Scarcely had he done so, when he became aware
that the main body of the enemy had opened an artillery fire on
Fort Royal, which guarded the city on the south-east side. He
therefore galloped back in hot haste to headquarters, and
reconnoitred the advanced posts eastward of the city, in full
front of the enemy's fire. Meanwhile Montgomery, having
exhausted his ammunition, was obliged to retreat in disorder from
Powick Bridge, followed by the Cromwellians. The king now
courageously resolved to attack the enemy's camp at Perry Wood,
which lay south-east of Worcester. Accordingly he marched out
with the flower of his Highland infantry and the English
cavaliers, led by the Dukes of Hamilton and Buckingham.
Cromwell, seeing this, hastened to intercept the king's march,
whereon a fierce battle was bravely fought on either side.
Nothing could be more valiant than the conduct of the young king,
who showed himself wholly regardless of his life in the fierce
struggle for his rights. Twice was his horse shot under him; but
increasing danger seemed but to animate him to greater daring.
So bravely did his army fight likewise, that the Republicans at
first gave way before them. For upwards of four hours the
engagement raged with great fierceness. Cromwell subsequently
declared it was "as stiff a contest as he had ever seen," and
his experience was great. Success seemed now to crown the
Royalists, anon to favour the Roundheads. The great crisis of
the day at length arrived: the Cromwellians began to waver and
give way just as the Royalist cavalry had expended their
ammunition; the king had still three thousand Scotch cavalry in
the rear under the command of Leslie, who had not yet been called
into action.
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