I had a very worthy friend then; and he was a very noble person, and
I know his memory is very grateful to all,--Mr. John Hampden. At my
first going out into this engagement, I saw our men were beaten at
every hand. I did indeed; and desired him that he would make some
additions to my Lord Essex's Army, of some new regiments; and I
told him I would be serviceable to him in bringing such men in as I
thought had a spirit that would do something in the work. This is
very true that I tell you; God knows I lie not. "Your troops," said
I, "are most of them old decayed serving-men, and tapsters, and such
kind of fellows; and," said I, "their troops are gentlemen's sons,
younger sons and persons of quality: do you think that the spirits of
such base and mean fellows will ever be able to encounter gentlemen,
that have honour and courage and resolution in them?" Truly I did
represent to him in this manner conscientiously; and truly I did
tell him: "You must get men of a spirit: and take it not ill what I
say,--I know you will not,--of a spirit that is likely to go as far
as gentlemen will go--or else you will be beaten still."