University of Virginia Library

CHAP. I. How WALLACE won St. Johnstoun

Unto St. Johnstoun Wallace quickly prest,
Which by the English, then was repossest.
Under Kinnoul e'er it was Day, lay down,
Then spy'd Six Suthron Servants from the Town,
Driving Three empty Carts upon the Way,
In order to bring Home their Masters Hay.
Which, when they were a loadning, suddenly,
Guthrie and's Men, made all the Six to dy.
Wallace in haste caus'd take their upmost Weed,
And Men to fit them, ordered with speed.
Wallace himself, and Ruthven brave also,
Guthrie, and Bisset, and good Yeomen Two:
Each took a Suit and then with Subtile Art,
Five Men with Hay they cov'red in each Cart.
Then to the Town, those Carters took their Way,
And carefully, drove on their Carts of Hay.
Good Sir John Ramsay, lay in Ambush till,
He warning got, then marched with good will.
Over the Bridge, the Carters quickly past,
Enter'd the Gate, and then their Cloaks do cast,
Wallace with Three good Strokes, which there he got,
The Porter kill'd and Two more on the Spot.
Guthrie and Bisset, Ruthven of Renown,
Most manfully did cut the Suthron down.
The armed Men that snug lay in the Carts,
Came fiercely out and bravely play'd their parts.
VVhen Ramsay's Spy saw all that there was done
The Ambush broke, both Bridge and Port have won
E'er Ramsay came, with his Men good and true,
The Twenty one, there Fourty Suthron slew.
And so soon as the Ambush enter'd in,
They spared none that were of Suthron Kin.
There Longoveil that brave and warlike Knight,
Nobly behav'd, and did their Doublets dight
The Suthron, when they saw the Town was tint,
Fled then as fast, as Fire does from the Flint.
And Sir John Psewart at the next Gate past,
To Methven-Wood, he scour'd off wonder fast.
One hundred Men fled to the Church in vain,
But Wallace spared none, for all were slain.
Four Hundred Suthron kill'd were in the Strife,
And Seven Score only 'scaped with their Life.
Wallace got Riches, good things not a few,
And with true Scots, plenish'd the Town of new,
First to the Gask did Sir John Psewart pass,
Then unto Fise, where Vallange Sherriff was.
Gath'red of Men a Num'rous Company,
To Auchterarder, then drew privily,
And to be ready ordered them all,
For to attack St. Johnstoun at a Call,
Wallace made Ramsay his great Captain there,
And Ruthven Sheriff a deserving Pair.
He charged them that on first warning they,
Should come to him, without further Delay
On some Exploit, he quickly marched then,
With him One Hundred of good fighting Men.

CHAP. II. The Battle of Black-Iron-Side, and how WALLACE took in Lochleven and Airth.

To Fise he march'd that Country's State to view,
With his good Men that trusty were and true.
But Sir John Psewart from the Ochel high
Espying Wallace as he passed by:
All on a sudden 'gainst him marched then,
To Black-Iron-Side with Fifteen Hundred Men.
This sudden March good Wallace so alarms,
He and his Men stand quickly to their Arms.
With Bisset and good Guthrie does advise,
What Course to take against this sad Surprize.
We with the Suthron, now are so beset,
To our good Friends at Perth no Word we'll get.
It grievs me more that Vallange is the Guide,
Than all the rest upon the Suthron Side.
Guthrie reply'd, could we get over Tay,
It were I think the sure and safest Way.
And warn good Ramsay, who commands the Town,
He'd send a Reinforcement to us soon.
It's safer Wallace says in my Esteem,
To fight the Foe, than dangerously to swim.
In Elchock Park but Fourty Men were we,
Against Seven Hundred, and made Suthron flee,
So may we now thro' help of divine Grace,
Take Courage Lads, and bravely show your Face.
This Wood we'll hold as long as we can stand,
To the last Man we'll fight it Sword in Hand.
The Right is ours let's to it manfully,
I'll free this Land once more before I die.
Which Speech did so their Hearts to him engage,
And put their Spirits upon such an Edge
That some call out to take the Field in plain,
Wallace said no, those Words are all in Vain.
My Thoughts, and Sentiments are no way such,
This VVood may prove to our Advantage much.
For tho' our Courage be not wanting now,
Yet pray believe good Conduct's needful too:
Then hewen Wood and Planks of Oak did take,
A strong Barrier then quickly did he make.
And by the Time that all was finish'd Right.
The English Army came within their Sight.
Psewart attacks the Wood with a Bravade,
But finds a Strong and Dev'lish Barricade
There with a Thousand Men does wait and watch,
And with Five Hundred Vallarge does detach,
To guard the Wood, that not one single Skin,
Might 'scape the Sword of all that were within.
Fourty good Archers VVallace had that Tide,
Which gall'd the English Horse on every Side.
The Rest were Spear-Men long in War expert,
Honour was all the Thing they had at Heart.
As evidently over all was seen
By their Defence at the Encounter keen.
A Void was left, where Suthron enter might,
Fourty at first were put to death on Sight.
Numbers of Horse were killed with the Shot,
The wounded reel'd, and to a Plain they got.
Psewart rampag'd to see both Man and Horse,
So sore rebuted, and put to the worse.
Vallange advis'd he would forbear to fight
And rest his Men, closs by the Wood that Night
For Hunger soon would drive them from their Strength,
Then might he charge them in the Field at length
Psewart reply'd 'tis dangerous to delay,
If Succour come to them what will you say.
Along with me Eight Hundred Men shall fare
All in a Range, to round the Wood with care.
The Rest they shall with thee continue still,
To fight or be commanded at thy will
Be brisk said Vallange, quickly him beset,
For now I think he's fairly in the Net.
Could you but slay, or take him upon Life,
King Edward sure, would make you Lord of Fise.
When Wallace he their Disposition saw,
And Psewart charge with so much Rage and Aw:
Brave Lads he said yon Psewart is a Knight,
Foreward in Wars, both Hardy, Wise, and Wight.
Such an Attack against us and a Sore
He does intend, as you ne'er saw before
Since we're beset with Foes on ev'ry Side,
And must perforce here in this Forrest bide.
Take Notice all, and mark well what I say,
His first Assault boldly resist I Pray
Crawford he left, and Longoviel the Knight,
At the Barrier to keep it safe and tight.
Wallace himself, briskly encounters then,
Psewart, with Sixty, 'gainst Eight Hundred Men.
Who fought so fierce and show'd their Valour so,
No English Man durst from his Fellow go,
To break his Rank or foremost enter in,
So Bloodily the Dispute did begin.
On either Side, the Spears in Flinders flew,
Numbers of English there the Scotsmen slew.
Vallange at this Time sorely did assail,
Crawford, and the brave Knight good Longoviel.
Who boldly stood and did defend their Ground,
And at the Entry hew'd the Suthron down.
Thus were the Scots attack'd on ev'ry Hand,
Fifteen to one, too Numerous a Band
Nothing they had now for't, but do, or dye,
Psewart surpris'd was with such Bravery.
VVho pressing on, with a good Sword of Steel
Kill'd a stout Scot who had behaved well.
Wallace inrag'd, did quickly vow Revenge,
And a sound Blow with Psewart to exchange,
But Troops of Suthron interveening soon,
He miss'd his Mark, tho' others he cut down.
Great slops the Scots made 'mong the Suthron Ranks,
From Front to Rear, and out thro' both their Flanks,
Eighty that Time were slain without Remead,
And at the Barrier Fifty killed dead.
After this brisk Repulse and fair Defeat,
Psewart he quickly caused sound Retreat,
And then consults, what's proper next to do,
Curses hard Fate, 'cause beat by such a few.
The worthy Scots go in to the Barrier,
Wash all their Wounds, refresh, and make good Chear.
At many Bouts said Wallace, I have been,
But such a fierce Attack have scarcely seen.
Then from a Strand of Water running by,
He all his Men supply'd abundantly.
Drank first himself, then said in sober Mood
The Wine in France I ne'er thought half so good.
Sir John concludes in Council to be brief,
To fight no more till he get fresh Relief.
And then to starve with Hunger in the Field,
The Scots, if they stood out and did not yeild.
Mean Time he charg'd John Vallange to abide,
And keep them into Couper till he'd ride.
VVho said such Charge he would not undertake.
To fight all Day, and then all Night to wake.
Psewart cry'd stay, or under-ly the Blame,
I thee Command in good King Edward's Name,
Or here to God I Vow without all scorn,
If they break out, to hang thee up the Morn.
Wallace was blyth when that he heard such Strife
Nothing e'er pleas'd him better all his Life.
And then drew near at a fit Time withall,
To the VVood side, and did on Vallange call.
Yon Knight I think would make a Coward start,
Come in to us, his Brag's not worth a F---t.
And thou shalt have a Lordship in thy Hand
Thy Brother left behind him in this Land.
Vallange choos'd rather with the Scots to bide,
Than venture's Life upon the English Side.
So in a Moment, all with one Consent,
He, and his Men, straight into Wallace went.
Then Psewart said I ne'er expected such
Base Treatment, but John Vallange mock'd him much.
By this brave Ramsay, and good Ruthven then,
To Black Iron Side came with Three Hundred Men.
Psewart the Knight, well hath their coming seen,
Who choos'd a Plain, and drew up on the Green
Twelve Hundred Men he had wanting a Score,
The Scots Five Hundred Sixty, and no more.
Now to the Wood good Wallace bids Adieu,
Who all this Time nothing of Ramsay knew.
But when he heard him Shout, and Ruthven Cry,
How did his Heart rejoice exceedingly.
On either Side quickly assembled they,
And set the Battle all in good Array.
The English who, were more in Nmmber far,
By Psewart now in Two divided are,
The worthy Scots, so soon as they were drest,
Most furiously among them quickly prest.
And as they in the Wood behaved well,
So on the Plain, they fought as stout as Steel.
Had small Respite from rising of the Sun.
Yet charg'd as fresh, as if but new begun.
Ramsay and Ruthven, came with fresh Relief,
Unto the Suthron's Sorrow and great Grief.
And of their Carcases took a sound Mends,
Dissever'd them in Twentys, and in Tens
When Spears were gone with Swords of Mettal clear.
They pav'd their Way, in hast from Front to Rear.
Wallace, and his good Men, by Strength of Hand,
Made Suthron Blood to Stream out thro' the Land.
Three Hundred English briskly in the End,
Surround Sir John, and bravely him defend.
The Scots who saw so many in a Rout,
With Psewart stand, and guarding him about,
Upon their Flanks did them attack full sore,
And with their Points the polish'd Plates did bore.
Ramsay inclin'd that Psewart he should Yield,
Rather than see him dy upon the Field.
No, he shall dy said Wallace, by God's Grace,
He came to pay his Ransom in this Place.
The Suthron plainly saw that they must dy
Succour was none, suppose that they should fly.
Freshly they fought, as they had enter'd new,
And some good Men on the Scots Side they slew.
To please our King [said Psewart] and his Laws,
We lose our Lives, in an unrighteous Cause.
With that he strook brave Bisset to the Death;
For which good Wallace, quickly stop't his Breath.
Who with on Stroke, cut him down with his Sword,
And after that he never spoke a Word.
But to the Ground rush'd down with all his Might
By Wallace Hand, thus dy'd that Gallant Knight,
The Rest were kill'd, what could the Scots do more,
Then all lament the loss of Bisset sore.
Ruthven for Perth, to march he ready makes,
And Sir John Ramsay Couper Castle takes.
Wallace, and Crawford, Guthrie, Longoveil,
With Richard, takes Lundores that Night to beil.
Vallange was Stewart, who abundantly
With Meat and Drink did bravely them supply,
The English all flee fast before them now,
As does the Bishop of St. Andrews too.
Who would not Wallace coming there abide,
Was so dirt fear'd, even for all Scotland wide,
Their worthy Knight that into Couper lay,
Seiz'd all their Riches on the second Day.
And at Command of Wallace, did cast down,
And raze that Place unto the very Ground.
Then to Carrail did suddenly repair,
Where he found nought, but Walls and Buildings bare.
The English then troop'd off all in a String,
And thro' all Fife the Scots did rant and Reign.
No English Man was left, for all did fly,
Save in Lochlev'n, one single Company.
A Knight Musgrove, that did command Kinghorn,
The Meerest Coward that was ever born:
Hearing that Wallace would attack the Place,
Fled and deserted to his great Disgrace,
Wallace possest the House and on the Morn
To Scotland's Well does with his Men return.
When Night was come they sup'd and went to Rest,
But still Lochleven stuck in Wallace Breast.
To which he pass'd near middle of the Night,
With Eighteen chosen Men, all stout and tight.
Courage brave Boys he said, and never flinch,
The Suthron now ly sleeping in yon Inch.
Since Honour's to be won, let's venture for't,
If we get o'er, we shall have pleasant Sport,
Do you remain all here upon the Spot,
I'll try if I can bring you o'er their Boat.
Quickly he stript with his brave Sword and good.
Bound round his Neck, and leap'd into the Flood
Over he swims, and very quickly then,
Seizes the Boat, and brought her to his Men.
Who when array'd, no longer did abide,
But jumped in, and row'd to th'other Side.
The Inch they took, boldly with Sword in Hand,
And spared none before him that they fand.
To Wives, and Bairns, he Mercy still did shew,
But Thirty Men upon the Place he slew.
To call good Ramsay he hath Orders giv'n,
To dine with him if he pleas'd at Lochleven;
Sent out a Man the Suthron Horse to keep,
Drew up the Boat then went to bed to sleep.
The Messenger, good Ramsay did surprize,
Who with unusual briskness bad him rise.
My Lord good Sir does kindly you Invite,
Unto Lochleven, to eat a dish of Meat.
Ramsay got up, and march'd with all his Men,
And there carous'd full eight Days to an end.
Turs'd off the Goods that Suthron had brought there,
Caus'd burn the Boat, then unto Perth repair.
There Bishop Sinclair met them in a Trice,
And wisely gave to Wallace his Advice.
Jop to the North for more Supplie was sent,
For none alive the Country better kent.
Good Mr. Blair in Sacerdotal Weed
Went to the West, to warn his Friends with Speed:
How unto Wallace they might safely get,
The Suthron had their Passage so beset.
Brave Adam Wallace, and good Lindsay fare,
To Earl Malcolm, where they welcome were.
There was the noble Graham, and Lundie brave
And Boyd, like Men are new rais'd from their Grave.
Jop marched on, Cummine Lord Buchan was,
For old Envy he suffered none to pass.
Yet poor Men came to Wallace as they might,
For to defend old Ancient Scotland's Right.
The Randal young to serve his Country bent
Good Men from Murray hath to Wallace sent
Jop did return unto his Master soon,
And told him all, tho' little he got done.
But Mr. Blair such noble Tydings brought,
That of the Cummine Wallace reckon'd nought
VVallace, who did the fit Occasion ken
March'd streight from Perth and with him Fifty Men.
Good Irish Steven, and Keirly that was wight,
In Watchmens Garb to Wallace march'd on Sight.
Upon more Force to wait he had no Mind
And left the Rest to keep the Land behind.
By Stirling Bridge to march he did not please,
For English Men bum there as thick as Bees.
But over Airth they ferry'd hastily,
And lurked in a private Place hard by.
A Cruel Captain dwelt in Airth that Year,
An English Man whose Name was Thomlin Weir
One Hundred Men were at his Lodging still,
Possest that Land according to their will.
A Scottish Fisher seiz'd, who out of fear,
Unto their Service made the Fellow swear.
Jop early went the Passage for to spy,
And on the Fisher happened suddenly.
Then asked him, what Country Man art thou,
A Scot he said, but Suthron made me vow.
Unto their Service sore against my Mind,
Pox on the Pack, I love none of their Kind.
A fishing I came o'er to this North Side,
A Scotsman if you be, I'll with you bide.
When Jop to Wallace told the poor Man's Case
They all rejoyced to see the Fishers Face.
Since with his Boat they might good Passage have,
Not valuing what the poor Man should crave.
To the Southland most gladly they did fare,
Then broke the Boat when they were landed there.
Out thro' the Moss they marched with good speed,
To the Tor-Wood the Fisher did them lead.
A Widow there brought Tydings in short space,
Of Wallace Friend that Dwelt at Dunipace
Thomlin of Weir had him in Prison put,
Which Wallace, vex'd, and to the Heart him cut.
Dame, said good Wallace he shall loosed be,
The Morn by Noon and set at Liberty.
They Ate and Drank, in Quiet there abode,
And on the Morrow early took the Road.
Toward Airth-Hill his Force with him he drew,
Where was a Strength that well the Fisher knew.
A private Way the Fisher him directs,
Then to the Suthron pay'd his best Respects.
O'er a small Bridge into the Hall he got,
And them Salutes in Rage and Fury hot.
With shearing Swords clinking out o'er their Crowns,
There without Mercy hew'd the Suthron down.
Thomlin of Weir he thro' the Body clave,
And his good Men did soon dispatch the lave,
Thro' all the Room the Blood gush'd boiling hot
One Hundred Men lay dead upon the Spot.
Then to relieve his Uncle went along,
In a deep Cave who lay in Fetters strong.
Before that Time his Uncle ne'er had been.
So glad as when good Wallace he has seen.
Into deep Ditches the dead Corps were cast,
And carefully their Watches plac'd at last.
Upon the Morrow gathered up the Spoil,
Both Gold, and Jewels, to reward their Toil.
Suthron came in, but quickly changed Hues,
For none went back to tell their Neighbours News
Steven of Ireland, Keirly that was wight,
These Two did keep the Port the Second Night.
E'er it was Day the worthy Scots arose,
Turs'd off their Spoil, and to the Tor-Wood goes.
Now since at Airth the Scots has done their best,
Let's see what came of them went to the West.

CHAP. III. How WALLACE burnt the English in Dumbarton.

Wallace and his Good Men, march'd all the Night,
And to Dumbarton came e'er it was light.
Then at a Widow's House did quickly call,
And whisper'd softly to her thro' the Wall.
Whose Voice so soon as the good Woman knew,
Unto her Cloaths immediately she drew.
In a closs Barn, him and his Men she got,
Good Meat and Drink in truth he wanted not.
Then unto Wallace gave one Hundred Pound,
To make his Supper go the better down.
Nine Sons she had, good likely Men and tight.
An Oath to him she made them swear on Sight.
There he remain'd secure, and never budg'd,
But caused Mark the Doors where Southron lodg'd
Then all march'd on, and Silence closely kept
Unto the Gate where they securely slept
An English Captain, and Nine of his Mates
Drinking too late, did brag of mighty Fates.
Had I good Wallace, one said in a Rage,
I would think nothing with him to engage.
Another there, his Head and Neck would pawn,
He'd tye Sir John the Graham with strength of Hand.
A Third he'd fight the Boyd with a good Sword
'Twould set him better far to fight a T---d.
Another wish'd for Lundie, by his Life,
And some for Seaton, in that drunken Strife,
When Wallace heard the Southron make such Din
He boldly all alone himself went in.
Then with a brave bold Countenance and Stout,
Saluted them most handsomly about.
I'm from my Travels come, Gentles said he,
Longing your Conquest of the Scots to see.
Some of your Drink and other Cheer I'd have
The Captain then a Saucy Answer gave.
Thou seem'st a Scot, likely to be a Spy,
And may'st be one of Wallace Company,
Which if thou be, nothing shall thee protect,
From being hang'd up quickly by the Neck.
Wallace thought then, it was not Time to stand,
His noble Sword fast gripped in his Hand.
With such a Stroke the Captain did surprise,
As cut off all that stood above the Eyes.
Another there he killed in great Ire,
A third he threw unto the burning Fire
Keirly and Steven came in with Courage true;
And kill'd the Rest of all the drunken Crew.
The Hostler then without further Delay,
Directed Wallace where the Suthron lay.
Who set their Lodgings all in a fair Low,
About their Ears, and burnt them Stab and Stow.
Then to Dumbartan Cave with merry speed.
March'd long e'er Day, a quick Exploit indeed,
Towards Rosneath, next Night they past along,
Where Englishmen possest that Castle strong.
Who that same Day unto a Wedding go,
Fourscore in Number at the least or moe.
In their return the Scots upon them set
Where Fourty did their Death Wounds fairly get
The Rest scour'd off, and to the Castle fled,
But Wallace who in War was nicely bred.
He did the Entry to the Castle win,
End slew the Suthron all were found therein.
After the Flyers did pursue with Speed.
None did escape him, all were cut down dead.
On their Purveyance seven Days lodged there,
At their own Ease, and merrily did fare.
Some Suthron came to visit their good Kin,
But none went out be sure, that once came in.
After he had set Fire to the Place,
March'd straight to Faukland in a litle Space.
There Earl Malcolm was of glorious Fame,
Richard of Lundie, and Sir John the Graham:
Good Adam Wallace, that true hearted Scot,
Barclay and Boyd, and others of great Note.
With them he keep'd his Yool and Holy Days,
Who past their Time in Feasting Sport and Plays.
Till Tydings came of his dear Mother's Death,
Who to Almighty had resign'd her Breath.
Then did he order Jop, and Mr. Blair,
To bury her and no Expence to spare.
Who posted off with speed, did not deferr,
And honourably did her Corps interr.
His Mourning Wallace soon threw off, for he,
Had most at Heart how Scotland he might free.

CHAP. IV. How Sir William Douglas won the Castle of Sanquhair by a Jeopardy: How WALLACE rescu'd him from the English and put them out of those Parts.

Sir William Douglas as old Writers record,
Of Douglas-dale at this Time was the Lord.
By his deceased Lady he had now
Two likely Sons, for Strength and Courage too.
Whose nat'ral Parts, all Greatness did presage,
When at the Schools, and but of tender Age.
In Knowledge that they might the more advance,
They're quickly sent to the best Schools in France.
Their Father that most noble valiant Knight,
King Edward had detain'd against all Right:
Till with the Lady Ferres he'd conclude,
A Match, which after prov'd not for his good.
Two Sons he had by this young Lady fair,
And then got leave for Scotland to repair.
Accordingly, his Lady, Sons, and he,
Came all to Douglass and lived Pleasantlie
King Edward thought that he had stedfast been
To him, but Faith the Contrair soon was seen,
The old Scots Blood remained in him still,
Which to the English never bore good will.
That Time the Sanquhair was a Castle strong
From which the Scots did suffer frequent wrong.
An English Captain did Command the same.
Was Bewford call'd, a Pox upon his Name.
To Douglas Lady was a Kinsman near
From him no Harm on that account did fear
But when Sir William saw Wallace in plain,
Was likely to free Scotland once again;
He as a true Born Scots-Man, thought he should
Give all Assistance to him that he could.
To which a chearfull Heart he ready found,
Being by Force to Edward only bound.
To Thomas Dickson a young Man and bold,
His Inclinations then he quickly told:
How he design'd with all his Pow'r and Might
To frighten, and surprise the English Knight
I have said Dickson, a good Friend indeed,
John Anderson, who Fire-Wood does lead
Unto the Castle, stout and true like Steel,
To him I'll go and all the Case reveal.
Into a Moment good Sir William then,
Prepared Thirty stout well chosen Men
He told his Lady, to Dumfries he went,
To meet some English that had to him sent.
Then march'd till Night upon them fast did draw,
And in a Cleugh lurk'd by the Water Craw,
Dickson to Sanquhair goes and tarries not,
And with John Anderson makes up a Plot.
That he should take John's Horses and his Weed,
By it was Day, a Draught of Wood to lead.
John was a cliver and auldfarrand Boy,
As you shall hear by the ensuing Ploy.
Mean Time good Anderson unto him told,
Ingenously the whole Strength of the Hold.
Fourty they are, all Men of great avail,
Be they on Foot, they'll sorely you Assaill,
But if you chance the Entry for to get,
A great Pole-Ax on your right Hand is set:
Which may defend you stoutly in the Throng
Be Douglas wise he'l not stay from you long:
Then Anderson the Ambush by and by,
Near to the Castle led most privately.
Dickson is with the draught of green Wood gone,
Who to the Castle whisling came anon.
Array'd in Anderson's old rural Weed,
To whom the Porter opened with Speed.
Who said, this Hour thou might have stay'd away,
Thou art untimeous, for its scarcely Day.
Dickson his Draught got in by lucky Fate,
Then cut the Cords, and all sell in the Gate.
The Porter twice out o'er the Head he Struck,
And kill'd him dead, prodigious good Luck.
The Ax he got, whereof his good, Friend spoke,
And gave a Sign whereat the Ambush broke
Douglas was foremost, Faith he made no stand
But o'er the Wood march'd straight with Sword in Hand
Three Watch-Men kill'd within the Closs that Hour,
And won the Gate that leads to the great Tow'r.
Run up the Stair, where the good Captain lay,
Who trembling stood and fain would been away.
Too late he was, Douglas struck up the Door
And stick'd him dead where he stood on the Floor.
Then took the House put Suthron all to death,
None did escape save one with Life or Breath.
The Fellow fled in hast to Durisdear,
And told the Captain all, in pannick fear.
Who to the Enoch caus'd another go,
And warn Lochmabane, Tibbersmoor also.
The Country also brag'd no less to do
Then Siege the Castle and hang Douglas too.
Sir William then most prudently on Sight,
Dickson dispatch'd, to warn the Wallace wight.
Who in the Lennox very boldly then,
Did ly encamped with Four Hundred Men.
On which he marches, makes no longer stay,
Unto the Castle of Kilsyth that Day,
Where Ravindale Numbers of Suthron had,
But was himself that Time at Cambernad.
The Earl Malcolm posted was hard by.
In Ambush with Two Hundred Men to ly.
To guard the House, the Rest himself he took,
Into the VVood, and made one sharply look
About, and spy when Ravindail he came,
For they design'd him and his Men some Game.
VVho when betwixt the Bushments Two he got
He and his Men were all kill'd on the spot.
To siege the Castle, would no longer stay,
But march'd and burnt Linlithgow in his VVay,
VVhere Suthron dwelt; and on the Morrow sent,
And burnt Dalkeith, then to Newbottle went.
Lauder by this, and Seaton of Renown,
Came from the Bass, and burn'd North-Berwick Town
And with an Hundred Men in Armour bright
Do Wallace meet, which was a joyfull Sight.
Dickson he also met with Wallace now,
Who promis'd soon the Douglas to rescue
Brave Hugh the Hay in noble order then,
To Peebles came with Fifty valiant Men.
And Rutherford that ever true had been.
With Sixty Men, Cruel in War and keen.
Couragiously all marched then along,
And numbered were, good Men Six Hundred strong:
By this the Suthron Sanquhair does beset,
Thinking they had brave Douglas in the Net.
But News of Wallace came with such a Thud
As quickly put a Fear unto their Fud.
For Wallace scarce to Crawford Moor had got,
When Shame a Tail remain'd upon the Spot.
The Siege thus rais'd in Hurry and great Fray,
The bumbaz'd Suthron scamp'red all away
Which News when Wallace heard, he that same Night,
Three Hundred Horse-Men chose, in Harness light,
The Earl Malcolm quickly order'd he,
To follow on, a good Rereguard to be.
Thro' Durisdear pursues this Chiftain bold,
The plainest Way, 'bove Mortoun then does hold.
At Closburn when the Suthron came in sight,
He charg'd and kill'd Sevenscore into the Fight.
When Suthron saw the Case had happened so,
To rally then they make a Faint Sham-show.
With Wallace to debate in open Fields
But Earl Malcom closs was at their Heels.
At which they thought it was not Time to stay,
But each Man fled and made the best o's Way.
Wallace, and the good Earl do pursue,
And in the Flight demolish'd not a few.
Five Hundred good, they and their Men have cast
Dead to the Ground e'er they Dalswinton past.
The wearied Horses, march no further can,
Tho' all the Men were fresh as they began.
Wallace, and Graham, must then dismount perforce
And take their Foot, good Fate it was no worse:
So fierce they follow without Fear or Dread,
None but the Horse could equal them in Speed.
Their Strokes so heavy dreadfull were and sore,
Whom e'er they hit did grieve the Scots no more.
Then a new Party Men of Note and Fame,
With good fresh Horses unto Wallace came.
Good Currie and the Johnstoun stout and gay,
Kirkpatrick, and the trusty Halliday.
Sevenscore new Men came up, a brave Recruit.
Who noble Service did in the pursuit.
Good Currie there, brave Wallace hors'd again,
Who quickly hath three English Captains slain:
Of Durisdear, Enoch; and Tibbers-Moor,
The Dint of his good Sword none could endure.
The Maxwel als, out of Carlav'rock drew,
And did the Suthron furiously pursue.
Beside Cock-pool sound Payment there they got,
Some drowned were, and some kill'd on the Spot.
Wallace return'd, and in Carlaverock bode,
And to Dumfries upon the Morrow rode;
Proclaim'd his Peace to all within those Bounds,
That would assist against the Suthron Lowns
No longer there at that Time did abide,
For Suthron fled from Scotland on each Side,
The Towns and Castles Scotsmen then possest,
And rul'd the Land, and then the Land had Rest.
Brave Douglass had behav'd so nobly there,
VVas Keeper made from Drumlanrig to Air.
Mean Time his Lady Counterfeis her Spite,
And like a Serpent waits her Time to bite,
By this the English Captains all did flee,
Excepting Morton, that held out Dundee.
Which Wallace vex'd and greatly disoblig'd,
VVherefore he march'd, and closely him besieg'd.
Morton does beg his Life, and then he'd go,
For England straight, but Wallace answer'd no.
All England shall Example of thee take,
Thou shalt be hanged for King Edward's Sake.
VVhen Wallace had confirm'd the Siege then he
Qhe Scrimzeor made Constable of Dundee.
One Ballinger of England, that was there,
Past out of Tay, and came to Quithy fair.
To London wrote, and told of Wallace Vow.
And in what Pickle Morton labour'd now
VVhich Tydings put King Edward to a Stance,
And call'd him home, who fighting was in France.
Then did he charge, and summon Bruce by Name,
To answer or to under-ly the Blame.
And all the rest, who liv'd under his Crown,
Bishop and Barron, got a Summonds soon
I leave him here to his new Hellish Plots,
From which good GOD preserve the Sakeless Scots.
The English, that Time Guyen Land possest,
And did that Country very much infest.
On which Account a Herauld does advance
Express to Wallace from the King of France.
Praying he'd come and charge the Suthron Lowns,
And once more chase them, from his Gallick Bounds.
This Message from the King received he,
VVhen busy at the Siege, before Dundee.
The Herauld there he entertain'd at Large,
Most splendidly, on his own proper Charge.
And told him all the great Fates he had done,
But that he could not give an Answer soon.
Untill he saw what Edward did contrive,
And Plot against the Scots, ill may he thrive.
The VVits of France have with the Herauld sent,
A brave Description and a fine Comment,
On VVallace Actions, and his Person rare,
To either which, the Age could not compare.
In Stature he was full Nine Quarters high,
When measured at least without a Ly.
Betwixt his Soulders, was three Quarters broad,
Such Length, and Breadth, wou'd now a-days seem odd.
Was no Fatigue but what he could endure.
Great, but well shaped Limbs, Voice strong and sture,
Burning brown Hair, his Brows and Eye Bries light.
Quick piercing Eyes, like to the Diamonds bright,
All well proportion'd, Visage long and sound,
Nose square and neat, with ruddy Lips and round;
His Breast was high, his Neck was thick and strong.
A Swinging Hand, with Arms both large and long.
Grave in his Speech, his Colour Sanguine fine,
A Beauteous Face wherein did Honour shine.
In Time of Peace, Mild as a Lamb would be,
When War approach'd a Hector stout was he.
Riches he mock'd, submited all to Fate;
Gave what he wan, like Alexander great;
To Scotsmen he great Trust and Credit gave,
But a known Foe could never him deceive,
Such qualities Men did to him advance,
Who were the very greatest Wits in France.
Which Mr. Blair mark'd all in Wallace Book,
On which you're kindly welcome now to look,
But at the Siege as Wallace earnest lay,
Jop brought him Tydings on a certain Day:
How Edward came with a great Force along
An Army of an Hundred Thousand Strong
Wallace commands Scrimzeor quickly then,
There to command Eight Thousand of his Men.
And close besiege the Suthron in that Place,
That none might thence escape in any Case.
Wallace himself did with Two Thousand ride
To Perth, where he some few Days did abide.
Toward the South his March did then begin,
With his brave Lads, all in a merry Pin.
King Edward does to young Lord Woodstock send
And orders him to March Ten Thousand Men
To Stirling Bridge, and there to keep the Pass,
Who, when he came behaved like an Ass.
Without Respect to Orders, cross'd the Forth,
And with his Men march'd straight unto the North.
But for his Folly very soundly pay'd,
Who had his King's Command thus disobey'd