Alter Britanniae Heros: OR THE LIFE OF THE MOST HONOURABLE KNIGHT, Sir HENRY GAGE, Late Governor of OXFORD, Epitomised.  
OXFORD, Printed by LEONARD LICHFIELD, Printer to the University. 1645.   

Alter Britanniae Heros: OR, THE LIFE AND DEATH OF The most Honourable Noble Knight, Sir HENRY GAGE, etc.  
TILL I began seriously to consider the perfections of man in such excellent Persons as are men indeed, I took that saying of the great Aquinas to taste more of Passion, than Divinity; Wherein he averrs, That were not those well instructed by Faith, who duly weigh man, what gifts and graces God hath endowed him withal, what Wonders he hath done to make him great and happy, what Beauties he hath instilled both into Soul and Body, and what supereminent delight he takes to be doing good to this Noble Creature; They would conclude, That Man were the God of God himself.  
But now though Faith be to me a precious allay to that extreme Conclusion, yet I confess the sentence to be a certain truth. This I was compelled to acknowledge, when I did survey exactly the Excellencies of a Smith, or Gage, to recount examples to myself familiar, and such as I may speak of safely under the Character of a grateful virtue; Censure herself granting it a Solecism to flatter the dead.  
Pardon my generous ambition of two such Noble Mottoes as Fidelity and Gratitude afford: whereto that I want not some pretence, I call you to witness, O great and happy Geniees of the two forementioned Heroes. To peerless Smith, I have already for both those Titles done that homage, which now I am about to pay unto admired Gage. Wherein may affection supply what the want of leisure, instructions, and the times abridge.  
This gallant Gentleman was borne at London, about the year 1597. of worthy and exemplar Parents, both of generous and noble Families, his Father being a principal Branch of the Gauges of Sussex: a house for Antiquity and merit, nothing less than obscure; They were both intent to breed him, with the rest of their Children, as Gently and Civilly, as the Exigence of their Estate, Consumed, and Exhausted, by the severity of that difficult time would permit.  
And to this end at ten years old, sent him with his Brother into Flanders, to receive Education, where Mr Henry Gage, with singular satisfaction, passed through the several Schools of Humanity. Which accomplished, he was sent by his Father through France into Italy, where under that famous Scholar Picolhomini, Uncle to this great General, the Duke of Amalfi, he heard his Philosophy, and with great applause did publicly defend it. Thus having laid stately Groundworks for such Magnificent Structures, as after he raised upon them, and being ready to write Man, he gins to consider in what Channel of the Ocean of this World he had best steer his Course towards the Land of Promise. At length the divine directions work upon those Noble faculties of his Soul; innate Fortitude, and desire of Honour: insomuch that between them a firm resolution is begotten to Sail towards Heaven over the most turbulent part of the Sea, in a Man of War. He designs himself for a Soldier; and considering that Travail did much conduce to that end; To Flanders, France, and Italy, which he had already viewed, he adde● Germany, and returns that way to the Netherlands. But lest you may judge that of his Travayles he made only a present delight, and fed his Curiosity, I must assure you his observation was so strong, and punctual, that all men did admire the exact account he was able to render of all things deserving serious memory.  
Mars had now read many bloody Lectures to the Belgians, and that Country of all others in Europe, was held his proper Academy. Where immediately upon his arrival at 22 years of Age; The Gauges glory, enters himself a Soldier in Antwerp Castle; There for a Twelvemonths space he trailed a Pike, where his Noble, discreet, and gallant Carriage, brought him such endearments with the Governor and Garrison, as was very singular, and seldom gained by strangers in so high a manner from the Spanish Nation.  
Here his reputation shines with such a splendour, that the Earl of Argyle being about to raise a Regiment, seeks to win him to him: and offers him a Company. His Governor to Congratulate his advancement, Feasts him in a Princely manner, and well presaging what he would arrive to; publicly glories to have been Tutor to so brave a Soldier.  
Bergen ap Some, is the first place where he enters into Action, at which Siege being divers times Commanded to assault the Enemy's Trenches, he gallantly performed it, till at length he was by one of their Mines blown up towards those immortal Regions whither his Noble Soul aspired. But it pleased God strangely to preserve him, so that his hurt was not so dangerous, but that admitted of a short recovery. The next year, the Famous marquis Spinola lays siege to Breda▪ in all which long and tedious action, our youthful Captain comports himself, with so much Valour, and such Resolution, that he merited special notice from that Renowned General. This Siege completed, the English Regiments were both reform, so that for two or three years he remained without further Charge, and betook himself, if it were possible, to a more excellent employment, The Theory of War; for his judgement told him, practice without Contemplation, was an accident without a substance. Sometimes for recreation he cast an eye upon Heraldry, and soon therein became a great Proficient. Sometimes he bestowed himself in translating Books, which he exceeding well performed, witness the Siege of Breda, written by the elegant Hermannus Hugo; and Vincents Heraldry, the first whereof he translated out of Latin into English. The latter out of English into French.  
In this Vacation he began to cast about to find a Consort, on whom to place his noblest affections, and at length he discovers one Mistress Mary Daniel, a Gentlewoman, whose worth and beauty made her a deserved object for the Love of so excellent a Person. It seems nature had long before designed her for him, as we may almost conclude, by a memorable accident happening, when with her Mother she long before came over to see London, the Epitome of this Kingdom. Amongst other places in the City, which their Curiosity surveid was St Jamese's, where in a Gallery adorned with divers Pictures, they saw one of Sir John Gage's Knight of the Garter, and great Grandfather to the Gentleman that now I writ of; who in Queen Mary's days had been Lord Chamberlain of the Household. Of this Picture, the young Gentlewoman took special notice, as that which only pleased her, and several times reviewed it; presaging as it were that from that strange sympathy and liking would come some strange result, as after proved by her Match with one descended of his Loins. However than it made so firm an Impress on her tender fancy, being then scarce twelve years old, that after being married, and her Noble Husband passionately complaining, that he could not after curious search and labour, find the Picture of this Sir John Gage, which he had sought for with great desire: she presently repeats the former Story, and so directs him thither, where since he did procure it.  
By this Gentlewoman he had a gallant Fortune, and was blest in the process of those nineteen years they lived together with a dozen Children, whereof six are still living, two Sons and four Daughters. The firmness of their love, and happiness was such, that those who lived for most part with them, and exactly noted what passed between them, never could observe from either the least glance of anger ordistast: but still discover their endless affection in the highest Meridian. As he was a most tender Husband, so there never was a more indulgent Father, which Indulgence he managed with such an high discretion, that he preserved in them so great a reverence, that a beck or cast of his eye, was a sufficient command or check unto them. But he taught them this filial piety, not only by precept, but example also, as appears by a memorable act of his about this time, for his Father through his great misfortune, was brought unto the hard condition of Confiscation of his whole Estate, and long imprisonment, having only his life left him, and that only upon courtesy, by the King's reprieve after Condemnation. In this case he had not only outlived his own remainder of subsistence; but also the several annuities his Noble Allies and Kindred had bestowed upon him, some for 20, some for 30 years, in pure Compassion to see his endless Sufferings.  
But his Durance hath survived all, and no relief is left him, but the generous piety of his Worthiest Son, who to relieve his Father's Exigence, voluntarily demises the reversion of a fair Estate at Croyden, called Haling-house, waving all respect of wrong to himself, or prejudice to his Wife and Children: so fare did the force of his unequalled piety to his Parents, transport his Noble nature.  
Having passed now two or three years▪ without any active or public employment, and furnished his Contemplation with the best Maxims of War, he thinks fit to fall again to practise those choicer Meditations wherewith he had enriched his mind. In the year 1630, Sir Edward Parham raising a new Regiment of English, makes Sir William Thresham Sergeant Major, and Mr Gage Captain Commendant, in which condition he remained, ●ill by Parham's death, Tresham came to succeed as Colonel, and Captain Gage as Sergeant Major, in which employment he was, when the States besieged Mastricht; where the marquis de Sanct● Cruse won, with the gallantry, and prudence of the Commanders, in these desperate times did so resye upon that Regiment, that he gave them the guard of his own Person.  
The next year he was in the Field, with the marquis de Aitona, in that which they called the running Leaguer, by reason of the States and their continual motion. Where the forementioned marquis, with the Duke de L●rm●, took such ●●●ciall notice of him, that they persuaded him to raise a Regiment of his own: and to that end gave him a Commission. But by reason of some difficulties in England, it could not be throughly effected, till a little before Sir William Threshams' death. When he having raised above 900 effective men, the others death intervening, had his Regiment completed by addition of the old unto it; which his Highness the Prince Cardinal bestowed upon him. But these favours and endearments amongst Strangers he obtained not by any sinister means, but merely with the eminence of his Virtue, for he could not be won to do any thing ungrateful to his natural Sovereign: or inconsistent with the interest and honour of his Nation. Witness his fidelity expressed by his speedy repair to England out of Flanders, (where he was in actual Service by licence of his Sovereign) as soon as our King had broken Peace with Spain, and called his Subjects home. This I am confident you may find once or twice attested upon record, by such Ministers of State as then were resident in Flanders. A good testimony of his Loyalty and obedience, who upon the first Summons of his King did not dispute the matter, but readily left his whole Fortunes behind him, yea his Wife and Children as well as his Command there, which was always honourable.  
What I hence infer, was confirmed by another precedent, which I shall wrong his memory to omit. For when the English Regiment in Flanders, was Commanded into Germany; the prudent and gallant Colonel sensible of his Country's Interest, stoutly refused that employment; alleging it to be unseasonable for English Subjects to maintain a War in the Palatinate, against the Nephews of their own Sovereign. And this asseveration he fortified with such evincing reasons, that he prevailed to have that Command repealed: an Argument that nothing was more dear unto him, than his duty to his Prince and Country.  
Whilst he was Colonel, his Regiment was every Summer in the Field, and put upon the most important Actions; As for the Siege of St Omers, his memory in those that make relation of it, must needs be very eminent; since it is held Confessed, that his Trudence and Valour, did not only make good the Towns so long resistance, but also was the load▪ star, which guided Pi●olhomini to that prosperous success in their relief.  
Three Summers successively, was he employed to succour Gueldres, before which the State's Army lay, whence still he returned with prosperous and deserved success. After the Spaniards had lost the Bartaile of Re Croyx, he was sent with his Regiment and 1400 other Horse and Foot to secure Guelderland, against the Hollander, who was thought likely to take the advantage of that defeat, and endeavour to effect something there. But they having notice who was designed to attend them, waved their design, and returned back with their Army into Flanders: which was likewise done by this prudent Commander, who returned with such unexpected celerity, that he came happily to join with Don Francisco de Melos Army, before the Enemy was able to effect any thing. Afterwards, Don Andreas Cantelmo took him▪ and two other Mrs De Campo, and marched out of Flanders with them, to the Skirts of Holland, where after they had every where given strong Alarms, in their return home Cantelmo sent him to take in a Castle possessed by the States. Which he did, forcing the defendants to render upon discretion; notwithstanding which he used them with so much generosity, that during their Captivity, he entertained the Officers every day at his own Table, and procured moreover for them and the Common Soldiers, who were above 100▪ in number a da●ly allowance▪ from the Country, which noble Courtesy of his, moved the Prince of Orange, to use divers principal Officers Spaniards, tal●●● at the latter end of that years field, with like Civility.  
Whilst thus he was growing every day in esteem and reputation, amongst the most judicious and eminent of those that knew him, and being now looked upon by all such as he conversed with as a most accomplished Gentleman, and complete Soldier. This horrid and unnatural Rebellion breaks forth at home, which from the beginning he did so much resent, that with all possible industry he employed his utmost power and abilities in Flanders, to further and advance the quarrel of his distressed Sovereign; and to supplant the Rebels. As he convinced by his many painful and costly endeavours, which at sundry times deprived the Rebels of near 30000 Arms, and afforded His Majesty 8000 of those that were intended to be borne against him; nay had been doubtless had not Noble Colonel Gage diverted the intention, seized them to a better use, and made the action an eternal Argument of his Loyalty and Prudence.  
But this was not the only instance he gave of his affection to his King, whose service he tendered so much, that although his Regiment was then much weakened, and he deprived of hopes to recruit it, never any Soldier of his, who could give him any probable hopes of attaining His Majesty's Army, but he cheerfully gave him his pass, and encouragement to departed. Whence I dare safely affirm, that since these Ciyill Wars, that Regiment hath afforded His Majesty at least 200 Officers of several degrees.  
Notwithstanding all this, he did not conceive he had done his part as he ought, unless he came in Person to serve his Sovereign also▪ which consideration he so deeply apprehended, that neither his present employment, assurance of future preferment, a reputation so eminent, a revenue so sure and constant, nay nor his Wi●● and Children could deta●●e him: but he take● leave of the Netherlands and repairs to England, resolving to contribute all that Magazine of 〈◊〉 abilities wherewith his breast was stored to the restoring of his Country's happiness.  
〈◊〉 he comes not emp●y handed, Arms, and divers Soldiers of quality gave some addition to the welcome of that most worthy and endearing Person of his. He was received with joy at the Court, and (every one presaging he should shortly do his Nation some eminent Service) intert●ined here with a welcome Omen. Where his prudent, civil, and gallant Conversation, added such a L●●tre unto his other Virtues, and seated him so much above the region of envy, that malice herself durst not barefact choose but fawn upon him. Soon had he fortified himself in the judgement of the King and the ablest men about him, as also wedded the People's opinion. And now every ones impatient, till by some gallant action; he hath paid tribute for the great esteem, and reputation they had fixed upon him.  
Whilst every one is casting about for some employment worthy of him, His Majesty considering the exigence of his own present Condition, and the importance of Oxford, his Principal Garrison, is necessitated to engage the Colonel jointly with the Governor Sir Arthur Ashton, in the defence and preservation of it. In the Interim of which employment, what great and memorable things he did, in the subsequent discourse I will relate. No one is ignorant, that knew any thing, what excellent things he did propose for the Fortifying, Cleansing, Storing, and preserving the City. How many grievances he publicly removed in the Officers, and endeavoured to reform: and what worthy endeavours he did use to regulate▪ and moderate the reciprocal abuses, and excesses that were so obviously committed.  
Whilst we are thus busied within our walls, the industrious Rebels seek to environ us on all sides, and so by Famine force us to surrender. Wherefore to this end they clap a Garrison into B●rstall house, within six miles of us on that side whence most of our Provisions came. Besides this, whilst His Majesty was absent in the field, they fortify Abington, besiege Banbury, and straiten ●s every way, so that we are compelled for our necessary subsistence to endeavour their repulse on some side. After Consultation, B●rstall is thought the fittest to be attempted, and Colonel Gage must be entrusted with the manage of that business.  
They allow him a Competence of men, and other necessaries, and the 10th of June he sets forward, where after his arrival with his own Personal Valour, he put such Courage into his Followers; and with his prudent ordering of all things so amated the conscious Enemy: that he soon brought them to a Parley. His Carriage in the business deserving a more exact relation, I will take leave to descend to partioulars. The 11th day in the morning, he sat down before the House, immediately sending word to the Lady, that she and others of her Sex might departed thence with leave and safety: promising to see her safely convoyed to any place she had a mind to. His excelling courtesy was such, that though this Lady did nothing less than merit such an offer, he could not dispense with the goodness of his own nature, to deprive her of this civility. Assoon as he had notice that the Ladies were gone, the House was presently environed by his Command, and the Soldiers fell on with such a well-governed fury, that they soon possessed the Church and other out buildings, which the enemy endeavoured to defend: but thence repelled, and seeing the House attempted with hot assault, Conducted by so much discretion, and exemplary Courage of the Commander; they demand a Parley, and offer to give up the House, with the Victual, Ammunition, and Ordnance, so that they might march away with their Arms and Horses. Which though it might by some that weigh not the several circumstances be esteemed too specious adeparture for them, yet this prudent Gentleman considering the House was strong, that it had cost some men already, and that he could not force it, but at dearer rates, chose rather to yield to their demands, then hazard the lives of any more; which were more precious to him then the Arms of the Rebels. Upon their surrender, he so punctually observed his Conditions, and convoyed them with such civility, that themselves confessed they had fallen into the hands of an honourable and gallant Enemy.  
His success here procured him fresh employments, he is sent to disturb their new garrison at Abingd●n, to effect which he marched out in the night, and presuming of the intelligence of those who had employed him concerning the Forces of the Enemy, He falls upon them gallantly in the morning, and charges up to their turnepikes and ascends their works, but finding the enemy power upon him in such unexpected numbers, he gins to think of a retreat, and give immediate order for it: As being the only thing they could hope for, if that; considering as well the enemy's strength and readiness as the thinnenesse of their own numbers, their distance from hom●, their amazement and repulse: but such was his valour dexterity and discretion, that notwithstanding the enemy pursued him like a torrent, he made an honourable and safe Retreat.  
This added much to his esteem in the judgement of every knowing and discreet man. So that what employment of exigence and necessity this Summer afforded here, was almost all imposed upon him; Basin Castle, the dwelling house of the Honourable and Loyal marquis of Winchester, had now endured a second Siege for two and twenty weeks: and was now brought to that necessity for Provisions, that unless it were supplied by a speedy relief, it must be forced to surrender. This once certified to the Commissioners at Oxford added much trouble to the exigence of their present condition. For they saw no sudden assistance could be expected from His Majesty, they considered the importance of the place; the quality and gallant behaviour of the defendants, together with their own inabilities to assist them; which concurrence of difficulties made them very anxious, till consulting with the famous Gage, they find him beyond expectation proffer himself voluntarily to run the hazard of all obstructions, and undertake the business. Though here they considered that Abingdo●, Ailysbury, Reading, and the Leaguer itself, did severally afford greater numbers than they could send with him, though they weighed the length of the March, and difficulty of the passes; yet such was their opinion in him▪ and confidence in his Courage, and experience, that they resigned all to his discretion. The action was so eminent and so deserving memory, so Soldier like and fortunately attempted, and performed, that I cannot pretend to honour his Noble Genius, should I omit a punctual relation of it.  
Upon Monday the ninth of September, that at ten a clock at night, he Marched out of Oxford towards Basin. with 400 Foot, 250 Horse. 12 barrels of Powder, 1200 weight of Match, passes by Wallingford, where he received an addition of 80 Horse, with as many Foot, on Tuesday Morning they rested and refreshed, and then he dispatched an express to the Governor of Winchester Sir William Ogle, d●sirine him, according to his former promise to Sir Edward Nicholas to draw out with his Forces, and to fall into Basin Park, in the rear of the Rebel's Quarters, betwixt four and five a clock the next Morning, being Wednesday the 11th of September: whilst he with the Oxford Troops assaulted them on the other side, and the Lord marquis from the House, plied them with a fierce Sally. Having finished this dispatch, he Marched forward, with as much speed as the Foot Soldiers could make, towards Aldermerston, where he intended to repose again. They passed through the Country for Parliamenteers, with Orange tawny Scarves and ribbons, till a Wallingford Captain (who was sent before with his Troop, together with the Quarter-masters of each Regiment to discover, and have provisions in a readiness against the Soldiers arrived) found in the Town, some of the enemy's Scouts, and forgetting his disguise fell fowl upon them, took some Prisoners and so discovered themselves. This evening the Foot were extremely wearied (having had scarce 3 hours' rest since they went out of Oxford) which the prudent Colonel perceiving▪ alighted himself from his Horse, by whose example and entreaty, the other Officers, and Troopers did the like, and walked three miles, whilst the tired Foot refreshed themselves in their Saddles; By which means, he came to Aldermerston about eight in the evening; seven miles from Basin, and rested till eleven, when again he set forward and Marched all night, though the Foot were faint and much dejected. So that being come within two miles of the place, they began to lie down as not able to advance farther, whereupon he caused all his Horsemen every man to take one of them up behind him, himself giving the first example, which u●wo●●ed 〈◊〉 so took them, that they wholly forgot their former ●●●gue, and with hopes of Pillage, and promise of M●ny when they returned to Oxford, were so encouraged, that they desired nothing more than to attaque the Rebell●.  
In the interim, arrives a Lieutenant from Wi●chester, who a●●●res them, the Governor by reason of the Enemy's Horse, which lay betwixt him and Basin, 〈◊〉 not draw ●●t to assist them. Whereupon the Colonel was compelled to enter into new Counsels; wherefore seeing himself deprived of that assistance, and presuming the Enemy having notice of his coming, would draw to a head, he resolves contrary to his first resolutions, with united Forces to fall strongly upon them in one place. In order to which he Commands the men to be put in readiness, riding up to every Squadron, gave the word, which was Saint George, cheering them with what possible encouragements he could, and Commanding every of them to tie a handkerchief on their right arms above their elblow, for a distinction to be known as well to one another, as to the Lord marquis his men, if they should chance to make a Sally, and for want of such a signal fall foul upon one another.  
After this preparation, they marched on, the gallant Colonel alighting from his Horse, armed only with his Sword, led up the Foot, and being come as he conceived, within hearing of the House, he Command his Drums and Trumpets to cheer the besieged with the news of his long wished arrival. The Rebels having notice the day before of his coming, and of the place he was like to fall on, had drawn forth all their best men, all fresh and pampered in number fare exceeding his, with these they possessed the Passes, with some cross hedges of advantage, lining them with Musketeers.  
Here stood the rest of the Horse and Foot in Batagli● ready for him, and answered his Drums and Trumpets with their own, which he perceived were very near, though clouded under the wing● of an obscure mist. Our Forces had advanced not many paces further, before they discovered a Body of the Enemy's Horse, consisting of six Troops, standing in very good order ready to receive our charge. Which though we hastened to accost them with, before we came at them, we were first saluted from the hedges by a smart Volley of Musket shot, though accompanied with more Terror than Execution: for notwithstanding this, the right wing of our Horse, commanded by gallant Colonel Webb: Charged the Enemy so home, that ●● 〈◊〉 they all turned head and ran away. The left wing 〈◊〉 ●● after the● followed the Chase▪ till the Rebels were got into a place of safety. In this pursuit, we took a Cornet of theirs, which since is known to be Morleyes'. Upon the Rout of the Horse, Colonel Gage advanced with the Foot towards the hedges, where after two hours' dispute, he beat them from hedge to hedge, till at last he brought them to abandon all their holds on that side, and give him free entrance to the House. Where after he had delivered the Munition he brought with him, and paid my Lord marquis the respects due to a Person of his quality, leaving 100 Soldiers of his own with him, he marched with the rest of the Horse and Foot to Basingstoke; a good half mile distant thence, and with small resistance possessed himself of it; whence all that day he continued sending to the Garrison, as much Wheat, Malt, Salt, Oates, Bacon, Cheese, Butter, and other Provision, as he could get Carts or Horses to transport it. There he found a little Magazine of 13 Barrels of Powder, with some Muskets, which also he sent in: together with 80 head of Cattle, and 100 sheep. Whilst these things were doing at Basingstoke, according to his directions, they in the House Sallied into Basin Town, beat thence the Enemy, killing 50, and taking two of their Captains, and 33 Soldiers Prisoners in the Church.  
By this time the day was near spent, and the Enemy having received some fresh supplies of Horse, appeared much more numerous, and gay then in the morning, and made show of a desire to fight with ours again. Advancing to that end over a large Champain, almost within Musket shot of our Horse, standing in a field without Basingstoke, betwixt two large Hedges, which were lined with Foot. There they stood facing each other an hour or two, till the Colonel perceived his Squadrons of Horse to grow thin, many of them slincking away by reason of the extreme fatigue and fasting, wherewith most of them both Horse and Men were oppressed. Whereupon he gave order they should retire by degrees, and pass through the Town towards Basin house, whilst he with the Foot made good the Avenues and Passages, on that side the Tow●●. When he understood the Troops had passed the Town, and were put again into order on the other side towards the house. He likewise with most part of the Foot, retired likewise, leaving a Captain with 70 Musketeers to make good the Avenue; who also when he saw the Colonel retired up to the Horse, drew off also, leaving only a Sergeant with 20, to dispute the Passage, till the rest were retired into the House. Wither they also had order immediately to draw off, which they did, the Enemy not once attempting to enter the Town: but retreating soon after, they perceived our Horse to give back. The reason why this provident Commander refused to lodge in the Town, was the consideration of the many Avenues to be defended, against the Enemy now recruited with new additions of strength; which could not without difficulty have been done, in regard our Horse and Men were so fare spent, and our Soldiers so apt to hid and disperse in several houses, there to fall to drinking and disorders.  
The next day early he sent out a Lieutenant Colonel to the Town with all the Horse and Foot, as well to refresh themselves as to be sending Provisions all that day into the Garrison. In the mean while this accomplished Soldier spent that Thursday in contriveing his retreat to Oxford, and sending out several Spies to observe the motions of another Enemy, who was drawing to a head from Abington, Newbury, and Reading, to hinder his retreat homewards. And he found by the unanimous relation of his several Spies, that they of Abington were lodged at Aldermarston, they of Newbury at Thatcham, and they of Reading at Padsworth, Townes lying upon several passes of the River Kennet, over which He was necessitated to go; in his retreat Norton with his Horse and Foot which lay in Basin Park, was to follow him in the Rear, whensoever he began to move, which they conceived he could not do, but they should have notice of it. The Colonel resolved therefore in his own breast, without acquainting any man whatsoever with it, to make his retreat that very night, having in that little time he had been there slain sixscore, taken 100 Prisoners, with 150 Arms, and out of the adjacent Towns, put in a Months Provision into the House. As also drawn in two pieces of the Enemy's Artillery; The one, a goodly Demi-Cannon, which had been formerly engaged, and neither Party had adventured to fetch them off.  
But now the better to amuse the Enemy, and give them cause to think that He thought of nothing less than of so sudden a retreat, he sent out Warrants to Sherborne and Sherfield, (presuming they would come to the Enemy's knowledge) to bring in suddenly a certain quantity of Corn to the Garrison upon pain, if they refused, of sending 1000 Horse and Dragoones before the next day noon to set their Towns on fire. Having thus disposed of all things within himself, and judging that he was not able with longer stay to do my Lord marquis any further service: though by delaying his return, he might have endangered the loss of those Forces committed to his Charge. A little before night, he sent Orders to Basingstoke, for his men to retire, as they had done the night before, and to march to the House, but not to enter, till they had further Order from him: whither when they were arrived, he told my Lord marquis of his resolution to departed that night, and the necessity of it; begging of him two or three good Guides, and so takes leave of his Lordship, marching away quietly without sound of Drum or Trumpet about eleven of the clock that Thursday night. He gives Orders to all his Scouts both in the Van and Rear, that if they met with any of the Enemy, they should likewise give themselves out to be Parliamenteers, marching from the Camp before Basin, to the River Kennet, to lie in wait for the Oxford Forces that were to retire that way; Thus as you see his judgement and prudence was excelling, so his Success was equal. For finding the Rebels had pulled down Burfield-Bridge, he found a way to foard the River, every Trooper taking up a Musketier behind him.  
So having happily past the Kennet, and having certain notice they had pulled up both Henly and Reading Bridges; about eight a clock on Friday morning, he did again foard the Thames at Pangborne, and so marched to Wallingford, where he rested and refreshed that night, arriving safe the next day at Oxford, with the loss only of eleven men. Where he was received with extraordinary applause, and acclamations▪ though he showed as much discretion and modesty upon that occasion, as he had done Valour and Prudence in the Action that procured it. For when upon notice of his approach, most of the people ran out into the fields to meet him, and all Persons of quality almost with their Coaches went to honour his return, he steals away by them, and after he is entered the Town, rides up a private way to his lodging, as if he had been nothing concerned in these expressions of joy; and as if this triumph had had no relation to him. Which the people reflecting upon, when as the Soldiers entered the Town, they saw him absent whom they stood gazing to behold; I mean the wise Conductor of this great & fortunate enterprise, who privately had withdrawn himself. Which turned their applause to wonder, and hence they doubly magnified so admirable a Person.  
But whether this great Action were undertaken with greater magnanimity, performed with more Courage, Prudence, & Skill, or finished with more modesty, I dare not presume to resolve. Yet I dare affirm, that if you consider all circumstances and difficulties, this Expert Gallant Commander passed through in the performing of it: as for example his fight with a strength so fare superior to his, at so great a distance, from friends and home, upon their own ground, and notwithstanding all treacherous endeavours to the contrary, to manage and perform it with such secrecy and Success: nay, after all though way laid in sundry places, with such vast numbers, who had broke the Bridges, and possessed the Passes, to make such a Gallant and safe Retreat. This weiged, I say you needs must grant the whole Action to have been for wise Conduct, gallant and skilful manage, the most Soldierlike piece these Wars have ever yet afforded.  
Few weeks are passed after this, before Banbury also is brought into the like exigent condition, and must needs be relieved by such a time or else surrendered. Wherefore to him again they have recourse, as to the only person that could effect it. He to convince the world, that his zeal and love to his Majesty was the chief motive of his undertaking, and to evince them who attributed his cheerful undergoing the last action, only to his respect and affection to that most noble and loyal Lord, the marquis of Winchester. Embraces this employment also though he esteemed it a piece of greater difficulty than the former, as than he told the Lords Commissioners, by reason now it was with the same number to encounter an Enemy doubly equal to the other; notwithstanding which, their confidence and opinion of him is such that he must needs attempt it, and and to engage h●m further, they assure him the King will send the Earl of Northampton with 400 Horse to his assistance, and that punctually at such a time and place they should come and meet him. He wisely considered that the force of Oxford joined with them, were not considerable to fall upon an Enemy triple their number, if either ski●l or resolution did attend them. Wherefore he concludes by some stratagem or other to amate them, and lay a foundation whereupon he might probably raise the desired success; to this end he counterfeits the hand of Brown Commander of the Rebels at Abingdon, and directs a letter to Fines at Banbury, assuring him the King was come with a formidable Army to Newbury, and that he was sending the Earl of Northampton with 3000 Horse and Dragoones which were to pass by Abingdon, and to join with Gage, and the Oxford Forces in raising that Siege. Wherefore he Counsels him to departed, and draw off in time, for by reason of the nearness of the King's Army, he could not afford him any assistance. This letter was by his contrival handsomely delivered, and so amuzed Fines, that he called a Council of War upon it, which sat some hours. The hand persuaded them that Browne had sent it, only one of them creates a doubt in the smoothness of the stile, and insists upon that, which causes them before they resolve any thing, to send a Post to Abingdon to know if any such letter were sent thence, where all was disavowed, Browne protesting nothing came from him. This answer made them again secure, but so that they kept strict watch upon all quarters to discover any motion of ours. Not many hours after the Earl of Northampton cames with about the first mentioned number, and noble Colonel Gage according to their pact goes out with some Foot, two Drakes and what Horse the Town afforded to meet him; upon this the Enemy's Scouts at their approach run in, and assures them that the Earl and Colonel were now coming indeed; immediately they apprehend themselves betrayed, and conclude, that the number and other circumstances in the supposititious Letter, were all true. Whereupon they draw off their Cannon, and possessed with a panic fear, send them away in the night: staying themselves till morning, for the honour to be so sound beaten, that they could not lay claim to the credit of a Cowardly retreat. But flying give way to them, whom they might have devoured▪ had they stoutly stood and closed boldly with them, but the Success next after Almighty God is due to the discreet contrival, and manage of this handsome device of his.  
Shortly after his return from Banbury, His Majesty repairs to Oxford, and as an earnest of His Princely gratitude for these gallant Actions makes him a Knight, and treats him with very endearing respects, assuring him, that He would never forget his merit and singular Service: but study to advance him to such honourable employments as He might thence perceive how much He did value and esteem him. Which He shortly after performed, by making him Governor of Oxford; Sir Arthur Aston, by reason of his unfortunate mischance being become unable for such an active and toilsome Charge. It is incredible what a general Contentment all men took in his Promotion, and how few repined at his advancement. And 'tis no less difficult in those that did not see it, to conceive how admirably well he managed that place, for those few days he lived to possess it. What noble and wise Designs he laid, with what admirable dexterity he endeared himself to all Courtiers, Scholars, Townsmen, Soldiers, all affording him honour and affection. 'Tis really a wonder, how insensibly he fortified himself in every one's opinion. He wins the Statesman by his Prudence, the Courtier with Civility, the Scholar by his Respect to Arts, and Eminence therein, the Townsmen by Courtesy, as also by falling half his own Pay, and easing them of many unnecessary Taxes. Lastly his Care, Countenance and Gallantry endeared him wholly to the Soldiers.  
He was no sooner confirmed in his place, but he began to let the World perceive, that he meant to govern the Town indeed, he takes an exact survey of the Fortifications, Magazine, together with the number and discipline of the Soldiers, and determines to see them all supplied, representing them seriously to His Majesty's Council, he does not only expose the necessities and defects, but also proposes the means how to supply and correct them. He demands Horse to Command the Country, secure the Markets, and to fetch Provisions to his Garrison, and propounds the manner how to raise them, and do all this. He takes order for store against a Siege, thence descends to the accommodation of the Soldier, and the repair and preservation of their Arms. Diversely contrives the townsmen's ease, and yet performs it with content to the Soldier, and means of their better subsistence. Having done this at home, he gins to cast his eyes abroad, and thinks how to secure the Country, as much as was within the reach of possibility, whilst the Enemy holds Abington: to the end, that they might be better able to Contribute and afford Provisions to Oxford. Wherefore he resolves to break all the Bridges upon the Tame, and the other Rivers near, and to make redoubts upon the Fords and Passes, so to preserve all the East and North side of the City entire from annoyance, and in other places to make Garrisons in places convenient; These, and an hundred other excellent Designs he had, which if God had granted him Life, he would have accomplished. All which, as all his other business, he had chalked out for execution, in a gallant discreet method, which did the business home, and yet left him in all without anger or aspersion from any. Which in a moment, got him such an excess of love and authority together, that all concluded, never Town could be more happy than this was like ere long to be. But scarce had we possessed this admirable Man three weeks, and solaced ourselves in such a treasure. When the Heavens envious of our felicity, or angry at our desertless happiness, in love with those beauties and excellencies of his, were pleased to deprive us of him; making use of this occasion. He seeing the exigence of securing the East side of this City, to urge the demolishing of Columb Bridge near Abington, over which the Enemy made daily incursions into the Country to Plunder, gather Contributions, and spoil our Markets: Resolved upon the enterprise and gives instruction to his Lieutenant Governor for the execution of it, he determining himself to attend his Government at home. But it was the will of God to bereave us of him, his Autumn was come, and he must die in the Bed of Honour. In order to which decree, those transcendent gallant Spirits, who went in that Action out of their extraordinary esteem of him by power and entreaties, woo him contrary to his own principles to leave his domestic charge, and expose himself in that fatal attempt.  
Wherefore he draws out of Oxford, with 600 Horse and Foot, accompanied with the two Princely Brothers, P. Rupert, and P. Maurice, together with sundry other gallant Spirits, who upon Saturday the 11th of March, came thither about seven in the morning, where this worthy Commander leading the men himself, possessed the Bridge. Making it good a long time against the hot assaults of the enraged Enemy, who endeavoured to preserve the freedom of so important a Pass; which conduced so much to their subsistence, and our annoyance. The dispute was so sharp on both sides, that the place was won and lost no less than twice on each side; the noble Colonel seeing the difficulty, had drawn himself to a place convenient to survey and consider in such manner the situation, and accesses of advantage, that he might the better thereby attain his end. Where whilst he was designing how to pursue with success, what he had with such difficulty begun, a wand'ring Bullet hits him on the side, and transpierces his Body: with which mortal wound be immediately falls to the ground, and together with him the whole enterprise, which was presently deserted.  
Shortly after this ●sho●ishment of this mortal Summons was passed over, he comes to himself, and being taken up to be conveyed away, recollects his powers, to prepare himself for his approaching end. Which with great piety and prudence he performed, with no little edification to such as observed him. At this instant he gave an ample testimony of the sincerity and resolution wherewith he came to serve His Majesty, and his Country in this just Quarrel. For being demanded what he would have done concerning his temporal Estate, he replied; I thank God, that, to my comfort is already settled, only Commend me to my dear Wife, and put her in mind, that if it can be, she see my Sons brought up according as she and I had agreed, so many years at School, where they are, and after send them to LA FLESH in FRANCE, to hear some part of their Philosophy, and to learn those other necessary and becoming qualities of Gentlemen. Tell my Children, that their dying Father sends them his Blessing. Except these few words in all the time of at least two hours, which he lived in perfect sense and memory after that unfortunate wound: he was not heard to open his mouth to any other end, then to breath forth Heroic acts of Devotion, attending wholly to reconcile himself to his Lord and Saviour, into whose divine hands with unspeakable resignation and repose he yielded his happy Soul.  
The news of this sad disaster coming before, prepared Oxford to entertain his Body with such a face of sorrow, as I am deceived, if ever formerly had been seen such a general dejection, and lamentations so universal in that City, amongst all degrees of Persons. And it was well observed, that the most generous and noble Spirits did most passionately express their affection, and resent the loss of this renowned Gentleman. But this appeared most abundantly in the Confluxe at his Funeral on the 13th of January, where the Court, the Camp, the University, the City, did even contend who should express the greatest affection, and yield him the greatest honour. The Court honoured him with Prince Rupert, the Duke of Richmond, the Lord Treasurer, the Lords Chamberlains Secretaries, controller, the Lords of the Privy Council; and most of the Nobility and Gentry besides. The Camp sends Deputies of her affection, most of the great Commanders in the Kingdom. The University and City, afford both their representative Bodies in the Vicechancellor and Mayor, with their several Trains of followers. Somerset and Chester Heralds were sent by His Majesty to attend, and order the solemnity, which was indeed worthily performed. The Soldiers did guard the passage from the thronging multitude, whilst four Trumpets in mourning went before, beating the air with the doleful Echoes, you may imagine this sad occasion did afford, which they continued, till they had brought to Christ-Church (to use the Herald's words) The most Honourable Sir Henry Gage Governor of Oxford, who in the North Angle in the Body of the Church, was at length deposited, his Grave being honoured with the Tears and Sighs of our whole Nation Epitomised in this City. Amongst which my affection doth perforce oblige me to preserve the memory of my affliction for this irreparable disaster, in the following Elegy.  

An ELEGY.  
AS flowers, whose lovely tinctures most invite  
Our eyes, and feed them with the chaste delight  
Of naked beauties, which our senses chain  
With choicest odours nature doth contain:  
Charming our sight more strongly to behold,  
The Bodies that these rarities enfold;  
Entice us nearer, which doth also woe  
Us both to handle, and to cull them too:  
Neglecting others which were these away,  
Were worth our notice, and a like survey.  
So men whose fair perfections best proclaim;  
The fountain whence those excellencies came  
With life and vigour; insomuch thereby  
That Atheists urged confess a Deity:  
Such whose Heroic minds and nobler souls  
The world's great axletree out of both the poles  
Would cast, in contestation to enthrone  
Justice and virtue, though they lost their own.  
Men in whose bosoms shines immortal light,  
Enriched with all that is not infinite.  
No sooner these doth lustful Heaven spy,  
But fixes on them an enamoured eye:  
And eager lovesick. This disease to cure,  
Purloynes them from us, ere they be mature.  
Thus thus alas Great GAGE, from earth was culled,  
Long time before the hand of nature pulled.  
Blessed Genius, if thou be not quite dissolved,  
Into that endless essence which involved  
All essences, or if thou still descry  
Within the mirror of the Deity,  
Our words and actions: if thou take delight  
To live preserved from Cymmer●an night  
In humane bosoms. Harken to the vow,  
Unto thy happy Ghost I offer now,  
By all the love I bore thy precious breath,  
By all the tears wherein I mourned thy death,  
By all the honours that thy virtues Crowned,  
By all the joys wherein thou dost abound,  
By all that bliss thou dost possess and see,  
By all those glories that invelope thee,  
I here protest, thy name shall never die,  
Whilst any thing is mortal, that is I.  
Nay my immortal part, shall ever pay  
Homage to thee in that Eternal day  
Of endless time, in which thou shalt descry  
My love as fresh as immortality.   Ed: Walsingham. 
I have hitherto insisted upon what this noble Gentleman did his Life and Actions; give me leave now in brief to tell you what he was, and give you a scantling both of his inward and outward man. Sir Henry Gage, was of a fair and goodly Stature, in Body as in mind, above the ordinary pitch of other men; To this height he had in all parts a beautiful proportion. He was of a fair Complexion, very Comely, his Comportment was Courteous, Gentile, and his Presence full of Reverence: His Speech discreet and civil, his Conversation pleasant, very modest, and accommodated happily to places, times, and Persons. In fine his gracious outside, did every where proclaim what a rich and noble Soul was lodged within.  
Those that were pleased to take notice of what he said and did, continually discovered new proportions of Virtue in him, and the stricter their observation was, so much the more did they admire his Virtues and Abilities, of some whereof at least, I have engaged myself to give a short account. What was most singular in him was his perpetual industry, and that even when he was not in actual Service in the field, by exercising his Soldiers in the use of their Arms, cutting out Towns and Forts in Turf, and teaching his men even by way of recreation how to become expert; how to Approach, to Scale, Retreat, how to gain a Town by Assault, or by a famishing Siege, how to make their Trenches, and secure themselves, with a Thousand such Soldierlike employments.  
He had an excellent Pen, and that strangely enriched by the variety of the best Languages whereof he was Master; Latin, English, French, Italian, Spanish, were familiar unto him; he was not ignorant in Greek, and though he was in Dutch not elegant, yet he had enough to treat with the Peasants there, and such as understood no other language, all which is an extreme argument of a strong memory. His ability in this kind made him imcomparable grateful to all, for being in a Country where all Languages were spoken, he was able to entertain every one for the most part in his own Tongue. Which made him eminent in a high degree, as appeared at the Siege of St Omers, at which time by reason of a Puesto he had Charge of there, he having frequent occasions to send sundry Orders and dispatches in several Languages, Prince Thomas of Savoy; took special notice thereof, and perceiving they came always in the same hand, enquired who was his Secretary. Answer being made, that he used none, he admired it so fare, that to be further assured, he sent a Walloon Cavalier, called Monseiur Lanoy, with some pretended business to stay with him; though the true end was to take notice whether or no he was his own Secretary, being that his Style and Language was still so excellent good. The truth is, there are not many that are able in so several Languages, without affectation to write such naturally elegant and gentile Letters, with so much facility and dispatch.  
How patiented he was of labour, and how careful of his Charge, I need go no further for an instance than his last employments, the Government of Oxford; which appeared remarkable to all the Inhabitants; for after he had so great a trust committed by His Majesty unto him, there was no night in which he slept four hours in his Bed, for being busied all day he took the dead of the night to write and contrive his Affairs. Which those prudent and Soldierlike instructions he left behind him worthily demonstrate. Yet all this serious attention to warlike affairs did not so much possess him, but they left him enough of himself to attend to Conversation, which was so affable and Courtly, that those who were strangers to him, dreamed often of nothing less than that he was a Commander of so much Courage, Experience, and Repute.  
As none in the Summer was more active in the field in the times of his employment than he; so none in another kind more industrious in his Winter Garrisons. For than he was at Court perpetually soliciting in behalf of his Soldiers, for their Pay, accommodations in Garrisons, recruits, and the like. You might see him also frequent in the Courts of justice, soliciting his right in Law in behalf of his Wife and Children; wherein he was so knowing, that all his Lawyers for the most part ingenuously still confessed, that he needed no better Council than himself had given unto them, by way of information in his Case. And however many able men hold it action enough to follow any Suit in Law, yet he was more industrious then to waste his whole day in this, or his Regiments affairs, and would steal besides three, four, or five close hours to his Book and Pen, bestowing himself now in reading History or Philosophy, then in translating some profitable Books, and sometimes in writing something of his own; which as they highly deserve, may chance ere long to be exposed in public, and communicated to the World. But his chief Study was to make himself Master of the Theory of War, wherein though his practice was already eminent, yet I may well affirm that none desirous of Philosophy ever studied Aristotle more intensely than he did Fortifications, Siedges, Managing of Battles, and in general the whole Stratagetick part of War.  
Nor was he yet so narrow, as with all this action to be Commensurated, he found time enough, besides twice or thrice a day to Comply with the obligations of a devout Christian, and most hours of the day with a great dexterity of his ready Pen to dispatch Military orders, and correspond constantly with divers Friends as well remote as near unto him. Insomuch that some wise men sticked not to affirm him a man made for as much Action, as was necessary to manage the affairs of a great Empire. Which may be confirmed by the greatness of his mind, and strange liberality, which even since his coming hither he hath sometimes practised. Once he was known when he had but three and forty shillings in all, and knew not how at present to compass more, he sticked not to give forty of it to a decayed Gentleman, that begged of him, whereupon being advised to husband better his money, till his employments would afford him more plenty, he smiling answered, When I begin to love money, I shall desist to be any more a Soldier, for he that loves money loves his life, and by consequence fearing danger, is unfit to be employed in any gallant Action.  
But this was not the only generous way he spent his means, for he laid out very much in Correspondence, having excellent good weekly from most parts of Christendom, which although it was chargeable to him, yet he was wont to say; What others spent in Cards, Dice, and other vain exercises, be might well allow himself in this, which was so useful to him, and of so great contentment. The Honour of his Nation he had still an eye upon, when he was abroad as well as his own, and although his Revenue was not great, yet no Italian, Spaniard, or other Cavalier appeared more neat and gallant both in Field and Garrison than he, who kept always a constant Table, fit at any time to receive the greatest Commander. Which was always graced with extreme Courtesy and freedom. These discreet gallantries, gave a lustre to his greater merits and esteem, and that not only here at home, as the World saw with His Majesty, the Nobility, and all sorts of People, but also in the Court of Brussels, and the whole Country. Where by reason of his Affability, Prudence, Valour, and other great endowments, he was reputed the flower of all our English that had appeared in those parts. Though his worth and Person were admired and grateful to all, yet to none more than those three Famous Generals, Prince Thomas of Savoy, the Duke of Lerma, and Count Fountain, all which held with him an extraordinary familiarity and dearness, won by that cheerful calmness and composure in him, which invited all men to admire his constant smoothness so great, that the highest incitements would hardly add a wrinkle to the severity of his mind, to make his passion legible to such as studied him with most attention.  
Thus I have given you a brief survey of the Famous Gage, though I confess, I have afforded you but a glimpse of his inward man, and have willingly concealed the greatest perfections and excellencies of his richest Soul. I have done nothing in saying, all men knew him an expert Soldier, a great Commander, and that his Friends knew him a perfect Linguist, an excellent Humanist, a sound Philosopher; and competently seen in diviner Studies: in sum a complete Scholar, insomuch that it may well be doubted, whether he was abler at his Pike or Pen. I have added little by affirming him an exact Courtier, nay a prudent Statesman; as some able judgements have not sticked freely to acknowledge: unless I did treat of his more inward Virtues, and disclose his singular Piety. But seeing myself unfit, unable for to speak him further, I here conclude; and offer this imperfect Votive of my affection to his happy memory, glorying that by this, Posterity shall know me so, as at least to rank me amongst the admirers of this excellent Man.  
FINIS.