his veins, could have placed the archbishop so high in the affections of the nation, unless there had been also high and sterling qualities in the man. Well-authenticated accounts have reached us of his conduct at the time of his death--that hour when the mask of the hypocrite usually falls away, and something of his true character seldom fails to show itself. At this time, then, we find Thomas Becket presented to us in an aspect which must command the respect even of those who take the worst view of his previous life. With far more courage than his knightly assassins, we see him refusing to attempt a flight, which might have shown a consciousness of guilt; preserving, in the face of death, a calm and undaunted brow; and, as we are told by one of the chroniclers, employing his last words in securing the safety of his friends and servants.[32] CHAPTER XIX. THE REIGN OF HENRY II. (_concluded_). Events in Ireland--The Irish People--Henry's Designs in Ireland--Nicholas Breakspeare (Pope Adrian IV.)--The King of Leinster's Outrage--Dermot obtains Henry's Patronage--Siege of Wexford--Strongbow in Ireland--Siege of Waterford--Henry and the Norman Successes in Ireland--Arrival of Henry near Waterford--His Court in Dublin--The King Returns to England--His Eldest Son Rebels--The Younger Henry at the French Court--The English King's Measures of Defence--Defeat of the Insurgent Princes--Success of the King's Cause in England--Henry's Penance--Capture of King William of Scotland--Revival of Henry's Popularity--The King Forgives his Rebellious Sons--Period of Tranquillity--Fresh Family Feuds--The King at Limoges--Death of Princes Henry and Geoffrey--Affairs in Palestine--The Pope's Call to Arms for the Cross--The Saladin Tithe--Richard's Quarrel with his Father--Henry Sues for Peace--The Conference at Colombières--Death of the King--Richard before his Father's Corpse--Character of Henry II.--The Story of Fair Rosamond. While the life of Thomas Becket was drawing to a close, events were taking place in Ireland which led to the submission of that country to the English crown. It does not fall within the scope of this history to relate in detail the various internal quarrels and disturbances which ultimately placed the island at the mercy of a small invading force; it is sufficient to glance briefly at the condition of the people, and the position of affairs at the time to which we are now referring.