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Sarsfield bold enough, for it was Tyrconnell's; but it was ill-seconded by James. James had, in a word, no mind to be King of Ireland, to govern Ireland as a king should. His eyes were fixed on the other side of the channel; he was always ready to abandon the certainty of gratifying and benefitting Ireland for the chance of not displeasing England. Louis proposed reciprocal arrangements to facilitate trade between Ireland and France; but though Ireland was in the last state of exhaustion for want of money, and a springing up of commerce might spell salvation, James would not consent to consider her commercial interests, lest English merchants should take umbrage.

Months went by, and James was busy with schemes of invading Scotland, or England even; meanwhile the Protestant party daily gained strength in Ulster, and Schomberg found an easy landing.

We have no record of the effect that this policy produced on Sarsfield; but we can read d'Avaux's angry comment on the folly of the King whom he was sent to serve, and whom he appears to have served well with advice. James was guided principally by Melfort, and Melfort considered only the Scotch and English Catholics; that is, not the devoted Highlanders, but 257