our modern bayonet. The first rush which he headed was so impetuous
as to effect an entry. The weight of the numbers behind urged on the
foremost, and Hilyard had not sufficient space for the sweep of the
two-handed sword which had done good work that day. While here the
conflict became fierce and doubtful, the right wing led by D'Eyncourt
had pierced the wood, and, surprised to discover no ambush, fell upon
the archers in the rear. The scene was now inexpressibly terrific;
cries and groans, and the ineffable roar and yell of human passion,
resounded demonlike through the shade of the leafless trees. And at
this moment, the provident and rapid generalship of Edward had moved
up one of his heavy bombards. Warwick and Montagu and most of the
knights were called from the barricades to aid the archers thus
assailed behind; but an instant before that defence was shattered into
air by the explosion of the bombard. In another minute horse and foot
rushed through the opening. And amidst all the din was heard the
voice of Edward, "Strike, and spare not; we win the day!" "We win the
day! victory! victory!" repeated the troops behind. Rank caught the
sound from rank, and file from file; it reached the captive Henry, and
he paused in prayer; it reached the ruthless friar, and he gave the
sign to the hireling at his shoulder; it reached the priest as he
entered, unmoved, the church of Hadley. And the bell, changing its
note into a quicker and sweeter chime, invited the living to prepare
for death, and the soul to rise above the cruelty and the falsehood,
and the pleasure and the pomp, and the wisdom and the glory of the
world! And suddenly, as the chime ceased, there was heard, from the
eminence hard by, a shriek of agony,--a female shriek,--drowned by the
roar of a bombard in the field below.

On pressed the Yorkists through the pass forced by Alwyn. "Yield
thee, stout fellow," said the bold trader to Hilyard, whose dogged