The military advantages of this position were obvious. and the marshal were sent to reconnoitre with a body The Scottish left flank, protected by the brook of of cavalry. Bannock, could not be turned; or if that attempt were made, a movement by the reserve might have covered it. Again, the English could not pass the Scottish army, and move towards Stirling, without exposing their flank to be attacked while in march. If, on the other hand, the Scottish line had been drawn up east and west, and facing to the southward, as affirmed by Buchanan, and adopted by Mr Nimmo, the author of the history of Stirlingshire, there appears nothing to have prevented the English from approaching upon the carse, or level ground, from Falkirk, either from turning the Scottish left flank, or from passing their position, if they preferred it, without coming to an action, and moving on to the relief of Stirling. And the Gillies' hill, if this less probable hypothesis be adopted, would be situated, not in the rear, as allowed by all the historians, but upon the left flank of Bruce's army. The only objection to the hypothesis above laid down is, that the left flank of Bruce's army was thereby exposed to a sally from the garrison of Stirling. But first, the garrison were bound to neutrality by terms of Mowbray's treaty; and Barbour even seems to censure, as a breach of faith, some secret assistance which they rendered their countrymen upon the eve of battle, in placing temporary bridges of doors and spars over the pools of water in the carse, to enable them to advance to the charge. ' 2dly, Had this not been the case, the strength of the garrison was probably not sufficient to excite apprehension. 3dly, The adverse hypothesis leaves the rear of the Scottish army as much exposed to the Stirling garrison, as the left flank would be in the case supposed. It only remains to notice the nature of the ground in front of Bruce's line of battle. Being part of a park, or chase, it was considerably interrupted with trees, and an extensive marsh, still visible, in some places rendered it inaccessible, and in all of difficult approach. More to the northward, where the natural impediments were fewer, Bruce fortified his position against cavalry, by digging a number of pits so close together, says Barbour, as to resemble the cells in a honey-comb. They were a foot in breadth, and between two and three feet deep, many rows of them being placed one behind the other. They were slightly covered with brushwood and green sods, so as not to be obvious to an impetuous enemy. And soon the great host have they seen, Their foes unto such quantity. BARBOUR's Bruce, vol. II, p. 111. The two Scottish commanders were cautious in the account which they brought back to their camp. To the king in private they told the formidable state of the enemy; but in public reported that the English were indeed a numerous host, but ill commanded and worse disciplined. Note 12. Stanza xi. With these the valiant of the Isles Beneath their chieftains rank'd their files. The men of Argyle, the Islanders, and the Highlander s in general, were ranked in the rear. They must have been numerous, for Bruce had reconciled himself with almost all their chieftains, excepting the obnoxious Mac-Dougals of Lorn. The following deed, containing the submission of the potent Earl of Ross to the king, was never before published. It is dated in the third year of Robert's reign, that is, 1309. OBLIGACIO COMITIS ROSSENSIS PER HOMAGIUM Universis Christi fidelibus ad quorum noticiam presentes literæ peruenerint Willielmus Comes de Ross salutem in domino sempiternam. Quia magnificus princeps Dominus Robertus Dei gracia Rex Scottorum Dominus meus ex innata sibi bonitate, inspirataque clemencia, et gracia speciali remisit michi pure rancorem animi sui, et relaxauit ac condonauit michi omnimodas transgressiones seu offensas contra ipsum et suos per me et meos vsque ad confeccionem literarum presencium perpetratas: Et terras meas et teneEt me nichilomenta mea omnia graciose concessit. minus de terra de Dingwal et Ferncroskry infra comitatum de Suthyrland de benigna liberalitate sua All the Scottish army were on foot, excepting a se-heriditarie infeodare curauit. Ego tantam principis lect body of cavalry stationed with Edward Bruce on beneuolenciam efficaciter attendens, et pro tot graciis the right wing, under the immediate command of Sir michi factis, vicem sibi gratitudinis meis pro viribus Robert Keith, the Marshal of Scotland, who were desde cetero digne--- ---vite cupiens exhibere, tined for the important service of charging and dis-cubiicio et obligo me et heredes meos et homines meos persing the English archers. vniuersos dicto Domino meo Regi per omnia-▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬erga suam regiam dignitatem, quod erimus de cetero fideles sibi et heredibus suis et fidele sibi seruicium auxilium et concilium-contra omnes homines et feminas qui vivere poterint aut mori, et super h--Ego Willielmus pro me--hominibus meis vniuersis dicto Thus judiciously posted, in a situation fortified both by art and nature, Bruce awaited the attack of the English. Note 11. Stanza x. Beyond, the southern host appears. Upon the 23d June, 1314, the alarm reached the army Scottish of the approach of the enemy. Douglas domino meo Regi--▬▬▬▬▬▬manibus homagium An assistance which, by the way, could not have been rendered, had not the English approached from the south-east; since had their march been due north, the whole Scottish army must have been between them and the garrison. sponte feci et super Dei ewangelia sacramentum prestiti ▬▬▬In quorum omnium testimonium sigillum meum, et sigilla Hugonis filii et heredis et Johannis filii mei vna cum sigillis venerabilium patrum Dominorum Dauid et Thome Moraviensis et Rossensis Dei gracia episcoporum presentibus literis sunt appensa. Acta scripta et data apud Aldern in Morauia vltimo die mensis Octobris, Anno Regni dicti domini nostri Regis Roberti Tertio. Testibus venerabilibus patribus supradietis, Domino Bernardo Cancellario Regis, Dominis Willielmo de Haya, Johanne de Striuelyn, Willielmo Wysman, Johanne de Ffenton, Dauid de Berkeley, et Waltro de Berkeley militibus, magistro Waltero Heroe, Decano ecclesie Morauie, magistro Willielmo de Creswel eiusdem ecclesie precentore et multis aliis nobilibus clericis et laicis dictis die et loco congregatis. The copy of this curious document was supplied by my friend, Mr Thomson, Deputy Register of Scotland, whose researches into our ancient records are daily throwing new and important light upon the history of the country. Note 13. Stanza xiii. The monarch rode along the van. The English van-guard, commanded by the Earls of Gloucester and Hereford, came in sight of the Scottish army upon the evening of the 23d of June. Bruce was then riding upon a little palfrey, in front of his foremost line, putting his host in order. It was then that the personal encounter took place betwixt him and Sir Henry de Bohun, a gallant English knight, the issue of which had a great effect upon the spirits of both armies. It is thus recorded by Barbour: And when Glosyter and Hertfurd were And towards him he went on baste. Saw him come, forth all his feres The Scottish leaders remonstrated with the king upon his temerity. He only answered, « I have broken my good battle-axe.»-The English van-guard retreated after witnessing this single combat. Probably their generals did not think it advisable to hazard an attack, while its unfavourable issue remained upon their minds. Note 14. Stanza xviii. What train of dast, with trumpet-sound While the van of the English army advanced, a detached body attempted to relieve Stirling. Lord Hailes gives the following account of this manœuvre, and the result, which is accompanied by circumstances highly characteristic of the chivalrous manners of the age, and displays that generosity which reconciles us even to their ferocity upon other occasions. Bruce had enjoined Randolph, who commanded the left wing of his army, to be vigilant in preventing any advanced parties of the English from throwing succours into the castle of Stirling. « Eight hundred horsemen, commanded by Sir Robert Clifford, were detached from the English army; they made a circuit by the low grounds to the east, and approached the castle. The king perceived their motions, and, coming up to Randolph, angrily exclaimed, |‘Thoughtless man! you have suffered the enemy to pass.' Randolph hasted to repair his fault, or perish. As he advanced, the English cavalry wheeled to attack him. Randolph drew up his troops in a circular form, with their spears resting on the ground, and protended on every side. At the first onset, Sir William Daynecourt, an English commander of distinguished note, was slain. The enemy, far superior in numbers to Randolph, environed him, and pressed hard on his little band. Douglas saw his jeopardy, and requested the king's permission to go and succour him. "You shall not move from your ground, cried the king; let Randolph extricate himself as he best may, I will not alter my order of battle, and lose the advantage of my position. In truth,' replied Douglas, 'I cannot stand by and see Randolphi perish; and, therefore, with your leave, I must aid him.' The king unwillingly consented, and Douglas flew to the assistance of his friend. While approaching, he perceived that the English were falling into disorder, and that the perseverance of Randolph had prevailed over their impetuous courage.-‘Halt,' cried Douglas, those brave men have repulsed the enemy; let us not diminish their glory by sharing it.'» -DALRYMPLE'S Annals of Scotland, 4to. Edinburgh, 1779, pp. 44, 45. Two large stones erected at the north end of the village of Newhouse, about a quarter of a mile from the south part of Stirling, ascertain the place of this memorable skirmish. The circumstance tends, were confirmation necessary, to support the opinion of Lord Hailes, that the Scottish line had Stirling on its left flank. It will be remembered that Randolph commanded infantry, Daynecourt cavalry. Supposing, therefore, according to the vulgar hypothesis, that the Scottish line was drawn up, facing to the south, in the line of the brook of Bannock, and consequently that Randolph was stationed with his left flank resting upon Milntown bog, it is morally impossible that his infantry, moving from that position with whatever celerity, could cut off from Stirling a body of cavalry who had already passed St Ninians, or, in other words, were already between them and the town. Whereas, supposing Randolph's left to have approached St Ninians, the short movement to Newhouse could easily be executed, so as to intercept the English in the manner described. Note 15. Stanza xx. Responsive from the Scottish host, Pipe-clang and bugle-sound were toss'd. There is an old tradition, that the well-known Scottish tune of «< Hey, tutti, taitti,» was Bruce's march at the battle of Bannockburn. The late Mr Ritson, no granter of propositions, doubts whether the Scots had any martial music, and quotes Froissart's account of each soldier in the host bearing a little horn, on which, at the onset, they would make such a horrible noise, as if all the devils of hell had been among them. He observes, that these horns are the only music mentioned by Barbour, and concludes, that it must remain a moot point whether Bruce's army were cheered by the sound even of a solitary bagpipe.-Historical Essay prefixed to Ritson's Scottish Songs It may be observed in passing, that the Scottish of this period certainly observed some musical cadence, even in winding their horns, since Bruce was at once recognized by his followers from his mode of blowing. See Note 10. on Canto IV. But the tradition, true or false, has been the means of securing to Scotland one of the finest lyrics in the language, the celebrated war-song of Bruce, Scots wha hae wi' Wallace bled. Note 16. Stanza xxi. Now onward, and in open view, The countless ranks of England drew. Upon the 24th of June, the English army advanced to the attack. The narrowness of the Scottish front, and the nature of the ground, did not permit them to have the full advantage of their numbers, nor is it very easy to find out what was their proposed order of battle. The van-guard, however, appeared a distinct body; consisting of archers and spearmen on foot, and commanded, as already said, by the Earls of Gloucester and Hereford. Barbour, in one place, mentions that they formed nine BATTLES, or divisions; but, from the following passage, it appears that there was no room or space for them to extend themselves, so that, except the van-guard, the whole army appeared to form one solid and compact body: The English men, on either party, For all their battles samyn were In a schiltrum.3 But whether it was Through the great straitness of the place Barbour says expressly, they avoided the New Park (where Bruce's army lay), and held well neath the Kirk, which can only mean St Ninians. 2 Together. Schiltrum.-This word has been variously limited or extended in its signification. In general, it seems to imply a large body of men drawn up very closely together. But it has been limited to imply a round or circular body of men so drawn up. I cannot understand it with this limitation in the present case. The Schiltrum of the Scottish army at Falkirk was undoubtedly of a circular form, in order to resist the attacks of the English cavalry, on whatever That they were in, to bide fighting; I wete not. But in a schiltrum Who had been by, might have seen there Note 17. Stanza xxi. See where yon bare-foot abbot stands, << Maurice, Abbot of Inchaffray, placing himself on an eminence, celebrated mass in sight of the Scottish army. He then passed along the front, bare-footed, and bearing a crucifix in his hands, and exhorting the Scots, in few and forcible words, to combat for their rights and their liberty. The Scots kneeled down. "They yield, cried Edward; 'see, they implore mercy.' 'They do,' answered Ingelram de Umfraville, but not ours. On that field they will be victorious or die.' »—Annalṣ of Scotland, vol II, p. 47.. Note 18. Stanza xxii. The English archers commenced the attack with their usual bravery and dexterity. But against a force, whose importance he had learned by fatal experience, Bruce was provided. A small but select body of cavalry were detached from the right, under command of Sir Robert Keith. They rounded, as I conceive, the marsh called Milntown bog, and, keeping the firm ground, charged the left flank and rear of the English archers. As the bowmen had no spears nor long weapons, fit to defend into disorder, and spread through the whole English themselves against horse, they were instantly thrown army a confusion, from which they never fairly recovered. The English archers shot so fast, When he saw the battles so When Scotts archers say that they sua Although the success of this manœuvre was evident, it is very remarkable that the Scottish generals do not appear to have profited by the lesson. Almost every subsequent battle which they lost against England was decided by the archers, to whom the close and compact array of the Scottish phalanx afforded an exposed and unresisting mark. The bloody battle of Halidon-hill, fought scarce twenty years afterward, was so completely gained by the archers, that the English are said to have lost only one knight, one esquire, and a few foot-soldiers. At the battle of Neville's Cross, in 1346, where David II. was defeated and made prisoner, John de Graham, observing the loss which the Scots sustained from the English bowmen, offered to charge and disperse them, if a hundred men-at-arms were put under his command. « But, to confess the truth,» say Fordun, «he could not procure a single horseman for the service proposed.»> Of such little use is experience in war, where its results are opposed by habit or prejudice. Note 19. Stanza xxiv. Each braggart churl could boast before, Roger Ascham quotes a similar Scottish proverb, << whereby they give the whole praise of shooting honestly to Englishmen, saying thus, that every English archer beareth under his girdle twenty-four Scottes.' Indeed, Toxophilus says before, and truly of the Scottish nation, the Scottes surely be good men of warre in theyre owne feates as can be; but as for shootinge, they can neither use it to any profite, nor yet challenge it for any praise.'»-Works of Ascham, edited by Bennet, 4to. p. 110. It is said, I trust incorrectly, by an ancient English historian, that the « good Lord James of Douglas»> dreaded the superiority of the English archers so much, that when he made any of them prisoner, he gave him the option of losing the fore-finger of his right hand, or his right eye, either species of mutilation rendering him incapable to use the bow. I have mislaid the reference to this singular passage. Note 20. Stanza xxiv. It is generally alleged by historians, that the English men-at-arms fell into the hidden snare which Bruce had prepared for them. Barbour does not mention this circumstance. According to his account; Randolph, seeing the slaughter made by the cavalry on the right wing among the archers, advanced courageously against the main body of the English, and entered into close combat with them. Douglas and Stuart, who commanded the Scottish centre, led their division also to the charge, and the battle becoming general along the whole line, was obstinately maintained on both sides for a long space of time; the Scottish archers doing great execution among the English men-at-arms, after the bowmen of England were dispersed. Note 21. Stanza xxiv. And steeds that shriek in agony. I have been told that this line requires an explanatory note; and, indeed, those who witness the silent patience with which horses submit to the most cruel usage may be permitted to doubt thaf, in moments of sudden or intolerable anguish, they utter a most melancholy cry. Lord Erskine, in a speech made in the House of Lords, upon a bill for enforcing humanity towards animals, noticed this remarkable fact, in language which I will not mutilate by attempting to repeat it. It was my fortune, upon one occasion, to hear a horse, in a moment of agony, utter a thrilling scream, which I still consider the most melancholy sound I ever heard. Note 22. Stanza xxviii. Lord of the Isles, my trust in thee Rush on with flighland sword and targe; I, with my Carrick spearmen, charge. When the engagement between the main bodies had lasted some time, Bruce made a decisive movement, by bringing up the Scottish reserve. It is traditionally said, that at this crisis he addressed the Lord of the Isles in a phrase used as a motto by some of his descendants, « My trust is constant in thee.»> Barbour intimates, that the reserve «assembled on one field,» that is, in the same line with the Scottish forces already engaged, which leads Lord Hailes to conjecture, that the Scottish ranks must have been much thinned by slaughter, since, in that circumscribed ground, there was room for the reserve to fall into the line. But the advance of the Scottish cavalry must have contributed a good deal to form the vacancy occupied by the re serve. Note 23. Stanza xxx. To arms they flew,-axe, club, or spear,- The followers of the Scottish camp observed, from the Gillies' hill in the rear, the impression produced upon the English army by the bringing up of the Scottish reserve, and, prompted by the enthusiasm of the moment, or the desire of plunder, assumed, in a tumultuary manner, such arms as they found nearest, fastened sheets to tent-poles, and lances, and showed themselves like a new army advancing to battle. Yeomen, and swanys, ' and pitaill, 2 On their foes assembled were; And said that they would see the fight, army, fled towards Linlithgow, pursued by Douglas with about sixty horse. They were augmented by Sir Lawrence Abernethy with twenty more, whom Douglas met in the Torwood upon their way to join the English army, and whom he easily persuaded to desert the defeated monarch, and to assist in the pursuit. They hung upon Edward's flight as far as Dunbar, too few in number to assail him with effect, but enough to harass his retreat so constantly, that whoever fell an instant behind, was instantly slain, or made prisoner. EdAs they had men been styve and stout. ward's ignominious flight terminated at Dunbar, where They came with all that assembly, the Earl of March, who still professed allegiance to him, Right till they might the battle see; received him full gently,» From thence, the monarch Then all at once they gave a cry, Slay! Slay! Upon them hastily!» of so great an empire, and the late commander of so BARBOUR'S Bruce, vol. II, Book XIII, pp. 153, 4. gallant and numerous an army, escaped to Bamborough in a fishing vessel. Fifteen thousand they were or ma, Bruce, as will appear from the following document, lost no time in directing the thunders of parliamentary censure against such part of his subjects as did not return to their natural allegiance, after the battle of Bannockburn. APUD MONASTERIUM DE CAMBUSKENNETH, XVI DIE NOVEMBRIS M.CCC.XIV. Judicium redditum apud Kambuskinet contra omnes illos qui tunc fuerunt contra fidem et pacem Domini Regis. The unexpected apparition, of what seemed a new army, completed the confusion which already prevailed among the English, who fled in every direction, and were pursued with immense slaughter. The brook of Bannock, according to Barbour, was so choaked with the bodies of men and horses, that it might have been passed dry-shod. The followers of the Scottish camp fell upon the disheartened fugitives, and added to the confusion and slaughter. Many were driven into the Forth, and perished there, which, by the way, could hardly have happened, had the armies been drawn up east and west, since in that case, to get at the river, the English fugitives must have fled through the victorious army. About a short mile from the field of battle is a place called the Bloody Folds. Here the Earl of Glou-lentissimo principe domino Roberto Dei gracia Rege cester is said to have made a stand, and died gallantly at the head of his own military tenants and vassals. He was much regretted by both sides; and it is said the Scottish would gladly have saved his life, but neglecting to wear his surcoat with armorial bearings over his he fell unknown, after his horse had been stabbed with spears. armour, Sir Marmaduke Twenge, an English knight, contrived to conceal himself during the fury of the pursuit, and when it was somewhat slackened, approached King Robert. << Whose prisoner are you, Sir Marmaduke?» said Bruce, to whom he was personally known. «Yours, sir,» answered the knight. «I receive you,» answered the king; and, treating him with the utmost courtesy, loaded him with gifts, and dismissed him without ran som. The other prisoners were well-treated. There might be policy in this, as Bruce would naturally wish to acquire the good opinion of the English barons, who were at this time at great variance with their king. But it also well accords with his high chivalrous character. Note 24. Stanza xxxi. O give their hapless prince his due. Edward II., according to the best authorities, showed, in the fatal field of Bannockburn, personal gallantry not unworthy of his great sire and greater son. He remained on the field till forced away by the Earl of Pembroke, when all was lost. He then rode to the castle of Stirling, and demanded admittance; but the governor remonstrating upon the imprudence of shutting himself up in that fortress, which must so soon surrender, he assembled around his person five hundred men-atarms, and, avoiding the field of battle and the victorious Anno gracie millesimo tricentesimo quarto decimo sexto die Novembris tenente parliamentum suum excel Scottorum Illustri in monasterio de Cambuskyneth concordatum fuit finaliter judicatum (ac super) hoc statutum de consilio et assensu episcoporum et ceterorum prelatorum comitum baronum et aliorum nobilium regni Scocie nec non et tocius communitatis regni predicti quod omnes qui contra fidem et pacem dicti domini regis in bello seu alibi mortui sunt (vel qui dic) to die ad pacem ejus et fidem non venerant licet sepius vocati et legitime expectati fuissent de terris et tenementis et omni alio statu intra regnum Scocie perpetuo sint exheredati et habeantur de cetero tanquam inimici regis et regni ab omni vendicacione juris hereditarii vel juris alterius cujuscunque in posterum pro se et heredibus suis in perpetuum privati Ad perpetuam igitur rei memoriam et evidentem probacionem hujus judicii et statuti sigillå episcoporum et aliorum prelatorum nec non et comitum baronum ac ceterorum nobilium dicti regni presenti ordinacioni judicio et statuto sunt appensa. |