Page:History of Sir William Wallace (1).pdf/55

 ( 55 ) if they had been commanded by him alone; but, unfortunately, Sir John Cumming of Bade- noch, and Sir John Stewart of Bonkyll, divided the command with him.. Both resolved to disconcert the measures of Wallace; but the enemy approaching, the pre- vailed upon them to select an advantageous situation, to arrange their men regularly in three round bodies, to fill up the intermediate spaces with archers, to place their horses in the rear, and to fortify their front with palisades, fastened in the ground, and bound together with ropes. In this position they remained at Falkirk, seven miles from Stirling, until the army of Edward appeared: they had, in their route, reduced several castles. But the approach of the enemy, instead of inducing the Scots con- manders to suspend their animosities, it only awakened them into a violent file. Each contended for the honour to lead the van; Wallace, as guardian, Cumming, as having any vassals, and royally dicended, and Stewart, because his military-tenants would obey none but himself and he is even reported to have upbraided Wallace in a very ride and ungenerous manner. It is easy to p. dict what would be the result of a battle begun in such circumstances.-- Wallace, who, in the beginning of the action, Occupied with that base contest, had only time to address his men in the following short speech "I have brought you to the king, fly if you can," did