A few weeks only had elapsed since the hope of wealth and greatness had impelled him to bely the boastful professions of his whole life, to desert the royal cause, to join with the Wildmans and Fergusons, nay, to propose that the King should be sent a prisoner to a foreign land and immured in a fortress begirt by pestilential marshes.

The lure which had produced this strange transformation was the Viceroyalty of Ireland.

Soon, however, it appeared that the proselyte had little chance of obtaining the splendid prize on which his heart was set.

He found that others were consulted on Irish affairs.

His advice was never asked, and, when obtrusively and importunately offered, was coldly received.