offered a thank-offering for his escape. Sidney was highly indignant, but if he really broke Ormonde's safe-conduct he had nothing better to expect. He insinuated doubts as to the sincerity of the Earl's professions, but he had not gone the right way to confirm his loyalty. Ormonde, on the other hand, reported that Sidney was too jealous of him to avail himself of his services against the Munster rebels.[174] [Sidenote: Humphrey Gilbert in Munster.] The rank of colonel was given to Humphrey Gilbert, and he was told to pacify Munster. He showed all those qualities which have given him an enduring place in English story. Kilmallock was again threatened, and Gilbert occupied it with little more than two companies. Fitzmaurice and Clancare brought 1,500 foot and 60 horse, intending to starve out the garrison; but Gilbert sallied forth with about 100 men, and put the Irish to flight, exhibiting the Quixotic courage for which he is famous. He had a horse shot under him. His buckler was transfixed by a spear. He advanced to the attack across a river, and had twenty mounted men upon him at once, of which he slew one, unhorsed two, and wounded six. No wonder that he had a fever after this. Gilbert's energy seems to have paralysed the enemy, for he marched almost unopposed through the wilds of Kerry and Connello, and took thirty or forty castles without artillery. The policy pursued was like that of Samuel to the subjects of Agag. At Garrystown Gilbert ordered Captain Warde to put all to the sword on pain of death. No capitulation was admitted, but all strongholds were stormed at any cost, and men, women, and children killed. 'They are now,' wrote Warde, after three weeks of this horrid work, 'so well acquainted with his conditions that I think they will defend no castle.' And the worthy captain adds that all were astonished at Gilbert's sufficiency, and that in his opinion he was fit for any place, civil or military.[175] [Sidenote: Fitzmaurice is hard pressed.]