University of Virginia Library

CHAP. IV. How WALLACE came again to Scotland, and The Battle of Elchock Park.

Wallace in silent Watches of the Night
Did land his Men, long time e'er it was Light.
And by good Luck, before the break of Day,
The Ship shear'd off, and safely got away,
From Earn's Mouth, to Elchok quickly then,
He march't with Eighteen stout brave valiant Men.
Who, when he had approached pretty near,
To Crawford's House his own Relation dear.
In the back-side, a Window there did find,
Thro' which he called for his Cousin kind
Who when he knew that it was Wallace wight
Did not delay but came to him on Sight.
Embrac'd and kiss'd you may be very sure,
It was a blythsome, glad and joyfull Hour.
How to dispose of Wallace and his Men,
Was the next Point to be considered then.
How to secure them, till they got some Rest,
And were with Meat and Drink and Sleep refresh't
In a great Mow of Corn he them did darn,
Most cunningly within a spacious Barn.
On the North-Side a private Hole was wrought,
Thro' which they had all due Provision brought.
For Bed and Board nothing they lack'd at all,
The Time they lodg'd within that threshing Hall.
In their Corn-Castle most securely dwelt,
For several Days, and no Disturbance felt.
Till Meat fell short unto the honest Core,
Then to St. Johnstoun, Crawford went for more.
Where subtile Suthron Foes most cunningly,
Took notice what Provision he did buy.
And thought the Quantity a great deal more,
Then he was wont to buy in Times before.
For which immediatly they him suspect,
And honest Crawford's gripped by the Neck.
Where Brevi manu without any Shade
Of Law, or Justice, he's in Prison laid.
What Guests has thou said one, and for who's Sake
Does thou so mighty great Provision make
Crawford reply'd, Sir, I have ne'er a Guest,
All this is only for a kirking Feast.
But it was dreaded and alleg'd by some,
That Wallace, he from France was lately come.
And that they might know whether it was true,
Most subtilly devise what's next to do.
Set's Crawford free, and in good Harness then,
Do quickly put Eight Hundred chosen Men.
And at a due convenient Distance, from
Good honest Crawford, they do Dog him Home.
Whom when good Wallace saw, he did exclaim
Against his Conduct, said, he was to blame.
Who did expose himself so much unto,
The cunning Notice of the Suthron Foe.
In sleep this Night, by Vision I was told,
That thou had me unto the Suthron sold.
Sir, that shall be the last Thing I'll attempt,
My Neck has not such itching after Hemp.
Black be their Cast great Rogues to say no more,
Their Generation all I do abhore.
Yea, for my Country, since I went away,
I did expect my dearest Blood should pay,
And that I should no doubt a Martyr been,
And never more the Scottish Hero seen.
The Prison strong, and cruel, where I lay,
Will testify the Truth of what I say.
Quickly get up, and take you to the Fields,
I greatly fear the Rogues are at my Heels.
I'll give you all Assistance that I can;
For I my self shall be the Twentieth Man.
The worthy Scots got up, with merry speed,
Unto their Arms, and were not slack indeed.
Then suddenly, the Suthron all appear,
Eight Hundred Men in Armour bright and clear.
And on their Head was Butler that young Knight,
To Twenty Men a formidable Sight.
When Wallace saw, his Number was so few,
He from the Plains to Elchok Park withdrew.
Where he a certain sort of Pass espy'd,
Which nat'rally was so well fortify'd,
With great and closs grown Hollin, on each Hand,
As might the Suthron's first Attack withstand.
Great long tall Trees across he there did lay.
Then to his Men couragiously did say:
The Wood is thick, tho' small in breadth and length,
Had we but Meat enough, we'd keep the Strength.
Mean Time let us go on with Heart and Hand,
And bravely fight so long as we can stand:
For our old native Country, valiantly,
Come let us to it either do or die.
Before they gain the Pass, I'm much inclin'd,
To lay some of their Bellies to the Wind.
By this young Butler, Eager, Keen, and Crouss,
With all his Men surrounded Crawford's House:
But came too late as he himself did own,
He got the Nest but all the Birds were flown.
Poor Crawford's loving Wise they seiz'd anon,
And ask'd at her what way the Scots were gone.
She would not tell, for Boast, nor yet Reward,
Then Butler said too long thou hast been spar'd.
And caused build a great prodigious Fire,
Then Swore an Oath in horrid Wrath and Ire,
That he would burn her quick, Flesh, Blood and Bone,
If she conceal'd what way the Scots were gone.
Pray hold thy Hand said Wallace, do not so,
For here I am, I own my self thy Foe.
VVould thou Torment an honest sakeless VVife,
Come forth to me and we shall end the Strife.
It were great Sin to kill the Female Scot.
Art thou a Christian, tell me, yea, or not,
In all my Victories I here declare,
Priests, Women, Children, always lib'rat were.
When Butler had good Wallace fairly seen,
And that he was alone upon the Green;
He threw his Face, sometime his Lip did bite,
His Bosom swell'd with Venom and with Spite:
It was no Wonder, for to tell you plain,
Wallace had both his Dad, and good Sire slain.
The Suthron then fiercely march up at length,
And Wallace he retir'd unto his Strength.
Most hardily the Englishmen began
Attacked sore, with many a Gallant Man.
But Scots within did make a strong Defence,
And Suthron Foes were soon repuls'd from thence.
Who, at first Entry, Fifteen Men had kill'd
With English Corps the Pass was almost fill'd.
At which they all retire a litle back,
In Order to another fresh Attack.
Wallace beheld, and did distinctly see,
Butler the Knight divide his Men in Three.
Yon Knight said he, in War is so expert,
And has it so engraven on his Heart,
That he unto a very Point does know,
Each Stratagem, and nice Punctilio.
For by the Disposition of his Men,
I know for certain that he does intend,
So soon as he with his fresh Men comes back,
Us in Three different Places to attack.
A Brisk and brave Defence, then let us make,
Dear Longoveil thou Six with thee shall take.
As many with good Crawford here, shall go,
And Five with me to stop the cruel Foe.
In Three Divisions march the English Sparks,
Butler's Divisions Wallace nicely marks.
To the old Pass without all Dispute more
They march, and do attack it very sore.
Design'dly Wallace let some Suthron in,
But to get out the Way, could never find.
The first Seven Men that marched in the Front.
When they got in look'd most confounded blunt:
Wallace's Five, each one a Fellow slew,
And Wallace Two, then bad the Seven adue.
Butler was next, no further he durst pierce,
But did retire, he saw the Scots so fierce.
Good Longoveil and Crawford, fought so sore,
That Time the Suthron sallied them no more.
By this the Stars appeared in their Sight.
Then suddenly approach'd the darksome Night,
Butler the Watches set, to Supper went;
But grieved that he, his Time had so ill spent
Mean Time he eats a very plenteous Meal,
Of good Provisions, Bread and English Ale.
While the brave Wallace, nothing had at all,
But Adam's Ale which we cold Water call.
Yet with a cheerfull Countenance could say,
Chear up my Lads it is not long to Day.
What tho' we all, should fast one single Night,
We fast for Honour and for Scotland's Right.
Perhaps our Foes, that now so fully feed,
The Morrow's Night shall no more Victuals need.
The Earl York who Perth with Troups did sill,
Commanded Butler to continue still.
At Elchock Park, and he would Reinforce,
Him with a fresh Supply of Foot and Horse.
And that he would himself in Person come,
With Sound of Trumpet and with Beat of Drum.
Couragious York upon my Word well spoke
Was he in Earnest pray, or but in Joke.
To offer such a Reinforcement then,
Unto Eight Hundred, against Twenty Men.
This sure must add much to his Lordship's Praise,
And blaze his Character in after Days.
But Butler fain would have the Hero yeild,
Before that York appear'd upon the Field.
That he himself might have the Praise alone,
Thanks to you Butler, Fourty Men to One.
Then to the Park, the English Knight draws near,
And calls on Wallace asking him what Chear.
Good Chear said Wallace, you may take my Word,
Then laid his Hand upon his awfull Sword.
Here is the Blade that still keeps up my Heart,
And many a Time has made the Suthron smart.
With many a bloody Wound, both wide and deep,
And may do so this Day before I sleep.
Well said the Butler that is not my Fear,
But I would talk a Moment with thee here.
Content said Wallace, for a little Hire,
I will not stand to grant thee thy Desire.
Does thou not sore repent said Butler now,
That thou my Father and my Good-Sire slew.
No Wallace said, tho' it were thy whole Kin,
To kill my Foes I never thought it Sin.
Come they my Way I'll do the best I can,
As GOD me save to kill them every Man.
And hope I shall a good Occasion have,
VVith these Two Hands to send thee to thy Grave.
That is not likely said the Butler now,
My Prisoner I'll make thee first I trow.
Mean Time what I desire I pray thee grant,
And what I promised thou shalt not want.
With all my Heart said Wallace, every Bit,
If Safety and true Honour will permit.
Then Butler said, what Profit wilt thou reap
Here to abide, since thou cannot escape.
And since thou sees it may not better be,
Leave off thy Folly, yeild they self to me
With frowning Face and mighty great Disdain,
The Scottish Hero did reply again.
So great a Fool I never hope to prove,
I'll yield to none but the great GOD above.
To him each Day, Twice I do yield and bow,
But little Mushrom Knight pray what art thou?
Bids yield to thee, for all thy Haste and Heat,
Faith that is not what I design as yet.
And tho' we be but Twenty Scots what then?
I mock thee much and thy Eight Hundred Men.
To worship GOD said Butler, thou does well,
And to thy Maker Twice a Day to kneel.
Yet does thou Folly, and no Conduct show,
When with my Men thou art inviron'd so,
And closs surrounded, no way to get out,
Thus to debate, tho' thou were ne'er so stout.
Therefore come forth and make no more ado,
Thou'll find my Counsel, wholsome Words and true.
With great Disdain Wallace he smil'd, and leugh,
And answ'ring said, Sir you have talk'd enough.
For tho' all England had the contrair Sworn,
I'll cut my Passage thro' you once the Morn.
Or else this Night, believe me what I say,
This shall be done before Nine of the Day.
Butler was careful then, when it grew Dark.
To plant his Watches all around the Park.
There Wallace stay'd, no ways alarm'd or fear'd,
Until the twinkling Morning Star appear'd.
A Rocky Mist fell down at break of Day,
Then thought he fit to make the best o's Way.
Who, when he had made strict Search round about,
Found a convenient Place, and then broke out.
Then hastened to the Place where Butler lay,
And round about him did great Numbers slay,
Most nobly fought each Gallant worthy Scot,
But Crawford he was wounded on the Spot.
Whom in a Moment Wallace did rescue,
Then at one Stroke he the bold Butler slew.
Got Crawford up in his Two Arms e'er long
And bravely did Defend him in the Throng.
About him made great Room where he did stand,
And cut Five Suthron down with his own Hand.
Bore Crawford out, in spite of all were round,
Nine Aikers breadth before he set him down.
The Suthron finding Butler to be dead,
And Thirty more, for which was no Remead,
Do view the Corps, what could the Men do more,
And then condole their Loss exceeding sore.
Wallace by this was quite out of their Sight,
The Mist had so eclipsed all the Light.
At which he smil'd and said to Longoveil,
Upon my Word this Mist assists us well.
Then let us quickly March to Methven Wood,
Where we shall get Provision very good.
We fasted have so long, in Truth I trow,
It's almost Time we had our Breakfast now.
But by the Time they had got to the Hight,
The Sun display'd his Beams, and radiant Light.
By which they did perceive immediatly,
Thirty and Four Men, in a Company,
Then said good Wallace, be they Friend or Foe,
Wee'l meet them, since their Number is no moe.
When they approach'd, a noble Knight it was
And a true trusty Friend Sir Hugh Dundass.
With him a prudent Knight, brave Sir John Scot,
Who in Strathern was then a Man of Note.
And with Dundass's Sister led his Life,
A verteous Lady and a loving Wife.
They and their Men, the Road were passing on,
To pay their Fewty to the Suthron.
Because the Lord of Brechin's strict Command,
Had forc'd them basely, thus to hold their Land.
Who when they saw, that it was Wallace wight,
Gave Thanks to GOD for that blyth welcome Sight.
Glad of the Succour he had sent them there,
To Methven Wood with joyful Hearts repair.
Where they refresh'd themselves to their own Mind.
With such Provisions as they there could find.
Then were they hearty, cliver, brave, and tight,
And unto Birnane Wood march'd all at Night.
There they with Ruthven met in a short Space,
Who long had liv'd an out-Law in that Place.
From thence they march, and unto Athol go,
Where Eatables were scarce, and Friends also.
Then pass to Lorn, as little found they there,
Of Wild, and Tame, that Land was stripped bare.
Wherefore they most Religiously anon,
Address the Heav'ns, and make a piteous Moan.
Good Sir John Scot said, he would rather dye
And starve with Hunger, then with Infamy.
Mo live a Rogue, or let himself be bound,
A slavish Subject to King Edward's Crown.
Wallace his own Distress with Pience bore,
But for the Rest he groan'd, and grieved sore.
Of all this Want said he, I am the Cause,
Yet since it is for Scotland's Rights and Laws.
That thus we suffer, by the Divine will,
Let none of us once grudge or take it ill.
For he that made us by his mighty Pow'r,
Can feed us by his Providence I'm sure,
With him is neither found Deceit, nor Guile,
Stay here till I remove a little while.
In a short Space I shall return again,
Then walked he o'er a Hill unto the Plain.
VVhere in a Forrest underneath an Oak,
He sat him down, with Spirit almost broke.
His Sword and Bow, he leaned to a Tree,
In Anguish great then on his Face sell he.
Ah VVretch! said he, that ne'er could be content.
VVith all the VVealth that GOD unto thee sent.
The Lordships great, long since to thee assign'd,
Could never please thy fierce unstable Mind.
Thy willfull VVill to make thy Nation free,
Thro' God's Permission's brought this VVoe to thee,
For worthier by far than ever I,
VVith Hunger now are like to starve and dy.
O GOD I pray, relieve them of their Pain,
And let not this my Prayer be in vain.
Then after Sighs and Meditation deep,
He slumber'd softly and did fall asleep.
Five Bloody Rascals boldly with one Breath
Had bound themselves under the pain of Death,
To take the VVallace wight, dead or alive,
Which prov'd their Ruin, for Old Nick did drive.
Three of the base Assassins, English were,
Scottish vile Villains were the other Pair,
Three Days before, they travell'd had about
Like bloody Hounds to find the Hero out.
With them a Boy that us'd to carry Meat,
Among the Hills and Rocky Mountains great.
When Wallace did retire from his brave Men
The Rogues most privatly were lurking then.
Saw his Departure, dog'd him in his Way,
And knew the Place exactly where he lay.
In Covert of the Rocks they pass and peep,
And plainly did perceive him fall asleep.
Near to his Person then the Rogues aproach,
Thinking they had him fast within their Lotch
And then the Blood-Hounds put it to the Vote,
To take alive or kill him on the Spot.
One said could we get him but safe to Perth,
It were our greatest Honour upon Earth
His Sword and Bow no Safety more affords.
Then let us tye and bind him fast with Cords.
This we may do I'm sure at our own will,
And lead him by the backside of yon Hill.
So that his Men shall nothing thereof know,
Content said they, then all to work they go.
And thought thro' Force, him Prisoner to make,
But brought to Bed soon of a grand Mistake.
For when they gripp'd him, a sour Face he made,
What is the Matter then he boldly said.
About he turn'd him, out his Arms he threw,
And with his Fists made them both Black and Blue.
The fiercest and the stoutest Man took he,
And dash'd his Brains all out against a Tree.
Then with unparalelled Strength arose,
In spite of his Four other bloody Foes.
And boldly seized the dead Fellow's Sword,
VVherewith he made sound Payment on my Word
Another Suthron at a single Stroke,
He hewed down before he left the Oak.
The other Three sought, but full soon were glad,
To take them to their Heels, and so they fled.
But to escape they all in vain did strive,
None could do so on Foot, from him alive.
Then following fast their nimble speed he try'd,
Gave them their mortal Wound, whereof they dy'd.
As he returned from the Rogues with Joy
He met with, and said to the Servant Boy.
VVhat does thou here? who with a Pale dead Face,
Fell on his Knees, and humbly asked Grace.
I little have to do indeed said he,
I lately hired was, for Meat and Fee.
VVith yon Five Men, had I known their Design,
Such Service ne'er had entered in my Mind.
What's that thou carriest Boy? Sir it is Meat,
Then come along with me it's Time to eat.
Meat at this Time is better far than Gold,
Its VVorth at present cannot well be told:
Then with a chearfull merry Heart and glad,
Went to his Men who all were quickly fed,
With good rost Meat, plenty of Bread and Cheese,
And did their Strength recover by Degrees.
Thus Fifty Four refresh'd were, who before,
Had fasted full Three Days and somewhat more.
O mighty Miracle to see (GOD knows)
A sleeping Man surrounded by his Foes,
Ly open to their Fury on the Field,
All VVeaponless, no Helmet, Sword nor Shield,
Exposed thus unto their bar'brous will,
And yet for all their VVrath no Pow'r to kill.
Fifty and Four with Hunger almost starv'd,
And yet from Sword, and Famine both preserv'd.
VVhen all had fully ate, and drank also,
How came this Meat said they, pray let us know.
Then where the bloody Rognes all dead did ly
He led them, and disclos'd the Mystery:
Fy Sir said they, a Chiftain should beware,
And not expose himself by half so far,
To which he answer'd in a merry Mood,
No Matter, since the Success has been good.
But now said he let us consider soon,
VVhat is the proper Thing next to be done.
Since we are blest with such Deliv'rance great,
From starving Hunger in our pinching Strait,
And I from the deceitfull bloody Foe,
Let's thank good Fate and to the Lowlands go.
Mean Time pray little Boy, does thou know where,
We'll get Provisions till we once come there.
To which he meekly answered again,
No Sir, untill we come to Rannach Plain.
There with that Lord, great plenty you shall find,
He serves King Edward, tho' against his Mind.
Then I'll be Guide said Wallace to the Sheill.
I know the Place my self exactly well.
Thro' that wild Land he led them brave and right
And to the Rannach brought them safe at Night.
Where they the Watch did seize that was a Scot,
On which account, they spar'd and kill'd him not
Who told them the Condition of the Place,
Which they commanded in a little Space.
The Gate they won for Castle they had none,
But a thick Mud-Wall, without Slime or Stone.
Wallace in hast struck up the Chamber Door,
Made it in Peices lye upon the Floor.
Then all in fear from sleep start suddenly,
The Lord gets up and does for Mercy cry.
But when he knew that it was Wallace wight
Most heartily he thank'd the GOD of Might.
I was a true Man all my Life untill
I vanquish'd was by Suthron, 'gainst my will.
All Scots we are, that now before you stand,
And ready to obey what you command.
Since for this Land, such great Things you have done,
What Scots Man dare hold his Face to the Sun.
And yet resist you in so good a Cause,
Defending of our Liberty and Laws:
If any one be found that is so bad,
I'm very sure, that Fellow's worse than Mad.
Then all did promise with uplifted Hands,
Most frankly to obey his just Commands
And the more fully to confirm the Thing,
Did swear Allegiance to their righteous King.
Then merrily went all to Meat I trow,
No wonder, for the Case was alter'd now,
This Lord with mighty Pleasure also told,
He had Three Sons all Valiant stout and bold;
And Twenty of his own near Kins-Men more,
As good as ever Sword or Target bore:
Ready to serve him both with Heart and Hand,
For the true Honour of their King and Land.
To Heav'n then Wallace turning up his Eye,
I Thank thee O my GOD for this Suply.
Then did they pass the Day as seemed best,
At Night set Watches and went all to Rest.
But on the Morrow when the Day did peep,
Wallace arose fully refresh'd with Sleep.
And to the Fields took all his Men at length;
To know what was his perfect real Strength.
There did he muster all his little Force,
And thanked GOD that Matters were not worse.
Then to his Men he Champion-like did say,
The Royal Banner let us now display.
For under it most faithfully we'll fight,
In the defence of brave old Scotland's Right.
Our selves no longer we'll abscond and hide,
Friends will flock to us now on every Side.
They took such Horses as they there could find,
Then to Dunkel march'd all with cheerfull Mind.
The English Bishop to St. Johnstoun hasts,
Wallace was none of his beloved Guests.
The Scots soon took the Place and in a Word
Put all the Suthron quickly to the Sword.
On good Provisions then did nobly fare,
Which the Lord Bishop for himself brought there.
Silver and Gold, fine Jewels there they got,
All that their Heart could wish they wanted not.
Five Days rejoicing, merrily they spent,
And on the Sixth VVallace to Council went.
We have not Men enough, said he, you know
Perth to invest, therefore we'll North-ward go.
In Ross our Friends have made a Strength I'm told,
Hear they of us they'll come like Warriours bold.
Good Bishop Sinclar is in Bute also,
Who when he hears the News, will not be slow.
To come and take his Fate with cheerfull Heart,
He never yet did fail to act his Part.
The Westland Men when warn'd we'll get them all,
I never yet did know them sit my call.
For like brave Men, this Region they throughout,
Have been with me, at many a bloody Bout.
The Council then with one Voice did conclude,
As he propos'd, for all was very good.
They mount their Horses, march without delay,
The Englishmen kep't all out of their Way.
Those that possest the Strengths stay'd within Doors
The Rest of them crep't close in Holes and Bores
For all began to flee and scatter, from
The very Time they heard he was come Home.
Then with an Army strong the Scots at last.
Most awfully thro' all the Kingdom past.
Strengths were deserted by the Suthron then,
And soon possessed by the Scotishmen.
Who in good Order now as could be seen,
Seven Thousand strong march all to Aberdeen.
But frighted Suthron post away in haste,
And leave the Town all desolate and waste.
In all the Land left nothing more or less,
Lord Bewmont took the Sea at Buchanness,
Clement the Knight of Ross, appeared then,
With a brave Company of Gallant Men.
Took in the House of Nairn, with that brave Core,
The Suthron Captain slew and many more-
From Buchan, and from Murray came annon,
Numbers of Scots, in quest of Bewmont gone.
Who missing him, to Wallace march on Sight,
Mongst whom was Sir John Ramsay that brave Knight.
Whom when he saw, with many others there,
That long ago his bold Companions were:
How pleas'd he was I scarcely can descrive,
But thought himself the happyest Man alive.
Thus he the Northern parts recover'd, and
Made good Men Judges over all that Land.
When this was done, that no Time might be lost;
March'd to St. Johnstoun straight with all his Host.