Chapter 10

 

Chapter 10

She would have to mention it to her confessor. It was pride. Wicked pride

Pride the oldest sin. The first sin and the hardest penance Adam and Eve were driven out of Eden. Lucifer was cast from Heaven as punishment for his pride.

Would God forgive her, her vanity? Lucifer had been an Angel. Adam and Eve had been formed by the hand of God themselves. They had been subject to wrath

She was comparing herself to the Mother of God simply due to the species of her mount.

Her Mule was clearly more Donkey then horse. As her own form remembered her mother

It still was a mule. So the analogy was not even that accurate. The good Mule would have surely reared up and released itself of its burden. If it had the wit. If for a moment dumb beast had realised what sinner bestrode it.

If she had been born a man she could sit astride.....

Not Mary but Eve. Her pride would be her undoing. Eloise chastened herself. The shame was harder than a flagrante lash.

Was she ungrateful for the gift of life as a woman? Had not Elizabeth and Ann be content? Had not the women of Jerusalem been given the honour of wiping the blood from the head of Christ?

Unlike the Holy Mother or the common mother of all Mankind. She like her Mule would remain childless. They would not

Sister Eloise prayed inwardly for forgiveness, and strove to remember it to her confessor.

The sun was proud. It was not a day for dark thoughts. Her confessor would learn of her sins. He would prescribe her penance for her repentance. She would be forgiven

Her companion Sister Ines was refreshing her soul with the waters of the rosary. Eloise would have accompanied her sister. Her mind unquiet. She had been too long in the sun perhaps.

Two of the O’Neil’s tenants, rode just a little in front of them. A dark haired woman sharing her choice of mount (Eloise despite being able to recite Homer had forgotten her chaperones name.)She was a Vasco though. Like her Husband thus they were both fairer than the multitudes of the town. The Matron was approaching the autumn of her life yet she could look forward to a prosperous feast of the saints. The lady had married well her greying Husband had something of a pot belly. Though the lady’s taste was modest. It was clear she lacked nothing. Excepting conversation Antonio was a touch laconic. Though thoroughly respectable in manner, and breeding. The lady indeed refrained from the deplorable excess of vanity, unlike Eloise.

No, No it was, not the time for that. She would see her confessor in time The Pious Vasco lady was a blessing she should be thankful for. Her companionship had enabled Eloise and Ines to call upon their sisters. Offer there thanks, condolences and service

Thus the honour of the O’Neill and the dignity of the daughters of Christ stood fast

The brief spiritual crisis of its passenger aside, the Mule plodded onward. This traveller had the comfort of her cell to look forward to. There would be more of a welcome for her. Then the holy family had, in the seat of David the claims of the Irlandessa were grandiose yet despite their boasts the Irlandessa’s genealogy did not stretch that far back what they insisted on in their cups was myth and hearsay. Often pagan she suspected. Duels had been fought when such thoughts had been put into words

The caravan made its way to the town. Slowly and surely as the great river made its way to the sea. The herd of horses and their backstairs kin the mules were followed by a few carts, trundled on. Carts full of hides, wool and dried dung Mercifully Eloise was ahead of that cart, and well upwind too

The strong sunshine had one slight unfortunate side effect there. To the van of the travellers there were the carriages with whatever lumber could be found. That was worth more than her mistresses’ wedding ring at the moment. Behind her the drovers followed with a goodly amount of Cattle and sheep. The O’Neill’s tenants and sworn men riding guard kept beast and Indio’s at bay

She prayed for dry weather to last. The Lord had sent rain, to save the port of Buenos Aires. The downpour had smothered the flames of the heretic fireship. Was it one Fire ship or fireships?

In the plains rumours grew as high as corn. There were stories that the English had landed. That the churches were sacked by an invading army. That the Irlandessa and the Portuguese factions of Buenos Aires had fallen into stasis. There were even those who claimed it was the second coming. There had been some fretful hours. When smoke and rumour where the only reference to the events. Than the Vasco, and his old wife, had returned. They brought word from the O’Neill. The news of the terrible fire had lead the port and its people had been saved by the great saviour

Now his mercy would be shown in the broad sunshine. With the sun shining hands could carve and cut, in the open air. Under a generous sun men would be able to climb up onto roofs and thus the burned shingles and slates would be replaced. A dry night would preserve the health of those who slept under blankets of stars. The families sleeping on rushes had no door to protect them from flux and fever. Sunshine meant that the paths to bring cattle and sheep into the town would be dusty and firm, rather than a mire the labourer and craftsman would need meat.

The Irlandessa had opened their hand. Such generosity would be remembered by the King of Kings

Such generosity would be remembered by the poorest of the poor too.

The act was as politique as Constantine after the battle of the Bridge. It did not matter why the little children and peasants came to Mass. As long as they came they could be saved.

The axels groaned as the cartwheels span. The noise unfortunately resembled the sound of the bedchambers of a bride on her wedding night for the more demure ears of a bride of Christ. One of their escort took off his hood, and nodded to her. A pious man paying his respects to his sister in Christ The rider spurred his grey mare to the van of the procession. It was a relieving army in a sense, an army mobilised against want! A general who relived a city was remembered in schoolbooks, and statues

The ram would not strike the wall.

Rather they would feast on the fatted lamb

The drovers sang as they toiled. The song was based on a hymn. Their melody was simple, and the lyrics mercifully modest. The voices betrayed their origins, some were Irlandessa. The oldest and youngest voices, few Wilde Irish slipped into the town.

It was a point of pride for the old Irlandessa families. To have nursemaids who babbled in Erse. Some were the sons, or rather grandsons and great grandson’s of the first shiploads to land here. There lonely cottages and scattered farmsteads being little islands of Irish in the great sea of Spanish.

It was a form of Spanish. Eloise found herself, having to concentrate when she heard the young and common folk of the port speaking. They were as ignorant of grammar, as the millions of Cathay were of Jesus. The shouting and cat calling from behind the convent walls betrayed a great ignorance. The differences between Masculine and feminine speech never having been mastered, were discounted

The chorus revealed Galician and Navarese accents. There was one of two voices she could not place. The blond man, with the snub nose could be heard over the melody. His vowels where sheared when the others singers let theirs grow long

An odd Indio baritone could be heard in the chorus. The man driving the sheep before her was of mixed breed. There cattle would have made Papa sigh the calves were plump and healthy. If they had been women, they would have been goddesses or nymphs. A fitting subject for art

The song of the men Godly and humble inspired Eloise. She offered thanks to her Master in heaven

If nothing else, the cartwheels and cows, was muted. The Sun stood proud in the sky.

They could see the smoke from the town on the horizon. The chimneys smoked the bonfires blazed. The tanneries and bakeries Mankind had not forgotten the gift of Prometheus. The smoke spoke of blacksmiths and coppersmiths sweating and cursing until they could take their lunch. Soon the smell would be overpowering. The dung that witnessed the hundreds of thousands of head of livestock that ended their days at the butchers, and tanneries the stench of rotting fish. The privies, chamber pots’s and piss of a busy port. Industry and squalor were bedfellows.

Alas there was no Hercules to cleanse these stables

The House of the sisters of Christ was towards the outskirts of town. Away from the temptation and troubles of a port. Yet close enough for the duties of charity. It was also under the eyes of the honest men of the militia. In case any Indio’s or the mob, should try to impose themselves on the sisters the house of women that had fallen to the lust of the heretics came to mind. The vengeance of the Lord was doubted by the proud and the Godless.

It would be good, to see her companions in Christ again. Her duties with the O Neill's had not been onerous. Indeed her charge had been blessed with some wit. The rod and a few raised eyebrows dealt with her childish excesses. The Mistress of the house had joined her and Sister Ines in their prayers. She had endeavoured to keep the conversation at dinner from digressing to the horses. The prospects for the corn harvest. The Don Neill’s house was full of music. Before the Nuns retired of evening, their hosts made an effort to keep their choices of song, if not Pious then polite

Her home was among her sisters. She had entered the order, as a novice not long after she had arrived in the port. The long journey had been difficult. Papa had been fearful for her virtue and never let wander too far. The ship was a Babel the seas were rough and the rations worse. She had been but an animated skeleton when they reached the port of Buenos Aires. She smiled remembering her determination to join the sisters. Father had wanted her to sell fish, or become a laundress in the service of some house. For a moment she considered her life. As a path which reached a fork. She had taken one path, the path of modesty of charity and of service. Suppose she had not listened to the voice inside her. Did not Samuel ignore the voice of God, for a few moments repose? What had she been but a mere girl? Suppose she had become a washerwoman for the O’Neill’s. The path of her life would have reached almost the same place. Like a river determined to reach the sea. She would have been here, in Buenos Aires, at the service and in the train of the Irlandessa

The sun shone brightly the song of the drovers began to ebb. They were close to the outskirts of the town. The steeples of the churches could be made out. As could the masts of the ships in the harbour be seen too. The O’Neill’s family seat was close by. It was bare rugged building a block of Atlantic stone defiant against the plains. The Convent where she resided was all the more elegant. She had heard that the O’Neill’s now had a town house. Where the son of the great house received polite society

She remembered he had a daughter... The young prince had mentioned it

Then she remembered

The girl’s s Mother had been Portuguese.

Chapter 3 Sleeping under the cross

 

Sleeping under the Cross Chapter Three

``Sleeping under the cross’’

Oh Oh , he needed to let his water go.

A pair of eyes staggered open. Licking his lips as he grew accustomed to the light. 

It was early morning. Where was he? He was thirsty.! A dry throat and a full bladder! Tormented by Scylla and Cararibdi . Grasping the blanket he endeavored to rise.

The sudden pain, from his thigh won the argument for staying still. As the pain subsided . Hugh scouted his surroundings trying to remember 

There was no stink It was a goodly house. A fine bed had been provided for his sickness and slumber. The sheets were good white linen. Where his bed a woman, she have had suitors from three parishes away.

Another day, It would have been a fine place to wake up. Why could it have not just been a hangover? Or a stout kick, between the legs. Spilling boiling water on himself would be more desirable. Or perhaps, he could have the pain, but keep the room, a fine place for the wedding night after eloping with a pretty milkmaid.

The pain, would not accept a trade. ..

Outside someone was smoking. The rest of creation gently reminded himself of itself in the scent of,the tobacco . While his microcosm shouted in pain He didn’t know where he was, and he could scarce  stand still shout he would

``Juan! Juan!’’

Or rather summon, or call. His tutor's cane had left some of the most strong memories.

The door was opened

Juan entered, and bowed slightly. They were in good company then. Despite the rare politeness It was the same man, who he had ridden, to the hunt with him. Juan was wearing his cloak and his simple hunting boot’s ,buckskin breeches. This clad a man, of about six feet. He was wide across the shoulders too. His skin, was brushed with the varnish of the summer. He had the frame and form of a blacksmith. Not just in body, his hair was a forge full of charcoal and ash. 

Older than his Chief by ten years. Or Winters as Juan would have it.

``Juan I need to make water help me get up and get the chamber pot’’

After much cursing. As well as not a little blasphemy, and a few threats. Juan relented, and assisted

With an empty bladder, and the pain from his leg ebbing. It was time to start the interrogation

``Where are we?’’

``We are at the House of Don Neil. You will have to make amends for your blasphemies. 

To him, as well as to me, and the almighty We brought you here, after your wound turned bad. Your wits have been astray for two days nearly.’’

``You remember the fight with the sailors?’’

``I do’’

``We are not sure, where there ship was. Your cousin, the Don is at arms, waiting and watching for them. Maybe the wolf will return maybe it won’t. It will not raid our flock’’

``We will eat little dinner . I will inform our host. You have recovered your strength, if not your wits or manners. There will be much talk’’

Juan, closed the door. Nosily enough to annoy his convalescent Captain .Leaving only a smell of tobacco and a memorable curse, to remember  his departure

After Juan exit's A polite knock broke the silence A Manservant begged leave to enter Carrying under his arm a pair of breeches. His own had died on the operating table. He had also brought a stout walking stick. He excused himself again, and returned with a jug and bowl of warm water. Hugh washed his face. The servant helped dress him. 

He hoped the High King of Heaven will forgive his silent curses, as he struggled with the breeches.

With his toilet completed. His boots polished, and his sword sheathed. His hair combed, and his face washed The manservant again begged his leave returning a moment later, to tell him his host was to call on him

A tall man, entered the room. A man he known since childhood. He has ridden to the hunt, with him. He sat on his knee. He has eaten his bread.

The Servant named him. ettiquete never slept. They were not the beasts of the plains. Nor the Indios. Wounded, with dull wits he may have been. Yet

May I present, and name. Don Neil, O Neill of Clandeboy. Marquess of Santa Ana

``Don Neil’’, the young man made a gallant effort to bow. Gritting his teeth, as his wound protested

``Don Hugh’’ his host returned the compliment.

``You honour me, and my home. My bread is your bread. My fire is your fire.’’

``You have exceeded, yourself again. I owe my life, and strength to you. Your kindness exceeds Finn Macool, who gave away gold, as if it was the leaves of fall.

I was glad to help answered the Don. Your health was in the hands of one of the Sisters of Christ. My brother has exceeded himself. I must write to him, and thank him for his choice. Truly our lord guided his heart

How is your brother inquired Hugh. I have not seen his Grace for so long I am keen to make my thanks to the Great God, for my recovery

My brother has been in St Marys. He and his brother Bishops are attending to a letter from the Holy Father himself.

What an honour. I must mention to my confessor The sin of envy

Indeed, but even whilst dealing with such weighty matters he has not forgotten us, and we owe your health to his nomination

``I shall introduce her after you have little dinner. Come with me. My table awaits’’

Don Neil took his arm, his leg was still weak. It hurt as he hobbled across the courtyard.

There were tables set up for them. Benches had been set and good Chairs brought in, for those who deserved them. Bread ,pastries, and broth. Yet Man does not live on bread alone. There was meat, Plains hare, chickens and partridges. He took his fill. 

He was so hungry. It felt like he not eaten since the flood. He washed it down with small beer.

The Ship?

Don Neil sipping wine, looked up from his cup. He bit his lip, and began to speak

``We have heard and seen, nothing of them. I sent word to the Viceroy, I have had good men, watching the coast. I have spared neither bread, not shot nor horse. We are ready for them.

The fire is roaring, and we are in our best clothes. Yet they will not come to dinner. 

A pity, I would so like reacquainting with  them’’

``I might say I have a hunger for them’’

The morning was warm, but there was winter in his host’s eyes.

``I have sent word to your father, or course. Your little misadventure, may stir something other than stern proclamations, and the wringing of hands from the South. ‘’

``My father is not the Viceroy’’

``No, and he is not a beggar either. Do not be niave Hugh. The Viceroy can dismiss reports. The Viceroy can ignore messengers. The Viceroy can plead illness or Now he must act. He knows The Great O Neil’s son, has been wounded. You might have died. It will be spoken of on leather couches, and wooden benches. In the finest drawing rooms, and in barns and wine sinks

``They may even mention it in the El Escorial’’

``The King? ‘’

``We do pay taxes. We furnish him with bread and beef, Even Silver. We are men of skill and reason. ``We are the finest land in the Empire.Men cross the ocean to join us, from all Spain even from Italy and France. We are a realm, in the eyes of God. ‘’

His friend and kinsman words, were greeted with a cough. Not, as sign of displeasure. Rather the fever had not been vanquished. Like the Indios on the great plain, the pampas  it had been scattered yet it still had the strength to burn his crops and steal his cattle

Don Hugh summoned, a servant with a nod. The man was swift and brought a cup of cool water.

We can at least speak. Let no one from here to Rome said, we stood by and said nothing.

We will do what we can here. we will speak loudly in the town.

Can you stand?

``Yes, but even if I could not stand. I could still ride, like your ancestor of old. Like the Cid, Juan tells the men of over campfires. Even with fever, and flux. I still have my duty. To you. To our people, to our Name, and to God’’

``We shall fetch our horses We shall make a patrol of the coast. The people will know that they are not alone. That we stand between them and grief. Maybe our new friends will join us. If they do, we shall give them the gifts we have prepared for them. ‘’

``Let us leave the talk of men, and indeed Gentlemen for a moment. I must introduce you, to the person, who healed you Don Hugh. The good Sister in Christ. Who eats with my wife. We shall join them.

The two walked across the courtyard. There was a line visible in the eyes of God, and hearts of man, that separated the diners, by sex.

`` Don Hugh, I know you have been eager to meet my wife. ‘’

Don Hugh bowed. Gladder to bear the pain now. It was a more pleasant duty

`It is like the warmest days of summer, to be in your house again. I thank you for the feast my men and I have enjoyed. I thank you for the wonderful lodgings. It has been a small glimpse of heaven on earth. Now how is your Mother?’’

The hostess smiled. Flashing good strong teeth. She was With skin was smooth and healthy , her eyes blue like the skies of the plains. Nut coloured hair still strong with colour lined the edges, of Cotton cap. Her dress was fine brown linen. Along with the scent of rosewater she was accompanied by her oldest daughter, 10 years. (He would only be struck once)

The daughter was her mother in Microcosm, excepting some of her father darker colouring and height. Hugh smiled at her, and greeted her politely. The youngster gave a fine curtsey. The mother squeezing the hand of her

The hostess spoke. A voice which was as smooth as fine cream

`` Don Hugh, let me name, and introduce you, to Sister Ines. When you were wounded, she brought to our home a mastery of the healing arts, to our side. She has graced our home, with her piety and service, to the high king of heaven. I look forward to my daughter learning from her example

``Sister Ines, I am your servant.’’ The wound had been spared from Hell. Yet would spend some time in purgatory

The Nun was a tiny woman. Hugh stood a good French foot taller than her. The Bride of Christ’s shape was well concealed by her habit. A simple cross, she wore. Her eyes were dark and intelligent

``Donna O Neill, Don Hugh, Don Neil. I thank you for your kind words. Don Hugh, I am a humble servant of Jesus Christ. I am subject to his commands. I must heal the sick, and feed the hungry

``Well, Sister Ines. I thank you and your master. I will remember your order, in my prayers. Indeed to my father. You are here as a tutor?’’

``Yes, for our hosts daughter’’

``I have a daughter too’’ `She is younger much younger’’

There was sadness in his voice.

The men folk made polite conversation for a while The Hostess inquired after Hugh’s daughter. She was three years old. The mother had died of fever. It had been as Pallas and Helen. With the heroine carried off by malady rather than Menelaus. The wound in Hugh heart left a deeper scar his leg

Round up 12 March 2013

I finished two weeks, of Teacher training, and had a mock lesson. I hope better for the 2nd lesson.
A belated Mothers day greeting to my mother. Oh and to my Wife,  who is a mother..
I have done some revisions to sleepingunderthecross
My cousin had a baby so many happy returns to her.
My brother is going to Dusseldorf for St Patrick's day.
My big sister met Miranda Hart
Its getting colder at night in Lima.

Lord Essex 's way is the only way (Short Story )

Prologue.

It rained hard. The roof had been breached here and there. The Aldermen and Mayor of Bristol had made flowery speech after speech. Praising him, as a second Edward to hammer the Irish, rather than the scots. Calling for good weather and good fortune. Bishops, Parsons, and their fat and dull wives ate like tomorrow would be doomsday. 

A fool tumbled. Another fool stumbled over the bagpipe while his fellow mishandled a lute

His head still felt no better

Tomorrow he would be in a leaky cabin, with half the company sea sick.  If he was really lucky he would drown, but no he would live and than  he would be chasing kernes, in the forests and across the bogs.  He was a Devereux, in him was the blood of Kings, True Kings but may as well have been in the gaol waiting the hangman. 

Tomorrow Troy would fall, as the Gods willed but Virgil's hero  had loyal countrymen and friends by his side. Essex was   only by slander and whispers. Cut throats and knaves ate his meat and drank his wine

He should be King. It was his natural station He would hang the traitors. He would be bring quiet The Kingdom would be restored to rights. Even the Wild Irish understood that the herd had to be lead by a stallion

He had not heard what the rogue in front of him said. He would wager, it was bad news. Probably  cries for coin, or another fool he would have to hang, or that there was plague spreading amongst the ranks

``Say again?’’

``My lord, The Lord Cecil is dead. Died in his bed, he will not rise till doomsday’’

Robert Deverueux the Earl of Essex, looked to the heavens, and proclaimed

``This is the Lord's doing and it is glorious in our eyes’’

Than called for more wine, and tossed the knave a good gold coin. There was much to do.

*********************

The letters of the Venetian ambassador

``With the Death of the Lord Cecil. His great young rival Lord Essex, made his way back to London. Essex had been  chosen to lead against Tyrone The Great Irish rebel  Enough of his army followed him, either as an excuse to desert, or they believed that the young lord was going to rid the country of  traitors. They were joined back along the road to London, by the meanest sort. The sturdy beggars That the English are always afraid will cause mischief  That little piece of fortune telling came true.

When Essex did reach London, the mechanics had already begun to riot. Essex, did make some attempts to keep order. He hanged some looters on Chiswick Green on the way to London.

From then on reports are confused. Essex's men clashed with the Queen's forces at some point.  

The city having been barricaded and the militia called out. It seems Essex moved south, either to get to the river Thames and perhaps seeking a ship to escape. Or  to maneuver to reach a weaker point in the cities defenses. To draw away the Queens forces and strike 

The Earl of Essex Corpse was discovered a day later. It had been stripped, in the confusion.

 The whisper is that it was Elizabeth herself that confirmed it was Essex. Robert Devereux Head  now adorns Traitors Gate. I have never seen the English in such a state of excitement’’

Father Tamariz ,Chaplain of the Santa Fe 

``Our ships landed at Teeylin on the North West Coast of Ireland. The crew sang the Salva Regina, as we sighted land. The harbour at Teeylin was large enough for a three ships. A few leagues away, at Senglen. Two more Ships landed. The main part of the squadron made its anchor at Killbegga.

There was ample fresh water, in the vicinity.

A company of Irish horse met us on the beach. There were about 4 score of Irish foot. They had long knives like the Bernese. We made our way inland to join the forces of the Great O’Neill’’

Many of the common people came out to greet us, they asked for wine.

From the Governor of CarrickFergus Castle to the Viceroy in Dublin

``Our stores are low, and our shot nearly spent. The Spanish harass us by sea, and the Wild Irishe, by land. If we are not relieved soon, we shall be lost. The Spanish, have been gathering up all the boats they can find, we fear they will try and cross the sea’’

From the letter of the Great O Neill to the men of Alba.

``In the name of the holy Church, we ask you to join us. His most Catholic Majesty and I will support you, in all your efforts. Take up arms, against the despoiler James. Take up arms against the English, Take up arms, against the Heretics. Let Scotland and Ireland, free themselves as the Israelites were lead out of Egypt’’

From the letters of Venetian ambassadors

`A few Spanish ships, managed to slip down the Irish sea, where they attacked the port of Bristol. The cessation of trade since the Spanish landed in Ireland. The taxes and the cost of loans, have created great Than came the news Scotland. King James was dead, and his son a hostage of the wilde Irish and Spanish. There were stirrings in the Northumberland. The mob in London is excited.

The Queen is very sick. She has fallen under the spell of a new favorite’’

The Treaty of Dover 1600 between  Elizabeth, the Queen of England, Ireland and France, and the Stadtholder of Orange

``Her Majesty is pleased to accept the crown of the Netherlanders. She guarantees to uphold and defend the ancient liberties of the Netherlands, to rule justly, and to defend the Netherlands with even her life’s blood...

The Stadtholder will muster a force of a 1000 foot for the most immediate dispatch to England’’

The Journal of Father Tamariz of the Santa Fe’’

``We wintered in Ireland. The Great O’Neill, received the surrender of the lords of the Pale. The O Neil endeavored to keep his followers, the rude a Irish under some semblance of discipline. The summers fighting had left the land denuded. The land was plagued by wolves

The young prince Henry, remained a hostage in the court of the O Neill. There was  word that he has converted to the true faith. That the principle lords of Scotland, would come over to our side.

The Irishry in Scotland returned to their hills, and islands, for the winter’’

Order in council from the Regent of England sent to the council of the North. Winter 1599

``My lords, in the name of the Queen, I bid thee, to muster as many foot and horse, as you are able, and to converge on Whitehaven, under my Lord the Earl of Sussex.

Letters from the Venetian ambassador

``The English Regent, commanding the Army himself, sailed from Whitehaven, rather than Bristol. Landing In Ireland, he surprised the Spanish and their Irish allies. The Spanish fleet having been drawn out from the safety of the Irish ports to fight the Netherlanders. The Netherlanders in alliance with the Regent had sent their ships into the waters around England.’’

The Annals of the Four Masters

``The coast of Ireland were ravished by the Saxon, and the Frisians. Never since the coming of the Danes, did the Irish suffer like this

The Lords of Ross, Uist and Jura were killed by the Saxon . The Lord of Harris, was killed by the Saxon

The Island of Iona, was sacked by the Saxon.

A great battle at...  Many 

Manuscript ends at that point

The Treaty of Galway 

The Regent of English will allow the Irish rebels a fortnight to make safe passage to Spayne. Any wildeman Irish caught bearing Arms, outside the city of Galway  will be executed.

The Wilde Irish, are to disarm..

Letter to Philip 3^rd of Spain, from the O Neill 1602

``to His most Catholic Majesty,

``Sir I humbly beseech you, give us arms, and supplies, and we will face your enemies, always and everywhere. I have borne arms for you, I implore you not to forget us’’

Letter from the Venetian Ambassador to London

``The Army of the Irish, even after all this time, enrages the English. The Spanish had deployed them, against the Moors. Far away from the fighting in the Netherlands The English still raged, and with the English Armies marching across Holland...

Letter from his Most Catholic Majesty to the Army of the Irish. 1610

His most Catholic majesty remembering the great service, and many hardships done in both the service of Himself and the Holy Church, and acknowledging the inability of the Kingdom of Spain to repay the debt, informs his loyal servants, that he offers them a grant of land, in The lLnd of Our Lady of  Buenos Aires.