University of Virginia Library

The Seventh BOOK OF Sir William Wallace.

CHAP. I. How WALLACE burn't the Barns of Air, put Bishop Beik out of Glasgow, and killed Lord Peircy.

With Wallace now concluded is the Truce,
But mark what Treachery it does produce:
To English Faith, the great Seal they append
In Februar; yet March doth scarcely end,
When they of new contrive a hellish Plot,
Do break their Faith, and murder many a Scot.
The English King takes Journey in April,
And holds a mighty Council in Carlisle.
To which the English Captains hastned fast,
And privy were to every Thing that past.
None other to be present thought he good,
But such as were of true born English Blood.
Except Sir Aymer Vallance, as I'm told,
Who to the Scots a Traitor was of old.
The Southeron here Consult him, how and where,
They might cut off the Barrons bold of Air.
Who, when he had in Pluto's Myst'rie div'd,
Gave such Advice as Hell and he contriv'd.
Four Barns he said built by the King's Command,
At the Head Burgh of that old County stand.
Where, at one Time, none but a single Man
May enter in, or see another can
That is said he, Pox on his Bloody Face
I think the only, and the proper Place,
To call the Barrons to a Justice aire
And then dispatch them at your Pleasure there.
To which they all, with Spite and Malice fill'd,
Consent, and vote them basely to be kill'd.
Except Lord Piercy, who, the curs'd Design,
And Villany, pretended to decline.
The Scots said he, have keeped Faith so long
With me, I'll not be Witness to such Wrong.
But at the Time apointed will withdraw,
To Glasgow Town, from such a Bloody Law.
Fy on the Piercy that was so unkind,
Not to reveal the barbarous Design.
Where were thy Bowels of Compassion then?
That might have sav'd four or five Thousand Men
Of Scots and English, that no Harm did fear,
As by the tragic Story shall appear.
A cruel Justice then, they choos'd and fierce,
Whose bloody Acts a Heart of Stone would pierce:
Lord Arnulf, whom, Beelzebub scarce could match,
He undertook the Barons to dispatch.
Another Aire in Glasgow order'd they,
For Clydsdale Men upon the self same Day.
Thus they like Devils sit in humane Shape,
And charge that Wallace by no Means escape.
For well they knew, if he were overthrown,
They might possess all Scotland as their own.
Thus they conclude, to other give the Hand,
And set their Seals to this black hellish Band
To Air the Justice speedily comes down,
And Piercy marches off for Glasgow Town.
The Justice aire on June the Eighteen Day
Was set, proclaim'd, no Barron was away.
The Scots they wondr'd, in a peaceful Land
Why English-men should rule with such high Hand.
Sir Rannald did appoint before this aire,
At Monkton-Kirk his Friends to meet him there.
Wallace was present 'mongst those Gentlemen,
He Warden was of Scotland chosen then.
Good Mr. John, who sirnamed was Blair,
Discharg'd his Friends from going to that Aire,
And did suspect since Piercy left that Land,
He was no Friend to Scots, did then Command,
Wallace from them went to the Church with speed,
There said a PATER-NOSTER, and a CREED.
He lean'd him down upon a Place hard by,
Then in a deep Sleep fell immediately:
Into that Slumber Wallace thought he saw,
A Stalwart Man that towards him did draw.
Who hastily did catch him by the Hand,
I am he said sent to thee by Command.
A Sword he gave him of the finest Steel,
This Sword said he, Son, may thou manage well.
A Topas fine the Plummet he did guess,
The Hilt and all, did glitter o'er like Glass.
Dear Son he said, we tarry here too long,
Shortly thou must revenge thy Countrie's Wrongs,
Then led he him unto a Mountain high,
Where he at once might all the World see.
There left he Wallace, contrair his Desire,
To whom appear'd, a very dreadfull Fire.
Which fiercely burnt, and wasted thro' the Land,
Scotland all o'er, from Ross to Sulway Sand.
Quickly to him descended there a Queen,
All shining Bright, and with majestick Mein,
Her Countenance did dazle so his Sight,
It quite extinguish't all the Fire Light.
Of Red, and Green, gave him with modest Grace
A Wand, and with a Sapphire cross'd his Face.
Welcome she said, I choose thee for my Love,
Thou granted art by the great God above,
To help and aid poor People that get Wrong,
But with thee now I must not tarry long;
To thine own Host thou shalt return again,
Thy dearest Kin in Torment are and Pain.
This Kingdom thou redeem it surely shall,
Tho' thy Reward on Earth shall be but small.
Go on and prosper, sure thou shalt not miss,
For thy Reward the Heavens eternal Bless.
With her right Hand she reached him a Book,
Then hastily her Leave of him she took.
Unto the Clouds ascended out of sight,
Wallace the Book embrac'd with all his Might.
The Book was writ in three Parts and no less,
The first big Letters were, and all of Brass:
The second Gold, Silver the third most fine,
At which he greatly wondred in his Mind:
To read the Book he made great haste, but as
He did awake, behold a Dream it was.
Quickly he rose, and there a Man he found,
Who did his Dream, and Vision all expound.
The stalwart Man, who gave thee that fine Sword
Was Fergus King of Scots, upon my Word.
The Mountain does prognosticate no less,
Than Knowledge how our Wrongs thou must redress.
The Fire hasty Tidings doth presage,
The like of which was not heard in our Age.
The bright and shining Queen, whom thou didst see,
Was Fortune, which portends great Good to thee.
The pretty Wand which she unto thee sent,
Betokens Pow'r, Command, and Chastisement.
The colour Red, if I right understand,
Means bloody Battles shortly in our Land:
The Green, great Courage to thee does portend,
And Trouble great, before the Wars shall end.
The Saphire Stone she blessed thee withall,
Is happy Chance, pray God it thee befall
The threefold Book, is this poor broken Land
Thou must redeem, by thy most valiant Hand.
The great big Letters which thou saw of Brass,
Prognostick Wars that shall this Land oppress.
Yet every Thing to its true Right again
Thou shalt restore; But thou must suffer Pain.
The Gold betokens Honour, Worthiness,
Victorious Arms, Manhood, and Nobleness.
The Silver shows clean Life, and Heavenly bless,
Which thou for thy Reward shalt never miss.
Then do not fear, or in the least despair,
He shall protect thee who of all takes care.
He thank'd him, then, committing all to God,
Home unto Corsby with his Uncle rode.
Both blyth and glad, all Night they lodged there,
And on the Morn, made ready all for Air.
Wallace he ask'd Sir Rannald at Kincase,
Where was the English Charter of the Peace,
At Corsby said Sir Rannald, in the Chest,
Go seek it there thou'll find it if thou list.
None but thy self where it does lye doth know,
Then by good Luck he back again did go.
Sir Rannald he rode on and rested not,
Then came to Air knew nothing of the Plot.
Into the Town he did not tarry long,
Went to the bloody Barns dreading no Wrong.
A Baulk was knit with cruel Ropes and keen,
O! such a slaughter House was never seen.
Strong Men to keep the Entry they prepare,
And none but One at once, must enter there.
Sir Rannald first, that ancient Knight comes in,
And then the bloody Murther does begin.
A running Cord they slipped o'er his Head,
Then to the Baulk they haled him up dead.
Sir Bryce the Blair after Sir Rannald past,
The cruel Dogs to Death him hastned fast.
No sooner enters, but he's in the Snare,
And on the bloody Baulk was hanged there.
A gallant Knight Sir Neil Montgomrie,
Was hanged next which Pity was to see.
Great Numbers more of landed Men about
Went in, but none alive at all came out.
The Wallaces, and Crawfords stout like Steel,
Great Cruelty from barb'rous Sutheron feel.
The Kennedie's of Carrick slew they alse,
And the kind Campbels that were never False,
Nor did rebel against the righteous Crown,
For which the Sutheron hang'd and hew'd them down.
The Barclays, Boyds, and Stuarts of good Kin,
No Scot escap'd that Time that enter'd in.
Unto the Baulk they hang'd up many a Pair,
Then in some ugly By-nook cast them there.
Since the first Time that Men did War invent,
To so unjust a Death none ever went.
Thus to the Gods of their most cruel Wrath,
They sacrific'd the Scots and broke their Faith.
Such Wickedness each Christian Soul must own,
Was ne'er before in all the World known.
Thus eighteen Score to Death they put outright
Of Barrons bold; with many a gallant Knight.
Then last of all with great Contempt and Scorn,
Cast out the Corps naked as they were born.
Good Robert Boyd with Twenty valiant Men,
Of Wallace House went to the Tavern then.
Brave Stout and Bold the Choice of all the Land,
He them in Wallace Absence did Command.
Kierly who did the Sutheron often Mall,
Cleland and Boyd were all upon a Call:
And Ste'en of Ireland, who upon the Street,
With a good Woman and a true did meet.
He ask'd at her what News there was in Air,
Nothing said, she but Sorrow, Dole and Care.
All frighted like, she look'd him in the Face,
Then ask'd for Wallace in a little Space:
Who told, his Uncle the good ancient Knight
Had sent him Home, but would be back on sight.
Pray charge his Men, said she, to leave the Place,
I'll Wallace watch as he comes from Kincase
And him acquaint with ev'ry Thing that's past,
The sad Barbarities from First to Last.
Now quietly together call your Force,
Get all to Arms, and quickly mount your Horse.
He with the Woman did no longer stay,
But to his Comrades posted fast away:
Told the sad News; who without speaking more,
March all to Laglane Wood, with Hearts full sore.
Now with the Charter Wallace hasts to Air,
But little knew the Massacre was there.
Then loudly on him the good Woman calls,
Nothing but Breach of Faith within those Walls.
Our Barrons bold thro' horrid Treacherie
Are kill'd and hang'd, like Beasts up to a Tree,
Most basely murdered as they went in,
Then Wallace wept, for Loss of his good Kin.
Unto the Woman up he Gallops fast,
To understand the Truth of all was past.
Is my dear Uncle Dead, or how befel
The Case; good Woman pray make hast and tell.
Out of yon Barns, with great Contempt and Scorn,
I saw him cast; naked as he was Born.
His cold pale Lips with grieved Heart and sore
I kiss'd; then spread a Cloath his Body o'er.
His Sister's Son thou worthy art and Wight.
Revenge his Death I pray with all thy Might.
I shall Assist as I'm a Woman True,
Then he enquired at her, if she knew,
Good Robert Boyd, and if she saw him there;
Or William Crawford, if he living were:
Or Adam Wallace, a good Friend indeed,
Both true, and trusty, in the Time of Need.
Call them to me, with little Noise and Dinn,
Then cunningly spy out the Justice Inn.
See what Discov'ries thou of them can make,
And then I'll see the next best Course to take.
This in great Haste, he spake and said no more,
Then wheel'd about, with grieved Heart and sore.
To Laglane Woods, then pleasant, sweet and green,
Which oft his Refuge had, and Safety been;
There for his Friends did mourn, with Grief and Woe,
Till his proud Breast was like to burst in two.
Lord Arnulph quickly after him does send,
Fifteen Hand-waild, well mounted English-men.
A Macer als, to bring him back to Law,
Who furiously towards good Wallace draw;
With Sword in Hand among them soon he went,
And pay'd them soundly to their Heart's Content.
One thro' the middle there he cut in two,
Unto the Second gave a deadly Blow:
The Third he struck, down thro' the Body clave,
The Fourth unto the Ground he quickly drave.
The Fifth he smote in such great Wrath and Ire,
He on the Spot did presently Expire.
Three Men he had that killed other Five,
With much adoe the rest escap'd alive:
Fled to their Lord, told all the Passage o'er
How Ten of Fifteen Men, were kill'd by Four.
And had it not been for their Horse, that they
The other Five had gone the self same Way.
A right Scots Stroke none of us sooner got,
Than without Mercy we lay on the Spot.
So fierce they fought it, and so furiously,
At every Stroke they made a Man to dye.
Then thought they all, it must be Wallace wight,
To whom reply'd an ancient English Knight,
And said, if Wallace hath escap'd this Aire,
All that is done, is adding Grief to Care.
Then spoke the Justice, when this Rumour rose.
What would ye do, if there were many Foes?
That for one Man so frighted seem to be,
And are not sure as yet if it be he.
And tho' it were, I count the Matter light,
Each Gentleman who stays here shall be Knight.
And so soon as the Morrow comes, I'll then,
Deal the Scots Lands to true born English-Men.
Thus spoke that Cruel, indefiderate Beast,
But was mistaken, Faith for all his Haste:
Which minds me of a Saying, Sage, and wise.
Who compt's before the Rost he compteth twice.
The Suthron to their Quarters now repair,
Four thousand Strong that Night did lodge in Air.
And in the bloody Barns, without the Town,
Where the proud Justice caus'd proclaim around
The Walls and Garrison, on every Side,
That no Scots Man within them should abide.
By Providence that Night it hap'ned so,
The Justice to the Castle would not go:
Lodg'd in the Barns, knew not of Wallace Plot,
Who long ere Morn gave him a Wak'ning hot.
At Supper they eat a prodigious Deal,
Then plenty drank of Wine and English Ale.
No Watch they set, having no Fear or Doubt,
Of Harm from Scots, who lodged all without.
The great Fatigue and Toil, that Bloody Day
The Rogues had got, and too much Wine which they
Drank off in Bumpers, lull'd them so asleep,
They quite forgot that Night a Guard to keep.
Thus all secure, they snorting lay like Swine,
Their Chiftain was great Bacchus God of Wine.
So soon's the Woman saw them lying so,
Some Men she warned, and made to Laglane go.
Foremost she went her Faithfulness was such
At which good Wallace was comforted much.
He thanked God when as he saw them there,
What News good Woman hast thou brought from Air.
Yon bloody Hounds said she, are all so drunk,
With Wine, they'r now all in a deep sleep sunk.
When I them left could not so much as see,
One single Scots-Man in their Company.
If that be true, it's Time to steer my Stumps,
And set a Fire to their English Rumps.
To him resort Three hundred chosen Men,
Willing and ready their best Blood to spend.
Out of the Town there came good Ale and Bread,
And each Thing else whereof they stood in need:
They ate and drank, and welcome were for nought,
The Gentrie then Jop unto Wallace brought.
Alace said Wallace my dear Friends you see;
Our Kin are slain and murd'red barb'rously.
Therefore I pray for our poor Countrie's Sake,
Let's now advise what Course is best to take.
Your Warden tho' I chosen was to be,
Yet in the Place since I so many see,
Of as good Blood, and ancient Scots Descent,
And ev'ry way on Honour as much bent,
Forward and brave, in all good likelyhood,
As ever I; then let us here conclude,
To choose us Five of this good Company,
And then cast Lots who shall our Captain be.
Wallace, and Boyd, and Crawford of Renown,
And Adam then the Lord of Richartoun,
And Auchinleck, in War a skilful Man,
To cast the Lots about these five began.
On Wallace still unto their great Surprise,
The Lot did fall, tho' it was casten thrice.
Then Wallace rose, and out his Sword he drew,
And solemnly did to his Saviour vow,
And to the Virgin Mary that e'er long,
He should aveng'd be on the Southeron.
I do protest he said, to all that's here,
For my brave Uncle's Death they shall pay dear.
And many more of our good worthy Kin,
Who's Blood they shed and did not mind the Sin.
For which I'll play them such an after Game,
Shall make them all pass thro' the fiery Flame;
Before I either Eat, or Drink, or Sleep,
This solemn Vow most sacredly I'll keep.
Then all most humbly, and with one Accord,
Receiv'd him as their Chiftain and their Lord.
Fine Chalk the Woman quickly does procure,
Wherewith she chalked ev'ry English Door:
And all the Gates which led unto the Streets,
Where Sutheron sleep'd securely in their Sheets.
Then twenty Men he caused Widdies thraw,
No sooner spoke, than's Word it was a Law,
With which the Doors they instantly make fast,
To Hasp and Staple with a sicker Cast.
Boyd to the Castle past, the safest Way,
With fifty Men, and there in Ambush lay,
That in Revenge of his poor slaughter'd Kin,
None might escape of all that were within.
The rest with Wallace, all the Barns surround,
And noble Service from the Woman found.
Who Flax, and Fire, brought unto their Mind
And all Combustibles that she could find.
Wallace commanded all his Men about,
On pain of Death no Suthron should break out.
Nor rescu'd be, tho' he were of their Kin,
From the red Fire, or they should burn therein.
The Conflagration shin'd so clear and bright,
Is not said Wallace this a pleasant Sight,
Our former Wrongs this will in part redress,
When these are gone, their Pow'r will be the less,
Then Wallace call'd with Majesty and Aw,
Brave Justice Sir, come execute your Law.
'Gainst us that Live, and are escap'd your Aire,
Deal not our Lands, for Faith that were not fair.
Thy cruel Bloodshed now confess and mourn,
And take thy Choise whither thou'll Hang or Burn.
With that the fiery Flames ascend aloft,
To sleeping Folk such wakening was not soft.
The Sight without was terrible to see
Then guess what cruel Pain within might be.
Which to the Bloody Monsters there befell,
Next to the Torments I may say of Hell.
The Buildings great were all burnt down that Night
None there escaped, Squire, Lord or Knight.
When great huge Roof Trees fell down them among
O such a sad and Melancholy Song;
Some naked burnt to Ashes all away
Some never rose, but smoth'red where they lay.
Others attempting to get to the Air:
With Fire and Smoke were burnt and choaked there
Their nauseous Smell none present could abide,
A just Reward; for Murder will not hide.
With Sorrow thus and many a grievous Groan,
They languish'd till their sinfull Days were gone.
Some sought the Door endeav'ring out to get,
But Scotsmen them so wisely did beset,
Out of the burning Flames whoever got,
Immediatly was cut down on the Spot.
Or driven back, with Fury in the Fire,
Such Wages got these Hangmen for their Hire,
A Friar Drumlaw, who Prior was of Air,
Sevenscore that Night upon him lodged were
Of Suthron Louns, for he an Inn did keep,
But watch'd them well till they fell all asleep.
The Smoak and Flame no sooner there arose,
Then he contriv'd Revenge upon his Foes.
Unto his Brethren Seven the Secret told
All stately Fellows sturdy brisk and bold
Who soon the English Armour do command:
And a choice Sword each one takes in his Hand.
In Harness thus, they doe themselves infold
And then the Frier leads on the Brothers bold.
These Eight brave Friers, to sundry Places goe
With Sword in Hand to ev'ry House went Two
Wherein the bloody drunken Sutheron were,
And them dispatch'd, as they lay sleeping there.
Some did awake into that doleful Case,
Who naked fled, and got out of the Place.
Some Water sought, confus'dly thro' their Sleep,
Then drown'd in the Frier's Well both large and deep.
Thus slain and drown'd were all that lodged there,
Men call it since the Frier's Blessing of Air.
Few in the Castle that were Men of Note,
Remain'd alive but burnt were on the Spot.
Some, when the furious fiery Flames were out,
In haste came forth, not having the least Doubt,
Of Harm from Scots, either by Lass or Lad,
But far less from good Boyd his Ambuscade,
Who like a Soger prudent, wise, and douss,
Let them alone, then straight march'd to the House;
And won the Port, enter'd with all his Men,
Where only left were Keepers Nine or Ten
The foremost soon he seized in his Hand,
Made quite of him, then slew the rest he fand.
Arnulf, who did refuse his Lodging there,
Was burnt to Ashes in the Barns of Air.
Provisions in the Castle there was none,
Not long before, from it was Piercy gone.
Boyd, there made Twenty of his Men to stand,
Then went and waited Wallace's Command.
Who kept the Town, till nothing left was there,
But raging Fire, and brave Buildings bare.
Of Englishmen in Spite of all their Might,
By Sword and Fire, Five Thousand dy'd that Night
When Wallace Men together all were met
Good Friends he said, you know an Air was set;
That Clidsdale Men to Glasgow should repair
To Bishop Beik and the Lord Piercy there.
We'll thither haste therefore, tho' we be few,
Of our good Kin some killed are e'er now.
The Burgessess he caus'd unto him call,
And gave Command in gen'ral to them all;
Safely to watch, and guard the House of Air,
With outmost Caution, Diligence, and Care.
To which they all consented and did say,
With chearful Heart they'd his Command obey.
Wallace, his Men, refresh't themselves and so,
For Glasgow Town prepar'd in Haste to go.
Choice of good English Horses to their Mind,
They took along, and left the Bad behind.
In Haste away rides that brave Cavalry,
Three hundred Strong was the good Company;
To Glasgow Town march these good Men and true,
And pass the Bridge before the Suthron knew.
Lord Piercy soon with Diligence and Care,
His Men conveen'd all in good Order there.
Who do conclude, that it must Wallace be,
Prepare for Fight, either to doe or Die,
The Bishop Beik and Piercy upon Sight.
Led on a Thousand Men in Armour bright.
Wallace he views their Force, then back does ride
And in two Squadrons did his Horse divide.
Harnish'd his Men who were in Number few,
Then call'd on Auchinleck both stout and true.
Uncle he said, e'er we these Men assaill,
Whither will ye bear up the Bishop's Tail,
Or with the foremost will ye Gallop on,
Kneel down, and take that Prelat's Bennison.
Quoth Auchinleck, I'll not ambitious be,
Your self may take his Blessing first for me.
That is the Post of Honour, and your Right,
I shall bear up his Tail with all my Might.
Since we must part, you'll be much in the Wrong
Good Wallace said, if you stay from us long.
Your Men will not regard their Number vast,
For God's Sake then march on your Squadron fast
Our Parting I would not the Suthron saw,
March you behind in thro' the North-East Raw;
Good Men of War are in Northumberland,
Thus parted, and took other by the Hand.
Quoth Auchinleck, we'll do the best we may,
'Twill not be right if we stay long away.
Ther's be a Reel among us speedily,
But to the Right Almighty God have Eye.
Then Adam Wallace, and good Auchinleck,
With sevenscore Men of Note and good Respect,
Brave cliver Boys, stout, able, haill and sound,
March briskly up the back side of the Toun:
Till they were fairly out of Suth'ron sight,
The other Squadron dress with all their Might.
Wallace and Boyd up thro' the plain Street go,
The English wond'red when they saw no moe.
An Ensign was with Beik and Piercy there,
Who boldly call'd, and challeng'd what they were
A fierce Encounter then, and sharp between
The Scots, and English, as was ever seen
Quickly ensues, with such a dreadful Dint,
Till from their Swords the Fire flew like Flint.
The hardy Scots most manfully they fought,
And to the Ground Heaps of the Suthron brought.
Pierced their Plates with pointed Swords of Steel,
At ev'ry Blow they made them there to kneel.
The Stour like Smoak arose among them fast,
Darkned the Sun and to the Clouds it past.
Honour to gain each Scotsman did his best,
Tho' with great Numbers they were sadly prest.
Yet gallantly they fought and pushed on
With Sword in Hand, and charg'd the Sutheron.
Lord Piercy's Men expert in War I wot,
Most fiercely sought, and flinched ne'er a Foot.
Then Adam Wallace, and good Auchinleck,
Their Duty next in truth do not neglect.
But like brave Sogers, do obey Command;
And boldly enter all with Sword in Hand.
Amidst the Contest hot, and fierce Dispute,
At which some Suthron bravely fac'd about.
Who stoutly charg'd the Scots, and very fast,
But were oblidg'd to yeild their Ground at last.
This fresh Releif so eager fought and keen,
And made such slaps as never yet was seen.
'Mongst Englishmen, that to their very Will,
The Scots got room to fight and slay their fill.
Then Wallace 'mids that cruel Bloody throng,
With his good Sword that heavy was and long,
At the Lord Piercy such a stroak he drew,
Till Bone and Brain in different Places flew
Whom, when his Men perceiv'd that he was Dead,
With Bishop Beik all marched off with speed.
By the Frier Church, out thro' a Wood they throng,
But in that Forrest durst not tarry long.
Thus in a Hurry all to Bothwel scour,
The Scotish Swords were sharp for to endure.
So cruel was the Skirmage and so hot,
The English left Seven Hundred on the Spot.
Wallace he follow'd with stout Men and tight,
Altho' for-foughten, marched all that Night;
Many he slew into the chase that Day.
But yet with Beik Three hundred got away:
The Traitor Vallange he escap'd also
To all true Scots Men still a mortal Foe.
Five thousand Suthron Wallace burnt at Air,
At Glasgow Town Seven hundred killed there.
The Suthron chas'd to Bothwel that strong Place,
Then did return within a little Space.
Thus with Fatigue, and want of Sleep opprest,
Rode to Dundaff, and there took him some Rest
Told good Sir John of all befel in Air,
Who did regrate he was not with him there.
Wallace he sojourn'd in Dundaff at Will,
Five Summer Days with Pleasure there until,
He Tidings got from good Men all forlorn,
Buchan was up, Athol, Monteith, and Lorn.
That on Argyle a furious War they make,
All for King Edward's cruel bloody Sake.
Campbel the Knight that witty was and smart,
Stay'd in Argyll in spite of Edward's Heart.
And keeped still his Heritage Lochow,
In spite of the McFadzean's Sword and Bow.
Who 'cause he had unto King Edward Sworn
Gave him Argyll, and all the Lands of Lorn.
False John of Lorn to that Gift did accord,
Because in England he was made a Lord.
Duncan of Lorn he stood up for the Land,
Who when o'ercame by the McFadzean:
Did joyn himself to Campbel that brave Knight,
In War who was both worthy, wise, and wight.
McFadzean now with Diligence and Care,
His Five new Lordships 'bout him 'sembles there.
That Tyrant to the Land no sooner comes,
Than he packs up an Army of vile Scums:
Full Fifteen thousand cursed Rogues indeed
Of omne-gatrhums after him does lead.
Many of whom he had from Ireland got,
Man, Wife, nor Child, these Monsters spared not.
Wasted the Land, where e'er they came at Will,
Nothing they knew, but burn, destroy and kill,
Into Lochow they enter speedily,
Which when the good Knight Campbel did espy
In Craighumure three Hundred Men he puts,
And holds that Strength, in spite of all their Guts.
Then broke the Bridge that o'er they might not pass,
But thro' a Foord, that deep and narrow was.
Securely there, and safe made his Abode,
Aufe, did defend him that was deep and broad.
McFadzean was on the other Side,
And there perforce obliged was to bide.
Till 'twixt a Rock and a great Water-side,
Where none but Four in Front could either march or ride,
McFadzean has a little Passage found,
Were he o'er that, he thought all was his own.
Where plenty he of Cattle for no Cost
Might get; for to maintain his savage Host.
Duncan of Lorn, unto his Travells got
In Quest of Wallace to prevent the Plot.
For speedy Succours to the Knight's Relief,
Against McFadzean, that false Traytor Thief.
Gilmichal then, a Foot-man clean and tight,
With Duncan went, to guide his Way aright.
Thus cliverly away the Couple trudg'd,
Till they came straight where the wight Wallace lodg'd.
There, they tho' wearie, all fatigu'd and faint,
Against McFadzean table their Complaint.
When Earl Malcolm, he the Tydings knew,
To Wallace hasts, with his Men stout and true.
Sir John the Graham, there does him also meet,
McFadzean's Wars so griev'd his noble Sp'rit.
Richard of Lundie came the self same Day,
Who all with Wallace boldly march away.

CHAP. II. How WALLACE slew McFadzean.

Then Wallace march'd to view McFadzean's Host,
Of Savages, and Knaves, made up almost.
By Stirling Castle held to the South Hand,
Which that great Rogue Old Ruickby, did command.
To Earl Malcom, Wallace looking back,
What would you think this Fortress to attack.
And it reduce, by some new Stratagem,
All good said he, so said Sir John the Graham.
Wallace, his Men then he divided so,
That his true Strength the English should not know.
The Earl lay in Ambush out of Sight,
Wallace with him took good Sir John the Knight.
A Hundred brave bold Scots do him attend,
Who never turn'd their Backs on English Men.
Thro' Stirling Town, straight to the Bridge rode they,
In noble Order, and in good array.
Whom when old Ruickby narrowlly did view.
Caus'd Sevenscore Archers presently pursue.
And them engage, but Wallace void of fear.
Into his Hand holding a noble Spear.
He fiercely towards those proud Archers drew,
And on the spot the first that met, him slew,
Sir John the Graham, none could him there withstand,
Who also had a good Spear in his Hand:
The first he met, to present Death was sent,
His Spear in Pieces on the Second went.
His gallant Sword then drew he out with speed,
A noble Friend to him in Time of Need.
Fresh English Archers, round about him drew,
And with their Arrows his brave Horse they slew.
When Wallace saw, that good Sir John was put
To such Distress, and that he fought on Foot,
He with some others, from their Horse alight,
And quickly put the Suthron all to flight.
Who to the Castle back thought to repair,
But Earl Malcom bauk'd their Fancy there.
Betwixt them and the Castle-Gate he got
Where he kill'd many English Men of Note.
Into the Throng Wallace with Ruickby met,
Of the old Rogue there such a Stroke did get;
As made his Head upon the Field to dance,
But his two Sons by Accident and Chance
Into the Castle whence they came before,
With Thirty Men escaped and no more.
The Lennox Men, both stout and bold also,
There from the Castle would not stir nor go,
But carefully besieg'd it round about,
As knowing well it could not long stand out.
The Siege goes on, unto the Earl's Mind,
But Wallace he pursues his first Design.
To fight McFadzean that most bloody Rogue,
Who for his Villany did bear the Vogue.
Against him Wallace vow'd and swore Revenge,
From which his Mind ne'er alter should nor change.
That till he had the Honour to put down,
That wicked Tyrant he should ne'er sleep sound.
At Stirling Bridge, assembled to him then,
Two thousand brave, and valiant Scottish Men.
Who to Argyll in noble Order ride.
Duncan of Lorn, he was their trusty Guide.
By this Time Ruickby's Sons did fancy that,
It was Time for them to capitulat.
And with the Earl Malcom for to treat,
Who were both destitute of Men and Meat.
That on Condition he their Lives wou'd spare,
And Mercy grant to all the rest were there:
And give them safe-guard to their native Land,
They would resign both Castle and Command.
The Articles were sign'd that very Day,
Then Bag and Baggage they march all away,
Now Wallace he is gone with all his Force,
Against the Rogue McFadzean, Foot and Horse.
Duncan of Lorn, Gilmichael as a Spy
Has sent; who knew the Country perfectly.
Scarce by Strathfillan was the Army gone,
Till Horse and Foot were like to faint each one.
Brave Lads said Wallace, it's not Time for us,
In broken Ranks to meet the En'my thus.
The feebler Sort let them still following be,
The Rest shall march into Divisions Three.
Five Hundred first, unto himself he told,
Of Westland-Men, all sturdy stout and bold.
Five Hundred next, Sir John the Graham he got,
Lundie Five Hundred more, all Men of Note.
'Mongst whom was Wallace stout of Riccardtoun,
Who at a Pinch a sturdy Friend was found.
Five Hundred of the Weak, were left behind,
Tho' cross unto, and sore against their Mind.
Thus Wallace Host began to take the Hight,
Then o'er a Mountain marched out of Sight.
Into Glendocher, they met with their Spy,
And good Lord Campbel who couragiously,
Led now Three Hundred valiant chosen Men,
A merry Meeting was betwixt them then.
Chear up he said, and never dread your Foes,
Yon silly Beasts, have neither Arms nor Cloaths
Soon shall they fly, and shortly we pursue,
Then to Lochdocher speedily they drew.
Where Wallace said, one Fate to all shall be,
Since here is none, will from his Fellow flee.
Upon the Moss an out-spy does appear,
To see if Roads, and Passes, all be clear.
McFadzean for that purpose had him sent,
Who shortly after thought his Time ill spent,
Gilmichael at the Rogue nimbly did make,
With a good Sword, and did him overtake,
Thro' fear the Fellow there, beshit his Trews,
And ne'er return'd to tell his Master News.
The Cavalry are forced now to light,
And quite their Horses, tho', both fresh and tight.
The Moss and Craigs, them to their shifts did put.
Let's see quoth Wallace, who walks best on Foot
Out thro' the Moor his Men does bravely lead,
Into a Strength, which Service did indeed,
Enlong the shoar, Three in the Front they past,
Till all the Men March'd safely up at last.
Yon Folk Lord Campbel said, I'll paun my Neck,
Shall get a metting they doe not Expect.
I see no Way they have from us to sly,
But Waters deep, and craigy Mountains high.
Then Eighteen hundered valiant Scots indeed,
Attack McFadzean's numerous Host with speed.
Upon their Front, great Havock soon did make,
The frighted Foes surpris'd, with Terrour shake.
Yet Boldly Ralzie, and together rush,
Till Wallace does them with such fierceness push:
That furiously, with dreadfull stroaks and sore,
He drave them back Five Aikers breadth and more;
In modest speaking; with good Swords of Steell,
He made them Dance, a Sore and Bloody Reell.
Whom e'er he hit, no longer there could stand,
Made room about him, a large Rude of Land.
Sir John the Graham, did show his warlick Art,
Lord Campbell als, and Lundie play'd their Part.
Stout Adam Wallace, and good Robert Boyd,
Where e'er they came, cut down, and all destroy'd
The Conflict grew so verie sharp and Hot,
And the Mcfadzean, fought so on the spot:
With Irish Men, that hardy were and stout,
The Victory for some Time stood in doubt
The Bloody streams, from Front, to Rear did run,
And many a Man lay gasping on the Ground.
For Two long Hours, they fought it Hand to Fist
Untill the very stoutest gladly wish'd,
For some respite; their wearied Arms to rest,
As yet none knew, which of them had the best.
So fiercely fought McFadzean's cruel Currs;
But Wallace Men, together stuck like Burrs.
So Hardy were, so Valiant and so Good,
Made great Effusion of the En'my's Blood.
With Sword in Hand, they fiercely forward throng,
Made fearful Slops their cruel Foes among.
Numbers of Irish, sleep'd in a cold Bed,
The rest wheel'd to the Left about, and fled.
O'er Craigy Rocks, some fell thro' great Despair,
And in the Water drown'd Two thousand were.
McFadzean's Scots-born Men, stay'd on the Field,
Threw down their Arms, and on their Knees they kneel'd;
On Wallace loudly cry and Mercy crave
Who gen'rously them gallant Quarters gave
They'r our own Blood he said, both Man and Boy
Such Penitents, can any Heart destroy?
Then ordered all Scots Men that were found,
To save alive but Forreigners cut down.
McFadzean fled, and is with Fifty gone
Under Craigmore, unto a Cave of Stone.
Duncan of Lorn, from Wallace asketh Leave,
To pay a Visit to this ancient Cave.
Which Wallace grants, then quickly does him send
With a Detachment of some sturdy Men.
Who soon dispatch'd the Fifty, kill'd them dead,
And then brought back the Rogue McFadzean's Head.
Thro' all the Field, they show the Villain's Face
Upon a Spear unto his great Disgrace.
High on Craigmore, Lord Campbel made it stand
Upon a Pole for Honour of Ireland.
The best Men there that were of Scotland born
To Wallace they Fidelity have sworn.
He did protect all came unto his Peace,
So pitiful he was and full of Grace.
Then after all straight way to Lorn he went,
And rul'd the Land unto their great Content.
A Councel at Archattan did proclaim,
Where many came, so soon's they heard his Name
From ev'ry Art; and humbly Thanks they gave,
With joyful Hearts, unto their Warden brave.
All Lorn he gave to Duncan stout and wight,
Who always acted what was just and right.
Brook thou this Land, as thy true Heritage,
And for thy Brother's Son, that taketh Wage
From Edward; If he will return shall have
His Lands, I'll lose no Man that I can save.
Of worthy Scots, to Wallace not a few,
Unto Archattan, from their Strengths withdrew
Brave Sir John Ramsay, who with Heart and Hand,
Did still stand up for his true native Land:
Of noble Blood, and ancient Pedigree,
To Wallace there, with Sixty Men came he.
Who 'gainst the English did great Danger risk,
And was so Stout, Couragious, and Brisk:
He from his Faith was never known to flinch,
Nor to King Edward, ever yield an Inch.
Into Strochane, a long Time there did lye,
And fought the Suthron always valiantly.
Who, him and his, did grievously oppress,
His Son was call'd the flow'r of Courtliness.
Who otherways dare say, do him traduce,
If they'l but read the History of Bruce.
They'l find recorded there his glorious Fame,
Brave Alexander was his Christian Name.
In Peace, and War, he always ruled well,
Such was his Courage, Conduct and his Skill.
In Time of War, for Honour did contest,
Of the Crown's Friends, was thought one of the best.
In Time of Peace, he never had a Peel,
So courteous he was, and so Genteel.
Ambitiously, each, his Acquaintaince sought,
Of Manners he was Quintessence thought.
Freely and truly at all Times he spoke,
And what he promis'd never ru'd, nor broke.
Roxburgh he won, and held it faithfully,
Till Traytors thro' their Treason caus'd him dye,
But in what cursed Way and Manner how,
It is not proper to relate it now,
And on that Subject we shall talk no more.
His Father came, as I have told before:
Who cheerfully, great willingness did show,
For to assist against the common Foe.
Each Man did him esteem, and highly prise,
In War; for Sober, Vigilant and Wise:
A Prelate next, unto Ardchattan came,
Who of his Lordship, nought had but the Name.
He worthy was, both prudent, grave, and Sage,
Of sinclair Blood, not Fourty Years of Age.
The Pope to save poor sinfull Souls from Hell,
Did him creat Lord Bishop of Dunkel.
But English men, thro' greed and avarice,
Depriv'd him basely of his benefice.
Not knowing then to whom to make his sute,
To save his Life dwelt three full Years in Bute.
During which space he was kep't safe and sound
And under the Lord Stuart Shalter found.
Till Waallce who won Scotland back with Pain,
Restor'd him to his Livings all again.
With many more who were all overthrown,
By English, and restored unto their own.
Wallace small Host of whom I spoke of late,
Having the Rogue McFadzean now defeat
Return'd unto the Field where they had fought,
Got Arms and Spoil behind them left they nought.
Thro' Lorn they march, as handsome as they can,
And on their Number scarce had lost a Man.
On the Fifth Day, unto Ardchattan went,
Where they sound Wallace blyth, and well content,
His Men he welcoms, highly sound their Praise,
Who did behave themselves so well always.
Take all the Spoil said he falls to my share,
I fight for Honour, for no more I care.

CHAP. III. How WALLACE won St. JOHNSTOUN.

When Wallace quite had clear'd the Highland Coast,
Kill'd the McFadzean, and defeat his Host:
And wisely setled all Argyll, and Lorn.
In spite of all that Rogues Contempt and Scorn.
Nothing he long'd so much to see on Earth,
As sweet St. Johnstoun, now the Town of Perth.
Ramsay he calls, both trusty, true and kind,
And there to him discloses all his Mind.
Bonny St. Johnstoun on the River Tay,
Where Suthron rule with arbitrary Sway,
There Captive Scots I've set at Liberty,
And made Ten English for one Scots Man Dy.
But yet methink's I want sufficient Mends,
Till I kill Thousands more, instead of Tens.
I'll make them know they have no Right to rule,
And cause them shortly all Sing up Port-yeull.
That Town said Ramsay, long they cannot keep;
The Walls are low, altho' the Ditch be deep,
VVhich our good Men can very quickly fill,
Then we may march a Thousand at our will.
The Suthron Pride perhaps we then may quell,
Wallace was pleas'd, and both rode to Dunkel.
There, Three full Days, away their Time they past,
And all their Projects, wisely did forecast.
Ramsay caus'd make great big Machines of Tree,
By the best Workmen could be had for Fee.
And down the Water in a little Space,
Does carry them, to the appointed Place.
Then all the Host unto St. Johnstoun past,
With Earth and Stone fill'd up the Ditches fast.
Flaiks there they made of Timber fresh, and tight,
Then to the VValls a Passage made on sight.
Bastalies strong they suddenly up-rear,
Then do advance with glitt'ring Sword and Spear.
Sir John the Graham, and Ramsay that bold Knight,
The Turret Bridge besiege, with all their Might.
VVallace himself, with his good Men around.
Doth take his Post, at Mid-Side of the Town.
The Suthron much perplexed in their Minds,
Defend themselves with new, and strange Engines.
Wherewith they furiously, and very fast,
Great Numbers of prodigious Stones do cast.
Yet the brave Scots, that hardy still had been,
With Swords, and Spears, that cliver were and keen
At Handy blows no sooner with them met,
Than in their Blood, their Weapons all were wet
Tho' English there, like gallant Men and brave,
Into that Conflict Boldly did behave:
Yet suddenly they were put to the worse,
The Scots upon them enter in by Force.
A Thousand, o'er the VVall got speedily,
Then in the Town rose a prodigious Cry.
Ramsay, and Graham, such was their lucky Fate,
Soon gain'd, then entred at the Turret-Gate.
A Squire true, who Ruthwen was to Name,
At that Assault was with Sir John the Graham.
And Thirty Men who laid about them well,
As to their Smart, the Suthron there did feel,
Then the true Scots, came in upon all Sides,
And bravely curry'd all their English Hides.
Two Thousand there, they kill'd upon the Street,
And in the Kennel tread beneath their Feet.
VVhen Sir John Psewart, saw the Town was lost,
He like a Coward fled, and left his Host:
Then Sixty Men, in a light Barge, and he,
Scour down the VVater, streight unto Dundee.
Wallace abode till the Fourth Day at Morn,
But left none there, that were in England born.
Great Riches got, and ev'ry Thing was good
And then the Town repeopl'd with Scots Blood.
Ruthwen he left their Captain there to be,
That Post by Right full well deserved he.
He sundry Gifts got more in Heritage,
His Service so did Wallace Heart engage.
Thus after Wallace settled Matters so,
He to the North prepares himself to go.
In Aberdeen, he caus'd proclaim and Cry,
That Scots men there should meet immediatly.
To Couper rode, to view that Abbacy,
From which the Abbot he thought fit to flee.
Good Bishop Sinclair, without longer stay,
Met him at Glams, and travell'd on the Way
To Brechin; where, they lodged all that Night,
Then on the Morn, Wallace by it was Light,
Caus'd Noblemen, all in their rich Array,
The Scottish Banner fairly there display.
Then instantly proclaim'd upon the Spot,
To kill all Sutheron where they could be got.
In Battle Rank then thro' the Merns they march,
And diligently after Suthron search.
Who frighted all before the Host do flee,
Unto Dunnottar standing in the Sea.
To that great Strength, they all in Hast do throng
Their Number then made up Four Thousand Strong.
Some in the Church their Sanctuary took,
The Rest march'd up all to the Craigy Rock.
With whom the Bishop fairly treated so,
To spare their Lives if from the Land they'd go.
Like Fools, they on his Words would not rely,
Therefore a Fire was brought speedily:
Which burnt the Church and all those Suthron Boys
Out o'er the Rock the rest rusht with great Noise.
Some hung on Craigs, and loath were for to die,
Some lap, some fell, some flutter'd in the Sea.
And perish'd all, not one remain'd alive,
What Man could think such Rogues could better thrive.
When Wallace Men, saw them all dead and gone,
They ask'd the Bishop Absolution.
Wallace he thought their Fault it was but small,
Then leugh, and said, I do forgive you all.
Remember our brave Barrons hang'd in Air,
What pity did the Suth'ron show us there?
To Aberdeen then Wallace quickly past,
Where English Men were flitting very fast.
Numbers of Ships, resembling growing Woods,
Lay in the Harbour to turse off their Goods.
At an ebb Sea, the Scots did make a Trip.
And seiz'd the Servants there of every Ship;
Took out the Goods, the Ships they set on Fire,
The Men on Land they burn'd both Bone and Lyre.
The Priests, and Children, Maids and married Wives,
They sav'd, and freely let pass with their Lives.
To Buchan next, good Wallace he does ride,
Where the Lord Bewmont order'd was to bide.
Earl he was, but short Time made before,
And after bruik'd it very little more.
When he got notice Wallace was in view.
Unto the Slains he privately withdrew.
Took Shipping, and return'd to England back,
Had little of his Government to crack.
Wallace rode on both over Hight and Plain.
At Cromarty hath many Suthron slain.
And then returned back to Aberdeen,
With his blyth Host, upon the Lambass Even.
Where to his Friends a welcome Sight was he,
Then with his Army march'd unto Dundee,

CHAP. IV. How WALLACE laid Seige to Dundee, and gave Battle to Kirkingham Theasurer to King Edward, and the E. of Warran at Stirling Bridge.