Page:Studies in Irish History, 1649-1775 (1903).djvu/117

Charles II so plausible that, although unsupported by positive evidence, it has been very generally and, in my opinion, very rightly accepted. Monmouth, at this time the idol of the populace and a notorious competitor for the succession, had been selected by paternal partiality for a position in which, more than in any other, his slender parts and headstrong passions must have proved dangerous to the State. Justly alarmed at the prospect of an appointment which would have immensely strengthened the hands of his rival, the Duke of York forgot his former animosity to urge the claims of a man whose attachment to the Protestant interest was not more conspicuous than his devotion to the cause of hereditary right. His efforts were successful, and Ormond, for the third time, assumed the government of Ireland.

The first months of his administration were a time of moderate and equitable government, disturbed by no circumstances of a striking or noteworthy character; but the panic, which the inventions or Oates had excited in England, was soon felt beyond the channel; and, before the end of 1678, Ormond found himself compelled, very reluctantly as it would seem, to adopt a harsher and less tolerant policy. A series of proclamations were issued in the autumn of that 105