brought their Bills to perfection. The English in Ireland thought the Government favoured the Irish too much; some said this was the effect of bribery, whereas others thought it was necessary to keep them safe from the persecutions of the English who hated them, and were much sharpened against them. * * * * There were also great complaints of an ill administration, chiefly in the revenue, in the pay of the army, and in the embezzling of stores. * * * * * So the King called back Lord Sidney, and put the government into the hands of three Lords Justices, Lord Capel, Sir Cecil Wyche, and Mr. Duncomb."
Sidney's ill success in Ireland was no bar to his further honours. Upon his return he was made Master-General of the Ordnance; and in the following year he was created Earl of Romney, and Lieutenant-General of the Forces; and, on the resignation of the Earl of Portland, Groom of the Stole and first Gentleman of the Bedchamber.[1]
Burnet, speaking of Sidney, describes him as "a graceful man, and one who had lived long in the Court, where he had some adventures that became very public. He was a man of a sweet and caressing temper, had no malice in his heart, but too
- ↑ Collins's Life of Sidney.
