Page:History of King Robt. Bruce (1).pdf/14

14 and which had for so many years been the theatre of war: an immense multitude followed all, to be distributed in colonies, and receive lands, who had brought their wives and children along with them. England's whole strength presented thus to view, produced such confidence in every breast, that the topic of conversation with this vast assemblage was more about the division of the spoil than about carrying on the war.

Bruce, being informed of the enemy's great preparations, likewise arrayed his forces—a small number, indeed; against such a multitude—only 30,000 men, but they were accustomed to war, were hardened by domestic sufferings, and carried in their right hands their lives, their fortunes, and every hope that is dear to man. With this little army he encamped on the left side of the river Bannock, which has steep banks, few and narrow fords, and which is only two miles distant from Stirling. Below the hills, before it reaches the Forth, it passes through a country somewhat level, but impeded by marshes in various places. For the most part in winter it rushes with a rapid torrent, but at the then season of the year, in consequence of the heats of midsummer, the waters were low and fordable in many places. Bruce being inferior in men was just the more anxious, by every possible art and stratagem, to render the passage of the river difficult to the English, who occupied the right bank. He caused deep ditches to be dug in the level places, in which he fixed sharp stakes in such a manner, that when covered over with slight turf the deceit was concealed. He ordered iron caltrops—consisting of sharp spikes, which, however thrown, always, when lying, presents one or two of their points upwards—to be scattered wherever it appeared they would be serviceable.

The two armies having now pitched near each other on opposite hills, with only a small river between, Edward sent from his camp, by rather a circuitous route, 800 cavalry to relieve Stirling. Bruce, supposing these sent to plunder the adjoining fields, gave Thomas Randolph 500 horse to check the marauders and protect the country, and not to decline fighting if he saw a favourable opportunity. The enemy, observing this detachment, desisted from their intended march, and wheeled upon Randolph's party. The combat was keenly contested, victory inclining to neither side, when James Douglas, alarmed for his countrymen, entreated Bruce to allow him to go to their assistance. As Bruce had given strict orders to Randolph not to allow any succours to be thrown into Stirling, he refused him assistance. "Let him," said he, "redeem his own fault: I