When Charles the First Was King · Chapter
Of Philip Lisle’s Call to Arms explained
Philip Lisle announces that King Charles has raised his standard at Nottingham, sparking debate among the assembled company about the righteousness of the Royalist cause.
What happens
Philip Lisle announces that King Charles has raised his standard at Nottingham, sparking debate among the assembled company about the righteousness of the Royalist cause. Parson Drumbleforth and Master Oldthwaite express cautious and dissenting views, while Jack Drumbleforth and Francis Wood volunteer to fight. Will Dale hesitates due to his responsibilities to his family and farm, but Philip urges him to join.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty to the Crown
Philip Lisle and Jack Drumbleforth argue for unwavering allegiance to King Charles, while Parson Drumbleforth and Master Oldthwaite question the King's actions.
Civil War and Duty
The chapter centers on the outbreak of civil war and the conflicting duties men feel toward the King, their families, and their farms.
Social Class and Hierarchy
Debates over the rights of the people versus the divine right of kings reflect tensions between social classes and political authority.
Characters to notice
- Philip Lisle
Announces the King's raising of the standard at Nottingham and appeals for volunteers to fight for the Royalist cause.
- Parson Drumbleforth
Expresses anxiety about the civil war, acknowledges grievances on both sides, but affirms his loyalty to the King.
- Jack Drumbleforth
Volunteers enthusiastically to fight for the King, declaring himself a man of muscle and sinew.
- Will Dale
Feels torn between his desire to fight for the King and his duty to care for his mother, sister, and farm.
- Ben Tuckett
Present during the discussion; Philip Lisle appeals to him to join the Royalist forces.
- Master Geoffrey Oldthwaite
Argues that there is strong feeling against the King across the land and defends the liberties of the people.
- Francis Wood
Volunteers to go to war alongside Philip Lisle and Jack Drumbleforth.
Key passages
“I think there was little more dancing amongst us upon that evening, for no one seemed to have much heart left for merrymaking after hearing Philip Lisle’s news.”
The festive mood evaporated as Philip Lisle's announcement of war dampened everyone's spirits.
Sets the somber tone after the news of the King's standard being raised.
“For Englishmen to fight with Englishmen, that, indeed, is vastly out of place and ought never to be.”
It is unnatural and wrong for Englishmen to wage war against each other.
Expresses the narrator's horror at the prospect of civil war.
“I had rather be ruled by a tyrant than by Demos, for your tyrant is but one man, but Demos is a beast of many heads and dispositions.”
A single tyrant is preferable to the chaotic rule of the mob.
Parson Drumbleforth's conservative view on popular governance.
“If the King hath the people against him, his army will stand him in little stead, sir.”
An army cannot prevail if the populace is opposed to the King.
Master Oldthwaite warns that popular sentiment will undermine the Royalist military effort.
“I am a Royalist to the backbone.”
I am utterly and unwaveringly loyal to the King.
Will Dale declares his innate Royalist allegiance despite his hesitation to join the fight.
