But though repulsed, they constantly returned to the attack, and desperate fighting, attended by great slaughter, went on ceaselessly along the walls.
Furious at the unexpected resistance offered by the Parliamentarians, of whose bravery he had formed a very contemptible opinion, Prince Rupert galloped round the walls, and shouted to his men to renew the assault. His orders were reiterated by the officers, but despite every effort, no substantial advantage was gained.
The besieged had lost very few of their number, while the Royalists had suffered severely, and stimulated by success, the former performed prodigies of valour.
Several Cavaliers of distinction were killed, greatly to Rupert’s vexation, and the loss of his friends, slaughtered before his eyes on the walls, exasperated him to the highest degree.
The Earl of Derby was quite as much incensed as the prince at the check they had sustained, for he would not acknowledge a defeat, even to himself. He had expected an easy victory, and a repulse by Rigby mortified as well as exasperated him.
Even Standish had met with a reverse.
Though he had received no orders to make the attempt he was so galled by what he witnessed, that he sprang from his steed, and calling to his men to bring a scaling ladder, gained the summit of the walls, only to remain there for a minute. He was then pushed back by a pikeman, luckily without receiving a wound.
Half an hour later a retreat was sounded, and Rupert and the earl retired, slowly and in good order, evidently intending to renew the attack.
No attempt was made to cut off their retreat, for the Parliamentarians were too prudent to quit their stronghold. Had they sallied forth, the Royalists would have instantly driven them back, and entered the gates with them.
When they were beyond the reach of the cannon, the prince and the earl held a council of war, at which the principal officers assisted, and it was considered how an entrance could be found for cavalry, Rupert, whose wrath was undiminished, declaring he was resolved to take the town, and give quarter to none within it.
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II
How Stephen Marsh offered to take Two Hundred Musketeers into the Town
AT this juncture, a man, guarded by a couple of musketeers, was brought in by an officer.
The officer explained that the prisoner stated he had just come secretly from the town, as no doubt was the fact, and, moreover, asserted that he could render the prince a most important service, but would not do so except for a large reward.
“How art thou named, fellow, and what service canst thou render?” demanded Rupert.
“My name is Stephen Marsh,” replied the man. “I dwell in Bolton, and can take your highness into the town—but I must be well rewarded for doing so.”
“Ha! say’st thou so?” cried the prince. “Make good thy words, and doubt not thy reward.”
“I must have it now,” replied Marsh.
“Will not my word suffice?” observed the prince.
“I would rather have the money,” rejoined Marsh, bluntly.
“Give him two hundred pounds,” said Rupert, to one of his officers. “Will that content thee?”
“Ay, marry,” replied Marsh. “I will engage to bring into the town, through a place called the Private Acres, as many musketeers as there are pieces of gold in this bag.”
“Canst thou not convey horsemen as well as foot?” demanded the prince.
“Impossible, your highness,” replied Marsh. “Once inside, the musketeers can admit their comrades. They will be near the Bradshaw Gate,”
“Ay, if that gate be opened for us, the crow’s nest will be soon destroyed,” said the prince. “What think you of this, my lord?” he added to the earl.
“The plan cannot fail, if treachery be not intended,” rejoined Lord Derby.
“The musketeers will have me with them,” said Marsh.
“Let me have the command of the party, I pray your highness,” said Standish, “and I will answer for the rest.”
“Have I your highness’s permission to lead the van in this new assault?” cried the earl, eagerly. “You could not accord me a greater favour.”
“Then be it so,” replied Rupert. “Go in, and spare not. No quarter must be given.”