Wallace took leave of
Lord Ruthven at Huntingtower, and that worthy nobleman, when he
assumed, with the government of Perth, this extensive command, said, as
he grasped the regent's hand, "I say not, bravest of Scots, what is my
gratitude for thus making me an arm of my country, but deeds will show!"
He then bade a father's adieu to his son, counseling him to regard
Wallace as the light in his path; and, embracing him, they parted.
A rapid march, round by Fifeshire (through which victory followed their
steps), brought the conqueror and his troops again within sight of the
towers of Stirling. It was on the eve of the day on which he had
promised Earl de Warenne should see the English prisoners depart for
the borders. No doubt of his arriving at the appointed time was
entertained by the Scots or by the Southrons in the castle; the one
knew the sacredness of his word, and the other having felt his prowess,
would not so far disparage their own as to suppose that any could
withstand him by whom they were beaten.
De Warenne, as he stood on the battlements of the keep, beheld from
afar the long line of Scottish soldiers as they descended the Ochil
Hills.
Pages:
548
549
550
551
552
553
554
555
556
557
558
559
560
561
562
563
564
565
566
567
568
569
570
571
572