The O’Neill, or Tiron, born in Dungannon,
reared in Dundalk, despite his Pale upbringing,
addicted to Popery, spent most of 1602
on a crannóg in South Derry, outside Desertmartin.
The ship was a Frenchman and came out of Brittany,
sailing from Dunkirk, but letters brought she none
from the King of Spain or Archduke. They should remain
beyond seas upon the King’s charge,
leaving their horses on the shore with none to hold,
after the manner of the Tartars, where they best
like their pastures. He carried the sacred vessels
of Armagh to the friars of Flanders,
being met at the Ponte Milvio by the said Archbishop,
with eight coaches and six horses to each.
They worshipped at the seven privileged altars,
the Earl and his gang, they walk even now these streets,
in black weeds, after the fashion of grandees,
rapid-marching flambeaux of waxlights.