Great Britain -- History -- Stuarts, 1603-1714 -- Fiction
I do not think there can be anywhere a finer road than that which
runs from Charmouth to Lyme. It runneth over high hills, sometimes
above the sea, which rolls far below, and sometimes above a great
level inland plain, the name of which I have forgotten. The highest
of the hills is called Golden Cap; the reason why was plainly shown
this morning when the sky was clear and the sun was shining from
the south-east full upon this tall pico. When we got into this road
we found it full of young fellows, lusty and well-conditioned, all
marching, running, walking, shouting, and singing on their way to
join Monmouth. Some were adorned with flowers, some wore the blue
favour of the Duke, some had cockades in their hats, and some again
were armed with musket or with sword; some carried pikes, some
knives tied on to long poles, some had nothing but thick cudgels,
which they brandished valiantly. At sight of these brave fellows my
father lifted his head and waved his hand, crying 'A Monmouth! a
Monmouth! Follow me, brave lads!' just as if he had been a captain
encouraging his men to charge.
The church of Lyme standeth high upon the cliff which faces the sea;
it is on the eastern side of the town, and before you get to the
church, on the way from Charmouth, there is a broad field also on
the edge of the cliff. It was this field that was the first camp of
Monmouth's men. There were no tents for the men to lie in, but there
were waggons filled, I suppose, with munitions of war; there were
booths where things were sold, such as hot sausages fried over a
charcoal fire, fried fish, lobsters and periwinkles, cold bacon and
pork, bread, cheese, and such like, and barrels of beer and cider
on wooden trestles. The men were haggling for the food and drink,
and already one or two seemed fuddled. Some were exercising in the
use of arms; some were dancing, and some singing. And no thought or
respect paid at all to the Sabbath. Oh! was this the pious and godly
camp which I had expected?
'Sister,' said Barnaby, 'this is a godly and religious place to
which the wisdom of Dad hath brought thee. Perhaps he meaneth thee
to lie in the open like the lads.'
'Where is the Duke?' asked my father, looking wrathfully at these
revellers and Sabbath-breakers.
'The Duke lies at the George Inn,' said Barnaby. 'I will show the
way.'
In the blue parlour of the George the Duke was at that time holding
a council. There were different reports as to the Bridport affair.
Already it was said that Lord Grey was unfit to lead the Horse,
having been the first to run away; and some said that the Militia
were driven out of the town in a panic, and some that they made a
stand, and that our men had fled. I know not what was the truth,
and now it matters little, except that the first action of our men
brought them little honour. When the council was finished, the Duke
sent word that he would receive Dr. Challis (that was Humphrey) and
Dr. Comfort Eykin.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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