CHARLES I.

287

The neighbouring states of Europe, being chap.engaged in violent wars, little interested them- tvi.

selves in these civil commotions; and this island rs»2.

enjoyed the singular advantage (for such it surelywas) of fighting out its own quarrels withoutthe interposition of foreigners. France, frompolicy, had fomented the first disorders inScotland; had sent over arms to the Irish rebels;and continued to give countenance to the Eng-lish parliament: Spain, from bigotry, furnishedthe Irish with some supplies Of money and arms.

The prince of Orange, closely allied to thecrown, encouraged English officers, who servedin the Low Countries, to inlist in the king’sarmy: The Scottish officers , who had beenformed in Germany, and in the late commotions,chiefly took part with the parliament.

The contempt, entertained by the parliament,for the king’s party, was so great, that it wasthe chief cause of pushing matters to suchextremities against him; and many believed thathe never would attempt resistance, but mustsoon yield to the pretensions, however enormous,of the two houses. Even after his standard waserected, men could not be brought to apprehendthe danger of a civil war; nor was it imagined,that he would have the imprudence to enragehis implacable enemies, arid render his own con-dition more desperate, by opposing a force,which was so much superior. The low condition,

.in which he appeared at Nottingham, confirmedall theses hopes. His artillery, though far from