s with him; but
before an hour had passed the alarm came that the armies were engaged.
The king mounted his horse, which was ready saddled at the door; but
before he could ride out of the city he was met and nearly beaten back
by the whole body almost of his own cavalry, 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 his opponents, and when the attack was made in so
unexpected a quarter a panic ensued. Where General Middleton and the
Duke of Hamilton commanded, a very brave resistance was made; but
Middleton being wounded, and the Duke of Hamilton having had 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 it was daylight, considering that
his chance of escape would be greater if he was quite alone.

It was not till next morning that the troops discovered that the king
had left them, and t