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death, plotted to carry off his widow and to secure her jointure by marriage to one of themselves; but this plan was frustrated, and she married Sir Thomas Somerset. The estates were all carefully entailed upon the new Earl; but Lady Desmond was heir general, and lawyers in those days could generally find flaws in titles if those in authority wished it. In this case James did wish to give much of the property to his favourite; but it was always possible that the courts of law might act independently, and Earl Walter was induced to give a bond for 100,000l. to abide by the King’s personal decision in the matter. Perhaps he was forced to this by his difficulties for want of money, or by an exaggerated belief in James’s wisdom, or he may have been simply a bad man of business. When James made his award, the Earl found that he would not have enough to support his dignity, and declined to submit. The result was that he spent eight years under restraint, chiefly in the Fleet prison, where he endured extreme poverty and misery. The King seized the revenues of that portion which he had adjudged to the prisoner, as well as the palatinate of Tipperary, which belonged to him as heir male. Taking advantage of his adversary’s distress, Desmond even set up a claimant to the Earldom of Ormonde, but the imposture was too absurd to have any chance of success. After his death his daughter and heiress married Earl Walter’s grandson, the future Duke of Ormonde, but this did not take place until the next reign.[128]

      The MacDonnells in Antrim. Sir Randal MacDonnell.

      MacDonnells and O’Neills.

      Tortuous policy of Sir Randal.

      Sir Randal’s schemes in the Hebrides.

      Macdonalds and Campbells.

      Irish expedition to the Isles.

      Siege of Dunyveg,

      which is taken,

      and given to the Campbells.

      Isla worth four times as much as Inishowen.

      Ulster affected by Highland politics.

      The Islanders conspire with the Irish,

      who are encouraged by a friar.

      A son of Tyrone’s.

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