Cressingham was vehement against this measure, but Montgomery being
resolute, the messenger was dispatched.
In a few minutes he returned, and repeated to the Southron commanders
the words of Wallace: "Go," said he, "tell your masters we came not
here to treat for a pardon of what we shall never allow to be an
offense; we came to assert our rights-to set Scotland free. Till that
is effected, all negotiation is vain. Let them advance; they will find
us prepared."
"Then onward!" cried Montgomery; and, spurring his steed, he led the
way to the bridge; his eager soldiers followed, and the whole of his
center ranks passed over. The flanks advanced, and the bridge, from
end to end, was filled with archers, cavalry, men-at-arms, and
war-carriages. Cressingham, in the midst, was hallooing in proud
triumph to those who occupied the rear of the straining beams, when the
blast of a trumpet sounded from the till now silent and immovable
Scottish phalanx. It was re-echoed by shouts from behind the passing
enemy, and in that moment the supporting piers of the bridge** were
pulled away, and the whole of its mailed throng was precipitated into
the stream.
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