'from which office to absolute sovereignty the way is straight and easy,' and they were so intent upon this that they allowed the country to fall into the power of the English rebels.[203] [Sidenote: Clanricarde condemns the Lorraine agreement,] [Sidenote: and Charles II. approves.] [Sidenote: The Duke of Lorraine's reflections.] Clanricarde plainly told the Duke of Lorraine that he had been duped 'by the counterfeit shew of a private instrument, fraudulently procured, and signed by some inconsiderable factious persons.' He laid the chief blame on French, as the violent and malicious enemy of royal authority in Ireland, and 'a fatal instrument in contriving and fomenting all those diversions and divisions that have rent asunder the kingdom.' He bade Bishop Darcy of Dromore, and the Archbishop of Tuam, who must have known all about it, to observe the efficacy of that prelate's powerful spirit in persuading and 'prevailing with the commissioner to break and betray their trust.' Letters took a long time in transit, but in February 1652 Charles II. wrote to Clanricarde, entirely approving of his conduct, expressing full confidence in him, and allowing him to leave Ireland whenever he thought fit. This did not reach the Lord Deputy until August, and in the meantime all negotiations with the Duke of Lorraine had been broken off. 'De Henin,' says Clarendon, 'returned in the same ship that brought him, and gave the Duke such an account of his voyage and people that put an end to that negotiation, which had been entered into and prosecuted with less wariness, circumspection, and good husbandry, than that prince was accustomed to use.' While still professing his anxiety to help the Irish Catholics, the Duke declined to have anything more to say to the Commissioners, whose factiousness had spoiled all. Charles II. had reminded him that Clanricarde was 'as zealous for the Catholic religion as anyone in Ireland, and that he knew the affections and interests of that people as well as any, whatsoever others pretend.' Of his dislike to Clanricarde he made no secret, calling him a traitor and base fellow, whom he would do his best to injure if he came within reach, and when the Marchioness reached the Continent he regretted that her sex prevented him from satisfying his feelings of revenge. The remnant of the Irish in Innisbofin continued to hold the island for the Duke of Lorraine, and to hope against hope for his arrival until late in the year 1652.[204] [Sidenote: Ormonde on the results of Worcester.] [Sidenote: No help, even from Rome.] [Sidenote: Ormonde and the Ultramontanes.] [Sidenote: The Duke of Lorraine's failure.]