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and what a splendid battle field Waller had selected, surrounded 
as it was by walls, and strengthened by works in front, with an 
approach both narrow and steep.* 
Bravely had Waller’s men done their work, bravely had the 
work been done on both sides, but most bravely had Grenvilles’ 
men done theirs ; and now to the wonder of both friends and 
enemies, the position thus gained was kept with a most indefatigable 
labour and courage, in the face of the cannon and a storm of small 
shot and against all the force that could be brought down upon 
them.¢ Smartly following up his success, the Parliament horse, 
after stubbornly sustaining two full charges, failed and lost 
ground, when Sir Bevil by the aid of his favoured pikemen, with 
whom he had so often done good service, secured a further 
advance. Now ensued a most furious struggle, a hand to hand 
fight, ending in a general melée ; in the midst of which after other 
wounds Sir Bevil Grenville was felled by a blow on the head with 
a poll axe,{ many of his officers being already dead at his feet, 
and so ended his life in as much honour as “ mortal man is capable 
of.” Charges too grew hot and frequent ; the “like was never 
before seen in England.” The old soldiers declared the 
“furious fights in France” were but “ play” in comparison with 
them. Every regiment charged four or five times. So fierce and 
long had been the struggle that it was only towards evening Sir 
Ralph Hopton was able to get up some cannon, and under their 
protection to rally his fatigued and disordered troopers. Sheltered 
by these guns yet more ground was gained, and on a wider front 
being shown Waller’s men thoroughly weary were retired for 
protection behind a stone wall previously prepared for such an 
emergency, being well guarded with cannon and pikes and having 
in it breaches wide enough for cavalry to charge through, if 
necessary.§ Each party now played upon the other, but both 
being soundly battered neither cared to advance. 
* Hist. of Rebellion, + Echard. + Hooper Jacob, 
§ Clar. MSS. 
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