d not to risk a fire,
until the enemy was sufficiently near to ensure heavy execution. When at
length the front line of the assailants advanced within sixty yards of
the entrenchment, he gave the word, which was obeyed with tremendous
effect, and then without leaving their posts, they prepared to renew
their fire. But it was not necessary. Despite the exhortations and
prayers of their gallant officers, the royal army, dismayed at the first
fire of the enemy, broke ranks and retreated, leaving their drum and
their dead upon the field. In vain did Ludwell exhort them, in the name
of the king, to return to the assault; in vain did the brave Beverley
implore them as Virginians and Englishmen not to desert their colors; in
vain did Alfred Bernard conjure them to retrieve the character of
soldiers and of men, and to avenge the cause of wronged and insulted
women upon the cowardly oppressors. Regardless alike of king, country or
the laws of gallantry, the soldiers ran like frightened sheep, from
their pursuers, nor stopped in their flight until once more safely
ensconced behind their batteries, and under the protection of the cannon
from the ships. The brave cavaliers looked aghast at this cowardly
defection, and stood for a moment irresolute, with the guns of the
insurgents bearing directly upon them. Bacon could easily have fired
upon them with certain effect, but with the magnanimity of a brave man,
he was struck with admiration for their dauntless courage, and with pity
for their helplessness. Nor was he by any means anxious to pursue them,
for he feared lest a victory so easily won, might be a stratagem of the
enemy, and that by venturing to pursue, he might fall into an ambuscade.
Contenting himself, therefore, with the advantage he had already gained,
he remained behind his entrenchment, determined to wait patiently for
the morrow, before he commenced another attack upon the town.

CHAPTER XXXVII.

"Let's leave this town; for they are hairbrained slaves,
And hunger will enforce them to be more eager.
Of old I know them; rather with their teeth
The walls they'll tear down, than forsake the siege."
_King Henry VI._

It was very late, but there were few in Jamestown on that last night of
its existence that cared to sleep. Those who were not kept awake by the
cares of state or military duties, were yet suffering from an intense
apprehension, which