When home and religion and country are at stake, even we women could not wish to keep those we love beside us." There was a last embrace, and then Captain Davenant and his son sprang on their horses, which were waiting at the door, took their place at the head of the party which had come up from the village, and rode away into the darkness, while the two Mrs.Davenants gave free vent to the tears which they had hitherto so bravely restrained.
At Bray, Captain Davenant found the rest of his troop drawn up in readiness, and after a brief inspection, to see that all were present with their proper arms and accoutrements, he started with them for Dublin, and after a few hours' rest there continued his way towards Drogheda.
The army then proceeded north to Dundalk, and bitter was the disappointment of the troops when, on arriving there, they found that Schomberg, instead of advancing to give battle, had shut himself up in the intrenchments he had formed, and could not be induced to sally out.
In vain King James, who accompanied his army, formed it up in order of battle within sight of the invaders' lines.

Schomberg was not to be tempted out, and, as the position appeared to be too strong to be attacked, the Irish were forced to endeavour to reduce it by the slow process of starvation.

The English army was soon reduced to pitiable straits--not from hunger, for they were able to obtain food from the ships, but from disease.

The situation of the camp was low and unhealthy.
Fever broke out, and swept away vast numbers of the men.
The Dutch and Enniskilleners suffered comparatively little--both were accustomed to a damp climate.

But of the English troops, nearly eight thousand died in the two months that the blockade lasted.