BOYLE, Roger, Earl of Orrery, fifth son of the great Earl of Cork, was born in April 1621. He distinguished himself while a student at Dublin College, and afterwards made the tour of France and Italy. On his return he was created Lord Broghill, through the interest of the Earl of Strafford. Shortly afterwards he married Margaret Howard, sister to the Earl of Suffolk; and passing over to Ireland with his bride, he found the country in a state of rebellion, and assisted his father in opposing the insurgents. Upon the execution of the king, he retired to his seat at Marston in Somersetshire; but his spirit could ill brook this state of inactivity, and he therefore resolved to cross the seas, and apply to Charles II. for a commission to raise forces to restore the monarchy and recover his own estate. Under the pretence of visiting Spa for his health, he proceeded as far as London, when he received a message from Cromwell, then general of the parliamentary forces and a member of the committee of state, intimating his intention to wait upon him. Presently Cromwell himself entered the room, and after the exchange of a few civilities, told Lord Broghill that the committee were apprised of his design; and when his lordship assured him that the intelligence was false, Cromwell produced copies of several of his confidential letters, which reduced him to the necessity of asking Cromwell's pardon, and requesting his advice in such a conjuncture. Cromwell told him, that though he had hitherto been a stranger to his person, he was not so to his merit and character; that he had heard how gallantly his lordship had behaved in the Irish wars; and he concluded by offering him the command of a general officer, exempt from all oaths and engagements; adding that he should not be obliged to draw his sword against any but the Irish rebels. Lord Broghill, greatly surprised at so unexpected an offer, requested some time for deliberation. But Cromwell briskly told him that he must determine instantly; that he himself was about to return to the committee, who were still sitting; and that if his lordship rejected their offer, they had determined to send him to the Tower. Broghill, finding that his liberty and life were in the utmost danger, pledged his honour that he would faithfully serve against the Irish rebels; and accordingly, by Cromwell's instructions, he passed over into Ireland, where by many important services he fully justified the opinion which Cromwell had conceived of him. Having raised a troop of horse, it was soon increased to a regiment of 1500 men, and these he led into the field against the rebels. He was speedily joined by Cromwell, who placed the highest confidence in his new ally, and found him of the greatest value to the interest of the commonwealth. When Cromwell became Protector, Lord Broghill was made one of his privy council, and admitted to great intimacy and confidence. It is said that the latter formed a project for engaging Cromwell to restore the old constitution, by a match between Charles II. and the Protector's daughter. Cromwell, who at first seemed to think it not unfeasible, soon perceived the difficulties which it involved, and told Broghill that he thought his project impracticable: "For," said he, "Charles can never forgive me the death of his father." On the death of Cromwell, Lord Broghill continued attached to his son Richard, till, seeing that the weak nature of that amiable man would infallibly bring on his fall, he deemed it imprudent still to cling to one whom he could not save, and accordingly retired to his command in Ireland, where affairs shortly after took a turn extremely favourable to the design of the king's restoration. Lord Broghill was not a little instrumental in bringing about that event; and, in consideration of his eminent services, Charles created him Earl of Orrery, September 5. 1660. He was soon after made one of the lords justices of Ireland; and his conduct, whilst at the head of affairs in that kingdom, was such as to add greatly to the general esteem in which his character was previously held. His active and toilsome course of life at length brought on disease and infirmity; but, notwithstanding, he went over to England in 1665, at the king's desire, and mediated with success in a serious misunderstanding which existed between the king and the Duke of York. On his return to Ireland, Lord Orrery, by his prudent and skilful measures, rendered abortive the scheme of a descent upon Ireland by the Dutch and French, planned by the Duke de Beaufort, admiral of France. About this time a quarrel with his old friend the Duke of Ormond, arising from mutual jealousies, became so serious that the disputants resorted to England to defend their respective interests. This quarrel, though of a private beginning, became at last of a public nature. Lord Orrery was impeached, but defended himself so well that the prosecution failed. He lost, however, his public employments; but, retaining the king's favour, still came frequently to court, and was often consulted on affairs of importance. His last voyage to England was for the purpose of obtaining medical advice; but his disease, which was gout, proved mortal, and he expired on the 16th of October 1679, in the fifty-ninth year of his age. Lord Orrery was the author of several works, chiefly dramas and poems, now forgotten. Walpole remarks "that he never made a bad figure but as a poet." As a soldier, his valour was distinguished, his stratagems and tact were remarkable; as a statesman, it is sufficient to say that he possessed the confidence of Cromwell; and his credit ever stood high for integrity, and for generous fidelity as a friend.