Page:Life of Oliver Cromwell.pdf/10

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commanded the right wing of the royalists, and was opposed to Cromwell. After a short but bloody contest the cavalry of the royalists gave way, and such of the infantry as stood next them were likewise horne down by the impetuosity of the charging squadrons under Cromwell, and were all either instantly slaughtered or put to flight. The Marquis of Newcastle's Regiment alone, on the side of the royalists, determined either to conquer or perish, obstinately maintained their ground, and nearly all fell where they were first placed, in the same order in which they had been drawn up. In the other wing, Sir Thomas Fairfax and Colonel Lambert, with a body of soldiers, broke the royalists, and, transported with the ardour of pursuit, soon reached their victorious friends engaged also in pursuit of the enemy. General Lucas, however, one of the royalist officers, having restored order in the wing which he commanded, made a furious attack on the Parliamentary cavalry, threw them into disorder, pushed them upon their own infantry, and put that whole wing to rout. At this particular juncture. Cromwell again appeared at the head of his zealous and enthusiastic dragoons and again the battle was renewed with redoubled vigour. Both sides fought obstinately, and the carnage was proportionally great. At length, victory decided wholly in favour of the Parliament. The Prince's train of artillery was taken, and his whole army pushed off the field of battle with the loss of 7000 men.

This great and important victory was chiefly. as bed to the soldier-like conduct of Cromwell, who exhibited and intrepidity and military tack that excited the admiration and astonishment of all.

After a series of splendid successes, terminating in the decisive battle of Naseby, which effectually