e than
Hamilton's engagement for the royal cause. After suffering the utmost
extremities of famine, after feeding on the vilest aliments, the
garrison desired at last to capitulate. Fairfax required them to
surrender at discretion; and he gave such an explanation to these terms,
as to reserve to himself power, if he pleased, to put them all instantly
to the sword. The officers endeavored, though in vain, to persuade the
soldiers, by making a vigorous sally, to break through, at least to
sell their lives as dear as possible. They were obliged to accept of the
conditions offered; and Fairfax, instigated by Ireton, to whom Cromwell
in his absence had consigned over the government of the passive general,
seized Sir Charles and resolved to make them instant sacrifices to
military justice. This unusual severity was loudly exclaimed against
by all the prisoners. Lord Capel, fearless of danger, reproached Ireton
with it; and challenged him, as they were all engaged in the same
honorable cause, to exercise the same impartial vengeance on all of
them. Lucas was first shot; and he himself gave orders to fire, with
the same alacrity as if he had commanded a platoon of his own soldiers.
Lisle instantly ran and kissed the dead body, then cheerfully presented
himself to a like fate. Thinking that the soldiers destined for his
execution stood at too great a distance, he called to them to come
nearer: one of them replied, "I'll warrant you, sir, we'll hit you:"
he answered, smiling, "Friends, I have been nearer you, when you have
missed me." Thus perished this generous spirit, not less beloved for
his modesty and humanity, than esteemed for his courage and military
conduct.

Soon after, a gentleman appearing in the king's presence clothed
in mourning for Sir Charles Lucas, that humane prince, suddenly
recollecting the hard fate of his friends, paid them a tribute which
none of his own unparalleled misfortunes ever extorted from him: he
dissolved into a flood of tears.[*]

* Whitlocke.

By these multiplied successes of the army, they had subdued all their
enemies; and none remained but the helpless king and parliament
to oppose their violent measures. From Cromwell's suggestion, a
remonstrance was drawn by the council of general officers, and sent to
the parliament. They there complain of the treaty with the king; demand
his punishment for the blood spilt during the war; require a dissolution
of the present parliament, and a mor