Page:History of Sir William Wallace, the renowned Scottish champion.pdf/6

6 however, was intimately acquainted with the country, and found little difficulty in defeating every effort for his apprehension. Before proceeding further, however, in the detail of Wallace’s personal history, and in order better to understand the narrative which follows, it becomes necessary to take a short review of the state of matters at that time in Scotland, and the course of events which led to the series of transaction. Upon the death of Alexander III. a number of candidates appeared for the Scottish crown; and among others were Robert Bruce and John Baliol, both descendants of David I. The right of the former was certainly the preferable one; but when the right of succession was not distinctly settled, the claims of both had supporters. It was at last proposed, to refer their claims to Edward I. of England, one of the most powerful monarchs of that day. Edward, who had long cherished ambitious designs upon Scotland, was delighted with this proposal, and by way of adjusting the matter, which he now affected to look upon with a great deal of solemnity, summoned the Scottish nobles to Norham, where, he soon prevailed on all present, not excepting Bruce and Baliol, to acknowledge him Lord Paramount, and swear fealty to him in that character.