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BOYLE.

from which we have seen, on one occasion, that bribes could not bias him, and on another he refused the offer of 4000l. which Charles, who was not so delicate, is known to have put into his own privy purse. His natural talents were much improved by literature, and his wit and courage rendered still more amiable by religion. His conversation was peculiarly interesting from the knowledge of men and manners which it evinced, and the wit with which it was enlivened.

His person (we are informed) was of a middle size, well shaped and comely;and his eyes had that life and quickness in them which is generally regarded as the sign of great and uncommon talents.



FRANCIS BOYLE,

Viscount Shannon, fourth son of Richard, first Earl of Cork, was born on June 25, 1623. His first essay in arms was at the commencement of the great rebellion, and when his brother, Lord Kynalmenby was slain, he brought off in safety the cavalry which his lordship had commanded, together with his body, at the hazard of his own life. He continued very active during the reign of Charles I. in suppressing the rebellion. In 1660 he was dispatched to Brussels by his brother Roger, then Lord Broghill, to invite Charles II. to Ireland, in order to procure his restoration; but the exertions of Monk in England having ensured his reception in that country, he did not avail himself of the offer of the Boyles. As a reward, however, for his services, he was in Septem- ber raised by the king to the title of Viscount Shannon. He was also admitted a member of the privy council, made captain of a troop of horse, and received two grants of lands under the acts of settlement. In August 1672, he was appointed governor of the city and county of Cork, and lived probably till near the end of the seventeenth eentury.