Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 10.djvu/327

 1573-3 STA TE OF IRELAND. 30? heard so terrible a report. He set out a proclamation that he was come to be a father to Ulster, and his only fear was, that the difficulties would be too slight to test his skill and courage. The Scots fled to their fastnesses at Bed Bay. Tirlogh Lenogh lay in his castle at Lough Neagh. The tremendous Sir Brian came in person, and made his submission on his knees. Sir Brian from henceforth promised to be a loyal sub- ject ; and for a pledge of his fidelity, placed 10,000 cattle at the new Governor's disposal. 1 A few days dissolved the illusion. The Irish chief had desired merely to ascertain the number of the in- vaders ; three nights after he disappeared, and with the morning, his own herds, and all the rest which Essex had collected, had vanished with him. The troops were reduced to salt beef, where the supplies of food but a few hours before had appeared inexhaustible. They had brought corn, but there were no mills to grind it ; before they had been on shore a fortnight, they were mutinous for want of food, while Essex could only console himself with the determination that ' he would not be so abused again/ ' He had begun with lenity/ for the future he would be strict and severe. 2 It was for ever the same story with Ireland. Men came there full of confidence and enthusiasm. The in- habitants were so agreeable that they were credited with all imaginable virtues, and the failures in managing them were set -down to a want of understanding, or a want of 1 Essex to the Council, September 10 : MSS. Ireland. 2 Essex to the Council, September 29 : MSS. Ibid.