Your Lordship never heard of such desperate charges as they gave upon the enemies in the face of their muskets." He described Sidney's wound as "very dangerous, the bone being broken in pieces;" but said that the surgeons were in good hope.

"I pray God to save his life," said the Earl, "and I care not how lame he be." Sir Philip was carried to Arnheim, where the best surgeons were immediately in attendance upon him.

He submitted to their examination and the pain which they inflicted, with great cheerfulness, although himself persuaded that his wound was mortal.

For many days the result was doubtful, and messages were sent day by day to England that he was convalescent--intelligence which was hailed by the Queen and people as a matter not of private but of public rejoicing.

He soon began to fail, however.