A scourge for rebels wherin are many notable seruices truly set out, and thorowly discoursed of, with euerie particular point touching the troubles of Ireland, as farre as the painfull and dutiful seruice of the Earle of Ormound in sundrie sortes is manifestfestly [sic] knowen. Written by Thomas Churchyard Gentleman.

A scourge for rebels wherin are many notable seruices truly set out, and thorowly discoursed of, with euerie particular point touching the troubles of Ireland, as farre as the painfull and dutiful seruice of the Earle of Ormound in sundrie sortes is manifestfestly [sic] knowen. Written by Thomas Churchyard Gentleman.

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To the Right honourable my verie good Lord, the Lord Haward of Effingam, Lorde Chamberlaine of the Queenes Maiesties houshold, one of her Highnesse priuie Councell, and Knight of the most noble order of the Garter, Thomas Churchyard wisheth increase of honour, and many happie newe yeeres.

To the louing Reader.

A Scourge for Rebels, of matter touching duetifull seruices, that merites immortall fame: wherein rebels are scourged and discoursed of, which seruices chiefly by the Earle of Ormound (and noble Souldiers vnder his charge) were manfully begunne, worthily mainteined, and happily ended.

The Examination of Owen mac Donill, Omorihertegh, taken the xxvj. of Nouember, 1583. before those whose names are heereunto subscribed, of the manner and discourse how the Earle of Desmound was pursued and slayne.

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A Scourge for Rebels:

Wherin are many notable seruices truly set out, and thorowly discoursed of, with euerie particular point touching the troubles of Ireland, as farre as the painfull and dutiful seruice of the Earle of Ormound in sundrie sortes is manifestfestly knowen.

Written by Thomas Churchyard Gentleman.

Imprinted at London for Thomas Cadman. 1584.

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Churchiards Armes.

To the Right honourable my verie good Lord, the Lord Haward of Effingam, Lorde Chamberlaine of the Queenes Maiesties houshold, one of her Highnesse priuie Councell, and Knight of the most noble order of the Garter, Thomas Churchyard wisheth increase of honour, and many happie newe yeeres.

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AS all worldly giftes, good tournes, faithful friendship and true affection springs of good wil, so my good Lord, a certaine kind of seruiceable liking towards your Honour, thrusteth me forwarde to this boldnesse, in presenting your L. a little bare worke of mine, being stirred thervnto. First, for the general fauour that the world beares you (a loue not wonne without desert) and next, for the fauour your noble Parents shewed me, I am encouraged not onely to proceede to present some matter meete for you to reade, but likewise to shew my selfe thankefull for fauour receiued. So in waying those causes (as becomes me) and knowing the good consideration your Lordship carries (in sounde iudgement) of friendes that time did plant, trueth makes growe, and triall doeth gather, I bethought me of the Earle of Ormounde, who honoured your Parentes, and loueth your selfe, in whiche conceite of mine, I found that you hearing well of that woorthie friend by my meanes, woulde beleeue I were zealous of your Honour, and a fauourer of noble actions.

Wherefore, and in respect a writer ought to be plaine, I treate plainly in my booke of the Earle of Ormoundes [Page] seruices (knowne to many, and hid to a few) naming him the scourge of Rebels as truely I proue.

Which presumption of mine, in that regard and glorie of his in gayning good report, I trust your Lordeship will peyze in ballaunce of equall weight, iudging me to boldnes as I merite, and his deseruings, as they shal compell by proofe to credite. So wishing great grace & good happe to your L. I present this my first new yeeres gift in the latter time of mine age to your Honour, and the worldes iudgement.

Your L. humblie at comment. Thomas Churchyard.

To the louing Reader.

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MY waking goodwil to the world, first for the pleasuring of friends, generally to please the multitude, keepes my [...] alwaies occupied in suche matter as the time bringeth forth, whiche time is mother & nurse aswel to bad causes, as to good actiōs. And it is sufferable to a true Writer, to treate of both the [...]des, as the maner and nature in thinges discoursed of, giueth light vnto. So finding plentie & store of matter, both to study on, & trauaile with, I cannot but (for easing my burden) impart a peece of my study with thee (of vertunous disposition) good friendly Reader, not that my wordes haue such effect to worke a common commodity, & leade thee to like my doinges, (voyde of cunning, style, & eloquence) but to winne thy fauour, creeping as I may, vnder thy sounde consideration, I laye my selfe playne & open to the iudgement and hastie opinions of many, which sodainely condemne & slowly allow the labour of willing writers. The grounde whereof proceedes not of enuie, but of further cause then I name, (Ignoraunce peraduenture a let for the true vnderstanding of matter well meant) yet my hope is, thy grauitie and goodnesse, (that beares with my ouerbolde presumption) will accept my good meaning, & passe ouer the faults of my booke & fantasies I had, when I took in hand to write this Discourse. The truth is in sleeping softly on the cushion or carpet of peace (where age is contente to take a nappe) the sounde of Drumme and Trumpet awakened my muse. For a loude blast and brute of Irishe warres bade me looke about me, and here what might be saide by good seruices for the scourging of Rebelles. Then hearinge the [Page] fall or tragedie of Desmond, the faithful seruices and noblenesse of Ormound: with many more thinges then nowe I expresse: I tooke pen and registred in memorie, what was moste meete, and fitte for thee to knowe in causes not yet published by anie true report or Writer, doubting not, though the matter be but little, the trueth thereof shal greatly delight thee. So commending all that followes to thy vpright iudgement, I craue and earnestly desire thee wishingly to reade this small discourse, called The Scourge for Rebels. Promising out of hande to print another woorke, called A rebuke to rebellion, and a triumph to true Subiectes. So farewell.

A Scourge for Rebels, of matter touching duetifull seruices, that merites immortall fame: wherein rebels are scourged and discoursed of, which seruices chiefly by the Earle of Ormound (and noble Souldiers vnder his charge) were manfully begunne, worthily mainteined, and happily ended.

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WHereas men of good mindes, studious to set out trueth, Louers of vertue, Haters of vice, & Fauourers of common weale, haue framed themselues members of the state, & writers of good thinges woorthie memorie (that craueth witnesse of the beste wittes) haue taken paines in publishing manye volumes well penned, and printing of bookes needefull for this time, & necessary for al ages to read & behold in time to come: and in manner written partly on reportes, and partly on experience by viewe, haue set downe not onely their owne opinions (in matters treated of:) but also haue made rehearsall of many mens actions, and last out the seruices of a very honourable and valiaunt Earle (named the Earle of Ormounde) whose noblenes both in nature and condition argues a great minde, and commands a multitude to speake wel of.

For which cause, & the rather to encourage valiant hearts to continue in vertuous actions (a thing looked for in eche degree and calling) that may aduaunce the hardy and stoute parsonages, I haue aduentured to put pen to paper, in the behalfe especially of some heretofore long forgotten, and others, both presently to be praised, and hereafter may be worthy of great renowne and credit.

And to be plaine, writers are so small regarded, worlde so enuious, and people so greedy of their owne glorye, that fewe goes about to blow the blast of good fame, towardes any worthy mans aduancement.

[Page] Such is our weakenes of goodwill, and shortnes of breath, that we can spare no speeches (wel spent and bestowed) to the benefice of such as deserues wel, whose doings, claimes good liking, and a generall good report of the world.

Yet commonly the best sort of companies, being inclined to noble disposition are glad to heare the worthy commended, & with sweete wordes furthers the fame of any one that merits commendation.

The trueth of things is wel bestowed among such people & nothing should be hid from their knowledge, that so thankfully welcomes the wel doing of others.

And in effect no enterprise of value is taken in hand, but in hope that labour and paines shoulde reape commodity and praise, a good worke may not scape vnrewarded, and what better worke can there bee, then to cut off sicke and rotten members from a sound and hole bodie?

I meane who can be better occupied then those that would weed out of a common weale, a number of cankred mindes infected with corrupt manners that may sodainly wound harmlesse hearts, and breake the common society of good men?

Is there any labour more laudable, seruice more famous, life more toilesome, or exercises more noble, then stil to be busied for the preseruation of a Prince and countrie?

And who I pray you liues in more hazard, eates with lesse quietnes, sleepes in more daunger, or tasteth so many miseries as the Souldier that only seekes his countries glorie and his owne credite?

Deserues not that man an euerlasting renowme, that refuseth no iourney, shuns no seruice, nor auoydes no action to doe his countrie good?

Ye shal reade how the Romaines rewarded the valiancy of men with a Crowne called the Crowne Ciuique, which albeit, it was but of speciall greene leaues, yet was it as muche or more esteemed then some golden crownes that Emperors ded weare in triumph, as diuers Authours thereof makes mention.

[Page] And where such Souldiers (crowned in this manner) repaired either in open pastimes, priuace playes, and Comedies, or in any noble assembly where honour is to be receiued and looked for, the sacred Senate, and generally the whole Senators altogether would arise from their seates of maiestie & shewe a certaine salutation towardes the honourable souldier, at his comming to their presence, and further to animate couragious mindes, there was alwayes an honourable place prepared (a part from common people) for the souldier.

Wherby the world might see the souldiers worthines, and learne to regard men worthely, whose seruice deserued great reputation.

But looke now what great & mighty matters were brought to passe in that age, what victories were woonne, what tryumphs were obtayned, and what riches and treasure was gotten by the inuincible courage of meane, and by meane of the honour that souldiers and citizens of Rome possessed.

Among the East Indians at this present day, souldiers are so reuerenced and made of, that the meane people muste not onely giue them way & curtesie, but also must labour for their maintenance, yea their stipends and liuing are so greate (by a publike prouision) that they alwayes liue and feed on the common treasure, and euery thing is allotted and appointed them, as it came by inheritaunce, and were possessed from their parentes.

Did not king Alexander the great, in the beginning and middle of his conquests, cause souldiers to be honoured, made orders and lawes that no man should doe them iniurie, & since his dayes as wel as before his time, when a souldier should be iudged (by a free libertie graunted from kinges) he might appeale to Cesar from the lawes of the land, and so in euery sort his priuiledge was so great, that al manner of men knew him to be honourable.

Though duty and good disposition halleth men forward, to aduenture great attempts and seruices, if same should be kept from them, their warme good willes woulde waxe colde, and [Page] wearines would quickly ouercome the willingest mind, that euer followed marshall affaires.

For as the dumbe beast being cherished and comforted with his maysters sweete entertainement, drawes (as seemeth) with a better delighte in labour, and forsakes neyther foule waye, nor harde aduenture for eache sensible manne feelinge some encouragemente in his traueile, goes on Iustely to his businesse, and thinkes the lesse of greate burdens, because some hope leades him forewarde, and helpes to ease his ouercharged Bodye, and shoulders: fayre woordes (with some fruit) and gentle behauiour, I tel you, towleth some forward, that otherwise would dragge farre behind, & perswades great content to an aspiring mind, that gapes after glory, and is nourished with good hope.

Nowe since in our elders dayes (of great antiquity) souldidiers had countenance and credite, that qualified their carefull turmoylinges, and recompensed their labours, with a blast of noble reporte, this our tyme presente muste of compulsion (by meane of their prerogatiue) yeelde them praises condigne for their deseruinges, and fit for personages of manly spirite and towardnes.

So if all nations & times allow necessary fame to valiant mindes, and reason graunts that good men should be honored, (especially in a naughty world) because desire of fame breedes many woorthy actions, wee may the better (and with greater holdnesse) enterprise to register them in the renowmed booke of commendation.

All this before by me written, meante onely of souldiers, that serue and haue serued agaynste forraine enemyes. Then what Tytle, what honour shall I giue them? and what style shall I holde in the honouring of those that continuallie agaynste Rebelles, haue shewed theyr vttermoste force and pollicye, whiche seruices of theirs, springes of maruellous trueth and affection, and ought not to be forgotten of no posterity nor nation: the consequent is so greate thereof, and the constancie so muche in them, that pursues Rebelles, [Page] that no mannes penne is able sufficientlie to prayse them aright.

For they are suche profitable proppes and pillers of the publike pillers of the publike weale, that they maye marche nexte vnto honourable Councellours whose wisedome trice out follies, and whose grauity graciously gouernes.

And so to be short, if conscience confesseeth that eche man dooynge well, shall possesse immortall prayse, I may not forgette, and vtterlye leaue out the noble. Actes and seruices of mine auncient Friende the woorthye Earle of Ormounde, whose deedes when you heare, (thoughe you were mortall enemyes) you shal maruel of: and when you consider the the substaunce thereof throughlye, you that haue power and abilitie, shal imitate his steppes, and bee followers after the light of so noble a lanterne, that in the darkest times, doubtefullest dayes, and most obscure season, hath shewed brightnesse, and like a blasing starre hath stood stiffly in a fixed place, and cast a cleere light, so farre, that al the beholders may be gladde thereof, and wel therein.

First, for that the Countrey of Irelande hath beene a long whyle subiecte to sundrye seditions and sorrowful calamities moste miserable for them selues, and chargeable to the Prince, the reformation whereof hath coste manye a woorthye mannes lyfe, and the greater hath growen the griefes because diuers of that Nation neglecting their dueties, haue hadde small care of the common tranquillitye and peace of poore people, by which insolence, rebellion hath beene bredde: and shamelesse dissention set abroche. And continuing in extremitye, verye sore woundes and maymes the publique state hath sustayned, til GOD of his goodnesse raysed vppe some suche members as sought nothing but redresse and quietnesse.

It happened in a number of seruices that one Noble manne was so fortunate (because of his fideltye) that manye of the reste didde feare him, and therefore soughte [Page] his ouerthrow, but he being armed with a iust quarrel and minding to scourge Rebels, omitted no occasion to take the enemies at aduantage, but howsoeuer he chaunced to finde them, he fortunately suppressed their pride, and followed the faithful course and forme of a most noble captaine.

And because it shalbe seene to the worlde, orderly what heedid, herein shal bee set downe the matter, place, and time, of a part of his honourable seruices, to the intent it shall not dwell in forgetfulnesse, and to encourage other noble personages in doing their countrey good to treade the steppes of the noble Earle of Ormound.

I remembring his forwardnes in the young king Edwards dayes (with whom he was brought vp) and the charge he had of some horsemen in Queene Maries raigne against Rebels in England, haue called in like manner to minde, the seruice hee did against the Omoores and the Oconnors in their rebellion of Ireland, also the ouerthrowing of Dunloghe, Oswilleuane Moores chiefest house, is woorthie note: for it was in time of Rebellion, with other ordinary seruices, that alwaies did testifie, that this Earle was a sharpe scourge to Rebels.

And to proue that his daily desire thirsted after noble enterprises (for the punishment of malefactors) he serued chargeably and in no little daunger (on his owne proper coste and expence) with two hundred footemen, and fiftie horsemen in Ulster, the North parte of Irelande against Iohn Oneale, who was in open action of rebellion manie and sundrie seasons.

In the like manner all on his own charge, he serued against the scot, called Iames Maconell, in Ulster, whose force he ouerthrewe to the number of two thousand men, and in the ende droue the scot to flye away.

Then hauing charge of Thomounde (by vertue of the Queenes highnes commission) hee tooke all the Castles and ho [...]es thereof in spite of the Earle of Thomounde (who was in rebellion) slue diuers of his men, and brought others of them to submission, compelling the Earle, himselfe (for safegarde of [Page] his life) to flie into Fraunce, where hee remayned, vntill her Maiestie on her meere clemencie, pardoned his life, and restored his landes. The Earle of Thomoundes mother notwithstanding, was Aunt to the Earle of Ormounde, which shewes that neither respect of blood, nor friendship could hinder any peece of dutiful seruice.

In another greate seruice the Earle of Ormound hearing that Desmound went about to annoy Syr Maurice fitz Gerralt (late vicount of the Desies) he raised a power and mette Desmounde in the fielde, gaue him battaile at Athmanie, slue fiue hundred of his men, tooke himselfe captiue, and sente him into England where he remayned till the Queenes highnesse vouchesafed to remit his offence, and returned him home to his countrey.

Nowe in processe of time, my Lord of Ormounde by the Queenes appointment, became gouernor of Mounster in the beginning of Desmondes last reuolt, when hee had of Rebels about him, two thousand able men, but he was folowed so fast, and so hardly beset (by suche as were appointed for that purpose) that he was driuen to manie extremities, partely by the ayde and aduice of the L. Iustice, Syr William Pelham, and partly by the policie and power of the Lord Gouernour (who chiefly was general in the field) that of two thousand men, the Desmound was left but one bare hundred, and as it seemed, and may be prooued, the Earle of Ormounde was cause of the weakening of the enemies force, as hereafter you maye reade, when it comes to that point.

But the L. Gouernour being remoued from that charge, came into England, from whence after some time spent there, about necessarie causes, he was sent againe to his former gouernement of Mounster with most noble authoritie and commission, and being arriued in Irelande, he made heade against the Desmound with whom was a thousand tall souldiers that were gathered together in the absence of the Earle of Ormound. He comming to scourge these Rebels, and finding the enemies force strong, tooke order both by watch, spial, disciplyne [Page] of Warre, and warlike deuises, to supplante Desmoundes determination, and marchinge in marshall manner towardes the enemyes, his verye countenaunce daunted so muche Desmoundes companye, that they fell to their woonted feare, where they thoughte them in moste safetye, but beeynge painefullye followed, and pursued moste fiercelye as Rebelles shoulde bee, they fell from flyinge and fightinge to yeeldinge and crauinge of mercye, so euen as the matter fell out in the pursuite, yee shall reade as followes the names of some fewe of the chiefest that were slayne beeyng Leaders of companies, and menne of accounte amongest the traytours. Henry fitz Gerralt, base brother to Syr Iames fitz Gerralt of the Desies.

Kennedy mac Bryen, mac Brien Ogonaghs, sonne Gibbon Roe, Lord of the great wood. The Deane of Brohils sonnes, the Earle of Desmoundes receiuer, Connoghore O Multean, Daniel Mantagh foster brother to Sir Iohn of Desmond. Rowrie Moel mac Conoghane. Mac Thomas thiefe of his name. Mauryce Uale, Iames Uale, Brownes of the Earle of Desmoundes foster Brothers. William Graueye sonne to mac Bryen Ogonagh with manye more too tedious, to be recited, besides two hundred fortie sixe of their menne and confederates that were put to the sworde, and executed in such manner as diuers other Rebelles (beeyng greatlye terrifled therewith) were fayne to submit themselues to the Queenes Highnesse mercie.

And further, the Lord Gouernour caused al the Cattle of the Countrie, to bee brought out of Desmoundes reache, into places of strength, whereby Desmounde and suche of his companye as remained with him, were brought to most miserable state, & driuen for want of other relief, to feed vpon horsefleshe and carrion in suche sort as with very harde shifte, they saued them selues from being sterued.

And thus was the Earle of Desmound of al his force consumed and lefte accompanyed onelie with seuen menne and his Priest, who from the tenthe of the laste Iulie, hidde them [Page] in a glinne within Sleaueloghra, hauing no other foode the space of seuen Weekes there, but sixe Plowegarrans, whereon they fedde without eyther breade, drinke, or other sustenaunce.

About the twentieth of September laste, Desmounde beyng hardly followed by certaine Kearnes appoynted by the L. General to serue against that traytour, his priest was taken from him, with another of his men, and brought to the Earle of Ormound.

Since whiche time, the Earle of Desmounde was relieued by a Captaine of Galloglas (called Gohorra mac Donnagha mac Sweenye) whereof the Earle of Ormounde hauing aduertisement by suche as hee imployed to doe that seruice, pursued hym into Olearies Countrie where hee tooke the moste parte of his goodes, and lefte no reliefe for him nor Desmounde, insomuche as the first of the laste Nouember, the sayde Gohorra was enforced to repayre to Iniskiue mac Carthy Reoghs Countreye, in the Countye of Corcke, and there tooke thyrteene Cowes and eyght Garrans from one Donogho mac Teig of Iniskiue aforesaide Gentleman: whiche Donnogho with tenne more in his companye made pursuite after the sayde Gohorra, rescued his Cowes and garrans, slewe the saide Rebell, and sent his head to the Earle of Ormound.

The eleuenth of the sayde Nouember, the Earle of Desmounde for wante of the sayde Gohorra, to brynge him hys woonted nourishement was vrged with meere famyne, and pinchinge penurye, to sende to one Daniel mac Daniell Omoriherteighe to seeke some reliefe, whiche Daniel made answeare to him that brought the message, that hee was bounde in band, and by othe sworne to the Lord Generall, and also that hee had deliuered his pledge into the Generalles handes for performaunce of dooynge good seruice against Desmounde and his Adherentes: wherefore, he would giue him no reliefe at all.

Wherupon the Earle (being almost famished with extreame [Page] hunger) determined a desperate action. First, for relieuing his necessitye, and after, to escape the daunger of other fortunes that might followe, and in that resolution hee aduentured to pray where he thought for that purpose, and because the verie trueth of his doinges then, and the manner of his death shalbe well knowen to the worlde throughly, heere is sette downe an examination of one that was at his ouerthrowe, and sawe his head cut off.

The Examination of Owen mac Donill, Omorihertegh, taken the xxvj. of Nouember, 1583. before those whose names are heereunto subscribed, of the manner and discourse how the Earle of Desmound was pursued and slayne.

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THe said Owen being duely sworne and examined vppon the holie Euangelist, by vertue of his othe, deposeth, that on Saterday (beeing the ix. of this present Nouember) the Earle of Desmound departed, the woods lying neere the Iland of Rierye, and went Westward beyond Tramore to the wood called Dorremore neere Bongoinder, from whence he sent ii. of his Horsmen (called Conoghore Nescolly & Shane Deleo) with xviii. kearns to bring him a pray (hauing himself and Iohn mac Ullug, and two or three footmen stayed there at Dorremore for them) which company (by the said Earles direction) went to Cahir nefahye (lying by west Gregories Castle by the Sea side) and there tooke the pray of Maurice mac Owen brother in law to this Deponent, and the pray of Robert mac Edmound being Tenauntes to this deponent and to his eldest brother, called Donil mac Donil Omoriherteighe in that town: that is to say, forcie Cowes, niene capples with great store of other goods and houshold stuffe, and stripped naked the said Maurice his wife, and children. At the takinge of whiche praye (to terrefie the people from making pursuit) the said traytors published and saide that the Earle of Desmound lay neere them with the rest of his companie, to ayde them, if pursuite had beene made after them. Whereuppon the saide Maurice sent worde to Liuetenant Stanley (then beeing in the Dungle) and also to this deponent and to his sayd brother Douil mac Donil (being then at Castle dromin neere Castle Maing) of the taking of his pray.

Whereuppon this Deponent and his said brother Donill mac Donil (hauing also word sent them from Lieuetenaunt Stanley, to pursue and tract out that pray, and to call to their [Page] ayde, the ward of Castlemaing, and that he and the countrey were making ready to followe them to rescue the same) hauing respect chiefely to their othes, assuraunce, and promise giuen and made to the Lorde General, to doe seruice, set forwarde, being xiiii. proper Kearnes in companie whereof two were shot. And this Examinate went to Castlemaing, and tolde the Cunstable Cheston of the whole matter, and besought him to rise out (according to the Lieuetenaunts direction) to followe the praye in the companie of him and his brother Daniel, to which Cheston aunsweared, that he could not himselfe depart his charge, and saide, he woulde let him haue some of his companie, to go with this Examinate, and so sent away fiue Souldiers with him. This Examinate, and those fiue Souldiers came together to the Mountayne of Sleauemisse, where his Brother Daniell mac Daniell wayted for them, and from thence they came altogether toward Tralye in the Euening a Sunday (beeing the tenth of Nouember) in hope that they shoulde ouertake the praye, before the same, shoulde passe the straight of Tramore, where they were sure (as they thought) to rescue the same praye from the traytours if they had ouertaken them there. At their comminge to Traley, they found the tracte of the pray, going Eastwarde to Sleaueloghra.

Whereuppon, the Souldiers whiche came from Castlemaing beganne to stay, and sayde they woulde traueyle no farther after the praye, but turne backe to theyr charge, till at length this Deponente perswaded them to staye, and keepe him company to pursue the pray, promising them two biefes of the pray if it had beene theyr lucke to rescue the same from the Traytours, if not, that he woulde giue them a Biefe of his owne in respecte of their trauayle. Uppon whiche promise, the Souldiers agreed to goe forwarde: the tracte was followed by daye light to Balleore, and by mooneshyne towarde Glamagnitie at Sleaueloghra, where then the Elder Brother Daniell, and this Examinate tooke aduice to gette vppe aboue the Glinne to viewe whether they might see anie [Page] in the Woode, or heare anye stirre, and hauing come to the heyghte ouer the Glinne, they sawe the fire vnderneath them.

Whereuppon Daniell sayde that he woulde goe to spy, whether the Traytours had the praye there with them, whiche hee did, and came backe to the companye, and tolde there were some of the Traytours there, whiche hadde no Cattell with them, and sayde it were beste not to assaulte them beefore the praye and them selues coulde bee founde together.

Whereunto this Examinate agreed. In the dawninge of the daye, on mundaye the eleuenth of Nouember, they put themselues in order to set vppon the Traytours in their Cabbins. This Examinate and his Brother Donill with theyr Kearne, tooke the forewarde, and appoynted the souldiers to keepe the rewarde (sauinge that one Daniell Okelleye a Souldier whiche hadde but his Sworde and Target, stoode in the forewarde with them) they all makinge a greate crye entered the Cabbin where the Earle laye, and this Examinate ranne thorowe the Cabbin after the Earles companye, whiche fledde to the Wood, and at his retourne backe to the Cabbin doore, the Earle beeynge stroken by one of the companye (by whome certayne hee knoweth not, but that all the Footemenne and Souldiours were together within the Cabbin) hee discouered him selfe, sayinge: I am the Earle of Desmounde, saue my life. To whome this Examinate annsweared, thou hast killed thy selfe longe agone, and nowe thou shalte bee Prisoner to the Queenes Maiestye, and to the Earle of Ormounde Lorde Generall of Mounster. Wheruppon hee tooke him by his arme (beeing cutte,) and willed the Earle (who was slowe in going) to make speede, else they woulde carrye awaye his Heade, seeynge the Traytours drewe verye neere to haue him rescued.

Whereunto Daniel mac Daniel sayde, I will carry him [Page] on my backe a while, and so shall euery one of you. Daniel caried a good while, and being weary he put him off: the Traitours being at hand, al the companie refused to carry him any further, considering the eminent danger they stood in the traitours drawing neere.

Where at this deponent Owen mac Donil willed the souldier Daniel O kelleye, to cut off the Earles head, for that they could not apply to fight and carry him away, to whose direction Kelley obeyed, saying: he would so doe, drawing out his sworde, and striking off the Earles head, whiche they brought to Castle maing, where this Examinate and his brother Daniel mac Daniel deliuered the same to be kept (as in her Maiesties Castle) til they had made themselues ready to bring the same to the Lord General, and haue sent woorde to Lieuetenaunt Stanley (who followed them in armes with the force of the countrey, hauing the charge of the seruice in those parts by the L. Generals appointment) of their happye successe, & willed him to take his waye to Castle maing, to meete them who came thither with his companie.

And the forenamed Daniel O kelley (being likewise examined before these, testified that the Earle of Desmounde was pursued in the order and maner afore written, and that he him selfe wounded the said Desmound within his Cabbin, and after cut off his head (least he should be rescued) and that hee the sayd Daniel mac Daniel layd vp the same head to be kepte at Castlemaing, til it had beene brought by them to the Lorde General.

These thinges beeyng saide by othe before the right Honorable the Earle of Ormound, the Bishop of Oshry, and the Soueraigne of Kilkenny.

NOw may you that wishe wel to the worthye sort of men, behold how manfully good minds goes forward in scourging of rebels. And so may you note, how by Gods ordinance, al naughty practises are supplanted, the wicked rooted vp & [Page] the worthie preserued, and briefly to rehearse the noble exploites brought to good passe by the Earle of Ormound, it shall make thousandes thinke, that a secrete deuine grace vpholds the true subiect, and a prepared plague (from aboue) plucketh downe the pryde of false people, that delights in paltry rebellion: for the good and sound quarrel, alwayes ouerthrowes the ficke and charged conscience, as is seene by this seruice.

First marke, this Earle serued against his owne nation, against his owne blood, against his familiars, and against all forreyne power and deuises, against whom often he obtained victories, and neuer tooke foyle, where his Aduersaries were conquered, and broughte to vtter subuersion. Truely a matter to be maruelled at, and a terrible example to all those that foolishely committe offence. For trueth is so watchful, so stoute in right, and strong in battaile, that falshood can finde neyther force nor cunning to auoyde and resist. This Irishe action & scourge of Rebelles, may warne the busie wittes and wanton heades to beware of punishment, and make retchlesse children feare the rodde. Which rodde and scourge, euery noble mind beares openly and awfully, to make the miserable offender quake and tremble, not onely at his owne treacherie, but also at the view of a true mans face, which forceth a Rebel to blush and turne backe vnto, and either mainely to run away or feebly to fight. Yea, and though a while the rebel waxeth wilde & wanders at pleasure. Yet sodainly he is made tame, and taken in a net like a wyld goose, that knowes of no danger, till the fowler hath him in his fingers.

Nowe by this notorious seruice of the Earle of Ormounde (and forwardnesse of good souldiers) the whole realme of Ireland may see that trueth hath euer the victorie, and treason is put to shame and dishonour, which iustice of God and fidelitye of man shalbe I trust, a myrrour for al kind of nations to look into, and shal cause to be made cleane al infected consciences, and blottes of the browe that defiles the faces of many wicked people.

[Page] So thus farre I haue gone in the rehearsal of a portion of the Earle of Ormoundes seruices, meaning to write more as time permitteth me. And thus was the rather taken in hand & finished in haste, because your good Lordship shall see howe I imploy mine aged yeeres. For the exercises of pen, and trauell of body, makes me looke so young: And now to knit vppe my careful pilgrimage, I frame my selfe daily to purchace noble friends, whose power may further my good fortune here, and yeeld some sparke of good reporte, when I am gone, and my candle is cleane burned out, for which intent only I haue presented your honourable Lordship this litle booke.

A peece of forgetfulnes hath hindered my memorie, & left out a great matter which shold haue bin mentioned in order, amōg the rest of this seuere Earles seruices, who as I haue sayd before, took no regard of blood, birth, friendship, familiarity, nor personage whatsoeuer, when it came to ye point of iustice. For in execution therof, all people were alike vnto him, were they neuer so neere of his kin or consanguinity, as appeareth plainly by the hanging of his owne base sonne, (and his Brothers sonne) of late: with a number hanged likewise of their folowers, which noble and seuere deede of his, as it is rare and most to be marueiled at, so is it an act cōparable to kinges, that spared not their owne children in causes of punishment, and shewing good example. And as the other his worthie doinges, merites an euerlasting same: so this deserues a perpetuall renowne and praise, as all iust men I knowe wil confesse. Further as I saide, I forgate some matter, so the taking and beeheading of Syr Iames of Desmound (which was when the Earle of Ormound was Gouernour of Mounster) must be remembred, for I mind at the length to bring most of al his good actions to light.

Your L. humbly and loyally in al at commandement. Thomas Churchyard.

[Page]

Information about this book

Title statement

A scourge for rebels wherin are many notable seruices truly set out, and thorowly discoursed of, with euerie particular point touching the troubles of Ireland, as farre as the painfull and dutiful seruice of the Earle of Ormound in sundrie sortes is manifestfestly [sic] knowen. Written by Thomas Churchyard Gentleman.

Churchyard, Thomas, 1520?-1604.

Edition statement

1584

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2004-11 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A18764

ID [STC]

STC 5255

ID [STC]

ESTC S105092

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

99840822

ID [PROQUEST]

99840822

ID [VID]

5360

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This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal. The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

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Early English books online.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A18764)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 5360)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 192:18)

Source

— A scourge for rebels wherin are many notable seruices truly set out, and thorowly discoursed of, with euerie particular point touching the troubles of Ireland, as farre as the painfull and dutiful seruice of the Earle of Ormound in sundrie sortes is manifestfestly [sic] knowen. Written by Thomas Churchyard Gentleman., Churchyard, Thomas, 1520?-1604..

Extent

[22] p.

[By Thomas Dawson] for Thomas Cadman,. Imprinted at London :: 1584.. (Printer's name from STC.) (Signatures: A-C⁴ (-C4).) (Reproduction of the original in the Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery.)

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