between the nations; and the Scots found that, in proportion as their
assistance became less necessary, less value was put upon them. The
progress of the Independents gave them great alarm; and they were
scandalized to hear their beloved covenant spoken of every day with less
regard, and reverence. The refusal of a divine right to presbytery,
and the infringing of ecclesiastical discipline from political
considerations, were to them the subject of much offence; and the king
hoped that, in their present disposition, the plight of their native
prince, flying to them in this extremity of distress, would rouse
every-spark of generosity in their bosom, and procure him their favor
and protection.

* Clarendon, vol. iv. p. 750; vol. v. p. 16.

That he might the better conceal his intentions, orders were given at
every gate in Oxford for allowing three persons to pass; and in the
night the king, accompanied by none but Dr. Hudson and Mr. Ashburnham,
went out at that gate which leads to London. He rode before a
portmanteau, and called himself Ashburnham's servant. He passed through
Henley, St. Albans, and came so near to London as Harrow on the Hill.
He once entertained thoughts of entering into that city, and of throwing
himself on the mercy of the parliament. But at last, after passing
through many cross roads, he arrived at the Scottish camp before
Newark.[*] The parliament, hearing of his escape from Oxford, issued
rigorous orders, and threatened with instant death whoever should harbor
or conceal him.[**]

The Scottish generals and commissioners affected great surprise on
the appearance of the king; and though they paid him all the exterior
respect due to his dignity, they instantly set a guard upon him, under
color of protection, and made him in reality a prisoner. They informed
the English parliament of this unexpected incident, and assured them
that they had entered into no private treaty with the king. They applied
to him for orders to Bellasis, governor of Newark, to surrender that
town, now reduced to extremity; and the orders were instantly obeyed.
And hearing that the parliament laid claim to the entire disposal of the
king's person, and that the English army was making some motion towards
them, they thought proper to retire northwards, and to fix their camp at
Newcastle.[***]

* Rush, vol. vii. p. 267.

** Whitlocke, p. 208.

*** Rush, vol. vii. p. 271. Clarendon, vol. v. p. 23.

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