In the strict sense of the words, no doubt the above statement may be absolutely true. But in the document below, from Theiner’s own work,[419] we have, surely, in the words “de voluntatis sedis ipsius,” a most distinct reference, at least, to Adrian’s alleged action. In the preamble to a Papal dispensation of the 13th century, we find these words: Exposita siquidem nobis dilecti filii nobilis viri Galfridi de Ianvilla patris tui, fili Symon, petitio continebat quod cum terra Ybernie ac eius incole, ut tenentur, nec sedi eidem, nec Regi Anglie obedirent, sed velut effrenes per campum licentie ducerentur, clare memorie Henricus olim Rex Anglorum de voluntate sedis ipsius armata manu terram predictam intravit, et eam ac habitatores ipsius ad ejusdem sedis obedientiam suaque (_sic_) pro posse reduxit, et tam idem Rex quam ejus successores in regno prefato probos viros nationis alterius studuerunt successu temporis in terra memorata Ybernie ad continuandam inibi sedis ejusdem obedientiam collocare. The words of this preamble should be most carefully studied; for though, as I have said, it clearly refers to the action of Pope Adrian, in its statement that Henry invaded Ireland “at the wish of the Papal see,” yet the words “velut effrenes per campum licentie ducerentur” must, surely, be derived from the “tanquam effrenis passim per abrupta deviat viciorum” of Alexander’s letter to Henry entered in the ‘Liber Niger.’ If so, they are evidence, even though they stand alone, that the existence and contents of this letter were known in Ireland at the time. There is another and far later reference to ‘Laudabiliter’ in a Papal document, which I have not seen mentioned, although the document is one of great consequence for Irish history. When Innocent X. despatched Rinuccini as Papal Nuncio to Ireland (1645) he gave him formal instructions, in which was comprised a brief outline of past events. In it we find this definite and most striking passage: For a long period the true faith maintained itself, till the country, invaded by the Danes, an idolatrous people, fell for the most part into impious superstition. This state of darkness lasted till the reigns of Adrian IV. and of Henry II., king of England. Henry, desiring to strengthen his empire, and to secure the provinces which he possessed beyond sea in France, wished to subdue the island of Ireland; and, to compass this design, had recourse to Adrian, who, himself an Englishman, with a liberal hand granted all he coveted.