The history of Scotland written in Latin by George Buchanan ; faithfully rendered into English.

John Baliol, The Ninety Sixth King.

WHereupon, Iohn Baliol was declared King of Scotland, 6 Years and 9 Months after the Death of Alexander. The rest of the Scots, being studious of the publick Tranquillity, led him to Scone, and there Crowned him, according to Custom, and all Swore Fealty to him, except Bruce; He, being thus made King by the English,* 1.1 and accepted by the Scots, being now secure of the Kingdom, came to Edward, who was at New-Castle upon Tine, and, according to his Promise,* 1.2 Swore Fealty to him, so did the Nobles also, who were of his Train, as not daring to contradict Two Kings; especially, they being so far from home: As soon as the rest of the Nobility heard of it, they were grievously offended, but, being conscious of their want of Power, they dissembled their Anger, for the present.

But soon after, an Occasion was offered them to shew it, Mackduff, Earl of Fife, (who, in the Time of the * 1.3 Interregnum, was One of the six Governors of the Land) was slain by the Abernethians, which was then a rich and potent Family, in Scotland; and the Earls Brother, being accused, by them, and brought to his Answer before the As∣sembly of the States, the King gave Sentence in Favour of the Aberne∣thians. So that Mackduff was dispossessed of the Land, which was in Controversie betwixt them; whereupon he conceived a double Dis∣pleasure against the King, One, on the Account of his own Wrong; and Another, because he had not severely punished the Murderers of his Brother. So that he appealed to the King of England; and desired, that Baliol might answer the Matter before Him. Hereupon, the Cause was removed to London;* 1.4 and as Baliol was casually sitting by Edward, in the Parliament House, and, when he was called, would have answered by a Proctor, it was denied him, so that he was en∣forced to arise from his Seat, and to plead his Cause from a lower Place. He bore the Affront silently for the present, not daring to do otherwise; but as soon as ever he was dispatched from thence, such Flames of Anger burnt in his Breast,* 1.5 that his Thoughts were wholly taken up, how to reconcile his own Subjects, and how to offend

Edward. As he was thus musing; it happened commodiously for him, That a new Discord arose betwixt the French and English, which, presently after, broke out into a War. Whereupon, Embas∣sadors were sent to the Assembly of Estates in Scotland, from Both Kings, The French's Errand, was, to renew the Old League with their New King. And the English, was, upon the Account of their late Oath to Edward, to receive Aid from them in the War he had undertaken; Both Embassys were referred to the Council of the Estates, where the Nobles, prone to Rebellion, were of Opinion, That the Request of the French, was Just; of the English, Unjust; For the League made, by universal Consent, with the French, more than 500 Years before, had been kept Sacred and Inviolable to that very Day, in regard of the Justness and Utility thereof, but this late Sub∣jection and surrendring themselves to the English, was extorted from the King, against his Will; and thô (as they proceeded to allege) he had been willing, yet, it did oblige neither King nor Kingdom; it being made by the King alone, without the Consent of the Estates, whereas the King might not act any Thing, relating to the Publick state of the Kingdom, without, much less, against, the Advice of the States. So a Decree was made, that Embassadors should be sent into France to renew the Ancient League;* 1.6 and that a Wife should be desired for Edward Baliol, Son to Iohn, out of the Kings Royal stem. Another Embassy was also sent into England, to signify, that the King of Scots did revoke the Reddition of the Kingdom and Himself, which he had forceably and unjustly made; and renouncing his Friendship, both for that Cause, and also for the many and innumerable other Wrongs, which he had done to Him and His,* 1.7 he was resolved to assert his An∣cient Liberty. No man of any Eminencie would carry this Message to Edward, because he was of a fierce Nature, and was rendred more so, by reason of the Indulgence of Fortune, which made him even almost to forget himself; At last, a certain Monk, or, as some say, the Abbat of Aberbrothoc carried Letters, of that Import, to him, who was grievously affronted for his Pains, and had much ado to escape home, being protected more by his, undervalued, Tenuity, than the Reverence of his Embassadorship.

In the mean time, Edward, had made a Truce with the French for some Months, hoping, That, before they were ended, he might sub∣due the Scots, taking them unprovided; and therefore, he sent his Fleet, designed for France, against Scotland, commanding them to stop all Provisions from being carried into Berwick, wherein,* 1.8 he heard, there was a very strong Garison. The Scots fought with this Fleet in the Mouth of the River, they destroyed and took 18 of their Ships, and put the rest to flight. Edward, out of Fierceness of Mind, by this Loss, was highly enraged to Revenge. He Summons Baliol, once and again, to appear; And he himself Levies a great Army, and comes to New-Castle upon Tine. There also he gave forth an Edict for Iohn to appear, Legally to purge himself from the Crimes objected against him. But neither He nor any for him, ap∣pearing ar the day appointed, he added Policy to Force,* 1.9 and sent for Bruce, and promises him the Kingdom, if, he would do his en∣deavour faithfully to Depose and drive out Baliol. To do which,

(said he) you need be at little Labour or Cost, only write Letters to your Friends, that, either they would desert the Kings Party; or, not be hearty or forward, if it came to a Battel. He, by great Marches, came to Berwick, but not being able to carry it, by reason of the strength of the Garison, he pretended to raise his Siege, and caused a Rumour to be spread abroad by some Scots, of Bruce his Party, that he despaired of Taking it; and that Baliol was coming, with a great Army, to raise the Siege, and was now near at hand, whereupon, all the Chief Men of the Garison made haste out to re∣ceive him Honourably, in promiscuous Multitudes, Horse and Foot together;* 1.10 so that Edward sent in some Horse amongst them, some they trod down and killed, others they divided from their Com∣pany, and, seizing on the nearest Gate, they entred the Town. Ed∣ward followed with his Foot, and made a miserable Slaughter of all sorts of People. Above 7000 of the Scots are reported to have been there slain, amongst Them were the Flower of the Lothian and Fife Nobility.

Though I love not to interrupt the continued Series of my History (as having resolved against it, at first) with any unnecessary Di∣gression, yet I cannot forbear to expose that unbridled Liberty of Evil speaking,* 1.11 which Richard Grafton, who lately compiled the History of England, assumes to himself; that so, they who read what I here write, may judge, what Credit is to be given to him. For, (he says) that Hector Boetius writes in his 14th Book, and ad Chapter, That so much Blood was split there, that Rivers of it running through the City, might have driven a Water-Mill for two days: To which, I say, First, That Boetius never divided his Book into Chapters; and besides, what he affirms is no where found in his Writings; but to leave this unlearned and shameless Relator, I re∣turn to Edward; who, by reason of the abounding Multitude of his Army, sent Part of it to besiege Dunbar; and a few days after, the Castle of Berwick, despairing of any Relief, was surrendred to him. Afterwards, he joined all his Forces together at Dunbar, to fight the Scots Army, who came to relieve it; The Battel was fierce; and the Victory inclining to the English, the chief of the Nobility fled into the Castle, but the Castle was soon taken, either by the Perfi∣diousness of Richard Stuart, the Governor, or else, because he had not Provisions for so great a Multitude, as were shut up in so narrow a Compass: Edward was very cruel to all the Prisoners: Some cast the Blame of this Overthrow upon Robert Bruce the Elder, in that his Friends giving back in the Battel, it strook a Terrour into the rest. But our Writers do constantly affirm, That when Bruce de∣manded of Edward the Kingdom of Scotland, according to his Pro∣mise, (as a Reward of his Pains that day,) That Edward should answer in French, of which Language he was Master, What, have I nothing else to do, but to win Kingdoms, for you? When Dunbar, and some other Castles, near the Borders of England, were taken, the surrender of * 1.12 Edinburgh and Sterlin followed soon after. Then Edward passing over the Forth, directed his March where Baliol then was. When he was come as far as Montross, without any to oppose him, Baliol, by the Persuasion of Iohn Cumins of Strabogy, came to

him and surrendred to him, Himself and the Kingdom.* 1.13 Baliol was sent into England, by Sea, and Edward, returning to Berwick, sent a strict and severe Summons to all the Scots Nobles, to attend him there; after they came, he compelled them to Swear Fealty to him. But William Douglas, an eminent Man, both on the account of his Family, and also his own famous Exploits, obstinately refusing to do it, was cast into Prison, where, in a few years, he died.

Thus Edward, having succeeded in his Expedition according to his Mind, left Iohn Warren, Earl of Surry, as Proxy behind him; and Hugh Cressingham, Lord Chief Justice, or Treasurer, and so returned to London. There he committed Iohn Baliol to Prison, in the 4th year of his Reign; but, a while after, at the Entreaty of the Pope, and his Promise, that he would raise no Tumults in Scotland,* 1.14 he was sent back into France, his Son Edward being retained as an Hostage. Edward, having prepared all things for the French War, (which, by reason of the Commotions in Scotland, he had deferred) now Sails thither, with great Forces; The Scots, by reason of his Absence, being erected to some hopes of their Liberty, chose 12 Men to Govern the State. By whose unanimous Consent, Iohn Cumins,* 1.15 Earl of Buchan, was sent into England, with a good Force; and in regard the English, who were scattered in Garisons over Scotland, dared not to stir, he spoiled Northumberland without controul, and laid Siege to Carlisle; but to no purpose:* 1.16 Though this Expedition did somewhat encourage the, before, crest-fallen Scots, and hindred the English from doing them further Mischief, yet it contributed little or nothing to the Main Chance, in regard, that all the Places of Strength were possessed by the Enemies Garisons; But when the Nobility had neither Strength nor Courage to undertake great Mat∣ters, there presently started up one William Wallace,* 1.17 a Man of an Ancient and Noble Family, but one that had lived poorly and mean∣ly, as having little or no Estate; yet, this Man performed in this War, not only beyond the Expectation, but even the Belief, of all the Common People; For he was bold-spirited, and strong-bodied, and, when he was but a Youth, had slain a young English Nobleman, who proudly domineered over him. For this Fact, he was fain to run away, and to skulk up and down in several places, for some years, to save his Life, and, by this Course of Life his Body was hardned against Wind and Weather, and his Mind also fortified to undergo greater hazards, when time should serve. At length, growing weary of such an Erratick Life, he resolved to attempt something, though never so hazardous; and therefore gathered a Band of Men together, of like Fortune with himself, and did not only assault single Persons, but even greater Companies, though with an inferior Number, and accordingly he slew several Persons, in divers Places. He played his Pranks with as much Celerity as Boldness, and never gave his Enemy opportunity to fight him, so that in a short time, his Fame was spread over Both Nations, by which means many came in to him, moved by the likeness of their Cause, or, with the like Love of their Country; thus he made up a considerable Army. And see∣ing the Nobles were sluggish in their Management of Affairs, either out of Fear or Dulness, this Wallace was proclaimed Regent,* 1.18 by the

Tumultuous Band that followed him, and so he managed Things as a Lawful Magistrate, and the Substitute of Baliol. He accepted of this Name, not out of any Ambition, or Desire to Rule, but be∣cause it was cast upon him by the Love and Good Will of his Coun∣trymen. With this Army, the first visible Exploit he performed was at * 1.19 Lanerick, where he slew the Major General of that Precinct, being an Englishman, of good Descent. Afterwards he took and de∣molished many Castles, which were either slenderly Fortified, or meanly Garisoned; or else, guarded negligently; which petty At∣tempts so encouraged his Soldiers, that they shunned no Service, no not the most hazardous, under his Conduct, as having experienced, That his Boldness was guided by Counsel; and That Counsel se∣conded by good Success.

When the Report of these Things was spread abroad, and per∣haps, somewhat enlarged, beyond the Bounds of Truth, out of Mens Respect and Favour to him; All that wished well to their Country, or were afraid of their own particular Conditions,* 1.20 flocked in to him, as judging it fit, to take Opportunity by the Forelock; so that, in a short time, he reduced all the Castles, which the English held on the other side of the Forth, though never so well fortified, and, for fear of him, carefully Guarded. He took and demolished the Castles of Dundee, Forfar, Brechin, and Montross; he seized on Dunoter, una∣wares, and Garisoned it; he entred Aberdene, (which the Enemy, for fear of his coming, had plundered and burnt) even whilst it was in Flames; but, a Rumour, being scattered abroad, concerning the coming of the English Army, prevented his Taking the Castle; for, he determined to meet them at the Forth, not being willing to hazard a Battel, but in a Place, he himself should choose. Edward of Eng∣land, when he went into France, (as I said before) put English Garisons into all the Strong Holds of Scotland, and besides, having many of the Scots faithful to him, and unfaithful to their Country, he banished and sent the Scots Nobility, whom he most suspected, into the heart of England, till his return. Amongst which was Iohn Cumins,* 1.21 Lord, or Petty King, of Badenach; and Alan Longan, a Man fit both for Advice and Action; and having setled Matters, after this sort, he was so far from fearing any Insurrection in Scotland, that he carried all his Army over along with him. But, hearing of the many Exploits of Wallace, he thought there was need of a greater Force to suppress him; yet, that the Expedition was not worthy of a King, neither, (as being only against a Roving Thief, for so the English called Wallace) and therefore he writes to Henry Percy, Earl of Nor∣thumberland, and William Latimer, That they should speedily Levy what Forces they could out of the Neighbouring Parts, and join themselves with Cressingham, who as yet remained in Scotland, to subdue the Rebellious Scots. Thomas Walsingham writes, that the Earl of Warren was General in this Expedition. But Wallace, who was then besieging the Castle of Cowper in Fife, left his Army, which he had increased against the coming of the English, should be idle, the English being near at hand, marched directly to Sterlin. The River Forth, no where, almost, fordable, may be there passed over by a Bridge of Wood, though it be increased by the Addition of

other Rivers, and by the coming in of the Tide, too. There Cressing∣ham passed over with the greatest part of his Army, but the Bridge, either having its Beams loosned and disjointed, on purpose, by the Skill of the Architect, (as our Writers say, it was) that so it might not be able to bear any great Weight; or else, being overladen with the heavy burden of so many Horse, Foot, and Carriages, as passed over, was broken, and so the March of the rest of the English was precluded, and hindred; The Scots set upon Those,* 1.22 who were passed over, before they could put themselves into a Posture; and, having slain their General, drove the rest back into the River, the Slaughter was so great, that they were all either killed or drowned; Wallace returned, from this Fight, to the besieging of Castles; and, in a short time, he so changed the Scene of Affairs, that he left none of the English in Scotland, but such as were made Prisoners. This Victory (wherein none of any eminency, among the Scots fell, save Andrew Murray, whose Son, some years, was Regent of Scotland) was ob∣tained in the Ides of September, in the year of Christ 1297. Some say, that Wallis was called off to this Fight,* 1.23 not from the Siege of Cowper, but of Dundee, whither he also returned after the Fight; so Iohn Major, and some Books found in Monasteries, do relate.

By means of these Combustions, the Fields lay untilled, insomuch, that, after that Overthrow, a Famine ensued, and a Pestilence after the Famine; from whence a greater Fear was apprehended, than from the War: Wallis, to prevent this Mischief as much as he could, called together all those, who were fit for Service, to appear at a cer∣tain day, with whom he marched into England, thinking with him∣self, that their Bodies, being exercised with Labour,* 1.24 would be more healthy; and, that Wintring in an Enemies Country, Provisions might be spared at home; and the Soldiers, who were in much want, might reap some Fruit of their Labours in a rich Country, and flou∣rishing by reason of its continued Peace: When he was entred into England, no Man dared to attack him, so that he staid there from the Calends of November, to the Calends of February,* 1.25 and having re∣freshed and inriched his Soldiers, with the Fruits and Spoils of the Enemy, he returned home, with great Renown. This Expedition, as it increased the Fame and Authority of Wallis amongst the Vulgar sort, so it heightned the envy of Nobles against him, mightily. For his Praise seemed a tacite Exprobration to them, who being Men of great Power and Wealth, either out of Slothfulness durst no••, or out of Perfidiousness would not, attempt, what He, that was a Mean Man, and destitute of all the Advantages of Fortune, had not only valiantly undertook, but also successfully performed. Moreover, the King of England, finding the Business to be greater than could well be managed by his Deputies, made some settlement of things in France, and returned home; and gathering together a great Army,* 1.26 but hastily levied, (for he brought not back his Veteran Soldiers, from beyond Sea) and, for the most part, raw and unexperienced Men, he marches toward Scotland; supposing he had only to do with a disorderly Band of Robbers.* 1.27 But when he saw both Armies in Battel array, about 500 Paces, one from another in the Plains of Stanmore, he admired the Discipline, Order, and Confidence of his

Enemies. So that, thô he himself had much the greater Force, yet he durst not put it to the hazard of a Battel, against such a Veteran and Experienced a Captain, and against Soldiers inured to all hard∣ships, but turned his Ensigns, and marched slowly back: Wallace al∣so durst not follow him,* 1.28 for fear of Ambushes, but kept his Army with∣in their Trenches. Having thus got the Victory, thô Bloodless, over so puissant a King, his Enemies were so much the more enraged a∣gainst him, and caused Rumours to be scattered up and down, That * 1.29 Wallis did openly affect a Supream or Tyrannical Power; at which, the Nobles, especially Bruce and the Cumin's, of the Royal Stock, did migh∣tily disdain; for they said thus within themselves, That if they must be Slaves, they had rather be so, under a Great and Potent King, than un∣der an Vpstart, whose Domination was like to be not only base, but also dangerous; And therefore they determined, by all means, to under∣mine the Authority of Wallis. Edward was not ignorant of these Disgusts, and therefore, the next Summer he Levies a Great Army, consisting partly of English, partly of Scots, who had remained Faith∣ful to him, and came to Falkirk, which is a Village built in the very Tract of the Wall of Severus, and is distant from Sterling, little more than 6 Miles. The Scots Army were not far from them, of suffici∣ent strength, for they were 30000. if the Generals and Leaders had agreed amongst themselves; Their Generals were Iohn Cumins, Iohn Stuart, and William Wallace, the most flourishing Persons amongst the Scots; the Two former, for their high Descent and Opulency; the Later, for the glory of his former Exploits.

When the Three Armies were ready to fight, a new Dispute arose, besides their former Envy, Who should lead the Van of the Army; and when all Three stood upon their Terms, the English decided the Controversie, who, with Banners displaid, marched with a swift pace towards them; Cumins and his Forces retreated, without stri∣king a stroke;* 1.30 Stuart, being beset before and behind, was slain, with all that followed him. Wallace was sorely pressed upon in the Front; and Bruce had fetched a compass about an Hill, and fell on his Reat, yet, he was as little disturbed, as, in such circumstances, he could possi∣bly be, but retreated beyond the River Carront, where, by the Inter∣posal of the River, he had Opportunity to defend himself, and also, to gather up the straggling Run-aways; and Bruce desiring to speak with him,* 1.31 he assented thereunto. They Two alone stood over a∣gainst one another, where the River hath the narrowest Chanel, and the highest Banks; And, First Bruce began, and told Wallace,

He wondred what was in his Mind, that, being hurried on by the un∣certain Favour of the Vulgar, he should expose himself to such assi∣duous and imminent Danger, against a King, the most potent of that Time, and who was also assisted by a great Number of the Scots; and that to no purpose neither, for, if he overcame Edward, the Scots would never Grant him the Kingdom; and, if himself were overcome, he had no Refuge but in the Mercy of his Enemy. To whom Wallas replyed, I never proposed that Scope to my De∣signs and Labours, as to obtain the Kingdom, of which my For∣tune is not capable, neither doth my Mind aspire thereunto: But when I saw my Countrymen, by your slothfulness (to whom the

Kingdom doth rightly appertain) destitute of Governors, and ex∣posed not to the Slavery only, but even to the Butchery of a cruel Enemy, I had pity on them▪ and undertook the Cause, which you deserted; neither will I forsake the Liberty, Good, and Safety of my Countrymen, till Life forsake me: You, who had rather chuse base Servitude with Security, than honest Liberty with Hazard, follow, and hug, the Fortune, which you so highly esteem; As for me, I will willingly Dye in my Country, which I have often de∣fended; and my Love to it shall remain, as long as my Life conti∣nues.

Thus the Conference was broken off, and each of them reti∣red to their Forces.* 1.32 This Battel was fought the 11th of the Calends of August, wherein there fell of the Scots 10000, amongst whom, of the Nobles, were Iohn Stuart, Macduff Earl of Fife: and of Wallis his Army, Iohn Grame, the valiantest Person of the Scots, next to Wallis himself. Of the English, were slain Frere Briangy,* 1.33 highly Fam'd and Notic'd for Military Skill. After this unhappy Fight, Wallis came to Perth, and dismissed his Army, giving Place to that Envy, which, he knew, he could not resist; and, from that day forward, he never acted as a General; yet he ceased not, with a few of his Friends, who still stuck to him, thô he renounced the Name of a General, as often as a convenient Opportunity was offered, to press upon the English.

Edward also, after he had wasted all the Country beyond the Forth, even unto Perth, receiving into his Obedience all those who durst not, as long as he was present, make any Insurrection, drew back his Army. Those of the Scots, who, after the Enemies departure,* 1.34 did most study the Liberty of their Country, being a little heartned, made Iohn Cumins, Iunior, their Regent. He, according to the Ad∣vice of the Council, sent Embassadors to Philip Valois, King of France, to desire him, that, by the Mediation of his Sister, who was then be∣trothed to Edward, they might obtain, at least, a Truce. By her Endeavours, a Truce was obtained for Seven Months, which yet was not faithfully observed. For the English detained the Embassadors, which were sent to Boniface the 8th, and committed them to Prison. In the mean time, the Scots, who could neither bear the Tyranny of the English, nor satisfie the cruel Mind of Edward, by their Punish∣ments, nor yet obtain an equal Peace from him; with obstinate Minds, and in despair of Pardon, resolved to Fight it out to the utmost. First of all, they expel all Edward's Governors, who were English, from all Towns and Castles; next, they afflict the Scots of their Fa∣ction, as much as ever they could. Things remained in this posture almost Two years, and then Edward sent Ralph Confray,* 1.35 with great Forces to subdue the Robbers, (as he called them) and to make an end of the War. They met with no Opposition, but Preyed far and near, till they came to Roslin, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 place in Lothian, about 5 Miles distant from Edinburgh,) and there they divided their Army into Three parts, to make the greater Havock, and so pitched their Tents. Iohn Cumins, with the assistance of Iohn Frazer, the most potent Man in all Tivedale, gathered 8000 Men together, and marched to∣wards the Enemy, thinking to abridge the Limits of their plun∣dering Excursions, or, otherwise, if an happy Opportunity offered

itself for Action, not to be wanting to Fortune. And indeed, he met with a fairer Occasion, than he hoped for. For the English, little ex∣pecting an Assault, from an Enemy that they had so often Conquer∣ed, and brought so low, lived more stragglingly than they ought to have done in an Enemies Country; so that their first Camp was soon taken, by the suddain coming of the Scots, and a great Slaugh∣ter made; They, who escaped, carried the Noise into the next Camp; They in a great Fear, cryed out, Arm, Arm, and they all ex∣horted one another, to succor their fellow-Soldiers; but perceiving, That the designed Succor was too late, they prepared for Revenge. A fierce Fight was commenced betwixt them, as Men, eager, and desirous of Victory and Revenge; at last, the English were routed, and put to Flight, and the Victory, thô a bloody one, remained to the Scots▪ In the mean time, the third Camp, who was farther off, came,* 1.36 and occasioned some terror to the Scots. For, in regard, many of them were wounded, and the greatest Part wearied with the toil of a double Fight, they saw, that there was imminent Dan∣ger in Fighting, and assured Destruction in flying away. At length, by the Command of their Leaders, they slew all the Prisoners, lest, while they were busied with their Enemies, they should rise up and set upon them in the Rear; and arming their Servants with the Spoils of the Slain, they made a Show of a greater Army than indeed they were. Hereupon, the Battel was begun, and fiercely carried on by both Parties. The Fight being a long time doubtful, the Scots by the encouragement of their Leaders, putting them in mind of their double Victory, took fresh Courage, and charged the Enemy with such Violence, that they broke their Ranks, and put them to flight. This Fight was at Roslin, the 6th of the Calends of March, in the Year 1302.* 1.37

As the Victory was the more Famous, being obtained by but One Army, over Three, in one and the same day, so it mightily in∣censed the Mind of Edward. To blot out the Ignominy, and to put an end, at length, to a long lasting War, he therefore Levies an Army bigger than ever he had before, and assaulted Scotland both by Sea and Land,* 1.38 and made spoil of it, even unto the uttermost Borders of Ross, no Man daring to oppose so great a Force. Only Wallis and his Men, sometimes in the Front, sometimes in the Rear, sometimes in the Flanks, would snap, either those that rashly went before, or that loitered after; or, that, in Plundering, straggled too far from their Fellows, neither did he suffer them to Stray, far from their Colours. Edward sought, by great Promises, to bring * 1.39 him over to his Party; but his constant ••one, was, That he had Devoted his Life to his Country, to which it was due, and if he could do it no other Service, yet he would dye in its Defence. There were some Castles yet remaining, not surrendred to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 English, as Vrchart in Murray, which was taken by Storm, and all the Defendants put to the Sword; whereupon, the rest surrendred themselves, for fear. After these Exploits, the English King joyned his Son Edward, whom he had left at Perth; and, by the Accession of his Forces, he besieged Sterling, which, after a Months Siege, he took; the Garison therein being re∣duced to the want of all things; the Conditions were only Life and

Liberty. And yet, William Oliver, against the tenor of his Articles of Surrender, was detain'd, and sent Prisoner into England. When all Scotland was reduced, an Assembly of the States was Indicted, by Edward, to be held at St. Andrews, where all, out of Fear,* 1.40 took an Oath of Allegiance to him, except Wallis alone; and, fearing he should be given up by the Nobility (who were much disgusted at him,) to Edward his Mortal Enemy, he retired himself into his old Fastnesses, and Lurking holes.

Edward,* 1.41 having appointed Governours and Magistrates over all Scotland, returned into England; but, at his departure, he shewed an evident Demonstration of his great Hatred against the Scotish Race, for he was not content only with the taking with him all those, whom he feared would raise new Seditions, but he endeavoured, as much as he could, to abolish the very Memory of the Nation. For,* 1.42 he re∣pealed their Old Laws, and set up the Ecclesiastical State and Cere∣monies, according to the Manner of England: He caused all Histo∣ries, Leagues, and Ancient Monuments, either left by the Romans, or, erected by the Scots, to be destroyed: He carried all the Books, and all that were Teachers of Learning, into England:* 1.43 He sent also to London, an un-polished Marble Stone; wherein, it was vulgarly Reported and Believed, that the Fate of the Kingdom was contained; neither did he leave any thing behind him, which, either upon the account of its Memory, might excite Generous Spirits to the Re∣membrance of their Ancient Fortune, and Condition; or, indeed, which could excite them to any True Greatness of Mind; so that, having broken their Spirits, (as he thought) as well as their Force, and cast them into a servile Dejection; he promised himself a per∣petual Peace from Scotland. At his Return, he left Ailmer Valentine, as his Regent, or Vice-King, who was to nip all Seditious Attempts, if any did break forth, in the very Bud. Yet, a new War sprang up against him, from whence he little thought.

There were some of the Prime Nobility in Scotland with Edward, as Robert Bruce, the Son of him, who contended with Baliol for the Kingdom, and Iohn Cumins, Sirnamed Red, from the colour of his Face, Cousin German to Iohn Baliol the last King of Scotland.* 1.44 Ed∣ward called them often to him a-part, and put them severally in a vain hope of the Kingdom, and so he made use of their Assistance in the Conquering of Scotland. But, at the last, they discovered the Mockery and Cheat, so that each of them desired nothing more, than a fit Occasion to Revenge the Perfidiousness of that King. But, in re∣gard, they were Corrivals, their mutual Suspicion kept them back from Communicating their Counsels, one to another. At last,* 1.45 Cu∣mins, perceiving, that Matters, as managed by Edward, were di∣strastful to Bruce, he spake to him, and, taking his Rise from the Be∣ginning of their Miseries, deplored much the lamentable Condition of their Country, and greatly inveighed against the Fals••ness of Ed∣ward; withal grievously accusing himself and Bruce too, that they had, by their Labour and Assistance, helped to cast their Country-Men in∣to this Abyss of Misery. After this first Discourse, they proceeded further, and, each of them promising Silence, they agreed, That Bruce should enjoy the Kingdom, and Cumins should wave his Right there∣to;

but, instead thereof, that he should enjoy all those large and fruitful Possessions, which Bruce had in Scotland; and, in a Word, that he should be the Second Man in the Kingdom: Those Cove∣nants were Writ down, Sealed and Sworn, betwixt Themselves. Hereupon, Bruce, watching an Opportunity to rise in Arms, left his Wife and Children in Scotland,* 1.46 and went to the Court in England. After his Departure, Cumins, (as 'tis reported) either repenting himself of his Agreement; or else, endeavouring fraudulently to re∣move his Corrival, and so obtain an easier Way to the Kingdom, be∣trayed their secret Combination to Edward; and, in verification thereof, he sent him the Covenants, signed by them Both. Here∣upon, Bruce was impleaded, as Guilty of High Treason, he was for∣bid to depart the Court,* 1.47 and a Privy Guard set over him, to in∣spect his Words and Actions. The Kings delay to punish him, in a Crime so manifest, proceeded from a Desire he had to take his Bre∣thren too, before they had heard any bruit of his Execution. In the mean time, Bruce was informed by the Earl of Mountgomery, his Grandfathers old Friend, of his sudden Danger, who dared not to commit his Advice for his Flight to Writing, being discouraged by Bruce his Example, but he sent him a pair of Guilt Spurs, and some Pieces of Gold, as if he had borrowed them of him, the day before. Robert, upon the Receipt of the Gift, as Dangers make Men sagacious, soon smelt out, what his Meaning was, so that he sent for a Smith in the Night, and commanded him to set on Shoos on Three Horses, the backward way,* 1.48 that so his Flight might not be traced by the Mark of the Horses Feet; and, the same Night, he and Two other Companions, began their Journy, and, Man and Horse being ex∣treamly tired, in Seven days he came to his Castle, scituate by L••ch Maban: There he joyned David his Brother, and Robert Fle∣ming; to whom he had scarce declared the Cause of his Flight, be∣fore he lighted upon a flying Post, who was conveighing Letters from Cumins, to Edward; The Contents were, That Robert should speedily be put to Death; that there was danger in delay, lest a Man so Nobly Descended, and so Popular as He, adding Boldness to his Wisdom too, should raise New Commotions. The Perfidiousness of Cumins be∣ing thus (as well as otherwise,) plainly detected, Robert was inflamed with Anger, and rode presently to Dumfreiz, where his Adversary, Iohn Cumins, was, in the Franciscans Church, whom he confronted with his own Letters, which he then shewed him; he very impu∣dently denied them to be His; but Robert, no longer able to bridle his Wrath, run him into the Belly with his Dagger, and so left him for Dead. As he was Mounting his Horse, Iames Lindsay, and Roger Kirkpatrick, one his Kinsman, the other his old Friend, percei∣ving by his Countenance, that he was troubled, asked him the Cause; he told them in breif the whole Business, adding withal, That, he thought, he had killed Cumins. What, says Lindsay, will you leave a Matter of that Consequence upon an,* 1.49 I thought, and assoon as he had spoke the Word, he ran into the Church and dispatched him quite, and also his Kinsman, Robert Cumins, who, endeavoured to save him. This Murder was committed in the Year 1305. on the * 1.50 Fourth of the Ides of February. About the same time also, Wallis was betrayed

in the County of Glascow,* 1.51 (where he then hid himself) by his own Familiar Friend Iohn Menteith, whom the English had Corrupted with Money, and so was sent to London; where, by Edwards Com∣mand, he was wofully Butchered, and his Limbs, for the terrour of others, Hanged up in the most noted Places of London and Scotland. Such an End had this Person, the famousest Man of his Time, who deserved to be compared with the most Renowned Captains of An∣cient Times, both for his Greatness of Mind in undertaking Dangers, and for his Wisdom and Valour in overcoming Them:* 1.52 For Love to his Country, he was Second to none; who, when others were Slaves, he alone was Free, neither could be induced by Rewards, or Threats, to forsake the Publick Cause, which he had once undertaken: His Death was the more to be Lamented, because he was not conquered by his Enemy, but betrayed by his Friend, who had little Reason so to do.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Baliol swears Fealty to Edward.
• * 1.2

  At which many of the Scots Nobles are offended.
• * 1.3

  An Interrog∣num in Scot∣land, before Baliol was made King.
• * 1.4

  Young Mack∣duff complains to K. Edward against Baliol.
• * 1.5

  Baliol disgusts Edward.
• * 1.6

  He sides with the French.
• * 1.7

  And with∣draws his Sub∣jection from England.
• * 1.8

  Whereupon Edward War•• against Scot∣land.
• * 1.9

  He sides with Bruce.
• * 1.10

  Overthrows the Scots, and takes Berwick.
• * 1.11

  Grafton Cen∣sured by This Author.
• * 1.12

  Edinburgh and Sterlin.
• * 1.13

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.14

  But is released by Mediation of the Pope.
• * 1.15

  A Duodece•••• virat in Scot∣land.
• * 1.16

  Iohn Cumins marches into England.
• * 1.17

  The Story of Wallis, Wal∣las, or Wallace, and his famous Exploits a∣gainst the English.
• * 1.18

  He is made Regent;
• * 1.19

  The chief Town of Clydsdale.
• * 1.20

  And takes many Places from the Eng∣lish.
• * 1.21

  Or Logan.
• * 1.22

  He overthrows Cressingham the English General at Sterlin Bridge.
• * 1.23

  September 15.
• * 1.24

  He enters with an Army into England.
• * 1.25

  1 November. 1 February.
• * 1.26

  Edward re∣turns from France to sub∣due Wallace.
• * 1.27

  But retreats from the North with∣out Fighting.
• * 1.28

  The Scots No∣bles envy Wal∣lace for his Success.
• * 1.29

  Or Wallace
• * 1.30

  Edward gives the Scots a great over∣throw at Fal∣kirk.
• * 1.31

  A Conference betwixt Bruce and Wallace in the Field.
• * 1.32

  Iuly 22.
• * 1.33

  Wallace dis∣misses the re∣mainder of his Army.
• * 1.34

  The Scots, by the mediation of the King of France, obtain a Truce from Edward.
• * 1.35

  The Scots 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Arm•• a∣gain.
• * 1.36

  And over∣throw the English at Roslin in Mid-lothian.
• * 1.37

  Feb. 24.
• * 1.38

  Edward, in revenge, en∣ters into Scot∣land with a vast Army, and subdues all the Coun∣try.
• * 1.39

  Wallace court∣ed by King Edward, to come over to his Party, with his stout An∣swer, in the Negative. Three Miles E••st of El••in.
• * 1.40

  All the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 S••e••r Al••e••••∣ance to 〈…〉〈…〉 Wallace.
• * 1.41

  Edward ap∣points Magi∣strates all over Scotland.
• * 1.42

  Edwards Se∣verity Cens••∣red.
• * 1.43

  He carries the Marble Stone into England, on which the Scots King•• u••ed to be Crowned.
• * 1.44

  Seeds of new Troubles in Scotland.
• * 1.45

  A formal A∣greement be∣tween Cumins and Bruce.
• * 1.46

  Which Cumins discovers to K. Edward.
• * 1.47

  B••uce like to suffer for Treason, but is informed of his danger by a Wi••e, and flies by Night into Scotland.
• * 1.48

  Bruce's Horses shod back∣ward, to se∣cure his Flight.
• * 1.49

  Bruce kills Cu∣mins, for be∣traying him.
• * 1.50

  Febr. 10.
• * 1.51

  Wallis un∣worthily be∣trayed by his Friend, is Hang'd and Quartered by Edward.
• * 1.52

  His Cha••act••r.