Silvyn
I am meightely deceaued, but yonder walketh my frende Peregrynne, to whom I will drawe nere, for he hath bene missinge, full one yeare and a half, and assured I am that he hath not spent so greate a tyme in vayne. God save you gentle brother Peregrinne, In what clymat of the worlde haue you made your abydinge., your frends haue bene greately discontented, and much grieved was myself lykewyse, of your longe discontynuance, but now I haue caught you once againe, you may not so lightly departe my companie, before I haue sownded the cause of your absence., and therefore I pray you tell me where you haue spent your tyme, for you must thinck you are not a litle wellcome unto me.
Peregryn
My good brother, I am as glad to see you in health, as any frende whatsoeuer that I haue now in the worlde, and to be brief with you, I arryved not past two howers sithence at Sprignolls shopp, where I made greate enquirye for you, and after I was tryumded I went to paules, then to the Exchaunge, and now I thanck God, I haue met hym at Westminster whom I honour with my harte: and whereas your desyer to knowe where I haue spent my tyme this yeare and this half, you shall understand, that I haue bene in Ireland.
Silvyn
In Irelande man[brvbar] Oh[brvbar] what a country of wrath is that it hath not the addicion of the sillable Ire in vayne, but I pray you tell me., where and how haue you spent your tyme in that land of trouble., and what is the best newes from thence.
Peregryn
My chiefest abydinge, whilest I was there, was in Aphaley (a parcell of the Kinges County.
Silvyn
Why[brvbar] the inhabitantes there, be for the moste English as I haue harde, and men of good accompte.
Peregryn
So they are, for the moste parte, but some of them as honest men (as your oulde acquayntaunce Jherome Son/uher, who was throwne ouer the barre for forgery.
Silvyn
A Shame take them for theire labour (but it maketh no greate skill, for there are men of all sorts good and badd, but I pray thee deliuer, some of that countrie newes.
Peregryn
I am contented, to satisfie thy request, towching such accydentes as haue happened in the Kinges County, duringe my aboade there (myself beeing an eye witnes of many calamyties there happeninge, especially to the poore English and theire adherentes, And first will I begynne, with one Sir Edwarde Harbert of a place called the Durrough.
Silvyn
I remember not longe sithence, I saw him a sutor at the Court and had verry good countenance of her maiestie, beinge mightely befrended with the best sorte and especially with the Erle of Pembrooke, and Doctor Harbert, one of the masters of the requestes.
Peregryn
It is even the verry same gentillman, and god knoeth her maiestie hath to few such in the realme of Ireland (for if shee had the greate devill of the North (the traitor Tyroane I meane) had not continved his malice so longe, But now to the matter, Aboute the ende of harvest 1597 in cometh that graceles bud Bryan Reogh from the Northerne Lucifer (or Belzebub if you will) I much care not, and he lyke a myninge devill, with a nomeber of spirittes
Silvyn
I promis you that knave was bothe hardy, and pollitique, and well frended besydes and I pray you what did hee then.
Peregryn
When that Invisible Jugler saw, that all his trickes, feictes and conceiptes, toke no small effectes, he then imitate Allexander the greate, in whose meryment Lais the Curtyzen provoaked hym to burne Persepolis, which he presently went in hand with. The rumor whereof beinge spread thorough the army (the nobles and chieftaines with theire companies, thinckinge the fyer to haue happened by some mischaunce, came rrvning with water & other matter to quench the same, but seeinge themperour to further the destruction of so Noble a cittie, with his owne handes, threwe downe theire water, and other matters for help and departed with grief. And so my myninge devill burned all the whole parish of the Durrough, to the greate hurte of the good knight, and his tenantes, a losse of no small reconinge and yet never a personne, rich nor poore, small or greate, came either with help of water, or other matter as aforesaid, to the remedy and quenchinge of the premisses, vntill all was with fyer consvmed.
Silvyn
Alas good gentillmean, the more is the pittie that his Lyvinge should ly in such a remoate place., and emongst such vyle neighbours, but I pray you proceed farther, & tell me when this master Engyner will pack him away.
Peregryn
After he had performed all at the Durrough as aforesaid he addresseth himself into the harte of the countrie of Phercall, being otherwyse named Omoloyes countre, and there one Donell McArt Omoloy had some small bickeringe with hym. In which skirmish the said Donell was hurte with an enchaunted weapon in the Arme: so that neither he nor his brother Callogh were euer true to her maiestie sithence.
Silvyn
Now truely as I remember, you and I, aboute some xxiii yeares agon, were walking in yealde hall, at which tyme there cam thither, An ancient fatherlye gentillman, called Capten Cowlye, in company with Master Browne an officer under the maior of the said
Peregryn
Now truly brother Sylvynne thee passest for good remembraunce, for the said Robert was slaigne at the forte bridge (by Shane roa Omoloy and his company, being a brother by the father syde unto the said Donell and Callogh., The last of the two (by some witchcraft as I take it) married the widdowe of one Donnell Omoloy a gallant servitieur of her maiesties who was slaigne by the Connors at the Durrough longe sithence, and shee was the eldest daughter of the said Robert Cowley.
Silvyn
Seene we haue digressed a litle from Brian Reogh whose daughter was mother, to the said Donell and Callogh.
Peregryn
As I haue hard, shee was a sister to a knight called Sir John Tirrell.
Silvyn
But I pray the tell the truth, are theire right Tirrelles in that country.
Peregryn
Why is that such a matter, there are ould Tirrells and New Tirrelles, a whole countrie full in a county called westmeath.
Silvyn
Ould Tirrelles and new Tirrelles[brvbar] I pray you make a destinction of them.
Peregryn
I am content to satisfie they request, as nere as I canne, for havinge had some conference with a gentillman of westmeath, towching those
Silvyn
Now I ensuer you there is some hidden mistery in this name, they have bene such untowarrd people for I remember one myself in Quene Maries tyme (called Sir Edmond Tirrell, as meete a companion for bonner in the persecucion of the protestantes, as might be.
Peregryn
It apereth you would fayne knowe the Irish phrase of that name: I protest unto you, the said gentillman tould me, they call it in Irish Treealh, which signifieth banished for murder or threasonne.
Silvyn
Well brother Peregrynne, I was suer there was some darke meaninge in it, which I am afraid will come to an exchange matter, before it be longe. But what[brvbar] me thinckes we haue bene so far in with the Omoleyes, and the Tirrelles, that wee haue cleane forgotten brian Reogh.
Peregryn
A mischief take his sconce for his labour, for after his thanckles paynes taken at the Currough, he taketh vpp his refections in Pharall, Odoynbes countrie, and the borders there aboutes, and passeth by degrees with more favour then feare
Silvyn
But me thinckes one conceipt or another, still dryves us away, from endinge with Brian Reogh, a plague take his greatnes, for I rem-ber you and I, saw the miscreant, in the counter, being comitted by one Sir Charles Ocarroll.
Peregryn
You say true, but two greate ones, were suters for his enlardgment, the first of them pervayled and the latter reiected, but the service had bene agreate deale better for her maiestie, and the poore Ireland subiect, that he had made his Ultimum Vale at Tybourne.
Silvyn
Truly brother you say true, but we English menne, either we cannot, or we will not see, what is
Peregryn
Well now entreth Brian Reogh agayne, havinge gathered togither a greate nomeber of caterpillers, meete as he thought to goe thorough with his intended villany (accordinge to his oathe anbd promise made to the Traytor Tyroane, so that vppon the last of September 1597, he havinre in his comepany the nomeber of some CCC or fower hundredth reprobates of all sortes, arived into that countrie of Aphaley, with allmoste as greate cvnninge, as he com to the Durrough, withowt either hue and cry made, or blowe gived vntill he cam within half a myle of Phillipstowne, where then lay in garrysonne Capten Henry Cowleys hundredth fote, but yet by the way, he forgot not to enterteigne, Teig Roegh Odoyne, being a whelp of a good kynde, for he is no worse a man, then Shane Oneales daugthers sonne: and in his passinge by Geshill, the Connors in token of a boone voyadge strykes of William Ahaillers headd, because he had spoken blasphemy, agaynst some of their vipoers, Then draweth he on towardes Knockbaleybooy, a towne of Nicholas Tutes, and there my forstallinge companions worke theire pleasures., but yet somewhat before this Master Dempsy came to the towne and tould Lientenant Rushen, that if he woulde take forth some xxtie or xxxtie shot to skirmish with thenemy, he might gall verry many of them, and retourne back agayne in safety (vppon which mocion, and rather rather that the said Dempsy was of credit in that countrie, he was contented to awnswere his request, and therevppon[brvbar] made choyce of his most tryed soldiers, and to encoradge them the better, the said M-r Dempsy bestowed some stoare of sack vppon them, which wyne by gods providence, was the sweetest, that euer they tasted in theire lyves, for that beinge a greate delay, that they went not
Silvyn
I promis you brother, perceaue there be a nomeber of dissemblinge hippocrittes in that countrie, for it apeth, the said m-r dempsies foreknowledge of thenemies strength, and to provoake the said lieutenant and his compay, to goe forth., from the Queens maiesties fforte and towne, to endanger themselues against a multitude: and lay all vppon six and seaven, showed no good meaninge in him, neither the other much to be comended, for his too much forwardnes but god a mercy a cupp of sack, once a mans tyme, thoiugh he neuer meddle with that liquour afterwardes: but I perceaue those forstallinge vipers brake not forthe of theire Cave but to worke an honeste mans woe. But proceede with the skirmish.
Peregryn
Now truely there was a whot skirmish, betwene the Lieutenant and the Enemy, yet allthough
Silvyn
I perceaue the garrysonne soldiers had much adoe to kepe the forte and towne, from destruction, but where were all your greate knightes and gentlemen of that countrie for me thinckes the verry shewe of them if they had not fought, would haue done much to haue dismayed the Enemy.,
Peregryn
I must needes say that the soldiers did what in them lay, for Seriant Phillips skirmished with the enemy at beggars bush, but being overlaied by the caterpillers was driven to retier, and whereas you speake of knightes and gentillmen you shall vnderstand, that an hower after that skirmish at beggars bush, in cometh mr Dempsies brother and some xx or xxxtie kearne and shot with hym (with greate hast and litle speede, as though they had slept all the tyme the enemy was in theire country, and not mynded to follow the vipers, drew towardes mr Phillips, for theire dynners and so returned ouer the bog into theire owne country withowt blow given or taken.
Silvyn
Now truly brother if I were to distinguish the abouesaide comepanions, (with Lucyfers crewe, I woulde make litle difference, betwene bothe parties, for the black disciples worke theire mailce openly with swoorde and fyer: and the other
Peregryn
After that these broode of vypers passed beggars bush, they devyded theire loose companions vnder diuers leaders, and so went through the hart of the countrie burninge and spoylinge my Archvyper kepinge himself with his mayne battle at harmes (for the rescue of such flyinge spirittes, as he had sente abroade (three or fowerscore of which, came to a farme called Cloneireill, within as myle of the forte, and there thought to haue wrought wonders, for that it was in a manner better then a bare towne but thre it well appered, the difference betwene god and mammon, the good and the bad: for in that place, an ould gentillman named Peter Leicester, with some vii or eight lusty fellowes so tickled my vypers that wnet thither, that well was that devill that coulde fly fastest havinge one of theire best ymbes slayne, with some thre or fower other of the comon sorte and divers hurte besydes, which accident somewhat dismaied the Lucifermen., and from thence they poasted towardes Sir Thomas Moores landes, and there they burned some of his townes, but the greatest losse there, happened to one Donogh O Sherin which was estemed to amunte to some CCth markes: the cause of whose mishappe was, that not longe before., he refused the aforesaid Teig Reogh Odoyne for one meales meate, but it had bene better for him, to haue given him a yeares diet.
Silvyn
Now truly brother that was a good ould
Peregryn
To tell the trouthe Sir Thomas Moore was then at Dublin, and Sir Henry Warren, high Sherif, Sir George Cowley, M-r Wakeleys brother with some xxx horssmen made a stande at a place called Tippordalty (Vppon the ende of a togher, being the said Sir Henries lande, and the greatest pece of service that there was done, was an enterpryse perfourmed by the said M-r Wakeleis man, who adventured to ryde ouer the said togher or cauesey, beinge better then a flight shot in length, the Enemy burninge hard by, and so passed to Croghan, And at his retourne., the enemy was on the bog adioyningee to the said togher, and there dicharged a volew of shot at hym, but as god woulde, missed the man and killed the horsse, and yet he lyke a lustie fellowe, escaped from the enemy with his saddle and brydell vnto his comepany: Then some of the flyinge vypers were marching ouer the bog, to haue burned some of Mr Wakeleis land: but were prevented by John Wakeley his brother: for he espyinge there intentes rid form the sherif, with such of his comepany as he had of his owne, and commaunded a nomeber of his brothers tenantes to get vppon to get vppon garrondes, some havinge a stake, a pole or the lyke in theire handes, and so drooped lyke gald fellowes to the top of a hill in view of the Enemy: at which strange and unlooked for shewe, it was no boote to bid my flyinge vipers retyer to their mayne stand.
Silvyn
I promis you the matter was verry well handled aswell of the horsman, as by Mr Wakeley, and truly, allthough I was neuer there in that
Peregryn
Well brother it grieued me to the harte, to see the slacknes of those gentillmen, for no doubt, they are men good enough, and such as hathe sene service, and hae bene captens of good desert, but in this poynte they erred greately, for if they had made but a shew as formerly you haue said, vpon some height at a place called Killadurrey, some half myle by north the towne, they shoulde both haue encoraged the soldiers and townsmen, to haue adventured more then they did, driven M-r dempsies men for shame to haue done somewhat, and they themselues haue engaaged all theire straglers, the grownde being champaigne and harde, yea and by your favour, haue made the Archvyper more affraid then his flyinge spiritts were of Mr Wakelies spearemen, for I assured myself, that they woulde all haue fledd back ouer the bog, and then of necessitie must needes haue loste many of their Idle lymbs in the pursuite, for after they had tasted of the oulde gentillmans banquet at Cloneirieff theire march was so timerous, and their lymbs and eies so weary with travaile, and lokinge aboute, that they thought euery bush had bene a man. But when they saw, there appered no let, and for that the day was somewhat spent, they burned the towne at the togher, and so passed ouer the bog to the two heskers, and there made bonfyers at theire willes and pleasures, but were so wearied with travaile by credible reporte, that fiftie able soldiers would haue discomfited them all.
Silvyn
I protest vnto you, I am weary to heare how our poore countreymen and theire adherentes are
Peregryn
Yea[brvbar] and more and tyme to, but for all that. hee with his black discyples of the Northe, pact themselues into the mountaignes by Dublin, to conferre with Feugh McHughes sonne, aboute some good dishonest matters (I warrant your) yet he forgot not to send the Connors, with the three forstallinge vypers and diuers other reprobates besydes, to molest the Easterly partes of that country, for his vyldnes had not somuch leasure, himselfe, but passinge by the County of Kildare, he forgot not to plvmbe vppon one William Gogh of Dublin, who well paied for his meetinge of so honest a crewe.
Silvyn
Will this goe currant contynvally withoet remedy, that assone as one miscreant goeth owt, another cometh in, but what manner of caterpillers be those Connors.
Peregryn
Marry Sir: these Connors be cosen vermaignes to the wethercock of Paules, for they[brvbar] if the worlde hit not right for theire purposes: they will deney both name and countrey: but to be shorte, a nomeber of these Philistynes now newly hatched, haue tasted the benefit of her maiesties pay, being many of them fostred and brought vp in the bosomes of some of our greate seigniors of the Aphaley, and others. And these rabble of rascalls, begynne to burne, prea, and spoyle, aboute Sir George Cowlies, Mr ffraunces Harbertes, and those Easterly partes, to the greate hinderaunce of those two gentillmen. (and especially to the said Sir George. And to agravate his heavynes the more, the said miscreantes, fyndinge a pretty youth of one trulocks who was married vnto the said Sir George his niece, lyinge sick of an Ague in a bare towne that
Silvyn
I must needes be so boulde, to say thus much, agaynste those gentillmen that nourisheth and bringeth vpp, such Adders broodes in theire bosomes, to the distruction of themselues and discredit of their children, and posteritie: which kynde of nourishers, beinge duly convicted thereof, are no more to be lamented or pittied, (except they amende theire errors, then that personne, which bothe willingly & willfully massacreth himself, for by this meanes they doe undre themselues and theires, and heape contynwall chardges vppon theire prince and soueraigne.
Peregryn
I woulde haue spent the pryce of my hose in Chauncery Lane, that thou haddest bene with mee in Irelande thy Judgement and rememberaunce is so good, but I assure myself, thou art allmoste weary of this Ireland stuffe.
Silvyn
No brother, it is not my meaninge to be weary of your occurrances, if it cost a montehes attendaunce and therefore proceede.
Peregryn
Within a fewe dayes after, those base borne Conors were departed Aphaley, vpp cometh Richard Tirrell, forth of the north, And lyke another myninge devill, never descryed nor countermyned (by any whatsoeuer, vntill he came to Killtubber (an honest comonwealth I warrant you) which way he travayled, Well[brvbar] then was he prosecuted by Sir Edward Harbert, Sir John Tirrell, Sir Thomas Moore and gentle Capten Gifforde, with his vntowardly erected comepany from Connaght, but Sir Thomas and Sir John, drew theire headdes forth of
Silvyn
I doe greately pittie, both Sir Edwarde Harbert and Capten Gifforde, that they shoulde adventure themselues with such kynde of people (yet are somewhat to be blamed, that knowinge theire natures, could no leaue when they were well but what became then of Tirrell.
Peregryn
After he had spedd, as aforesaid, away he poasteth to that bluddy spirit Owny Omoore, to whom
Silvyn
Did not I pronosticat, that there was a secreate meaning (in the name of Tirrells, which woulde proue an exchainge matter, or euer it were longe (Alas good Queene full litle knowest thou the cry of thy distressed servauntes and subiectes in that countrie, for if thou knewest it at the full, or but in that measure as my brother hath set it downe, I assure myself present reformacion woulde be had, but I shall desyer thee, to acquaynt me with one thinge more happened in the last revells, allthough thou makest, all matters happening forthe of the kinges countie forreigne accydentes thy busynes., I trust there is no sea betwene them: Nor greately any preiudice can it be to thy history, somewhat to interlace it, with remanents of other services effected in any qaurter of the realme besydes, but I knowe well enough what mettle thou art made of: for thou thinckest there be remembrances, in every shiere, and countrie throughowt the Realme, (by which meanes thou mayst bee misprooued., but if Fabian, Froysart., Hall, Grafton or any other of the rest that wrote the rememberances of tyme, werre now lyvinge: or any of them that now dothe wryte: would doie nothinge vppon reports, the printer, had not had, somuch labour aboute theire
Peregryn
Well my goo brother: as opportvnitie will serve I will looke vpp my notes, that somewhat towtheth diuers actes effected in other partes of the realme but they are matters by heresay, and yet taken for currant, at church market and mill: As for Lieutenant Vickers, he went into Ireland, with Capten Thomas Morgan, when he and Capten George Acres, arryvinge forthe of holland, some xxv yeares sithence, with a gallant crew of soldiers were directed thither by her maiestie and councell, to assist that noble and thryse Renowned, Walter Erle of Essex in his warres in Ulster. And sithence the dischardge of his said Capten Morgan from thence: he served with Capten Mackworth and after his massacre with Sir Warham Sctledger, and stept up by degrees, from a private soldier, to be his lieutenant and had as greate commendacions, for his towardnes in service (before he matched with this last wyfe who is cosen vermaigne, to the bluddy spirit Owny Omoore., as any man of his tyme in the realme.
Silvyn
Well[brvbar] I am sorry for him: for I knew him before he went into that country, and mightely was he overseene, to Ally himself with the kinrad of Traytors, in place where he servid, and no more to be pittied, then those Ophalians you formerly spoke of: that nourisheth vpp the snake in their owne bosomes: but proceed agayne to Tirrell, for this last victory hath set him aloft, and vntymely death be his confusion.
Peregryn
Agh brother[brvbar] this luciferian, will loose no tyme, for beinge puft vpp with pryde with his late gotten victory in Leix, and thereby annymated lyke Julyan the Apostate, to become infamous
Silvyn
I merveiele greately, how he durst trust him so fast when he left the countrie last.
Peregryn
Yea well enough: for he and his vnblessed crew, were protected the same night, that the ouerthrowe was given in Leix: and then might he come withowt feare to any place, and bothe parle and speake, with his ould frendes, and greate reasonne he had, to visit and make boulde, to encampe himself vppon his uncles landes.
Silvyn
I pray you by whom was he protected.
Peregryn
By Sir Warham SentLedger, lieutenaunt of the fforte and Queenes county called Leix.
Silvyn
Now truly if I had receaued so greate a misfortvne as hee did, I shoule haue bene somuch troubled with my oulde disease of the palsey, that I should haue adventured, lyfe, governement and all, before I shoulde haue subscribed to such a protection.
Peregryn
The knight coulde doe no otherwyse: consideringe the whole state of that countrie lyinge thereupon might otherwyse haue receaued a greater meschief but yet for all this: within a small tyme after all the whole country (the forte excepted) was even as good as clerely loste.
Silvyn
Retourne we agayne to Seigneur Tirrell, for the poore Leisyans had bad luck.
Peregryn
For a night or two, he went a visittinge (and at a place, was saluted and bid right hartely wellcome by the seconde light of the house, Tirrell at that
Silvyn
A half penny halter hange that devyner, and kepe the poore deere forthe of the lyke toyles, but I pray the tell me this mistery, and I thinck, I shall never neede to vse the help, vntill the story be done.
Peregryn
Harke in thyne eare.
Silvyn
If John Wailes (Bonners chief somner had bene alyve, he coulde not haue plaied the knave more in his office, then my hee Devilles the Oracler did, as it may appere by his subtill sconce: but I woulde wish the poore deere to take heede, least by ouermuche trust he catch an untymely death. But proceede to the xlti beoues.
Peregryn
But first I must tell thee, that the tetrarches of the kinges countie, who imatate the way of Allexander the greate his princes and captens when theire master was
Silvyn
I am sorry to such a reporte of the English, and English race, god knitt them in a better league of frendship if it be his pleasure you still forgett the beoves.
Peregryn
But now retourne I agayne to Mr Tirrelles, masterships worship as honest a man as the English Tirrells were, which formerly I entreated of, well boeues were vnsent, whereuppon he advaunceth himself forwarde with his Antichistians, and encampeth at the hill of Mvllagh Rush, imitating haman to learne to clyme aloft, but I though a stranger, could haue wished that hill to haue borne such fruite as hamans gallowes did, then when he was assured that the country woulde give him no beoues owt goeth his currours for provision, some for beof, some for porke, some for muttonne some for small achates for the kitchen. Then owt poasts Lisagh his licour taster, being a degree and a half aboue the knave tapster and he with a nomeber of hellhowndes, visittes poore Killclonfert and the hamlets thereaboutes for aquavitie, ale, bere and other licour, but emongst all the good subiectes in those partes abydinge, one Henry Sumpter a tryed soldier on her maiesties behalf, and then collector of the barony of Phillipstowne was not forgotten, for he passed a ceassinge, and was besiedged in his mannor of Killduff.
Silvyn
I pray you by whom, for now I see there bee sweepstakes abroade.
Peregryn
By no worse man then king obrone, a well nvrtoured gentleman, for all Courtlyke, bringinge upp, who lyke Judas that betrayed Chryst held the poore collector with a tale, whylest the rest of his hellhownds assaulted his fortresse and there toke him prisoner, notwithstanding they had bene fellowes a longe tyme togither: and so carried him before their graunde commander at harmes, then fell they a spoylinge his Christmas stoare, no corner of the house was vnsought, his wyfe stripped stark naked, and one of his daughters vsed, as the persecutors vsed Sct Lawrence, layinge her vppon a Clieue in steadde of a gridiron to be broyled, to make her confes, where her fathers mony lay (and alas the more pittie) he knoweth not where as yet, to make his threasury, but to be shorte, they turned him back to his Chryst Cross row agayne, for they left neether cattell in the fielde, nor goodes in his house, for all was fish that came to net, and now not as collector but as one collected: standeth before that mahomet Tirrell, cravinge for restitution, consideringe they were vnder protection, but all the remedy he had was the levynge of his good swoirde, and pistolls behynde him, for all the rest of his furnytvre was taken away before. And had lost his lyfe lykewyse, and had it not bene for one of the Ocarrolles, that conveyed him away., but as cleane pluct as though he had come from the poulterers, And for that his brother fraynes tenauntes Nere neighbours of his shoulde not laugh him to scorne, my minsinge devilles shaved them so cleane, as if they had newely come from the barbers.
Silvyn
I pray you brother, was neuer a one of your knights or justices, that woulde take the advauntage for breakinge his protection, for I ensure you these accydentes be moste miserable.
Peregryn
In deede a faier advauntadge to be taken by them, for glad was he, that might best shrowde himself
Silvyn
I neuer harde of the lyke confusion in a countrie in my lyfe.
Peregryn
Nay brother you here not the tenth parte of the proceedinges in this country, for Tirrell beinge master of the fielde, cannot want any thinge that is to his lykinge: yet for order sake, if one may so terme it, he causeth streight warninge to be given, throughtout his camp that no gent take aboue ii s. a meale, a kearne or shot xii d, a boy six pece, and such meate as the poore tenantes hath besydes, which is to good for such traytorly villaynes., but for himself and his disworshipfull leaders, they so fill pawnch and purse that nothinge is to whot or to heavy for them.
Silvyn
Now in sooth brother, I haue harde so much euill of some of that countrey, that were it not for such that had not bowed theire knee to Baall, I would never be sorry for any harde accydent that might happen vnto them., but I pray thee when will that hellish brande pack forthe of that countrie.
Peregryn
I am allmoste, at an ende, with this journey of his.
Silvyn
I pray you say on.
Peregryn
Then followeth the doynes and the omoloyes, some of them as honest men, as their predecessors were, who scaled her maiesties forte of Phillipstowne, when the vallyant Robert Cowley was slaigne, and they as principall purveyors to lay vp in stoare against Tirrelles retourne into the kinges county, they take vp fat beaues for the kitchin, leaue cattell for stoare, porkes muttonnes, wheate, maulte, poultry and all other necessaries, not as the countie collectors doe with indifferency, but take all sayinge: that the
Silvyn
Now truly brother as thou knowest, I haue reade ouer many histories, aswell such, as haue tended to the subversion, of empiers, kingdomes, provinces,
Peregryn
Truly brother, thou shootest nere the marke, for in all the tyme that I was there (which was vntill the spoyle of good burrough of Phillipstowne. And country aboute it, the care of the same was so litle reguarded, that neither pledges nor bandes of the borderers was taken except a litle boy of Callogh McArte Omoloyes formerly intreated of: who was brought vpp for a moneth or two at scole at Croghan with Sir Thomas Moore who married his grandmother but at Tirrelles next comminge into the country gaue his custos the slipp: anmd went to the forrest.
Silvyn
It is no mervaiele though that country goe to wrack, as it doth, when such careles gouernment is emongst them, but I pray you what aucthors did that youinge novice reed duringe his aboade at Croghan, for I doubt not, but there was greate care taken of his well doinge.
Peregryn
Truly I know not as yet, but if he take after Donell Omoloyes sonnes (which are his bretheren by the mother syde, he will quickly be owt of his birdinge pece, which he must first vse, for fowle for the kitchin, the next aucthor must bee caliuer boare, to learne to skirmish hande to hand, and the thirde aucthor must fully furnish him for horse and foote, and one of his foster brothers to carry his currior, and then is hee armed to hunt for the comon game of the country, as his father and kyndred on that syde did before him.
Silvyn
I well perceaue, that there are so many of those scollers brought vp in that Realme: that vnles the lorde vouchsafe, to assist vs with his mighty hand, the scollers will be to harde for their masters, well proceede.
Peregryn
Now brother I will match you with an excellent bludd hownde, who neuer gaue ouer huntinge, untill he was knockt in the headde with a halter.
Silvyn
A faier deathe in that country[brvbar] I pray you what is his name, and what be his actes.
Peregryn
Within some fower or fyve daies, after Tirrells departure, being aboute the last of September 1597 in commeth Thomas base gerraldyne, beinge accompanied with the worthy kinge Obroane (euery knaues follower) havinge some CCth scorpions in their comepanie, and he Seignour bastard, playeth rex in the poore countrie of Aphaley (havinge neither protection nor pardonne, and the garrysonne being but Captain Cowlies hundreth: durst not venter vppon them, in respect of theire chardge of the forte and towne, and when he had pawnched himself, and his, with victualles mony and spoyle, he poasted from thence I cared not whither.
Silvyn
I protest unto thee brother. I doe much mervaiele, how either rich or poore, can houlde owt where such extorcion is vsed: and I pray you what bignes is Aphaley [gt ]
Peregryn
I take it to be aboute tenne myle in length, east and west and in breadth north and south fyve myles.
Silvyn
Alas poore people, I haue readde of a cittie, that hath bene more then somuch grownde and well envyroned with a stronge wall. I coulde wish the honest subiect so well fencid, as for the hollow harted companions, my care is no so much (for I compare them but to droanes. Well now to a freash chardge, for I gesse you haue matter enough for a moneth at leaste.
Peregryn
After that folish hardy bastards departure, about the middle of January 1597, in commeth the three Murtoghes and Teig McMurrough Oconnors, with the puissant king Obroane, who beareth rule and aucthoritie in the courtes of all fower quartered devilles.
Silvyn
I pray you before you goe forwarde with the rest, tell me, what is that king obrone, for he is in every mans company, it should seeme that his protection is generall.
Peregryn
Now truly brother you know him allmost aswell as my self for if you be remembered, he was in comepany with us, at the herraulds aboute some six yeares sithence, and woulde haue had the gentillman to drawe forthe his armes, and he woulde content him largely for his paynes. Wherevppon the herrald was contented and required his name, and what countryman he was: he toulde him he was borne in Ireland, and his name was Daniell Raleigh, wherevppon the gentleman willed dubble diligence his servaunt to fetch his bookes: Well Sir quoth king Obrone for that I haue much besynes otherwyse: I will send a frende of myne for them (whom you knowe) who shall se you well satidfied for the doinge of them: who went for them at his request and paid the gentleman, but he kepeth them as yet in
Silvyn
Now I remember the varlet well, for he was sometyme Sir John Norres his foteboy, then came from him to the Prince of Parma and was his sworne man and then I thinck he served Sir George Bowrchier but what caused the villaigne to play the rebell in Ireland.
Peregryn
You haue hit him pat, the cause of his startinge owt (as was alledged agaynst him, that he should supply Brian Reogh with powder leade, match, and other wantes, for he was matcht with one of Omoloyes where that traytor dayly haunted, vpon which Sir Henry Warren then sherif, ceazed vppon all his goodes, but missed himself, and then he shewed, a faier paiere of heeles, and fled into England, and fyndinge small comforte there went ouer into Irelande againe privilie, as honest a man as he went and takinge the advauntage of the tyme aforesaid, enriched himself with the sweate of other mens browes: and when he saw his companions declyninge (havinge filled his purse (with the help of M-r Lucre) procured his pardonne, but neuer durst ask Mr Sherif for his goodes for feare of an after reconinge.
Silvyn
Well I perceaue the worlde is naught in those partes, but because the same teig mc murrough standeth by him self, it shoulde seeme he hath bene a travayler and what was his facultie as you harde.
Peregryn
This is one of the moste daungerouse villaignes that euer was harde of, and bothe he and the other haue passed muster, many a faier yeare togither, and in his noneage cometh into England (as a greate many other of his countreymen doe, and diuers yeares footed it owt with many a geldinge, but in the ende, havinge a months mynde to his country of libertie, (as some say) robbed his master bothe of his apparrell and goulde with other wealthe, and poasteth homewardes, and beinge arryved at Phillipstowne, entred into pay forthwith with Sir George Bowrchier, and not longe after marryed an honest woman in that towne, beinge tempted with his goulden pictures, of which he had some stoare, and so contynved some six or seaven yeares, vntill these broyles began, and for that he was one of the right stamppe: he was receaiued by his cosen vermaigne with greate ioye: but this southerne spirit was not inferiour, to any whatsoeuer to play the collector, for fiftie or threescore powndes a moneth was nothinge with this mate, as he woulde crake himself: he had levyed vppon the countries for his owne purse, for this is that villaigne that betrayed Rathangan in the county of Kildare: but yet by the way one fegarie he played, is not to be forgotten.
Silvyn
I pray thee tell me that, and then ende with the varlet.
Peregryn
Uppon a certayne tyme in this theire black progresse, this divellish desciple, with some other of his fraternitie at his comaunde, came to one Redmondes ffraynes, who beinge apprentice in London, after his yeares expyred marryed, an English woman, and kepeth a victuallinge house, at a church towne called Killucan in the terrytory of forbell, and there ceassinge himself and his, beinge more boulde then wellcome, after that they had dyned with soade, roaste, wyne aquavitie, and other licoure, This blasinge varlet, demaunded forty shillinges of the poore honest woman: she awnswered him, she had no money, thou lyest, quoth he for there is
Silvyn
And hath not the gallowes, eaten vpp, that caterpiller of a comon wealth as yet[brvbar]
Peregryn
I perceaue brother you are somewhat forgetfull, for I toulde you not longe sithence (he betrayed Rathanghan: which was many moneths afterwardes but in the meane tyme he had as a good a carde at a pintch (as Rawleigh had: for when he sawe his consortes declyninge, he being armed at the full, with the threasure of the subiect: bothe he and others of that vnblessed crewe (beinge somewhat interladed lykewyse, with the help of the said M-r Lucre, were receaued in, as though the service had bene greate, to draw them from the enemy, and so had theire pardonnes with small labour.
Silvyn
Oh brother[brvbar] a man may smell: this counterfeit devocion to to far of[brvbar] but proceede to the Murtaghs.
Peregryn
These three mighty fyerbrandes, viz murtogh og mcTirlagh, murtagh Mcowen and murtogh mc liese with the forstallinge vypers, and many other cangrenaes to the nomeber of CCCCth and aboue overspreadde all the weste parte of Aphaley: many of the chiefest hellhowndes, well knowne to haue lived vppon her maiesties pay a longe tyme and these put men to fynes, and toke all at theire pleasures, as mony beofe, muttonne, porke horse hackney, garrandes, mault, brewinge pannes,
Silvyn
Here is a kynde of domynieringe in deed, I ensuer you it was pittie that such an anctient father should haue dwelt in such a romoat place
Peregryn
He plaid his scoller pryce, vnder Sir Henry duke, that worthy gentillman, againste her maiesties enemies in the northe with many other of that vnblessed crew and his provoast prynce vnder his sonne in law Capten Gifforde in Connaght, where he receaued many a hungrie veany (but the dyet and enterteignement for such scvmme of libertynes, was all to good, but he and his associattes, thinckinge that to scarce a countrie, for theire capten (and retourned into Aphaley, where my master devill, expert in all kynde of villainies forsooke his alleadgeance, and plaid his master pryce in that country, against her highnes and her good subiectes.
Silvyn
I haue said enough of my adder breeders before, but what did this miscreant then.
Peregryn
Marry this graunde devill, vnderstandinge, that moste of the poore tenantes of those partes were fledd into Phillipstowne from the malice of those libertynes, he sendeth his currour 4 o the burrough master and to lieutenant Rushen, to sende them away to theire dwellinge places, with speede where for doinge the contrary he woulde vse his extremitie vppon the towne. A wofull thinge god wot, when the Quenes garrysone towne coulde not be a sufficient sanctuary, to defend the subiect from the handes of the wicked, god of his goodnes, relieue our deere bretheren and sisters in chryste there dwellinge, when he shall se tyme.
Silvyn
Why brother this is a diabulo magnifico indeede, for he excelles in his villany, and I perceaue no body durst fynde fault with his protection, for I see it was generall by his retinew (if there were a thousand hoales in it, but what haue we donne with him
Peregryn
I haue allmoste done with him for tyme, but yet by the way, some of his unblessed rabble, forgot to not to visit poore Mr Luther, he havinge neither mony, meate, nor any thinge else to giue them, a way went his plough of garrondes, his brewinge panne, his tenantes w/vyves, all stranungers cattell, vppon his lande (for all his owne except those garrondes was gon before.
Silvyn
Nay I thinck that poore gentillman, had not much left, for I remember (he was allmost cleane shaued by Teig Reogh Odoyne, and his night croes, when Tirrell departed, I pray you end with him.
Peregryn
After dynner tyme on Soneday and revell tyme past in the countrie, these Imps of evill drew towardes the poore burrough, and vnderstandinge by some dishonest varlettes that the gates of the towne were shut against them, the master devell sent graceles his expedicioner, to the burrough master and Lieutenant Rushen: that if they woulde not condiscende, to let him and his comepany passe through the town, he woulde enter the towne perforce. Well the comepany of the caterpillers were so greate that our hartes were in our heeles and glad to suffer them, to passe thorough the key of the country into dempsies countruy, but they in theire passinge, vsed the most villanous wordes that might bee, and proferringe theire peces against her maiesties fortes, to the greate grief of the honest subiect that stood by (my self by chaunce being then in the towne, the garrysones soldiers got wot half naked, and many of them sick, and allmoste starved got them to the forte, and so far this tyme I leaue him to his master Lucifer.
Silvyn
Now truly brother, I neuer saw, readde nor hard of a greater disorder in a country then there is but suerly there must needes be some privy packing where there is so greate a shofelinge: bit I trust we are past the worst.
Peregryn
No not by odds as shall appere by the sequels
Silvyn
A moste lamentable mistry, what thraldome may be worse, to a people conquerors of kingdomes and renowned throughout the worlde then this is, to see our deere bretheren thus contynually vexed, by their vassalles, and no reformacion had, now I ensuer thee brother, it maketh my Intrailes, to turne in my boddy, but I pray thee whither did these pharises, carry that good ould father.
Peregryn
Not to Anna and Caiphas, for thy are part away longe agon, but to the camelion, and the second Barrabas.
Silvyn
And what entereignement had he at those wicked Iudges handes.
Peregryn
When that they had brought him before those bluddy butchers, Mr Donogh Reogh O Pherall nor none of his trayne neede not to declare against him, for those two Crocodilles, had slept vppon the matter, beinge the directors of the tragedy themselues. And beganne not as vassalles as the oulde man had sene them (in whose pryme not many such reprobates coulde abyde his countenaunce to reprehende his sayinge[brvbar] that he had demeaned himself verry ill, in nor gevinge meate and drinck to such as they had sent, And toulde him, that if hee would not put in his sonne or some of his sonnes children in pledg with them, vntill the man hurte might be recouered, he shoulde stay with them himself. Which the ould father manfully accepted, alledginge that he coulde not live longe by course of nature, and the lesser tyme in that plight, And protested that rather then he woulde put in any hostadge as aforesaid, he had rather suffer death the which: the Iudasses perceavinge., that they coulde wrest no more from him, grew to councell and beinge resolued in the ende. for that such a combersome carridge, woulde be an Impediment to theire longe Iourney, to tourne him home agayne, with the hurt man. With especiall chardge to se him well cured. to which agreement the ould man condiscended: And for that the spirit had so faier a wounde, he was so farer healed, that he saved Mr Fludd, a greate deale of chardges, for he breathed forth his ultimum vale the next morninge. Vppon which[brvbar] Slipwith his boy posted to the luciferians to tell them what had befallen, wherevpon theire Mr Chirurgian was called for, and mightely reproued, in tellinge them, there was no cause of death in theire spirit, and then grew mightely discontented that they had let the ould man go. Yet notwithstandinge that they had pread and spoyled him as before, and no restitucion made of one pennyworth that he had lost, were not
Silvyn
Well brother, as thou formerly touldst mee, I should here of more notable and cunninge knaves in theire facultie, the farther wee proceeded, but I pray you did the ould man sende them a hundreth markes.
Peregryn
If he did it was vppon a stick, for his contynuall chardge of houskeepinge, was to greate to be moouyed: yet vppon the misvsadge of this oulde gentillman, the Lord Lieutenant came into the country, to see the estat of thinges there, & so departed to Dublin.
Silvyn
What haue we done with the vipers for I thinck we cannot here of worse.
Peregryn
Yes by oddes, for now begynneth the bluddy and fyery serpentes to play theire partes, but first will I pack these rascalles away, omittinge what a nomeber of villanies, were comitted by them at Clonecreill and other places there aboutes, which is the perfixed day, they allwaies obserue to worke theire treacheries, after they had dischardged Mr ffludd they poasted to Croghan, where I doubt not Sir Thomas Moores purse was the weaker and his tenauntes the worser, what revell they kept vppon the lande of Balleybrittaigne, Balleyburleigh and Coulcor, with exacting of mony, takeing vpp of beoues, and other achates the spoyle was so greate, that I cannot set it downe to my lykinge. And so for this tyme I comende them and theires to theire Master Lucyfer to whom after pawnches and purses full they poasted. And lykwyse with a crosse caper the good thinck to the gallowes, the bastard Thomas Fitzgerald (to become acquanynted with the master of worldely misrule, addresseth himself with them, to the lande of Horeb, he hearinge so greate a reporte of that goulden calf and what his no good busynes is there to be done, for this tyme I recomend both himself, his cursed abettors, maynteigners and receauers, to the tuicion of Antechrist, whom those wicked desciples doe dayly adoare
Silvyn
What a sorte of blynd foulded vermyne be theise that cannot discerne god from mammon, the good from the bad, were not they a greate deale better to serve her maiestie, against her fforeigne enemies then thus traitorusly to kick against theire soueraigne, for I perceaue it is such a country of liberty, that the moste parte vuse no honest meanes to live. Well proceede.
Peregryn
The soneday seu'night followinge, which is the perfixed day they observe, to the contempt of god, theire prince and all good christians (as sabaoth
Silvyn
What a mockery is this, for now I perceaue, that moste of all the chiefest of these caterpillers haue nourished and brought vp as scvllions and horseboyes by many of those partes, and growinge vpp to be past theire papps, are by them entrid as supplymentes into shorte bandes, and there brought vpp at scoole, vntill they canne skillfully handle theire weapons, at her maiesties no small charges, and then apt to fight against her self and subiectes but I will comforte some of those nourishers, with this rude verse:
- Self doe, Self haue,
Downe master, Starte vp knave
Peregryn
Belieue me brother you you will make a prettie poet and learne to shute nere the marke before the story is done.
Silvyn
Well haue yuu done with theise Gallymauffry knaves.
Peregryn
I euen now. I will pack them away for a tyme but yet I had allmoste forgotten one trick of youth shewed by Shane horsboy, for the same villaigne to make the saide Mr Phillips amendes for his good chiere the next soneday followinge, visited him againe and then beinge denyed meate, in respect of his often resorte, made no greate parlinge, but for his farewell, saluted the gentillman with a volew of shot (at the castell chamber windowe (a verry good peace I warrant you) but allthough he and his vypers counde get no victualles, yet in liew thereof, he toke away from him, and his tenauntes the nomber of fiftene garrondes, and caried them cleare away to his graunde Seignour Murtogh oge mcTirlagh, who then lyke a mightly prince of darknes with the forstallinge vypers were no small fooles at Croghan. And so from thence they poasted to Castell Jourdane to visit Gentle Gifforde.
Silvyn
Good brother, tell me is that Mr Phillips one of the mighty pillers of that country: it shoulde seeme so to me, that had rather imparte with xv garrondes then giue them a meales meate?
Peregryn
Allthough his lyvinge be of the leaste assyse in the countrue (yet spoken by an Irroince) he is supposed to be as greate as any in Aphaley.
Silvyn
Now truly because I came in with my stillyarde verse, you will requyte me with a leaden hall fygure I pray thee be playne with me, for otherwyse I shall breake my chynish wittes aboute it, but stay? I haue fownde it, in one of the vaultes of my furthest hollow tooth, and as I take the sence he is the mightiest man of personadge in that country.
Peregryn
In truth brother if you measure your cloathes nor gage your rennesh wynes no better, both you and your
Silvyn
I confes my self, to haue erred, for I tooke naturall for morall, well I hope we haue done with the reprobates.
Peregryn
Now entreth in the bluddy vypers never open actors in this tragedy before, And for lack of other worke, Nicholas Tutes death must needs be staned on, for notwithstandinge the losse of all his howses, cattell and corne he must not live any longer to follow the suite against these adversaries of her maiestie and himself, whose terror is so greate (withowt exception) that it maketh the mountaignes to quiuer and shake but may I be so boulde as to name the murderers.
Silvyn
Yes brother, I warrant you may well enough[brvbar] for here in London, is neither costermonger, gardyner, nor plasterer of their kynne, for I haue harde themelues say, that they come moste owt of the counties of Kilkenny, Waterforde, Cork, and Limberick.
Peregryn
Well then three of them were one Dermoud James O Dempsy his sonnes of Baleynekill within two myles of
Silvyn
I had allwaies thinck that that forstallinge spirit Cormick Oge O Dempsy forsooke not his cave but to worke some private mans distruction, for it shoulde seme aswell by his and his fellowes, burning of the said Tutes townes, when they were in comepany with Brian Reogh, as making chalendge to his towne, that he maligned him: and by all lyklehood was the originall cause of his death. but I pray you was it possible for the murderers to carry away so greate fact vnpvnished.
Peregryn
Now I pray who durst looke out a doares that was willinge to follow them, not one I warrant you for feare of Intrappinge, but marke what a gallant Terrence Mc Teige O Connor was for he standinge still vppon poyntes of peace, vnder cullor whereof, he wilbe no loser, and to prove him to be the same hippocriticall varlet before expressed, doe but looke into his
Silvyn
Now there is a knave semper in deede there is no doubt but he woulde doe good service to her maiesty with that crew: where is it possible for him to fynde an enemy of a worsser sorte then himself, and those bluddy butchers are. Well I pray you proceede for I am weary to here any more of them.
Peregryn
It was a wonder to see, that notwithstandinge it was manyfest, and an open thinge to the worlde what mighty somes of mony, hath bene there exacted by those base borne villaignes, what preas of cattell, spoyles of corne, victualles and other goodes (byesydes theire burninges) taken from the gentillmen and inhabitantes of that poore distressed Aphaley since the begynninge of the troubles cannot amounte in value to lesse, then six thowsandes VC powndes (A particuler note whereof, was presented to the Erle of Ormonde which by chaunce, cam to my handes to haue a view thereof (in which Sir Edwarde harbertes losses were not incerted., beinge owt of the tyme of that note: and for certaine he and his tenantes coulde not leese lesse then worthe MM markes at the leaste, Yet for all this that towardly gentillman, Capten Gifforde (in this poynt (leaue bias) must entermeddle to be murtogh oge mc tirlaghes conducter to kilkenny to the Lord Lieutenant Generall, to procure a further protection, for him and a nomeber of his caterpillers (and who must be speedely smoothered and thrust in) but the murtherers of Nicholas Tute with theire abetter Cormick Og O Dempsy and his crew: which was done by the instant labour of Terence Mc Teige
Silvyn
It is verry strange, that a man of his birthe & parentage (and one whose profession is martiall, will not rather advaunce himself to procure theire banneshment by way of armes., his chardge beinge by her maiesty, bestowed vppon him to that ende, then so to become an vphoulder and contynvner of so wicked a broode: who tendeth nor meaneth nothinge els, but distruction to him and the lyke for theire labour: And I ensuer if it were my case (allthough happely the gentillman is free) I shoulde thinck that my neighbors coulde do no otherwyse, but haue me in greate iealosy, that I should saue myne owne stake by my neighbors losses.
Peregryn
Now truly brother what the gentillmans inwarde purpose or purpose was I know not, but I haue credibly assured: that there was asmuche valure, in that litle carcas of his, either tryable on horsback or one foote, as may be part vp in so sclender a moulde: but in fyne it will fall owt, that he brought vp a snake to stinge himself.
Silvyn
Then happely it proceedeth, but of youth, and ill councell, and no Impeachment to his credit, if he leave of the lyke offices in tyme, for feare of an aftr reconninge, for as the oulde proverbe is, it is not for nothinge, the cat wincked when her eyese were owt, and as much good will and amitie, ought to be betwene the honest subiect, and those forlorne libertynes (if it be well construed) as frendshipp betwene the hownde and the hare. But I smell he will pay for his zeale, before we haue ended.
Peregryn
Well good brother if you will walk home to my lodginge, I will bestowe a pece of muttonne and a capon on
Silvyn
I will not refuse your offere, allthough, the mocion shoulde haue come from mee, but both the fare and company is far better, then your Ireland Lucyfer hath, for all his dronken deominieringe, for as I here say, he must be in traunce once a day or els his licour faieles him.
Peregryn
In this you erre not brother, for it is his profession once in a day, to be of the culler of the Carnalles hat withowt Newgate, but I woulde we had him, in the Gaylors keeping there, and then I trust we should call him to accompt for all his former transgressions.
Silvyn
Now brother is all our tragicall discourses ended yet.
Peregryn
I haue but even now, newly entred into them for now my revyninge spirites, the bastard Giraldyne, Donogh Poape, Morrish Oge, Roarey Oge Omeloy of the Pallace and Donnogh Reogh O Pherrall with some CCC vypers, havinge bene with theire Master Lucifer, who hath caused one of Antechruste his Chapleynes, to dispence with them, aswell for all former synnes and offences, by them comitted, as for all other, of what nature, sorte or condicion soeuer they may or shalbe, and by them or any of theire vypers, acted or comitted hereafter, to be frustrate, voyde & none effect in their demonicall law, and so vppon receapte of the said dispenacion with their comission at harmes, they repaire to Aphaley, where they arryved, the iiii of march 1597.
Silvyn
I am affraid that those sathanistes, come for a farther revenge against the ould man, therefore I pray you proceede.
Peregryn
And first you shall vnderstande, that Lucyfer neuer lyethe Idyle, but even as the roaringe and hungrie lyon, disapointed of his prea, seeketh and courseth throughout all his abydinges, to suffice his hungrie maw, neither sparinge the innocent lambe, the kid, the ewe, the weather, the hee and shee goate, the cow, the ox, the horse the garronde, or any other beaste that is to his lykinge. For nothinge cometh amis, to so cruel a ravenour. As for ensample, I must needes nowe declare vnto thee, one of the moste dolefullest tragedies, that hath bene lightly sene or harde or spoken, either in Europa, Asia, Affrica or the new founde America, for after those reprobates, with a nomeber of those Infidelles, beinge receaued into the favour of theire master of the northe (notwithstanding the articles of peace concluded and agreed vppon betwene the lorde lieutenant generall and his demonicall dishonour (accordinge his wonted treachery, addresseth those fyery allcumistes, privy myners, and invesable vypers to coniure themselues in whole heardes, rysinge behynde, that moste serviceable peere beinge now gon downe northward agayne vppon a latter intreaty. To abate as it were his demaundes, on her maiesties behalf for the securitie of her realme and honor, furnishinge those hellybrandes, with powder in small caske, match in bedsackes, and bullets in succet barrelles (a plague take his unworthynes for his labour) and they beinge so furnisht, lyke Sir Thorollo de Listra, who in one night, was conveyed by an easterne spirit, at the comaundment of Salendyne of Soria, from Acres to Pavia but not for so good an intent as Sir Thorello was, ivmps the
Silvyn
I ensuer you brother those homicides exceede the tygre in his cruelty, for the beastes owtradge proceedes of nature, and those Luciferians, the greater and more heynouser that theire wicked enterpryses are the more pryde and vaynglory, they attribute to themselues, as though they were artificiall ministers in theire bluddy and fyery profession, cesse not to furthe any villany that may breede the English subiectes confusion, as for the gentillmen and others before, I haue daid so much agaynst allready that I leaue theire demeanors to be censured by others. But I pray you what strength of soldiers was in the towne, for I am suer that woefull tragedy was not comitted, owt of their sight and hearinge: and I mervaiele what escuse they had for themselues, that they neuer made a bravado, (for a servitieur could neuer hit vppon a fitter opportvnitie to haue gayned reputaction in his lyfe.
Peregryn
Now truly brother the place was not fully three English myles from Phillipstowne, And theire lay in garrysone for the keepinge of the forte & towne, but some fiftie of Capten Cowlies comepanie, and Capten Giffordes half hundreth, for the rest of Capten Cowlies, were gon to Dublin for municion (being his best men, that was the first escuse, the seconde was for that neither sherif, knight, gentillman or other
Silvyn
Indeede I confes that the comaunders of the forte and twone, had reasonne to doe as they did: but as fot the country seigniors, I will not once remember them, as Plato said to the prince of Tarent, but yet I must needs cry and say, O moste lamentable Tragedy, why should such greate griefes as these, be smothered and kept secrete, but published through owt the worlde, that revendge might be taken. for these contynuall miseries now befallen, vppon our deere bretheren, and no tymely redresse taken, (proceedeth from vayne pitty, detraction, and tolleraunce. As Lucre doctor receipts man, was wonte to say to his patientes, when they woulde say mony was scarce: tush my master has rather haue an angell in hand then trust you with viiid, his master dyed many yeares agon, and since I neuer saw him: and I haue wondered full often which way he is poasted.
Peregryn
I neuer cared much for his comepany as you knowe, but it was my chaunce to meete with him at Dublin at my comyinge away, and so after small salutations betwene vs, for oulde acquayntaunce sake, I toke my leave of him, and left him there, where he said he was to contynew.
Silvyn
Well Let him alone in Ireland. but what became of those perverse tyrantes.
Peregryn
It was a wonder to see, that after those moaths of mischief, had compassed that they cam for, and chiefly for the death of a
Silvyn
Now truly brother, but that the lorde of Chabry and his sonnes with the doctors wife were murdered by the Lady, the Doctor and theire hierlings (and theise by her maiesties enemies. the first against nature, and the second inhvntagne, there is litle difference in the tragedyes consideringe the fact, and the greate nomeber of soules that theire perished, but proceede, and tell me what became of those murderers.
Peregryn
Nay[brvbar] Noe wee will leave them, for a brace of nights, to talke of their winnyings, and allthough the mighty ones, and garrysonne aforesaid, performed
Silvyn
It is the thinge I most desyere to hereof., wherefore I pray you proceede.
Peregryn
Now will I declare vnto you, how those murderers spedd, after theire two nightes rest for vppon theire goinge from the kill, they themselues toke ouer a bog to the tomebrelles of the toagh and sent all theire carreadge and groase spoyle, with theire Qneanes and knaves, by the harde way, and so into the fox his country: of whose demeanour, Capten William Fitzeustace and Capten Pettit heryinge thereof, they then lyinge in garrysonne at Mullingar, some eight myles from the Kill, with theire companies on ffoote, havinge Conly Duff McGoghegan and other of that sept in theire company, vppon Tewsday in the morninge after the massacre donne vppon Mr ffludd and his, And havinge good espiall vppon the enemy advaunced themselues forwardes, and overtooke those reprobates, at a place called Lesmoyne, a house of MaGoghegans standinge vppon a river called Brosnagh where the said Captens and Conly Duff with theire comepanies, gave such a sharpe onsett vppon those roages, that mavgre theire beardes, allthough at the first, they made some resistance, were broken and scattered, many of them put to the sworde, bu the greater sorte that perished were drowned, the river then beinge very high, ouer which our people followed not, partely by reasonne of the water, and the greate stoare of fvrnyture and rich spoyle, that those infernalles threwe away: asswell to tempt the soldiour as otherwyse to fly the lighter, but if they had ffollowed them ouer, as they could not withowt some perill, they had verry nere made an ende of that vnblessed crew, but as it fell owt, they beinge once so broken, were amased and confounded that they coulde neuer gather themselues togither againe, but naked as they were, and devyded into diuers companies, shrowded themselues in the
Silvyn
Now I ensuer you, it was the lorde, that woulde not lett, the lyke offence go longe vnpunished: the execucion whereof[brvbar] both the captens, conly duff, and theire retyniewes did verry well performe and the said Conly Magoghegan, the more to be comended, aswell for that he was no inhabitant of the kinges county, as otherwyse had no enterteignment from her maiestie: but I pray you: mee thinckes, after those enemies of god, her maiestier and comon welth, beinge thus scattered, with the losse of their furniture and other necessaries, might easely haue bene cut of, (if it had pleased the borderers.
Peregryn
I haue toulde you still, that the borderers are another themselues, (for there is none of them that is a borderer, but hath a brother, a sonne or a kinsman, with other of theire countries in accion (and theire meaninges are as I gather it, that if the goale goe on her maiesties syde as I haue no doubt, but that it will and shall then my rezident seigniors with their brasen faces, thinck they haue done her maiestie greate service: in being not actors in personne themselues, aswell for the saueguarde of theire lyvinge as also to haue opportvnitie, to be sutors for their frendes, that haue bene in accion., and if it fall on that contrary parte (as the lorde forbid it shoulde) then are my start owtes to deale for them with the archspirites, that no disparridgement may fall vnto them, and thus by this privie cloakinge and netwyse Iuglinge, they thinck allwaies to haue two stringes to their bowe.
Silvyn
It will neuer be well: vntill a nomeber of those hippocrittes: ask her maiestie forgivenes at the signe of three trees, and hemptonne brydle, well I pray you proceede, was none of them snatcht vpp by the way, as they went to seek theire dishonest ffrendes.
Peregryn
Not yet, before this act now in hand be plaied after those fearefull vipers had intelligence that
Silvyn
I am loath to trouble you with any circvmstances vntill I here the ende of this pageant, but that Terence O Connor and the forestalling Cormick, are two daungerous companions, well proceede.
Peregryn
Now these light armed roages, being disapointed of theire purpose, and vengeably iahungred, were in worse case now, then euer they were before, beinge even as naked as Esoaves Jaye, with that another chappell of ill councell was called (where speedely it was determyned, to take a coashery in Gessill and Clanvaleery, and then euery spirit, to shift for himself, now theire progresse was not so certaine, nor theire councell so secreatly kept: but Mr Terence O Dempsy, James Fitzgerald, his brother Edward and one Patrick Cusack had newes thereof, & met at Geshill, with sufficient comepany of men, wherevppon havinge so good an opportvnitie and so faier an advauntage of those naked roages, it was thought good by the said Edwarde
Silvyn
This archonestles mendes as sower ale dothe in somer from better to worse, for I warrant you his country was neuer burned yet. That were a pretty sporte and two of his brothers in accion. I pray what became of those villaignes, was there never a good fellow, that would play the takers office.
Peregryn
Yes that there did, for within a few wiekes after the basterde Giraldyne was taken by his brother Edward Fitzgerrald aforesaid, morris oge, by the lynaghs and donogh Reogh O Pherrall by others, who being carried to Dublin, receaiued theire country death, withowt any farther ceremony.
Silvyn
And had those bluddy butchers no worse a deathe (for comittinge so abhobymynable a mureder as that of Mr Fluddes, and so many Christian soales, Oh that they had bene in England, or any other country that I haue bene in, each of them, shoulde haue slunge?/swunge/sunge half a foote longer before they shoulde haue acted, so favourable
Peregryn
Now truly brother to easy a death indeede, and after they were taken downe (some of them had buriall, better perfourmed a greate deale: then the murthered had who rather should have bene vsed as the good merchant dothe his rennishe wyne, who thincketh it never good nor vendable, except it be ract, but rackinge tyme in Irelande is stale and a torture not to be vsed, agaynst souche vnmeeke harted people aas the Irish is, for the moste parte of theire offences, is but threasonne and high threasonne, for robberies and other owtradges: they are accompted but jeastes.
Silvyn
Well brother[brvbar] as I was never in Ireland yet so God willing, and for ought knowe: my purpose is never to come there, but you left a companion behynde you there: that let him be armed with countenance will in a few yeares (be so well furnished with the drosse of that kingdome) that at his last darke voyadge., Cerberus will set hell gates wydes open: when he heareth of his cominge: for his trayne will be greate that will follow his loare. Well haue we done with theise unblessed crew, as yet.
Peregryn
In deede brother the party you speake of, so he may haue it, careth not how he dothe come by it. There was another spiritt of that coate, but not of that fraternitie (named Phelim Reogh O Connor) taken by the lorde of Dellvynes men, and after execvted, ads doubty a rebell as the best (and one of the chief of that broode. Many others of that dampnable crew were after taken, kild and hanged, and so after this for the space of three monethes, those that remayned pact into South Leympster, to Ioigne themselues with that archtraytor Brian Reogh.
Silvyn
But I pay you tell me what became of that forstallinge vyper Cormuck O Dempsy that
Peregryn
What[brvbar] and a safe caue for a rescue so nie.
Silvyn
I hoape he coulde neuer enter there againe.
Peregryn
I would I had as many fat oxen, as he hath bene tyme there, sithence his first departure, then shouldest you see me in Smithfielde, on Friday sellinge fat ware for in this vacant tyme, Donell Mc Art Omoloy, was in the north with his master lucyfer, and then had he his protection agayne, in which the forstallinge vyper was not forgotten to be incerted.
Silvyn
I smell one a farr of, that will neuer leave his Iuglinge vntill, he have Iugled himself cleane away: but I pray let me here what newes in that country of South Leimster, for that I perceaue it towcheth much of their doinges.
Peregryn
I will show you a letter that by chaunce cam to my view, being written by a poore travayler, named Seignior bonycomo to his frend Vadwyne Cedary. I pray you let me here it.