Five thousand men are said to have been found dead on the field of battle, and the loss of the two armies, as far as we can judge by the opposite accounts, was nearly equal.

Such was the event of this first battle fought at Keinton, or Edge Hill.[*] Some of Essex's horse, who had been driven off the field in the beginning of the action, flying to a great distance, carried news of a total defeat, and struck a mighty terror into the city and parliament.
After a few days, a more just account arrived; and then the parliament pretended to a complete victory.[**] The king also, on his part, was not wanting to display his advantages; though, except the taking of Banbury a few days after, he had few marks of victory to boast of.

He continued his march, and took possession of Oxford, the only town in his dominions which was altogether at his devotion.
* Clarendon, vol.iii.p.

44, etc.

May, book iii.p.