Page:The Children of the New Forest - 1847 - Marryat.djvu/288

 valry, who came running on with such force that he could not stop them. His Majesty called to several of the officers by name, but they paid no attention; and so great was the panic, that both the King and his staff, who attended him, were nearly overthrown, and trampled under foot.

Cromwell had passed a large portion of his troops over the river without the knowledge of the opponents, and when the attack was made in so unexpected a quarter, a panic ensued. Where General Middleton and the Duke Hamilton commanded, a very brave resistance was made; but Middleton being wounded, Duke Hamilton having his leg taken off by a round shot, and many gentlemen having fallen, the troops, deserted by the remainder of the army, at last gave way, and the rout was general, the foot throwing away their muskets before they were discharged.

His Majesty, rode back into the town, and found a body of horse, who had been persuaded by Chaloner to make a stand. "Follow me," said his Majesty, "we will see what the enemy are about. I do not think they pursue, and if so, we may yet rally from this foolish panic."

His Majesty, followed by Edward, Chaloner, and several of his personal staff, then galloped out to reconnoitre; but to his mortification he found that the troops had not followed him, but gone out of the town by the other gate, and that the enemy's cavalry in pursuit were actually in the town. Under such circumstances, by the advice of Chaloner and Edward, his Majesty withdrew, and turning his horse's head, he made all haste to leave Worcester. After several hours' riding, the King found himself in company of about 4000 of the cavalry who had so disgracefully fled; but they were still so panic-struck that he could put no confidence in them, and having advised with those about him, he resolved to quit them. This he did without mentioning his intentions to any of his staff, not even Chaloner or Edward; leaving at night with two of his servants, whom he dismissed as soon as