When Essex started once more for the North, Maltby was able to say that he and the Deputy were very good friends, and that the country generally was pretty quiet, 'but for the ordinary uncertainty of the Irish, _quod natura dedit_.' The Scots had gone home, and Tirlogh Luineach, who saw that mischief was intended, sent his wife to Newry to sue for peace. She held out for the old rights of O'Neill, but offered to pay a 'tribute,' in consideration of his superiority over Maguire and MacMahon being acknowledged by the Crown. Ten days were given to Tirlogh to consider the matter further, and Essex withdrew to Drogheda, where he received a letter from the Queen which put an end to all his hopes. She allowed that he might well be surprised at this 'sudden change, but that she had no meaning that he should proceed in the service, otherwise than we thought it necessary for a time, in respect of the danger he had laid before her of a general revolt.' The political horizon was troubled, and on full consideration she had made up her mind that the Ulster project could not be made to pay, and must be abandoned. 'Direct the course of proceeding,' she said, 'in such sort as the enterprise may yet be so given over as our honour may best be salved' and the quiet of Ireland provided for. How all this might best be done was referred to the discretion of Essex, who was to consult the Lord Deputy and Council. Tirlogh Luineach was to be made, if possible, to relinquish his claim to the Urraghs, to content himself with the modern county of Tyrone, and to join in expelling the Scots. A fort at the Blackwater would be most desirable, if it could be built cheaply with the help of those who would be protected by it from O'Neill's tyranny.[298] [Sidenote: The Essex scheme is abandoned. Fort at Blackwater.]