those who should peaceably submit: but the House wisely rejected
the suggestion. "This is no time," it was well said, "for any
thing that looks like fear." The address was instantly sent up to
the Lords. The Lords concurred in it. Two peers, two knights of
shires, and two burgesses were sent with it to Court. William
received them graciously, and informed them that he had already
given the necessary orders. In fact, several regiments of horse
and dragoons had been sent northward under the command of
Ginkell, one of the bravest and ablest officers of the Dutch
army.45

Meanwhile the mutineers were hastening across the country which
lies between Cambridge and the Wash. Their road lay through a
vast and desolate fen, saturated with all the moisture of
thirteen counties, and overhung during the greater part of the
year by a low grey mist, high above which rose, visible many
miles, the magnificent tower of Ely. In that dreary region,
covered by vast flights of wild fowl, a half savage population,
known by the name of the Breedlings, then led an amphibious life,
sometimes wading, and sometimes rowing, from one islet of firm
ground to another.46 The roads were amongst the worst in the
island, and, as soon as rumour announced the approach of the
rebels, were studiously made worse by the country people. Bridges
were broken down. Trees were laid across the highways to obstruct
the progress of the cannon. Nevertheless the Scotch veterans not
only pushed forward with great speed, but succeeded in carrying
their artillery with them. They entered Lincolnshire, and were
not far from Sleaford, when they learned that Ginkell with an
irresistible force was close on their track. Victory and escape
were equally out of the question. The bravest warriors could not