Mounted within the walls,
turned out to view the glorious sight. Mounted on a rising ground,
they saw each little army, and the emblazoned banners of all the
chivalry of Scotland floating afar over the lengthened ranks.
At this moment, the lines which guarded the outworks of Stirling opened
from right to left, and discovered Wallace advancing on a white
charger. When the conqueror of Edward's hosts appeared-the deliverer
of Scotland-a mighty shout, from the thousands around, rent the skies,
and shook the earth on which they stood.
Wallace raised his helmet from his brow, as by an instinctive motion
every hand bent the sword or banner it contained.
"He comes in the strength of David!" cried the venerable bishop of
Dunkeld, who appeared at the head of his church's tenantry; "Scots,
behold the Lord's anointed!"
The exclamation, which burst like inspiration from the lips of the
bishop, struck to every heart. "Long live our William the Lion! our
Scottish King!" was echoed with transport by every follower on the
ground; and while the reverberating heavens seemed to ratify the voice
of the people, the lords themselves (believing that he who won had the
best right to enjoy) joined in the glorious cry.
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