CHARLES I.

369

and by one enterprise put a period to the war.The king, leaving a numerous garrison in Oxford,passed with dexterity between the two armies ,which had taken Abington , and had inclosed himon both sides He marched towards Worcester;and Waller received orders from Essex to followhim and watch his motions; while he himselfmarched into the west, in quest of prince Mau-rice. Waller had approached within two miles ofthe royal camp, and was only separated from itby the Severn, when he received intelligence,that the king was advanced to Beudly, and haddirected bis course towards Shrewsbury. In orderto prevent him, Waller presently dislodged, andhastened by quick marches to that town ; whilethe king, suddenly returning upon his own foot-steps , reached Oxford ; and having reinforced hisarmy from that garrison, now in his turn marchedout in quest of Waller. The two armies facedeach other at Cropredy - bridge near Banbury ;but the Charwell'ran between them. Next day,the king decamped and marched towards Daventry.Waller ordered a considerable detachment to passthe bridge, with an intention of falling on therear of the royalists. He was repulsed, routed,and pursued with considerable loss **. Stunnedand disheartened with this blow , his armydecayed and melted away'by desertion; and the

81 of June.

81 Rush. vol. vi. p. 676. Clarendon , Vol. V. p. 497,Sir Edw. Walker, p. jj.

Vol. IX. B b

CHAP.

LVII.

1644.

Rattle ofCroptetfj-bridge.39th Juae.