Page:Life and transactions of Mrs Jane Shore (3).pdf/22

 22

acquainted with the treachery of Richard, replied only by taking arms in Wales.-- Unfortunately, at that very time, October there happenned to fall. such heavy rains that the Severn swelled to a height which, prevented Buckingham from marching into the heart of England to join his confederates. The Welchmen, moved by superstition, fell off from him; and Buckingham, finding himself deserted, took shelter in the house of an old servant of his. Being detected in his retreat, he was instantly beheaded. The other conspirators immediately dispersed. In the year 1485, the earl of Richmond, having collected an army of 2000 men, set sail from Harfleur in Normandy; and after a navigation of six days landed at Milford-haven, in Wales. Richard, who knew not in what quarter he might expect the invader, had taken post at Nottingham, in the centre of the kingdom, to fly on the first alarm to the place exposed to danger. The earl, advancing towards Shrewsbury, received every day some reinforcement; and the appearance of men of distinction in his camp, made his cause already wear a favourable aspect. The two rivals at last approached each other at Bosworth in Liecestershire; (August 22d) Henry, at the head of 6000 men,