Page:Biographia Hibernica volume 1.djvu/160

 BOYLE. 149 the beginning of the Rebellion there, necessary to be con- sidered by all Adventurers, and other Persons estated in that Kingdom." His poems comprise, "A Poem on his Majesty's happy Restoration;" "A Poem on the Death of the celebrated Mr. Abraham Cowley;","The Dream," which is altogether political; and " Poems on the Fasts and Festivals of the Church of England."This was his last work, and exhibits manifest proofs of declining genius. He also dedicated to his majesty, " The Art of War,"a work which exhibits much classical ability and military Majesty's bappy Restoration" talent. Not long after his majesty's return, the catholics of Ireland commissioned Sir Nicholas Plunket, and some other gentlemen, to present a memorial to him, requesting the restoration of their estates. The protestants, alarmed lest this remonstrance should take effect, chose the Earl of Orrery, and six more, to oppose this measure in the council, The Earl of Orrery had always been so strenuous an opposer of the catholics that they were apprebensive that his eloquence and address might influence the coun- cil against them. In consequence of this, they offered him, as Mr. Morrice, his lordship's chaplain, assures us, 8000l. in money, and estates to the amount of 7000l. per annum, not to appear against them; but he rejected this proposal with disdain, stating that, since he had the honour to be employed by the protestants, he would never have the baseness to betray them. The cause was heared with great solemnity before the king and council: the commissioners of the catholics urged their arguments on the case, and expatiated on their loyalty and attachment to his majesty; when the Earl of Orrery rose, and, after a hand- some compliment to the king, stated that his protestant subjects in Ireland were the first who bad formed a party for his assistance; that the catholics had fought against the authority, both of the late and present king; and finally, that they had offered the kingdom of Ireland to the Pope, the king of Spain, and the king of France.