Mortimer with his force will be coming on; and
though he is scarce likely to arrive at Shrewsbury in time for the
battle, for he could not leave Wales, to summon his levies to the
field, until the Prince of Wales had drawn off his force and marched to
join his father; his reinforcement, afterwards, will fill up the gaps
in our ranks, and be a great assistance, should Henry be able to rally
another army in the Midlands. He cannot hope to do so before we reach
London."
"That sounds fairly, Oswald, but 'tis always better to carry out the
plans you have made; and this absence of Glendower, at the point
arranged, to my mind augurs ill."
Henry was an able general. Believing that the Percys would make for the
Welsh border, he had posted himself at Burton-on-Trent; but as soon as
he heard that they had changed their course he started for Shrewsbury,
and marched so quickly that he arrived there before Hotspur, thus
throwing himself between the Percys and the Welsh.
Hotspur, on arriving near the town, was enraged at hearing that
Glendower had not arrived, according to his promise. The king's army
was encamped on the eastern side of the town, and the northern forces
took post a short distance away.
Pages:
501
502
503
504
505
506
507
508
509
510
511
512
513
514
515
516
517
518
519
520
521
522
523
524
525