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BOYLE 137 in much perplexity, waiting the return of the messenger, when, to his great surprise, Cromwell himself entered the room. After the first civilities were exchanged between them, Cromwell in few words informed him, that the committee of state were aware of his design of going over and applying to Charles Stuart for a commission to raise forces in Ireland, and that they had determined to punish him with the greatest severity, bad not he himiself di- verted them from their resolution. Lord Broghill on this, interrupted him, with an assurance that the committee had been misled by false intelligence, as he had neither the power nor the inclination to raise any disturbance in Ireland; he also thanked the general for his kind offices to him, and entreated him to continue his good opinion. Cromwell made no reply, but drew from his pocket soine papers, and put them into Lord Broghill's hands. These were copies of several letters which he had sent to some of the persons, on whose assistance he most relied. Finding farther dissimulation impracticable, he asked his excel- lency's pardon for what he had said, thanked him for his protection against the resolutions of the committee, and entreated his advice how to act on so delicate an occa- sion.. Cromwell candidly told him, that though till that time he had been a stranger to his person, he was none to his merits and character; that he had heard how gallantly his lordship had already behaved in the Irish wars; and therefore, since he was named lord-lieutenant of Ireland, and the reduction of that country had now become his province, he had obtained leave of the committee to offer him the command of a general-officer, if he would serve in that war; that he should have no oaths nor engagements imposed upon him, nor be expected to draw his sword, except against the Irish rebels. So generous and unexpected an offer much surprised Lord Broghill. He saw himself perfectly at liberty by all the laws of honour to draw his sword against the rebels, whose atrocious barbarities were equally detested by