Note 352 — Chapter XXXIV · LAST YEARS OF SIDNEY’S ADMINISTRATION, 1577 and 1578.
Reading edition
Sidney to the Privy Council, July 1, 1578, with whom Hooker closely agrees; Fitton to Burghley, July 1; Maltby to same, July 26; Lord Upper Ossory to same, Feb. 24, 1579; Council in Ireland to the Queen, Sept. 12, 1578; Annals of Lough Cé, 1578. The Four Masters, writing in the next reign, are much more guarded. In the curious poem by John Derrick, called the ‘Image of Ireland,’ which is in the Somers Tracts, and has been lately reprinted, there is a good deal about Rory Oge. The work is strictly contemporary; but it does not add much to our knowledge. The following stanzas are about the most interesting. Rory Oge loquitur:—
Much like a champion addicted to war, Time serving fitly to anger my foes, I summoned a number of neighbours from far, Twice eighty persons, the best I could choose For manhood and sleights, in whom to repose I might in safety my life and my land: No dastards nor shrinklings, but those that would stand. With these I marched from place unto place, With these I troubled both village and town, With these in one night I fired the Naas, With these my resisters I spoiled of renown, With these I made many a castle come down, With these I yielded, augmenting my fame, The people to sword and houses to flame.