Great efforts were made to arm and clothe the troops; and, in the short space of a fortnight, every thing presented a new and cheering aspect, [435] The Irish required of the King, in return for their strenuous exertions in his cause, one concession which was by no means agreeable to him.

The unpopularity of Melfort had become such, that his person was scarcely safe.

He had no friend to speak a word in his favour.

The French hated him.

In every letter which arrived at Dublin from England or from Scotland, he was described as the evil genius of the House of Stuart.