.
• * 2.68

  Mac Conil the Islander.
• * 2.69

  Oneale mur∣dered.
• * 2.70

  The Butlers rebellion.
• * 2.71

  12. Decembris 1570.
• * 2.72

  The oration of James Stani∣hurst Speaker of the Parlia∣ment.
• * 2.73

  The Lord De∣puties answer.
• * 2.74

  Sir Henry Sid∣ney, Lord De¦puty faileth into England. 25. Mar. 1571.