he and his whole followers were slain, so that none escaped: the captain afterwards being searched, they found (as it is reported) his mistress's letter about him."-Hume's History of the House of Douglas, fol. pp. 29, 30. after landing at Turnberry, was over Aymer de Valance, earl of Pembroke, the same by whom he had been defeated near Methven. They met, as has been said, by appointment, at Loudoun-hill, in the west of Scotland. Pembroke sustained a defeat, and from that time Bruce was at the head of 3. And fiery Edward routed stout St. John.-P. 278. a considerable flying army. Yet he was subse"John de St. John, with 15,000 horsemen, had quently obliged to retreat into Aberdeenshire, and advanced to oppose the inroad of the Scots. By a was there assailed by Comyn, earl of Buchan, de- forced march he endeavoured to surprise them, sirous to avenge the death of his relative, the Red but intelligence of his motions was timeously reComyn, and supported by a body of English troops ceived. The courage of Edward Bruce, approachunder Philip de Moubray. Bruce was ill at the ing to temerity, frequently enabled him to achieve time of a scrofulous disorder, but took horse to what men of more judicious valour would never meet his enemies, although obliged to be support-have attempted. He ordered the infantry, and the said that the agitation of his spirits restored his in strong narrow ground. He himself, with fifty meaner sort of his army, to entrench themselves horsemen well harnessed, issued forth under cover of a thick mist, surprised the English on their march, attacked and dispersed them."-DALRYMPLE'S Annals of Scotland, quarto, Edinburgh, 1779, p. 25. ed on either side. He was victorious, and it is health. 4. When Randolph's war-ery swelled the southern gale.— P. 278. 2. When English blood oft deluged Douglas-dale.-P. 278. The "good lord James of Douglas," during these commotions often took from the English his own castle of Douglas, but, being unable to garrison it, contented himself with destroying the fortifications, and retiring into the mountains. As a reward to his patriotism, it is said to have been Thomas Randolph, Bruce's sister's son, a reprophesied, that how often soever Douglas Castle nowned Scottish chief, was in the early part of his should be destroyed, it should always again arise life not more remarkable for consistency than more magnificent from its ruins. Upon one of Bruce himself. He espoused his uncle's party these occasions, he used fearful cruelty, causing all when Bruce first assumed the crown, and was made the store of provisions, which the English had laid prisoner at the fatal battle of Methven, in which up in his castle, to be heaped together, bursting his relative's hopes appeared to be ruined. Ranthe wine and beer-casks among the wheat and dolph accordingly not only submitted to the Enflour, slaughtering the cattle upon the same spot, glish, but took an active part against Bruce, apand upon the top of the whole, cutting the throats peared in arms against him, and in the skirmish of the English prisoners. This pleasantry of the where he was so closely pursued by the blood"good lord James" is commemorated under the hound, it is said his nephew took his standard with name of the Douglas's Larder. A more pleasing his own hand. But Randolph was afterwards made tale of chivalry is recorded by Godscroft. "By prisoner by Douglas, in Tweeddale, (see p. 306,) this means, and such other exploits, he so affright- and brought before king Robert. Some harsh ed the enemy, that it was counted a matter of language was exchanged between the uncle and great jeopardie to keep this castle, which began nephew, and the latter was committed for a time to be called the adventurous (or hazardous) castle to close custody. Afterwards, however, they were of Douglas; whereupon sir John Walton being in reconciled, and Randolph was created earl of Mosuit of an English lady, she wrote to him, that ray, about 1312. After this period he eminently when he had kept the adventurous castle of Doug- distinguished himself, first by the surprise of Edlas seven years, then he might think himself wor-inburgh castle, and afterwards by many similar thy to be a suitor to her. Upon this occasion, enterprises, conducted with equal courage and Walton took upon him the keeping of it, and suc- ability. ceeded to Thruswall, but he ran the same fortune with the rest that were before him. For sir James, Beleaguered by king Robert's powers; having first dressed an ambuscado near unto the And they took term of truce.-P. 278. place, he made fourteen of his men take so many When a long train of success, actively improvsacks, and fill them with grass, as though it had ed by Robert Bruce, had made him master of albeen corn, which they carried in the way to Lan-most all Scotland, Stirling castle continued to hold ark, the chief market town in that county: so hop-out. The care of the blockade was committed by ing to draw forth the captain by that bait, and ei- the king to his brother Edward, who concluded a ther to take him or the castle, or both. Neither treaty with sir Philip Mowbray, the governor, was this expectation frustrated, for the captain did that he should surrender the fortress, if it were bite, and came forth to have taken this victual (as not succoured by the king of England before St. he supposed.) But ere he could reach these car- John the Baptist's day. The king severely blamriers, sir James, with his company, had gotten be-ed his brother for the impolicy of a treaty, which tween the castle and him; and these disguised car- gave time to the king of England to advance to the riers, seeing the captain following after them, did quickly cast off their sacks, mounted themselves on horseback, and met the captain with a sharp encounter, being so much the more amazed, as it was unlooked for; wherefore, when he saw these carriers metamorphosed into warriors, and ready to assault nim, fearing that which was, that there was some train laid for them, he turned about to have retired to his castle, but there he also met with his enemies; between which two companies 5. -Stirling's towers, relief of the castle with all his assembled forces, and obliged himself either to meet them in battle with an inferior force, or to retreat with dishonour. "Let all England come," answered the reckless Edward, "we will fight them were they more." The consequence was, of course, that each kingdom mustered its strength for the expected battle, and as the space agreed upon reached from Lent to Midsummer, full time was allowed for that purpose. 6. To summon prince and peer, Neel Macbreen, Duci Hibernicorum de Kynalle- Eth Offyn, Duci Hibernicorum de Turtery; Neel O Hanlan, Duci Hibernicorum de Erthere; Gillys O Railly, Duci Hibernicorum de Bresfeny; Felyn O'Honughur, Duci Hibernicorum de Con- At Berwick-bounds to meet their liege.-P. 278. There is printed in Rymer's Fadera the summons issued upon this occasion to the sheriff of York; and he mentions eighteen other persons to whom similar ordinances were issued. It seems to respect the infantry alone, for it is entitled, De peditibus ad recussum Castri de Stryvelin a Scotis obsessi properare faciendis. This circumstance is also clear from the reasoning of the writ, which states, "We have understood that our Scottish enemies and rebels are endeavouring to collect as strong a force as possible of infantry, in strong and marshy grounds, where the approach of cavalry would be difficult, between us and the castle of Stirling."-It then sets forth Mowbray's agreement to surrender the castle, if not relieved be- Dermod Mac Arthy, Duci Hibernicorum de Des fore St. John the Baptist's day, and the king's de- semound; termination, with divine grace, to raise the siege. Deuenoul Carbragh; "Therefore," the summons further bears, "to Maur. Kenenagh Mac Murgh; remove our said enemies and rebels from such Murghugh O Bryn; places as above-mentioned, it is necessary for us David O Tothvill; to have a strong force of infantry fit for arms." Dermod O Tonoghur, Deffaly; And accordingly the sheriff of York is command- Fyn O Dymsy; ed to equip and send forth a body of four thousand infantry, to be assembled at Werk, upon the tenth day of June first, under pain of the royal displeasure, &c. 7. And Cambria, but of late subdued, Souethuth Mac Gillephatrick; Gilbertus Ekelly, Duci Hibernicorum de Omany; Omalan Heelyn, Duci Hibernicorum de Midie." Sent forth her mountain-multitude.-P. 278. Edward the first, with the usual policy of a con9. Their chief, Fitz-Louis.-P. 279. queror, employed the Welch, whom he had subdued, to assist him in his Scottish wars, for which Fullarton, is a family of ancient descent in the Fitz-Louis, or Mac-Louis, otherwise called their habits, as mountaineers, particularly fitted them. But this policy was not without its risks. isle of Arran. They are said to be of French oriPrevious to the battle of Falkirk, the Welch quar-selves to Bruce upon his first landing; and Fergus gin, as the name intimates. They attached themrelled with the English men-at-arms, and after Mac-Louis, or Fullarton, received from the gratebloodshed on both parts, separated themselves ful monarch, a charter, dated 26th November, in from his army, and the feud between them, at so the second year of his reign (1307,) for the lands dangerous and critical a juncture, was reconciled of Kilmichel, and others, which still remain in this with difficulty. Edward I followed his father's example in this particular, and with no better suc-very cess. They could not be brought to exert themselves in the cause of their conquerors. But they had an indifferent reward for their forbearance. Without arms, and clad only in scanty dresses of linen cloth, they appeared naked in the eyes even of the Scottish peasantry; and after the rout of Bannockburn, were massacred by them in great numbers, as they retired in confusion towards their own country. They were under command of sir Maurice de Berkley. 8. And Connaught poured from waste and wood Her hundred tribes, whose sceptre rude ancient and respectable family. 10. In battles four beneath their eye, The forces of king Robert lie.-P. 279. The arrangements adopted by king Robert for the decisive battle of Bannockburn, are given very distinctly by Barbour, and form an edifying lesson to tacticians. Yet, till commented upon by lord Hailes, this important passage of history has been generally and strangely misunderstood by histo rians. I will here endeavour to detail it fully. Two days before the battle, Bruce selected the field of action, and took post there with his army, consisting of about 30,000 disciplined men, and Dark Eth O'Connor swayed.-P. 278. about half the number of disorderly attendants There is in the Fadera an invitation to Eth O' upon the camp. The ground was called the New Connor, chief of the Irish of Connaught, setting Park of Stirling; it was partly open, and partly forth that the king was about to move against his broken by copses of wood and marshy ground. He Scottish rebels, and therefore requesting the at-divided his regular forces into four divisions. tendance of all the force he could muster, either Three of these occupied a front line, separated commanded by himself in person, or by some no- from each other, yet sufficiently near for the purbleman of his race. These auxiliaries were to be poses of communication. The fourth division formcommanded by Richard de Burgh, earl of Ulster.ed a reserve. The line extended in a north-easterSimilar mandates were issued to the followingly direction from the brook of Bannock, which is Irish chiefs, whose names may astonish the unlearned, and amuse the antiquary. “Eth O Donnuld, Duci Hibernicorum de Tyrconil; so rugged and broken as to cover the right flank effectually, to the village of saint Ninian's, probably in the line of the present road from Stirling to Kilsyth. Edward Bruce commanded the right wing, which was strengthened by a strong body Demond O Kahan, Duci Hibernicorum de Ferne-of cavalry under Keith, the marshal of Scotland, to whom was committed the important charge of attacking the English archers; Douglas, and the young Stewart of Scotland, led the central wing; select body of cavalry stationed with Edward and Thomas Randolph, earl of Moray, the left Bruce on the right wing, under the immediate wing. The king himself commanded the fourth command of sir Robert Keith, the marshal of Scotdivision, which lay in reserve behind the others. land, who were destined for the important service The royal standard was pitched, according to tra- of charging and dispersing the English archers. dition, in a stone, having a round hole for its re- Thus judiciously posted, in a situation fortified ception, and thence called the Bore-stone. It is both by art and nature, Bruce awaited the attack still shown on the top of a small eminence, called of the English. Brock's-brae, to the south-west of St. Ninian's. 11. Beyond, the southern host appears.-P. 279. His main body thus disposed, king Robert sent Upon the 23d June, 1314, the alarm reached the the followers of the camp, fifteen thousand and Scottish army of the approach of the enemy. Douupwards in number, to the eminence in rear of his glas and the marshal were sent to reconnoitre with army, called from that circumstance the Gillies' a body of cavalry. (i. e. the servants') hill. The military advantages of this position were obvious. The Scottish left flank, protected by the brook of Bannock, could not be turned; or, if that attempt were made, a movement by the reserve might have covered it. Again, the English could not pass the Scottish 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. "And soon the great host have they seen, And so fele bataills, and so broad, 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. 12. With these the valiant of the Isles Beneath their chieftains ranked their files.-P. 279. The men of Argyle, the Islanders, and the highlanders in general, were ranked in the rear. They must have been numerous, for Bruce had reconciled himself with almost all their chieftains, excepting the obnoxious 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 de Ross salutem in domino sempiternam. Quia presentes literæ peruenerint Willielmus Comes magnificus princeps Dominus Robertus Dei gracia Rex Scottorum Dominus meus ex innata sibi boniIt only remains to notice the nature of the ground misit michi pure rancorem animi sui, et relaxanit tate, inspirataque clemencia, et gracia speciali rein front of Bruce's line of battle. Being part of a ac condonauit michi omnimodas transgressiones park, or chase, it was considerably interrupted seu offensas contra ipsum et suos per me et meos with trees, and an extensive marsh, still visible, vsque ad confeccionem literarum presencium perin some places rendered it inaccessible, and in all petratas: Et terras meas et tenementa mea omnia of difficult approach. More to the northward, graciose concessit. Et me nichilominus de terra where the natural impediments were fewer, Bruce de Dingwal et Ferneroskry infra comitatum de fortified his position against cavalry, by digging a Suthyrland de benigna liberalitate sua heriditarie number of pits so close together, says Barbour, as infeodare curauit. Ego tantam principis beneuo to resemble the cells in a honey-comb. They were lenciam efficaciter attendens, et pro tot graciis mia foot in breadth, and between two and three feet chi factis, vicem sibi gratitudinis meis pro viribus deep, many rows of them being placed one behind de cetero digne- -vite cupiens exhibere, suthe other. They were slightly covered with brush- biicio et obligo me et heredes meos et homines wood and green sods, so as not to be obvious to an meos vniuersos dicto Domino meo Regi per omnia impetuous enemy. erga suam regiam dignitatem, quod erimus de cetero fideles sibi et here All the Scottish army were on foot, excepting a dibus suis et fidele sibi seruicium auxilium et conAn assistance which, by the way, could not have been cilium-contra omnes homines et rendered, had not the English approached from the southeast; since, had their march been due north, the whole feminas qui vivere poterint aut mori, et super Scottish army must have been between them and the gar risob • Many. + Displayed Battalions. Alarmed. have broken my good battle-axe."-The English 14. "What train of dust, with trumpet-sound n-Ego Willielmus pro mebominibus meis vniuersis dicto domino meo Regi -manibus homagium sponte feci et super Dei ewangelia sacramentum prestiti-In quorum omnium testimonium sigillum me-able um, 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 While the van of the English army advanced, a appensa. Acta scripta et data apud Aldern in detached body attempted to relieve Stirling. Lord Morauia vltimo die mensis Octobris, Anno Regni Hailes gives the following account of this mancudicti domini nostri Regis Roberti Tertio. Tes- ver and the result, which is accompanied by cirtibus venerabilibus patribus supradictis, Domino cumstances highly characteristic of the chivalrous Bernardo Cancellario Regis, Dominis Willielmo manners of the age, and displays that generosity de Haya, Johanne de Striuelyn, Willielmo Wys- which reconciles us even to their ferocity upon man, Johanne de Ffenton, Dauid de Berkeley, other occasions. et Waltro de Berkeley militibus, magistro Wal- Bruce had enjoined Randolph, who commanded lero Heroe, Decano ecclesie Morauie, magistro the left wing of his army, to be vigilant in preventWillielmo de Creswel eiusdem ecclesie precen- ing any advanced parties of the English from throwtore et multis aliis nobilibus clericis et laicis dic-ing succours into the castle of Stirling. tis die et loco congregatis. "Eight hundred horsemen, commanded by sir The copy of this curious document was supplied Robert Clifford, were detached from the English by my friend, Mr. Thomson, Deputy Register of army; they made a circuit by the low grounds to Scotland, whose researches into our ancient records the east, and approached the castle. The king are daily throwing new and important light upon perceived their motions, and, coming up to Ranthe history of the country. dolph, angrily exclaimed, Thoughtless man! you have suffered the enemy to pass. Randolph hast 13. The monarch rode along the van.-P. 280. The English vanguard, commanded by the earls ed to repair his fault, or perish. As he advanced, of Gloucester and Hereford, came in sight of the the English cavalry wheeled to attack him. RanScottish army upon the evening of the 23d of June. dolph drew up his troops in a circular form, with Bruce was then riding upon a little palfrey, in their spears resting on the ground, and protended front of his foremost line, putting his host in or- on every side. At the first onset, sir William der. It was then that the personal encounter took Day necourt, an English commander of distinguishplace betwixt him and sir Henry de Bohun, a gal-ed note, was slain. The enemy, far superior in lant 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 Herfurd were And towards him he went on haste. Saw him come, forth all his feres Barbour's Bruce, vol. ii, p. 122. *Comrades. + Haste. Without shrinking. § Spurred. numbers to Randolph, environed him, and pressed Two large stones erected at the north end of the 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. 15. Responsive from the Scottish host, Pipe-clang and bugle-sound were tossen.-P. 281. There is an old tradition, that the well-known Scottish tune of "Hey, tutti, taitti," was Bruce's march at the battle of Bannockburn. The late Mr. Ritson, no granter of propositions, doubts whether the Scots had any martial music, quotes Froissart's account of each soldier in the host bearing a little horn, on which, at the onset, they would make such a 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 recognised by his followers from his mode of blowing. See Note 10, on Canto 4. Out ta'en the va'ward anerly On breadth, where many a shining shield, 17. See where yon barefoot abbot stands, And blesses them with lifted hands!-P. 281. "Maurice, abbot of Inchaffray, placing himself on an eminence, celebrated mass in sight of the Scottish army. He then passed along the front, barefooted, 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.'"-Annals of Scotland, vol. ii, p. 47. 18. "Forth, marshal, on the peasant foe! And cut the bow-string loose!”—P. 282. The English archers commenced the attack with But the tradition, true or false, has been the their usual bravery and dexterity. But against a means of securing to Scotland one of the finest ly-force, whose importance he had learned by fatal rics in the language, the celebrated war-song of experience, Bruce was provided. A small but seBruce, Scots wha hae wi' Wallace bled. 16. Now onward, and in open view, lect body of cavalry were detached from the right, under command of sir Robert Keith. They rounded, as I conceive, the marsh called Milntown bog, The countless ranks of England drew.-P. 281. and, keeping the firm ground, charged the left flank Upon the 24th of June, the English army ad- and rear of the English archers. As the bowmen vanced to the attack. The narrowness of the Scot-had no spears, nor long weapons, fit to defend themtish front and the nature of the ground, did not selves against horse, they were instantly thrown permit them to have the full advantage of their into disorder, and spread through the whole Ennumbers, nor is it very easy to find out what was lish army a confusion, from which they never their proposed order of battle. The van-guard, fairly recovered. 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, I wete not. But in a schiltrum 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 li mitation in the present case. The schiltrum of the Scottish army at Falkirk was undoubtedly of a circular form, in order to resist the attacks of the English cavalry, on whatever quarter they might be charged. But it does not appear how, or why, the English advancing to the attack at Bannockburn should have arrayed themselves in a circular form. It seems more probable that, by schiltrum, in the present case, Barbour means to express an irregu ar mass into which the English army was compressed by the unwieldiness of its numbers and the carelessness or ignorance of its leaders.. Frightening. "The English archers shot so fast, When Scotts archers saw that they sua Barbour's Bruce, pp. 147, 8. |