About noon
All was amazement and confusion -- nothing had been done -- no arrangements had been made -- Chaloner told Edward that all was lost if immediate steps were not taken . On the 3d of October , the army of Cromwell appeared in sight . Edward had been on horseback , attending the king , for the best part of the night ; the disposition of the troops had been made as well as it could ; and it was concluded , as Cromwell 's army remained quiet , that no attempt would be made on that day . About noon the king returned to his lodging , to take some refreshment after his fatigue . Edward was with him ; but before an hour had passed , the alarm came that the armies were engaged . The king mounted his horse , which was ready saddled at the door ; but before he could ride out of the city , he was met and nearly beaten back by the whole body almost of his own cavalry , who came running on with such force that he could not stop them . His majesty called to several of the officers by name , but they paid no attention ; and so great was the panic , that both the king and his staff , who attended him , were nearly overthrown , and trampled under foot .