the midst of the enemy's dragoons, followed by his life-guards with what haste they could. A Α severe struggle took place, but Rupert, as usual, seems to have borne a charmed life. It was remarkable that, though always foremost in the post of danger, this Prince had never yet received a wound; and so it happened that from this battle also he escaped unhurt. The Roundheads stood their ground for a while, looking vainly for help from their comrades at Lewknor; but at last, seeing that no help came, they began to fear something was wrong, and so lost courage and fled. Mr. Hampden, a noted friend to the Parliament, with some fresh men, tried his utmost to make the runaways return, and to drive back the Royalists who pursued them. But he could not succeed; it was all in vain, and in the effort he himself received a deadly wound. This was a final blow to all hope of victory for the Roundheads, who, when they saw their leader fall, fled from the field in all directions. Mr. Hampden was only just able to make his way painfully to Thame, where, after a few days of great suffering, he died. In him the Parliament lost one of their best and wisest supporters-a man who was respected alike by friends and foes.

Several

The next day, at noon, Rupert was back again at Oxford, safe, well, and more covered with glory than ever. Indeed, the spirits of the Royalists began to grow quite high this summer. battles had been won by the King's troops in different parts of England. Good news came from the West, where Maurice had gone. Even in the eastern part of the kingdom, which had been re

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markable for its disloyalty, things did not seem so bad as formerly, while constant accounts were received from the Queen and the Earl of Newcastle of the good work they were doing in the North. So much had affairs improved, that Henrietta Maria was able to leave York with safety, and advance as far as Newark on her way to her husband.

Rupert was now once more appointed to meet and escort the Queen to Oxford, for Essex had again gathered some soldiers together, and was supposed to be on the watch to waylay her Majesty. In spite of Essex, however, Rupert did manage this time to reach the Queen in safety. They met on the 11th July, in the town of Stratford-on-Avon. Some people say their meeting took place in the house where Shakspeare was born. However that may be, we may be certain it was a most joyful event.

Two days later Charles himself met the Queen before she arrived at Oxford, and the happy pair returned immediately to their Court, where they were received with hearty rejoicing and thanksgiving. News came about this time from the West to Oxford of the great victory the Royalists had had over their enemies at Roundway Down, under the leadership of Prince Maurice. The hearts of the King's friends were now full of gratitude and hope. But their happiness was only like a passing gleam of sunshine, followed by many dark and wintry days.

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CHAPTER XI.

THE SIEGE OF BRISTOL.

RUPERT did not remain long idle at Court after his triumphant return there with the Queen. On July 18th he set out for the West of England. Sir William Waller, who commanded the Roundheads in that district, was a brave, wise, and successful general, and he was then doing so much mischief to the cause of the King in the west-country that it was determined to send out Rupert against him as quickly as possible. This general was often called William the Conqueror by his friends, on account of the many battles he had won.

Before this time, however, Sir William had been beaten by Prince Maurice at the battle of Roundway Down; this was the victory that had caused such joy to the Court at Oxford upon the return of the King and Queen.

The only objection to Rupert's march to the West seemed to be that Essex with his army still lay near Oxford, and might at any moment attack the King while his nephew was absent. But the Prince could not be everywhere at the same time, though he received letters from all quarters of the kingdom entreating for his presence, and, as we

have already said, it was decided that the march to the West should be undertaken. Rupert was desired, first of all, to repair to Bristol, and get possession of it for the King. It was the second town in the kingdom, and a good seaport, and the Royalists were extremely anxious to get it into their hands.

Sir Arthur Aston and Colonel Lunsford were appointed to accompany the Prince on this expedition, and they, with their followers, reached Bristol on Sunday, July 23rd. Anyone who takes the pains to observe it, will be surprised to find how frequently the chief battles and struggles of this civil war fell upon, or began, upon a Sunday. At Bristol, Rupert was joined by two other important friends. Prince Maurice had come there to meet his brother, and also a deserter from the Roundheads, Colonel Horatio Cary, came to join the King's service.

But when "William the Conqueror" found that his road was clear, he left Gloucester, and made the best of his way to London, for he wanted very much to make excuses to the Parliament for having been beaten at Roundway Down, and also to complain of Essex for lying so still with his army, instead of coming to help him in the West. Thus, his chief enemy being for the present out of the way, Rupert was able to turn all his attention upon Bristol. Accordingly, on that same Sunday afternoon, the Prince, Sir Arthur Aston, and some others, approached to examine the town. They entered a churchyard which was situated on the side of a hill, just opposite to one of the forts, from which it was separated by

a little valley. The rebels in the town had evidently observed their movements, for presently two or three cannon-balls came tumbling in amidst the gravestones, as though to inquire what the Cavaliers were doing there. The Cavaliers, however, considered it a good position, and, in spite of the cannon-balls, Colonel Washington and some soldiers were ordered to remain there all night.

The fort opposite to them was called Brandon Hill, and was the highest and best of the many that surrounded the town. Bristol itself was built in a hollow, with the forts raised above it all round, so that it was not an easy sort of place to conquer. Altogether, the whole town round measured full five miles, and in the centre stood the old castle of Bristol.

This

Colonel Fiennes was in command of the garrison, and he had under him 1,800 soldiers. was not a very large force, and Colonel Fiennes felt rather angry with Sir William Waller for having marched away to London, taking with him so many good fighting-men.

Before midday on Monday, Rupert sent to summon the town for the King; but Colonel Fiennes said he had promised to keep Bristol for the King and Parliament, and could not therefore give it up till brought to the last extremity. The Roundheads often in this manner joined the King's name to that of the Parliament, as though to make their rebellious acts seem more lawful. When the Prince received this provoking answer, he laid aside all hope of a peaceful entrance into Bristol, and the fighting began in good earnest.