THE EARL OF ESSfiX. 287 



solved that the axe should be put to the root of 

 the tree : which resolution was ratified and confirmed 

 by the binding and royal judgment of her sacred 

 majesty, who vouchsafed her kingly presence at most 

 of those consultations. 



According to a proposition and enterprise of this 

 nature, were the proportions of forces and provisions 

 thereunto allotted. The first proportion set down 

 by my lord was the number of 12,000 foot and 

 1,200 horse; which being agreed unto, upon some 

 other accident out of Ireland, the earl propounded 

 to have it made 14,000 foot, and 1300 horse, which 

 was likewise accorded ; within a little while after 

 the earl did newly insist to have an augmentation 

 of 2,000 more, using great persuasions and confident 

 significations of good effect, if those numbers might 

 be yielded to him, as which he also obtained before 

 his departure ; and besides the supplies of 2,000 ar 

 riving in July, he had authority to raise 2,000 Irish 

 more, which he procured by his letters out of Ire 

 land, with pretence to further the northern service : 

 so as the army was raised in the conclusion and list 

 to 16,000 foot, and 1,300 horse, supplied with 2,000 

 more at three months end, and increased with 2,000 

 Irish upon this new demand ; whereby her majesty 

 at that time paid 18,000 foot and 1,300 horse in the 

 realm of Ireland. Of these forces, divers compa 

 nies drawn out of the experienced bands of the 

 Low Countries ; special care taken that the new 

 levies in the country should be of the ablest, and 

 most disposed bodies ; the army also animated and 



