God's cannonade with man's will vie.
The Royalists in phalanx strong,
By fiery Rupert led along,
From Bolton's cruel massacre
Towards York, in hope to keep it free
From the Roundheads at any cost.
"If York be lost, my crown is lost"—
Wrote Charles to this trusted chief,
And he must bring it prompt relief.
The foe's true strength he did not know,