When the mayor had made an end, Charles rode towards Lord Talbot, who was nearest him on the left, and while surveying his splendid troop with admiration, called out, so that all might hear him: "Why, my good lord, these are all gentlemen. Better mounted, better equipped Cavaliers, I would not desire to see." "They are _all_ loyal gentlemen," replied Lord Talbot, bowing; "and as such I am proud to present them to your majesty." "Long live the king! Confusion to his enemies!" shouted the gallant band, brandishing their swords. The shout was caught up by the next troop, which was commanded by Sir John Pakington, and was echoed far and wide. After a few complimentary observations to Colonel Touchet, Charles moved on, inspecting in turn all the new-raised troops. Had loyalty been chilled in any breast, his majesty's gracious manner would have kindled it anew--but all were loyal. The king could not help noting that in almost every troop gentlemen had joined, and horses and accoutrements were generally so good that officers could scarcely be distinguished from privates. Captain Hornyold's troop was stationed near the Scottish cavalry--Sir Clement Fisher acting as second captain. But the real commander, in the king's estimation, was Jane Lane, who was posted in front of her steed. A glance of triumph lighted up her fine eyes as Charles addressed her: "You only want arms to become a veritable Amazon." "I will wear them if your majesty commands." "No, you have brought me so many recruits that it is unnecessary. How many troops have you helped to fill up?" "I have done my best, sire, but I have not brought you half so many as I could desire. The Worcestershire gentry are loyal, but irresolute and cautious--I will not use stronger epithets. They try to excuse their lukewarmness on the ground that they suffered so much from fines and sequestrations during the Civil Wars. But, as I tell them, that is no excuse. They ought to risk all--sacrifice all, if need be--for their sovereign. Many have come here to-day. But," she added, with a look of mingled grief and indignation, "some, on whom I fully counted, are absent." "I scarcely miss them. When I have won a battle, they will hasten to rally round my standard, but I shall know how to distinguish between late comers, and those who have been true to me in the hour of peril." "All here are true men, my liege. I would not say as much, for yon Scottish soldiers." Then lowering her voice so as only to be heard by the king, she added: "Do not trust Lesley, sire. He may play you false." "Why do you entertain these suspicions?" "From what I hear of the conduct of his men, and of his own discourse. Heaven grant my fears may prove groundless!" "If Lesley proves a traitor I am undone, for he commands the third of my army, and his men will obey no other leader. But I will not believe him false."