After dispensing amongst them provisions, and
appointing means to convey the wounded in comfort, Wallace bade a
cordial farewell to the Earl of Gloucester, and his men conducted their
reconciled enemies over the Tweed. There they parted. The English
bent their course toward London, and the Scots returned to their
victorious general.
Chapter XXXII.
Stirling.
The happy effects of these rapid conquests were soon apparent. The
fall of Berwick excited such a confidence in the minds of the
neighboring chieftains, that every hour brought fresh recruits to
Wallace. Every mouth was full of the praises of the young conqueror;
every eye was eager to catch a glimpse of his person; and while the men
were emulous to share his glory, the women in their secret bowers put
up prayers for the preservation of one so handsome and so brave.
Amongst the many of every rank and age who hastened to pay their
respects to the deliverer of Berwick, was Sir Richard Maitland, of
Thirlestane, the Stawlart Knight of Lauderdale.**
**Sir Richard Maitland, of the castle of Thirlestane on the Leeder, is
noted in Scottish tradition for his bravery. His valiant defense of
his castle against the English in his extreme old age, is still the
subject of enthusiasm amongst the people of Lauderdale.
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