ADVERTISEMENT.
Sir Thomas Morgan drew up the following Relation, at a friend's desire, who was unwilling that posterity should want an authentic account of the actions of the Six Thousand English, whom Cromwell sent to assist the French against the Spaniards; and thought the Right they did their country, by their behaviour, might make some amends for the Occasion of their being in that service.
It had been printed in the last reign [i.e., of James II.], if the Authority of it had not interposed, because there was not so much said of some who were then in the Spanish army, as they expected: and is published now, to let the world see that more was owing to our country than either Monsieur Bussy Rabutin [Roger de Rabutin, Count de Bussy] (Part II. p. 135), or [Edmund] Ludlow (Part II. p. 561), in their Memoirs do allow. The former by his manner of expression seems contented with an opportunity to lessen their merit; and being in the right wing of the French, while this passed in the left, comes under the just reflection he himself makes (Part II. p. 139) a little after, upon the Describers of Fights, who are particular in what they did not see: and whether the latter was misinformed, or swayed by his prejudice (Part II. p. 496) to those that were engaged to support the new erected Tyranny, is left to the reader to judge.
It may not be improper to add, that these papers came to the Publisher's hands, from the gentlemen at whose request they were written: and to whom Sir Thomas Morgan confirmed every paragraph of them, as they were read over, at the time he delivered them, to him; which, besides the unaffected plainness of the style, may be urged for the credit of the narrative, since Sir Thomas was entitled to so much true reputation, that he had no need to grasp at any that was false.
January 24, 1698 [i.e., 1699].
A true and just
RELATION
of
Major-General Sir Thomas Morgan's
PROGRESS
in
France and Flanders
with the
Six Thousand English,
in the years 1657 and 1658.
The French King, and his Eminence the Cardinal Mazarin came to view the Six Thousand English, near Charleroi; and ordered Major-General Morgan with the said Six Thousand English, to march and make conjunction with Marshal Turenne's army: who, soon after the conjunction, beleaguered a town called St. Venant, on the borders of Flanders.
Marshal Turenne having invested the town on the east side, and Major-General Morgan with his Six Thousand English and a Brigade of French Horse on the west; the army encamped betwixt Marshal Turenne's approaches [lines or parallels] and Major-General Morgan's. And being to relieve Count Schomberg out of the approaches of the west side of the town, Major-General Morgan marched into the approaches, with 800 English. The English, at that time, being strangers in approaches, Major-General Morgan instructed the Officers and soldiers to take their place, by fifties; that thereby they might relieve the Point, to carry on the approaches, every hour.
In the meantime, whilst we besieged the town; the enemy had beleaguered a town called Ardres [p. [183]], within five miles of Calais.
In the evening, Count Schomberg, with six Noblemen, came to the Point, to see how Major-General Morgan carried on his approaches; but there happened a little confusion, by the soldiers intermingling themselves in the approaches, so as there was never an entire fifty, to be called to the Point.
Count Schomberg and his Noblemen taking notice thereof; Major-General Morgan was much troubled, leaped upon the Point, and called out fifty to "take up the spades, pickaxes, and fascines, and follow him." But so it happened, that all [i.e., the 800] in the approaches leapt out after him; the enemy, in the meantime, firing as fast as they could.
Major-General Morgan, conceiving his loss in bringing them to their approaches would be greater than in carrying them forward, passed over a channel of water on which there was a bridge and a turnpike, and the soldiers crying out, "Fall on! Fall on!" he fell upon the Counterscarp, beat the enemy from it and three Redoubts: which caused them to capitulate; and, the next morning, to surrender the town, and receive a French garrison. So as the sudden reduction, thereof, gave Marshal Turenne an opportunity, afterwards, to march and relieve Ardres.
The next place, Marshal Turenne besieged, was Mardyke; taken, in twice eight and forty hours, by the English and French. After the taking thereof, Major-General Morgan was settled there; by the order of the French King and Oliver, with 2,000 English and 1,000 French, in order to the beleaguering Dunkirk, the next Spring. The rest of the English were quartered at Borborch [Bourbough].
For the space of four months, there was hardly a week wherein Major-General Morgan had not two or three alarms by the Spanish army. He answered to them all; and never went out of his clothes all the winter, except to change his shirt.
The next Spring [1658], Marshal Turenne beleaguered Dunkirk on the Newport side; and Major-General Morgan on the Mardyke side, with his Six Thousand English, and a Brigade of French Horse. He made a bridge over the canal betwixt that and Bergen, that there might be communication betwixt Marshal Turenne's camp and his.
When Dunkirk was close invested, Marshal Turenne sent a summons to the Governor, the Marquis de Leida, a great Captain, and brave defender of a siege: but the summons being answered with defiance, Marshal Turenne immediately broke ground; and carried on the approaches on his side, whilst the English did the same, on theirs. And it is observable, the English had two miles to march every day, upon relieving their approaches.
In this manner the approaches were carried on, both by the French and English, for the space of twelve nights: when the Marshal Turenne had intelligence that the Prince de Condé, the Duke of York [afterwards, James II.], Don John of Austria, and the Prince de Ligny were at the head of 30,000 horse and foot, with resolution to relieve Dunkirk.
Immediately upon this intelligence, Marshal Turenne and several Noblemen of France went to the King and Cardinal, at Mardyke; acquainted his Eminence therewith, and desired His Majesty and his Eminence the Cardinal to withdraw their persons into safety, and leave their orders.
His Majesty answered that "He knew no better place of safety than at the head of his army;" but said, "It was convenient the Cardinal should withdraw to Calais."
Then Marshal Turenne and the Noblemen made answer, "They could not be satisfied, except His Majesty withdrew himself into safety." Which was assented to; and the King and Cardinal marching to Calais, left open orders with Marshal Turenne that "If the enemy came on; to give battle or raise the siege, as he should be advised by a Council of War."
The enemy came on to Bruges, and then Marshal Turenne thought it high time to call a Council of War; which consisted of eight Noblemen, eight Lieutenant-Generals, and six Mareschaux de Camp: but never sent to [the English] Ambassador Lockhart, or Major-General Morgan.
The whole sense of the Council of War was that "It was great danger to the Crown of France to hazard a battle in that strait [broken] country, full of canals and ditches of water." And several reasons being shown to that purpose, it ran through the Council of War, "to raise the siege, if the enemy came on."
Within half an hour after the Council of War was risen, Major-General Morgan had the result of it in his camp; and went immediately to Ambassador Lockhart to know if he had heard anything of it?
He said, "He had heard nothing of it"; and complained that "he was much afflicted with the stone, gravel, and some other impediments."
Major-General Morgan asked him "to go with him, the next morning, to the headquarters."
He said, "He would, if he were able."
Next morning, Marshal Turenne sent a Nobleman to Ambassador Lockhart, and Major-General Morgan; to desire them to come to a second Council of War.
Immediately, therefore, Ambassador Lockhart and Major-General Morgan went with the Nobleman to Marshal Turenne's camp: and, by that time they came there, the Council of War was ready to sit down in Marshal Turenne's tent.
Marshal Turenne satisfied the Council of War that "He had forgot to send for Ambassador Lockhart and Major-General Morgan to the first Council of War; and therefore thought fit to call this, that they might be satisfied!" and then put the question, "Whether if the enemy came on, he should make good the siege on the Newport side, and give them battle: or raise the siege?" and required they should give their reasons for either.
The Marcsehaux de Camp ran away with it [i.e., the idea], clearly to raise the siege; alleging what danger it was to the Crown of France to hazard a battle, within so strait a country, full of canals and ditches of water: further alleging that if the enemy came upon the Bank, they would cut between Marshal Turenne's and Major-General Morgan's camps, and prevent their conjunction.
Two of the Lieutenant-Generals ran along with the Mareschaux de Camp; and shewed the same reasons.
But Major-General Morgan (finding that it was high time to speak, and that otherwise it would go round the board [table]) rose up, and desired, though out of course, that he might declare his mind in opposition to what the Mareschaux de Camp and the two Lieutenant-Generals had declared.
Marshal Turenne told him, "He should have freedom to speak his thoughts."
Then Major-General Morgan spoke, and said that "The reasons the Mareschaux de Camp and the two Lieutenant-Generals had given for raising the siege, were no reasons: for the straitness of the country was as good for the French and English as for the enemy." And whereas they had alleged that "If the enemy came on the Bank between Furnes and Dunkirk, they would cut between Marshal Turenne's and Major-General Morgan's camps." Major-General Morgan replied, "It was impossible, for they could not march upon the Bank above eight a breast; and that Marshal Turenne's artillery and small shot would cut them off at pleasure." He added, "That was not the way, the enemy could relieve Dunkirk! but that they would make a bridge of boats over the channel in an hour and a half; and cross their army on to the sands of Dunkirk, to offer Marshal Turenne battle." Further, Major-General Morgan did allege, "What a dishonour it would be to the Crown of France! to have summoned the city of Dunkirk, and broke ground before it, and run away! And he desired the Council of War would consider that, if they raised the siege, the alliance with England would be broken the same hour."
Marshal Turenne answered that, "If he thought the enemy would offer that fair game; he would maintain the siege on the Newport side; and Major-General Morgan should march, and make conjunction with the French army, and leave the Mardyke side open."
Upon Marshal Turenne's reply, Major-General Morgan did rise from the board, and, upon his knees, begged a battle; and said that "he would venture the Six Thousand English, every soul!"
Upon which, Marshal Turenne consulted the Noblemen that sat next to him; and it was desired that Major-General Morgan might walk a turn or two without the tent; and he should be called immediately.
After he had walked two turns, he was called in. As soon as he came in, Marshal Turenne said that "He had considered his reasons; and that himself and the Council of War resolved to give battle to the enemy, if they came on; and to maintain the siege on the Newport side: and that Major-General Morgan was to make conjunction with the French army."
Major-General Morgan then said, "That, with GOD's assistance, we should be able to deal with them!"
The very next day, at four in the afternoon, the Spanish army had made a bridge of boats, crossed their army on the sands of Dunkirk, and drew up into battalia [line of battle], within two miles of Marshal Turenne's lines; before he knew anything of them.
Immediately, all the French horse drew out to face the enemy at a mile's distance; and Marshal Turenne sent immediate orders to Major-General Morgan to march into his camp, with the Six Thousand English and the French Brigade of Horse. Which was done accordingly.
The next day, about eight o'clock, Marshal Turenne gave orders to break avenues on both the lines, that the army might march out in battalia.
Major-General Morgan set his soldiers to break avenues, for their marching out in battalia likewise. Several Officers being with him, as he was looking on his soldiers at work; Ambassador Lockhart comes up, with a white cap on his head, and said to Major-General Morgan, "You see what condition I am in! I am not able to give you any assistance this day! You are the older soldier, and the greatest part of the work of this day must lie upon your soldiers!" Upon which, the Officers smiled. So he bade "GOD be with us!" and went away with the Lieutenant-General of the Horse, that was upon our left wing. From which time, we never saw him till we were in pursuit of the enemy.
When the avenues were cleared, both the French and English armies marched out of the lines towards the enemy.
We were forced to march up in four lines [? columns] (for we had not room enough to wing [? spread out into line] for the canal between Furnes and Dunkirk, and the sea) till we had marched above half a mile.
Then we came to a halt on rising hills of sand; and having more room took in [? spread out] two of our lines.
Major-General Morgan seeing the enemy plain, in battalia, said, before the head of the army, "See, yonder are the gentlemen you have to trade withal!"
Upon which, the whole Brigade of English gave a shout of rejoicing, that made a roaring echo betwixt the sea and the canal.
Thereupon, the Marshal Turenne came up, with above a hundred Noblemen, to know what was the matter, and the reason of that great shout?
Major-General Morgan told him, "It was a usual custom of the redcoats, when they saw the enemy, to rejoice."
Marshal Turenne answered, "They were men of brave resolution and courage."
After which, Marshal Turenne returning to the head of his army; we put on to our march again.
At the second halt, the whole Brigade of English gave a shout, and cast up their caps into the air; saying, "They would have better hats before night!"
Marshal Turenne, upon that shout, came up again, with several Noblemen and Officers of the army, admiring the resolution of the English, at which time, we were within three-quarters of a mile of the enemy in battalia.
Marshal Turenne desired Major-General Morgan that, at the next halt, he would keep even front with the French; for says he, "I do intend to halt at some distance, that we may see how the enemy is drawn up; and take our advantage accordingly."
Major-General Morgan demanded of his Excellency, "Whether he would shock the whole army at one dash; or try one wing first?"
Marshal Turenne's reply was, "That as to that question, he could not resolve him yet, till he came nearer the enemy."
Major-General Morgan desired the Marshal, "not to let him languish for orders!" saying that "oftentimes opportunities are often lost, for want of orders in due time."
Marshal Turenne said, "He would either come himself, and give orders; or send a Lieutenant-General."
And so Marshal Turenne parted, and went to the head of his army.
In the meantime, Major-General Morgan gave orders to the Colonels and Leading Officers [i.e., Captains and Lieutenants], to have a special care that, when the French came to a halt, they kept even front with them: and further told them, that, "if they could not observe the French, they should take notice when he lifted up his hat," for he marched still above three score [yards] before the centre of the Bodies.
But when the French came to halt, it so happened that the English pressed upon their Leading Officers, so that they came up under the shot of the enemy; but when they saw that Major-General Morgan was in a passion, they put themselves to a stand. Major-General Morgan could soon have remedied their forwardness, but he was resolved that he would not lose one foot of ground he had advanced; but would hold it as long as he could.
We were so near the enemy, the soldiers fell into great friendship. One asking, "Is such an Officer in your army?" Another, "Is such a soldier in yours?" And this passed on both sides.
Major-General Morgan endured this friendship for a little while; and then came up to the centre of the Bodies, and demanded, "How long that friendship would continue?" and told them further that "for anything they knew, they would be cutting one another's throats within a minute of an hour!"
The whole Brigade answered, "Their friendship should continue no longer than he pleased!"
Then Major-General Morgan bade them tell the enemy, "No more friendship! Prepare your buff coats and scarfs! for we will be with you, sooner than you expect us!"
Immediately after the friendship was broke, the enemy poured a volley of shot into one of our battalions, wounded three or four and one dropped.
The Major-General immediately sent the Adjutant-General to Marshal Turenne, for orders; "Whether he should charge the enemy's right wing, or whether Marshal Turenne would engage the enemy's left wing?" and advised the Adjutant-General not to stay, but to acquaint Marshal Turenne that we were under the enemy's shot, and had received some prejudice already.
But there was no return of the Adjutant-General, nor orders.
By-and-by, the enemy poured in another volley of shot into another of our battalions; and wounded two or three.
Major-General Morgan (observing the enemy mending faults, and opening the intervals of the Foot to bring the Horse in, which would have made our work more difficult) called all the Colonels and Officers of the Field [Field Officers, as distinguished from Leading Officers], together before the centre of the Bodies, and told them, "He had sent the Adjutant-General for orders; but when he saw there was no hope of orders, he told them, if they would concur with him, he would immediately charge the enemy's right wing."
Their answer was, "They were ready, whenever he gave orders."
He told them, "He would try the right wing with the Blue Regiment, and the 400 Firelocks which were in the intervals of the French Horse;" and wished all the Field Officers to be ready at their several posts.
Major-General Morgan gave orders that "The other five Regiments should not move from their ground; except they saw the Blue Regiment, the White, and the 400 Firelocks shock the enemy's right wing right off the ground:" and further shewed the several Colonels, what Colours they were to charge; and told them moreover that, "If he were not knocked on the head, he would come to them."
In like manner, as fast as he could, he admonished the whole Brigade; and told them, "They were to look in the face of an enemy who had violated and endeavoured to take away their reputation; and that they had no other way but to fight it out to the last man! or to be killed, taken prisoner, or drowned!" And further, that "The honour of England did depend much upon their gallantry and resolution that day!"
The enemy's wing was posted on a sandy hill, and had cast the sand breast-high before them.
Then Major-General Morgan did order the Blue Regiment and the 400 Firelocks to advance to the Charge. In the meantime, knowing the enemy would all bend upon them that did advance; he removed the White Regiment more to the right, that it might be in the flank of them by that time, the Blue Regiment was got within push of pike.
His Royal Highness, the Duke of York, with a select party of Horse, had got into the Blue Regiment, by that time the White came in, and exposed his person to great danger. But we knew nobody at that time.
Immediately, the enemy were clear shocked off their ground; and the English Colours flying over their heads, the strongest Officers and soldiers clubbing them down.
Major-General Morgan, when he saw his opportunity, stepped to the other five Regiments, which were within six score [yards] of him; and ordered them to advance and charge immediately.
But when they came within ten pikes' length, the enemy perceiving they were not able to endure our charge, shaked their hats, held up their handkerchiefs, and called for "Quarter!"
But the Redcoats cried aloud, "They had not leisure for Quarter!"
Whereupon the enemy faced about, and would not endure our charge; but fell to run: having the English Colours over their heads, and our strongest soldiers and Officers clubbing them down. So that the Six Thousand English carried ten or twelve thousand Horse and Foot before them.
The French army was about musket shot in the rear of us, where they came [had come] to a halt; and never moved off their ground.
The rest of the Spanish army, seeing the right wing carried away, and the English Colours flying over their heads, wheeled about in as good order as they could. So that we had the whole Spanish army before us! and Major-General Morgan called out to the Colonels, "To the right! as much as you can!" that so, we might have all the enemy's army under the English Colours.
The Six Thousand English carried all the Spanish army [before it] as far as from Westminster Abbey to St. Paul's Churchyard, before ever a Frenchman came in, on either wing of us. But then, at last, we could perceive the French Horse come powdering [scattered] on each wing with much gallantry: but they never struck one stroke; and only carried prisoners back to the camp.
Neither, did we ever see the Ambassador Lockhart till we were in pursuit of the enemy; and then, we could see him amongst us, very brisk; without his white cap on his head, and neither troubled with gravel or stone.
When we were at the end of the pursuit, Marshal Turenne and above a hundred Officers of the army came up to us, quitted their horses, embraced the Officers, and said, "They never saw a more glorious action in their lives! and that they were so transported with the sight of it, that they had no power to move, or to do anything." And this high compliment, we had for our pains! In a word, the French army did not strike one stroke in the battle of Dunkirk; only the Six Thousand English!
After we had done pursuing the enemy, Major-General Morgan rallied his forces, and marched over the sands to where he had shocked them at first, to see what slaughter there was made. But Ambassador Lockhart went into the camp as fast as he could, to write his letters for England, of what great service he had done! which was just nothing!
Marshal Turenne and Major-General Morgan brought the armies close to invest Dunkirk again, and to carry on the approaches.
The Marquis de Leida happened to be in the Counterscarp, and received an accidental shot, whereof he died: and the whole garrison, being discouraged at his death, came to capitulate in a few days.
So the town was surrendered, and Ambassador Lockhart marched into it, with two Regiments of English for a garrison: but Major-General Morgan kept the field with Marshal Turenne, with his other four Regiments of English.
The next siege was Bergen St. Winock, six miles from Dunkirk; which Marshal Turenne beleaguered with the French army, and the four Regiments of English: and, in four or five days' siege, it was taken upon capitulation.
Marshal Turenne did rest the army for two days after; and then resolved to march through the heart of Flanders, and take what towns he could, that campaign.
The next town he took was Furnes, the next Menin; after that, Oudenarde: and, in a word, eight towns besides Dunkirk and Ypres. For so soon as the Redcoats came near the counterscarps, there was nothing but a capitulation, and a surrender presently. All the towns we took were towns of strength [i.e., fortified].
The last siege we made, was before the city of Ypres, where the Prince de Ligny had cast himself in before, for the defence of that city, with 2,500 Horse and Dragoons. Besides, there were in the city, 4,000 burghers, all proper young men, under their arms. So that the garrison did consist of 6,500 men.
Marshal Turenne sent in a summons; which was answered by a defiance.
Then Marshal Turenne broke ground, and carried on two approaches towards the Counterscarp. Major-General Morgan went into the approaches every night, for fear of any miscarriage by the English; and came out of the approaches every morning at sunrising, to take his rest: for then the soldiers had done working.
The fourth morning, Major-General Morgan went to take his rest in his tent; but, within half an hour afterwards, Marshal Turenne sent a Nobleman to him, to desire him to come to speak with him. When the Major-General came, there were above a hundred Noblemen and Officers of the army walking about his tent. And his Gentlemen had decked a room for his Excellency with his sumpter cloths; in which homely place, there were about twenty Officers of the army with him: but as soon as Major-General Morgan came, Marshal Turenne desired all of them to retire, for he had something to communicate to the Major-General.
The room was immediately cleared, and Marshal Turenne turned the Gentlemen of his Chamber out, and shut the door himself. When this was done, he desired the Major-General to sit down by him; and the first news that he spake of was that "he had certain intelligence that the Prince of Condé and Don Juan of Austria were at the head of 11,000 Horse and 4,000 Foot, within three leagues of this camp: and resolved to break through one of our quarters, to relieve the city of Ypres," and therefore he desired Major-General Morgan to have all the English, under their arms, every night, at sunset; and the French army should be so likewise.
Major-General Morgan replied, and said, "The Prince of Condé and Don Juan of Austria were great Captains; and that they might dodge with Marshal Turenne, to fatigue his army:" and, further, that "If he did keep the army three nights to that hard shift, they would not care who did knock them on the head!"
Marshal Turenne replied, "We must do it, and surmount all difficulty!"
The Major-General desired to know of his Excellency, "Whether he was certain, the enemy was so near him?"
He answered, "He had two spies just come from them."
Then Major-General Morgan told him, "His condition was somewhat desperate!" and said that "A desperate disease must have a desperate cure!"
His Excellency asked, "What he meant?"
Major-General Morgan did offer him, to attempt the Counterscarp upon [by] an assault; and so put all things out of doubt, with expedition.
The Major-General had no sooner said this; but Marshal Turenne joined his hands, and looked up, through the boards, towards the heavens, and said, "Did ever my Master, the King of France, or the King of Spain attempt a Counterscarp upon an assault: where there were three Half Moons covered with cannon, and the ramparts of the town playing point blank into the Counterscarp?"
Further, he said, "What will the King, my Master, say of me, if I expose his army to these hazards?" And he rose up, and fell into a passion, stamping with his feet, and shaking his locks, and grinning with his teeth, he said, "Major-General Morgan had made him mad!"
But, by degrees, he cooled, and asked the Major-General, "Whether he would stay to dinner with him?"
But the Major-General begged his pardon, for he had appointed some of the Officers to eat a piece of beef at his tent that day.
His Excellency asked him, "If he would meet him at two o'clock, at the opening of the approaches?"
The Major-General said, "He would be punctual, but desired he would bring none of his train with him (for it was usually a hundred Noblemen with their feathers and ribands); because if he did, he would have no opportunity to take a view of the Counterscarp: for the enemy would discover them, and fire incessantly."
His Excellency said, "He would bring none but two or three of the Lieutenant-Generals."
Major-General Morgan was at the place appointed, a quarter of an hour before his Excellency: who then came with eight Noblemen, and three Lieutenant-Generals, and took a place to view the Counterscarp.
After he had looked a considerable time upon it; he turned about, and looked upon the Noblemen and Lieutenant-Generals and said, "I don't know what to say to you! Here is Major-General Morgan has put me out of my wits! for he would have me attempt yonder Counterscarp upon an assault."
None of the Noblemen or Lieutenant-Generals made any reply to him; but Count Schomberg, who said, "My Lord! I think Major-General Morgan would offer nothing to your Lordship, but what he thinks feasible: and he knows he has good fighting men."
Upon this, Marshal Turenne asked, "How many English he would venture?"
The Major-General said, "He would venture 600 common men, besides Officers; and fifty pioneers."
Marshal Turenne said, "600 of Monsieur la Ferté's army and 50 Pioneers; and 600 of his own army and 50 Pioneers more, would make better [more] than 2,000 men."
Major-General Morgan replied, "They were abundance to carry it, with GOD's assistance."
Then his Excellency said, "He would acquaint the King and his Eminence that Major-General Morgan had put him upon that desperate design."
Major-General Morgan desired his pardon, "For it was in his [the Marshal's] power to attempt it, or not to attempt it."
But in the close, Marshal Turenne said to the Major-General that "He must fall into Monsieur la Ferté's approaches, and that he should take the one half of Monsieur la Ferté's men; and that he would take the other half into his own approaches."
Major-General Morgan begged his pardon, and said "He desired to fall on with the English entire by themselves, without intermingling them."
Marshal Turenne replied, "He must fall on out of one of the approaches!"
The Major-General replied that "He would fall on in the plain between both approaches."
His Excellency said that "He would never be able to endure their firing; but that they would kill half his men before he could come to the Counterscarp."
The Major-General said that "He had an invention, that the enemy should not perceive him, till he had his hands upon the stockadoes."
Next, his Excellency said, "For the signal, there shall be a captain of Monsieur la Ferté's, with 20 Firelocks: who shall leap upon the Point, and cry, Sa! Sa! Vive le Roi de France!" and upon that noise all were to fall on together.
But Major-General Morgan opposed that signal, saying, "The enemy would thereby be alarmed, and then he should hardly endure their firing."
His Excellency replied then, that "He would give no signal at all! but the Major-General should give it!" and he would not be persuaded otherwise.
Then the Major-General desired his Excellency that he would give order to them in the approaches, to keep themselves in readiness against sunset; for at the shutting of the night he would fall on. He likewise desired his Excellency that he would order a Major out of his own approaches, and another out of Monsieur la Ferté's approaches to stand by him, and when he should be ready to fall on, he would despatch the two Majors into each of the approaches, that they might be ready to leap out when the Major-General passed between the two approaches with the commanded English.
Just at sunset, Marshal Turenne came himself, and told the Major-General "He might fall on, when he saw his own time."
The Major-General replied, "He would fall on just at the setting of the night, and when the dusk of the evening came on."
The Major-General made the English stand to their arms, and divided them into Bodies; a Captain at the head of the Pioneers, and the Major-General and a Colonel at the head of the two Battalions.
He ordered the two battalions and the pioneers, each man, to take up a long fascine upon their muskets and pikes; and then, they were three small groves of wood!
Immediately the Major-General commanded the two Majors to go to their approaches; and that they should leap out so soon as they should see the Major-General march between their approaches, and did order the two battalions that when they came within three score [yards] of the stockadoes to slip [off] their fascines, and fall on.
But it so happened that the French never moved out of their approaches, till such time as Major-General Morgan had overpowered the enemy.
When the Pioneers came within sight of the stockadoes, they slipped the fascines down, and fell on: the Major-General and the two battalions were close to them. When the soldiers began to lay their hands on the stockadoes they tore them down, for the length of six score [yards]; and leaped pell mell into the Counterscarp amongst the enemy. Abundance of the enemy were drowned in the moat; and many taken prisoners, with two German Princes; and the Counterscarp cleared.
The French were in their approaches all this time. Then, the English fell on upon the Half Moons; and immediately the Redcoats were on the top of them; throwing the enemy into the moat, and turning the cannon upon the town. Thus the two Half Moons were speedily taken.
After the manning of the Half Moons, he did rally all the English, with intention to lodge them upon the Counterscarp, that he might be free of the enemy's shot the next morning. And they left the other Half Moon for Marshal Turenne's party, which was even before their approaches.
Then the French fell on upon the other Half Moon; but were beaten off.
The Major-General considered that that Half Moon would gall him in the day time, and, therefore, did speak to the Officers and soldiers, that "it were best to give them a little help."
The Redcoats cried, "Shall we fall on in order, or happy-go-lucky."
The Major-General said, "In the name of GOD! at it, happy-go-lucky!" And immediately the Redcoats fell on, and were on the top of it, knocking the enemy down, and casting them into the moat.
When this work was done the Major-General lodged the English on the Counterscarp.
They were no sooner lodged, but Marshal Turenne scrambled over the ditches to find out the Major-General; and when he met with him, he was much troubled the French did no better; for, indeed, they did just nothing!
Then his Excellency asked the Major-General to "go to his approaches to refresh himself."
But the Major-General begged his pardon, and said, "He would not stir from his post, till he heard a drum beat a parley, and saw a white flag over the walls."
Upon that, Marshal Turenne laughed and smiled, and said, "They would not be at that pass, in six days! and then went to his approaches, and sent the Major-General three or four dozen of rare wine, with several dishes of cold meat and sweetmeats."
Within two hours after sunrising, a drum beat a parley, and a white flag was seen over the walls.
The Major-General ordered a Lieutenant, with a file of musketeers, to go and receive the drummer, and to blindfold him, and to carry him straight to Marshal Turenne in his approaches.
Marshal Turenne came immediately, with the drummer's message, to the Major-General; and was much troubled he would not receive the message, before it came to him.
The Major-General replied that "that was very improper, his Excellency being upon the place."
The message was to this effect, "That whereas his Excellency had offered them honourable terms in his summons, they were now willing to accept of them, provided they might have their Charter and the privileges of the city preserved. That they had appointed four of their Commissioners to treat further with four Commissioners from his Excellency."
Marshal Turenne was pleased to asked the Major-General "whether he would be one of the Commissioners?" but the Major-General begged his pardon, and desired that he might abide at his post till such time as the city was surrendered up.
Immediately then, his Excellency sent for Count Schomberg and three other Commissioners, and gave them instructions how to treat with the four Commissioners from the enemy. Just as Marshal Turenne was giving the Commissioners instructions, Major-General Morgan said "that the enemy were hungry! so that they would eat any meat they could have": whereupon his Excellency smiled, and shortened their instructions, and sent them away.
Within half an hour, the Commissioners had concluded.
That they should have their City Charter preserved. That they were to receive a French garrison in. And that the Prince de Ligny was to march out with all his forces, next morning, at nine o'clock, with one piece of cannon, colours flying, bullet in mouth, and match lighted at both ends; and to have a convoy to conduct him into his own territories.
Marshal Turenne was in the morning betimes, with several Noblemen and Officers of the army, and Major-General Morgan attending near the gate, for the Prince de Ligny's coming out.
The Prince having noticed that Marshal Turenne was there, came out of his coach; Marshal Turenne being alighted from his horse, and Major-General Morgan: at their meeting there was a great acclamation, and embracing one another.
After a little time, Marshal Turenne told the Prince "He very much admired [wondered] that he should expose his person to a garrison before a conquering army."
The Prince de Ligny replied that "If Marshal Turenne had left his English in England, he durst have exposed his person in the weakest garrison the King of Spain had in Flanders."
So they parted, and his Excellency marched into the town with a French garrison, and the Major-General with him.
So soon as the garrison was settled, Marshal Turenne wrote his letters to the French King, and his Eminence the Cardinal, how that "the city of Ypres was reduced to the obedience of His Majesty, and that he was possessed of it; and that Major-General Morgan was instrumental in that service, and that the English did wonders!" and sent the Intendant of the Army with his letters to the King and Cardinal.
Monsieur Tallon, the Intendant, returned back from the King and Cardinal to the army within eight days, and brought a compliment to Major-General Morgan that "the King and his Eminence the Cardinal did expect to see him at Paris, when he came to his winter quarters! where there would be a Cupboard of Plate [i.e., of gold and silver plate] to attend him."
Major-General Morgan, instead of going for his Cupboard of Plate, went for England; and His Majesty of France had never the kindness to send him his Cupboard of Plate. So that this is the reward that Major-General Morgan had had from the French King, for all his service in France and Flanders.
Killed at the Battle of Dunkirk.
Lieutenant-Colonel Fenwick, two Captains, one Lieutenant, two Ensigns, two Sergeants, thirty-two soldiers.
And about twenty wounded.
Killed at the Storming of Ypres.
One Captain, one Sergeant, eight private soldiers. [Wounded], about twenty-five officers, out of thirty-five; and about six soldiers slightly wounded after they were lodged upon the Counterscarp.
Sir Thomas Morgan himself slightly hurt by a shot in the calf of his leg.
THE END.
Lyrics, Elegies, &c. from Madrigals, Canzonets, &c.
John Dowland, Bachelor of Music, &c., Lutenist to the Lord Walden.
A Pilgrim's Solace
1612.
To the Right Honourable
THEOPHILUS, Lord WALDEN,
SON AND HEIR TO THE MOST NOBLE
THOMAS, Baron of WALDEN, Earl of
SUFFOLK, Lord Chamberlain of His Majesty's
Household, Knight of the most noble Order of
the Garter, and one of His Majesty's most
honourable Privy Council.
Most honoured Lord,
As to excel in any quality is very rare, so is it a hard thing to find out those that favour Virtue and Learning: but such being found, men of judgement are drawn (I know not by what sympathy) to love and honour them, as the Saints and Sovereigns of their affections and devices. Wherefore, most worthy Lord! your Honour, being of all men noted (as natural born heir of your most renowned father and mother) to be the only and alone Supporter of goodness and excellency: [and] known to none better (unless I should be the most ungrateful of all others!) than myself; who am held up only by your gracious hand. For which, I can shew no other means of thankfulness than these simple fruits of my poor endeavours, which I most humbly present as a public pledge from a true and devoted heart; hoping hereafter to perform something, wherein I shall shew myself more worthy of your honourable service.
In the meantime, you shall have a poor man's prayers for your Lordship's continual health, and daily increase of honour.
Your Honour's humble servant,
JOHN DOWLAND.
To the Reader.
Worthy Gentlemen, and my loving Countrymen,
Moved by your many and foretasted courtesies, I am constrained to appear again unto you. True it is, I have lien long obscured from your sight, because I received a Kingly entertainment in a foreign climate, which could not attain to any (though never so mean [a]) place at home. Yet have I held up my head within this horizon, and not altogether been affected elsewhere; since some part of my poor labours have found favour in the greatest part of Europe, and been printed in eight most famous cities beyond the seas, viz.: Paris, Antwerp, Cologne, Nuremburg, Frankfort, Leipsic, Amsterdam, and Hamburg; yea, and some of them also authorised under the Emperor's royal privilege.
Yet I must tell you, as I have been a stranger, so have I again found strange entertainment since my return: especially, by the opposition of two sorts of people that shroud themselves under the titles of Musicians.
The first are some simple Cantors or vocal singers; who, though they seem excellent in their blind Division-making, are merely ignorant, even in the first elements of Music; and also in the true order of the mutation of the Hexachord in the System, which hath been approved by all the learned and skilful men of Christendom, these 800 years. Yet do these fellows give their verdict of me behind my back; and say, [that] what I do "is after the old manner." But I will speak openly to them, and would have them know, that the proudest Cantor of them dares not oppose himself face to face against me.
The second are young men, professors of the Lute, who vaunt themselves to the disparagement of such as have been before their time (wherein I myself am a party), that there never was the like of them. To these men I say little, because of my love and hope to see some deeds ensue [from] their brave words. And also [it] being that, here, under their own noses, hath been published a book in defence of the Viol de Gamba; wherein not only all other the best and principal instruments have been abased, but especially the Lute by name. The words, to satisfy thee, Reader! I have here thought good to insert; and are as followeth: "From henceforth, the stately instrument Gambo Viol shall with ease yield full, various, and deviceful music as the Lute: for here I protest the trinity of music—Parts, Passion, and Division—to be as gracefully united in the Gambo Viol, as in the most received instrument that is," &c. Which imputation, methinks, the learneder sort of musicians ought not to let pass unanswered.
Moreover there are here, and daily doth come into our most famous kingdom, divers strangers from beyond the seas, which aver before our own faces, that we have no true method of application or fingering of the Lute.
Now if these gallant young Lutenists be such as they would have the world believe (and of which I make no doubt) let them remember that their skill lieth not in their fingers' ends. Cucullus non facit monachum [A hood does not make a monk]. I wish for the honour, therefore, and general benefit of our country, that they would undertake the defence of their Lute profession; seeing that some of them, above other, have most large means, convenient time, and such encouragement as I never knew any have.
Believe me, if any of these objections had been made when those famous men lived, which are now thought worthy of no fame; not derogating from these skilful men present, I dare affirm that these objections had been answered to the full: and I make no doubt but that those few of the former time which live yet (being some of them Bachelors of Music; and others, which assume unto themselves to be no less worthy) will be as forward to preserve their reputation.
Perhaps you will ask me, why I, that have travelled many countries and ought to have some experience, do not undergo this business myself? I answer, that I want ability, being now entered into the fiftieth year of mine age; secondly, I want both means, leisure, and encouragement.
But, gentle Reader! to conclude, though abruptly. This work of mine, which I have here published, containeth such things as I myself have thought well of, as being, in mine opinion, furnished with variety of matter, both of judgement and delight: which willingly I refer to the friendly censure and approbation of the skilful; hoping it will be no less delightful to all in general, than it was pleasing to me in the composition. Farewell.
Your friend,
John Dowland.
Lyrics, Elegies, &c. from Madrigals, Canzonets, &c.
A Pilgrim's Solace.
Disdain me still, that I may ever love!
For who his Love enjoys, can love no more.
The war once past, with ease men cowards prove.
And ships returned, do rot upon the shore.
And though thou frown, I'll say "Thou art most fair!
And still I'll love! though still I must despair."
As Heat to Life, so is Desire to Love:
And these once quenched, both life and love are gone;
Let not my sighs nor tears thy virtue move!
Like baser metals, do not melt too soon!
Laugh at my woes, although I ever mourn!
Love surfeits with Reward! his nurse is Scorn!
To my worthy friend Master William Jewel, of Exeter College in Oxford.
Sweet! stay awhile! why will you rise?
The light you see, comes from your eyes!
The day breaks not, it is my heart,
To think that you and I must part!
O stay! or else my joys must die,
And perish in their infancy!
Dear! let me die in this fair breast!
Far sweeter than the Phœnix nest.
Love! raise Desire by his sweet charms,
Within this circle of thine arms!
And let thy blissful kisses cherish
Mine infant joys! that else must perish!
To ask for all thy love, and thy whole heart,
'twere madness!
I do not sue
Nor can admit,
Fairest! from you
To have all!
Yet who giveth all, hath nothing to impart
but sadness!
He that receiveth all, can have no more
than seeing.
My love, by length
Of every hour,
Gathers new strength!
New growth! new flower!
You must have daily new rewards in store,
still being.
You cannot, every day, give me your heart
for merit!
Yet, if you will,
When yours doth go,
You shall have still
One to bestow!
For you shall mine, when yours doth part,
inherit!
Yet, if you please, I'll find a better way,
than change them.
For so, alone,
Dearest! we shall
Be one! and one
Another's all!
Let us so join our hearts, that nothing may
estrange them!
Love! those beams that breed, all day long breed and feed this burning,
Love! I quench with floods, floods of tears, nightly tears and morning.
But, alas, tears cool this fire in vain!
The more I quench, the more there doth remain!
I'll go to the woods, and alone make my moan, O cruel!
For I am deceived and bereaved of my life! my jewel!
O but in the woods, though Love be blind,
He hath his spies, my secret haunts to find.
Love, then I must yield to thy might! might and spite oppressed,
Since I see my wrongs (woe is me!) cannot be redressed.
Come at last! Be friendly, Love, to me!
And let me not endure this misery!
Shall I strive with words to move! when deeds receive not due regard?
Shall I speak! and neither please, nor be freely heard?
All woes have end; though awhile delayed, our patience proving.
O that Time's strange effects could make her loving!
I wooed her, I loved her, and none but her admire.
O come, dear Joy! and answer my Desire!
Grief, alas, though all in vain, her restless anguish must reveal!
She alone my wound shall know, though she will not heal!
Storms calm at last! and why may not she leave off frowning?
O sweet Love! help her hands, my affection crowning!
I wooed her, I loved her, and none but her admire.
O come, dear Joy! and answer my Desire!
Were every thought an eye, and all those eyes could see;
Her subtle wiles, their sights would beguile and mock their jealousy!
Desire lives in her heart, Diana in her eyes!
'Twere vain, to wish women true! 'tis well, if they prove wise!
Such a love deserves more grace,
Than a truer heart that hath no conceit
To make use both of time and place,
When a wit had need of all his slight.
Her fires do inward burn, but make no outward show!
And her delights, amid the dark shades, which none discover, grow!
The flower's growth is unseen, yet every day it grows!
So where her Fancy is set, it grows! but how, none knows.
Such a love deserves more grace,
Than a truer heart, that hath not conceit
To make use both of time and place,
When a wit had need of all his slight.
Stay Time, awhile, thy flying!
Stay, and pity me dying!
For Fates and friends have left me,
And of comfort bereft me.
Come! come, close mine eyes! Better to die blessed,
Than to live thus distressed!
To whom shall I complain me,
When thus friends do disdain me?
'Tis Time that must befriend me!
Drowned in sorrow to end me.
Come! come, close mine eyes! Better to die blessed,
Than to live thus distressed!
Tears but augment this fuel.
I feed by night (O cruel!).
Light griefs can speak their pleasure.
Mine are dumb, passing measure!
Quick! quick, close mine eyes! Better to die blessed,
Than here to live distressed!
Tell me, True Love! where shall I seek thy being?
In thoughts or words, in vows or promise making?
In reasons, looks, or Passions never seeing?
In men on earth, or women's minds partaking?
Thou canst not die! and therefore, living, tell me,
Where is thy seat? Why doth this Age expel thee?
When thoughts are still unseen, and words disguised;
Vows are not sacred held, nor promise debt;
By Passion, Reason's glory is surprised;
In neither sex is true love firmly set.
Thoughts feigned, words false, vows and promise broken,
Made True Love fly from earth! This is the token.
Mount, then, my thoughts! Here is for thee no dwelling,
Since Truth and Falsehood live, like twins, together.
Believe not Sense! eyes! ears! touch! taste! or smelling!
Both Art and Nature's forced! put trust in neither!
One only She, doth True Love, captive bind,
In fairest breast, but in a fairer mind.
O fairest mind, enriched with Love's residing,
Retain the best! In hearts, let some seed fall!
Instead of weeds, Love's fruits may have abiding,
At harvest, you shall reap increase of all!
O happy Love! More happy man, that finds thee,
Most happy Saint! that keeps, restores, unbinds thee!
Go, nightly cares! the enemy to rest!
Forbear, awhile, to vex my wearied sprite!
So long your weight hath lain upon my breast;
That lo! I live, of life bereavèd quite.
O give me time to draw my wearied breath!
Or let me die, as I desire the death!
Welcome, sweet Death! O life! no life, a hell!
Then thus, and thus, I bid the world, farewell.
False World! farewell! the enemy to rest!
Now do thy worst! I do not weigh thy spite.
Free from thy cares I live for ever blest,
Enjoying peace and heavenly true delight.
Delight, whom woes nor sorrows shall amate,
Nor fears or tears disturb her happy state,
And thus I leave thy hopes, thy joys untrue,
And thus, and thus, vain World! again, adieu!
To my loving countryman, Master John Forster, the younger, Merchant of Dublin in Ireland.
From silent night, true register of moans;
From saddest soul, consumed with deepest sins;
From heart, quite rent with sighs and heavy groans;
My wailing Muse her woful work begins,
And to the world, brings tunes of sad Despair,
Sounding nought else but Sorrow, Grief, and Care.
Sorrow, to see my sorrow's cause augmented,
And yet less sorrowful were my sorrows more;
Grief, that my grief with grief is not prevented,
For grief it must ease my grieved sore.
Thus Grief and Sorrow care but how to grieve,
For Grief and Sorrow must my Care relieve.
If any eye therefore can spare a tear,
To fill the well-spring that must wet my cheeks,
O let that eye, to this sad feast draw near!
Refuse me not, my humble soul beseeks!
For all the tears mine eyes have ever wept,
Were now too little, had they all been kept.
My Heart and Tongue were Twins, at once conceived.
Th' eldest was my Heart, born dumb by destiny,
The last, my Tongue, of all sweet thoughts bereaved:
Yet strung and tuned to play Heart's harmony.
Both knit in one, and yet asunder placed:
What Heart would speak, the Tongue doth still discover;
What Tongue doth speak, is of the Heart embraced,
And both are one to make a new found lover.
New found, and only found in gods and kings,
Whose words are deeds, but words nor deeds regarded.
Chaste thoughts do mount and fly with swiftest wings!
My love with pain, my pain with loss rewarded.
Then this be sure! since it is true perfection,
That neither men nor gods can force Affection!
A Dialogue.
My merry mates! to Neptune's praise,
Your voices high advance!
The wat'ry nymphs shall dance,
And Æolus shall whistle to your lays.
[Master.] Steersman, how stands the wind?
Steersman. Full north-north-east.
Master. What course?
Steersman. Full south-south-west.
Master. No worse, and blow so fair,
Then sink despair,
Come solace to the mind!
Ere night, we shall the haven find.
O happy days, who may contain
But swell with proud disdain
When seas are smooth,
Sails full, and all things please?
The Golden Mean that constant spirit bears!
In such extremes, that nor presumes nor fears.
Stay, merry mates, proud Neptune lowers!
Your voices all deplore you,
The nymphs standing weeping o'er you.
And Æolus and Iris bandy showers.
Master. Boatsman, haul in the boat!
Steersman. Hark! hark the ratlings!
Master. 'Tis hail!
Steersman. Make fast the tacklings!
Master. Strike sail!
Make quick despatches!
Shut close the hatches!
Hold stern! cast anchor out!
This night we shall at random float.
O dismal hours!
Who can forbear,
But sink with sad despair;
When seas are rough, sails rent, and each thing lowers.
Welcome, black Night, Hymen's fair day!
Help, Hymen! Love's due debt to pay!
Love's due debt is chaste Delight;
Which if the Turtles want to night,
Hymen forfeits his deity, and night in love her dignity.
Hymen! O Hymen! mine of treasures more divine,
What deity is like to thee! that freest from mortality?
Stay, happy pair! stay but awhile!
Hymen comes not, Love to beguile.
These sports are alluring baits
And sauce are, to Love's sweetest cates:
Longing hope doth no hurt but this,
It heighten's Love's attainèd bliss!
Then stay, most happy! stay awhile!
Hymen comes not, Love to beguile.
Cease, cease, cease these false sports!
Haste, haste away! Love's made truant, by your stay!
Good night! good night, yet virgin Bride!
But look (ere day be spied)
You change that fruitless name!
Lest you your sex defame.
Fear not Hymen's peaceful war,
You'll conquer, though you subdued are!
Good night! and, ere the day be old,
Rise to the sun, a marigold!
Hymen! O Hymen! bless this night!
That Love's dark works may come to light!
THE END OF THE Fourth Volume
of An English Garner.
UNWIN BROTHERS, THE GRESHAM PRESS, CHILWORTH AND LONDON.
Transcriber's Notes:
Simple spelling, grammar, and typographical errors were corrected.
Punctuation normalized.
Anachronistic and non-standard spellings retained as printed.
Retained the original order of the Table of Contents, i.e. not in page number order.