Note 6 — PREFACE.
Reading edition
The Irish were always ready for a little commotion at home or abroad; “Great was the credit of the Geraldines ever when the House of York prospered, and likewise the Butlers thryved under the bloud of Lancaster.” It was this disposition towards the House of York, which caused the temporary success of Perkin Warbeck in Ireland. The unfortunate Duke of Clarence, who was drowned in a butt of Malmsey, was born in Ireland during the lieutenancy of his father, the Duke of York. His godfathers were the Earls of Ormond and Desmond. Whether this Irish origin will serve to explain the peculiarity of his destiny, I cannot say; but the residence of a York in Dublin may in part account for the popularity of the faction in that city. Shakspeare probably alludes to this personage in Henry VI.
“Please it your grace to be advertised
The Duke of York is newly come from Ireland,
And with a puissant and mighty power
Of Gallowglasses and stout Kernes
Is marching hitherward in proud array.”