Give us bread, Regent of Scotland, or we
perish!"
Wallace turned to his troops: "Fast for a day, my brave friends," cried
he; "lay the provisions you have brought with you before these hapless
people. To-morrow you shall feed largely on Southron tables."
He was instantly obeyed. As his men marched on, they threw their
loaded wallets amongst the famishing groups; and, followed by their
blessings, descended with augmented speed the ravaged hills of
Annandale. Dawn was brightening the dark head of Brunswark, as they
advanced toward the Scottish boundary. At a distance, like a wreath of
white vapors, lay the English camp, along the southern bank of the Esk.
At this sight, Wallace ordered his bugles to sound. They were
immediately answered by those of the opposite host. The heralds of
both armies advanced, and the sun rising from behind the eastern hills,
shone full upon the legions of Scotland, winding down the romantic
precipices of Wauchope.
Two hours arranged every preliminary to the exchange of prisoners; and
when the clarion of the trumpet announced that each party was to pass
over the river to the side of its respective country, Wallace stood in
the midst of his chieftains to receive the last adieus of his
illustrious captives.
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