There was among the Irish chiefs no man of sufficient weight and ability to control the rest.

Sarsfield for a time took the lead.

But Sarsfield, though eminently brave and active in the field, was little skilled in the administration of war, and still less skilled in civil business.

Those who were most desirous to support his authority were forced to own that his nature was too unsuspicious and indulgent for a post in which it was hardly possible to be too distrustful or too severe.

He believed whatever was told him.