A TRUE experimental AND EXACT RELATION UPON That famous and renowned Siege OF NEW CASTLE, The diverse conflicts and occurrences fell out there during the time of ten weeks and odd days: And of that mighty and marvelous storming thereof, with Power, policy, and prudent plots of war.  
Together with a succinct commentary upon the battle of Bowdon Hill, and that victorious battle of York or Marston Moor, never to be forgotten.  
By him who was an eye witness to the siege of Newcastle, WILLIAM lithgow.  
EDINBURGH, Printed by ROBERT BRYSON. 1645.  
Cum Privilegio.   

A just and exact discourse, upon the Siege and Storming of Newcastle, with a succinct commentary upon the two battles of Bowdon Hill and MARSTON Moor.  
IN these turbulent times, when opinions grow variable, and the diversity of doubtful reports more voluble than the rushing wind; yet have I adventured (like to an old practitioner, in Prose, poesy, and unparalelled peregrination) to cast in my mite of known Experience, upon the Brazen faces of ignorant understanders, that with the knowledge of my quotidian inspection, I may either enlighten their blindness, or give truth the glory of a just deserving. And why? because now too too many calumnious critics, being more prone to censure other men's labours, then to do any thing themselves worthy of censure, yet dare to upbraid that which hardly their sinistruous judgement can rightly construct. The world being turned to such a crabbed and crooked condition, that either they will approve what they conceive, though never so erroneous, or otherwise disprove that which they affect not, though never so illustrious. Wherefore damnifying the one, and vilifying the other I come to court my present purpose; and thus I begin▪  

This long crossed labour, now it comes to light,  
And I, and my discourse set in my▪ right,  
Which reason craved; for where can truth prevail,  
But where sound judgement may it countervail.  
For what seek I? in what these times afford,  
But of my country's praise, a just record,  
Which God allows; and what can contraires bring,  
But man for men, the light of truth may sing,  
Else after ages would be borne as blind,  
As though our time, had come their time behind:  
For curious Penmen, and the Paper scroll,  
They are of memory, the life and soul.   
After our first Army (Levied in the hollow time of Winter, 1644 and led by the Earl of Leven Lord General) had with certain oppositions recoursed over Tyne, and thence falling down to Sunderland, situate upon the River Weir (Durham's dallying and circulating consort) after, I say, they had been provoked by the Lord Newcastle, and Lieutenant general King, upon the Sabbath day, to give them battle; it was skirmished and fought two days together at Bowdon Hill, March 20, 21. 1644. whereby the great mercy of the divine Providence, that laudable▪ Victory fell to our army, and the enemy in a retiring way flying for Durham, fled shortly thereafter in a confused march unto York. To which place (their refuge) his Excellence with our Army mainly advancing, beleaguered the greater half of the town; the Earl Manchester, and Lord Fairfax envyroning the rest.  
Where diverse weeks and days being spent, in advancing their Works, their achievements, and other approaches, there fell out (interim) certain accidental Skirmishes and countermatching assaults. In one of which, that mirror of Mars and manhood, Lieutenant conlonell Ballantine was deadly wounded, whereof he died: A large subject have I here to handle, if time might suffer me, but true it is, he was a Cavalier of such extraordinary fortune (being only 28 years of age at his last vale) that in Germany, Ireland, and twice in England, he became exceeding auspicuous in martial affairs, though indeed he was best understood under the name of Major Ballantine. All which discourse, and this epitomizd memorial, I purposely abandon till a fitter time; and so I return to my former Commentary, and thus:  
This Siege of York continuing still with many fortunate and misfortunate adventures, at last our several Armies were enforced to incorporate themselves in one main body, and that on Long-Marston Moor. Where the day following Prince Rupert embracing their left field: our army upon advertisement thereof, were engaged to make a speedy return, for rancountring the enemy, and to recover that ground which formerly they had freely forsaken: Which in the end, amongst many difficulties and mighty oppositions, they both adventerously and advantageously obtained, to the enemies absolute overthrow, and their own victorious safety. The summary whereof, I now involve in these following lines, as unwilling to embark myself within the lists of intricated passages, or too peremptory and punctual particulars; and why? because I was not there an ocular Testator, and so to build upon the wings of flying report were merely erroneous, (the diversities whereof being already innumerable and incredible) but only done by way of introduction, to bring me the more facilely upon the face of Newcastle, or otherwise more properly, to enlighten memory for present and future times. And thus,  

In July last, the second day and more,  
One thousand, six hundred, forty and four;  
On Marston Moor, two awful Armies met,  
Opposed then stood, one 'gainst another set,  
To quarrel for Religion, and that light,  
Which far excels all human power and might.  
(And yet the darkness of these dangrous times,  
Would fain eclipse God's glory, and men's crimes,  
But here I stay, lest that in straying much,  
I gall the mighty, and the lofty touch:)  
Then cease sad Muse, return and let me show  
This sequel stroke, for now begins the blow:  
To work they go, well ordered on both sides,  
In stately posture; experience divides  
In Regiments and Brigads, Horse, and Foot,  
Two mighty Armies; then began to shoot,  
The roaring Cannon, and their echoing worce!  
Made Hills and Dales rebound their violent force,  
That fell on fatal breasts; the Musket showers  
Went off like thunder; pride and strife devours  
The saiklesse standers; the naked sword and pike,  
Commanded cruelty, to push and strike;  
Which been obeyed, the Drum and Trumpet sounded,  
Some here some there fell down, some deadly wounded,  
On all hands there was slaughter. And what worse,  
Some of our foot were troad by our own Horse,  
And Fairfax too. But true it is that course,  
Brought fame to some, to others sad remorse,  
Which sorrow felt; And yet our Staile stood fast,  
And wrought a passage on their foes at last,  
That made Opposers quake: Wings and Reserves,  
By hard pursuit, on their part shortly swerves:  
For Truth enraged, these Romish Butchers fled,  
Gorged with atheism; their Bastard blood they shed  
Like Jezabels on ground; and there was left  
For Dogs to glut on, so their lives were rest,  
With admiration, that the world might see  
The Heavens and Scots, gained both, one victory.  
Which in them was engrossd, and wondrous too,  
For what could valour more for valour do  
Than they that mannd this battle: It is true,  
That valiant men would have a grateful due  
To cherish fame: so they our Northern hearts  
(As stout as steel) discharged their manly parts.  
Where Noble Lindesay, Earl of Crawfurd now,  
Stood bravely to it, made his foes to bow:  
And left no ground, nor did his foot remove  
Such was his courage, graft in Jesus love:  
Then here his badge, which well his worth may yield  
A Lamb at home, a lion in the field  
And so he proved: where then all happy he!  
Sealed up his name in time's eternity.  
So forward Eglintoun, he actd his part,  
And fiercely rode, with a courageous heart  
To front his foes: Where in that conflict he  
Installed his name, 'mongst peers of chivalry:  
Where his brave son, behaved himself so well,  
Some may come near, but none his worth excel:  
Which if we had, as Romans wont to have  
A twofold triumph, might their merit crave.  
What should I speak of bailie, but admire.  
How th' heavens his mind, with Noble gifts inspire,  
For manners, manhood, wisdom, skill, and wit,  
Both Mars and Pallas, in his bosom sit;  
Their Throne, his heart, their honour, his desert  
Where judgement reigns, there knowledge bears a part▪  
And understanding too: for now these three  
Crown all his gifts, with love and modesty.  
For laureate Lumsdale, fixed in Bellones camp  
Procured what he deserves; became that lamp  
Which crownes a Chiftayne: and his fame to blaze,  
Still as he acts, the world may sing his praise:  
There, there, he stayed, and stood so strongly to it  
'mongst mortal men, no Champion, more could do it.  
Then Gallant Leslie, leader of our troupes▪  
Traversed alwhere: mad spytete valour stoops;  
Where he! adventurous he! spurred up and down  
And cleared the field; regaynd that Delphian crown  
Which courage fought for: And what worth allows,  
A laurel Garland, may decore his brows▪  
Last here and there, the ground with slaughtered corpse  
Was clad from York, to five adjacent Dorps:  
The blood lay on the grass, like showers of rain  
That fill the furs: the heaps of them were slain  
Like Dunghills were; that on the weary fields  
Some fought, some fled, some stood, and many yields:  
That even me thought, the groans of Rome, and Spain,  
Were heard the coast about, on shore and Maine:  
And father falsehood, swore their Jesuit plots  
Could not prevail, 'gainst our triumphant Scots:  
The enemy thus quelld, and scattered round  
Alwhere about, nay; some in every ground▪  
In came the Lord of hosts, and he proclaimed  
The field was his, or what more could be named  
For person, place, or time; for he alone!  
Beat down that Dagon, Babel's idol Throne.  
And buried superstition, and blind rites:  
Within the gulf, of ever gnashing spirits:  
For which be praise, to whom all thanks and power,  
From this time forth, and so for evermore▪   
Within a few days thereafter, upon considerable conditions, the city of York yielding, and the Lord Fairfax made governor thereof, our most victorious General and his redoubted army with great expedition, returned through Yorkshyre, and bishopric for Newcastle, to assist that Noble and judicious Chiftayne, of whom now (as it is my main purpose) I begin to discourse of his, and their proceedings; and as impartially, as an honest heart may do, without either flattery or favour.  
In this last springtydes second expedition. 1644. for England; our Parliament then sitting, James Earl of Calendar, Lord Almond, was selected and appointed by them, to be Lord lieutenant general of all our Scottish forces in Scotland and in England. Whereupon a considerable army being levied, consisting of six thousand foot, and eight hundred horse, he advanced for Northumberland, and courting Tweed, crossed the Tine at Newburne. Where his army reposing all night, made me call to mind, these following lines, I wrote upon that former conflict fought there four years ago. 1640.  

Let Conway brag of arms, and his great horses,  
Let Papists boast of men, and their fled corpses,  
Let Newburne rail on Tweed, and curse their Tine.  
Let prelates swear, the fault was thine and mine:  
I'll tell you news, their Popish drifts and plots  
Were curbed and crushed, by our victorious Scots.   
The day following our aforesaid army accosted Lumley Castle, where sojourning certain days, the Lord Calendar, with a number of horse and foot (in this time) set face for Hatlepoole and Stocktoun. Where, when come, and after a promiscuous parleye, seizing upon both towns, he left garrisons there, and governors to overrule them. Whence returning to the residue of his army, lying at Lumleye, he set forward to Osworth. From which place my Lord Calendar, sending some horse and foot to clear the way for the Gatesyde, they were rancountred with the enemy, at the tope of the wind mill hill, where being prevented by night, and th'enemy stronger than they, they were constrained to turn back. Whereupon the next day the lieutenant general himself, came up with the residue of his army, and fiercely facing the enemy, beat them from the hill, chased them down the Gatesyde, and hushing them along the bridge, closed them within the town. Hereupon he forthwith commanded the Gatesyde, and then the next day he begun to dispute for the enjoying of the bridge, with the fiery service of Cannon and Musket, which indeed was manfully invaded, and as courageously defended. Yet at last, in despite of the enemy he gained the better half of the Bridge, and with much ado fortified the same with earthen rampires, and artillery, which still so defensively continued, until the town was taken in by storm. This being regardfully done, he caused to erect five Batteries, along the Bankhead, and just opposite to the Town, from whence the Cannon did continually extreme good service, not only against the walls and batteries, but also against particular places, and particular persons: Besides the frequent shooting of Potpieces, and other fireworks of great importance, which daily annoyed the Inhabitants within town: At the most of which fiery employments the Lord Calendar himself was ever personally directing them, to the which dexterity of charge, I was often both an eye witness and observer.  
By this time, or there about, his Excellence arryving here from York, and accosting the Tine, he caused immediately build a Bridge over the River of Keill boats, over the which his army having safely and peaceably past, he caused lay down their several quarters with great promptitude and expedition: And so beleaguring the West and Northwest parts of the Town, they enclosed all that circuit, till they joined with the Lord Sinclair's Regiment; Sheeffield Fort (belonging to the Town) only dividing them: And so this rebellious Town was mainly blocked up on all quarters. Now, and at this time also, the Earl Calendar recrossing Tyne, took presently in Sandgate, the one end whereof standing contiguat with the town walls. Where setting sundry Regiments there, and about that place, he forthwith caused to construct a strong Bridge of Keill boats over Tyne (and within his quarters) for the passing and repassing of his forces to both sides, and fixed the same a pretty way below the glass-house. This advantageous passage became very steedable, not only for the soldiers, but also for the country people, that brought in daily provision for the army. The Bridge itself (being daily guarded with my Lord kenmoores' Regiment at both ends, and a strong sentry set at each of them within two Redoubts) had also three watery guards of Keill boats, tied with cable ropes, from bank to bank, to secure it from any sudden surprise.  
Now as for the manner of the common soldiers lying here in their several Leagures, and in all parts about the town, their Mansions or Domiciles, I mean their huts are composed, of turf, Clay, Straw, and Watles. Where their Halls, Chambers, Kitchines and Cellars are all one: And yet the better sort (I mean their Officers) are overshadowed with circulating pavilions, more ready to receive the blustering wind than the sinking rain. Then at last, all things being orderly done, and their batteries at sundry advantages erected; then (I say) begun they to play with Cannon and Musket at others faces, and often also tempering their naked swords in others bloody bodies: where courage cassieting despair, and valour desirous of Honour, they exposed themselves unto all hazards and dangerous attempts: Neither did they fear death (I mean our own) more than an auspicuous fortune, for being clad with consorts, each provoked another to the uttermost of extremities; and some of them esteeming of the good Cause, more than of their own lives, reserved the one, and lost the other. So also the inveterate enemy, making now and then diverse sallies from town (issuing at postern gates) upon our flanking trenches, engaged themselves into great jeopardies, and our soldiers to as desperata defence. Where indeed they both often tasted of mutual fatality; till in end, the Lord Sinclair's Regiment, desygned these debording hirelings a narrower precinct; which was, to keep their falling bodies more safely within their sheltering walls, which indeed they constrainedly observed. For the enemy within, were more afraid of the Lord Sinclair's soldiers without, then of any one Regiment of the Army lying about, and they had just reason, recogitating seriously their sanguine blows and fatal rencounters, which they disdainfully felt.  
And now before I go any further, I think it best to show the unacquainted Reader how the town is situate, from whence such mortality proceeded; and thus, it standeth mainly upon the devalling face of a continuing hill, falling down steep to the bordering River, where one narrow street runneth along from Sandgate to Clossegate. The Sandhill (from which the Bridge bendeth over to Gateside) being the prime market place, whence the two ascending passages, court distinctly High street, and pilgrim street, the two chiefest streets of the town; to the bowels of which, there be other three market places annexed. Now besides these there are other two back streets, with five or six Contrades, and a number of narrow devalling lanes. The walls about the Town are both high and strong, built both within and without with Saxon quadrato; and mainly fenced with dungeon towers, interlarded also with Turrets, and alongst with them a large and defensive battlement, having eight sundry ports, and four parochial Churches: The which walls, the defendants within, had marveilously fortified, rampiering them about, at most eminent parts, with interlynings and mountains of earth. The streets that were answerable to their barrocaded Ports, and in frequent passages, were also casten up with defensive breastworks, and planted with demiculverines of irone: And above all other works, the town Castle itself, was seriously enlarged, with diverse curious fortifications, besides breastworks, Redoubts, and terrenniat Demilunes; and withal three distinctive orn-works, two of which exteriorly are strongly palisaded, and of great bounds. Nay, the very Capstone of the battlements round about the town, were surged and underpropd with little stones; that in case of scalleting, they might have tumbled them over upon the Assailants: Which indeed for the facility of the action, school boys might have performed. Yea, and all the gapes of the battlements, were shut up with lime and stone, having a narrow slit in each of them, through which they might murder our soldiers; and secure themselves from a just revenge. The graft about and without, was digged deeper, and the exterior root of the walls, were steeply lined with clay-mixt earth, to intercept any footing for Leddars, or climbing thereon: All the Ports about were closed with lime and stone, and strongly barrocaded within, having no passage save at little postern doors, where they had their quotidian intercourses.  
The towns main constructure rising upwards, divides itself in two corners, the one North at Weavers Tower, the other South west at Hatmakers Tower, deciphering two horns, like unto Portuguese Females with their boggling busks; but indeed more like unto the Novacastrians themselves, that retrogradingly adorn their cuckold's frontespices, with the large dimension of Actaeon's monstrous-made horns. Upon the town's north-east side, and a little without, there was a fortress erected, called Sheiffield Fort, standing on a moderate height, and championlike commanding the fields; the model thus: It standeth squarely quadrangled, with a four cornered Bastion at every angle, and all of them thus quadrat, they are composed of earth and watles; having the North-east side of one bulwark palisaded, the rest not, save along the top of the work about, they had laid Masts of Ships to beat down the assailants with their tumbling force. At the entry whereof there is a wooden drawbridge, and within it two Courts du guard, the graft without is dry and of small importance, save only that repugnancy of the Defendants within, which commonly consisted of three hundred men.  
And now to close this Topographicall description, the invention, policy, nor wit of man, could have done more, than they did within and without for their own safety, either for military discipline, or manly provesses, in their own desperate defence. Of whom our own countrymen, were the chiefest actors, both for the one and for the other; and the only cause of so much bloodshed, and loss of lives as we sustained; which makes me recall this Italian proverb; Iddio miguarda dall' odio di mei amigi, perci●ches● been ●guardar mistesto dall'▪ ●di● di mei inimigi. The Lord Keep me from the hurt of my Friends, for I know well how to keep me from mine enemies: A thing now adays so frequent, that where all should stand for amoris patriae, there many stand now for doloris▪ patriae; and declining from that ancient and native duty Pugne propatria, they involve themselves (without either honesty or honour) to extermine the lives and liberty of their Patria; where struggling with their own strife, they often deservingly fall in the extreme madness of desperation, where now leaving them to their left selves, I revert to my purpose. The walls here of Newcastle, are a great deal stronger than these of York, and not unlyke to the walls of Avineon, but especially of Jerusalem. Being all three decored about the battlements, with little quadrangled Turrets; the advantage resting only upon Newcastle, in regard of seventeen dungeon towers, fixed about the walls (and they also wonderful strong) which the other two have not. Yet what availeth either towers, walls, or Turrets, where the force of army's command; Nay, just nothing: for indeed these walls with their pendicles, were first erected to resist the Scottish invasions, and yet in vain, for now we have shaken their foundations, and by the same strength they relied upon, we have by the self same mean overthrown them, all glory be to the God of glory therefore.  
As for the Inhabitants residing within, the richest or better sort of them as seven or eight Common Knights, Aldermen, coal Merchants, Pudlers, and the like creatures are altogether Malignants, most of them being Papists, and the greater part of all I say, irreligious Atheists. The vulgar condition being a mass of silly Ignorants, live rather like to the Berdoans in Lybia (wanting knowledge, conscience, & honesty) than like to well disposed Christians, pliable to Religion, civil order, or Church discipline, And why? because their bruttish desires being only for libertinous ends; avarice, and voluptuousness; they have a greater sensuality, in a pretended formalitye, than the savage Sabuneks with whom I leave them here engrossed: And now forsaking this present introduction, I come back to my continewing discourse. The siege growing daily more and more hotter and hotter, at all quarters, and in all places, as we'll in the one side, as in the other; then, and at which time (I must ingenuously confess) that these indefatigable pains my Lord Calendar took, were more than praise worthy, for late and early, and at all times, he was extraordinary careful, painful, and diligent, in overseeing here and there his mines, in directing his batteries, in managing private and prudent ends for a public good, in dispatching of messengers and messages, and in ordering of his soldier's achievements, by night or by day as they were employed; insomuch that his industrious, and vigilant actions, became a merveilous amazement; to all these that were acquainted with his pains, and for my part, to shun ingratitude, worthy of deserved memory.  
The chief Cannoneirs, that were upon his five batteries in the Gatesyde, were William Hunter Captain of the train of artillery, James Scot, Robert Spense, and William Wallace, men of singular skill▪ and many more, which I purposely (to avoid prolixity) omit: And now from here and hence, the lieutenant general traversing hourly the river to his other batteries, and works at Sandgate being only two, he was ever in a fastidious action; One of which batteries, beat down the top, face, and upmost parts of Carpenters Tower unto the dust. The other battery had been newly erected for repulsing the enemy from intercepting our Mines. Yet notwithstanding whereof the Nullifidians within, discovered the lowest mine next to the river side: The which my Lord Calendar perceaving, and thrusting a pike with his own hand, through the renting division, and to prevent the drowning thereof, gave presently order that the next morning it should be sprung: Which accordingly done, it tumbled over the demi-hornwork, dissapointed the enemy, and became a shelterage to our encroaching soldiers. The other three adjacent mines, were not as yet ready, neither now to be employed as after you shall hear.  
About this same time. September. 29. the Lord lieutenant general bailie upon the town's north side, and near to St. Andrews Church, gave order (for their his battery lay) too brash down a part of the town wall, which in three hours' space was fortunatly accomplished; where the wall fell down, within half a yard of the root, and so large that ten men might have marched through it in a front. This trial gave indeed a great encouragement to our army; and why▪ because than our Commanders, were assured, that if their mines should be dissapointed, the brashing of the walls should be their last advantage. And yet this breach was never pursued, in regard the enemy under the shadow of a blind of Canvesse, reenforced, or barrocaded it with trash and timber. Upon Weddinsday following at morn. Octo. 3. the enemy discovered and drowned two of our mines with water, and the next day ensuing another also. Whereat the enemy growing insolent, gave order for ringing of bells all night, to consolate (as it were) the distressed minds of the starving commonalty, who rather fed upon violent necessity, than any other kind of cherishing or comfortable relief: Being whiles flattered with impossibilities, and other whiles tyrannised over, by the malicious malignity of the merciless, and now miserable Maior.  
For true it is, that this Sir John▪ Marley their governor, an oeconomick politician, more wilful than skilful, did so inveigle, and blindfold the common multitude, that these letters which he sent to our Lord general, were all read by him in public to them, being too peremptory and impertinent: but for the answer of his Excellence that came to him, he concealed them all, making them to believe▪ that he would admit of no condition, nor grant any safety longer than the revenging sword, might overreach their necks.  
All which being falsely and perfidiously spoken, was only to irritate their doubtful dispositions, and to incense their desperate condition, with the deceit of a treacherous despair, to make them bolder for their dreadful defence: for indeed there was an order condescended upon, by the Committee, some five weeks before their ruin approached, which was, that if they should render in time, and prevent the greater effusion of blood, they should have fair and free quarters, and all these liberal conditions, that people in the like case, could either look for, or require. But all these proffers or offers, were by the Maior vilified, and by him concealed from the people, till their day of desolation was declared. And now the copies of these intercoursing letters being lately published to the vulgar world, and striving to relinquish unnecessary particulars, or any obvious rancounter of small consequence, I come to the main point: and thus,  
After ten weeks' siege and odd days, with many disastruous affronts, following on all hands, there was a parley appointed being Friday October 18. where in the forenoon our three Commissioners, the Lord Humbie, the Laird of Wedderburne, and John Rutherfurd Provest of Jedbrugh, went in (the three Hostages from the town being formerly come forth) ours, I say, accosting the mayor's presence, there were diverse propositions and answers by both parties delivered, but to no purpose nor effect. The Maior ever dallying with drifts and delays to procrastinate time, till they had discovered our two chief Mines, which indeed were very near the point: yet nevertheless (in a jeering way) our Commissioners being dismissed after five hours' conference, and their Pledges returned; the next morning early the untimely preventing Maior, sent forth a Drummer, to the Lord Sinclair with two Letters; the contents of one was thus, My Lord, I have received diverse Letters and warrants subscribed by the name of Leven, but of late can hear of none that have seen such a man; besides, there is a strong report he is dead: Therefore to remove all scruples▪ I desire our Drummer, may deliver one Letter to himself; Thus wishing you could think on some other course to compose the differences of these sad distracted kingdoms, than by battering Newcastle, and annoying us who never wronged any of you, for if you seriously consider, you will find that these courses will aggravate, and not moderate distempers: But I will refer all to your own consciences, and rest, Your friend. John Marlay. Newcastle 19 October.  
Now let the judicious Reader observe, how detestable a thing it was to see this improvident man brought to such extremity, (that he could neither pity himself nor yet a populous town) when he was just upon the point of life or death to write thus: for indeed long before night (for all his base derision) he knew his Excellence to be alive, and found deservingly the smart of it: And now not to forget any main circumstance, the Maior, the former night, recalled the soldiers from Sheeffield Fort, to strengthen the Defendants within town; but ere they left the fortress, they despitefully burned their two Courts du guard to the ground, and so retired: Now the sequel day come, being Saturday, October 19 (and that day which from age to age Newcastle should never forget) there were certain commanded men, from every Regiment drawn up, The Officers, I say, having first in their own quarters thrown the dice, who should go in the adventure (fewest blacks destinated thereto) they marched away to all their several stands about the walls, again ten of the clock in the forenoon. Meanwhile the night before was the Earl of Calendars Cannon carried about, to supply and strengthen the four batteries that were to brash the walls, where with the rest they did exceeding good service.  
Now the mines being ready to spring, and the batteries brought to their greatest perfection, about three a clock in the afternoon, the two most available mines were sprung, one at the Whytefriers Tower Westward, and the other, near Carres Fort, or Sandgate Eastward; (notwithstanding there were other two sprung here, one of which miscarried) so also, I say, the breaches of the walls by the batteries being made open and passable, and leddars set to at diverse parts for scalleting: Then entered mainly and manfully all the Regiments of our commanded men at all quarters, but more facilely and less dangerous where the mines sprung: The greatest difficulty, and mightiest opposition, nay, and the forest slaughter we received, was at the climbing up of these steep & stay breaches, where truly, and too truly, the enemy did more harm with hand garnads, then either with Musket, pike, or Herculean clubs: This Club hath a long iron-banded staff, with a round falling head (like to a Pomegranate) and that is set with sharp iron pikes, to slay or strike with; the forehead whereof being set with a long pointed pike of iron; it grimely looketh like to the pale face of murder. The first of the four breaches, was near to Weavers Tower, where Lieutenant colonel Henderson a Reformeir, and Major Mophet were killed, with many others of special and common note. The second battery was conjoined with black Bessies Tower, where Major Hepburne, captain Corbet, captain John Home an Edinburgensen, and that renowned Officer Lieutenant colonel Home were slain. The memory of whom last now mentioned, I here in this Epitaph involve:  

Woe to that breach, beside black Bessies tower,  
Woe to itself that bloody butchering bower!  
Where valiant Home, that stern Bellona's blade,  
And brave Commander fell: for there he stayed  
Arraigned by death: Where now that heart of Mars  
Deserves a tomb, on it, a sable hearse:  
Yet here's the end of valour (fortunes thrall)  
The most adventurous, nearest to his fall:  
And so was he! though well might he have done,  
For worth and valour, worn the laurel crown:  
But this crownes all, he died for Christ, and more,  
Christ now shall crown him, with a crown of glore.   
The third battery was contiguat with that dungeon of Westgate; where these two captains John, and Thomas Hammiltons were slain, with sundry other of our Cliddisdale Regiment. The fourth and last was low by Clossegate, where the Earl Buckcleughs and Lowdons' Regiments entered, both at their batteries and with scalleting leddars; whereupon their fell a fierce conflict and the falling enemy repulsed, both with the courage and resolution of our soldiers: And yet we received there but small loss either of Officers or others, albeit one had been too many, the Divine pleasure and providence excepted.  
Now our men being entered, and fighting for enterye at all quarters round about, Let me pause a while and consider! How grievous? And how dreadful hot, that cruel conflict was for a long hour's space: That truly it was more than admirable! to behold the desperate courage both of the Assailants and Defendants: The thundering Cannon roaring from our batteries without, and theirs rebounding from the Castle within; the thousands of Musket balls flying at others faces, Like to the droving hailstones from septentrion blasts; the clangour and carving Of naked and unsheathed swords; the pushing of brangling pikes, crying for blood; and the pitiful clamour, of heart-fainting women, imploring for mercy to their husbands, themselves, and their children. That me thought (when now seriously pondered) their reverberating echoes piercing the clouds; that terrible noise of fiery incensed Martialists, and that loathsome inspection upon the brazen faces of desperation; had conjured (I say) the Heavens to confound and dissolve the earth; the earth to overwhelm the infernal Pit, the carcases of men to lie like dead dogs upon the groaning streets: and man against man to become the object of homicidious and barbarous cruelty; O! loathsome sight of despair. Neither was this all, for our people in this self time set a house on fire at Clossegate, whereon there fell a meritorious destruction. So had the whole town been served (and a small revenge although it had been so) if it had not been speedily prevented by the relenting pity of the Earl Calendar. So was there likewise at this present combustion, a Ballenger Boat set floating on the flood, full of flaming fire, (by captain Andrew Abirnethie) to have burned the key-locked ships lay there.  
Insomuch that there was no policy left undone, for the destroyer to destroy destruction, nor for a speedy revenge, to bring the ruins of ruin to nothing: Yet now returning to observe my methodical order; in this most dreadful conflict, when the commanded Brigade of that renowned Commander the Lord Calendar, had breasted and overpassed, that blowneup mine, connexed with Carres fort (where captain Sinclair and other two of lesser note lost their lives) than I say, they marched celeriously along to the Sandhill, with flying colours and roaring drums: mean while and at this instant, the lieutenant general Calendar entering the town, dispatched and directed, the Lord Levingston, and Killhead, the Earl of Quensberryes brother, with their two Regiments to possess the walls and to beat the enemy off, all along, betwixt and their passages unto the next breaches northwestward, which was accordingly done: So, and at this time, the aforesaid Brigade having attained to the Sandhill, where rancountering the exasperate enemy with a bloody salutation, the rest of our Western and northern Brigads, pursuing hotly these shrinking fugitives from the walls, to the choking Market place▪ where being distressed (as it were) between Scylla and Charybdis, they presently called for quarters, and laying down their arms without assurance, some were taken, some were shaken, some stood still, and some fled away to hide their bleeding bodies in some secret shelter, yea; some sat down by their father's fire side, as though they had carried no arms.  
Upon this surrender (the Major being formerly fled to the Castle, with some others of greater and lesser note) they caused quickly pull down the red flag on the Castle tope, and set up the white flag of peace, signifying subjection. This done, the Earl Calendar, having formerly entered the town; with great expedition, gave presently order for quiescing of tumults, and managing disorders, after a considerable way, returned that same night to the Gatesyde. So, as he was the first lay down before the town, so he was duly the first that entered it; and that to the great comfort of the Inhabitants, because of that unspeakable favour, and undeserved mercy, they then suddenly received, far beyond their merit and our expectation.  
Then begun the whole army, commanded, and uncommanded▪ (observing King David's ancient rule, that they who stayed with the Baggage, and they that fought in the field, should share the booties alike) to plunder, I say, for twenty four hours' time, being an act, of permission, although to no great purpose. And why? because the common soldiers being only able to plunder the common people (although they might have justly stretched their hands further) had for the greatest part of them but small benefit, excepting only household stuff, as bedclothes, linnings, Tanned leather, calve skins, men and womens' apparel, pans, pots▪ and plates, and such like common things. But our prime Officers, I say, and others of that nature, by infringing the common soldiers, infringed themselves, and spoiled both their fortunes: for they investing themselves in the richest Malignants and papisted houses, by way of safeguard, had but small compositions for all their protection, and compelled sentries; where otherwise they might have justly and lawfully seized upon all their enjoyments: But this ancient Proverb holdeth good here, That Scottishmen are aye wise behind the hand, and so were they: And as they abused their victory in storming the town, with too much undeserved mercy, so they as unwisely and imprudently overreached themselves in plundering the town, with an ignorant negligence, and careless ommission. And as they thus defrauded themselves, with a whistle in their mouths, so they pitifully prejudged, by this their inveigled course, the common soldiers of their just due, and dear bought advantages.  
For by your leave, if a soldier's industry be not quickened and animated with bountiful rewards, he hath less will to perform any part of martial service, than a dead corpse hath power to arise out of the grave: For what can be more precious to man, than his blood? being the fountain and nurse of his vital spirits, and the ground of his bodily substance, which no free nor ingenious nature will lose for nothing. And whosoever shall argument or discourse upon sound reason, and infallible experience, may easily▪ prove and perceive, that these Commanders have ever best prospered, which have most liberally maintained and had in singular regard military Arts and soldiers. Otherwise the honourable mind would account it a great deal better to have death without life, than life without reward: Yea, and the noble Commander, desiring rather to want, than to suffer true worth unrecompensed.  
I could instance here many examples of ingratitude in great persons, that by their too much wretchedness to soldiers, have first lost themselves, and then their kingdoms, and Principalities; but I desist, only lamenting what I saw here, the recitation of which (amoris patriae) I forbear to touch. And as the Spaniard saith well, Nella bocca serrada non ci entra las muscas; that is, When the mouth is shut, the flees cannot enter in the throat; so saith the Italian to this same purpose, Assaisa, che nòsa, chi sia, he knoweth enough that can misknow, the thing he knoweth: And the poetic Proverb is thus,  

Dic pauca, multa vide, disce quam plurima pati,  
Nam multum juvant, h●c triasaepe viros.  
speak little, see much, learn to suffer more,  
For these three oft, help men, the world all o'er.   
And now closing these comparisons, I proceed to my methodical discourse. As for the number of our soldiers, that were lost at the storming of this obstinate and unhappy town (not reckoning the fatality of other times) they extended to three hundred lacking one, of whom there were thirty eight Officers of six distinctive kinds, besides seven or eight hundred, that were diverse ways ill hurt, of which wounds, some have lately died since that time▪ And now I recall, that these three sieges of Breda, York, and now Newcastle, were all of one diet, though not at one time, and did each of them so nearly sympathize one with another, in the computation of ten weeks and odd days, that they may all three rest now contented, to live under the substant shadow of an honest and honourable subjection. Yet when I consider here the malicious obstinacy of Newcastle, and thereupon the storming of it, I am ravished with admiration to behold, how in the heat of blood, and goring slaughter, they got so soon mercy and quarters; that me thinketh there was not the like mercy shown in such a case, since the deluge of the World. Nay, and (alas) shown unto an impenitent and pernicious people: When contrariwise, the lives and goods of man, wife and child, within that refractory town, (for their railing ●●d blasphemy daily abounded) were in the power and pleasure of our victorious army. The which favour I dare avouch, may be a pattern to all succeeding ages enduring time, for pity, pardon, and piety.  
And to instance here the contrary example, you shall see, and that within these twenty years past, how the populous and once famous City of Madenburg in Germany, (being all Protestants) was beleaguered with the imperial forces. Whereafter diverse parleys, and subtle drifts, the enemy on a sudden stormed the Town, where forthwith they slew eleven thousands, of men, women, and children: and the next morning, their devilish despite, growing weary of that murdering slaughter, unnaturally, and unmercifully, threw headlong eighteen thousands of them in the River: So that none escaped in the whole City of young or old, save only four hundred that fled into a Church. And striping these stark naked, sent them away, and plundering all the goods of the town, at last razed it to the ground,  
By which cruelty this famous university, as it was first sacked, and then burned with fire, so the people were both slain with the sword, and drowned with the water; O pitiful destruction. And that river which formerly had brought them profit and pleasure, was then suddenly become their death and sepulture.  

This fragrant flood! that wont to serve and please,  
Their trade with gain, their pains with pleasant ease;  
Yea; filled their hearts with pleasure, beauteous strays,  
To see a River, passing free always.  
The banks along adorned, with stately trees  
That daily paid, kind tribute to their eyes;  
Where flourie Meeds, round hills, salubrious fields,  
Enclosed this closure, and their custom yields  
With swelling brooks to help it. This rare Piece!  
Became more sweet, than Tempian streams in Greece;  
And graced their schools and science, liberal Arts,  
Where learning floorishd, virtue light imparts.  
Yet fatal Elue, was now thy glutting womb  
That fed their lust with fish, become their tomb,  
And swallowing grave? Art thou sad dismal bounds  
That plunging sepulchre; ingulfd with wounds  
Hatched from thine Euripus; 'gainst nature's tract  
As death had summoned thee, to do this fact.  
No, no, I grant (this loss) their detriment,  
Sprung not from thee, dumb senseless element;  
But from these cruel hands, that strained thy strength  
To murder nature's glory, Where at length  
They sunk within thy bosom; then! thou roared  
And all thy brinks about, their fall deplord;  
And sought the Heavens, as judges to revenge  
This parricide, and that slain Cities change.   
Now miserable Newcastle! what canst thou say? that was not dealt at all with such tyrannical cruelty, when thou hadst deserved a worser destruction than they, who stood out only for Religion, you having little or none at all. Then what shall I say, but that your desolation may come yet on a sudden, unless you a mend your wicked lives, and with Niniveh turn to the Lord with prayer and fasting. Ever acknowledging the great goodness and clemency of Scots-men, so undeservingly exposed upon you a headstrong and seditious people. Yet notwithstanding whereof, thy sides are shaken and torn, thine edges broken down, and the burden of thy misery, lying sore upon thy shrinking shoulders. Which makes me now call to mind, the miserable effects of war (howsoever deservingly fallen upon thee) the nature of which, I here involve in these lines.  

O woeful war! that lessens wealth and strength,  
And brings the ruins of ruin at length:  
It doth dishonour honour, and degrade  
The mightieman from what his greatness had:  
Then quells the poor, and spoils the pleasant lands  
Where peace and pleasure, joined with other hands:  
Which weight let Tyrus, sometimes stately plumed,  
With Troy and Thebes, both alike consumed:  
Swelled Niniveh, whose fragments nought imparts,  
And learned Athens, once the source of Arts:  
With sightless Carthage, Lacedaemon rent,  
Jebus, and Bagdat, in a manner shent;  
Sardis, Syracuse, Adrianople lost!  
Nay? now stressd Almain, with such sorrows crossed;  
(And Britain's isle, the Irish bounds, and Spain  
Where thousands fall, and many thousands slain:)  
Denote and show, what time and wars have wrought  
That crushed their might, from flattering pride to nought:  
Nay; Monarchies, great kingdoms, th' universe  
Are pressed to change, erectd, thrown down by Mars:   

Like to the rage of the impetuous flood,  
Debording from his banks; leaves slime and mood  
To choke the fertile plains; supplants the roots,  
Of herbs and Trees; defaceth quite the fruits  
Of grapes and grain; and often breaks the walls  
Of strongest towns, whereon destruction falls.   

Even so the fury, of the bloody war  
In breaking down the bonds of peace: debar,  
The links of love and alliance: quite defaceth  
The liberty of Nature; and disgraceth:  
The ornaments of time; And cuts the throat,  
Of martial Darlings; then casts up the lot  
Of desolation; which destroyeth all  
That can to mean▪ or mighty men befall:   

So, so, Newcastle, to itself became,  
A treacherous foe, when friends besieged the same.   
And I may not forget here, how a despiteful jest, was suddenly revolved in sad earnest, that even when, the town was a-storming, there was a child baptised, and a number of thirty persons at the baptism feast; I mean in Newcastle: And making merry with the best cheer they had, they begun to drink a health about the Table; and that was, to the confusion of the Scots rebels, and knew of no danger, till a dosson of our soldiers came in upon them (to digest their confused health) with drawn swords and pistols. At which, the railing and jeering Tablers, falling down beneath the board (as it were) distracted of their wits: our adventurers fell a plundering their pockets, leaving the greatest part of them stripped of their apparel, and the house utterly spoiled of domestic furniture, and with this salve, they solmnized their frolic feast: Being (I say) a just reward, for such a malicious misregard.  
Now the town being ours, upon Sunday morning, October. 20. 1644. his ever happy and anspicuous excellence, entered the town, a triumphant Victor, and repairing to S. Nicholas Church accompanied with the Earl of Calendar, lieutenant general bailie, and the general of artillery, with a few others (for it was not a day for men of fortune to dalleye with time) there was thanks given to God (by that reverend Pastor Master Robert Dowglas) for that our famous, and renowned victory. And now to seal up all, the clouds fell impetuously a weeping three days together, for that great fatalitye (as I may say) of so many brave Cavaliers as we lost. And with this same deluge, the two Keill bridges, above, and below, were broke down, and dissenabled for passage, with the violent rapt of Tynes debording stream: But happy it was that the greatest part of our army got then shelterage within the Town, otherwise they had found by this dissolving rain sommersed quarters.  
Upon the fourth day after the town was stormed, there issued from the Castle, three score twelve Officers, engineers, and prime soldiers, under the custody of our Perforce; and were incarcerat within the town, as many of their kind were served so before. The Maior, and some of our noble countrymen, were also then dismissed from the Castle, but not enlarged, and the day following (being Wednesday) the Maior was returned from his house, unto a Dungeon trance within the Castle: Where now that presumptuous governor remaineth, till the Hangman salute his neck with a blow of Straffords courtesy; where now I leave him till he enjoy his merit.  
As for the number of the enemy, either soldiers or townsmen, that carried arms during the siege, indeed it is no part of my intention to meddle with them, although they meddled too much with us, neither with their hungry Troupers, and far worse their hungered Horses. Yet nevertheless (as I was informed) they were but eight hundred of the trained Band, and some nine hundred besides, of volunteers, prest-men, colliers, Keill-men, and poor tradesmen; with some few experimented Officers to overtop them, which were at last overtopped themselves.  
And now meanwhile we found great penury and scarcity of victuals, ammunition, and other necessaries within this dejected town; so that they could not have holden out ten days longer, unless the one half had devoured the other. And now the encroaching Winter, commanding expedition, our army was sent to their Garrisons abroad (reserving only a proper Garrison for Newcastle) some to Darnton, Haulkland, Durham, Chester, Morpet, Exome, and other near adjacent places. Yet nevertheless the plague was raging in Gatesyde, Sandgate, Sunderland, and many country Villages about. Upon the eight day after the taking in of Newcastle, the Lord general rode down to Tinmouth Castle; where after a short parley, young Sir Thomas riddel governor thereof, surrendered it upon easy conditions. The occasion why? was thus, the Pestilence having been five weeks amongst them with a great mortality, they were glad to yield, and to scatter themselves abroad; but to the great undoing and infecting of the country about, as it hath contagiously begun.  
And now before I draw to Finis. I must water my muse a little in the Poeneian springs, and gargarizing her throat with Newcastle, I will bathe her old inventions in Permessis stream, fixed under that Heliconean forked hill; where Soron breasting Parnassus, saluteth with the pleasures of Pindus, all aged Poets, as I am now in my Climaterick year.  

Now in this Treatise, thou hast seen the map  
Of revolution, and that sudden clap  
Of ever changing time, and how the fates  
And sterne-facd destiny, ramverse the Mates  
Of stubbornness and pride: and how the wind,  
Bre●ks down the tallest Cedar, that we find  
On Libans flowery banks; and how the oak  
Though fensd with boughs, must yield unto the stroke  
Of a septentrion blast; Heavens Constellations  
Concurrd in one, to judge these execrations  
Flew forth from steep-bankd Tyne; what filthy railing,  
Burst from her guts? even when we were assailing  
Her girded sides with walls: That even methought,  
Stern Radamanthus, had their forgings wrought:  
Then in came judgement, in this cracking thunder  
And faced with terror, did produce a wonder,  
That vomits spite and blood: Next headlong comes  
(Backed with shrill Trumpets, and loud roaring drums,)  
Base stinking pride quite stripped: where being naked  
The shrine of fortune blushed, and blindness quaked.   

But now to wheel about! behold, and see,  
The Divine justice, with an awful eye  
Declaring sentence, punishment, and yoke,  
To thrall their necks, with a correcting stroke.  
How long did pity knock, at their shut gate?  
And offered mercy, to their desperate state  
Yet would they not receaveed; nor could they pity  
Themselves, brought under, a judicial ditty:  
But suffered death to stand, where justice stood  
And they Delinquents, to a general good:  
Yet in came Mercy, from their friendly foes  
And pleaded for their pardon: mercy goes  
Along with us to them: which, when they see,  
They grew ashamed, to find such clemency.  
For what sought we, but their desired good?  
And to prevent, the effusion of blood  
Proposed them courteous proffers, all to won,  
Their Hearts and souls, to seek salvation:  
And to profess that word (Religions Lamp)  
Where light and Truth, have both one heavenly stamp:  
Yet this they would not, and as hardly will,  
Consent, unforcd, to leave their froward ill:  
Now vanquished they, and from their duty swerud  
May swear, our Scots, show mercy undeserud  
To hardened hearts like flint: and what rests more,  
But practice must the fall of pride deplore  
Which cankered Natures keeps: But they're so blinded,  
As if disdain, had all their malice winded  
With stiffness and contempt: yet for their words  
Sometimes they're fair, and sometimes sharp like swords:  
But what is that, we have them under feet,  
And needs not weigh their breath, be't sour or sweet.  
For where the victor's rule, the vanquished stand,  
Like Bajazet, to Tamberlane's strong hand,  
And freedom thralled, by just disdain, than pride  
Stoops like a slave, the sword must things decide.  
Yet mercy keeps some measure, curbing reason,  
With generous lenity, actd out of season.  
Yea, sometimes it's more honest, for to save,  
Than to expide, the vanquished to the grave:  
What though they bark like to Hyrcanian dogs,  
Or bleeting stand, like winter-beaten hogs.  
Yet there's compunction, and revenge to use  
(Accordingly) as times may time excuse:  
And sealing mercy, with a sworded hand,  
Makes foes, more loath to fly, than forced to stand.   
And now to close the summary of this tragical discourse, I heartily beseech almighty God, to preserve and prosper our army; and to be their guard, guide, and governor, whithersoever they go, and to imprint the fear of his holy Name in their hearts. And now most good and gracious Lord, bless so and sanctify the hearts of their chief Commanders and Leaders, with wisdom, courage, and magnanimity of mind; that they never decline, neither to the right nor to the left hand; but keeping a straight course, in Honour, honesty, and holiness; they may ever in all their proceedings, have the glory of thy great and glorious Name before their eyes, that the life and light of Peace and Truth may in all true believers abound. Amen.  
FINIS.