Page 29 - A Knight of the White Cross

Lancaster; I have risked life and fortune in their cause; but I feel that I have
done my share and more, and whichever way Providence may now decide

the issue of the struggle, I will accept it. If we lose, and I come scatheless
through the fight, I will ride hither, and we will embark at Plymouth for

France, and there live quietly until the time comes when Edward may feel
himself seated with sufficient firmness on the throne to forgive past
offences and to grant an amnesty to all who have fought against him. In any

other case, dear, you know my wishes, and I bid you carry them out within
twenty-four hours of your receiving news of a defeat, without waiting

longer for my appearance."

As soon as it was light, Edward advanced to the attack. The Duke of

Gloucester was in command of the vanguard. He himself led the centre,
while the rear was commanded by the Marquis of Dorset and Lord

Hastings. The most advanced division of Lancastrians was commanded by
the Duke of Somerset and his brother. The Grand Prior of the Order of St.
John and Lord Wenlock were stationed in the centre, the Earl of Devon

with the reserve. Refreshed by their rest, the queen's troops were in good
spirits. While awaiting the attack, she and the prince rode among the ranks,

encouraging the men with fiery speeches, and promising large rewards to
all in case of victory.

Gloucester made his advance with great difficulty. The obstacles to his
progress were so many and serious that his division was brought to a halt

before it came into contact with the defenders. He therefore brought up his
artillery and opened a heavy cannonade upon Somerset's position,
supporting his guns with flights of arrows, and inflicting such heavy loss

upon him that the duke felt compelled to take the offensive.

Having foreseen that he might be obliged to do so, he had, early in the
morning, carefully examined the ground in front of him, and had found
some lanes by which he could make a flank attack on the enemy. Moving

his force down these lanes, where the trees and hedges completely hid his
advance from the Yorkists, he fell suddenly upon Edward's centre, which,

taken by surprise at the unexpected attack, was driven in confusion up the
hill behind it. Somerset was quick to take advantage of his success, and