Page:Biographia Hibernica volume 1.djvu/149

138 BOYLE both parties He, however, requested some time to con- sider of the proposal, but Cromwell briskly told him that he must form his resolution immediately, as he was return- ing to the committee, who were still sitting, and who, if his lordship rejected their offer, had determined to send him to the Tower. Broghill seeing that bis liberty and life were in the most imminent danger, and charmed with the frankness of Cromwell's behaviour, gave him his word and honour that he would faithfully serve him against the Irish rebels. On this Cromwell renewed his promises, and ordered him to repair to Bristol, wbither forces should be immediately sent him, with a sufficient number of trans- ports for their convéyance to Ireland, to whieh country he himself would soon follow. mid These promises were fülfilled in every respect. Lord Broghill hastehed to Bristol, where he was soon joined by the necessary troops, and on his arrival in Ireland, so much had he gained the affections of those who had fora merly served under him, by his courage and affability, that he soon saw himself at the head of a troop of horse composed entirely of gentlemen, together with a regiment of fifteen hundred men. With this little army, he hovered dp and down the country, keeping the insurgents at cheek, until Cromwell landed at Wexford, whom he immediately joined with his troops, though some of bis friends had ádvised him not to put hinself too muck in the power of the lord-lieutenant. Broghill, however, resolved upoin trusting himself entirely to Cromwell's honour, nor had he ever reason to repent his confidenceo After the reduction of Drogheda, Cromwell laid siegé to Clonmell, when he received intelligence that the rebels had collected a large body of troops, which were still increasing in numbers,with the intention of comipelling him to raise the siege. He immediately dispatehed Lord Brog- hill at the head of a strong detachment, with orders to fall upon the party which bad assembled. This service was performed with the greatest celerity, and he fell upon the