But Lady Derby, justly considering these frequent
treaties and debates were a discouragement to her men, implying weakness
and a want of confidence in her resources, replied sharply--
"That no one should quit the house, but that she would keep it, whilst
God enabled her, against all the king's enemies; that, in brief, she
would receive no more messages, but referred them to her lord, scorning
their malice, and defying their assaults."
As the sequel of a business often depends upon the manner of its
beginning, to second and confirm this answer the next morning she
ordered a sally, when Captain Farmer with one hundred foot and
Lieutenant Kay with twelve horse, their whole cavalry, went forth at
different gates. Captain Farmer, determining to take them by surprise,
marched up to the enemy's works without firing a shot; then pouncing
upon them suddenly in their trenches, he ordered a close and well-aimed
volley, which quickly made them leave their holes in great disorder.
Immediately Lieutenant Kay, wheeling round with his horse, took them in
flank, doing great execution as they fled. There were slain of the enemy
about thirty men.
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