BOYLE 189 Falkland, then deputy-general of Ireland, when he was under twelve years of age, he being then Viscount Dun- garvan, in consequence of the death of his elder brother Roger, at nine years of age. Having attained his twen- tieth year, he was sent abroad to finish his education, under the care of his able and intelligent tutor, with an allowance of 1000/. per annum. He passed two years in his travels, having visited Flanders, France, and Italy, and returned home furnished with every agreeable accom- plishment. On bis return, the unfortunate Lord Went- worth, afterwards Earl of Strafford, struck with his graceful appearance and manly qualifications, proposed to his father to form an alliance between his son and the Lady Elizabeth, daughter and sole heiress of Henry, Lord Clifford, after- wards Earl of Cumberland. This alliance, which was at first retarded through some unforeseen difficulties, was at length concluded, and their marriage took place on July 5, 1635. By this connection he increased his fortune and extended his interest: it introduced him to the familiar acquaintance of many of the first persons at court, and con- sequently paved the way for a favourable reception, which was not a little increased by his graces and accomplishments! He was favourably received by Charles I.; and having been educated in the strictest loyalty and attachment to his sovereign, he strongly adhered to the interest of that unfortunate monarch. In the troubles of the North, he raised a troop of horse which he intended to head, under the command of the Earl of Northumberland; an action which gained for him the friendship of many persons of the greatest consideration; and when the rebellion broke out in Ireland, he was one of the first in arms, to support the establishment. He not only commanded troops, but raised them himself, and following the noble example of his father, paid them from the produce of his own estate. He did not, however, on this account, treat them as his slaves; he used them as if they had claimed a nearer relation to him than that created by service; as if they had VOL. 1.
