If he had been writing history, or rather when he was writing it, the mutual treachery of the Irish could not be passed over.

"Alas and shame for Ireland," said Froude in New York.

"Not then only, but many times before and after, the same plan [offer of pardon to murderous traitors] was tried, and was never known to fail.

Brother brought in the dripping head of brother, son of father, comrade of comrade.

I pardon none, said an English commander, until they have imbued their hands in blood." The revival of such horrors on a public platform could serve no useful purpose.