Had he come hither, conducted
by war alone, what would Edward have been worse than any other
conqueror? But on the reverse, was not his right to the supremacy of
Scotland acknowledged by the princes who contended for the crown? And
besides, did not all the great lords swear fealty to England, on the
day he nominated their king?"
"Had you not been under these impressions, brave Montgomery, I believe
I never should have seen you in arms against Scotland; but I will
remove them by a simple answer. All the princes whom you speak of,
excepting Bruce of Annandale, did assent to the newly offered claim of
Edward on Scotland; but who, amongst them, had any probable chance for
the throne, but Bruce or Baliol? Such ready acquiescence was meant to
create them one. Bruce, conscious of his inherent rights, rejected the
iniquitous demand of Edward; Baliol accorded with it, and was made
king. All our chiefs who were base enough to worship the rising sun,
and, I may say, condemn the God of truth, swore to the falsehood.
Others remained gloomily silent; and the bravest of them retired to the
Highlands, where they dwell amongst their mountains, till the cries of
Scotland called them again to fight her battles.
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