94

HISTORY OF ENGLAND.

CIUP.

XIX.

1692 .

in haste the opinion of the generals who surrounded him. Allthought that the emergency xvas one which could be met by nocommon means. The King’s household must charge the Eng-lish. The Marshal gave the word; and the household, headedby the princes of the blood, came on, flinging their musketsback on their shoulders. “ Sw'ord in hand,” was the cry throughall the ranks of that terrible brigade: “sword in hand. Nofiring. Do it with the cold steel.” After a long and desperateresistance the English were borne down. They never ceased torepeat that, if Solmes had done his duty by them, they wouldhave beaten even the household. But Solmes gave them noeffective support. He pushed forward some cavalry which, fromthe nature of the ground, could do little or nothing. His in-fantry he would not suffer to stir. They could do no good, hesaid, and he would not send them to be slaughtered. Ormondwas eager to hasten to the assistance of his countrymen, but wasnot permitted. Mackay sent a pressing message to representthat he and his men were left to certain destruction: but all wasvain. “ God’s will be done,” said the brave veteran. He diedas he had lived, like a good Christian and a good soldier. Withhim fell Douglas and Lanier, two generals distinguished amongthe conquerors of Ireland. Mountjoy too was among the slain.After languishing three years in the Bastile,he had just been ex-changed for Richard Hamilton, and, having been converted toWhiggism by wrongs more powerful than all the arguments ofLocke and Sidney, had instantly hastened to join William’scamp as a volunteer. * Five fine regiments were entirely cut topieces. No part of this devoted band would have escaped butfor the courage and conduct of Auverquerque, who came to therescue in the moment of extremity with two fresh battalions.The gallant manner in which he brought off the remains ofMackay’s division W’as long remembered with grateful admira-* Narcissus Luttrell, April 28. 1692.