Page:History of Sir William Wallace (1).pdf/114

 (114) appearance of Malcolm the flight of the English became universal, while the Scots pursued, and slew all that came in their way. During the long pursuit, the horses failed through fatigue; then the men pursued like hinds and lions on loot. But while Wallace was thus wielding his sword In defence of his native country, and rapidly ef- fecting her deliverance, Edward, convinced of the difficulty, if not the impossibility, of con- quering Wallace by the sword, had recourse to other measures. In this attempt he employed every mean in his power, and every person in his influence. Nor did Edward doubt but those measures, and bribes and promises, and honours, which gained the services and submission of others, would also, in time, prove successful with Wallace. He supposed that he only hesi- tated, in order to obtain the utmost advantago from his importance. It was natural for Edward, from his long experience in the field of politics and intrigue, thus to reason. Accordingly, he courted him with large and magnificent promises of honour and wealth, places and pensions: but in vain. His constant answer. both to his intimate friends, and to the emissaries of King Edward who ventured to address him on the subject, was, " That he owed his life to, and would willingly lay it down for, his country; that should all Scotsmen but him- self subimt to the king of England, he 'never would: nor would he give obedience, or yield allegiance, to any power, except to the king of Scotland, his nighsful acvareign." But