Page:History of Sir William Wallace, the renowned Scottish champion.pdf/10

10 to exasperate, and at last to rouse into fearful action, the slumbering hatred of the nation. Among the foremost of those who banded themselves against the English was Wallace, who now first publicly appeared on the scene. He was a man eminently fitted for his perilous enterprise ; for to the most ardent love of his country, un- shaken resolution, and prodigious strength of body, he added those firm yet conciliatory manners which are necessary to govern rude and tumultuary ranks; while the personal and family injuries he had sustained at the hands of the English gave tenfold vigour to his efforts. A prediction also of Thomas the Rhymer, asserted that by the arm of Wallace was the independence of Scotland to be achieved. To be aquainted with the strength and resources of the English, Wallace often disguised himself and visited their garrisons and towns. He took precaution to wear a light coat of mail under his common clothes; his bonnet, which to common sight was nothing more than a cap of cloth or velvet, had a steel basnet concealed under it; a collar or neck-piece, of the same metal fitted him so closely, that it was hid completely and below his gloves he had strong gauntlets of plate. Relying on his Herculean strength and secret armour, he fearlessly ventured into the very