in all human probability, be reduced either by force or by blockade.  And, if Ginkell should enter through the breach, or should be implored by a multitude perishing with hunger to dictate his own terms, what could be expected but a tyranny more inexorably severe than that of Cromwell?  Would it not then be wise to try what conditions could be obtained while the victors had still something to fear from the rage and despair of the vanquished; while the last Irish army could still make some show of resistance behind the walls of the last Irish fortress?

On the evening of the day which followed the fight at the Thomond Gate, the drums of Limerick beat a parley; and Wauchop, from one of the towers, hailed the besiegers, and requested Ruvigny to grant Sarsfield an interview.  The brave Frenchman who was an exile on account of his attachment to one religion, and the brave Irishman who was about to become an exile on account of his attachment to another, met and conferred, doubtless with mutual sympathy and respect.123 Ginkell, to whom Ruvigny reported what had passed, willingly consented to an armistice.  For, constant as his success had been, it had not made him secure.  The chances were greatly on his side.  Yet it was possible that an attempt to storm the city might fail, as a similar attempt had failed twelve months before.  If the siege should be turned into a blockade, it was probable that the pestilence which had been fatal to the army of Schomberg, which had compelled William to retreat, and which had all but prevailed even against the genius and energy of Marlborough, might soon avenge the carnage of Aghrim.  The rains had lately been heavy.  The whole plain might shortly be an immense pool of stagnant water.  It might be necessary to move the troops to a healthier situation than the bank of the Shannon, and to provide for them a warmer shelter than that of tents.  The enemy would be safe till the spring.  In the spring a French army might land in Ireland; the natives might again rise in arms from Donegal to Kerry; and the war, which was now all but extinguished, might blaze forth fiercer than ever.

A negotiation was therefore opened with a sincere desire on both sides to put an end to the contest.  The chiefs of the Irish army held several consultations at which some Roman Catholic prelates and some eminent lawyers were invited to assist.  A preliminary question, which perplexed tender consciences, was submitted by the Bishops.  The late Lord Lieutenant had persuaded the officers of the garrison to swear that they would not surrender Limerick till they should receive an answer to the letter in which their situation had been explained to James.  The Bishops thought that the oath was no longer binding.  It had been taken at a time when the communications with France were open, and in the full belief that the answer of James would arrive within three weeks.  More than twice that time had elapsed.  Every avenue leading to the city was strictly guarded by the enemy.  His Majesty’s faithful subjects, by holding out till it had become impossible for him to signify his pleasure to them, had acted up to the spirit of their promise.124