s military force, much raised
the courage of the Irish, and made them entertain the resolution of
invading England, where they believed the spirit of disaffection as
prevalent as it appeared to be in Ireland. The poverty also under which
they labored, made it impossible for them to support any longer their
new court and army, and inspired them with a strong desire of enriching
themselves by plunder and preferment in England.

* Polyd. Virg. p. 572, 573.

Henry was not ignorant of these intentions of his enemies, and he
prepared himself for defence. He ordered troops to be levied in
different parts of the kingdom, and put them under the command of the
duke of Bedford and earl of Oxford. He confined the marquis of Dorset,
who, he suspected, would resent the injuries suffered by his mother, the
queen dowager; and, to gratify the people by an appearance of devotion,
he made a pilgrimage to our lady of Walsingham, famous for miracles;
and there offered up prayers for success, and for deliverance from his
enemies.

Being informed that Simnel was landed at Foudrey in Lancashire, he drew
together his forces, and advanced towards the enemy as far as Coventry.
The rebels had entertained hopes that the disaffected counties in the
north would rise in their favor; but the people in general, averse to
join Irish and German invaders, convinced of Lambert's imposture, and
kept in awe by the king's reputation for success and conduct, either
remained in tranquillity, or gave assistance to the royal army. The earl
of Lincoln, therefore, who commanded the rebels, finding no hopes but
in victory, was determined to bring the matter to a speedy decision; and
the king, supported by the native courage of his temper, and emboldened
by a great accession of volunteers, who had joined him under the earl of
Shrewsbury and Lord Strange, declined not the combat. The hostile armies
met at Stoke, in the county of Nottingham, and fought a battle, which
was bloody, and more obstinately disputed than could have been expected
from the inequality of their force. All the leaders of the rebels were
resolved to conquer or to perish; and they inspired their troops
with like resolution. The Germans also, being veteran and experienced
soldiers, kept the event long doubtful; and even the Irish, though
ill-armed and almost defenceless, showed themselves not defective in
spirit and bravery. The king's victory was purchased with loss, but was
entirely decisiv