Page:Studies in Irish History, 1649-1775 (1903).djvu/155

James II who had suffered imprisonment at the hands of one of two contending parties, and who was looking for professional advancement to the other was by no means qualified to judge impartially between them; and that, even if it were impossible to point to specific instances of falsehood on King's part, the fidelity of his narrative would still be open to suspicion. Historians, however, who are inclined to dispute the Archbishop's veracity, are able to base their scepticism on much more definite grounds. The letters of Clarendon clearly prove that King, either wilfully or carelessly, misrepresented many circumstances with regard to which he can scarcely fail to have been accurately informed: and within a few months after the appearance of the State of the Protestants, an Answer was published by a writer of King's own caste, profession, and creed, in which its author was very plainly accused of deliberate and systematic falsehood. "I cannot say," says this writer, "I have examined into every single matter of fact which this author relates; I could not have the opportunity; but I am sure I have the most material, and by these you will easily judge of his sincerity in the rest, which could not all come to my knowledge. But this I can say, that there is not one I have inquired into but I 143