For this purpose such preparations were made by the English Government in men and money, 'that rebellion should have no chance; and,' says Mr.Froude, 'so careful was the secresy which was observed, to prevent Shane from taking alarm, that a detachment of troops sent from Portsmouth sailed with sealed orders, and neither men nor officers knew that Ireland was their destination till they had rounded the Land's End.' The English plans were well laid.

Kildare, whom Elizabeth most feared, had accepted her invitation to go to London, and thus prevented any movement in the south, while O'Donel was prepared to join the English army on its advance into Ulster; and the Scots, notwithstanding their predilection for Mary Stuart, were expected to act as Argyle and his sister should direct.

But Shane had a genius for intrigue as well as Elizabeth, and he was far more rapid than her generals in the execution of his plans.

By a master-stroke of policy he disconcerted their arrangements.

He had previously asked the Earl of Argyle to give him his daughter in marriage, in order that he might strengthen his alliance with the Ulster Scots.