Page:History of Sir William Wallace, the renowned Scottish champion.pdf/13

13 had been most vehement in his hostility to the invaders, deserted the cause of his country, and went over to the English, I will remain no longer with a party What is at variance with it- self."_Stewart, Lindsay, and Douglas, followed this example, and basely yielded themselves to the authority of Edward's officers. The Scottish champion, finding himself thus basely deserted, by the leading men who surrounded him, retired northward. On his march with those who still remained faithful to his fortunes he was joined by many new followers, and even received considerable accessions to his ranks from the vassals of several barons. Finding his army, by reason of these accessions, once mõre on a formidable footing, Wallace renewed the war, and commenced operations by laying siege to Dundee, a place of considerable strength. The English leaders were no sooner apprized of Wallace's movements in that quarter than they hastened to meet him, and with that intent advanced in the direction of Stirling. Intelligence of their march having been speedily communicated to the Scottish champion, he instantly resolved to meet them on their approach. He then charged the citizens of Dundee, under pain of death, to continue the blockade, and commenced his march, hastening to seize the important pass