[166] The joy of the colonists was therefore great, when at length, in December 1685, Tyrconnel was summoned to London and Clarendon set out for Dublin.

But it soon appeared that the government was really directed, not at Dublin, but in London.

Every mail that crossed St.George's Channel brought tidings of the boundless influence which Tyrconnel exercised on Irish affairs.

It was said that he was to be a Marquess, that he was to be a Duke, that he was to have the command of the forces, that he was to be entrusted with the task of remodelling the army and the courts of justice.

[167] Clarendon was bitterly mortified at finding himself a subordinate in ember of that administration of which he had expected to be the head.
He complained that whatever he did was misrepresented by his detractors, and that the gravest resolutions touching the country which he governed were adopted at Westminster, made known to the public, discussed at coffee houses, communicated in hundreds of private letters, some weeks before one hint had been given to the Lord Lieutenant.