“Well, deserted, sire. But they had this excuse. Being zealous Presbyterians, they had conscientious scruples against establishing the Episcopal government in England by force of arms; and like sentiments prevail, to a great extent, among the remainder of the troops. Since our arrival at Worcester their discontent has perceptibly increased. They do not like to fight with the Cavaliers. For this reason, they are not pleased with the Muster about to take place to-day, neither do they desire to be joined by the levies promised by the Earl of Derby.”
“They fear that my devoted adherents may become too strong for them. Is it not so, colonel?” asked Charles, coldly.
“They deem that a preponderance of the royal party — strictly so called — though we are all Royalists — would be contrary to the true interests of Scotland, and to the welfare of the Kirk.”
“Ah, I see!” exclaimed the king. “The Committee of the Kirk of Scotland have troubled their consciences — meddlesome fools that they are! But you must keep your men in good humour, Lesley. They must fight this battle. Assure them that I am a zealous partisan of the Covenant, and that when I ascend the throne I will ratify all the conditions imposed upon me.”
“Humph!” exclaimed Lesley. “I may give them these assurances, but they will not believe me. So critical do I consider the position, that if I dared to offer your majesty a counsel, it would be to return to Scotland without hazarding an engagement.”
“Return to Scotland! — never!” exclaimed Charles, indignantly. “How dare you make a proposition so dishonouring to me, Lesley. I have not advanced thus far into my kingdom to go back again without a blow.”
“I knew my advice would be distasteful to your majesty, but I deemed it my duty to give it.”
“No more!” cried the king. “Quell this mutinous spirit in your men, Lesley — quell it, by whatever means you can. Mark well what I say, and fail not to repeat it. When we have routed the rebels — and we shall rout them — those who have fought best for me shall receive the highest reward.”
Before Lesley could make any reply, Pitscottie approached his majesty.
“Where are your Highlanders, colonel?” demanded Charles.
“Drawn up in the college green, sire. I await your orders to march them to the place of Muster.”
“Have they heard that Cromwell is at hand?”
“Ay, sire; and they are eager to meet him.”
“No discontent among them — ha?”
“Discontent! No, sire. They were never in better spirits. All they desire is to prove their zeal to your majesty, and use their broadswords against the foe.”
“Brave fellows!” exclaimed Charles, glancing significantly at Lesley. “They shall serve as my body-guard to-day.”
* * *
CHAPTER IX.
OF THE GRAND MUSTER AT PITCHCROFT.
Ever since the old city of Worcester was built and encircled by walls, Pitchcroft has afforded its inhabitants a delightful place for exercise and recreation. On this broad, flat plain, bounded on the west by the Severn, and completely overlooked by a natural terrace on the further bank of the river, many a grand tournament has been held in the days of our earlier monarchs. Magnificent pavilions and galleries have been reared upon the wide mead — splendid cavalcades have come forth from the city gates — nobles, knights, squires, jesters, and fair dames — and many a lance has been splintered at the royal jousts of Worcester. In 1225, these displays incurred the displeasure of the Church — a grand tournament being held on Pitchcroft in that year, when all the noble personages concerned in it were excommunicated by Bishop Blois. Sports and pastimes of all kinds have been familiar to the plain from time immemorial — games which, by a pretty figure of speech, have been described as Olympian, and which, we rejoice to say, are not altogether discontinued. Not only has Pitchcroft been the scene of many a knightly encounter and many a festive meeting, but when the loyal city was invested, it witnessed frequent conflicts between Cavaliers and Roundheads, and one well-fought action, in which the fiery Rupert took part.
On the morning appointed for the Muster, Pitchcroft was even more thronged than it had been on the previous Sunday, and presented a far gayer and more animated appearance. A great number of troops was assembled there, while the new levies were continually pouring into the plain through Foregate-street.
Before proceeding to the place of rendezvous, the recruits entered the city, and halted for a time in the area near the Cross, where their numbers were registered by the mayor and the sheriff, who acted as commissioners.
Among the principal names inscribed on the muster-roll were those of Lord Talbot, Sir John Pakington, Sir Walter Blount, Sir Ralph Clare, Sir Rowland Berkley, Sir John Winford, Mr. Ralph Sheldon of Beoley, Mr. John Washburn of Witchinford, and Mr. Thomas Hornyold.
Lord Talbot’s troop, which was far more numerous than any other, was composed almost entirely of gentlemen, whose accoutrements and horses were far superior to those of ordinary cavalry. The regiment was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Mervin Touchet, and subsequently proved exceedingly efficient. Every Cavalier who came singly to Worcester was included in some troop or other.
These arrangements were made by Colonel Lane and Colonel Legge, assisted by Sir Clement Fisher. As quickly as one troop was filled up, it was sent off to the place of Muster. It was calculated that two thousand Worcestershire Cavaliers, including of course retainers and servants, answered the king’s summons on that day.
The sight of so many recruits tended materially to dissipate the alarm not unnaturally excited by the rumours of Cromwell’s near approach. Having begun to distrust the Scottish soldiers, the citizens were glad to have some defenders on whom they could confidently rely. For this reason, as well as for their gallant bearing and handsome equipments, the recruits were lustily cheered as they appeared on the plain.
A large concourse was collected in Foregate-street, and on the northern walls, to see the new troops come forth. The Scottish regiments of cavalry and infantry excited but little curiosity; the chief objects of interest being the numerous small bodies of horse, extending for a quarter of a mile on the left — each little troop with its officers in front.
The effect of this arrangement was extremely good, and delighted the spectators on the city walls and those on the west bank of the river.
The last troop had just got into its place, when the shrill notes of the pibroch were heard, and the Highlanders, with Colonel Pitscottie at their head, marched forth, and were received with cheers by the crowd assembled in Foregate-street.
Acclamations greeted the king. His majesty looked extremely well, and charmed the beholders, as he always did, by the extreme affability of his demeanour. On this occasion he was only attended by Careless and Colonel Blague. The recruits instantly attracted his attention — their numbers giving him manifest pleasure — and he expressed his satisfaction at beholding them audibly to his attendants.
He had not proceeded far, when the mayor and the sheriff advanced to meet him.
Opening a scroll which he held in his hand, the mayor in a loud voice recited the long list of loyal gentlemen of the county who had responded to his majesty’s summons. The king looked highly gratified, and repeated each name as it was given out.
When the mayor had made an end, Charles rode towards Lord Talbot, who was nearest him on the left, and while surveying his splendid troop with admiration, called out, so that all might hear him:
“Why, my good lord, these are all gentlemen. Better mounted, better equipped Cavaliers, I would not desire to see.”
“They are all loyal gentlemen,” replied Lord Talbot, bowing; “and as such I am proud to present them to your majesty.”
“Long live the king! Confusion to his enemies!” shouted the gallant band, brandishing their swords.
The shout was caught up by the next troop, which was commanded by Sir John Pakington, and was echoed far and wide.
After a few complimentary observations to Colonel Touchet, Charles mo
ved on, inspecting in turn all the new-raised troops. Had loyalty been chilled in any breast, his majesty’s gracious manner would have kindled it anew — but all were loyal. The king could not help noting that in almost every troop gentlemen had joined, and horses and accoutrements were generally so good that officers could scarcely be distinguished from privates.
Captain Hornyold’s troop was stationed near the Scottish cavalry — Sir Clement Fisher acting as second captain. But the real commander, in the king’s estimation, was Jane Lane, who was posted in front of her steed.
A glance of triumph lighted up her fine eyes as Charles addressed her:
“You only want arms to become a veritable Amazon.”
“I will wear them if your majesty commands.”
“No, you have brought me so many recruits that it is unnecessary. How many troops have you helped to fill up?”
“I have done my best, sire, but I have not brought you half so many as I could desire. The Worcestershire gentry are loyal, but irresolute and cautious — I will not use stronger epithets. They try to excuse their lukewarmness on the ground that they suffered so much from fines and sequestrations during the Civil Wars. But, as I tell them, that is no excuse. They ought to risk all — sacrifice all, if need be — for their sovereign. Many have come here to-day. But,” she added, with a look of mingled grief and indignation, “some, on whom I fully counted, are absent.”
“I scarcely miss them. When I have won a battle, they will hasten to rally round my standard, but I shall know how to distinguish between late comers, and those who have been true to me in the hour of peril.”
“All here are true men, my liege. I would not say as much, for yon Scottish soldiers.” Then lowering her voice so as only to be heard by the king, she added: “Do not trust Lesley, sire. He may play you false.”
“Why do you entertain these suspicions?”
“From what I hear of the conduct of his men, and of his own discourse. Heaven grant my fears may prove groundless!”
“If Lesley proves a traitor I am undone, for he commands the third of my army, and his men will obey no other leader. But I will not believe him false.”
“What news has your majesty of the Earl of Derby?” asked Jane, still in the same whispered accents. “Pardon the question. ’Tis prompted by the deep interest I feel — —”
“No messenger from the earl has arrived as yet. But I have no apprehensions of a reverse. Doubtless, he is marching hither with the levies he has obtained, but has been compelled to turn aside from the direct route to avoid Cromwell.”
“Would he were here now!” exclaimed Jane, earnestly.
“I would so too,” responded Charles, with equal fervour. “But he will not fail me at the right moment, and will cut through any opposing force to join me.”
“Is it not strange you have not heard from him, sire?”
“Not so strange — since the enemy is between us. Besides, if he has not effectually disposed of Lilburn, he may be harassed by him in his march. A few hours, I trust, will bring me tidings of the friend on whom I reckon most.”
Banishing the gloom that had gathered on his brow during his converse with Jane, he turned to Captain Hornyold, and delighted that loyal gentleman by his praises.
Having completed his inspection of the new troops, Charles proceeded towards the centre of the plain, where Pitscottie and his Highlanders were drawn up. Here he stationed himself, and immediately afterwards it became evident, from the movement that took place, that the recruits were about to march past.
With as much promptitude and precision as if they had belonged to the regular cavalry, Captain Hornyold’s troop came up. By the side of their leader rode Jane Lane, but she proceeded no further, being called upon by the king to take a place beside him.
Each little troop rode past in rapid succession — each being commended by the king in no measured terms — and they all deserved his praises, for a finer set of men were never got together.
Almost all of them were in the full vigour of manhood, and the ardour displayed in their looks and bearing, and in the shouts they could not repress, formed a striking contrast to the sullen visages and moody silence of the Scottish soldiers, who seemed to regard their new comrades with aversion.
But the coldness of the Scots was more than compensated for by the genuine enthusiasm of the citizens, who put no bounds to their rapturous delight, and shouted lustily as the new troops rode by. Every officer, and indeed almost every one in each company, being known, they were familiarly addressed by name, and cheered individually as well as collectively by the spectators.
After defiling past the king, the troops were formed into four regiments of five hundred each — respectively commanded by Colonel Mervin Touchet, Colonel Legge, Colonel Wogan, and Colonel Lane.
Attended by Lord Talbot, Sir John Pakington, Sir Walter Blount, Sir Ralph Clare, Sir Rowland Berkley, and Sir John Winford, the king rode slowly past them — ever and anon raising his hat — and manifesting by his looks the high gratification he felt.
Amid the loud and reiterated cheers of the concourse, his majesty then returned to the city — preceded by Colonel Pitscottie and his Highlanders, and attended by the gentlemen we have just mentioned.
* * *
CHAPTER X.
THE BIVOUAC ON THE PLAIN.
Shortly after the king’s departure, two of the newly-raised regiments proceeded to the quarters temporarily assigned them in the city. Next day they encamped on the west side of the river. The regiments left behind remained where they were, and commenced their experience of military life by bivouacking on the plain. They did not undergo much hardship, since the night was fine and warm, and the moon being nearly at the full, every object was as distinctly visible as during daytime.
As far as eatables and drinkables were concerned, the newly-enrolled troops had no reason to complain. Plenty of provisions and an abundant supply of good liquor — ale, perry, cider, canary, sack, and other wines, were sent them by the mayor and sheriff. Though novices in the art of war, the new soldiers were adepts in drinking, and could empty their cups as well as the oldest campaigner. Every Cavalier was welcome to a share of their runlet of sack or claret — but they did not invite the Scottish soldiers.
Though the night was fine and warm, as we have described, they kept up their fires, and sat around them to a late hour. These groups, with arms piled, and horses picketed beside them, lent a very picturesque appearance to this part of the plain. Further on could be seen the tents of the Scottish soldiers, bathed in moonlight, but few were stirring near them except the sentinels. It would almost seem as if the Scots had retired to rest earlier than their wont to avoid hearing the songs and laughter of their roystering comrades. A great noise was undoubtedly made, for a dozen Cavalier ditties were chanted at the same time by different parties. At last, however, the recruits grew tired of singing, and began to talk of the war. Round each fire were collected individuals who had fought at both sieges of Worcester, and these now favoured their companions with their recollections of those stirring times.
“Nine years ago,” said a burly-looking young man, who had been addressed as Martin Vosper, “I was just nineteen — so you will readily guess my age now — and I was then ‘prentice to Mr. Lysons, the present worthy mayor of Worcester. The city, as you know, has always been loyal, and for that reason was regarded from the very first with especial disfavour by the rebellious Parliament. In 1642, our faithful Worcester, for I love to call it so, declared for the king, opened its gates to Sir John Biron and the three hundred Cavaliers he brought with him, and fortified its walls. The Roundheads did not leave us long alone. Lord Say and Colonel Fynes, with a large force, laid siege to the city; whereupon the king sent word from Oxford that he would bring fifteen hundred horse and twice as many foot to raise the siege. Our satisfaction at this agreeable intelligence was damped by hearing that Lord Essex was marching against us with fourteen thousand men; but just as we were beginning to despair, Pri
nce Rupert, with his brother Maurice, threw themselves into the city with a large body of troops. Then we felt able to set Old Noll himself at defiance. Two successful stratagems were practised. But I must first describe an action that took place on this very plain. Determined to strike a decisive blow before Lord Essex could bring up his forces, Prince Rupert, on the morning after his arrival, with fifteen troops of horse, marched forth upon Pitchcroft, and, sounding his trumpets loudly, challenged the enemy to battle. A gallant sight his troops made, I can assure you, when drawn up on the plain, for I watched them from the northern walls. A word about the prince. Never did I behold a fiercer-looking man. His eye went through you like a rapier. But to proceed. At first the enemy appeared to decline the challenge, but they were ready enough to fight, as it turned out, only their forces were dispersed. Lord Say and Colonel Fynes were elsewhere, as I shall presently explain, but Colonel Sandys and Colonel Austine brought up their regiments, and the conflict began. ’Twas a splendid sight. What tremendous charges Prince Rupert made! How he mowed down the Roundheads! Still he could not break their ranks. The fight lasted for a couple of hours with varying success, but the advantage seemed to be with the prince, when a troop of horse was descried coming from the Blockhouse fields, and a cry arose that it was the Earl of Essex with his reinforcements. The alarm proved false, for the troops were those of Colonel Fynes, but on seeing them, the prince ordered an instant retreat, and dashed precipitately into the city, whither he was followed so quickly by the Republicans, that the gate could not be shut, and a desperate fight ensued, which lasted till midnight, the streets resounding all the time with the rattle of musketry and the clash of steel. Many a Cavalier died that night, but not before his sword was reddened with the blood of his adversaries. The corn-market was full of wounded and dying. Prince Rupert might have succeeded in driving out the Republicans, if they had not been strongly reinforced by Lord Say. At length the prince was compelled to abandon the city, but he rode at the rear of his troops and drove back the Roundheads who sought to follow him across the bridge.”
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