Delay was therefore an advantage to the Scottish regent; and
observing that his enemy held back, as if he wished to draw him from
his position, he determined not to stir, although he might seem to be
struck with awe of so great an adversary.
To this end he offered him peace, hoping either to obtain what he asked
(which he did not deem probable), or, by filling Edward with an idea of
his fear, urge him to precipitate himself forward, to avoid the danger
of a prolonged sojourn in so barren a country, and to take Wallace, as
he might think, in his panic. Instructing his heralds what to say, he
sent them on to Roycross, near which the tent of the King of England
was pitched. Supposing that his enemy was now at his feet, and ready
to beg the terms he had before objected, Edward admitted the
embassadors, and bade them deliver their message. Without further
parley the herald spoke.
"Thus saith Sir William Wallace. Were it not that the kings and nobles
of the realm of Scotland have ever asked redress of injuries before
they sought revenge, you King of England, and invader of our country,
should not now behold orators in your camp, persuading concord, but an
army in battle array, advancing to the onset.
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