# Of the Coming Near of War explained — When Charles the First Was King

> Chapter companion for When Charles the First Was King by J. S. Fletcher.

## What happens

War draws closer as the rival armies converge on York. Will Dale and his family endure months of anxiety, with Ben Tuckett gathering news from both sides in Pontefract. Philip Lisle and Will agree to delay marriage until peace returns. The chapter recounts the military and political developments of 1643-1644, including the Solemn League and Covenant, the rise of the Independents under Cromwell, and the siege of York by the combined forces of Leven, Manchester, and Fairfax.

## Themes in this chapter

### Civil War and Duty

The war's approach dominates the chapter, with characters anxiously awaiting news and preparing for conflict.

### Love and Courtship

Will's desire to marry Rose is postponed due to the war, intensifying his impatience for peace.

### Fate and Providence

The uncertainty of war and the characters' helplessness in the face of larger events reflect a sense of fate.

### Social Class and Hierarchy

Ben Tuckett, a tradesman, navigates between Royalist and Parliamentarian factions, highlighting class dynamics in wartime.

## Character check-ins

### Will Dale

Impatient for the war to end so he can marry Rose; anxious about Philip and Jack's silence.

### Rose Lisle

Troubled about her father Philip's absence and the approaching war.

### Ben Tuckett

Gathers news from both sides in Pontefract; grows careworn and anxious about the siege.

### Philip Lisle

Consents to Will marrying Rose but advises waiting; departs for Oxford with Jack.

### Jack Drumbleforth

Repairs to Oxford with Philip Lisle; sends irregular news of the war.

### Lucy

Frets that the enemy might shoot Ben in skirmishes around Pontefract.

### Parson Drumbleforth

Comments on the Westminster Assembly and the Solemn League and Covenant.

### Oliver Cromwell

Emerges as a leader of the Independents; organizes the Eastern Association and prepares to attack Yorkshire.

## Key lines

> Ben never by word or deed let either party see that he favoured or disfavoured them, but talked little and listened much, saying in excuse that it is a deal better to be seen than to be heard, and that silence is pure gold, while speech is but ordinary silver.

Ben remained neutral in public, speaking little and listening carefully, believing it wiser to observe than to speak.

_Illustrates Ben's cautious nature and his method of gathering intelligence._

> Better to wait, said they, even were it ten years, until the land was settled, than to marry in the midst of so much anxiety and trouble.

Philip and Will's mother advised postponing the wedding until the country was at peace, no matter how long it took.

_Reflects the theme of patience and the impact of war on personal plans._

> The Independents, as they were called, were for liberty of conscience. They wanted it for themselves, and what they desired for themselves they were just enough to wish others to enjoy.

The Independents advocated for religious freedom for all, including those of different faiths.

_Highlights the rise of the Independents and their contrast with Presbyterian intolerance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/when_charles_the_first_was_king_se/chapters/xxiii-of-the-coming-near-of-war
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/when_charles_the_first_was_king_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/when_charles_the_first_was_king_se/chapters