Page:Confiscation in Irish history.djvu/177

 THE RESTORATION SETTLEMENT

restoration of the Monarchy seemed to promise to the ever optimistic Irish the restoration of their lands.

Of the three kingdoms ruled by Charles I. Ireland had the best record for loyalty. Scotland had begun the armed opposition to his rule, and had persisted in it until his execution had shocked the kingdom back to its allegiance to his son—an allegiance grudgingly rendered, and hampered round with conditions. And a couple of decisive victories had brought almost the whole nation to submission to the usurping English government.

The majority of the English nation had revolted from its allegiance, and they were Englishmen who had cut off the head of the father, and put a price on the head of the son.

But the Irish, who encouraged by the example of the Scots had taken up arms in 1641 to redress their grievances, had always protested their loyalty to the King. They had taken steps to come to an agreement with him in 1643, and in