Page:History of Sir William Wallace (1).pdf/49

 ( 49 ) France, rejoiced at his victories: but Edwards who esteemed Wallace as his inferior in the art of war, observed them with decided and in- vidious displeasure. He accordingly hastened, to conclude a peace with Philip, and wrote from Flanders to his son, requesting him to summon a council of the nobility and to grant them all their requests in order that they might unite in a vigorous war against Scotland - The nobles accordingly assembled, an agreed that a large army should be instantly raised, and that in eight days:a! their forces should meet at Newcastle. This army consisting of four thousand, five hundred cavalry, and more then a hundred thousand infantry, marched to Scotland; took possession of Berwick, and proceeded to Rox- burgh. Here they received orders from King Edward to stop, till having settled his affairs in Flanders, he should come home himself and put an end to the rebellion in Scotland. The former disasters of the English, through the prudence and valour of Wallace, rendered this a necessary step in Edward. Upon bis arrived in England, he sent letters to Wallace, fraught with insult and abuse Informing him, that he durst neither have at- tempted a revolt in Scotland, nor an invasion in England, if he himself had been in the island but that he would now chastise him for his in- solent behaviour. Wallace received Edward'ſ messenger with that dignity which became him aſ guardian of Scotland; and replied, that he had E