THE LIFE AND ACTS Of the most famous and valiant CHAMPION, Sir William Wallace, Knight of Ellerslie.  
Maintainer of the Liberty of SCOTLAND.  
With a Preface containing a short 〈◊〉 of the History of that time.  
EDINBURGH, Printed by a Society of Stationers, 1661.   

EPITAPHIUM GULIELMI WALLACE.  
INvida Mors tristi Gulielmum funere Vallam  
Quae cuncta tollit, sustulit.  
Et tanto pro cive, cinis: profinibus urna est:  
Frigusque pro lorica obit.  
Ille quidem terras, loca se inferiora, reliquit,  
At fata factis supprimens,  
Parr suit meliore solum, Coelumque pererrat  
Hoc, spiritu, illud gloria.  
At tibi si inscriptum generoso pectus honesto  
Fuisset, hostis proditi  
Artibus Angle tuis, in poenas parcior isses:  
Nec oppidatim spargeres  
Membra viri sacranda adytis. Sed scin quid in ista  
Immanitate viceris?  
〈◊〉 vall●● in cunctas oras spargantur & horas  
Laud●s; tuumque de decus.   

The Printer to the Reader.  
THis History of Sir William Wallace, with the other of the valiant King Robert Bruce, which followeth upon the end of it, (the former written in Latin by Master John Blair, Chaplain to Wallace, and turned into Scots Meeter by one called blind Harry, in the days of King James the fourth? The other written by Master John Barber Atchdean of Aberdean, a learned man in the days of ●●ing David Bruce and Robert Stewart) contain the relation of ●●e most famous War that ever fell our in the Isle of Britain, ●●ughten most valiantly for the space of forty years, betwixt ●●●e two Realms of Scotland and England, the one unjustly ●●●●ing, the other constantly defending the liberties of this Co●●●●●y: During which broils, there happened great alteration ●●●●●th in the general sta●e of this Kingdom, and in the over●●●●●●d advancement of particular Families, the one for betraying ●●e other for maintaining their Country's freedom and wodsore. That the whole History may be the more clear, we have ●●ought good in a short Preface to set down the causes, occa●●●, and the most memorable passages of this War. In the year 〈◊〉 5. Alexander the third King of Scotland being pitifully ta●●● away by a fall of his horse at Kinghorn, without any issue ●is body, and in him the whole posterity of his father Alex●●er her the second, and grandfather William the Lion being ex●●●, the right of the Crown fell to the he●rs of David ●arle of ●●ntingtown and Garioch youngest brother to William the Lyon. ●had left three daughters, the eldest Margaret, married to Allan Lord of Balloway, the second Isabel, to Robert Bruce (〈◊〉 named the Noble) Lord of Annandale and Cleveland: 〈◊〉 youngest Ada married Henry Hastings, an Englishman: who ●●●ing no just tittle to the Crown, the content on rested betw●●● the posterity of the two elder Daughters: For Allan Lord 〈◊〉 Galloway leaving no sons by his wife Margaret; his eldest daughter Dornagilla of Galloway married John Balliol, a man of g●●●● power and lands, both in Scotland, England and France, and b●●● to him John Balliol, afterwards King Robert Bruce by his w●●● Isobel of Huntingdon had Robert Bruce Earl of Carrick (〈◊〉 marriage of Martha heretrix thereof) who contended with J●●● Balliol, and died in the time of Wallace Wars, His eldest son ●●bert Bruce succeeded King of Scotland,  
Dornagilla of Galloway claimed the Crown as heir to Ma●●●ret eldest Daughter to Prince David, Robert Bruce Earl of ●●●rick, albeit son to Isabel the second daughter, yet conte●●● that in feudal succession, the first male aught to succeed be●●● a woman standing in the same degree, as a son excludeth hi●●●●ster from succession, although she be elder: And therefore 〈◊〉 and Dornagilla of Galloway, standing in the second degree f●●●● Prince David, he aught to be preferred before her: As for 〈◊〉 son John Balliol, he could claim no right but by her: And 〈◊〉 wise was a degree further of from Prince David, The like ●●●●stike had fallen forth some ten years before in Hugh the fo● 〈◊〉 Duke of Burgunday, whose eldest son Hugh (dying before 〈◊〉 father) left a daughter joland Countess of Nevers, who claim to succeed to her grand father Hugh the fourth, notwithstanding Robert second son to the same Hugh the fourth, was prefe● to her, and succeeded Duke of Burgunday, if than the second 〈◊〉 in feudal inheritance succeed before the eldest sons daugh●●● far more aught the Nevoy to succeed before the Nice. The 〈◊〉 of succession being thus made doubtful, the competitors 〈◊〉 so powerful, that they drew the greatest part of the King 〈◊〉 in two equal Factions; so that it seemed impossible to sett●●● controversy at home, without running into a most pern●●●● Civil War.  
The States of Scotland to prevent this mischief thought it 〈◊〉 to submit the arbitrement of the plea to Edward the firs● named Longshanks King of England: and that upon 〈◊〉 weighty reasons: For he and his Father King Henry the third being joined by many allyances of bands and friendship to the two last Kings of Scotland, had lived in great amity and concord with them, receiving and interchanging many favours and kind duties. The two compititours also Bruce and Balliol had also great lands in England as in Scotland: so that he (and he only) was able to make them to stand to reason. Finally, the States of Scotland not being able to determine the plea, there was no Prince beside more powerful, and (in appearance) more like to compose the controversy without great bloodshed. This motion was (in secret) very greedily embraced by King Edward; ●hoping in so troublesome water to found a gainful fishing, either by drawing the Kingdom of Scotland under his direct subjection, 〈◊〉 at lest under his homage as Lord Paramont and Superior, considering the difficulty to determine the question at home, ●nd the interest he had in both the parties being (for a great ●art of their Estates) his Vassals and Subjects: His great ●ower also, having (beside Ireland) a great part of France ●●●er his dominion, and the Low-countrieses his assured Consede●ts, gave him great encouragement: Neither wanted he great ●●iendship in Scotland, having at that time many of the greatest ●oble men in Scotland Vassals and Feodaries to himself for ma●y lands which they held in England, partly for great services ●one to himself and his father, partly lying within Northumber●●nd, and the border Shires than holden by the Scots in fee of ●●ngland: partly also by interchange of marriages and succession's betwixt the two Nations, which for a long time had lived 〈◊〉 perfect amity as if it had been one Kingdom. And to make ●●●e controversy more fearful, he stirred up eight othr Competitors beside Bruce and Balliol: Florence Earl of Holland (de●●●ended of Ada sister to William the Lion) Patrick Dumbar, ●●rl of March. Sir Walter Rosse, Sir Nicolas Souls, Sir Roger ●●andevile, Sir John Cumine of Badenach (these five were de●●●nded of younger daughters of Alan Lord of Galloway) Sir ●illiam Vescie, begotten upon King Alexander the second his ●●●tard daughter, but pretended to be reabled, and john Hasting, ●●●rd Abergeveny descended of Ada youngest daughter to Prince ●●vid of Huntingtoun.  
Having thus prepared matters, he came to Berwick, and 〈◊〉 with the States of Scotland, to whom he promised to decide 〈◊〉 controversy according to equity, Which that it might se●● more likely, he had brought from France sundry of the most ●●●mous Lawyers of that age; He choosed also out of the States Scotland assembled, twelve of the wisest and most honourab●● to whom he joined the like number of English, as Assessors 〈◊〉 him in this arbitrement. At this meeting by the doubtful answer of the Lawyers, and number of new pretendents, he made 〈◊〉 matter more difficult, and appointed a new convention at N●●●●●ham in the borders the year following.  
Difficulties thus increasing, and the Earl of Holland have 〈◊〉 on foot a great Army to take the Crown of Scotland by fo● 〈◊〉 (Which their own Stories affirm to have landed in Scotland 〈◊〉 and to have intercepted some strengths) At the meeting 〈◊〉 Norham King Edward dealt secretly, and by fit Agens with 〈◊〉 States of Scotland, for eschewing of imminent mischiefs, to 〈◊〉 come his Subjects: he being descended of King David's sis●●●●●nd so but two degrees further from the Crown of Scotland, t●● 〈◊〉 Bruce and Badiol were. This being flatly refused by all, he 〈◊〉 took himself to his other design: And first dealt secretly w●● 〈◊〉 Robert Bruce, promising to decern in his favours, if he we 〈◊〉 take the Crown of Scotland holden of him, and do him hon●●●● for it. But he stoutly refused to subject of free Nation to 〈◊〉 overlord, whereupon King Edward called for John Balliol: 〈◊〉 knowing that he was not so much favoured of the State's 〈◊〉 Scotland, easily condescended to King Edward's desire: and b●●● 〈◊〉 by him declared King of Scotland, the States desirous of pe●●● conveyed him to Scoon, where he was crowned Anno 1291. 〈◊〉 all, except Bruce, swore to him obedience, shortly there 〈◊〉 Duncan Mackduff Earl of Fife was killed by the Lord Abundantly (a man of great power in these times, allied both wit● 〈◊〉 ●●●●nes and Balliol) The Earls brother finding the King 〈…〉 administration of justice, summoned him to compea●●●●●s●●e the King of England in Parliament: Where he being 〈…〉 and sit●●●● beside King Edward (after he had done 〈◊〉 homage) w●●●● he was called upon, thought to answer 〈◊〉 Pro●e●or: But he was forced to rise, and stand at the 〈◊〉 This indignity grieving him greatly, he resolved to free 〈◊〉 ●elf of this bondage. At the same time War breaking on 〈◊〉 twixt England and France, King Edward sent E●●●●●dors to the Parliament of Scotland, to sand aid to him, as now being their overlord: There came also other Ambassadors from France, desiring the ancient league to be renewed. The King and State of Scotland renewed the league with France, which had remained unviolably kept for the space of five hundred years before. The King of England's suit was rejected, because the pretended surrender and homage was made by john Balliol privately without the consent of the Parliament. A marriage also was concluded betwixt Prince Edward Balliol, and a daughter of Charles Earl of Valois brother to the French King Philip. Edward having foreseen all these things, had drawn Robert Bruce Earl of Carrack, with his friends (enemies to Balliol) and divers Noblemen of Scotland, who held lands of him in England, to bring such forces as they could make, to assist him in the French War. But withal, taking truce with the French for some months, he suddenly turned his Forces, destinate against France, toward Scotland. His Navy was vanquished at Berwick, and eighteen of his Ships taken. Yet his land host by means of the Brussian Faction, and the Englized Scots Noblemen, took the town of Barwick with great slaughter, and shortly thereafter, Dumbar, Edinburgh, and Striuling. In and about these Castles, he had killed or taken captives the greatest part of the Scots Noblemen: so that crosing Forth, the blow being so sudden, he found no preparation for resistance. Balliol rendered himself to King Edward at Montrose, and was sent by sea into England where he remained captive, till such time as by intercession of the Pope he was set at liberty, swearing and giving hostages never to return into Scotland. King Edward came to Scoone and took upon him the Crown of Scotland, as forefeited by the rebellion of his homage Baliol. He sent for the Nobles of Scotland, who remained that they with such as were his captives might swear homage to him as to their Liege Lord, and King. These who refused were He tained prisoners.  
King Edward thinking that now all was sure for him in Scotland, left john Platagenet (some call him Warra●) Earl of ●ur●●ie, and sir Hugh Cressingham Thesaurer, and returned ●o ●●●secute the French war, taking such of the Nobility of 〈…〉 ●s he fea●ed, a long in his Army, with their so flowers. The ●●●t men of Scot 〈◊〉 ●eing in this manner, either imprisoned by Ki● Edward's, o● Tworn to his obedience, and tied thereto by reas● of their lands holden of the Crown of England, the rest either fled into the Yles and Highlands, or thought it sufficient to 〈◊〉 fend their own while better times  
But while man of power neglected the public cause of the berry of Scot land, William Wallace, a youth of honourable bir● (being son to Malcome Wallace of Ellerslie) but of mean po●●er, having first in private killed many Englishmen of the Garrisons as he could overtake them, by these exploits became so 〈◊〉 couraged (being a man of invisible hardiness incredible streng● of body, and withal very wise and circumspect) that he gathered his friends and neighbours, and by jeopardies and st●tagems, divers times cut of great numbers of the enemi●● The report thereof drew to him such as affected the liberty an● wealfare of their Country, and had courage to hazard the● selves for vindicating thereof. As namely, the Earl Malco●● Lennox, the Lord William Dowgl●s (who had been taken ca●●tive at the winning of Berwick, whereof he was Captain, a●● sent home upon assurance) Sir John Grahame, Sir neil Ca●●bel, Sir Christopher Setoun, Sir John Ramsay, Sir Fergus B●●● clay, Andrew Murray, William Oliphant, Hugh Hay, Rob● Boyd, John Johnstoun, Adam Gordon, Robert Keith, Reinald Cra●furd younger, Adam Wallace, Robert Kilpatrick, Simeon a●● Alexander Fraser, James Crawfurd, Robert Lawder, Scrimg●● Alexander Auchinleck, Ruthven, Richard Lundie, Wi●●am Crawfurd, Arthur Biset, james and Robert Lindsay; J●●● Cleland, William Ker, Edward Little, Robert Rutherfoord, T●●●mas holiday, John Tinto, Walter Newbigging, Jard●● Barde, Guthrie, Adam Currie, Hugh Dunda●● John Scot, Steven Ireland, Master John Blair, Master Tho●● Grace, and other Gentlemen with their friends and servan● who (after some valiant exploits happily achieved, and Army of ten thousand men led by Thomas Earl of Langcaster assist the Earl of Warren defeat by Wallace at Bigger) hold●● an Assembly at the Forest Kirk, choosed Wallace to be Ward● of Scotland and Viceroy in Balliol's absence. In which office● so valiantly behaved himself, that in a short space he recove●● all the strengths on the Borders, and brought the South part● Scotland to good quiet.  
The English fearing the loss of all, subtlety ●ook truce with wallace for one year, beginning in February. In June following ●●ey proclaimed a Justice Air to be holden at Glasgow and A●●● ●●e eighteenth of that month: thinking to entrap Walla●● and all his friends, and under colour of Law to cut them of at the day appointed. All landed men, according to the custom assembling to this Court, the Englishmen condemned them of felony, and hanged them presently: among the reft, Sir Rainald Crawfurd Sheriff of Air, Uncle to Wallece, Sir Brice B●air, Sir Neil Montgomery, and many of the Barons of Kyle, Cuningham, Carrick and Cliddisdail. These that escaped by flight advertised Wallace, who chansed to come later nor the reft. He assembling such of the Country, as detesting so horrible a fact, extremely hated the authored thereof, in the beginning of the night secretly entered into Air, set fire into the place, where ●●e Englishmen after that fact were securely sleeping, and suffer●● none to escape. The Garrison of the Castle ishing forth to ●●ench the fire, an ambush laid for the purpose, entered the ●use and made it sure. The next morning Wallace came to glasgow where the Lord Henry Persie had retired from Aire the ●●y before, whom he expulsed thence with great slaughter. ●●is victory he so hotly pursued, that immediately thereafter took the Castle of Striuling, recovered Argile and Lorn with 〈◊〉 town of Saint Johnstoun, and the Country about; thence he revailed through Angus and Merns, taking in all the Strengths ●il he came to Aberdene, which he found forsaken of the ●●lish, who had fled by sea with the Lord Henry Bewmount, an ●●lish Lord, who had married one of the Heretrix of the Earl● me of Buchan, named Cumine. Thus all the North Country 〈◊〉 reduced to the obedience of Wallace, except the Castle of ●●die. While Wallace lay at the siege hereof, news came of approach of the English Army, led by John Earl of Warren Surry, and Sir Hugh Cressingham, with a great number of Nor●●berland men, and such of the Scots as held with England ●he number of thirty thousand. Wallace (having with him thousand men hardened in Arms) met them beside Strivling ●he North side of Forth, which having no Fords, at that ●e, was passable only by a wooden bridge. This Wallace of pose had caused to be weakened, so that the one half of the host being, past (led by Cressingham) the Bridge broke with great weight of their Baggage. These who were come o● VVall●●e charged suddenly before they were put in order, cu●●he most part of them in pieces with their Leader Cre●ham: The ●est seeking to escape, drowned in the water Earl of Warran with these who escaped, was assailed by E● Malcome Lennox Captain of Striuling Castle, and being ho● pursued by Wallace, hardly escaped himself, flying into D● bar, a Casile than belonging to Patrick Earl of March. In battle fought the thirteenth of September 1297. there pe●ed no Scots men of remark, but Andrew Murray of Bothwel: English Garrisons hearing of this discomfiture, fled from places, so that before the last of September, all the Strength Scotland was recovered except Berwick and Roxburgh.  
After these Victories, Wallace held a Parliament in Sa●● Johnstown, as Warden of Scotland, and settled the whole C●●rey, causing the Nobility to swear to be faithful to the S●● till such time as they might condescend who should be 〈◊〉 Earl Patrick of Dumbar refusing to acknowledge the Auth●●ty of this Parliament, was chased out of Scotland: and bee● they ears by past the ground had not been manured, and famine threatened the land, Wallace assembled a great hoa●●enered in England, where he remained all the Winter, and s● following, living upon the enemies, and enriching his sou● by their spoil: During which time the English durst 〈◊〉 encounter him in open field: only at his first entry Ki●● ward with a great Army of raw Soldiers came against h●● the plain of Stane-moor: But perceiving the discipline an● die resolution of Wallace Host, before they came neare● half a mile, drew back his Army, and retired, Wallace fo● of ambush, keeped his soldiers in order and pursued the● Thus King Ed●●ard left his Country to the mercy of a pried Enemy, and (notwithstanding that he promised B●●● yet.) keeped himself close, till a peace was concluded f●● years: Bermick and Roxburgh being rendered to the Scots  
Scot Land thus enjoying perfect Liberty, Wallace bein● nestly requested by the French King, to the end that his Captains might be kept in Military exercise during the sailed over into France with fifty valiant men in his com● ●e was encountered on the way by Thomas of Charters (commonly called Thomas of Longovile) who with sixteen sail in●sted the seas: But boarding Wallace ship, he was taken by ●im, and thereafter fought most valiantly under him and King ●obert Bruce for the liberty fo Scotland. VValla●e after his ●nding in France, was employed in war against the English, who ●t that time possessed the Durchie of Guian and Burde●●●●: them ●e defeat in sundry skirmishes. But in few days he was called ●ome by his friends in Scotland; for king Edward understanding Wallace absence, and pretending that he had broken the ●eace in Guian, dealt with Robert Bruce Earl of Carrick and his ●iends, and with such Noblemen of Scotland as held lands in ●ngland, or envied Wallace glory, showing that it was a shane or them to suffer Wallace, a mean Gentleman to rule Scot●nd, while any of the blood Royal did remain, so promising ●is assistance to Robert Bruce, he sent a great Army into Scot●nd, and by the help of the Brussian faction and Englized Noblemen, he easily obtained the greatest Strengths of Scotland. ●allace returned the next Summer, secretly amassing a number ●f his special followers (who had lurked till his back coming) ●●n a sudden surprised Saint Johnstoun by a stratagem: and pur●ing his victory hotly, chased the English our of Fife. Upon ●e report thereof, all the rest of his followers came from their arking holes, by whose assistance he recovered divers strengths. ●he Lord William Dowlas took the Castle of Sanquhair by a ●atageme, and finding the English Captains of the n●●●●st ●arisons to come to besiege him, he sent secretly to Wallace, ●ho coming with his power, not only raised the siege, but ●ased also the whole English Garrisons out of these quarters. ●rom thence he came to the North parts, which he recovered ●ith small difficulty, except the strong Castle of Dundie. ●o ●hich he laid a siege.  
The King of England grieved at this fortunate success of ●allace, and understanding that he was highly envied by the ●rl of March, the Cumines (the greatest surname than in, Sear●nd) and divers ancient Noblemen (to whose honour Wallace ●own seemed to derogate) he stirred up Robers Bruce elder. ●●d his faction, persuading them that Wallace was Bruoel only ●mpetitour for the Crown. Having so made a strong party for himself in Scotland, the next spring he came with an Ar● of forty thousand men Scots and English to the Fawkirk, miles beneath Striuling. The Scots Army was very great (●●ing thirty thousand strong) if they had been all of one m●●. For John Cumine Lord of Cubernald (who had an eye to Crown) had persuaded the Lord John Stewart of Boot be Tutor and Grandfather by the Mother to the Children, of 〈◊〉 Lord James Stewart of Ranfrow lately deceased) to conte●●● with Wallace for the leading of the vaneguard, alleging, same belonged to the Lord Stewarts house by ancient priledge. Wallace refusing this, they parted one from another, an high chaff, there remaining with Wallace no more but 〈◊〉 thousand of his old soldiers. Cumine with ten thousands his followers, after a small show of resistance, fled treasonable leaving the valiant Stewart enclosed by two battles of the English, by whom (after he had fought valiantly for a long time he was cut of with all his followers. Wallace with his ba●● defended themselves valiantly, until they were safely reti●●● beyond the river of Carron, losing (beside some others) t●● noble sir John Grahame, the most valiant Worthy of Scotland next unto Wallace: Bruce (whom the King of England 〈◊〉 brought with all his friends to the field, pretending to assist 〈◊〉 for recovery of his right, from the Usurper Wallace) perceiving Wallace on the other side of Carron, desired to speak w●● him, to whom he upbraided so foolish an usurpation of Kingdom of Scotland, against so powerful a faction at ho●●● assisted by so mighty a King abroad. I (answered Wallace) intended never to reign in Scotland: But finding my native Country abandoned by you and Balliol who have the right to 〈◊〉 Crown, have set myself to defend my friends and neighbour from the unjust tyranny and usurpation of the King of 〈◊〉 land, who setteth you forth most unnaturally to tear the b●●●els of your mother with your own hands. After divers ●●●ches to this purpose, the Bruce perceiving the fraudful an●●●rannous dealing of King Edward, returned to the host. 〈◊〉 next morning Wallace understanding that the English A●● weakly entrenched, and in great security, amissing with his Army such as had escaped, set upon them in the dawning ●●fore they could be arrayed, and killed many. So that English King returned at that time without any further exploit. Bruce (remembering what he heard of Wallace) desired ●●●ng Edward according to his former promises to put him in possession of so much of the Kingdom of Scotland as than was ●●der his power, to whom he answered in the French tongue, ●●ave we no more ado, but conquer Kingdoms for you? By ●●is speech the Lord Bruce conceived so great grief and anger, ●●at within few days he departed this life without seeing 〈◊〉 eldest son Robert Bruce (afterwards King) being kept for assurance of his father's obedience) in Calais Castle in France.  
After this unhappy battle, Wallace striving to recover such rosiles and strengths, as King Edward had intercepted, found ●●ch opposition and backwardness, by his envious emulatours, that he returned to Saint Johnstoun, and in an Assembly of the ●●ates resigned his charge of Warden, and with eighten men ●●ssed again into France, according to a promise at his last return therefrom: This fell out in the end of the year 1300. The opposite faction having gained their desire, choosed John Cumine Governor: the rather because King Edward had promised to assist him to the Crown of Scotland. But he found him as great an enemy as he had been to Wallace. For after even month's truce (obtained by means of the French King) Edward sent sir Ralph Gonfray with a great Army to subdue the ●●●ts, and to put an end to the war: which they expected ●●ould be easy, Wallace being now out of the way, John Cumine joying with the Lord Simon Fraser, making some eight 〈◊〉 nine thousand men, came to resist the English, who having ●●sted the Country as far as Rosling, (about five miles from Edinburgh, expecting no resistance, divided themselves into three ●●●tels, that they might spoil farther in the Country. The ●●●ts embracing the occasion, set upon the first battle, and ea●●y discomfit them: the second also (albeit stronger by the ●●●ning of these who had fled) was after a long conflict put to ●●ut. By this the third battle coming to the revenge, put ●●e Scots to a great strait, as being sore wounded, wearied, and ●●akened in the two former battles, and having to withstand ●●esh enemy of far greater number; hereupon they were forced skill all the captives (jest they should assist the enemy) and with their weapons to arm their Baggage-men: and s● forward born with courage and necessity (seeing no es●● after a long and hard fight, they put the enemies to flight. 〈◊〉 was the 24 of March 1302.  
King Edward sore incensed by his evil success, sent fo●● ●●bert Bruce younger out of Calais: whom he persuaded, 〈◊〉 he had for a long time against Wallace, defended his fa●●● right to the Crown of Scotland: that having put Wallace of the way, he found the Cumines as great enemies: notwithstanding he intended yet once more to put that enemy o● the way, and so to settle him in his Kingdom. The yo●● Prince believing him, caused all his friends and favoure● Scotland to join with him, and entering the borders, spoiled Country, and took divers Castles as far as Dowglas. Some ●●port that the Lady Dowglas (named Ferrars an English would betrayed that Castle to the Bruce, who took the Lord William Dowglas captive with all his children and goods. The 〈◊〉 himself was kept prisoner in Barwick, and thereafter in Y●●● while he died. Mean time King Edward had prepared a n●●●ry Army both by land and sea, with which he entered Scotland and subdued all before him while he came to Triuling, ke●●● than by sir William Oliphant: who after a long siege, know●● of no relief, yielded the Castle upon condition, that him 〈◊〉 and all that were with him should pass with their lives 〈◊〉 notwithstanding K. Edward keeped still all the Noblemen, together with the Captain sir William Oliphant: and such 〈◊〉 would not swear homage to him (pretending to be prote●●●● of Robert Bruces right) he sent prisoners to London. Having this Castle intercepted divers of John Cumines friends, he ●●cured them to draw him to a Parley with him, in which h●● blinded him with hopes of the Kingdom, and with fe●●●● utter undoing, that he joined himslef and his friends to 〈◊〉 English, who by this accession easily passed forward with●●● course of victory, as far as the outmost bounds of Rosse: 〈◊〉 in his back coming, carried away with him into England Books, Registers, Histories, Laws and Monuments of the Kingdom: and amongst other, the Fatal Marble Chair, where●● the former Scots Kings used to be crowned at Scoon: on w● was engraven a prophecy, bearing that, Where ever this 〈◊〉 should be transported, the Scots should command there. He carried 〈◊〉 with him all the Learned men and Professors of Scotland ●●●ong other, the famous subtle Doctor John Duns, surnamed 〈◊〉) thinking hereby so to discourage and effeminate the ●●●ds of the Scots, that they should cast of all care of recover●●● their Liberty; the memory thereof being drowned in ob●●●●on. At his return into England, he left his Cousin sir ●●●ner de Valence, Earl of Pembroke Viceroy, having fortified Castles with strong Garrisons.  
The Scots who stood for the liberty of the Country, being Taken by John Cumine, sent earnest letters to France to move Wallace to return: He was than making war with the Engl●●● in Guyan. But hearing the mischiefs of his Country, ob●●ned leave of the French King to return, and secretly amassing ●●●e of the remainder of his old friends, recovered divers ●●stles and Towns in the North, and having greatly increased 〈◊〉 Army, besieged S. Johnstoun till it was rendered: But as he proceeded in the course of his Victories, he was betrayed by 〈◊〉 familiar friend sir John Monteith, to the Lord Aymer Val●●ce, who sent him into England, where by King Edward's command he was put to death, and his body quartered and 〈◊〉 into the principal Cities of Scotland to be set up for a ter●●● to others.  
Notwithstanding, this cruelty prevailed little for the assir●●●g of King Edward's conquest. New enemies arising whence 〈◊〉 cast expected: For as he returned from his last journey in 〈◊〉 Scotland, john Cummine and Robert Bruce meeting together, ●●er long conference of the state of their Country, perceived 〈◊〉 notwithstanding he had promised to each of them a part ●his help to attain the Crown of Scotland, yet his intention 〈◊〉 only to use their assistance to conquer and assure it to him●●●●: as he well declared by spoiling the Country of all Movements public and private. Hereupon they agreed that Cumine should quite all his right to the Crown in favour of ●●●ce, and that Bruce should give him all his lands for his assistance. This Contract written and sealed by both parties, ●●●ce returned into England with the host, waiting for a 〈◊〉 ●●●e to escape from King Edward: In the mean time Wallace ●●urning, and recovered many places in Scotland, se●t privily for Bruce, to come home and take the Crown, and to the Edward Bruce, a most valiant youth, who coming Ireland, took sundry strengths in Annandale and Gallowmine who had kept old enmity with Wallace, not e●● that Bruce by his means should come to the Crown, r●● the Contract betwixt him and Bruce to King Edward: first delayed to cut of Robert Bruce, till such time as he get the rest of his brethrens in his hands. Bruce advert his danger by the Earl of Gloucester (some call him the E●● Montgomery) his old friend, who had sent him a pair of spurs and some crowns of Gold, as if he had borrow same, guesing the meaning of this propine, caused by night three horse backward, and posted away from the Court two in his company, and on the fifth day (the way being in winter: arrived at his own Castle of Lochmabane, wh● found his brother Edward, with Robert Fleming, james Li●● Roger kilpatrick, and Thomas of Charteris, who told him Wallace was betrayed by sir john Monteith, and the Cumi● action, a few days before. Immediately thereafter they cepred a messenger with letters from Cumine to King Ed●● desiring that Bruce should be dispatched in haste, jest (be Nobleman much favoured by the commons) he should greater stirs. The trachery of john Cumine before on ●●pected, was hereby made manifest, which so incensed the Bruce, that riding to Dumfreis, and finding Cumine at the in the Grayfries, after he had shown him his letters, in patience he stabbed him with his Dagger: the other who about him doing the like, and not only dispatching him also his Cousin sir Edward Cummine and others who him. This slaughter fell out on the ninth of February beginning of the year 1306 as we now accounted.  
The Bruce thus rid of one enemy, found a great number were rising out of his ashes, even the whole puissant n●● Cumine, with their allies, the Earl of March, the Lord o●● the Lord Abernethy, the Lord of Brechin, the Lord Souls most part of the North and all Galleway followed the C●● the Lord of Lorn was of great power in the Highlands. Earl of March and Lord William Souls commanded the with Berwick and the Borders: All which they yeel Edward, and maintained against Robert Brace, At the same his two brethrens Thomas and Alexander Bruce with Rei●● Crawfurd younger, secretly landing in Galloway, were taken Duncan Mackdugal a great man in Galloway, and sent to King ●ard, who caused them all three to be hanged. On the other assembled to him (besides these ) the young James Dowglas (who hearing of his father's death, had reed from France, where he was at Schools, and stays a time his kinsman William Lambert Bishop of St. Andrews.) Erst come Lennox, Earled john of Athole (although f the Cumines ●●ed, yet being father in Law to Edward Bruce) sir Neil Campsir sir Gilbert Hay, sir Christoper Setoun, sir Thomas Randal. sir ●●h, Hay, john Somervale, David Barclay, Alexander and Simon ●●er, sir Robert Boyd, sir William Haliburton, with sundry who with Wallace before. With this company he passed to Scoon, took upon him the Crown of Scotland in april 1306. After be gathered an Army, minding to besiege Saint Johnstoun: finding his power too weak, heretired to Methven, where was unexpectedly assaulted, and discomfited by sir Aymer de ●●nce: but with small loss of men, except some who were ta●● who were constrained to swear homage to King Edward. commons discouraged with this hard success, fearing the ●ish, forsook the new King, who had a few company of Gentleabout him: with whom he traveled towards Argile, mean●o lurk for a time with his brother in law sir Neil Campbel. ●ne was encountered by the war by john of Lorne cousin to Cumine, and constrained to flee, albeit with small slaughter ●●en (being daughter to Gratney Earl of Mar) with his brosir Neil Bruce, and john Earl of Athole to the Castle of ●rimmie in Mar. The King of England sent his son Prince ●ard with a mighty host to besiege this Castle. The Queen took her and her daughter and sent them captives into Eng●●  
The Castle of Kildrimmie was traitorously burnt by one Garrison, all that were within it taken and hanged at com-of the English King.  
Robert seeing Winter approach, and finding no retreat in the main land, retired with his most entire friends to friend Angus Lord of the Yles, with whom he stayed time in Kintyre, and thereafter sailed over into the Ranghrine where the lurked all the winter, every man es●● him to be dead. The next spring he landed quterly in C●● and on a sudden intercepted his own Castle of Turmbe Lord Persie flying home out of it into his own Country James Douglas departing thence secretly, came into Dodale, and by means of Thomas Dickson an old servant of others; he recovered his own castle of Dewglasse, and cast once and again: Therefore he returned to King Robert knock, showing him that Aymer de Valence and John with an Army were coming against him. The King w●● hundred valiant men keeped themselves in a strong place ●ing while sir Aymer should invade; but took no heed to Lorne, who fetching a compass set upon his back with eig●● dread Highland men, and had well nigh enclosed him The King perceiving the danger, divided his men in three appointing where they should meet at night, fled three ways. John of Lorne having a Slouth-hound pursued st●● the King, who purting away all that were in his company one man, fled into the next wood, and with great d●● escaped the Slouth-hound. Sir Aymer disappointed of this prize, shortly thereafter with fifteen hundred chosen men nigh surprised the King in Glentrole wood, but the King his men taking courage so resolutely, defended the place very strong) and killed divers of the first who assaulted that the fields, and reduced Kyle and Cunyghame to h●ence. Sir james Douglas also with threescore men lying ambum at a straight place in Cunyghame called the Net●● where sir Philip Monbray was passing with one thousand against the King (being them in Kile) killed many of them the rest to flight. One the tenth of May following, sir Ay● three thousand men came against the King, than lying at Kyle. King Robert hearing of his coming (albert he c●● not six hundred men) came forth against him at a plac● Lowdoun hill: which he ●o fortified on either hand with and Fowsies, that the enemies could not enclose him 〈◊〉: and so by the stout and resolute valo● of so few, sir ●●er was put to flight: which he took so sore to Heart, that retired into England, and gave over his office of Warden or stroy, john of Britain Earl of Richmond being sent into Scot●● in his place.  
●●ing Robert after this past into the North, leaving sir james ●●glasse on the borders: who taking his own Castle of Dow●se by a straregen, razed it to the ground, and in sew days ●●ed all the English our of Dowglasse-dale, Attrick forest, and ●urgh forest, and took sir Thomas Randal the King's sister son ●no had followed the English ever since his captivity) and sin ●cander Stewart of Bonkle, Sir Alexander and Simon Fraser ●●ting King Robert in the North, shown him how john Cu●●e Earl of Buchan, David Lord Brechin, sir john Mowbray and rest of the Cuminian faction, were gathering an Army against Mean while by the assistance of his friends in these quar●●, on a sudden he surprised the Castle of innerness, the fame which victory caused many other strengths to yeels (all ●ich he overthrew) and greatly increased the number of his ●●nds. In his returing taking sickness at Innerary, Cumine ●●ing upon him: The King after his friends had for a time ●●ended him, convalescing somewhat, went out to the field, 〈◊〉 so hardly assaulted his enemy at old Meldrom. that (albeit ●●ir number was sar greater) yet they took the flight: with 〈◊〉 like success he set upon the King in Glenesk in Angus, ●ere being shamefully put to flight, he fled into England ●●h sir john Mowbray, and died there shortly. Lord David brechin fortified his own Castle: But David Earl of Athole ●●ced him to yield it and himself to the King. Mean time ●lip Fraser took the Castle of Forfar: And the King pur●ing this victory, reduced all the North to his obedience: and ●●ming with Lord james Douglas returning from the South ●●th his two captives, he took S. johnstoun by surprisal: from ●mee he past into Lorn: the Lord whereof had embushed two pusand men on the side of an high sleep hill, where the King noved to enter through a narrow passage: But sir james Dow●● with sir Alexander Fraser, and sir Andrew Grace climbing 〈◊〉 hill, came suddenly on their backs, and put them to flight. ●●n of Lorn fled into England by sea, His father Lord Alexander Mackdugal yielded himself, and the Castle of Dunst● to the King.  
By this means all on the North side of Forth was redu●● obedience, Sir Edward his brother in the mean time wi●● and hard fight had conquered Galloway: james Do●● by a straragem surprised the strong Castle of Roxburgh 〈◊〉 Fast even, while all the Garrison (after the custom 〈◊〉 time) were feasting and playing the riot. The report w●●● so wheted the courage of the valiant Thomas Randal (new stored to his Uncle's favour, and made Earl of Marray) having besieged the Castle of Edinburgh for some month set himself by all means to carry the same: which he ob●●●● by a narrow passage up through the Rock discovered to 〈◊〉 by which he and sundry stout Gentlemen secretly passed u●●● scaling the wall, after long and dangerous fight made 〈◊〉 selves masters of the place. The Garrisons of Ruglan, L●●● Dumfreis, Aire, Dundie and Boot, hearing this, yeeld●● these Castles, which were all razed. The Isle of Man also turned to the obedience of the Crown of Scotland, Sir Ed● Bruce having besieged Striviling Castle, three month ag●●● with the Captain Sir Philip Mowbray, that if the King of ●●●land did not rescue him within twelve months thereafter, 〈◊〉 Castle should be yielded to K. Robert. Albeit this seemed a●● provocation of so mighty a King Edward the second (who●● seven years before had succeeded his father Edward Long-s●●● but far degenerate from his valour) having not only England Ireland, and many Englized Scots, with the Duchy of G●● Bourdeaux, and other parts of France subject unto him 〈◊〉 also the Low-countrieses strictly confederate with him: Yet 〈◊〉 Robert prepared himself to encounter him in the fields, ans●●● thered some five and thirty thousand men, few but valiant. King of England had above an hundred thousand foot, an● thousand horse: with which multitude intending to destroy whole inhabitants of Scotland, and to divide the land to his lours, he came to Bannokburn (some two miles beneath S●ling) where on the twenty one of june 1314. He was en●●tered by the Scots, and after long and hard fight, his 〈◊〉 Army put to rout: himself with a small company fleeing Dumbar, was sent by the Earl into England in a fisher 〈◊〉 ●●ing two hundred Noblemen and Gentlemen killed by the 〈◊〉, and as many taken: the number of the commons slain 〈◊〉 taken, was incredible: of Scots was slain two Gentlemen of 〈◊〉, Sir William Wipont, and Sir Walter Rosse, with four thou●●● common Soldiers.  
●fter this victory, Striuling being yielded, and Dumbartane ●●en by composition, the Earl of March, the Lord Souls, and ●●nethie, and others of the Cumines allies were reconciled to King: who passed into the Isles and brought them to obedience, ●●●ng John of Lorn captive, who died in prison in Lochlevin. 〈◊〉 Scotland was freed of the bondage of England, except Ber●●● which was recovered four years thereafter 1318. and the 〈◊〉 making divers incursions into England under the leading ●●arle Thomas Randal, and James Lord Douglas requited ●●harmes received from them before, and enriched themselves 〈◊〉 spoil.  
〈◊〉 for the Authority of these two Histories, although they ●●●bly err in some circumstances of time, place, and number names of men, yet generally they writ the truth of the Story these times both at greater length, and upon more cer●●● 〈◊〉 information than these who have written our Chronicles. 〈◊〉 committing them to thy diligent perusal (gentle and court's Reader) I wish you profit thereby, and all happiness from 〈◊〉 D, Farewell.   

A Table of the Contents this Book.  

THe Genealogy of Wallace.  
Berwick and Dumbar taken.  
Baliot disposed.  
Wallace billeth Selby.  
Wallace fisheth in Irwine.  
Wallace slew the Churl in Air.  
Wallace slew Lord Perseus' Stewart.  
Wallace imprisoned in Aire.  
Battle of Lowdown hill.  
Wallace revengeth the slaughter of his Father Brother on Lowdoun hill.  
Englishmen took peace with Wallace.  
Wallace slayeth the Buckler player in Air.  
Wallace won the Peel of Gargunnock.  
Wallace passeth to S. Johnstoun, and slew the Ca●● and wan Kinclevin.  
Wallace passeth to Shortwood Shawes.  
Wallace sold to the Englishmen by his Leman.  
Wallace escaped at Elcho Park, and killeth done.  
Wallace passeth to Lochmabane. 85  
Wallace winneth the Castle of Crawfurd. 96  
Wallace marrieth, Hesilrig slew his wife in Lanern,  
Wallace slew Hesilrig for the same. 99  
●e battle of Bigger. 109  
Wallace burnt the Barns of Air, and slew Lord Persie. 127  
Wallace slayeth Mackfadyean. 146  
Wallace winneth S. Johnstoun. 154  
●e battle at Striuling Bridge. 158  
Wallace putteth Corspatrick out of Scotland. 165  
Wallace gave Corspatrick, Bishop Beik, and Robert Bruce Battle. 171  
Wallace abideth three quarters of a year in England, and cometh home without Battle. 179  
●e siege of York. 188  
●ace taken with England. 201  
Wallace passeth into France. 214  
Wallace fought with the Red-River, and vinquisht him. 218  
Wallace passeth in Guian. 230  
Wallace wan S. Johnstoun. 238  
●ack-Ironside Forrest. 241  
Wallace winneth Lochleven. 251  
●e winning of Airth. 255  
Wallace burnt the Englishmen in Dumbartane. 258  
Wallace rescueth Sir William Douglas in San●● quhair. 263  
●e Battle of Fawkirk. 275  
Wallace hi●●eth John of Lyn upon the sea.  
King Edward subdueth Scotland.  
Wallace conquereth Guyan.  
Wallace slayeth two Champions.  
Wallace killeth a Lion in the Barrice.  
Wallace returneth from France: at the Battled Elchock Park.  
Wallace besiegeth S. Johnstoun.  
Wallace is betrayed by Sir John Menteith, martyred in England.   
The end of the Table.   

The First Book.  

Chap. I  

●ur Anl●●essours of whom we should often read.  
●●d hold in mind their fame and worthy deed,  
〈…〉, through very, s●oathfulness  
●●●nd 〈◊〉 us ●v●r to other business  
On vain gaming is s●t our whole intent,  
●hi●h h●th 〈◊〉, seen in these 〈◊〉 by-went;  
〈◊〉 neighbours that came of Brutus blood  
〈◊〉 to Scots wi●h● little good;  
●hough now of l●fe God turned their mind Owill  
●ha● great kindness, they 〈◊〉 shourn us until  
●he hearly 〈◊〉 p●●ple, th● Lord hath in his hand  
〈◊〉 may them rude and gui●● at his Command  
●●d ●hò ●ll m●n, would hav● this land in thrall.  
●●on his power. God can against them all  
〈◊〉 hav● 〈◊〉 in our 〈◊〉 before  
〈…〉 now I 〈◊〉 not more  
W●●●ad fo●● right famous in renown  
〈…〉 reigned in this Region  
●nd 〈◊〉 ●orth 〈◊〉 I will 〈…〉 hold  
William Wallace as wh●●● heard it told  
〈…〉 than who like to under land,  
〈◊〉 of 〈…〉 blood of Scotland.  
Ra●●●ld Crawfurd righ● Sheriff of Air,  
〈◊〉 in 〈…〉 ●h●●● Da●gh●●● 〈◊〉.  
〈◊〉 yo●●g S● Rannald 〈…〉  
〈…〉 good 〈…〉:  
〈◊〉 Wallace 〈…〉  
That Ellers●ie than had in Her●●age  
Auchinbothie and many other place  
The second Uve he was to good Wallace.  
The which Wallace full hardily had wrought  
When Walter heir of Wallace 〈◊〉 him, sought  
Who likes to hear more knowledge in that  
Go read the lineage of the first Stewart.   

Now Malcom Wallace got with his Lady br●●●  
Malcom Wallace a good and gentle Knight 〈◊〉.  
And William 〈◊〉 as Chronicles bea● on hand  
Who after was rescuer of Scotland.  
When it was lost with Treason and falseness  
Overset with F●es, it fred through God's Gra●●  
Alexander our worthy King forlorn  
By aventure his li●● lost at Kinghorn  
Three years still the realm stood desolate  
Where through there risen a full grièvous debain  
Our Prince David Earl of Hunting towning  
Three Daughtons had of great fame and ren●● is  
Two of these three desired to be king  
The Balliol claimed of first gree lineally  
And Bruce the first male of the Greenshield by Greenshield  
To Edward soon into England they sand,  
Of this great strife they thought he should ma●●  
Folly it was sindeed it happened so)  
Secure ●o seek of their old mortal Fo.  
Edward Longshanks had now begun his W●●●●  
Upon Gafroign into an awful Fear  
The Land which he claimed stood in such ca●●  
He thought, full soon to make a full Conquest  
To Northam Kirk 〈◊〉 came withoutem mai●●  
●he Councils th●n of Scotland me● him there  
●ull, Subtly he charged them in Bandowa  
〈◊〉 their over-Lord to hold of h●●n the Crown  
●●ishop Robert in this time right worthy  
〈◊〉 Glasgow Lord, said, that We do deny  
〈◊〉 ●●ver-Lord, but the great God above  
The King was wroth, and home he did remove,  
〈◊〉 John Balliol followed on him so fast  
●●o h●ld of him 〈◊〉 granted at the last,  
●nd contrary right, a King he made him there  
●here through Scotland repent it, full fair  
〈…〉 Balliol our Lords would not consent  
●dward, forth with set down a Parliament  
●e call●d Balliol to answer for Scotland  
●he wise Lords Gen caused him break that Band  
〈◊〉, and gave over his allegiance  
●●ing Edward than took it in great griévance  
〈◊〉 is Host he raised & came to wark on Tweed  
●●ut. ●er ●o fight is than he had great dread,  
〈◊〉 Corspatrick of Dunbar, soon he sand  
●is Counsel a●k●●, for he the Country kend  
●here h● was brought in presence of the King  
●●y subtle Band the pocked up this thing.    

Chap. II. The Battle of Berwick.  
Earl Patrick th●n to Berwick can pursue  
●●ceived he was, and trusted very true;  
●he King followed with his m●n of renown  
●fter midnight 〈◊〉 was all the Town  
Corspatrick risen the Keys well be known  
Let Bridges down and Port culliss they dn  
Edward entered and caused stay hastily  
Of Men and Women eight Thousand and  
And Children too by this f●sse Adventure  
Of true Scots escaped no Creature  
A Captain there this false King hath m●  
Toward Dumbar without resting they r●   

Chap. III. The Battle of Dumbar.  
Where gathered was great Power of Scotla●●  
Against Edward in Battle for to stand  
The three Earls was entered in that pla●  
Of Mar. Mon●eith, and Athol upon cas●  
In the Castle the Earl gart hold them u●●  
That to their Men without they could not  
Nor yet to them supplying for no more.  
The Battles than together fast they go  
And many stain there was without ma●●  
Of true Scots overset with Subtly  
Earl Patrick than when the fight was fo●  
To our so turned and harming did us m●●  
T● none in World that shaithes may do ma●  
Than well trusted aborn Familiar  
Our Men are ●ain without redempt●●●  
Through these deeds whole, ●int was this Re●●●   

Chap. IU. Cospatrick came to Scoon and deposed 〈◊〉 Baliol.  
●●●ing Edward past and Corspatrick to Scoon  
●nd there he got the homage of Scotland soon  
●or none was left the realni for to defend  
〈◊〉 John Balliol than to Montrose they sand  
〈◊〉 him deprived for a● of his Kingrike  
〈◊〉 Edward himself was culled a Royal Kite  
〈◊〉 Crown he took upon the self same stane  
〈◊〉 Gathelus sent with his Son from Spain  
〈◊〉 There Scot ●●rd into Scotland came  
●hat Kenneth King the Second of that name  
●●rought i●●●o Scoon and gatt it stable their  
〈◊〉 Kings were Crowned eight hundred years & mair  
●●efore the time that king Edward it found  
●●es ●●ewds he gart turle into England.  
〈◊〉 London e●●in Witness of that thing  
Conquest than of Scotland made him King  
Th●● that Stone, stands Scotland should master be  
〈◊〉 choose the time for Margaret's Heirs to see  
●●ight Score they led of greatest force they sand  
〈…〉 with them and Bruce out of Scotland  
●●at office than ●e keeped but short time  
may not now put all the Deeds in Rhyme  
Chronicles why should I tarry long  
Wallace again now briesty will I gang  
●●●tland was lost when he was but a Child  
〈◊〉 verset with ur Enemies wild.  
His Father Malcom in the Lennox fled  
His eldest Son thither with him he led  
His Mother s●ed with him from Ellerstie  
To Gowry pa●t and dwelled in Kilspindie  
The Knight his Father thither hath him  
Unto his Uncle with a great intent  
In Gowry dwelled and had their living th●●  
An aged Man which received them suir.  
Than to Dundce, Wallace to School they seno●  
While he of wit, full worthilly was kend  
Thus he continued in his ●●der age  
In arms than did many Vassalage  
When Saxon Blood in this Region could re●●  
Marking the Will of that unrighteous King  
Many great wrongs they wrought in this Regu●●  
Destroyed our Lords and broke our buildings  
Both Wives Widows they took at their own n●●  
Nuns and maidens whom they liked to Spill  
King Herod's part they played here in Scotland  
Of young Children that they before them, sand  
The Bishoprics that was greatest of vail  
They took in hand of their Archbishops hail  
Not for the Pope they would no I●rk for bear  
But gripped all through violence of wear  
Glasgow they gave as at their Veil was k●●●  
To Diocie of Durham to a Commend  
Small Benefices they would not pursue  
But for this thing full many other they slew  
●anged Barons and wrought full miekle care  
It was well known within the Barns of Aire.  
There eighteen score was put to Felon dread  
But God about hath sent us some Remead  
It is remembered farther in the Tale  
I will follow upon my pursive hail  
William Wallace are he was man of Arms  
●●●●pily thought Scotland that ●●●k such hurms  
Much dolour it did him in his mind  
For●● was wise right worthy weight and kind  
Gowrie dwelled still with this worthy Man  
As he increased and with a bondan than  
Into his heart he had full meikle care  
He ●aw the Sutheron multiply mair and mair  
And to himself he often would make his moun  
Of ●is good R●●● they had, slain many one  
●e he was than seemly strong and bold  
〈◊〉 he of age was Seventeen Winters old  
Veapons he bore either good Sword or Knife  
For he with them happened full o●● to Strife  
Where he found ●ne out of others presence  
If 〈◊〉 ●o Scots they did no more offence  
To cut his Throat or stick him suddenly  
He cared not found he them anerly  
Sundry wanted but none knew what way  
For as to him there could no man aught lay  
Little of Speech was courteous and benign  
Sad of Countenance he was both hold and ying   

Chap. V How Wallace slew Selby the Constable's Son Dundie.  
Upon a day to Dundic he was sand  
If cruelness full little he was kend  
The Constable was a felon Man of wear  
And unto Scots he did full meikle dear  
Selble he height despiteous in outrage  
A Son he had near Twenty years of age  
Into the Town he used every day  
Three Mon or sour thereto with him to play  
An hidy Shron wanton in his intent  
Wallace he an and towards him he went  
Seemly he was right big and well beseen  
Into a Weed of goodly gaming green  
He called on him and said, thou Scot abide  
What Devil said he thee graieth in so good Weed  
An Horse Mantle it was thy kind to wear  
A sharp Whittle under thy Belt to bear.  
Rough Rulzions upon t●●ne Har●ols feet  
Give me thy Knife what doth thy Gear so meet  
To him he went his Knife to take him fra  
Fast by the Collar Wallace 'gan him ●á  
Under his hand his Knife be braided out  
For all his men that sémbled him about  
But help himself he knew of no Remead  
Without resive he sticked him to dead,  
The Sqyer fell of him there was no more  
His men folloned on Wallace wonder sore  
The press was thi●h and commored them fu●  
Wallace was speedy and greatly alls aghast  
The bloody was drawn in his hand  
He spared none that he before him stand.  
●●e house he knew his e●ne he lodged in  
●●ither he fled farther he might not win  
●he good Wife, there within the Close sand he  
●●●d help he cried for him that died on Tree  
The young Captain hath fallen with me at strife  
In at the door he went with this good Wife  
A russet Gown of her own she him gave  
Above his Weed which covered all his lave  
A sudded Courch over head and neck let fall  
A worn white hat she breased on with all  
For they should not long harry in that Inn  
Gave him a Rook and than sal down to spinn  
The Sutheron sought where Wallace but dread  
They knew not well at what gate he in yeed  
In that same house they sought him busily  
For he sat still and span right cunningly  
As of his time he had not learned long  
They left him so and forth their gates can gang  
With heavy cheer and sorrowful in thought  
No wit of him as than get could they naught  
The Englishmen all than in barrel bown  
Bude ●ire all Scots that were into the Town  
Yet this good Wife held Wallace until night  
Made him good cheer and put him out of sight  
Thro a dark gate she guided him full fast  
In ●●vert went sin by the water passed  
●●ur bure the Gate for Watches that were there  
His Mother was into a great Despair  
Than she him san she thanked heavens King  
And said dear Son so long where hast thou been.  
He told his Mother of that sudden case  
Than weeped she and said full of alas  
E'er that thou cease thou will be slain with  
Mother he said. God rules is of all  
Unsufferable are the people of England  
Part of their ire methinks we should gainstan  
His one he knew that he the squire slew  
For dread thereof he in great languor grow  
This passed ●vo● while divers day were gan●  
The good man dread that Wallace should be ta●●  
The Sutheron are full subtle every man  
Agreat Ditty for Scots ordained they than  
By the Law days in Dundie set an air  
Than Wallace would not longer sojourn than  
His Mother graithed her in a Pilgrins' Weed,  
Himself disguised sin gladly with her yeed  
A short Sword under his Weed bore he  
In all the Land full many a Fo●had he  
Both on their foot with them more took they ●ou●●  
Who spired she said to Saint Margaret they sought  
Who served her full great friendship they fan●  
With Sutheron folks for she was of England  
Besides Lundores the Ferry over they passed  
Than through they Ochel sped they wonder fast  
Into Dumferling they lodged that night  
Upon the morn when that the day was light  
With Gentlewoman happened them to pass  
Of England born in Linlithgow winning ●o●●  
The Captain's Wife in Pilgrimage had been  
When she them met had good Wallace seen  
●od cheer they made for he was wonder fair  
〈◊〉 large of tongue well taught and debonair  
●●●th talking thus of mattors that were wrought  
While South over Forth with her son she him brought  
Into Linlithgow they would not tarry long  
Their leive they took to Dunnipace they gang  
There dwelled his Erne a Man of great richeses  
I mighty person height to name Wallace.  
Made them good cheer and was a full good man  
〈◊〉 ●om'd them fair and to them told he than  
●●id him to wit the Land was all on stair  
ocreated them well and said my Son so dear  
Why Mother and thou right here with me shall bide  
While better be thy chance what may befide  
Wallace answered, Wester more we will  
●●ur ●in is Slain and that me liketh ill  
And other many worthy in that art  
●●ive I will God, me shall us wreck on part  
The Parson sighed and said my Son so free  
〈◊〉 cannot know how that redress may be  
What should I speak of frustrate all this tide  
For gift of good he would not with him bide  
His Mother and he to Ellerslie they went  
Upon the morn she for her Brother sent  
●●●n Corshie dwelled and was Sheriff of A●re  
His Father was dead that lived a long time there  
●●or eldest Son that meikle was of main  
●●or Husband als at Lochmabane was slain  
〈◊〉 Malcorn Wallace his name was but lies  
〈◊〉 ●ough Sinews were cutted in that preass.  
On knees he fought fallen English men hesle●  
To him than sought more sighters than e●●  
On either side with Spears the bore him d●  
Their sticked they that good Knight of re●  
Unto may ●ale I left at Ellerslie  
Sr. Rannald came into his Sister free  
welcomed them and asked of their inten●  
She prayed that he to Lord Percy would we●  
She irked of War she would not further ●le●  
Th' purchase in rest that, he might be  
Sr. Rannald and the Percies Protection  
As for all part to take remission  
Than he caused writ to his Sister that tide●  
In that respite Wallace would not abide  
His mother he left she wept with heart full sa●  
His leave he took than from his Eme can fa●  
Young he was and to Sutheron right Sava●  
Great room they had despite and eke coura●●  
Sr. Rannald durst not than hold Wallace than  
For great peril he knew appearing were  
For they had whole the strengths of this Lan●  
What they would do durst none against them  
Sheriff he was and used them among  
Full sore he dread that Wallace should take  
For he and they could never well accord  
He got ablow though he was Lad or Lor●  
That proffered him any lightliness  
But they repaired over meikle to that pl●  
Alls English Clerks in prophecy it found  
How one Wallace should put them fra Scotl●  
Sr. Rannald knew well a more quiet st●e●  
●ere William might be better from their feed  
〈◊〉 his Uncle William of Richertoun  
Richard height that good Knight of renown  
These Lands whole than was his heritage  
●ut blind he was so happened through courage  
●y English men that did him meikle dear  
〈◊〉 his rising he worthy was in wear  
Through ●uri of Veins and minishing of blood  
●●et he was wise and of his counsel good  
●n Februar Wallace was to him sand  
●nto April he bown, from him to wend  
●ut good Service he did him with pleasance  
●s in that space was worthy to advance   

Chap. VI How Wallace passed the Irvin to fish.  
〈◊〉 on a time he desired to play  
●●to April the three and twentieth day  
●o Irvin Water fish to take he went  
Such fantasy fell into his intent  
To ●●●d his Net a Child with him there yeed  
But he ere noon was in a felon dread  
His Sword he left so did he never again  
●t did him good altho' he suffered pain  
Of that labour as than he was not sly  
Happ●e he was took fish abundantly  
E'er of the Day ten hours could 〈◊〉 or pass  
●iding there came near by where Wallace was  
The Lord Persie that were Captain of Air  
From him he turned and could to Glasgow far  
Part of the Court had Wallace labour seen  
To him they road five clad in garment g●●●  
Sr. Martin's Fish said Scot now we would  
Wallace again than meekly answer gave  
It were reason methink ye should have p●●●  
Waith should be dealt in all place with free  
He bade his Boy give him of his waithing  
The Sutheron said as now of my dealing  
We will not take thou wouldst give us over sm●●●  
He lighted down and from his Boy took a●●●  
Wallace said than Gentlemen if● ye be  
Leave us some part we pray for Charit●  
An aged Knight serves our Lady this day  
Good friend leave part and take not all  
Thou shalt have leave to fish and take thee●  
All these surely shall be our flitting fare  
We serve a Lord these Fish shall to him gang  
Wallace answering said thou art in the wr●●●  
Whom thou'st thou Scot in faith thou servest a●  
To him he ran and out a Sword can dra●●  
Wallace was he he had no weapons there  
But a Pault Staff which in his hand he b●  
Wallace with it fast on the Cheek him took  
With so good will while of his feet him sh●  
The Sword flew from a foot broad on the L●●●  
Wallace was glad and caught it soon in h●  
And with the Sword an awkward stroke him  
Under the Head his Craig in sunder dra●●  
By that the rest lighted about Wallace  
He had no help but only on God's Grace  
●●●ther side full fast on him they dang  
●●at peril was if they had lasted long.  
●n the head in great ire he struck one  
●●e Sheering Sword ●ut to the Collar bone  
●th●r he ●i● on the Arm hastilly  
●ile hand and Sword both on the land can lie  
●●e other two fled to their Horse again  
● s●icked him that was last on the plain  
〈◊〉 slew he there, two fled with all their might  
〈◊〉 their Lord but he was out of Sight  
●●●ing the Mure ere he and they could twin  
〈◊〉 him the road anon ere they could blind  
●●nd cried abide your Men are martyred down  
●●ight cruelly in this false Region  
〈◊〉 of your men here at the water bade  
●●●sh you to bring though it no profit made  
●●●e are escaped, but in field slain are three  
The Lord asked, how many may there be?  
●e s●●th but one that hath over come us all  
Than l●ugh the Lord and said shame on you ●all  
●ince one you all hath put to confusion  
●●ho moans it most the Devil in Hell him drown  
This day for me, in faith, he's not be sought  
Than Wallace thus the worthy work had wrought  
Their Horse he took and Gear that was left there  
●we over the craft and went to fish no mare  
●ent to his Eme and told him of the Dead  
And he for woe near swelled out of his Weed.  
And said Son these sidings ●i●s me sore  
I they be known thou may get sk●ith the●  
〈◊〉 he said not longer will I bide  
These Sutherons' Horse let see if I can rid●  
Than but a Child in Service, for to make●  
His Eme's Son with him he would not 〈◊〉  
This good Knight said dear ●ousen I pray  
When the● wants good come fetch enough fr●  
Silver and Gold he caused one to him give  
Wallace than kneeled and lonely took his 〈◊〉  
The end of the first Book.    

THE SECOND BOOK.  

CHAP. I  
●w Wallace slew the Churl, with his own staff in 〈◊〉 Air.  
YOung Wallace than fulfilled of high courage.  
In prize of arms desirous of vassalage;  
Thy vassalage may never be forlorn,  
●hy deed is known, though all the world had 〈◊〉,  
●or thy whole mind, labour, and business,  
●as set in war, and very righteousness:  
●nd full great loss of thy great worthy kin,  
●he rancour more remains thy mind within,  
〈◊〉 was his life, and most part of his found.  
●o see them shed the birning Sutheron blood:  
●o Ochterhouse withouten more he ●ode,  
●nd but short time in peace there he bided.  
●here was one Wallace that welcomed him well▪  
●ough Englishmen thereof had little fél:  
●oth meat and drink at his will had he the●e,  
〈◊〉 Langlan wood, when that he made repair.  
he gentleman, full often was his reset,  
●ith stuff of house full often he can him b●t:  
he desired the town of Air to see  
●s child with him, and than not more took he.  
●e next the wood Wallace caused leave his horse,  
●hen on his foot went to the market Cross,  
●e Perfie was in the Castle of Air,  
●i●h Englishmen, great number and repair.  
●nd all the town ruleing on their own wise,  
〈◊〉 many Scots they did full great suppress:  
All but abasing Wallace among them yéed  
The rage of youth made him to have no dre●●  
A Churl they had, that great burdens did be●  
Exceedingly be would lift meikle maire  
Than any three that they among them found:  
And als by this one sport be took in hand.  
He bore a sting into a busteous pole,  
On his broad back, if any would it those:  
But for a groat as fast as he might draw,  
When Wallace heard speak of that merry saw  
Than he desired at that market to be,  
For one stroke he had him groats three:  
The Churl granted, of that proffer was feign,  
To pay that silver Wallace was full bane.  
Wallace that sting took up into his hand,  
Full sturdily before him could he stand:  
Wallace with that upon the back him gave,  
While his rig-bone all into sunder drove.  
The Churl was dead, of him I speaks na mair  
The Englishmen assembled on Wallace there.  
Fell on the field of folks fight fast,  
He unabased, and not greatly aghast:  
Upon the head one with the sting hit he,  
While bone and and brain he made in pieces flee.  
Another he stroke on the vaisnet of steel,  
The tree than rave, and frushed every deal:  
The tree was lost, the English man was dead,  
For his craig-bone was broken in that stead.  
He drew a sword that he lped him in need,  
Throughout the thickest of the press be yéed▪  
And at his Horse full feign he would have been,  
Two grieved him most that cruel were and k●●  
Wallace returned as man of meikle main,  
And at one stroke the foremost hath be stain:  
A full sore stroke the other got that tide,  
●●th his good sword, he made him there, abide.  
●at the Corslet brimly he him bore,  
〈◊〉 grounden sword out through his body share:  
〈◊〉 slew he there, ere he passed from the Town,  
●ot his Horse, to Langlane made him bown:  
kéeped the child, and let him not abide,  
●ped thus, he can to Langlane ride,  
●e followed him on Horse, some upon foot,  
●ake Wallace, as than it was no boot.  
trees were thick, that kéeped him full well,  
there to bide, be could never a deal.  
〈◊〉 ordinance that effeired for his estate,  
custom was at all times ere and late:  
Squire Wallace in Ochterhouse that was  
〈◊〉 bed and meat, for him they made to pass.  
●or that time that he remained there,  
〈◊〉 fore be longed to see the Town of Air:  
●ther he passed upon a market day,  
●ld God as than, that be had bidden away.  
Emes servant for to buy fish he sent,  
Reynald Crawfurd the Shyriff than was kent.   

CHAP. II. ● Wallace slew Lord Perseus' Stewart, and was prisoned in Aire.  
WHen be had ta'en such good as he had bought,  
The Perfies Stewart right sadly to him sought  
said, Thou Scot, to whom buys thou this thing?  
●e Sheriff he said: By heaven's King,  
Lord shall have it, sign go fetch thee mair,  
●ce by chance was near by going there.  
●ent to him, and said, Friend I pray thee,  
Theriffs' servant that thou would let him be.  
●ly man the Stewart was of blood,  
Thought Wallace him charged in terms wide:  
Go hence 〈◊〉 Scot, the meikle devil thee speed,  
At thy Sheriff●use thou weens us for to lead.  
An bunting staff into his hand he bore.  
Therewith he smote on William Wallace there.  
But with his tree little sunzie he made,  
Fast by the collar him caught withouten bade.  
A full great knife fast to his heart stroke he,  
Than from him dead shot him right suddenly:  
Cater senfyne I trow he was na maire:  
The English men assembled Wallace there.  
Fourscore were set in armour birnest bown,  
On market day for Scots to keep the town.  
Wallace holdly he drew a sword of war,  
Into the brim the foremost couth he bear.  
Out through the body sticked him to the dead  
And sundry moe, ere he passed from that stead.  
An acward stroke another took he there,  
Upon his knee the bone in sunder share.  
The third he stroke on a peasant of mailzie,  
His craig in two, no weeds might availzie:  
Thus Wallace fared as wood as a Lion,  
The Englishmen that were on bargan bown,  
They kept the gate with spears rude and long,  
For dint of sword might no man to him gang:  
Wallace was harnessed on his body well,  
At him they sought with sharp swords of steel.  
And from his strength environed him about,  
Out through the press on a side he broke out:  
Unto a wall that stood by the sea side,  
For wèll or woe there must be need abide,  
Part of their spears in pieces there he share,  
Than from the Castle other help came mair:  
Out over the dyke they glaid on every side,  
Broke down the wall, no succour was that ty●●  
●hen Wallace knew of no ween, but to die  
To win his death amongst them thus went he:  
●ther part in great ire he wing fast,  
●is birnist brand it bursted at the last.  
●rake in the hilts, away the blade it slew,  
●e witted not ween, but forth his knife he drew:  
The first he slew which him in hand hath hint,  
And other two be sticked with his dint.  
The remnant to him with spears hath taught.  
●are him to ground, not further might be naught:  
The Lords bade that they should not him sla,  
To pine him more they charged him to t●,  
●nto their Inns, although that he had sworn,  
●ut of the gate by force they have him borne:  
Thus good Wallace with Englishmen wa● cane,  
〈◊〉 fault of help, for he was his alone.  
●e could not cease, his courage so him bore,  
●rivole fortune hath brought him in the snare.  
These false gods full of unrighteousness,  
●nd false Juno full of deceitfulness.  
These feigned gods Wallace never yet knew.  
●reat righteousness him aye to mercy drew.  
●is Kin might not get him for no kind of thing.  
●ight they have paid the ransom of a King.  
●he more they bade; the more it was in vain,  
●f their best men that day seven hath he slain:  
They caused fe● him in a prison fell,  
●f his torments great pity was to tell.  
●vil meat and drink they caused unto him give.  
●reat marvel was it be might long them live.  
●nd eke thereto he was in prison law,  
While they thought time on him to hold the La●●.  
●eave I him thus into this painful stead,  
While God above do sand him some remead.  
●he plain complaint, and piteous lamenting;  
The woeful weeping that was for his taking.  
The tormenting of every creature,  
Alace, they said: How shall our life endure:  
The flower of youth into his tender age,  
Fortune of Arms hath left him in thirlage:  
Living this day a Chistain have we none  
Durst take in hand, but young Wallace alone:  
The land is lost, he is caught in the snare,  
The A-per-se of Scotland is in great care.   

CHAP. III. Now Wallace was imprisoned in Aire, and escaped  

Barrelled haring and water they him gave,  
Where he was set into that ugly cave,  
Such food for him was feeble to commend,  
Than said he thus, Good God me now receive  
My piteous spirit and soul over all the lave,  
My careful life, I may not now defend.  
Over few Sutheron unto the death I drew,  
And that I rue indeed, and very true.  
For soon I will out of this world wend,  
If I should now in prison make an end.   

Eternal God, why should I thus wise die,  
Since my belief all whole remains on thee?  
And thine own hand full worthily have wrought  
But thou remead, no life they ordain me,  
Mine only Saviour that died on the tree,  
From hell's prison with thy blood hath me boug●●  
Why wilt thou give thine handiwork for no●●●  
And many other in great pain that I see,  
For of my life, nothing else I wrought.   

O waried sword, of temper never true,  
Thy frushing blade in prison soon me threw:  
And Englishmen over little harms hath ta'en  
Of us they have undone moe than anew:  
●y faithful Father despite fully they 〈◊〉  
●y brother als, and good men many o●le,  
This is the date shall us overcome each one:  
Of this Kingrick, dear God when shalt thou rue,  
●ince my power thus suddenly is gone.   

All worthy Scots, Almighty God you lead.  
●ince I no more in worship may you speed:  
●n prison here me worths to mischieve:  
●ow stilie Scotland, that of help hath great need,  
●hy Nation stands into a felion dread.  
Of worldliness right thus I take my leave,  
Of other pains God let you never preave.  
●hough I for we out of wits should wend,  
●one other gift I may now to you give,  
Adieu Wallace, sometime was strong and stir,  
●hou must of need in prison long endure,  
●y worthy Kin may not thee save for gold,  
●dies weep, that were both mild and mure,  
〈◊〉 furious pains thy mother that thee hure:  
●r thou to her was dearer than the gold:  
●er most destre was to thee under mould,  
〈◊〉 worldliness why should any assure:  
●●r thou wert form forcy on the fold.   

Complain ye poor, thus as your scedell tells,  
complain to heaven with words that never failed,  
complain your voice to the great God above,  
complain for him that sits in spytful Cells,  
complain his pain that thus in dolour dwells:  
langour lies, for losing of their love,  
●s furious pain was felon for to prove.  
complain also ye birds as blithe as Bells,  
●me happy chance may fall for your behave.  
Complain ye Lords, complain ye Ladies bright,  
complain for him that worthy was and wight:  
Saxons son that suffered meikle dear,  
Complain 〈◊〉 him that is in prison dight,  
And for no cap●e (Scotland) but for thy right,  
Complain also ye worthy men of wear,  
Complain for him who was your Asper spear,  
Few Englishmen yet to the death he dight,  
Complain for him your triumph had to bear.   

Cellinus his master jayleour was now,  
In Englishmen, alas, why should we trow,  
Our Worthy Kin are pined on this wise,  
Such rule but right is little till allow.  
Me thinks we should in barret make them bow,  
At our power, and so we do feill size,  
From their danger God make us for to rise,  
That well hath wrought before these times now  
For they mark aye to wait us with suppress.   

What would I more of Wallace torments tell,  
The Flur he took into that prison fell.  
Near to the death likely he was to draw:  
They charged the jayelour there be should not d●●  
But bring him forth soon of that ugly Cell:  
In judgement where that he should those the La●  
This man went down and suddenly he saw:  
As to his sight, Death had him snapped well sn●●●  
Than said to them, He hath paid that he awe.   

When they presumed he should be very dead,  
They caused servants withouten longer pled,  
With short advice unto the brickwall him bore,  
They cast him over out of that bailful stead:  
Of him they trowed there should be no remead.  
In a draffe-midding, where he remained there,  
His first Nurse of the new town of Air,  
To him she came, which was full well of read,  
And purthast leave, away with him to far:   

Into great ire they granted her to go,  
She took him up withouten words moe:  
And on a Cart unséemly they him cast,  
Out over the water they led him with great woe,  
To her own house withouten any ho:  
She warmed water, and als her servants fast,  
His body washed, while filth of him was passed:  
His heart was wight, and flightered to and from,  
And his two eyes at last cast up also,   

His Foster-mother him loved attover the lave,  
●ot milk to warm, his life if she might save.  
With all her cure great kindness could him kith.  
Her daughter had of twelve weeks a knave,  
Her child's papes in Wallace mouth it gave,  
The woman's milk comforted him full swyth:  
Than in a bed they brought him for to lieth.  
And coverfly they kept him in that cave,  
Him for to save, well secretly they might.   

In their chamber they kéeped him that tide,  
She caused grath up a buird in the house side.  
With tapestry cloaths honoured with great slight,  
And that the voice on every land should light  
That he were dead, throughout the Land so vvide,  
In presence aye she wéeped under sight,  
But goodly meats she graithed either night.  
And so befell in that self same tide,  
While farthermore that Wallace worthed wight.   

Thomas Rymer withouten fail was than,  
With the Minister, which was a worthy man:  
He used often to that religious place,  
The people deemed of méekle wit he can,  
And so he did, although they bless or ban:  
Which happpened sooth in many divers place,  
I cannot say, by wrong, or righteousness,  
In rule of war, whether he tint or wan,  
It may be deemed by division of grace.   

This man that day at the market had been,  
Of Wallace knew this careful case so keen.  
His Master asked, What tidings that he saw.  
His man answered, Of little heard I meene:  
The Minister said, that hath been seldom seen  
Where Scots and English assembled on a row,  
Was never yet so far as I could know.  
But either a Scot would do a Sutheron teen,  
Or he to him, as aventure might faugh.   

Wallace ye know was ta'en into that stead,  
Out over the wall I saw them cast him dead:  
Out of their prison famished for want of food,  
The Minister said, with heart heavy as lead,  
Such deed to them, me think should foster feed:  
For he was wight and come of gentle blood.  
Thomas answered, These tidings are not good:  
If that he sooth, myself shall never eat bread,  
For all my wit here shortly I conclude.   

A woman than of the new town of Air.  
To him she went when he was lying there:  
And on her knees right lowly them besought,  
To purchase leave, she might hence with him fa●  
In lightlinesse they granted to her there,  
And over the water into her house him brought,  
To bury him as goodly as she might.  
Than Thomas said, Yet shall I live na mair,  
If that he true, by God that all hath wrought,   

The Minister heard what Thomas said in plain●  
He charged his man to speed him fast again:  
To see the house, and warily to espy,  
What words he heard amongst them buffly;  
The man went out, at bidding was all bane,  
To the new town to pass, he did his pain:  
To that ilk house, and went in suddenly:  
About he blinked unto the board him by.  
The woman rose, in heart she was not feign,  
●●o lies here, he did demand in plain 〈◊〉  
●ace she said, full worthy that hath been,  
●en wéeped she, that pity was to seen.  
●e man thereto great credence gave he naught,  
●wárd the board he bowned as he best thought.  
〈◊〉 knees she fell, and cried for jesus shéen,  
〈◊〉 slander be, and from your thought it sléem.  
●e m●● answered, By him that all bath wrought,  
●ould his welfare, and cast into his thought:  
●●ght I on life once see him with mine éene,  
〈◊〉 should be safe though England would him sléem,  
●e led him up to Wallace by the grées,  
〈◊〉 spoke with him than fast again can press,  
●ith glad bodward their mirths to amend,  
●●d came again, and told them whole to end.  
〈◊〉 told to them, the first tidings was lies,  
●●en Thomas said, Forsooth ere he deceise:  
●●ny thousand on field shall take an end,  
●●om this Region he shall the Sutheron sand,  
●●d Scotland thrice he shall bring to a peace,  
●●to this Region great God shall sand him grace,  
All worthy men that have good wit to wail,  
●ware that ye do not misdéem my tale.  
●●rchance ye say, to Bruce was none such like,  
〈◊〉 was as good where deeds were to assail,  
〈◊〉 of his hands, and Bolder of Battle,  
●●t Bruce was known right heir of his King rick:  
●●r he had right, we call no man him like,  
●●t Wallace thrice this King rick conquest hail,  
England far sought battle on that ●ike,    

CHAP. IU. The Battle of Lowdoun-hill.  
Will return to my purpose again,  
When Wallace was relieved of his pain.  
The Court 〈◊〉; deemed all whole that he was,  
His dear 〈◊〉 knew not of his remead:  
While whose he was, likely to go and ride,  
Into that place he would not longer bide.  
His true keeper he sent to Ellersly,  
After him there he durst not let her be.  
Her daughter als, her servants and her child,  
He made them pass unto his mother mild,  
When they were gone, no weapons there 〈◊〉  
To help him with, what eventure might faugh:  
A rousty sword in a nook he saw stand,  
Withouten belt, bose, buckler, or yet brand.  
Long time before it had been in that stead,  
An aged man it left, when he was dead:  
He drew the blade, and found it would well byt●●  
Though it was foul, he took it with him tyte,  
God help his man, for thou shalt go with me,  
While-better come, will God soon may that be,  
To sir Rannald as than he would not far,  
Into that passage, for Sutheron made repair,  
At Richarton full feign he would have been,  
To get him horse, and part of armour shéen,  
Than afterwards as he bowned to far,  
Three Englishmen he met riding to Air.  
At their voyage in Glasgow forth had been,  
One Longcastle, that cruel was and kéen:  
A bold Sqyver, with him good Yeomen two.  
Wallace drew by, and would have let them go,  
To him they ride, and said despitefully,  
Thou Scot abide, I trow thou be a spy:  
Or else a chief, from presence would thee hid,  
Than Wallace said with sober words that tide:  
Sir, I am sick, for God's love let me go,  
Longcastle said, Forsooth it bees not so:  
A felon freik thou seemest in thy fare,  
●…hile men thee know, thou shalt with 〈◊〉; to Air,  
●…nt out his sword that was of noble 〈◊〉;  
Wallace with that at his lighting him threw.  
●…on the crage with his sword hath him ta'en,  
●…rough brain and lyre, in sunder broke the have:  
●…y he was fallen the two were lighted down,  
●…o venge his death, on Wallace made them bown.  
●…he one of them upon the head he gave,  
●…he cousty blade unto the craig him clavae:  
●…he other fled, and durst not longer bide,  
●…ith a rude step Wallace could after glide.  
●…ut through the ribs a sicker stroke gave he,  
●…hile liver and lungs men might at once it see.  
●…he horse he took, both weapons and armour,  
●…en thanked God with glad heart in that hour:  
●…iber they had, all with them hath he ta'en,  
●…m to support, for spending had he nane.  
〈◊〉 to great haste he road to Richartoun,  
〈◊〉 glad sembly was at his lighting down:  
When Wallace met with Sir Richard that Knight,  
For him had mourned, while feeble was his sight.  
His two sons of Wallace was full feign,  
They had him lost, yet God him saved again.  
●…is Eme Sir Rannald to Richartoun came fast:  
The woman told, vy Corsbies as she passed  
●…ow Wallace escaped, than on their way yéed,  
Sir Rannald yet was in a felon dread.  
While he him saw, in heart he thought full long,  
●…hen suddenly in arms he him throng.  
●…e might not speak, but kissed him tenderly,  
●…is troubled spirit was in an extaffe:  
The glad tears braced from his eyes two,  
Are that he spoke a long time held him so:  
And at the last, right friendly said he,  
Welcome Nevoy, welcome dear-son to me:  
Thanked 〈◊〉 ●e that all the world hath wrought  
That fairly thee out of prison hath brought.  
His mother came, and other friends anew,  
With full glad will to see these tidings true,  
Good Robert Boyd, that worthy was and wight,  
Would not them trow, while he them saw with 〈◊〉  
From sundry parts they came to Richartoun,  
Feel worthy folks, that were of great renown:  
Thus leave I them in mirth, gladness, and please●  
Thanking great God of this so happy chance.  
The end of the second Book.    

THE THIRD BOOK.  

CHAP. I How Wallace revenged the slaughter of his Father, and his brother on Lowdoun-hill.  
IN joyous July, when the flowers are sweet,  
Digestable, engendering with the heat,  
Both flower and fruit, bushes and boughs bra●●●  
Abundantly in every stonk and stayed,  
All beastial their right course to endure,  
Well helped are by working of Nature.  
On foot ascending to the heavens height,  
Conserved well by the Maker of might:  
Fish in the flood restorteth really,  
To man's food, the world to occupy.  
But Scotland so was wasted many a day,  
Through war, such skaith, that labour was aways  
Vittail grew scant, ere August could appear,  
Through all the land the food happened full dear.  
But Englishmen that richeses wanted 〈◊〉,  
By carriage brought their vittail in good wane,  
stuffed houses with wine and good vernage,  
Enjoyed this land as their own heritage:  
This King rick whole they ruled at their will,  
●essengers than such tidings told them till.  
And told the Persie that Wallace living was,  
And from their prison in Air escaped hes.  
They trowd it well, that Wallace passed that stead,  
For Longcastle and his two men were dead:  
They waried the chance that Wallace was so past,  
●n every part they were full greatly aghast.  
Through prophecy that they had heard before,  
●ord Persie said, What need words more:  
But he be fast, he shall do great marvel:  
●t were the best for King Edward's avail:  
●ight he him get to be his steadfast man,  
For gold or land, his conguest might stand than.  
We think by force be may not gotten be,  
Wise men forsooth by his escape may see,  
Thus déem they him in many divers case,  
We leave them thus, and speak of good Wallace.  
●n Richartoun he would not longer hid,  
For friend counsel, or aught that might betid.  
And when they saw that it awailed naught,  
His purpose was to venge him if he might:  
On Sutheron blood, that had his elders slain,  
They let him work his own will into plain.  
Sir Richard had three sons, as I you told,  
●dam, Richard, and Simon that were bold.  
●dam elder, was grown into courage,  
Forward, right fair, and eighteen years of age.  
Large of person, right hardy, wise and wight,  
Good King Robert in his time made him Knight,  
Long time after in Bruces beware abdde,  
On Englishmen many good journey made.  
This good ●quyer with Wallace bowned to 〈◊〉  
And Robert Boyd, which would not longer bid  
Under thirlage of steges of England,  
To the false king he never had made hand.  
Cleland was there, near cousin to Wallace.  
Than bided with him in many perilous place.  
And Edward Little his sister son so dear,  
Full well graithed into their armour clear:  
With their servants to Richartoun they road,  
To Marhline, Moor, and short time there ab●●  
For friends them told was bounden in thirlag  
That Fenwick sent was for the carriage:  
Within short time be will bring it to Air,  
Out of Carleit they had received it there.  
That pleased Wallace in heart right greatumly  
Wit ye they were a goodly company.  
Toward Lowdoun they bowned them to ride,  
And in a shaw, a little there beside,  
They lodged them, for it was near the night,  
To watch the way as goodly as they might:  
A good true Scot which Ostler house held ther●  
Under Lowdoun, mine author can declare.  
He saw them come, he went to them on bye,  
Both meat and drink he brought them privily.  
And to them told the carriage men in plain,  
Their forerider to Aire was passed again.  
Left them to come with power of great avail,  
They trowed by than they were in Anandail.  
Wallace than said, We will not sojourn here,  
Nor change no weed, but our each day's gear.  
At Corssintoun the way was spilt that tide,  
For that same way behoved they to ride.  
And from the time that he of prison far,  
Good Summer weed, daily on him he bore:  
light harness from that time us●●● ever,  
sudden strife, from it he would not sever:  
Habergion under his Gown he bore,  
●ood steel cap in his Bonnet but maire:  
〈◊〉 gloves of plate, with cloth was cobered well,  
●is Doublet a close collar of steel.  
face he-kéeped, for it was ever bore,  
●●th his two hands, the which full worthy were.  
●●s his weed, if he came in a thrang,  
●s no man than on foot might with him gang.  
grown of strength, of power strong and stir,  
terrible dints were fearful to endure.  
●●ey trusted more of Wallace him alone,  
●●n an hundreth of England might be ta'en.  
ease worthy Scots made there no tarrying,  
Lowdoun bill passed in the day dawning.  
rised the place and put their horse away,  
〈◊〉 thought to win, or never home to ga.  
●o scourriour sent to visit well the plain,  
●t they right soon returned in again:  
Wallace said, That they were coming fast.  
●●en to the ground all kneeling at the last:  
●●th humble hearts Maying with all their might,  
God above to help them in their right.  
●●ey graithed them in Harness hastily,  
●ere sonzied none good of that company:  
●●en Wallace said, Here was my Father slain,  
●●d my brother, which doth me meikle pain,  
shall myself, or venged be but dread,  
●e traitor is here, the causer of the deed:  
●●en bright they all to bide with hearty will,  
that the power was taking Lowdoun hill.  
●e Knight Fenwick convoyed the carriage,  
had on Scots made many shrewd voyage:  
●e Sun was risen leiming over ●ands light,  
The Englishmen saw that they came to th●  
Near him they road, and soon the Scots saw,  
He told his men, and said to them on raw:  
Yonder is Wallace that escaped our prison,  
He shall again he drawn through the town.  
His head I know might better please the 〈◊〉  
Than gold, or land, or any earthly thing:  
He made his servants bide with the carriage  
Thought to demain the Scots at their own b●●  
Ninescore he led in harness birnest bright,  
And fifty were with Wallace in the right.  
Vnreduted the Sutheron were in wear,  
And fast they came full awful in effeir.  
A manner of dyke of stones they had made,  
Narrowed the dyke where through the thick  
The Scots on foot took the gate them before,  
The Sutheron saw their courage was the mor●  
In prideful ire they thought o'er them to ti●●  
But otherwise it happened in that tide.  
On either side together fast they glad.  
The Scots on foot great room about them m●●●  
With prunzing spears through plates of fine  
The Englishmen that thought to venge them  
On harnessed horse about them rudely ●ade,  
That with unease upon their feet they bade.  
Wallace the foremost in the birn he bore,  
The grounden spear throughout his body share  
The shaft he shook it of the frushing tree,  
Divided it soon, since not better might be:  
Drew swords than, both heavy, sharp and la●  
On either side full cruelly they dang.  
Fight at once into that felon doubt,  
The Englishmen environed them about.  
Through force they thought out through the  
The Scots on foot that boldly could abide:  
●ith swords share through halfe and ●●●rick good,  
●on the fields shot out the Sutheron 〈◊〉.  
●om horse and man, through harness birnest been,  
●ore assailzie forsooth there might he seen:  
●●ey trusted no life, but to the latter end,  
so few folk, great nobleness might be kend:  
together bade defending them so fast,  
●●rst none dissever, while that the press be passed:  
●e Englishmen, that were right wise in wear,  
force ordained in sunder them to bear.  
●●eir chief captain as fierce as any Boar,  
●rough maltalent and very proper care.  
a great Horse into his glistering gear,  
●●t over casts a felon Asper spear:  
●●e Knight Fenwick, that cruel was and kéen,  
Wallace father he at the death had been,  
of his brother that doughty was and dear,  
●hen Wallace saw that false knight was so near:  
courage grew in ire as a Lion,  
●him he ran, and frieks field bore down.  
●he road by, and acward stroke him ta,  
●●h thigh and arson in sunder made he ga'.  
●m the Courser he fell on the far side:  
●●th a sharp sword he stroke him in that tide:  
he was dead, a great press came so fast,  
●●r him to ground they bore Boyd at the last.  
●●ace was near, and turned in again,  
〈◊〉 to rescue, while he risen of the plain,  
●●ghtly did him wear while he a sword have ta'en,  
●oughout the stowre these two in fear are gane  
remnant upon them followed fast,  
their passage feill Sutheron made aghast,  
〈◊〉 Wallace, the heir of Richartoun  
●ake on Bewmount, a Squer of renown.  
the peasant, with his sword birnisht bore,  
The birnell blade his halfe in sunder share.  
The Englishmen saw their Chiftane was slain,  
Boldly abode, as men of meikel main.  
Rich Horse ramping rushed trieks under feet,  
The Scots on foot made many loose the sweet:  
Wight men lighted themselves for to defend,  
Where Wallace came their dead was little kend▪  
The Sutheron part sore frushed were that tide,  
That in that stoure they might not longer bide,  
Wallace indeed he wrought right worthily,  
The squire Boyd, and all their Chivalry.  
The Englishmen took plain part for to flee:  
Little and Cleland made of their enemies die.  
On horse some part to strengths can them foun●  
To secure them with many working wound.  
An hundred dead in field was leaved there,  
And three Yeomen of Wallace dead but mair.  
Two was of Kyle, and one of Cunning hame,  
With Robert Boyd to Wallace came from hame.  
Fourscore escaped from field on Sutheron side,  
The Scots in place that boldly could abide:  
Spoiling the field of gold and other gear,  
Harness and horse, which they needed in wear,  
The English knaves they made the carriage le●●  
To Clyds' Forest, while they were out of dre●●●  
And band them fast with widdies sad and fair,  
On bowing trees, than hanged they them the●●  
He spared none that able was for war,  
But women and Priests he made them aye forb●  
When thus was done, to Dinner soon they we  
Of stuff and wine that God had to them sent.  
Tenscore of horse they won that carriage bar●  
With victual & wines as meikel as they might  
And other stuff, that they of Carlisle led,  
The Sutheron part out of the field they fled:  
With sorrow sought to the Castle of Air,  
Before the Lord, and told him of that care:  
What good they left, and who in field were slain,  
Through wight Wallace, that was of meikel main,  
And how he had made all his servants hung,  
The Persie said, If that squire last long,  
Out of this land he shall exile us clean,  
●o despightful in world was never seen.  
In our prison here last when that he was,  
O'er sloathfully our keeper let him pass.  
Than this our hold I found well may not be,  
We must make bring our victually by sea.  
But loss our men it helpeth us right naught,  
Our kin may ban that ever we hither sought.  
●eave I them now blaming their sorry chance,  
●nd more to speak of Scots-mens' governance.  
When Wallace had well vanquished into plain,  
That false tyrant, that had his father slain:  
●is brother als, which was a doughty Knight,  
●ther goodmen before to death had dight:  
●e caused provide, and parted their victual,  
With stuff and horse that was of great avail.  
●o friends about right privily they sand,  
●he remnant full gladly there they spend,  
●n Clyds wood they sojourned there three days,  
●o Sutheron was that durst pursue those ways.  
●ut he tholed death that came in their danger,  
●he word of Wallace walked far and near:  
Wallace was known on life living again,  
●hough Englishmen thereof had meikel pain.  
●he Lord Persie to Glasgow could he far,  
With wise Lords, and held a council there.  
●hen they were met, moe than ten thousand,  
●o Chiftain was that time durst take in hand:  
●o lead a Range on Wallace to assail,  
Asked about, What was their best counsel?  
Sir Aimer Wallange, that false traitor and strong,  
In Bothwel dwelled, and than was them among:  
He said, my Lords, my counsel I will give,  
But do ye not, from skaith ye may not live.  
Ye must take peace withouten tarrying,  
As for a time, we must sand to the King:  
The Persie said, Of our truce he will none,  
An awful Chiftain truly he is one.  
He will do more in faith ere that he blind,  
Sutheron to stay, he thinks it is no sin:  
Sir Aimer said, truces it behoves you take,  
While afterwards for him provision make:  
I know he will do meikel for his Kin,  
Gentrice and truth aye rests him within.   

CHAP. II. How the Englishmen took peace with Wallace.  
HIs Uncle Sir Rannald may make the band,  
If he will not recognose all his land.  
Unto the time that he the work have wrought,  
Sir Rannald was soon to their counsel brought:  
They charged him to make Wallace at peace,  
Or he should pass to London ere he cease.  
To King Edward, and bide in his prison,  
While they ask to have peace for his ransom:  
Sir Rannald said, Lords, ye know right well,  
At my counsel he will not do a deal:  
His worthy Kin defpightfully ye slew,  
In prison than near to the death him drew?  
He is at large, and will not do for me,  
Though ye therefore, should now make me too  
Sir Aimer said, These Lord's counsel to sand  
Me to the King, to make a final end  
Of his conquest, forsooth he will it have,  
●allace nor thou might not this country save.  
●ight Edward king get him for gold or land,  
●o be his man, than might he keep Scotland:  
●he Lord bade cease, thou failest to that Knight,  
●ar more in truth, than it is any right.  
●he wrong conquest our King desireth aye  
●f him and us, it shall be seen on day.  
Wallace hath right, both force and fair fortune,  
●e heard how he escaped our prison.  
●hus said the Lord, and prayed Sir Rannald fair,  
●o make this peace, thou Sheriff art of Air,  
●s for a time we may advised be,  
●nder my seal I shall he bound to thee.  
●he Englishmen, that they shall do him naught,  
●or to no Scots, but it be on them sought.  
●ir Rannald knew he might not them gain-stand,  
●f Lord Persie he had received that band:  
●ersie was true, and aye of great avail,  
●ober in peace, and cruel in barrel.  
●ir Rannald him bowned on the morn but bade,  
Wallace to seek in Clyds' Forest he rade:  
●o he him found bowning to his Dinner,  
When they have seen this good knight coming near  
Well he him knew, and told them what he was,  
●arvel he had what made him hither pass.  
●ade him good cheer, of meats good and fine,  
●ing Edward's self could not get better wine:  
●hen they had their vernage and venison,  
Of beastial into great fusion,  
●hen after meat he shown them of this deed,  
●ow he had been into so meikel dread:  
●evoy he said, work part of m●●●●●sel,  
●ake peace a while, and for th● 〈◊〉 avail:  
●ut thou do so, forsooth thou hast 〈◊〉 sin,  
〈◊〉 or they are set to undo all thy kin.  
Than Wallace said to good men him about,  
I will no peace for all this felon doubt.  
But if it please better to you than me,  
The squire Boyd him answered soberly,  
I give my counsel, ere this good Knight be slain,  
Take peace a while, although it do us pain,  
So said Adam, the heir of Richartoun,  
And Cleland als to their opinion.  
With their consent Wallace this peace hath ta'en,  
As his Eme wrought, while ten months were gas  
Their leave they took with sad comfort in plain,  
Fand God to brogh they should meet whole again  
Boyd and Cleland passed to their places hame,  
Adam Wallace to Richartoun by name:  
Forth with Sir Rannald can William Wallace ride  
In his household in Corsbie for to bide.  
This peace was cried in August month mild,  
These gods of battle furious and wild.  
Mars and Juno ever doth their business,  
Causers of war, aye worker of wickedness.  
And Venus als which goddess is of love,  
And old Saturn his course for to approve,  
These four shows of divers complexion  
Battle, Debate, Envy, and Destruction.  
I cannot déem of their melancholy,  
But Wallace could not well in Corsbie lie.  
Him had rather in travel for to be,  
Right sore be longed the town of Air to see.   

CHAP. III. How Wallace slew the Buckler player in the To● of Air.  
SIr Rannald 〈…〉 home upon a day,  
Fifetéen he●●●●, and to the town went they:  
Cobered bis face, that no man might him knaw,  
Bothing he cared how few enemies him saw,  
In sober weed, disaguised well were they,  
An Englishman on the gate saw he play:  
At the Scrimmage, a Buckler on his hand,  
Wallace near by in fellowship could stand.  
Lightly he said, Scot, darest thou not prieve:  
Wallace said, yea, so thou dare give me lief.  
Smite on he said, I defy thy Nation,  
Wallace therewith hath ta'en him on the crown:  
Through buckler, brand, and through the barns also,  
Unto the shoulder the sharp sword made he go.  
Lightly returned to his own men again,  
The woman cried, Our Buckler-player is slain,  
The man is dead, what needs words mair?  
Feill men of arms about him sembled there,  
Eightscore at once upon sixtéen they set,  
But Wallace soon with the foremost hath met:  
With ire and will on the head hath him ta'en,  
Through the bright helm in sunder burst the bane,  
Another breathly on the breast him bore,  
His birnisht blade throughout his body share.  
Great room he made, his men was fight fast,  
And many a groom they made full sore aghast,  
For they were wight, and well used in wear,  
Of Englishmen right boldly down they bear:  
On their Enemies great martyrdom they made,  
Their hardy Chiftain, so well among them gade,  
What Englishmen that bade into his gate,  
Contrare to Scotland made never more debate,  
Feill fréeks on fold were felled under feet,  
Of Sutheron blood lay sticked on the street:  
New power came from the castle that tide,  
Than Wallace fled, and drew toward a side.  
With right good will he would eschew surprise,  
For he in war was worthy, wight, and wise.  
Harns and heads in sunder hewed he fast.  
By force out through the thickest press he passed.  
Wallace returned behind his men again,  
At the rescue feill Sutheron hath he slain.  
His men all than be out of peril brought,  
From their enemies, with all the power he mou●  
Unto their horse they went but more abode,  
For danger than to Langlane would they road,  
Twenty and nine they left into that stead,  
Of Surtheron men, that brittined were to dead.  
The remnant again turned that tide,  
For in this wood they durst not him abide:  
Toward the town they drew with all their main  
Cursing the peace they took before in plain.  
The Lord Persie in heart was greatly grieved,  
His men suppressed again to him relieved.  
And feill were dead into their armour clear,  
Three of his Kin that were to him full dear,  
When he heard tell of this their great grievance  
Their self was cause of this mischievous chance,  
Mourning he made, though few Scots it kend,  
An Herald than to Sir Rannald be sand.  
And to him told of their full sudden case:  
And charged him to take soverance of Wallace:  
He should him bold from Market, town and fair,  
Where he might best be, out of their repair.  
The Sutheron knew that it was wight Wallace,  
That them overset into that sudden case:  
Their truces for this they would not break a de●  
When Wallace had this chanse eschewed well:  
Upon a night from Laglane home he rade,  
In chamber soon their residence they made.  
Upon the morn when that the day was light,  
With Wallace forth went Sir Reynald the knight  
Show him the writ that Lord Persie had sent.  
●r son, he said, this is my whole inta●●t,  
●at thou would grant while that this truces were worn  
●skaith to do to any in England born.  
●t where I pass daily thou bide with me,  
●lace answered, Good Sir, that may not be,  
●●bt loathe I were dear Uncle you to grieve,  
●●all do naught, while time I take my leave.  
〈◊〉 warn you als or that I from you pass,  
〈◊〉 Eme and he on this accorded was.  
●●lace with him made this continuance,  
〈◊〉 wight was blithe for to do him pleasance.  
〈◊〉 Corsbie he rested them among,  
●●ese seventéen days, suppose be thought it long  
●ough they him pleased as a Primate or King,  
●o his mind remained another thing:  
〈◊〉 saw his enemy's masters in this Region,  
●●ght not him please, though he were king 〈◊〉 ceown  
●●us leave I him with his dear friends still,  
Englishmen now speak some part I william.  
The end of thd third Book.    

THE FOURTH BOOK.  

CHAP. I How Wallace won the Peel of Gargunnoke.  

●N September, that humble month sweet,  
When by past was of the Summer the heat,  
Vittail and fruit are riped in abundance,  
God ordained to man's sustenance,  
●itarius with his Asper Bow  
〈◊〉 each Sign the verity to know:  
●e changing course which makes a great difference  
●●d leaves had lost their colour of pleasance:  
All worldly thing hath naught but a season,  
Both herb and fruit must from the height ca●…  
In this ilk time a great counsel was set,  
In Glasgow town, where many Masters meet  
Of Englsh Lords, to statute this Country,  
And charged they all Sheriffs there to be.  
Sir Rannald Crawfurd behoved that time be th●…  
For he through right was born Sheriff of Air●…  
His dear Nevoy with him that time he took,  
William Wallace, as witness bears the Books,  
For he no time should far be from his sight,  
He loved him with heart, and all his might:  
They graithed them without longer abode  
Wallace some part before the Court out road.  
Overtook the Child, Sir Rannalds sum should  
With him two men, that worthy were indée  
Softly they road, while they the Court should  
So suddenly that time himself he saw,  
The Perseus' sum in which great richeses was,  
The horse was tired, and might not further p●…  
Five men were charged to keep it well that ti●…  
Two were on foot and three on horse can ride:  
The Master man at their servant can spear,  
Who awe this sum? the truth to me you lear:  
The man answered withouten words mair,  
My Lord, he said, It is the Sheriffs of Air,  
Since his it is, this Horse shall with me gan●…  
To serve our Lord, or else I think great wra●…  
Though a subject indeed, would pass his Lord  
It is not leisome by no righteous record.  
They cutted they brace, and let the harness f●…  
Wallace was near when he such robbery saw.  
He spoke to them with manly countenance,  
In fair form, he said, but variance:  
Ye do us wrong, and it is time of peace,  
●uth rouberie it were good time to c●●●  
〈◊〉; Sutheron shrew in ire answered him to,  
●hall be wrought as thou mayst see us do.  
●u gets no mends, what needs words mair,  
●y advised, Wallace remembered there.  
●he promise he made his Eme before,  
●son him ruled, as than he did not more.  
● past away to meet his Eme again;  
●●ing this reaff, was moved with great pain:  
●e horse yet took they, for aventure might fall,  
●●nd on the sum, than forth the way can call.  
●eir tired summer they left their on the plain,  
●ace returned toward the Court again.  
〈◊〉 the Mure side soon with his Eme he met,  
●●d told how they the way had for him set:  
〈◊〉; were not I was bound in my leadgeance,  
〈◊〉; parted not thus for all the gold in France,  
●●e horse they rest, which should your barnesse bear,  
〈◊〉 Rannald said, that is but little dear:  
●●e may get horse, and other things in plain,  
●men be lost, we get them never again.  
●●lace than said, as wisely God me save,  
〈◊〉 this great miss amendss shall I have.  
●●d neither let for peace nor yet pleasance,  
●ith witness here I give up my leadgeance:  
●r cowardly you are like to loss the right,  
●●n after than your own death will be dight.  
〈◊〉 wrath therewith suddenly from him he went,  
〈◊〉 Rannald was wise, and cast in his intent,  
●●d said, I will bide at the Meirns all night:  
Englishmen of us shall déem no unright:  
〈◊〉 any be dead before us upon case,  
●●en we in law may bide the righteousness,  
●s lodging took, at the Meirus still he bade,  
●●ll great mourning for his Nevoy he made.  
But all for naught, what might it him avail  
As into war he wrought not his counsel.  
Wallace road forth with his two Yeomen passed  
The summer man he followed wonder fast:  
By Cathcart he overhyed them again,  
Than knew they well that it was he in plain  
By horse and weed had argued them before,  
And than to them returned withouten more.  
Wallace to ground from his Courser can giyd●●  
A birnisht brand he braided out that tide:  
The master-man with so good will stroke he,  
Both hat and head in sunder made he flee,  
Another fast upon the face he gave,  
To dead on ground but mercy soon him drove:  
The third he hit with great ire in that stead:  
Faith on the field he hath him left for dead:  
Wallace slew three, by that his Yeomen wight,  
The other two dersly to death had dight:  
Than spuilyed they the Harness or they wend●  
Of stiver and gold they got enough to spend.  
jewels they took the best were chosen there,  
Good horse and gear, than on their may can f●●●  
Than Wallace said, At some strength would I 〈◊〉  
Over Clyde that time was a good Bridge of tree  
Thither they passed in all their goodly might,  
The day was gone, and coming was the nig●●  
They durst not well near still by Glasgow bide,  
In the Lennox he took purpose to ride.  
And so he did, than lodged there that night,  
As they best might, while that the day was li●●  
To an Distillary he went, and sojourned the●●  
With true Scots that his near friends were:  
The council met right gladly on the morn,  
But feil tidings were brought to Persie befo●●  
His men were slain, his treasure als was ro●●  
●●th feil Scots, and them no jewels left:  
●●y deemed about of that derf doubtful case,  
〈◊〉; Sutheron said, forsooth it is Wallace:  
〈◊〉; Sheriffs Court was coming to the town,  
〈◊〉; he was one for Scot of most renown,  
●●y gart seek Sir Rannald in that rage,  
●● he was still than at his Harbarage.  
●●e wise men said, thereof nothing he kend,  
●●e men were slain here at the towns end.  
Rannald came by nine hours of the day,  
●ore the Persie, and his men brought were they.  
●ey followed him of felony that was wrought,  
●e assize to him of this could say right naught.  
●ey deemed about thereof that felon case,  
●ore the judge there he denied Wallace,  
●d so he might, he witted not where he was,  
●●m this council my purpose is to pass.   

●F Wallace to speak in wilderness so wide,  
The Lord God be his governor and guide.  
●ll at that place four days he sojourned hail,  
●hen tidings came to him from that council.  
●●en statute they in each stead of the West,  
〈◊〉 these bounds Wallace should have no rest  
●●s dear Uncle a great oath made him swear,  
●●at he but leave, no friendship should him bear.  
●●●d many other full woe was that day,  
●●●d Robert Boyd stole of the town away:  
●●●d Cleland als, before with him had been,  
●●ey had far rather see him with their éene,  
●●ing on life, as they knew him before,  
●an of pure gold, a million and more.  
●●d wéeped fore, and said our Lord is gone,  
longest his foes is set all him alone.  
●●en Cleland said, False fortune changes fast,  
Great God since we with him had ever past,  
Edward Little to Annandail is went,  
And witted right naught of this new judgement,  
Adam Wallace bided still in Richartoun,  
So fell it thus with Wallace of renown:  
He with his power parted marvellously,  
By fortune of chance overturns doubly,  
Their piteous moan as than could not be bet,  
They witted no whit where that they should hi●,  
He jest the place where he in lodging lay,  
To Earl Malcome he went upon a day:  
The Lennox whole he held into his hand,  
To king Edward than had be not made hand:  
The land was straight, and masterful to win,  
Good men of arms that time was it within,  
The Lord was traist, the men sicker and true,  
With weak power they durst him not pursue,  
Right glad he was of Wallace company,  
Welcomed him fair with morship reverently,  
At his own will desired if he would,  
Is bide there still master of his household,  
Of all his men he should whole Chistane be,  
Wallace answered, it were enough for me,  
I cannot bide, my mind is set on plain,  
Wzoken to be, or else to die in pain.  
Our west Country, their stature is so strange,  
Into the North my purpose is to gang:  
Steven of Ireland into the Lennox was,  
And wight Wallace he ordained him to pass:  
And others als, that born was of Argile,  
Wallace still there made residence a while.  
While men it witted, and sembled soon him till,  
He charged none, but at their own good will.  
Though they were strangers he could not shen,  
But received them all in his wars to lead.  
●me part of them was than in Ireland 〈◊〉;  
●at Mackfadzean had exiled out before:  
●ng Edward's man he was sworn of Ireland,  
● right low birth, suppose he took in hand.  
● Wallace there came one that height Fawdoun,  
●F me lancholy, and evil of complexion,  
●aby of stature, and dour countenance,  
srowful was aye, in dread without pleasance.  
Wallace received what men would come him till,  
●he bodily oath they made him with good will.  
Before the Earl all in one concord,  
And him received as their Captain and Lord.  
●s special men that came with him from hame,  
●he one height Grace, the other Keirly by name:  
●n his service came first in all their main,  
●o Lowdoun Hill, where that Fenwick was slain,  
●e them commanded aye next him to pursue,  
●or he them kend right hardy, wise and true.  
●is leave he took right on a fair manner,  
●he good Earl than he bade him gifts feir:  
Vallace would none, but gave of his feill size,  
●o poorz and rich on a goodly wise,  
●umble he was, bardy, wise and free,  
●nd of richeses he held no property.  
●f honour and worship he was a mirror kend,  
●; s he of gold had abundantly to spend:  
●pon his foes he won it worthily,  
●hus Wallace past, and his good Chebalry,  
arty he had of likely men at wage,  
through the Lennox he led them with courage.  
●hout Lekkie he lodged them in a vail,  
●strengh there was which they thought to assail.  
●n Gargunnoke there bigged was a peil,  
●bat stuffed was with men and victual weill.  
Within a dyke close chamber, and an hall,  
Captain thereof to name height Thirlwall.  
They led Wallace where that this bigged w●●  
Thought to essay, further ere be would pas●  
Two spies he sent to viste all the land,  
Right loathe he was to take the thing in han●  
The which by force that should go him against  
Rather he had through adventure be slain:  
Their men went forth when it was large mi●●  
About the house they spied all at right.  
The watchmen heavy were and fallen on sleep  
The bridge was drawn, that the entry shoul●  
The labourers late reklesly went in,  
These men returned withouten noise or di●,  
To their Master and told what they had seen  
Than graithed he soon these men of arms 〈◊〉  
Sadly on foot unto the house they sought,  
And entered in, for letting had they naught,  
Wight men essayed with all their buste cure,  
A locked bar was drawn athort the door.  
But they might not it break out of the wa,  
Wallace was grieved, when he such tarry saw  
Some part annoyed wrathly to it he went  
By force of band it raised out of the sprent.  
Three els of breadth als of the wall pulled o●  
Than marvelled all his men that were about,  
How he did more than twenty of them might  
Than with his foot the gate he strake up right,  
White brace and bands he hursted all at anes,  
Frayedly they risen that were within those 〈◊〉  
A watch man had a felon staff of steel,  
At Wallace stroke, but he kept him right well,  
Rudely from him he reft it in the throng,  
Dang out his brain, than in the Dyke him s●●  
The remnant by that were within those wan●  
Thus Wallace soon can with the Captain m●●  
●e staff he had heavy, and forged 〈◊〉  
●ith that Wallace upon the head bir● 〈◊〉  
●hile bone and brain all in sunder 〈◊〉.  
● men entered that worthy were indeed:  
●ands hint, and sticked all the labe,  
●ace commanded they should no weasmen sabe:  
●enty and two they sticked in that stead.  
●omen and Bairns, when that the men were dead  
●caus'd be ta'en, and kept in close full well.  
●at they thereout might have thereof no Feill:  
●e dead bodies they put soon out of sight,  
●is up the bridges ere that the day was light,  
That place bided four days ere he would passed,  
●st none thereout how that the manner was:  
wyled that stead, and took them gaining gear.  
sells and gold away with them they bear.  
●en he thought time they ished in the night,  
〈◊〉 the next wood they went with all their might,  
〈◊〉 Captains wise, women and children three,  
〈◊〉 where they would, for Wallace set them three.  
That forest he liked not to bide,  
●y bound them over Forth for to ride:  
〈◊〉 Moss was strong, to ride it was no boot,  
●ace was wight and lighted on his foot.  
● horse they had, little thereof they wrought,  
●ave their libes feill strengths often they sought.  
●n of Ireland was there guide that night.  
●ard Kinkardin, sign rested thereat right,  
●hat Forrest which was both long and wide,  
●ith from the moss grew to the water go:  
●er the Sun, Wallace walked about,  
●n Teth side where he saw many a rout,  
●wilde beasts wavering in wood and plain,  
〈◊〉 at a shot a great Part hath he slain,  
●n fire of flint, and graithed thereat right,  
Suddenly their fresh Vennison they dight,  
Victual th●● had, both bread and wine so clea●  
With other stuff enough at their denneir.  
The staff of steel he gave Keirly to keep,  
Than past they over the water of Teth so deep,  
Into Strathern they entered suddenly,  
In covert past, or Sutheron should them spy:  
Whom that they found of Scotland's adversurs,  
Without respect was come their fatal hours.  
Whom ever they met, was at the English faith,  
They slew all down, withouten more delay.  
They spared none that was of English blood,  
To death he yéed, though he were never so goo●  
This was the grace that Wallace to them gav●  
They saved none, Knight, Squyer, nor yet 〈◊〉  
But wasted all by worthiness of wear,  
Of that party that might bear how or spear.  
Some part by slight, some part by force they 〈◊〉  
But Wallace thought they never wasted anew.  
Silver they took, and als gold as they sand,  
Other good gear full lightly read from hand.  
Cutted throats, sign in Peit-posts them cast,  
Put out of sight, for that they thought was 〈◊〉  
At the Black-furd as they would than pass ov●●  
A squire came, and with him beirns four:  
To Down should ride, and wend that they had  
All Englishmen, that he before had seen:  
Lydings to spear, he boved them among,  
Wallace there with a good sword out he swung:  
Upon his head he stroke with so great ire,  
Through bone and brain in sunder stroke the  
The other four in hands sóon were hint,  
Derfly to death sticked or they would stint.  
The horse they took, and what they liked h●●●  
Spolled them bore, sign in a Bog them ke●t.  
●f this matter not more tarry they made,  
●ut forth their way passed without above.  
●heir warlike Scots all with one consent:  
〈◊〉 North over Erne out through the land they went  
〈◊〉 Methwin wood their lodging took that night,  
●●on the morn when that the day was light,  
●allace risen up, and went to the Forest ●●de,  
●here that he saw full wild beast & abide.  
〈◊〉 wild and tame walking abundantly.  
●●en Wallace said, this country liketh me.  
●ear men may do with food that they should have,  
●●●t want they meat, they rek not for the lave.  
〈◊〉 dainty fair Wallace could never sleep.  
●●●t as it came, welcome was meant and sleep.  
●merime he had great sufficiency within,  
●●w want, now have, now loss, now sometime win:  
●●w light, now sad, now blithe, and now in bail:  
〈◊〉 haste, now hu●t, now forrow, and now bail.  
●●w wail and well, now cold weather, now heit:  
●●w moist, now drought, & wavering wound, now wef●  
●sares with him for Scotland rightful even,  
〈◊〉 fallen debate, seven years and months seven,  
●hen he wan peace, and left Scotland in plain,  
●●en Englishmen made new conquest again,  
〈◊〉 frustrate terms I will not tarry long,  
〈◊〉 lace again unto his men can gang,  
〈◊〉 said, Here is a land of great abundance,  
●●nked be God of his high purveyance.  
●●en of you feires, graith soon, and go with me,  
●●ht sore I long Saint Johnstoun for to see.    

CHAP. II. Wallace passed to Saint Johnstoun, and slew the Captain, ●●d wan Kinclevin.  
●even of Ireland, as God of heaven thee save,  
Paster and leader, I make thee of the lave:  
Keep well my men, let none out of thy sight  
While I gang hither, and come with all m●●  
Bide we seven daye● into this. Forrest str●●●  
Ye may get food suppose I devil so long,  
Some part ye have, and God will sand you m●  
Thus turned he and to the town can far:  
The More kéeped the Port of the village,  
Wallace knew well, and sent him his message  
The More was brought, saw him agoodly 〈◊〉  
Kite reverenthy he hath received them than  
At him he asked, All Scots if that ye be,  
Wallace said, Yes, and it is peace trow me.  
I grant he said, that likes us wonder well,  
True men of pence must aye soom friendship 〈◊〉  
a●●● at is your name, pray you tell me is,  
William Malcome, he said, since you would wi●●  
In Etrick Forrest hath my winning been,  
There was I born among the shawes' sheen.  
Now I destre this Northland for to see,  
Where I m●●●t found better dwelling for 〈◊〉  
The More said, Sir, I ask it for none ill,  
But feill tidings often times is brought us 〈◊〉  
Of one Wallace, that born was in the west,  
Our king's men he holds at great unrest.  
Mart●res them down, great pity is to see,  
Out of the truces forsooth I trow he be:  
Wallace said than, we hear speak of that 〈◊〉,  
Lydings to you of him tell naught I can 〈◊〉  
For him he gart an Inns well graithed be 〈◊〉,  
Where none should come, but his own men  
The Stewart Keirly brought than in fusion,  
Good thing enough the best was in the town  
Als Englishmen to drinking would him ca●●  
And commonly he dealt not there with all.  
In their presence he spended reasonably.  
●et for himself he paid abundantly,  
●n Scots men he spended meikel good,  
●one with his will upon the Sutheron blood:  
●on he conceived in his wit privily,  
●●to that town who was of most party.  
●●r James Butler an aged cruel Knight,  
●●ped Kinclevin, a Castle wonder wight.  
●●s son Sir John that dwelled into that town,  
●nder Captain to Sir Gerrard Heroun:  
●he women als he vistt at the last,  
●nd so on one his eyes began to cast:  
〈◊〉 the South gate a felon ferlie fair,  
●allace to her made privately repair.  
〈◊〉 fell it thus, from the town ere be past,  
〈◊〉 an accord they happened at the last.  
●allace with her in secret made him glad,  
●●theron witted not that he such pleasance had:  
●●ft on the night he would say to himself,  
●his is far worse than any pain of hell.  
●hat thus with wrong these devils brook our lard,  
●nd I with force may not against them stand:  
●o take this town my power is too small,  
●reat peril als of my life may befall.  
●et it on fire, it will undo my cell:  
●●r loss my men, there is no more to tell.  
●he gates are closed, the dykes are deep withal,  
●hough I would swim, forsooth they cannot all,  
●his matter here therefore I will let slide,  
●or at this time I may not longer bide:  
●ll men him told the Captain was to pass,  
●ome to Kinclevin, whereof right glad he was.  
●is leave he took at heirs of the town,  
●o Methwin would right gladly made them bown.  
●is horn he hint, and blithely bowned to blaw,  
●is men him heard, and there soon can they draw:  
Right blithe he was, for they were hail and fe●…  
Many at him for tidings would not spear.  
He them commanded for to make ready fast,  
In good array out of the wood they passed.  
Toward Kinclev●… ●…y downed them that tid●…  
Than in the vail that near was them beside:  
Fast upon Tay his hush meant can he draw,  
In a darn wood he stelled them on a raw.  
Set Scurrions out, the Country to espy,  
But soon or noon there came fore-riders by.  
The warth turned to see what was his will,  
He them commanded in covert hold them still  
And we skail forth, the house will knowledge  
And that may soon be warning to the lave.  
All force in war doth naught but grievance,  
Wallace was few, but happy was his chance:  
Made him feill size his adversours to win.  
My that the court of Englishmen came in:  
Fourscore and ten well graithed in their gear  
Harness on horse, as likely men of wear:  
Wallace saw well that number was-na ma,  
He thanked God, and than the field can ta.  
The English marvel greatly what they should 〈◊〉  
But fra they saw, they made them for mellie●…  
In rest they cast sharp spears in that tide,  
In over they thought, out over the Scots to ri●…  
Wallace and his went over them again,  
At the first rush feill Sutheron were slain:  
Wallace stroke on with his goad spear of steel,  
Throughout the coast that shaft frushed ilk 〈◊〉  
A birnisht brand in haste than hint he out,  
Thrice upon foot he throng through all the r●…  
Stern horse they sticked, should men of arms  
Faith under foot was foiled men of wear.  
Butler lighted, himself for to defend,  
●ith men of arms, which were full worthy kend.  
〈◊〉 either side feill freiks were fight fast,  
●●e Captain bade, though he was fore aghast:  
●●●rt of the Scots through worthiness they slew,  
●●llace was woe, and toward 〈◊〉 be drew:  
〈◊〉 men than dread, the Butler bold and keen,  
〈◊〉 him he sought, with ire and proper téen:  
●on the head he stroke in matalent,  
●e birnisht blade throughout his bassinet went.  
●●th bone and brain be bursted through his weed,  
●us Wallace hand delivered them of that dréed.  
●●●t feill on fold was fight fellonly,  
●●●ven of Ireland, and all the Chivalry,  
〈◊〉 to that stour did worthily and well,  
●●d Keirly als with his good staff of steed.  
●●e Englishmen fra their Chiftain was slain,  
●ey left the field, and in all their main,  
●ree score were slain, ere they would leave the stead.  
●e flae and folk they witted of no remead.  
●t take the house, they fled in all their might,  
●e Scots followed that worthy were and wight.  
●w men of fence was left that place to keep,  
●omen and Priests upon the wall can weep,  
●r well they weaned the flee arse was their Lord,  
〈◊〉 take them in, they made them ready ford:  
●●t down the bridge, cast up the gates wide,  
●e frayed folk entered that durst not bide,  
●od Wallace ever followed them so fast,  
●hile in the house-he entered at the last.  
●e gats he wore, while coming was the rout,  
〈◊〉 English and Scots he held no man thereout.  
●e Englishmen that winned in that stead,  
withouten grace they brittened them to dead.  
●e Captains wife, women, and Priests two,  
●d young Children, forsooth they sabed no moe.  
Held them in close, after this sudden case,  
Or Sutheron men should siege them in that pl●●●  
Look up the Bride, and gates closed fast,  
The dead bodies out of sight they caused rea.  
Within the house and outwith that were d●●●  
Five of his own to bury he caused lead.  
In that Castle seven days still bided he,  
In every night they spoilt bustly.  
To Shortwood shaws led wines and victual w●●●  
And household year, both gold and silver brig●●  
Women and they whom to he granted grac●●  
When he thought time, they put out of the 〈◊〉  
When they had ta'en, what liked them to ha●●  
Strake down the gate, and set on fire the la●●  
Out of the windows the Stancheours all th●●  
Full great yron-work into the water threw.  
Buirden doors and locks in their ire,  
All work of tree they burned into the fire.  
Spilt what they might, brak bridge & bulw●●  
To Shortwood shaws, in hast they made the●●  
Choosed a strength, where they their lodgingss  
In good effeir a while still there he bade.  
Yet in the Lown of this no wit had they:  
The country folk, when it was light of day  
Great smoke saw rise, and to Kinclevin they. 〈◊〉  
But walls & stone, more good there found they 〈◊〉  
The Captain's wife S. Johnstoun town she y●●  
And to Sir Gerrard told this felon deed,  
Als to her Son what happened was by case,  
Than deemed they all-that it was wight Wal●●●●  
Before time there he soved had the towns,  
Than charged they, all should be ready bo●●  
Parnest on horse into their arinour clear,  
To soon Wallace, they went all forth in fear  
●●ousand men well garnished for the weir,  
●ward the wood, right awful in effeir.   

CHAP. III. Shortwood shawes.  
●O Shortwood shaw, and set it all about,  
With five stailes, that stelwart were and stout  
●●e sixth they made a felon range to lead,  
●here VWallace was, full worthy aye indeed.  
●●e strength they took, and bade them hold it still,  
〈◊〉 every side assailyie who so william.  
〈◊〉 John Butler into that Forest went,  
●ith two hundred sore moved in his intent,  
〈◊〉 father's death to venge him, if he might,  
〈◊〉 Wallace soon with men of arms sought,  
Cleugh there was, whereof a strength they made,  
●ith thortour trees, and boldly there abade:  
●●om the one fide they might is to the plain  
●●en through the wood to the strength pass again.  
●●enty he had that noble Arthur's were,  
●●ainst seven score of English bowmen fair:  
●rescore of spears near hand them bo●e full right.  
Scots issued to help them at their might:  
〈◊〉 Wallace set a bicker bold and kéen,  
●●ow he bore, was big, and well beseen:  
●●d arrows als, both long and sharp withdraw,  
〈◊〉 man there was that Wallace Bow could draw,  
●●●ght strong he was, and in full sober gear,  
●●ldly he shot among those men of wear.  
〈◊〉 angle head into the books he drew,  
●●en at one shot the foremost soon he slew.  
●●glish Archers, that hardy were and wight,  
●●ainst the Scots bickered with all their might.  
●●eir awful shot was felon for to bide:  
〈◊〉 Wallace men they wounded feil that tide:  
Few of them was sicker of archery,  
Better they were, and they got even party;  
In field to bide, either with sword or spear,  
Wallace perceived his men took meikle dear:  
He gart them change, and stand not in that  
He cast always to save them from the dead:  
Full great travel upon himself took be,  
Of Sutheron Archers feil men gart he die.  
Of Longcastle Shire, bowmen were in that,  
A sore archer aye waited on Wallace:  
At an open where be used to repair,  
At him he drew a sicker shot and sair.  
Under the thin through a collar of steel,  
On the left side, and hurt his halfe some deal  
Astonished he was, but not greatly aghast,  
Wallace him saw, and followed him full fast.  
And in the turning with good will bathe him ta●●  
Upon the craig, in sunder broke the bane.  
Than feil of them no friendship with him 〈◊〉  
Fifteen that day he shot dead with his hand:  
By that his arrows wasted were and gone:  
The English Archers forsooth they wanted:  
Out-with they were their power to renew,  
On every side they could to them pursue.  
William Lorane came with his bousteous stail,  
Our of Gowrie on Wallace to assail.  
Nevoy be was as it was known plain,  
To the Butler before that they had slain:  
To venge his Eme, he came with all his m●●●  
Three hundreth led of men in arms bright.  
To lead the range, on foot he made him for●.  
Wallace to God his confidence couth remor●●●  
Than comfort them with manly countenance  
Ye see, he said, good sirs, their ordinance:  
Here is no choice, but either do or-die,  
〈◊〉 have the right, the happier may it be.  
●●at we shall scape by grace out of this Land.  
●●●ne by that was ready at his hand:  
〈◊〉 this it was after noon of the day,  
〈◊〉 men of wit, to counsel soon yeed they.  
●●●e Sutheron cast sharply on every side,  
〈◊〉 saw the wood was neither long nor wide.  
subtly they said, He should it hold so long,  
●●e hundreth made on foot through it to gang.  
〈◊〉 men of arms, that eager were of will,  
●ut the Scors with many shout full shill.  
●●th Bow and spear, and swords stiff of steel,  
〈◊〉 either side no friendship could they feel:  
Wallace in ire a buirly brand can draw,  
There feil Sutheron were sembled on a raw,  
〈◊〉 fend bis men with his dear worthy hand,  
●●e folk were faith that he before them found:  
Though the thickest of the great press he passed,  
●●on his enemies he went wonder fast:  
Against his dint no weeds might avail,  
●hom so he hit, was dead withouten fail.  
〈◊〉 the fiercest full braithly dang he down,  
●●fore the Scots that were of great renown.  
〈◊〉 hold the strength, they pressed with all their might  
●●en Englishmen that worthy were and wight:  
〈◊〉 John Butler relieved in again,  
●●dered the Scots and did them meikle pain.  
●●e Lorane als that cruel was and keen,  
●●ore essay forsooth their might be seen,  
●●en at the strength they might not longer bide,  
●●e range so strong came upon either side.  
〈◊〉 the thickest wood they made their self defence,  
Against their foes so full of violence:  
●●ht feil Sutheron there left their life in wed,  
〈◊〉 a new strength Wallace and his men fled:  
On his adversares they made full fallen debate.  
To help themselves, none other succour they  
The Sutheron als were sundered than in twin,  
But they again together soon can win.  
Full subtly their ordinance they made,  
The range again they bowned but more abade●  
The Scots were hurt, and part of them were:  
Than Wallace said, We labour all in vain:  
To stay commons it helps us right naught,  
But their Chistains that have them hither 〈◊〉  
Might we work so, that one of them vere stai●●  
So sore essay they could not get again:  
By this the boast approaching was full near,  
Thus they them held full manly upon star,  
Than Wallace saw the Sutheron were at hand,  
Him thought no time longer for to stand.  
Right manfully he graithed bath his gear,  
Sadly he went against these men of wear:  
Throughout the stour full fast fight he sought  
With God's grace to venge him if he might:  
Upon the Butler awfully struck he,  
Safeguard he goat under a bowing tree.  
The branch in two he struck above his head,  
Als to the ground he felled him in that stead.  
The whole power upon him came so fast,  
That they by force rescued him at the last.  
Lorane was woe, and thither fast can draw,  
Wallace returned, so suddenly he him saw:  
Out at a side full fast to him he yéed,  
He got no girth for all his burnished weed:  
With ire him stroke on his gorget of steel,  
The trenching tiyde it pierced every deal:  
Through pra●● and stuff might not against it  
Derfly to death he left him on the land:  
Him have they lost though Sutheron had it 〈◊〉  
●or his craig-bone was all in sunder shorn.  
●he worthy Scors did nobly that day,  
●●out Wallace while he was wone away.  
●●e took the strength against their ●ves will,  
Abundantly in bargan bade them still.  
●he cry soon risen the bold Lorane was dead,  
●●it Gerrard Heroun tranoynted to that stead,  
●nd all the host assembled him about,  
●●t the north-side than Wallace issued out,  
With his good men, and bowned them to go,  
●●hanking great God that they vvi●● parted so:  
●●even of his men that day to death were dight,  
To Gargil would they went that selfcaine night.  
●n the field left of the Sutheron stre●●e,  
●nd Lorane als that mourning was the more.  
The range in hast they raised soon again,  
●ut when they saw their travel was in vain.  
When it was past, full meikil moan they made,  
To ride the wood, both vale, stonk and stayed.  
●or Butler's gold Wallace took care before,  
●ut they found naught would they seen evermore.  
●is horse they got, but naught else of him gear,  
With doleful moan returned these men of wear.  
To Saint Johnflou●, with sorrow and great rare,  
Of Wallace forth, me likes mispeak●● mare.  
The second night the Scots could them draw,  
●ight privately again to Short-wood-shaw.  
Took us their good which was put out of sight,  
aloathing and stuff, both gold and ●ther bright,  
Upon their feet, for horse was tar them ●ro,  
●re the Sun risen to Methwen-wood they go,  
The two days over their lodging still they made,  
On the third night they moved but more abade.   

CHAP. IU. How Wallace was sold to the Englishmen by man.  
TO Elcho Park full suddenly they went,  
There in that strength to bide was his i●  
Than Wallace said, He would go to the town.  
Arrayed him well into a Priest's gown:  
Into Saint Johnstoun disguised can he far,  
To this woman, the which be spoke of air  
Of his presence she right reid yced was,  
And aye in dread how he away should pass.  
He sojourned there from noon was of the day.  
While near the night ere that he went his 〈◊〉  
He trysted her when he should come again,  
On the third day, than was she wonder said:  
Yet he was seen with enemies as he yéed,  
To Sir Gerard they told of all his deed?  
And to putler that would have wroken been.  
Than they caused take that woman fair and 〈◊〉  
Accused her sore of reset into that place,  
Full often she swore, that she knew not Wallace.  
Than Butler said, We wots well it was he,  
And but thou tell, in bail fire thou shalt die:  
If thou wilt help to bring you Kebald down,  
We shall thee make a Lady of renown.  
They gave to, her both gold and silver bright.  
And said. She should be wedded to a knight  
Whom she deffred, that was but marriage,  
Thus tempted they her through counsel & g●e●  
That she them told what night he should he  
Than they were glad, for they desired na m●●●  
Of all. Scotland but Wallace at their will,  
Thus ordained they that appointment to fulfil,  
●●il men of Arms they graithed hastily,  
〈◊〉 keep the gates wight Wallace to espy,  
〈◊〉 the set tryst he entered in the town.  
●itting nothing of all this false treason.  
〈◊〉 her chamber he went but more abade,  
●●e welcomed him, and full great pleasance made.  
●hat that they wrought, I cannot graithly say.  
●●●ght unperfit I am of Venus' play.  
●●●t hastily he bowned him to gang,  
●●en she him took, and asked, if be thought long?  
●●●e asked him, that night with her to bide,  
●●●on he said, nay, for chance that may betid:  
〈◊〉 men are left at misrule all for me,  
snay not sleep this night while I them see,  
●●en wéeped she, and said full often, Alace?  
●●at I was made, woe with the cursed case,  
●●ow have I lost the hest man living is,  
séeble mind, to do so soul a miss.  
waried wit, wicked, and varsance,  
hat me hath brought in this misschie bous chance:  
●●ace, she said, in world that I was wrought,  
〈◊〉 all this pain on myself might be brought:  
●ave served to be burnt in a glied,  
●hen Wallace saw she near from wit couth weighed:  
〈◊〉 his arms he caught her soberly,  
●●hs hath done aught, be said, dear heart? have I?  
〈◊〉, I quoth she, have falsely wrought this train,  
●ave you sold, right now ye shall be Rain:  
●●●e told him her treason to an end,  
〈◊〉 I have said, what needs more legend.  
〈◊〉 her be asked, if she forethought it sore?  
●●●a, Sir, she said, and shall do evermore.  
●●●y waried weird in world I must fulfil,  
〈◊〉 mend this miss, I would burn on an hill:  
He comfort her, and bade her have no dread,  
I will he said, have some part of thy v●éed:  
Her Gown on him he took, and courches als,  
Will God I shall escape this treason false.  
I thee forgive withouten words mair,  
He kissed her, than took his leave to far:  
His buirly brand helped him often in need,  
Kite privately hid it under his weed.  
To the South gate the gainest way he drew,  
Where that he found of Armed men anew.  
To them he told dissimulate in countenance,  
To the chamber, where he was in perchance:  
Speed fast he said, Wallace is locked in,  
For him they sought withouten noise or din.  
To that same bouse about they can him cast,  
Out of the gate than Wallace got full fast.  
Kite glade in heart, when that he was with.  
Kite fast he yéed, a stir pace and stout:  
Two men beheld, and said, We will go see,  
A stalwart Quean, forsooth, yond seems to be.  
They followed him through the south inch the.  
When Wallace saw with them their came no 〈◊〉  
Again he turned, and hath the foremost slain:  
The other fled: than Wallace with great mai●●  
Upon the head with his sword hath him tan●●  
Left them both dead: thento the strength is  
His men he got, right glad when they him say  
To their defence in baste be caused them draw,  
Devoyded him soon out of the woman's weed.  
Thus scaped he out of this felon dread.  
The end of the fourth Book.    

THE FIFTH BOOK.  

CHAP. I. ●●w Wallace escaped out of Saint-Johnstoun, and past to Elchok Park, and how he slew Fawdown.  
THe dark Region appeared wonder fast,  
In November, when October was passed:  
The days fall through right course warred short,  
●o banished men, that is no great camfort,  
With their power to seir place that worth's gang,  
●eavy they think when that the night is lang:  
●hus Wallace saw the night's messenger.  
●●oebus had lost his fiery brands clear:  
●ut of the wood they durst not turn that tide,  
●●or adversaries that in their way would bide:  
●allace than told anew were on his hand,  
●he Englishmen were of the town command:  
●he door broke where they trowed Wallace was,  
●hen they him miss, they bowned hence to pass,  
〈◊〉 this great noise the woman got away,  
●●ut to what stead I cannot graithly say:  
●he Sucheron sought right sadly for, that stead,  
borough the South inch and found two men were dead  
●hey knew by that Wallace was in the strength,  
●●out the Pack they set on breadth and length.  
●●ith sir hundreth well graithed in their arms,  
〈◊〉 likely men to wreak them of their harmés:  
〈◊〉 hundreth men charged in armesstrong,  
〈◊〉 keep an Hound that they had them among:  
〈◊〉 Gelderland there was that bratchet bred,  
Sicker of scent, to follow them that fled:  
She was so used in Esk and Liddisdail,  
While she had blood, not fleeing might avail:  
Than said they all, Wallace might not away,  
He should be theirs, for aught that he do may.  
The host they left in divers parts that tide,  
Sir Gerrard Heroun in the stail can bide:  
Sir John Butler the range he took him till,  
With three hundred that were of hardy will:  
In to the wood upon Wallace they yéed,  
The worthy Scots that were in meikle dread,  
Sought to a place for to have issued out,  
And saw the stail environed them about.  
Again they went with hideous strokes and stron●  
Great noise and din was raised them among:  
Their cruel death right marvellous to ken,  
Where forty marched against three hundred m●●  
Wallace so well upon him took that tide,  
Through the great press a way he made full 〈◊〉  
Helping the Scots with his dear worthy hand,  
Feill foe men he left faith upon the Land:  
Yet Wallace lost fifteen into that stead,  
And forty men of Sutheron there were dead:  
The Butler's folk so frushed were indeed,  
The hardy Scots to the strength through they,  
Upon Tay side they hasted them full fast,  
In will they were the water to have passed.  
Better him thought peril for to be,  
Upon the land than wilfully to see  
His men to drown, where rescue might be none  
Again in ire to the field are they gone.  
Butler by than had put his men in array,  
On them he set with hardy and awful essay,  
On either side with weapons stiff of sléel,  
Wallace again no friendship let them feel,  
●ut do or die they witted no mort succour,  
●hus fend they long into that stall ward stour.  
●he Scots Chiftane was young and in a rage,  
used in war, and fights with high courage:  
●●e saw his men of Sutheron take such wrong,  
●hem to revenge all dread less he did gang:  
●or many of them were bleeding wonder fare,  
●e could not see none help appearing there,  
●ut if their Chiftain were put out of their gate,  
●he brim Butler so boldly made debate:  
through the great press right fast to him he sought  
●is awful deed avenge it if he might.  
●nder an Oak with men about them set,  
wallace might not a graith stroke on him get,  
●●et shed he them: a full rude step he made,  
●he Scots went out, not longer there they hade:  
●even of Ireland that worthy was and wight,  
●o help Wallace he did full press and might:  
●aith true Keirly, doughty in many deed,  
●pon the ground feill Sutheron they gart bleed.  
●●rty were slain of Englishmen in that place,  
●nd nine of Scots were tint into that case:  
●●elers men were destroyed that tide,  
〈◊〉 to the stour they would not longer bide.  
●●o get supply, he went into the stail,  
●●us lost he there an hundred of great avail,  
●s they were best arraying Butler's rout,  
●●twirt parties than Wallace issued out.  
●●rtéen with him they graithed than to go,  
Fall his men he had leaved no mae.  
●he Englishmen have miss him, in by  
●he hound they took and followed hastily,  
〈◊〉 the Gaskwood full feign they would have been,  
●ut this Slouth-houns that cruel was and kéen,  
●n Wallace foot he sollovoed wounded fast,  
While in their sight approached at the last,  
Their horse was wight, and sojourned right 〈◊〉  
Lo the next wood they had two miles to gang,  
Of upward ground they yéed with all their mi●●  
Eood hope they had, for it was near the night.  
Fawdoun he tired, and said, He might not gang,  
Wallace was woe to leave him in the thrang:  
He had him go, and said, The strength was ne●●  
But he therefore would not the faster star:  
Wallace in ire on the craig can him ta,  
With his good sword, and stroke his head in 'twas  
Dreadless to ground he dushed to the dead.  
From him he lap, and left him in that stead;  
Some deems it to evil, and some to good,  
But I say here into these terms rude:  
Better it was he did, as thinks me,  
First, to the Hound it may great stopping be.  
Als Fawdouh was holden of great suspicion,  
For he was holden of bruckle complexion.  
Right strong he was, and had but little gone,  
Thus Wallace witted, had he been left alone:  
And he were false, to enemies he would ga',  
If he were true, the Sutheron would him sla.  
Might he do naught, but loss him as it was?  
From this question now shortly will I pass.  
Déem as ye list, ye that can best, and may,  
But I rehearse, as mine Author doth say,  
The stars as than began for to appear,  
The Englishmen were coming wonder near,  
Five hundreth whole were in scheir Chivalry,  
To the next strength than Wallace can him buy  
Steven of Ireland unwitting of Wallace,  
And good Keirly bided still near hand that place.  
At the Mure side into a scorgie stayed,  
By east Duplin, where they chis tarry made,  
●awdoun was jest bestoe them on the land,  
The power came, and suddenly him found:  
For their Sleuth-hound the graith way, to him yéed,  
Of other tréed as than she took none heed.  
The Sleuth stopped at Fawdoun, still he stood,  
●o further would, from time she found the blood,  
The English deemed, for other they could not tell,  
●ut that the Scots had fought among them cell.  
●ight woe they were, for lossed was their scent,  
●allace two men among the Host in went:  
Dissembled well, that no man should them ken,  
●ight in effeir, as they were Englishmen,  
●irly beheld unto the bold Heroun,  
Upon Fawdoun as he was looking down:  
〈◊〉 subtle stroke upward him took that tide,  
Inder the cloak the grounden sword can glide:  
●y the good Malzie, both craig and halse-bane,  
●n sunder stroke, thus ended that Chiftain:  
To ground he fell, feil folk about him throng,  
●reason they cried, a traitor us among,  
●eirly with that fled out at the Host side,  
●is fellow Steven thought it no time to bide:  
●he fray was great, and fast away they yéed,  
●oth toward Erne, thus scaped they that dread:  
●utler was woe, of weeping might not stint.  
Thus reklesly this good knight have they tint,  
●hey deemed all that it was Wallace men,  
●r else himself, though they should not him ken,  
●e is right near, we shall him have but fail,  
●he feeble wood may little him avail.  
courty their past again to S. Johnstoun,  
With dead corpse to burying made them bown.  
●arted there men, and divers ways yéed,  
〈◊〉 great power at Duplin still there have:  
●●o Dalreach the Butler passed but let,  
At sundry parts the gate was unbeset:  
To keep the wood while it was day they thought  
As Wallace thus in the thick Forest he sought  
For his two men in mind he had great pain,  
He witted not well if they were ta'en or slain:  
Or scaped whole by any jeopardy:  
Thirtéen were left, with him not moe had he:  
In Gaskhal there lodging have they ta'en:  
Fire they got soon, but meat than had they ●a●●  
Two sheep they took beside them in a fold,  
Ordained their supper into that seéemly hold:  
Graithed in haste, some meat to them was dight  
So heard they blow rude horns upon height:  
Two sent be forth to see what it might he,  
They bided right long, but no tidings get he,  
But bousteous noise, so brimly blowing fast,  
So other two into the wood forth past:  
None came again but bousteously blow,  
Into great ire he sent them forth in row:  
When that alone Wallace was leabed there,  
The awful blast abounded meikle mare:  
Than trowde he well they had his lodging seen,  
His sword he drew of noble metal kéen.  
Than forth he went where that he heard the ho●  
Without the door Fawdoun was him before,  
As to his sight, his head into his hand,  
A cross he made, when that he saw him stand:  
At Wallace in the head be swaked there,  
And he in haste soon hint it by the hair,  
Than out again at him could it cast,  
Into his heart he was greatly aghast.  
Right well be trowed it was no spirit of man,  
It was a devil, that such malice began,  
He witted no avail, there lo●ger to avide,  
〈◊〉 through the hall this wight Wallace can g●●●  
●o a close stair, the buirds raif in twin,  
Fifteen foot long he lap forth of that In●:  
●p the water than suddenly can he far,  
●gain he blenked what appearance was there:  
●im thought he saw Fawdoun that ugly sire,  
Upon the house, and all the rest on fire.  
〈◊〉 great roof tree he had into his hand,  
Wallace as than no langer he would stand:  
Of his good men full great marvel had he,  
●ow that they were tint through his fantasy.  
●rusting right well all this was sooth indeed,  
suppose that it be no point of the creed.  
Power they had with Lucifer that fell,  
That time that he parted from heaven to hell.  
By such mischief if his men might be jest:  
Prowned or slain amongst the English host:  
Or what it was in likeness of Fawdoun,  
Which brought his men to such confusion.  
Or if the man ended in evil intent,  
Some wicked spirit again for him were sent.  
I can naught speak foe such divinity,  
To Clerks I will let all such matters be.  
But of Wallace on forth I will you tell,  
When he was went, out of this danger fell.  
●et glad he was that he escaped sa,  
But for his men great mourning can he ma.  
Flait by himself to the maker above,  
Why he suffered his soul such matters prove.  
He witted not well if it were Gods will,  
Right or wrong his Fortune to fulfil:  
●ad it pleased God he trowed it might not be,  
He should be set in such perplexity:  
But great courage in his mind ever drove,  
On Englishmen thinking a mends to have.  
As he was thus walking by him alone,  
Upon Erne side, making a piteous moan:  
Sir John Butler to watch the Furds right,  
Out from his men of Wallace had a sight,  
The mist was went, and to the mountains go●●●  
To him he raid where that he made his moan:  
On loud he speired, What art thou walks this g●●●  
A true man, Sir, though my voyage be late:  
Erands I pass from Down unto my Lord.  
Sir John Psewart the right who will record:  
In Down is now, new com from the King,  
Than Butler said, this is aselcouth thing  
Thou leid he said, thou hast been with Wallace,  
I shall thee know, ere thou came from this place:  
To him he start the Curser wonder wight,  
Drew out his sword, than made him for to fight.  
Above the knee good Wallace hath him ta'en,  
Through thigh and brain in sunder strake the ban●●  
Derfly to ground the Knight fell on the land,  
Wallace the horse soon seized in his hand.  
An acward stroke than took him in that stead,  
His craig in two, thus was the Butler dead.  
An Englishman saw their Chiftain was slain,  
A spear in rest he cast with all his main,  
On Wallace or the from the borse him to bear,  
Warly be wrought as worthy man of wear.  
The spear he man withouten more abide,  
To Dalreach than he knew the Furred full well,  
Before him came feill stuffed into steel.  
He strake the first but bade in the blasoun,  
While horse and man all fleit the water down,  
Another soon down from the horse he bore,  
Stramped to frowned and drowned withouten ma●●  
The third he hit on the harness of steel,  
Throughout the coast the spear it raif ilk deel:  
●…e great power after him than can ride,  
〈◊〉 saw no wisdom there longer to abide:  
〈◊〉 birnisht brand, braithly in hand he bore,  
●…om he hit right, they followed him na mare,  
〈◊〉 stuff the chase feil free ●s followed fast,  
〈◊〉 Wallace made the gayest ay aghast.  
●…e Mure he took, and through their power rade,  
●…e horse was good, but yet he had great dread,  
〈◊〉 ailing him, ere he won to a strength,  
●…e chase was great stailed on breadth and length:  
●…rough strong danger they had him aye in sight,  
●…he Black-furd there Wallace down can light.  
●…e horse stuffed, the way was deep and long.  
●…rge long while wightly on foot can gang.  
●…he was horsed, riders about him cast,  
〈◊〉 saw full well long time he might not last.  
〈◊〉 men indeed upon him can renew,  
●…thout recovery twenty that night he slew:  
●…e fiercest aye rudely rebuted he.  
●…ed his horse, and right wisely can flee.  
●…ile that he came the mirkest Mure among,  
●…e horse gave over, and would not further gang.  
●…lace on foot took him with good intent,  
●…e horse he slew, or that he further went.  
●…at Englishmen of him should have no good,  
〈◊〉 left on foot, for well he understood:  
●…e Sutheron men on him should have no sight, sought  
●…igh hather he Passed with all his might.  
●…rough the dark Mure than from them hath he  
●…t suddenly there came into his thought:  
●…at power did walk at Striveling bridge of tree,  
●…hing he said, no passage is for me.  
●…e fault of food, and I have fasted long,  
〈◊〉 war-men now me thinks no time to gang,  
Cumbeskenneth I shall the water till,  
Let God above do with me what he will.  
Into this land I may not longer vide,  
Tarry he made some part on Forths fide,  
Took of his weed, and graithed him but ma●  
His smord he bound, that wonder sharply sha●  
Among his gear, on his shoulders aloft,  
Thus in he went, to great God praying often,  
Of his good grace his cause to take in hand,  
Over the water be swum to the south land,  
Arrayed him well, the season was right cold  
For Pisces was into his days old.  
Overthart he cast, to the Torwood he yéed,  
A widow dwelled  helped him in need,  
Hither he came or day began to daw,  
To a widow and privily can caw:  
They spiered his name, but tell them wo●●  
While she herself near to his language sought  
From time she knew that it was wight Walla●  
Rejoiced she was, and thanked God of grace  
She speared soon, If he was his alone,  
Mourning he said, As men now have I none  
She speared soon, where that his men shoul be  
Fair Dame, he said, Go get some meat to me  
I have fasted since yesterday at morn,  
I dread full sore my men they he forlorn.  
Great part of them I saw to the death brought  
She got him meat in all the haste she might,  
A woman he called, and als with her a child●  
And bade them pass away these ways wild  
To the Gaskhal, tidings for to spear,  
If part was left of his men into fear,  
And she should found an horse soon in her gate,  
He bade them see if that place stood in state,  
Thereof to hear he had full great destre,  
Because he thought it was all into fire.  
●y passed out withouten tarry mair,  
〈◊〉 for to rest, Wallace remained there.  
●●e shed he was with meat and drink, and heat,  
●●ich caused him through natural course to stéep.  
●ere he should stéep at the woman he speared,  
●●e wisdom had three sons that were leared:  
●●st two of them she sent to keep Wallace,  
●●gart the third go soon to Dunipace:  
〈◊〉 tell his Eme, that be was happened there:  
●e Parson came to see of his welfare,  
●●●lace to sleep was laid in the wood side,  
●●e two young men without him near could vide.  
●●e Parson came near hand, the manner saw,  
●●ey beckoned to him what stead he should draw.  
●●e Rone was thick that Wallace steeped in,  
rout be went and made but little din.  
●at the last of him he had a sight,  
●●ll privately where that his bed was dight:  
〈◊〉 him beheld, than said unto himself,  
●●re is a marvel who likes it for to tell:  
●●is is a person of worthiness of hand,  
●●owes to stop the power of England.  
●●w false Fortune the mis-worker of all,  
〈◊〉 eventure hath given him a fall:  
●●at he is left without supply of ma,  
●ruel wife with weapons might him sta.  
wallace him heard, with that the stéep ov'rpast,  
fiercely he risen, and said to him als fast:  
●●ou liest false Priest, were thou a foe to me,  
●ould not dread such other ten as thee.  
●ave had more since yesterday at morn,  
●●en such sixty assembled me before:  
●●s Eme him took, and went forth with Wallace,  
〈◊〉 told to him all his most painful case:  
●is night he said I was left alone,  
In fallen debate, with enemies many one:  
God at his will hath aye my life to keep,  
Over Forth I swum, that awful is and dée  
What I have had in war before this day,  
Prison and pain (to this night) is but play.  
So beaten I am with strokes sad and sore,  
The shrill water than burnt me meikel more  
After great blood, through heart & cold was 〈◊〉  
That of my life almost nothing I wrought.  
I mean far more the tinsel of my men,  
Nor of myself might I suffer such ten:  
The Parson said, Dear son thou mayest see w●●  
Longer to strive it helpeth never a deal.  
Thy men are lost, and none will with thee ri●●  
For God his sake make as I will device:  
Take a Lordship whereon thou mayest live,  
King Edward will great lands to thee give:  
Uncle, he said, of such words na mare,  
This is nothing but eking of my care:  
I like better to see the Sutheron die,  
Than gold or land, that they can give to me:  
Trust thou right well of war I shall not cease  
Until the time I bring Scotland to peace:  
Or die therefore the plain to understand,  
So came Keirly, and good Steven of Ireland:  
The widow's son to Wallace he them brought,  
From they him saw, of no sadness they wrought  
For perfect idy they we bed with their éene,  
To ground they fell, and thanked heavens ki●●  
Als he was glad for rescue of them two,  
Of their feirs living were left not moe.  
They told to him that Sir Gerrard was dead,  
How they had well escaped of that stead.  
Through the Ochel they had gone all that nig●●  
To Airth Ferry when that the day was light  
●●a true Scot through kindness of Wallace,  
●●ght them soon over, than kend them to the place  
●●eirly witted if Wallace living were,  
〈◊〉 Dunipace that he should found him there:  
Parson gart good purve yance for them dight,  
Tor-wood they lodged all that night.  
●●e the woman that Wallace north had sand,  
●●rned again and told him to an end.  
●●at Englishmen in the way she saw dead,  
〈◊〉 was fallen faith in many sundry stead.  
〈◊〉 horse she saw, that Wallace had, hereft,  
〈◊〉 the Gaskhal standing as it was left:  
thoutten harm, nor touched of a stone,  
〈◊〉 of his men, good tidings got she none.  
●refore be grieved greatly in that tide,  
the Forest be would not longer bide.  
〈◊〉 Widow gave him part of silver bright,  
●o of her sans that worthy were and wight:  
●e third he left, because he lacked age,  
wear as than might not win vassalage.  
●e Parson than got them good horse and gear,  
●●t woe he was, his mind was soon in wear:  
〈◊〉 us took he leave without longer abode,  
Dundaffe Mure the 'samine night the rade,  
John the Grahame, which Lord was of that land,  
〈◊〉 aged Knight, had made none other hand:  
●●t purchased peace in rest he might hid still,  
tribute be paid full sore against his william.  
●●on he had, both wise worthy and wight,  
●●●ng Alexander at Berwick made him Knight.  
●here showing was of battle to have been,  
●●etwixt the Scots and the hold Persie keéns,  
●his young Sir John right noble was in wear,  
●●n a broad sword his father gart him swear:  
●●e should be true to Wallace in all thing,  
And he to him while life in them might 〈◊〉  
Three nights there Wallace was out of dre●●  
Rested him well, so had he meikel need:  
On the fourth day he would not longer bide,  
Sir John the Grahame bowned with him to 〈◊〉  
And he said nay, as than it should be,  
A plain part yet I will not take on me.  
I have tint men through mine own reklesse●  
A  child als more sore the fire should  
Friends some part I have in Cliddisdale,  
I will go see what they may me avail.  
Sir John answered, I will your counsel do,  
When ye think time sand privately me to:  
Than I shall come with my power in haste,  
He him be taught unto the holy Ghaist,  
S. John to borgh they should meet whole and  
Out of Dundaff he and his four couth found:  
In Bothwel Mure that night remained he,  
With one Crawford that lodged him privily.  
Upon the morn to the Gilbank he went,  
Received be was of many with glad intent:  
For his dear Eme young Auchinleck dwelled th●  
Brother he was to the Sheriff of Aire.  
When old Sir Rannald to his dead was dight,  
Than Auchenleck wedded that Lady bright:  
And children got, as stories bear record,  
Of Lesmahago, for he held of that Lord,  
But he was slain, that pity was the mair,  
With Perseus' men into the town of Air.  
His son dwelled still, than ninetéen years of a●  
And brooked whole his father's heritage:  
Tribute be paid for all his lands bread,  
To the Lord Persie, as his brother had made,  
I leave Wallace with his bear Uncle still,  
Of Englishmen yet something speak I william.  
messenger soon through the Country yéed,  
Lord Persie, and told his felon deed,  
●evin was burnt, broken, and casten down,  
〈◊〉 Captain dead of it, and S. Johnstoun.  
〈◊〉 Lorane als in Short-wood-shawes shéen,  
〈◊〉 the land great sorrow hath been seen.  
●ough wight Wallace that all this deed hath done,  
〈◊〉 town he spied, and that for thought us soon:  
〈◊〉 is slain with daughty men and dear,  
●●sper speech the Persie than 'gan spear,  
●●at word of him, I pray thee graithly tell,  
〈◊〉 Lord, he said, Kite thus the case befell:  
〈◊〉 know for truth he was left him alone,  
〈◊〉 as he fled he slew full many one.  
〈◊〉 horse we found, that him that gate could bear,  
〈◊〉 of himself no other word we hear.  
●triveling bridge we wots he passed naught,  
〈◊〉 death in Forth he may for us be brought.  
〈◊〉 Persie said, Now truly that is sin,  
〈◊〉 good of hand he is this world within.  
〈◊〉 he ta'en peace, and been our King's man,  
●●s whole Empire he might have conquest than.  
●●at harm it is, our Knights that are dead,  
〈◊〉 must gare see for others in their stead:  
●ow not yet that Wallace lossed he,  
〈◊〉 Clerks says, He shall gar many die.  
〈◊〉 Messenger says, All that forsooth hath been,  
●●ny hundreth that cruel was and kéen,  
●●ce he began, are lossed without remead,  
●●●e Persie said, Forsooth he is not dead.  
●●●e Crooks of Forth he knows wonder well:  
〈◊〉 is on live that shall our Nation feill.  
●●en he is stressed, than can he swim at will,  
●eat strength he hath, both wit and grace there till,  
〈◊〉 messenger the Lord charged to w●●d,  
And his command in writ he with him so●●  
Sir John Psewart great Sheriff than he mad●  
Of S. Johnstoun, and all the lands brade:  
Into Kinclevin there dwelled none there again  
There was naught else, but broken walls in 〈◊〉  
Leave I them thus ruling the lands there,  
And speak I will of Wallace goodwell fare 〈◊〉  
He sand Keirly unto Rannald that night,  
To Boyd and Blair, that worthy were and w●●●  
And Adam als, his Cousin good Wallace,  
To them declared he of this painful case,  
Of his escape out of that company,  
Right wonder glad was that good Chivalry.  
From time they knew that Wallace living w●●  
Good diligence they made to him to pass,  
Master John Blair was one of that message,  
A worthy Clerk, both wise and als right sag●●●  
Learned he was before in Paris town,  
Amongst Massers in Science of good renown.  
Wallace and he at home in School had been,  
Soon afterwards as verity was seen:  
He was the man that chief undertook,  
That first compiled to dyte the Latin Book.  
Of Wallace life, right famous of renown,  
And Thomas Grace Parson of Libertoun.  
With him they were, and put in historical,  
Often one or both meikel of his travel,  
And therefore hereof them I make mention,  
Master John Blair to Wallace made him bown.  
To see his health, his comfort was the more,  
As they full often together were before.  
Silver and gold they gave him for to spend,  
So did he them freely when God it sand.  
Of good welfare as than he wanted none,  
Englishmen witted he was left him alone:  
●here he should be, none of them cauth say,  
●owned or slain, or else escaped away.  
●erefort of him they took but little heed,  
●●ey knew him not, the less he was in dread.  
〈◊〉 true Scots great favour to him gave,  
●hat good they had, he needed not to crave.  
●e peace lasted that Sir Rannald had ta'en,  
●●ose three months it should not be out-gane:  
●hole Christmas than Wallace remained there,  
〈◊〉 Lanerk often to sport he made repair:  
●hen that he went to Gilbank from the town,  
●he found men was of that Nation,  
〈◊〉 Scotland they did never grievance more,  
●●●e sticked they, some throats in sunder shore.  
●●ll were found dead, but none witted who it was,  
●hom be handled, he let not further pass.  
●ere Hesilrig dwelled, that cursed Knight to wail,  
xeriff he was of all these lands hail:  
●●fellon outrage despitefully in his deed,  
●●ny of him therefore had meikel dread.  
●●rvel he thought who durst his people s●a,  
●●thout the town he caused great numbers go.  
●●en Wallace saw that they were more than he,  
●●en did he naught but salust courteously.  
〈◊〉 his four men bu●e them so quietly.  
〈◊〉 Sutheron could déem them unhonestly:  
〈◊〉 Lanerk, a gentle woman there,  
●●aiden mild, as my Book will declare.  
●●htéen years ald, and little more of age,  
〈◊〉 born she was to part of heritage.  
〈◊〉 father was of worship and renown.  
〈◊〉 Hue Braidfure he height of Lamingtown:  
●●eill were than into the Country called,  
afore time they Gentlemen were of alds:  
〈◊〉 this good man and als his wise was do●●,  
The Maiden witted than of no other remead,  
But still she dwelled in tribute in the town,  
And purchased had King Edward's protection:  
Servants with her, of friends at her will,  
Thus lived she without destre of ill.  
A quiet house, as she might hold in wear,  
For Hesilrig had done her meikel dear.  
Slain her brother, which eldest was and heir,  
All suffered she, and right lowly her bore.  
Amiable, so benign, ware and wise,  
Courteous and sweet, fulfilled of all gentrice.  
Well ruled of tongue, right hail of countenance  
Of virtue she was worthy to advance,  
Humbly her held, and purchased a good name,  
Of every wight she keeped her from blame.  
True religious folk a great favour her lent,  
Upon a day to the Kirk as she went;  
Wallace her saw as he his eyes can cast,  
The print of love him prunzied at the last.  
So asperly through beauty of that bright,  
With great unease in presence bide he might  
He knew full well we kindred of her blood.  
And how she was in honest use and good:  
Whiles would he think to love her over the 〈◊〉  
And otherwhile he thought on his dissave:  
How that his men were brought to confusion,  
Though his last love, he had in S. Johnstoun.  
Than mould he think to live and let overslide.  
But that thought long could not in heart abi●●  
He told Keirly of his new Just and hail,  
Than asked he him of his true counsel?  
Master he said, As far as I can feel,  
Of like linesse it may be wonder well:  
Since so ye love, take her in Marriage,  
Goodly she is, and als of heritage:  
●ppose that ye in loving feel amiss,  
●●eat God forbidden it should he so with this.  
〈◊〉 marry thus I cannot yet attend,  
●●ould of war first see a final end:  
Will no more alone to my love gang,  
●he heed to me, for dread I suffer wrong:  
〈◊〉 proffer love thus soon I would not brieve,  
●●ght I leave of, in war I think to live.  
●hat is this love? Nothing but foolishness,  
〈◊〉 may reave me both wit and steadfastness:  
●●en said he thus, this will not graithly be,  
●hours and wars at once to reign in me.  
●●ght sooth is it, stood I in bliss of love,  
●here deeds were, I should the better prove.  
●t well I wots, where great earnest is in thought,  
jetteth war, that in wise men is wrought.  
●lesse it be, but only till on deed,  
●●en he that thinks of love for to speed.  
〈◊〉 may do well hath the Fortune and grace,  
●t this stands all into another case:  
〈◊〉 great kingdom with feil foes overset,  
●●ght hard it is any mends for to get.  
●●ainst them, and keep the observance,  
●hich be longs to love, and all her frivol chance.  
●●ample I have, which me forthinketh sore,  
●ope in God it shall be so not more.  
●e truth I know of this, and her lineage,  
●now naught her, therefore I loss a gage: I  
〈◊〉 Keirly he thus argued in this kind,  
●t great desire remained in his mind:  
●●r to behold that freely of fashion,  
〈◊〉 while he left, and came not in the town.  
〈◊〉 other thing did make his wit to vain,  
●oving that he might of that labour slain:  
●hen Keirly saw he suffered pain for thy,  
Dear sir, he said, Ye live in sluggary:  
Go see your love, and ye shall get comfort,  
At his counsel he walked for to sport.  
Unto the Kirk, where she made residence,  
She knew him well, but as for Eloquence:  
She durst not well in presence him to kith,  
Full sore she dread that Sutheron should her m●●  
For Hesilrig had a matter new begun,  
And her desired in marriage to his son:  
With her Maiden this Wallace she besought,  
To dine with her, and privately she him bro●●●●  
Through a Garden, she had gart work anew,  
So Englishmen naught of their meeting knew  
He kissed this Maid, with gladness and please  
Soon her be sought right heartily acquaintance.  
She answered him, with humble words and 〈◊〉  
Were mine acquaintance worthy for to prize?  
Ye shall it have, as God me save in saul,  
But Englishmen do gar our power fail:  
Through violence of them, and their bairnag●  
That hath well near destroyed our Lineage.  
When Wallace heard her complaint piteously,  
Grieved in heart he was right greatumly.  
Both ire and love him set into a rage,  
But naught for thy he sobered in courage.  
Of this matter he told as I said air,  
To that goodly how love constrained him saire●,  
She answered him reasonably again,  
And said, I shall to your service be bane:  
With all pleasance in honest causes bail,  
And I trust naught ye would set to assail.  
For your worship, to do me dishonour,  
And I a Maid, and stand in many a stour.  
From Englishmen to save my womanheid,  
And coast have made to keep me from their 〈◊〉  
●ith my good will I will no Lemmen be  
〈◊〉 no man born: therefore I think should ye  
●●sire me not, but into goodliness,  
●●rchance ye think I were too low percase:  
●●r to pretend to be your righteous wife,  
〈◊〉 to your service I would use all my life.  
●●●re I beseech for your worship in arms,  
〈◊〉 charge me not with no ungodly harms.  
u●t me defend for worship of your blood,  
●hen Wallace well her true tale understood,  
〈◊〉 in a part him thought it was reason,  
〈◊〉 her desire therefore to conclusion:  
〈◊〉 thanked her, and said, If it might be,  
〈◊〉 borough God's will that our Kingdom be free,  
〈◊〉 would you wed with all hearty pleasance,  
●ut at this time I may not take such chance.  
●●d for this cause none other now I crave,  
〈◊〉 man in war may not all pleasance have.  
●f their talk than, can I tell you na mare,  
●o my purpose what band that they made there.  
conclude they this, and to the dinner went,  
●he sore grievance remained in his intent,  
●●sse of his men, and lusty pain of love,  
〈◊〉 is leave he took, at that time to remove.   

CHAP. II. ●●w Wallace passed to Lochmabane, and how they cutted his horse tails, and how he shave the blood-letter.  
THen to Gilbank he passed ere it was night,  
Upon the morn with his four men him dight,  
●o the Corhead without resting be rade,  
Where his Nevoy Thom holiday him abade.  
●nd Edward Little als, his Cousin dear.  
Which was so blithe, when he witted him so near,  
thanking great God he sent him safe again,  
For many dreamt he in Strathern was slain.  
Good cheer they made, all out those day's thre●●●  
Than Wallace said, that he desired to see  
Lochmabane town, and Englishmen that were the●●●  
On the fourth day they bawned them to far,  
Sixteen he was of goodly Chivalry,  
In the Knockwood he leaved all but three:  
Thomas Halidy went with them to the town,  
Edward Little and Keirly made them bown,  
To an Ostler Thomas Halidy led them right,  
And gave command their dinner should be dight  
To hear a Mass in good intent they yeed,  
Of Englishmen they thought there was no dread,  
One Clifford came, was Emes son to the Lord,  
And three with him, the truth for to record:  
To their Inns soon, after Wallace was passed,  
Who aught these horse: in great hathing he a●●  
The Goodwife said for to have pleased him best,  
Three Gentlemen are come out of the west:  
Who devil them made so gaily for to ride?  
In faith with me a wed there must abide:  
These lewd Scors have learned little good,  
Lo, all these horse are shent for fault of blood:  
Into great scorn witheutten words more,  
The tails all of these three horse they shore.  
The Goodwife cried, and piteously can greet,  
So Wallace came and could the Captain meet:  
A woman told him, they had his horse shent,  
For proper ire he grew in matalent,  
He followed fast, and said, Good friends abide,  
Service to take for thy craft in this tide.  
Marchel thou art without command of me,  
Reward again me thinks I should pay thee:  
Since I of late new come out of the west,  
In this country a Barbour of the best:  
To cut and shave, and that one wonder good,  
Now shalt thou feel how I use to let blood:  
With his good sword the Captain hath he ta'en,  
While horse again he marshelled never ane:  
●nother soon upon the head strake he.  
While shafts and cheeks upon the gate can flee.  
●y that his men the other threée had slain,  
Their horse they took, and graithed them full bane.  
Out of the town for Dinner had they none,  
The wife she prayed that made so piteous moan.  
Than Englishmen fra their Chiftain was dead,  
●o Wallance sought from many sundry stead:  
From the Castle came cruel men and kéen,  
When Wallace hath their sudden sembly seen,  
Toward some strength he bawned him to ride,  
For than he thought it was no time to bide:  
His horse bled fast, that gart him dreading have,  
Of his good men, he would have had the lave.  
●o the Knockwood withouten more they rade,  
But into it no sojourning he made:  
That wood as than was neither thick nor strange,  
His men he got, than lighted he to gang,  
Toward an height, and led their horse a while,  
The Englishmen were than within a mile:  
On fresh horse riding full hastily,  
Senvenscore as than were in that company.  
The Scots lap on, when they that power saw,  
Toward the South they thought it best to draw:  
Than Wallace said, It was no wit in wear,  
With our power to bide them bargain here.  
You are men good, therefore I will that we.  
Innermore seek, while God sand us supply.  
holiday said, We shall do, your counsel,  
But sore I dread that these hurt horse will fail.  
The Englishmen in birnisht armour clear.  
By than to them approached wonder near.  
Horsed Arthur's shot, and would not spare:  
Of Wallace men they wounded too full sair.  
In ire he grew, when that he saw them bleed;  
Himself he turned, and on them soon he yeed:  
Sixteen with him that worthy were in wear,  
Of the foremost right sharply down they hear:  
At that returnfiftéen in field was slain,  
The lave they fled into their power again:  
Wallace followed with his good Chivalry,  
Thomas holiday in wear was full buss:  
A busbment saw that cruel was and keen,  
Two hundred bail of well graithed Englishmen,  
Uncle he said, our power is too small,  
From this plain field I counsel you to draw.  
To few we were against you felon stail,  
Wallace returned full soon at his counsel:  
At the Corhead full feign they wwould have been,  
But Englishmen have well their purpose seen:  
In plain battle them followed hardily,  
In danger thus they held them awfully:  
Hue of More-land on wallace followed fast,  
He had be fore made many Scits aghast.  
Holden he was of wear the worthiest man,  
In Horth England was with him living than.  
In his armour well forged of fine steel,  
A nobléCursour hare him both fast and well:  
Wallace returned bestde abvirly Dake,  
And on him set a felon steker stroke.  
Both collar bone and shoulder blaid in two,  
Through the mid coast, the good sword gart he go●●  
His spear he won, and als his Courser bright,  
Than left his own, for loosed was his might.  
For lack of blood he might not further gang,  
Wallace on horse the sutheron than among.  
●is men relieved that doughty were in deed,  
●im to rescue out of that felon dread:  
●ruel strokes forsooth there might he seen,  
●n either stde till blood ran on the green.  
●ight perilousty the sembly was to see,  
karoly and hot, continued the maillie.  
chewing rescue of Scots and English als,  
●ome carved bone in sunder, and some the hais,  
●ome hurt, some hint, some dung into the dead,  
●he hardy Scots so stirred in that steed:  
Heath holiday on foot that holdly abde,  
●mo●●● the sutheron a full great room they made.  
●allace on horse, hint him a noble spear,  
〈◊〉 through them rade, as good Chiftain in wear.  
agree slew he there ere that his spear was gane,  
Thus his good sword in hand than hath he ta'en:  
●ang on derfly with strokes sad and sore,  
Whom that he hit, grieved the Scots not more.  
●ra Sutheron men by natural reason knew,  
●ow with a stroke a man aye he slew:  
●hen marvelled they he was so meikle of main,  
For their bbest men in that kind had be stain.  
That his great strength again helped him naught,  
For none other in contrare Wallace sought.  
Than said they all, Live he the strength untane,  
The whole Kingdom he will win him alane:  
They left the field, and to their power fled,  
●nd told their Lord, how evil the foremost sped.  
Which Graystock heght, was new come in the land,  
The refore he trowed none dared against him stand:  
Wonder he thought when as he saw that fight:  
Why his good men for so few took the flight.  
It that return twenty in field were tint,  
●nd Moreland als therefore he would not stint:  
But followed fast with three hundreth but dread,  
And swore he would be venged on that deed.  
The Scots wan horse because their own did f●●  
In fleeing than choosed the most avail:  
Out of the field this wight Wallace is gone,  
Of his good men he had not lossed one:  
Five wounded were, but lightly forth they r●●  
Wallace a space behind them aye abode,  
And holiday proved well in many place,  
A sister son be was to good Wallace,  
Warlike they road, and held their horse on e●●  
For they trowed well the Sutheron would offe●●  
With whole power at once upon them set,  
But Wallace cast their purpose for to let:  
To break their ray, he visit them full fast,  
The Englishmen so greatly were aghast:  
That none of them durst rush out of the stail,  
All in a row together held them hail.  
She Sutheron saw how that abundantly,  
Wallace abode near their Chivalry:  
By Morelands' horse they knew him wonder we●●  
Past to their Lord, and told him everilke deal,  
Lo, Sir, they said, forsooth this same is he,  
That with his hands caused so many die.  
Hath his horse grace upon bis feet to bide,  
He doubts not through five thousand for to ride.  
We read you cease, and follow him not more,  
For dread that we repent it sign full sore:  
He blamed them, and said, Men may well see,  
Cowards ye are, that for so few would flee:  
For their counsel yet leave would be them no●●  
Into great ire be sadly on them sought:  
Wailing a place where be might bargain ma●●  
Wallace was woe upon him for to take:  
And he so few to bide them on a plain:  
At Quinsberry he would have been full feign:  
●ou himself be took so great travail,  
〈◊〉 fend his men, if that might him avail:  
sword in hand, right manly him to wear,  
〈◊〉 waiting fast, if he might get a spear:  
●ow here, now there, before them to and fr●,  
●●s horse gave over, and might not further go:  
●●ght at the skirt of Quinsberry befell,  
●●ut upon grace, as mine Author will tell:  
●●r John the Grahame that worthy was and wight,  
●●o the Corhead came on the other night:  
●●irty with him of noble men at wage,  
●he first daughter he had in marriage.  
〈◊〉 holiday, was Nevoy to Wallace,  
●●dings to spear Sir John passed of that place:  
●●ith men to speak, where they a trist had set.  
●●ght near the stead where Scots and English met:  
●●o Kirkpatrick that cruel was anf keen,  
〈◊〉 Eskdale wood that half a year had been:  
●●ith Englishmen he could not well accord,  
●●f Torthorwald be Baron was and Lord:  
●●f kin he was to Wallace mother deir,  
〈◊〉 Crawfurd side, that meikle had to steir.  
●wenty he had of worthy men and wight,  
〈◊〉 than Wallace approached to their sight:  
●●r John the Grahame when he the counter saw,  
●●n them he rade, and stood but little awe.  
●●s good-father he knew right wonder well.  
●●st down his spear, and sunzseit not a deill:  
Kirkpatrick als with worthy men of wear,  
●●fty in front at once down they bear.  
through the thickest of three hundreth they rade,  
●●n Sutheron side full great slaughter they made:  
●hem to rescue that was in felon throng,  
Wallance on foot the great power among:  
●●ood room he got through help of God's grace,  
The Sutheron fled, and left them in that place  
Horses they won, to stuff the chase good speed,  
Wallace and his that doughty were indeed.  
Graystock took flight, on stern horse and stout,  
An hundreth held together in a rout.  
Wallace on them full sadly can pursue,  
The fleeing well of Englishmen be known.  
That aye the best would pass with their Chift●…  
Before him found he good Sir John the Graham,  
Aye striking down whom ever he might by,  
Than Wallace said, This is but waste folly.  
Commons to slay where Chieftains goes away,  
Your horse are fresh, therefore do as I say,  
Good men ye have are yet in noble state,  
To you great rout, for Gods love hold your ga●…  
Sunder them soon, we shall come at your hand:  
When Sir John had this tale well understand,  
Of none other, from thence forth took he heed,  
To the foremost he followed well with speed.  
Kirkpatrick als considered this counsel,  
They charged their men aye followed on the stail  
At his command full soon with them they wet,  
Sad strokes and sore sadly upon them set.  
His Uncle als he knew right wonder well,  
Cast down his spear, and sounzied not a deal.  
Kirkpatrick als with worthy men of wear,  
Thirty on front at once down they bear:  
Through the thickest Sir John the Grahame rad●…  
On Sutheron side full great slaughter they made,  
Good room he got through help of God's grace,  
The Sutheron fled, and left them in that place.  
Horses they won to stuff the chase good speed,  
Wallace and his that doughty were indeed,  
Graystock fled fast on stern horse and stout,  
An hundreth held together in a rout.  
Wallace on them sadly could pursue,  
●●he fleeing well of Englishmen he knew.  
Wallace on horse he hint a noble spear,  
●●nd followed fast as good Chiftain in wear.  
Three slew he there ere that his spear was gone,  
Than his good sword in his hand hath he ta'en,  
●ang on derfly with strokes sad and sore:  
Whom that he hit, grieved the Scots not more.  
Upon the lave fighting full wonder fast,  
●nd many groom they made full sore aghast.  
●he Englishmen that bufie were in wear,  
assailed sore them from the Moss to bear,  
●ight perilous the sembly was to see,  
●ardy and heat continued the mellie,  
showing the rescue of Scots and English als,  
●ome carved bones in sunder, some the hals:  
●ir John the Grahame to Graystock fast he sought,  
●is pensane than it helped him right naught.  
●pon the craig a graith stroke gave him right,  
●he burely brand was braid, and birnisht bright:  
●n sunder carved the mailzies of fine steel  
Through brain and bone it rushed ever ilk deal.  
Dead with that dint to the ground down him drove.  
By that Wallace assembled on the lave.  
●erfly to death feill frieks there he dight,  
●ose never again, whom ever he hit right:  
●irlpatrick came, Thom H●●day, and their men,  
Their doughty deeds were noble for to ken:  
At the Knockhead the bold Graystock was slain,  
And many more which were of meikle main:  
To save their lives part in the wood they passed,  
The Scottishmen they ran together fast.  
When Wallace with S. John the Grahame had met,  
Right goodly he with humbleness him greet:  
Pardon he asked of the ●●prove 〈◊〉,  
Into the chase, and said he should not more:  
Information make to him that was so good,  
When that Sir John Wallace well understood  
Do away, he said, thereof as now na mare,  
Ye did full right, it was for our well fare:  
Wiser in war ye are all out than I,  
Father in arms ye are to me for thy,  
Kirkpatrick than that was his Cousin dear,  
He thanked him right on a good manner.  
Eightscore were slain, or they would leave th●  
The fleeing folk they knew of no remead.  
Not one was lost of all their Chivalry,  
Sir John the Graham to them came happily.  
The day was done, approaching was the night  
At Wallace than they asked counsel right:  
He answered thus, I speak but with your leave  
Right loathe I were any goodly men to grieve.  
But this I say in terms short for me,  
I would assail, if ye think it may be:  
Lochmabane house which now is left alone,  
For well I wots that power in it is none.  
Carlaverock als yet Maxwel hath in his hand,  
And we had these, they might be both a wand  
Against Sutheron, that now hath our Country,  
Say what ye will, this is the best thinks me:  
Sir John the Graham gave first his good consent,  
Than all the lave right with a whole intent:  
To Lochmabane right hastily they ride:  
When they came there not half a mile beside:  
The night was dark, to council are they gone,  
Of moon or star appearance was there none:  
Than Wallace said, We think this land at rest,  
Tom holiday, thou knowest the Country best.  
I hear no noise of feil folks here about,  
Therefore I trow we are the less in doubt,  
●●day said, I will take one with me,  
〈◊〉 ride before the Country for to see:  
●●son he called, with me make thee bown,  
●●th them thou wast aye neighbour in this town,  
●●rant I was with them against my will,  
〈◊〉 mine intent was aye to do them ill:  
●●to the gate partly they two forth rade,  
●●e Porter came without longer abode:  
〈◊〉 John Watson than tidings could he spear,  
●en he bade, the Captain cometh near.  
●e gate but more unwisely up he drew,  
Tom holiday soon by the craig him threw:  
●●d with a knife he sticked him in that stead,  
〈◊〉 a dark hole drown dreadless cast him de●●●  
John Watson hath hint the keys in his hand,  
●●e power than with Wallace was command:  
●●ey entered in, before them found no more,  
●●cept women, and simple servants two:  
〈◊〉 the Kitchen long scudlers had they been,  
●●on they were slain. When the Lady had seen:  
●●e cried for grace, for him that died on tree,  
●●en Wallace said, Madam your noise let be:  
〈◊〉 women yet we do but little ill,  
●nd young children we like not for to soill:  
Would have meat, holiday, what says thou?  
●or fasting folk to dine good time were now,  
●reat purveyance was ordained them before,  
●oth bread, and all, good wine and other store.  
〈◊〉 meat they bowned, for they had fasted lung,  
●ood men of Arms into the close causse gang  
●●rt fleeing folk on foot they from them glad,  
●●n the Knockhead, where great mellie was made:  
●●y as they came, John Watson let them in:  
●●d done to death withouten ●ise or din.  
●o man left there that was of England born.  
The Castle well they viewed on the morn:  
For Johnstoun sent a man of good degree,  
Second daughter forsooth wedded had he,  
Of holidays dear Nevoy to Wallace,  
Great Captain than they made him of that p●●  
They left him there into a good array,  
They is●ed forth upon the other day:  
Women had leave in England for the fare,  
Good Wallace and Sir John the Graham could c●●  
To the Corhead, and lodged there that night,  
Upon the morn the Sun was at the height:  
After dinner they would not longer bide,  
Their purpose took in Crawford Mure to ride,  
Sir John the Graham, with Wallace that was h●●  
Tom holiday again returned right,  
To the Corhal, and remained but dread,  
Not Sutheron witted principal who did this deed  
Kirkpatrick passed to Eskdail woods vvide.  
In safety there he thought be should abide.  
Good Wallace and Sir John the Graham in fea●,  
With them forty men of Arms clear.  
Through Crawfurd Mure as they than took their  
On Englishmen their mind remained aye.   

CHAP. III. How Wallace won the Castle of Crawfurd, and 〈◊〉 Captain thereof.  
FRom Crawfurd-John the water down they r●●  
Near hand the night, they lodged upon Clid●  
Their purpose took into a quiet Veil,  
Than Wallace said, I would we might assail:  
Crawfurd Castle with some good jeopardy,  
Sir John the Graham, How say ye best may be:  
This good Knight said, If the men were vvi●●  
To take the house there is but little doubt:  
●quyer than ruled that Lordship hail,  
Cumberland born, his name was Mortindale.  
●en Wallace said, Myself 〈◊〉 pass in ●eat,  
〈◊〉 one with me, of harvery for to spier:  
●low on drig●● of that we mister aught,  
●●vard Little with his Master forth sought,  
〈◊〉 an Ostellary, and with a woman met,  
●●e told to them that Sutheron there wire set.  
●ye be Scots I counsel you pass by,  
〈◊〉 if they may, ye will yet evil harvery.  
●●rink they are, so have they been right long,  
●●eat word there is of Wallace them among:  
●ey trow that he hath 〈◊〉 men again,  
Lochmabene feil Englishm●● are stain:  
●e house is lost, that makes them be full we,  
●●ope in God that they shall soon tyne moe:  
Wallace spiered of Scotland if that she be:  
●●e said, Yea, and think 〈◊〉 see:  
●row on them, through help of God's grace,  
〈◊〉 asked her, Who was into that place?  
〈◊〉 man of fen●r was left that house within,  
●enty are here making great noise and din:  
●●s, she said, If that I might once see,  
●●e worthy Scots in it most master be.  
●●th this ●ouran be would not longer stand,  
●eaken be made, Sir John came at his hand.  
Wallace went in, and said, Benedicitie,  
sword; Captain spiered, what bellamy may thou be:  
●●at contes so grim, some tidings to us tell,  
●ou art a Scot, the devil thy Nation quell:  
Wallace braid out a sword, withouten more,  
〈◊〉 to the braist, the brim Captain he bore:  
●roughout the Cast, sticked him to the dead,  
●●other he hit acward upon the head:  
●●om ever be strake, he bursted bone and lyre,  
Feill of them dead fell flatling in the 〈◊〉,  
Hasty payment be made them on the floor,  
And Edward Little h●●●ed well the door,  
Sir John the Graham full feign would have bée●  
Edward him bade at the Castle begin:  
For of these folk we have but little dread,  
Sir John the Graham fast to the Castle yéed:  
Wallace rudely such routs on them gave.  
That twenty men de●●●y to death he d●ave:  
Fifteen he streak, and fifteen hath he slain,  
Edward flew five which was of meikle main 〈◊〉  
To the Castle Wallace had great desire,  
By that Sir John had set the house on fire:  
None was there in that great defence could  
But women sore fast weeping into that.  
Without the place a bold bulwark was made  
Wallace went over withouten longer bade:  
The women soon he saved from the dead,  
Weak folk be put and children from that stea●  
Of purveyance he found little or none,  
Before that time their virtual was all gone  
Yet in that place lodged they all that night,  
From Ostlarie brought such good as they mi●●  
Upon the morn bóusen they spoilt fast,  
All things they dow, out of that plate 〈◊〉;  
Trée-wark they burned, that was within 〈◊〉  
And walls broke down, that sta●wars were 〈◊〉  
Spoiled what they might, than would no 〈◊〉  
Unto Din●●●● the same night they did ride.  
And lodged there with all mirth and pleasance  
Thanking great God that sent them so good  
The end of the fifth Book.    

THE SIXTH BOOK.  

CHAP. I. Of the Spousage of Wallace, and how Hesilrig slew Wallace wife in the Town of Lanerk, and how Wallace slew Hesilrig for the same cause, and put the Englishmen out of Lanerk.  

THen passed were the Octaves of Februar,  
And part of March by right digestion,  
Appeared than the last month of Ver:  
The sign of Summer, with his sweet season,  
By that Wallace from Dundaff made him down,  
His leave he took, and to Kilbank can far,  
The rumour risen through Scotland up and down,  
With Englishmen that Wallace living were.   

Into April when clothed is but wéen,  
●he able ground through working of Nature,  
And woods have on their worthy weeds green.  
When Nymphis in building of her hour.  
With oil and balm fulfilled of sweet odour.  
Taneittis' in trace as they were want to gang,  
Walking their course in every casual hour,  
To glad the hunters with their merry sang.   

In this same time to him approathed new,  
His lusty pain of which I spoke of air:  
By love's case he thought for to pursue.  
●n Lanerk, and hither can be fair:  
●t residence a while remained there,  
●n her presence, as I have said before,  
Though Englishmen grieved at his repair,  
Yet he delighted the thing that set him sore.   

The fire of Love him ruled at such wise.  
He liked well with that goodly to be:  
Whiles he would think of dangers for to rise,  
And other whiles out of her presence flee,  
To cease of war it were the best for me.  
Thus win I naught but sadness on like side,  
Shall never man this cowardness in me see.  
To war I will, for chance that may betid.   

What is this love? It is but great mistha●●  
That me would bring from arms verily:  
I will not change my worship for pleasance,  
In war I think my time to occupy,  
Yet here to love I will not let for thy,  
Moore I shall desire my worship to reserve,  
From this day forth, than evermore did I,  
I fear of war whither I leave or starve.   

What shall I say, Wallace was plainly set,  
To love her best in all the world so wide.  
Thinking be should of his desire to get,  
And so befell by concord on a tide:  
That she was made at his command to bide:  
And this began the stinting of this strife,  
The band began with graith witness beside,  
Mine Author says, she was his wedded wife.   

Now live in peace, now live in good concord:  
Now live in play, now live in whole pleasance,  
For she by chance hath both her love and Lord  
He thanks love, that did him so advance,  
So evenly held by favour the balance:  
Than he at will may lay her in his arms,  
She thanked God of her happy chance,  
For in his time he was the flower of Arms.   

Fortune him show her double figured face,  
Feill size or than he had been set above:  
In prison now, delivered now through grace,  
Now at unease, now at unrest, and rufe,  
Now well at will, willing is pleasant love.  
And thought himself out of adversity,  
Desiring aye his manhood for to prove,  
In courage set upon the staiges high.   

The very truth I cannot graithly tell,  
Into this life how long that they had been:  
Through natural course of generation fell:  
A child was cheved these two lovers between,  
Which goodly was a Maiden bright and shéen,  
So farther forth became time to her age:  
A squire shaw that than full well hath seen,  
This life lait man got her in marriage.   

The other Maid wedded a squire wight,  
Which was well known come in of Balliols' blood:  
And their heirs by line succeeded right:  
To Lamingtoun and other lauds good,  
Of this matter the right who understood,  
Hereof as now I will not more proceed,  
Of my sentence shortly to conclude,  
Of other thing my purpose is to réed.   

Right goodly men came of this Lady ying,  
Further of them as now I speak na mair,  
But Wallace forth into his war can reign,  
He might not cease great courage so him bear,  
Sutheron to stay, for dread be would not spair 〈◊〉  
And they often syst still causes to him wrought,  
From that time forth which moved him so fair,  
That never in world out of his mind was borough  
Now leave & mirth, now leave thy whole pleasa●  
Now leave thy bliss, now leave thy childish age  
Now leave thy youth, now follow thy hard chance  
Now leave thy lust, now leave thy marriage,  
Now leave thy Love, or thou shalt tine a gage,  
Which never in earth shall be redeemed again,  
Felon Fortune, and all her fierce outrage,  
Go live in wwar, go live in cruel pain.   

Fie on Fortune, fie on thy frivole whéel.  
Fie on thy trust, for here it hath no jest,  
That so transfigured wallace out of his we'll,  
When he trusted for to have lived best,  
His pleasance here to him is but a jest,  
Through thy fers course that hath none hap to he,  
Him thou overthrew out of his liking rest,  
From great pleasance, in war, travel and woe,   

What is Fortune, who draws the dait sa fast,  
We wot there is both well and wicked chance,  
But this false world with many double cast,  
In it is naught but very variance:  
It is nothing to heavenly governance:  
Than pray we all to the Maker above,  
Which hath in hand of justice the Balance,  
That he us grant it of his dear lasting Love.   

Hereof as now further I speak na●mare,  
But to my purpose shortly will I far.  
TWelve hundreth year there to ninety and seven  
From Christ was born the righteous king heaven:  
Wlliam Wallace into good liking goe●,  
〈◊〉 Lanerk town among his mortal foes,  
●he Englishmen that ever stout hath 〈◊〉,  
With Hesilrig that cruel was and kéen:  
●nd Robert Thorn a felon subtle knight,  
●ath found the way by what means bést he might,  
●ow that they should make contrare to wallace,  
●y argument, as be came upon case.  
●●n from the Kirk that was without the town,  
●hile their power might be in arms bown:  
●ir John the Graham that worthy was and true,  
●o Lanerk town good wallace could persué,  
●f his welfare as he full often hath téen,  
●f men be had in company fifteen:  
●nd Wallace nine, they had no feirsmoe,  
●pon the morn unto the mass they go:  
●hey and their men graithed in goodly green.  
●or the season such use full long hath been.  
When sadly they had said their devotion,  
●ne argued them as they went through the town:  
●he strongest man that Hesilrig than anew,  
●nd als he had of lightly words anew.  
●e salust them as it were but in scorn,  
●ew gaird, good day bone Senzour, and good morn:  
Whom scorns thou (quoth Wallace) who leated thee?  
Why Sir (quoth he) came ye not over the sea,  
●ardon me than, for I wend you had been,  
●n Ambassade to bring an uncouth Queen.  
Wallace answered, Such pardon as we have,  
In us to give, thy part thou shalt not crave,  
Since ye are Scots, yet saluted shall ye be,  
Good even daucht Lord Ballauch Benochadie:  
More Sutheron men to them assembled near,  
Wallace as than was loathe to make a steir:  
One made a tit, and scrip at his long sword,  
Hold still thine hand (quoth he) and speak the 〈◊〉  
With thy long sword thou makes meikle hoa●  
Thereof (quoth he) thy Dame made little co●●  
What hast thou to wear that goodly green?  
My most cause is, but for to make thee teen:  
What should a Scot do with so fair a knife?  
He ai●● the Priest that langled thy wise:  
That woman long hath called him so fair,  
While that his child worthed to be th●ne heir,  
Me think (quoth he) thou drivest me to scorn,  
Thy Dame was jaded ere ever thou wast born.  
The pow ●the● assembled on him about,  
Two hundred men that stalwart were and stout  
The Scottish saw their power was command,  
Sir Robert Thorn and Hesilrig at hand.  
Create multitude with weapons hirnisht been,  
The worthy Scots that cruel were and kéen:  
Among the Sutheron such dints gave that tide,  
Whily blood on bried bursted from waunds wide  
Wallace in stour was cruel fightand,  
Of a Sutheron be smote of the right hand,  
And when the Carl of fight might na mare  
With h●s le●t hand in pre held a Buckler,  
Than fro● the stump the blood sprang out full fall  
In Wallace far abundantly can it cast:  
Into great part it marred him of his sight,  
Sir John the Grahame a stroke hath ta'en him rig●●  
With his good sword upon the Sutheron sire,  
Derfly to death drove him into that pre:  
The berill was right awful, hard and strong,  
The stou● endured marvellous and long:  
The Englishmen yet gathered wonder fast,  
The worthy Scots the gate left at the last.  
When they had slain and wounded many one,  
To Wallace Inns the gainest way are gone,  
Than passed soon, defended them right well,  
●eand Sir John with swords of tempered steel:  
●e ●ind their men, while they the gate had rane,  
●he woman than which was full well of wane,  
The peril saw with fello● n●ise and din,  
Set up th● gate, and let them enter in.  
Through to a strength, they passed of that stead,  
●i●tie Sutheron upon the gate lay d●ad.  
This fat woman with business and might,  
The Englishmen did tarry with a slight:  
While that Wallace into the wood was past,  
Than Cartlane Craig & they pursued full ●ast.  
When Sutheron saw that chaiped was Wallace,  
Again they tur●ed, the woman took on case,  
But her to death, I cannot tell you how,  
Of such matters I may not tarry now,  
Where great dole is but redeeming again,  
renewing of it is but éeking of pain.  
〈◊〉 true woman had served her full long,  
●ut of the town the gainest way can gang,  
●o Wallace told how all the deed was done,  
The painful woe sought to his heart full soon:  
Were not for shame he had shot to the ground:  
For bitter bail that in his breast was, hound:  
●●r John The Graham both wise gentle and free,  
Sreat mourning made, that pity was to see:  
And als the lave that were assembled there,  
For poor sorrow with heart wéeped full fair:  
Than Wallace felt their courage was so small,  
He fenzied him for to comfort them all.  
●ease men he said, this is a dootlesse bain,  
For we cannot chevis her life again.  
unease a word he might hring out for téen,  
The bailful tears burst braithly from his e'en:  
●ighing he said, Shall never man me see,  
Rest into ease while this dead wroken be.  
The sake less slaughter of her, both blithe and  
That I avow to the Maker of might:  
Of all that Nation I shall never forbear,  
Young nor old that able is to wear.  
Priests nor women I think not for to stay,  
In my default, but if they causing mae:  
Sir John he said, let all this mourning be,  
And for her sake there shall ten thousand die,  
Where men may weep, their courage is the le●●  
It s●aiks the ire of wrong they should redress,  
Of their complaints as now I speak na mair,  
Of Auchenleck in Kilbank dwelling there.  
When he heard tell of Wallace veration.  
To Cartland wood with ten men made him bow  
Wallace he found some part within the night,  
Lo Lanerk town in the baste they them dight,  
The watch as than of them had little dread:  
Parted their men than divers ways they year  
Sir John the Grahame and his good company,  
Unto Sir Robert Thorn full fast they by:  
Wallace and his to Hesilrig they passed,  
In an high house where he was steeping fast,  
Stroke at the door with his foot hardily,  
While har and braies in the floor gart he lie.  
The Sheriff c●y'd who makes this great deray,  
Wallace he said, which thou hast sought this day.  
The woman's death will God thou shalt dear by,  
Hesilrig thought it was no time to lie.  
Out of the house full feign be would have been,  
The night was murky, yet Wallace hath him seen  
Fiercely him strake as he came in great ire,  
Upon the head br●●●it through bone and lyre.  
The shearing sword, glaid to the shoulder bone,  
Out over the stair among them he is gone.  
●●d Auchinlek trowed not that be was dead,  
●ise with a knife he strake him in that stead:  
〈◊〉 scry about rose rudely in that street;  
●●l of the lave were sulziet under feet:  
●●ng Hesilrig and wight Wallace is met,  
●●er strake Wallace hath on him set:  
●ly to death over the stair dang him down,  
●●y that night be slew in Lanerk town.  
●●e griesses lap, and some sticked within,  
●●ired they were with hideous noise and din.  
John the Grahame had set the house an fire,  
●ere Robert Thorn was burnt up bone and ●ire:  
●elve score they slew that were of England born,  
●men they lived, and priests on the morn,  
●passe their way of bliss and goods bore,  
〈◊〉 swore that they again should come no mare:  
●●en Scots heard these fine tidings of new,  
〈◊〉 of all parts to Wallace fast they drew:  
wished the town, which was their heritage,  
●s Wallace strave against that great barnage.  
●e began with strife and stalwart hand,  
●●eveis again some rowms in Scotland,  
〈◊〉 worthy Scots that sembled to him there,  
used him for their chief their Captain and leader.  
●●er Wallenge á felon tyrant Knight,  
●●othwel dwelled, King Edward's man full right.  
●ay was out, though be was righteous Lord,  
●ll that land as true men will record:  
〈◊〉 Arrane he was dwelling that tide,  
〈◊〉 other men in this land durst not bide.  
〈◊〉 this false Knight in Bothwel biding was.  
●an he gart soon to King Edward pass:  
〈◊〉 told him whole of Wallace ordinance:  
〈◊〉 he had put his people to mischance:  
plainly was rising again to reign,  
Grieved thereat right greatly was the king  
Through all England he gart his doers cry,  
Power to get, and said he would plainly  
In Scotland pass, that Realm to statute ne●●  
Feill men of war to him right fast they drew  
The Queen felt well how that his purpose 〈◊〉  
To him she went, on knees than can she pass,  
He would desist and not to Scotland gang,  
Ye sold have dread to work a felon wrang:  
Christened they are, yond is their beritage,  
To reave their Crown, it is a great outrage:  
For her counsel at home he would not bide,  
His Lords him feit in Scotland for to ride.  
The Scots man that dwelled with King Edward,  
When he beard tell that Wallace took such part,  
He stoll from them as privily as he may,  
In Scotland than he came upon a day,  
Seeking Wallace be made him ready bown,  
This Scot was born in Kile at Richartoun.  
All England coast he knew it wonder well,  
From Hull about to Bristol every deal.  
From Carlil through Sandwich that royal stead,  
From Dover over unto Saint Bayes head,  
In Pickardie and Flanders hath he been,  
All Normandy and France hath he seen.  
A Pursuivant to king Edward in wear,  
But he could never gar him arms bear:  
Of great stature, and some part grey was he,  
The Englishment called him but Grymisbie.  
To Wallace came, and into Kyle him sand,  
He told him whole the tidings of England:  
They turned his name from time they him ki●●  
And called him Jop, of engine he was true.  
In all his time good service in him sand,  
Gave him to hear th● arms of Scotland,  
Place again in Cliddisdail soon he rade,  
〈◊〉 his power sembled withouten bade.  
●gart command who would his peace take,  
Free remit he should gar to him make,  
●●r all kin deed that they had done before,  
●e Perseus' peace, and Sir Rannalds was worn.  
●ill to him drew that holdly durst abide,  
〈◊〉 Wallace kin of many divers side.  
●●r Rannald than sent him his power hail,  
●mself durst not be known into battle,  
●●ainst Sutheron: for be had made a band,  
●●ng time before, to hold of them his land:  
●am Wallace passed out of Richartoun,  
●●d Robert Boyd, with good men afrenown:  
〈◊〉 Cunninghame and Kyle came men of vail,  
〈◊〉 Lanerk sought on horse a thousand hail  
●●r John the Graham, and his good Chivalry,  
●r John of Tinto with men that he might high:  
●nd Auchenlek, that Wallace Uncle was,  
●any true Scots with their Christain could pass:  
agree thousand whole of likely men of wear,  
●●d feill on foot which wanted horse and gear,  
●he time by this was coming upon band,  
●●e awful host with Edward of England.   

The Eateel of Bigger.  
TO Bigger came with sixty thousand men,  
In war weeds, that cruel was to ken.  
They planted their feill tents and pa●lions,  
Where Clarisus blew with many mighty sounds,  
●lenisht that place with victual and wine,  
●n Carts brought their purveyance full fine.  
This awful king gart two Heralds he brought,  
●ave them command in all the haste they might,  
To charge Wallace that he should come him  
Without promise, and put him in his will  
Because I wots he is a gentle man,  
Come in my grace, and I shall save him th●●  
As for his life, I will upon me take:  
And after this, if he will service make,  
Shall have wage that may him well suffice  
That Revald wéens, for he hath done supp●●●  
To my people, often upon adventure,  
Against me, that he may long endure,  
To this proffer gain-standing if he be,  
Mere I avow, he shall be hanged high.  
The young squire was brother to Fehew,  
Thought he would go disguised to pursue.  
Wallace to see that took so high a part,  
Born sister son he was to King Edwart.  
A coat of Arms he took on him but made,  
With the Herald full privily forth rade,  
To Tinto hill without ten residence,  
Where Wallace lay with his folk at defence  
A likely host, as of so few they found,  
To him they sought, and would not longer 〈◊〉  
If ye be he that ruleth all this thing,  
Credence we have brought from our worthy  
Than Wallace caused three Knights unto him  
Than read the writ in presence of them all.  
To them he said, Answer ye shall not crave,  
By word or writ, which likes you best to ha●●  
In writ they said, it were the likeliest,  
Than Wallace thus began to dyte in haste.   

¶ Thou river king thou chargest me through case  
That I should come, and put me in thy grace:  
If I gain-stand, thou heightest to hung me,  
I vow to God, and ever I may take thee,  
●●ou shalt be hanged an example to give,  
〈◊〉 King of reif, as long as I may live.  
●●ou proffers me, of thy wages to have,  
●hee defy, power and all the leave.  
●hat helps thee here of thy stout Nation,  
●ill God thou shalt be put from this Region.  
〈◊〉 die therefore, contrare though thou handst sworn,  
●●ou shalt us see before nine hours to morn,  
●●ttel to give, maugre of all thy kin,  
●●r falsely thou seekest our Realm within.   

This writ he gave the Herald but mare,  
〈◊〉 good reward he gart deliver him there,  
●ut Jop knew well the Squire young Fehem,  
●nd told Wallace for he was very true.  
〈◊〉 than commanded, that they should him take,  
Himself began sore accusing to make.  
●quyer he said, since thou hast feigned Arms,  
●n thee so shall fall some part of these harms.  
●●ample to give to thy stout Nation,  
●pon the hill be gart than set them down.  
stroke of his head, ere be would further go,  
To the herald, said than, with●urten hot,  
Because to arms thou art fals●, and man sworn,  
Through thy chéek thy tongue shall be outshorn.  
When that was done, than to the third said he,  
●●mes to judge thou shalt never graithly see:  
●e gart a Smith with a turkess right there,  
●ull out his eyes, than gave him leave to far,  
●o your  King, thy fellow shalt thee lead,  
With this answer, turse him his Nevoyes head.  
Thus sore I dread, the King, and all his hest,  
●is d●●nb fellow ●ed him into the b●ast.  
When King Edward his Heralds thus had seen,  
●n proper 〈◊〉 he grew near wood for ●éen.  
That he witted not in what wise him to wrake●●  
For sorrow almost, on word he could not sp●●●  
A long while he stood, writhing in a rage,  
On loud he said, This is a fallen outrage.  
This deed to Scots full it sore shall be bought  
So despiteful in world was never wrought,  
From this Region I think not for to ga●g,  
Till time that I shall see this Rebel hung,  
I let him thus insyte and sorrow devil,  
Of the good Scots shortly I will you tell.   

Forth from his men than Wallace talked 〈◊〉  
To him he called Sir John Tinto the Knifed  
And let him wots to visie he would go,  
The English boast, and bade him tell no mo●●●  
What ever they spiered, till that he come ag●●  
Wallace disaguised, thus bowned he over plai●●●  
Betwixt Cutler, and Bigger as he passed,  
He was 〈◊〉 where a work man came fast,  
Priving a Mare, and Pitchers for to cell,  
Good friend, he said, in truth wilt thou me 〈◊〉  
With this Chauffray where p●sselt thou tr●●●  
To any place, who liketh for to buy.  
It is my craft, and I would cell them feign, 〈◊〉  
I will them buy, to God me help from pain 〈◊〉  
What price, let bear, I will have them ilk an●●●  
But half a mark, for such price have I taner a●  
Twenty shillings, Wallace said, thou shalt ha●●  
I will have have Mary, Pitchers and all the lave 〈◊〉  
Thy Gown and Hose, in haste pur thou off syn●●●  
And make of change, for I shall give thee mine  
And thine old Hood, because it is three bore,  
The man wéened well he had scorned him th●●  
Thou tarry naught, it is sooth that I say:  
The man cuist of his feeble weed of grey,  
And Wallace his, than paid silver in hand,  
●asse on, he said, thou art a had Merchand,  
●he Grown and Hose, the clay that clagged was,  
●he bood hekled, and than made him to pass:  
●he whip he took, and forth the Mare can call,  
●tour the Bray the upmost pot gart fall:  
〈◊〉 take on the ground: the man length at his fare,  
●ut thou beware thou tines of thy Chauffare:  
●he Sun by that was passed out of sight,  
●he day was gone, and coming was the night,  
longest the Sutheron full busily be passed,  
〈◊〉 either side his eyes he can well cast:  
●●w Lords lay and had their lodging made,  
●e pavilion where that the Leopards bade:  
●ying full fast where his avail might be:  
〈◊〉 could well wink, and look up with one eye,  
●●me scorned him, some glayd carl called him there,  
grieved they were of their Heralds misfare.  
●●me asked of him, How he sold of the best,  
〈◊〉 four pennies, he said, while they may jest.  
●●me broke a part, some pricked at his eye,  
●●●lace slaid out privately, and let them be,  
〈◊〉 to the host again he passed right,  
〈◊〉 men by than had ta'en Tinto the Knight:  
〈◊〉 John the Graham gart bind him wonder fast,  
〈◊〉 he witted well he was with Wallace last.  
●●ne bade burn him, some hung him in a cord,  
●●ey swore that he deceived had their Lord:  
●●●lace by this was entered them among,  
〈◊〉 him he yéed, and would not tarry long:  
●en he gart louse him out of these bands so new,  
〈◊〉 said, he was both sober, wise, and true.  
Supper soon bowned, but more abade,  
〈◊〉 told to them what market he had made.  
〈◊〉 how that he that Sutheron saw full well.  
Sir John the Graham displeased was some dear,  
And said to him, Nor Chistain-like it was,  
Through wilfulness in such peril to pass.  
Wallace answered, ere we win Scorland free,  
Both ye and I in peril more must be,  
And many other, the which full worthy is,  
Now of one thing we do some part in miss:  
A little sleep I would feign that we had,  
With you men than look how we may us glad:  
The worthy Scots took good rest while near day  
Than risen they up, t'array soon ordained they,  
The hill is left, and to a plain are gane,  
Walace himself the vanguard first hath ta'en:  
With him was Boyd and Auchinleck but dread,  
With a thousand of worthy men in weed.  
As many than in the middle ward put he,  
Sir John the Graham he gart their leader be.  
With young Adam the Lord of Richartoun,  
Which doughty was, and als of great renown.  
The third thousand in rearward he dight:  
To Walter gave of Newbigging the Knight.  
With him Tinto that doughty was indeed,  
And David, son to Sir Walter to lead:  
Behind them near the Footmen gart he be,  
And bade them bide, while they their time mi●●  
Ye want weapons, and harness in this tide,  
The first counter ye may not them abide:  
Wallace caused soon the Chiftain to him call,  
His charge he gave, for chance that may be fall  
To take no heed to gear, nor yet pillage,  
For they will flee as wood men in a rage:  
Win first the men, the goods than ye may 〈◊〉  
And take no tent of covetise to crave:  
Through covetise men loose both goods and 〈◊〉  
I you command forbear such in our strife:  
●…ok ye save none, Lord, Captain or yet Knight,  
●…or worship work, and for your Elders right:  
●…d bless us all, that we in our voyage,  
●…t this stour folk out of our heritage:  
●…hen they inclined all with a good will,  
●…s plain command they height it to fulfil:  
〈◊〉 the great host the parties can forth draw,  
●…ming to them out of the South they saw,  
●…ree hundreth men into their Armour clear,  
●…e gainest way to them approached near:  
Wallace said soon, these are no Englishmen,  
●…r by this host the gates full well they ken:  
●…m holiday those men he guided right,  
●…m Annandale he had led them that night.  
〈◊〉 two good sons Johnftoun and Rutherfurd,  
Wallace was blithe when that he heard that word:  
●…bbas was the lave of that good Chivalry,  
●…ane came there into their company,  
〈◊〉 Kirk-patrick before in Eskdale was:  
●…ing they where in Walace host to pass:  
●…e English watch that might had been on steir,  
●…w to their horse, right as the day can peir:  
●…ace knew well (for he before had seen)  
●…e King's pavilion, where it had busked been:  
●…n with rich horse the Scots upon them rade,  
●…he first counter so great abasing made,  
●…t all the host astonished at that sight,  
〈◊〉 many one derfly to death they dight:  
●…l of them than were out of their array,  
〈◊〉 more awful, and hasty was the fray:  
〈◊〉 noise was huge, through strokes that they dang,  
〈◊〉 rumour risen so rudely them among:  
●…t all the host was than in point to flee,  
〈◊〉 wise Lords, from they the peril see:  
〈◊〉 felon fray als raised was about,  
And how their King stood in so meikle doubt.  
To his Pavilion full many thousand sought:  
Him to rescue by any way they might.  
The Earl of Kent that night waking bad been,  
With five thousand of men in armour kéen.  
About the King full suddenly they gang,  
And trust him well the assaylie was right stran●●  
All Wallace folk in use of war was good,  
Into the stour soon lighted where they stood:  
Whomsoever they hit no harness might them  
Fra they on foot assembled with swords dint:  
Of manhood they in hearts full cruel was,  
They thought to win, or never hence to pass  
Feill Englishmen before the King they slew,  
Sir John the Graham came with his power new  
Among the host, with the middle-ward he r●●●  
Great martyrdom on Sutheron men they made  
The Kere-ward they set on so hardily,  
With Newbigging, and all their Chivalry.  
Pavilion ropes they cutted all in sunder.  
Born to the ground, and many smoored under.  
The footmen came, the which I spoke of air  
On frayed folk wiwth strokes sad and sare.  
Though they before wanted both horse and 〈◊〉  
Enough they got, what they would weal to  
The Scots power than altogether were,  
The King's pavilion brimly down they bear  
The Earl of Kent with a good Are in hand,  
Into the stour full stourly he could stand,  
Before the King, making a great debate,  
Who best did than, he had the highest state.  
The felon stour so stalwart was and strong  
Thereto continued marvellous and long.  
Walace himself full sadly could pursue,  
And at a stroke the chief Captain he stew.  
The Sutheron folk fled fast and durst not bide,  
Norsed their King, and of the field can rice,  
Against his will, he was full loathe to flee,  
Yet in that time he had no will to die.  
Of his best men three thousand there were dead,  
E'er he could found to flee, and leave that stead:  
Twenty thousand fled with him in a stail,  
The Scots got horse, and followed the battle:  
Through Coulter hope, before they won the height,  
Feill Sutheron folk were marred in the night.  
Plain by the gate, as their King fled away,  
But fair and bright, and right clear was the day:  
The Sun risen, shining over hill and dale,  
Than Wallace cast what was his best avail:  
The fleeing folk that of the field first passed,  
Into their King again assembled fast:  
From either side so many assembled there,  
Than Wallace would not follow them na mare:  
Before he rade, gart his folk turn again,  
Of Englishmen seven thousand there were slain:  
Than Wallace Host again to Bigger rade,  
Where Englishmen great purveyance had made:  
The jewalrie as they we hither led,  
●abilions and all they left when as they fled.  
Th' e Scots got gold, good gear, and other wage,  
Believed they were that parted that pillage.  
●o meat they went with great mirth and pleasance  
They spared not King Edward's purveyance:  
With solace than a little sleep they took,  
Private watch he gart among them look.  
Two Cooks there cell, their lives than for to save,  
With dead Corpse's, which lay about the grave.  
When they saw well the Scots-men were at rest,  
Out of the field to steal, they thought it best.  
●●ll low they crapt, till they were out of sight,  
After the Host, than ran in all their might:  
When that the Scots had ssée bed but a while,  
Than risen than up, for Wallace dreaded guil.  
He said to them, the Sutheron may pursue,  
Again to us, for they are folk anew:  
Where Englishmen provision make in wear,  
It is full hard to do them meikle dear.  
On this plain field we will not them abide,  
To some good place my purpose is to ride:  
The purveyance that left was in that stead,  
To Roppis Bog he gart servants it lead.  
With ordinance that Sutheron brought on there,  
He with his Host to David Shaw can far:  
Where they remained a great part of the day,  
Of Englishmen yet something will I say:  
As King Edward through Cutler hop is sought,  
When he perceived the Scors followed naught.  
In John's Grave he gart his boast bide still,  
Feill fleeing folks assembled soon him till.  
When they were met, the King near warred m●●  
For his dear kin, that he there loosed had,  
His two Emes into the field were slain,  
His second son that meikle was of main:  
His brother Hue was killed there full cold,  
The Earl of Kent that cruel was and bold:  
With great worship took dead before the King,  
For him he mourned so long as he might reign:  
At this sembly as they in for row stand,  
The two Cooks soon came in at his hand:  
And told to him how they escaped were,  
The Scots all as swine lies drunken there.  
Of your wight wine ye gart us thither lead,  
Full well ye may be venged of their dead:  
Upon their lives, is sooth that we you tell,  
Keturn again, ye shall found them your cell:  
He blamed them, and said, No wit it was,  
That he again for such a tale should pass.  
Their Chiftain is right marvellous in wear,  
From such peril he can them well forbear:  
For to seek more as now I will not ride,  
Our meat is loosed, therefore we may not bide:  
The hardy Duke of Longcastle and Lord,  
Saveraign, he said, to out counsel concord:  
If this be true we may the more avail,  
We may them win, and make but light travel:  
Were yond folk dead, that now against us stand,  
Than need we not for meat to live the land:  
The King answered, I will not ride again,  
As at this time, my purpose is in plain:  
The Duke said, Sir, if ye determined be,  
To move you more effeirs not unto me:  
Command your power again with me to wend,  
And I of this shall see the final end.  
Ten thousand whole he charged for to ride,  
Here is the strength, all night I shall you bide,  
We may get meat of bestial in this land,  
●eod drink as new we may not bring in hand.  
Of Westmurland the Lord had met him there,  
On with the Duke he grai thed him to far:  
At the first stroke with them he had not been,  
With him he led a thousand well beseen:  
And Pickard Lord was with a thousand bown,  
Of King Edward he kéeped Calais town.  
These twelve thousand into the town can far,  
The two Captains soon met them at Bigger,  
With the whole stuff of Roxburgh and Berwick,  
Sir Rauf Grace saw that they were Sutheron like,  
Out of the south approached to their sight,  
He knew full well with him it was not right.  
Aymer Wallange with his power came als,  
King Edward's man, a tyrant knight and false.  
When they were met, they found not else than  
But dead Corpse's, and they were spoiled bore:  
Than marvelled they where the Scots should be,  
Of them about appearance they could not see.  
But spies them told that came with Sir Aymer,  
In David shaw they saw them make repair.  
Than feill Sutheron soon passed to that place,  
The watch was ware, and told it to Wallace.  
He warned the Host out of the town to ride,  
In Ropis Bog he purposed to bide.  
A little shaw upon the one side was,  
That men on foot out of the Bog might pass.  
The horse they left into that little hold,  
On foot they thought the Moss that they should h●  
The English host had well their passage seen,  
And followed fast with cruel men and keen.  
They trowed that Bog might make them little v●  
Grown over with risp, and all the swaird was 〈◊〉  
On them to ride they ordained with great ire,  
Of the foremost a thousand in the mire.  
Of horse with men are plunged in the deep,  
The Scots of their coming took good keep.  
Upon them set with strokes sad and sare,  
Yéed none away of all that entered there.  
Light men on foot upon them derfly dang,  
Feill under horse was smoored in that thrang.  
Stamped in Moss, and with rude horse ov'rgane,  
The worthy Scots the dry-land than have ta'en.  
Upon the leave fight full wonder fast,  
And many groom they made full sore aghast,  
The Englishmen that busy were in wear,  
Assailed sore them from the Moss to bear.  
On either side, but than it was not boot,  
The strength they held right awfully on foot:  
To men and horse gave many grievous wound,  
Feil to the death they sticked in that stound:  
The Pikard Lord assyled sharply there,  
Upon the Grahame with strokes sad and sare:  
●ir John the Graham with a stiff sword of steel,  
His bright byrneis he pierced every deal:  
Through all the stuff and sticked him in that stead  
Thus oh his oint the bold Pikard was dead:  
The English boast took plain part for to flee,  
In their returning the Scots gart many die.  
Vallace would feign at the Vallange have been,  
Of Westmoreland the Lord was them between.  
Vallace on him he set an awful dint,  
Through Bassinet & stuff, that no steel might out stint,  
defly to death be left him in that place,  
●o that false Knight escaped through this case:  
Godd Robert Boyd hath with a Captain met,  
Of Berwick than, an sad stroke on him set:  
Overthort the craig, and carved the pesane,  
Through all his weed in sunder strake the bane.  
Feil horsemen fleed fast and durst not adide,  
●ebuted evil, unto the King they ride,  
The Duke him told of all his journey hail,  
●is heart for ire boldened in bitter bail.  
●ighly he thought he should never London see,  
●n Wallace, deed, while he revenged be,  
●r loose his méns again, as he did air,  
Thus south he sought with great sorrow and care:  
Than at the Kirk a little tarry made,  
Than through the land over Sulway fast the rade:  
The Scots host a night remained still,  
Upon the morn they spoilt with good will,  
The dead corpse carried to Braidwood was with care  
〈◊〉 a Counsel three days they sojourned there,  
●t the Forest Kirk a meeting ordained he,  
They choosed Wallace Scots warden for to be:  
Trusting he should their painful sorrow cease,  
He received all that would come in his peace.  
Sir William came that Lord of Dowglas was,  
Forsook Edward, at Wallace peace can ask:  
In that thirlage he would not longer be,  
Tribute before to England paid he.  
In contrare Scots with them he never rade,  
Far better cheer Wallace therefore him made:  
Thus treated he and chirist wonder fair,  
True Scotrishmen chat fewry made him there.  
And gave full greatly feill goods that he won,  
He spared it naught to no good Scottishmen,  
Who would revel, and go contrare the right,  
He punished sore were be squire or Knight,  
Thus marveilously good Wallace took in hand,  
Likely he was, right fare and well farrand,  
Manly and stour, and there with liberal,  
Pleasant and wise in all good general.  
To slay forsooth Sutheron be spared naught,  
To Scottishmen full great profit he wrought,  
In to the South forsooth than passed he,  
As him best thought he ruled that Country.  
Sheriffs he made that cruel was and kéen,  
And Captains of true wise Scots men,  
From Gamylispath the land obeyed him hail,  
To Ur water both strength for rest and dail,  
Against him in Galloway house was none,  
Except Wigtoun bigged of lime and sto●e,  
That Captain heard the rule of Wallace,  
Away by sea he stole out of that place:  
Leaved all waste and could to England wend,  
But Wallace soon a kée per to it sand:  
A good squire, and to name he was called,  
Adam Gordoun, as the story me tald.  
A Strength there was at the water of Cree,  
Within a Rock right stalwart wrought of tree,  
〈◊〉 gate before, no man might to it win,  
But the consent of them that dwelled therein.  
●n the backside a rock and water was,  
〈◊〉 straight entry forsooth there was to pass:  
To vi●●e it Wallace himself soon went,  
●●ra he it saw, he cast in his intent  
●o win the hold, he hath chosen a gate,  
●hat they within should make little debate,  
●is power whole he gart bide out of sight,  
●ut three with him, while time that it was night,  
Than took two when that the night was dim,  
●even of Ireland, and Keirly that could climb:  
●p soon they went against that Rock so strong,  
Thus entered they the Sutheron men among:  
The watch before took no heed to that side,  
These three in feir soon to the Porter glide:  
●●ood Wallace than stroke the Porter himself,  
●ead over the Rock into the Dyke he fell:  
●et down the bridge, and blew the horn on height,  
The ambushment broke, and came in all their might:  
〈◊〉 their own will soon entered in that place,  
〈◊〉 Englishmen they did full little grace.  
●●xty they slew, in that place was no more,  
●ut an old Priest, and simple women two:  
●reat purve yance was in that Rock to spend,  
Wallace stayed still while it was at an end.  
●●ak down she strength, both bridge and bulwark all,  
●●at over the rock they gart the timber fall:  
●nder the gate, and would not longer bide,  
〈◊〉 Carrick than they bowned them to ride:  
●●sted them not but soberly can far,  
〈◊〉 Turneburie: that Captain was of Air.  
With Lord Persie to take his counsel hail,  
Wallace purpose that place for to assail:  
A woman told when the Captain was gone,  
Good men of fence into that steed was none:  
They filled the dyke with earth and timber hail  
Than fired the house, no succour might avail:  
A Priest there was, and gentle women therein,  
Which in their manner made hideous noise and  
Mercy they cried, for him that died on tree,  
Wallace gart slaik the fire and let them be.  
To make defence, not moe was leaved there,  
He them commanded out of the land to sare:  
Spoilt the place, and spilt all that they might  
Upon the morn to Cumnok soon they sought.  
To Lanerk than, and set a time of Air,  
Misdoers feil he gart be punished there.  
To the good true men be gave a noble wage,  
His brother's sons put to their heritage.  
To black Craig of Cumnok passed again,  
His household set with men of meikle main.  
Three month there he dwelled into good rest,  
The subtle Sutheron found well it was the best,  
truces to take for to eschew a chance,  
To further this they sent for Knight Wallange:  
Bothwell yet that treasure kee bed still,  
And Air all whole was at Lord Perseus' william.  
Through great supply of the Captain of Air,  
The Bishop Beik in Glasgow he dwelled there:  
Earl of Standfurd was Chancellar of England,  
With Sir Aymer this traiture took on hand:  
To procure peace by any manner of case,  
A safe conduct they purchased of Wallace:  
In Ruglane Kirk the tryst there qave they set,  
And promise' made to meet Wallace but let,  
The day of this approached wonder fast,  
The great Chancellar and Aymer thither past.  
Than Wallace came, and his men well beseen,  
With him fifty arrayed all in green:  
●●ik ane of them a how and arrow bore,  
With long swords, the which full sharply share,  
Within the Kirk so soon he entered had,  
Into his prayer he passed but more abade::  
Than up he risen, and to his tryst he went,  
And his good men full cruel of intent,  
●n ire he grew that traitor when he saw,  
The Englishmen of his face stood great awe:  
Wit ruled him, that he did none outrage,  
The Earl beheld fast to his high courage:  
For thought some part that he came to that place,  
Greatly abased for the volt of his face:  
●ir Aymer said, This speech ye must begin,  
He will not how to no Prince of your Kin.  
●●ll ordered ye are, I trust ye may speak well,  
For all England he will not break a deal.  
His safe conduct where he makes a band,  
The Chancellar than proffered him his hand:  
Wallace stood still, and could no hands take  
Friendship to them no likeliness would make:  
●ir Aymer said: Wallace ye understand,  
This is is a Lord, and Chancellar of England,  
To salute him ye may by proper skill:  
Without short advice he made him answer till.  
●uch saluting I use to Englishmen,  
●o shall they have where ever I may them ken:  
Tt my power, that make I God avow,  
Out of the conduct if that I had him now:  
But for my life and all my land so braid,  
〈◊〉 will not break the promise that is made:  
〈◊〉 had rather at mine own will have thee,  
Without conduct, that I might wroken he,  
Of thy false deed, thou dost in this Region,  
Than of pure Gold, a King with his ransom,  
But for my band I will as now let be:  
Chancellar, say forth, what ye desire of me,  
The Chancellar said, the most part of this thing.  
To procure peace, I am sent from the King.  
Wit the great seal, and voice of his Parliament  
What I bind here, our Barnage shall consent.  
Wallace answered, Over little mends we have,  
Than of our right ye occupy the lave:  
Quite-clame our Land, and we shall not deny,  
The Chancellar said, of no such charge have I  
We will give Gold, ere our purpose should fail,  
Than Wallace said, in waste is that travel:  
We ask no Gold by favour of your Kin  
In war of you we take what we may win,  
Abased he was to make answer again,  
Wallace said, Sir, we jangle all in vain:  
My counsel gives, I will no fable make,  
As for an final peace now to take.  
Not for myself, that I bind your seal,  
I cannot trow that ever you will be leal.  
But poor folk that greatly have been supprised,  
I will take peace, while further ye be advised.  
Than bond they thus, there should be no debate,  
Castles and towns should stand in their ilk state:  
From that day forth, while a year was at end,  
Sealed this peace, and took their leave to wend.  
Wallace from them passed into the West,  
Made plain repair where that him liked best:  
Yet sore he dread that they should him deceive,  
The Indentour to Sir Rannald he gave.  
His dear Uncle, where it might kéeped he,  
In Cumnock than to his dwelling went he.   
The end of the sixth Book.    

THE SEVENTH BOOK.  

CHAP. I How Wallace burned the Earns of Air, and put Bishop Beik out of Glasgow, and slew the Lord Persie.  
IN Frebruare befell the 'samine case,  
That Englishmen took truces with Wallace:  
This passeth over, till March away was sought,  
The Englishmen cast all the ways they might,  
With subtle and wicked conclusion,  
The worthy Scots to put to confusion.  
Unto April the King of England came,  
●n Cumberland, to Pumfret from his home:  
Unto Carlil to a counsel he yéed,  
Whereof the Scots might have full meikle dread:  
any Captains that were of England born,  
●hither they passed, sembled the King besorn,  
●o Scots man to counsel was there called,  
●ut Sir Aymer that traitor was of ald:  
●him they spiered, How they should take in hand,  
●he righteous blood to stroy out of Scotland:  
●●r Aymer said, their Chiftain can well do,  
●●ght wise in war, and bathe great power too?  
●nd now this truces gives them such hardement,  
●hat to your faith they will not all consent:  
●ut would ye do right as I can you lear,  
●his peace to them it should be sold full dear.  
●●en deemed he the fierce Sutheron among,  
●●w they best might the Scots Barons hung:  
●ur great barns at that time stood in Air,  
●rought for the King, when his bigging was there,  
Bigged about that no man enter might,  
But one at once, nor have of other sight:  
A justice made which was o● meikle main,  
There ordained they these Lords should be slai●  
The Lord Persie of this matter they laid.  
With sad advice again to them he said,  
These men with me have kéeped truth so long,  
Deceitfully I may not see them hung:  
I am their foe, and warn will I them naught,  
So I be quite, I care not what be wrought:  
From thence I will, and toward Glasgow draw.  
With our Bishop to hear of his new law.  
Than choosed they a justice fierce and fallen,  
Which Arnulf height, as mine Author will tell  
Of South-Hampton he height both heir and Lord,  
He undertook to pine them which a cord:  
An other Air in Glasgow ordained they,  
For Cliddisdall men to stand the selfsame day.  
Than charged them in always earnestly,  
By no kin mean Wallace should scape them by:  
For well they witted, and these men were overt●●  
They might at will brook Scotland as their ow●●  
This Band they closed under their Seals full  
They sought over mure again King Edward's p●●  
The new justice received was in Air,  
The Lord Persie can unto Glasgow far:  
This Air was set in June the eighteen day,  
And plainly cried, no free men were away.  
The Scots marvelled, and peace ta'en in the la●●  
Why Englishmen such ma●tery took in hand:  
Sir Rannald set a day before this Air,  
At Monktoun Kirk, his friends to meet him the  
William Wallace unto the tryst can pass,  
For he as than Warden of Scotland was,  
Thus Master John a worthy Clerk was there.  
〈◊〉 is Kin he charged to bide from that Air,  
●ight well he witted fra Persie left that land,  
●reat peril was to Scots appearand.  
Wallace from them into the Kirk he yéed,  
●ter noster he said, and als a Creed:  
●hen to the Grece leaned him soberly,  
●pon a sleep he fell full suddenly:  
●eland followed, and saw him fall on sleep,  
●●e made no noise, but wisely couth him keep:  
●n that slumber coming he thought he saw,  
stalward man that toward him couth draw:  
●●on by the hand he hint him hastily,  
〈◊〉 am he said in voyage charged to she:  
sword him gave of burely burnished steel,  
●ood son, he said, this sword thou shalt-brook well.  
●f Lopaston he thought the Plummat was,  
●oth hilt and all glittering as the glass:  
●ear son he said, we carry here too long,  
●hou shalt go see where wrought is meikle wrong.  
●hen he him led to a mountain on height:  
●he world he thought he might see at one sight:  
●●e left him there, and than from him he went,  
●hereof Wallace studied in his intent:  
●o see him there he had full gréat desire,  
●herewith he saw begin a felon fire,  
Which braithly burned broadly out through the land,  
scotland all over, from Rosse to Sulwaysand.  
Than soon to him descended there a Queen,  
illuminate, light, shining full bright and sheen.  
●●n her presence appeared so meikle light,  
That all the fire she put out of his sight:  
●ave him a wand of colour read and green,  
With a Sapphire sayned his face and éene:  
Welcome, she said, I choose thee to my love,  
Thou art granted by the great God above:  
To help people that suffer meikle wrong:  
With thee as now I may not tarry long.  
Thou shalt return to thine own Host again,  
Thy dearest Kin are here in meikle pain.  
This right Region thou must redéem it all,  
Thy last reward on earth shall be but small:  
Let not therefore, take redress of this miss,  
To thy reward thou shall have heaven's bliss.  
Of her right hand she betaught him a book,  
Humbly thus her leave than she took:  
Unto the clouds ascended out of sight,  
Wallace took up the book in all his might:  
In three parts the Book well written was,  
The first letters were gross letters of Brass,  
The second Gold: the third fine Silver shéen,  
Wallace marvelled what this writing should me  
To read the Book he busted him so fast,  
His spirit again to weakening mind it past:  
And in the rose, than suddenly forth went,  
This Clerk he found, and told him his intent,  
Of him vision, as I have said before,  
Completely forth, what needs words more:  
Dear son, he said, my wit unable is,  
To ratify such for dread I say a miss:  
Yet I will déem, though my cunning be small,  
God grant that no charge after my words fall,  
That stalward man gave thee that sword in ha●…  
Fergus it was, first winner of Scotland.  
That mountain is where he thee had on height,  
Knowledge to have of wrong which thou must,  
That fire shall be feill tidings ere ye part,  
Which will be told in many sundry Art:  
I cannot wots what Queen that, that will be,  
But it be Fortune, a Lady whiles right free:  
The pretty wand, A trow by mine intent,  
●tokens rule, and cruel Chastisement.  
●e read colour who graithly understood,  
●tokens all to great battle and blood:  
●e green, Courage, that thou art now among,  
〈◊〉 trouble and war thou shalt continued long:  
●e Sapphire stone she blessed thee withal,  
〈◊〉 happy thance, will God shall to thee fall.  
●e three fold Book is but this broken land,  
You must redéem by worthiness of hand,  
●e brass letters betoken but to this,  
●e great oppress of war, and meikle miss:  
●e which thou shalt bring to the right again,  
●t thou therefore must suffer meikle pain:  
●e Gold betokens honour and worthiness,  
●●●or in arms, manhood in nobleness:  
●e silver shows clean life and heaven's bliss  
〈◊〉 thy reubard, that mirth thou shalt not miss.  
●ead not therefore, be out of all despair,  
●rther as now hereof I can no mair:  
〈◊〉 thanked him, and thus his leave hath ta'en:  
〈◊〉 Corsbie than with his Uncle rade hame.  
●ith mirths thus all night sojourned there,  
●on the morn they graithed them to the Air,  
●d forth they rade, till they came to Kincace,  
●ith dreadful heart thus speired good Wallace,  
〈◊〉 Sir Rannald for their Charter of peace,  
〈◊〉 boy, he said, these words are no lies:  
●s leaved at Corsbie in the Kissed,  
abere thou it laid, thereof none other witted:  
●●llace answered, God we it here to shaw,  
●d they be false, we shall not enter awe:  
●ar son, he said, I pray thee pass again,  
●ough thou would sand, thy travel were in vain.  
●t thou or I, none can it bring this tide,  
●eat grace it was made him again to ride.  
Wallace returned, took none with him but  
None of them knew of this Indentour but  
Vnhap him led, forbidden him could he naught  
Of false deceit this good Knight had not thou  
Sir Rannald rade but resting to the town,  
Witting nothing of all this false treason:  
That wicked Sign so ruled that Planet,  
Saturn as than was in his highest state.  
Above Juno in his melancholy,  
Jupiter and Mars aye cruel of envy:  
Saturn as than advanced his nature,  
Of tyranny he power had and cure:  
Rebels rules in many free Nation,  
Troublous weather makes many ships to dr●●  
His dreiching was with Pluto in the sea,  
As of the land full of iniquity.  
He wakens war full of Pestilence,  
Filling of walls with cruel violence:  
Poison is rife amongst those other things,  
Sudden staughter of Emperors and Kings.  
When Samson pulled to the ground the pillar  
Saturn was than into his highest Sphere.  
At Thebes als of his power they tell,  
Amphiaraus sank through the earth to hell:  
Of the Trojan he had full meikle cure,  
When Achilles at Troy slew good Hecture,  
Burdeous shent, and many Cities moe,  
His power yet hath no hap to ho:  
In broad Britain's feill vengeance hath been s●●●  
Of this, and more, ye wot well what I m●●  
But to this house that stalwart was and str●●  
Sir Rannald came, and might not tarry lon●  
A balk was knit all full or ropes kéen,  
Such a Toll-booth since than was never sée●  
Strong men were set the entry for to hauled,  
●one might win in, but one as they were called:  
●r Rannald first, to make fewty for his land,  
●e Knight went in and would no langer stand.  
●●unning cord they stipped over his head,  
●●rd to the balk, and hanged him to the dead.  
〈◊〉 Brice the Blair next after in he passed,  
●nto the death they hasted him full fast:  
〈◊〉 he had entered, his head was in the snare,  
Sat to the balk, hanged to death right there,  
●e third entered, great pity was for thy,  
●gentle Knight, Sir neil Montgomery:  
●●d other feill of landed men about,  
●any went in, but no Scots man came out.  
〈◊〉 Wallace part they put to that derf dead,  
●any Crawfurds, so ended in that stead:  
〈◊〉 Carrick men Kennedies they slew als,  
●d kind Campbels that never had been false.  
●●ey rebelled not against their righteous Crown,  
●heron for they put them to confusion.  
●kleys, Boydes, and Stewards of good kin,  
〈◊〉 Scot escaped that time that entered in:  
●on the balk they hanged many pair,  
●stde them dead, in a nook cuist them there:  
●●nce the first time that any war was wrought,  
〈◊〉 such a death so many yéed there naught.  
●●on one day through cursed Saxons séed,  
●ngeance of this out through the Kindred yéed:  
●anted it was from the great God of heaven,  
〈◊〉 ordained that law should be there steven,  
〈◊〉 the false Saxons, for their false judgement,  
●heir wichkednesse over all the world is went:  
〈◊〉 noble men that are of Scottish kind,  
●eir piteous death ye keep it in your mind,  
●●d us revenge, when we are set in throng,  
〈◊〉 love it is hereon to tarry long.  
Thus eighteen score derfly to death they dight  
Of Barons hold and many worthy Knight:  
When they had slain the worthiest was there,  
For weak people not longer they would spare,  
Into the gairth cust them out of that stead,  
As they were born, spoiled bore and dead.  
Good Robert Boyd into the Tavern yéed,  
With twenty men that doughty were indeed,  
Of Wallace house, full cruel of intent,  
He governed them, when Wallace was absent:  
Keirly returned with his Master again,  
Cleland and Boyd that meikle was of main.  
Steven of Ireland went forth into the street,  
A true woman full soon with him could meet:  
He spiered at her, What happened in the Air,  
Sorrow she said, is nothing else there,  
Fearedly she said, Alace, where is Wallace?  
From us again he passed at Kincace.  
Go warn his folk, and charge them of the town,  
To keep himself I shall be ready bown.  
With her as than not more tarry he made,  
To his fellows he went withouten bade:  
And to them told of all this great misfare,  
To Laglane would they bowned withouten maire.  
By that Wallace was coming wonder fast,  
For his friends he was full sore aghast:  
Unto the Barn sadly he could pursue,  
To enter in, for he no peril knew:  
This true woman upon him loud can call,  
O feirs Wallace, feill tempest is be fall.  
Our men are slain, great pity is to see,  
As bestial hounds hanged over a tree:  
Our true Barons by two and two past in,  
Wallace wéeped for great josse of his Kin:  
That with unease upon his horse be bade,  
●ore for the spear to this woman he rade:  
●ear Nice, he said, if thou the truth can tell,  
●s mine Eme dead, or how the case befell:  
Out of you Barn forsooth I saw him born,  
Naked lay, low, and cold earth him befoen:  
●is frosty mouth I kissed in that stead,  
●ight now manlike, now bore and brought to dead:  
And with a cloth I covered his Lichame,  
For in his life he did never woman shame.  
●is sister son thou art, worthy and wight,  
revenge his death, for God's sake at thy might:  
●ls I shall help, as I am woman true,  
●ear wight he said, great God if that thou knew,  
Good Robert Boyd, where ever thou can him see,  
William Crawford als if he living be,  
Adam Wallace would help me in this strife,  
I pray to God to sand them all on life.  
For God's sake bid them soon come to me,  
The justice Inns thou spy for charity:  
And in what feir that they their lodging make,  
Soon after that we shall our purpose take:  
Into Laglane which hath their succour been,  
adieu Market, and welcome woods green:  
Hereof as than to her he spoke na mare,  
His bridle turned, and from her can he far.  
Such mourning made for his dear worthy Kin,  
He thought for bail, his breast near burst in twin.  
As he thus rade in great anger and téen,  
Of Englishmen there followed him fifteen:  
Wight wailed men, that toward him could draw,  
With a Macer to teach him the Law:  
Wallace returned in grief and matalent,  
With his sword drawn, among them soon be went:  
The middle of one he manked soon in two,  
The other thereupon the head can ta.  
The third he stroke, and through the cost him  
The fourth to ground right derfly down he d●●  
The fift he hit in great ire in that stead,  
Without rescue dreadless he left them dead.  
Than his three men had slain the other five,  
From them the lave escaped with their life.  
Fled to their Lord, and told him of this case,  
To Laglane would than road wight Wallace:  
The Sutheron said, What one he hit right,  
Without mercy dreadless to death was dight.  
Marvel they had such strength in one should be,  
One of their men at each stroke he gart die.  
Than deemed they it should be Wallace wight,  
To their language than answered an old Knight,  
Forsooth he said, be he escaped this Air,  
All your new deed is éeking of your care:  
The justice said, when there such rumour's rose,  
Ye would be feared, and there came many foes,  
That for one man, me think ye like to flee,  
And wots not yet indeed if it be he:  
And though it were I count him but full light,  
Who bides here, each gentleman shall be Knight  
I think to deal their lands whole the morn,  
To you about that are of England born.  
The Sutheron drew to their lodging but mare,  
Four thousand whole that night was into Air.  
In great Barns bigged without the town,  
The justice lay with many hold Barron.  
Than he gart cry about these wanes wide,  
Not Scots Bearn among them there should bide:  
To the Castle he would not pass for ease,  
But sojourned there ●oo things that might him pl●●  
Great purveyance by sea was to them brought,  
With Wine and Ale the best that could be boug●  
No watch was set because they had no doubt,  
●f Scots men that living was without.  
●boured in mind they had been all that day,  
●f Ale and Wine chosen enough had they:  
●s beast like folk took of themselves not keep,  
〈◊〉 their veins soon slaid the slothful sleep:  
through foul gluttony in swair swapped like swine,  
●heir Chiftain was great Bacchus' god of wine:  
●his wise woman long time among them was,  
●eill men she warned, and gart to Laglane pass,  
●er self foremost: when they with Wallace met,  
●ome comfort than into his heart was set:  
●hen he them saw be thanked God of might,  
tidings he asked, the woman told him right,  
●eeping as swine are all you fierce meinie,  
●o Scots man is you company.  
●hen Wallace said, If they all drunken be,  
●●all it best with fire them for to see.  
●f good men three hundreth to him sought,  
●he woman told three true Burgesses that brought,  
●ut of the town both noble All and Bread,  
●nd other stuff as meikle as they might lead:  
●hey eat and drank the Scots men that might,  
●he Nobles than jop hath to Wallace brought:  
●●dly he said, Dear friends now ye see,  
●ur Kin are slain, therefore is great pity.  
through foul murder, the great despite is more,  
●ow some remeed I would we set therefore:  
suppose that I was made Warden to be,  
●●rt are away such charge is put to me.  
●●●d ye are here come in of als good blood,  
●●●d righteous born by adventure als good.  
●●s forward fair, als likely in person.  
〈◊〉 ever I was, than for concluston:  
●et us choose five of this good company,  
●●en cavels cast who shall our master be.  
Wallace and Boyd, and Crawford of renown,  
And Adam als than Lord of Richertown,  
His father than wes visied with sickness,  
God had him ta'en into his lasting grace.  
The fifth Auchialek in war a noble man,  
Cavels to cast about the five began.  
It would on him, for aught they would device  
Continually, while they had casten thrice:  
Than Wallace risen, and out a sword can draw,  
He said, I vow to the Maker of am:  
And to Mary his Mother Virgin clear,  
Mine Uncle's death now shall be sold full dear,  
With many more of our dear worthy kin,  
First ere I eat or drink, I shall begin:  
For stewth or sleep shall never remain with me,  
Of this tempest while I avenged be:  
Than all inclined right humble of one accord,  
And him received as their Chiftain and Lord:  
Wallace a Lord he may be taken well,  
Though rural folk thereof have little feel.  
They déem no Lord, but lands be their part,  
Had be the world, and be wretched in heart.  
He is no Lord, but to the worthiness,  
It cannot be but freedom, lordliness,  
At the Rods they make full many one,  
Which worthy are yet lands have they none,  
This discussing we leave Heralds to end,  
Unto my matter briesly I will wend.  
Wallace commanded a Burgess for to get,  
Fine Calk enough, that his dear Nice might 〈◊〉  
At ilk gate where Sutheron were on a raw,  
And twenty men he gart soon widdies thraw.  
Each man upon his arms a pair be threw,  
Unto the town full fast they can pursue.  
The woman passed before him subtly,  
●…alked each gate, they needed not go by.  
●…hen fastened they the doors with widdies fast,  
●…o stapil and help with many sicker cast.  
●…allace gart Boyd near hand the Castle ga,  
With fifty men a jeopardy to ma:  
●…f any escape the fire when that they saw,  
●…ll fast the gate he ordained them to draw:  
The rest with him about the Barns yéed,  
This true woman him served well indeed:  
With Lint and Fire that hasty kindle would,  
●…n every nook they fastened blazes bold:  
Wallace commanded to all his men about,  
●…o Sutheron men that they should let break out,  
What ever he be reskues of their Kin,  
From the read fire, himself shall pass therein.  
The lemand low soon launched upon height,  
Forsooth he said, this is a pleasant sight:  
●…o our hearts it shall be some redress,  
Were these away, their power were the less.  
Unto the justice himself on loud can caw:  
Let us to borough our men from your false law,  
That living are, and scaped from your Air,  
●…eal not their land, the unlaw is oversair,  
Thou had no right, it shall on the be seen;  
The rumour risen with careful cry and kéen:  
The bailfire burned right brimly upon loft,  
The sleeping men their wakning was unsost.  
The sight without was awful for to see,  
●…n all the world no greater pain might be,  
Than they within suffered for to devil,  
That ever was wrought, or Purgatory but hell,  
●… pain of hell, well near it may be called,  
Made folk in fire hampered manisold.  
●…eill bigging burned that worthy were and wight,  
●…ot none away, Knave, Captian, nor Knight.  
When brands fell of roof-trees them among,  
Some rudely risen in bitter pains and strong.  
Some naked burnt, with belches all away,  
Some never risen, but smoored where they lay.  
Some rushed fast to Air, if they might win,  
Blinded with fire, their deeds were full dim.  
The réek filled with filth of Carrion,  
Among the fire right foul of infection:  
The people beired like wood beasts in that tide,  
Within the brickwall ramping on either side:  
Rumisht with ruth, and many griefly groan,  
Some grimly great, while their life days were  
Some doors sought the entry for to get,  
But Scots men so wisely them beset:  
If any brake by adventure of that steid,  
With swords soon brimed they were to dead.  
Or else again by force driven in the fire,  
There scaped none, but burnt bone and lyre:  
The Scots abbored near hand them for to bide.  
Yeed to the wind, and let them even alone,  
While the read fire had not fierce blood over gon●●  
A Friar, Drumlaw was Pryer than of Air,  
Sevenscore with him that night took harbery the●  
Into his Inns, for he might not them let,  
While near midnight a watch on them he let,  
Himself work well, while he the fire saw rise,  
Some mends he thought to take of that surprise.  
His brethrens seven soon to harness they yeed,  
Himself Chiftain, the remanent to lead.  
The best they wail of armour and goad gear,  
Than weapons took right awful in effear.  
These eight Friars in three parts they go,  
With swords drawn, in every house yéd two.  
Soon entered in where Sutheron sleeping were,  
●pon them set with strokes sad sare:  
Feil frieks there the Friars dang to dead,  
Some nakes fled, and got out of that stead.  
The water sought, abased out of sleep,  
In the friars well that was both long and deep:  
Feil of them fell, that broke out of that place,  
Drowns to ground, and dead withouten grace.  
Slain and drowned was all that barbered there,  
Men calls it yet, The Friar's blessing of Air.  
Few folk of vail was lived upon case,  
In the Castle Lord Persie from that place:  
Before the Air from thence to Glasgow drew,  
Of wine and stuff, it was to purvey, new.  
Yet they within saw the fire burning stout,  
With short advice ishes and made no doubt.  
The ambushment than as warriors wise and wight,  
Let them alone, and to the house passed right.  
Boyd won the Port, entered with all his men,  
Keepers in it were left but nine of ten,  
The foremost soon himself seized in hand,  
Made quite of him, than stew all that he found:  
Of purveyance in the Castle was none,  
Short time before from it Persie was gone,  
The Earl of Arnulf had perceived that bold,  
Who in the town was burnt to powder cold.  
Boyd gart remain of his men twenty still,  
Himself went forth to wit of Wallace Will.  
Keeping the town while naught was lived there,  
But the wood fire and bigging burned full hair.  
Of likely men that were born of England,  
By sword and fire, that night died five thousand.  
When Wallace men were well together met,  
Good friends, he said, ye know that there was set,  
Such law as this now into Glasgow town,  
The Bishop Beik and Persie of renown:  
Therefore I will in haste ye thither fare,  
Of our good Kin some part is loosed there:  
He gart soon the Burgesses to him call,  
And gave command in general to them all:  
An keeping they should take the house of Air,  
And hold it whole, while time that me hear m●  
To bide our King Castles I would we had,  
Cast we down all, we may be deemed too bad:  
They gart meat come, for he had fasted long,  
Little he took, than bowned him to gang:  
Horse they choose that Sutheron had brought the  
Anew at will, and of the town can far.  
Right wonder fast road this good Chivalry,  
Three hundreth whole was in that company,  
To Glasgow bridge that higged was of tree,  
Some passed over, ere Sutheron might them see,  
Lord Persie wight, that busy was in wear,  
Sembled his men right awful in essear.  
Than deemed they all that it was wight Wallace,  
He had before escaped through many case:  
The Bishop Beik and Persie that was wight,  
A thousand led of men in Arms bright.  
Wallace saw well what number sembled there,  
He made his men in two parts for to far:  
Graithed them well without the towns end,  
He called Auchinleck, for he the passage kend:  
Uncle he said, be buff in the wear,  
Whether will ye the Bishop's tail up-hear,  
Or pass before, and take his Bennison,  
He answered him with right short provision:  
Vnbishopped yet forsooth I trow ye be,  
Yourself shall first his blessing take for me,  
For sickerly ye served it best to night,  
To bear his tail we shall with all our might.  
Wallace answered, since we must sundry gang,  
●●rill it is if ye hid from us long:  
●or you are men will not be soon aghast,  
●rom time we meet, for God's sake hie you fast:  
●ur sundering I would not Sutheron saw,  
behind them come in through the North-east raw,  
●ood men of war are in Northumberland,  
●hey parted thus, took other by the hand:  
●chinleck said, we shall do as we may,  
●e would like evil to bide aught long away,  
〈◊〉 busteous stail betwixt us soon must be,  
●ut to the right Almighty God have eye,  
●am Wallace and Auchinleck was bown,  
●benscore with them on backside of the town.  
●ight fast they yéed, while they were out of sight,  
●he other part arrayed them full right.  
●allace and Boyd the plain street up can go:  
●he Sutheron marvelled because they saw no more:  
●heir Ensenzie cried on the Prrsies side,  
●ith Bishop Beik that boldly could abide:  
〈◊〉 sore sembly was at their meeting seen:  
●s fire from flint it fared them between.  
●he hardy Scots right awfully them abade,  
●rough feil to ground through wéedly was well made:  
pierced plaits with paints stiff of steel,  
●y force of band gart many cruel kneel,  
●he strong stour risen, as smook about them fast,  
●r missed through Sun up to the clouds-past:  
●o help himself, eachone had meikle need,  
●et forward fast they pressed for to be,  
●nd they on them, great wonder was to see;  
●he Perseus' men in war were used well,  
●ight fiercely fought and sonzet not a deal.  
●dam Wallace and Auchinclek came in,  
〈◊〉 part of Sutheron right cruelly they twin.  
Returned to them as noble men of wear,  
The Scots got room, and many down they  
The new Counter assailed them so fast,  
Through Englishmen made stops at the last:  
Than Wallace self into the felon throng,  
With his good sword that heavy was and 〈◊〉  
At Perseus' face with a good will he bore,  
Both hone and brain the frushed steel through  
Three hundreth men when Lord Persie was  
Out of the gate the Bishop Beik they lead.  
For than them thought it was no time to bi●●  
By the Friar Kirk, to a wood there beside:  
In the Forest forsooth they tarried naught,  
On fresh horse to Bothwel soon they sought.  
Wallace followed with worthy men and wight  
Forfoughten they were, and traveled all the  
Yet feill they slew into that chase that day,  
The Bishop self and good men got away:  
Aymer Wallange rescued them in that place,  
That Knight full often did great harm to VVall●●●  
Wallace began that night at ten hours in Air●●  
One day by nine in Glasgow sembled there:  
By one afternoon at Bothwel yet he was,  
Keproved Wallange, ere he would further pass●●  
Than turned again as witnesses well the boo●,  
To Dundaff road, and there resting he took.  
Told good Sir John of their tidings in Air,  
Great moan he made, he was not with them 〈◊〉  
Walace sojourned in Dundaff at his will,  
Five days out, till tidings came him till.  
Out of the height where good men were forl●●  
For Buchan risen, Athol, Menteith and Lorn.  
Upon Argile a felon work they make,  
For Edward's sake this they can undertake:  
The Knight Campbel in Argile than was still,  
●ith his good men against King Edward's will,  
●●d kéeped free Lochow his heritage,  
●●t Mackfadyean did him great outrage.  
●is Mackfadyean to Englishmen had sworn,  
●ward gave to him both Argile and Lorn.  
●●lse John of Lorn to that gift can accord,  
〈◊〉 England than he was new made a Lord:  
●us falsely he gave over his heritage,  
●●d took at London of Edward a great wage:  
●●ncan of Lorn yet for the land strave,  
●hile Mackfadyean over-set him with the lave:  
●●t him on force to good Campbel the Knight,  
●hich into war was wise, worthy and wight:  
●is Mackfadyean was entered into Scotland,  
●●d marbeilously that tyrant took in hand:  
●ith his power, the which I spoke of air,  
●ese three Lordships assembled to him there:  
●●ftéen thousand of cursed folk indeed,  
〈◊〉 all gathering, the Host he had to lead.  
●●d many of them was out of Ireland brought,  
saints nor wives that people spared naught.  
●asted the land as far as they might ga',  
●ese beastly folk could not but burn and sta:  
〈◊〉 to Lochow he entered suddenly:  
●e good Knight Campbel saw good defence for thy:  
〈◊〉 Craighumyre with three hundred be yéed,  
●hat strength they held, for all their cruel feed.  
●en broke the bridge that they might overpasse,  
●●at through a Ford, where narrow passage was,  
●andonly Campbel against them have,  
●ast upon Awfe, that was both dée and braid:  
●●ckfadyean was upon the other side,  
●nd there on force behoved him to bide:  
●or at the ford he durst not enter out,  
●or good Campbel might set him than in doubt.  
Mackfadyean sought, and a small passage found,  
Had he leisure, he might pass of the land:  
Betwixt a Rock and a gréat water fro,  
But four in front there might none go morri●  
Into Lochow was bestial great plenty,  
Where that he thought with all his host to 〈◊〉  
And other stuff, that they had with them hrou●●  
But all his host abailed him right naught.  
Duncan of Lorne hath seen this sudden case,  
From good Campbel he went to seek Wallace:  
Some help to get of their torment and téen,  
Together bofore in Dundie they had been.  
Learning at School into their tender age,  
He thought to slaik Mackfadyeans high courage:  
Gilmichel than, with Duncane forth had dight,  
A guide he was, a footman wonder wight.  
Soon got they wit where Wallace lodged wad,  
With their complaint to his presence they pass●●  
Earl Malcome als the Lennox held at peace,  
With his good men to Wallace can he press:  
To him there came good Richard of Lundie,  
Into Dundaff he would not longer lie:  
Sir John the Graham, als bowned him to ride,  
Mackfadyeans war so grieved him that tide.   

How Wallace flew Mackfadyean.  
THen Wallace thought his great power to see  
In what array he ruled that country:  
The Ruikby than kéeped with great wrong,  
Striuling Castle, that statwart was and strong,  
When Wallace came by South it in a bail,  
To Earl Malcome he said he would it sail:  
In divers parts he gart disseber his men,  
Of their power the Surtheror should not Ken:  
Earl Malcome bade in ambushment out of fight,  
Wallace with him took good Sir John the Knight.  
●●nd humdred of wife war men about,  
Brough Striuling rade, if any would ifh out.  
●●ward the bridge the gainest way they pass,  
Than Ruikbie saw where that their power was,  
〈◊〉 took sevenscore of Arthur's that was there,  
●●oon Wallace they followed wonder sare:  
●●at seil bicker did them meikle dear,  
Wallace in hand gripped a noble spear.  
●●●ain returned, and hath the foremost stain,  
〈◊〉 John the Graham, that meikle was of main,  
●●●ong them rade with a good Spear in hand,  
●●●e first he slew that he before him found:  
●●●on another his spear in sunder yéed,  
sword he drew which helped him in need.  
●●lish Tribers upon them can renew,  
●●●at his good Horse with Arrows soon they slew;  
s●●t he was when Wallace hath it seen, 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 lighted soon with men of Arms full kéen:  
●●ong the rout fight full wouder fast,  
●●en Englishmen returned at the last:  
〈◊〉 the Castle they would have been full feign,  
●●●t Earl Malcome with men of meikle main,  
betwixt the Sutheron and the gates péed.  
●●ny they slew that doughty were indeed:  
〈◊〉 the great press Wallace and Ruikby met,  
●●●th his good sword a stroke upon him set:  
●●●fly to death the old Ruikby he drove,  
〈◊〉 two sons escaped among the lave:  
〈◊〉 the Castle by adventure they yéed,  
●●●th thirty men, more escaped that dread.  
〈◊〉 Lennox men with their good Lord that was,  
●●●m the Castle they said they would not pass,  
〈◊〉 well they witted it might not holden be  
For no long time, for they this ordained he 〈◊〉  
Earl Malcome took the house to keep that t●●●  
Wallace would not from his first purpose bid 〈◊〉  
Instance he made to this good Lord and wise  
From them to pass he would in no kind wil●●●  
While that he had Striuling the Castle strong  
True men him told they could not hold it lo●●●  
Than Wallace thought most on Mackfadyean,  
Of Scottishmen he had slain many one.  
Wallace avowed that he should wroken be,  
On that Rebald, or else therefore to die.  
Of tyranny King Edward thought him good,  
Low torn he was and als of simple blood:  
Thus Wallace was sore grieved in his intent.  
To this journey right earnestly he went.  
At Striuling bridge assembled to him right,  
Two thousand men that worthy were and wi●●●  
Toward Argile he bowned for to ride,  
Duncan of Lorn was their true sicker guide.  
Of fold Ruikbie the which I spoke of air,  
Two sons on live in Striuling lived there:  
When those brethrens conceived all at right,  
This house to hold, that they not longer mi●●●  
For cause why they wanted men and meat,  
With Earl Malcome they made them for to 〈◊〉  
Grace of their lives, and they that with the●●● 〈◊〉  
Gave over the house, than could to England 〈◊〉  
On the third day that Wallace from them ra●●●  
With King Edward full many years they 〈◊〉  
In Bruces wars again came in Scotland,  
Striuling to keep one of them took in hand.  
Mention of Bruce is often in Wallace Book,  
To sand his right full meikle pain he took:  
Wherhfore should I here tarry any mae,  
To Wallace forth now shertly will I gay:  
●●uncan of Lorn, gilmichil from him sand,  
〈◊〉 spy to be, for he the Country kend.  
●●●y our party was passed by Straithfillane,  
●he small foot folk began to irk ilk ane:  
●nd horse also on force behoved to fail,  
Than Wallace thought that company to weal:  
●ood men he said, This is not meet for us,  
●●n broken array if we come to them thus:  
●e may take skaith, and harm our foes but small,  
To them in like we may not semble all.  
Larry we long in plain field while they get,  
Upon them soon so well we may not set.  
Part we must leave us following for to be,  
With me shall pass our power into three.  
●ive hundred first to himself hath he ta'en,  
Of Westland men, were worthy known ilk an.  
To Sir John the Graham as many ordained he,  
●nd five hundred to Richard of Lundie:  
●n that part was Wallace of Richartown,  
In all good part he was aye ready bown.  
Five hundred left, and might not with them go,  
Suppose that they to hid was wonder wo.  
Thus Wallace host began to take the height,  
●her a mountain, than passed out of fight:  
In Glendocher their spy met them again,  
With Lord Cambel, than was our folk right feign:  
It their meeting great blythnesse might he seen,  
Three hundred led that cruel were and kéen:  
●e comfort them, and have them have no dread,  
Soon will they flee, and we shortly pursue,  
To Loch Duane full suddenly they drew.  
Than Wallace said, an life we shall all tae,  
For there is none will from his fellow gay:  
Upon the Moss a Scurriour soon found he,  
The spy they sand, the Country for to see.  
To scour the land Mackfadyean had him sand,  
Out of Craigmore that day he thought to wend.  
Gilmichil fast followed upon him there,  
With a good sword that well and sharply share.  
Made quite of him, that tidings told he nane,  
The out-spy thus was loosed from Mackfadyean.  
Than Wallace host upon their foot can light,  
Their horse they left, though they were neb'r so 〈◊〉.  
For Moss and Craig they might not longer dr●●  
Than Wallace said, who goes best, let see:  
Out through the Moss deliveredly they yéed,  
Than took they hold whereof they had most ore●●  
Endlong the shore, aye three in front they passed,  
While all within were sembled at the last.  
Lord Campbel said, we have chosen this hold,  
I trow to God their wakening shall be cold:  
Here is no gate to flee you people can,  
But Rocks high, and waters deep and wan.  
Eighteen hundreth of doughty men indeed,  
On the great boast but more process they yeed  
Fight on front, and meikle mastery made,  
The frayed folk busked withouten bade:  
Rudely to ray they rushed them again.  
Great part of them were men of meikle main,  
Good Wallace men so stoutly can them steer,  
The battle on back, five Aiker braid they bear.  
Into the stour feill tyrant's gart they kneel,  
Wallace in hand had a good sword of steel.  
Whom ever he hit brimly down they bore,  
Rowmed him about a large rude and mare.  
Sir John the Graham indeed was well worthy,  
Good Campbel als, and Richard of Lundie.  
Adam Wallace, and Robert Boyd in fear,  
Among their foes where deads' was sold dear.  
The felon stour was awful for to see,  
Mackfadyean than, so great debate made he,  
With Ireland men hardy and courageous,  
The stalwart strife right hard and perilous.  
abundance of blood from wounds wide and wan,  
ticked to dead on ground lay many a man:  
too hours large into the stour they stand,  
●he fiercest they enough of fight found:  
●hat Jop himself well witted not who should win,  
●ut Wallace men would not in sunder twin:  
●o help themselves they were of hardy will,  
●f Ireland blood full fellonly they spill  
●ith feill fight made stops through the shrang:  
●n the false part our wight war men so dang:  
That they to bide might have not longer might,  
The Ireland folk than made them for the flight:  
●n craigs clam, and some in water flet,  
too thousand there drowned withouten let:  
●orn Scots men bade still into the field,  
●ast weapons them from, and on their knees knéeld:  
With piteous voice they cried on Wallace,  
●or God's sake to take them in his grace:  
grieved he was but ruth of them he had,  
received them fair with countenance full sad:  
●f our own blood we should have great pity,  
●ook ye slay none of Scots will yéelden be:  
Of out-land men let none escape with their life,  
Mackfadyean fled for all his felon strife.  
Into a cave within a cleft of stone,  
Ander Cragemore with fifty hath he gone:  
duncan of Lorn his leave at Wallace hast,  
On Mackfadyean with worthy men he passed:  
●e granted him to put them all to dead,  
They left none than, but brought Wallace his head:  
Upon a Spear through the field it hare,  
The Lord Campbel than hint it by the hair:  
High on Craigmore he height it for to stand,  
Still on the stone for honour of Ireland.  
The life-like men that were of Scotland born,  
Soon at his faith he gart them all be sworn:  
Restore them that would come to his fies,  
He let none slay that would come to his peis,  
After this deed in Lorn théns could he far,  
Ruled the land, had been in meikle care:  
In Ardchatan a counsel he gart cry,  
Where many men came to his sen yourie:  
All Lorn he gave to Duncan that was wight,  
And bade him bide in Scotland with the right.  
And thou shalt brook this land in heritage,  
Thy brother's son in London hath great wage,  
Yet will he come he shall the lands have,  
I would tine none that verity might save.  
Many true Scots to Wallace could pursue,  
At Ardchatan from feill strengths they drew,  
A good Knight came, and with him men sixty,  
He had been often in many jeopardy  
With Englishmen, and sonziet not a deal,  
Aye from their faith he fended him full well:  
Kéeped him free, though King Edward had sword  
Sir John Ramsay that righteous was born.  
Of Ochterhouse, and other lands Lord,  
And Sheriff als, my book will record.  
Of noble blood, and old ancesterie,  
Continued well with worthy Chivalry,  
Into Strochane long time he had been,  
At great dehate among his enemies kéen,  
Right wightly won his leaving in the wear,  
To him and his Sutheron did meikle dear.  
Well he eschewed, and suffered great distress,  
His son was ralled the flower of courtliness:  
●●s witnesses well into this short treaty,  
●fter the Bruce, who reads that History:  
●●e ruled well both into war and peace,  
Alexander Ramsay to name he height but lies.  
When it was wear to Arms he him cast,  
Under the crown he was one of the best.  
●●n time of peace to courtliness he yeed,  
●ut to gentrice he took none other heed:  
What Gentlemen had not with Ramsay been,  
Of courtliness they counted not a préen.  
Freedom and truth be had as men would as,  
●ince he began, not better squire was:  
roxburgh hold he man right manfully,  
Than held it long, while traitors treasonably,  
●aused his death, I will not tell you how,  
Of such things I will go by as now.  
〈◊〉 have had blame to say the stoothfastnesse,  
Therefore I will but lightly run that race.  
But it be thing that plainly slander is,  
For such I trow they should not deem no miss.  
Of Alexander as now I speak not more,  
His father came, as I you told beore.  
Wallace of him right full great comfort hes,  
For he well could do harming to his foes.  
●n war he was right meikle for to prize,  
●isy and true, both sober, wight and wise.  
A good Prelate als to Archatan sought,  
Of his Lordship as than he brooked naught.  
This worthy Clerk come in of high lineage,  
Of Sinkler blood not forty year of age.  
Chosen he was by the Pope's consent,  
Of Dunkeld Lord was made with good intent.  
But Englishmen that gripped Scotland hail,  
Of benefice they let him brook but small.  
When he saw well therefore he might not mute,  
To save his life three years he dwelled in Bute.  
Lived as he might, and kéeped aye good part,  
Under safety of James than Lord Stewart:  
While good Wallace which Scotland won with 〈◊〉  
Restored this Lord to his living again.  
And many more which long had been ov'rthrown  
Wallace them put righteously to their own:  
The small Host thè which I spoke of air,  
Into the height that Wallace leaved there.  
Came to the field to here Mackfadyean had been,  
Took that was left, both weeds and weapons 〈◊〉  
Through Lorne they passed as goodly as they can,  
Of their number they had not lossed one man.  
On the fifth day they won to Ardchatane,  
Where Wallace bade with good men many ane.  
He welcomed them upon a goodly wise,  
And said, they were right meikle for to prize.  
All true Scots he honoured into wear,  
Gave that he won, himself kéeped no gear.   

CHAP. III. HOW Wallace won S. johnstoun.  
WHen Wallace would not longer sojourn th●●  
From Ardchatan out through the land they 〈◊〉  
Toward Dunkeld with good men of renown,  
His most thought than was of S. Johnstoun.  
He called Ramsay, that good Knight great of vail  
Sadly advised, besought him of counsel:  
Of S. Johnstoun, now have I remembrance,  
There have I been and loosed men through chan●●  
But aye for one we gart ten of them die,  
And yet me thinks that is no mends for me:  
I would assay from this land ere we gang,  
And let them know they occupy here wrong.  
Than Ramsay said, that town they may not kée●●  
●he walls are low, suppose the ditch he deep.  
●●e have anew, that shall them cumber so,  
●ill up the dyke that we may plainly go:  
〈◊〉 plain battle a thousand over at ance,  
●●om this power they shall not hold yond wains:  
Wallace was glad, that he such comfort made,  
●orth talking thus, unto Dunkeld they rade.  
●hrée days there they lodged with pleasance,  
●●bile time they had forséen their ordinance.  
Ramsay gar● big great Bastailyies of tree,  
●●y good writes the best of that Country.  
When they were wrought, betaught them men to lead  
The water down, while they came near that stead:  
Sir John Ramsay right goodly was their guide,  
●uled them well at his will for to bide:  
The great boast than about the village past,  
With earth and stone they filled dykes fast:  
●laike they made on timber long and wight,  
〈◊〉 room passage to the walls they dight.  
●eill Bestailyies right strongly up they risen,  
With men of Arms soon to assaily goes.  
Sir John the Graham, and Ramsay that was wight,  
The turate brige asseiged in all their might.  
●nd Wallace self at midside of the town,  
●ood men in arms that was to bargain bown.  
●he Sutheron men made great defence that tide,  
With artailyle that cruel was to bide:  
With tablaster ganzie and stones fast,  
●nd hand-guns right brimly out they cast,  
●unzeit with spears as men of arms kéen,  
The noble Scots that worthy ay hath been,  
●●t hand-stroaks fra they together met,  
With Sutheron blood their weapons soon they wet:  
●et Englishmen that worthy were in wear,  
●nto that stour right boldly can them bear.  
But all for naught availed them that dead,  
The Scots through force upon them in they y●●  
A thousand men over walls yeed hastily,  
Into the town risen hideous noise and cry:  
Ramsay and Graham the turate gate hath win,  
And entered in where great strife did begin.  
A true squire, which Ruthven height to name,  
Came to the assault with good Sir John the G●●  
Thirty with him, of men that proved well,  
Amongst their foes with weapons stiff as steel  
When that the Scots assembled on either side,  
Not Sutheron was that might their dints abide;  
Two thousand soon were foiled under feet,  
Of Sutheron blood they sticked in the street,  
Sir John Psewart saw well the town was tint,  
Took him to flight, and would not longer stint:  
In a light Barge, and with him men sixty,  
The water down, sought succour to Dundie.  
Wallace bodè still, while the fourth day at mor●  
And left none there that was of England born.  
Richeses they got, both gold and other good,  
Plenisht the town again with Scots blood:  
Ruthwen he left their Captain for to be,  
In heritage gave him the office of fee:  
Of all Strathern, and Sheriff of the town,  
Than in the North good Walace made him b●●  
In Aberdence he gart a counsel cry,  
True Scottishmen assemble should hastily.  
To Cowper he rade, to viste that Abbay,  
The English Abbot was fled from thence away:  
Bishop Sinkler without longer abade,  
Met them at Glams, sign forth with them he, 〈◊〉  
Into Brechin they lodged all that night,  
Soon on the morn Wallace gart graith at rig●●  
Displayed abroad the Banner of Scotland,  
●n good array: with noble men at hand.  
●au●'d plainly cry, that saved should be none  
●f Sutheron blood where they might be overgone:  
●n plain battle throughout the Merns they ride,  
The Englishmen that durst them not abide,  
Before the host full fearedly they flee,  
●o Dunnotter, a strength within the sea.  
●o further they might win out of the land,  
They sembled there, while they were four thousand.  
To the Kirk they ran, and thought girth to have ta'en  
The lave remained upon the rock of stane:  
The Bishop than began treaty to mae,  
Their lives to get, out of the land to gay:  
But they were read, and durst not well assay,  
Wallace, in fire caused set all hastily:  
 up the Kirk, and all that was therein,  
Attour the rock the lave run with great din.  
Some hung on Craigs right dolefully to die,  
Some lap, some fallen, some fluttered in the sea:  
Not Sutheron on life was leaved in that hold,  
And they within were burnt to powder cold.  
When this was done, they fell on knees down,  
At the Bishop asked absolution.  
Than Wallace leugh, and said, I forgive you all,  
Are ye war-men that reputes for so small:  
They rued us not within the town of Air.  
Our true Barons when that they hanged there.  
To Aberdene than safely can they pass,  
Where Englishmen right buff flitting was:  
An hundred Ships that Ruther bear and Air,  
To turse their goods, in Haven were biding there.  
But Wallace host came on them suddenly:  
There scaped none of all that great Navy,  
But feill servants in them was lived none,  
At an abbe-sea the Scots is one them gone,  
Took out the gear than set the Ships on fire,  
The men on land they burned both bone and l●●●  
Yéed none away, but Priests, wives, and bai●●  
Made they debate they scaped not but harme●  
Into Buchan Wallace made him to ride,  
Where Lord Bewmount was ordained to abide:  
Earl he was made but of short time before,  
He bra●ked it not for all his busteous shore.  
When he knew well that Wallace coming was,  
He left the land, and could to Slanis pass;  
And than by Ship fled in England again,  
Wallace rade through the North-land into plain:  
At Cromarty feill Englishmen they stew,  
The worthy Scots unto him could pursue.  
Returned again, and came to Aberdene,  
With his blithe host, upon the Lammas even.  
Established the land, as he thought best to be,  
Than with an host he passed to Dundie.   

CHAP. IU. How Wallace laid a siege to Dundie, and gave battle Kirkingham Thesaurer to King Edward, and the Earl Warrane at Striuling Bridge.  

GArt set a siege about the Castle strange,  
I leave him there, and further will I gang,  
Sir Aymer Wallange hasted him full fast,  
Into England with his whole household past:  
Bothwel he left was Murrays heritage,  
And took him than to go to Edward's wage.  
Thus his own land he left for vermare,  
Of Wallace deed great typings told be there.  
Als Englishmen sore mourned in their mood,  
That loosed here both life lands and good:  
Edward as than could not in Scotland fair,  
●…ut Kirkinghame that was his Thesaurer.  
With him a Lord, that Earl was of Warrane,  
●…e charged them with numbers many ane,  
●…ight well beséen in Scotland for to ride,  
●…t Striuling still he ordained them to bide.  
●…hile he might come with ordinance of England,  
●…otland again he thought to take on hand.  
●…his host passed forth, and had but little dread,  
●…he Earl Patrick received them at Tweed.  
●…alice he had at good Wallace before,  
●…ong time by past, and that increased more.  
●…ut through a case it happened of his wife,  
●…umbar from him she held it into a strife:  
●…hrough the supply of Wallace into plain,  
●…ut he by means got this Castle again:  
●…ong time ere than, and yet he could not cease,  
●…gainst Wallace he proved in many a press,  
●…ith Englishmen supplied them at his might,  
●…ontrare Scotland they wrought full great unright.  
Their muster than was awful for to see,  
●…f fight men thousands there were sixty.  
●…o Striuling bridge past ere they liked to bide:  
●…o Earl Malcome a siege they laid that tide:  
●…nd thought to keep the command of their King,  
But good Wallace wrought for another thing:  
●…undie he left, and made a good Chiftain,  
With two thousand to keep that house of stane:  
●…f Northlandmen, and dwellers at Dundie,  
The 'samine night to S. Johnstoun went he:  
Upon the morn to Shyreff-mure he road,  
●…nd there a while in good array he bided.  
●…ir John the Graham said we have undertaken,  
With less power, such thing that well is gane:  
●…hen Wallace said, where such things comes of need,  
We should thank God, that makes us for to speed.  
But near the bridge my purpose is to be,  
And work for them some subtle jeopardy.  
Ramsay answered, the bridge we may keep 〈◊〉  
Of way about the Su●heron have little feill.  
Wallace sand Jop the battle for to set,  
To Twesday next to fight withouten let:  
On Saturday unto the Bridge they rade,  
Of good plain boards was well and jointly 〈◊〉  
Gart watches wait, that none should to them  
A Wright he took, the subtlest that was,  
And ordained him to saw the booros in two,  
By the mid-trest, that none might over it go 〈◊〉  
On Cornel bands nailed it full soon,  
Than filled it with clay as nothing had been  
The other end he ordained for to be,  
How it should stand upon rollers of tree,  
When one were out, that the rest down should  
Himself under he ordained there withal.  
Bound on the trest, in a Cradle to sit.  
To louse the pin, when Wallace let him wit.  
But with an horn when it was time to be,  
In all the host no man should blow but be:  
The day approached of the great battle,  
The Englishmen for power would not fail:  
Aye fix they were against one of Wallace,  
Fifty thousand made them to battle place:  
The remnant bade at the Castle still,  
Both stold and house they thought to keep at 〈◊〉  
The worthy Scots upon the other side,  
The plain field took, on them made foot to bid●  
Hue Kirkingham the vanguard than led he,  
With twenty thousand of likely men to see.  
Thirty thousand the Earl of Warrane had,  
But he did than as the wise man him bad:  
All the first host before him over was sand,  
●●me Scots men that well the matter heard:  
●●de Wallace blow, and said, they were anew,  
〈◊〉 hasted not, but sadly could pursue.  
●hile Warranes host thick on the bridge he saw,  
●●om Jop the horn he hint, and could it pl●●:  
〈◊〉 asperly, and warned good John Wright,  
●he roller out he strake than with great slight:  
●he rest yéed down, when that the pine out goes,  
〈◊〉 hideous cry among the people risen:  
●●th horse and man into the water fell,  
●he hardy Scots that would not longer devil,  
●●t the rest with strokes sad and far,  
〈◊〉 them the reaver as than sovered they were:  
〈◊〉 the fore-brest they proved hardily,  
●●llace and Graham, Boyd, Ramsay and Dundie.  
〈◊〉 in the stour fight face for face,  
〈◊〉 Suther on back retired in that place:  
〈◊〉 we first stroke five Acre broad and more,  
●allace on feet a great sharp sword he bore:  
●●ong the thickest of the press he gaes,  
●●n Kirkingham a stroke be chosen hes:  
〈◊〉 the birnish that polished was full bright,  
●he prunzeing bead the plates pierced right.  
●●rough the body sticked him but reseve,  
gorfly to death that Chriftain was adve.  
●●th man and horse at that stroke he have down,  
●he English host that were in battle down,  
●●mfort they tint when their Chiftain was ●●ain,  
●nd many one began to flee in plain:  
●●t worthy men bade still into that stead,  
●hile ten thousand were brought unto the dead.  
●hen fled the lave, and might not longer bide,  
●●ccour they sought in many divers side.  
●●me east, some west, and some fled to the North,  
Than thousand whole at once fluttered in Forth:  
Plunged in deep, drowned without mercy,  
None left on live, of all that whole menzie  
Of Wallace host no man was slain of vail,  
But Andrew Murray, into that strong batrail:  
The south part than that saw there men 〈◊〉  
All fiercely fled as fire do from the flint.  
The place hath left, Striuling castle and town,  
Toward Dumbar in great haste made them b●●●  
When Wallace host had wone the field by mi●●●  
Took up the bridge, and loosed good John Wri●●●  
On the flyers than followed wonder fast,  
Earl of Malcome als out of the Castle past:  
With Lennox men to stuff the chase good speed,  
Aye by the way they gart feill Sutheron bleed:  
In the Torwood they gart full many die,  
The Earl of Warrane than can full fiercely 〈◊〉  
With Corspatrick that graithly can him guide,  
Unchanging horse out through the land they 〈◊〉  
Strait to Dumbar, but few with them they,  
Many were slain, over floathfully that fled:  
The Scottish horse had run full wonder long,  
Many gave over, and might not further gang:  
Wallace and Graham ever together bade,  
At Haddingtown full great slaughter they made  
Of Englishmen, when their horse tired had,  
When Ramsay came, good Wallace was still g●●●  
With him was Boyd, and Richard of Lund●●,  
Three hundreth whole was of good Chivalry.  
And Adam Wallace als of Richartown,  
With Earl Malcome they found at Hadingtow●  
The Scottishmen on slaughter tarried was,  
While to Dumbar the two Chieftains could 〈◊〉  
Full spiteful were for their contrary case,  
Wallace followed, while they got in that pl●●●  
Of their best men, and Kirkingham of renow●●●  
Thirty thousand was dead but redemption:  
Beside Beltown Wallace returned again,  
To follow more: than was it but in vain.   

IN Hadingtown lodging he made all night,  
Upon the morn to Striuling passed right:  
On the Assumption day befell this case,  
Aye loved be the Lord of his good grace:  
Convoyer often he was to good Wallace,  
And helped him in many sundry place:  
Wallace in haste soon after this battle,  
A great oath took of all the Barons hail:  
That with good will, would come to his presence,  
●e height them als to bide at their defence:  
Sir John Menteith was than of Arrane Lord,  
●o Wallace came and made a plain concord:  
With witness there with his oath he him band:  
Lawtie to keep to Wallace and Scotland:  
Who would not with free will to right apply,  
Wallace by force punished them rigorously:  
Part put to death, part put in prison strange,  
●reat word of him through both these Realms rang.  
Dundie they got soon by a ●●rt treaty,  
But for their lives they fled away by sea:  
English Captains that houses had in hand,  
Left Castles free, and stole out of the Land:  
Within ten days after this time was gone,  
English Captains in Scotland than was none.  
Except Berwick and Roxburgh Castles wight,  
Pet Wallace thought to bring them to the right.   

THat time there was a worthy true Baron,  
To name he height Christel of Setoun:  
In Jedburgh wood, for safety he had been,  
Against Sutheron full well he could contain:  
Edward could not from Scots faith him get,  
Though they a million gave of gold well met.  
Heabottel fled from Jedburgh Castle wight,  
Towards England there Setoun met him right.  
With forty men Christel in bargain bade,  
Against seven score, and meikle mastery made:  
Slew that Captain, and many curel man,  
Full great richeses in that journey he won.  
Household and gold, as they should pass away,  
The which before they kéeped many a day:  
Jedburgh he took, and Ruthwe● leaved he,  
At Wallace will their Captain for to be:  
Bold Setoun than to Lowthean made repair,  
In this story ye may here of him mare:  
And into Bruce who liketh for to read,  
He was with them in many cruel deed:  
Good Wallace than full sadly could device,  
To rule the land with worthy men and wise:  
Captains he made, and Sheriffs that were good,  
Part of his Kin, and of other true blood:  
His dear Cousin in Edinburgh ordained he,  
The true Crawfurd, that aye was full worthy.  
Keeper of it with noble 〈◊〉 at wage,  
In Manwell than he had good heritage:  
Scotland was free, that long in bail hath been,  
Wallace it won from our false enemies kéen:  
Great Governor of Scotland he could reign,  
Waiting a time to get his righteous King:  
From Englishmen that held him in bandown,  
Long wrongfully from his own righteous 〈◊〉   
The end of the seventh Book.    

THE EIGHTH BOOK.  

CHAP. I How Wallace put Corspatrick out of Scotland.  
FIve months thus Scotland stood in good rest,  
A counsel cried them thought it was the best.  
In S. Johnstoun where it should holden he,  
Assembled Clerk, Baron and Burgess free.  
But Corspatrick would not come at their call,  
Bade in Dumbar, and made scorn of them all:  
They spoke of him feill words in that Parliament,  
Than Wallace said, Will ye hereto consent:  
Forgive him free all things that is by past,  
●o he will come, and grant he hath trespassed.  
From this time forth keep lawity to our Crawn,  
They granted thereto, Clerk, Burgess and Baron:  
With whole consent their wai●ing to him sand,  
●ight lowly thus they them to him commend.  
Besought him fair, as one than of the land,  
To come and take some Governance in hand:  
Lightly he leugh, in scorn as it had been:  
And said, He had such message seldom seen,  
That Wallace now as Governor should reign:  
Here is great fault of a good Prince or King:  
That King of Kyle I cannot understand,  
Of him I held never a fur of land:  
That Bauchler trows for Fortune shows her whéel,  
Therewith to last, it shall not long be well:  
But to yond Lords, and ye will understand,  
I make you wise I aught to make no band:  
Als free I am in this Region to reign,  
Lord of mine own, as ever was Prince or King  
In England als great part of land I have,  
Manrent thereof will no man of me crave.  
What will ye more, I warn you I am free,  
For your summons, ye get no more of me.  
To Saint Johnstoun this writ he sent again,  
Before the Lords was manifest in plain:  
When Wallace heard the Earl such answer ma●●  
A great heat through courage than he takes:  
For he witted well there could be but one King,  
Of this Region at once for to reign.  
A King of Kyle for that he called Wallace,  
Lords he said, this is an uncouth case:  
Be he suffered we are worse than we was,  
Thus risen he up, and made him for to pass,  
God hath us tholed to do so for the lave,  
On life or death, in faith we shall him have:  
Or gar him grant whom he hold for his lord,  
Or else were shame in story to record.  
I vow to God with ease he shall not be  
Into this Realm, but one of us shall die:  
Less than he come, and know his righteous 〈◊〉  
In this Region well both we shall not reign:  
His lightly scorn he shall repent full sore,  
But power fail, or I shall end therefore:  
Since in this earth, is ordained me no rest,  
Now God he judge, the right he knows best:  
At that Counsel he longer tarried naught,  
With his two hundreth from S. Johnstoun he s●●  
To the Council made instance ere he yéed,  
They should contain, and of him have not dreads  
I am but one, and for good cause I ga',  
Toward Kinghorn the gainest way they tae:  
Upon the morn over Forth, South they passed,  
On his voyage he hasted wonder fast.  
●obert Lawder at Musselburgh met Wallace,  
From Englishmen he kéeped well his place:  
●ould none him treat, Knight, Squyer, nor yet Lord,  
●●ith King Edward for to he at concord:  
●n Earl Patrick to pass he was full glad,  
●ome said before the Basse he would have had:  
Good men came als with Cristel of Setoun,  
Than Wallace was four hundred of renown.  
squire Lyle that well the Country knew,  
●●ith twenty men to Wallace could pursue:  
●eside Lyntoun and to them told he than,  
That Earl Patrick with many likely man,  
●t Cockburns path he had his gathering made,  
●nd to Dumbar would come withouten bade.  
Than Lawder said, It were the best thinks me,  
●aster to pass in Dumbar ere he be:  
Wallace answered, we may at leisure ride,  
With yond power he thinks bargain to bide.  
●nd of one thing ye shall well understand,  
●n bardier Lord is not within our Land.  
●ight he be made true steadfast to our King,  
●y wit and force he can do meikle thing:  
But wilfully he likes to tyne himself,  
Thus road they forth and would not longer devil.  
●y east Dumbar where men them told on case,  
●ow Earl Patrick was warned of Wallace:  
●ear Innerweik choosed a field at wail,  
With nine hundred of likely men but fail.  
Four hundred was with Wallace in the right,  
And they anon approached in their fight:  
●reat fault was there of good treaty between,  
To make concord, and that full soon was seen.  
Without rehearse of action in that tide,  
On either part together fast they ride:  
The stour was strong, and wonder Chevalrous,  
Continued long with deeds perilous.  
Many there died of cruel Scots blood,  
Of this treaty the matter is not good:  
Therefore I cease to tell the destruction,  
Pity it was, and all of one Nation:  
But Earl Patrick the field left at the last,  
Right few with him to Cockburns-path there 〈◊〉  
A grieved sore that his men thus were tint,  
Wallace returned, and would not longer stint.  
Toward Dumbar where sooth fast men him told,  
No purveyance was left into that hold.  
Nor men of fence, all had been with their Lord,  
When Wallace heard ●he sicker true record,  
Dumbar he took all whole at his bandown,  
Gave it to keep to Christel of Setoun.  
Who stuffed it with men and good victual,  
Upon the morn Wallace that would not fail:  
With three hundreth to Cockburns-path he sought  
Earl Patrick ished, for bi●e he would him noug●●,  
Soon to the Park Wallace a range hath set,  
To Bonkel wood Corspatrick fled but let,  
And out of it to Norhame passed he,  
Than Wallace saw it might not better be:  
To Cald●tream road, and lodged him on Tweed,  
Earl Patrick than in all haste can him speed,  
And passed by ere Wallace power rose,  
Without resting to Ettrick Forrest goes.  
Wallace followed, but he would not assail,  
A range to make, as than it might not veil:  
Over few he had, the strength was thick and 〈◊〉  
Twelve mile of breadth, and thereto twice 〈◊〉  
Into Cockholm Earl Patrick bided at rest,  
For more power Wallace passed in the west.  
Earl Patrick than him graithed hastily,  
In England past to get him there supply:  
But through the land right earnestly could pass.  
To Anthony Beik that Lord of Durham was,  
Wallace put him out of Glasgow before,  
And slew Persie, their malice was the more.  
And Bishop Beik gart soon great power rise,  
northumberland upon an awful wise.  
They ordained Bruce in Scotland for to pass,  
To win his own, but evil deceived he was:  
They gart him trow that Wallace was rebel,  
And thought to take the Kingtick to him cell:  
For false they were, and ever yet hath been,  
●awry and truth was ever in Wallace seen.  
To fend their right was all he took in hand,  
And thought to bring Bruce free to his land.  
Of this matter as now I tarry naught,  
With strong power Sutheron together sought:  
From Oyis water assembled whole in Tweed,  
The land host was thirty thousand indeed,  
Of Thames' mouth sent Ships by the sea,  
To keep Dumbar, that none should them supply:  
Earl Patrick passed but twenty thousand but let,  
Before Dumbar, a sta●ward siege he set:  
The Bishop Beik and Robert Bruce bade still,  
With ten thousand in Norhame at their will:  
Wallace by this that fast was labourand,  
●n Lowthian came with good men five thousand:  
●ight well be seen into their armour bright,  
Thought to rescue the Setoun bold and wight,  
Under Yester that first night lodging be,  
●ay came to him with an good Chivalry:  
●n Down Forrest all that time he had been,  
●e had the coming of the Sutheron seen:  
Fifty he had of wise men into wear,  
They told Wallace of Patrick's great effear.  
●ay said, Forsooth and ye might him overset,  
Power again right soon he might not get:  
My counsel is, that ye give him battle:  
He thanked them of comfort and counsel,  
And said, Friend Hay, in this cause that I w●n●  
So that we win, I reek not for to end,  
Right sooth it is that once we must die.  
Into the right who should in terror be?  
Earl Patrick there a messenger gart pass,  
Told Anthony that Wallace coming was:  
Of this tidings the Bishop was full glad,  
Amendss of him full feign he would have had.  
But more prolong through Lammer-mure they 〈◊〉  
Near the Spot-mure in ambushment still he bade,  
Where Earl Patrick than ordained for to be,  
Wallace of Beik on warned than was he.  
Yet he before was not hasty indeed,  
But than he put both him and his in dread:  
Upon swift horse scurriours road between,  
The coming than of Earl Patrick hath seen,  
The house he left, and to the Mure is gane,  
A plain field with his host hath he ta'en:  
Good Setoun than ished with few menzie,  
Part of his men into Dumbar left he:  
To Wallace road was on the righteous side,  
In good array to Spots-mure they ride:  
Some Scots dread the Earl so many was,  
Twenty thousand against so few to pass:  
But Jop perceived he bade Wallace should bide,  
Tine not your men, but to some strength ye●  
And I shall pass, to get you power mare,  
These are over good thus lightly for to wear.  
Than Wallace said, In truth I shall not flee,  
For four of his aye on while I may be:  
We are overnear such purpose for to take,  
A dangerous chase they might upon us make,  
●●re is twenty with this power this day,  
●●ould him assay suppose I were away:  
●any they are for God's sake be we strong,  
●on Sutheron folk in stour will not bide long.   

CHAP. II. How Corspatrick brought in Scotland Bishop Beik and Robert the Bruce, and how Wallace gave them battle and put them out of Scotland.  
THe brim battle braithly on either side,  
Great reird their rose over all where that they ride:  
●●e sore sembly when they together met,  
●ill strokes there they sadly on other set,  
●unzeing spears through plat's preassed fast,  
●any of horse down to the ground they cast:  
●oles they teime of horse but masters there,  
●f the southside five thousand down they bore:  
●ood Wallace host the foremost cummered so,  
●hat the rest was in will away to go:  
●arle Patrick bade so cruel of intent,  
●ll his whole host of him took hardiment:  
'gainst Wallace in many stour was he,  
Wallace knew well that his men would not flee,  
●or not power that living was on live,  
●hile they on hail might be one aye for five:  
●n that great strife many were handled hait,  
●he feill dints, the cruel hard debate,  
●he feirs striking made many grievous wound,  
●pon the earth the blood made to abound:  
●ll Wallace host into a compass bade,  
Where they turned full great slaughter they made:  
Wallace and Graham, with Ramsay full worthy,  
The bold Setoun and Richard of Lundie:  
●nd Adam als of Richartown,  
Both Hay and Lyle, with good men of renown  
Boyd, Barclay, Baird, and Lawder that was w●●  
Feill Englishmen derfly to death they dight.  
But Earl Patrick full fiercely fought again,  
Through his own hand many he put to pain:  
Our men on him throng forward into thro',  
Made through the host feill stops to and from,  
The Englishmen began plainly to flee,  
Than Bishop Beik full suddenly they see:  
And Robert Bruce contrare his native men,  
Wallace was woe, fra time he could him ken:  
Of ●●ruoes deeds he was grieved mare  
Than all the lave that day that sembled the●●  
The great bushment at once than broke on 〈◊〉  
Ten thousand whole that doughty were indeed  
The fliers than with Garle Patrick relieved,  
They fought again where many were mis●●●  
When Wallace saw the ambushment broken was  
Out of the field on horse he thought to pass:  
But he saw well his host sound in their weed,  
He though to fray the foremost ere he yéed.  
The new come host about him sembled there,  
On either side with strakes sad and sare.  
The worthy Scots so fiercely fought again.  
Of Anthony's men full many have they slain:  
But that tyrant soused was in wear,  
On Wallace host he did full meikle dear:  
And the bold Bruce, so cruelly wrougth he,  
Through't length of hand feill Scots gart he,  
To resist Bruce, Wallace he pressed fast,  
But Englishmen so thick between them past:  
And Earl Patrick in all the hast he might.  
Throughout the stour to Wallace soon they sou●●  
On the Peasant a felon stroke him gave,  
Carved the plate, with his sharp grounded 〈◊〉  
●●rough all the stuff and wounded him some deal,  
●●t Wallace thought he should be venged well.  
allowed on him, and a stroke ettled fast,  
●●t one Mairland reklesse between them past.  
●on the head good Wallace hath him ta'en,  
●rough head and brain in sunder broke the ha●e:  
●ad to the ground at that stroke be him draw●,  
●us Wallace was dissevered from the lave:  
〈◊〉 his good men, among them him alone,  
●●out him sought feill enemies many one.  
●●cked his horse, to ground behoved to light.  
〈◊〉 fend himself as wisely as he might:  
●●e worthy Scots that might not longer bide,  
●ith heavy hearts out of the field they ride:  
●ith them in fear they weaned Wallace had been,  
〈◊〉 foot he was among his enemies kéen:  
●●d room he made about him into breed,  
●ith his good sword that helped him in need:  
●as none so strong that got of him a straik,  
●●er again made never the Scots ●●●ik:  
●●rle Patrick than that had great craft in wear,  
●ith spears ordained good Wallace down to bear:  
●●em they took were whole into the field,  
〈◊〉 him they yéed, thought he should have no ●i●ld.  
〈◊〉 either side fast prunzeing at his gear,  
〈◊〉 hewed of heads, and wisely could him wear.  
●●e worthy Scots of this than little witted.  
●●ught to good Graham, when they their Chiftain mi●●  
●●der, and Lyle, and Hay, that were so wight,  
●●d bold Ramsay, which was a worthy Knight:  
●●●die and Boyd, and Christel of Setoun,  
●ith five hundred that were in bargain bound:  
●●m to resuce full rudely in they rade,  
●●our Wallace a large rown they made.  
●●e Bishop Berk was braithly horn toeird,  
At that rescue there was a felon reird,  
E'er he got up feill Sutheron they slew,  
Out of the press Wallace they can rescue:  
Soon horsed him upon a Courser wight,  
Toward a strength they rade in all their mi●●  
Right wisely fled rescuing many man,  
The Earl Patrick to stuff the chase began,  
On the fliers there little harm they wrought,  
Good Wallace flolk away together sought,  
Those five hundred the which I spoke of air,  
So awfully abandoned them and fair:  
Not follower durst out from his fellow ga',  
The good fliers such turning in they ma:  
Four thousand whole had ta'en the strength b●●  
Of Wallace host, his comfort was the more.  
Of Glastaden that forest thought to hold,  
Earl Patrick turned, though he was never so 〈◊〉  
Again to Beik when scaped was Wallace,  
Cursing fortune of his mischanceful case:  
The field he won and seven thousand were 〈◊〉  
Dead on that day for all the Bishops boast:  
Of Wallace men five hundred slain I guess.  
But no Chiftain, his mourning was the less.  
Near even it was, but Beik would not abide,  
In Lammer-mure they turned in that tide,  
Their lodging where he thought to avail,  
For well they trowed the Scots would assail,  
Upon the field, where they gave battle last,  
The country men to Wallace gathered fast.  
Of Edinburgh with Crawfurd that was wight,  
Four hundred came into their armour bright.  
To Wallace road by his lodging was ta'en,  
Of Tevedale came good men many ane,  
Our at Jedburgh, with Ruthwen at that tide,  
Together sought from many divers side.  
●ir William than that Lord was of Douglas,  
●ith him fourscore that night came to Wallace:  
●wenty hundred of new men met that night,  
●pon their foes venge them at their might:  
〈◊〉 the first field these good men had not been,  
Wallace watches their adversaries hath seen.  
●nto what wise they had their lodging made,  
Wallace bowned after Supper but bade:  
〈◊〉 Lammer-mure they passed hastily,  
●oon to array yéed his good Chivalry.  
Wallace them made in two parts to be,  
●ir John the Graham, and Setoun ordained he,  
●wder and Hay, with three thousand to ride.  
himself the rest took wisely for to guide.  
●ith him Lundie, both Ramsay and Douglas,  
●●rklay and Boyd, and good Adam Wallace:  
●y this the day approached wonder near,  
●nd bright Titan in presence can appear:  
●he Scotish boast soon sembled into sight,  
●f their enemies, they were not ready dight:  
●ut of array feill of the Sutheron was,  
●ight awfully Wallace can on them pass,  
●t this entry the Scots so well them bore,  
●eill of their foes to death were brittined there:  
●eklesse they risen, and many fled away,  
●ome on the ground, were smoored where they lay:  
Great noise and cry was raised them among,  
●ood Graham came, that stalward was and strong:  
●ra Wallace men were well together met,  
●n the South part so awfully they set.  
●n contrare them the frayed folk might not stand,  
●t once there fled of Sutheron ten thousand:  
The worthy Scots wrought upon such a wise,  
●op said that they were worthy for to prize.  
●et Bishop Beik, that felon tyrant strong,  
Bode in the stour right awfully and long.  
A Knight Sketoun, that cruel was and kéen,  
Before him stood into his armour shéen.  
To fend his Lord, full worthily he wrought,  
Lundie him caw, and sadly to him sought:  
With his good sword an ackward strake him g●●  
Through Pesan stuff his craig in sunder dra●●  
Whereof the rest were stonisht in that stead,  
The bold Skelton, of Lundies' hand was dead.  
Than fled they all, and might not longer bide,  
Patrick and Beik away with Bruce they ride:  
Five thousand held into a stop away,  
To Norham house in all the haste they may:  
Our men followed that worthy were and w●●  
Many fliers to dead they derfly dight.  
These three Lord● the Castle they sought,  
Full feill that loosed that were from England br●●  
At this journey twenty thousand they tint,  
Drowned and slain with spears and swords di●●  
The Scots at Tweed they hasted them so fast,  
Feill Sutheron men to wrong fords they passed.  
Wallace returned, in Norham when they were;  
For worthy Bruce his heart was wonder sare.  
He had rather have had him at his large:  
Free of our Crown, than of fine gold to cha●●●  
Moore than in Troy was when the Greeks in w●●  
Wallace passed with many awful man,  
Over Patrick's lands, and wasted wonder fast:  
Took out great goods, and places down can c●●  
His Steads twelve, that Methamis were called,  
Wallace gart break those burely buildings bol●  
Both in the Mers and also Lowthian,  
Except Dumbar, standing be leaved nane.  
To Edinburgh than upon the eight day,  
Upon the morn Wallace without delay:  
●o Perth passed where a Counsel was set,  
〈◊〉 the Barons he showed withouten let:  
●●w his great how right well eschewed was,  
〈◊〉 a Master he gart Earl Patrick pass.  
Because he said of Scotland he held naught,  
〈◊〉 King Edward to get supply he sought:  
●he Lords were blithe, and welcomed well Wallace,  
thanking great God of his fair happy case,  
Wallace took state to govern all Scotland,  
●he barnage whole made him an open ●and:  
●hen dealt the land to good men him about,  
●●r Scotland's right had set their likes in doubt:  
●●intown he gave to Lawder in his wage,  
●●e Knight Wallange aught it in heritage,  
●●en Birgem-crook he gave Lyle that was wight,  
〈◊〉 Skrymger als full good reward he dight:  
●●en Wallace-town, and other lands theretill,  
〈◊〉 worthy men he dealt with noble william.  
〈◊〉 his own ●in no Heritage gave he,  
●●t offices, that every man might see,  
●●r Covetice there could no man him blame,  
●e bade reward, while the King should come ●ame:  
〈◊〉 all he did, he thought to bide the Law,  
●efore his King and Master when he saw:  
scotland was blithe, in dolour had been l●ng,  
〈◊〉 every part to good labour they gang.   

CHAP. III. ●ow Wallace passed into England and remained there three quarters of a year, and came home again without battle.  

BY this the time of October was passed,  
November near approached wonder fast:  
●●dings there came King Edward grieved ●a●,  
●ith his power in Scotland thought to pass.  
For Earl Patrick had given ●u●h counsel,  
Wallace got wi●, and sembled power hall:  
Forty thousand in Ros●in-mure they met,  
Lords he said, this is King Edward's set:  
In contrare right to seek us in our land,  
I height to God, and to you by mine hand,  
I shall him meet for all his great barn●●●,  
Within England, to fend our heritage.  
His false desire shall on himself be seen,  
He shall us found in contrare of his e'en.  
Since he with wrong hath ridden this Region,  
We shall now pass in contrare of his Crown  
I will not bid great Lords with us to far,  
For mine intent plainly I will declare:  
Our purpose is either to win or die,  
Who yields to him, shall never ransomed 〈◊〉.  
The Barons than him answered worthily,  
And said, they would pass with Chivalry.  
Himself and Joy pro●●●d●d that menzie,  
Twenty thousand o● wailed than took he:  
Harness and hor●e he gart among them wal●,  
Weapons anew ●ar might ●hem best avail  
Graithed the●● men, that crue● 〈…〉  
Better in war in world could n●●●e seen:  
He bade the rest in labour for to bide,  
In good array ●●om Rosling mure they ride:  
In their muster good Wallace could them ask,  
What needeth more in one power to pass?  
All of one will, a● I trow set are we,  
In plain battle cannot discomfist be:  
Our Realm is poor, wasted with Sutheron bloo●●  
Go and win on ●ham gold and other good:  
The host inclined all with humble will,  
And said, they should his hiding the● fulfi●●  
Earl Malcome w●● his Lennox men is gone,  
●ut name of rule in him he would have none:  
Wallace him knew a Lord that was worthy,  
●t his counsel he wrought full steadfastly:  
Stronger he was if he had battle seen,  
For he before had in good journeys been.  
〈◊〉 man of strength, that hath good wit withal,  
〈◊〉 whols Region may comfort at his call:  
●s manly Hector wrought into his wear,  
●gainst an hundred counted was his spear:  
But that was not through his strength only,  
●uch rule he led of noble Chivalry:  
These examples were worthy for to ken,  
●ector I leave, and speak forth of our men:  
●he knight Campbel made him to that voyage,  
Of Lochow chief that was his heritage:  
●nd good Ramsay forth to that journey went:  
●ir John the Graham forward in his intent,  
Wallace Cousin, Adam, full worthy was,  
●nd Robert Boyd, forth blythly can they pass.  
●oth Auchinleck and Richard of Lundie,  
●●wder and Hay, and Setoun full worthy.   

THis royal host but resting forth they road,  
To Broxes' field and there a while they bided:  
●hen Wallace took with him forty but lies,  
●o Roxburgh Gate road soon ere they would cease:  
●utheron marvelled if it should be Wallace,  
Without assurance come to persus that place:  
Of Sin Rauff Grey soon presence could he ask,  
●nd warned him thus, further ere he would pass.  
Our purpose is in England for to ride,  
●o time we have of siedging for to bide:  
●ake heed and hear of our coming again,  
●ide over this house, sand me the keeps in plain.  
This I command, before this witness large,  
If thou wilt not remain with all the charges  
But this be done, of fore and I take thee,  
Over the wall thou shalt be hanged high:  
With that he turned, and all his host can 〈◊〉  
This like command to Berwick soon be sand,  
With good Ramsey, that was a worthy Knight 〈◊〉  
The host but more right awfully he dight.  
Began at Tweed, and spared naught they fa●●  
But burnt by force all whole Northumber land,  
All Durhame town they burned up in a gleid,  
Abbeys they spared, and Kirks where they 〈◊〉  
To York they road, but bided ere they would 〈◊〉  
To burn and slay, of them he thought no sin,  
No sin they thought, the same to let us feel,  
But William Wallace quit our quarrel w●ll:  
Forts they won, and small Castles cast down,  
With asper weapons paid their ransom.  
Of prisoners they liked not to keep,  
Whom they overtook, they made their friend  
Not Sutheron saved for all their great richeses,  
All such treachery he called wretchedness.  
Unto the gates and suburbs of the town,  
Braithly they burned, and broke their building  
At the walls assailed fifteen days,  
While King Edward sent to them in this wi●●●  
A Knight, a Clerk, and a Squire of peace:  
And prayed them from burning for to cease.  
And height battle ere fifteen days should 〈◊〉  
Soverance so long if he liked to ask.  
And als be spiered, why Wallace took on ha●●●  
The felon strife in defence of Scotland?  
And said, He marvelled in his wits for th●●●  
Against England was of so great party,  
Since ye have ma●e so meikle of Scotland f●●●  
It were good time for to let malice be.  
Wallace hath heard the message say their will,  
With manly voice right thus he said them till.  
●…e may know well that right enough we have,  
Of his severance I covet not to crave.  
Because I am a native Scots man,  
●…t is my debt to do all that I can:  
●…o fend our King rik out of dangering.  
●…o his desire we will grant him something.  
Our host shall cease for aught that may betid,  
These forty day's bargain to abide;  
And shall do naught, jest than it move in you,  
●…n this respite myself could never trow.  
●…ing Edward's writ under his seal they gave,  
●…n forty days that they should battle have.  
Wallace than gave credence to their King,  
Their leave they took, than passed but resting.  
And told him whole how Wallace let him feel,  
Of their soverance he cared not a deal.  
●…uch ruled men so awful in effeir,  
Are not christian as he leads into wear:  
The King answered, and said, It should be kend:  
It comes of wit, enemies to commend,  
They are to dread right greatly in certain,  
●…adly they think of harms that they have ta'en:  
Leave I them thus at Counsel with the King,  
And of the Scots again to speak some thing.   

Wallace tranointed upon the second day,  
From York they pass upon a good array:  
Northwest they went, in battle busked ●own,  
Their lodging they took beside Northallartown.  
And cried his peace their Markets for to stand,  
Those forty days for people of England.  
Who that liked any victual to cell,  
Of all their shore was meikle for to tell.  
Sir Rauff Raymount Captain of Miltoun was,  
With great power by night ordained to pass,  
On VVallace ●oast, to make some jeopardy,  
Feill Scots men that dwelled in that Country  
Witted of this thing, and gathered to Wallace,  
They made him wise of all this Felon case:  
Good Lundie than to him he called there,  
And Hue the ●ay of Locharquart was air,  
With three thousand that worthily was 〈◊〉  
Than privately on from the host they sought  
The men be took that came to him of new,  
Guides to be for they the Country knew:  
The ho●●●t they made in good quiet to be,  
A space from them be busked privately.  
Sir Rauff Rymount with seven thousand came 〈◊〉  
Of Wallace host a jeopardy did begin:  
The ambushment broke ere they the host came 〈◊〉  
The Sutheron men the worthy Scots can stea●  
Three thousand whole were braithly brought 〈◊〉  
journey they sought, and sickerly have foun●  
Sir Rauff Rymount was sticked on a spear,  
Three thousand slain that worthy were in 〈◊〉  
No Sutheron witted when their Chiftain was 〈◊〉  
A● Milton fast they fled all in their main:  
Wallace followed fast with his Chivalry,  
Among Sutheron they entered suddenly,  
Scots and English into the town at once,  
Sutheron men shot, and braithly cast down st●●●  
Of their own men right feill than they have  
The Scots about that were of meikle main,  
Up greisses ran, and seized all the town,  
Pertly to death the Sutheron dang they dow●●  
Wallace there hath ●ounden great richeses,  
jewels, and Gold, Weapons and Harness:  
spoilt the town of wine and vittail,  
To his ●oast sent with carriage of great vail.  
Three days still within the town he bade,  
Than broke down work that worthily was made,  
●ives and Bairns they put out of the town,  
●o man he saved that was of that nation:  
When Scots had ta'en, and tursed their desire,  
Walls they broke and set the rest on fire:  
The timber work they burned up all in plain,  
●n the fourth day to the host road again,  
●art cast a dyke that might some strengthning he,  
●o keep the host from sudden jeopardy.  
●hen Englishmen was right graithly aga●st,  
●ro● North and South unto the King they passed;  
●t Pumfret lay and held a Parliament,  
●o give battle the Lords would not consent;  
●ut Wallace were of Scotland crowned King,  
●heir Counsel found it was a perignous thing:  
●or though they wan, they wan but a● they were,  
●nd if they tint, lost England ever●●ave.  
●n case it were put in the Scots hand,  
●nd this decreit their wit among them found.  
〈◊〉 Wallace would upon him take the Crown,  
To give battle they should be ready ●own,  
The 'samine message to him they sand again,  
●nd their intent they told to him in plain,  
●Vallace them charged from his presence absent,  
●is Counsel called, and shown them his intent:  
●e and his men desired battle to have,  
●y any ways of England over th●●●●e:  
Himself said first, that were an of 〈◊〉 ●ie thing,  
Against my faith, to reave my righteous King,  
〈◊〉 am his own born native of Scotland,  
To wear the Crown I will not take in hand.  
●o fend my Realm it is my debt ●ut skill,  
Let God above reward me as he ●●ill.  
Some bade Wallace upon him take the Cro●●  
Wise men said nay, it were derision:  
To Crown him King but voice of Parliaments  
For they witted not, if Scotland would consent.  
Other some said, it was the wrongous' place,  
Thus deemed they of many divers case.  
The Knight Campbel of wit a worthy man,  
As I said air with them was present than,  
Herd and answered when many said their 〈◊〉  
This were the best, and Wallace grant ther● 〈◊〉  
To Crown him King solemnly for a day,  
To get an end of all our long delay.  
The good Earl Malcome said, that Wallace m●●●  
As for one day in fence of Scotland's right:  
Though he re●●●●d it lastingly to bear,  
Receive the Crown as into fare of wear:  
The people all to him gave their consent,  
Malcome of old was Lord of Parliament.  
Yet Wallace tholled, and let them say their 〈◊〉  
When they had deemed by many divers skill.  
In his own mind he abhorred this thing,  
The commons cried, make Wallace Crowned 〈◊〉  
Than sembled he, and said, It should not be,  
At terms short, ye get no more of me:  
Under colour our answer we must make,  
But such a thing I will not on me take:  
I will you suffer to say that it was swa,  
It were a scorn the Crown on me to ta:  
They would no●●●t the message of England,  
Come them among, or they should understands  
Two Knights passed to the message again,  
Made them to trow Wallace was crowned in 〈◊〉  
Gart them trust well that it was foothfast 〈◊〉  
Delivered thus, they passed to their King:  
To Pomfret went, and told that they had see 〈◊〉  
●allace crowned, whereof the Lords were ●●n:  
〈◊〉 barret wox in Parliament where they 〈◊〉,  
●hen said they all, these tidings 〈◊〉 good:  
●e did so well in all his time before,  
●●d now their King, he will do meikle more.  
●●fortunate man, nothing goes him again,  
●nd we give battle, we shall repent with pain:  
●nother said, And battle will he ●●●e,  
●r stroy our land, no treason may us save:  
〈◊〉 his conquest, since first he cou●h begin,  
●e sells not, but takes that he may win:  
●or Englishmen be sets no doom but dead,  
●●yce or pennies may make us no remead.  
●nd Woodstock says, Ye work not as the wise,  
〈◊〉 that ye take not the auture of surprise,  
●●r though we win all that are in England●  
●●e rest are strong against us for to stand.  
●●e rest are strong against us for to stand.  
〈◊〉 Wallace safe, other they count but small,  
●or that me think it were the best of all,  
〈◊〉 keep our strengths, castles and walled town,  
〈◊〉 we shall fend the folk of this Region:  
●hough North be burnt, better of soverance to be,  
●hen set all England in a jeopardy.  
●hey granted all as Woodstock can them say,  
●nd thus they put the battle in delay,  
●nd cast them whole for other governance,  
●gainst Wallace to work some ordinance:  
●hus Wallace hath in plain discomsist hail,  
●gainst King Edward all his whole Battle:  
●or through falsehood and his subtlety,  
●hey thought he should for great necessity:  
●nd fault of food to steal out of the land,  
●hen this deceit their wit among them found,  
●hey gart the King cry all their Markets down.  
●rom Trent to Tweed, in through fair and free town.  
That 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 no man should victual 〈◊〉  
Such stuff and wine, under the pain of dead:  
The same 〈…〉 in Parliament,  
Of Scots forth to speak is mine intent.  
Wallace lay still while forty days were gon●●  
Abiding them, but appearance saw none.  
Battle to have, 〈◊〉 their promise was m●de,  
He gart again display his Bannes Broad:  
Reproved Edward right greatly of this thing,  
●auchled his seal, blew-out on this false King.  
As recrying turned back, and yéed his gate,  
Than Wallace made full many bigging hate.  
They raised fire, burnt up Nor●hallartown,  
Again through Yorkshire boldly made them bo●●●  
Destroyed the land as far as ever they ride,  
Seven ●●ile about they burned on every side.  
And wr●●ght the Sutheron many working vvo●●●  
Palaces spirit, great Towers can confounded:  
Widows wéeped with sorrow in their song,  
Maiden's mourned with great meaning among●  
They spared none but women and the Kirk,  
The worthy Scots of labour would not irk:  
Gave to Abbeys right largely of their good,  
To all Kirk-men they did nothing but good:  
The temporal land they spoilt at their will,  
Good Gardens gay, and great Orchards they 〈◊〉  
To York they went these war men of renown,  
A siege set they right sadly to the town:  
For great defence they garnished them within,  
A fallen assault without they can begin.    

CHAP. FOUR The siege of York.  

DIvided the host in four parts about,  
With watches fell, that no man should 〈◊〉  
rout the town, upon the South-port side,  
●here Wallace and good Lundie did abide.  
●●rle Malcome than at the West gate ab●de,  
●ith him the Boyd that good journeys had made.  
●he Knight Campbel of Lochow that was Lord,  
〈◊〉 the North-gate, and Ramsay made their fore.  
●●r John the Graham that worthy was in vve●●,  
auchinleck, Crawfurd, with full manly effear:  
●●t the East port boldly they thinked hide,  
〈◊〉 thousand Archers upon the Scots side:  
dissevered them among the four party,  
●ive thousand Bowman in the town for thy.  
Within the walls arrayed them full right,  
●welve thousand more, that seemly was to fight:  
●hen Wallace said, And yond were on a plain,  
〈◊〉 field to fight, me thinks we should be feign,  
●hen salzeit they right fast on every side,  
●he worthy Scots that boldly durst abide:  
●ith spear and shield, for Guns they had none,  
within the dykes they gart feill Sutheron gr●ne:  
arrows they shot right fierce as any fire,  
●ut over the walls, that flamed in great ire:  
through birnish bright, with heads of fine steel,  
The Sutheron blood of friendship none they f●●l:  
●ver shining Harness sought the blood so s●●●en,  
●he Englishmen that cruel were and kéen,  
●éeped their town, and fended them full fast,  
●aggats of fire among the host they cast:  
With Pick and ●ar of feill shows they sent,  
●any were hurt ere they from the walls went.  
●tones of spring-holds they did cast out so fast,  
●nd gads of iron, made many Groom aghast,  
●ut nevertheless the Scots that were without,  
The town full often they set into great doubt:  
Their bulwark burned right brimly of the town,  
Their ●●●●kin wan, and great Garrets 〈◊〉  
Thus s●iled they on each side with great 〈◊〉  
The day was gone, and coming was the ni●●●  
The weary host than drew them from the 〈◊〉  
Set out Watches, for resting made them bo●●  
●as●t ●ounds with wine, of them that were 〈◊〉  
For none was dead, of great mirth they abou●  
Feill men were hurt, but no mourning they  
Confirmed the siege, and steadfastly abade.  
When that the Sun on morrow risen up bright  
Before the Chieftains assembled they full right  
And said, Amendss of the town they should 〈◊〉  
For all the fence that the Sutheron might ma●●  
Arrayed again, As they began before,  
About the town they assailed wonder sore:  
With felton shot out over the walls full shéen,  
Feill Englishmen that cruel were and kéen:  
With shot were slain, for all their targets 〈◊〉  
Bursted helms many to ground they dang:  
Brime burning fire, they cast at every gate,  
The entries thus in peril often they set.  
The defenders were of full great defence,  
●●eped the town through strength and violent  
All thus the day they drove unto the night,  
To pavilions bowned many weary wight:  
All irk of war, the town was strong to win,  
Of artailyie, and Noble men within.  
When that they trowed the Scots were at 〈◊〉  
For jeopardy the Englishmen them cast  
Sir John Morton was known worthy and vv●●  
●ir William Leis than graithed them that 〈◊〉  
With five thousand well garnished and sav●●  
Upon the Scots they thought to make skir●  
And at the gate is●ed out hastily,  
On Earl Malcome, and his good Chivalry:  
〈◊〉 ●erk the watch, Wallace and ten hath ●éen,  
●oing about, and hath their coming seen:  
〈◊〉 gart on blow was in his company,  
〈◊〉 ready men arrayed them hastily:  
●ill of the Scots ilk night in harness bade,  
〈◊〉 ordinance, for they such rule had made:  
●ith short advice together than they went,  
〈◊〉 their foes, where feill Sutheron were sbent.  
●●llace knew well the Earl too hasty was,  
Or that he sped him in the press to pass:  
〈◊〉 sword of war into his hand he bore,  
●e first he hit, the craig in sunder share.  
●other acward upon the face took he,  
〈◊〉 nease and front on the field gart ●e flee:  
〈◊〉 hardy Earl before his men out past,  
●●to the field where feill were fight fast,  
〈◊〉 shearing sword he bore drawn in his hand,  
●●e first was faith that he before him sand:  
●hen Wallace was and be together set;  
●ere lasted none against them that they met,  
●ut either dead or fled away them fra,  
●y this the boast was in a good array:  
With the great scry assembled them about,  
●hen stood the Sutheron in a felon doubt.  
●allace knew well the Englishmen would flee,  
For thy he thrusted in the thickest to be.  
●ewing full fast on whomsoever he sought,  
●gainst his dint fine steel availed naught.  
●allace of hand, since Arthur had no ma●k,  
Whom he hit right, was aye dead at one 〈◊〉.  
That was well known in many places where,  
Whom Wallace hit they diered Scots ●a more,  
〈◊〉 all his men did cruelly and well,  
That came to strokes, that might the Sutheron feel,  
The Englishmen fled, and left the field plainly,  
The worthy Scots wrought there so hardily  
Sir John Morton in that place he was dead,  
And twelve hundred, but any more remead.  
Thus many were left into the field, and 〈◊〉  
The rest returned into the town again:  
And rued full sore that ever they forth could  
Among them was full many working would  
The h●ast again each one to their Ward 〈◊〉  
Commanded watch, and no more noise made.  
But rested still, while that the bright day 〈◊〉  
Again began the town to sailzie new:  
All this day wrought with full great worthing  
Assailed sore by wit and hardiness:  
The ho●●●s vilful warred scant, and failed 〈◊〉  
Thus lay they there while divers day's 〈◊〉  
The land wasted, and meat none was to wi●●  
●●t that w●●t not the folk that was therein 〈◊〉  
They dreadful sore for their own Vennison  
For soverance prayed the power of the town,  
To speak with Wallace than they desired 〈◊〉  
And he appeared, and speired what they 〈◊〉  
The Mayor answered, We would pay your 〈◊〉  
To pass 〈◊〉, and dear not more the towel  
Great shame it were that we should yéelden●●  
And towns holden of less power than we:  
Ye may not win us, long though that ye abi●●  
We shall give 〈◊〉 and ye will from us ri●●  
We may give battle, durst we for our 〈◊〉  
Since he hath l●●t it, were over high a thi●●  
To us 〈◊〉, without his ordinance,  
This town of 〈◊〉 we hold in governance  
Wallace answered, Of your Gold reek we 〈◊〉  
It is for battle that we hither sought:  
We had rather have battle of England,  
Than all the Gold that good King Arthur 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 Mount Michael when he the 〈…〉  
●…old may be gone, but worship a year now:  
●…e King promised that 〈◊〉 should battle have,  
〈◊〉 is writ thereto under 〈…〉 they gave:  
●…etter nor band ye see 〈…〉 avail  
●…s for this time together 〈…〉 battle:  
〈◊〉 think we should on 〈…〉 broken be  
●…on our Kin many great wrong 〈…〉 e:  
●…is devil-like deed he wrought into Scotland,  
●…he Maior said, Sir right ye thus understand:  
●…e have no charge what our King ga●… us do,  
●…ut in this kind we shall be bound you ●…oe  
●…ome part of gold to give you with good will,  
●…nd naught after to wait yo●… with none ill.  
●…y no kine mean the power of this town,  
●…ut if our King make him to battel●…own.  
●…to the host was many worthy man,  
●…ith VVallace ●…oe, nor now reackon 〈…〉,  
●…etter it was for at his will they 〈…〉,  
●…hough he was best, yet 〈…〉:  
〈◊〉 served thanks to Scotland eve●…ame,  
〈◊〉 ma●li●e 〈◊〉 the which they 〈…〉.  
The whole 〈…〉,  
●…he town to siege they thought it was 〈…〉:  
●…nd not a ●…ay to win it 〈…〉,  
●…he Counsel found it was the best 〈◊〉 might,  
●…ome Gold do take, since that we get 〈…〉,  
●…hen forth away into their voyage 〈…〉:  
●…hen Wallace said, Myself will not consent,  
●…ut if this town make us this plain consent,  
●…ake our ●…anner, and set it on the wall,  
〈◊〉 our power this Realm hath ridd●… all.  
●…éelden to be, when we think them to take,  
●…n England long residence if 〈◊〉 make.  
This answer soon they sent unto 〈◊〉,  
And they ●●●sented, the remnant that 〈◊〉  
The Banner took and set it on the town,  
To Scotland was height honour and reno●●●  
The Banner there from eight hours' un●●●  
Their finance made, d●●●ere● Gold full 〈◊〉  
Five thousand pounds of good gold of Engl●●●  
The host received, with victual abundant,  
Both bread and wine right gladly forth there  
And other stuff, that they liked to have:  
Twenty days out the host remained ther●●  
But want of victual gart them from it to 〈◊〉  
Yet still at peace the host lodged that night:  
While on the morn the Sun was risen bri●●●  
Into April among these shawes shéen,  
When that the ground was clad with tender  
Pleasant it was to any creature:  
In lusty love this time for to endure:  
The good women had freedom largely,  
But food was scant, they could get none to 〈◊〉  
Turled up tents, and to the Country ra●e,  
On Englishmen full great heiship they 〈◊〉  
Burnt and broke down, buildings they spa●●●  
Right worthy Wallace low to ground them 〈◊〉  
All Myld●●●e they burnt up in a fire,  
Broke Parks down, destroyed all the 〈◊〉  
Wild Dear they slew, for other beasts were 〈◊〉  
These war-men took of Vennison great 〈◊〉  
Toward the South they turned at the last,  
Made buildings bore, as far as ever they 〈◊〉  
The Commons all to London than they w●●●  
Before the King, and told him their 〈◊〉  
And said, they would, but he gart Walace 〈◊〉  
Forsake their faith, and take them to his 〈◊〉  
No Herald there than durst to Walace 〈◊〉  
Whereof the King greatly aggrieved was:  
〈◊〉 Edward left his people into bail,  
●●trare Wallace he would not give battle.  
●r bide in field for aught that they could say,  
●●e over the cause, to London passed his way,  
〈◊〉 men of wit this question here I ask,  
●ong Nobles if ever any was  
〈◊〉 long in England, through force or through case,  
●●ce Brutus death, but battle but Wallace?  
●eat Julius the Empire had in hand,  
●t twice on force was put out of England.  
●ith Arthure als, first of war when he prieved,  
●ise did they fight, suppose they were mischieved.  
●full Edward durst not for Wallace bide,  
〈◊〉 a plain battle, for all England so wide:  
London lay, and took him to his rest,  
●●d broke his vow, which hold you for the best.  
●●m as ye list, good men of discretion,  
●●ht clear it is to resolve this question.  
〈◊〉 my sentence now briefly will I pass,  
●hen Wallace this through Yorkshire journeying was  
●●ctual as than was none left in the land,  
●●t in houses, where it might be warrant:  
〈◊〉 host hereof abased was to bide,  
〈◊〉 food scanted: no pleasure was that tide:  
●●e bade turn home, and some would fathermare  
●allace called Jop, and said to him right fare:  
●ou knowest the land where most abundance is,  
〈◊〉 thou our guide, and than we shall not miss,  
●●ctual to found that wots I wonder well,  
●ou hast I trust in England meikle feil:  
●e King and his strong strengths are gone,  
●●t jeopardy, now peril have we none.  
●●en Jop said, Sir, be ye guided by me,  
●e plentiest part of England ye shall see:  
〈◊〉 wine and wheat there is in Richmount-shire.  
And other stuff for food as ye desire,  
Whereof I trow ye shall be well content,  
The host was glad, and thither ward they 〈◊〉  
Many true Scots was sembled in that land,  
To Wallace came well moe than nine thousan●  
Of presoun part, some had in labour wrought  
From either part full fast to him they sought  
Wallace was blithe of our own native Kin:  
That came to him of bail that they were in.  
And all the host of comfort was blyther,  
Fra their own folk was multiplying there:  
In Richmount-shire they found abundance  
Of bread and all, with other purveyance:  
Broke Parks down, and slew beasts many one  
Of wild and tame, forsooth they spared none:  
Throughout the land they passed in good array,  
A seemly place so found they in their way:  
Which Ramswatch height, as Jop himself than  
Fehew was Lord and Captain in that hold:  
Five hundred men were sembled in that place,  
To save their selver, and their goods from Wal●●  
A royal stead was by the forest side,  
With turats' fair, and Garrats of great pride,  
builded about, right likely to be wight,  
With five great towers, well builded to the hi●●  
Feill men about on walls busked been,  
In good armour, that birnisht was full shéen,  
The host passed by, and visited but that place,  
Yet they within on loud defied Wallace.  
And trumpets blew with many warlike so●●●  
Than Wallace said, had we yond Gallants do●●●  
On the plain ground, they would more so●●●  
Than Jop said, Sir, ye gart his brother die●●  
In Herald's weed, ye wots on Tinto hill,  
Wallace answered, So would I with good 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 I himself: but we may not him dear,  
●ood men may those of Harlots scorn in wear.  
●●ir John the Graham would at the bicker been,  
●ut Wallace soon the peril hath foreséen,  
commanded him to let his fierceness he,  
〈◊〉 have no men to waste in such degree:  
●ould we them barm, I have another gate,  
●ow we with fire within shall make them heat:  
●or fire hath aye been felon into wear,  
●●n such a place it may do meikle dean:  
Their bulwark old I see of withered oak,  
●●ere it on fire, it would not bide a stroke:  
●●ouses and wood there is enough plenty,  
●ho bews best of this forest let see.  
●ull houses down, we shall not wein a deal,  
●he old timber will gar the green bourn well:  
〈◊〉 his command right busily they wrought,  
●reat wood in haste about the place they brought.  
●he bulwark wan these men of arms bright,  
●o the barmkin laid timber upon height.  
●hen Bowmen shot, to keep them from that cast,  
●●ut they about had fastened fire full fast:  
●●omen and bairns on Wallace loud can cry,  
●n knees they fell, and asked him mercy.  
〈◊〉 one quarter, where fire had not yet ta'en,  
●hey took them out of that Castle of stane:  
●●yne bet the stre with brands brim and bold,  
●he read flame risen full high about that hold:  
●●rrels of Pick for fence were hanged there,  
〈◊〉 strake in fire, their mischief was the mare.  
●hen the brim fire out over the place was past,  
●hen they within might neither shoot nor cast:  
also bestial of Neat and horse within,  
●mong the fire they made an hideous din:  
●he Armed men in harness were so hate,  
Some down to ground dushed but more de●●  
Some lay, some fell into the felon fire,  
Smoored to dead, and burnt up bone and lyre.  
The fire broke in at all opens about,  
None bade aloft, so felon was the doubt:  
Fehew himself lap rudely from the height,  
Through all the fire, can on the barmkin li●●  
With a good sword Wallace stroke of his h●●  
Jop hint it up turst it from that stead.  
Five hundreth men that were into that place  
Got none away, but dead withouten grace:  
Wallace bade still with his power that night;  
Upon the morn the fire had failed might.  
Before the gate where it had burnt on breid,  
A path they made, and to the Castle yéed.  
Strake down the gate, and took what they mig●●  
jewels and Gold, great richeses was therein.  
Spoilt the place, and left naught else there,  
But beasts,  bodies, and also walls bars  
Than took they her that wife was to Fehew,  
Gave her command, as she was woman true:  
To turse that head to London to King Edward,  
She it received with great sorrow in heart,  
Wallace himself these charges to her gave,  
Say to your King, but if I battle have,  
At London gates we shall affailie sare,  
In this month we think for to be there.  
Trust in the truth, will God we shall not fai●  
Unless I cease through charge of our Coun●●  
The South-west part of England we shall see,  
But he seek peace, or else bargain with m●●  
Upon a time he charged me on this wise,  
Right bousteously to make to him service,  
Such shall he have, as he us cause hath made,  
Than moved they withouten more abade:  
●●livered she was from this Chivalry,  
●ward London she dight her earnestly:  
●●to the town but more process she went,  
●here Edward say sore moved in his intent,  
〈◊〉 Nevoyes head, when he saw it was brought  
〈◊〉 great sorrow sadly upon him fought  
●ith great unease upon his feet he stood,  
●éeping in woe, for his dear tender blood,  
●●e Counsel rose, and prayed him to cease,  
●●e loose England, but if we purchase peace:  
●●en Woodstock said, this is may best counsel,  
●●ke peace in time, as for your own avail,  
〈◊〉 ye tine more, we slaik of our courage,  
●●ter ye may get help of our barnagé.  
〈◊〉 King granted, and bade, them message sand,  
〈◊〉 man was there that durst to Wallace wènd,  
●●e Queen appeared, and see this great distances.  
●●ell born she was of the right blood of France.  
●●e trowed well therefore to speed the mare,  
●●er self purposed in that message to far:  
●●s she forethought that the King took on hand,  
●●ainst the right so often to reave Scotland.  
●●d feil men said, the vengeance happened, fair,  
●●f great murder his men made into Aire.  
●hus deemed they in counsel them among,  
●o this effect the Queen ●owned to gang:  
●hen she hath seen each man forsake this thing,  
●●n knees she fell and asked at the King.  
sovereign, she said, If it your wills be,  
That I desire yond Chiftain for to see.  
For he is known both worthy, wise, and true,  
perchance he would rather on women rue,  
●han on your men, they have done him such dear,  
When he them sees, it moves him aye to wear:  
●●t may not skaith, although I do not veil,  
To help this land I would make my travel.  
The Lords all of her desire was feign,  
Unto the King made instance into plain,  
That she might pass, the ●ing with acwar●  
Half into ire he gave consent theretill:  
Some of them said, the Queen loved Wallace,  
For the great voice of his high nobleness.  
An hardy man, that is seemly withal,  
Great favour will of fortune to him fall:  
Anent women is seen in many place,  
So happened now in this time of Wallace,  
In his rising he was a lover true,  
And choosed one, but Englishmen her slew.  
Yet said they naught, the Queen would on her  
As for his love such travel for to make.  
Now love or leave, or for help of their land,  
I make rehearse as I in old writ found:  
She graished her upon a goodly wise,  
With Gold and Gear, and folk at her device,  
Ladies with her, none ●●●●r would they sand,  
And old Priests, that well the Country kend:  
Leave I the Queen to message ready dight,  
And speak further of Wallace travel right.   

THe worthy Scots among their enemy's 〈◊〉  
Destruction great upon them have they 〈◊〉  
Wasted the land about on either side,  
No war-men than durst in their ways abide:  
They ransomed none, but to the death them 〈◊〉  
In many stead made fire broad and bright:  
The boast was glad in a good estate,  
No power was that would make them debate  
Great richeses wan of Gold and gear theretill,  
Leaving enough to take at their own will:  
In awful fear they travel through the land,  
●●de biggins bair, that they before them found:  
●reat barmkins broke of steads stark and strong,  
●●ese wight war-men of travel thought not long.  
●●uth in the land right earnestly they sought,  
〈◊〉 Saint Albanis but harm there did they naught.  
●he Pryor sent them Wine and Vennison,  
●freshed the host with great food and fuston.  
●he night appeared when they were at that place,  
●hen harbered they from thence a little space:  
choosed a stead where they sho0uld bide all night,  
●ents on ground, and Pavilions proudly pight.  
●nto a vail beside a river fair,  
●●n either side where wild beasts made repair:  
●et watches out, that wisely could them keep,  
●o supper went, and timously could sleep:  
Of meat and drink they have sufficience,  
The night was short, overdrave the darkful chance.    

CHAP. V How the Queen of England came and spoke with Wallace.  
THe merry day sprang up from the Orient,  
With beams bright illuminate the Occident:  
●fter Titan, Phoebus uprised fair,  
High in his Sphere the signs made declare.  
●ephirus began his mighty morrow course,  
The sweet vapour did from the ground resourse.  
The donk dew from the heaven down did veil,  
In every meid, both firth, forest and dail:  
The fresh river among the rocks rang,  
Through green branches, where birds blythly sang,  
With joyous voice in heavenly harmony,  
Than Wallace thought it was no time to lie:  
He blessed him, than suddenly up he risen,  
To take the air, out of his tent he goes.  
Master John Blair was ready hastily,  
To God's service howned right reverently,  
When that was done, Wallace could him arr●●●  
In his armour, which was both good and ga●●●  
His shining shield that hirnisht was full bein●  
His leg harness, that clasped was full clean 〈◊〉  
Pullanes gries he clasped on full fast,  
A close bitney with many sicker cast.  
Breast plait, braisses that worthy were in w●●●  
Beside him forth Joy could his bassinet bear:  
His glittering gloves graven on either side,  
He sáe med well in battle for to bide:  
A good girdle, and than a burely brand,  
A staff of steel he gripped in his hand.  
The host him blessed and prayed God of his 〈◊〉  
Him to convoy from all miftempered case:  
Adam Wallace and Boyd forth with him yéed,  
Endlong a river, out through a for rest meid.  
And as they walked out over the fields green,  
Out of the South they saw where that the Queen  
Toward the host came riding soberly,  
Fifty Ladies were in her company:  
Wailed of wit and dée med of renown,  
Some widows were, and some of Religion.  
And seven Priests that were entered in age,  
Wallace to such did never great outrage,  
But if to him they made a great offence,  
Thus they approached on toward their presence  
At the Pavilion where they the Lion saw,  
To ground they light, and than on knees they 〈◊〉  
Praying for peace, they cry with piteous cheer,  
Earl Malcome said, Our Chiftain is not here 〈◊〉  
He had her rise, and said, It was not right,  
A Queen on knees to bow to lower wight.  
Up by the hand the Earl hath her ta'en,  
●ut over they went, to Wallace have they gane:  
●hen she him saw she would have kneeled down,  
●●n arms soon he claught this Queen with Crown,  
●nd kissed her withouten words more,  
●●o did he never to no Sutheron before.  
●adame he said, Right welcome mot ye be,  
●ow pleased you our hosting for to see:  
●ight well, she said, of friendship have we need,  
God grant ye will our errand for to speed.  
●uffer we must suppose it like us ill,  
●ut trust us well it is contrare our william.  
●e shall remain with this Lord, I must gang,  
From your presence we shall not tarry long.  
The Earl and he unto the pavilion yéed,  
With good advice to déem more of this deed.  
The counsel soon Wallace gart call them to,  
Lords he said, ye wots not what is ado.  
Of their coming myself hath no pleasance:  
●nd therefore must we work with ordinance.  
●omen may become tempting into wear,  
●mong fools that cannot them forbear:  
〈◊〉 say not this by these or by the Queen,  
〈◊〉 trow it be not good that she should mean:  
Example take of long time passed by,  
At Runsevail the treason was plainly.  
Be women made that Canzeton with him brought,  
And Turkée-wine for bear than could they naught.  
Long use in war gart them destre their will,  
Which brought King Charles to felon lout and ill:  
The sloure of France without redemption,  
Through that foul dead was brought to confusion.  
Command your men, therefore in private wise,  
On pain of life they work not on such guise,  
None speak with them but wise men of great bail,  
That Lords are, and sworn to this counsel.  
His charge they did as goodly as they mough●●  
This ordinance through all the host was w●●●  
He and the Earl both to the Queen they wen●●  
Received her fair and brought her to the ten●●●  
To dinner bowned as goodly as they can,  
And served was with many likely man.  
Good purveyance the Queen had with her brou●●  
An assay she took of all that good her thought.  
Wallace perceived and said, we have no dread,  
I cannot trow that Ladies will do that deed.  
To poison men all England for to win:  
The Queen answered, if poison be therein,  
Of any thing that is brought here with me,  
Upon myself first sorrow you shall see.  
Soon after meat a Marshel gart all absent,  
But Lords and they to the Council that went.  
Ladies appeared in presence with the Queen,  
Wallace asked, what her coming might mean,  
For peace she said, that we have to you sought,  
This burning war in bail hath many brought.  
Ye grant us grace for him that died on tree:  
Wallace answered, Madam, that may not he.  
England hath done so great harms unto us,  
We may not pass, and lightly leave it thus.  
Yes, said the Queen, for Christian folk we are,  
For God's sake since we do desire namare:  
We aught have peace, He said, that we deny,  
The perfect cause than shall I show, for why:  
Ye seek no peace, but for your own avail,  
When that your King Scotland had gripped hail.  
For no kin thing that he before him found,  
He would not those the right blood in the land  
But reft their rent, than put themselves to de●●●  
Ranfome of Gold, might make us no remead:  
His fallen false war shall on himself he seen,  
●●en soberly to him answered the Queen:  
〈◊〉 these wrongs amendss were most fair,  
grandam, he said, of him we ask na mare:  
●●t that he would bide us into Battle,  
●●d God be judge. he knows the matter hail.  
●uch thing, she said, it were not good think me,  
●●ace now were best, if it might purchased be:  
●ould ye grant peace, and truces with us to take,  
through all England we shall gar prayers make,  
●●or you and them that in the war were lost:  
●hen Wallace said, where such cometh through boast,  
●rayer of force where so that it be wrought,  
●ous helps either little or else naught.  
●arely she said, thus wise men hath us kend,  
●●y after wars, peace is the final end:  
Wherhfore ye should of your great malice cease,  
●he end of wars is charity and peace.  
●eace is in heaven, with bliss and lestandnesse,  
●e shall beseech the Lord of his high grace:  
●o command peace, than we may do na mare,  
●adame, he said, ere your prayers come there:  
●ends of England we think than for to have,  
What set ye thus on wars for to save,  
●tom violent wars that ye think not to devil:  
●adame, he said, the truth I shall you tell:  
●fter the death of Alexander's Reign,  
Our land three years stood desolate but King,  
●●eeped full well, at concord in good state.  
Through two that claimed, there happened great 〈…〉  
●o earnestly accord them not they can,  
●our King they asked to be their over-man,  
slily he stayed in strengths of Scotland,  
The King rike ●●on he took at his own hand:  
●e made a King against the righteous law,  
For he of him should hold the Region awe:  
Contrare his hand were all the whole bar●●●  
For Scotland yet was never in thirlage:  
Great Julius that tribute took of all,  
His winning was of Scotland but right small 〈◊〉  
Than your false King under colour but ma●●●  
Through band he made to Bruce that is our 〈◊〉  
Undid the King which he before had made,  
Through all Scotland with great power they 〈◊〉  
To Bruce since-sine he kéeped no command,  
He said, we would not go to conquish land  
To other men, and thus the case befell,  
Than Scotland through he demanded himself,  
Slew our Elders, great pity is to see,  
In prison than long time they kéeped me.  
While I at last was casten out for dead,  
Thanked be God, be sent me some remead:  
Venged to be I proved all my might,  
Feill of that Kin to death since I have dight:  
The rage of youth gart me desire a wife,  
That rued I sore, and will do all my life.  
A traitor Knight but mercy gart her die,  
One Hesilrig, but for despite of me.  
Than rang I forth in travail, wars and pain,  
While we redeemed part of our land again.  
Than your Counsel desired of us a true,  
Which made Scotland full graithly for to rue,  
Into that peace they set a subtle Air,  
Than eighteen score to death they hanged ther●●  
That nobles were, and worthy of renown,  
Of coat armour eldest in that Region:  
The woman als that dolefully was dight,  
That death me think to venge in all our might  
Out of my mind that death will never slide,  
Will God me take from this false world so 〈◊〉  
On Sutheron than I can no pity have,  
●our men in wars I never think to save.  
The bright tears, was pity to behold,  
●urst from his eyes, when he this tale had told:  
The Queen wéeped for pity of Wallace,  
●las, she said, woe worth the wicked case:  
●●n cursed time that Hesilrig was born,  
●●any worthy through his dead are forlorn.  
●e should have pain that causeless such on flengh,  
England since than hath bought it dear enough.  
Though she had been a Queen, or a Princess,  
●adame, he said, as God give me good grace,  
Princess or Queen of what state so they be,  
●nto her time she was as dear to me.  
Wallace, she said, of this talk we will cease,  
The mends thereof is good prayer and peace.  
〈◊〉 grant, he said, of me as now na mare,  
This is right naught but éeking of my care:  
The Queen found well, language nothing her bate,  
She trowed with Gold that he might be overset:  
Three thousand pound of finest gold so read,  
She gart be brought to Wallace in that stead:  
Madam, he said, no such tribute we crave,  
An other mends we would of England have:  
E'er we return from this region again,  
Of your fierce blood, that hath our Elders slain.  
For all the Gold and richeses of your reign,  
Ye get no peace but desire of your King.  
When she saw well Gold might her not relieve,  
Some part in sport she thought him for to prieve:  
Wallace, she said, ye are cléeped my love,  
Moore abundantly I made me for to prove:  
Trusting therefore your rancour for to ●●o●e,  
Me think ye should do something for my sake.  
Right wisely he made answer to the Queen,  
Madam, he said, if verity were seen,  
That ye me loved I aught love you again  
These words are all for nothing but in vain  
In speech of love subtle you Sutheron are,  
Ye can us mock, suppose we get not more:  
To take a liking and than get no pleasance,  
Such love as that is nothing to advance.  
In London she said, for you I suffered blame,  
Our Counsel als will laugh when I come h●●●  
So may they say, women are fierce of thought  
To seek friendship and than can get right now  
Madam ye wots how ye were hither sand:  
Ye trow we have but little for to spend.  
First with your gold for ye are rich I wish:  
Ye would us blind since Scots are so nice.  
Than pleasant words of you and Ladies fair,  
As who would drive the bird into a snare,  
With a whistel-pipe, for it will freshest call:  
Madam as yet ye may not tempt us all.  
Great part of good is left among our kin,  
In England als, we found enough to win:  
Abased she was, to make answer him till,  
Dear Sir, she said, since that it is your william.  
Wars or peace, what that you liketh best,  
Let your high wit and good Counsel digest.  
Madam he said, now shall ye understand  
The reason why that I will make no band:  
With your Ladies I cannot truce bind,  
For your false King will soon hereafter found,  
When he saw time, to break it at his will,  
And plainly say, he granted not there till.  
Than had we none but Ladies to reprove,  
That shall not be, by God that sits above,  
Upon women I will no wars begin,  
Of you in field no worship is to win,  
All the whole peace on himself he shall take;  
●f peace, or wars, what we hap to make,  
●he Queen granted this answer sufficient,  
〈◊〉 did the rest in plain that were present.  
●●is deliverance they held of great avail,  
●●nd strong enough to show to their Council:  
●o was the Queen her travel helped naught,  
●he gold she took that they had with her brought,  
●nto the host right freely she it gave,  
●o every man that liked for to have.  
●enstrels and Heralds she gave abundantly,  
beseeching them that they her friends would be.  
When Wallace see the freedom of the Queen,  
●●adly he said, the sooth well hath been seen  
Women may tempt the wisest hath been wrought,  
●our great gentrice it shall not be for naught.  
●e you assure our Host shall do nothing,  
While time ye may sand message from the King,  
●f it be so that he accord and we,  
●hen for your sake it shall the better be.  
Your Heralds als shall safely come and go,  
For your freedom we shall trouble no more.  
●he thanked him of his grant many size,  
And all her Ladies on a goodly wise.  
Gladly they drank, the Queen and good Wallace,  
●er Lady als, and good Lords in that place,  
●er leave she took without longer abade,  
Five mile that night, south to an Nunnery tade,  
Upon the morn to London passed they,  
In Westminster where that the Council lay,  
●t needs not here now more rehearse this thing,  
Wallace answer she gart show to the King.  
The great commend than she to Wallace gave,  
Before the King, in presence of the lave:  
The true Scots it should greatly applease,  
Though Englishmen thereof had little ease.  
Of worship, wit, manhood, and governance,  
Of freedom, truth, key of remembrance:  
She called him thence into their presence,  
Though contrare them he stood at his defence,  
So Chiftain like she says, as he is seen,  
Into England I trow hath never been.  
Would ye of Gold give him this Realms rend,  
Fra honour he will not turn his intent.  
Assured ye are, while ye may message make,  
Of wise Lords some part I réed you take:  
To purchase peace withouten words more,  
For all England may rue this rade full sore.  
Your Heralds als to pass to him hath leave,  
In all the host there shall no man them grieve,  
Than thanked they the Queen for her travel,  
The King and Lords that were of his counsel:  
Of her answer the King apprased was;  
Than three great Lords they ordained to pass.  
Their Counsel whole hath found it for the best,  
truces for to take or else they got no rest:  
An Herald went into all the haste he may,  
To Avane wall, where that the Scots lay,  
Conduct to have till they had said their will,  
The Counsel soon a conduct sent them till.  
Again he passed with soverance to the King,  
Than choosed they three Lords for this same thing  
The kéen Clifford that than was warden hail,  
Bewmount and Woodstock all men of meikle vail,  
What these three wrought the rest should stand 〈◊〉  
The King's self hath given them at their wi●●.  
Soon they were brought to speaking with VVal●  
Woodstock than shown forth many subtle case.  
Wallace hath heard the Sophisms every deal,  
As yet he said, me think we mean but well,  
In wrong ye hold and doth us great outrage,  
〈◊〉 houses part which are our heritage,  
●●t of this peace in plain I make them known,  
●●em for to win since that they are our own.  
●●●●burgh, Barwick, that ours long time hath been,  
●●to the hands of King Edward I wéen.  
●●e ask here als by virtue of this hand,  
●●r own young King by wrong led from Scotland.  
●●e shall have them withouten words mors,  
〈◊〉 his desire the Lords they granted there.  
●●ht at his will they have consented hail,  
〈◊〉 no kin thing the peace they would not fail.  
●●e young Randail that than in London was,  
●●e Lord of Lorn in this band he can ask.  
●●e Earl of Buchan but than in tender age,  
●●er he grew a man of great bassalage.  
●●mming and Sowles he gart deliver als,  
●hich after was to King Robert full false.  
●lange fled over and durst not bide that mute,  
〈◊〉 Picardy to ask him was no bute.  
●●t he would rather have had that false knight,  
●●n a thousand of finest gold so bright.  
●●e Bruce he asked, but he was had away,  
●●fore that time to Calais many a day.  
●●ng Edward proved that they might not him get,  
〈◊〉 Gloucester his Uncle had him fet.  
●at Calais had whole into his keeping,  
Wallace that time got not his righteous King.  
〈◊〉 Earl Patrick als from London they sand,  
●●ith Wallace to go as well before is kend.  
〈◊〉 this matter and final governance.  
〈◊〉 King Edward he gave up his leadgeance,  
〈◊〉 took to hold of Scotland evermare;  
●●ith full glad heart Wallace received him there.  
●●ey honoured him right reverently as Lord.  
The Scots were all rejoiced at that concord:  
An hundred horse with young Lords of renown  
To Wallace came all fred of that prison:  
Under his seal King Edward than gart sand,  
For to give over and make a final end:  
Roxburgh, Barwick, which were of meikle vail,  
To Scottishmen and all the bounds hail.  
For five years truces they promised by their b●●  
Than Wallace said, We will pass near Scotland  
E'er aught be sealed, and therefore make us bo●●  
Again we will beside Northallertown:  
Where King Edward first battle height to me,  
As we began, there shall it ended be.  
Greet well the Queen, he charged the message,  
It is for her that we left our voyage:  
A day he set, when they should meet him there,  
And seal the peace withouten process mair,  
Upon the morn the host but more advice,  
Tranoynted North, upon a goodly wise.  
To set the tryst that Wallace had them made,  
The English message came but more abade:  
They sealed the peace without longer delay,  
The message than upon the second day  
To London went in all the haste they can,  
The worthy Scots with many likely man,  
To Bamburgh came, with all their power hail,  
Sixty thousand, all Scots of great avail.  
Ten days before All-hallow-even they sure,  
On Lambes-day they lighted on Carhame mure.  
There lodged they with pleasure as they mou●●  
While on the morn their priests to them than 〈◊〉  
In Carhame Kirk, and seized in his hand,  
Roxburgh keys, as they had made cunnand,  
And Barwick als, which Englishmen had long,  
●●ey tread the folk in England for to gang,  
〈◊〉 their lives ished of either place,  
●●ey durst not well bide reckoning with Wallace,  
●●tain he made in Barwick of renown,  
●●at worthy was, good Christel of Setown:  
●per he made to Roxburgh castle wight,  
〈◊〉 John Ramsay, a wise and worthy Knight:  
●en Wallace self with Earl Patrick in plain,  
〈◊〉 Dumbar road, and restored him again,  
●his Casile, and als his heritage,  
●ith the consent of all the whole barnage,  
●hen Wallace was agreed with this Lord,  
〈◊〉 rule the Aealm he made him goodly ford.  
●●tland out over from Rosse to Sulway sand,  
〈◊〉 road it thrice, and statute all the land.  
〈◊〉 the Lennox a while he made-repare,  
〈◊〉 John Mentei●h a while was Captain there,  
〈◊〉 twice before he had his Gossip been,  
●●t no friendship betwixt them than was seen,  
●●o months still he dwelled in Dumbartan,  
〈◊〉 house he founded upon a rock of stain.  
●●n left he there to build it to the height,  
●●en to the March again he road right:  
●●o Roxburgh they choosed him a place,  
●ood tower there he gart build in short space.  
●●e Kingdom stood in good worship and ease,  
●●as none so great durst his neighbour displease.  
●●e able ground gart labour thriftily,  
●●tual and fruit there grew abundantly.  
●●s never before since this was called Scotland,  
●●h wealth and peace both at once in the land;  
〈◊〉 sent Jop twice to Bruce of Huntingtown,  
beseeching him to come and take his Crown  
●●unsel he took at false Saxons alace,  
〈◊〉 had never hap in life to get Wallace.  
Three years as thus the Realm stood in great po●  
Of this saying me worth is for to cease:  
And further forth of Wallace will I tell,  
Into his life what aventure yet befell.  
Here endeth the first conquest of Scotland.    

THE NINTH BOOK.  

CHAP. I How Wallace passed into France.  

A Royal King than reigned into France,  
Great brute he heard of Wallace governs  
The proves, prices, and of this worthy  
Als forward fair commended of manhood.  
Both humble, true, and proved well of prize,  
Of honour, truth, and voided of covetice.  
That noble King reigned in royalty,  
Had great delight this Wallace for to see:  
And knew right well shortly to understand,  
The great surprise, and overset of England:  
He marvelled als of Wallace small power,  
That but a King took such a Realm to steir,  
Against England, and gart their malice cease,  
Will they desired with good to take peace.  
And right anon an Herald he gart call,  
In short terms he hath rehearsed all,  
Of his intent completed to an end,  
Than in Scotland he bade him he should wend●  
And he wrote right with very great honour,  
To William Wallace as a Conqueror.  
O Loved léed with worship wise and wight,  
Through very help in holding of thy right:  
Through right rescuing of thy native land,  
With God's grace against thy foes to stand,  
●…n defence, helper of thy righteous blood,  
〈◊〉 worthy birth, and blessed be thy food.  
●…s it is read in prophesse before,  
●…n happy time for Scotland thou was born,  
〈◊〉 thee beseech with all humility,  
●…y close letter thou would conceive and see:  
Is your brother a christian King of France,  
To the bearer ye hear and give credence.  
The Herald him bowned, and to the ship is gone,  
●…n Scotland soon he comes unto one.  
But Herald like he seeks his presence,  
●…n land he went and made no residence,  
●…n every stead where he presumed there,  
●…o on a day he found him into Air,  
●…n good effear, and manlike company,  
The Herald than with honour reverently,  
●…ath salust him upon a goodly manner,  
And he again with humble homely cheer,  
Received him into right goodly wise,  
The Herald than with worship to device,  
Betook to him the Kings writ of France,  
Wallace on knee with lowly obeisance.  
Right revently for the worship of Scotland,  
When he it read and had it understand:  
At this Herald be asked his credence,  
With asper speech and manly countenance,  
And he him told as I have said before,  
The King's desire what needs words more.  
The high honour and the great nobleness,  
Of your manhood well known in many place.  
He likes als well your worship to advance,  
As ye were born a liege man of France.  
Since his Region is flour of Realms seen,  
Als the great band of kindness you between:  
And since this Realm stands in such safety,  
It were worship his presence for to see.  
Wallace conceived withouten tarrying,  
The great desire of this most noble King:  
Than to him said, so God of heaven me save,  
Hereafter soon an answer ye shall have.  
Of your desire that you have shawn me till,  
Welcome ye are with a free hearty will:  
The Herald bided unto the twenty day,  
With Wallace still in good welfare and play.  
Consumed the time with worship and pleasane●  
By good advice made his deliverance.  
With his own hand he wrote unto the King,  
All his intent as touching to this thing.  
Right rich reward he gave the Herald to,  
And him convoyed when he had leave to go:  
Out of the town with goodly company,  
His leave he took, and went unto the sea.  
His purpose was to see the King of France,  
Good Wallace than hath made his purveyance.  
Nearest but wear to Saint Johnstoun could fair,  
A Counsel than he had gart ordain there:  
Into his stead choosed a Governor,  
To keep the land, a man of great honour:  
James good Lord the Stewart of Scotland,  
Which Father was stories bears on hand,  
To good Walter which was of high parage,  
Marjory Bruce than got in marriage:  
Thereof as now to speak I have no space,  
It is well known, thanked be God's grace,  
And to the Herald withouten residence,  
●ow be appeared unto the King's presence.  
●rom the Rochel the land soon hath be ta'en,  
●ut over the land he graithed him to gain.  
●ée king the King als goodly as he may,  
●o to the Court he passed on a day.  
●o Paris went as pierlesse of renown,  
●his King that time held palace in that town:  
●hen he him saw, hath graithly understand,  
●e spiered tidings the welfare of Scotland.  
●he Herald said into these terms short.  
●hat all was good, he had the more comfort.  
●aw thou Wallace the Chistain of that land,  
●nd he said yea, that dare I take on hand,  
〈◊〉 worthier wight this day is living none,  
〈◊〉 way of war als far as I have gone:  
●he high worship, and the great nobleness,  
●he good welfare, pleasance and worthiness:  
●he rich reward was worthy for to see,  
●hat for your sake he kithed upon me.  
●nd his answer in vvrit he hath you sent,  
●he King received it with a good intent.   

O Royal Roy, and righteous crowned King,  
Renowned of nobleness & virtues most conding.  
●e know this well by other more than me,  
●ow that our Realm stands in perplexity,  
●he fierce Nation that we are neighbours to,  
When it pleaseth them they make us aye ado,  
●o band may be made of such suffisance:  
●ut aye in it they found a variance,  
●o wait a time, will God that I may be  
Within a year I will your presence see.  
Of this answer well pleased was the King,  
●eave I them thus in royalty to reign,  
And glad comfort right as I have you told,  
Of Wallace forth I will my purpose hold.    

CHAP. II. How Wallace passed into France, and fought with the River, and vanquished him.  

INto april the one and twenty day,  
The Kalends changed as we use to say,  
The l●●●y time of May's fresh coming,  
Celestial great blythnesse in to bring.  
Principal month forsooth it may be seen,  
The heavenly hews upon the tender green:  
When old Saturn his cloudy course hath gone,  
The which hath been both birds and beasts bone,  
Zephyrus also with his sweet vapour,  
He comfort hath by working of Dame-nature,  
All fructous thing into the earth aboun,  
That ruled is under the high Region:  
Sober Luna in following of the Sea,  
When bright Phoebus into his Themes high,  
THe Bull's course so taken hath his place,  
And Jupiter was into Crabs face:  
When Aries the hot sign choleric,  
Into the Ram which hath his townis rike:  
Thetis had his place and his mansion,  
In Capricornus the sign of the Lion,  
Gentle Jupiter with his mild ordinance,  
Both heath and tree converts into pleasance:  
And fresh Flora her flowery mantle spread,  
In every nail, both houp, hill, and meid,  
In this same time, for this mine Author says,  
Wallace to pass of Scotland took his ways,  
By short advice he shop him to the sea,  
And fifty men took in his company.  
●e let no word than walk of his passage,  
●or Englishmen had stopped his voyage,  
●or took no leave at Lords of Parliament,  
●e witted right well they would not all consent.  
●o suffer him out of the land to go,  
●or they anon without witting of more.  
●e gart for see and ordain well the ship,  
●nd these were they passed in his fellowship,  
too Wallaces was his kinsmen full near,  
●rawfurd, Cleland, to him were holden dear.  
●t Kirkcubright he ordained his passage,  
●ea men he set and gave them goodly wage,  
〈◊〉 good new Barge right worthily wrought for war.  
●hey wanted not of wine victual nor geat.  
●ot ye they were a goodly company,  
Of wailed men had wrought full hardily:  
●on-ailies drank right gladly on the morrow,  
●hen leave they took, and with great God to borrow,  
●oats were shot forth and from the land they sent,  
With glad hearts at once in they went,  
●nto the Ship they rowed hastily,  
●he sea men than working full earnestly:  
anchors wand in, wisely on either side.  
Their Leads cast out, and waited well the tide.  
●et sails fall, and took their course anane,  
〈◊〉 goodly wind out of the right airth came:  
●tieks on forresten ruled well their gear,  
●eids on Leiburd with a Lordly fear.  
●ynes laid out to look their passage sound,  
With full sail from Scotland forth they found:  
●ailed whole over the day and als the night,  
●pon the morn when that the Sun shined bright:  
●heir Ship-master unto the top he went:  
Southeast he saw, that troubled his intent,  
●ittéen sails all arrayed on a row,  
In colour read, that toward them could draw,  
The glittering Sun upon them shined bright,  
The sea about illuminate with the light.  
The man's spirit was in an ecstasy,  
Down he went soon, and said right sorrowfully  
Alace, alace, that ever I was born,  
Without remead our lives are all forlorn,  
In cursed time I took this cure on hand,  
The best Chiftain, and rescue of Scotland,  
Over reklesly I have ta'en upon me,  
With weak power to bring him through the se●  
It forced naught, would God I were torment,  
So Wallace might with worship scape unshent.  
When Wallace saw, and heard this man's moan.  
To comfort him with good will is he gone,  
Master, he said, what hath annoyed thee:  
Not for myself, this man said pireously,  
But of one thing, I dare well undertaken,  
Though all were here the ships of broad Britain,  
Part should we loose, except fortune had sworn  
The best warman in sea is us beforn,  
Living this day, and King is of the sea,  
Wallace soon speired, wots thou what he may be!  
The Red-river they call him in his style,  
That I him saw, O cursed be the while:  
For mine own life I will no mourning make,  
Is no man born, that yond tyrant will take.  
He saveth none for gold, nor other good,  
But slays and drowns all dersly in the flood.  
He gets no grace though he were King or Kni●●●  
This sixtéen years he hath done great unright.  
The power is so strong he hath to steir,  
May none escape that comes in his danger.  
Would ye him board, no boot is to begin,  
The lowest ship that is his flot within:  
●●y self is done unto the doleful dead,  
●●en Wallace said, Since thou cannot remead:  
●ll me his feir, and how I shall him know,  
●hat is his use, and than go lodge thee low:  
●he shipman said, full well ye may him ken,  
〈◊〉 graith tokens, full clearly by his men.  
●is coat armour is seen in many stead,  
●●l batte● bown, in raiment all of read.  
●his foremost ship that pursues us so fast,  
himself is in, and will not be aghast:  
〈◊〉 will you hail, when that they come you near,  
without tarry than make you strike and steer:  
himself will enter first full hardily:  
●hese are the signs that you shall ken him by:  
●●ar of blue into his shining shield,  
unbend of white, desiring aye the field:  
●he Read betokens blood and hardiment,  
●he white courage, increaseth his intent.  
●he blew he bears, for he is a Christian man,  
●●dly him answered, William Wallace than,  
●hough he be Christian, this is no Christian deed,  
〈◊〉 under loft the Lord God mot us speed.  
●oth shipmaster, and the Steirsman also,  
●nto the How but had he gart them go:  
●is fi●ty men withouten longer rest,  
●allace gart ray into their armour pressed,  
●ight and forty on loft board laid they low,  
William Crawfurd than to him can he caw,  
●nd said, thou canst some part of shipman far,  
●hou hast been used in the town of Air.  
〈◊〉 pray thee take this doctrine well of me,  
●ook that thou stand straight by the tree:  
●hen they bid streik, to service be thou bain:  
●hen I thee warn, draw by the sail again.  
●eland Cousin, come take the steir in hand,  
Here on the wail near by thee shall I stand.  
God guide our Ship, as now I say na mar●,  
The Barge began with a full warlike Fare:  
Himself on loft was with a drawn sword,  
And bade the Steirsman lay endlong the b●●●  
On loud he cried, streik dogs or ye shall die,  
Crawfurd let down the sail a little wie.  
The Captain soon lap in, and would not stint,  
Wallace hath him than by the gorget hint:  
On the over loft cast him where that he stood,  
While nose and mouth all rushed out of blood.  
A forged knife braithly he braided out,  
The war-ships were laped them about:  
The Barge clipped, but they not fastened fast,  
Crawfurd drew sail shot by, and of them past.  
The Reaver cried, with piteous voice so clear.  
Grace of his life, for him that bought us dear.  
Mercy he cried for him that died on Rood,  
Leasure to mend, I have spilt meikle blood.  
For my trespass I would make some remead.  
Many sakelesse I have gart put to dead:  
Wallace witted well though be to death was bro●  
From them to scape no ways might he enough  
And of his life some rescue might be make,  
A better purpose right soon than can be take:  
And als be rued for his life had been ill,  
In Latin tongue right thus he said him till,  
I never took man that enemy was to me,  
For God's sake my life yet grant to me.  
Both knife, and sword, be took from him an●  
Up by the hand as prisoner hath him ta'en.  
Upon his sward sharply he gart him swear,  
From that day forth be should him never dea●  
Command thy men, said Wallace to our pea●  
Their shot of Guns, that was not eith to ce●  
●eir casting were awful on either side;  
●e Red-reaver commanded them to bide:  
sword up a Glove in token of the true,  
●s men beheld, and well the senzie knew.  
●ft of their shot the, sign when that they saw,  
●s greatest Barge toward him can be caw,  
●t be your war, these are friends at one:  
●row to God our worst hours are gone.  
〈◊〉 asked Wallace to do what was his will?  
●ith short adbise, right thus he said him till,  
〈◊〉 the Rochel I would ye gart them sail:  
●r Englishmen we wots not what may ail.  
〈◊〉 them commanded withouten words mare,  
●urn sail and wind, toward the Rochel fair:  
●or there, will God, our purpose is to be,  
●ok well about for Scurriours in the sea:  
●is charge they wrought, in all the haste they can,  
●o Wallace desired to talk more with this man:  
●isely he spiered, in what land art thou borne,  
〈◊〉 France he said, and mine Elders before:  
●nd there we had some part of Heritage,  
●hough fierce fortune hath brought me in a rage,  
Wallace yet speired, how came thou in this life,  
forsooth he said, but through a sudden strife.  
●o happened I into the King's presence,  
●ver reklesly to do a great offence:  
〈◊〉 worthy man of good kin and renown,  
〈◊〉 hat through my deed was put to confusion.  
●ead of one stroke, what needs words more,  
●ll mends it naught, though I repent it sore.  
through friend of Court I scaped of that place,  
●nd never since could get the King's Grace:  
●eil of our kin they gart for my sake die,  
●ra time I see it might not better be.  
●ut leave the land that me behoved on need,  
Upon a day to Burdeous I yéed,  
An English ship so got me on a night,  
For sea labour full earnestly us dight.  
To me assembled misdoers other more,  
Within short time we multiplied so:  
Were few that might against our power gang,  
In tyranny thus have we reigned long.  
These sixtéen years I have been on the sea  
And done great harm, therefore full woe is m●  
I saved none for gold nor great ransom,  
But flew and drowned in the sea all down.  
Favour I did to folk of sundry land,  
But Frenchmen not favour of men found:  
They got no grace, so far as I might reign,  
Als on the sea I cleiped was a King.  
Now see I well that my Fortune is went,  
Vanquished with one, that gart me sore repent.  
Who would have said this 'samine day at morn,  
I should with one thus lightly down be born,  
In great haithing my men would it have ta'en,  
Myself height als to have marched any twain,  
But I have found the very plain contrare,  
Here I give over robbery for evermair,  
In such misrule I shall never arms bear:  
But if it be in honest use of war.  
Now I have told part of my bliss and pain,  
For God's sake now some kindness show again.  
Mine heart will break but I wots what ye be,  
Outrageously that hath rebuted me:  
For well I trowed that living had been nane,  
By strength of force might me as prisoner ta'en,  
Except Wallace that hath redeemed Scotland,  
The best is called this day living of hand,  
Into his wars were worship for to wake,  
Into this world I trow he hath no maike.  
wallace smiled and said, Friend it may be  
stand had need of many such as thee.  
●hat is thy name, tell me so have thou seil,  
●rsooth he said, Thomas of Longoveil:  
●ell brook thou it, thus endeth all our strife,  
●ape to please God in mending of thy life,  
●y faithful friend myself thinks for to be,  
●d als my name I shall soon tell to thee:  
●r chance of war thou should no mourning make,  
〈◊〉 weird will work thy fortune must thou take:  
●m that man that thou advancest high,  
●d but short time since I came to the sea.  
〈◊〉 Scotland born, my right name is Wallace,  
〈◊〉 knees he fell, and thanked God of Grace.  
●are avow that yéelden is mine hand,  
〈◊〉 the best man this day that is livand.  
●rsooth he said, this pleaseth me meikel more,  
●en of Floring ye gave me sixty score.  
●en Wallace said, thou art now here through chance,  
〈◊〉 purpose is to pass now into France:  
●●to the King since I am bown to pass,  
〈◊〉 my reward thy peace I think to ask.  
●ace I would have feign of my native King,  
●d not longer than in this realm to reign.  
●en thou take leave to come from it again,  
●to thy service I think for to remain.  
●rvice he said, Thomas, it may not be,  
●t good friendship as I shall keep to thee,  
●rt draw the wine, and each one merry made,  
●e ships by than were in the Rochel Rade.   

THe read Blasons, as they had born in war,  
The town was soon a sudden fear:  
●e Red-reaver they said was at their hand,  
●ntrare whose strength might none against him stand  
Some ships fled, and some the land hath ta'en  
Clarions blue, and Trumpets many ane:  
When Wallace see the people were on steir,  
He gave command no ships should nearer peir,  
But his own Barge in their haven gart he dra●  
The folk wasglad when they the Banner sav●  
Full well they knew in Gold the Read Lion,  
Let up the port, received them in the town,  
They sovered him for all they had their brought  
The Read Navy unto the haven sought,  
On land than went, where that them liked to 〈◊〉  
Right few witted there, what Scottishman Wallace  
But well they thought he was a goodly man,  
And honoured him with all the craft they can.  
Those four dayess Wallace remained there,  
These men he called when he was bown to far,  
He them commanded upon that coast to bide,  
While he them fred, for chance that might be●  
Bear you evenly, what good that ever ye spend,  
Live on your own, while I you tidings sand.  
Gar cell your ships, and make you men of peace,  
It were good time of wickedness to cease.  
Your Captain shall pass to the King with me,  
Through help of God I shall his warrant be.  
He gart graith him in suit with his own men,  
Was no man there that might well Thomas ke●  
Likely he was, manly of governance:  
Like to the Scots, by manly, countenance:  
Save of his tongue that Scots had be none,  
In Latin well, it might have sufficed one.  
Thus passed they on, in all the hast they may,  
To Paris town they went upon a day,  
Tidings was brought of Wallace to the King,  
So great destre he had of no kin thing:  
As in that time while he had seen Wallace.  
To meat himself he waited upon case.  
In a garden where he gart them be brought,  
To his presence, with manlike feir they sought.  
Two and fifty and once all kneeling down,  
And salust him as Roy of most renown.  
With ruled speech in so goodly advice,  
All France could no more nurture them device:  
The Queen had lief, and came, in her effear,  
For meikle she heard of Wallace deed in wear.  
What needs more of courtesy to tell:  
They kéeped well that to the Scots befell.  
Of king's fare I dare make not rehearse;  
My feeble mind, my trouble spirit transverse,  
Of the rich service, what needs words mare?  
●ight none be found, but it was present there:  
●oon after meat the King to parlour went,  
With goodly Lords there Wallace was present:  
Than communed they of many sundry thing,  
To speak with him great destre had the King.  
●t him he spiered of wars the governance,  
●e answered him with manly countenance  
To every point, so far as he had feill,  
●n Latin tongue right naturally and well.  
The King conceived soon by his high courage,  
What war-men used by rief in their passage:  
●nto what mind the Red-Reaver than was,  
●arvel he had how he let Wallace pass.  
To him he said, Ye are something to blame,  
●e might have sent with your Herald from hame:  
After power to bring you through the sea,  
●od thank you Sir, thereof enough had we:  
Few men may pass where they found no peril,  
●ight whéen may keep where none is to assail:  
Wallace he said therefore marvel have I,  
〈◊〉 tyrant reigns in prefull cruelly,  
Upon the sea that great sorrow hath wrought  
Might we him get, it should not be for naught  
Born of this land, a native man to me,  
Therefore on us the greatest harm doth he:  
Than Thomas quoak and changed countenance  
He heard the King his ill deeds disadvance.  
Wallace beheld, and fenziet in a part,  
Forsooth he said, we found none in that Airt,  
That proffered us any such unkindness,  
By your lierver six, I speak in homeliness:  
Trow ye by sight ye could the squire knaw,  
Full long it is, since time that I him saw.  
But these words of him are but in vain,  
E'er he come here right good men will be stain.  
Than Wallace said, here I have brought with  
Of likely men that dwelled in our Country:  
Which of all these would ye call him most like  
Among them blended this royal Roy most rike.  
Vested them well, both stature and courage.  
Manner, mackdome, their fashion, and visage  
Sadly he said, advised soberly,  
That largest man, which stands next you by:  
Would I call him, by mackdome to device,  
These are nothing but words of office.  
Before the King on knees fell good Wallace,  
O royal Roy, of high honour and grace:  
With waste words I will you not trouble.  
Now I will speak some thing for mine avail:  
Our baron land hath been overset with was,  
By Saxons blood that doth us meikle dear.  
Slain our elders, destroyed our righteous bl●●●  
Wasted our land of gold and other good:  
And ye are here with might and royalty,  
Eye ye should have to our adversity.  
And us support for kindness of the band,  
Which is confirmed betwixt you and Sootland.  
〈◊〉 I am here for your charge and pleasance,  
●y life-last is but honest chevisance:  
●oure of Realms, forsooth is this Region,  
●o my reward I would have great guerdon.  
Wallace he said, ask what so ye would have,  
●●d gold or land shall not be laug to crave,  
Wallace answered, so ye grant it to me,  
What I would have it shall soon chosen be.  
What ever ye ask that is in this Region,  
●e shall it have, except my Wife and Crown.  
〈◊〉 thanked him of his great kindliness,  
●ll my reward shall be asked of grace.  
●eace to this man, I brought with me through chance,  
●ere I quite claim all other gifts in France,  
●his same is he, if that ye know him well,  
●hat ye of spoke Thomas of Longoveil,  
●y rigour ye desired he should be slain,  
●im restore unto your peace again:  
●eceive him fair as liege man of pour land,  
The King marvelled, and could in study stand,  
perfectly he knew that it was Longoveil,  
●e him forgave his trespass every deal:  
●ut for his sake that had him hither brought,  
●or gold nor good, or else he did naught,  
Wallace he said, I had lever of good land,  
●en thousand pound hath ceased in thine hand:  
●hat I have said, shall holden be in plain,  
●ere I receive Thomas to peace again:  
●earer to me than ever he was before,  
● for your sake though it were meikle more.  
●ut I would wit how this matter befell,  
Wallace answered, the truth I shall you tell.  
Than he rehearsed what happened on that day,  
●ye before mine Author hath heard say.  
When the good King hath heard the sudden  
Upon the sea before fight of Wallace:  
The King him held right worthy to advance,  
He saw in him manhood and governance.  
So ●id the Queen and all the other Lords,  
Each wight of him great honour than records.  
He purchased peace for all the power hail,  
Fourtéen hundred was left at the Rochel.  
Gart cry them free true servants to the King,  
When Thomas was restored to his right,  
Of his own hand the King had made him Knig●●  
After he gave state to his nearest air,  
And made himself with Wallace for to far.  
Thus he hath brought these men from reif thro●●  
By sudden chance of him and wight Wallace:  
Thus leave we them in worship and pleasance,  
At liking still with the good King of France.    

CHAP. III. How Wallace passed into Guyan.  
THese twenty days he lodged into rest,  
So to remain he thought it not the best.  
Still into peace he could not long endure,  
For why? contrareous it was to his nature,  
Right well be witted Englishmen occupied,  
Guyan that time therefore hath he espied,  
Some jeopardy upon them for to make,  
A goodly leave he at the King can take.  
Of Frenchmen he none would with him call,  
At that first time, for Aventure might fall:  
But ●●r Thomas that service could pursue,  
He witted not well if all the lave was true,  
O● Scottishmen than sembled hastily,  
Nine hundred soon of worthy Chivalry.  
In Guyan land full hastily can ride,  
●aised fallen fire, and waisted winnings wide.  
Forts they broke, and stalwart biggins wan,  
De●fly to death brought many a Sutheron man.  
〈◊〉 warlike town so found they in that land,  
Which Schement heght that Englishmen had in hand:  
●oward that stead full sadly Wallace sought,  
By any way assail it if he might.  
●argone to have if he might get them out,  
●reat strength of wood there was that town about:  
The town stood als upon a water side,  
●nto a park that was both long and wide:  
They busked them well while passed was the night,  
When the sun risen four hundred men he night,  
The leave he gart Crawford in ambushment take:  
If they mistered a rescue for to make:  
Than Longoveil that aye was full savage,  
With Wallace passed as one to that skirmage.  
These sour hundred that was full well arrayed,  
Before the town in plain battle displayed.  
It was not well than known in that country,  
The Lion in Gold that awful was to see,  
〈◊〉 forrey cast, and ceased meikle good,  
War men within that wisely understood,  
Soon ished out the pray for to rescue.  
The worthy Scots feill Englishmen they slew:  
The lave for dread fled to the town again,  
The forrey took the prey and passed in plain,  
Toward the park, but power of the town,  
I shed out again in awful battle bown:  
A thousand whole of men in arms strong,  
Few bode within that might to arms gang.  
Than Wallace gart the forrayers leave the prey.  
Assembled soon into a good array.  
A cruel counter was at their meeting seen,  
Of the wight war men into their armour shéen,  
Feill left their life upon the Sutheron side,  
But not for thy full boldly they abide.  
Of the Scots part than worthy men they slew,  
William Crawfurd that well the peril knew.  
Out of the park he gart the ambushment pass,  
Into the field where feill men fight was.  
At their entry they gart full many die,  
The Englishmen was wonder loathe to flee.  
Full worthily they wrought into that place,  
Bode never so few so long against Wallace:  
With such power that day as he was there,  
On either side assailed wonder sare.  
Into the stour so fellonly he wrought,  
That worthy men derfly to death was brought;  
With points pierced through plaits birnisht bri●●  
Wallace himself, and fir Thomas the Knight:  
Whom so they hit made never more debate,  
The Sutheron part was handled there so hate:  
Into that place they might not longer bide,  
Out of that field with sore hearts they ride:  
Unto the town they fled full hastily,  
Wallace followed and his good Chivalry:  
Fight so fast into the thickest throng,  
While in the town they entered them among.  
With him Crawfurd and Longoveil the Knight,  
And Richard als, Wallace his coufen right,  
Fifteen they were of Scots company,  
Thus happened they among that great party,  
A cruel Porter got upon the wall,  
Pulled out the pin, let the port-culzies fall.  
The Englishmen saw entered was not moe,  
Upon the Scots full hardily they go,  
But to a wall they have their backis set,  
Sad strokes and sore boldly about them let.  
●ichard Wallace the Turngrece well hath seen,  
●e followed fast upon the porter kéen:  
Upon the brickwall dead in a dyke him drove,  
●ot up the port, and let in all the lave.  
When Wallace men had thus the entry won,  
●ull great slaughter again they have begun,  
They saved none upon the Sutheron side,  
That weapons bore bore and harness in that tide:  
Women and bairns, the good they took them from,  
Than gave them leave in the room land to go:  
The Priests als that was not in the field,  
Of aged men that might not weapons wield,  
They slew none such, for Wallace charge it was,  
But made them free at largesse for to pass.  
●ithes of Gold they got in great plenty,  
●arnesse and horse that might them well supply:  
With French folk plenisht the town again,  
On the tenth day the field they took in plain.  
The river down into the land they sought,  
On Sutheron men full great mastery they wrought.  
Than when true men to the King told this tale,  
Of French men he sembled a battle:  
Twenty thousand of true liedges of France,  
●is brother them led was Duke of Orleans:  
through Guyan land in rayed battle road,  
●o follow Wallace who made but little bode.  
For French supply to help them in their right,  
●ear Burdeous ere they overtake him might.  
Good Wallace was there, and chosen hath a plain,  
For some men told that Burdeous with great main,  
Within short time thought battle for to give,  
But from they witted that French folk would relieve,  
With great power for helping of Wallace,  
Other purpose they took into short space,  
●n Pickardie some message could they sand,  
Of Wallace coming they have told to an end:  
Of Gloucester Captain of Calais was,  
The hardy Earl he made him for to pass  
In England soon, and than to London went,  
Of Wallace deeds he told in Parliament:  
Some plainly said, that Wallace broke the peace,  
Wise men said nay, and prayed them for to cea●●  
Lord Beaument said, He took but for Scotland,  
And not for France that shall ye understand.  
If your indentures speak of any mare,  
He hath done wrong the sooth ye may declare.  
Woodstock answered, said ye have spoken well,  
But contrare right that tale is every deal.  
If you be he that band for him and his,  
May no man say, but he hath done amiss.  
For principally he band with us the true,  
And now again gins he malice new.  
Sat King he said, if ever ye think to make,  
On Scotland war on hand now shall you take:  
While he is out or else it helps naught.  
As Woodstock said, the whole counsel hath wrough  
Power they raised in Scotland for to ride,  
By land and sea they would not longer bide.  
Their land host the rayed soon indeed.  
Their vanguard took the hardy Earl to lead.  
Of Gloucester that of war had great feill:  
Of Longcastle the Earl governed well  
The middle ward, and to the sea they sand,  
Sir John Psewart that well the North-land ken●.  
The Knight Wallace before the host in rade,  
And such a way with evil Scottishmen made.  
Many castles he gart soon yéelden be,  
To Englishmen withouten more mellie.  
E'er the best witted that it was war in plain,  
Entered he was into Bothwel again.  
●…is John Psewart that came in by the sea,  
●…int Johnstoun soon got through a jeopardy.  
●…die they took and put Scots men to dead,  
〈◊〉 Fyfe from them was not kéeped a stead.  
●…d all the South from Cheviot to the sea,  
●…to the West there might no succour be.  
●…he worthy lord that should have governed this,  
●…d hath him ta'en to everlasting bless:  
●…rue men him took and could to Arrane pass,  
●…is son Walter that but a child yet was.  
●…am Wallace that witted of no supply,  
〈◊〉 Rauchlie went, and Lindsay of Craigie.  
●…nd Robert Boyd in Bute made residence,  
●…r hasty deceit, they took them to defence.  
●…r John the Grahame in Dundaffe might not bide,  
●…ccour he sought to the Forest of Clyde,  
●…e Knight Psewart a Sheriff made in Fyfe,  
●…r Aymers brother and gave for term of life.  
●…hese lands all that Wallance had before,  
●…chard Lundie had great dread through their shore,  
●…e liked not for to come to their peace,  
●…herefore in Fife they would not let him cease.  
〈◊〉 pass over Tay as than it might not be,  
●…r Englishmen sore ruled that country.  
●…t of the land he stole away by night,  
●…ghtéen with him that worthy were and wight,  
〈◊〉 als his Son that were of tender eild,  
●…t after soon he could well weapons wield.  
〈◊〉 Striviling Bridge ere that the watch was set,  
●…ere passed he the way withouten let.  
〈◊〉 Dundaffe mure sir John the Graham he sought,  
Woman him told a●… than before was wrought.  
●…to a strength he went upon the morn,  
●…erk was ta'en with young Thomas of thorn:  
〈◊〉 and Lundie they might not longer remain,  
By south Tinto to lodge they may in plain.  
Sir John the Graham got wit that they were th●●  
To them he passed withouten process mare.  
Wallance gart bring from Caryle carriage,  
To stuff Bothwell, both wine and good vernayge●  
Lundie and Graham, got wit of that victual,  
Right suddenly they made them to assail:  
Fifty they were of noble Chivalry,  
Against four score of English company.  
A squire than kéeped the Carriage,  
All Brankistnahair whole than was his heritage,  
Lundie and Grahame met with a squire wight,  
Feil Englishmen derfly to death he dight:  
Sixty were slain upon the Sutheron side,  
And five Scots so boldly they abide.  
Great good they won, both gold and other gear●  
Victual and horse, thus happened in this wear.  
Since they have seen well long they might not 〈◊〉  
Into the land, therefore they thought it best  
To seek some place in strength that they might  
The Sutheron folk had plenisht on each side:  
Lundies lodge they left upon a night,  
Into the Lennox they passed the way full right.  
To Earl Malcome, that kéeped that Country,  
From Englishmen through help ot their supply:  
Seton and Lyle into the Basse abade,  
For Englishmen so great mystery had made.  
That all the South they had into their hand,  
And Hue the Hay they sent into England,  
And other heirs, to prison at their will,  
The Northland Lords saw none help come 〈◊〉  
A squire Guthrie among them ordained they;  
To warn Wallace in all the haste he may:  
Out of Aberbrothock he passed to the sea,  
And at the Sluice landed full soon hath he.  
〈◊〉 Flanders land no residence he made,  
〈◊〉 France he passed, but Wallace was abade  
〈◊〉 his purpose at Guyan at the wear,  
〈◊〉 Englishmen he had done meikle dear.  
●hile good Guthrie had gotten his presence,  
●●e hasted him fast and made no residence.  
●●e hath him told with Scotland how it stood,  
●●en Wallace said, these tidings are not good.  
●●ad example of times that is by worn,  
●ews to bind with them that are mansworne,  
●●●t I as than could not think of such thing,  
●●cause that we took peace with their false King.  
●●y their Chancler the other peace was bounden,  
●●d that full sore our fore Elders hath founden.  
●●der that true they gart eighteen score die,  
●hat noble were, the best in our Country.  
〈◊〉 the great God my vow now here I make,  
●●ace with that King I think never to take.  
〈◊〉 shall repent that he this war began,  
●●as moved he with many noble man,  
●●to the King, and told him his intent,  
〈◊〉 let him pass the King would not consent:  
●●hile Wallace there made promise by his hand,  
〈◊〉 ever again he thought to leave Scotland,  
〈◊〉 come to him, his great seal to him gave,  
〈◊〉 what Lordship that he liked to have.  
●●us at the King an hasty leave took he,  
〈◊〉 man with him he brought from that Country  
●●at his own men, and Sir Thomas the Knight,  
〈◊〉 Flanders land they passed with all their might.  
●●thries Barge at the Sluice could lie still,  
〈◊〉 sea they w●●●t with a full eager william.  
●●●th Forth and Tay they left and passed by,  
〈◊〉 the North coast good Guthrie was their guy,  
〈◊〉 Montrosse haven they brought him to the land,  
To true Scots it was a blithe tydand.  
Sir John Ramsay, that worthy was and wight  
From Ouchterhouse the way he choosed right,  
To meet Wallace with men of arms strong,  
For his coming they had thought wonder low●●  
The true Ruthven came als withouten bade,  
In Birnance would he had his lodging made.  
Barklay, Bisset, to Wallace sembled fast,  
With three hundreth to Ouchterhouse he passed.  
The end of the ninth Book.    

THE TENTH BOOK  

CHAP. I How Wallace won Saint Johnstoun.  
THe latter day of August fell this case.  
For the rescue thus ordained good Wallace  
Of St. Johnstoun, the Sutheron occupiers  
Fast toward Tay they passed and esayed,  
E'er it was day, under Kinnowle them laid,  
Out of the town, as Scottishmen to him said,  
Their servants ished, with Cart's Hay to lead,  
So was it sooth, and happened in that stead:  
Than six their came, and brought but Cart's th●●  
When they of Hay were leading busily,  
Guthrie, with●●● in hands than hath them t●●●  
Put all to death of them he saved nane,  
Wallace in haste gart take their upmost weed  
And such like men they wailed with ●●●d spée●●  
Four were right good, Wallace himself took 〈◊〉  
A Kusset cloak, and with him good Ruthven,  
Guthrie, Bisset, and als good yeomen two,  
●n that each suit he graithed them to go:  
Fifteen they took of men of arms wight,  
●n each Cart five they ordained out of sight.  
●ull subtly they covered them with Hay,  
Than to the town they went the gainest way.  
These Carters had short swords of fine steel  
●nder their weed, than drove the Carts forth well,  
Sir John Ramsay bided in the ambushment still:  
When mister were to help them with good will,  
These true Carters passed out withouten let,  
●ut over the Bridge, and entered at the gate.  
When they were in, their cloaks they cast them fra  
Good Wallace than the chief porter could ta,  
Upon the head, while dead he hath him left,  
Than other two the life from them he reft.  
Suthrie and Bisiet did right well in the town.  
And Ruthven als dang of their faith men down.  
The armed men that in the Carts were brought,  
●ose up, and well their devour duly wrought,  
Upon the gate they gart feil Sutheron die.  
Than Ramsayes spy hath seen them get entry.  
The ambushment broke, both bridge and port hath won,  
Into the town great strife there was begun,  
Twenty and one ere Ramsay came in plain,  
Within the town had forty Sutheron slain.  
The Englishmen to array them were not gone,  
The Scots as than leisure let them have none:  
From good Ramsay with his men entered in,  
They saved none were known of Sutheron. kin.  
And Longoveil the worthy Knight Sir Thomas,  
Proved well there, and many other place.  
Against his dint few Englishmen might stand,  
Wallace in him great faith and kindness found.  
The Sutheron part saw well the town was tint,  
Fiercely they fled as fire doth from the flint,  
Some fled, some fell into draw-dykes full deep,  
Some to the Kirk, their lives if they might keep  
Some fled to Tay, and in small vessels yéed,  
Some derfly died and drowned in that stead:  
Sir John Psewart at the west gate out past,  
To Methwen would he sped him wonder fast:  
An hundreth men in the Kirk took for succour.  
But Wallace would no grace grant them that ho●●●  
He bade stay all of cruel Sutheron kin,  
Them for to slay he thought it was no sin.  
Four hundreth men without the town were dead,  
Seven score on life scaped out of that stead.  
Wives and bairns they made them for to go,  
With Wallace will he would slay none of though:  
Richeses they found that Englishmen brought new,  
Plenish the town with worthy Scots and true:  
Sir John Psewart left Methven Forrest strong,  
Went to the Gask full feill Sutheron among.  
And than in Fyfe, where Wallange Sheriff was.  
Made scurtions soon out through the land to pa●●  
And gathered men a stalwart company,  
To Archterardor he drew them privily.  
Ordained them in ready bargain bown,  
Again he thought to assail Saint-Johnstoun,  
Where Wallace lay, and would not longer rest,  
Ruled the town as than him liked best.  
Sir John Ramsay great Captain ordained he,  
Ruthven Sheriff at one accord to be:  
This charge be gave if mwn them warning m●●●  
To come to him withouten more abade:  
And so they did when tidings was them brou●●  
With an hundred Wallace forth from them sou●●   

CHAP. II. The battle of Black-Irneside Forest.  
●N Fyfe be went to visie that Country,  
But wrong warned of Englishmen was he:  
●ir John Psewart when they were passed by,  
From the Ochel he sped him hastily:  
●pon Wallace followed with all his might,  
●●●n Abernethy took lodging the first night.  
●pon the morn with fifteen hundred men,  
●o Black-Irneside, as his guides could him ken.  
●here Wallace was, and might no message sand,  
●o Saint Johnstoun, to make his journey kend:  
For Englishmen that full subtle hath been,  
Great watches warned that none should pass between.  
●hen Wallace said, this matter likes not me,  
●●●e called to him the squire good Guthrie,  
●nd Bisser als that known full well the land,  
●nd asked at them what deed was best on hand?  
message to make, our power for to get,  
●ith feill Sutheron we will be unbeset.  
●nd wicked Scots that knows the Forest best,  
●hey are the cause that we may get no rest.  
〈◊〉 dread far more Wallange that is the guide,  
●han all the rest that comes upon that side.  
●hen Guthry said, might we yet once over Tay,  
●o Saint Johnstoun it were the gainest way,  
●o warn Ramsay we would get succour soon,  
●ver-sooth it is, that cannot well be done:  
●●●ight well I wots, Vessel is leaved nane,  
●rom the Wood-haven to the ferry called Arrane:  
●hen Wallace said, the water awful is,  
●y self can swim, I trow, and ail not miss,  
●●ut curier use accordeth not for me,  
●nd leave you here, yet I had rather die.  
Through God's grace we shall better esche●  
The strength is strong, and we were men 〈◊〉  
In Elchock park but forty men were we,  
For seven hundreth, and gart feil Sutheron  
Escaped well in many unlikely place,  
So shall we here through the help of God's 〈◊〉  
While we may last, we may this wood hold 〈◊〉  
Therefore each man be true of haroy will,  
And that we do so nobly into deed,  
Of us be found after no lack to réed.  
The right is ours, we should more ardent be,  
I think to free this land, or else to die.  
His wailed speech, with wit and hardiment,  
Made all the rest so cruel of intent,  
Some bade take field, and give battle in pla●●●  
Wallace said not, these mords are all in vain,  
We will not leave that may be our vantage,  
This wood to us is worth a whole years wage  
Of he wen timber in haste be gart them take,  
Syles of Oak and a great Barreris make,  
At a forefront into the Forest stde,  
Made a great strength where they purposed t●●●  
Stelled them fast to trees that growing was,  
That they might well in from the Berteris  
And see their avail on either side about,  
Than come again, when they saw there wa●●●  
But that this strength arrayed was at right  
The English host approached to their sight,  
Than Psewart came, that way, for to have wa●●  
That they were want, his guides so him ken●  
At their entry they thought to have passage,  
But soon they found that made them great st●●●  
A thousand he said of men of armour strong,  
With five hundreth he gart John Wallange 〈◊〉  
Without the wood, that none should scape th●●●  
●●llace with him had f●●●ty Author's th●●●:  
●●rest were spears, full noble in 〈◊〉,  
〈◊〉 their enemies they ●ich●●t with good speed.  
〈◊〉 cruel counter were at the ●e●●●ris seen,  
〈◊〉 Scots defence so sicher was and kéen,  
●●●ron stood awe to enter them among,  
●●ll to the ground they overthrew in that throng:  
browm was left, where part in front might far,  
●ho entered in, again yéed never mare,  
●●urty they slew that gone-ward would have passed,  
〈◊〉 disarrayed, the ho●st was all aga●●.  
●●●e part of horse through shot to death was wrought,  
●ake to a plain the Sutheron to them sought.  
●●●n Psewart said, alas, how way this be?  
〈◊〉 do no harm, over g●●●●●edute have we.  
〈◊〉 called Wallange, and ●●●ied his counsel,  
●●●eriff thou art, what may us best avail:  
〈◊〉 fp●● they are that makes this great debate,  
〈◊〉 Wallenge said, this is the best I what's,  
〈◊〉 cease thereof, and remain here beside,  
〈◊〉 they may not long in the Forest bide.  
〈◊〉 fault of food they most in the Country,  
●●●en were more time to make on them melly:  
〈◊〉 they be won on force into this strife,  
●●●l that ye lead shall ever loose their life.  
〈◊〉 Psewart said, this r●●●d I will not t●de,  
〈◊〉 Scots be warned, re●●●●oon will they ma●e:  
〈◊〉 this despite amendss I think to basis,  
●●●dle therefore in numb●er with the lad●.  
〈◊〉 a range my solf on ●oot will fo●e,  
●●●t hundred he took the likeliest that was there:  
〈◊〉 ●●de the rest at th●●● tre●●●vide still,  
●●●h John Wallenge, to ro●e them at his will,  
●●●ge he said, he fore ward in this case,  
●uch a snare we could not yet Wallace.  
To take or slay him, I promise' by my life 〈◊〉  
That King Edward shall make thee Earl 〈◊〉  
At yond east part we think is enter in,  
I bade no more might y● this Barreris w●k●●  
From they be closed graithly among us to, 〈◊〉  
But marvel be they shall not further go.  
Assaylie sore when ye wots we come near,  
On either side we shall hold them on star.  
Thus Psewart charged upon an awful wise,  
Wallace hath seen what hath been their devil●  
Good men he said, ye understand this deed:  
Forsooth he said, they are meikle to dread.  
Yond Psewart is a worthy noble Knight,  
Forward in wars, right hardy, wise, and 〈◊〉  
His assaylie he ordains wonder sore,  
Us for to harm man's wit can do not more,  
Pleasant it is a wise Chiftain to gay,  
So Chiftain like, it should great comfort 〈◊〉  
To his own men, and they of worship be,  
Than for to see ten thousand Covarts flee:  
Since we are set with enemies on each side,  
And here on force must in this forest bide.  
That all the rest of us abased be,  
Assay the first, for God's sake cruelly.  
Crawfurd he left, and Longoveil the Knight,  
Forty with them, to keep the Barrer is 〈◊〉  
With him sixty all worthy men in weed,  
To meet Psewart with hardy will they 〈◊〉  
A manner of dyke into the wood was mad●  
Of thortour trees, b●ldly he there abade.  
A down withal the Sutheron to them had,  
Soon seni●●ed they with strokes sore and 〈◊〉  
Sharp sp●●●s the● dush●●●on either side 〈◊〉  
Through hi●nisht bright made wounds 〈◊〉  
The vantage 〈◊〉 as the Scots them daunted 〈◊〉  
That no English durst from his fellow go,  
〈◊〉 break array or foremost enter in,  
〈◊〉 Christian blood to see it was great sin.  
●or wrongous' cause and hath been many a day,  
●●●il Englishmen in the dyke dead they lay:  
●ears full soon all into splendours sprung,  
●ith sharp swords they hewed on in the throng.  
●●●d bursted out through fine harness of mail,  
〈◊〉 Wallange als full sharply can assail,  
●●●n Crawfurd and the Knight Longoveil,  
●ith their power kéeped the Barreris well:  
●●de good defence, by wit, manhood, and might,  
〈◊〉 the entry feill men to death they dight.  
●●us all at once they sailed either place,  
●●●ne that was there durst turn to the Barreris:  
〈◊〉 help Wallace no man of his durst pass,  
〈◊〉 rescue them, so fell the fight was,  
●either hand they handled were so hot,  
●●at do or die, no succour else they wot.  
●●llace was sad into that stalwart stour,  
othery, Bisser, with men of great valour.  
●●hard Wallace, that worthy was of hand,  
●●wart marvelled that contrare them might stand:  
●●at ever so few might bide in battle place  
'gainst them, and matched face for face.  
〈◊〉 thought himself to end that matter well,  
〈◊〉 pressed in with a good sword of stéell,  
〈◊〉 the dyke a Scottishman he gart die  
●●●lace therefore in heart had great pity:  
●●ends to have he followed on him fast,  
〈◊〉 Englishmen so thick betwixt them past,  
〈◊〉 upon him a stroke get could he naught,  
〈◊〉 worthy derfly to death he brought:  
●●●●s he made through all the Che●alry,  
〈◊〉 hardy Scots that wrought so worthily,  
When Sutheron saw these good men were 〈◊〉  
Longer to bide they thought it not the best,  
Fourscore were slain ere they would leave th●●  
And fifty als were in the Barreris dead.  
A trumpet blue, and from the wood can d●a●●  
Wallange left air, that sight when that he sa●  
To say lie more they thought it was no spée●●,  
Without the wood to Counsel fast they yéed.  
The worthy Scots to rest them was right fai●●  
Feill hurts they had, but few of them was 〈◊〉  
Wallace had all of good●●● for't to be,  
Thanked be God the fairet part have we.  
Yond Knight Psewart hath at great journey's 〈◊〉  
So sore assay I have but seldom seen.  
I had lover on Wallange wroken be  
Than any man that is yond menie,  
The Scots all into the Barreris yéed,  
Staunched wounds that could full braithly bl●●●  
Some Scots men had bleed full meikle blood,  
For fault of drink, and als wanting of food,  
Some sembled fast, that had feill hurts there  
Wallace therefore sighed with heart full sare,  
a hat he hint, to get water is gone,  
Other refuge as than he witted of none.  
A little strand as than he found him by,  
Of clear water he brought them bound ant●●●  
And drank himself than said with sober m●●●  
The wine in France me thought not half 〈◊〉  
Than of the day three quarters was over 〈◊〉  
Sir John Psewart hath casten in his intent,  
To sayly ●●ore as than he could not prie●●  
While on the morn that new men could 〈◊〉  
And keep them in while they for hunger 〈◊〉  
Come in his will or else to die therefore:  
Wallenge he said, I charge thee for to bide,  
●nd keep them in while I 〈◊〉 Cowper ride:  
●emain thou with five hundred●t thy will,  
●nd I the morn with power shall come thee till.  
John Wallange said, this charge I he●● forsake,  
●fter this day all night I may not wake,  
But trust ye well they will i●● to the plain,  
Though ye bide als or else die in the pain,  
Psewart bade bide or underly the blame,  
〈◊〉 thee command in good Edward's name,  
Or here to God a vow I make before,  
And they break out to hung thee on the morn.  
Of this command John Wallange had great dread,  
Psewart from them with nine score into deed:  
Next hand the wood and his good men of Fife,  
The Scots were blithe when that they heard such strife  
Wallace drew near his time when that he saw.  
To the wood side and could on Wal●●nge ●aw.  
The Knight hath height the morn to hung thee high,  
Come into us I shall thy warrant be.  
In contrare him and all King Edward's might,  
Take we him quick we shall him hung on height.  
A good Lordship I shall thee give here eist,  
In this each land that thy brother hath leist●:  
Wallange was wise full soon could understand,  
By liklinesse Wallace should win the land:  
And better him were upon the right to bide,  
Than be in war upon the other side.  
With short advisement to Wallace soon they sought.  
Than Psewart tried, and said, that bees for naught,  
And als of kind th●● art of heritage,  
Coward on thee is evil warred great wage:  
Here I shall bide my purpose to fulfil.  
Either to die, or have thee at my william.  
For all his speech to pass they would not spare,  
With full glad heart Wallace received him there.  
By that Ruthven and Ramsay of renown,  
By a true Scot that past to Saint Johnstoun,  
Them warning made that Psewart followed fa●●  
Upon Wallace, than were they sore aghast.  
Out of the townished in all their might,  
With three hundred that worthy were and wi●●●  
To Black-Irnside assembled in that place,  
As Wallange was gone in to good Wallace:  
The Knight Psewart hath well their coming 〈◊〉  
A fair plain field he choosed them between,  
Eleven hundred and fourscore than had he,  
The Scottishmen were five hundred and sixty:  
These were but few a plain field for to take,  
Out of the wood good Wallace can him make:  
He witted no wit of them that coming was,  
Moore hardiment was from the strength to passe●  
But when he heard Ruthven and Ramsay cry,  
Of Ochterhouse blithe was his Chivalry:  
Might they of gold have bought a king's rent,  
The good Wallace might not so well content,  
Than to array they yéed on either side,  
In cruel ire in battle bown to bide:  
Worthier men than Psewart sembled there:  
In all his time Edward had never mare:  
But Psewart saw his number was far mae,  
His power soon he gart divide in two:  
To fight in that cause knightly he them kend,  
In that journey either to fight or end.  
The worthy Scots that first among them bade,  
Full great slaughter on Englishmen they made:  
Into the wood before had proved so well,  
That on the plain they sonzeit not a deal.  
In courage grew as they were new begun,  
Short rest they had from rising of the Sun.  
By that Ramsay and good worthy Ruthven,  
Throughout the thic●●●● of the press is ga●e,  
●●ops they made among the Englishmen,  
Dissevered them by twenty and 〈◊〉  
●hen spears were gone with sw●●●s of metal clear  
To Englishmen their coming sold full ●ear:  
Wallace and his by worthiness of hand,  
●eill Sutheron blood gart height upon the land.  
The two fields together reiled than,  
Sir John Psewart with many noble men,  
To help their Lord three hundred in a pl●r?  
About him stood, and did their business,  
Defending him with many awful di●●.  
While all the outward of the field was tint:  
Of commons, part into the Forest fled,  
secure to seek their men so had them led:  
Than Scots hath seen 〈◊〉 ●any in a rout,  
With Psewart stand th●●●uarded him about,  
Upon the sides assailed wonder fair,  
The poleist plaits with points pierced hair:  
The Sutheron made defence full cruelly,  
All occupied was this noble Chivalry.  
●ir John Ramsay would they had yeelden been,  
Wallace said, nay, it is a wrong ye méen.  
Ransom to take we cannot now begin,  
On such a wise this land we may not win.  
Yond Knight of old our enemy hath been,  
So feill to us of them have not been seen.  
Now he shall die through help of God's grace,  
He came to pay his ransom in this place:  
The Sutheron saw and witted plainly to die,  
Rescue was none, suppose that they would flee.  
Freshly they fought as they had entered new.  
Upon our side part worthy men they slew.  
Than Psewart said, alas in wrong doing,  
Our lives we loose for pleasure of our King:  
That fello● Knight doubted his li●● rig he 〈◊〉  
Among the Scots full hardly he wrought.  
Bisset he strake t●●●●th withouten mare,  
Wallace pressed with his sword birnisht bore,  
At Psewarts ha●s he etled with great ire,  
Through pesa●e stiff in synder stra●e the swy●●●  
Dead to the ground he rushed for all his might,  
By Wallace hand thus ended that good Knight.  
The remanent withouten mercy they slay,  
For good Bisset the Scots was wonder wae:  
In hands some they stiched but remead,  
Not Sutheron 〈◊〉 with life out of that stead.  
Than to the wood for them that left the field,  
A range they set, this might they have no bie●●,  
Yéed none away was contrare our opinion,  
Good Ruthven passed again to 〈◊〉 Johnstoun.  
Sir John Ramsay to Cowper 〈◊〉 rade,  
That house he took for defence none was made,  
Wallace, Crawfurd, and with them good Guthrie,  
Richard Wallace had long been in mellie.  
And Longoveil into Lundores had still,  
Fasted they had too long against their will,  
Wallange they made their stewart for to be,  
Of meat and drink they found abundantly:  
The power fled and durst not longer hid,  
That was before upon the Sutheron side.  
Upon the morn to Saint Andrews they passed,  
Out of the town that Bishop bowned fast.  
The King of England has him thither sand,  
That rend at will he gave him in commend.  
His King's charge as than he durst not ha●d,  
A wrongous' Pope that tyrant might be called,  
Few fled with him and got away by sea,  
For all Scotland Wallace he would not see:  
Of him as than he made but light record,  
〈◊〉 restore him that was their righteous Lord:  
●he worthy Knight that into Cowper lay,  
●●rt spoylzie them upon the fecond day.  
●●en ordained men at command of Wallace,  
〈◊〉 more process for to cast down the place.  
●●●ders they gart soon plerce out through the wall,  
〈◊〉 puristons fired, unto the ground cast all.  
〈◊〉 John Ramsay than to Carrail can ●are,  
●●theron were fled, and left but walls bore:  
〈◊〉 Psewart they durst not tarry long,  
〈◊〉 Scots at large out through all F●se rung,  
〈◊〉 Englishmen were left in that Country,  
〈◊〉 in Lochlevin there bided one company:  
●●on that inh in small houses thy light,  
●●le was none, but walled with water wight,  
●●de Carrail sembled Wallace before,  
〈◊〉 purpose was for to assay Kinghorn.  
●night Musgrave than Captain in it was,  
〈◊〉 short advice he purposed for to pass,  
●ther he would bide challange of the King,  
●●en with Wallace to reckon for such thing:  
●●at house he took, and little tarry made,  
●an the morn withouten more abade:  
〈◊〉 over the mure where they the trist had set,  
●ar Scotland-well their lodging took but let.  
●er supper Wallace had them go rest.  
〈◊〉 self will wake, me think it may he best.   

CHAP. III. The winning of Lochlevin.  
●he commanded but graithing they have done,  
Unto their fléep Wallace than graithed him soon.  
〈◊〉 to Lochlevin, as it was near midnight,  
●téen with him that he had warned right:  
●●se men weaned well he came to viste it,  
Fellows he said, I do you well to wit:  
Consider well this place, and understand  
That it may do full great skaith to Scotland  
Out of the South, and power come them till  
They may take in, to keep at their own will  
Upon yond Inch right many men may be,  
And ishew out, their time when that they 〈◊〉  
To bide long here, we may not well for that  
Yond folk hath food, trust well at suffisance:  
Water from thein forsooth cannot be set,  
Some other wile behoved us to get,  
Ye shall remain here at this part all still,  
And I myself shall bring the Beaten you till:  
Therewith his weed in haste of casteth he  
Upon yond side no watchman can he see,  
Helo up his shirt, and took his sword so good,  
Bound on his neck, than lap into the flood.  
And over he swum, for letting had he naught.  
The Boat he took, and to his men it brought,  
Arrayed them well, and would not longer bide,  
But passed in, and rowed to the other side:  
The Inch they took with drawn swords in 〈◊〉  
They spared none, that they before them faith  
Strake doors up, and sticked men where they  
Upon the Sutheron thus sadly sembled they,  
Thirty they slew, that were into that place,  
To make defence the English had no space.  
Their women five were sent out of that stead  
Women nor Bairns he never put to dead.  
The goods they took, as it had been their own.  
Than Walace said, Fellows I make you 〈◊〉  
The purveyance that was within these wa●  
We will not tine gar semble us all at anes  
Let warn Ramsay: and our good men each 〈◊〉  
I will remain till all the stuff be gone,  
●●nt forth a man their horses for to keep,  
●●ew up the Boat, and than took heads to 〈◊〉:  
Wallace power near Scotland well which lay,  
●●fore the Sun they miss him away:  
●●me mourning made, and marveiled at that case,  
●●say bade cease, and mourn not for Wallace.  
〈◊〉 is for good that he is from us went,  
●●at ye shall see, and trust for veriment:  
●●ne head to wed, Lochlevin he passed to see,  
●●xept that place, not Englishman found he,  
〈◊〉 this land betwixt these waters left,  
●●dings of him full soon ye shall hear often:  
〈◊〉 they about were talking on this wise,  
●●ssage soon came, and charged them to rise,  
〈◊〉 Lord he said, to dinner hath you called,  
●to Lochlevin which is a seemly hauled.  
〈◊〉 shall far well, therefore put of all sorrow,  
●●y graithed them right early on the marrow,  
〈◊〉 thither past of Wallace well to wit,  
●●en sembled in a fall blithe fellowship.  
●●ey lodged there till eight days were at end,  
〈◊〉 meat and drink, they had enough to spend.  
●●sed forth gear that Sutheron had brought there,  
●●t burn the Boat, to Saint Johnstoun they far.  
schop Sinclar, that worthy was and wise,  
〈◊〉 Wallace came and told him his advice,  
●●us he desired Wallace with him to ride  
〈◊〉 in Dunkeld sojourned that winter tide:  
●●t be said, Not, that hold I not the best,  
〈◊〉 Scotland thus, in peace I cannot rest.  
〈◊〉 Bishop said plainly, we may not wend  
〈◊〉 the North, for men I read you sand:  
●●●nt quoth he, and choosed a Messenger,  
〈◊〉 worthy Jop was with the Bishop there,  
〈◊〉 Master Blair, while Wallace came they bade,  
With that good Lord that noble hear them 〈◊〉  
Wallace tent Blair into his priest's weed,  
To want the ●●●est where friends had great  
How they should pass, or to good Wallace w●●●  
The Englishmen that held them long in twin:  
Adam Walace and Lindsay that was wight  
Rauchly they lost, and went away by night,  
Through out the land, to the Lonnox they fa●●●  
To Earl Maleome, that welcomed them full y●●  
Master John Blair was ●lyth of that sembly,  
Good Graham was there, and Richard of Lundie  
Als Robert Boyd out of Bute to them sought.  
Got they Wallace, of nothing than they wrought,  
But Englishmen betwixt them was so strange,  
That they in plain might not well to him 〈◊〉  
Joy passed on, for nothing could he let,  
Great power than as there he might not get  
The Lord Cumine, that Earl of Buchan was,  
For old envy, he would let no man pass:  
That he might let, in good Wallace supply,  
The Earl Patrick at plain field kéeped he.  
Yet poor men came, and proved all their might  
To help Wallace, in fence of Scotland's right:  
The good Randal in tender age was kend.  
Part of good men out of Murray he sand,  
Jop past again, and came in presence soon  
Be●●ge Wallace, and told how he had done:  
But Master Blair so good tydinge him brought  
That of Cumine Wallace full little wrought:  
Als Englishmen they had full meikle dread,  
From fyse was tint, the worse they thought  
The Duke and Earl that time in Scotland 〈◊〉  
Captains they made, in England than the 〈◊〉  
Wallace him bowned, when he thought time  
From Saint Johnstoun and took with him 〈◊〉  
●ven of Ireland, and Kierly that was ●ight,  
●●m Englishmen they had holden the right,  
●● watchman's weed, and fended them right west.  
〈◊〉 good Wallace they were as true as steel:  
●●o follow him, those two thought never long.  
●●rough the Ochel they made them for to gang:  
●●on more power he tarried not that tide,  
〈◊〉 keep the land the rest he gart adide:  
〈◊〉 strong power of Englishmen there was.   

CHAP. IU. The winning of Airth.  
THe Airth Ferry they passed privately,  
And busked them in a darn stead thereby:  
〈◊〉 cruel Captain in Airth dwelled that year,  
〈◊〉 England born, that height Thomlin of we●●:  
〈◊〉 humdreth men were at his Indging still,  
●●o brook that land they did both power and 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 Scottish fisher which they had ta'en before,  
●●ontrare his will, gart him to them be 〈◊〉;  
●n their service they hold him day and 〈◊〉 be,  
Before the Sun, Wallace gart Joy him dight,  
●nd sent him forth the passage to espy,  
●n the Fisher they happened suddeny:  
●●ll him alone, but one Boy that was there;  
●●op hint him soon, and for no fear would s●●●  
●●r the Choler, and a knife out pulled be,  
〈◊〉 God's sake this man a●bed mercy:  
●●p speirad soon of what Nation art thou,  
〈◊〉 Scout he said, but Sutheron g●●r me b●●,  
〈◊〉 their forvice, against my will full saith,  
●●ut for my life that I romalned there.  
●●o seek fishing, I came in this North God,  
〈◊〉 ye a Scot, I would feign with you-●●de:  
Than he him brought in presence of Wallace,  
The Scots were blithe when they have seen th●…  
For with his Boat they might well passed h●…  
For Ferry craft he thought not for to crave:  
Upon that side long space they rarried naught  
To the south land with full galled hearts they so  
Than broke the Boat when they were landed  
Service of it Sutheron might have na mare:  
Than through the Moss they passed with good 〈◊〉  
To the Torwood that man with them they led,  
The Widow there brought tidings to Wallace,  
OF his true Eme that dwelled at Dunipace.  
Thomlin of Were in prison had him set,  
For more trèasure than be before might get.  
Wallace said, Dame, he shall well lowse be,  
The morn by now, or moe therefore shall die:  
She got them meat, and in quite they bade,  
While it was night, than ready soon they ma●…  
Toward Airth-hil right suddenly they drew,  
A strength there was that well the fisher knew:  
Of draw-dykes, and full of water wan,  
Wisely thereof he watched them this man.  
On the backside he led them privately,  
From the water as want to come was be:  
Over a small bridge good Wallace entered in,  
Into the hall himself thought to begin:  
From the Supper as they were bown to rise,  
He salust them upon an awful wise.  
His men followed suddenly at anes,  
Pastry sorrow was raised in these wanes:  
With sharing s●…oords sharply about them 〈◊〉  
Feill in the floor were felled them among:  
With Thomin of weére Wallace himself hath,  
A felon s●…ook sadly upon him set:  
Through head & swyre, all through the coast h●…  
●●●thy Scots fast sticked all the lave:  
●●ed-well the doors, and to the death them dight.  
●rape away the Sutheron had no might.  
●●at Windows sought for to have broken out,  
all for naught, full faith was the rout,  
●●the fire gushed the blood so read,  
hundred men was slain into that stead:  
●●●n Wallace sought where his Uncle might be,  
a deep Cave he was set dolefully:  
●ere water stood, and he in prons strange,  
wallace full soon the braisses up he dang,  
〈◊〉 of the dark brought him with strength at list,  
●● noise he beard, of nothing else be witted:  
●●blyth before in world he had not been:  
〈◊〉 therewith sighed when be had Wallace seen.  
●itches the dead bodies out they cast,  
●itches the place as than them liked best.  
●●e full good cheer, and wise watches they set,  
●ile near the day they sleeped without let:  
when they had sight, spoilt the place in by,  
●und gaining gear, both Gold and jewelry,  
●n all that day in quiet held them still,  
●hen Sutheron came, received them with good will  
●n that labour the Scots were all full vain,  
Sutheron came in, but none went out again:  
Women and Bairns put in prison and cave,  
〈◊〉 they might make no warning to the lave.  
●●even of Ireland and Keirly that was wight,  
●eeped the Port upon the second night.  
before the day the worthy Scots risen,  
●ursed good gear, and to the Torwood ge●s,  
remained there while night was come and hand,  
●hen bowned them in quiet through the land.  
●he Widow soon, fra they were passed doubt,  
servant sent, and let the women out.  
To pass from Airth, where that they like 〈◊〉  
Now speak of them that went into the 〈◊〉   

CHAP. V How Wallace burned the Englishmen in Dumb●  
WAllace himself was sicker guide that ni●●  
To Dumbartan the way he choosed rig●●,  
E'er it was day for than the night was long,  
Unto the town full privately they gang:  
Meikle of it Englishmen occupied,  
Good Wallace soon through a dark gate him hy●●●  
Unto the house which he was want token,  
A Widow dwelled, which friend was to ou● 〈◊〉  
About the bed, and on the back-stde was ma●●  
A d●rn window, was neither long nor braid:  
There Wallace called, and soon from she him  
In haste she risen and privately him drew,  
In a ●lose Warn, where they might keeped he,  
Both meat and drink she brought them in pl●●  
A goodly gift to Wallace als she gave,  
An hundred pounds, and more out over the 〈◊〉  
Nine sons she had, were likely men and wight  
In doth to him she gart them swear full right.  
In peace they dwelled, in trouble they had bi●●,  
And tribute paid to English Captains kéen:  
Sir John Menteith the Castle had in hand,  
But some men said, There was a private 〈◊〉  
To Sutheron made, by means of that Knight,  
Of their supply to be at all his might.  
Whereof as now I will not pro●esss make,  
Wallace that day a short purpose can take.  
When it was night he bade the widow pass,  
And mark the door where Sutheron dwelling  
Than after this be and his Chivalry,  
Graithed them well, and weapons took on hi●  
●●●t to the gate where Sutheron were on sleep,  
great Ostellary our Scots took to keep,  
● English Captain was sitting up so late,  
●hile he and his with drinking were made hate:  
●ine men was there with him of hi● courage,  
●me would have had good Wallace into that rage:  
●me would have bound S. John the Gr. through strength,  
●me would have had good Boyd at sword's length:  
●me wished Lundie that scaped was in Fise,  
●me wighter was nor Setoun than in strife:  
●hen Wallace heard the Sutheron make such din,  
● gart all bide and him alone went in:  
●e lave remained to hear of their ty●●nce,  
● salust them with sturdy countenance:  
allows, he said, since I came last from hame,  
● travel I was, in land of uncouth fame,  
●rom South Ireland I came in this Country,  
●e new conquish of Scotland for to see,  
●rt of your drink and some good I would bade,  
●e Captain than a shrewd answer him gave:  
●ou see most a Scot, likely to be a spy,  
●ou mayest be one of Wallace company,  
●trare our King he is risen again,  
●he land of Fise he hath ridden in plain:  
●hou shalt bide here, while we wots how it be,  
●rt thou of his, thou shalt be hanged high:  
●allace thought than it was no time to stand,  
●is noble sword he gripped soon in hand:  
●er-thort the face, drove the Captain in téen,  
●oke all away that grew above the e'en,  
●ther braithly on the breast he bore,  
●th brain and bone the bur●ly blaid through shore:  
●he rest rushed up, than Wallace in great ire,  
●he third he felled derfly into the fire:  
●en of Ireland and Keirly in that throng,  
Kéeped no charge, but entered them among.  
And other more, that to the door can press,  
While they him saw, there could nothing t●  
The Sutheron men full soon were brought to 〈◊〉,  
The ostler bade them all good Ail and brea●  
Wallace said, Not, while we have leisure mar●,  
To be our guide, thou shalt before us fare,  
And begin fire where that the Sutheron lies,  
The ostler soon upon an hasty wise  
Hint fire in hand, and to an great house yéed,  
Where Englishmen were into meikle dread?  
For they witted not, while that the read flame ro●  
As wood as beasts among the fire than goes,  
With pains fell rushed full sorrowfully,  
The lave without of our good Chivalry.  
At each house where the ostler began,  
Kéeped the doors from them scaped no man,  
For all their might though King Edward had sw●  
Got none away that was of England borne,  
But either burnt or but rescue was slain.  
And some through force driven to the fire again.  
Some Scots folk in service them among,  
From any pain freely they let them gang,  
Three hundreth men was to Dumbartane sand:  
To keep the land as their Lord had them kend:  
Skaithlesse of them for aye was this Region,  
Wallace or day made him out of the town.  
Unto the Cave of Dumbartane they yéed,  
And all that day they sojourned but dread:  
Both meat and drink the Ostler gart be bro●  
When night was come, in all the haste they 〈◊〉  
Toward Rosneth full earnestly they gang,  
For Englishmen was in that Castle strange:  
On the Garloch they purpose them to bide,  
Betwixt the Kirk that near was there beside,  
〈◊〉 to the Castle full privately they draw,  
●…er a bray, and lodged them full law,  
●…e the water where common use had they,  
〈◊〉 Castle to the Kirk they passed each day:  
●…arriage als was that day to begin,  
●…ished out, and left no man within,  
●…t fence might make but servants in that place,  
●…s to that tryst they pass● upon case.  
●…allace and his drew them full privily,  
●…a●… hand the place when they were passed by,  
●…thin the H●… and thought to keep that stead,  
●…m Sutheron 〈◊〉 or else therefore be dead.  
●…mpleat was made the marriage into plain,  
●…to Rosneth they passed home again:  
●…urscore and moe was in that company,  
●…t not arrayed as was our Chivalry:  
〈◊〉 the Castle they wend to pass, but late.  
●…e worthy Scots so hard upon them set,  
●…utty at once derfly to death they bore,  
●…e remnent affrayed was so sare,  
●…nger in field they had no might to bide,  
●…t fiercely fled from them on either side.  
●…e Scots there well hath the entry won,  
〈◊〉 slew all such as the house found was in:  
●…en on the flyers followed wonder fast,  
〈◊〉 Englishman with their life from them past:  
●…e women soon they seized upon hand,  
●…péd them close, for warning of the land:  
〈◊〉 dead bodies all out of sight they cast,  
●…en at good ease they made them for to rest:  
〈◊〉 their purveyance seven days lodged there,  
●…rude cost, to spend they would not spare:  
●…en Sutheron came, they took them gladly in,  
〈◊〉 out again they let none of that Kin:  
●…o tidings sent the Captain of that stead,  
Their servitors the Scots put to dead,  
Spoilt the place, and left no goods there,  
Broke walls down, and made the bigging 〈◊〉  
When they had spilt all stonework that they 〈◊〉  
Than kindled fire, and from Rosneth they so●  
When they had burnt all tree work in that 〈◊〉  
Walace gart Free the women of his grace:  
To do them harm his purpose never was,  
Than to Falkland the worthy Scots can pass:  
Where Earl Malcome was biding at defence,  
Right blithe he was of Wallace good presence:  
Than he found there a noble compa●●●●,  
Sir John the Graham, and Richard or ●undie,  
Adam Wallace that worthy was and wise,  
Barklay and Boyd with men of meikle prize:  
At Christmas there Wallace sojourned still,  
Of his mother tidings was brought him till:  
In time before she had left Ellerslie,  
For Englishmen she durst not in it be:  
From thence disaguised she passed in pilgrim's 〈◊〉  
Some girth to seek in Dumfermling she yéed,  
Sickness she had forsooth into that stead,  
Diseased she was, God took her spirit to lead:  
When Wallace heard that these tidings were  
Than sadness sore on each side did pursue,  
In thank he took, because it is natural,  
He loved God with sicker heart and heal:  
Better him thought that it was happened so,  
Than Sutheron should put her to other wo.  
He ordained Jop, and also Master Blair,  
Thither they passed, and for no cost to spare:  
But honourably put corpse to Sepulture,  
At his command they served all their cure.  
Doing thereto as death desired to have,  
With rich entire the Corpse they put in gra●  
●ain they turned, and shown of her ●nd,  
〈◊〉 ●hanked God, what grace that ever he sand:  
〈◊〉 saw the world was full of fantasy,  
●mfort he took, let all mourning go by.  
〈◊〉 most delight was for to free Scotland,  
●w will I tell what case than came on hand.   

CHAP. VI How Sir William Dowglas won the Castle of Sanquhair by a jeopardy, and how William Wallace rescued him from the Englishmen, and put them out of that part.  
It William long of Douglas dail was Lord,  
By his first wife as right is to record:  
●reased than out of this worldly care,  
●●o sons he had with her that lived there.  
Which likely was and able in courage,  
〈◊〉 School was sent into their tender age:  
●es and Hue so heght these brethrens twa,  
●d after soon their Uncle could them ta:  
●d Robert Keith had them from Glasgow town,  
And over the sea, to France hath made him bown:  
●t study than he set them in Paris,  
With a Master that worthy was and wife:  
The King Edward took their father the Knight,  
And held him still though he was never so wight:  
While time he had assented to his will,  
A marriage als they had ordained him till,  
The Lady Ferres of power and high blood,  
But thereof came to his life little good:  
Two sons he got on this Lady but mare,  
With Edward's will he took his leave to far.  
In Scotland came and brought his wife in peace,  
In Dowglas dwelled, forsooth this is not lose:  
●ing Edward trowed that he had steadfast been,  
Fast their fast faith, but con●●ure soon 〈◊〉  
Ay the Scots blood remained in Dowglas  
Against England which proved in many place,  
The Sanquhair was a Castle fair and strong,  
An English Captain had done feil Scots wrong,  
Into it dwelled, and Bewfurd he was called,  
That held all wa●f, from than to Dowglas ha●●,  
Right near of kin was Dowglas wife and he  
Therefore he trowed in peace of him to be:  
Sir William saw that Wallace risen in plain,  
And right likely to free Scotland again,  
To help him part, into his mind be cast,  
For in that life right long he could not last:  
He thought no charge to break upon England,  
It was through force that ever he made them 〈◊〉  
A young man than, that hardy was and bald:  
Borne with himself, and Thomas Dickson called:  
Dear friend he said, I would prove at my mig●  
And make a fray to false Bewfurd the Knight,  
In Sanquhair dwells, and doth full great outrage,  
Than Dickson said, Myself in that voyage  
Shall for you pass, with Anderson to speak,  
Friendship to me my Causing will not break,  
He is the man that fire leads them till,  
Through his help we our purpose will fulfil:  
Sir William than in all the haste be might,  
Thirty true men in that voyage he dight,  
And told his wife to Dumfries he would far,  
A tryst he said, of England he had there.  
Thus passed he where tha● no Sutheron witted,  
With these thirty through waste land at their 〈◊〉  
While night came, than couched they full law,  
Into a Cleugh near at the water Craw,  
To the Sanquhair Dickson alone he sand,  
And he soon made with Adderson this end:  
●●ckson should take both his horse and his weed,  
●y it was day, a draught of wood to lead:  
●ain he passed, and told the good Dowglas,  
●hich drawn him soon into a private place.  
●●derson told what stuff there was therein,  
●o Thomas Dickson that was right near of Kin.  
●arty they are all men of meikle vail,  
〈◊〉 they on foot, they will you sore assail,  
●f you hap the entry for to get,  
●n the right hand, a stalward Axe is set:  
●herewith you may defend thee in a throng,  
〈◊〉 Dowglas wise, he bide not from thee long:  
●nderson yéed to the ambushment in high,  
●ear the Castle he drew them privily:  
●nto a shaw, Sutheron mistrusted naught,  
●o the next wood with Dickson soon he sought:  
●raithed a draught on a broad slipping Law,  
●a●ged an horse, and to the town can draw,  
●rayed he was in Andersons weed,  
●d bade have in, the Porter came good speed:  
This hour he said: thou might have been away,  
intimous thou art, for it is scantly day.  
●he Gate yéed up, Dickson yéed in but mare,  
〈◊〉 thort our band that all the draught up bore:  
●e cutted it the slip to ground could ga,  
summered the gate steiking they might not mae:  
The Porter soon he hint into that strife,  
Twice through the head, and reft him of his life,  
The Axe he got, that Anderson of spoke,  
And beckoning made, therewith the ambushment broke.  
Dowglas himself was foremost in the press,  
In over the wood entered or he would cease:  
Three watchmen was from the walls coming new,  
Within the Close the Scots men them slew.  
E●e any s●ry was raised in that stowre,  
Dowglas had ta'en the gate of the great to 〈◊〉  
Ran up the stair where that the Captain lay,  
On foot he got and would have been away.  
Over-late he was, Dowglas strake up the door,  
Bewfurd he found in midst of the floor:  
With a stiff sword to death he hath him dight,  
His men follwed fast that worthy were and 〈◊〉  
The men they slew that were within these 〈◊〉  
Than in the Close they sembled all at anes:  
The house they took, and Sutheron put to dead,  
Got none but one with life out of that stead:  
For that the gate so long unsteiked was.  
This spy he fled, and to Dursdeir can pass:  
Told that Captain that they had happened so,  
Another he gart into the Ennoch go:  
And Tiber's mure was warned of this case.  
And Lochmabane all sembled to this place:  
The Country als, when they heard of such thi●  
Would siedg Dowglas, & heght they should him 〈◊〉  
When Dowglas witted that one did from the scap●  
To sailyie him, he trowed that they should shap●  
Dickson be sent upon a C●user wight,  
To warn Wallace in all the haste he might:  
In the Lennox Wallace had ta'en the plain,  
With four hundred that were of meikle main:  
Kilsyth Castle he thought to visle it,  
That Ravindail held, but true men let him wit,  
That he was out that time in Cumbernald,  
Lord Cumine dwelled on tribute in that hauled:  
When Wallace witted, he gart Earl Malcome hie,  
With two hundred the ambushment near thereby:  
To keep the house, that none should to it fa●e.  
He took the rest in the wood-side near there:  
A scurriour set, to warn if he saw aught,  
Soon Ravindail came, of them he had no thought.  
●hen he was coming the two bushments between,  
●e scouriour warned these cruel than and kéen:  
●hen Earl Malcome had barred them from the place  
〈◊〉 Sutheron yéed with life they did that grace:  
●rt Lennox men they left the house to tae,  
〈◊〉 spoiling than, they would not t●rry mae  
●●ege-houses than Wallace would not bide,  
throughout the land Wallace would not bide:  
●hen Linlithgow they burned into their gate,  
There Sutheron dwelled they made their bigging hai●,  
●he Peil they took, flew them that were within,  
●f Sutheron blood the Scots thought no sin:  
●hen on the morn burned Dalkeith in a gleid,  
●●n to a strength, to Newbottell they yéed,  
〈◊〉 that Lawder and Christel of Seton,  
●me from the Basse and  Northberwick town  
●hat Englishmen they should no succour get,  
●hom they overtook they slew withouten let.  
〈◊〉 meet Wallace, they passed in all their might,  
〈◊〉 hundreth men with them of arms bright,  
● blithe meeting that time was them between,  
●hen Earl Malcome and Wallace hath them seen,  
●●omas Dikson als met with good Wallace,  
●hich granted soon for to rescue Dowglas,  
●ikson, he said, wots thou of their multiply,  
●hrée thousand men their power may not be:  
●arl Malcome said, though they were thousands five,  
●or this action me think that we should strive,  
●hen Hue the Hay, that dwelled under trewage,  
●f Englishmen soon he gave over that wage:  
●ore for to pay as than he liked naught:  
●ith fifty men to Wallace forth be sought,  
〈◊〉 Peibles fast but no Sutheron them bade,  
●here at the Cross a plain cry they made:  
●allace commanded who would come to his peace.  
And bide thereat, reward should have but 〈◊〉  
Good Rutherfurd, that ever true had been,  
In Etrick wood against the Sutheron kéen:  
Bidden he had, and done them meikle dear,  
Sixty he had of noble men of wear.  
Wallace him welcomed that came in his supply.  
With lordly fare, and Chriftain like was he.  
Than to array they went about the town,  
Their number was six hundreth of renown:  
In birnes bright, all men of meikle vail:  
With glad hearts they passed through Cliddis●●  
The siege began, and to the Sanquhair set,  
But tidings came, and made therein a let.  
The Sutheron heard that Wallace was so near,  
Through hasty fray the host was all on stea●:  
No man was there would for another bide,  
Purpose they took in England for to ride.  
Their Chiftain said, Since their King had bef●●  
From Wallace fled, their causes was the more.  
From South they sought, to bide it was great.  
Dowglas as than was thus quite of their skaith,  
In Crawfurd mure by than was good Wallace,  
When men him told that Sutheron upon case,  
Were fled away, and durst not him abide,  
Three hundreth than he choose with him to ride  
In light harness and horse that they would 〈◊〉  
The Earl Malcome he had bide with the staile,  
To follow them, a back guard for to be,  
To stuff the chase in all the haste bowned he:  
Through Durisdeir he took the gainest gate:  
Right feign he would with Sutheron make deba●  
The plainest way above Morton they hold.  
Riding the height, if that the Sutheron would,  
Them to pursue, or turn to Lochmabane,  
But heed thereto the Englishmen took nane:  
●own right they held graith guides could them lear  
rout Closhurn Wallace approached near:  
〈◊〉 ire he grew when they were in his sight,  
〈◊〉 them he speed with will and all their might:  
〈◊〉 an out part the Scots set that tide,  
●evenscore at gro●●d they had soon at a side.  
●he Sutheron saw that it had happened so,  
●urned in again, some rescue for to sho:  
●hen they trowed best with good Wallace to stand,  
●rl Malcome came than right near at their hand,  
●he whole power took plain purpose to flee,  
●ho were at ground Wallace gart let them be.  
●pon the foremost followed with all their might,  
●he Earl and his amongst the rest they light,  
●id all to death that unhorsed were that tide,  
●●er the horse full freshly can they ride:  
●●e hundreth whole, ere they passed Dalswyntoun,  
〈◊〉 Sutheron side to ground there was brought down  
●f Scots horse many began to tire,  
●ppose their selves were fierce as any fire.  
●he flyers left both wood, waters, and hill,  
●o take the plain, spéedfull they thought them till:  
〈◊〉 great battle away full fast they road,  
●nto the strength ●●ey thought to make no bode:  
●ear Lochmabane and Ouchterhouse they went,  
●eside Crochmad, where feil Sutheron they shent:  
●ight many horse that ridden had so long,  
●nd traveled sore, they might not farther gang:  
●ir John the Graham upon his feet was set,  
Than Wallace als lighted withouten let:  
These two on foot among their enemy's yéed,  
●as none but horse might from them pass for speed,  
●n Englishmen so cruelly they sought,  
Whom they overtook, again harmed us naught.  
To Wallace came a part of power new,  
On rested horse, that partly can pursue:  
Adam Currie, with good men of great vail,  
And Johnstoun als that dwelled in Eskdail,  
And Kirkpatrick was in that company,  
And holiday who sembled sturdily:  
Where they entered the saylie was so sare,  
Dead to the ground feil flyers down they bore:  
Sevenscoré were whole of new come men indeed  
The south party of them had meikle dread:  
Wallace was horsed upon a Couser wight,  
That good Currie had brought into his sight?  
To stuff the chase, with the new Chivalry,  
Commanded Graham, and his good men for thy,  
Together bide, and follow as they might,  
Three Captains there full soon to death he dig●  
The rested horse so wonder well them bore,  
Whom he overtook again risen never mare:  
Raithly he road, and wrought full many wound,  
These three Captains he sticked in one stound:  
Of Durisdeir, Ennoch, and Tybers-mure,  
Lord Clifford's Eme away to Carlisle sure:  
The which before had kéeped Lochmabane,  
Not landed man scaped with him ●●t ane:  
For Maxwell als out of Carlaveroc● ●rew,  
On the Sutheron the gainest way can sue:  
Into the chase so wilfully they ride,  
Few got away that came upon that side:  
Beside Cockpool full fe●l fight they found,  
Some drowned were, some slain upon the land:  
Who scaped was, in England fled away,  
Wallace returned, no prisoner took they:  
In Carlaverok that night resting they made,  
Upon the morn to D●●fries blythly rade:  
There Wallace cried who would come to his 〈◊〉  
Against Sutheron their malice for to cease:  
●o true Scots he ordained warison,  
Who faulted had, he granted remission.  
〈◊〉 Dumfries than he would not longer bide,  
The Sutheron fled of Scotland on each side:  
By sea and land, without longer abade,  
Of Castles and towns Wallace Chieftains made,  
●uled the land, and put it in good rest,  
With true keepers the wish he trusted best.  
The good Dowglas of which I told you air,  
●éeper he was from Drumlanerick to Aire:  
Because he had on Sutheron such thing wrought,  
●is wife was wroth, but that she shown naught:  
Under covert her malice held perfect,  
〈◊〉 Serpent waits her time when she may bite,  
●o Dowglas often she wrought full meikle care,  
Of that as now I leave while further mare.  
But Sutheron men durst than no Castles hold,  
They left Scotland as I before you told:  
●ave one Morton a Captain fierce and fallen  
That held Dundie, but Wallace would not devil  
But thither past, and laid it round about,  
When Morton saw that he was in that doubt,  
●e asked leave, with their lives for to go,  
Wallace denied, and said, It bees not so,  
The last Captain of England that here was,  
〈◊〉 gave him leave whole with his men to pass,  
Thou shalt forethink such mastery for to make,  
All England shall of thee example take,  
Such men I weind form thine for to have worn,  
Thou shalt be hanged, suppose the King had sworn.  
●e gart command no Scots should to him speak,  
Confirmed the siege, and said, we shall us wreak  
On Englishmen, as skill will of Dundee,  
Scrimgeour he made their 〈◊〉 ●le for to be:  
An Ballinger of England tha● 〈◊〉 ●here,  
Passed out of Tay and came to Quhitbie fair:  
To Loddon sent, and told of all this case,  
To hung Morton so vowed had Wallace:  
Before this time Edward with power yéed,  
To war on France, for than he had no dread:  
Before he trowed Scotland to be his own,  
When they him warned his men were overthr●●  
Again he took to England hastily,  
And left his turn all fickled in folly:  
Gascoun he claimed, all into heritage,  
He left it thus, with all his high barnage:  
And Flanders als he thought to take in hand,  
All These he left and came to reave Scotland,  
When that this King to England was come hame,  
Summons they made and charged Bruce by na●●  
And other moe that lived under his Crown,  
Bishop and Baron to come at his Sumon:  
When Wallace twice through force had fred Scotla●●,  
This tyrant King took plainly upon hand:  
For great desire he might no way take rest,  
He thought to him, to make it plain conquest:  
In covetise he had reigned so long,  
Chifrains he made that they should not go wrong:  
Guides they choose, for strengths them to guy,  
They thought no more to bide at jeopardy,  
In plain battle that they might Wallace win,  
He trowed for war they would not more begin:  
Leave I this King, making this ordinance,  
My purpose is to speak something of France:  
The Englishmen than Guyan held in wear:  
To French folk they did full meikle dear.  
King and Counsel soon in their wits cast,  
To get Wallace them thought it was the best.  
For Guyan land the 〈◊〉 ●en had they,  
Than shup they thus, ●●●ll the haste they may,  
〈◊〉 they traisted, if Scotland were not hard stade:  
●●llace would come, as he them promise' made,  
●he 'samine Herald that in Scotland was,  
●hey him commanded, and ordained him to pass  
●●to Scotland, without longer delay:  
●t of the Sluice as goodly as he may.  
●dy he was, in ship he passed on case,  
〈◊〉 Tayes mouth, but bided the Haven tais:  
●here Wallace than was at the sailyie still,  
●d he received the Herald with good will,  
●heir writ he read, and said to them this wise,  
〈◊〉 answer soon he could them not device:  
〈◊〉 honest Inns the Herald soon he sand,  
〈◊〉 Wallace cost right boldly for to spend,  
●●hile time he saw how other matters stood,  
●hen answer he should have withouten dread:  
●he wit of France thought Wallace to commend.  
●to Scotland with this Herald they sand:  
●aise of his dead, and als the description  
●f him ta'en there, by men of description:  
Clerks, Knights, and Heralds that him saw,  
●ut I hereof cannot rehearse it awe,  
Wallace stature, of greatness, and of height  
●as judged thus by discretion of sight,  
●hat saw him both on Chevill and on weed,  
●●ine quarters large of height he was indeed,  
●hird part that length in shoulders broad was he,  
●●ght seemly strong, and lusty for to see,  
〈◊〉 limbs great, with stalwart pass and sound,  
●is brains hard, with arms long and round.  
●is hands made right like to a palmeare,  
Of manlike make, with nails long and clear.  
Proportioned fair, and long was his visage.  
●ight sad of speech, and able of courage:  
●oth breast high, with sturdy ●r●ig and great,  
His lips round, his nose square and neat.  
Burning brown hair, on brows and brie●  
Clear asper eyes, like Diamonds full brigh●  
Under his thin, on his left side was seen,  
By hurt, a wan, his colour was sanguine:  
Wounds he had in many divers place,  
But fair and whole well kéeped was his face:  
Of richeses als he kéeped no proper thing,  
Gave that he won like Alexander the King:  
In time of peace meek as a mind should be,  
When war approached, the right Hector was he,  
To Scots men right good credence be gave,  
But known enemies they could not him deceive.  
These properties were judged into France,  
Of him to be a goodly remembrance:  
Master John Blair this pattern could receive,  
In Wallace book he brieved with the leave:  
But he thereof as than took little béed,  
His laborous mind was all of other deed:  
At Dundie sieige thus earnest as he lay,  
Tidings to him Jop brought upon a day:  
How King Edward with likely men of vail,  
An hundreth thousand come for to assail,  
And Scots ground they had ta'en upon case.  
Into some part it grieved good Wallace:  
He made Scrimgeour at this house foe to lie,  
With eight thousand, and charged them for th●  
That none should scape with life out of that 〈◊〉  
That Sutheron were, but put them all to dead:  
Scrimgeour granted right faithfully to ●ide,  
With two thousand Wallace could from him rid●  
To S. Johnstoun, three days graithed he there,  
With sad advice towards the South can far:  
For King Edward that ●●me ordained had,  
Ten thousand whole to pass that was full gl●●  
●ith young Woodstock, a Lord of meikle might  
● Striuling Bridge he ordained them full right:  
●●d there to bide, the entry for to weir,  
●f Wallace than he trowed to have no deir,  
●●ght royally upon a good array,  
●hen leave they took, and past out but delay,  
●o Striuling came, and there would not abide,  
●o see the North beyond Forth can they ride:  
Which new courage fell into his intent,  
Which made the Sutheron full sore for to repent.  
The end of the tenth Book.    

THE ELEVENTH BOOK.  

CHAP. I The Battle of Fawkirk.  

THis Woodstock road into the North good speed,  
Of Scots as than they had but little dread,  
For well they trowed for to rescue Dundie,  
●heir Ships came to Tay in by the sea:  
●is guides said, that they should lead him by  
●aint Johnstoun where passage lay plainly:  
●he high they took, and looked them about,  
● were they beware of Wallace and his rout:  
●hen in some part he remorded his thought,  
●he King's command because he kéeped naught:  
●ut when he saw they were lesser nor he,  
●e would them bide, and either do or die:  
●ir John Ramsay foremost his power saw,  
●●id, You are they that ye see hither draw:  
Either Sutheron, that came so cruelly,  
Or Earl Malcome to seek you for supply,  
Than Wallace smiled and said, English they are  
Ye may them know right well where that they  
On Shyreffe mure Wallace the field hath ta'en,  
With eight thousand of worthy men in wane.  
The Sutheron were right doughty into deed,  
Together strake, well stuffed in steel weed:  
Than spears all soon into spenders sprent.  
The hardy Scots out through the Sutheron went,  
In rayed battle seven thousand down they bore,  
Deed on the bent, recovered never mare,  
Right feil fight with weapons grounden keep  
Blood than from birns was blushed on the green  
The stalward stour right felon was and strange,  
The worthy Scots so derfly on them dang:  
That all was dead within a little stound,  
None from that place had power for to found.  
Young Woodstock hath both life and hosts forlorn  
The Scots spoilt all good gear them be forne:  
What them thought best, of fine Harness th●  
Both Gold and good, and horse that might avail  
To Striuling Bridge without resting they rade,  
Or more should come, Wallace this ordinance made  
Past over the Bridge, Wallace gart Wrights ●a●●  
And with Craftsmen undid the passage all:  
Than these same folk he sent to the Dridfurd,  
Gart set the ground with strong staiks and bu●  
With nine or ten syles he cast the gate before,  
Endlong the shald made it as deep as shore:  
Than Wallace said, We shall on one side be,  
Yond King and I, but if he south-wart flee:  
He sent Lawder which had in hand the Basse,  
Endlong the coast, where any vessel was:  
And men with him that busily could look,  
〈◊〉 each Boat a board or two they took:  
●●ips they burnt of Strangers that was there,  
●on and he to Wallace thus can far:  
● Striuling lay upon his purpose still,  
●r Englishmen to see what way they will:  
●he Earl Malcome Striuling in keeping had,  
● him came with men of arms sad:  
Three hundreth whole that sicker was and true  
●f Lennox folk their power to renew.  
Sir John the Grahame from Dundaffe sickerly,  
● Wallace came with a good Chivalry,  
●dings him brought that Sutheron came at hand,  
● Torphichine King Edward was lodgand:  
●stroying the place of purveyance was there,  
●int John's good as than they would not spare.  
●wart of Bute came unto Wallace there:  
●ith him he had twelve hundreth men and mare:  
●e Cumine than was passed in Cumbernald,  
●pon the morn bowned the Steward bald.  
●n to array with men of arms bright:  
●●enty thousand than sembled in their fight:  
●he Lord Stewart and Cumine forth they ride  
● the Fawkirk, and thought there to abide.  
●allace and his than to array they yéed  
With ten thousand of worthy men indeed:  
●ho could behold his awful Lordly vult,  
● well be seen, so forward, stern and stout,  
● good Chiftain as with so few they been,  
Without a King was never in Scotland seen,  
●allace himself and Earl Malcome the Lord.  
Sir John the Grahame and Ramsay at record:  
●on, Lawder, and Boyd that was full wight,  
●am Wallace was to that journey dight,  
● many other that proved well in press,  
Their names all I may not here rehearse:  
Sutheron, or than out of Torphichine sure,  
Their passage made into Slamanane mure:  
Into a plain set tents and pavilion,  
South the Fawkirk a little above the town.  
Good Jop himself thus judged by his sight.  
In whole number an hundreth thousand right:  
Of Wallace coming the Scots such comfort took,  
When they him saw all dreadour they forsook,  
For of envy was few there that it witted,  
Treasonable folk their matter works at list.  
Poison since than at the Fawkirk is called,  
Through great treason, and corruption of ald.  
For Cumines had envy of good Wallace,  
For Earl Patrick as happened upon case:  
Countess of March was Cumins sister dear,  
Under colour he wrought on this manner,  
Into the host had ordained Wallace dead,  
And made Stewart to fall with him at pled,  
That Lord, he said, that Wallace had no right.  
Power to lead, and he present in sight:  
He bade him take the vanguard for the gy,  
So witted he well that he should strive for thy,  
Lord Stewart asked at Wallace his counsel,  
Said Sir, ye know what may us best avail,  
Yond awful King is felon for to bide,  
Right unabased Wallace answered that tide,  
And I have seen twice more into Scotland  
With yond same King when Scots men took o●  
With lesser men than now hither is sought,  
This Realm against and to good purpose br●  
Sir, we will fight, for we have men enew  
As for a day, so that we all be true:  
The Stewart said, the vanguard we should ha●  
Wallace answered, and said, so God me save,  
That shall ye not so long as I may reign:  
●or no man else, except my righteous King,  
〈◊〉 he will come and take on him the Crown,  
〈◊〉 his command I shall be ready bown.  
Through God's grace I rescued Scotland twice,  
● were over mad to tine it in such wise.  
●● tine for boast I that have governed long,  
Thus half in wrath from ward him can he gang.  
Stewart therewith all bowned into bale,  
●allace he said, by thee I tell a tale,  
●y forth quoth he, of the fairest ye can,  
Unhappily, his tale thus he began:  
●allace he said, thou takes this meikle cure,  
● fared it by working of nature,  
●ow an Howlat complained of his Fethreme,  
When Dame nature took of each bird but blame  
● fair feather, and to the Howlat gave,  
Than he through pride rebuted all the lave:  
Therefore should thou thy senyie show so high,  
Thou thinks none here that should thy fellow be,  
This makes it, thou art glad with our men,  
●ad we our own, than were but few to ken:  
●t these words good Wallace burnt as fire,  
●ver hastily he answered him in ire:  
Thou lied he said, the sooth full often hath been,  
There have I bidden, where thou durst not be seen,  
Contrare thine enemies, not more for Scotland's right,  
aror dare the Howlat when that the day is light:  
That tale full near thou baste told by thy cell,  
To thy desire thou shalt not me compel:  
●●mine it is hath given thee this counsel,  
Will God ye shall of your first purpose fail:  
That false traitor that I from danger brought,  
Is wonder like to bring this Realm to naught.  
For thine oggart either to do or die,  
To prison fled, or cowardly to flee:  
Rescue of me thou shalt get none this day,  
Therewith he turned, and from them road hi●  
Ten thousand men away with Wallace road,  
None better was in all the world so broad,  
As such men was living upon life,  
Alas, great harm fell Scotland for that strife;  
Past to the Wood from the Fawkirk by east,  
He would not bide for command nor request:  
For charge of none, but it had been the King.  
That might that time bring him from his entwine  
The other Scots saw their destruction,  
For discomfort to leave the field was bown:  
But that these men was native to Stewart,  
Principal in Bute took hardiment in heart:  
Lord Stewart was at Cumine grieved there,  
Heght and he lived, he should repent it sare.  
The great trespass that he through misknowled●  
Had gart him make to Wallace in that place:  
Of their debate it was a great pity,  
For Englishmen than might not blyther be,  
Hasted so fast in battle to the field,  
Thirty thousand that well could weapons wield:  
The Earl Hartfurd was chosen their Chieftain,  
The good Stewart to that array is gane:  
The field he took as true and worthy Knight,  
The Englishmen came on with full great might:  
Their fallen meeting was awful for to see,  
At that Counter they gart feil Sutheron die,  
When spears were split, hint out with swords s●  
On either side full doughty deeds were done,  
Feil on the ground was felled in that place,  
Stewart and his can on their enemy's race,  
Blood bursted out through mailzie birnisht brig●,  
Twenty thousand with dreadful weapon dight,  
On Sutheron men derfly to death they ding,  
The remanent again fled to the King.  
●en thousand than after the dead eschewed,  
With that Chiftain unto the host relieved,  
Again to ray the hardy Stewart yéed,  
When Wallace saw that worthy noble deed,  
●eld up his hands with humble prayer pressed,  
● God, he said, give yond Lord grace to last,  
And power have his worship to attend,  
To win these folk, and take the whole commend:  
Great harm it were that he should be overset  
With new power, they than to him rebet,  
By that the Bruce an awful battle rayed,  
The Bishop Biek that often hath been assayed,  
Forty thousand upon the Scots to far,  
With full effear they raised up right there,  
The Bruces Banner with gold and goules clear,  
When Wallace saw the battles approached near,  
The right Lion against his own Kinrike,  
Alace he said, the world is contrare like,  
This land should be yond tyrant's heritage,  
That comes thus to stroy his own barnage,  
So I were free of it that I said air,  
I would forswear Scotland for evermare,  
Contrare Bruce I should rescue them now,  
Or die therefore to God I make avow,  
The great debate in Wallace wit can weighed,  
Betwixt kindness and wilful vow was made,  
Kindness bade him rescue them from their so.  
Than will said nay, why fool wilt thou do so,  
Thou hast no wit with right thyself to lead,  
Should thou help him that would put thee to deed,  
Kindness said, yet they are good Scots men,  
The will said wit, the verity thou may ●en,  
Had they been good all in one we had been,  
By reason here the contrare well is seen,  
For they us hate more than the Sutheron lied,  
Kindness said nay, that show they not indeed,  
Though one of them be false into their saw,  
Because of him thou should not loose them awe:  
They have done well into yond felon stoure,  
Rescue them now, and take the high honour.  
Will said, they would have ●e●t from me my life,  
I bade for them in many a felon strife.  
Kindness said, help, their power is but naught,  
Than wreak on him that all the malice wrought.  
Will said, this day they shall not helped be,  
That I have said, shall aye be said for me:  
They are but dead, God grant them of his bliss,  
Envy long since, done hath great harm and miss.  
Wallace therewith turned in ire and téen,  
Tears for bail burst out from both his éene:  
Sir John the Grahame, and many other wight,  
Wéeped for woe for sorrow of that Knight.  
When Bruces battle upon the Scots stroke,  
Their cruel coming made cowards for to quake:  
Lord Cumming fled in Cumbernald away,  
About the Scots the Sutheron lapped they:  
The men of Bute before their Lord they stood,  
Defending him when that feil streams of blood  
Were them about in floats where they yéed,  
Bathed in blood was Bruces sword and weed,  
Through fallen slaughter of feil men of his own,  
Soon to the death the Scots were overthrown,  
Than slew the Lord, for he would not be ta'en:  
When Wallace saw that their good men were gane  
Lords he said, what now is your counsel:  
Two chooses there are, I read the best ye wail,  
Yonder the King his host abandounand,  
With Bruce and Biek in yond battle to stand,  
Yond King in war right wise and fallen hath been,  
Their Captains als full cruel are and kéen,  
●tter of hand is none living I wis,  
● tyranny, ye trow me well of this,  
●or Bruce and Beik, to what side they be set,  
●e have a choice which is full hard but let:  
●d we turn East for strength in Lowthian land,  
●hey stuff a chase right hard I understand,  
●ke we the mure, yond King is us before,  
There is but this withouten words more.  
● the Torwood, for our succour is there:  
through Bruces host, forsooth first must we far,  
●●ongst us now there needeth no debate,  
●n men are dead, we need not strive for state,  
They all consented to work right as he will,  
That him thought best, they granted to fulfil.  
〈◊〉 Wallace than that stoutly could them steir,  
Before them road into his armour clear,  
●led their spears all in one number round:  
●d we grace have for to pass through them sound,  
●d few be lost, to our strength will we ride,  
●ant we many, in faith we shall abide.  
With their armed horse fast on the host they rade,  
The reird than risen when spears in sunder glade:  
●shed in dross dunted with spears dint.  
From forged steel the fire flew from but stint:  
The felon throng, when horse and men renewed,  
〈◊〉 drove the dust when they their p●●●s proved.  
The other host might not their deeds see,  
The stour that risen, while they dissevered be.  
The worthy Scots eight thousand down they bore,  
●ew fell on ground that good Wallace brought there,  
The King cried horse upon them for to ride:  
●ut this wise Lord gave him counsel to bide:  
The Earl of York said, Sir, ye work amiss,  
To break array, yond men quite through them is,  
They ken the land and will to strengths dra●  
Lake we the plain we are in peril awe,  
The King conceived that his counsel was righ●  
Ruled the host, and bade still in their sight.  
E'er Bruce and Beik might return their battle,  
The Scots were through and had a great avail.  
Wallace commanded the host should pass away  
To the Torwood in the all haste they may,  
Himself and Graham and Lawder turned in,  
Betwixt Battles, prize and proves to win.  
And with them bided in that place hundreth th●  
Of Westland men used in jeopardy,  
Upon wight horse, that right warly could ride,  
A s●op they made where they set on a side,  
No spears they had but swords of tempered stée●  
Therewith in stour they let their enemies feel.  
How they full often had proved been in press,  
Of Englishmen they made feil to decease.  
E'er Bruce thereof might well perceiving have,  
Three hundreth there were graithed to their g●●  
The hardy Bruce an host abandon it,  
Thirty thousand he ruled by force and wit,  
Upon the Scots his men for to rescue.  
Served they were with good spears anew.  
And Bishop Beik a stuff to him to be,  
When good Wallace their ordinance can see,  
Alace, he said, yond man hath meikle might,  
And over good will to undo his own right.  
He bade his men toward the host to ride.  
Them for to save he would behind them bide,  
Meikle he trowed in God and his own deed,  
To save his men into his doughty weed:  
Upon himself meikle travel he taes,  
The great battle complete upon him gaes:  
In the fore front turned he full often,  
Whom ever he hit their saughning was unsoft,  
That day in world known was not his maik,  
〈◊〉 Sutheron man he slew aye at a straik,  
●ut his own strength might not against them be,  
Toward his host behoved him to flee,  
The Bruce him hurt at his returning there,  
Under the haunch a deep wound and sare,  
Blood bursted out braithly a spears length.  
From the great host he fléed toward his strength;  
●uch a flyer before was never seen,  
●ought as Gaderis of Gaudiffer the téen,  
When Alexander rescued the foreours,  
●ight not to him be compared in those hours,  
The feil turning of foreours he made,  
●ow boldly as before the host be bade,  
●or how good Graham with cruel hardiment,  
●or how Lawder among his enemies went,  
●ow they alone into the stour than stood,  
While Wallace was in staunching of his blood,  
●y than he had stemed full well his wound,  
With three hundreth unto the field can found.  
●o rescue Graham and Lawder that were wight,  
But Bishop Beik came on with strength and flight.  
The worthy Scots retired far aback,  
●ever aiker broad, unto their own great wreck,  
Yet ●ere these two delivered there full well,  
By his own hand, and a good sword of steel:  
The awful Bruce among them with great main,  
●t the rescue, three Scots men hath he slain.  
Whom he hit right ay at one stroke was dead,  
Wallace therefore pressed in to set remead.  
With a good spear Bruce was served but bade,  
With great envy to Wallace fast he rade,  
●nd he to him assonzeit not for thy,  
The Bruce him mist, as Wallace passed by,  
Acwa●t he struck with his sharp grounden gl●  
Spear and horse neck he all in sunder drove,  
Bruce was at ground ere Wallace turned about,  
The great battle of Sutheron, stern and stout.  
They horsed Bruce with men of great valour,  
Wallace alone was in that stalwart stour,  
Grahame pressed in and struck an English Knight,  
Before the Bruce upon the bassinet right,  
That friv●le stuff, and all his other weed,  
Both bone and brain the noble sword through 〈◊〉  
The Knight was dead, good Grahame returned ●  
A subtle Knight thereat had great despite,  
Followed at wait, and hath perceived well,  
Grahams birnie too norrow was some deal  
Beneath the waste that ●lose it might not be,  
On the fillet full sternly than struck he,  
Pierced the back, in the bowels him bore,  
With a sharp spear, that he might live not more,  
Grahame turned there, and smote the Knight in 〈◊〉  
Through the visa●t a little beneath the éene:  
Dead of that dint, to ground be rushed down,  
Sir John the Grahame swooned on his arsoun,  
E'er he overcame to pass to his party,  
Feil Sutheron men that were on foot him by,  
Sticked his horse that he not further yéed,  
Graham yields to God his good spirit and his de●  
When Wallace saw this good Knight to death b●  
The piteous pain so sore thirled his thought:  
All out of kind altered his courage,  
His wit in war was than but a wood rage.  
The horse him bore in field where so him li●●,  
For of himself as than he little witted.  
Like a wood beast that was from reason rend,  
As witless wight into the host he went,  
Dinging on hard what Sutheron right he hit,  
Strait upon horse again might never fit,  
Into that rage full feil folk he d●ng down,  
All him about was read a full great room,  
When Bruce perceivod with Wallace it was sa,  
He than charged men long spears for to ●a.  
And slay his horse, so he could not escape.  
Feil Sutheron than to Wallace can them shape,  
pierced his horse with spears on either side,  
Wounds they made, that were both deep and wide:  
Of shafts, part Wallace in sunder share,  
But feil heads into his horse left there.  
Some wit again to Wallace can redown,  
In his own mind, so ruled him rea●●un,  
So for to die he thought no bassallage,  
Than for to flee he took into a rage,  
Spurred the horse, and ran in a randoun.  
To his own folk, were bidding on Carroun:  
The sea was in, they stopped and still stóod,  
On loud he cried, and bade them take the flood.  
Together bide, ye may not loose a man,  
At his command they took the water than.  
He returned the entry for to keep.  
While all the haost were passed over the deep.  
Than followed fast, and dread his Horse should fall,  
Himself was clad in a heavy place of male.  
Though he could swim, he trowed he might not well  
The clear water cooled the horse some deal.  
Out over the flood be bore him to the land,  
Than fell down dead and might not longer stand.  
Keirly full soon a Courser to him brought,  
Than up he lap, amongst the host he sought:  
Grahame was away, and other fifteen wight,  
On Magdalene day these folk to death were dight.  
Thirty thousand of Englishmen for true,  
The worthy Scots upon that day they flew;  
What by Stewart, and than by wight Wallace,  
For all his price King Edward rued that cast,  
To the Torwood he bade the host go ride,  
Keirlie and he passed on Carroun side.  
Beholding over upon the South party:  
Bruce foremost came, and could on Wallace cry,  
What? art thou there? a man Wallace can say  
The Bruce answered, that hast thou proved this 〈◊〉  
Abide he said, thou needest not now to flee,  
Wallace answered, I eschewed not for thee,  
But that thine power hath near thine own und●  
Amendss hereof will God we shall have soon.  
Language of thee, the Bruce saith, I desire,  
Say forth quoth he, thou mayest for little hire:  
Ride from thine host, and gar them bide with Bei●  
I would feign hear what thou likest to speak.  
The host-bode still, the Bruce passed them fra,  
No man with him, but one Scot that height Rae.  
When that the Bruce out of their hearing were,  
He turned in by, and this question can spear,  
Why works thou thus, and might in good peace  
Than Wallace said, But in default of thee:  
Through thy falsehood thine own wit is miskend,  
I claim no right, but would this land defend,  
That thou undost through thy false cruel deed,  
Thou hast tint two that were with far more mee●  
Upon this day, with a good King to found,  
Nor five millions of finest gold so round,  
That ever were wrought in work or coin so brig●●  
I trow in world be not a better Knight  
Than was good Graham of truth and hardiment:  
Tears therewith from Wallace eyes down went.  
Bruce said, Far more on this day we have lost,  
Wallace answered, Alace they were ill cost,  
Through thy treason (shouldst be out righteous 〈◊〉  
●hat wilfully destroyest thine own offspring:  
●he Bruce answered, wilt thou do my devise,  
●allace said, Not, thou livest in such wise:  
●hou wouldst me make at King Edward's will be,  
●et I had rather to morn he hanged high:  
●t wilt thou do as I shall counsel give,  
●hen as a Lord thou might at liking live.  
● thine own will in Scotland for to reign,  
●o be in peace, and hold of Edward King.  
●f that false King I think never to take,  
●ut contrare him with all my power to make:  
● claim nothing, as by tittle of right,  
though I might reave, since God hath lent me might  
From thee thy Crown of this Region to wear,  
●ut I shall not such charge upon me bear:  
●reat God knows best what wars I took on hand  
●or to keep free that which thou dost gain-stand.  
● might be said of thee long time before,  
● cursed time thou wast for Scotland borne,  
●eemest thou not, that never yet didst good,  
●hou Runagate, devourer of thy blood,  
● bow to God, may I thy Master be,  
● any field, thou shalt far rather die  
Than shall a Turk, for thy false cruel wear,  
Pagans' to us do not so meikle dear,  
Than leugh the Bruce at Wallace earnestness,  
And said, thou seest that thus stands the case,  
This day thou art with power overset,  
Against yond King overhand ye may not get,  
Than Wallace said, We are by meikle thing,  
Stronger this day in contrary yond King.  
Than at Bigger, where he left many of his,  
And als the field, so shall he do with this:  
Into the field we have lost many a Knight,  
Or die therefore, for all his meikle might,  
And Scotland now into such peril stad,  
To leave it thus, I might be called mad:  
Wallace, he said, it approacheth near night,  
Would thou to morn when that the day is 〈◊〉  
E'er nine of clock, meet me at the Chapel,  
By Donypace, I would hear thy Counsel,  
Wallace said, Nay, ere that each time be spent,  
Were all the men hence in the Orient  
Into one will with Edward, who had sworn,  
We shall bargan ere nine hours of the morn:  
Of this wrong reafe, either he shall think shame,  
Or die therefore, or flee in England hame,  
But and thou wilt, soon by the hour of three,  
At that each tryst, will God I shall thee see.  
While I may last, this Realm shall not for●●●●●  
Bruce promised him with twelve Scots to be ther●  
Than Wallace said, Stood thou righteous to ●o ●  
A contrare part I should not be to thee,  
I shall bring ten, and for thy power moe,  
I give no force, though thou be friend or foe:  
Thus they departed, Bruce passed thus away,  
To Lithgow road, where that King Edward lay:  
The field had left, and lodged by south the town,  
At supper set as Bruce at the Pavilion,  
He entered in, and saw vacand his seat,  
No water took, but made him to the meat:  
Fasting he was, and been in meikell dread,  
Bloody was all his weapons and his weed:  
The Sutheron Lords scorned in terms rude,  
And said, behold yond Scot eats his own blood,  
The King thought evil they made such derision,  
Bade have water to Bruce of Huntingtoun,  
They bade him wash, he said that he would no●  
This blood is mine that hurts most my thought  
Sadly the Bruce than in his mind remorded  
The words sooth Wallace, had him recorded,  
Than rued he sore, fra reason he had known,  
That blood and land should both hath been his own.  
With them he was long ere he got a way,  
●ut contrare Scots he fought not from that day,  
●eave I the Bruce sore mourning in his intent,  
●●od Wallace soon again to his host went  
●n the Torwood which had their longing made,  
●yres they beit that was both bright and braid,  
●● nolt and sheep, they took at suffisance,  
Thereof full soon to get them sustenance.  
Wallace sléeped but short while and soon risen,  
To rule the host on a good peace he goes.  
The Earl Malcome, Ramsay, and Lundie wight,  
●nd five thousand in battle than he dight.  
●allace, Lawder, and Christell of Seton,  
Five thousand led, and Wallace of Richartoun.  
Full well arrayed into their armour clean  
●●st to the field where that the chase had been,  
●eeking dead men among the worthiest  
The corpse of Graham, for whom they mourned most,  
When they him found, and good Wallace him saw,  
●e lighted down, him hint before them awe  
●n arms up, beholding his pale face,  
He kissed him and cried full often alace,  
My best brother in world that ever I had,  
Mine efold friend when I was hardest stad:  
●ine hope, mine health, thou wast of most honour,  
My faith, mine help, my stre●●ner into stour.  
〈◊〉 thee was wit, freedom, and hardiness,  
〈◊〉 thee was truth, manhood, and nobleness:  
〈◊〉 thee was rule, in thee was governance:  
〈◊〉 thee virtue withouten variance:  
〈◊〉 lawty, in thee was great largeness:  
〈◊〉 thee gentries, in thee was steadfastness:  
Thou wast great cause of winning of Scotland,  
Though I began and took the war on hand,  
I vow to God that hath the world to walled,  
Thy death shall be to Sutheron full dear sald:  
Martyr thou art for Scotland's right and me,  
I shall be venged, or else therefore shall die.  
Was no man there from weeping might refrain  
For loss of him when they heard Wallace plain,  
They carried him with worship and honour,  
In the Fawkirk made him a sepulture,  
Wallace commanded his men therefore to bide,  
His ten he took for to meet Bruce they ride,  
South-west he passed where that the tryst was set,  
The Bruce full soon, and good Wallace have met,  
For loose of Grahame, and als for proper téen,  
He grew in ire when he the Bruce hath seen:  
Their saluting was but bousterous and thrown.  
Rews thou he said, thou art contrare thine own.  
Bruce said, Wallace, rebute me now not more,  
Mine own deeds have bet me wonder sore.  
When Wallace heard with Bruce that it stood sa,  
On knees he fell fair countenance can him ma.  
In arms soon the Bruce hath Wallace ta'en,  
Out from their men in cousel are they gane,  
I cannot tell perfectly their language,  
But this was it their men had of knowledge:  
Wallce him prayed come from the Sutheron King  
The Bruce said nay, there lets me yet one thing:  
I am so bound with witness to be leale,  
For all England, I would not false my Seal.  
But one thing here, I heght to God and thee,  
That contrare Scots again I shall not be,  
Into a field with weapons that I bear,  
In my purpose I shall thee never dear:  
If God thee grants overhand of us to have,  
I will not flee mine own self for to save:  
And Edward scape, I pass with him again,  
●…ut I through force be either ta'en or slain:  
Break he on me when that my term is out,  
〈◊〉 come to thee, may I scape from that doubt:  
●…f their counsel I cannot tell you mare,  
The Bruce took leave, and can to Edward far,  
Wallace in haste provided soon his host,  
●…ght sad in mind for Scots men that he lost:  
●…e made Crawf●rd the Earl Malcome to guide  
〈◊〉 the low way to Innerravin to ride:  
That their watches than should not them espy,  
The other host himself led hastily,  
●…y South Manwel while that they were between,  
●…f the out watches thus scaped they unséen,  
●…he Earl Malcome on Lithgow entered in,  
●…here hastily a great strife can begin:  
Wallace was naught all to the battle bown,  
Than they heard the cry rise into that town.  
〈◊〉 Edward's host they set full suddenly,  
Wallace and his made little noise and cry:  
●…ut occupied with weapons in that stour,  
●…til felled to death that was without armour?  
●…ll disarrayed the English host was than,  
●…mong the Pavilions where Scots full many man,  
●…utted down cords, gart many tents fall,  
●…ne soinziet than, at once were fight all:  
●…ut Wallace host and Earl Malcome with might,  
●…ing Edward than with awful fear on heght:  
●…yed to array on Bruce so stern and stout,  
Twenty thousand in arms him about.  
●…to harness had bidden all that night,  
●…ut frayed folk so dolefully been dight,  
On each side fled, for fearednesse of their dead,  
Wallace and his so roughly through them yéed:  
Toward the King, and felled feil to ground,  
Who bided them there right fell fight they  
The cruel King right awfully abade,  
To all his folk a great comfort he made:  
The worthy Scots among them in that stour,  
Feil Sutheron slew into their fine Armour,  
Before the King made slops them among,  
So forwardly they pressed in that throng.  
English Commons they fled on either side,  
But Noble men there durst none other bide,  
The Bruce as than to Scots made no grievance,  
But judge he was with feinzeit countenance:  
So did he never into no battle air,  
Nor yet after such deed as he showed there.  
The Earl Hartfurd to flee he made him bown,  
The Earl Malcome by that came in the town:  
The Lennox men set their lodges in fire,  
Than fearedly fled many Sutheron sire,  
The King Edward that yet was fight still,  
Hath seen them flee, and liked them full ill,  
The worthy Scots fast toward him they press,  
His bridle near assayed ere they would cease,  
His banner man in that place Wallace flew,  
And than to ground the banner soon it flew.  
The Earl of York counselled the King to flee,  
And so returned, since no succour they see,  
The Englishmen hath seen the banner fall,  
Without comfort to flee they purpose all,  
Ten thousand men in field and town was dead  
Of Edward's folk, ere himself left that stead.  
Twenty thousand away together rade,  
King and Chieftains not longer tarry made,  
The Scots in haste than to their horse they yéed,  
To stuff the chase with worthy men indeed.  
The Lennox folk that wanted horse and gear,  
●ook them at will to help them in their wear,  
●t stragill road what Scots might for most pass,  
On Sutheron men full great slaughter there was,  
Wallace hath seen the Scots unorderly  
Fellow the chase, he made masters in hie  
Them for to rule, and altogether ride,  
Commanding them, each one should other bide,  
Into flying the Sutheron subtle are,  
●ee they a time they will set on full sare,  
Feil scailed folk to them will soon renew,  
For ye see well that they are men anew,  
The followers was ruled well with skill,  
●n good array they road all at his william.  
And slew down fast what Sutheron they overtook,  
Contrare the Scots came not mastery to make,  
Into that chase they hasted all so near,  
●o Englishman durst from the host out steer.  
●he frayed folk at stragil weigh fleeand,  
●rew to the King well more than ten thousand,  
Thirty thousand in number than were they,  
Into array together they past-away,  
Feil Scots horse so driven was in travel,  
Forerun that day and irked, hegan to fail,  
The Sutheron was with horse served so well,  
Of Wallace chase the Sutheron had some feil,  
Of horse they were purveyed in great wain,  
The King changed on sundry horse of Spain.  
Than Wallace said, Lords ye may well see,  
●on folk are now all that yond King may be,  
For fault of stuff we loose over meikle thing,  
●ad we good horse to pass before yond King,  
●e should make end of all this long debate,  
Yet some of them shall be bandled so bait.  
Part of our horse are holden fresh and wight,  
●et on them fast while that we are in might.  
With that the Scots so hard among them drew,  
Of the outmost three thousand men they slew.  
In Crawfurd mure many a man was slain,  
Edward gart call the Bruce of meikle main.  
Than said he thus, good Earl of Huntingtown,  
Ye see the Scots put many to confusion.  
Would ye with men again on them relieve,  
And mar them once, I shall while that I live,  
Love you far more than any other Knight,  
And for all this shall put you in your right.  
Than said the Bruce, Sir lose me of my band,  
And I shall turn, I height you by my hand:  
The King soon considered in his mind,  
When he heard Bruce answer him in this kind.  
From Englishmen the Bruce heart set it is,  
Than cast he this how he should mend this miss,  
And so he did in England at his will,  
No Scots man he let with Bruce bide still.  
But where he passed held him in subjection,  
Of Englishmen under a great bandon,  
He turned not nor no more language made,  
In rayed battle the King to Sulway rade.  
With meikle pain passed upon England's coast,  
Fifty thousand in that travel they lost,  
When Wallace saw he scaped was away,  
Upon command again returned they,  
To Edinburgh, withouten words more,  
Put in Crawfurd that Captain was before.  
Of heritage he had in Manwell land,  
Wallace commanded each man should hold in ha●  
Their own office, as they before time had,  
Put in good peace, Scotland in right he stad.  
On the tenth day to S. Johnstonn he went,  
Assembled Lords, than showed them his intent,  
Scrimgeour came that than had won Dundie,  
Wallace command that time well kéeped he.  
He sailed so, while strong hunger them drove,  
Feebled them so the house to him they gave.  
These wageours soon they put to confusion,  
Than brought Morton to make a conclusion,  
Before Wallace, and soon from he him saw,  
He gart hung him for all King Edward's awe.  
Masons and Minds with Scrimgeour forth he sand,  
Cast down Dundie, and thereof make an end.  
Wallace sadly when these deeds were done,  
The Lords he called, and his will showed than soon.  
Good men he said, I was your Governor,  
My mind was set to do you aye honour,  
And for to bring this Realm to righteousness,  
For it I passed in many painful place.  
To win our own myself I never spared,  
At the Fawkirk they ordained me reward,  
Of their reward ye hear no more through me,  
Unto such gifts Eod will full well have eye.   

NOW ye are free through the maker of might,  
He grant you grace for to defend your right,  
Als I presume if harm be ordained me,  
There are Scottishmen which should the workers be:  
I have enough of our old enemy's strife,  
Me thinks our own should not envy my life.  
Mine office here over plainly I resign,  
I think not more to take on me such thing.  
In France I will, and win my living there,  
As now advised, and home to come not more.  
Lords gain-stood, but all that helped naught,  
For any there he did as himself thought:  
Bishop Sinkler was visited with sickness,  
Into Dunkeld, and than through God's grace,  
He recovered when Wallace passed away:  
After the Bruce he lived many a day.  
Good Walace thus took leave in Saint Johnstoun●  
Eeghtéen with him to Dundie made them bown,  
Longoveil passed that doughty was indeed,  
The Barons Son of Brechin with him yéed.  
Two brethrens old with their Uncle them dight,  
Simon Wallace, and Richard that were wight,  
Sir Thomas Grace, this Priest can with him far,  
Edward Little, and Jop and Master Blair,  
Good Keirly passed, had been with Wallace long,  
And done full well in many felon throng.  
This Keirly than that could with Wallace far,  
Will Ker he heght mine Author will declare,  
Keirly in Irish, is but Ker Little called,  
In Carrick he had heritage of ald.  
His forebear which worthy was of hand,  
Saint David King him brought out of Ireland,  
Than at Dummoir where first Norway's came in,  
This Ker made great discomfit of their Kin,  
With seven hundreth vanquished nine thousand,  
Some drowned in Down, some slain upon the land,  
Those whole lands the good King gave him till,  
How Wallace passed now further speak I william.    

CHAP. II. How Wallace met with John Line upon the sea.  
AMong Merchants thus Wallace took the sea.  
Pray we to God that he their helper be,  
Pray we ro God that he their helper be,  
They sailed forth by part of England Shore,  
To Humber-mouth when that they came before,  
Out of the South a great read sail they see,  
Into the top three Leopards standing high,  
The Merchands than the sign when that they s●●.  
●●mming so near, they were discomfort awe,  
For well they witted that it was John of Lyn,  
scots to slay, he said it was no sin.  
These frayed folk they yéed to confession,  
Than Wallace said, such a devotion,  
●et saw I never in no place where I passed,  
That for one ship ye should be all aghast,  
●n wood Cats shall do but little dear,  
●e saw them fail twice more when they were,  
●n a fare field, so shall they on the sea,  
●e●pite it is to see them stand so high,  
The Stiersman said, Sir we well understand,  
●e saveth none that is born of Scotland:  
●e may not flee from yond Barge wots I well,  
●ell stuffed they are with gun and gainzie of steel,  
●pon the sea yond River long hath been,  
● righteous men he doth full meikle téen,  
●ght we be saved we rek not for our good.  
This use he hath shortly for to conclude,  
●oud he bears upon his Coat Armour,  
● drowning folk, so painted in his figure,  
Suppose we mourn ye should have no marvel,  
●hen Wallace said, here is men of more veil  
●● sail the ship, therefore in How thou gay:  
●d thy fires, not more comer us mae,  
●allace and his than soon to Harness yéed,  
●hen they were graithed into their worthy weed,  
Himself and Blair, and the Knight Longoveil:  
These three hath ta'en to keep the mid-ship well,  
Before were eight, and ●ix be e●t he kend,  
●hen two he choose the top for to defend,  
●d Grace he made their Stiersman for to be  
●he Merchands than saw them so manfully  
defend themselves, because they had no weed,  
●t of the How they took than skins good speed,  
Aye betwixt two stuffed Wool as they might be●  
Against the stroke, that they might some part 〈◊〉  
Than Wallace leugh and commended them awe,  
Of such Harness before he never saw.  
By that the Barge came on them wonder fast,  
Seven score in her that were nothing aghast,  
When John of Lyn saw them in Armour bright,  
He leugh, and said, these naughty words on high●  
Yond glaiked Scots can us not understand,  
They are but fools, and new come from the land  
He cried strike, but none answer them made,  
Blair with a Bow shot fast withouten bade,  
E'er they had clipped he shot but arrows three,  
And at each shot he gart a river die.  
The Briggans than they bickered wonder fast,  
Among the Scots, with shot of Guns cast,  
And they again with spears headed well,  
Feil wounds they made through plates of finest 〈◊〉  
Either other fastened with clips so kéen,  
A cruel Counter was at that shipboard seen,  
The derfe shot drove as thick as hail shower,  
Lasted and well near the space of an hour,  
When shot was gone the Scots great comfort had,  
At hand strokes they were sicker and sad.  
The Merchants als with such things as they might,  
Proved full well in defence of their right.  
Wallace and his at near strokes when they see,  
With sharp swords they gart full Brigands die,  
They in the top so wightly wrought on hand,  
In the South top there might no river stand:  
All the midship of Reavers was made waste,  
That to give over at point they were almost:  
Than John of Lyne were right graithly aghast,  
He saw his folk about him failyie fast,  
With eager will he would have been away,  
Bade wind the sail in all the haste they may,  
But from the Scots than might they not eskey,  
The ships so sore on either side they weigh.  
They saw nothing that might be to them ease,  
Crawfurd on loft their sail burnt in a bleise,  
E'er John of Lyne shuip for to leave that stead,  
Of his best men sixty were brought to dead.  
Their ship by ours a board was more in height,  
Wallace lap in amongst the Reavers wight,  
A man he struck over shipboard in the sea,  
On the Over-loft he slew soon other three.  
Longoveil entered, and als good master Blair,  
They gave no grace to frieks that they found there.  
Wallace himself with John of Lyn hath met,  
At his Choler a felon stroke him set,  
Both helm and head from the shoulder he drove,  
Blair over the board in the sea cast the lave  
Of his body, than all the remanand  
Entered and slew the Brigands that they found,  
The ship they took both gold and other gear,  
That those reavers had gathered long in wear,  
But Master Blair spoke nothing of himself  
In deed of Arms what eventer that befell,  
Sir Thomas Grace was Priest than to Wallace,  
Put in this Book how them happened this case,  
That Blair was in, and many worthy deed,  
Of which himself had no pleasance to read,  
Wallace gart rule the Ship with his own men,  
And sailed forth the right course for to ken,  
Into the Sluice haven, while they entered be,  
The Merchants well he helped in safety,  
Of Gold and gear they took part that they found,  
Gave them the ship than passed to the land,  
Through Flanders road upon a goodly wise,  
Entered France, and than past to Parise.  
The glad tidings that to the King was bro●  
Of Wallace coming, it comfort all their thought,  
They trowed by him to get redress of wrong,  
The Sutheron had in Guyan wrought so long.  
The Peirs of France were at their Parliament,  
The King commanded with true and whole in●  
They should foresee a Lordship for Wallace,  
The Lords than all deemed of this case,  
For Guyan was all whole out of their hand,  
They thought it best for to give him that land,  
For well they trowed he had wrought so before,  
He should it win, or else to die therefore.  
Also of it they might no profit have,  
That was the cause that Wallace should it have,  
This decreet soon they shown to the King,  
Displeased he was they made him such a thing,  
Of Guyan thus when Wallace had a feel,  
No land he said, liked him half so well,  
My chance is thus for to be aye in wear,  
And Englishmen have done our Realm most dear,  
It was well known my defence righteous there,  
Right have I here, my comfort is the mare.  
I thank you Lords, made such reward to me,  
Your purpose is I should not idle be.  
The King bade him be Duke of Guyan land,  
To that command Wallace was gain-standand,  
Because that land was hastily to conquish:  
His thought was aye to win it through God's grace.  
But nevertheless, the King had made him Knight.  
And gave him gold for to maintain his right.  
And than gave charge to all war men in France,  
They should be whole at Wallace ordinance.  
And also of him he bade him arms to take,  
Wallace forsook such changing for to make,  
Since I began, I bore the read Lion,  
And thinks to be aye true man to the Crown.  
● thank you Sir, of this mighty reward,  
〈◊〉 men herefore shalt not right long be spared,  
● think to quite some part ye kithed on me,  
● your service, or else therefore to die,  
And Wallace thought his time he would not wa●●,  
●nto the wars he graithed him in haste,  
●ll Scottishmen that were into that land,  
● him they sought with their 〈◊〉 and band.  
● goveil als a great power can raise,  
● Wallace help this good Knight gladly g●es,  
Ten thousand whole of noble men they were,  
The broad Banner of Scotland displayed there,  
Those war-men soon upon Guyan they ●ure,  
●roke buildings down which had been stark and ●●ure  
Sutheron they slew against them made debate,  
●rightly on broad they raised fires full hate.  
●emon they took that Wallace first had ●●nnen,  
●nd slew all men of Sutheron there was founden.  
●●to that town Wallace his dwelling made,  
●ll there about he won the Country broad,  
The worthy Duke of Oleance was Lord,  
trembled his folk into a good accord,  
Twelve thousand than he had in armour bright,  
And thought to help good Wallace in his right,  
Leave I them thus, the Duke and Wallace ●aith,  
And speak some part how Scotland soon great ●●●ith.   

CHAP. III. How King Edward of England came into Scotland and made whole conquish thereof.  

THe false envy and the wicked treason  
Amongst themselves brought feil to confusion,  
The knight Vallance in Scotland made repair,  
The false Menteith, Sir John withouten mare,  
Betwixt them two was made a private band,  
So on a day they met into Annand.  
Of the Lennox Sir John had great destre,  
Sir Aymer height he should have it in hire,  
To hold in Fee, and other lands moe,  
Of King Edward, so he would pass him to.  
Thus corded they and than to London went,  
Edward was glad to hold that appointment.  
Menteith anon was bound to that fierce Kings,  
To further him in Scotland in all thing.  
Than passed home and Vallance with him sure,  
While he was brought again over Carlisle mure,  
King Edward than in ire and fierce outrage,  
By thirty days he raised his Barnage,  
In Scotland past, and there no stopping found,  
No Chiftain was that durst against him stand,  
For Mentieth told they thought to make Bruce King,  
All true Scots would be pleased of that thing.  
Yet many fled, and durst not bide Edward,  
Some into Rosse, and in the. Yles past part,  
Bishop Sinkler again fled into Bute:  
With that fierce King he had no will to mute.  
Thus without stroke the Castles of Scotland,  
King Edward hath ta'en into his own hand,  
Divided than to men that he would like,  
Strength and towns to Rosse through the Kingri●  
Both height and veil obeyed whole his will,  
That he commanded they purposed to fulfil,  
The Bishops all inclined to his Crown,  
Both temporal, and the religion.  
The Roman Books that than were in Scotland,  
He gart them bear to Scone where they them found,  
And but redéem they burnt them all each one,  
Salisbury use our Clerks than hath ta'en,  
The Lords he took that would not of him hold,  
●n England sent the noble blood of old,  
●ir William long Dowglas to London sand,  
●● strong prison, and there he made an end,  
●●rl Thomas als that Lord was of Murray,  
●nd Lord Fraser, with him to pass away,  
●ls Hue the Hay, and other heirs moe,  
●e gart Valence with him in England go.  
●o man was left all this main land within  
From Edward's peace known of any Kin.  
●●ton and Lawder dwelled still into the Basse,  
With them Lundie, and men that worthy was,  
The Earl Malcome, and campbel passed but let,  
●n Bute secure with Sinclare for to get,  
●ir John Ramsay, and Ruthven they fled North  
To their Cousin that Lord was of Fillorth:  
●e past with them through Murray lands right,  
●● found they there a gentle worthy knight  
That Clement heght, full cruel aye had been,  
And fended well amongst their enemies kéen:  
●e thought never at Edward's will to be,  
●nto his time he gart feil Sutheron die.  
●e led these Lords in Rosse withouten mare,  
At the Stockfurd a strong strength bigged there,  
●eeped it long right worthily by weir,  
To their enemies they did full meikle dear,  
Adam Wallace, and Lindsay of Craigie,  
●way they fled by night unto the sea,  
And Robert Boyd that was both wise and wight,  
strain they took to fend them at their might:  
And Corspatrick into Dumbar dwelled still,  
Fewty full soon he made King Edward till.  
●bernethie, Lord Souls, and Cumming als,  
And John of Lorn that long time had been false:  
Lord of Brechin, and many other mae,  
At Edward's peace, for gifts that he them gay:  
just of peace for twenty days set he,  
Of Englishmen in Lorne, that men might see,  
Plain to declare, but of this cause, I wis,  
That all Scotland by conquish than was his.  
The Lords than, and good Bishop Sinclare  
Out of Bute than they made a Ballingair,  
To good Wallace told him the torment hail,  
Than wrote they thus to get help of their bait.   

Our hope, our health, and our whole Gover●  
Our goodly guide, our best Chiftain in stour.  
Our Lord, our love, our strength in righteous ●  
For God's sake relieve us of this case,  
And take the Crown, to us it were kinder,  
To bruke for aye ere fierce Edward it bear.  
The writ he got, but yet suffer he would,  
For great falsehood that part him did of old:  
Meikle dolour it did him in his mind,  
Of their mis●a●e, for true he was and kind.  
He thought to take a mends of their great wra●●  
He answered not but into war forth ●ang:  
Of King Edward yet more forth will I mell,  
In what wise that he could Scotland deal:  
In Saint Johnstoun the Earl of York be made,  
Captain to be of all these lands braid,  
From Tay to Dee and under him Buttellar,  
His goodsh ire had at Kinclevin ended there,  
His Father als, Wallace had them both slain,  
Edward therefore made him a man of main,  
The Lord Bewmont into the North he sand  
These Lordship's whole he gave them in com●  
To Striuling than from Saint Johnstonn he went,  
There to fulfil the lave of his intent.  
The Lord Cliffurd he had than Dowgla●dail,  
Ruler to be of the South Marches hail,  
〈◊〉 Galloway he gave Cumine in hand,  
●●●st none but Godhow●●●● that state should stand,  
●ith the gentle Lord Bishop Lambertoun  
〈◊〉 St. Andrews was Dowglas of renown.  
●●fore that time young James ●ight and wise,  
●o him was come from Schools of Parise.  
〈◊〉 private favour the Bishop to him bore,  
●ut Englishmen was so great masters there,  
〈◊〉 durst not well in plain show him kindness,  
●hile on a day he took some hardiness.  
●owglas he called and canto Striuling fare,  
●here King Edward was dealing lands there,  
〈◊〉 proffered him unto the King's service,  
〈◊〉 brook his own fr● he witted in this wise,  
●owglas he was, than he forsook plainly,  
●ears by St. George he brooks no land of me.  
●is Father was in contrary of my crown,  
●herefore as now he bid●●●● our prison.  
〈◊〉 the Bishop ●one other 〈…〉 he made,  
〈◊〉 as he plea●●● dealt on their lands bre●d,  
〈◊〉 the Lord Souls all whole the Mars 〈◊〉,  
●nd Capta●● als of Berwick for to be,  
●●●iphant th●● that he in Striuling found,  
●hen he him had he would not ●éep his ●and,  
The which he made ere he him Striuling gave,  
deceitfully the ●ing could him deceive,  
●●to England sand him in prison strong,  
〈◊〉 great distress he lived there full long.  
●hen King Edward had dealt this Region,  
●s leave he took, to England made him ●o●n,  
●ut of Striuling Southward is they can ride,  
●●mming happened near hand the Bruce to bids.  
●has said he, Sir, and ye can keep counsel,  
〈◊〉 can you learn which may you best avail.  
The Bruce answered, what ever ye show to me,  
As for my part shall well concealed be.  
Lord Cumine said, Sir, ye 〈◊〉 not this thing,  
Of all this Realm ye should be righteous 〈◊〉.  
Than said the Bruce, suppose I righteous ●e,  
I see no time to take such thing on me,  
I am holden into mine enemies ●and  
Under great Oath when I came in Scotland,  
To part from him for profit nor request,  
Nor for no strength, but if death me arrest,  
He heght again to give this land to me,  
Now found I ●ell it is but subtlety,  
For this thou sees he deals mine heritage  
To Sutheron part, and some to traitors wage,  
Than Cumine said, will ye therefore concord,  
Of my lands and ye like to he Lord,  
Ye shall them have for your right and the ●ro●●  
Or and ye like, Sir for my varison,  
I shall you help with power at my might,  
The Bruce answered, I will not ●ell my right,  
But on this wise what Lordship thou would crave.  
For the supply I heght thou shalt it have,  
Come from you King, Sir with some je●●●●die,  
Now Edward hath all Galloway given to me.  
My Nevoy Souls that kéeps Berwick town,  
At your command his power shall be bo●n,  
My Nevoy als a man of meikle might,  
The Lord of Lo●●e hath great town in the height,  
My third Nevoy a Knight of great renown,  
Will rise with us of Brechin the Bar●on,  
Than said the Bruce fell there so sore a chance,  
That we might get again Wallace from France.  
By wit and foree he could this Kingrike win,  
Alace we have been over long in twine.  
To that language Cumine made no record,  
For old done deeds did in his mind remord.  
●he Bruce and he completed forth their band,  
●●en that same night so●led it with their hand,  
●is ragement l●ft the Bruce with Cumine there,  
●ith Edward King in England ●ome could far,  
〈◊〉 there remained whi●e his ragm●nt was known,  
●●ée years and more 〈◊〉 Bruce claimed his own,  
●●me men deems C●●●ing the ragment sand,  
●●me men again the contrare doth defend.  
●●me may say well that C●mming was ●a●e less,  
●●●ause his wife was Edward's Co●senesse:  
〈◊〉 served death by ●ight ●aw of the King,  
〈◊〉 recklesy 〈◊〉 such a thing.  
〈◊〉 Bruce passed by but ●ode to S. Johnstoun,  
〈◊〉 whole assent, and had received the Crown,  
〈◊〉 Cumming than, he might have done the saw,  
〈◊〉 could not tho●e from time that he him 〈◊〉.  
〈◊〉 Scotland left in hard perplexity,  
Wallace more in some part speak will we.     

THE TWELFTH BOOK.  

CHAP. I How Wallace conquest the land of Guyan, and how he was made Lord thereof.  
THe sore travel, the earnest ●us●nesse,  
The fallen labour he had in many place:  
To win the land that the good King him gave  
〈◊〉 his Reign he would not Sutheron ●ave:  
Guyan land Wallace was still at weir,  
Scotland's loss it did his heart great deir:  
Of true Scots in mind he had great pity,  
He thought to help, his time when he might 〈◊〉  
Of set battles five he discomfist hail,  
With jeopardy and many strong affaile:  
Than they forsook and durst not him abide,  
The Sutheron fled from the● on either side,  
To Burdeous into great multiply,  
The town they stuff with victuals by the sea,  
All Guyan land Wallace took to his peace,  
To Burdeous he passed ere he would cease:  
On out bigging full great mastery he made,  
Still twenty days at strong assailying bade:  
Forts and works that were without the town  
They broke and burnt, and put to confus●on,  
Hedges and alleys by labour that was there,  
Foiled and spoiled, they would not fruits spare.  
The Englishmen made great defence again,  
With shot and cast that meikle were of main:  
Of Guns they were and Ganzies stuffed well,  
All artailyie and weapons of fine steel,  
With m●n and meat within was ●usked 〈◊〉  
The great Captain was wise, cruel and kéen,  
Of Glocèster the huge lord and heir,  
The Earl had been aye used into weir:  
Kéeped his men by wit and hardiment,  
Without the town there durst none from him 〈◊〉  
The land without was near wasted away,  
War men so long into the Country lay,  
In Wallace host such scant was of victual,  
They might not hid not longer to assail.  
Than this wise Lord, the Duke of Orleans,  
To Wallace said, Sir, ye should know this chan●●  
It stands over well with this false Sutheron bl●●●  
For on no wise can we now stop their food:  
The haven they have and ships at their will,  
From England comes victual enough them till:  
The land is poor of victual should us beild,  
●nd ye see well that they forsake the field,  
〈◊〉 may with peace plenish these lands wide,  
●hey will not fight though ye all year should bide,  
〈◊〉 counsel is in plain anent this thing,  
●hat ye would pass with worship to the King,  
〈◊〉 his assent ye may at leisure wail,  
With provision against them to assail,  
Wallace inclined, and thanked this wise Lord,  
●hen they returned all with one good accord:  
●●ft up in France with honour to the King,  
●nd showed him whole the verity of this thing,  
●nd he in heart thereof was wonder glad,  
frenchmen before a hundreth year not had  
●f Guyan half so meikle in their hand,  
writing by than was new coming of Scotland,  
●rom part of Lords and good Bishop Sinclare,  
●●sought this King into these terms fair:  
●f his gentrice and of his goodly grace,  
●or their supply to counsel good Wallace,  
●o come again and bring them from bandon,  
●●d take to wear the Crown of that Region.  
●his writ as than he would not to him shaw,  
●●ght loathe he was for friendship, feed, or awe,  
●allace should pass so soon from his presence,  
〈◊〉 dwelling place he took for his residence.  
〈◊〉 Shemon still Wallace his dwelling made,  
●●d held about right liking land braid,  
●●en Captain than claimed in heritage,  
●●●ce of it, and great lands into wage,  
herefore he thought good Wallace for to ●●ae,  
●nder colour such mastery for to mae,  
●ong time he sought to get a day and place,  
●●id he desired than service of Wallace.  
A Tryst they set, with fifteen on the side,  
Forty thereby 〈◊〉 gart in ●●shment bide  
Of men in Arms When he with Wallace me●,  
Right awfully he bade them on him set.  
No armour had Wallace men in that place,  
But sword and knife they bore on them through  
Part of his men left near a Forest side,  
Right bousteously the Captain said that tide,  
That Wallace held his lands with unright,  
Right soberly he said to that French Knight,  
I have no ●ands but what the King gave me,  
Myself the refore have been in jeopardy.  
The Knight than said, thy l●fe shall be forlorn,  
Or else that land the contrare who had sworn.  
Aback he lap, and out a sword he drew,  
The ambushment br●ke when he that token show,  
Good Wallace thought that matters sfood not 〈◊〉  
He gripped soon a shearing sword of stée●,  
And at ●n stroke the Knight to death he drove,  
About sixtéen than laped all the lave.  
Wallace and his so worthily have wrought,  
Full ●e●l they slew, that ●ore●t on them sought,  
The Knights brother that stalwart was and str●●●  
And thought they should be venged ere they ga●●  
Of Wallace men some part he wounded sare:  
Mowing there was into a Meadow there  
Nine stout Carls, all servants to that Knight,  
Sythes than they took, and ran in all their might  
To the fighters, ere they came ●ear that place,  
But them perceived right well hath good Wallace  
So awful thing of such we never saw,  
Them to resist, himself can to them dew,  
Into that stour le●t his men fight still,  
To meet those Carls that came with eager wi●●  
The first let draw at Wallace with his Sith.  
Deliver he was, and high overlap the ●●th,  
In acwart st●o●k hit the Chu●●● on the head,  
●er●ly on ground he hath him left for dead:  
The other he met overlap the Sith so kéen,  
On the shoulder als stroke him in that téen:  
Through all the cost the noble sword it share,  
The third he met with a full awful ●●re,  
The groundens Sith at Wallace he let draw,  
This good Chiftain ●●●anly overlap them a●:  
With his good sword, he made an hideous wound,  
Left him for dead, than on the fourth can found:  
On the right bone in great ire can him ta●,  
Cleaved the cost right cruelly in twa:  
Three foremost Sythes this good Wallace overlap,  
And four be slew, they saw such was his hap.  
For aye a man be slew at every ea●● strain.  
The last fled first, this can their power stai●.  
Wallace fast followed, and soon the fifth over taes,  
Struck him to death that no further he gaes:  
Than sped him soon unto his men again,  
By than they had the Knight's brother s●ain,  
Fifty and six derfly to death were dight,  
Except seven men that fled out of their fight:  
Five Mowers als that Wallace self with met,  
To Frenchmen since no such tryst was set:  
Because that they him borough to such a case,  
The King heard tell well scaped was Wallace,  
Sent for him soon, and prayed him to be  
Of his ●onshold, and live in good safety:  
For well●● saw they had him at envy,  
Still with himself he gart him bide for thy:  
Two years there Wallace with mirth aba●e  
Still into France, many good journey made:  
The King him pleased in all his goodly main,  
From him he thought he should not part again,  
Lords and Ladies henoured him reverently,  
Wretches and shrews aye held him at envy.   

CHAP. II. How Wallace slew the two Champions.  
TWo Champions that time dwelled with the Ki●…  
Had great despite at Wallace in all thing,  
Together yéed aye these two Champions,  
Of felon force and froward of conditions,  
Right great despite they spoke aye of Scotland,  
While on a day it happened upon hand,  
Wallace and they were leaved them alone  
By a venture into an house of stone,  
They used to bear no weapons in that hall,  
They trowed therefore amiss they might not fall,  
There communed they of Scotland scornfully,  
Than Wallace said, Ye wrong us utterly:  
Since we are bound in friendship to your King,  
And he of us is pleased of all thing:  
Als Scots mwn hath helped this Realm from dread,  
Be think ye should give good word for good deed,  
What may ye speak of our enemies but ill?  
In lightlinesse they made answer theretill:  
And him despited in their language als,  
Ye Scots they said, have ever yet been false.  
Wallace took one on the face in his téen,  
With his good hand, while mouth, nose, and ée●…  
Through the braith blow, all gushed out of blood,  
Grofling to ground be smote him where he stood:  
The other hint to Wallace, in that stead,  
For well he weind his fellow had been dead.  
And he again in grief him gripped sore  
While his spirit failed, that he might do no mo●…  
The first friek rose and smote on Wallace fast,  
●●th to the death he be ●ught them at the last.  
●●on a pillar their brains out ●e dang,  
●●d with his hands out at the door them ●lang.  
●●d said, What devil moved yo● Carls at me?  
●●ng time in France I would have let them be:  
●●ust well in truth, thus were they done to deed,  
●ough French men now likes not thereof to 〈◊〉,  
〈◊〉 I will cease, and put it out of Rhyme,  
●etter it is, who right can look in time:  
●●any great Lords was displeased in France,  
●ut the good King who knew all the whole chance,  
●●ht great despite of Wallace spoken had they,  
●is passed over, while that upon a day:  
●is none of them that durst it under take,  
〈◊〉 had done wrong, or there fore Battle make.   

CHAP. III. How Wallace flew the Lion in the Batrace.  

THis royal Roy an high worship him gave,  
As conqueror him honoured over the lave:  
〈◊〉 fell Lion this King gart be brought  
within barrace for great barm that he wrought  
●irlized with iron, and no more power him gave,  
●f woodness he exceeded over the lave:  
●ut be was fair, and right felon indeed,  
〈◊〉 that strong strength he gart men him feed,  
●●ped him close, from men and bestial,  
〈◊〉 Court there dwelled two Squires of great vail,  
●hat Cousens were to the Champions twa,  
〈◊〉 which before Wallace happened to stay,  
●and they made in privy conclusion,  
●heir power to work his confusion:  
〈◊〉 any means through fraud and subtlety,  
●er the refore, they caird not for to die.  
To death or ●hame so that they might him 〈◊〉  
Upon a time they went unto the King:  
This Scot, they said, that yé so well far make,  
He sée● naught here, but he would undertake,  
By his great force to put to confusion,  
Now he desires to fight with your Lyon.  
And 〈◊〉 us 〈◊〉 of you the battle strange,  
Ye grant him leave in the barrace to gang.  
Sadly again to them answered the King,  
Sore me ●ore-thinks he desires such a thing,  
But I will neither for right nor yet pleasance,  
Deny Wallace what he desires in France:  
Than went they forth, and soon met with Wallace  
A figured ta●● they told him in that case:  
Wallace they said, the King de●●●es that ye  
Direnze battle so cruel for to see:  
And charged you to fight with this Lion,  
Wallace answered in hasty conclusion:  
And I shall do what be the Kings will,  
At my power, right gladly to fulfil.  
Than passed he unto the King but mare,  
A Lord in Court when he approached there.  
〈◊〉 asked, without provision,  
Wallace dare ye go ●ight with out Lion,  
And he said, Yea, so the Ring suffer me,  
Or with yourself, if ye aught better be.  
What will ye more? this thing admitted 〈◊〉  
That Wallace should unto the Lion pass:  
The ●ing charged to bring him good harness,  
And he said, ●ay, God shield me from such 〈◊〉  
I should it take if I fought with a man,  
But for a dog, that naught of arms can,  
I will have none, but single as I gay  
A great mantle about his hand can tae.  
And a good sword, with him he took na mare 〈◊〉  
abundantly in barrace entered there.  
Great chains were brought in the ga●e with a gin.  
And pulled to, when Wallace was therein.  
The wood Lion on Wallace where he 〈◊〉,  
●amping he brayed, for he desired bloo●  
With him round po●●es in the M●●tle● wrought 〈◊〉  
athort the back good Wallace can 〈…〉  
With his good sword that was of 〈…〉  
His body in two it cutted ever 〈◊〉 deal,  
Than to the King ●e ●●●ed in great 〈◊〉,  
And said on loud, was this all you● desire,  
●o beware a Scot this lightly into vain:  
Is there more dogs that ye would yet have slain,  
To bring them forth, since I th●●● 〈…〉,  
To do bidding while that I with you devil  
It gains me well to graith me in Scotland,  
for greater deeds there men hath ta'en in hand,  
Than with a dog in battle to enchieve,  
At you and France for ever I 〈◊〉 leave.  
The King perceived that Wallace grieved was,  
●o earnestly he asked leave to pass:  
●ewed in his mind that it was happened ●o,  
●o lewd a deed to let him under go:  
●nowing the worship and the great nobleness  
Of him which sprang that time in many place:  
●omely he said, it should displease you naught,  
Ye it desired, it ●red never in my ●ought:  
And by the faith I owe the Crown of France,  
I thought neves to charge you with such chance:  
But men of Bail 〈◊〉 asked to for you,  
Wallace answered, 〈◊〉 I make a ●ow,  
I liked never in such Battle to be in,  
Upon a dog no worship is to win.  
The King conceived how this falsehood was wrought,  
The Squyers both were to his presence brought:  
Can not deny, when they came him before,  
All their trespass they told withouten more.  
The King commanded they should be done to d●●●  
Smote of their heads without any remead:  
The Champions is, for envy causiesse,  
To sudden death, Wallace them brought through  
The Squyers al● from their falseness was 〈◊〉,  
Envy them brought both to a sudden end.  
Lords behold, envy the evil Dragon,  
In cruel fire he burneth this Region:  
For whosoever aboundeth in envy,  
To some mischief it brings him hastily,  
Forsake envy, thou shalt the better speed,  
Hereof as now I will not further read.  
But in my martyr as I before began,  
I shall declare as plainly as I can.   

WHen Wallace saw they had him at envy,  
Longer to bide he thought not than plainly:  
Better him thought in Scotland for to be,  
And adventure take, either to live or die,  
To help his own, he had far more pleasance,  
Than there to bide, with all the wealth of France.  
Than his whole mind, manhood and courage  
Was plainly set to win out of bondage  
Scotland again from pain and meikel shore,  
He vowed he should, or else to die therefore,  
The King hath seen how good Wallace is set,  
The letter than him gave withouten let.  
The which of late from Scotland was him sand,  
Wallace it saw, and well their ●●●ms kend.  
By the first writ thereto accordiall,  
Them to supply he thought he would not fail,  
Whereof should I hereof long process make:  
Wallace of France a goodly leave can take,  
The King hath seen, that it would not else be,  
To Chamber went, behold him might not he:  
For great long ou●, when Wallace can remove,  
The King to him kept aye kindness and love:  
jewels and gold his worship for to save,  
He bade them give as much as they would have▪  
Lords and Ladies wéeped wonder fast  
When Wallace there so took his leave and past.  
●o man he took, but whom he thither brought,  
Again with him Longoveil forth-sought:  
For pain nor bliss that good Knight left him 〈◊〉  
For case befell, while death made them dissever,  
Towards the Sluice in goodly feir passed he,  
A vessel got, and made him to the sea,  
Eight Ship men ●ired and goodly wage them gave,  
To Scotland sure, the fi●●● of Tay they have.    

CHAP. IU. How Wallace came in Scotland again at the battle ●f El●●●k Park.  

VHon the might Wallace the land hath 〈◊〉  
At Ernis mouth, and is to Elchock gane,  
●e gart the Ship in covert sail away,  
●o out of ●ight they were ere it was day:  
At Elchock dwelled than Wallace Cousin dear  
That Crawfurd heght, the house when they come 〈◊〉  
On the back side Wallace a window found,  
And in he called, than Crawfurd came at hand,  
From time he ●●st that it was good Wallace,  
Into his Barn he ordained them a place,  
A mow of corn he builded them about,  
And closed it well, none might perceive there●●  
But at one place where meat was to them brought,  
And bedding 〈◊〉, a● goodly as he might.  
Unto 〈…〉, whereof Wallace was glad,  
A der●●●●●le forth on the North side they had,  
Four days or 〈◊〉 in rest sojourned there,  
While meat was 〈◊〉, Crawfurd ●ouned for ma●●  
To St. Johnstoun their purveyance to buy,  
Englishmen thought he took more abundantly  
Than he was w●nt in any time before,  
They 〈◊〉 him 〈◊〉 and put in prison ●ore:  
What guests he had, to tell made him request?  
He said, it was but to a ●●●king feast:  
Yet thee 〈…〉 the coming of Wallace,  
Knowledge to get they set a subtle case:  
They let him pass with thing tha● he had bough●●  
Than after 〈◊〉 in all the haste they might,  
To harness yéed the power of the ●●wn,  
Eight hundreth men with Butteller made them 〈◊〉  
Followed on dreigh, while that this man came 〈◊〉  
Wallace him saw, and said, he served blame:  
In my sleeping a fallen vision me told.  
Till Englishmen that thou should have me said.  
Crawfurd said, he had been tormented ●a●e  
With Englishmen, that 〈◊〉 him to despair.  
Therefore rise up, and soon same 〈…〉  
I dread full sore th●● 〈…〉:  
The worthy. Scots ●●●ithed them in good speed,  
Their weapon took, than from th●● 〈◊〉 they 〈◊〉  
Thus suddenly fail Sutheron they saw,  
Too few they were to 〈◊〉 against them awe,  
That kéenly came with young Butteller the 〈…〉  
Than Wallace said, in plain lands is not ●ight,  
But Elchoke Mark that in near here beside,  
The first say lie we think there in abide,  
Ninetéen they were, and Crawfurd with good wi●●  
The twentieth man, the number to fulfil,  
〈◊〉 Park they took where Wallace a place hath 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 great Holin●, that gr●w both high and green,  
With thorter trees a manner of strength made ●e,  
〈◊〉 they were won, they thought to make feil die,  
●he wood was thick, but little of breadth and length,  
●●d they had meat, they thought to hold the strength  
●he Englishmen than passed to Crawfurds place,  
●●und in the Barn the l●dging of Wallace,  
●●en Crawfurds wife in hands soon ●ave they 〈◊〉  
●●d asked at her, what way the Scots were 〈◊〉  
●●●ght well they trowed that Wallace should there ●e,  
●rom France to Tay he was come through the 〈◊〉:  
〈◊〉 would not tell for boast, nor yet reward,  
●●en Butteller said, over long thou hast been s●an'd,  
●●d gart them big a full broad burning fire,  
●herewith he grew in matalent and ire:  
●●e Sutheron swore therein she should burnt ●e,  
●●en Wallace said, she shall not end for ●e:  
●●eat sin it were you sakelesse ●ight to 〈◊〉,  
〈◊〉 she should end, in faith there shall di● 〈◊〉,  
〈◊〉 left the strength, and the plain held can 〈◊〉.  
〈◊〉 loud ●e cried, and said, Lo●, ●ere thy 〈◊〉:  
Thinks thou not shame for to forment a 〈◊〉.  
●ame forth to me, and make end of our strife:  
〈◊〉 Butteller had on field good Wallace seen.  
●or old malice ●e more near wood for 〈◊〉:  
●pon the Scots they s●uip all with great mai●  
〈◊〉 Wallace soon the strength he took again.  
〈◊〉 fallen ●icker the Englishmen began,  
〈◊〉 sore with many cruel man:  
〈◊〉 they within were noble of defence.  
〈◊〉 great debate with fore and violence,  
〈◊〉 the entry fifteen they put to deed.  
Than all the rest removed from that ●●éed:  
〈◊〉 to array again to sailyie new,  
Wallace beheld which well in war him knew 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 he 〈◊〉, again all at this place:  
They will not fail, but this stands the case:  
Yo● Knight thinks for to divide his men  
In 〈◊〉 places the sooth ye shall well ken,  
〈◊〉 on us to prove how it may be,  
As now behoves thine other way to see,  
Contrare their might a good defence to make:  
〈◊〉 Longoveil thou shalt six with thee take:  
〈◊〉 mine Eme as many with you go,  
〈…〉 with me as now we have not moe:  
Knight Butteller than parted his men in throe,  
Wallace v●●●ed where Butteller sh●ip to be,  
〈◊〉 ●hée than past that entry for to wear,  
Which side they did assailyie with great featly  
Wallace let part on the entry begin,  
But 〈◊〉 went but that on the Scots came in.  
Seven foremost was that in the front first yéed,  
Wallace ●●de men that doughty were indeed,  
Each one ●●ew one; and Wallace gart two die;  
Butteller was next, and said, this 〈◊〉 not be,  
A back he drew, and let his courage stake,  
The worthy Scots proved well for Scotland's sa●●  
Good Longoveir his ch●m●er made so sore,  
And Crawfurd a●s they sailyied them no more,  
Right near by than approached the park night,  
And Stars to appear begun into their sight.  
Sutheron set watch's, and to their supper went  
The Butteller was ●ore grieved in his intent.  
Yet sure they w●ll of good s●●ffe, ail and 〈◊〉  
Wallace and his, they witted of no ●e●ead  
But cold water that ●an o●t through a strand,  
In that lodging none other food they sand:  
Than Wallace said good ●ellows think not lon●  
Will God we shall be soon out of this thrang,  
suppose we fast a day or yet a night,  
●ake all in thanks this pain for Scotland's right:  
The Earl of York was in St. John●●oun still:  
〈◊〉 Butteller sent, and bade him bide at will,  
●o him full soon there should come new power,  
●nd als himself, this told the Messenger:  
Butteller would feign that Wallace had yéelden been,  
●re the Earl came, and for this cause was seen,  
●is Goodsyre and his Father both he slew,  
The Knight therewith toward the Park him drew,  
●hat cheer they made upon the Scots he called,  
●hen Wallace said, far better than thou walled:  
The Butteller said, I would feign speak with thee,  
●hen Wallace said, thou mayest for little fee,  
Wallace he said, thou hast done me great skaith,  
●y Father and my Goodsyre thou slew baith:  
●hen Wallace said, for that state thou art in,  
〈◊〉 were my debt for to undo thy Kin,  
●nd als I think as God of heaven me save,  
That my two hands shall graith thee to thy grave:  
●hen Butteller said, that is not likely now,  
●ut we thee have, we shall gar sides sow.  
●f this I ask, and thou would make me grant,  
●hat I thee heght, that thing thou shalt not want:  
●ay forth, quoth ●e, be thy desire reasonable,  
〈◊〉 shall it grant without any fable:  
The Butteller said, Wallace thou knows right,  
Thou may not scape by power nor by slight,  
And since thou sees it may not better be,  
For thy gentrice thou would thee yield to me,  
●hen Wallace said, thy will unskilful is,  
Thou would me do which is over high amiss,  
Yéelden I am to better, I can prove,  
To whom? he asked, to the great God above:  
For ever each day, since I had wit of man,  
Before my work to yield me I began,  
And als at night when that I failed light,  
I me betaught to the maker of might:  
The Butteller said, me thinks thou hast done well,  
Yet of one thing I pray thee let me feel:  
For thy manhood this to me manifest,  
When thou sees thou may not longer last  
On this each place which I have ta'en to wear,  
That thou come forth and all other forbear:  
Than Wallace leugh at his cruel desire,  
And said, I shall though thou were wood as fire●●  
And all England, the contrary had sworn,  
I shall come out thereat each place the morn:  
Or else this night, trust well that I thee say,  
I bide not here till nine hours of the day:  
Butteller sent forth the ●hake watch on the side,  
In that each place boldly he bowned to bide:  
Thus still they bided, while day began to pear,  
A thick mist fell, the planet was not clear.  
Wallace assayed all that place about,  
Like as he would at that same place broke out:  
While Buttellers men away from him could go  
To help the lave, when he saw it was so  
Wallace and his fast sped them to that stead,  
Where Butteller bided feil men they brought to 〈◊〉  
The worthy Scots soon passed through that me llie,  
Crawfurd therewith was sore hurt on the knee,  
At earch he was, good Wallace turned again,  
And at a stroke the Butteller hath be slain.  
Hint up that man under his arm so strong,  
Defending him out of that felon throng:  
Good room be made among them where he go●●  
With his right hand he slew five of his foes,  
Bure out Crawfurd by force of his person,  
Nine aiker broad ere ever he set him down.  
●he Sutheron found that their Chiftain was dead,  
●●mbled him about, but than was no remead,  
●hirty with him of the wightest he brought,  
●ead on that place, whereat the Scots out sought.  
●allace and his by than was from their sight,  
●●heron bided still for great loss of that Knight,  
●he missed was murky, that Wallace liked well,  
himself was glad and said to Longoveil,  
〈◊〉 Methven wood is my destre to be,  
〈◊〉 there is bestial to get in great plenty.  
〈◊〉 than they were well come unto the height,  
〈◊〉 missed ●●aiked, the Sun shined fair and bright:  
〈◊〉 were they beware, a little space them by,  
〈◊〉 four and thirty in a company,  
●●en Wallace said, Be yond men friends or so  
〈◊〉 will them see since that they are not moe:  
●hen they came near a noble Knight it was,  
〈◊〉 which to name heght Sir Hue of Dundasse,  
〈◊〉 Sir John Scot a wise and worthy Knight,  
●●to Stratherne a man of meikle might.  
●or there he had great part of Heritage:  
●●dasse Sister he had in marriagé:  
●ssing they were, and might not longer jest,  
〈◊〉 Englishmen their fewty for to fest.  
●●e Lord of Brechin such command had them made  
〈◊〉 King Edward to hold their lands braid:  
●ut fra they saw that it was wight Wallace,  
●●ld up their hands, and thanked God of grace,  
〈◊〉 his great help which he had sent them there,  
〈◊〉 Methven wood with one assent they far:  
〈◊〉 got them meat of bestial that they found,  
●●●ted that day, when night was come on hand,  
〈◊〉 Birnan wood but resting are they gane,  
●here they have found the squire good Ruthven,  
〈◊〉 Outlaw use he had long lived there,  
Of bestial while he might get na mare:  
They tarried not, but into Athole yéed,  
Where meat was scant, there Wallace had great 〈◊〉  
Passed to Lorn, right little found they there,  
Of wild and tame that Country was made bore:  
But in the strengths there food was leaved none,  
These worthy Scots than made a piteous moan:  
Sir John Scot said, he had far rather die  
Into good name, and leave his heirs free,  
Than for to bide as bound in subjection,  
When Wallace saw these good men of renown  
With hunger stad, almost might live not more,  
Wit ye for them he sighed wonder sore,  
Good men he said, I am the cause of this,  
At your desire, I shall amend this miss,  
Or leave you free some chevisance for to ma,  
All him alone he bowned for to ga:  
Prayed them bide while be might come again,  
Out over an hill he passed into plain.   

Out of their sight into a forest side,  
He set him down under an Oak to bide,  
His bow and sword, he leaned to a tree,  
In anguish great on grouse than turned he:  
This piteous moan was for his men so wrought,  
That of himself little thing he than thought:  
O wretch! he said, that never could be content  
Of over great might that the great God thee lent,  
But thy fierce mind, wilful and variable,  
With great Lordship thou could not so bide stable:  
And wilful wit, for to make Scotland free,  
God likes not that which I have ta'en on me:  
For worthier than I of birth was born,  
Through my desire for hunger are forlorn:  
I ask at God them to restore again,  
I am the cause, I should have all the pain:  
While studying thus, while flyting with himself,  
While at the last upon a sleep he fell,  
Three days before there had him followed five,  
The which was bound, or else to loss their live,  
The Earl of York bade them so great guardoun,  
That they by theft thought to put Wallace down,  
Three of them was born men of England,  
And two was Scots that took the deed on hand:  
And some men said, the third brother betrayed  
Kildromie east, where great sorrow was raised,  
A child they had which used to bear meat,  
In wilderness among the mountains great,  
They had all seen the disseverance of Wallace  
from his good men, and where he bided on chase  
Among thick wood in covert held them law,  
While they perceived he could on sleeping faugh,  
And these five approached Wallace near,  
What's best to do at other fast they spear?  
One man said thus, it were an high renown,  
And we might lead him quick to S. Johnstoun:  
Lo how he lies we may our grips wail,  
Of his weapons be shall have none avail,  
We shall him bind in contrare of his will,  
And lead him thus on backfide of yond hill;  
So that his men shall nothing of him knaw,  
The other four affented to that saw,  
And than those five made them unto Wallace,  
And thought through force to bind him in that place.  
What? trowed these men for to hold Walace down?  
The manliest man, the starkest of person,  
Living he was als stood into such right,  
We trust great God his deeds hath in fight.  
They gripped him, and out of sleep he braid:  
What meanest this? than sadly Wallace said,  
About he turned, and up his arms thrang:  
On these traitors with knightly force he dang.  
The starkest man into his hands hint he,  
And all his brains he dang out on a tree:  
His sword he got soon after that he risen,  
Champion like among the four he goes.  
Ever a man he gart die at a dint,  
When two were dead, the other three would not 〈◊〉  
Made them to flee, but than it was no boot,  
Was none living might pass from him on foot.  
He followed fast, and soon to death them brought,  
Than to the child sadly again he sought.  
What didst thou here? the child with a pale fa●●  
On knees did fall, and asked Wallace grace,  
With them I was, and knew nothing their though  
Into service, as they me bade I wrought.  
What bearest thou there, but meat the child can 〈◊〉  
Go take it up, and pass with me away.  
Meat in this time is far better than gold,  
Wallace and he forth founded on the fold:  
Who brought Wallace from his enemies bold,  
Who? but great God that hath this world to ho●●  
He was his help in many felon thrang,  
With glad cheer, thus unto E●ne can he gang.  
Both roasted flesh there was, als bread and chie●e,  
To secure them that was in point to leise:  
And be it deals to four men and fifty,  
Which had before fasted over days three.  
Than took his part, he had fasted as long,  
Where heard ye ever any in such a throng.  
In hunger so sleeping, and weaponless,  
So well recovered as Wallace did in case.  
Plainly by force vanquished his enemies five,  
Men of wit this question will describe:  
Withouten gloze I will tell forth my tale,  
Now came this meat, this fellowship asked hale.  
To their desire Wallace no answer yold,  
Where five were dead, he led them forth and told:  
Greatly displeased was all the Chivalry,  
To a Chiftain they held it fantasy,  
To walk alone: Wallace with sober mood,  
Said, hereof hath come nothing now but good.  
To the lowland again full fast they sought,  
Asked at the child if he could wish them aught?  
Where they might best of purveyance for to win?  
Of none he said was this country within,  
For all about in as far as I know,  
While that he came down to the Rannach haw.  
That Lord hath stuff, but hail, bread, and vernage,  
Of King Edward he takes full meikle wage.  
Than Wallace said, Myself shall be your guide,  
I know that stead, about on either side.  
Through the wild land he guided them full right,  
To Rannoch hall he brought them that same night.  
A watch was set, and that full soon they ●a,  
He was a Scot yet would he not him sla:  
But gart him tell the manner of that place,  
Thus entered they within a little space.  
The gate they won for Castle there was none,  
But mood-wall wight, withouten lime or stone,  
Wallace in haste stroke up the chamber door  
With his right foot, that stalwart was and stour,  
Than they within awaked suddenly,  
The Lord got up, and mercy can he cry.  
Fra time he witted that good Wallace was there,  
He thanked God, than said these words mare,  
True man I was, and win against my will,  
With Englishmen, suppose I like it ill:  
All Scots we are that in this house are now,  
At your command all boldly shall we bow.  
Of our Nation good Wallace had great pity,  
Took oaths of them, and than meat asked he.  
Good cheer they made while day light on the morn,  
This true man soon sembled him before:  
Three sons he had that stalwart were and bold,  
And twenty men of kin in his household.  
Wallace was blithe they made him some supply,  
Said, I thank God, that we thus multiply.  
All that day over in good liking they rest,  
Watches they choose to keep them that could best.  
Upon the morn, the light day when they saw,  
Than Wallace said, our power for to knaw:  
We will take field, and up our banner raise,  
In right of Scotland, and contrare of our foes,  
We will not more now us in covert hide,  
Power to us will semble on each side.  
Than horse they got, the best that could be there,  
Towards Dunkeld the gainest way they far.  
The Bishop than got him to S. Johnstoun,  
The Scots slew that were of that Nation.  
Both poor and rich, and servants that they found,  
Left none alive that was born of England:  
The place they took and made them well to far,  
Of purveyance that Bishop had brought there,  
jewels they got, both gold and silver bright,  
With good cheer there five days sojourned right.  
On the sixth day Wallace to counsel went,  
Gart call the best and showed them his intent:  
Not men we have to assault S. Johnstoun,  
Into the North therefore let us make bown,  
In Rosse ye know, good men a strength hath made,  
Hear they of us they come withouten bade.  
Als into Bute is good Bishop Sinkler,  
Fra he got wit, he comes withouten mair.  
Good west-land men of Arrane and Rouchlie,  
Fra they be warned, they will all come to me:  
This purpose took, and in the North they ride,  
●o Englishmen durst in their gate abide.  
Whom Wallace took, they knew the old ransoun,  
Fra he came home to flee they made them bown:  
And Scots men assembled to Wallace fast,  
In awful fear out through the land they passed:  
Strengths were left, wots ye all desolate,  
Against those folk no man durst make debate:  
In arrayed battle they road to Aberdene,  
In whole number, seven thousand than were seen:  
But Englishmen had left the town all waste,  
On ever each side away than can they haste.  
In all the land left neither more nor less,  
Lord Bewmount took the sea at Buchan-nesse.  
Through Scotland than was manifest in plain,  
The Lords that fled in heart was wonder feign.  
The Knight Clement of Rosse came suddenly  
In Murrayland, with their good Chivalry.  
The house of Narne that good Knight well hath ta'en,  
●lew the Captain, and good men many ane:  
Out of Murray and Buchane Land came they,  
To seek Bewmount, but he was passed away.  
Than these good men to Wallace passed right,  
When Wallace saw Sir John Ramsay the Knight,  
And other good that had been from him long,  
Great courage than was raised them among:  
The land he ruled as that him liked best,  
To St. Johnstoun than road ere they would rest.    

The siege of Saint Johnstoun.  
AT every Port a stalwart watch he made,  
Confirmed a siege, and steadfastly abade:  
Bishop Sinclare in all good haste him dight,  
Came out of Bute with seemly men in sight:  
Out of the Yles of Rauchly and Arrane,  
Lindsay and Boyd, with good men many one:  
Adam Wallace, Barron of Richartoun,  
Full sadly sought to Wallace of renown.  
At Saint Johnstoun bided at the sailyie still,  
For Sutheron men they might well pass at will,  
For in their way their durst no enemy be,  
But fled away by land, and eke by sea,  
About the town thus sembled they but more,  
For they had been with good Wallace before.  
Seton, Lawder, good Richard of Lundie,  
In a good Barge they passed about the sea,  
In St. Johnstoun haven their Anchors have they 〈◊〉  
Two English ships they took withouten let:  
The one they burned, and stuffed the other well,  
With artailzie, and stalwart men in steel.  
To keep the port, there should come no victual,  
Into the town, nor men that might avail.  
From South and North many from Scotland fled,  
Left Castles waste, feil left their wives in wed.  
The Sutheron Bishop that before left Dunkel,  
To London past and told King Edward himself.  
In Scotland there had fallen a great mischance,  
Than sent he soon for Aymer the Vallance:  
And asked him, what than was best to do,  
He height to pass, and take great Gold thereto,  
In Scotland, some means there to make,  
Against Wallace on hand thus can he take,  
He said, he would undo King Edward's crown,  
Except he might through treason put him down.  
King Edward height what thing that Vallance band,  
He should it keep, thereto he gave his hand:  
Vallance took leave, and into Scotland went,  
To Bothwel came, than cast in his intent:  
What man there was might Wallace best beguile,  
And soon he found within a little while,  
Sir John Menteith that Wallace Gossip was:  
A messenger Sir Aymer hath gart pass:  
At Rugline Kirk these two together met,  
Him to betray the barnage there was set:  
Than Vallance said, sir John thou know'st this thing,  
Wallace again riseth contrare the King:  
And thou mayst have what Lordship thou wilt wail,  
And thou wouldst work as I would thee counsel:  
Yond tyrant holds the Realms at trouble baith,  
To thrifty men it doth full meikle skaith:  
He trusteth thee, thou mayst full well him take,  
Of this matter I read an end thou make:  
Were he away, we might at liking reign,  
All as Lords, and live under a King:  
Than Men●eith said, he is our Governor,  
For us he bided in many felon stour.  
Not for himself, but for our heritage,  
To cell him thus, it were a great outrage:  
Than Vallance said, And thou well understood,  
Great merit it were, be spills so meikle blood,  
Of christian men, putteth souls in peril,  
I bind me als he shall be holded bail,  
As for his life, and kept into prison.  
King Edward would have him in subjection:  
Than Menteith thought, so they would keep command  
He would full feign have had him of Scotland  
Vallance saw him in a study be,  
Three thousand pound of fine Gold let him see:  
And height he should the Lennox have at will,  
Thus treasonably Menteith granted there till.  
An obligation with his own hand he made,  
Than took the gold, and Edward's seal so braid:  
And gave them his, when he his time might see,  
To take Wallace, over Sulway give him free  
To Englishmen, by this treasonable concord,  
Sir John should be of all the Lennox Lord.  
Thus Wallace should in England kéeped be,  
So Edward might make Scotland to him free,  
There Covetise was over great master seen,  
None example takes how another hath been.  
For Covetise put in pains strong and fallen,  
For Covetise the Serpent is in hell:  
For Covetise good Hector took the dead,  
For Covetise there can be no remead:  
Through Covetise good Alexander was lost,  
And Julius als for all his riefe and boast.  
Through Covetise died Arthur of Britain,  
For Coeutise there hath died many ane:  
For Covetise the traitor Ganillion,  
The Flower of France he put to confusion.  
For Covetise they poisoned Godefray  
In Antioch, as the Author will say.  
For Covetise Menteith upon false wise,  
Betrayed Wallace who was his Gossip thrice,  
Vallance in haste, with blithe will and good heart  
To London passed, and shown it to Edward,  
Of their Contract he had far more pleasance,  
Than of fine Gold given in the balance:  
Of greater weight than his ransom might be,  
Of Wallace forth yet speak some part will we.  
AT St. Johastoun yet was the stedging still,  
In a morning the Su●heron with good will,  
●ive hundreth men in arms right eagerly,  
They issued forth to make a jeopardy  
〈◊〉 the South p●rt upon Scot and Dundasse,  
●ho in their time right wise and worthy was:  
●gainst their foes right sharply fought and sore,  
〈◊〉 that counter seven score to death they bore:  
●et Englishmen that cruel were and kéen,  
●ull dersly fought, where doughty deeds were seen,  
From the West side drove all the Scots hail,  
●o the fighters. When they saw naught avail,  
●ut in again full fast they can them speed,  
●he Knight Dundasse full doughty proved indeed:  
Over near the gate full bandonly he bade,  
With a good sword full great mastery he made,  
●ought knowing well his fellows were him fra.  
〈◊〉 at the gate the Sutheron can him tae:  
●nto the Earl they led him hastily,  
When he him saw, he said he should not die,  
To slay this one it may us little remead:  
He sent him forth to Wallace in that stead.  
●nto the North his battles hath he brought,  
While he him saw, of this he witted right naught:  
Sent to the Earl, and thanked him largely,  
Heght for to quite when he such cause might see:  
But yet therefore soverance he would not grant.  
Though they were yeelden, and come recryant,  
For gold nor good he would no tribute take,  
A great assault than they began to make,  
The Earl Fyse dwelled under truce long,  
Of King Edward, and than he thought it wrong,  
That Wallace so was siedging Saint Johnstoun,  
But if he come in right help of the Crown,  
To Englishmen he would not keep that band,  
Than came he soon with good men of the land.  
And John Vallance was than Sheriff of Fife,  
To Wallace passed, and sterked him in that strife.  
The Earl was come of good true noble blood,  
Of the old Thane, which in his time was good.  
Than all about to S. Johnstoun they gang,  
The felon salt fault was hideous and strange:  
Full feill feill Faggets into the Dyke they fast,  
Hather and Hay about the Stakes they cast:  
With trees and earth a great passage they made,  
Out over the walls they yéed in battle braid:  
The Sutheron than made great defence again,  
While at the walls there were a thousand slain:  
Wallace and his yéed rayed in battle right,  
All Sutheron men dernly to death they dight:  
To save the Earl Wallace the Herald sand,  
Good Jop himself the which before him kend:  
For Dundasse sake he said, he should not die,  
Wallace himself thus ordained for to be,  
A small Hackney to him he gart betake,  
Silver and Gold his charges for to make.  
Set on his Cloak a token for to see,  
A Lion in war that should his conduct be:  
Conveyed him forth, and no man him withal,  
Women and Bairns, Wallace gart free them all.  
And than he cried, true Scots to their own,  
Plenisht the land which long had been overthrown.  
Than Wallace passed the South land for to see,  
Edward the Bruce in his time right worthy:  
That year before he had in Ireland been,  
And there with him were cruel men and kéen.  
Fifty in feir were of his mother's kin.  
At Kirkcudbright in Galloway entered in,  
With those fifty he had vanquished nine score,  
And than past withouten tarry more.  
To Wigton soon, and that castle hath ta'en,  
Sutheron were fled, and left it all alone:  
Wallace him met with true men reverently,  
To Lochmabane went all that Chivalry:  
They made Edward both Lord and leader there,  
This condition Wallace made him but mare.  
But a short time to bide Robert the King,  
If he came not in this Region to reign  
That Edward should receive the Crown but fail,  
Thus height Wallace, and all the Barnage hail:  
In Lochmabane Prince Edward leined still,  
And Wallace passed to Cumnock with good will:  
At the Black-Bog where he had want to be,  
Upon that stead a royal house held ●e.  
English Wardans' to London passed but maire,  
And told the King of all their great misfare:  
●ow Wallace can Scotland from him reduce,  
And how he had received Edward Bruce.  
The commons swore they should come never mare,  
Upon Scotland and Wallace living were.  
Than Edward wrote to Menteith privily,  
Prayed in haste the time was passed by.  
Of the promises to which be was bounden,  
Sir John Menteith into his wit hath founden,  
How he should best his purpose to fulfil,  
His sister son in haste he called him till.  
And ordained him in dwelling with Wallace,  
An Oath again he gart him make on case,  
What time he witted Wallace in quiet draw,,  
He should him warn what aventure might faugh,  
This man granted that such thing should be done,  
With Wallace thus he was in service soon,  
But of treason Wallace had little thought,  
His labourous mind on either matters wrought.  
Thus Wallace thrice hath made all Scotland free  
Than he desired in lasting peace to be.  
For as of wear he was in some part irk,  
He purposed to serve God and the Kirk,  
And for to live under his righteous King,  
That he desired above all earthly thing.   

CHAP. V How Wallace was betrayed by Sir John Menteith, and in England, and was martyred there.  

THe Herald Jop in England soon he sand,  
And wrote to Bruce right hearty his commen●●  
Beseething him to come and take his Crown,  
None should gainstand, Clerk, Burges, nor Barnes  
The Herald past, when Bruce saw his credence,  
Thereof he took a per●●t great pleasance:  
With his own hand again wrote to Wallace,  
And thanked him of lawty and kindness,  
Beseething him this matter to conceal,  
For him behoved out of England to steal,  
For long before, was keeped the Ragment,  
Which Cumine had to bide the Parliament,  
Into London, and if they him accuse,  
To come from them he would have some excuse:  
He prayed Wallace on Glasgow mure to wake,  
The next first night of July for his sake:  
And bade he should but into quiet be,  
For he with him might bring few Chivalry,  
Wallace was blithe, when he this writing saw,  
His Household soon he gart to Glasgow draw.  
That month there he ordained them to ●ide,  
Keirly he took each night with him to ride,  
And this young man that Mentieth to him sand,  
Witted none but they what way that Wallace we●●  
The which gart warn his Eme the eighteen night,  
●ixty ●ull 〈◊〉 Sir John Menteith gart dight:  
of his own kin and allya was born,  
To his treason he gart them all be sworn:  
from Dumbartan they sped them hastily,  
●ear Glasgow Kirk they busked them privily,  
Wallace passed forth where that the tryst was set,  
● spy they made and followed him but let.  
●●brestoun was near the way beside,  
And but an house where Wallace used to bide.  
He work on foot while passed was midnight,  
●eirly and he than for a s●éep them dight.  
They bade this man that he would walk his part,  
And waken Wallace came men from any airt.  
When they steeped the traitor took good heed,  
〈◊〉 met his Eme, and bad● him have no dread.  
●n s●éep he was and with him but one man.  
●t may him have for any craft he can.  
Without the house their weapons laid them fra,  
●or well they witted got Wallace one of tha,  
And on his foot, his ransom should be sold,  
Thus sembled they about that feeble hold,  
This traitor wath from Wallace than he stall,  
Both Knife and Sword, his Bow and Arrows all,  
After midnight in bands they have him ta'en,  
●umbred on séep no man with him but ane,  
●eirly they took and led him from that place,  
〈◊〉 him to death withouten longer space,  
They thought to bind Wallace with strengths strong  
On foot he got these fallen traitors among,  
●e gripped about but no weapons he found.  
Let with a stool that did beside him stand.  
The back of one he bursted in the thran●●,  
And of another the Harness out he dang.  
And als many as on him hands could lay.  
By force him hint for to have him away,  
But that power on foot might not him lead,  
Out of that house while they or he were dead,  
Sir John saw well by force it might not be,  
E'er he were ta'en rather he thought to die,  
Menteith b●de cease and than spoke to Wallace,  
And showed him forth a full right subtle case:  
Ye have so long here used you alone,  
While wit thereof is into England gone.  
Therefore hear me and sober your courage,  
The Englishmen with a full great ●arnage,  
Are sembled here and set this house about,  
That ye by force on no wise can win out.  
Suppose ye had the strength of good Hector,  
Among the host ye may not long endure:  
And they you take, in haste your death is dight,  
I have spoken with Lord Cliffurd that Knight,  
Their Chiftain is and well meaned for your life,  
They ask no more but be quite of your strife.  
To Dumbartan ye shall pass forth with me,  
Than in your house ye may in safety be.  
Sutheron such use with Menteith long had they:  
That Wallace trowed some part that he would say.  
Menteith said sit, lo, weapons none we have,  
We come in traist, your life if we might save,  
Wallace trowed well, and he his gossip thrice,  
That he would naught by no manner of wise,  
Him to betray for all Scotland so wide,  
An oath of him he asked in that tide,  
There wanted wit, what should his oaths more,  
Forsworn to him he was long time before.  
The oath he made, Wallace came in his will,  
Right fraudfully all thus he showed him till.  
Gossip he said, as prisoner they must you see,  
Or else through force they will take you from 〈◊〉.  
A courth with slight upon his hands they laid,  
And under than with s●cker cords they braid,  
Both sharp and teugh and fast together drew,  
Alas the Bruce might sore that binding rue.  
Which made Scotland soon broken upon case,  
By Cummines' death and loss of good Wallace,  
They led him forth in feir among them awe,  
Keirly he missed, and than the Sutheron saw,  
Than witted he well that he betrayed was,  
Toward the South with him when they can pass,  
Yet they him said, in truth he should not die,  
King Edward would keep him in good safety,  
For the honour of war that be had wrought,  
But the sore bands so treubled all his thought,  
Credence thereto forsooth he could not give,  
That he witted well they would not let him live,  
A false foul case that Menteith hath him sald,  
When on this wise good Wallace he was called:  
Some men says it was to save his Lord,  
They lied all out that made that false record:  
At the Fawkirk the good Stewart was slain,  
Our Chronicles rehearses that in plain,  
On Magdalen day the eighteen year before,  
Cummings death therefore it witnesseth more,  
And at Restoun Wallace was treasonably,  
In Glasgow lay, and witted not of this thing,  
Thus was he lost, in biding of his King:  
South they him led, aye holding the waste land,  
Delivered him in haste over Sulway sand.  
The Lord Cliffurd and Vallance took him there,  
To Carlisle town full fast with him they sure.  
In prison him set, that was a great dolour,  
That house after they called Walace tower.  
Some men than said that knew not well the case,  
In Barwick town to death they put Wallace:  
Contrare is known by this opinion,  
That Sutheron men had not than Barwick town,  
To Scotland free it was, till Souls it gave,  
For Lord Cumming to England with the lave:  
Another point is, the traitors durst not pass,  
That sold him so where Scots men master was:  
The third point is the Commons of England,  
What they deny they will not understand,  
That thing be done for witness that may be,  
Not nor credence give further than they may see.  
To see him die Eward had more desire,  
Than to be Lord of all the whole Empire.  
And for this cause they kéeped him sa long,  
While the commons might unto London gang.   

ALace Scotland to whom shalt thou complain?  
Alace from pain who can thee now refrain?  
Alace thine help is falsely brought to ground,  
Thy best Chiftain in braith bands is bound,  
Alace thou hast now lost thy guide of light,  
Alace who shall defend thee in thy right?  
Alace thy pain approacheth wonder near,  
With sorrow soon thou must be left on star,  
Thy gracious Guide, thy greatest Governor,  
Alace over near hath come thy fatal hour.  
Alace who shall now be't thee of thy bail?  
Alace when shall of harms thou be hail,  
Who shall defend: who shall thee now make free?  
Alace in war, who shall thine helper be?  
Who shall thee keep? who shall thee now redéem,  
Alace, who shall the Saxons from thee sléem?  
I can not more but beseech God of Grace,  
Thee to restore in haste to Wealth and Peace.  
So good Wallace may secure thee na mare,  
The loss of him increaseth meikle car●.  
Now of his men in Glasgow still they lay,  
What sorrow raise when they missed him away,  
The cruel pain, the woeful compleaning,  
Therefore to tell in were an heavy thing,  
I will let be and speak of him na mare,  
Little rehearse is over meikle care.  
And principally where redemption is none,  
It helps not to tell their piteous moan:  
The death thereof is yet in remembrance,  
I will let slaik of sorrow the Balance.  
But Longoveil to Lochmabane can pass,  
And their height he where good Prince Edward was,  
Out of Scotland he should pass never more,  
Loss of Wallace sought to his heart full sore,  
The Realm of France he vowed never to see.  
But revenge Wallace or el●e therefore to die,  
There ●e remained while coming of the King,  
With Bruce in war this good Knight forth did ring:  
Remembrance since is in the Bruces book,  
Second he was when they S. Johnstoun took,  
Followed the King at winning of the town,  
The Bruce therefore gave him full great Guardown▪  
All Chartris land the good King to him gave,  
Chartris since than of him come are the lave:  
Where to should I far in this Story wend?  
But of my Book to make a final end.  
Robert the Bruce came home on the third day,  
In Scotland after that Wallace was away.  
To Lochmabane where he found good Edwart,  
Whereof he was greatly rejoiced in heart,  
But fra he witted Wallace away was led,  
So meikle bail into his breast was bred.  
Near of his with he worthed for that deed,  
Edward full soon than to his brother year.  
A sudden chance this was in woe from weal,  
Good Edward saith, this helpeth not a deal,  
Let mourning be, it may be nor remead,  
Ye have him tint, ye should revenge his dead.  
But for your cause he took the wars in hand,  
In your defence and thrice hath fred Scotland,  
The which was lost from us and all our Kin,  
Were not Wallace we had never entered in.  
Mitrour he was of lawty and man-head,  
In wars the best that ever power shall lead,  
Had he liked for to have ta'en the Crown,  
Would none him let that is in this Region.  
Had not been he, ye should had none entresse,  
Into this Realm for treason and falseness.  
That shall ye see the traitor that him sold,  
From you he thinks Dumbarton for to bold.  
Some comfort take, and let slaik of this sorrow,  
The King charged Edward on the morrow,  
Redress to take of wrong that wrought him was,  
To Daiswyntown he ordained him to pass,  
And men of arms if they found Cumming there,  
Put him to ●eath for no dread they would spare.  
They found him not, the King him after slew,  
Into Dumfries where witness were anew,  
That happened wrong over great haste in a King,  
To work by law it may skaith meikle thing,  
I need not here not further for to shaw,  
How that was dove is known to you awe.   

But young Dowglas first to the King can pass,  
In all his war that wight and worthy was:  
Nor how the King hath ta'en on him the Crown,  
Of all that here I make but short mention.  
Nor how Lord Souls gave Berwick town away,  
How after soon als tint was Galloway.  
How John of Lorne against his right King risen,  
On either side how Bruce had many foes:  
How bold Brechin contrare the King could ride,  
Right few was than in wear with him to bide:  
Nor how the North was given from the good King.  
Which made him long in painful war to reign,  
But true to him was James the good Dowglas,  
For Bruces right bided well in many place,  
Under the King he was the best Chriftain,  
But Wallace I set a Chiftain him alane,  
Therefore to him is no comparison.  
As of one man, save reverence of the Crown.  
But so many as of the Dowglas hath been,  
Good of one thing was never in Scotland seen,  
Comparisons I cannot well declare,  
Of Bruces book as now I speak no mare,  
Master John Barbour which was a cunning Clerk,  
Hath of the Bruce said meikle in his wark,  
In this matter I am prolixt almaist,  
To my purpose briefly I will me haste:  
How good Wallace was set amongst his foes,  
To London with him Cliffurd and Vallance goes.  
Where King Edward was right feign of that fang,  
They have him set fast in a prison strange.  
Of Wallace end myself would lean for dread,  
To say the worst, but righteousness me lead.  
We found his life was als so very true.  
His fatal hour I will not fenzie now:  
Menteith him sold, and that ●ver well was known,  
Feil of that Kin in Scotland than was sown,  
Charged to bide under the great judgement,  
That King Robert acted in his Parliament.  
Thereof I make not longer countenance,  
But Wallace end in world was displeasance,  
Thereof I cease, and put not into rhyme,  
Scotland may think the blessed happy time  
That he was born, by principal points two,  
This is the first ere that we further go:  
Scotland he ●…re●…, and brought it from thirlage,  
An now in heaven he hath his harberage.  
Whereof we have right steadfast confidence,  
Since for his Country he made so great defence.    

An Admonition to the Reader.  
¶ These things which follow, savouring of the 〈◊〉 perstitious credulity of the people, and deceitf●… cozenage of the Monks of these times, we ha●… notwithstanding insert, jest we should seem at our own hand rashly to omit any thing which we found in 〈◊〉 Copy: to the end, that they may admonish me 〈◊〉 study to the thankful to our blessed Lord, who ha●… now opened our eyes to see through the mist where with these former ages were blinded.   


A Monk there was in Bury Abbay than,  
Into that time a right religious man:  
A young man als with him in order stood,  
Who knew his life, was clean, perfect, and good:  
This ●athe●…, Monk was visited with sickness,  
Out of the world as he should pass on case.  
His brother saw his spirit likely to pass,  
A band of him right earnestly could he ask.  
To come again, and show him of the méed  
That he should ask of God for his good deed:  
He granted him at his power to prive,  
To come again, if God will give him leave:  
His spirit changed out of this world's pain,  
〈◊〉 that same time come to the Monk again.  
●uch thing hath been as is by voice and fight,  
●here he appeared there shined meikle light:  
●ike to Lanterns they illuminate so clear,  
●hat worldly wight thereto might be no pear.  
〈◊〉 voice thus said God hath me granted grace,  
That I shall keep my promise in this place,  
●he Monk was blithe of this clean figure fairy,  
〈◊〉 a firebrand in his forehead bore he.  
〈◊〉 that him thou●ht misliked all the lave,  
●here art thou spirit? answered so God me save:  
〈◊〉 purgatory, how long shalt thou bide there?  
〈◊〉 half a year to come, and little more:  
〈◊〉 story is, I let thee well to wit,  
〈◊〉 any place where God will it commit:  
〈◊〉 hours space I was there judged to be,  
〈◊〉 that passes suppose I speak with thee,  
●hy hast thou that and all the rest so whole?  
〈◊〉 in Science, I thought me most avail:  
〈◊〉 pri●es therein, labour is in waste,  
〈◊〉 Science comes but of the holy Ghaist,  
〈◊〉 thine hour where is thine passage even?  
●hen time comes, he said to lasting heaven:  
That time is that, I pray you now declare,  
too are on life must be before me there,  
●hich two are they, the verity me ken,  
〈◊〉 first hath been a great slayer of men,  
●ow they him keep to martyr in London town  
〈◊〉 wednesday, before the King and Common:  
〈◊〉 none on life that hath so many slain:  
〈◊〉 brother he said, this tale is but in vain.  
●or slaughter is to God abominable,  
●hen said the spirit, forsooth this is no fable,  
〈◊〉 is Wallace defender of Scotland,  
●or righteous war that he took upon hand.  
Righteousness there is loved over the lave,  
Therefore in heaven he shall that honour have:  
Sign a poor Priest is meikle to commend,  
He took in thanks what thing that God him sen●●  
For godliness and good devotion,  
Heaven he shall have to lasting warison.  
I am the third granted through God's grace,  
Brother he said, tell I this in our place,  
They will but déem I either dream or rave.  
Than said the spirit, this witness thou shalt have  
The bells shall ring for aught that ye do may,  
When they him slay half an hour of the day,  
And so they did, the Monk witted what they ailed,  
Through broad Britain the word thereof was scai●●  
The spirit took leave at Gods will to be,  
Of Wallace end to hear is great pity.   

ANd I would not put men in great dolour,  
But lightly pass out over this fatal hour,  
On Wednesday fierce Sutheron forth him brought  
To martyr him as they before had thought:  
Wallace was martyred the truth to you to tell  
As were Osweld, Edmond, Edward, with pain fell,  
With men of arms led him a fell great rout,  
With a bold spirit than Wallace blenkt about,  
A Priest he asked for him that died on tree,  
King Edward than commanded his Clergy,  
And said, I charge in pain of loss of life,  
None be so bold yond tyrant for to shryfe,  
He hath long rung in contrare of my highness,  
A blessed Bishop soon present in that place  
Of Canterbury he than was righteous Lord,  
Against the King he made his right record,  
And said myself shall hear his confession,  
If I have might in contrare of thy Crown:  
Or thou through force shall stop me from this thing  
I vow to God which is my righteous King,  
Over all England I shall thee interdite,  
And make it known thou art an Heretic:  
The Sacrament of Kirk I shall him give,  
Than take thy choice to starve or let him live,  
〈◊〉 were more vail in worship of thy Crown,  
To keep such one in life in thy bandoun,  
Than all the land, and good that thou hast reft,  
But covetise thee aye from honour dreft,  
Thou hath thy life rung long in wrongous deed,  
That shall be seen on thee, or on thy seed.  
The King gave charge, they should the Bishop tae,  
But the wise Lords counselled to let him gay,  
All wise men said, that his desire was right,  
To Wallace than he raiked in their sight,  
And sadly heard his confession to the end,  
●umbly to God his Spirit he did commend.  
Lawty him served with hearty devotion,  
Upon his knees and said an orison,  
His leave he took, and to Westminster road,  
The Clughmen there they bore Wallace but bode  
Unto a place his martyrdom to take,  
For to his death he willed them furthering make,  
From the first night he was ta'en in Scotland,  
They keeped him into the 'samine band,  
Nothing he had that would have done him good,  
But Englishmen him served of careful food.  
The worldly life desires the sustenance,  
Though he it got in contrare of pleasance,  
These thirty days his bands they durst not slaik,  
While he was bound to a scamyle of aike,  
With iron chains that were both stark and keen,  
A Clerk they set to hear what he would mean,  
Thou Scot he said, that so great wrong hath done,  
Thy fatal hour thou sees approacheth soon,  
Thou should in mind remember thy misdeed,  
That Clarks may when they the Psalms read,  
For Christian souls which often makes them to pray  
In their number thou may be one of they,  
For now thou sees on force thou must decease.  
Than Wallace said, for all thy round rehearse  
Thou hast no charge suppose I had done miss.  
Yond blessed Bishop hath height I shall have bli●●  
And I trow well that God shall it admit,  
Thy simulate words shall not my conscience sm●●●  
Comfort I have of ●ay that I should gang,  
Most pain I feel that I bide here so long,  
Than said the Clerk, our King sent often thee till,  
Thou might have had all Scotland at thy will,  
To hold of him, and ceased of thy strife,  
So as a Lord to reign through all thy life.  
Than Wallace said thou speaks of mighty thing,  
Had I lasted, and got my righteous King,  
And worthy Bruce received had his Crown,  
I thought have made England at his bandown,  
That utterly it should been at his will,  
What pleased him to save, or else to spill.  
Well said the Clerk, I see thou reputes naught,  
Of wickedness thou hast a felon thought,  
Is none in world that hath so many slain,  
Therefore to ask me think thou should be bane,  
Grace at our King and than at his barnage,  
Than Wallace smiled a little at his language,  
I grant, he said, some Englishmen I slew,  
In my quarrel me thought not half anew,  
I moved no war but for to win our own,  
Both God and man the right full well hath kno●  
Thy frustrate words doth naught but tires me,  
I thee command in God's name let me be.  
Sheriff gart this Clerk soon from him pass,  
●ight as they durst granted what he would ass●.  
〈◊〉 Psalter Book Wallace on him had ever,  
From his childhood with it he would not sever,  
The better he trowed in his voyage to speed,  
●ut when he was despoiled of his weed,  
●his grace he asked at Lord Cliffurd that Knight,  
〈◊〉 let him have the Psalter book in fight,  
〈◊〉 gart a Priest open before him hold,  
●hile they to him had done what that they would,  
●●●dfast he read for aught they did him there,  
●●il Sutheron said, that Wallace felt no sore.  
●nd devotion so was his beginning,  
continued therewith, and so was his ending,  
●hile speech and Spirit at once all can far,  
〈◊〉 lasting bliss we trust for evermore.  
〈◊〉 will not tell how he divided was  
〈◊〉 five parts, and ordained for to pass,  
●t his Spirit thus by likeliness was well,  
〈◊〉 Wallace life who hath a better fell,  
〈◊〉 show forth more with wit and eloquence,  
●or I to this have done my diligence,  
●fter the prose given from the Latin book,  
●hich Master Blair in his time undertook,  
〈◊〉 fair Latin compiled to an end,  
●ith good witness which more is to commend.  
bishop Sinkler that Lord was of Dunkel,  
〈◊〉 got this Book and confirmed to him cell,  
〈◊〉 very truth thereof he had no dread,  
himself had heard great part of Wallace deed.  
●is purpose was to have sent it to Rome,  
●ut Father of Kirk therein to give his doom.  
●ut Master Blair and als Sir Thomas Grace  
●fter Wallace they lived many a day,  
●hese two knew best of Sir William's deed,  
〈◊〉 sixtéen year while nine and twenty year  
●●urty and five Wallace of age was called,  
That time that he was to the Sutheron sald,  
Though this matter be naught to all pleasance,  
His sooth fast deed is worthy to advance,  
All worthy men that reads this rural dyte,  
Blame not this Book thought I be imperfect:  
I should have thanks since I no travel spaird,  
For my travel no man height me reward:  
Nor charge I had of King nor other Lord:  
Great harm I thought this good deed should be sm●●  
I have said here near as the process goes,  
And feigned not for friends, nor yet for foes.  
For cost hereof was no man bound to me,  
In this sentence I had no will to see,  
But in as much as I rehearsed naught,  
So worthily as noble Wallace wrought.  
But in one point, I grant I said amiss,  
These two Knights should blamed be of this,  
The Knight Wallace of Craigie righteous Lord,  
And Liddaile too, caused me make wrong record:  
●n Allartoun mure the Crown he took on day  
〈◊〉 get Battle, as mine Author will say,  
These two caused me say on an other wise,  
To Master Blair we did part of surprise.   
FINIS.   

Thus endeth William Wallace wight,  
Behind him left not such a Knight,  
Of worthiness, and deed of ●●nd, 〈◊〉  
From thraldom thrice he fred this Land.    

The Conclusion of this BOOK.  
GO Noble Book, fulfilled of sentence,  
Suppose thou be of barran Eloquence:  
Go worthy Book fulfilled of worthy deed,  
〈◊〉 thee to help of Language thou hast need:  
●…hen good Makers rang well into Scotland,  
●…eat harm it was that none of them thee found:  
Yet there is part that can thee well advance,  
●…ow bide the time, and be in remembrance.  
I you beseech of your benevolence,  
Who will not Love, Lack not mine Eloquence.  
●…t is well known I am a Rural man,  
And here have done as goodly as I can:  
My tongue did never ornate terms embrace,  
〈◊〉 beseech God, that giver is of Grace,  
●…ade Hell and Earth, and set the Heaven above,  
That he till us grant his dear lasting love.  
FINIS.