Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 10.djvu/578

 558 REIGN OF ELIZABETH. [CH. 62. them that fight against her nay rather a woman that is surely hated of her successor whoever he be and therefore they that seek to please her cannot but be unpleasant to the next heir of the crown, whose right she so tyrannously forbiddeth to be published. I cannot tell what worldly thing would grieve me more than to hear not only that your honour would not assist Christ's banner, but also that any other nobleman should prevent you in this glorious attempt. All that I write is spoken also to me good lady, your bedfellow, and to me good uncle, 1 [and] your brothers, 2 to all whom I commend myself, and also me bedfellow most heartily doth the like ; trusting in Almighty God that as his Holiness has made me Captain- General of this holy war, so your honour being head of my house will be the chief protector and patron of their no less than me quarrel.' 3 This letter showed that Fitzmaurice understood the Earl's character, distrusted his courage, and doubted his principles, and moreover that as yet there was no clear understanding between them. Desmond had no reason to love England ; but he had sense enough to know that unless the support from abroad was more than nominal, England would prove too strong in the end for Irish rebellion. He was in a strait between the two parties. If the invasion failed, and he had compromised himself, 1 Sir John of Desmond, brother to the late Earl. 2 Sir John of Desmond the younger, and Siv James. 8 Sir James Fitzmaurice to the Earl of Desmond, July, 1579: MSS Ireland.