contrary, or yet in hope to have them now from henceforth true, which hitherto were never true'--remarks which have their practical value in modern Irish politics, as they had in the days of Henry VIII.[206] [Sidenote: Sudden departure of Grey.] Though not too wise in council, Grey was prompt in action, and was never so happy as on horseback surrounded by armed men and free from interference. Perhaps he wished to show how much he could do without Ormonde's help. He left Dublin suddenly, without warning the Council, and attended only by a small force, his companions being under the impression that he was bound only for an eight days' journey into O'Carroll's country. Among them was Lord Gormanston, a son of Lord Delvin, John D'Arcy, William Bermingham, O'Connor, Rory and Kedagh O'More, and several other Irishmen of note, with a due proportion of kerne and gallowglasses. Of English soldiers Grey had no more than one hundred, and of these the greater part were without armour. A hosting had been proclaimed against the O'Tooles, who still kept some of the prisoners taken in Kelway's raid, and Grey promised to be back in time to lead the expedition. He failed to do so, and a truce was with much difficulty concluded with the mountaineers.[207] [Sidenote: His rash march into Western Munster,] Grey made his first halt at Monasteroris, where O'Connor entertained him in the Franciscan friary. Next day he took Eglish Castle near Birr from the O'Molloys, and was joined by Kedagh O'More, O'Molloy, MacGeohegan, and MacGillapatrick, each of whom brought a few men with him. On the third day he entered Ely, and received the adhesion of Fergananim O'Carroll, who bound himself by indenture on the usual terms, and gave his son into the Lord Deputy's hands. Grey spent three days in reducing the lands of Birr and Modreeny, the latter of which had to be taken by assault. Ormonde had provided the garrison with arms; but, as he alleged, these were intended only for use against Irish enemies. Grey then entered Tipperary, and on three successive days received the submissions of Dermot O'Kennedy, chief of Ormonde, of MacBrien Arra, and of Dermot O'Mulryan, chief of Owny. Ulick de Burgh, captain of Clanricarde, and Theobald, head of the Clanwilliam Burkes, also submitted; and James Fitzjohn of Desmond, to whom Grey gives the title of Earl, though he was not acknowledged by the Crown, brought a large contingent to the Deputy's help, but refused to enter the gates of Limerick. He had not only procured a safe-conduct, but had solemnly bound O'Connor and others in Grey's train to take his part if any attempt were made against him. The Lord Deputy spent a week in Limerick, where the Mayor and Corporation and the Bishop took the oath of supremacy. Connor O'Brien, the chief of Thomond, met Grey on the Shannon, ten miles from Limerick, and agreed, after a long wrangle, to put his son Tirlogh into the Deputy's hands. He