ng party, to procure a licence for him to
go to the Spa. He communicated his scheme to some confirmed royalists,
in whom he thought he could confide, and having rais'd a considerable
sum of money, he came up to London to prosecute his voyage. Lord
Broghil[l], however, was betrayed, and the committee, who then took
upon them the government of the realm, threatened him with
destruction. Cromwell interceeded, and being sensible of his
lordship's great abilities, obtained a permission to talk privately
with him before they proceeded to extremities. Cromwell waited upon
Broghill, and reproached him gently for his intention, which his
lordship denied; but Cromwell producing letters of his writing to
several Royalists, in whom he confided, he found it was in vain to
dissemble any longer. The General then told him, that he was no
stranger to his merit, tho' he had never before seen him; and that as
the reduction of Ireland was intrusted to him, he had authority from
the Committee to offer his lordship a command in that war, and
insisted upon his answer immediately, as the Committee were then
sitting, and waiting his return. Lord Broghill was infinitely
surprized at so generous and unexpected an offer from Cromwell: He
thought himself at liberty, by all the rules of honour to serve
against the Irish, whose cruelty and rebellion were equally detested
by the royal party, as by the Parliament; and his life and freedom
being in danger if he refused, he accepted the commission, and
immediately repaired to Bristol to wait there till forces should be
sent him. This story we have from Mr. Morrice, who heard it from lord
Orrery himself; and he adds, that it is very probable his lordship's
design was betrayed out of pure love and affection by his sister
Ranelagh, but how this love and affection enabled her to foresee that
Cromwell would interpose to remove the danger which she exposed him
to, is left by the reverend author unaccounted for. Ever after this
interposition and friendly offer of Cromwell, we find gratitude
binding lord Broghill to a faithfull service in his interest; and in
the course of his ministry to Cromwell, he prevented many shameful
acts of cruelty, which would have been otherwise perpetrated.

No sooner had Broghill arrived in Ireland, but his old friends flocked
round him, and demonstrated the great heig[h]th of popularity to which
he had risen in that kingdom; nor did his accepting this new
commission make him negli