Page:History of King Robt. Bruce (1).pdf/15

 15 cannot break the order of battle for his sake." "In truth, "replied Douglas," I cannot stand by and see Randolph perish, and, therefore, with your leave, I must aid him." Bruee unwillingly consented, and Douglas flew to his friend's assistance. While approaching, he perceived the English were falling into disorder, and that the perseverance of Randolph had prevailed over their impetuous courage. “Halt!" cried Douglas," those brave men have repulsed the enemy; let us not diminish their glory by sharing it."

Bruce was in front of the line when the English appeared. He was meanly dressed, with a crown above his helmet, and a battle-axe in his hand. Sir Henry de Bohun, an English knight, armed eap-a-pie, rode forward to encounter him. Robert struck his antagonist so violently with his battle-axe that he cleft him to the chin, after which the English vanguard retreated in confusion. The Scottish generals blamed their king for his rashness in thus encountering Bohun; but he, conscious of the justice of their charge, only replied, "I have broke my good battle axe."

On Monday, June 24, 1314, the whole English army moved on to the attack. The van, consisting of archers and lancemen, was commanded by Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester, nephew to the English king, and Humphry de Bohun, constable of England; but the ground was so narrow that the rest of the army had not sufficient room to expand itself, so that it appeared to tho Scotch as consisting of one great compact body. The main body was brought up by Edward in person, attended by Amyer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke, and Sir Giles d'Argentine, two experienced commanders. Maurice, Abbot of Inchaffray, placing himself on an eminence, celebrated mass in the sight of the Scottish army. He then passed along the front, barefooted, with a crucifix in his hands, and, in few words, exhorted the Seots to fight for their king and country. The Scots fell down on their knees as he passed, which being perceived by Edward, he cried out, "They yield! See, they implore mercy!" "They do," answered Ingelram de Umphraville, one of his commanders; "they do implore mercy, but not from us. On that field they will be victorious of die." As both parties were violently exasperated against each other, the engagement began with great fury. Bruce, perceiving that his troops were grievously annoyed by the English archers, whose arrows were flying like flakes of snow, ordered Sir Robert Keith, the marischal, with a few armed horsemen, to make a circuit, and attack the archers in flank. This was instantly accomplished, and as the weapons of the archers were useless in a close encounter, they could make very little resistance.