“I think I may call it,” said Leicester, “the most notable encounter that hath been in our age, and it will remain to our posterity famous.”

Nevertheless it is probable that the encounter would have been forgotten by posterity but for the melancholy close upon that field to Sidney’s bright career.  And perhaps the Queen of England had as much reason to blush for the incompetency of her general and favourite as to be proud. of the heroism displayed by her officers and soldiers.

“There were too many indeed at this skirmish of the better sort,” said Leicester; “only a two hundred and fifty horse, and most of them the best of this camp, and unawares to me.  I was offended when I knew it, but could not fetch them back; but since they all so well escaped (save my dear nephew), I would not for ten thousand pounds but they had been there, since they have all won that honour they have.  Your Lordship never heard of such desperate charges as they gave upon the enemies in the face of their muskets.”

He described Sidney’s wound as “very dangerous, the bone being broken in pieces;” but said that the surgeons were in good hope.  “I pray God to save his life,” said the Earl, “and I care not how lame he be.”  Sir Philip was carried to Arnheim, where the best surgeons were immediately in attendance upon him.  He submitted to their examination and the pain which they inflicted, with great cheerfulness, although himself persuaded that his wound was mortal.  For many days the result was doubtful, and messages were sent day by day to England that he was convalescent—­intelligence which was hailed by the Queen and people as a matter not of private but of public rejoicing.  He soon began to fail, however.  Count Hohenlo was badly wounded a few days later before the great fort of Zutphen.  A musket-ball entered his mouth; and passed through his cheek, carrying off a jewel which hung in his ear.  Notwithstanding his own critical condition, however, Hohenlo sent his surgeon, Adrian van den Spiegel, a man of great skill, to wait upon Sir Philip, but Adrian soon felt that the case was hopeless.  Meantime fever and gangrene attacked the Count himself; and those in attendance upon him, fearing for his life, sent for his surgeon.  Leicester refused to allow Adrian to depart, and Hohenlo very generously acquiescing in the decree, but, also requiring the surgeon’s personal care, caused himself to be transported in a litter to Arnheim.

Sidney was first to recognise the symptoms of mortification, which made a fatal result inevitable.  His demeanour during his sickness and upon his death-bed was as beautiful as his life.  He discoursed with his friends concerning the immortality of the soul, comparing the doctrines of Plato and of other ancient philosophers, whose writings were so familiar to him, with the revelations of Scripture and with the dictates of natural religion.  He made his will with minute and elaborate provisions, leaving bequests, remembrances, and rings, to all