"
According to the different dispositions of men, this reasoning
prevailed. And from the end of September (the time when Wallace first
entered Northumberland), to the month of November, when (having scoured
the counties of England, even to the gates of York) he returned to
Scotland, not an offense was committed which could occasion his
merciful spirit regret. It was on All Saints Day when he again
approached the Esk; and so great was his spoil that his return seemed
more like some vast caravan moving the merchandise of half the world,
than the march of an army which had so lately passed that river, a
famishing, though valourous host.
The outposts of Carlaveroch soon informed Maxwell the lord regent was
in sight. At the joyful intelligence a double smoke streamed from
every watch-hill in Annandale; and Sir Eustace had hardly appeared on
the Solway bank, to meet his triumphant chief, when the eager speed of
the rough knight of Torthorald brought him there also. Wallace, as his
proud charger plunged into the ford, and the heavy wagons groaned after
him, was welcomed to the shore by the shouts, not only of the soldiers
which had followed Maxwell and Kirkpatrick, but by the people who came
in crowds to hail their preserver.
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