There is however no doubt that the King was an accomplice in a plot less absurd, but not less unjustifiable, against the rights of his children.

Tyrconnel had, with his master's approbation, made arrangements for separating Ireland from the empire, and for placing her under the protection of Lewis, as soon as the crown should devolve on a Protestant sovereign.

Bonrepaux had been consulted, had imparted the design to his court, and had been instructed to assure Tyrconnel that France would lend effectual aid to the accomplishment of this great project.

[304] These transactions, which, though perhaps not in all parts accurately known at the Hague, were strongly suspected there, must not be left out of the account if we would pass a just judgment on the course taken a few months later by the Princess of Orange.

Those who pronounce her guilty of a breach of filial duty must admit that her fault was at least greatly extenuated by her wrongs.