1562.] SHAN &NE1L. 139 House of O'Neil lie claimed undisputed sovereignty over the petty Ulster chiefs. He admitted that he had killed his brother, but he saw nothing in so ordinary an action but what was right and reasonable. 1 So the winter months passed on. At last, when January was gone, and February was gone, and March had come, and ' the young Baron ' had not appeared, Shan's mind misgave him. His time had not been wasted ; night after night he had been closeted with de Quadra, and the insurrectionary re- sources of Ireland had been sketched out as a bait to Philip. His soul in the land of heretics had been cared for by holv wafers from de Quadra's chapel ; but his body he began to think might be in the lion's den, and he pressed for his dismissal. A cloud of obstacles was immediately raised. The Queen, he was told, was indifferent who had the earl- dom provided it was given to the lawful heir ; and as soon as the Baron arrived the cause should instantly be heard. When Shan was still dissatisfied, he was recom- mended if he wished for favour ' to change his garments and go like an Englishman.' He appealed to Elizabeth herself. With an air of ingenuous simplicity he threw himself, his wrongs, and his position on her personal kindness, ' having no refuge nor succour to flee unto but only her Majesty.' His presence was urgently required in Ireland ; the Scots were ' evil neighbours ; ' his kinsmen were fickle : if Shan O'Ncil to Elizabeth, January: Irish MSS,
