Murray
proceeded to the apartment of Lord Mar, to inform him how far he had
executed his commands, and to learn his future orders. HE found the
veteran earl surrounded by arms and armed men; fifty brave Scots, who
were to lead the three hundred on Bothwell Moor, were receiving their
spears and swords, and other weapons, from the hands of their lord.
"Bear these stoutly my gallant countrymen," cried he, "and remember,
that although the dragon** of England has burned up your harvests, and
laid our homes in ashes, there is yet a lion in Scotland to wither his
power, and glut you with his spoil!"
**The standard of Edward I, was a golden dragon-a very ancient British
standard, but derived from pagan times.-(1809.)
The interest of the scene, and the clatter of the arms he was
dispensing, prevented anybody present hearing any sound of what was
taking place beyond the room. But the earl had hardly uttered these
words, when the double-doors of the apartment were abruptly opened, and
all eyes were blasted by the sudden sight of Lord Soulis,** and a man
in splendid English armor, with a train of Southron soldiers, following
the recreant Scot.
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