POLITICAL INTRIGUES.

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moderation he brought over to his wishes, and secured their acquiescence, by pledging himself to an equal administration of justice to all the inhabitants. His exertions were attended with such beneficial results, that most of the Irish chieftains, influenced by these happy prospects, made a ready offer of allegiance to her majesty, and those of Ulster and Connaught voluntarily agreed to the payment of a composition for the maintenance of a considerable number of soldiers, as the government should choose, for the protection of those provinces, without any expence to the queen.

Here, then, was a glorious commencement of good government; a stop was about to be put to the inhuman butcheries which had so long disgraced the country, and the reign of justice was likely to commence; the enlightened Perrot had even attempted to supply the want of education, which so lamentably was felt since the suppression of the monasteries, by establishing a university; but unfortunately he failed in his generous and salutary designs. Thwarted on all sides by a turbulent and insatiable faction, and sickening at the aggravated cruelties he could not repress; cramped in his powers by the intrigues of Elizabeth's councils, which by drawing troops from Ireland to oppose the Spaniards on the continent, left the country defenceless, exposed to the danger of domestic dissension, and to an apprehended invasion on the part of Spain; all these things filled him with disgust: weary with exertions, which he found useless, this excellent man resigned his situation, and retired from a scene where his wisdom had proved unavailing.

In order to repair the waste of population produced in Munster by the military progress of Lord Grey, and to

fertile district, Elizabeth was desirous of repeopling the whole province with an English colony. The rebellion of Desmond had enabled her to appropriate to the crown the vast estates of that earl, amounting to 574,628 Irish acres, together with the possessions of about one hundred and forty persons implicated with him, which had also been subjected to forfeiture. Adventurers were invited from every county in England, under the most encouraging circumstances, to colonize the new territory. The undertaker for twelve thousand acres, was to plant eighty-six families on his estates, and so in proportion for less possessions. The native Irish were to be absolutely excluded from even the privilege of tenantry; and garrisons were to be stationed on the frontiers for the protection of the new settlers; commissioners were also appointed to decide their controversies.

This cruel and unjust design failed of its purpose. Few of those who were willing to avail themselves of such flattering offers, were found disposed to venture on the speculation, as they naturally expected serious opposition in taking possession of their several grants: the greater part of them, therefore, declined to fulfil the conditions. Still, however, it appears, there were persons willing to accept of these estates, because the principle of after-claim had been sanctioned by the proceedings of the government, and long established by custom; but these proprietors being nonresident, most of them never having seen their property so acquired, committing the management to ignorant or dishonest agents, (a mischievous practice not peculiar to that period,) contributed to increase the disorders then prevailing.

Among the persons who engaged in this speculation, particular mention should be made of the philosophic

soldier, Sir Walter Raleigh, who by the introduction of the POTATO from South America, made some amends for the cruel murders with which his name was stained under Grey's command. In this instance it must be acknowledged, that a merciful interposition of Providence is manifest; for the humble orders of the peasantry of Ireland, notwithstanding all that has been advanced to the contrary, derive a support from this prolific and nutritive root, which enables them to bear the extraordinary accumulation of calamity by which they have been incessantly afflicted.

The establishment of English plantations throughout Ireland appears to have been a favourite object with Elizabeth, a settlement having been attempted at Ardes, in Down, by Sir Thomas Smith, which failed in consequence of the opposition experienced from the O'Neals. Walter Devereux, Earl of Essex, about the same time projected an extensive colony in the territory of Clanhuboy, where the fortified lands were to be protected by a standing force of twelve hundred soldiers; but this enterprize failed like all the others, and the project not only brought ruin on the undertakers, but Essex lost his life either from chagrin, or by poison, the familiar means by which his rival Leicester used to dispose of all who were opposed to his interest.

Amidst these agitated and unpleasant scenes it is gratifying to reflect that the benevolent purpose of Sir John Perrot, regarding a national education, was carried into effect about three years after it was first proposed. The accomplishment of that important affair was brought about by Adam Loftus, Archbishop of Dublin, who although opposed to Perrot's administration from motives of private interest, and, perhaps, piqued that he was not the first to suggest the plan, used his influence at the time to pre

the erection of a college. The site chosen for the building was very appropriate, namely, the monastery of All-hallows, near Dublin, founded by Dermond Mac Murrough for the usual ends of religious retreat and education. In the proscriptive measures of Henry VIII. this monastery underwent the general fate, and had been granted to the city of Dublin, from whose possession it was repurchased, and the schools were opened with great solemnity in January, 1593. The foundation has been since advanced to the rank of a University, and greatly enriched by legacies and donations: it is at present as distinguished for wealth as it is for erudition.

The imbecile and erroneous policy of Elizabeth, in refusing or rather rejecting the overtures of the Irish for a general pacification under Perrot, became wofully visible after his resignation; a general insurrection was the almost immediate consequence. This rebellion, raised by the chiefs of Ulster, was supported by the Spaniards, and artfully fomented by false representations that it was encouraged by the reigning Pope. It was long and violent, and cost the parsimonious Elizabeth upwards of four millions sterling, besides the life of her favourite Essex, and finally hastened her own dissolution; the unfortunate country having been scourged with a most rueful devastation, and a terrible waste of human life by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence with all its train of horrors.

The great military talents of Charles Blunt, Lord Mountjoy, united with a clear, comprehensive, and firm mind, broke down resistance in every quarter with uncompromising determination. Nor was the policy of this eminent soldier less powerful than were his arms. endeavoured to detach the old natives from their turbulent chiefs, whether of Irish or English descent, and induced

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them under the fairest promises, which were generally fulfilled, to join themselves to his banners, and even take the lead in the most hazardous engagements, a zeal which he turned to his credit with the queen; to whom he boasted with inhuman exultation, that he had thus made her enemies the means of self-destruction.

A calm ensued. It was the tranquillity of death. The victorious deputy sat down in the midst of blood, to enjoy a peace purchased with the loss of half the population. In these circumstances James I. came to the throne.