OF THE COUNSEL GIVEN BY COLONEL LESLEY TO THE KING.
When Charles arrived at the palace, the war council was already
assembled. Several general officers, however, were necessarily absent.
A long and anxious discussion ensued, and great diversity of opinion
prevailed--jealousies having sprung up amongst the commanders. His
grace of Buckingham hated the Duke of Hamilton, and derided his plans;
but his own rash counsels were rejected.
Charles felt sure, he declared, that he should be largely reinforced
by the levies which the Earl of Derby was bringing from Lancashire and
Cheshire. But he cared not if his army should be inferior to that of
the enemy in number.
"There is no fear of treachery," he said. "The loyalty of the citizens
of Worcester is unquestionable. They will fight for me as bravely as
they fought for the king, my father. No defeat will subdue them. But
why do I talk of defeat? Let us speak of the victory, that is certain."
"The next battle must be decisive, sire," remarked the Duke of
Hamilton. "We must conquer, or die."
"We will conquer," cried Charles, energetically.
"We will," cried several voices.
Having remarked that Lesley took no part in the conference, the king
drew him aside and inquired the meaning of his sombre looks.
"Are you afraid of Cromwell?" he asked.
"I am afraid of my own men, sire," replied Lesley. "They are
discontented, and do all I can, I am unable to remove their
dissatisfaction."
"Of what grievance do they complain?" asked Charles.
"I need not remind your majesty, that nearly five thousand Scottish
soldiers have returned to their own country since we crossed the
Border----"
"Deserted, if you please, colonel," interrupted Charles.
"Well, deserted, sire. But they had this excuse. Being zealous
Presbyterians, they had conscientious scruples against establishing the
Episcopal government in England by force of arms; and like sentiments
prevail, to a great extent, among the remainder of the troops. Since
our arrival at Worcester their discontent has perceptibly increased.
They do not like to fight with the Cavaliers. For this reason, they are
not pleased with the Muster about to take place to-day, neither do they
desire to be joined by the levies promised by the Earl of Derby."
"They fear that my devoted adherents may become too strong for them. Is
it not so, colonel?" asked Charles, coldly.
"They deem that a preponderance of the royal party--strictly so
called--though we are all Royalists--would be contrary to the true
interests of Scotland, and to the welfare of the Kirk."
"Ah, I see!" exclaimed the king. "The Committee of the Kirk of Scotland
have troubled their consciences--meddlesome fools that they are! But
you _must_ keep your men in good humour, Lesley. They _must_ fight this
battle. Assure them that I am a zealous partisan of the Covenant, and
that when I ascend the throne I will ratify all the conditions imposed
upon me."
"Humph!" exclaimed Lesley. "I may give them these assurances, but they
will not believe me. So critical do I consider the position, that if
I dared to offer your majesty a counsel, it would be to return to
Scotland without hazarding an engagement."
"Return to Scotland!--never!" exclaimed Charles, indignantly. "How
dare you make a proposition so dishonouring to me, Lesley. I have not
advanced thus far into my kingdom to go back again without a blow."
"I knew my advice would be distasteful to your majesty, but I deemed it
my duty to give it."
"No more!" cried the king. "Quell this mutinous spirit in your men,
Lesley--quell it, by whatever means you can. Mark well what I say, and
fail not to repeat it. When we have routed the rebels--and we _shall_
rout them--those who have fought best for me shall receive the highest
reward."
Before Lesley could make any reply, Pitscottie approached his majesty.
"Where are your Highlanders, colonel?" demanded Charles.
"Drawn up in the college green, sire. I await your orders to march them
to the place of Muster."
"Have they heard that Cromwell is at hand?"
"Ay, sire; and they are eager to meet him."
"No discontent among them--ha?"
"Discontent! No, sire. They were never in better spirits. All
they desire is to prove their zeal to your majesty, and use their
broadswords against the foe."
"Brave fellows!" exclaimed Charles, glancing significantly at Lesley.
"They shall serve as my body-guard to-day."