A new edition of the life and heroick actions of the renoun'd Sir William Wallace General and Governour of Scotland. Wherein the Old obsolete Words are rendered more Intelligible; and adapted to the understanding of such who have not leisure to study the Meaning, and Import of such Phrases without the help of a Glossary |
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| 5. | The Fifth BOOK OF Sir William Wallace
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 | A new edition of the life and heroick actions of the renoun'd Sir William Wallace |  |
65
The Fifth BOOK OF Sir William Wallace
How WALLACE escaped out of St. Johnstoun past to Elchock Park, and killed Fawdoun.
How he past to Lochmabane.
How WALLACE wan the Castle of Crawford, and killed the Captain thereof.
How he past to Lochmabane.
How WALLACE wan the Castle of Crawford, and killed the Captain thereof.
Cold Winter now his hoary Aspect shows,
Frost bound the Glyb whilst Boreas fiercely blows,
Sweeping the Snow along the rising Hills,
Which ev'ry Glen, and slanting Hollow fills:
Cold grew the Beams of the far distant Sun,
And Day was done ere it was well begun,
Long, dark, and hateful was the gloomy Night,
Uncomfortable to each banish'd Wight;
Who durst not trust a Roof to hide their Head,
But sculk from Hill to Hill with cautious Dread.
Frost bound the Glyb whilst Boreas fiercely blows,
Sweeping the Snow along the rising Hills,
Which ev'ry Glen, and slanting Hollow fills:
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And Day was done ere it was well begun,
Long, dark, and hateful was the gloomy Night,
Uncomfortable to each banish'd Wight;
Who durst not trust a Roof to hide their Head,
But sculk from Hill to Hill with cautious Dread.
Brave Wallace having plac'd his Sentries Right,
Deem'd it not safe to leave his Hold that Night,
For after his Escape full well he knew,
His disappointed En'mies would pursue,
And so it hapen'd. After they made search,
Finding him gone they Arm'd and made their March,
Amidst the Throng his subtile Miss with speed,
Convey'd her self away, and sav'd her Head;
Whilst they enrag'd, the South-Inch Way have tane,
Where their Two Men they found by Wallace slain,
Six hundred strong they were well Arm'd and Bold,
Who round beset our Champion in his Hold;
A Hound they had of wondrous bloody Scent,
Would Trace the Slayer's Steps where e'er he went,
A Guard she had. The rest the Wood beset,
Looking on Wallace now as in a Net;
Around the Strength Sir Gerard Heron lay,
While with Three hundred Butler made his Way,
Into the Wood, where Valiant Wallace stood,
In shining Arms few were his Men but Good;
Not one to Seven. Now past their Power to fly,
Resolv'd to cut their Way or bravely Die;
The hardy Chief, unsheath'd his conqu'ring Sword,
Besought the Aid of Heav'n then gave the Word.
Fiercely he met his Bold attacking Foes,
And quick as Lightning dealt his fatal Blows;
With horrid Din the temper'd Edges clash,
On Coats of Steel, whence hasty Sparkles flash.
But massie Armour, and deffensive Shield,
Must to the nervous Arm of Wallace yield.
Like a swoln Current, rushing from a Hill,
Which does with Wreck the lower Valleys fill,
Thus through the Martial Press he made a Lane,
Who durst oppose, no sooner did than slain:
Fourty of which infatuatly Bold,
With gaping Wounds upon the Earth lay Cold;
Thrice Five there fell of Scots Men Brave and True,
Too great the Loss, when good Men were so few.
Deem'd it not safe to leave his Hold that Night,
For after his Escape full well he knew,
His disappointed En'mies would pursue,
And so it hapen'd. After they made search,
Finding him gone they Arm'd and made their March,
Amidst the Throng his subtile Miss with speed,
Convey'd her self away, and sav'd her Head;
Whilst they enrag'd, the South-Inch Way have tane,
Where their Two Men they found by Wallace slain,
Six hundred strong they were well Arm'd and Bold,
Who round beset our Champion in his Hold;
A Hound they had of wondrous bloody Scent,
Would Trace the Slayer's Steps where e'er he went,
A Guard she had. The rest the Wood beset,
Looking on Wallace now as in a Net;
Around the Strength Sir Gerard Heron lay,
While with Three hundred Butler made his Way,
Into the Wood, where Valiant Wallace stood,
In shining Arms few were his Men but Good;
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Resolv'd to cut their Way or bravely Die;
The hardy Chief, unsheath'd his conqu'ring Sword,
Besought the Aid of Heav'n then gave the Word.
Fiercely he met his Bold attacking Foes,
And quick as Lightning dealt his fatal Blows;
With horrid Din the temper'd Edges clash,
On Coats of Steel, whence hasty Sparkles flash.
But massie Armour, and deffensive Shield,
Must to the nervous Arm of Wallace yield.
Like a swoln Current, rushing from a Hill,
Which does with Wreck the lower Valleys fill,
Thus through the Martial Press he made a Lane,
Who durst oppose, no sooner did than slain:
Fourty of which infatuatly Bold,
With gaping Wounds upon the Earth lay Cold;
Thrice Five there fell of Scots Men Brave and True,
Too great the Loss, when good Men were so few.
Our Martial Heroe thus cuts out his Way,
His Men with hasty Strides made toward Tay,
Thinking to pass, but the Attempt was vain,
Rather, said he, let's die upon the Plain.
Than sink one single drop of Scotish Blood,
Without Revenge in the relentless Flood.
Then with new Courage, in Defence they stand,
For Butler in Array was near at Hand,
Baited in Blood, and panting for Revenge,
Hast'ly they meet again and Deaths exchange;
The youthful Captain of the Scots in ire,
Us'd to the Wars, exerts his glorious Fire,
Runs through the Croud, and Mows them down like Grass
Whilst he unvulnerable stands like Brass,
But many of his few with grief he 'spy'd,
Whose gushing Wounds their Shields and Coats had dy'd,
No way he thought on could bring them Relief,
Unless the Downfall of the South'ron Chief;
Him keen he sought thro' Throngs from Place to Place,
Butler tho' bold declin'd to see his Face,
Amidst strong Guards beneath an aged Oak,
Evited at this Time the fatal Stroak
Steven Ireland here, and faithful Kierly shew'd
Their Valour Brave, and firm by Wallace stood;
Upon the Ground, at this Bout Sixty more
Of English slain lay welt'ring in their Gore;
Nine more of Scots were of warm Life bereft
And only Sixteen now with Wallace left,
Who got clear off, whilst Butlers wearied Rout
Confus'dly fled, 'twixt Parties they got out.
His Men with hasty Strides made toward Tay,
Thinking to pass, but the Attempt was vain,
Rather, said he, let's die upon the Plain.
Than sink one single drop of Scotish Blood,
Without Revenge in the relentless Flood.
Then with new Courage, in Defence they stand,
For Butler in Array was near at Hand,
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Hast'ly they meet again and Deaths exchange;
The youthful Captain of the Scots in ire,
Us'd to the Wars, exerts his glorious Fire,
Runs through the Croud, and Mows them down like Grass
Whilst he unvulnerable stands like Brass,
But many of his few with grief he 'spy'd,
Whose gushing Wounds their Shields and Coats had dy'd,
No way he thought on could bring them Relief,
Unless the Downfall of the South'ron Chief;
Him keen he sought thro' Throngs from Place to Place,
Butler tho' bold declin'd to see his Face,
Amidst strong Guards beneath an aged Oak,
Evited at this Time the fatal Stroak
Steven Ireland here, and faithful Kierly shew'd
Their Valour Brave, and firm by Wallace stood;
Upon the Ground, at this Bout Sixty more
Of English slain lay welt'ring in their Gore;
Nine more of Scots were of warm Life bereft
And only Sixteen now with Wallace left,
Who got clear off, whilst Butlers wearied Rout
Confus'dly fled, 'twixt Parties they got out.
The
English Men not knowing where they went,
Set the Sluth-hound upon the bloody Scent.
With Nose a Ground closely she did pursue
Till soon both Parties were in others view:
The Enemy pursued on Coursers fleet,
While the brave Scots depend on nimble Feet;
Of rising Ground they had Two Miles in length
Before they could arrive at any Strength,
Good hope they had, for Day was nigh expir'd
But to their grief ill-fated Fowden tyr'd:
Wallace was loath to leave him on the Way
Lest to aproaching Foes he'd fall a Prey,
Urg'd him t'exert his Strength with Words of Love,
But all in Vain no further would he move;
The Chief enrag'd, his Sword with fury drew,
And at one Stroak the lagging Traitor slew;
Backward a lifeless headless Lump he lay,
While the twinn'd Head babled its Life away.
Just was the Act, he was a Villain found
Useful in this. His Blood would stop the Hound
Sure proof of Falshood, short way had they gone
In prime of Years strong Muscles clad each bone.
Him thus dispatch'd, Wallace his Foll'wers chears,
Then sprung the Mountain swift as bounding Deers.
Set the Sluth-hound upon the bloody Scent.
With Nose a Ground closely she did pursue
Till soon both Parties were in others view:
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While the brave Scots depend on nimble Feet;
Of rising Ground they had Two Miles in length
Before they could arrive at any Strength,
Good hope they had, for Day was nigh expir'd
But to their grief ill-fated Fowden tyr'd:
Wallace was loath to leave him on the Way
Lest to aproaching Foes he'd fall a Prey,
Urg'd him t'exert his Strength with Words of Love,
But all in Vain no further would he move;
The Chief enrag'd, his Sword with fury drew,
And at one Stroak the lagging Traitor slew;
Backward a lifeless headless Lump he lay,
While the twinn'd Head babled its Life away.
Just was the Act, he was a Villain found
Useful in this. His Blood would stop the Hound
Sure proof of Falshood, short way had they gone
In prime of Years strong Muscles clad each bone.
Him thus dispatch'd, Wallace his Foll'wers chears,
Then sprung the Mountain swift as bounding Deers.
Ireland mean time, and gallant Kierly stood
Eastward of Dupline, in a scroggy Wood,
By this the Stars were twinkling from on high
From every opening of the cloudy Sky;
Soon as the English came where Fawdon lay,
The Blood-Hound ceas'd to tract the flyers Way;
Nor farther mov'd, her Scent now being sunk,
In this new Steam of Blood her Nose had Drunk;
And now they deem'd that the despairing Scots
Had fighting been, and cut each others Throats.
Kierly and Steven unknown mixt with the Croud,
That press'd about, and Faudon's Body view'd,
And as Sir Gerrard bow'd to take a look,
Kierly a Dagger in his Bosom struck,
Beneath his Armour upward gave the Wound,
And brought this Leader stagg'ring to the Ground.
Soon as his Men the Accident espy'd,
Treason around with mournful Shrieks they cry'd.
Justly convinc'd that this audacious Blow,
Was giv'n by Wallace' self, or such a Foe,
'Midst their Confusion, aided by the Gloom,
The Two brave Scots escap'd impending Doom.
Eastward of Dupline, in a scroggy Wood,
By this the Stars were twinkling from on high
From every opening of the cloudy Sky;
Soon as the English came where Fawdon lay,
The Blood-Hound ceas'd to tract the flyers Way;
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In this new Steam of Blood her Nose had Drunk;
And now they deem'd that the despairing Scots
Had fighting been, and cut each others Throats.
Kierly and Steven unknown mixt with the Croud,
That press'd about, and Faudon's Body view'd,
And as Sir Gerrard bow'd to take a look,
Kierly a Dagger in his Bosom struck,
Beneath his Armour upward gave the Wound,
And brought this Leader stagg'ring to the Ground.
Soon as his Men the Accident espy'd,
Treason around with mournful Shrieks they cry'd.
Justly convinc'd that this audacious Blow,
Was giv'n by Wallace' self, or such a Foe,
'Midst their Confusion, aided by the Gloom,
The Two brave Scots escap'd impending Doom.
With Grief and Madness Butler's Colour chang'd,
While he saw gasping Heroun unreveng'd;
Part of his Host he sent t'interr the Slain,
Some to the Woods dispatch'd, some to the Plain,
Whil'st he himself with a strong Party lay,
To guard the Passes, till returning Day.
While he saw gasping Heroun unreveng'd;
Part of his Host he sent t'interr the Slain,
Some to the Woods dispatch'd, some to the Plain,
Whil'st he himself with a strong Party lay,
To guard the Passes, till returning Day.
Good Wallace ever careful of his Train,
Missing his Two brave Men, was fill'd with Pain,
For much he fear'd they taken were or slain
After vain Search into the Wood he past,
And safely at Gaskhall arriv'd at last:
Flint gave 'em Fire, and Hunger made 'em Bold
To take Two Wedders from a neigh'bring Fold,
On which they sup'd. Mean while they heard a Blast,
Of a loud Horn at which they stood aghast;
Two were dispatch'd to learn who blew this Horn,
And long they waited for the Spyes return.
The Noise continu'd still and drew more near,
The horrid Din disturb'd the Chiftain's Ear,
Two more he sent. But none return'd again,
Which fill'd his doubtful Mind with Rage and Pain.
The other Nine he sent 'em, One by One,
To find the Rest. Thus he was left alone.
Missing his Two brave Men, was fill'd with Pain,
For much he fear'd they taken were or slain
71
And safely at Gaskhall arriv'd at last:
Flint gave 'em Fire, and Hunger made 'em Bold
To take Two Wedders from a neigh'bring Fold,
On which they sup'd. Mean while they heard a Blast,
Of a loud Horn at which they stood aghast;
Two were dispatch'd to learn who blew this Horn,
And long they waited for the Spyes return.
The Noise continu'd still and drew more near,
The horrid Din disturb'd the Chiftain's Ear,
Two more he sent. But none return'd again,
Which fill'd his doubtful Mind with Rage and Pain.
The other Nine he sent 'em, One by One,
To find the Rest. Thus he was left alone.
The Awful Sound increas'd still more and more,
Louder and louder swell'd the dreadful Roar,
Which made him tremble who ne'er shook before.
But soon his dauntless Soul he did Collect,
Then Sword in Hand with daring Front erect;
Mov'd to the Gate. Where to his odd Surprize,
The frightful Fawdon stood before his Eyes.
Holding his bloody Head in his right Hand,
Soon Wallace drew a Cross and made a stand.
At him the Apparition threw its Head,
Which Wallace caught up by the Hair with speed,
And threw it back. But dreadful was his Fright,
For well he knew it was some hellish Spright,
Which mock'd his Sword. Strait up the Stairs he flew
And soon himself out at a Window threw,
Thence up the River hastily he ran,
Never so frighted since he was a Man.
Backward he turn'd his Eyes from whence he came,
And thought he saw the Tower all in a Flame,
While on the Top did frightful Fawdon stand
With a prodigious Rafter in his Hand.
Louder and louder swell'd the dreadful Roar,
Which made him tremble who ne'er shook before.
But soon his dauntless Soul he did Collect,
Then Sword in Hand with daring Front erect;
Mov'd to the Gate. Where to his odd Surprize,
The frightful Fawdon stood before his Eyes.
Holding his bloody Head in his right Hand,
Soon Wallace drew a Cross and made a stand.
At him the Apparition threw its Head,
Which Wallace caught up by the Hair with speed,
72
For well he knew it was some hellish Spright,
Which mock'd his Sword. Strait up the Stairs he flew
And soon himself out at a Window threw,
Thence up the River hastily he ran,
Never so frighted since he was a Man.
Backward he turn'd his Eyes from whence he came,
And thought he saw the Tower all in a Flame,
While on the Top did frightful Fawdon stand
With a prodigious Rafter in his Hand.
But whether vested with compacted Air,
In Fawdon's Shape some Dæmon did appear,
Or, if the ling'ring Soul expell'd with Pain
Strove to reanimate the Corpse again,
Leave we to those who with unweary'd Eye,
Explore the latent Depths of dark Philosophy.
In Fawdon's Shape some Dæmon did appear,
Or, if the ling'ring Soul expell'd with Pain
Strove to reanimate the Corpse again,
Leave we to those who with unweary'd Eye,
Explore the latent Depths of dark Philosophy.
And now his Follow'rs lost, the mournful Chief
Stood wilder'd in his Thoughts o'erwhelm'd with Grief
Darkling he took his way depriv'd of Rest,
While black Ideas rankled in his Breast.
His Soul was in a Maze, nor could he find;
What Heaven by this Misterious Scene design'd
Yet still his Rage the distant En'my sought,
And fierce Revenge boil'd up in every Thought.
As thus he roam'd with clashing Doubts opprest
That tore his Soul, and battel'd in his Breast;
Gay Morn awakes, and with enliv'ning Ray
Smiles on the World and Guilds the rising Day.
Butler invited by the smiling Scene
Forsook his Bed, and sought the Plains unseen,
There view'd how pensive Wallace all alone
Incessant sigh'd and made a piteous Moan;
And rightly guessing that he was a Foe,
Demands his Business with contracted Brow,
Nor stop't. But spurring quick his fiery Horse
With rapid haste precipitates his Course.
Wallace unmov'd th'impetous Shock sustains,
While awful Joy his gloomy Brow serenes.
Strait rising to the Blow, he aim'd a Wound,
And brought his En'my stagg'ring to the Ground,
Now seiz'd his Horse, mounted, and with loose Reins,
Forsook the Place and shot across the Plains.
Stood wilder'd in his Thoughts o'erwhelm'd with Grief
Darkling he took his way depriv'd of Rest,
While black Ideas rankled in his Breast.
His Soul was in a Maze, nor could he find;
What Heaven by this Misterious Scene design'd
Yet still his Rage the distant En'my sought,
And fierce Revenge boil'd up in every Thought.
As thus he roam'd with clashing Doubts opprest
That tore his Soul, and battel'd in his Breast;
73
Smiles on the World and Guilds the rising Day.
Butler invited by the smiling Scene
Forsook his Bed, and sought the Plains unseen,
There view'd how pensive Wallace all alone
Incessant sigh'd and made a piteous Moan;
And rightly guessing that he was a Foe,
Demands his Business with contracted Brow,
Nor stop't. But spurring quick his fiery Horse
With rapid haste precipitates his Course.
Wallace unmov'd th'impetous Shock sustains,
While awful Joy his gloomy Brow serenes.
Strait rising to the Blow, he aim'd a Wound,
And brought his En'my stagg'ring to the Ground,
Now seiz'd his Horse, mounted, and with loose Reins,
Forsook the Place and shot across the Plains.
A Soldier view'd his hapless Leaders Fate.
With ardent Eyes, and kind'ling into hate:
Wing'd forth his Spear, that whistled in the Wind
Drove o'er the Knight, and miss'd the Mark assign'd.
But now the En'my with superiour Might,
Beset the Roads, and intercept his Flight
Collecting all himself, brave Wallace stood
Saw how they rag'd and panted after Blood;
And drew his Sword, that with tempestous Sway,
Dealt Fate around and cut a sanguine Way,
Three prostrate on the Plain, of Sense bereft,
And stiff'ning unto Death the Victor left;
The tainted Grass imbibes the flowing Blood,
That gush'd amain and ting'd the ambient Flood.
With ardent Eyes, and kind'ling into hate:
Wing'd forth his Spear, that whistled in the Wind
Drove o'er the Knight, and miss'd the Mark assign'd.
But now the En'my with superiour Might,
Beset the Roads, and intercept his Flight
Collecting all himself, brave Wallace stood
Saw how they rag'd and panted after Blood;
And drew his Sword, that with tempestous Sway,
Dealt Fate around and cut a sanguine Way,
74
And stiff'ning unto Death the Victor left;
The tainted Grass imbibes the flowing Blood,
That gush'd amain and ting'd the ambient Flood.
But as a Torrent with impetous Pride.
From some steep Mountain pours its rapid Tide.
Then swell'd by meeting Riv'lets rouls amain,
With Ten fold roar, and Swallows up the Plain;
So with successive Troops the Foe renew'd,
Condense apace, and thicken to a Crowd,
The Chief retires intrepid and serene,
While Twenty Foes, unsoul'd adorn the fatal Scene,
Fearless he inches back. His Sword on high
Refulgent, flaming adverse to the Sky,
Still ey'd his Enemies with greedy View,
And Parthian-like, still wounded as he flew.
And now the Foes no more Inflame the War,
But roar in fainter Sounds and menace from afar.
The panting Knight now eas'd from warlike Care,
Reclines supine, and breaths the cooling Air.
Now had the Night assum'd her still Command,
And spread her sable Conquests o'er the Land;
Darkness alone sat lowring all around,
And more than Midnight Horrour cloath'd the Ground.
Our Heroe weak and faint pursues his Way,
Involv'd in Gloom, without one glimpse of Day.
The dreary Wilds with Fens and Mire o'erspread,
Retard his Passage and his Steps mislead.
His Horse grown restive and o'ercome with Pain,
Fell giddy to the Ground and press'd the Plain.
From some steep Mountain pours its rapid Tide.
Then swell'd by meeting Riv'lets rouls amain,
With Ten fold roar, and Swallows up the Plain;
So with successive Troops the Foe renew'd,
Condense apace, and thicken to a Crowd,
The Chief retires intrepid and serene,
While Twenty Foes, unsoul'd adorn the fatal Scene,
Fearless he inches back. His Sword on high
Refulgent, flaming adverse to the Sky,
Still ey'd his Enemies with greedy View,
And Parthian-like, still wounded as he flew.
And now the Foes no more Inflame the War,
But roar in fainter Sounds and menace from afar.
The panting Knight now eas'd from warlike Care,
Reclines supine, and breaths the cooling Air.
Now had the Night assum'd her still Command,
And spread her sable Conquests o'er the Land;
Darkness alone sat lowring all around,
And more than Midnight Horrour cloath'd the Ground.
Our Heroe weak and faint pursues his Way,
Involv'd in Gloom, without one glimpse of Day.
75
Retard his Passage and his Steps mislead.
His Horse grown restive and o'ercome with Pain,
Fell giddy to the Ground and press'd the Plain.
Wallace on Foot toils out his lonesome Path,
Now plung'd in Fens, now lost in rising Heath.
Reviv'd by Heaven, at length to Forth he came,
That thro' the Country Rouls its awful Stream.
Circling it runs and with Majestick Pride,
Into old Ocean dissembogues its Tide.
Upon the gloomy Margin Wallace stood,
Alone, and fearless plung'd into the Flood:
With Nervous Arms he stems the surging Waves,
Dashes the Tide, and all its Horrours braves.
His well-try'd Sword cuts out a liquid Path,
And guides his Course thro' watrie Scenes of Death.
Fainting he made the Land; his Veins all chill'd
With numbing Colds that thro' his Vitals thrill'd;
For Winter now had tempested the Air,
And with bleak Aspect Froze the aged Year.
While the far distant Sun with slanting Ray,
Obliquely Shone, and scarcely litt the Day.
Now plung'd in Fens, now lost in rising Heath.
Reviv'd by Heaven, at length to Forth he came,
That thro' the Country Rouls its awful Stream.
Circling it runs and with Majestick Pride,
Into old Ocean dissembogues its Tide.
Upon the gloomy Margin Wallace stood,
Alone, and fearless plung'd into the Flood:
With Nervous Arms he stems the surging Waves,
Dashes the Tide, and all its Horrours braves.
His well-try'd Sword cuts out a liquid Path,
And guides his Course thro' watrie Scenes of Death.
Fainting he made the Land; his Veins all chill'd
With numbing Colds that thro' his Vitals thrill'd;
For Winter now had tempested the Air,
And with bleak Aspect Froze the aged Year.
While the far distant Sun with slanting Ray,
Obliquely Shone, and scarcely litt the Day.
The Knight from Towns and Cities keeps aloof,
Secure beneath a Widow's lowly Roof:
Who with a lib'ral Hand reliev'd his Wants.
Fonded his Breast, and sooth'd his bursting Plaints.
To needful Rest he now applys his Head.
But first the Maid dispatch'd with cautious Dread,
To view Gaskhall that burning seem'd of late,
To trace his Followers, and learn their Fate.
Now coming Sleep spreads all her balmy Charms,
And clasps the Heroe in her silken Arms,
Within a darksome Wood securely laid
The Shrubs his Pillow, and the Grass his Bed:
Attending, the kind Widow's Sons stood near,
And Guard his Slumbers with officious Care.
Secure beneath a Widow's lowly Roof:
Who with a lib'ral Hand reliev'd his Wants.
Fonded his Breast, and sooth'd his bursting Plaints.
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But first the Maid dispatch'd with cautious Dread,
To view Gaskhall that burning seem'd of late,
To trace his Followers, and learn their Fate.
Now coming Sleep spreads all her balmy Charms,
And clasps the Heroe in her silken Arms,
Within a darksome Wood securely laid
The Shrubs his Pillow, and the Grass his Bed:
Attending, the kind Widow's Sons stood near,
And Guard his Slumbers with officious Care.
A Priest beheld the Chief compos'd to Rest,
Drew near, and thus his puny Fears exprest,
Behold the Patriot now, whose puissant Hand,
Must rid us of the Foe, and free our Land!
Alas! good Ventrous Youth how weak he lies,
Expos'd to raging Storms and wintrey Skies,
Trembling he sleeps, and verging on Despair,
Obnoxious now to every Female Snare.
The Chief wak'd at the Sound, flung up enrag'd,
I'm not he cry'd, so feebly equipag'd.
My Arm and Fortitude assert my Right,
And all my honest Actions dare the Light.
While Scotland's wrongs edge keen my well try'd Sword
I'll never poorly own a forreign Lord.
And thou Inglorious Priest untouch'd remain,
And owe thy Life alone to my Disdain.
He said. And with his Nephew turn'd aside
Recounting how he plough'd the foamy Tide
Dark and alone; while his poor ebb of Blood
That flow'd amain distain'd the Chrystal Flood
And how to finish all his other Woes
His Men had fallen a prey to cruel Foes.
The Priest o'erhearing cry'd, dear Son behold
How Heaven confirms what I but now foretold.
Thy Friends are lost, thy self aloof from Aid
To all th'Assaults of Fortune open laid,
Forbear to tempt thy Fate, give up thy Sword
And own great Edward for thy rightful Lord.
No more. Fierce Wallace stern'd his Brow and cry'd
My Life alone shall the long Strife decide,
Thy tainted Words Venom the ambient Air;
Cut thro' my Soul and aggravate my Care.
My Countreys Wrongs cry for Revenge aloud
And this good Sword is keen. It thirsts, for Blood
And only can be sated with a Flood.
But while he spake, with hasty Strides drew near
Ireland and Kierly, still to Wallace Dear.
As Sorrow late a Sovereign Sway possest,
Smiles kindle in each Cheek and Joy in every Breast!
While the vast Pleasure that each Aspect wears
Too big for Words, now vents it self in Tears:
The Chief beheld the Scene of grateful Woe,
And now his kindly Show'rs with theirs united flow.
The wond'rous Friends their dubious Fate review,
And with amusing Talk prolong the Interview.
How they had mingled Heroun with the Slain,
And unobserv'd escap'd the fatal Plain.
By this came back the Servant and reveal'd,
What Dismal Scenes she every where beheld.
How goary Corses strew'd the Purple Ground,
And Death in bloody Triumph stalk'd around.
Drew near, and thus his puny Fears exprest,
Behold the Patriot now, whose puissant Hand,
Must rid us of the Foe, and free our Land!
Alas! good Ventrous Youth how weak he lies,
Expos'd to raging Storms and wintrey Skies,
Trembling he sleeps, and verging on Despair,
Obnoxious now to every Female Snare.
The Chief wak'd at the Sound, flung up enrag'd,
I'm not he cry'd, so feebly equipag'd.
My Arm and Fortitude assert my Right,
And all my honest Actions dare the Light.
While Scotland's wrongs edge keen my well try'd Sword
I'll never poorly own a forreign Lord.
And thou Inglorious Priest untouch'd remain,
And owe thy Life alone to my Disdain.
77
Recounting how he plough'd the foamy Tide
Dark and alone; while his poor ebb of Blood
That flow'd amain distain'd the Chrystal Flood
And how to finish all his other Woes
His Men had fallen a prey to cruel Foes.
The Priest o'erhearing cry'd, dear Son behold
How Heaven confirms what I but now foretold.
Thy Friends are lost, thy self aloof from Aid
To all th'Assaults of Fortune open laid,
Forbear to tempt thy Fate, give up thy Sword
And own great Edward for thy rightful Lord.
No more. Fierce Wallace stern'd his Brow and cry'd
My Life alone shall the long Strife decide,
Thy tainted Words Venom the ambient Air;
Cut thro' my Soul and aggravate my Care.
My Countreys Wrongs cry for Revenge aloud
And this good Sword is keen. It thirsts, for Blood
And only can be sated with a Flood.
But while he spake, with hasty Strides drew near
Ireland and Kierly, still to Wallace Dear.
As Sorrow late a Sovereign Sway possest,
Smiles kindle in each Cheek and Joy in every Breast!
While the vast Pleasure that each Aspect wears
Too big for Words, now vents it self in Tears:
The Chief beheld the Scene of grateful Woe,
And now his kindly Show'rs with theirs united flow.
78
And with amusing Talk prolong the Interview.
How they had mingled Heroun with the Slain,
And unobserv'd escap'd the fatal Plain.
By this came back the Servant and reveal'd,
What Dismal Scenes she every where beheld.
How goary Corses strew'd the Purple Ground,
And Death in bloody Triumph stalk'd around.
No longer here the Heroe would remain,
But left the VVood with his small faithfull Train.
And here the VVidow merits endless Fame.
VVho chearful with her Sons to Wallace came,
Both in the Bloom of Life and sprightly Youth,
Endu'd with Courage, Loyalty and Truth;
Them she made over to his guardian Care,
To bear Fatigues, and learn the Arts of VVar.
Brave Heroine with manly Virtue blest,
Her Country drove the Mother from her Breast!
The Chief set forth adorn'd with Arms and Horse,
And held that Night to Dundaff-Heath his Course.
Graham then posses'd these Lands. An aged Knight,
VVho with reluctance own'd Tyrannick Might,
But now alas! in his last Ebb of Life,
He liv'd aloof from Glorious Feats of Strife,
His Arm no longer could the Fauchion wield,
Nor Shine in fulgent Arms, and Sun the Field.
A Son he had with every Grace endu'd,
Youth, Honour, Gallantry and Fortitude:
His Country's VVelfare triumph'd in his Breast,
Tinctur'd each Thought, and all his Soul imprest.
Him the Old Sire, with ceremonial Care,
On his good Sabre drawn oblig'd to Swear.
“The rugged Paths of Honour still to tread,
“VVherever Wallace and his Virtue lead.’
Three Times the Night renew'd her gloomy Reign,
VVhile here the gallant VVarriour did remain.
As the fourth Morn her purple Charms Displays,
And paints the Cheek of Day with orient Rays.
The Chief set out, his Pupil by his Side,
Propos'd among his Friends with him to Ride.
Wallace yet conscious of his recent Fault,
How into Jeopardy his Men he brought.
Deny'd the Suit, untill his better Care,
Could with new Force of Arms revive the VVar.
But left the VVood with his small faithfull Train.
And here the VVidow merits endless Fame.
VVho chearful with her Sons to Wallace came,
Both in the Bloom of Life and sprightly Youth,
Endu'd with Courage, Loyalty and Truth;
Them she made over to his guardian Care,
To bear Fatigues, and learn the Arts of VVar.
Brave Heroine with manly Virtue blest,
Her Country drove the Mother from her Breast!
The Chief set forth adorn'd with Arms and Horse,
And held that Night to Dundaff-Heath his Course.
Graham then posses'd these Lands. An aged Knight,
VVho with reluctance own'd Tyrannick Might,
But now alas! in his last Ebb of Life,
He liv'd aloof from Glorious Feats of Strife,
His Arm no longer could the Fauchion wield,
Nor Shine in fulgent Arms, and Sun the Field.
79
Youth, Honour, Gallantry and Fortitude:
His Country's VVelfare triumph'd in his Breast,
Tinctur'd each Thought, and all his Soul imprest.
Him the Old Sire, with ceremonial Care,
On his good Sabre drawn oblig'd to Swear.
“The rugged Paths of Honour still to tread,
“VVherever Wallace and his Virtue lead.’
Three Times the Night renew'd her gloomy Reign,
VVhile here the gallant VVarriour did remain.
As the fourth Morn her purple Charms Displays,
And paints the Cheek of Day with orient Rays.
The Chief set out, his Pupil by his Side,
Propos'd among his Friends with him to Ride.
Wallace yet conscious of his recent Fault,
How into Jeopardy his Men he brought.
Deny'd the Suit, untill his better Care,
Could with new Force of Arms revive the VVar.
Now to Kilbank he bent his Course apace,
In Martial Pomp, and quickly reach'd the Place.
The Knight to every Soul a welcome Guest,
Enjoys the Love of all, and fills each Breast.
His Nephew here Resides in Bloom of Years,
And chearful Gladness in his Aspect wears.
Mean while th'unwelcome News to Piercie came,
Of our Young Heroe's Acts and growing Fame.
How with a Run of Conquests he had slain,
His Foes, and all their Cities storm'd and ta'en:
Asper in Speech and swell'd with vengeful Spite,
Piercie demands what shelter held the Knight?
And sure, cry'd out, wou'd he his Warfare cease,
Acknowledge Edward, and accept of Peace.
Soon might our King with unresisted Sway,
Thro' Scotia's bleeding Vitals urge his Way,
Wallace would quickly tame the rugged North,
Inspire our Men and call their Courage forth.
But still his Rage a cruel Rancour feeds,
And bursts in winged Thunder on our Heads.
Sages Illumin'd with interiour Light,
Who search the Depths of Fate immers'd in Night,
These have foretold, how Wallace great in Arms,
Shall fill our Plains with War and fierce Alarms.
The Chief mean while with active thoughts employ'd
A Messenger dispatch'd to Blair and Boyd.
Fame catch'd the News, and spread the welcome Sound
In buzzing Whispers quickly all around:
His Friends conveen apace, in gath'ring Swarms,
Enur'd to War and bred to Feats of Arms.
But Blair above the rest for Learning fam'd,
The first Place in our Heroe's Bosom claim'd:
With early Infancy their Love began.
And grew as ripening Youth shot up to Man,
In Martial Pomp, and quickly reach'd the Place.
The Knight to every Soul a welcome Guest,
Enjoys the Love of all, and fills each Breast.
His Nephew here Resides in Bloom of Years,
And chearful Gladness in his Aspect wears.
Mean while th'unwelcome News to Piercie came,
Of our Young Heroe's Acts and growing Fame.
80
His Foes, and all their Cities storm'd and ta'en:
Asper in Speech and swell'd with vengeful Spite,
Piercie demands what shelter held the Knight?
And sure, cry'd out, wou'd he his Warfare cease,
Acknowledge Edward, and accept of Peace.
Soon might our King with unresisted Sway,
Thro' Scotia's bleeding Vitals urge his Way,
Wallace would quickly tame the rugged North,
Inspire our Men and call their Courage forth.
But still his Rage a cruel Rancour feeds,
And bursts in winged Thunder on our Heads.
Sages Illumin'd with interiour Light,
Who search the Depths of Fate immers'd in Night,
These have foretold, how Wallace great in Arms,
Shall fill our Plains with War and fierce Alarms.
The Chief mean while with active thoughts employ'd
A Messenger dispatch'd to Blair and Boyd.
Fame catch'd the News, and spread the welcome Sound
In buzzing Whispers quickly all around:
His Friends conveen apace, in gath'ring Swarms,
Enur'd to War and bred to Feats of Arms.
But Blair above the rest for Learning fam'd,
The first Place in our Heroe's Bosom claim'd:
With early Infancy their Love began.
And grew as ripening Youth shot up to Man,
81
Thus Danc'd the rosie Minutes and the Chief,
Securely liv'd at Large, remote from Grief:
His Transports now run high, his Cares decrease,
And every Hour is mark'd with smiling Ease.
His Friends with chearful Looks his Orders wait,
And all his Wants well pleas'd anticipate.
Securely liv'd at Large, remote from Grief:
His Transports now run high, his Cares decrease,
And every Hour is mark'd with smiling Ease.
His Friends with chearful Looks his Orders wait,
And all his Wants well pleas'd anticipate.
But now far diff'rent Cares engross his Soul,
And all the manly Rage of War controul.
Love bound the Heroe in his Flow'ry Chains;
For over all the GOD unbounded Reigns.
In Lanerk dwelt the Fair. Well known to Fame,
For matchless Beauties crown'd the charming Dame.
Now in her Spring of Life, she grew apace,
Spreading to Bloom, and crown'd with every Grace.
The Syrens with perswasive Eloquence,
Charm'd from her Lips and beautify'd her Sense,
While Piety adds Lustre to her Name.
Wallace beheld and own'd the pleasing Flame
The Print of Love new-stamp'd his ductile Breast,
And with soft Characters his Soul Imprest.
And all the manly Rage of War controul.
Love bound the Heroe in his Flow'ry Chains;
For over all the GOD unbounded Reigns.
In Lanerk dwelt the Fair. Well known to Fame,
For matchless Beauties crown'd the charming Dame.
Now in her Spring of Life, she grew apace,
Spreading to Bloom, and crown'd with every Grace.
The Syrens with perswasive Eloquence,
Charm'd from her Lips and beautify'd her Sense,
While Piety adds Lustre to her Name.
Wallace beheld and own'd the pleasing Flame
The Print of Love new-stamp'd his ductile Breast,
And with soft Characters his Soul Imprest.
As Waves impell'd by Waves, his Mind is tost,
And in the spreading Sea of Passion lost,
Love Tears his Bosom, shoots along his Veins,
And a wild Anarchy of Thoughts Maintains:
Now with fresh warmth his martial Flames awake,
And he th'ignoble Chain attempts to break.
The Fair arises now in all her Charms,
And with soft Fires his languid Bosom warms,
The youthful Knight impatient of his Wound,
VVith strange Disorder rouls his Eyes around
Try's every Mean and strives to quell the Smart
That tore his Breast and stung his bleeding Heart.
Now maz'd in Doubts, and with strange Tumults fill'd,
The Lover thus his secret Pangs reveal'd.
And in the spreading Sea of Passion lost,
Love Tears his Bosom, shoots along his Veins,
And a wild Anarchy of Thoughts Maintains:
Now with fresh warmth his martial Flames awake,
And he th'ignoble Chain attempts to break.
82
And with soft Fires his languid Bosom warms,
The youthful Knight impatient of his Wound,
VVith strange Disorder rouls his Eyes around
Try's every Mean and strives to quell the Smart
That tore his Breast and stung his bleeding Heart.
Now maz'd in Doubts, and with strange Tumults fill'd,
The Lover thus his secret Pangs reveal'd.
What shall I then give up my Breast to Joy,
And all my Schemes of future Wars Destroy?
Shall I thus lose my self in pleasing Dreams,
While Scotia's welfare all my Bosom claims?
No. Thus I stifle the inglorious Flame,
And raze the Image of the beauteous Dame:
Rise Glory Rise! Assume thy wonted Charms,
And take me panting to thy sanguine Arms,
I'll drown each Thought of her in War and loud Alarms.
‘Kierly Beheld how the young Warriour strove
‘In vain to quell th'unruly Pangs of Love,
‘How obstinately good, he scorn'd to know,
‘All but the Dear unhappy Countrey's woe.
‘No chearing Bless gilds o'er his Gloom of Cares,
‘No sprightly Joys his anxious Bosom shares,
‘Fain would the Friend his Dreary Cares beguile,
‘When thus he answer'd with an artful Smile.
‘And what can Wound the strictest Patriot's Name,
‘By wedding Vertue in so fair a Dame?
‘Since all your Thoughts imprest by Love arise,
‘Enjoy the Maid bound yours in nuptial Ties.
‘She's Chast and Vertuous, Innocent and Good;
‘Nor can her Lineage ever stain your Blood.
‘Ungen'rous Man, reply'd the wondring Chief,
‘And wouldst thou have me dissipate my Grief?
‘While Scotland weeps, weeps out her dearest Blood,
‘And floats to Ruine down the crimson Flood.
‘Th'important Now, decides her future State,
‘And see the Scales are hung to weigh her Fate.
‘While we're the only Friends that she can boast,
‘To counterpoize a hardy numerous Host.
‘Our every Thought in such an Enterprize,
‘Or big with Conquest or with Death should rise.
‘And sure while Scotia's Enemies remain,
‘Unnerving Love should ever sue in Vain.
‘And what is Love?
‘Nothing but Folly, Glaring Emptiness,
‘Effeminate and froathy all its Bless;
‘A fleeting Joy. Sure then it cannot be,
‘That Love and War at once should reign in me.
‘Yet Love they say our brutal Rage disarms.
‘Refines our Ardour and our Courage Warms.
‘But that is only when the fair One's kind,
‘When blooming Hopes distend the Lovers Mind.
‘When Bless and beauteous Conquest stand confess'd,
‘And Life redoubled heaves within his Breast,
‘But when the Virgin nought but Frowns bestows
‘Nor hears his am'rous Plaints or dying Vows:
‘'Tis then his very Manhood melts away
‘In Tears by Night, and mournful Sighs by Day.
‘No more his Breast the sprightly Trumpet charms,
‘No more he joy's in War and shining Arms.
‘Our Nation groans beneath a Load of Woes,
‘And calls on us against her cruel Foes,
‘And could such Conduct suit a Warriour's Mind
‘(For Women are Unconstant or Unkind)
‘Who before Man, and Heaven's all-seeing Eye
‘Must bravely conquer, or as bravely die,
‘The Warriour spoke with Indignation spoke,
‘While Anger from his Eyes like Lightning broke,
‘Yet in his Bosom Love the Tyrant play'd,
‘And laugh'd secure at what his Fury said.
‘The Chief at last perceiv'd with anxious Pain,
‘That still imperious Love maintain'd his Reign,
‘What could he do? With outmost Care he strove,
‘Now to oppose, and now to fly from Love
‘In vain. The God still with the Angler's Skill
‘Or mock'd his Force, or play'd him to the full.
And all my Schemes of future Wars Destroy?
Shall I thus lose my self in pleasing Dreams,
While Scotia's welfare all my Bosom claims?
No. Thus I stifle the inglorious Flame,
And raze the Image of the beauteous Dame:
Rise Glory Rise! Assume thy wonted Charms,
And take me panting to thy sanguine Arms,
I'll drown each Thought of her in War and loud Alarms.
‘Kierly Beheld how the young Warriour strove
‘In vain to quell th'unruly Pangs of Love,
‘How obstinately good, he scorn'd to know,
‘All but the Dear unhappy Countrey's woe.
‘No chearing Bless gilds o'er his Gloom of Cares,
‘No sprightly Joys his anxious Bosom shares,
‘Fain would the Friend his Dreary Cares beguile,
‘When thus he answer'd with an artful Smile.
83
‘By wedding Vertue in so fair a Dame?
‘Since all your Thoughts imprest by Love arise,
‘Enjoy the Maid bound yours in nuptial Ties.
‘She's Chast and Vertuous, Innocent and Good;
‘Nor can her Lineage ever stain your Blood.
‘Ungen'rous Man, reply'd the wondring Chief,
‘And wouldst thou have me dissipate my Grief?
‘While Scotland weeps, weeps out her dearest Blood,
‘And floats to Ruine down the crimson Flood.
‘Th'important Now, decides her future State,
‘And see the Scales are hung to weigh her Fate.
‘While we're the only Friends that she can boast,
‘To counterpoize a hardy numerous Host.
‘Our every Thought in such an Enterprize,
‘Or big with Conquest or with Death should rise.
‘And sure while Scotia's Enemies remain,
‘Unnerving Love should ever sue in Vain.
‘And what is Love?
‘Nothing but Folly, Glaring Emptiness,
‘Effeminate and froathy all its Bless;
‘A fleeting Joy. Sure then it cannot be,
‘That Love and War at once should reign in me.
‘Yet Love they say our brutal Rage disarms.
‘Refines our Ardour and our Courage Warms.
‘But that is only when the fair One's kind,
‘When blooming Hopes distend the Lovers Mind.
84
‘And Life redoubled heaves within his Breast,
‘But when the Virgin nought but Frowns bestows
‘Nor hears his am'rous Plaints or dying Vows:
‘'Tis then his very Manhood melts away
‘In Tears by Night, and mournful Sighs by Day.
‘No more his Breast the sprightly Trumpet charms,
‘No more he joy's in War and shining Arms.
‘Our Nation groans beneath a Load of Woes,
‘And calls on us against her cruel Foes,
‘And could such Conduct suit a Warriour's Mind
‘(For Women are Unconstant or Unkind)
‘Who before Man, and Heaven's all-seeing Eye
‘Must bravely conquer, or as bravely die,
‘The Warriour spoke with Indignation spoke,
‘While Anger from his Eyes like Lightning broke,
‘Yet in his Bosom Love the Tyrant play'd,
‘And laugh'd secure at what his Fury said.
‘The Chief at last perceiv'd with anxious Pain,
‘That still imperious Love maintain'd his Reign,
‘What could he do? With outmost Care he strove,
‘Now to oppose, and now to fly from Love
‘In vain. The God still with the Angler's Skill
‘Or mock'd his Force, or play'd him to the full.
‘Kierly beheld how Love his Strength defies
‘Battles his Soul, and triumphs in his Eyes,
‘And whil'st the Chief who ne'er before had sigh'd
‘Groan'd with a Load of Grief, he fondly thus reply'd
‘Why does my Lord create Himself this Pain,
‘Why strive with Love, yet ever strive in vain,
‘Give up the Conquest, dissipat thy Care.
‘Make way for Bless, and for the lovely Fair:
‘The Fair makes all the Heroe's Rage refin'd,
‘New-Strings his Arm and chears his drooping Mind.
‘While in his Soul the awfull Goddess Reigns,
‘A double Life his Bosom knows, a double Life his Veins
‘This said, th'Advice with tender Zeal express'd,
‘With poyson'd Steps stole silent to his Breast,
‘And Joy unbidden all his Soul possest.
‘Meanwhile with ebbing Force as thus he strove,
‘To stem the Rage of Fierce prevailing Love.
‘A Maid approach'd who from the Fair one came,
‘(For Love had fir'd her Breast with hidden Flame)
‘And brought this Message from the beauteous Dame.
‘Miranda sends, to honest Fame well known,
‘Fond to behold her Countrey's bravest Son,
‘The Chief amaz'd, impatient of Delay,
‘I go he cry'd, and bad her urge the Way.
‘Thro' secret Paths they went and shunn'd the Town,
‘And reach'd the House secure, perceiv'd by none.
‘While she severely good and wond'rous Kind,
‘Wish'd for his safe Approach with anxious Mind.
‘The Lovers met, and now a modest Kiss,
‘Lifts up the Heroe's Soul to laughing Bless.
‘Love feels th'Alarm, starts up in fond surprise,
‘And thro' his Veins, anew Impetous flies,
‘Inflames his Soul, and sparkles thro' his Eyes,
‘His sparkling Eyes that gently rolling play'd,
‘In her's beheld bright Virgin-love betray'd.
‘And whilst a Blush that redden'd on her Face,
‘Paints out a modest Flame with rosy Grace.
‘Screw'd to the highest Strain of Bless his Soul,
‘Could scarce th'impetous Tide of Joy controul,
‘But all was still, and all was calm around,
‘When thus the Syren spoke in nectar'd Sound.
‘I own indeed I Love, nor Blush to tell,
‘The Man that loves my Countries Peace so well.
‘And would be fond e'en with my Life to please,
‘The Chief that bravely scorns inglorious Ease.
‘While Scotia Calls,
‘Alas how much she needs, unhappy now!
‘So good a Warriour and a Friend as you.
‘Her bravest Sons by cruel Foes are slain,
‘And few her Friends, ah hapless Friends remain!
‘Even while I speak I scarce can boast an Hour,
‘Or of my Life or Honour in My Pow'r.
‘The loving Chief return'd, Oh Maid Divine!
‘Your bleeding Wrongs the glorious Cause shall join.
‘And whilst the thundring Battle loudest Rings,
‘And Thousand Deaths appear on fatal Wings:
‘Inflam'd by am'rous Rage, and aiding Love,
‘[illeg.] [illeg.] himself thro' groaning Bands I'll move.
‘And whilst the Thoughts of thee wing every Blow,
‘How well I love the gasping Wretch shall know.
‘But by yon awful Heavens had not my Mind,
‘With hopeless Scotia 'gainst her Foes Combin'd.
‘I'd never leave thee by th'immortal Powrs,
‘My Soul would mix and lose it self in yours.
‘Yet next to God and to my Countrey's Care,
‘You all my Thoughts and all my Breast shall share.
‘With fond Discourse thus talk'd they out the Day,
‘While Hours well pleas'd to hear, croud Hours away.
‘Till Wallace saw the Night on high display'd,
‘And with Reluctance left the weeping Maid.
With heavy Heart he held the dreary Way,
And join'd his Friends that wondred at his stay.
Now from the Fair remov'd, our Heroe strove,
By Warfare to divert the Pangs of Love.
Fir'd with the Thought, he choaks the rising Sigh,
And fondly hopes the distant Enemy,
Who in Lochmabane lorded it secure,
Full grown in Arrogance and flush'd with Pow'r,
Clifford inhumane Youth bore Chief Command.
And spread his cruel Conquests o'er the Land.
‘Battles his Soul, and triumphs in his Eyes,
85
‘Groan'd with a Load of Grief, he fondly thus reply'd
‘Why does my Lord create Himself this Pain,
‘Why strive with Love, yet ever strive in vain,
‘Give up the Conquest, dissipat thy Care.
‘Make way for Bless, and for the lovely Fair:
‘The Fair makes all the Heroe's Rage refin'd,
‘New-Strings his Arm and chears his drooping Mind.
‘While in his Soul the awfull Goddess Reigns,
‘A double Life his Bosom knows, a double Life his Veins
‘This said, th'Advice with tender Zeal express'd,
‘With poyson'd Steps stole silent to his Breast,
‘And Joy unbidden all his Soul possest.
‘Meanwhile with ebbing Force as thus he strove,
‘To stem the Rage of Fierce prevailing Love.
‘A Maid approach'd who from the Fair one came,
‘(For Love had fir'd her Breast with hidden Flame)
‘And brought this Message from the beauteous Dame.
‘Miranda sends, to honest Fame well known,
‘Fond to behold her Countrey's bravest Son,
‘The Chief amaz'd, impatient of Delay,
‘I go he cry'd, and bad her urge the Way.
‘Thro' secret Paths they went and shunn'd the Town,
‘And reach'd the House secure, perceiv'd by none.
‘While she severely good and wond'rous Kind,
‘Wish'd for his safe Approach with anxious Mind.
‘The Lovers met, and now a modest Kiss,
‘Lifts up the Heroe's Soul to laughing Bless.
86
‘And thro' his Veins, anew Impetous flies,
‘Inflames his Soul, and sparkles thro' his Eyes,
‘His sparkling Eyes that gently rolling play'd,
‘In her's beheld bright Virgin-love betray'd.
‘And whilst a Blush that redden'd on her Face,
‘Paints out a modest Flame with rosy Grace.
‘Screw'd to the highest Strain of Bless his Soul,
‘Could scarce th'impetous Tide of Joy controul,
‘But all was still, and all was calm around,
‘When thus the Syren spoke in nectar'd Sound.
‘I own indeed I Love, nor Blush to tell,
‘The Man that loves my Countries Peace so well.
‘And would be fond e'en with my Life to please,
‘The Chief that bravely scorns inglorious Ease.
‘While Scotia Calls,
‘Alas how much she needs, unhappy now!
‘So good a Warriour and a Friend as you.
‘Her bravest Sons by cruel Foes are slain,
‘And few her Friends, ah hapless Friends remain!
‘Even while I speak I scarce can boast an Hour,
‘Or of my Life or Honour in My Pow'r.
‘The loving Chief return'd, Oh Maid Divine!
‘Your bleeding Wrongs the glorious Cause shall join.
‘And whilst the thundring Battle loudest Rings,
‘And Thousand Deaths appear on fatal Wings:
‘Inflam'd by am'rous Rage, and aiding Love,
‘[illeg.] [illeg.] himself thro' groaning Bands I'll move.
87
‘How well I love the gasping Wretch shall know.
‘But by yon awful Heavens had not my Mind,
‘With hopeless Scotia 'gainst her Foes Combin'd.
‘I'd never leave thee by th'immortal Powrs,
‘My Soul would mix and lose it self in yours.
‘Yet next to God and to my Countrey's Care,
‘You all my Thoughts and all my Breast shall share.
‘With fond Discourse thus talk'd they out the Day,
‘While Hours well pleas'd to hear, croud Hours away.
‘Till Wallace saw the Night on high display'd,
‘And with Reluctance left the weeping Maid.
With heavy Heart he held the dreary Way,
And join'd his Friends that wondred at his stay.
Now from the Fair remov'd, our Heroe strove,
By Warfare to divert the Pangs of Love.
Fir'd with the Thought, he choaks the rising Sigh,
And fondly hopes the distant Enemy,
Who in Lochmabane lorded it secure,
Full grown in Arrogance and flush'd with Pow'r,
Clifford inhumane Youth bore Chief Command.
And spread his cruel Conquests o'er the Land.
Now Wallace scarce had reach'd the guilty Town,
(Conceal'd his Name, his Country only Known)
When swell'd with Malice, Clifford sought the Place,
And brands the Scots and loads them with Disgrace:
Appriz'd the Knight, pursues the haughty Lord,
Th'Afffront lent Weight and Fury to his Sword;
Urg'd home the Thirsty Fauchion sought his Side,
Transpierc'd his Heart, and drunk the vital Tide.
(Conceal'd his Name, his Country only Known)
When swell'd with Malice, Clifford sought the Place,
And brands the Scots and loads them with Disgrace:
88
Th'Afffront lent Weight and Fury to his Sword;
Urg'd home the Thirsty Fauchion sought his Side,
Transpierc'd his Heart, and drunk the vital Tide.
Sated the Chiftain left the Town. And now,
Wing'd with revengeful Spite his Foes pursue;
The Knight serene thus warn'd his faithful Friends,
“Behold the raging En'my this way tends,
“Leave we the Plains, and yonder Thickets climb,
Trusting th'Event to Providence and Time.
His Friends reluctant hear the strict Command,
Sternly retire, and Eye th'approaching Band.
By this with hasty Strides the Foe drew near;
Their burnish'd Arms reflect a Gleam severe:
With fulgent Light they shone. The steely Blaze,
Shot full against the Sun with mingling Rays.
Their Arrows now with certain Speed they aim'd,
And wounded Blair, for Wit and Valour fam'd.
Wallace beheld him bleed, and fir'd to Rage,
Turn'd instantly, in Order to Engage.
His little Band in dubious War well try'd,
Rush on the num'rous Foe with gen'rous Pride.
And now with adverse Shock the Warriours met,
Each urg'd the Fight, nor thought of base Retreat:
The South'ron Army thinn'd with num'rous slain,
In Multitudes lay grov'ling on the Plain.
But still in gath'ring Crouds, new Troops advance,
The Fields resound, the Neighing Coursers prance.
Moreland, the Flower of Arms moves to the Field,
Lightning his Eyes, his Arms keen Splendor yeild.
His waving Plume nods terribly from far,
And whitens with its Foam the Tide of War.
With boiling Rage his heaving Bosom Glows,
And Martial Terror glooms upon his Brows.
The English rais'd to Hope, their Chief survey,
And meditate the Ruine of the Day.
Wing'd with revengeful Spite his Foes pursue;
The Knight serene thus warn'd his faithful Friends,
“Behold the raging En'my this way tends,
“Leave we the Plains, and yonder Thickets climb,
Trusting th'Event to Providence and Time.
His Friends reluctant hear the strict Command,
Sternly retire, and Eye th'approaching Band.
By this with hasty Strides the Foe drew near;
Their burnish'd Arms reflect a Gleam severe:
With fulgent Light they shone. The steely Blaze,
Shot full against the Sun with mingling Rays.
Their Arrows now with certain Speed they aim'd,
And wounded Blair, for Wit and Valour fam'd.
Wallace beheld him bleed, and fir'd to Rage,
Turn'd instantly, in Order to Engage.
His little Band in dubious War well try'd,
Rush on the num'rous Foe with gen'rous Pride.
And now with adverse Shock the Warriours met,
Each urg'd the Fight, nor thought of base Retreat:
The South'ron Army thinn'd with num'rous slain,
In Multitudes lay grov'ling on the Plain.
89
The Fields resound, the Neighing Coursers prance.
Moreland, the Flower of Arms moves to the Field,
Lightning his Eyes, his Arms keen Splendor yeild.
His waving Plume nods terribly from far,
And whitens with its Foam the Tide of War.
With boiling Rage his heaving Bosom Glows,
And Martial Terror glooms upon his Brows.
The English rais'd to Hope, their Chief survey,
And meditate the Ruine of the Day.
In Vain the the Dauntless Scots attempt to fly,
Closs wedg'd they stand, resolv'd to win or die.
And now both Sides assault, and proudly Vie;
Thickens the Combat, and resounds the Sky,
Wallace distinguish'd by his orby Shield,
Rode thund'ring thro' the Tempest of the Field.
Where Moreland rag'd; and with a pond'rous Blow,
Full on his Neck, divides the Bone in Two.
No more the Joints the dizzy Head sustain,
The haughty Chief rush'd head-long to the Plain.
Seizing his Horse the Knight, with active Care,
Revives again the the Thunder of the War:
Inspir'd from Heaven with more than humane Might,
His Arm alone enclines the Scale of Fight.
Around, the verdant Grass is Sanguine Dy'd,
And Heaps on Heaps expire on every Side.
The English now, their Chiftain lost, give way
Deadned with Fear and fall an easy Prey;
Now to the Town their rapid Steps they bend.
Throng to the Castle and in haste ascend.
Their hagar'd Eyes their inward Fears disclose,
And look a Voice, and speak their direful Woes.
Graystock their Gen'ral here at ease resides,
Who scorns their Terrours and their Fears derides,
And now his Soldiers arm'd, the Fort he leaves,
And with fresh Powers the fainting War revives.
Closs wedg'd they stand, resolv'd to win or die.
And now both Sides assault, and proudly Vie;
Thickens the Combat, and resounds the Sky,
Wallace distinguish'd by his orby Shield,
Rode thund'ring thro' the Tempest of the Field.
Where Moreland rag'd; and with a pond'rous Blow,
Full on his Neck, divides the Bone in Two.
No more the Joints the dizzy Head sustain,
The haughty Chief rush'd head-long to the Plain.
Seizing his Horse the Knight, with active Care,
Revives again the the Thunder of the War:
Inspir'd from Heaven with more than humane Might,
His Arm alone enclines the Scale of Fight.
Around, the verdant Grass is Sanguine Dy'd,
And Heaps on Heaps expire on every Side.
90
Deadned with Fear and fall an easy Prey;
Now to the Town their rapid Steps they bend.
Throng to the Castle and in haste ascend.
Their hagar'd Eyes their inward Fears disclose,
And look a Voice, and speak their direful Woes.
Graystock their Gen'ral here at ease resides,
Who scorns their Terrours and their Fears derides,
And now his Soldiers arm'd, the Fort he leaves,
And with fresh Powers the fainting War revives.
Wallace mean while the bloody Scene had left,
With Victory, nor of one Friend bereft.
And clad in Arms he shot an Iron Light;
The En'my saw, and curs'd the unwelcome Sight.
Oh Don't, they cry'd, our Doom anticipate,
Return, nor brave th'impending burst of Fate.
Yonder behold! the Valiant God-like Knight.
Whose mighty Arm alone lays waste the Fight.
Ha Dastards! cry'd the Gen'ral with a Frown,
His Strength owes Being to your Fears alone,
And spurr'd his Horse. Now Wallace from afar.
Beheld th'encreasing Tumult of the War;
Nor could he tempt the Storm, that with new roar,
Roul'd dreadful, menacing his Scanty Pow'r
And now o'rcome with Toil, his Horse gave o'er.
Mean Time dispatch'd by Heaven, immortal Grahame,
Back't with his Friends, a brave Retinue came,
Thrice Ten he led, a small but faithful Train,
Each could mark red the Field with num'rous slain,
And the whole Tempest of the War sustain.
The Battle joins. And Clamours, Shouts and Cries,
Ring thro' the Plains, and tear the vaulted Skies.
Grahame now with ardent Eyes his Friends survey'd,
And sent to every Quarter timely Aid.
Himself mean while from Place to Place engag'd,
Where the Storm roar'd, and where the thickest rag'd,
Rush'd thro' the War that bled in every Vein,
Like some fierce Tide, and sweep't the standing Plain.
With Victory, nor of one Friend bereft.
And clad in Arms he shot an Iron Light;
The En'my saw, and curs'd the unwelcome Sight.
Oh Don't, they cry'd, our Doom anticipate,
Return, nor brave th'impending burst of Fate.
Yonder behold! the Valiant God-like Knight.
Whose mighty Arm alone lays waste the Fight.
Ha Dastards! cry'd the Gen'ral with a Frown,
His Strength owes Being to your Fears alone,
And spurr'd his Horse. Now Wallace from afar.
Beheld th'encreasing Tumult of the War;
Nor could he tempt the Storm, that with new roar,
Roul'd dreadful, menacing his Scanty Pow'r
And now o'rcome with Toil, his Horse gave o'er.
91
Back't with his Friends, a brave Retinue came,
Thrice Ten he led, a small but faithful Train,
Each could mark red the Field with num'rous slain,
And the whole Tempest of the War sustain.
The Battle joins. And Clamours, Shouts and Cries,
Ring thro' the Plains, and tear the vaulted Skies.
Grahame now with ardent Eyes his Friends survey'd,
And sent to every Quarter timely Aid.
Himself mean while from Place to Place engag'd,
Where the Storm roar'd, and where the thickest rag'd,
Rush'd thro' the War that bled in every Vein,
Like some fierce Tide, and sweep't the standing Plain.
Wallace on Foot cuts out a sanguine Path,
And stems the Flood of War, and braves impending Death.
Restless he fights, with Blood and Dust besmear'd,
Reaping the Field, where nought but Fate appear'd.
And thus th'intrepid few still urge their Course,
Each in himself, a War, an Armies Force.
And stems the Flood of War, and braves impending Death.
Restless he fights, with Blood and Dust besmear'd,
Reaping the Field, where nought but Fate appear'd.
And thus th'intrepid few still urge their Course,
Each in himself, a War, an Armies Force.
But now the Foe repuls'd with foul Disgrace,
(Their Champion in the Front) retreat apace,
While Wallace yet unweary'd urg'd the Chace.
Before him Grahame Active as Lightning flew,
Mix'd with the Crou'd, and all Promiscous slew.
The Knight beheld, and check'd his vulgar Rage,
That stoop'd with the low Rabble to Engage.
Away, he cry'd, nor thus disgrace thy Sword,
Yon flying Chiefs will nobler Stores afford,
He said. The youthful Heroes shoot along,
With rapid haste and reach the distant Throng.
Fierce Graystock now abandon'd by his Pride,
Nought but Despair appear'd on every Side.
Grahame sought the haughty Chief. And now on high,
His Sword that Flam'd and lighten'd in the Sky.
With whirl-wind Sound descends, and cleaves his Head;
No force of Motion could the Stroke impede:
The yauning Chasm well'd out a purple Flood,
Forth rush'd the Soul effus'd with gushing Blood.
Wallace mean while dealt Ruine all around:
And with dead Corses strew'd the blushing Ground:
The En'my still experienc'd his Pow'r,
And those who felt his Arm harass'd the Scotch no more.
(Their Champion in the Front) retreat apace,
While Wallace yet unweary'd urg'd the Chace.
Before him Grahame Active as Lightning flew,
Mix'd with the Crou'd, and all Promiscous slew.
92
That stoop'd with the low Rabble to Engage.
Away, he cry'd, nor thus disgrace thy Sword,
Yon flying Chiefs will nobler Stores afford,
He said. The youthful Heroes shoot along,
With rapid haste and reach the distant Throng.
Fierce Graystock now abandon'd by his Pride,
Nought but Despair appear'd on every Side.
Grahame sought the haughty Chief. And now on high,
His Sword that Flam'd and lighten'd in the Sky.
With whirl-wind Sound descends, and cleaves his Head;
No force of Motion could the Stroke impede:
The yauning Chasm well'd out a purple Flood,
Forth rush'd the Soul effus'd with gushing Blood.
Wallace mean while dealt Ruine all around:
And with dead Corses strew'd the blushing Ground:
The En'my still experienc'd his Pow'r,
And those who felt his Arm harass'd the Scotch no more.
The Chace now finish'd, the brave Warriours meet,
And with kind intercourse of Souls unite.
The Knight well pleas'd his panting Friends espies,
With Joy his Bosom glows, with transports glut his Eyes,
His Visage roughn'd into Frowns e'er while.
Assumes the softer beauties of a Smile,
Fair Victory sat blooming on his Head,
And all around her, sacred Blessings shed.
But now the Sun roul'd down the fading Light,
Red Vesper took his Post. Arose the Night.
On Hills of Slain the Scarlet Heroes sate,
Pond'ring new Toils of War in close Debate.
Pale Scotia still her bleeding Veins display'd,
And pointing to the Foe, and call'd aloud for Aid.
Fir'd with her Wrongs and with new Anger fraught,
They steel their Hearts, and bar each milder Thought;
Nor sated with the Vengeance of the Day,
To Lochmabane directly take their Way.
And now to aid their Rage a Night of Shades,
Muffles the Sky, and the pale Moon invades.
No Stars appear'd in the dark Firmament,
As if their everlasting Oil were spent:
Lone Midnight silence quell'd each whispring Sound,
And spread his gloomy Pinions all around.
Conceal'd the wary Spies rode on before,
The destin'd Town in Order to explore.
With Darkness velop'd, soon they reach'd the Gate,
Where watching all alone the Keeper sate,
With silent Rage they aim'd a random Wound,
And laid the Felon prostrate on the Ground.
The following Band came on with hasty Pace.
Breathing Revenge, and quickly made the Place.
The gleanings of the Field they here surprise,
Resounds the House with Clamour, Shrieks and Crys,
While Terror wildly peeps forth from their Eyes.
Nought but the groans of Wretches now is heard,
Where Mirth and ill-timed Riot Late appear'd.
And with kind intercourse of Souls unite.
The Knight well pleas'd his panting Friends espies,
With Joy his Bosom glows, with transports glut his Eyes,
His Visage roughn'd into Frowns e'er while.
Assumes the softer beauties of a Smile,
Fair Victory sat blooming on his Head,
And all around her, sacred Blessings shed.
93
Red Vesper took his Post. Arose the Night.
On Hills of Slain the Scarlet Heroes sate,
Pond'ring new Toils of War in close Debate.
Pale Scotia still her bleeding Veins display'd,
And pointing to the Foe, and call'd aloud for Aid.
Fir'd with her Wrongs and with new Anger fraught,
They steel their Hearts, and bar each milder Thought;
Nor sated with the Vengeance of the Day,
To Lochmabane directly take their Way.
And now to aid their Rage a Night of Shades,
Muffles the Sky, and the pale Moon invades.
No Stars appear'd in the dark Firmament,
As if their everlasting Oil were spent:
Lone Midnight silence quell'd each whispring Sound,
And spread his gloomy Pinions all around.
Conceal'd the wary Spies rode on before,
The destin'd Town in Order to explore.
With Darkness velop'd, soon they reach'd the Gate,
Where watching all alone the Keeper sate,
With silent Rage they aim'd a random Wound,
And laid the Felon prostrate on the Ground.
The following Band came on with hasty Pace.
Breathing Revenge, and quickly made the Place.
The gleanings of the Field they here surprise,
Resounds the House with Clamour, Shrieks and Crys,
While Terror wildly peeps forth from their Eyes.
94
Where Mirth and ill-timed Riot Late appear'd.
'T was now past Ebb of Night, and dawning Morn,
Appear'd on infant Smiles and Blushes born;
The Victors now quite spent with Toils of War,
Give o'er, and, panting breath the fragrant Air.
Reclin'd they gladly take a short Repast,
To satiate Nature's Call, not please the Taste.
That done, with gen'rous Wine they brim the Bowl,
Each quaffs and sucks the Nectar to his Soul:
The dancing Tide rouls thro' each languid Vein,
And swells them with o'erflowing Streams again.
Sated at length they leave the humbled Town.
The Fortress taken, and their Foes o'erthrown,
And bent their Course to where impetous Clyde,
Thro' Precipices pours its foamy Tide.
With many wandring Rouls the circling Stream,
The Pride of Rivers, and the Poets Theme.
Now grateful Slumber creeps o'er all apace,
And fonds their Senses with a soft Embrace.
Within a darksome Vale retir'd they lay,
At ease from all the busy Toils of Day:
Thro' every Limb the soft Infection Crept,
And Guardian Angels watch'd 'em as they slept.
A Fort remain'd, where fill'd, with Rage and Spite,
The En'my rul'd and triumph'd in their Might.
While thus secure the slumbr'ing Warriours lay,
VVild Fancy now assumes Internal Sway:
Still to their sleeping Thoughts the Fort arose,
And hag'd their Dreams, and shook them from Repose.
Appear'd on infant Smiles and Blushes born;
The Victors now quite spent with Toils of War,
Give o'er, and, panting breath the fragrant Air.
Reclin'd they gladly take a short Repast,
To satiate Nature's Call, not please the Taste.
That done, with gen'rous Wine they brim the Bowl,
Each quaffs and sucks the Nectar to his Soul:
The dancing Tide rouls thro' each languid Vein,
And swells them with o'erflowing Streams again.
Sated at length they leave the humbled Town.
The Fortress taken, and their Foes o'erthrown,
And bent their Course to where impetous Clyde,
Thro' Precipices pours its foamy Tide.
With many wandring Rouls the circling Stream,
The Pride of Rivers, and the Poets Theme.
Now grateful Slumber creeps o'er all apace,
And fonds their Senses with a soft Embrace.
Within a darksome Vale retir'd they lay,
At ease from all the busy Toils of Day:
Thro' every Limb the soft Infection Crept,
And Guardian Angels watch'd 'em as they slept.
A Fort remain'd, where fill'd, with Rage and Spite,
The En'my rul'd and triumph'd in their Might.
95
VVild Fancy now assumes Internal Sway:
Still to their sleeping Thoughts the Fort arose,
And hag'd their Dreams, and shook them from Repose.
Th' inverted Scale of Heav'n now weigh'd up Night
Sunk was the Sun, and faded was the Light.
Walking at length, unseen they leave the Vale,
The fated Place determining t'Assail.
Wallace before the rest went forth alone,
With eager Speed, and reach'd the guilty Town.
And here a hideous Noise insults his Ear,
Of drunken Mirth, unlike the Voice of War.
Enrag'd, the Chiftain gave the order'd Sign,
His Friends throng in and all their Powers combine.
With active Care the Gates they first possest,
Then guard the Passes and the Strength invest.
Sunk was the Sun, and faded was the Light.
Walking at length, unseen they leave the Vale,
The fated Place determining t'Assail.
Wallace before the rest went forth alone,
With eager Speed, and reach'd the guilty Town.
And here a hideous Noise insults his Ear,
Of drunken Mirth, unlike the Voice of War.
Enrag'd, the Chiftain gave the order'd Sign,
His Friends throng in and all their Powers combine.
With active Care the Gates they first possest,
Then guard the Passes and the Strength invest.
Wallace first sought the House, inflam'd with Hate
When sunk in Luxury the Captain sate.
Unsheath'd his Sword, and aim'd a certain Blow,
That hurl'd to Shades of Night th'abandon'd Foe.
With equal Rage he gave to Fate the rest,
And mingled with their Blood their horrid Feast.
Their mangled Bodies strew'd the sanguine Floor,
Grinning in Death, and weltring in their Gore.
Mean Time without Graham plies the lofty Fort,
Built up of Beams and fortify'd by Art.
Strait flung Triumphant from his thundring Hand,
Full to the steepy Roof a flaming Brand:
The Red Contagion blazing flew along,
With crackling roar, and scorch'd the trembling Throng.
And now the ruddy Ruine whirls on High,
Swells in the Wind, and triumphs to the Sky.
Wild Shrieks within and yellings of Despair,
A blended Horrour! rends the midnight Air.
And now the Turret, Ground, and all around,
With burst of Thunder tumbled to the Ground
It fell. And crush'd the Wretches underneath,
With wild Destruction whelm'd and fiery Death.
When sunk in Luxury the Captain sate.
Unsheath'd his Sword, and aim'd a certain Blow,
That hurl'd to Shades of Night th'abandon'd Foe.
With equal Rage he gave to Fate the rest,
And mingled with their Blood their horrid Feast.
Their mangled Bodies strew'd the sanguine Floor,
Grinning in Death, and weltring in their Gore.
96
Built up of Beams and fortify'd by Art.
Strait flung Triumphant from his thundring Hand,
Full to the steepy Roof a flaming Brand:
The Red Contagion blazing flew along,
With crackling roar, and scorch'd the trembling Throng.
And now the ruddy Ruine whirls on High,
Swells in the Wind, and triumphs to the Sky.
Wild Shrieks within and yellings of Despair,
A blended Horrour! rends the midnight Air.
And now the Turret, Ground, and all around,
With burst of Thunder tumbled to the Ground
It fell. And crush'd the Wretches underneath,
With wild Destruction whelm'd and fiery Death.
Soon as the radiant Morn renew'd the Day,
The Victors, on each Side the Place survey,
That now in smoaking Heaps and Rubbish lay,
The Works that stood they levell'd with the Ground,
And spread a gen'ral Ruine all around.
The Victors, on each Side the Place survey,
That now in smoaking Heaps and Rubbish lay,
The Works that stood they levell'd with the Ground,
And spread a gen'ral Ruine all around.
| A new edition of the life and heroick actions of the renoun'd Sir William Wallace | |