Nor, Edith, judge thyself betray'd,

With buckler, brand, and spear.
The term was nigh-they muster'd fast,
By beacon and by bugle-blast

Forth marshall'd for the field;
There rode each knight of noble name,
There England's hardy archers came,
The land they trode seem'd all on flame,
With banner, blade, and shield!
And not famed England's powers alone,
Renown'd in arms, the summons own;
For Neustria's knights obey'd,
Gascogne hath lent her horsemen good,*
And Cambria, but of late subdued,
Sent forth her mountain-inultitude,†

And Connoght pour'd from waste and wood
Her hundred tribes, whose sceptre rude
Dark Eth O'Connor sway'd.‡

V.

Right to devoted Caledon

The storm of war rolls slowly on, $

With menace deep and dread';

So the dark clouds, with gathering power,
Suspend awhile the threaten'd shower,
Till every peak and summit lower

Round the pale pilgrim's head.
Not with such pilgrim's startled eye
King Robert mark'd the tempest nigh!
Resolved the brunt to bide,

His royal summons warn'd the land,
That all who own'd their King's command
Should instant take the spear and brand,
To combat at his side.

O who may tell the sons of fame,
That at King Robert's bidding came,

To battle for the right!

From Cheviot to the shores of Ross,
From Solway-Sands to Marshal's-Moss, T
All boun'd them for the fight.
Such news the royal courier tells,
Who came to rouse dark Arran's dells;
But farther tidings must the ear
Of Isabel in secret hear.

These in her cloister walk, next morn,
Thus shared she with the Maid of Lorn.
VI.

"My Edith, can I tell how dear
Our intercourse of hearts sincere

Hath been to Isabel ?

Judge then the sorrow of my heart,
When I must say the words, We part!
The cheerless convent-cell

Was not, sweet maiden, made for thee;
Go thou where thy vocation free

On happier fortunes fell.

at Werk, upon the tenth day of June first, under pain of the royal displeasure, &c.

*(The MS. has not this line.]

Edward the First, with the usual policy of a conqueror, em ployed the Welsh, whom he had subdued, to assist him in his Scottish wars, for which their habits, as mountaineers, particularly fitted them. But this policy was not without its risks. Previous to the battle of Falkirk, the Welsh quarrelled with the Engglish men at arms, and after bloodshed on both parts, separated themselves from his army, and the feud between them, at so dan gerous and critical a juncture, was reconciled with difficulty. Edward II followed his father's example in this particular, and with no better success. They could not be brought to exert themselves in the eause of their conquerors. But they had an indif ferent reward for their forbearance. Without arms, and clad only in scanty dresses of linen cloth, they appeared naked in the eyes even of the Scottish peasantry; and after the rout of Bannockbarn, were massacred by them in great numbers, as they retired in confusion towards their own country. They were under command of Sir Maurice de Berkeley.

These

! There is in the Foedera an invitation to Eth O'Connor, chief of the Irish of Connaught, setting forth that the king was about to move against his Scottish rebels, and therefore requesting the attendance of all the force he could muster, either commanded by himself in person, or by some nobleman of his race. auxiliaries were to be commanded by Richard de Burgh, Earl of Ulster. Similar mandates were issued to the following Irish chiefs, whose names may astonish the unlearned, and amuse the antiquary.

"Eth O Donnuld, Duci Hibernicorum de Tyconil;
Demod O Kahan. Duci Hibernicorum de Fernetrew;
Doneval O Neel, Duci Hibernicorum de Tryowyn;
Neel Macbreen, Duci Hibernicorum de Kynallewan;
Eth, Offyn. Duci Hibernicorum de Turtery;

Admely Mac Anegus, Duci Hibernicorum de Onehagh;
Neel O Hanian, Duci Hibernicorum de Erthere;
Bien Mac Mahun. Duci Hibernicorum de Uriel;
Lauercagh Mac Wyr, Duci Hibernicorum de Lougherin;
VOL. I.-3 Z

Though Robert knows that Lorn's high Maid
And his poor silent page were one.
Versed in the fickle heart of man,**
Earnest and anxious hath he look'd

How Ronald's heart the message brook'd
That gave him, with her last farewell,
The charge of sister Isabel,

To think upon thy better right,
And keep the faith his promise plight.
Forgive him for thy sister's sake,
At first if vain repinings wake-tt
Long since that mood is gone:
Now dwells he on thy juster claims,
And oft his breach of faith he blames
Forgive him for thine own!".

VII.

"No! never to Lord Ronald's bower
Will I again as paramour"-
"Nay, hush thee, too impatient maid,
Until my final tale be said!-

The good King Robert would engage
Edith once more his elfin page,
By her own heart, and her own eye,
Her lover's penitence to try-‡‡
Safe in his royal charge, and free,
Should such thy final purpose be,
Again unknown to seek the cell,
And live and die with Isabel."
Thus spoke the maid-King Robert's eye
Might have some glance of policy;
Dunstaffnage had the monarch ta'en,

And Lorn had own'd King Robert's reign ;59
Her brother had to England fled,
And there in banishment was dead;
Ample, through exile, death, and flight,
O'er tower and land was Edith's right;
This ample right o'er tower and land
Were safe in Ronald's faithful hand.
VIII.

Embarrass'd eye and blushing cheek,
Pleasure and shame, and fear bespeak!
Yet much the reasoning Edith made:
"Her sister's faith she must upbraid,
Who gave such secret, dark and dear,
In council to another's ear.

Why should she leave the peaceful cell ?-
How should she part with Isabel ?-
How wear that strange attire agen?-
How risk herself midst martial men?-
And how be guarded on the way?-
At least she might entreat delay.'
Kind Isabel, with secret smile,
Saw and forgave the maiden's wile,
Reluctant to be thought to move
At the first call of truant love.If

Gillys Railly, Duci Hibernicorum de Bresfeny
Geffrey O Fergy, Duci Hibernicorum de Montiragwil f
Felyn O Honughur, Duci Hibernicorum de Connach;
Donethuth O Bien, Duci Hiberniccrum de Tothmund;
Dermod Mac Arthy, Duci Hibernicorum de Dessemound
Denenol Carbragh;

Maur, Kenenagh Mac Murgh;
Murghugh O Bryn;
David O Tothvill;

Dermiod O Tonoghur, Doffaly;
Fyn O Dymsy;

Souethuth Mac Gillephatrick;

Leyssagh O Morth;

Gilbertus Ekelly, Duci Hibernicorum de Omanyt
Mac Ethelau;

Omalan Helyn, Duci Hibernicorum Midie."

RYMER'S Fœdera, vol iii., pp. 476, 477. $ (MS" The gathering storm of war rolls on."] (MS.-"Should instant belt them with the brand."] [MS.-"From Solway's sands to wild Cape Wrath, From Ilay's Rinns to Colbrand's Path."] **[MS." And his mute page were one.

For, versant in the heart of man."]

* [MS.-"If brief and vain repinings wake."]
:: LMS." Her love's alter'd mood to try."]
$$ (MS. Her aged wire had own'd his reign."}
The MS. here presents, erased-

"But all was overruled-a band

From Arran's mountains left tho land
Their chief, MacLouis, had the care
The speechless Amadine to bear

honour

To Bruce, with reverence as behoved

To page the monarch dearly loved."

With one verbal alteration these lines occur hereafter the poss

IX.

Oh, blame her not!-when zephyrs wake,
The aspen's trembling leaves must shake;
When beams the sun through April's shower,
It needs must bloom, the violet flower;
And Love, howe'er the maiden strive,
Must with reviving hope revive!
A thousand soft excuses came,

To plead his cause 'gainst virgin shame.
Pledged by their sires in earliest youth,
He had her plighted faith and truth-
Then, 'twas her Liege's strict command,
And she, beneath his royal hand,
A ward in person and in land a
And, last, she was resolved to stay
Only brief space-one little day-
Close hidden in her safe disguise

From all, but most from Ronald's eyes--
But once to see him more! -nor blame
Her wish-to hear him name her name!-
Then, to bear back to solitude

The thought, he had his falsehood rued!
But Isabel, who long had seen
Her pallid cheek and pensive mien,
And well herself the cause might know,
Though innocent, of Edith's wo,
Joy'd. generous, that revolving time
Gave means to expiate the crime.
High glow'd her bosom as she said,
"Well shall her sufferings be repaid!"
Now came the parting hour-a band
From Arran's mountains left the land;
Their chief, Fitz-Louis,* had the care
The speechless Amadine to bear
To Bruce, with honour, as behoved
To page the monarch dearly loved.

having postponed them, in order to apologize more at length for Edph's acquiescence in an arrangement not, certainly, at first sight, over delicate.]

*Fitz Louis, or Mac-Louis, otherwise called Fullarton, is a family of ancient descent in the Isle of Arran. They are said to be of French origin, as the name intimates. They attached them selves to Bruce upon his first landing; and Fergus Mac-Louis, or Fullarton, received from the grateful monarch a charter, dated 26th November, in the second year of his reign, (1307) for the Jands of Kilmichel, and others, which still remain in this very an ient and respectable family.

[MS. Nearest and plainest to the eye."]

The arrangements adopted by King Robert for the decisive battle of Bannockburn, are given very distinctly by Barbour, and form an edifying lesson to tacticians. Yet, till commented upon by Lord Hailes, this important passage of history has been generally and strangely misunderstood by historians. I will here endeavour to detail it fully.

Two days before the battle, Bruce selected the field of action, and took post there with his army, consisting of about 30.000 disciplined men, and about half the number of disorderly attend ants upon the camp. The ground was called the New Park of String; it was partly open, and partly broken by copses of wood and marshy ground. He divided his regular forces into four divisions. Three of these occupied the front line, separated from each other, yet sufficiently near for the purposes of communication. The fourth division formed a reserve. The line extended in a north-easterly direction from the brook of Bannock, which was so rugged and broken as to cover the right flank effectually, to the village of Saint Ninian's, probably in the line of the present road from Stirling to Kilsyth. Edward Bruce commanded the right wing, which was strengthened by a strong body of cavalry under Kith, the Mareschal of Scotland, to whom was committed the important charge of attacking the English archers, Douglas, and the young Steward of Scotland, led the central wing; and Thomas Randolph, Earl of Moray, the left wing. The King himself commanded the fourth division, which lay in reserve behind the others. The royal standard was pitched, according to tradition, in a stone, having a round hole for its reception, and thence called the Bore stone. It is still shown on the top of a small eminence, called Brock's-brae, to the south west of St. Ninian's. His main body thus disposed, King Robert sent the followers of the camp, fifteen thousand and upwards in number, to the eminence in rear of his army, called from that circumstance the Gillies' (ie. the servants') Hill.

The military advantages of this position were obvious. The Scottish left flank, protected by the brook of Bannock, could not be turned; or, if that attempt were made, a movement by the reserve might have covered it. Again, the English could not pass the Scottish ariny, and move towards Stirling, without exposing their flank to be attacked while in inarch..

If, on the other hand, the Scottish line had been drawn up east and west, and facing to the southward, as affirmed by Buchanan, and adopted by Mr. Nimmo, the author of the History of -tirling shire, there appears nothing to have prevented the English ap proaching upon the carse, or level ground, from Falkirk, either from turning the Scottish left fink, or from passing their posi tion. if they preferred it, without coming to an action, and moving on to the relief of Stirling. And the Gllies' Hill, if this less probable hypothesis he adopted, would be situated, not in the rear, as allowed by all the historians, but upon the left flank of Bruce's

X.

The King had deem'd the maiden bright
Should reach him long before the fight,
But storms and fate her course delay:
It was on eve of battle-day,

When o'er the Gillie's-hill she rode.
The landscape like a furnace glow'd,
And far as e'er the eye was borne,
The lances waved like autumn-corn.
In battles four beneath their eye,t
The forces of King Robert lie.
And one below the hill was laid,§
Reserved for rescue and for aid;

And three, advanced, form'd vaward-line,
"Twixt Bannock's brook and Ninian's shrine.
Detach'd was each, yet each so nigh
As well might mutual aid supply.
Beyond, the Southern host appears,
A boundless wilderness of spears,
Whose verge or rear the anxious eye
Strove far, but strove in vain, to spy.
Thick flashing in the evening beam,
Glaives, lances, bills, and banners gleam;
And where the heaven join'd with the hill,
Was distant armour flashing still,

So wide, so far, the boundless host
Seem'd in the blue horizon lost.

XI.

Down from the hill the maiden pass'd,
At the wild show of war aghast:
And traversed first the rearward host,
Reserved for aid where needed most.
The men of Carrick and of Ayr,
Lennox and Lanark too, were there,

And all the western land;

army. The only objection to the hypothesis above laid down, w that the left flank of Bruce's army was thereby exposed to a sally from the garrison of Stirling. But, 1st, the garrison were bound to neutrality by terms of Mowbray's treaty; and Barbour even seems to censure, as a breach of faith, some secret ass stance which they rendered their countrymen upon the eve of battle, in placing temporary bridges of doors and spars over the pools of water in the carse, to enable them to advance to the charge.* 2dly. Had this not been the case, the strength of the garrison was probably not sufficient to excite apprehension. 3dly. The adverse hypothesis leaves the rear of the Scottish army as much exposed to the Stirling garrison, as the left flank would be in the case supposed.

It only remains to notice the nature of the ground in front of Bruce's line of battle. Being part of a park, or chase, it was con siderably interrupted with trees, and an extensive marsh, still visi ble, in some places rendered it inaccessible, and in all of difficult approach. More to the northward, where the natural impedi ments were fewer, Bruce fortified his position against cavalry, by digging a number of pits so close together, says Barbour, as to resemble the cells in a honey comb. They were a foot in breadth, and between two and three feet deep, many rows of them being placed one behind the other. They were slightly covered with brushwood and green sods, so as not to be obvious to an impetuous enemy.

All the Scottish army were on foot, excepting a select body of cavaly stationed with Edward Bruce on the right wing, under the immediate command of Sir Robert Keith, the Marshal of Scot land, who were destined for the important service of charging and dispersing the English archers.

Thus judiciously posted, in a situation fortified both by art and nature. Bruce awaited the attack of the English.

[MS.-" One close beneath the hill was laid ") Upon the 23d June, 1314, the alarm reached the Scottish army of the approach of the enemy. Douglas and the Marshal were sent to reconnoitre with a body of cavalry;

"And soon the great host have they seen,
Where shields shining were so sheen,
And basinets burnished bright,
That gave against the sun great light.
They saw so felet brawdyne: bancrs,
Standards and pennons and spears,
And so fele knights upon steeds,
All flaming in their weeds.
And so fele bataills, and so broad,
And too so great room as they rode.
That the maist host, and the stoutest
Of Christendom, and the greatest,
Should be abaysit for to see
Their foes into such quantity."

The Bruce, vol. ii. p. 111. The two Scottish commanders were cautious in the account which they brought back to their camp. To the king in private they told the formidable state of the enemy; but in public reported that the English were indeed a numerous host, but ill commanded and worse disciplined.

the English approached from the south-east; since, had their march been de An assistance which (by the way) could not have been rendered, had not north, the whole Scottish army must have been between them and the garrison. ↑ Many. * Displayed.

With these the valiant of the Isles
Beneath their chieftains rank'd their files,*
In many a plaided band.

There, in the centre, proudly raised,
The Bruce's royal standard blazed,
And there Lord Ronald's banner bore
A galley driven by sail and oar.
A wild, yet pleasing contrast, made
Warriors in mail and plate array'd,
With the plumed bonnet and the plaid
By these Hebrideans worn;
But 0! unseen for three long years,
Dear was the garb of mountaineers
To the fair maid of Lorn!
For one she look'd-but he was far
Busied amid the ranks of war-
Yet with affection's troubled eye
She nark'd his banner boldly fly,
Gave on the countless foe a glance,,

And thought on battle's desperate chance.

XII.

To centre of the vaward line
Fitz-Louis guided Amadine.t
Arm'd all on foot, that host appears
A serried mass of glimmering spears.
There stood the Marchers' warlike band,
The warriors there of Lodon's land;
Ettrick and Liddell bent the yew,
A band of archers fierce, though few;
The men of Nith and Annan's vale,
And the bold spears of Teviotdale;-
The dauntless Douglas these obey,
And the young Stuart's gentle sway.
North-eastward by Saint Nician's shrine,
Beneath fierce Randolph's charge, combine
The warriors whom the hardy North
From Tay to Sutherland sent forth.
The rest of Scotland's war-array
With Edward Bruce to westward lay,
Where Bannock, with his broken bank
And deep ravine, protects their flank.

The men of Argyle, the islanders, and the Highlanders in general, were ranked in the rear. They must have been numerous, for Bruce had reconciled himself with almost all their chieftains, excepting the obnoxious MacDougals of Lorn. The following deed, containing the submis-ion of the potent Earl of Ross to the King, was never before published. It is dated in the third year of Robert's reign, that is, 1309.

"OBLIGACIO COMITIS ROSSENSIS PER HOMAGIUM FIDELITATEM ET SCRIPTUM.

"Universis christi fidelibus ad quorum noticiam presentes litere peruenerint Willielmus Comes de Ross salutem in domino sein piternam. Quia magnificus princeps Dominus Robertus dei gracia Rex Scottorum Dominus meus ex innata sibi bonitate, inspirataque clemencia, et gracia speciali remisit michi pure raneorem animi sui, et relaxauit ac condonauit michi omnimodas transgressiones seu offensas contra ipsum et suos per me et meos vsque ad confeccionem literarum presenciuin perpetratas: Et terras meas et tenementa mea omnia graciose concessit. Et me nichilomi mus de terra de Dingwal et ferneroskry infra comitatum de Suthyr land de benigna liberalitate sua heriditarie infeodare curauit. Ego tantam principis beneuolenciam efficaciter attendens, et pro tot graciis michi factis, vicem sibi gratitudinis meis pro viribus de cetero digne... Vite cupiens exhi ere, subicio et obligo me et heredes meos et homines meos vniuersos dicto Dotio meo Regi per omnia. erga suam regiam dignitatem, quod erimus de cetero fideles sibi et heredibus suis et fidele sibi seruicium auxilium et concilium. .....contra omnes homines et feminas qui vivere poterint aut mori, et super h......Ego Willielmus pro me...... hominibus meis vniuersis dicto domino meo Regi.. manibus homagium sponte feci et super dei ewangelia sacramentum prestiti.... .......In quorum omnium testimonium sigillum meum, et sigilla Hugonis filii et heredis et Johannis filii mei vna cum sigillis venerabilium patrum Dominorum Dauid et Thome Moraviensis et Rossensis dei gracia episcoporum presentibus literis sunt appensa. Acta scripta et data apud Aldern in Morauia vltimo die mensis Octobris, Auno Regni dicti domini nostri Regis Roberti Tertio. Testibus venerabilibus patribus supradictis, Domino Bernardo Cancellario Regis, Dominis Willielmo de Haya, Johanne de Striuelyn, Willielmo Wysman, Johanne de Ffenton, Dauid de Berkeley. et Waltero de Berkeley militibus, magistro Waltero Heroc, Decano ecclesie Morauie, magistro Wilhelmo de Creswel eiusdem ecclesie precentore et multis aliis nobilibus clericis et laicis dictis die et loco congregatis.'

The copy of this curious document was supplied by my friend, Mr. Thomson, Deputy Register of Scotland, whose researches into our ancient records are daily throwing new and important light upon the bistory of the country

IMS." Her guard conducted Amadine."]

The English vanguard, commanded by the Earls of Glouces ter and Hereford, came in sight of the Scottish army upon the evening of the 23d of June. Bruce was then riding upon a little

Behind them, screen'd by sheltering wood,
The gallant Keith, Lord Marshal, stood:
His men-at-arins bear mace and lance,
And plumes that wave, and helins that glance.
Thus fair divided by the King,

Centre, and right, and left-ward wing,
Composed his front; nor distant far
Was strong reserve to aid the war.
And 'twas to front of this array,
Her guide and Edith made their way.

XIII.

Here must they pause; for, in advance
As far as one might pitch a lance,
The Monarch rode along the van,‡
The foe's approaching force to scan,
His line to marshal and to range,

And ranks to square, and fronts to change.
Alone he rode-from head to heel
Sheathed in his ready arms of steel;
Nor mounted yet on war-horse wight,
But, till more near the shock of fight,
Reining a palfrey low and light.
A diadem of gold was set
Above his bright steel basinet,
And clasp'd within its glittering twine
Was seen the glove of Argentine;
Truncheon or leading staff he lacks,
Bearing, instead, a battle-axe.
He ranged his soldiers for the fight,
Accoutred thus, in open sight

Of either host.-Three bowshots far,
Paused the deep front of England's war,
And rested on their arms awhile,
To close and rank their warlike file,
And hold high council, if that night
Should view the strife, or dawning light.

palfrey, in front of his foremost Tre, putting his bost in order. It was then that the personal encounter took place betwixt him and Sir Henry de Bohun, a gallant English Kaught the issue of which had a great efect upon the spirits of both armies. It is thus recorded by BARBOUR:

"And quhen Glosyster and Herford war
With their bataill approchand ner,
Befor thaim all thar come rydand,
With helm on heid, and sper in hand
Schyr Henry the Boune, the worthi,
That wes a wycht knycht, and a hardy;
And to the Erle of Herford cusyne:
Armyt in armys gud and fyn:
Come on a sted, a bow schote ner,
Befor all othyr that thur wer :
And knew the King, for that he saw
Him swa rang his men on raw;
And by the croune, that wes set
Alsua apon his bassynet.

And towarf him he went in by.
And [quben] the King sua apertly
Saw him cum, forouth a 4 his teris,*
In hy till him the hors he steris.
And quhen Schyr Henry saw the King
Cum on for owtyn abaysing.1
Till him he raid in full gret hy.
He thought that he suld well lychtly
Wyn him, and haf him at Lis will,
Sen he him horsyt saw sa ill.
Sprent thai samyn in till a lin
Schyr Henry myssit the noble king.
And he, that in his sterapys stud,
With the ax that wes hard and gud,
With sa gret mayne raucht him a dynt,
That nothyr hat, na helm, mycht stynt
The bewy** duschett that he him gave,
That ner the heid till the harnys clave.
The hand ax schaft frusel it in twa;
And he doune to the erd gan ga
All flatlynys. for him faillyt mycht.
This wes the fryst strak off the fycht."

BARBOUR'S Bruce, Book viii., v. 684. The Scottish leaders remonstrated with the King upon his te merity. He only answered, "I have broken my good battle axe." combat. Probably their generals did not think it advisable to ha-The English vanguard retreated after witnessing this single zard an attack, while its unfavourable issue remained upon their

minds.

$IMS." O

• Comrades. Strength, or force.

S fair. bright, yet fearful," &c.]

With plumes and pennons waving fair,
Was that bright battle-front! for there

Rode England's King and peers:
And who, that saw that monarch ride,
His kingdom battled by his side,
Could then his direful doom foretell'-
Fair was his seat in knightly selle,
And in his sprightly eye was set
Some spark of the Plantagenet.

Though light and wandering was his glance,
It flash'd at sight of shield and lance.

Know'st thou," he said, "De Argentine, Yon knight who marshals thus their line ?""The tokens on his helmet tell

The Bruce, my Liege: I know him well.""And shall the audacious traitor brave The presence where our banners wave?"

So please my Liege," said Argentine,
"Were he but horsed on steed like mine,
To give him fair and knightly chance,
I would adventure forth my lance.'
"In battle-day," the King replied,
"Nice tourney rules are set aside.
-Still must the rebel dare our wrath?
Set on him-sweep him from our path!"
And, at King Edward's signal, soon
Dash'd from the ranks Sir Henry Boune.
XV.

Of Hereford's high blood he came,
A race renown'd for knightly fame.
He burn'd before his Monarch's eye,
To do some deed of chivalry.

He spurr'd his steed, he couch'd his lance,
And darted on the Bruce at once.

-As motionless as rocks, that bide
The wrath of the advancing tide,

The Bruce stood fast.-Each breast beat high,
And dazzled was each gazing eye-
The heart had hardly time to think,
The eyelid scarce had time to wink,t
While on the King, like flash of flame,
Spurr'd to full speed the war-horse came!
The partridge may the falcon mock,
If that slight palfrey stand the shock-
But, swerving from the knight's career,
Just as they met, Bruce shunn'd the spear,
Onward the baffled warrior bore

His course-but soon his course was o'er!-
High in his stirrups stood the King,
And gave his battle-axe the swing.
Right on De Boune, the whiles he pass'd,
Fell that stern dint-the first-the last!
Such strength upon the blow was put,
The helmet crash'd like hazel-nut;
The axe-shaft, with its brazen clasp,
Was shiver'd to the gauntlet grasp.
Springs from the blow the startled horse,
Drops to the plain the lifeless corse;
-First of that fatal field, how soon,"
How sudden, fell the fierce De Boune!
* [MS.-" Princely blood," &c.]
[MS.-"The heart took hardly time to think.
The eyelid scarce had space to wink."]
: [MS. Just as they closed in full career,

[MS.

Bruce swerved the palfrey from the spear."]
-"her wonted pranks, I see."]

While the van of the English army advanced, a detached body attempted to relieve Stirling. Lord Hailes gives the following account of this manœuvre and the result, which is accompanied by circumstances highly characteristic of the chivalrous manners of the are, and displays that generosity which reconciles us even to their ferocity upon other occasions.

Bruce had enjoined Randolph, who commanded the left wing of his army, to be vigilant in preventing any advanced parties of the English from throwing succours into the castle of Stirling Eitt hundred horsemen, commanded by Sir Robert Chifford, were detached from the English army; they made a circuit by the low grounds to the east, and approached the castle. The king perceived their motions, and coming up to Randolph, angriAy exclaimed. Thoughtless man! you have suffered the enemy to pass. Randolph hasted to repair his fault, or perish. As he advanced, the English cavalry wheeled to attack him. Randolph drew up his troops in a circular form, with their spears resting on the ground, and protended on every side. At the first onset, Sir William Daynecourt, an English commander of distinguished note, was slain. The enemy, far superior in numbers to Ran

dolph, environed him, and pressed hard on his litte band. Douglas saw his jeopardy, and requested the king's permission to go and succour him. You shall not move from your ground,' cried the King; 'let Randolph extricate himself as he best may. I will

XVI.

One pitying glance the Monarch sped,
Where on the field his foe lay dead;
Then gently turn'd his palfrey's head,
And, pacing back his sober way,
Slowly he gain'd his own array.
There round their King the leaders crowd,
And blame his recklessness aloud,
That risk'd 'gainst each adventurous spea
A life so valued and so dear.

His broken weapon's shaft survey'd
The King, and careless answer made,-
"My loss may pay my folly's tax;
I've broke my trusty battle-axe."
'Twas then Fitz-Louis, bending low,
Did Isabel's commission show;
Edith, disguised, at distance stands,
And hides her blushes with her hands.
The monarch's brow has changed its hue,
Away the gory axe he threw,
While to the seeming page he drew,

Clearing war's terrors from his eye. Her hand with gentle ease he took, With such a kind protecting look,

As to a weak and timid boy
Might speak, that elder brother's care
And elder brother's love were there.

XVII.

"Fear not," he said, "young Amadine!"
Then whisper'd, "Still that name be thine
Fate plays her wonted fantasy,S
Kind Amadine, with thee and me,
And sends thee here in doubtful hour.
But soon we are beyond her power;
For on this chosen battle-plain,
Victor or vanquish'd, I remain.
Do thou to yonder hill repair;
The followers of our host are there,
And all who may not weapons bear.-
Fitz-Louis, have him in thy care.-
Joyful we meet; if all go well;
If not, in Arran's holy cell
Thou must take part with Isabel;
For brave Lord Ronald, too, hath sworn,
Not to regain the Maid of Lorn,
(The bliss on earth he covets most,)
Would he forsake his battle-post,
Or shun the fortune that may fall
To Bruce, to Scotland, and to all.-
But, hark! some news these trumpets tell;
Forgive my haste-farewell-farewell."-
And in a lower voice he said,
"Be of good cheer--farewell, sweet maid !"-
XVIII.

"What train of dust, with trumpet-sound
And glimmering spears, is wheeling round
Our leftward flank ?"-the Monarch cried,
To Moray's Earl who rode beside.

not alter my order of battle, and lose the advantage of my posi tion. In truth,' replied Douglas, I cannot stand by and sco Randolph perish; and, therefore, with your leave, I must aid him. The king unwillingly consented, and Douglas flew to the assistance of his friend. While approaching, he perceived that the English were falling into disorder, and that the perseverance of Randolph had prevailed over their impetuous courage. Halt,' cried Douglas, those brave men have repulsed the enemy: let us not diminish their glory by sharing it."-DALRYMPLE'S Annals of Scotland, 4to, Edinburgh, 1779, pp. 44, 45.

Two large stones erected at the north end of the village of New house, about a quarter of a mile from the south part of Stirling, ascertain the place of this memorable skirmish. The cir cumstance tends, were confirmation necessary, to support the opinion of Lord Hailes, that the Scottish line had Stirling on its left flank. It will be remembered, that Randolph commanded infantry, Daynecourt cavalry. Supposing, therefore, according to the vulgar hypothesis, that the Scottish line was drawn up. facing to the south. in the line of the brook of Bannock, and con sequently that Randolph was stationed with his left flank resting unon Milntown bog, it is morally impossible that his infantry, moving from that position, with whatever celerity, could rut off from Stirling a body of cavalry who had already passed St Ninians, or. in other words, were already between them and Whereas, supposing Randolph's left to have approached St. Ninian's, the short movement to Newhouse could easily be executed, so as to intercept the English in the manner described.

the town.

Barbour says expressly, they avoided the New Park, (where Bruce's army lay.) and held well neath the Kirk," which can only mean St. Ninians.

"Lo! round thy station pass the foes!* Randolph, thy wreath has lost a rose.' The Earl his visor closed and said, "My wreath shall bloom, or life shall fade.-Follow, my household !"-And they go Like lightning on the advancing foe. "My Liege," said noble Douglas then, "Earl Randolph has but one to ten:† Let me go forth his band to aid!"-"Stir not. The error he hath made, Let him amend it as he may;. I will not weaken mine array." Then loudly rose the conflict-cry,

And Douglas's brave heart swell'd high-
'My Liege," he said, "with patient ear
I must not Moray's death-knell hear!"-
'Then go-but speed thee back again.".
Forth sprung the Douglas with his train:
But, when they won a rising hill,

He bade his followers hold them still.-
"See, see! The routed Southern fly!
The Earl hath won the victory.
Lo! where yon steeds run masterless,
His banner towers above the press.
Rein up; our presence would impair
The fame we come too late to share."
Back to the host the Douglas rode,
And soon glad tidings are abroad,
That, Dayncourt by stout Randolph slain,
His followers fled with loosen'd rein.-
That skirmish closed the busy day,
And couch'd in battle's prompt array,
Each army on their weapons lay.
XIX.

It was a night of lovely June,
High rode in cloudless blue the moon,
Demayet smiled beneath her ray;
Old Stirling's towers arose in light,
And, twined in links of silver bright,
Her winding river lay.§
Ah, gentle planet! other sight
Shall greet thee, next returning night,
Of broken arms and banners tore,
And marshes dark with human gore,
And piles of slaughter'd men and horse,
And Forth that floats the frequent corse,
And many a wounded wretch to plain
Beneath thy silver light in vain!

But now, from England's host, the cry
Thou hear'st of wassail revelry,

round

*[MS.-"Lo! {Formagh}thy post have pass'd the foes."] [MS.- Earl Randolph's strength is one to ten."] : [MS.-"Back to his post the Douglas rode,

And soon the tidings are abroad."]

[The MS. here interposes the couplet

"Glancing by fits from hostile line,
Armour and lance return'd the shine."]

"There is an old tradition, that the well known Scottish tune of Hey, tutti taitti," was Bruce's march at the battle of Bannockburn. The late Mr. Ritson, no granter of propositions, doubts whether the Scots had any martial music. quotes Froissart's account of each soldier in the host bearing a little horn, on which, at the onset, they would make such a borrible noise, as if all the devils of hell had been among them. He observes, that these hors are the only music mentioned by Barbour, and concludes, that it must remain a moot point whether Bruce's army were cheered by the sound even of a solitary bagpipe.-Historical Essay prefixed to Ritson's Scottish Songs. It may be observed 10 passing, that the Scottish of this period certainly observed some musical cadence, even in winding their horas, since Bruce was at once recognised by his followers from his mode of lowing. See Note*, p. 605. But the tradition, true or false, has been the means of securing to Scotland one of the finest lyrics in the lanWallace bled." age, the celebrated war song of Burns,-" Scots wha hae wi'

Although Mr. Scott retains that necessary and characteristie portion of his peculiar and well-known manner, he is free, we think, from any faulty self imitation; and the battle of Bannock. bam powers of a writer, who had before so greatly excelled in this species of description."-Monthly Review,

The battle, we think, is not comparable to the battle in Marmion, though nothing can be finer than the scene of contrasted repose and thoughtful anxiety by which it is introduced, (stanzas xix. xx. xxi."-JEFFREY.]

**Upon the 24th of June, the English army advanced to the attack. The narrowness of the Scottish front, and the nature of the ground, did not permit them to have the full advantage of their numbers, nor is it very easy to find out what was their proposed order of battle. The vanguard, however, appeared a distinct body, consisting of archers and spearmen on foot, and

On Gillie's-hill, whose height commands
The battle-field, fair Edith stands,
With serf and page unfit for war,
To eye the conflict from afar.
O! with what doubtful agony
She sees the dawning tint the sky!-
Now on the Ochils gleams the sun,
And glistens now Demayet dun;
Is it the lark that carols shrill,

Is it the bittern's early hum?
No!-distant, but increasing still,
The trumpet's sound swells up the hill,
With the deep murmur of the drum.
Responsive from the Scottish host,
Pipe-clang and bugle-sound were toss'd,!!
His breast and brow each soldier cross'd,
And started from the ground;
Arm'd and array'd for instant fight,
Rose archer, spearman, squire, and knight,
And in the pomp of battle bright

The dread battalia frown'd. T

XXI.

Now onward, and in open view,
The countless ranks of England drew,**
Dark rolling like the ocean-tide,

When the rough west hath chafed his pride,
And his deep roar sends challenge wide
To all that bars his way!

In front the gallant archers trode,
The men-at-arms behind them rode,
And midmost of the phalanx broad
The Monarch held his sway.
Beside him many a war-horse fumes,
Around him waves a sea of plumes,
Where many a knight in battle known,
And some who spurs had first braced on,
And deem'd that fight should see them won,
King Edward's hests obey.

De Argentine attends his side,

With stout De Valence, Pembroke's pride,
Selected champions from the train,
To wait upon his bridle-rein.

commanded, as already said, by the Earls of Gloucester and Hereford. Barbour, in one place, mentions that they formed nine BATTLES, or divisions; but from the following passage, it appears that there was no room or space for them to extend themselves, so that, except the vanguard, the whole army appeared to form one solid and compact body:

• Together.

"The English men, on either party,
That as angels shone brightly,
Were not arrayed on such manner:
For all their battles samyn* were

In a schiltrum. But whether it was
Through the great straightness of the place
That they were in, to bide fighting;

Or that it was for abaysing :I

I wete not. But in a schiltrum

It seemed they were all and some;
Out ta'en the vaward anerly.§
That right with a great company,
Be them selwyn, arrayed were.
Who had been by, might have seen there
That folk ourtake a mekill feild
On breadth, where many a shining shield,
And many a burnished bright armour,
And many a man of great valour,
Might in that great schiltrum be seen:
Aud many a bright banner and sheen."
BARBOUR'S Bruce, vol. ii. p. 137.

fication. In general, it seems to imply a large body of men drawn up very ↑ Schiltrum.-This word has been variously limitel of extended in its signiclosely together. But it has been limited to imply a round or circular body of men so drawn up. I cannot understand it with this limitation in the present case. The schiltrum of the Scottish army at Falkirk was undoubtedly of a circular form, in order to resist the attacks of the English cavalry, on whatever quarter they might be charge). But it does not appear how, or why, the English, accular form. It seems more probable, that by Schiltrum in the advancing to the attack at Bannockburn, should have arrayed thempresent case, Barbour means to express an irregular mass into which the English army was compressed by the unwieldiness of its numbers, and the

carelessness or ignorance of its leaders. + Frightening. Alone.