Brent's men deserted by the double handful.

They came into Bacon's ranks "resolving with the Persians to go and worship the rising sun." Or, hanging fire, reluctant to commit themselves either way, they melted from Brent, running homeward by every road.

Bacon, with an enlarged, not lessened army, drew back into Gloucester.

Revolutionary fortunes shone fair in prospect.

Yet it was but the moment of brief, deceptive bloom before decay and fall.
At this critical moment Bacon fell sick and died.