While the aboriginal population had, in many counties, altogether neglected the cultivation of the earth, in the expectation, it should seem, that marauding would prove an inexhaustible resource, the colonists, true to the provident and industrious character of their race, had, in the midst of war, not omitted carefully to till the soil in the neighbourhood of their strongholds.

The harvest was now not far remote; and, till the harvest, the food taken from the enemy would be amply sufficient, [243] Yet, in the midst of success and plenty, the Enniskilleners were tortured by a cruel anxiety for Londonderry.

They were bound to the defenders of that city, not only by religious and national sympathy, but by common interest.

For there could be no doubt that, if Londonderry fell, the whole Irish army would instantly march in irresistible force upon Lough Erne.

Yet what could be done?
Some brave men were for making a desperate attempt to relieve the besieged city; but the odds were too great.