122 REIGN OF ELIZABETH. [011.42. the said Matthew hath peaceably in possession ? J 1 Whether Shan would follow up his letter by really going over was not so certain. It depended on the answer which he received, or on the chances which might offer themselves to him of doing better for him- self in some other way. The English Government had no advantage over him in sincerity. Towards Ireland itself the intentions of Elizabeth were honourable ; but she had determined to use her first leisure in restoring order and obedience there; and for Shan the meaning of his summons to England was merely to detain him ' with gentle talk/ till Sussex could return to his command and the Eng- lish army be reinforced. Preparations were made to send men and money in such large quantities that rebellion should have no chance ; and so careful was the secrecy which was ob- served to prevent Shan from taking alarm, that a detach- ment of troops sent from Portsmouth sailed with sealed orders, and neither men nor officers knew that Ireland was their destination till they had rounded the Land's End. 2 Notwithstanding these precautions Shan's friends found means to put him on his guard. He was to have sailed from Dublin, but the weeks passed on and he did not make his appearance. At one time his dress was 1 Shan O'Neil to Queen Elizabeth, February 8, 1561 : Irish JTSS. Compare Shan 0'ISTeil to Cecil (same date). 2 Matters to be ordered for Ireland, February 25, March 4, March 13 : Irish MSS.
