He informed his friend
that the Earl of Mar was within half a mile of the Carron, with three
thousand more; and, that he would soon be joined by other
re-enforcements to a similar amount. While Graham yet spoke, a
squadron of armed men approached from the Forth side. Wallace,
advancing toward them, beheld the Bishop of Dunkeld, in his sacerdotal
robes, at their head, but with a corselet on his breast, and instead of
his crosier he carried a drawn sword. "We come to you, champion of
Scotland," cried the prelate, "with the prayers and the arms of the
church. The sword of th44e Levites of old smote the enemies of Israel;
and in the same faith, that the God of Justice will go before us this
night, we come to fight for Scotland's liberties."
His followers were the younger brethren of the monastery of
Cambus-Kenneth, and others from the neighboring convents, altogether
making a stout and well-appointed legion.
"With this handful," cried Wallace, "Heaven may find a David, who shall
yet strike yon Goliath on the forehead!"
Lord Mar and Lord Lennox now came up; and Wallace, marshaling his
train, found that he had nearly ten thousand men.
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