As a climax to all Rupert's other anxieties came the {127} severe illness of Maurice, who was engaged at the siege of Plymouth. All the autumn he had been suffering from a low fever, which was in fact the modern influenza. So serious was his condition that his mother, in Holland, declined an invitation to the Court of Orange, on the grounds that she expected hourly to hear of Maurice's death.[61] More than once reports that he was actually dead gained credence, and the doctors who sent frequent bulletins to Rupert, would not answer for their patient's recovery, "by reason that the disease is very dangerous, and fraudulent." But by October 17th they were able to send a hopeful report. Maurice had slept better, the delirium had left him, and he had recognised Dr. Harvey--the discoverer of the circulation of the blood. When given the King's message of sympathy he had shown "an humble, thankful sense thereof." And on receiving Rupert's messages, "he seemed very glad to hear of and from your Highness."[62] A relapse was feared, but Maurice recovered steadily, though very slowly. In November he was anxious to join his forces before Plymouth, but had to give up the attempt, and the siege suffered from his absence. "Your brother resolved to have removed hence nearer towards Plymouth, upon Monday, but upon tryal finds himself too weak for the journey," wrote Sir Richard Cave, an old friend of the Palatines, to Rupert. "I dare boldly say that, had he been with the army, the army and the town had been at a nearer distance before now. Your brother presents his respects to your Highness, but says he is not able yet to write letters with his own hand."[63] [1] Clar. State Papers, f. 2254. Prince Rupert's Journal in England. Jan. 6, 1643. [2] Clarendon. Hist. Bk. VI. 238. [3] Pamphlet. British Museum. Relation of the taking of Cirencester, Feb. 1642-3. [4] Rupert Correspondence. Nicholas to the Prince, Feb. 3, 1643. [5] Clar. State Papers. Rupert's Journal. [6] Rupert Transcripts, April 1, 1643, also Warburton, II. p. 149. [7] Pamphlet. British Museum. Prince Rupert's Burning Love to England discovered in Birmingham's flames. [8] Letter from Walsall to Oxford. Warb. II. p. 154, _note_. [9] Clar. State Papers. A character of Lord Digby. [10] Warburton, II. p. 169. [11] Rupert Transcripts. Aston to Rupert, 22 Jan. 1643; Pythouse Papers, p. 12. [12] Ibid. Nicholas to Rupert, 21 April, 1643. [13] Warburton, II. p. 179. [14] Gardiner's Civil War, I. p. 130. [15] Rupert Correspondence. See Warburton, II. 187. [16] Pythouse Papers, p. 15. [17] Rupert Correspondence. 18980. Nicholas to Prince, May 11, 1643. Warb. II. p. 189. [18] His Highness's late Beating up of the Rebels' Quarters. Pamphlet. Bodleian Library. [19] Warburton, II. 212. Essex to Rupert, June 22, 1643. [20] Ibid. II. p. 390, _note_. Ellis Original Letters, Vol. IV.