The royal army was assembling fast at Salisbury, and, though inferior in discipline to that of William, was superior in numbers.
The Prince was undoubtedly surprised and mortified by the slackness of those who had invited him to England.

By the common people of Devonshire, indeed, he had been received with every sign of good will: but no nobleman, no gentleman of high consideration, had yet repaired to his quarters.

The explanation of this singular fact is probably to be found in the circumstance that he had landed in a part of the island where he had not been expected.

His friends in the north had made their arrangements for a rising, on the supposition that he would be among them with an army.

His friends in the west had made no arrangements at all, and were naturally disconcerted at finding themselves suddenly called upon to take the lead in a movement so important and perilous.
They had also fresh in their recollection, and indeed full in their sight, the disastrous consequences of rebellion, gibbets, heads, mangled quarters, families still in deep mourning for brave sufferers who had loved their country well but not wisely.