OF IRELAND. 163 which he did, leaving in his roome Fitz Gerald of Leixlip, 8 whom they shortly deprived, and chose the Baron of Delvin, whom O-Connor tooke prisoner, and there the Earle of Ossory to shew his ability of service, brought to Divelin an army of Irish -men, having Captaines over them Oconnor, Omore and O-Carroll, and at S. Mary Abbey, was chosen Deputie by the Kings Coimcell. In which office (being himselfe, save onely in feates of Armes, a simple gentleman) he bare out his honour, and the charge ofgovernement, very worthily, through the singular wisedome of his Countesse, a Lady of such port, that all Estates of the Realme couched unto her, so politique, that nothing was thought substantially debated without her advice, manlike and tall of stature, very rich and bountifull, a bitter enemy, the onely meane at those dayes whereby her Husbands Countrey was reclaymed from the sluttish and uncleane Irish custome to the English habite, bedding, house-keep- ing, and civility. But to those vertues was yoked such a selfe-liking, and such a Majesty above the tenure of a subiect, that for insurance thereof shee sticked not to abuse her husbands honour against her brothers follye. Not- withstanding I learne not that shee practised his un- doing, (which ensued, and was to her undoubtedly, great heavinesse, as upon whom both the blemish • 1527-