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city. The Irish begged that, since he could not grant what theyhad demanded, he would tell them what he was willing to grant.He called his advisers round him, and, after some consultation,sent back a paper containing the heads of a treaty, such as hehad reason to believe that the government which he servedwould approve. AVhat he offered was indeed much less thanwhat the Irish desired, but was quite as much as, when theyconsidered their situation and the temper of the English nation,they could expect. They speedily notified their assent. It wasagreed that there should be a cessation of arms, not only by land,but in the ports and bays of Munster, and that a fleet of Frenchtransports should be suffered to come up the Shannon in peace andto depart in peace. The signing of the treaty was deferred till theLords Justices, who representedWilliam atDublin, should arriveat Ginkell’s quarters. But there was during some days a relaxationof military vigilance on both sides. Prisoners were set at liberty.The outposts of the two armies chatted and messed together. TheEnglish officers rambled into the town. The Irish officers dinedin the camp. Anecdotes of what passed at the friendly meetingsof these men, who had so lately been mortal enemies, werewidely circulated. One story, in particular, was repeated inevery part of Europe. “Has not this last campaign,” saidSarsfield to some English officers, “raised your opinion of Irishsoldiers?” “To tell you the truth,” answered an Englishman,“w'e think of them much as we always did.” “However meanlyyou may think of us,” replied Sarsfield, “ change Kings with us,and we will willingly try our luck with you again.” lie wasdoubtless thinking of the day on which he had seen the twoSovereigns at the head of two great armies, William foremost inthe charge, and James foremost in the flight.*

* Story's Continuation; Diary of the Siege of Lymerick; Burnet, ii.81.;London Gazette , Oct. 12. 1691.

cn.tp.

XVIJ.

1691 .