Corpus of Electronic Texts Edition
Dialogue of Silvynne and Peregrynne (Author: H. C.)

Book 2

{folio 313r}

The second booke entreateth of matters concerninge south Leimpster

My moste redoubted brother, the greate frendship, that hathe allwaies contynved inviolate betwene vs, from the begynninge of our firste acquayntaunce, vntill the day and date hereof; and now fyndinge my self quyetly seated in the fayer towne of kilkenny: the staple place for all occurrences in these partes happeninge: I coulde doe no lesse, aswell for that my longe contynvaunce in those partes: mooued me thervnto: as hearinge of the ouerthrow and banishment of the graceles O Connors, who all this longe whyle; hathe wrought the rvyne of that most wealthy country: And lastly for that I lately receaued thy letters for my retourne., togither with the newes of those partes, all which if I should haue omitted, I might happely haue fallen into lapse of ingratitude: thy kynde epistle was better wellcome to me then a dozen of ember wiekes, for I haue tasted to much of that costly fare, since the forstallinge vypers, burned me at Clonad in harvest last: and so to the matter.

After that the right honourable the Lorde Lieutenant Generalles goinge from Phillipstowne to Dublin, and Brian Reogh havinge played his pageantes (notwithstandinge his protection (with the slaughter of many of her maiesties good subiectes, yet for all that, it was thought fit, that so evill a companion as hee shoulde not lodge behynde his honour in these partes: his lordship then goinge northwarde, to parlee with the traitor Tyroane, sent him his protection, with comaundement besydes, to repaire forthwith to Dublin: and to attende his honnour: in this expedicion, which he presently did: and after the effectinge of thinges there, he stand a whyle to recreate himself with the Grando diabulo of the northe, vnder whose banner he still fought for all his faier

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{folio 313v} promisses made to the honorable peere; so that vppon his retourne back into Leix, he became Owny Omoore seneshall; who was in the northe disportinge himself with lucyfer when this Monster was come thither; and feelinge himself verry fitt to mannadge any thing, that shoulde be to his lykinge; beinge furnished with his owne spirittes, the moores, donogh poape, shane glasse and others of those dispersed vypers the connors, ment to not ly idle, for understandinge that some of Capten Thomas Leighs soldiers were cominge from Dublin, with apparrell and victualles, for the soldiers at the new forte: he called a chappell of ill councell and toulde them what a cheate there was at hande., but he feared the breakinge of his protection (Nay quoth some of the naked roages that were at the massacre and burninge of Mr Fludd with the rest: we are suer you are not withowt a despensacion, both for yourself and comepany, cominge so lately from the northe: and your protection wilbe a shadow, the better to accomplish the matter, for assone as the seriant cometh in sight draw towardes him, (but with a fewe) and cry frendes, all is peace., and he knowinge of your protection, will cause his comepany; not misdoubt any thing. And when you come within theire shot, fall to the sworde forthwith: this ill councell was not so soone invented but in the same manner or much the lyke presently effected: to the overthrow of some xxxty tall fellowes (whose councell to theire officer was to stand to fight assone as they had discried them, and not to trust such as were faythles, (but his wordes and rash councell prevayled before theires, to his and theire distruction, with the losse of theire apparrell and victuall: yet thery fought it owt to the vttermoste at handblowes, and beinge ouerlaid with multitude sould theire lyves deere, in her maiesties quarrell betwene Athy and Stradbelly.

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{folio 314r}

Then beinge elevated, with this good successe, furnisht his wynde shaken rascalles with the apparell and furniture, that he toke from the soldiers, and so strykes vpp to the borders of Ormonde, where he plaied his pranckes in as good sorte, as in any other place; vppon which that towardly younge gentillman, Capten James Butler, nephew to the Lorde Lieutenant, with his comepany of foote, and some assistaunce of the country, followed the vypers, thinckinge not onely, to haue recouered a prea by the enemy taken, but to haue done some service vppon them; but he lyke companion, haue more trickes in his budget then one, caused his light spirites, to dryve away the prea, whylest he with his moste tryed vypoers, weare seated in ambushe: Now the right worthy gentillman, not mistrusting any such fals measures: neither half Argos eyes aboute him, followed the prea so farre, that he lighted in the middest; betwene the prea and the ambush before he was once aware, and then cvnninge mates gaue an onset bothe before and behynde, agaynst whom that valyant youngling fought verry manfully, with some others aboute him: but the remnant of his people seeinge the Capten engadgt, toke them too theire heeles, one of the best exercyses of that country, where after he beinge soere wounded was taken prisoner with some of their chiefest men aboute him, and many other slaigne; and so not keepinge him longe was released vppon certaine condicions (to me unknowne) vppon the bandes of Sir Charles Ocarroll and others.

After this conflict for avoyding of farther harmes, the Lorde Lieutenant generall, hearinge that one Daniell Spanniagh, a pencioner of her maiesties, and chief seignour emongst the McMurghoes: the ill successor of the greate McMurgho the last Leinsterian kinge., in Irelande (was started from his alleadgiaunce: and not onely a perillous fellowe: but a borderer upon Ormonde thought it most fit, (and the rather to avoynde the Combynacion of those two basiliskes;, once againe to protect the said Brian Reogh and his

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{folio 314v} consortes, which the cvnninge comepanion accepted and so he and some of his chiefest vypers, repaier to his honour to Kilkenny, whereafter some conference had betwene them, he departed form thence agayne.

Then for that his people shoulde not lye Idle, for feare of catchinge the fever Hurdayne, he addresseth himself towardes Sir Charles Ocarrolles, with some of his trustiest crew., (where a greate Quagge myer met with him, and there was much adoe, with quiveringe and shakinge of hands/heads betwene them two; the rest of his sweepstakes went downe into Pherrall, to visit theire oulde ffrendes the Omoloyes, whereby Chaunce, Sir Christener Sct Lawrence his comepany, Sir Edwarde Fitzgerralds, and parte of Capten Henry Cowlies were, And at Balleybooy, some of Sir (sic) comepany, and some of Brian Reoghs met togither and stroave who shoulde carry away the bucklers, the kearne seeinge they were stronge enough for them, stoodde to theire tacklinge; bothe sortes takinge the advauntage of some place of strength, but lieutenant Fitzsymmones remembringe himself, what service might be done, by somewhat delayinge the tyme, sent a swift boy, for lieutenant Lyons, and James Philipps Capten Cowlies seriant, to come vnto him with their companies with all expedicion, which accordingly they did vppoin which[brvbar] the kearne fearinge to (sic) entrapped toke them to theire heeles, leavinge some of theire spirittes behynde for a witnes they had bene there, and chaced them into the bosome of theire Master Brian. who cam forth to the rescue, but a tall fellow of the soldiers going somewhat to farre: caught some stoare of blowes but yet rescued and recouered; then Brian sent his messenger vnto the officers of the bandes, to signifie

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{folio 315r} vnto them, that he and his were protected, and therefore his people and himself had wronge., but the officers and soldiers, knowinge to well his knavery, if he had bene better provyded for them) gaue his messenger faier wordes, and so departed aboute theire owne busynes.

Then when the terme of his visitacion was expyred in those partes, and thinkinge it longe that his greate trayne shoulde lye Idle and doe nothinge, drawes towardes, his new companion in harmes Donell Spannyagh, and after some conference had betwene them., they agree to take a prea in the county of washforde. And so beinge some viii or nyne hundreth caterpillers, advaunceth themselues forweardes. (consideringe that Brian Reogh should haue the vawarde, And Donnell Spanniagh should stay in the entraunce of a fastnes vndescryed and not to shewe himself, before he sent him worde or that he saw him distressed: allottinge him his owne people the Cavenaughs, alias McMurghoes, with some of his own spirittes.

Thus havinge given order for all thinges away he addresseth himself with some fyve hundreth in his comepany and rayseth a mighty prey, not farre from Inishcorfy, where Mr Treasuers comepany of foote then lay. with some CCth of the piccardyne soldiers placed in the country thereaboutes: who hearinge the Alarum vppon the gatheringe of the prea, the said three companies, made towardes the cry, and so did Sir Thomas Coakeley and his brother, with many other gentillmen and inhabitantes of the country besides: who lyke valyant people chardged the enemy home And had the slaughter of a nomeber of Brian Reoghes vypers and rescued the prea: but not beinge contented with such good succes, chased the Enemy bothe loose and disorderedly, which that Crafty Engyner espynge., beinge then on horsback, caused a swift foteman, to call in Donell Spannyagh (who cominge in vnlooked for (with his freash cavenaughes: and that in good oder, chardged the soldiers, the country gentillmen and theire people, havinge spent themselues

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{folio 315v} bothe in boddy, and want of powder, and other necessaries, and allthough they made what resistance they coulde, Sir Henry Wallopes band of moste valynat and tryed soldiers were there allmoste slaigne, with scome hundreth of pickardyne soldiers, beinge men of greate valure (who soulde theure lyves deerely; Sir Thomas Coakeley had his horse kilde, and his brother Leonarde Coakekey slaigne, with many others of that country besides It was my chaunce to be at Carlogh the same night, that the enemy retourned, who with greate bravery tryumphed, and hade theire protection as it was credibly tould me, sent them that same tyme., so that it scolleth/stilleth? not what Iniury they comit against the prince and subiect.

Then vppon the neck of this vpp poasteth Owny O moore, and then he and his seneschalles plaies their fegaries in Leix, that allmoste all the houldes and castelles of that country are in theire owne power., the forte and some few as yet excepted, so that there neddeth a new conquest there (the more pitty if it pleased the lorde.

Now much aboute this tyme vpp cometh John Lystonne; that Trayterous mounsterman, from the north, and what a notable companion he hath bene (all the worlde knoweth, and yet hatched emonge the english, well in the Erle of desmondes warres, as well for comittinge sundry threasones as otherwyse at the murderinge of Englishmen since that country was given, then a greate servitieur under the Traytor Tyroane 7, then by him poasted into Spaigne, aboute some honeste busynes., and at his retorne againe vnto him: had in greate estymacion, but not forgettinge his oulde cvnninge slightes, seinge that in the ende, his graunde master mighte happely

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{folio 316r} call: After greate promisses made vnto him, that he woulde doe greate exployte in Mounster, where he was borne, in settinge them togither by the eares there; away he cometh with some Cth rascalles, and hathe so compassed the matter: that the Erle of Ormonde hath receaued him into favour, and as I was infourmed, at my beinge in gawran where he lyeth, that he had fifty men in pay to serue under her maiesty, and who is clarke of his bande but Edmond kearne that was at the burning of Mr Fludd. And as crainck the traytor Listonne is, as though he were as true a man, as any her maiesty hath in Ireland., (which I knowwe is the leaste parte of his meaninge, but the knave was weary of Oatemeale, and stinckinge butter, in the Northe; beinge full sumbd/suinbd/swined? with currant stuffe; quickly atteigned to amende his diet and lodginge. but the villaigne ashameles? and happely made the noble peere belieue that he woulde worke wonders, which god knoweth is no parte of his creede., I ensuer brother my harte turned in my body, when I sawe that shameles murder of her maiesties subiecres, but as the worlde goeth now in Ireland, it is better to be a knave then an honest man., for the first must bee advaunced (in pollycy as the better soorte say, for comittinge any farther villany, and the seconde muste learne to begge, in respect of his to much zeale and honesty.

Then not longe after, the lorde Lieutenant Generall, repaired to Dublin, and Donell Spannyagh beinge somewhat anymated to become infamous after his late gotten victory in the county of Wexforde, combyneth himself, with Feugh McHughes sonne, to make a bravado aboute Saggard, being some Vii myles from Dublin, the which the Erle of Ormonde vnderstanding, drew towardes them with such forceies, as he might make in the Citty, and sent Capten George Greame before to descry, bothe the nomeber of the Enemy, and the place where they were: which he undertooke to doe, now Mr Oliuer Wallop, and other gentillmen to the nomeber of xx or there aboutes, desyrous to goe in comepany

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{folio 316v} with him, at the sight of the Enemy, wished Capten Greames to chardge them, (he toulde them he had no farther warrant from the Lord Lieutenant generall, but to descry, and was to repaier back to his honour, to signify vnto him what he had seene., then as I harde, the said Mr Walloppe imbraieded of cowardyse (which he greately disdaigning, beinge knowne to the worlde to be no such kynde of man (said in token thereof that is not true. followe me, and so contray to his direction chardged the enemy with those handfull of horsmen. Greames shewinge himself well what he was, but there Mr Wallopp, Capten Gibsone, James nix and others paid for theire to much forwardnes with the losse of theire lyves, which if they had proceeded no farther but to descry, they might haue bene bothe the ocasion of better service and happely haue theire owne lyves, for after the noble Erle came in, he had the slaughter of many of the enemy, and with all Lykelyhoode, haue perfourned a farre greater matter, if the former attempt had bene neglected.

And lastly after the Lord Lieutenant generall cominge from Dublin to Kilkenny, and understandinge what villainies were comitted by Owny O Moore, Bryan Reogh and theire vnblessed crewe: vppon his tenantes and followers of the county of Kilkenny and the borders of Tipporarrey levied a force of such soldiers, which were neerest vnto him, and so sent them vnder the conduct of his nephew Capten James Butcher, to coape with the enemy: who vnderstandinge thereof, mynded not to make any flight, allthough he was assisted by many of the piccardyne soldiers but drew resolute to fight havinge some advauntadge of a bog and a woode for a back, which as you know they doe comonely vse, which is greate an advauntadge against our comepanies, that must kepe

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{folio 317r} the high way, and the acquaynted with euery starting hoale., wherevppon the valyant Capten chardged them in the fronte, where began a bluddy pece of worke, the capten beinge theare slaigne with diuers of his comepany, and on the othersyde Brian Reogh wounded to the death, and dyed shortely after, Loosinge many of his rascalls of some accompte, and thus I committ you to the Lord. Kilkenny, this xxiiii of June 1598. Yours. Cy[ordm ]. bonicomo.

Peregryn

Brother how lyke these Lempster matters,

Silvyn

Truely I comend the ould seigniuor for his paynes. But what will you towch any other parte of the lande.

Peregryn

No not, before I haue made an ende with kinges county for now my he devilles of Aphaley, begynnes to take hart of grasse, for the former succes in which they were assistantes, and now must? I haue an other flinge at tirrell, a shame take for his paynes, for now he is come fourth of the north againe.

Silvyn

I thinck we shall neuer haue done with these villaynes, well proceed.

Peregryn

Well now you shall here of other sporte: for all this vacant tyme, sythence the viii of March 1597 vntill the ixth of July 1598, the Connors neuer medled in that country, some shrowdynge themselues in the northe, and others fought vnder Brian reoghs banner, vntill he

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{folio 317v} was slaigne; About the vii of July 1598 the Lorde Lieutenant generall, had sent for all the forceis: that lay in Phillipstowne, to repaire to Athy with all expedicion, and even the verry same day Tirrell the Apostat, rysee vp at the Durrough, with some fyve hundreth of his northerne Cangrenaes, and others, with as greate cvnninge as formerly he did, and yet was the knight martiall, with xvii ensignes of foote, besydes horssmen, in the Lord of Delvynnes countryy being not many myles from him, when he passed Westmeath, & yet never descryed, by such as were willinge to serve, vntill he came into Mack Goghegans country, where Bryan Magoghegan, beinge but himself, and one horseman, risse forth to see what they were, and vnderstandinge it was Tirrell, came vppon the sparr in manner of a bravado, and for that he was a lone., one of the miscreantes thincking he had bene in jeaste, went forth from his comepany, vsinge some of his country Apish tricks, but Bryan beinge otherwyse determynded; and takinge his opportunitie, strake my northerne vyper, cleane through the boddy with his staffe, and went clere away, withowt hurte.

Silvyn

Now I ensuer you it was verry well perfourmed of the gentillman, and if the rest of the dissembling hippocrittes (which way they travayled, had shewed themselues but half so annymated he could not haue come with such a scum of Cannyballs so far vnfought with but I pray you what did he then

Peregryn

His Journey lay so, that needs he must passe harde by the Durrough, or els haue gone aboute

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{folio 318r} which Sir Harbertes people coulde in no wyse digest, and for that he was denyed to passe in quiet, his northerne sweepstakes, growinge somewhat collerick, entred vppon his bawne, where his cattell was, but Sir Edwardes warde, so beesmoakte; my minsinge knaves that they were glad to pack away in haste, without either cow or sheepe., and left half a dozen of theire best vypers behynde them, besydes many other hurte, which dyed shortely after, then for that he and his spirites had, travayled farre, and never rested that day & night before, beinge bothe weary and withowt victualles and eveninge growinge on., he caused his people to play the caters: and so with such droaves of greate and small cattell as they could get, came to Killmore, harde vppon the borders of Phercall, where he encamped (of whose suddayne arryvall) it was not longe hid ffrom the two honest Omoloyes Callogh and Donell, and they to shew themselues dutiefull to so greate a man, as Lvcyfers Lieutenant was, beinge theire cosen vermaigne by the mothers syde, the said Donell a sworne servaunt vnto Lvcyfer cam to him presently wit some xxtie in his comepany, and caused bothe victualles to be provyded, (besydes the former booties they had taken, and poore people to wash theire feete; beinge so surbatted & wearyed with travaiele that they were not able to stand.

Silvyn

It appereth that Sir Ed: Harbert hath bene mightly back frended, that being allwaies willing to serve, and the man they moste shot at, could not haue some CCth men in pay (which no doubt if that he had, as it seemeth fit to me (allthough neuer there) he woulde haue perfourmed more then those that promised much, and perfourmed nothinge, for it was a verry easy matter, to haue ouerthrown them, beinge so wearied with travaiele, lack of victualles, and want of sleepe, but as for those sly companyons that with such curtesy enterteigned him and his cursed crew, I never had better hoape of them, since the begynning of your history., but what did the garrysone soldiers of Phillipstowne for I am suer they were not gon, far forthe of the country.

Peregryn

As I toulde you before they were sent for before by the lorde generall, and hearing of the approach of

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{folio 318v} Tirrell, made a stay of theire Joruney, and drew onwardes of theire Journey towardes him, and in the meane tyme Sir Christopher Sct Lawrence beinge then absent, and by reasonne of messengers, vnderstanding of Tirrelles arryvall in the place, where he had comaunde, drew thither withall expedicion: who by honester sorte, was wished to set vppon him, consideringe his nomeber was not greate, and so weary and sleepy besydes, that they could make small resestaunce, (which councell he was determyned to follow, vntill the traitor Terence Connor came, who certified him that Tirrell was aboue viiiC men stronge, who gevinge credit to that dissembling hippocrit, loste the best opportvntie (for somuch service) that euer was harde of, for they rested themselues in theire encampinge place at Killmoore, vntill the next day at noone, beinge neuer once barqut at, but at the Durrough, and Brian McGoghegan. And would haue contynved in the same place a day longer but feare of the garrysonne soldiers, And so by easy Journeies passed thorough honest Odoynes country) and from thence into Leix., where he chaunced to haue some small conference with his companion in harmes, Brian Reogh, being then ready to pack Antechristes goode master.

Nowe comes there vpp with Tirrell, a worthye back slyder named Lishagh McCallogh O Connor, & he beinge longe maynteigned and better brought vp, then his deserts requyed, with Sir G. Bowrchier, now standes vppon tearmes to be O Conner himself: and to him cleaues all the rest of those graceles crewe, of that title, takinge vp theire lodginge in the fastnes of moylith, moste parte thereof, belonginge to his eldest brother Barnaby O Connor, leaving Seignior Tirrell the Apostat in Leix, with the blouddy spirit Owny O Moore., And then he and his caterpillers begynne to prye abroade into Aphaley, havinge so good a back as Tirrell was.

Silvyn

It is a wonder to see, how commaunders and men of aucthoritie may be ouerulde, by such hippocrittes as Terence O Conner was, for as I remember, he is bothe a kynne to Tirrell, and behouldinge to hym for his lyfe, when Sir Edward Harbert, and capten Gifford, followed him into Leix, at which tyme he was taken prisoner in the retreict, therefore of all men, his worde shoulde

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{folio 319r} not haue bene taken for gospell, and no doubt but some will tast of the whipp shortely.

Peregryn

Then when Tirrell was passed into Leix, he was safe enough. for Owny O moore was not a litle glad of his cominge; in respect of my Lord Generalles expedicion: and that his senesholl Brian Reogh was passed to the Sulphure mynt: and so a freash commaundment was sent for Sir Christoner Sct Lawrence, and the garrysonne of Phillipstowne, and none left bhynde, but xxxti of Capten Cowleyes soldiers to kepe the forte, and sixtene of the said knight to assest the townsmen., but they were no sooner gon towardes the Lorde Generall, but the vyperly connors at Moylith peepes owt of theire denne; and takes victualles, in Mr Dempsies countrie and Geshill, at theire pleasures: and then growes to councell how they should burne Phillipstowne: in which matter of weight Terence O Connors councell was not behynd, for that poore burrough was in no small pearle in their eyes, and so vppon the xviiith day of July 1598 ii houers before day a hundreth of those vypers, vnder the heading of Lyshagh O Connor, Murtogh og McTirlagh, Murtogh McOwen, Donogh Poape and Patrick O Darmot, were brought into the waste of the town by the threasone of the watch (beinge Irish) and none to guard the same, but ix men: which stoode in the market place with the burrough master, who seing the shot of the enemy light vppon some of his trusty frendes, and not able to make the place good, and in especially, for that sixtene soldiers aforesaid came not to rescue, according to theire promis, was driven to repaier to the fforte, and to the south gatehouse, from whence a tryed soldier shot at Patrick O Darmot (being then theire martyall, and slew him, wherevppon the enemy reculed, but yet burnt all the town, except some howeses (which parte of them hath bene fyered sythence, but that single mischaunce of Patrick Darmot so grieved them: that for hast they stripp Mr Martiall, and left him in pleadge for the croes., it was a greate pittie to se how the poore people and inhabitantes of the towne, beinge awaked forthe

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{folio 319v} of theire morninge sleepes, toke them to theire winges, for some of them never staied to guaadge the ditches, beinge six or seaven foote deepe of water, the gvnner with his greate ordynaunce from the forte playde his parte, and so did the rest of the soldiers there, but they were matters by chaunce as if a man should shute at the moone., the vypers beinge so stronge caried some hundreth cowes and garrondes away from the towne, and passed into Mr Dempsies country: where they were enterteigned with no litle joy: dishonest Terence Connor for manner sake, gaue them a Maii lordes skirmish, withowt any hurte giuen or taken: and although he had then kearne in her maiesties pay: he tryumphed not a litle of the burninge of that towne: and for the good successe of his base kinred, of whose booty he had his share. And so the key of the countries betwene Athloane and Dublin; and from Mullingar to Limberick was then loste to the vtter undoing of many a poore subiect: and the hurt of the garrysone soldiers appointed to that place, besydes the cuttinge of, of all entercourse from the lowest to the highest: and even at the verry same tyme, was parte of Iniscorfye a garrysonne towne in the county of Wexford, formerly entreated of burned by calling away them of the garrysonne; but not a place standinge to so much effect as Phillipstowne did, yet bothe of them sclenderly reguarded, wheresoeuer the fault was., being English keyes for the preservacion of her maiesties countries and subiectes in those severall partes; And yet allthough some two thowsand horse and foote, were gathered togither, to haue persecuted Tirrell and Owny O Moore, & bothe armies encamped one so nere another, that the enemy plaied into the Lorde Generalles campe, with theire shot and hurte one of the pickardynes wyves (yet allthoughe greate suite was made by the captens vnto his honour, that thy might fight with the enemy, it was by his lordship not thought requisite, the cause thereof

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{folio 320r} I could neuer learne., And so except the victoallinge of the new forte, with a litle bickeringe nere the blackford in this expedicion not any thinge worthe the wrytinge was effected; and so the Army directed to theire garrysonne places againe and the Enemy to contynew his accustomed liberty.

Silvyn

Now truly brother I was assured that after Tirrelles departure: beinge afforded him in such favourable manner, I shoulde here of, some notable exployte sone after., for I ensuer you the losse of a garrysone towne, cannot chuse, but be the ouerthrowe of the English and other the good subiectes adiogninge: being the verry high way to bringe that country equall with Leix: so that if it be not buylt againe in tyme: and some favourable respect had of the poore inhabitantes by the high powers, her maiestie shalbe driven shortely, to victuall the same, (to her no small chardges) as she doth now the fforte in Leix: for take away theire market, and the concourse of buyinge and sellinge; there must of necessitie follow greare hurte to the soldiers for want of victualles, fyer and lodginge; and vtter distruction to the poore inhabitantes, not knowinge elswhere to get theire livinges: as for your seignieurs of Dempsies country, I haue said enough of them allready, and withowt there be some hanginge emongst them, and the rest of the borderers, it canne be no otherwyse but naught still, for there hath bene neuer pleadge taken in at any tyme hertofore for the securitie of those partes, but the birding boy; which argueth greate weaknes of care and preservacion of those partes (wheresoeuer the fault is, well for that there was nothinge effected in the greate expedicion, but turninge taiele to taiele, what after ensved.

Peregryn

After those base Cockatriticall base Connors had burned Phillipstowne, and assured of theire ffrendes good successe in Leix., then they setled themselues to be lordes of Aphaley indeed, and fell a preaing of brymieghams country, and other places belonging to the English, and for that they woulde be suer, that the poore Inhabitantes of Phillipstowne should not take the advauntadge of any waste houses standinge on the south syde, thereof, vppon the

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{folio 320v} land of Geshill, they burned diuers country villadgres there, seperatinge themselues into seuerall comepanies, the one parte kepinge in Moylith aforesaid, and the other at a place called Killith in Geshill. And thus havinge devyded themselues as aforesaid parted the goodes and spoyles of the subiect emongst them, and kept theire biellies in the said places. beinge allwayes guarded with some of theire caterpillers whylest the rest reaved abroade for more spoyle. Then beare harvest beinge come those vypers lyinge at moylith, burned balinrath, balleybaley Sir George Cowleyes and Mr ffraunces Harbertes. And for thrat theire consortes lyinge at Killith, was loath that theire companions in harmes should excell them in villany, the burne Clonadd, Cleduff, the Kill. Killduff, the barnan & Clondiriell, with such beare as was gathered togither.

Vppon this good success Terence McTeig O Connor knowinge himself to be (Ipse Carnifex) aboue the rest (notwithstanding the favour his father had from her maiestie and her awncestors, for his services in Scotland, and otherwyse, his owne lyvinge, his enterteignment, and his wyfe and many children, relyinge vppon him., put in for the best gaine, and would needes thrust owt his cosen Lishagh McCallogh, and take the halter vppon himself, And so refusinge the premisses for the bare name, of a forlorne title of O Connor had ?land?, was about the xvi of August 1598 crowned with a cooniagh of bone clabbagh Rex Basiliscus of all those fyery serpentes, And to shew himself in his cullers, thinckinge that his verry bare name woulde make the trees to tremble, the bogs to quake, the poore churles and callioghes to kneele and all beastes of the field, to be to him obedient, drawes the night ffollowinge to the Durrough (a place neuer owt of rememberaunce) and

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{folio 321r} Theire toke vp, for his feast, distroy all, cxl tie cowes besydes. Garrondes, with muttonnes and small achates for the seconde course, wherevppon one Clinton a man of Sir Edward Harbertes (his master beinge then from home, and havinge, not company wherwith to recouer the prea; beinge well mounted, set spurrs to his horse, and brake thorough the Enemy, and so poasted to Phillipstowne to Sir Chisoner Sainct Lawrence, who forthwirh drew forthe to crosse monnsieur Noua O Connor. Sendinge Lyons his lieutenant with come viii pykes and xx shot somewhat before, and so aboute Capin Curre. Met with him: havinge in his comepany some threescore of his approoued vypers when Terence had descryed the Liuetenant with so small a comepany, caused the prea to be tvrned asyde, and drew towardes the soldiers with that Lyons went ouer a gutt and made a stande whylest all his people were ouer (which the enemy espyinge, thinckinge he woulde haue retyred, hastened the more to the encounter, and beinge come within knowledge one of another the lieutenant saluted the New O Connor with these wordes, or much the lyke., what[brvbar] on the Queenes syde yesterday, and O Connor feane today; Now I ensuer thee; I will coole thy coradge by and by, but seignieur Terence was dvmbe; yet came fowarde verry lustly, but the soldiers gaue those serpentes such a volew of shot, that Shane Glasse, the valiantest spirit emongst them, was slaigne, and douers others O Connor himself shot thorough the foote, that he neuer recouered vntill he dyed, murtagh og Mc Tirlagh shot thorough the tigh: and the prea recouered, not longe after some of those caterpillers, went to take a prea about Castell Jourdane; who were met with by Lieutenant Rushen, and discomfited them betwene Cloneiriell and the barnan, and xxxiiii cowes

p.76

{folio 321v} recouered from them, with the losse of some of theire people, and diuers hurte besydes presently after they murdered one William Brymindgham a gentillman, whose father had bene a good servitieur against theire awncestors on her maiesties parte, And yet after this though they did no greate harme in the boddy of the country (in respect of theire mishapps (yet they kept theire two garyson places withowt any Impechment; havinge all the borderers theire verry good ffrendes.

Silvyn

It is an easy matter to vanquish those vypers, if order had bene first taken with the borderers for sufficient pledges: for ffrom them, proceedthe all their, help and a perillous thing it is, for her maiesties people to fight with them in theire owne fastnesses: they knowing full well how to devyde themselues to annoy our people: and to retourne to theire places of rest when they shall thinck it good, and her maiesties army driven to kepe the high way lest being d they be ouertaken, & so not permitted to gather themselues into one boddy againe., besydes this, for that theire hath bene no meanes taken to provoake the borderers to serve vppon them, or to call in such of theire kinred and affinity, as they haue emongst the enemy: which be the verry instrumentes: that they svstaigne no harme, either in theire boddies houses or cattell. (except victuall) they happely vnder cullour of subiectes help them with powder, municion and other wantes, for they cannot be so conynvally supplied therwith, withowt the helpe of such people as they are, for whom it is lawfull to haue entercourse into townes and citties, where the premisses is sould, as for Terence O Connor I had neuer better hoape of him. And yet I perceaue these fellowes are in generall burners, for that you name but some particular townes in that country: whereby it apereth thy vse some favour, they vse some ffavour

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{folio 322r} towardes some of theire oulde benefactors.

Peregryn

Well, allthough some kynde of favour is shewed for the tyme: it is but to cullour a greate pece of mischief, intended: as the sequele will declare.

Silvyn

Nowe truly I am of that opynion; but what is become of Tirrell.

Peregryn

After he had so well escaped from the Lord Lieutenant generall as aforesaid, he and his vnblessed crew made ouer into the kinges county, and there visites his friends in all places, takinge theire pledges and oathes to be true to Lucyfer, but Sir Charles O Carroll somewhat disquieted himself and rablement, in sleaing some of his worthiest spirites: for I tell you, that same knight hath shewed himself, right well to her maiestie in this broken tyme, and his brother in law McCoghlan for ought that I coulde learne, medleth verry litle or nothinge at all with the enemy, for his countruy is bothe fast and stronge, and his people hardy, There is a demi lord in that country called the ffox; who in all these broyles (allthough verry valyant, never yielded to be a consorte with the wicked: and yet so pinched with penury, and crossed by a mighty seignieur, that it would haue provoaked most men of his coate to haue revolted., In all Tirrell lyinge here for this tyme, litle or nothinge was effected, except the killinge of Conly Duff McGoghegan and so after this Tirrell, hearing of the Lord Lieutenant generalles goinge into Leix to victuall the New forte repaiers towardes Owny O Moore.

Silvyn

Well, I perceaue Tirrell canne teach our Greate Segnieurs what they should doe, for he will breake no parte of his masters commision and a happy thinge it is that we haue lighted vppon some honest Ireland lordes in those partes,

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{folio 322v} but what is McCoghlan, as for the ffox I perceaue he is no greate lord when he may be so easely ouermatched, and as for Conly Duff somewhat he is to be mourned, consideringe his former service.

Peregryn

Macoghlan hathe a fyne faste country as I said before and bordereth vppon Sir Charles and for that he lay still, and never gaine nor toke in these last warrs, I may not bluse him forth; emongst the rest of the wicked borderers, yet as I remember, An arch ruynour romish prelate (as it is reported) should bringe him a dispensacion from Lucyfer, at his beinge in the Northe.

Silvyn

There muste needes be somewhat in it: that he lay still as a newter, and neither gave nor tooke, but gaped to see which way the world would wag, but proceed.

Peregryn

After Tirrelles departure, carynge Donell McArte Omoloy with him into Leix: Sir Chrisoners and Capten baptist comepanies, were sent for by the Lord Lieutenant generall, to awnswere the Journey to the new forte, being in the pryme tyme of wheate harvest in Aphaley, yet the locustes left behynde, did no exployt neither by fyer nor otherwyse, vntill the iourney was perfourmed in Leix, at which expedicion the best of the Connors were.

Aboute the begynninge of September the Lord Lieutenant generall vnderstandinge that victualles grew scarce, with those of the new forte, raysed some xviC horse and foote: and went himself in personne with them: whose purpose being well knowne to the enemy: Owny O Moore, Tirrell, Mcgennis his sonne, the O Connors & other theire accomplices shrowded themselues betwene the blackforde and Stradbally, theire accustomed place, of assembly to annoy the convoy, and so our

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{folio 323r} Army beinge come to that place the enemye appered, and put owt theire loose shot to skirmish, who were verry well awnswered by our soldiers, and in the ende beaten back by them., with the losse of many of theire vypers so that the passadge was made cleere, bothe for the army and provision: and so went onwarde to the forte, The next day at our menns retourne from the forte, the Enemy purposinge either to take or giue, set vppon, the Lorde Lieutenant generall and his comepany, at the aforesaid place, where beganne a cruell fight the Enemy drawinge into the playne: where not onely the bullet walked lyke bees, but our horsmen had growne to chardge (which they did, and ouerthrew many of the enemy, in which busynes the Lord Lieutenant was in daunger Sir Warham Sct Ledger maymed in the leg and one John Eustace slaigne:, and some others both one hoseback and fote besydes, but thankes be to god our syde prevayled and as I was credebly enfourmed, our syde loste not aboue tenne men and the Enemy aboue fower score.

Silvyn

What a chardge is it to her maiestie, the losse of that country of Leix: being now contynvally dreven, to victuall the forte with an Army: And allthough the expedicion was well perfourmed by the Lord Lieutenant and his comepany, to the foyle of the Enemy, yet Consideringe the great chardges and losse of her highnes people it is but deerly bought: Also it seemeth to me that Owny O Moore and Tirrell, are Ioygned in one comyssion from theire Master Lucyfer, for the Actes of Leix are and haue bene, awnswered with greater resolucion by the Enemy, then in any other place where they haue come, but it ap-eth there as honest borderers vppon that coaste, as vpon Aphaley for there is the haven of rest.

Peregryn

You may be suer of that, for three of the Aphalian fronters, as the doynes, the dempsyes and barnaby connor (but especially the two first haue most of theire lyvinges in the Queenes County called Leix; There is also a noble gentillman, called the

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{folio 323v} Lorde of vpper ossorie, and others to me vnknowne ioigninge vpon them also, and yet I harde of no service done vppon the Enemy by any of them; but by some of the butlers, who bought theire affected revendge at to deere a pryce, as you haue formerly harde., as for Mr Dempsy and Monnsieur teig of Og o doyne, they be graunde kepers of the two passadges or entrances to and from the kinge and Queenes countyes: for Porte yn Inch in odempsies Country and Clare in Odoynes Country, are such kynde of strength, that it were vnpossible for the enemy; to passe to and fro; withowt greate damadge; if they had list to serve, but you may se by this; that they havinge theire lyvinges, in bothe counties, must be obedyent to the Enemies on bothe sydes: or els suffer shipwrack, as the rest of her maiesties good subiectes doe.

Silvyn

Why[brvbar] I pray you how hould they theire landes, that they are not affraid, to harbour and countenaunce the enemy as aforesaid.

Peregryn

They houlde by knight service, as the rest of the English doe; especially Mr Dempsy.

Silvyn

A moste anctient an honorable houldinge, if it were perfourmed accordinge the true meaninge) of theire patentes, ffrom her maiesties and awncestors: but as they vse the matter, it may be termed no better, if not worse then hippocriticall service, but truly I thinck that they & others of their coate, haue privy dispenacions lyinge by them, or els they durst not be so boulde; And if there were no wyser men then my self, I could wish that some Temporall Martynne Lvther might be poasted ouer into that country, to suppresse, pardonnes, protectiones and dispenacions, for as I haue harde not longe tyme sithence: they haue bene as currantethers for the Quantitie of the place, as they are in Roome, and some of the chiefect pillers that vphouldes those libetynes:, And no dout but

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{folio 324r} if those borderers had theire right, the army shoulde haue bene bent against them and live vppon theire goodes., And better it were it should be so, then they thus to remayne as staplers for men, victualles and mvnicion for thge vphouldinge of the Enemy, and if had bene effected in tyme they would haue sunge another tvne; but I smell they are verry liberall to theire advocates in courte; who pleaded theire case irronically (honest for dishonest): There is one that is to come ouer martiall, whose harde fortvne was not to contynew there longe after his arryvall; to the hurte of that naked estate, that if he had lived, yea but a small tyme, would haue taught them: to singe theire Anthem beofre evensonge.

Peregryn

In faith brother well remembered for there are a comepany of martlemas men, dwelling not farre from trym, whereas if that Sir Richard Bingham had lived he should haue beene seated there, and these kynde of people, are the best victuallers of the connors when Aphaley affordes them naught.

Silvyn

What meane you by martlemas men, it shoulde seeme they lovue well hangd meat: for as I take it: they are stoared with beof and bacon, which will requier good stoare of Lycour.

Peregryn

These martlemas men, dwell aboute the river of the Boyne and are fat fellowes in deed and for that the redmoore, the blacksharde, with other places of fastnes, be meete for the cursed Connors, they are receaued by the aforesaid Seigniours withe greate favour (when freash victualles in other places, waxeth scarce.) and emongst them harboured, aswell for ould allyance and acquayntance as for that the Connors make some of them theire threasurers, of such spoyle as is gotten in other places, so theise fellowes will neuer be good except they be hanged vpp in the sonne in stedd

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{folio 324v} of the smoake, as one toulde me that aboute some xxi/xxiitie? yeares agoe, Sir William Colliar deceassed, had martiall lawe in those partes and he so scoured my martlemas men, that the countrie was the better many yeares after, And one thinge more I can assure you of, that placing the martiall at Trymme It will be a greate help for the Quiet of the English pale and the borders about it for in former tymes it was martialles place of residence vntill Sir Nicholas Bagnall had the office and got footinge in the Newry, and other landes thereaboutes; and besydes all this it lyeth in the bowelles of the realme.

Silvyn

Well brother I am sorry of Good Sir Richard Binghams death, for his going ouer as I did here with wonderfull credit woulde haue daunted all his enemies on that syde of the sea; for now it appeared to the worlde: how he was wronged, and what want Ireland had of him (I meane the good subiect) but what haue we done with Tirrell.

Peregryn

After the victuallinge of the new forte (the cursed connors) drawes into Aphaley againe (but Mr Terence Connor had paid his way) so that the foresaid Lishagh McCallogh taketh in hand to rule the roaste and in the absence of the garrysonne, that then was not come home, he with his vypers taketh away: from Phillipstowne some xxxtie cowes: whom such soldiers as were left at home skirmisht with and no greate harme but that one Andrew Linch a corporall in Capten Cowlies band was slaigne., And much aboute this tyme Capten Richard Gifforde entred the enemies aboute Clonbaley and had some bickering with the Connors, where he slew that vyper Shane Ballogh with some ii or three other, himself

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{folio 325r} beinge shot thorough the arme and lost a soldier or two; and beinge overlaied with many of the vypers was ffayne to the Castell of Clonboulge. (forth of which he was rescued by others of the garrysonne comepanie.

Silvyn

I ensuer you, I am right glad of Capten Giffordes good succes, but what is become of the archtraytor Tirrell. for now I thinck he be cleane poasted away.

Peregryn

What[brvbar] and teig oge O doyne keper of Clare passidge, for you must understant that the base connors cam before to make provision for his greatnes: for nowe he entreth the kinges county by the aforesaid straight, havinge Owny O Moore, Magennis his sonne, and some vii or viiiC vypers in theire comepanies, and svmmons all the borderers as the Omoloyes, the Magoghegan the worme eaten Omelaughans, & diuers others nedles to rehearse, and even at this instant goeth away from Croghan the birding boye.

Silvyn

What[brvbar] and but that one pleadge for the securitie of so many countries, in deede theire lacked provident care the porter to stand by Capten Careles his shoulder.

Peregryn scored out

No doubt, there wanted, a provident care bothe in the begynninge, and contynvance of those broyles, how to haue suppressed those malladies for now the disease, withowt gods help (as many tymes is saide before is allmoste growen incvarable and no doubte, the meane how to redresse those matters in tyme., was well knowne to many if opportunitie had bene taken. but I haue many tymes before this, thought to haue asked you, whither the Lorde Generall at his beinge at Phillipstowne; never smelt owt such, as fostered vpp the base Connors, he havinge receaued the complaynantes of the country inhabitantes.

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{folio 325v}

Peregryn

The Lord Lieutenant Generall as I haue bene for truth ascertayned, handled some of my greate masters of Aphaley in theire kynde, for he assembled as many of them togither as were then in the country, and sware them vpoon the evangelist, that they shoulde truly deliuer vnto him, vnder their handes, by whom and with whome, those wicked Connors had bene fostered and bredde vpp: which was effected a Phillipstowne, and iustified agayne, before the lord Justices and councell at Dublin, but some emongst the rest allthough that course was daungerous vnto them, yet lyke honest Christians, rather ventured to play the barristers, then to be fownd periurates.

Silvyn

This was a verry wyse course to bringe owt the truth, but I thinck those that be guilty of that cryme, woulde haue bene contented to haue paied, tenne fifteenes, & as many subsidies, as houres in the day, that, that recorde were metamorphosed, to a blanck charter for feare of venias mecum, but I warrant you Sir Edwarde Harbert was none of the forlorne seigniors.

Peregryn

No nor doiers otherrs neither, for you haue harde that Sir Edwarde Harbert was allwaies shor at by them and others, but if he might haue had, both men and countenaunce to haue prosecuted the kinges county affaiers he would quickly haue cleered that roaste.

Silvyn

It is greate pittie but that the vertuous and true meaninge man shoulde be employed in such a daungerous tyme, but I may never forget, what a passion some of your greate seigniers suffer, that had subscribed, there was some helpinge frendes that farthered this devyse.

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{folio 326r}

Peregryn

Your may well be assured of that for the woulf was neuer better matcht with a leash of greyhoundes, then one of the subscribers was bayted with a fox, a fitcher and a raven, from which three verymine, he lyke a moore cock that shrowdes himself in the bottom of a rotten hedge, when he espieth the spannyell, tooke such a feuer/feder? lurdayne that he kept sanctuary till huntinge tyme was passed, and pact away lyke a rat that had stowlen a candle.

Silvyn

I will never ask you no more interpretacions for I smell him as farre as the ould baley but now I trust we huae allmoste deone with Aphaley for the yeere is neere hande ended.

Peregryn

Now truly brother, I haue not far to proceede but I will growe to an ende with those partes, but as yet Mr Tirrell kepeth his estate there as yet: And in the meane tyme vppon the xv of September 1598 vpp cometh Orowrk that periurate basilisk into Westmeath, and enters Sir John Tirrelles country, with a hundreth horsmen, and as many shot mounted behynde them: which he let slip vppon the svddaigne, and he preas all that quarter where Tirrelles ffrendes dwelt, and kild sundry gentillmen of his kindred, with some burninge done besydes and so departed, and for that the other parte of the country beinge enemies to Richard Tirrelles proceedinges, should not laugh his ffrendes to scorne on the next daye followinge, he preaed and spoyled them, and so betwene ii imperious miscreantes that country was spoyled.

Silvyn

Why what did Sir John Tirrell in the meane time

Peregryn

What did he marry both himself and his vntrayned rysinges owt, adventured vppon Orowrke

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{folio 326v} right manfully, allthough they deerely paid for it at Orowrkes handes, but when the traitor Tirrell came; Sir John was gon to Dublin., so that he carried away some CCth cowes in peace, which were devyded emongst his graceles crewe: and so Owny O Moore departed into Leix to reap that which other men had sowed.

Silvyn

I thinck so indeede, but pittie it is, that the well meaninge man, and true subiect, should be thus vsed withowt revendge, but it cannot be otherwyse as longe as theire neighbours will not assist them.

Peregryn

Ogh Sir a many of them, will not stick to say, why shoulde we serve, and have no enterteignment of her maiestie, as though they were not bownde by theire tenures to doe the same; but as Teige oge o doynes awnswere was, when he was willed by some greate man to certifie of the enemies proceedinges, and to barre them from intercourse into the country, by reasone of his advauntage of the straight at Clare: and to doe as much, as in him did lye: he certified by his letter, that all his men were gon to the rebelles, and no boddy to kepe his castell but a boy & himself: and so canne his next neighbour haue threscore men in warde: and yet suffer to passe to and fro quietly. withowt any impeachment.

Silvyn

I pray the speake no more of them, for then hast plagued them to much allreadye and hardly they two are to be matched.

Peregryn

Matched[brvbar] yes I warrant you. I cane fynde one that carieth away his estate with greate credit, but not of so open and groase a condicion as they are: but yet for a subtill wit exceed them bothe: and may doe more with a worde then they with a sworde.

Silvyn

What a goodyeere is hee, hathe this greate volvme neuer made mencion of him as yet.

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{folio 327r}

Peregryn

No Sir not by name yet a mighty one indeede, and raunger of the two forrestes: which the oulde Sir Henry Cowley: sometymes seneshall of the kinges countye, the Christmas before he dyed, toulde to certaine of his ffrendes then present, that when any hurte shoulde happen vnto Aphaley, it shoulde proceede from one of those two forrestes, and so I toulde vnto the Erle of Sussex, when the countrie was first given, for that Englishmen were planted therein: which nowe is come to passe: this ranger kepeth a dozen brace of foresters, who will not let a deere go owt of that chace where is lodge is, without barking and byting too except thy, be such as be of the other forrest and then they eate theire venysonne togither with greate mirth and Iollytie; but not longe sithernce, a certaine keper of Stoane downe Parke, whose deere were consvmed by heavy hande, had warrant from the masters of the forrests and chaces, to take vp as many deere, as shoulde stoare his parke againe, who understandinge, what good stoare there was in the forrest with the lodge, drew thither with two brace of greyhowndes and eight capple of howndes, and so toke livery and seasonne of fower deere of Awntcleere; which he toke away with him, vppon which the forresters boyes, certified theire masters, who presently lyke robin hoodde and his merry men, being furnished ad omnia quare, woulde haue rescued the deere (notwithstandinge the warrant, with that a fierce greyhounde much lyke Mister Hall of Granthams clarke of his kitchin, seeing one of the forresters to encoradge the rest to werry both the keeper, himself and company gaue the same forrester, such an assay of an enchaunted potion, that he will neuer ryse againe till doomes day, at which heavy mischaunce, the rest of his companions in harmes, retyred back to theire lodge with grief, Now when the ranger come hom, and hard what was happened, sware by no beggars, that it should coste him CCli but he would hange bothe the keeper and his greyhownd and so with all expedicion poasteth to the masters of the forrests and chaces: and theire exhibited a most heynous complaynt, especially agaynst the keper., who was driven to awnswere the bill, wherin

p.88

{folio 327v} he so cvnningly compassed his busynes, that he prooved the forlorne forester an owtlaw, and the ranger worthy to be fyned to enterteigne such kynde of personnes as were not amenable to law, (of which sorte he kept some stoare: when Master Ranger had viewed the kepers awnswere; and fynding therein such matter, as was not to his lykinge, staied neither replyinge, or farther proceeding.

Silvyn

I partely knowe him, for I haue sene him at Masters/Mistress? GG in honye lane. What we done yet with Aphaley.

Peregryn

Yea. allmoste for now Tirrell havinge made all suer in those coastes: sends for Owny O moore and so they pack into Mounster with aucthority from Lucifer to create a new desmonde, and after that ceremony done overthrowes and banisheth allmost all the Englishmen in Mounster, in a moment, the conqueringe whereof: coste both her maiestie many thousand powndes. Besydes the losse of a greate nomeber of her soldiers and for that travayled not all into those partes, I will referre that to them, that was there present.

Now sone after mighellmas, that notorious Cannyball Teig Mc Murrough: being pardoned as aforesaid, notwithstandinge all his villainies and owtradges, formerly comitted: and remaigning sometymes at Dublin, and sometymes at Rathangan, a manner belonging to Erle of Kildare: where he was verry well acquaynted, and beinge had in no mistrust betraies that stately house, with all the riches and goodes therein, and shares it with his cosen vermaignes the connors to the greate hinderance of her maiesties service in those partes the house standinge so aptly therefore.

And nowe with one dolefull tragedy more I mean to ende with Aphaley.

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{folio 328r}

Silvyn

Yea[brvbar] I thought somuch: that your conclusion woulde tende to no other purpose.

Peregryn

Now aboute Allhallautyde 1598; when the viperous O Connors thought; that all thinges were theire owne in Aphaley, if they coulde accomplish Croghan, and Baley Brittaigne, havinge enterteigned Teig McCales sonnes into theire fraternity, being bretheren to Terence O Connor formerly spoken of & so they with the honest Omoloyes: Ioygne themselves togither and enterteignes one William O Meoney, an onely follower, and servaunt of Sir Thomas Moores, whose credit with his master and wealth by him gotten was such; that any honestman, might haue lived contented with the tythe thereof., yet when the devill hath entred a breach into such kynde of people, he neuer leaueth them; till they performe somewhat to their owne distruction, so this vngracious disciple, with other his consortes to the nomeber of tenne more/nowe? in the housse: drawes in those reprobates ouer the ditches and watters aboute some three howers before day at a place by west the house nere adiogninge to a chamber, where gentle Gifford with his wyfe, then lay: who heeringe such a mighty noyse: And the enemy ready to enter the chamber where they were: came downe from thence into the hall which is wyde and spacious, where fyndinge his weaponnes, stood to his defence: buit being ouerlaid was their throwne downe, with many a wounde, his wyfe to saue him was also moste grevously hurte in many places of her body: Sir Thomas Moore then lyinge in the Castell, heeringe such a noyse in the hall, came forth and fought but being ouermatched, thinckinge to haue recouered himseld from them, withowt harme at the enteringe of the castell doare; was thrust in it a sworde into the boddy: the ould lady his wyfe being abroade was taken prisoner: then the enemy, hauvinge entred within the first dore, thought to haue wonne the castell, but Capten Giffords

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{folio 328v} Lieutenant Whitehedd; beinge in a lofte ouer theire headdes dischardged a pece emongst them and so hit that traytor Caier Mc Teige, so that he packt to his master Belzubub: all this whyle those two sweete creatures lay in the hall the one bemoaninge the other of theire misfortunes, in the darke and Capten Gifford having lyfe in him, wished his wyfe: that if she might, to get a candle: and desyer some of those villaines that then were spoylinge of the owt houses, whom she was acquaynted with to carry him owt of the way: which she did and calling to one that sometyme had bene his boy, wished him to help his master: but he as honest as the rest, went to that miscreant Murtagoh Oge McTirlaghe, whom as you harde, was so much behouldinge vnto him: and tould him: that the capten was yet alyve: who awnswered that there others that had more comaunde in this accion then he had and therefore would doe nothinge therein. All which a brother of Shane Ballaghes, that Capten Gifforde killed at Clonbouley, vnderstandinge went vnto him forthwith as he lay on the grownde and with his skeyne, cut his throate, the lady at her goinge away with the enemy and in respect of her age was carried betwene two of the reprobates, those of the castell thinckinge not of her, shot at the troope and hurte her in the shoulder, but er euer it were long, she was deliuered back by the meanes of her daughter, marryed to callogh O moloy., during this bickerment at Croghan: one Edmond Coulgan, a farmer vnder the said Sir Thomas: thincking that the castell had bene taken: poastes to Baleybrittaigne: to a brother of his named Patrick Coulgan: who was marryed to Ashleys daughter, an Englishman sometyme

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{folio 329r} Constable of Balleybrittaigne (a lordship of Sir Henry Warrennes, and now one Roger Ashely his sonne doth execute the said place, who at the coming of the said Edmonde was gon abroade with other of the warde leavinge none within savinge one Edward Ashley his brother then ensigne to Capten William Warren: who then was a bed: now when the said Edmond had toulde his brother that Croghan was taken by the Connors: and they anctient followers of theires: thought that they coulde doe theire master devilles no better service then betray that castell vnto them and for the causes aforesaid being had in in no mistrust, entred the castell, and toke possession thereof, and bownd the said Edward Ashley: wherevppon the said Patrick Coulgan mounted to the top of the castell and called to his brother in law Roger Ashley, and wished him to depart for that he had taken the same to the vse of Lishagh McCallogh Oconnor: who with his power would come thither presently, At which kynde of greetinge, the constable was not a litle mooued, (as I coulde not blame him, yet he gathered curridge to him and so mounted a lather vpp to a window, and willed others of his comepany to assault the doare of the castell whylest he got vp thither, to kepe the villaignes occupyed in two places, where the said Patrick dischardged a pece at him but missed, so that he and one harvye a verry tall fellow, that had marryed his elder brothers wyfe, an Englishmans daughter, entrid with him lykewyse, and so when the two miscreantes saw that, slew him that was now bownde: vppon which Roger Ashley coapt his brother in law Patrick and put him to the worse, and deliuered him to harvy, who

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{folio 329v} kept him safe enough: then the said counstable ranged vpp and downe the Castell to fynd owt Edmonde O Coulgan, and so in a darke entry fownde him. (who had gotten the parties weapones that was slayne; and beinge a stronge fellowe held vpp the counstable verry harde whose sworde was verry naught; for he coulde not come by his owne, so that the villaigne gaue him many a soare wounde, in the end the castell doare was opended and one of Sir Henry Warrens men, drew owt his sworde, and ranne at him but could not enter his fleash, vppon which a horseboy toke a calyver, and knoct owt his braynes: and so those wicked traytors, were carried forth to a dingle and theire hewed in pieces. For any other newes, saving the taking of Trulock, a kinsman by marriadge vnto Sir George Cowley: whose sonne was formerly massacred; and the losse of the said Sir George his castell, of dromecooley and the hesker; I hard of no other newes worth the wryting., And so an ende with the country of Aphaley, for I came away when James Fitzgerrald and his brother Edward entred into accion (two base brothers of the Erle of Kildares but notable rebelles.

Silvyn

I neuer thought otherwyse, but theise villaignes would requyte their ffosterers in this kynde of sorte in the ende, but now sithence you haue made ane ende with the country: I pray you shew me what kynde of thinges is the castell and forte of Phillipstowne: for I doe assure myself, they be places of greate pryce, and famous in those partes

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{folio 330r} for the preservacion of the countries adiogning.

Peregryn

The fforte is but a slight thinge, sometyme envyroned aboute with a stoane wall of small strength., havinge a gatehouse; and three Other flanckers in the middest of euery quarter, and a house for the lieutenant (when any was there.) to ly in called the frame, And in the middest, standeth the castell, which was raysed vppon an oulde fowndacion: when the country was first conquered, but bothe castell and forte growe alltogether rvynous, and allmoste not worthy to be spoken of.

Silvyn

Why that is a greate pittie, that such thinge should not be maynteigned, and I am suer though that some parte of the wall be fallen, yet the fowndacion was stronge enough, to haue borne the stoanes againe.

Peregryn

Yea brother; but there was a farther meaninge in it, for I take the forte to be no lesse then sixtene score yardes aboute: and when the wynde was at the easte (especially in winter tyme, the estates that then lay there, could not well abyde, neather the vigor thereof., nor be ffree from the contynvall concourse of suiters & others, that presvmed to enter before they were called. (and for the speedy preventinge of those inconvenyences, and to be at more ease for want of other matter, they quartered forth a courte yarde, with the decayed wall of the forte; leavinge the breach lyke elbow lane and so it contynved vntill these warrs, which was rampiered vpp with earthe by the forsight of Lieutenant Rushen. And as for the deepe ditches, about the walles, they haue bene so providently lookt vnto, from tyme

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{folio 330v} to tyme, that they be more lyker meddowes then ditches, but to say the troathe, all the buyldinges now, which haue bene fayer lodginges in tymes past, are more lyke vnto rvynes then places of her maiesties, which maketh the miscreantes thinck, that now in accion, that the English inhabitantes of Aphaley are nothinge reguarded (when such ffortresses are suffered to goe to rvynne.

Silvyn

Why then I perceaue, there hathe bene careles husbandry (ab origine: but I pray you tell me; is the castell gor to wrack in the lyke sorte, or who wayted shee vppon for her repaired suites.

Peregryn

The castell, when she was first espoused was an inheritance, of some fower plough land a half, with some comodities therto belonginge, duringe which tyme she was maignteigned verry well in apparrell: with her costly felt of leade: but after shee had buryed her first husbande, she was marryed to a seconde, who vppon some especiall ocasion him mightely moovinge toke away her landes and put her to her pencion; which is growne to be so small and her ?land? [something metaphorical] so longe to come before it will retourne into her handes againe: that shee was driven for pure neede to sell away her leaden felt, that couered the platfourmed hed from all weathers, and learne to imitate the churles of fengall: being glad to weare a strawe hat of half a crowne in steed of her good felt, so that now beinge driven to this shift, shee hath often sued for a divorce, but yet canne get none: by reasonne that she

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{folio 331r} is cleane destitute of, corne, grasse, and woodlande, to maynteigne hospitallitie., that neither batcheler nor widdower, will venter vppon her: If that shee could procure the same.

Silvyn

Nowe. owt alas, whom is that good Quene delt with, (yet it is no mervaiele, as the oulde proverbe is, every man for himself and god for vs all. And so it doth well appeere by the former relacion, now I perceaue: you haue done with the kinges county, I pray you let me here somewhat of Connaght.

Thus endeth the seconde booke.