Corpus of Electronic Texts Edition
Act of Settlement [1662] and Act of Explanation [1665] (Author: King Charles II)

section 22

22

XXII. And as we cannot but with extraordinary sadness of heart remember, and even at present behold the desolate and distracted condition that our kingdom of Ireland hath been, and is reduced unto, by the unnatural insurrection begun in the year 1641, and consequently abhor and detest the contrivers and obstinate promotors of the same against us, our crown and dignity, so we cannot, upon the considerations formerly expressed in this our declaration, deny all just and reasonable provision that may stand with the present juncture of our affairs into such of the Irish nation, who not only gave early evidences of their repentance for their crimes, but also persevered in their loyalty to us and our commands, and that as near as we can, our justice and our mercy, in accommodating this interest might not jostle each other, we are in a different manner to consider of such of them as are justly entitled to the benefit of those articles of peace formerly mentioned, and such who did not submit unto the same, or after a submission made a departure from the same, which two latter sorts have justly forfeited that favour which otherwise they might have received. We are also further to consider of those who embraced the said articles, and submitted to the said peace without any apostacy, in a different notion, as of those who remained in that our kingdom, who sued out decrees and received lands in satisfaction of their ancient estates, and those who being transported into foreign parts, through many difficulties united, rendevouzed, and served under our obedience; so that upon these consideration, we think fit and declare [...] that as to those who embraced the said articles, and submitted to the said


p.167

peace and constantly adhered thereunto, and remaining at home sued out decrees and obtained possession of lands in the province of Connaught, or county of Clare, that they are to stand bound by them, and not to be relieved against their own act, [...] and yet if the conditions of those seem hard, they can no more reasonably expect that we should further relieve them, than our friends in England and Ireland can expect we should pay back to them all the moneys they were compelled in the evil times to pay for their compositions which they would have avoided had it been in their power.