sanguinary struggles which subsisted between them and the natives, in every part of the Island, for centuries. The Cosbies fought bravely in defence of the possessions they acquired, and, so far, they deserved them; but other settlers resorted to very different modes of aggrandizement, in this ill-fated land of adventure. Amongst these, Richard Boyle, better known by the name of the "great earl of Cork," stands eminently conspicuous. From an obscure adventurer, this man gradually became the most powerful individual in Ireland, and it is related, that Cromwell, a kindred spirit, when he visited Munster, declared that if there had been an earl of Cork in each of the provinces, there would have been no rebellion; perhaps, it might be added, because there would have been but few or none left to complain. The world is already acquainted with Boyle's story, or with such parts of it as his partial biographers, or eulogists rather, thought proper to communicate; but his true character has been studiously concealed. The following extract from a letter[1] written by him from his mansion at Youghal, to the Earl of Warwick, on 25th Feb. 1641, may serve, for so much, to shew him in his true colours.—"But to return to Ireland wherein my fortune lyes, and wherein I have eaten the most parte of my bread for these last 51 years, and have made it a great parte of my study to understand this kingdome and people, in their owne true essence and natures; I doe beseech your lordshipp, beleeve this great truth from me, that there is not many, (nay I may more truely say,) very few or none, that is a native of Ireland, and of the Romish religion, but he is either publiquely in this action, or privately in his heart, an assistant or welwisher unto it, for this rebellion hath infected all of them, and the contagion, thereof, is dispersed throughout the kingdome, and as the poyson is generall, soe hath his majesty and the parliament a fitt opportunitie offered them, for these their treasons to roote the popish partie of the natives out
- ↑ Preserved in the Library of the Royal Irish Academy, Dublin.
