pirit of liberty as
well as of loyalty; and in the hopes alone of his submitting to a legal
and limited government, were they willing in his defence to sacrifice
their lives and fortunes.

While the king's army lay at Shrewsbury, and he was employing himself in
collecting money, which he received, though in no great quantities, by
voluntary contributions, and by the plate of the universities, which was
sent him, the news arrived of an action, the first which had happened in
these wars, and where he was successful.

On the appearance of commotions in England, the princes Rupert and
Maurice, sons of the unfortunate palatine, had offered their service to
the king; and the former at that time commanded a body of horse, which
had been sent to Worcester in order to watch the motions of Essex, who
was marching towards that city. No sooner had the prince arrived, than
he saw some cavalry of the enemy approaching the gates. Without delay,
he briskly attacked them, as they were defiling from a lane, and forming
themselves. Colonel Sandys, who led them, and who fought with valor,
being mortally wounded, fell from his horse. The whole party was routed,
and was pursued above a mile. The prince, hearing of Essex's approach,
retired to the main body.[*] This rencounter, though in itself of
small importance, mightily raised the reputation of the royalists, and
acquired to Prince Rupert the character of promptitude and courage;
qualities which he eminently displayed during the whole course of the
war.

The king, on mustering his army, found it amount to ten thousand men.
The earl of Lindesey, who in his youth had sought experience of military
service in the Low Countries,[**] was general; Prince Rupert commanded
the horse; Sir Jacob Astley, the foot; Sir Arthur Aston, the dragoons;
Sir John Heydon, the artillery. Lord Bernard Stuart was at the head of a
troop of guards. The estates and revenue of this single troop, according
to Lord Clarendon's computation, were at least equal-to those of all
the members who at the commencement of war voted in both houses. Their
servants, under the command of Sir William Killigrew, made another
troop, and always marched with their masters.[***]

* Clarendon, vol. iii. p. 25. May. book iii. p. 10.

** He was then Lord Willoughby.

*** Clarendon, vol. iii. p. 41. Warwick, p. 231.

With this army the king left Shrewsbury, resolving to give battle as
soon as possible to the army of th