on the subject. The arrival of the King will, I sincerely hope, heal all dissensions among the people. All our losses in the late war were owing to treachery and discord, two evils which, I trust, are banished from this country for ever. We have now to contend for our religious liberty, and I expect the victory will be ours. O'Brien," he continued, "how do Lord Clare's affairs stand just now ?"

"He is at great expense in raising his dragoon and infantry regiments," replied O'Brien. "He has no pay for them, and, like most of the nobility and gentry, has to support his men himself, who willingly submit to every privation for their country's welfare. How funds are to be raised I know not; however, one thing is certain, that as long as food can be provided the troops will hold together."

CHAPTER VII.

THE KING LANDS AT KINSALE, AND ENTERS DUBLIN.

THE 24th of March was ushered in with that cold, dry, but invigorating and wholesome atmosphere so characteristic of the spring season, when Nature gradually begins to awaken from her winter slumbers, and assumes a gay costume, which soon becomes developed into purple heath, green leaf, and fragrant flowers. It was a day of deep interest to the inhabitants of the old City of the Swords, the metropolis of Ireland, and from the unusual excitement and bustle which prevailed it was evident that some great event was expected to take place-an important event, which had a different effect on the citizens, as it was fraught with fear for some, but with joy for the greater portion. The Catholics, who had hitherto been despised and treated with contempt by the insolent Protestant minority, were delighted that King James, whom they regarded as their deliverer, was expected that day to arrive in the metropolis. Nearly all the houses in the city were decorated with tapestry or cloth of gold. The streets were spanned by triumphal arches, while at every available spot the green flag flew boldly in the breeze. Priests, Friars, and other religious persons mingled with the people who crowded the streets, and were loud in their acclamations. The whole city, in fact, presented a tumultuous appearance, and most of the people seemed to be intoxicated with delight. Officers in various uniforms, wearing oak boughs in their hats, and women in gay and varied costume, added to

the liveliness of the scene. Te Deums were sung in the churches, and the bells throughout the city pealed forth merrily. All the vessels in the Liffey were decorated with flags of various sizes, on mostly all of which were emblazoned either the Sunburst of the Milesians, the White Rose of the Stuarts, the Harp of Erin, or the Fleur-de-lys of France. Thus opened Palm Sunday, the 24th of March, 1689, in the good old city of Dublin.

King James, who resided at the palace of St. Germain-en-Laye, near Paris, as the guest of Louis XIV., since he was compelled to fly from England in December the previous year, felt exceedingly grateful to his powerful cousin for the assistance he gave him in his misfortunes. King Louis lent him four hundred thousand crowns, as he knew funds. would be required to undertake the intended expedition to Ireland; but not long before his departure from France, he lost a faithful ally by the sudden and unexpected death of his niece, the young Queen of Spain. This Princess was the eldest daughter of Louis the Fourteenth's only brother, his Royal Highness Philip Duke of Orleans, by his wife, the Princess Henrietta Maria of England, daughter of King Charles I., and sister of Kings Charles II., and James II. Her Majesty, who inherited the beauty and many accomplishments of her mother, married Charles II., King of Spain, over whom she possessed powerful influence, and was only in the twenty-sixth year of her age at the time of her unexpected death, which took place on the 20th February. The death of the Queen was, therefore, a great blow to the cause of her unfortunate uncle, who nevertheless resolved to set sail for Ireland. When King James was taking leave of the King of France, the latter unbuckled his sword, and, with a gaiety of manner which was intended to rouse the drooping spirits of his kinsman, presented it to him, saying he hoped it would prove fortunate, and be the means of restoring him to his crown. He bluntly added-"The best wish that I can offer to your Majesty is that I may never see you again." On the 28th, King James bade farewell to his Queen, Mary Beatrice Eleanora of Modena, who was much affected at parting from him. He travelled overland in his coach, accompanied by his son, the Duke of Berwick (48), who gave promise of becoming one of the greatest generals of his day, the Duke of Powis, the Earls of Dunbarton and Melfort, and Thomas Stuart. The party quickly crossed the faubourgs of Paris, reached Orleans the same night, and took the route through Bretagne. At Roche Bernard, the Duke de Chaulnes received his Majesty with great magnificence, and would have conducted him to a bed-chamber, that he might take repose after the journey, but the King exclaimed-"I only want something to eat." His

wish was soon gratified, as there was an expensive supper, consisting entirely of fish, prepared for his Majesty. On reaching Brest he found a squadron, comprising thirty men-of-war, commanded by Admiral de Gabaret, prepared to accompany him to Ireland, but the vessel in which he set sail, meeting with an accident, was obliged to return into port to undergo repairs; and this circumstance, though trivial in itself, was sufficient to dishearten many of his adherents, who viewed it as an ill omen. However, the King landed at Kinsale on Wednesday, the 12th of March, where he remained until the arms and other necessaries for the coming war which he had brought over with him were disembarked. He entered Cork on the 14th, where he was received with acclamations of joy by the people, and met by the Lord Lieutenant, the Earl of Tyrconnell, whom he on this occasion created a Duke, as a reward for all his faithful services; but the patent of creation did not pass until the 11th of July following. On the ensuing Sunday after his arrival, he heard Mass in the new chapel which had been lately erected near the Franciscan Friary, being supported by two Friars of that Order, and accompanied by several others clad in their habits. His Majesty was received with great honour and rejoicings by Donough Mac Carthy, Earl of Clancarthy, whom he made one of the Lords of his bed-chamber, and his regiment, a Royal Regiment of Guards.

On the 12th of March the following fleet arrived in the bay of Cork, from France:

King James remained in the city of Cork until the 20th of the month. On the 24th he entered Dublin with great pomp and magnificence, all classes having assembled to receive his Majesty with the respect due to his exalted position. Indeed, the King's progress from the great southern city to the metropolis was marked with the greatest enthusiasm; for the Irish, who are an affectionate and warm-hearted people, deeply sympathised with the fallen Monarch in his misfortunes, particularly because they were caused by his attachment to the religion for which they had themselves so long and bitterly suffered.

At the entrance to the Liberty of the city a large stage was erected, covered with arras, on which were seated two aged minstrels playing national airs on their harps; underneath there were several Friars chanting hymns; while at their head a large cross was borne by one of their order. At the limits of the Freedom his Majesty was received by the Lord Mayor, Sir Michael Creagh, the city sheriffs, Christopher Palles

and John Coyne; the Aldermen, Common Council, Wardens, and brethren of many corporations; the Ulster King-at-arms, Heralds, Pursuivants, with many of the clergy and other members of religious orders. The streets from St. James's Gate to the Castle Gate, which were newly gravelled, were lined with soldiers, and the balconies of all the houses were hung with tapestry or cloth of gold, according to the wealth of the respective inhabitants.

The procession proceeded towards the Castle in the following order: First, six carriages, drawn by six splendid horses each; two calashes, five strong carts and one close waggon, containing arms and ammunition, guarded by some French troops. Next walked in order over two hundred stalwart young citizens of Dublin; then came Major Mansfield Barker, of the Royal Regiment, bareheaded, whose duty it was to keep the centre of the streets clear. He was followed by twenty-nine well-accoutred horsemen ; then one of the Lord Lieutenant's carriages, drawn by six fine horses, in which sat alone the Lord Grand Prior of England (49); then three officers of the Guards on horseback, followed by three led horses; then marched about twenty officers of the Royal Army, followed by five trumpeters and drummers wearing the King's livery. After these came twenty gentlemen at large, followed by the pursuivants and messengers of the household; next the Ulster King-at-Arms and heralds; then the Duke of Tyrconnell, Viceroy of the Kingdom, carrying the sword of state; and next walked forty young maidens, dressed in white, who strewed the way with flowers before the King, who rode on horseback, that the assemblage might obtain a view of him. His Majesty was dressed in a plain cinnamon-coloured cloth suit, and black slouching hat. He wore the St. George and blue ribbon of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. On his left rode the Duke of Berwick and the Earl of Granard, and on his right the Duke of Powis and the Earl of Melfort. After came a troop of dragoons, a great number of officers, clergymen, and private gentlemen, two troops of horse and several other attendants; after which followed six noblemen's carriages, each drawn by six horses; then Sir Thomas Nugent, of Pallas, county of Galway, Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench, who was shortly after created Lord Riverston (50), and John Keating, Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, in their official robes, followed by six carriages; and then a great number of enthusiastic citizens, followed by the mob, loudly vociferating Long live King James the Just! God save our Catholic King!" Also shouts of "Vive le Roi," and "Cead mille failte," almost rent the air, while in every part of the city bands played "The King shall have his own again!" On arriving at the Castle gate, his Majesty alighted from his