Page:History of Sir William Wallace (1).pdf/38

 ( 38 ) WALLACE was now in future to act a more conſpicuous part, His wonderous exploits ſoon attracted general attenton, and inſpired many to hazard their lives with him in the cauſe of their cou try. Ar the head of theſe, he performed ſuch acts of valour: as poſterity has contemplated with ſingular aſtoniſhment. He would fre- quently ſaily out of his lurking pieces, and with an handful of men defeat multitudes. His perſonal ſtrength was extraordinary, but he confided more in ſtratagem. Expe- dirimus and indefatigable, caurious yet un- daunted. he cluded the purſuit of his ene- mies; and never expoſed himſelf to numbers, but when certain to fruſtrate their endeave ours, if not to triumph in their deltruction. In June 1297 the Engliſh proclaimed a Juticeaire to be held in the town of Ayr; and many of the gentlemen in the neigh- bourhood attended : ſeveral of whom were accuſed of felony, condemned, and executed. Among. theſe ere, Sir Ronald Crawford, Sheriff of Ayr, and uncle to Wallace; Sir Bryce Blair, Sir Neil M nóg mery and alló, the barens of Khyle. Cunmnghame, Currick, and Clydesdale. Thoſe who had Souzanatelv efcaped, informed Wal ace of this dreadful ca atrophe. who, with his uſual in renuity and quickneſs aſſembled fifty of Alis followers, entered Ayr in the night and