But the earl of Essex, the parliamentary general, had not yet received any orders from his masters.[*] * Clarendon, vol.iii.p.

1, 2.
What rendered them so backward, after such precipitate steps as they had formerly taken, is not easily explained.

It is probable, that in the extreme distress of his party consisted the present safety of the king.

The parliament hoped that the royalists, sensible of their feeble condition, and convinced of their slender resources, would disperse of themselves, and leave their adversaries a victory so much the more complete and secure, as it would be gained without the appearance of force, and without bloodshed.

Perhaps, too, when it became necessary to make the concluding step, and offer barefaced violence to their sovereign, their scruples and apprehensions, though not sufficient to overcome their resolutions, were able to retard the execution of them.[*] Sir Jacob Astley, whom the king had appointed major-general of his intended army, told him, that he could not give him assurance but he might be taken out of his bed, if the rebels should make a brisk attempt to that purpose.