ate Papers, vol. iii. p. 108.

[400] _Use_.--28th Henry VIII. cap. xvi. In Shirley's _Original
Letters_, p. 31, we find the following order from the Lord Protector,
Somerset, to the Dean of St. Patrick's: "Being advertised that one
thousand ounces of plate of crosses and such like things remaineth in
the hands of you, we require you to deliver the same to be employed to
his Majesty's use," &c. He adds that the Dean is to receive "L20 in
ready money" for the safe keeping of the same.

[401] _Order_.--The original letter may be seen in Shirley, pp. 41, 42.

CHAPTER XXV.

Creation of the Earls of Thomond and Clanrickarde--How the King procured
Money--Prayers in English--Opposition of Dr. Dowdall--Accession of Queen
Mary--Joy of the Irish--The Catholic Service restored
Publicly--Accession of Queen Elizabeth--Shane O'Neill obtains his
Dominions--Parliament assembled--Unfair Dealing--Martyrs in the Reign of
Elizabeth--The Protestant Archbishop advises Persecution--Cruelties
enacted by English Officers--Shane O'Neill--The Deputy tries to get him
Poisoned or Assassinated, with the Queen's Concurrence--His Visit to
England--He refuses to Dress in the English Fashion.

[A.D. 1540-1567.]

Every official was now required to take the oath of supremacy, and the
consequences of refusal were too well known to be estimated lightly. It
has been asserted by several historians, that no Irish clergyman
suffered death during this reign; but this statement is quite incorrect.
A careful examination of the State Papers and of the private records of
the religious orders, prove the contrary. In the spring of the year
1540, Lord Leonard Grey was recalled, and Sir William Brereton was
appointed Chief Justice. Grey was soon after committed to the Tower, on
a charge of high treason, and was executed in the following year. The
usual feuds between the Irish chieftains and the settlers were continued
during this period, as well as the usual feuds between the chiefs of
each party. Sir Anthony St. Leger, who was appointed Deputy at the close
of the year 1540, tried to reconcile the Ormondes and the Desmonds, and
describes the latter as "undoubtedly a very wise and discreet
gentleman"--a character which must be taken with some qualifications.

On the 1st of July, 1543, Murrough O'Brien was created Earl of Thomond
and Baron of Inchiquin; and De Burgo, known by the soubriquet of
Ulich-na-gceann ("of the heads"), from the number of persons whom