Page:Studies in Irish History, 1649-1775 (1903).djvu/192

James II A supplementary list was added containing the names of eighty-five persons, who "for some time past have been absent out of this kingdom; and, by reason of sickness, nonage, infirmities, or other disabilities, may for some time further be obliged to stay out of this kingdom, or be disabled to return thereunto." As, in the opinion of the Parliament, it was "much to the weakening and impoverishing of this realm that any of the rents or profits of the lands, tenements, or hereditaments therein should be sent into or spent in any other place beyond the seas" it was provided by the Act "that all the lands, etc., belonging or appertaining to all and every of the persons herein before last mentioned within this kingdom be and are hereby vested in your Majesty." If, however, any of the aforesaid persons "do hereafter return into this kingdom and behave him or themselves as becometh loyal subjects," they were to be restored to their estates on making formal application to the Court of Chancery or Exchequer.

The bill passed both Houses with little opposition, and James, though he is said to have regarded it with secret dislike, was compelled to give it his reluctant consent.

In passing judgment upon this celebrated measure and upon the parliament by which it 180