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DISPERSION OF THE INSURGENTS. 265
This rash and ill-advised undertaking proved the
ruin of the cause for which Darcy, Aske, and Constable
had ventured so much. They did their best
to maintain order amongst the people, but
their very
efforts in this direction were regarded by the clergy
and tlie country people as evidences of treachery to
the cause, and Aske in particular was fatally comproniised
by his generous but futile efforts to save
Hallam from execution.
The Duke of Norfolk arrived at the head of a
powerful army. He found disorder prevailing everywhere.
Northumberland, Hexhamshire, Richmondshire,
and \Vcstmoreland were covered with bands of
armed marauders. Carlisle was attacked, but the
rebels were beaten back by Sir Thomas Clifford.
Norfolk pushed his troops forward, a panic seized the
insurgents, and they dispersed without risking a
battle. Martial law was now proclaimed, and a messenger
was sent to the king with information as to the
state of affairs.
Henry's answer was ruthless enough. He was determined
that, as Norfolk had evidently now got
the country under control, there should be little risk
of any future outbreak. It is obvious that the chief
blame for stirring up the commotions which had now
taken place, as well as for the first promotion of the
insurrection, was laid to the charge of the members
of the various monastic orders. A short shrift and a
speedy gallows was to be their doom. " Forasmuch
as all these troubles," said the king, have ensued by
the soUicitation and traitorous conspiracyes of the
monkcs and chanons of those parties ; we desire and