The offers which he was authorised to make to the Roman Catholics and to the Lord Deputy personally were most liberal, [144] It is not impossible that Hamilton may have really meant to perform his promise.

But when he arrived at Dublin he found that he had undertaken a task which was beyond his power.

The hesitation of Tyrconnel, whether genuine or feigned, was at an end.

He had found that he had no longer a choice.

He had with little difficulty stimulated the ignorant and susceptible Irish to fury.